EP0703017A2 - Method for the production of longitudinally seam welded metal tubes - Google Patents

Method for the production of longitudinally seam welded metal tubes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0703017A2
EP0703017A2 EP95114295A EP95114295A EP0703017A2 EP 0703017 A2 EP0703017 A2 EP 0703017A2 EP 95114295 A EP95114295 A EP 95114295A EP 95114295 A EP95114295 A EP 95114295A EP 0703017 A2 EP0703017 A2 EP 0703017A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
metal
tool
welded
metal tube
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95114295A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0703017B1 (en
EP0703017A3 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Dr.-Ing. Ziemek
Harry Staschewski
Klaus Porcher
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Nexans Deutschland GmbH
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Alcatel Kabel AG and Co
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Publication of EP0703017A3 publication Critical patent/EP0703017A3/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
    • B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
    • B21C37/06—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of tubes or metal hoses; Combined procedures for making tubes, e.g. for making multi-wall tubes
    • B21C37/08—Making tubes with welded or soldered seams
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
    • B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
    • B21C37/06—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of tubes or metal hoses; Combined procedures for making tubes, e.g. for making multi-wall tubes
    • B21C37/08—Making tubes with welded or soldered seams
    • B21C37/0822—Guiding or aligning the edges of the bent sheet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a longitudinally welded metal tube with an outer diameter of 1 to 6 mm, in which a metal strip is drawn off from a supply spool and formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot by a molding tool, and the longitudinal slot of the tube is welded by means of a laser welding device.
  • metal tubes in the specified diameter range from a metal strip which is formed into a slot tube and whose longitudinal slot is welded with a laser.
  • the metal band for example a band made of stainless steel, is gradually formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot by a first forming tool, which consists of several pairs of forming rolls.
  • a second mold which also consists of several pairs of form rollers, the tube with the longitudinal slot is formed into a tube with abutting band edges.
  • the form rollers of the second form tool only engage on the outer surface of the tube.
  • a pair of rollers is provided behind the second mold, which guides the slotted tube at a predetermined distance from the focus of a laser welding device.
  • the welded tube passes with great play into a cooling tube in which the weld seam is cooled intensively with argon.
  • the welded metal pipe then passes into a drawing die, in which it is reduced in diameter.
  • a driven extraction disc is used, around which the metal tube is wrapped with a loop of 180 °.
  • the trigger disk has a V-groove on the circumference, into which the metal tube is pressed so that a sufficient tensile force is applied.
  • This can lead to an oval deformation of the metal tube.
  • the lateral alignment of the longitudinal slot with respect to the laser beam is carried out by the upper rollers of the second mold, which have circumferential projections which dip into the slot tube and guide the band edges.
  • the invention has for its object to improve the generic method in such a way that with this tube of great length i.e. of more than 3000 m, can be produced without welding errors.
  • the tools through which the metal pipe is passed ensure that the strip edges are exactly aligned with each other and thus a flawless butt seam can be produced.
  • the second tool holds the strip edges together even after welding, so that particularly intensive cooling of the weld seam is not necessary. This can save argon.
  • the tools ensure in a particularly simple manner that both the lateral alignment and the vertical alignment of the longitudinal seam to the laser beam or to the focus are optimal, so that no readjustment of the laser beam position is necessary during production.
  • the clamping jaw trigger ensures that the metal pipe is guided against rotation under the welding point, since the clamping jaws firmly grip the pipe.
  • the tube is guided through a unitary tool formed from the first and the second tool.
  • the laser beam is directed through a recess in the tool onto the seam to be welded.
  • the entrance area of the tool surrounds the pipe to be welded 100%, whereas the exit area of the tool behind the welding point only encompasses the pipe to hold the strip edges in contact with each other.
  • the weld area is free, so that good cooling is possible.
  • the metal strip is trimmed on its longitudinal edges before being formed into a tube, so that "virgin" strip edges are present during welding and welding errors due to contamination are therefore avoided. Trimming is advantageously carried out with roller shears that are driven. Since considerable contact forces occur during both trimming and tube forming, it must be feared that some metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, will “seize” on the tools. To prevent this seizure, the metal strip is wetted with a liquid lubricant. In the simplest way, wetting is achieved by passing the metal strip between two strips of felt, which are constantly soaked with the lubricant. The lubricant also ensures that the metal tube in the area of the guide tool is not seized.
  • the area of the welding spot is flushed with a protective gas, preferably helium. In addition to the cooling effect, it is also achieved that no tarnishing colors occur in the area of the weld seam.
  • the welded metal pipe is advantageously reduced in diameter behind the first clamping jaw pull-off and the reduced-diameter pipe is pulled off the clamping jaws of a second clamping jaw pull-off.
  • the tube can be reduced by about 15 to 18% in diameter in one go.
  • the line speed can be increased compared to the welding speed.
  • Another advantage is that the dimension of the end product can be chosen largely independently of the dimension of the welded pipe.
  • the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of optical waveguide cables.
  • one or more optical fibers are inserted into the open slot tube before the welding point.
  • it is advantageous to put a petroleum jelly in the metal pipe must be filled in to protect the fiber-optic cables, which are sensitive to moisture.
  • the optical waveguide is inserted into the metal in a particularly advantageous manner by means of a thin tube, which at the earliest releases the optical waveguide behind the welding point.
  • the function of the tube is to protect the sensitive optical fiber from the heat radiated by the weld seam. This protection is particularly successful when the petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube through a gap which is formed from the tube and a second copper tube surrounding the tube.
  • the petroleum jelly gets into the metal tube at the earliest behind the welding point.
  • the inner first tube expediently also consists of copper and is longer than the outer tube. Its end should be between the first and the second chuck trigger, whereas the end of the outer tube is in the area of the first jaw trigger. Both tubes are fixed outside the metal tube.
  • the petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube under pressure control in an amount that fills the cavity located between the optical waveguide and the inner wall of the metal tube. Heat is dissipated by the flowing petroleum jelly, so that the optical fibers located inside the tube are protected.
  • the cross section of the second tube is deformed at least in the area below the welding point in such a way that the tube guiding the optical waveguide is directed against the area of the outer tube opposite the longitudinal seam. This achieves the greatest possible distance between the weld seam and the optical waveguide in the weld spot area.
  • the outer tube made of copper and with it the inner tube can be manufactured within a certain time Area to be moved. This may be necessary if copper deposits have formed at one point on the tube.
  • the optical waveguide In the case of optical cables, it is necessary for the optical waveguide to be in the metal tube with a certain excess length in order to keep mechanical loads away from the sensitive optical waveguide when the metal tube is stretched.
  • Such an excess length can be achieved if the metal tube containing the optical waveguide and the petroleum jelly is wound with at least one turn on a take-off disk and then wound onto a supply spool with a slight pull and if the metal tube is between one of the first jaws, the tube reducing tool or the second fixed jaw trigger fixed point and the trigger disc are stretched elastically by a value between 2 and 8 ⁇ and the elastic stretch on the trigger disc is canceled.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a tube manufactured according to the teaching of the invention.
  • the tube 1 has a longitudinal weld 1a.
  • a preferred application for such longitudinally welded tubes 1 is the protective sheath of an optical cable.
  • One or more optical fibers 2 are then located in the interior of the tube 1.
  • the space between the optical fibers 2 and the metal tube 1 can be filled with petroleum jelly in order to prevent longitudinal water migration.
  • the number of optical fibers 2 is usually between six and twenty in exceptional cases up to forty.
  • the Optical waveguides 2 have a greater length than the metal tube 1, that is to say they run in a wave, helix or sinusoidal shape in the metal tube 1.
  • the excess length is normally approximately 3 ⁇ .
  • the wall thickness 5 of the metal tube is z. B. 0.2 mm while its outer diameter is 3.5 mm. This is typical data for an optical cable, which is placed in a cable instead of a wire.
  • Stainless steel is preferred as the material for the metal tube
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.
  • a tape 5 is continuously drawn off from a supply reel 4 and fed to a shaping device 6, in which the tape 5 is formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot.
  • Part of this shaping device 6 is an untrimmed trimming device, in which the band 5 is cut exactly to the required width.
  • the shaping device 6 also consists of a plurality of sets of shaping rolls, not specified.
  • the longitudinal slot of the shaped tube is closed by means of a laser welding device 7.
  • a first clamping jaw trigger 8 which consists of a plurality of pairs of clamping jaws comprising the tube, is driven by an endless chain.
  • a pipe reducing device 9 for example a drawing die, is arranged behind the first clamping jaw trigger 8, in which the diameter of the pipe is reduced.
  • a second clamping jaw trigger 10 is arranged behind the pipe reducing device 9, which acts on the drawn pipe and pulls it through the drawing die.
  • the withdrawal speed of the second clamping jaw trigger 10 is regulated in relation to the withdrawal speed of the first clamping jaw trigger 8 as a function of the sag of the tube between the drawing die and the first clamping jaw trigger 8.
  • the finished tube can then be wound onto a rewinder 12.
  • the tube is to be used as a protective cover for optical fibers, it is necessary that behind the second clamping jaw trigger 10 there is a driven trigger disk 11, on the circumferential surface of which the tube rests with several turns.
  • the trigger disk 11 is driven at a trigger speed which is slightly faster than the trigger speed of the second clamping jaw trigger 10.
  • the rewinder 12 winds up the tube 13 with a slight pull.
  • the optical fibers 2 are withdrawn from the coils 15 and inserted into the still open tube in front of the welding device.
  • a stationary metal tube projects into the slotted tube, through the interior of which the optical waveguide 2 is guided.
  • the metal tube releases the optical waveguide 2 at the earliest behind the welding device 7.
  • the metal tube is surrounded by another metal tube.
  • a petroleum jelly is filled into the tube under pressure through the gap formed by the two metal tubes. So that the optical waveguides 2 are excessively long in the metal tube 1, the metal tube 1 is continuously deformed, ie stretched, between the second clamping jaw trigger 10, the clamping jaw pairs of which firmly grip the metal tube 1 and apply the deformation forces resulting from the tube reduction, and the extraction disc 11.
  • the elastic deformation is brought about by a force F which deflects the metal tube 1 between the second clamping jaw trigger 10 and the trigger disc 11.
  • a force F which deflects the metal tube 1 between the second clamping jaw trigger 10 and the trigger disc 11.
  • This is achieved by a weight 16 which is attached to the metal tube 1 e.g. is attached by means of a roller 17.
  • the force F i.e. the weight 16 determines the degree of deflection and thus the degree of elongation.
  • an exact excess length of the optical waveguides 2 can be generated in the tube 1 by selecting the weight 16.
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 show a top view and two sections of the guidance of the metal tube in the area of the welding device.
  • the guide 18 for the metal tube 19 consists of two halves 18a and 18b, each of which has a groove 20 on its adjacent surface with a radius of curvature that corresponds to the radius of curvature of the metal tube 19.
  • the two grooves 20 thus form an essentially circular guide for the metal tube 19.
  • the guide 18 consists of a steel alloy, which has excellent sliding properties compared to the material preferably used stainless steel.
  • a recess 21 is provided in the guide 18, in the area of which the laser beam is directed onto the longitudinal seam 19a of the metal tube 19 and welds it. At the recess 21 there is a gap 22 between the halves 18a and 18b on, which leaves the weld 19b free and thus enables heat dissipation.
  • Figure 4 shows a section along the line A - B, i.e. through the entry area of the guide 18.
  • the tube 24 is provided with an indentation 24a, by means of which the tube 23 is kept away from the longitudinal seam 19a or the weld seam 19.
  • Both the tube 23 and the tube 24 are thin-walled copper tubes which protect both the petroleum jelly and the optical waveguides from excessive heating in the welding area. A possibility of longitudinal displacement in the metal tube 19 is provided for the tubes 23 and 24.
  • Figure 5 shows a section through the guide along the line C-D, i.e. in the exit area of the guide.
  • the gap 22 can be clearly seen here.
  • FIG. 6 shows a section through a pair of clamping jaws 8a of the clamping jaw trigger 8, which firmly clamp the metal tube 19.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Articles (AREA)
  • Metal Extraction Processes (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
  • Superconductors And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)
  • Pressure Welding/Diffusion-Bonding (AREA)
  • Butt Welding And Welding Of Specific Article (AREA)
  • Coating With Molten Metal (AREA)
  • Forging (AREA)

Abstract

The method concerns production of a metal tube out of a strip which is given a tubular form with a longitudinal slit, and is completed by laser welding. It is characterised by the following features: a) immediately in front of the welding point, the tube surface is gripped by a first tool which holds the opposing strip edges in contact with one another; b) immediately after the welding point, the tube surface is gripped by a second tool which levers the weld seam free, and keeps the joint free of forces; c) immediately after the second tool, the tube is gripped by the jaws of a clamping unit which conveys the tube without rotation.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines längsnahtgeschweißten Metallrohres mit einem Außendurchmesser von 1 bis 6 mm, bei welchem ein Metallband von einer Vorratsspule abgezogen und durch ein Formwerkzeug zu einem Rohr mit Längsschlitz geformt und der Längsschlitz des Rohres mittels einer Laserschweißeinrichtung verschweißt wird.The invention relates to a method for producing a longitudinally welded metal tube with an outer diameter of 1 to 6 mm, in which a metal strip is drawn off from a supply spool and formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot by a molding tool, and the longitudinal slot of the tube is welded by means of a laser welding device.

Aus der EP 0 299 123 ist es bekannt, Metallrohre in dem angegebenen Durchmesserbereich aus einem Metallband, welches zu einem Schlitzrohr geformt und dessen Längsschlitz mit einem Laser verschweißt wird, herzustellen. Das Metallband, z.B. ein Band aus rostfreiem Stahl wird durch ein erstes Formwerkzeug, welches aus mehreren Formrollenpaaren besteht, allmählich zu einem Rohr mit Längsschlitz geformt. In einem zweiten Formwerkzeug, welches ebenfalls aus mehreren Formrollenpaaren besteht, wird das Rohr mit Längsschlitz zu einem Rohr mit aneinanderstoßenden Bandkanten geformt. Die Formrollen des zweiten Formwerkzeugs greifen ausschließlich an der Außenoberfläche des Rohres an. Hinter dem zweiten Formwerkzeug ist ein Rollenpaar vorgesehen, welches das Schlitzrohr in einem vorbestimmten Abstand zu dem Fokus einer Laserschweißeinrichtung führt. Hinter der Schweißeinrichtung gelangt das geschweißte Rohr mit großem Spiel in ein Kühlrohr, in welchem die Schweißnaht intensiv mit Argon gekühlt wird. Das geschweißte Metallrohr gelangt dann in eine Ziehmatrize, in welcher es im Durchmesser reduziert wird. Als Abzug, der das Metallband von der Vorratsspule und durch die Formwerkzeuge sowie durch die Ziehmatrize zieht, dient eine angetriebene Abzugsscheibe, um welche das Metallrohr mit einer Umschlingung von 180° herumgeführt ist. Die Abzugsscheibe weist eine am Umfang befindliche V-Nut auf, in welche das Metallrohr hineingedrückt wird, so daß eine ausreichende Zugkraft aufgebracht wird. Dadurch kann es jedoch zu einer ovalen Verformung des Metallrohres kommen. Die seitliche Ausrichtung des Längsschlitzes in Bezug auf den Laserstrahl erfolgt durch die Oberrollen des zweiten Formwerkzeuges, welche in Umfangsrichtung verlaufende Vorsprünge aufweisen, die in das Schlitzrohr eintauchen und die Bandkanten führen.From EP 0 299 123 it is known to produce metal tubes in the specified diameter range from a metal strip which is formed into a slot tube and whose longitudinal slot is welded with a laser. The metal band, for example a band made of stainless steel, is gradually formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot by a first forming tool, which consists of several pairs of forming rolls. In a second mold, which also consists of several pairs of form rollers, the tube with the longitudinal slot is formed into a tube with abutting band edges. The form rollers of the second form tool only engage on the outer surface of the tube. A pair of rollers is provided behind the second mold, which guides the slotted tube at a predetermined distance from the focus of a laser welding device. Behind the welding device, the welded tube passes with great play into a cooling tube in which the weld seam is cooled intensively with argon. The welded metal pipe then passes into a drawing die, in which it is reduced in diameter. As a trigger that pulls the metal strip from the supply spool and through the Forming tools as well as pulling through the drawing die, a driven extraction disc is used, around which the metal tube is wrapped with a loop of 180 °. The trigger disk has a V-groove on the circumference, into which the metal tube is pressed so that a sufficient tensile force is applied. However, this can lead to an oval deformation of the metal tube. The lateral alignment of the longitudinal slot with respect to the laser beam is carried out by the upper rollers of the second mold, which have circumferential projections which dip into the slot tube and guide the band edges.

Neben der Gefahr der Verformung des fertigen Metallrohres durch die V-Nut der Abzugsscheibe ist nachteilig bei diesem Verfahren, daß eine exakte Ausrichtung der Längsnaht zum Laserstrahl nicht vorgesehen ist. Man behilft sich damit, daß der Brennpunkt des Laserstrahls über dem Längsschlitz liegt. Damit überstreicht ein großer "Brennfleck" die Längsnaht. Dies erfordert aber eine höhere Laserenergie oder führt zu einer niedrigeren Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit.In addition to the risk of the finished metal tube being deformed by the V-groove of the take-off disk, it is disadvantageous in this process that an exact alignment of the longitudinal seam with the laser beam is not provided. It helps to ensure that the focal point of the laser beam is above the longitudinal slit. A large "focal spot" thus sweeps over the longitudinal seam. However, this requires a higher laser energy or leads to a lower production speed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, das gattungsgemäße Verfahren dahingehend zu verbessern, daß mit diesem Rohre großer Länge d.h. von mehr als 3000 m, ohne Schweißfehler hergestellt werden können.The invention has for its object to improve the generic method in such a way that with this tube of great length i.e. of more than 3000 m, can be produced without welding errors.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 erfaßten Merkmale gelöst.This object is achieved by the features recorded in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Die Werkzeuge, durch welche das Metallrohr hindurchgeführt werden sorgen dafür, daß die Bandkanten exakt gegeneinander ausgerichtet sind und damit eine fehlerfreie Stumpfnaht herstellbar ist. Das zweite Werkzeug hält die Bandkanten auch nach dem Schweißen zusammen, so daß eine besonders intensive Kühlung der Schweißnaht nicht erforderlich ist. Dadurch kann Argon eingespart werden.The tools through which the metal pipe is passed ensure that the strip edges are exactly aligned with each other and thus a flawless butt seam can be produced. The second tool holds the strip edges together even after welding, so that particularly intensive cooling of the weld seam is not necessary. This can save argon.

Die Werkzeuge gewährleisten darüberhinaus in besonders einfacher Weise, daß sowohl die seitliche Ausrichtung als auch die Höhenausrichtung der Längsnaht zum Laserstrahl bzw. zum Fokus optimal ist, so daß keine Nachregulierung der Laserstrahlposition während der Fertigung notwendig ist.In addition, the tools ensure in a particularly simple manner that both the lateral alignment and the vertical alignment of the longitudinal seam to the laser beam or to the focus are optimal, so that no readjustment of the laser beam position is necessary during production.

Insbesondere der Spannbackenabzug sorgt für eine verdrehsichere Führung des Metallrohres unter dem Schweißpunkt, da die Spannbacken das Rohr fest umgreifen.In particular, the clamping jaw trigger ensures that the metal pipe is guided against rotation under the welding point, since the clamping jaws firmly grip the pipe.

In besonders vorteilhafter Weise wird das Rohr durch ein einheitliches aus dem ersten und dem zweiten Werkzeug gebildetes Werkzeug geführt. Der Laserstrahl wird durch eine Ausnehmung in dem Werkzeug auf die zu verschweißende Naht gerichtet. Hierbei umschließt der Eingangsbereich des Werkzeugs das zu schweißende Rohr zu 100 %, wogegen der hinter dem Schweißpunkt gelegene Austrittsbereich des Werkzeugs das Rohr nur so weit umgreift, um die Bandkanten in Kontakt miteinander zu halten. Der Schweißnahtbereich ist frei, so daß eine gute Kühlung möglich ist.In a particularly advantageous manner, the tube is guided through a unitary tool formed from the first and the second tool. The laser beam is directed through a recess in the tool onto the seam to be welded. Here, the entrance area of the tool surrounds the pipe to be welded 100%, whereas the exit area of the tool behind the welding point only encompasses the pipe to hold the strip edges in contact with each other. The weld area is free, so that good cooling is possible.

Das Metallband wird vor dem Formen zum Rohr an seinen Längskanten besäumt, damit beim Schweißen "jungfräuliche" Bandkanten vorliegen und von daher Schweißfehler durch Verunreinigungen vermieden werden. Das Besäumen erfolgt vorteilhafterweise mit Rollenscheren, die angetrieben sind. Da sowohl beim Besäumen als auch beim Rohrformen erhebliche Anpreßkräfte auftreten, muß befürchtet werden, daß einige Metalle wie z.B. Aluminium oder rostfreier Stahl an den Werkzeugen "anfressen". Um dieses Anfressen zu verhindern, wird das Metallband mit einem flüssigen Schmiermittel benetzt. In einfachster Weise wird das Benetzen dadurch erreicht, daß das Metallband zwischen zwei Filzstreifen hindurchgeführt wird, die ständig mit dem Schmiermittel getränkt sind. Das Schmiermittel sorgt auch dafür, daß ein Anfressen des Metallrohres im Bereich des Führungswerkzeugs vermieden ist.The metal strip is trimmed on its longitudinal edges before being formed into a tube, so that "virgin" strip edges are present during welding and welding errors due to contamination are therefore avoided. Trimming is advantageously carried out with roller shears that are driven. Since considerable contact forces occur during both trimming and tube forming, it must be feared that some metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, will "seize" on the tools. To prevent this seizure, the metal strip is wetted with a liquid lubricant. In the simplest way, wetting is achieved by passing the metal strip between two strips of felt, which are constantly soaked with the lubricant. The lubricant also ensures that the metal tube in the area of the guide tool is not seized.

Dies ist ein entscheidendes Merkmal, durch welches die großen Fertigungslängen erzielbar sind.This is a crucial feature by which the large production lengths can be achieved.

Obwohl das Verfahren für nahezu alle verschweißbaren Metalle geeignet ist, werden insbesondere die beim Verschweißen von Bändern aus rostfreiem Stahl auftretenden Probleme gelöst.Although the method is suitable for almost all weldable metals, the problems that arise in particular when welding stainless steel strips are solved.

Der Bereich des Schweißpunktes wird mit einem Schutzgas vorzugsweise Helium gespült. Neben dem Kühleffekt wird noch erreicht, daß keine Anlauffarben im Bereich der Schweißnaht auftreten.The area of the welding spot is flushed with a protective gas, preferably helium. In addition to the cooling effect, it is also achieved that no tarnishing colors occur in the area of the weld seam.

Das geschweißte Metallrohr wird vorteilhafterweise hinter dem ersten Spannbackenabzug im Durchmesser reduziert und das im Durchmesser reduzierte Rohr wird von den Spannbacken eines zweiten Spannbackenabzugs abgezogen. Das Rohr kann in einem Zug um ca. 15 bis 18 % im Durchmesser reduziert werden. Dadurch kann die Liniengeschwindigkeit gegenüber der Schweißgeschwindigkeit erhöht werden. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, daß die Abmessung des Endproduktes weitestgehend unabhängig von der Abmessung des geschweißten Rohres gewählt werden kann. Durch Auswechseln des Rohrreduzierwerkzeugs (einer Ziehmatrize) und der Spannbacken des zweiten Spannbackenabzugs können innerhalb eines bestimmten Bereiches Rohre mit jedem gewünschten Durchmesser hergestellt werden. Wird zwischen dem Austrittsende des Führungswerkzeugs und dem ersten Spannbackenabzug ebenfalls ein Rohrreduzierwerkzeug angeordnet, kann zweimal der Durchmesser um 15 bis 18 % reduziert, d.h. die Liniengeschwindigkeit erheblich erhöht werden.The welded metal pipe is advantageously reduced in diameter behind the first clamping jaw pull-off and the reduced-diameter pipe is pulled off the clamping jaws of a second clamping jaw pull-off. The tube can be reduced by about 15 to 18% in diameter in one go. As a result, the line speed can be increased compared to the welding speed. Another advantage is that the dimension of the end product can be chosen largely independently of the dimension of the welded pipe. By changing the pipe reducing tool (a drawing die) and the clamping jaws of the second clamping jaw trigger, pipes with any desired diameter can be produced within a certain range. If a pipe reducing tool is also arranged between the outlet end of the guide tool and the first jaw extraction, the diameter can be reduced by 15 to 18% twice, i.e. the line speed can be increased significantly.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren eignet sich insbesondere zur Herstellung von Lichtwellenleiterkabeln. Zu diesem Zweck werden vor dem Schweißpunkt in das noch offene Schlitzrohr ein oder mehrere Lichtwellenleiter eingeführt. Bei solchen Kabeln ist es von Vorteil, in das Metallrohr ein Petroleumjelly einzufüllen, um die gegen Feuchtigkeit empfindlichen Lichtwellenleiter zu schützen.The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of optical waveguide cables. For this purpose, one or more optical fibers are inserted into the open slot tube before the welding point. With such cables it is advantageous to put a petroleum jelly in the metal pipe must be filled in to protect the fiber-optic cables, which are sensitive to moisture.

Der Lichtwellenleiter wird in besonders vorteilhafter Weise mittels eines dünnen Röhrchens in das Metall eingeführt, welches den Lichtwellenleiter frühestens hinter dem Schweißpunkt freigibt. Das Röhrchen hat die Aufgabe, den empfindlichen Lichtwellenleiter vor der von der Schweißnaht abgestrahlten Wärme zu schützen. Dieser Schutz gelingt besonders gut, wenn das Petroleumjelly über einen Spalt in das Metallrohr eingefüllt wird, welcher aus dem Röhrchen und einem das Röhrchen umgebenden zweiten Röhrchen aus Kupfer gebildet wird. Das Petroleumjelly gelangt frühestens hinter dem Schweißpunkt in das Metallrohr. Zweckmäßigerweise besteht das innere erste Röhrchen ebenfalls aus Kupfer und ist länger als das äußere Röhrchen. Sein Ende sollte zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Spannzangenabzug gelegen sein, wogegen das Ende des äußeren Röhrchens im Bereich des ersten Spannbackenabzugs gelegen ist. Beide Röhrchen sind außerhalb des Metallrohres festgelegt. Das Petroleumjelly wird druckgeregelt in einer Menge in das Metallrohr eingefüllt, die den zwischen dem Lichtwellenleiter und der Innenwand des Metallrohres befindlichen Hohlraum ausfüllt. Durch das fließende Petroleumjelly wird Wärme abgeführt, so daß die im Innern des Röhrchens befindlichen Lichtwellenleiter geschützt sind.The optical waveguide is inserted into the metal in a particularly advantageous manner by means of a thin tube, which at the earliest releases the optical waveguide behind the welding point. The function of the tube is to protect the sensitive optical fiber from the heat radiated by the weld seam. This protection is particularly successful when the petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube through a gap which is formed from the tube and a second copper tube surrounding the tube. The petroleum jelly gets into the metal tube at the earliest behind the welding point. The inner first tube expediently also consists of copper and is longer than the outer tube. Its end should be between the first and the second chuck trigger, whereas the end of the outer tube is in the area of the first jaw trigger. Both tubes are fixed outside the metal tube. The petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube under pressure control in an amount that fills the cavity located between the optical waveguide and the inner wall of the metal tube. Heat is dissipated by the flowing petroleum jelly, so that the optical fibers located inside the tube are protected.

Der Querschnitt des zweiten Röhrchens ist zumindest im Bereich unterhalb des Schweißpunktes derart verformt, daß das den Lichtwellenleiter führende Röhrchen gegen den der Längsnaht gegenüberliegenden Bereich des äußeren Röhrchens geleitet wird. Dadurch wird die größtmögliche Entfernung zwischen der Schweißnaht und dem Lichtwellenleiter im Schweißpunktbereich erzielt.The cross section of the second tube is deformed at least in the area below the welding point in such a way that the tube guiding the optical waveguide is directed against the area of the outer tube opposite the longitudinal seam. This achieves the greatest possible distance between the weld seam and the optical waveguide in the weld spot area.

Das äußere Röhrchen aus Kupfer und mit ihm das innere Röhrchen können während der Fertigung innerhalb eines bestimmten Bereiches verschoben werden. Dies kann erforderlich sein, wenn sich an einer Stelle des Röhrchens aus Kupfer Ablagerungen gebildet haben.The outer tube made of copper and with it the inner tube can be manufactured within a certain time Area to be moved. This may be necessary if copper deposits have formed at one point on the tube.

Bei optischen Kabeln ist es erforderlich, daß sich der Lichtwellenleiter mit einer bestimmten Überlänge in dem Metallrohr befindet, um bei einer Dehnung des Metallrohres mechanische Belastungen von dem empfindlichen Lichtwellenleiter fernzuhalten.In the case of optical cables, it is necessary for the optical waveguide to be in the metal tube with a certain excess length in order to keep mechanical loads away from the sensitive optical waveguide when the metal tube is stretched.

Eine solche Überlänge läßt sich erreichen, wenn das den Lichtwellenleiter und das Petroleumjelly enthaltende Metallrohr mit zumindest einer Windung auf eine Abzugsscheibe aufgewickelt wird und darauf unter leichtem Zug auf eine Vorratsspule gewickelt wird und wenn das Metallrohr zwischen einem entweder durch den ersten Spannbackenabzug, das Rohrreduzierwerkzeug oder den zweiten Spannbackenabzug gebildeten Festpunkt und der Abzugsscheibe um einen Wert zwischen 2 und 8 ‰ elastisch gedehnt und die elastische Dehnung auf der Abzugsscheibe aufgehoben wird.Such an excess length can be achieved if the metal tube containing the optical waveguide and the petroleum jelly is wound with at least one turn on a take-off disk and then wound onto a supply spool with a slight pull and if the metal tube is between one of the first jaws, the tube reducing tool or the second fixed jaw trigger fixed point and the trigger disc are stretched elastically by a value between 2 and 8 ‰ and the elastic stretch on the trigger disc is canceled.

Die Erfindung ist anhand der in den Figuren 1 bis 6 schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 6.

Die Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils eines nach der Lehre der Erfindung hergestellten Rohres. Das Rohr 1 weist eine Längsschweißnaht 1a auf. Ein bevorzugtes Anwendungsgebiet für solche längsnahtgeschweißten Rohre 1 ist die Schutzhülle eines optischen Kabels. Im Innern des Rohres 1 befinden sich dann ein oder mehrere Lichtwellenleiter 2. Der Freiraum zwischen den Lichtwellenleitern 2 und dem Metallrohr 1 kann mit Petroleumjelly ausgefüllt sein, um eine Längswasserwanderung zu verhindern. Die Anzahl der Lichtwellenleiter 2 liegt üblicherweise zwischen sechs und zwanzig in Ausnahmen auch bis zu vierzig. Die Lichtwellenleiter 2 haben eine größere Länge als das Metallrohr 1, verlaufen also wellen-, wendel- oder sinusförmig in dem Metallrohr 1. Die Überlänge beträgt normalerweise in etwa 3 ‰. Die Wanddicke 5 des Metallrohres beträgt z. B. 0,2 mm während sein Außendurchmesser 3,5 mm beträgt. Dies sind typische Daten für ein optisches Kabel, welches anstelle eines Drahtes in einem Leitungsseil angeordnet wird. Als Material für das Metallrohr 1 wird Edelstahl bevorzugt.Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a tube manufactured according to the teaching of the invention. The tube 1 has a longitudinal weld 1a. A preferred application for such longitudinally welded tubes 1 is the protective sheath of an optical cable. One or more optical fibers 2 are then located in the interior of the tube 1. The space between the optical fibers 2 and the metal tube 1 can be filled with petroleum jelly in order to prevent longitudinal water migration. The number of optical fibers 2 is usually between six and twenty in exceptional cases up to forty. The Optical waveguides 2 have a greater length than the metal tube 1, that is to say they run in a wave, helix or sinusoidal shape in the metal tube 1. The excess length is normally approximately 3 ‰. The wall thickness 5 of the metal tube is z. B. 0.2 mm while its outer diameter is 3.5 mm. This is typical data for an optical cable, which is placed in a cable instead of a wire. Stainless steel is preferred as the material for the metal tube 1.

Die Figur 2 zeigt eine seitliche Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Von einer Vorratsspule 4 wird ein Band 5 kontinuierlich abgezogen und einer Formvorrichtung 6 zugeführt, in der das Band 5 zu einem Rohr mit Längsschlitz geformt wird. Teil dieser Formvorrichtung 6 ist eine nicht näher bezeichnete Besäumeinrichtung, in welcher das Band 5 exakt auf die benötigte Breite geschnitten wird. Die Formeinrichtung 6 besteht weiterhin aus mehreren nicht näher bezeichneten Formrollensätzen. Der Längsschlitz des geformten Rohres wird mittels einer Laserschweißeinrichtung 7 geschlossen. Für die exakte Führung des geschlitzten Rohres unterhalb der Schweißeinrichtung 7 sorgt ein erster Spannbackenabzug 8, der aus einer Vielzahl das Rohr umfassender Spannbackenpaare besteht, die über eine endlose Kette angetrieben sind. Hinter dem ersten Spannbackenabzug 8 ist eine Rohrreduziereinrichtung 9, z.B. eine Ziehmatrize angeordnet, in welcher der Durchmesser des Rohres verringert wird. Ein zweiter Spannbackenabzug 10 ist hinter der Rohrreduziereinrichtung 9 angeordnet, der an dem gezogenen Rohr angreift und dieses durch die Ziehmatrize zieht. Die Abzugsgeschwindigkeit des zweiten Spannbackenabzuges 10 ist gegenüber der Abzugsgeschwindigkeit des ersten Spannbackenabzugs 8 in Abhängigkeit vom Durchhang des Rohres zwischen der Ziehmatrize und dem ersten Spannbackenabzug 8 geregelt. Das fertige Rohr kann dann auf einen Aufwickler 12 aufgewickelt werden.A tape 5 is continuously drawn off from a supply reel 4 and fed to a shaping device 6, in which the tape 5 is formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot. Part of this shaping device 6 is an untrimmed trimming device, in which the band 5 is cut exactly to the required width. The shaping device 6 also consists of a plurality of sets of shaping rolls, not specified. The longitudinal slot of the shaped tube is closed by means of a laser welding device 7. For the exact guidance of the slotted tube below the welding device 7, a first clamping jaw trigger 8, which consists of a plurality of pairs of clamping jaws comprising the tube, is driven by an endless chain. A pipe reducing device 9, for example a drawing die, is arranged behind the first clamping jaw trigger 8, in which the diameter of the pipe is reduced. A second clamping jaw trigger 10 is arranged behind the pipe reducing device 9, which acts on the drawn pipe and pulls it through the drawing die. The withdrawal speed of the second clamping jaw trigger 10 is regulated in relation to the withdrawal speed of the first clamping jaw trigger 8 as a function of the sag of the tube between the drawing die and the first clamping jaw trigger 8. The finished tube can then be wound onto a rewinder 12.

Wenn jedoch das Rohr als Schutzhülle für Lichtwellenleiter verwendet werden soll, ist es erforderlich, daß sich hinter dem zweiten Spannbackenabzug 10 eine angetriebene Abzugsscheibe 11 befindet, auf deren Umfangsfläche das Rohr mit mehreren Windungen aufliegt. Die Abzugsscheibe 11 ist mit einer Abzugsgeschwindigkeit angetrieben, welche geringfügig schneller als die Abzugsgeschwindigkeit des zweiten Spannbackenabzugs 10 ist. Der Aufwickler 12 wickelt das Rohr 13 mit leichtem Zug auf.However, if the tube is to be used as a protective cover for optical fibers, it is necessary that behind the second clamping jaw trigger 10 there is a driven trigger disk 11, on the circumferential surface of which the tube rests with several turns. The trigger disk 11 is driven at a trigger speed which is slightly faster than the trigger speed of the second clamping jaw trigger 10. The rewinder 12 winds up the tube 13 with a slight pull.

Mit 14 ist eine Ablaufvorrichtung für eine Vielzahl von Lichtwellenleitern 2 bezeichnet, die mit einer Vielzahl von Spulen 15 bestückt ist, auf welche die Lichtwellenleiter 2 aufgewickelt sind.14 with a drain device for a plurality of optical fibers 2 is referred to, which is equipped with a plurality of coils 15, on which the optical fibers 2 are wound.

Die Lichtwellenleiter 2 werden von den Spulen 15 abgezogen und in das noch offene Rohr vor der Schweißeinrichtung eingeführt. Als Schutz für die empfindlichen Lichtwellenleiter 2 ragt ein nicht dargestelltes ortsfestes Metallröhrchen in das Schlitzrohr, durch dessen Inneres die Lichtwellenleiter 2 hindurchgeleitet werden. Das Metallröhrchen gibt die Lichtwellenleiter 2 frühestens hinter der Schweißeinrichtung 7 frei. Das Metallröhrchen ist in von einem weiteren Metallröhrchen umgeben. Durch den von den beiden Metallröhrchen gebildeten Spalt wird unter Druck ein Petroleumjelly in das Rohr eingefüllt. Damit die Lichtwellenleiter 2 in dem Metallrohr 1 mit einer Überlänge vorliegen, wird das Metallrohr 1 kontinuierlich zwischen dem zweiten Spannbackenabzug 10, dessen Spannbackenpaare das Metallrohr 1 fest umgreifen und die durch die Rohrreduzierung entstehenden Verformungskräfte aufbringen, und der Abzugsscheibe 11 elastisch verformt, d.h. gedehnt. Dadurch wird auf die Abzugsscheibe 11 eine gleichgroße Länge von Metallrohr 1 und Lichtwellenleiter 2 aufgewickelt. Auf der Abzugsscheibe 11 "entspannt" sich der Zustand der elastischen Verformung, das Metallrohr 1 verkürzt sich auf den normalen Zustand, wobei sich die Überlänge der Lichtwellenleiter 2 gegenüber dem zurückgeschrumpften Metallrohr 1 ergibt.The optical fibers 2 are withdrawn from the coils 15 and inserted into the still open tube in front of the welding device. As a protection for the sensitive optical waveguide 2, a stationary metal tube (not shown) projects into the slotted tube, through the interior of which the optical waveguide 2 is guided. The metal tube releases the optical waveguide 2 at the earliest behind the welding device 7. The metal tube is surrounded by another metal tube. A petroleum jelly is filled into the tube under pressure through the gap formed by the two metal tubes. So that the optical waveguides 2 are excessively long in the metal tube 1, the metal tube 1 is continuously deformed, ie stretched, between the second clamping jaw trigger 10, the clamping jaw pairs of which firmly grip the metal tube 1 and apply the deformation forces resulting from the tube reduction, and the extraction disc 11. As a result, an equal length of metal tube 1 and optical waveguide 2 is wound onto the take-off disk 11. The state of elastic deformation "relaxes" on the trigger disk 11, the metal tube 1 shortens to the normal one State, with the excess length of the optical waveguide 2 compared to the shrunk metal tube 1.

Die elastische Verformung wird durch eine Kraft F bewirkt, die das Metallrohr 1 zwischen dem zweiten Spannbackenabzug 10 und der Abzugsscheibe 11 auslenkt. Dies wird durch ein Gewicht 16 erreicht, welches an das Metallrohr 1 z.B. mittels einer Rolle 17 angehängt ist. Die Kraft F, d.h. das Gewicht 16 bestimmt das Maß der Auslenkung und damit das Maß der Dehnung.The elastic deformation is brought about by a force F which deflects the metal tube 1 between the second clamping jaw trigger 10 and the trigger disc 11. This is achieved by a weight 16 which is attached to the metal tube 1 e.g. is attached by means of a roller 17. The force F, i.e. the weight 16 determines the degree of deflection and thus the degree of elongation.

Bei einer vorgegebenen Geometrie und der Materialauswahl für das Metallrohr 1 kann durch Auswahl des Gewichtes 16 eine exakte Überlänge der Lichtwellenleiter 2 in dem Rohr 1 erzeugt werden.Given a given geometry and the material selection for the metal tube 1, an exact excess length of the optical waveguides 2 can be generated in the tube 1 by selecting the weight 16.

Die Figuren 3 bis 5 zeigen eine Draufsicht sowie zwei Schnitte der Führung des Metallrohres im Bereich der Schweißeinrichtung.FIGS. 3 to 5 show a top view and two sections of the guidance of the metal tube in the area of the welding device.

Die Führung 18 für das Metallrohr 19 besteht aus zwei Hälften 18a und 18b, welche an ihrer angrenzenden Fläche jeweils eine Nut 20 mit einem Krümmungsradius aufweisen, der dem Krümmungsradius des Metallrohres 19 entspricht. Die beiden Nuten 20 bilden also eine im wesentlichen kreisförmige Führung für das Metallrohr 19.The guide 18 for the metal tube 19 consists of two halves 18a and 18b, each of which has a groove 20 on its adjacent surface with a radius of curvature that corresponds to the radius of curvature of the metal tube 19. The two grooves 20 thus form an essentially circular guide for the metal tube 19.

Eine der beiden Hälften 18a bzw. 18b ist fest installiert, wogegen die andere Hälfte anstellbar bzw. federgelagert ist, so daß der Anpreßdruck an das Metallrohr 19 variiert werden kann. Die Führung 18 besteht aus einer Stahllegierung, die gegenüber dem bevorzugt verwendeten Material rostfreier Stahl herausragende Gleiteigenschaften besitzt. In der Führung 18 ist eine Ausnehmung 21 vorgesehen, in deren Bereich der Laserstrahl auf die Längsnaht 19a des Metallrohres 19 gerichtet ist und diese verschweißt. An die Ausnehmung 21 schließt sich ein Spalt 22 zwischen den Hälften 18a und 18b an, der die Schweißnaht 19b freiläßt und somit eine Wärmeabfuhr ermöglicht.One of the two halves 18a and 18b is permanently installed, whereas the other half is adjustable or spring-loaded, so that the contact pressure on the metal tube 19 can be varied. The guide 18 consists of a steel alloy, which has excellent sliding properties compared to the material preferably used stainless steel. A recess 21 is provided in the guide 18, in the area of which the laser beam is directed onto the longitudinal seam 19a of the metal tube 19 and welds it. At the recess 21 there is a gap 22 between the halves 18a and 18b on, which leaves the weld 19b free and thus enables heat dissipation.

Die Figur 4 zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A - B, d.h. durch den Eintrittsbereich der Führung 18. Im Innern des Metallrohres 19 sind das Röhrchen 23 für die Lichtwellenleiter 2 sowie das Röhrchen 24 für das Petroleumjelly zu erkennen. Das Röhrchen 24 ist mit einer Eindellung 24a versehen, durch welche das Röhrchen 23 von der Längsnaht 19a bzw. der Schweißnaht 19 ferngehalten wird. Sowohl das Röhrchen 23 als auch das Röhrchen 24 sind dünnwandige Kupferröhrchen, die sowohl das Petroleumjelly als auch die Lichtwellenleiter vor übermäßiger Erhitzung im Schweißbereich schützen. Für die Röhrchen 23 und 24 ist eine Möglichkeit der Längsverschiebung in dem Metallrohr 19 vorgesehen.Figure 4 shows a section along the line A - B, i.e. through the entry area of the guide 18. Inside the metal tube 19, the tube 23 for the optical waveguide 2 and the tube 24 for the petroleum jelly can be seen. The tube 24 is provided with an indentation 24a, by means of which the tube 23 is kept away from the longitudinal seam 19a or the weld seam 19. Both the tube 23 and the tube 24 are thin-walled copper tubes which protect both the petroleum jelly and the optical waveguides from excessive heating in the welding area. A possibility of longitudinal displacement in the metal tube 19 is provided for the tubes 23 and 24.

Figur 5 zeigt einen Schnitt durch die Führung entlang der Linie C-D, d.h. im Austrittsbereich der Führung. Hier ist deutlich der Spalt 22 zu erkennen.Figure 5 shows a section through the guide along the line C-D, i.e. in the exit area of the guide. The gap 22 can be clearly seen here.

Figur 6 zeigt einen Schnitt durch ein Spannbackenpaar 8a des Spannbackenabzugs 8, welche das Metallrohr 19 fest einspannen.FIG. 6 shows a section through a pair of clamping jaws 8a of the clamping jaw trigger 8, which firmly clamp the metal tube 19.

Claims (15)

Verfahren zur Herstellung eines längsnahtgeschweißten Metallrohres mit einem Außendurchmesser von 1 bis 6 mm, bei welchem ein Metallband von einer Vorratsspule abgezogen und durch ein Formwerkzeug zu einem Rohr mit Längsschlitz geformt und der Längsschlitz des Rohres mittels einer Laserschweißeinrichtung verschweißt wird, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Merkmale a) das zu verschweißende Rohr wird unmittelbar vor dem Schweißpunkt durch ein erstes an der Rohroberfläche angreifendes Werkzeug hindurchgeführt, durch welches die Bandkanten in Kontakt miteinander gehalten werden b) das geschweißte Rohr wird unmittelbar hinter dem Schweißpunkt durch ein zweites an der Rohroberfläche angreifendes Werkzeug hindurchgeführt, welches die Schweißnaht kräftefrei hält und die Schweißnaht freiläßt c) unmittelbar hinter dem zweiten Werkzeug greifen die Spannbacken eines Spannbackenabzugs an dem geschweißten Rohr an, wobei die Spannbacken das Rohr verdrehsicher führen. A process for producing a longitudinally welded metal tube with an outer diameter of 1 to 6 mm, in which a metal strip is drawn off from a supply spool and formed into a tube with a longitudinal slot by a molding tool, and the longitudinal slot of the tube is welded by means of a laser welding device, characterized by the following features a) the pipe to be welded is passed directly before the welding point through a first tool acting on the pipe surface, by means of which the strip edges are kept in contact with one another b) the welded pipe is passed directly behind the welding point through a second tool acting on the pipe surface, which keeps the weld seam free of force and leaves the weld seam free c) directly behind the second tool, the jaws of a jaw pull on the welded tube, the jaws guiding the tube against rotation. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Rohr durch ein aus dem ersten und dem zweiten Werkzeug gebildetes einheitliches Werkzeug geführt wird und daß der Laserstrahl der Laserschweißeinrichtung durch eine Ausnehmung in dem Werkzeug auf die zu verschweißende Naht gerichtet wird, wobei die Laserschweißeinrichtung in Bezug auf den zu verschweißenden Längsschlitz fest eingestellt wird.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tube is guided through a unitary tool formed from the first and the second tool and in that the laser beam passes through the laser welding device a recess in the tool is directed onto the seam to be welded, the laser welding device being fixed in relation to the longitudinal slot to be welded. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Metallband vor dem Formen zum Rohr an seinen Bandkanten besäumt wird.A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the metal strip is trimmed at its strip edges before being formed into a tube. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Metallband mit einem flüssigen Schmiermittel benetzt wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the metal strip is wetted with a liquid lubricant. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als Metallband ein Band aus rostfreiem Stahl verwendet wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a strip made of stainless steel is used as the metal strip. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Bereich des Schweißpunktes mit einem Schutzgas vorzugsweise Helium, gespült wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the area of the welding point is flushed with a protective gas, preferably helium. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das geschweißte Rohr hinter dem Spannbackenabzug im Durchmesser reduziert wird, und daß das im Durchmesser reduzierte Rohr von den Spannbacken eines zweiten Spannbackenabzuges abgezogen wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the diameter of the welded tube behind the clamping jaw withdrawal is reduced and that the reduced diameter tube is withdrawn from the clamping jaws of a second clamping jaw withdrawal. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß vor dem Schweißpunkt in das noch offene Schlitzrohr zumindest ein Lichtwellenleiter eingeführt wird.Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one optical waveguide is inserted into the still open slot tube before the welding point. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in das Metallrohr ein Petroleumjelly eingefüllt wird.A method according to claim 8, characterized in that a petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Lichtwellenleiter mittels eines dünnen Röhrchens in das Metallrohr eingeführt wird, das den Lichtwellenleiter frühestens hinter dem Schweißpunkt freigibt.Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the optical waveguide is inserted into the metal tube by means of a thin tube, which at the earliest releases the optical waveguide behind the welding point. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Petroleumjelly über einen Spalt in das Metallrohr eingefüllt wird, welcher aus dem Röhrchen und einem das Röhrchen umgebenden zweiten Röhrchen aus Kupfer gebildet wird, und daß das Petroleumjelly frühestens hinter dem Schweißpunkt in das Metallrohr gelangt.Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the petroleum jelly is poured into the metal tube through a gap which is formed from the tube and a second copper tube surrounding the tube, and in that the petroleum jelly at the earliest behind the welding point into the Metal pipe arrives. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Petroleumjelly druckgeregelt in einer Menge in das Metallrohr eingefüllt wird, die den zwischen dem Lichtwellenleiter und der Innenwand des Metallrohres befindlichen Hohlraum ausfüllt.Method according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the petroleum jelly is filled into the metal tube in a pressure-controlled manner in an amount which fills the cavity located between the optical waveguide and the inner wall of the metal tube. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Querschnitt des zweiten Kupferröhrchens zumindest im Bereich unterhalb des Schweißpunktes derart verformt ist, daß das den Lichtwellenleiter führende Röhrchen gegen den der Längsnaht gegenüberliegenden Bereich des Kupferröhrchens geleitet wird.Method according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the cross section of the second copper tube is deformed at least in the region below the welding point in such a way that the tube guiding the optical waveguide is directed against the region of the copper tube opposite the longitudinal seam. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kupferröhrchen in Längsrichtung des Metallröhrchens verschieblich ist.Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the copper tube is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the metal tube. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das den Lichtwellenleiter und das Petroleumjelly enthaltende Metallrohr mit zumindest einer Windung auf eine Abzugsscheibe gewickelt wird und sodann unter leichtem Zug auf eine Vorratsspule gewickelt wird und daß das Metallrohr zwischen einem entweder durch den ersten Spannbackenabzug, das Rohrreduzierwerkzeug oder den zweiten Spannbackenabzug gebildeten Festpunkt und der Abzugsscheibe um einen Wert zwischen 2 und 8 ‰ definiert elastisch gedehnt, und daß die elastische Dehnung auf der Abzugsscheibe aufgehoben wird, so daß sich eine analoge exakte Überlänge der Lichtwellenleiter gegenüber dem Metallrohr ausbildet.Method according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the metal tube containing the optical waveguide and the petroleum jelly with at least one Winding is wound on a take-off disk and then wound under slight tension on a supply reel and that the metal tube is elastically stretched between a fixed point formed either by the first clamping jaw take-off, the tube reducing tool or the second clamping jaw take-off and the take-off disk by a value between 2 and 8 ‰ , and that the elastic expansion on the take-off disc is canceled, so that an analog exact excess length of the optical waveguide is formed in relation to the metal tube.
EP95114295A 1994-09-24 1995-09-12 Method for the production of longitudinally seam welded metal tubes Expired - Lifetime EP0703017B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE4434134 1994-09-24
DE4434134A DE4434134A1 (en) 1994-09-24 1994-09-24 Process for producing a longitudinally welded metal tube

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EP0703017A2 true EP0703017A2 (en) 1996-03-27
EP0703017A3 EP0703017A3 (en) 1996-11-13
EP0703017B1 EP0703017B1 (en) 2000-04-19

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US (1) US5613631A (en)
EP (1) EP0703017B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3828599B2 (en)
KR (1) KR960010109A (en)
CN (1) CN1068533C (en)
AT (1) ATE191868T1 (en)
AU (1) AU686443B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2158911A1 (en)
DE (2) DE4434134A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0703017T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2145192T3 (en)
FI (1) FI110997B (en)
GR (1) GR3033892T3 (en)
NO (1) NO953752L (en)
RU (1) RU2139159C1 (en)

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EP0703017B1 (en) 2000-04-19
ATE191868T1 (en) 2000-05-15
AU686443B2 (en) 1998-02-05
RU2139159C1 (en) 1999-10-10
CN1128685A (en) 1996-08-14
CN1068533C (en) 2001-07-18
US5613631A (en) 1997-03-25
CA2158911A1 (en) 1996-03-25
EP0703017A3 (en) 1996-11-13
NO953752D0 (en) 1995-09-22
KR960010109A (en) 1996-04-20
GR3033892T3 (en) 2000-11-30
ES2145192T3 (en) 2000-07-01
FI954503A0 (en) 1995-09-22
DK0703017T3 (en) 2000-07-10
FI954503A (en) 1996-03-25
FI110997B (en) 2003-05-15
NO953752L (en) 1996-03-25
DE59508191D1 (en) 2000-05-25
DE4434134A1 (en) 1996-03-28
JPH08192222A (en) 1996-07-30
AU3281995A (en) 1996-04-04
JP3828599B2 (en) 2006-10-04

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