EP1466676B1 - Method and apparatus for producing a closed metal profile or metal pipe having a longitudinally varying wall thickness - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for producing a closed metal profile or metal pipe having a longitudinally varying wall thickness Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1466676B1
EP1466676B1 EP04006468A EP04006468A EP1466676B1 EP 1466676 B1 EP1466676 B1 EP 1466676B1 EP 04006468 A EP04006468 A EP 04006468A EP 04006468 A EP04006468 A EP 04006468A EP 1466676 B1 EP1466676 B1 EP 1466676B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
roll forming
sheet metal
metal strip
profile
pipe
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EP04006468A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1466676A1 (en
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Dreistern GmbH and Co KG
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Dreistern GmbH and Co KG
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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
    • B21C37/0803—Making tubes with welded or soldered seams the tubes having a special shape, e.g. polygonal tubes
    • 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
    • B21C37/15—Making tubes of special shape; Making tube fittings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a closed metal profile or metal tube whose wall thickness varies along its longitudinal axis, and a roll forming machine for carrying out the method, see e.g. EP-A-0 938 937.
  • Roll forming machines and methods of roll forming sheet metal strips are used to manufacture of closed metal profiles or metal pipes although for a long time and widely used; however, it has only been possible to date metal profiles or Produce metal tubes whose wall thickness along its longitudinal axis constant remains.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object, not only profiles with constant Wall thickness or with varying only in their cross-section wall thicknesses by roll forming, but also profiles and tubes in the longitudinal direction varying wall thickness.
  • the inventive method thus consists in its core of the following Process steps: First, what in the prior art considered impossible or at least very detrimental and undesirable was a sheet metal strip with varying thickness along its length used and a Rollumformstrom supplied with roll forming tools, where there is a Profile or tube is reshaped. Before now that produced by the forming Profile or pipe in a conventional manner in a welding station longitudinal to a closed profile or tube is processed, the formed Profile or pipe in a completely new intermediate step on given Outside dimensions calibrated by means of at least one KalibrierrollenPaars. This calibration may well have the profile or pipe already on bring the desired final external dimensions, but this is not necessary is.
  • the inventively modified Rollumformstrom for performing the just described method is characterized accordingly by the fact that at least a Kalibrierrollen pair between the roll forming tools and the Welding station is arranged to enable the novel "Zwischenkalibrieren" to enable perform the conventional longitudinal welding.
  • the Wall thickness of the sheet metal strip used not only in the longitudinal direction, but additionally also varies along its cross section, so that the invention produced profiles and tubes in terms of material costs exactly for the respective application can be optimized.
  • the calibration rollers are preferably arranged in unusual orientation. Normally a pipe or a closed profile runs during end calibration after the welding station so through the calibration rollers that the Weld seam runs centrally through one of the two calibration rollers. According to the present This invention should not be the case; is particularly preferred rather, an arrangement of the calibrating rollers in which the (according to the invention not yet existing) weld in the edge area between the two Calibration rolls comes to rest.
  • the profile or pipe should be like that be guided through the calibration rollers that the connection plane between the longitudinal center axis of the profile or tube and the midline between the Narrow sides of the sheet metal strip different from the plane of rotation of the Kalibrierrollen is, preferably approximately at right angles to this. This has the following advantages:
  • a sheet metal strip is used in which the sections of different Band thickness are set together so that the bands of the different sections each lie together.
  • the neutral fiber at Forming is then always in the middle of the material, what the shear stresses advantageously minimized between the different sheet thicknesses.
  • the outside dimensions are equalized, so that the fat jump then ultimately lies inside the pipe or profile.
  • the forming of the sheet metal strip can be carried out by means of roll forming tools which form a nip, cooperating in pairs, wherein the inside width of the roll gap corresponding to the strip thickness of the moment therein section of the sheet metal strip is varied.
  • This can by a positionally variable training one of two pairwise cooperating Rollformtechnikzeugmaschineen be achieved, this preferably is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal strip.
  • variable in order to vary the roll gap trained rollforming tools with a motorized, hydraulic or provided pneumatic adjustment mechanism or they are spring loaded formed variable in position, so that they are self-acting on the thickness set the currently located therein section of the sheet metal strip.
  • the movements of the storable roll forming tools can accordingly the course of the thickness of the sheet metal strip are actively controlled, for example by means of a computer, in which the thickness of the sheet metal strip is stored during the production progress preferably over a Wegdorfnmess Rhein is reported to the computer, or for example corresponding to that of a sensor unit for measuring strip thickness measured values; the movements of the positionally variable roll forming tools but can also passively by a spring load or for example by means of an overpressure limitation of a hydraulic adjusting mechanism be achieved:
  • the variable position rollforming tool then gives against the Spring force or due to the overpressure limitation after, when the sheet metal strip thickened in the nip, while the nip then also automatically again narrowed as the intermediate strip thickness decreases.
  • the Rollumformstrom each Blechbandtop may additionally be provided, the Rollumformstrom each Blechbandtop facing adjust automatically, without it being necessary, before any Store data in the controller or install a complex sensor system.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically the view of a frame 1, in which at an upper Drive shaft 2, an upper roll forming tool 3 and a lower drive shaft 4, a lower roll forming tool 5 are mounted.
  • a cooperating Roll forming tools 3, 5 formed nip 6 is an already partially profiled sheet metal strip 7 to recognize.
  • a roll forming machine according to the invention usually consists of a large number of such, one behind the other arranged racks, wherein the roll forming tools the respective forming step adapted differently.
  • the peculiarity of the illustrated frame 1 is that the upper drive shaft 2 is not firmly seated on the frame 1, but stored vertically adjustable is.
  • two hydraulic cylinder units 8a and 8b are provided which on the one hand on the frame 1 and on the other hand on the bearings 9a, 9b of the upper Support drive shaft 2.
  • These are double-acting hydraulic cylinders, with which a defined change in height of the upper drive shaft 2 and thus a defined setting of the roll gap 6 can be achieved.
  • the hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic cylinders 8a, 8b is schematic in FIG shown.
  • the hydraulic cylinders 8 are from a pump 10 via a check valve 11 and a two-way valve 12 supplied with hydraulic oil.
  • the Two-way valve 12 allows a reversal of the hydraulic cylinder 8: Will the line A is pressurized, the upper drive shaft 2 adjusted up to an upper stop and thus to a maximum opening of the roll gap 6; is achieved by actuating the two-way valve 12, as shown in Figure 1, the line B pressurized, the drive shaft 2 lowers to a bottom stop, allowing the nip 6 to its smallest extent closes.
  • the two-way valve 12 thus allows in cooperation with the double-acting hydraulic cylinders 8, the active control described above of the roll gap 6, which is particularly sufficient, in particular only two different sheet metal strip thicknesses are processed.
  • the upper roll forming tool 3 yields by the upper drive shaft 2 moves upward, and that until the hydraulic pressure in line B is again below the threshold for actuation of the pressure relief valve 13 decreases.
  • the pump 10 then ensures that the hydraulic pressure does not drop further and thus the rolling pressure between the Roll Forming Tools 3 and 5 is maintained. If conversely that Sheet metal strip 7 in the nip 6 becomes thinner, the constructed by the pump 10 provides hydraulic pressure in the line B for the upper drive shaft 2 is moved down immediately, so that the nip 6 between the upper roll forming tool 3 and the lower roll forming tool 5 accordingly closes.
  • the illustrated in Figure 1 hydraulic adjustment mechanism thus combines an active control of the roll gap opening by means of the two-way valve 12 with an automatic control of the rolling pressure by means of the pressure relief valve 13.
  • the change of the roll gap 6 via an active reversal make the two-way valve 12, possibly also in addition for automatic roller pressure control.
  • the pressure relief valve takes over 13 in active control mode regardless of the possibility of a Regulation of the rolling pressure a safety function against impermissible pressures in the hydraulic system.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a sheet metal strip by means of roll forming cylindrical tube 18 made of three different thicknesses.
  • a first portion 15 has a thicker wall thickness, so that the band edges lying on bump.
  • a second section 15 'associated with the first section 15 is welded in the center, has a smaller wall thickness, which is why the here Band edges are not on impact, but a gap remains, which is a simple Longitudinal welding makes it impossible to close the tube 18.
  • a third portion 15 is welded, the again has the same wall thickness as the first section 15th
  • FIG. 2 thus shows the situation before the calibration according to the invention and FIG Longitudinal welding for finishing the tube 18.
  • a Kalibrierrollencover 16, 17 is now shown schematically, in which the tube 18 of Figure 2 is intermediately calibrated prior to welding.
  • the abutting edge 19, ie the subsequent weld, lies in the edge area between the two calibration rollers 16 and 17; the connection plane between the abutting edge 19 and the longitudinal center axis of the tube 18 is thus perpendicular to the Plane of rotation of the two calibration rollers 16 and 17.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
  • Metal Extraction Processes (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves shaping a sheet metal band (7) with thickness varying along its length using roller shaping tools (3,5) to form a profile or pipe, calibrating the profile or pipe in at least one calibration pair of rollers to defined external dimensions and welding the abutting narrows sides of the band together to make a closed profile or pipe. An independent claim is also included for the following: (a) a roller shaping system.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines geschlossenen Metallprofils oder Metallrohrs, dessen Wanddicke entlang seiner Längsachse variiert, sowie eine Rollumformanlage zur Durchführung des Verfahrens, siehe z.B. EP-A-0 938 937. Rollumformanlagen und Verfahren zum Rollumformen von Blechbändern werden zur Herstellung von geschlossenen Metallprofilen oder Metallrohren zwar seit langem und weit verbreitet eingesetzt; jedoch war es bislang nur möglich, Metallprofile oder Metallrohre herzustellen, deren Wanddicke entlang ihrer Längsachse konstant bleibt.The invention relates to a method for producing a closed metal profile or metal tube whose wall thickness varies along its longitudinal axis, and a roll forming machine for carrying out the method, see e.g. EP-A-0 938 937. Roll forming machines and methods of roll forming sheet metal strips are used to manufacture of closed metal profiles or metal pipes although for a long time and widely used; however, it has only been possible to date metal profiles or Produce metal tubes whose wall thickness along its longitudinal axis constant remains.

Insbesondere bei Profilen und Rohren aus hochwertigen Werkstoffen sowie für die Verwendung in möglichst leicht und dennoch stabil zu konstruierenden Produkten ist es oft erwünscht, die Wände des Profils oder Rohrs nur dort etwas dicker auszubilden, wo es aus Stabilitätsgründen notwendig ist.Especially for profiles and pipes made of high quality materials as well as for the use in products which are as light as possible and yet stable to construct It is often desirable to have the walls of the profile or pipe just there something thicker, where it is necessary for reasons of stability.

Verfahren zum Herstellen von Profilen mit über deren Querschnitt variierenden Wandstärken mittels Rollformwerkzeugen aus einem Blechband sind beispielsweise aus der WO 00/29138 sowie aus der EP 1 210 998 A2 der Anmelderin bekannt geworden. ln diesen Schriften wird zunächst ein Blechband hergestellt, dessen Dicke quer zu seiner Längsrichtung variiert. Danach wird dieses speziell hergestellte Blechband in einer herkömmlichen Rollumformanlage zu einem Profil mit variierender Wanddicke umgeformt.Method for producing profiles with varying cross-sections Wall thicknesses by roll forming tools from a sheet metal strip, for example from WO 00/29138 and from EP 1 210 998 A2 of the Applicant known. In these documents, a sheet metal strip is first produced, whose thickness varies transversely to its longitudinal direction. After that, this will be special manufactured sheet metal strip in a conventional Rollumformanlage to a profile reshaped with varying wall thickness.

Dieses Prinzip ist jedoch nicht einfach auf Blechbänder mit entlang deren Länge variierender Dicke übertragbar, aus denen dann ein Metallprofil oder Metallrohr hergestellt werden könnte. Abgesehen davon, dass ein Rollumformen von Blechbändern nach herkömmlicher Meinung grundsätzlich nur zur Verarbeitung von Blechen mit in Längsrichtung konstanter Dicke geeignet ist, führt das Rollumformen eines Blechbandes mit entlang seiner Länger variierender Dicke zu einem kaum schweißbaren Zwischenprodukt. Denn die Biegeradien, die beim Rollumformen eines Blechbandes entstehen, hängen insbesondere von der Dicke desselben ab. Die Lage der neutralen Faser beim Biegen des Blechs befindet sich etwa in der Mitte zwischen der Ober- und Unterseite des Blechbandes. Infolgedessen ist die neutrale Faser bei dicken Blechbändern weiter von den Oberflächen der Rollformwerkzeuge entfernt, als bei dünnen Bändern. Außerdem ergeben sich Pressungen in den Randbereichen der Biegeradien, wenn ein Blechband durch ein Rollformwerkzeugpaar hindurchgeführt wird, dessen Radien für ein dünneres Blechband konstruiert sind. Man erhält im Ergebnis nur an den Abschnitten mit höherer Blechdicke ein Profil oder Rohr, bei dem die Schmalseiten des Blechbandes aneinander stoßen. In den Abschnitten des Profils oder Rohrs mit geringerer Blechdicke verbleibt ein mehr oder weniger großer Spalt zwischen den Schmalseiten des Blechbandes, was ein herkömmliches Längsverschweißen zum Schließen des Profils oder Rohrs stark erschwert oder unmöglich macht.However, this principle is not easy on metal bands with along their length varying thickness transferable, from which then a metal profile or metal pipe could be produced. Apart from being a roll forming of Metal bands according to conventional opinion basically only for processing of sheets with longitudinally constant thickness is suitable for roll forming a sheet metal strip with along its Langer varying thickness a barely weldable intermediate. Because the bending radii, the at Roll forming a sheet metal strip arise, depend in particular on the thickness from the same. The location of the neutral fiber when bending the sheet is approximately in the middle between the top and bottom of the sheet metal strip. As a result, the neutral fiber is thicker in thick metal bands Removed surfaces of the roll forming tools, as with thin tapes. Furthermore Pressings result in the edge regions of the bending radii, if one Sheet metal strip is passed through a Rollformwerkzeugpaar whose radii designed for a thinner sheet metal strip. You get in the result only the sections with higher sheet thickness a profile or tube, in which the Narrow sides of the metal strip abut each other. In the sections of the profile or pipe with a smaller sheet thickness remains a more or less large Gap between the narrow sides of the sheet metal strip, which is a conventional Longitudinal welding to close the profile or pipe greatly difficult or impossible.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, nicht nur Profile mit konstanter Wanddicke oder mit lediglich in ihrem Querschnitt variierenden Wandstärken durch Rollumformen herzustellen, sondern auch Profile und Rohre mit in Längsrichtung variierender Wanddicke.The invention is therefore based on the object, not only profiles with constant Wall thickness or with varying only in their cross-section wall thicknesses by roll forming, but also profiles and tubes in the longitudinal direction varying wall thickness.

Gelöst ist diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des beigefügten Patentanspruchs 1 sowie durch eine Rollumformanlage mit den Merkmalen des beigefügten Patentanspruchs 11.This object is achieved by a method with the features of the attached Patent claim 1 and by a Rollumformanlage with the features of the attached patent claim 11.

Bevorzugte Weiterbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ergeben sich aus den Patentansprüchen 2 bis 10; vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der erfindungsgemäßen Rollumformanlage sind in den Ansprüchen 12 bis 20 niedergelegt.Preferred developments of the method according to the invention emerge from the claims 2 to 10; advantageous embodiments of the invention Roll forming are laid down in claims 12 to 20.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren besteht also in seinem Kern aus den folgenden Verfahrensschritten: Zunächst wird, was im bisherigen Stand der Technik als unmöglich oder zumindest als sehr nachteilig und unerwünscht angesehen wurde, ein Blechband mit entlang seiner Länge variierender Dicke verwendet und einer Rollumformanlage mit Rollformwerkzeugen zugeführt, wo es zu einem Profil oder Rohr umgeformt wird. Bevor nun das durch das Umformen hergestellte Profil oder Rohr in herkömmlicher Weise in einer Schweißstation längs zu einem geschlossenen Profil oder Rohr weiter verarbeitet wird, wird das umgeformte Profil oder Rohr in einem gänzlich neuen Zwischenschritt auf vorgegebene Außenmaße kalibriert, und zwar mittels mindestens eines KalibrierrollenPaars. Dieses Kalibrieren kann dabei durchaus das Profil oder Rohr bereits auf die gewünschten End-Außenmaße bringen, wobei dies allerdings nicht notwendig ist.The inventive method thus consists in its core of the following Process steps: First, what in the prior art considered impossible or at least very detrimental and undesirable was a sheet metal strip with varying thickness along its length used and a Rollumformanlage supplied with roll forming tools, where there is a Profile or tube is reshaped. Before now that produced by the forming Profile or pipe in a conventional manner in a welding station longitudinal to a closed profile or tube is processed, the formed Profile or pipe in a completely new intermediate step on given Outside dimensions calibrated by means of at least one KalibrierrollenPaars. This calibration may well have the profile or pipe already on bring the desired final external dimensions, but this is not necessary is.

Gegenüber dem bisherigen Stand der Technik ist also das an sich bekannte Kalibrieren des Profils oder Rohrs auf vorgegebene Außenmaße, das im Stand der Technik immer erst nach der Schweißstation erfolgt, vor die Schweißstation verlegt worden. Dies ermöglicht, dass die in einer Rollumformanlage hergestellten Rohre und Profile in einer herkömmlichen Schweißstation überhaupt zu einem geschlossenen Profil oder Rohr verschweißt werden können. Denn, wie eingangs angesprochen, streckt sich das Material des Blechbandes beim Umformen je nach Dicke des Blechbandes in Umfangsrichtung unterschiedlich, so dass bei den Abschnitten mit kleiner Wanddicke dort, wo die Schweißnaht verlaufen soll, ein Spalt offen bleibt.Compared to the prior art so is the known calibration of the profile or tube to given outer dimensions, which in the state of The technology always takes place after the welding station, before the welding station Service. This allows the produced in a roll forming Tubes and profiles in a conventional welding station at all closed profile or pipe can be welded. Because, as in the beginning addressed, stretches the material of the sheet metal strip during forming depending on the thickness of the sheet metal strip in the circumferential direction different, so that at the sections with small wall thickness where the weld run shall, a gap remains open.

Die erfindungsgemäß modifizierte Rollumformanlage zur Durchführung des eben beschriebenen Verfahrens zeichnet sich entsprechend dadurch aus, dass mindestens ein Kalibrierrollen-Paar zwischen den Rollformwerkzeugen und der Schweißstation angeordnet ist, um das neuartige "Zwischenkalibrieren" zum Ermöglichen des herkömmlichen Längsverschweißens durchzuführen.The inventively modified Rollumformanlage for performing the just described method is characterized accordingly by the fact that at least a Kalibrierrollen pair between the roll forming tools and the Welding station is arranged to enable the novel "Zwischenkalibrieren" to enable perform the conventional longitudinal welding.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung ist es im übrigen nicht ausgeschlossen, dass die Wanddicke des verwendeten Blechbandes nicht nur in Längsrichtung, sondern zusätzlich auch entlang seines Querschnitts variiert, so dass die erfindungsgemäß hergestellten Profile und Rohre hinsichtlich des Materialaufwands exakt für den jeweiligen Anwendungsfall optimiert werden können.In the context of the invention, it is otherwise not excluded that the Wall thickness of the sheet metal strip used not only in the longitudinal direction, but additionally also varies along its cross section, so that the invention produced profiles and tubes in terms of material costs exactly for the respective application can be optimized.

Die Kalibrierrollen sind vorzugsweise in unüblicher Orientierung angeordnet. Normalerweise läuft ein Rohr oder ein geschlossenes Profil beim End-Kalibrieren nach der Schweißstation so durch die Kalibrierrollen, dass die Schweißnaht mittig durch eine der beiden Kalibrierrollen läuft. Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung soll dies gerade nicht der Fall sein; besonders bevorzugt ist vielmehr eine Anordnung der Kalibrierrollen, bei der die (gemäß der Erfindung noch gar nicht vorhandene) Schweißnaht im Randbereich zwischen den beiden Kalibrierrollen zu liegen kommt. Mit anderen Worten soll das Profil oder Rohr so durch die Kalibrierrollen geführt werden, dass die Verbindungsebene zwischen der Längs-Mittelachse des Profils oder Rohrs und der Mittellinie zwischen den Schmalseiten des Blechbandes von der Rotationsebene der Kalibrierrollen verschieden ist, bevorzugterweise in etwa rechtwinklig auf dieser steht. Dies hat folgende Vorteile:The calibration rollers are preferably arranged in unusual orientation. Normally a pipe or a closed profile runs during end calibration after the welding station so through the calibration rollers that the Weld seam runs centrally through one of the two calibration rollers. According to the present This invention should not be the case; is particularly preferred rather, an arrangement of the calibrating rollers in which the (according to the invention not yet existing) weld in the edge area between the two Calibration rolls comes to rest. In other words, the profile or pipe should be like that be guided through the calibration rollers that the connection plane between the longitudinal center axis of the profile or tube and the midline between the Narrow sides of the sheet metal strip different from the plane of rotation of the Kalibrierrollen is, preferably approximately at right angles to this. this has the following advantages:

Mit kleiner werdendem Durchmesser der Rolle, also im Bereich des Nutgrundes, verringert sich die Kontaktfläche zwischen der Kalibrierrolle und dem Rohr bzw. Profil, wodurch die Flächenpressung zunimmt. Wird nun ein noch nicht verschweißtes Rohr oder Profil in herkömmlicher Anordnung durch ein Kalibrierrollenpaar geführt, ist die Flächenpressung an den noch nicht verschweißten Bandkanten besonders hoch, was zu einer Längung derselben führt. Hieraus ergibt sich jedoch die Gefahr eines Ausknickens des Rohrs oder Profils, insbesondere in den Abschnitten mit dünner Wandstärke und an den Übergangsbereichen zwischen einer geringen und einer starken Wanddicke. Ebenso können sich Wellen im Schweißbereich bilden, was zu einem schlechten Schweißergebnis führt, und die Rohrenden können trompetenförmig aufspringen.With decreasing diameter of the roll, ie in the region of the groove bottom, reduces the contact surface between the calibration and the pipe or Profile, which increases the surface pressure. Will now not yet welded Tube or profile in a conventional arrangement by a Kalibrierrollenpaar led, is the surface pressure at the not yet welded band edges particularly high, which leads to a prolongation of the same. From this results However, the risk of buckling of the pipe or profile, in particular in the sections with thin wall thickness and at the transition areas between a low and a thick wall thickness. Likewise, they can Waves in the welding area form, resulting in a poor welding result leads, and the pipe ends can jump up trumpet-shaped.

Mit der bevorzugten, neuen Anordnung der Kalibrierrollen werden diese Effekte verhindert, da die besonders hohen Flächenpressungen nicht mehr bei den Bandkanten auftreten. Gleichwohl werden durch das Kalibrieren die in den dünnen Abschnitten des Rohres bzw. Profils vorhandenen Spalte an den Bandkanten geschlossen, so dass ein nachfolgendes Längsverschweißen keine Probleme mehr macht.With the preferred, new arrangement of Kalibrierrollen these effects prevented because the particularly high surface pressures no longer in the Band edges occur. Nevertheless, by calibrating in the thin Sections of the pipe or profile existing column at the strip edges closed, so that a subsequent longitudinal welding no problems More force.

Bevorzugterweise wird ein Blechband verwendet, bei dem die Abschnitte unterschiedlicher Banddicke so aneinander gesetzt sind, dass die Bandmitten der verschiedenen Abschnitte jeweils aneinander liegen. Die neutrale Faser beim Umformen liegt dann also immer mittig im Material, was die Schubspannungen zwischen den verschiedenen Blechdicken vorteilhaft minimiert. Durch das Zwischenkalibrieren werden die Außenmaße egalisiert, so dass der Dickensprung dann letztendlich innen im Rohr oder Profil liegt.Preferably, a sheet metal strip is used in which the sections of different Band thickness are set together so that the bands of the different sections each lie together. The neutral fiber at Forming is then always in the middle of the material, what the shear stresses advantageously minimized between the different sheet thicknesses. By the intermediate calibration the outside dimensions are equalized, so that the fat jump then ultimately lies inside the pipe or profile.

Das Umformen des Blechbandes kann mittels Rollformwerkzeugen vorgenommen werden, die paarweise zusammenwirkend jeweils einen Walzspalt bilden, wobei die lichte Weite des Walzspaltes entsprechend der Banddicke des momentan darin befindlichen Abschnitts des Blechbandes variiert wird. Dies kann durch eine lageveränderliche Ausbildung eines von zwei paarweise zusammenwirkenden Rollformwerkzeugen erzielt werden, wobei dieses vorzugsweise senkrecht zur Längsrichtung des Blechbandes bewegt wird. Durch diese Anpassung des Walzspaltes an variierende anstehende Blechdicken wird vermieden, dass entweder der Walzspalt für dünne Abschnitte des Blechbandes zu groß ist, was eine undefinierte Verformung des Bandes zur Folge hätte, oder aber für dicke Abschnitte des Bandes zu eng ist, was durch Pressungen einerseits zu einem schlechten Produktionsergebnis führen und andererseits die Lager der Rollformwerkzeuge gefährden würde.The forming of the sheet metal strip can be carried out by means of roll forming tools which form a nip, cooperating in pairs, wherein the inside width of the roll gap corresponding to the strip thickness of the moment therein section of the sheet metal strip is varied. This can by a positionally variable training one of two pairwise cooperating Rollformwerkzeugzeugen be achieved, this preferably is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal strip. Through this adaptation the roll gap to varying upcoming sheet thicknesses is avoided either the roll gap is too large for thin sections of the sheet metal strip, which would result in an undefined deformation of the band, or for thick sections of the tape is too tight, which is due to pressing on the one hand too lead to a poor production result and on the other hand, the bearings of the Roll forming tools would endanger.

Besonders bevorzugt werden die zum Variieren des Walzspalts lageveränderlich ausgebildeten Rollformwerkzeuge mit einem motorischen, hydraulischen oder pneumatischen Verstellmechanismus versehen oder aber sie werden federbelastet lageveränderlich ausgebildet, so dass sie sich selbsttätig auf die Dicke des momentan darin befindlichen Abschnitts des Blechbandes einstellen.Particularly preferred are the variable in order to vary the roll gap trained rollforming tools with a motorized, hydraulic or provided pneumatic adjustment mechanism or they are spring loaded formed variable in position, so that they are self-acting on the thickness set the currently located therein section of the sheet metal strip.

Die Bewegungen der lagerveränderlichen Rollformwerkzeuge können entsprechend dem Verlauf der Dicke des Blechbandes aktiv gesteuert werden, beispielsweise mittels eines Computers, in welchem der Dickenverlauf des Blechbandes eingespeichert ist, während der Produktionsfortschritt vorzugsweise über eine Weglängenmesseinrichtung an den Computer gemeldet wird, oder beispielsweise entsprechend den von einer Sensoreinheit zur Banddickenmessung gemessenen Werten; die Bewegungen der lageveränderlichen Rollformwerkzeuge können aber auch passiv durch eine Federbelastung oder beispielsweise mittels einer Überdruckbegrenzung eines hydraulischen Verstellmechanismus erzielt werden: Das lageveränderliche Rollformwerkzeug gibt dann gegen die Federkraft oder aufgrund der Überdruckbegrenzung nach, wenn sich das Blechband im Walzspalt verdickt, während sich der Walzspalt dann ebenso selbsttätig wieder verengt, wenn sich die zwischenliegende Banddicke verringert. Hierdurch kann sich, auch wenn die oben genannte aktive Steuerung des Walzspalts dennoch zusätzlich vorgesehen sein kann, die Rollumformanlage jeder Blechbandtopografie selbsttätig anpassen, ohne dass es nötig wäre, vorher irgendwelche Daten in der Steuerung zu hinterlegen oder eine aufwendige Sensorik einzubauen.The movements of the storable roll forming tools can accordingly the course of the thickness of the sheet metal strip are actively controlled, for example by means of a computer, in which the thickness of the sheet metal strip is stored during the production progress preferably over a Weglängenmesseinrichtung is reported to the computer, or for example corresponding to that of a sensor unit for measuring strip thickness measured values; the movements of the positionally variable roll forming tools but can also passively by a spring load or for example by means of an overpressure limitation of a hydraulic adjusting mechanism be achieved: The variable position rollforming tool then gives against the Spring force or due to the overpressure limitation after, when the sheet metal strip thickened in the nip, while the nip then also automatically again narrowed as the intermediate strip thickness decreases. hereby can, even if the above-mentioned active control of the nip yet may additionally be provided, the Rollumformanlage each Blechbandtopografie adjust automatically, without it being necessary, before any Store data in the controller or install a complex sensor system.

Anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen wird die Erfindung beispielhaft weiter erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines Gestells mit Rollformwerkzeugen in erfindungsgemäßer Ausführung nebst schematischer Darstellung eines hydraulischen Verstellmechanismus;
Figur 2
eine schematische Darstellung eines durch Rollumformen hergestellten zylindrischen Rohrs mit drei Abschnitten unterschiedlicher Wanddicke;
Figur 3
eine schematische Darstellung eines Kalibrierrollenpaars mit durchlaufendem Rohr.
Reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is further exemplified. Show it:
FIG. 1
a schematic representation of a frame with roll forming tools according to the invention along with a schematic representation of a hydraulic adjusting mechanism;
FIG. 2
a schematic representation of a roll produced cylindrical tube with three sections of different wall thickness;
FIG. 3
a schematic representation of a Kalibrierrollenpaars with continuous pipe.

Figur 1 zeigt schematisch die Ansicht eines Gestells 1, in dem an einer oberen Antriebswelle 2 ein oberes Rollformwerkzeug 3 und an einer unteren Antriebswelle 4 ein unteres Rollformwerkzeug 5 gelagert sind. In dem durch die zusammenwirkenden Rollformwerkzeuge 3, 5 gebildeten Walzspalt 6 ist ein bereits teilweise profiliertes Blechband 7 zu erkennen. Eine erfindungsgemäße Rollumformanlage besteht in der Regel aus einer Vielzahl von solchen, hintereinander angeordneten Gestellen, wobei die Rollformwerkzeuge dem jeweiligen Umformschritt angepasst verschieden ausgebildet sind.Figure 1 shows schematically the view of a frame 1, in which at an upper Drive shaft 2, an upper roll forming tool 3 and a lower drive shaft 4, a lower roll forming tool 5 are mounted. In that by the cooperating Roll forming tools 3, 5 formed nip 6 is an already partially profiled sheet metal strip 7 to recognize. A roll forming machine according to the invention usually consists of a large number of such, one behind the other arranged racks, wherein the roll forming tools the respective forming step adapted differently.

Die Besonderheit des dargestellten Gestells 1 besteht darin, dass die obere Antriebswelle 2 nicht fest auf dem Gestell 1 sitzt, sondern höhenveränderlich gelagert ist. Hierzu sind zwei Hydraulikzylindereinheiten 8a und 8b vorgesehen, die sich einerseits am Gestell 1 und andererseits an den Lagern 9a, 9b der oberen Antriebswelle 2 abstützen. Es handelt sich hier um doppelt wirkende Hydraulikzylinder, mit denen eine definierte Höhenveränderung der oberen Antriebswelle 2 und damit eine definierte Einstellung des Walzspalts 6 erzielt werden kann.The peculiarity of the illustrated frame 1 is that the upper drive shaft 2 is not firmly seated on the frame 1, but stored vertically adjustable is. For this purpose, two hydraulic cylinder units 8a and 8b are provided which on the one hand on the frame 1 and on the other hand on the bearings 9a, 9b of the upper Support drive shaft 2. These are double-acting hydraulic cylinders, with which a defined change in height of the upper drive shaft 2 and thus a defined setting of the roll gap 6 can be achieved.

Die hydraulische Beschaltung der Hydraulikzylinder 8a, 8b ist in Figur 1 schematisch dargestellt. Die Hydraulikzylinder 8 werden von einer Pumpe 10 über ein Rückschlagventil 11 und ein Zweiwegeventil 12 mit Hydrauliköl versorgt. Das Zweiwegeventil 12 ermöglicht eine Umsteuerung der Hydraulikzylinder 8: Wird die Leitung A druckbeaufschlagt, verstellt sich die obere Antriebswelle 2 bis zu einem oberen Anschlag und somit zu einer maximalen Öffnung des Walzspalts 6; wird durch ein Betätigen des Zweiwegeventils 12, wie in Figur 1 dargestellt, die Leitung B druckbeaufschlagt, senkt sich die Antriebswelle 2 bis zu einem unteren Anschlag, so dass sich der Walzspalt 6 bis zu seiner kleinsten Ausdehnung schließt. Das Zweiwegeventil 12 ermöglicht also im Zusammenwirken mit den doppelt wirkenden Hydraulikzylindern 8 die oben beschriebene aktive Steuerung des Walzspalts 6, was insbesondere dann völlig ausreichend ist, wenn lediglich zwei unterschiedliche Blechbanddicken verarbeitet werden.The hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic cylinders 8a, 8b is schematic in FIG shown. The hydraulic cylinders 8 are from a pump 10 via a check valve 11 and a two-way valve 12 supplied with hydraulic oil. The Two-way valve 12 allows a reversal of the hydraulic cylinder 8: Will the line A is pressurized, the upper drive shaft 2 adjusted up to an upper stop and thus to a maximum opening of the roll gap 6; is achieved by actuating the two-way valve 12, as shown in Figure 1, the line B pressurized, the drive shaft 2 lowers to a bottom stop, allowing the nip 6 to its smallest extent closes. The two-way valve 12 thus allows in cooperation with the double-acting hydraulic cylinders 8, the active control described above of the roll gap 6, which is particularly sufficient, in particular only two different sheet metal strip thicknesses are processed.

Zusätzlich zum Zweiwegeventil 12 ist im Hydraulikschaltbild der Figur 1 noch ein Überdruckventil 13 zu erkennen, das von einer Druckmesseinrichtung 14 betätigt wird, sobald der im Hydrauliksystem herrschende hydraulische Druck einen Schwellenwert übersteigt. Diese einfache Maßnahme ermöglicht im Zusammenspiel mit einer geeignet leistungsfähigen Pumpe 10 eine automatische Regelung des Walzdrucks zwischen dem oberen Rollformwerkzeug 3 und dem unteren Rollformwerkzeug 5 auf einen konstanten Wert, und zwar unabhängig von der Größe des Walzspalts 6 und damit unabhängig von der Dicke des Blechbands 7. Denn sobald ein dickerer Abschnitt des Blechbands 7 in den Walzspalt 6 gerät, erhöht sich der Walzdruck und somit der Druck in der Leitung B. Wird nun das Überdruckventil 13 geöffnet, gibt das obere Rollformwerkzeug 3 nach, indem sich die obere Antriebswelle 2 nach oben bewegt, und zwar solange, bis der hydraulische Druck in der Leitung B wieder unter den Schwellenwert zur Betätigung des Überdruckventils 13 sinkt. Die Pumpe 10 sorgt dann dafür, dass der hydraulische Druck nicht weiter abfällt und somit der Walzdruck zwischen den Rollformwerkzeugen 3 und 5 aufrechterhalten bleibt. Wenn umgekehrt das Blechband 7 im Walzspalt 6 dünner wird, sorgt der von der Pumpe 10 aufgebaute hydraulische Druck in der Leitung B dafür, dass die obere Antriebswelle 2 umgehend nach unten bewegt wird, so dass sich der Walzspalt 6 zwischen dem oberen Rollformwerkzeug 3 und dem unteren Rollformwerkzeug 5 entsprechend schließt.In addition to the two-way valve 12 is in the hydraulic circuit diagram of Figure 1 is still a Recognize pressure relief valve 13, which is actuated by a pressure measuring device 14 As soon as the prevailing in the hydraulic system hydraulic pressure a Exceeds threshold. This simple measure allows interaction with a suitable powerful pump 10 automatic control the rolling pressure between the upper Rollformwerkzeug 3 and the lower Rollformwerkzeug 5 to a constant value, regardless of the Size of the roll gap 6 and thus independent of the thickness of the metal strip. 7 Because as soon as a thicker section of the metal strip 7 gets into the nip 6, increases the rolling pressure and thus the pressure in the line B. Will now the Relief valve 13 is opened, the upper roll forming tool 3 yields by the upper drive shaft 2 moves upward, and that until the hydraulic pressure in line B is again below the threshold for actuation of the pressure relief valve 13 decreases. The pump 10 then ensures that the hydraulic pressure does not drop further and thus the rolling pressure between the Roll Forming Tools 3 and 5 is maintained. If conversely that Sheet metal strip 7 in the nip 6 becomes thinner, the constructed by the pump 10 provides hydraulic pressure in the line B for the upper drive shaft 2 is moved down immediately, so that the nip 6 between the upper roll forming tool 3 and the lower roll forming tool 5 accordingly closes.

Der in Figur 1 dargestellte hydraulische Verstellmechanismus kombiniert also eine aktive Steuerungsmöglichkeit der Walzspaltöffnung mittels des Zweiwegeventils 12 mit einer automatischen Regelung des Walzdrucks mittels des Überdruckventils 13. Bei abrupten Dickenänderungen des Blechbandes 7 kann es durchaus vorteilhaft sein, die Änderung des Walzspalts 6 über eine aktive Umsteuerung des Zweiwegeventils 12 vorzunehmen, gegebenenfalls auch zusätzlich zur automatischen Walzdruckregelung. Umgekehrt übernimmt das Überdruckventil 13 im aktiven Steuerungsmodus unabhängig von der Möglichkeit einer Regelung des Walzdrucks eine Sicherungsfunktion gegen unzulässige Drücke im Hydrauliksystem.The illustrated in Figure 1 hydraulic adjustment mechanism thus combines an active control of the roll gap opening by means of the two-way valve 12 with an automatic control of the rolling pressure by means of the pressure relief valve 13. With abrupt changes in thickness of the sheet metal strip 7 it can be quite advantageous, the change of the roll gap 6 via an active reversal make the two-way valve 12, possibly also in addition for automatic roller pressure control. Conversely, the pressure relief valve takes over 13 in active control mode regardless of the possibility of a Regulation of the rolling pressure a safety function against impermissible pressures in the hydraulic system.

Figur 2 zeigt schematisch ein mittels Rollumformen aus einem Blechband mit drei unterschiedlichen Dickenabschnitten hergestelltes zylindrisches Rohr 18. Ein erster Abschnitt 15 weist eine stärkerer Wanddicke auf, so dass die Bandkanten auf Stoß liegen. Ein zweiter Abschnitt 15', der mit dem ersten Abschnitt 15 mittig verschweißt ist, weist eine geringere Wanddicke auf, weshalb hier die Bandkanten nicht auf Stoß liegen, sondern ein Spalt verbleibt, der ein einfaches Längsverschweißen zum Schließen des Rohrs 18 unmöglich macht. Am anderen Ende des zweiten Abschnitts 15' ist ein dritter Abschnitt 15" angeschweißt, der wiederum dieselbe Wanddicke aufweist, wie der erste Abschnitt 15.FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a sheet metal strip by means of roll forming cylindrical tube 18 made of three different thicknesses. A first portion 15 has a thicker wall thickness, so that the band edges lying on bump. A second section 15 'associated with the first section 15 is welded in the center, has a smaller wall thickness, which is why the here Band edges are not on impact, but a gap remains, which is a simple Longitudinal welding makes it impossible to close the tube 18. At the other End of the second portion 15 ', a third portion 15 "is welded, the again has the same wall thickness as the first section 15th

Figur 2 zeigt also die Situation vor dem erfindungsgemäßen Kalibrieren und Längsverschweißen zum Fertigstellen des Rohrs 18.FIG. 2 thus shows the situation before the calibration according to the invention and FIG Longitudinal welding for finishing the tube 18.

In Figur 3 ist nun ein Kalibrierrollenpaar 16, 17 schematisch dargestellt, in welchem das Rohr 18 aus Figur 2 vor dem Verschweißen zwischenkalibriert wird. Die Stoßkante 19, also die spätere Schweißnaht, liegt im Randbereich zwischen den beiden Kalibrierrollen 16 und 17; die Verbindungsebene zwischen der Stoßkante 19 und der Längs-Mittelachse des Rohrs 18 steht also senkrecht auf der Rotationsebene der beiden Kalibrierrollen 16 und 17. Wie bereits beschrieben, bestehen die größten Flächenpressungen am Rohr 18 in der Rotationsebene der beiden Kalibrierrollen 16, 17, hier also vorteilhafterweise nicht im Bereich der Stoßkante 19. Im Gegenteil: Da die Stoßkante 19 sich im Berührungsbereich der beiden Kalibrierrollen 16, 17 befindet, ist dort kaum mit einer Längung des Rohrmaterials zu rechnen, so dass sich zwar der in Figur 2 dargestellte Spalt schließt, jedoch keine Welligkeit oder ein Ausknicken des Materials an der Stoßkante 19 zu befürchten ist. Das nachfolgende Längsverschweißen zur Fertigstellung des Rohrs 18 kann also in herkömmlicher Weise erfolgen. Gegebenenfalls kann selbstverständlich auch ein End-Kalibrieren nach der Schweißstation zusätzlich durchgeführt werden. In Figure 3, a Kalibrierrollenpaar 16, 17 is now shown schematically, in which the tube 18 of Figure 2 is intermediately calibrated prior to welding. The abutting edge 19, ie the subsequent weld, lies in the edge area between the two calibration rollers 16 and 17; the connection plane between the abutting edge 19 and the longitudinal center axis of the tube 18 is thus perpendicular to the Plane of rotation of the two calibration rollers 16 and 17. As already described, exist the largest surface pressures on the tube 18 in the plane of rotation of the Both calibration rollers 16, 17, so here advantageously not in the field of Butt edge 19. On the contrary: Since the abutting edge 19 in the contact area of two calibration rollers 16, 17 is there hardly with an elongation of the Pipe material to be expected, so that although the gap shown in Figure 2 closes, but no ripple or buckling of the material on the Impingement edge 19 is to be feared. The subsequent longitudinal welding for completion of the tube 18 can thus be done in a conventional manner. Possibly can of course also a final calibration after the welding station be carried out additionally.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Gestellframe
22
Antriebswelle (obere)Drive shaft (upper)
33
Rollformwerkzeug (oberes)Rollforming tool (upper)
44
Antriebswelle (untere)Drive shaft (lower)
55
Rollformwerkzeug (unteres)Rollforming tool (lower)
66
Walzspaltnip
77
Blechbandmetal strip
88th
Hydraulikzylinderhydraulic cylinders
99
Lager (von 2)Stock (of 2)
1010
Pumpepump
1111
Rückschlagventilcheck valve
1212
ZweiwegeventilTwo-way valve
1313
ÜberdruckventilPressure relief valve
1414
DruckmesseinrichtungPressure measuring device
15, 15', 15"15, 15 ', 15 "
Abschnitt (von 18)Section (from 18)
1616
Kalibrierrollecalibrating
1717
Kalibrierrollecalibrating
1818
Rohrpipe
1919
Stoßkanteimpact edge

Claims (20)

  1. Method of producing a closed metal profile or metal pipe, the wall thickness of which varies along its longitudinal axis, with the following method steps:
    shaping a sheet metal strip (7) with a strip thickness which varies along its length into a profile or pipe (18) by means of roll forming tools (3, 5),
    calibrating the profile or pipe (18) in at least one pair of calibrating rollers (16, 17) to predetermined external dimensions,
    welding together the narrow sides of the sheet metal strip which lie adjacent to one another through the shaping and calibration in order to complete a closed profile or pipe.
  2. Method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the profile or pipe is guided through the calibrating rollers so that the plane of connection between the longitudinal central axis of the profile or pipe and the centre line between the edges of the sheet metal strip is different from a plane of rotation of the calibrating rollers.
  3. Method as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in that the plane of connection between the longitudinal central axis of the profile or pipe and the centre line between the edges of the sheet metal strip is set approximately at right angles to the plane of rotation of the calibrating rollers.
  4. Method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a sheet metal strip is used in which the portions of different strip thickness are set relative to one another so that the strip centres of the different portions each lie adjacent to one another.
  5. Method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the shaping of the sheet metal strip into a profile or pipe is carried out by means of roll forming tools, which co-operate in pairs and form a roller gap the internal width of which is varied corresponding to the strip thickness of the portion of the sheet metal strip located therein at that moment.
  6. Method as claimed in Claim 5, characterised in that the roller gaps are adjusted automatically to the thickness of the section of the sheet metal strip located therein at that moment due to the use of the roll forming tools, in which at least one of two roll forming tools which co-operate in pairs is constructed so as to change position by motorised, a springloaded, hydraulic or pneumatic means.
  7. Method as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that the roll forming tools which can change position are pre-tensioned and/or displaced pneumatically or hydraulically.
  8. Method as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that the movements of the roll forming tools which can change position are actively controlled according to the configuration of the thickness of the sheet metal strip.
  9. Method as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that the movements are controlled by a computer in which the thickness configuration of the sheet metal strip is stored, wherein the progress of production is reported to the computer over a path length measuring device.
  10. Method as claimed in any one of Claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the movement of the roll forming tools which can change position is controlled according to values measured by one or more sensor units for strip thickness measurement.
  11. Roll forming apparatus for carrying out the method as claimed in Claim 1, with a plurality of roll forming tools (3, 5) for shaping a sheet metal strip (7) into a metal profile or metal pipe (18), with a welding station for longitudinal welding of the shaped sheet metal strip (7) into a closed metal profile or metal pipe (18), and with at least one pair of calibrating rollers (16, 17) for calibrating the profile or pipe (18) to predetermined external dimensions, characterised in that the calibrating rollers (16, 17) are disposed between the roll forming tools (3, 5) and the welding station.
  12. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that the calibrating rollers (16, 17) are disposed so that the plane of connection between the longitudinal central axis of the profile or pipe (18) and the centre line between edges (19) of the sheet metal strip (7) is different from the plane of rotation of the calibrating rollers (16, 17).
  13. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, characterised in that the plane of connection between the longitudinal central axis of the profile or pipe (18) and the centre line between the edges (19) of the sheet metal strip (7) is substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the calibrating rollers (16).
  14. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13, characterised in that at least part of the roll forming tools (5, 6) are disposed so as to co-operate in pairs so that in each case they form a roller gap (6) for simultaneous action on the sheet metal strip (7) guided through the roll-forming tools (3, 5), wherein in each case at least one of two roll forming tools (3) which co-operate in pairs is constructed so that it can change position relative to the respective associated roll forming tool (5) for adjustment of the roller gap (6) to a varying thickness of the sheet metal strip (7) during the shaping process.
  15. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, characterised in that the roll forming tools (3) which can change position are constructed so as to change position by spring loading.
  16. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 14 or 15, characterised in that the roll forming tools (3) which can change position are provided with a motorised, hydraulic or pneumatic displacement mechanism (8).
  17. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, characterised in that the displacement mechanism (8) is provided with an over-pressure limit (13) for the roller pressure.
  18. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 16 or 17, characterised in that the displacement mechanism (8) is provided with a controller for adjusting the roller gap (6) as a function of the varying thickness of the sheet metal strip (7).
  19. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, characterised in that the controller comprises a memory in which the thickness configuration of the sheet metal strip (7) is stored.
  20. Roll forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, characterised in that the controller of the displacement mechanism (8) is connected to a sensor unit for strip thickness measurement.
EP04006468A 2003-04-10 2004-03-18 Method and apparatus for producing a closed metal profile or metal pipe having a longitudinally varying wall thickness Expired - Lifetime EP1466676B1 (en)

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DE10316336A DE10316336A1 (en) 2003-04-10 2003-04-10 Method and device for producing a closed metal profile or metal tube with wall thickness varying in the longitudinal direction
DE10316336 2003-04-10

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AT (1) ATE306334T1 (en)
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US9033398B2 (en) * 2010-03-29 2015-05-19 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Multi-thickness tube for hydroformed members
WO2021226293A2 (en) * 2020-05-05 2021-11-11 Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. Method for continuous manufacturing of permanent magnets
CN112605124B (en) * 2020-11-27 2022-07-05 苏州吉润汽车零部件有限公司 Rolling equipment and forming method for continuous variable cross-section thin steel plate
CN115155933B (en) * 2022-07-14 2023-06-09 润达光伏盐城有限公司 Waist-shaped welding strip straightening and coating device for photovoltaic module production

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US3858785A (en) * 1971-12-30 1975-01-07 Olin Corp Apparatus for making heat exchanger tube
US3861462A (en) * 1971-12-30 1975-01-21 Olin Corp Heat exchange tube
US4047411A (en) * 1977-01-03 1977-09-13 The Boeing Company Numerically controlled pyramid roll forming machine
US4317350A (en) * 1978-11-20 1982-03-02 E. W. Sivachenko Corrugated plate having variable material thickness and method for making same
US4603806A (en) * 1983-08-11 1986-08-05 Nippon Steel Corporation Method of manufacturing metal pipe with longitudinally differentiated wall thickness
US5720195A (en) * 1995-11-17 1998-02-24 Abbey Etna Machine Company Lower forming roll removal and replacement structure
DE19604357B4 (en) * 1996-02-07 2004-06-24 Benteler Ag Process for the production of pipes with sections of different wall thickness
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DE19807830B4 (en) * 1998-02-26 2005-10-20 Vaw Alutubes Gmbh Method for producing bodywork and chassis parts for vehicles
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DE50102916D1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2004-08-26 Dreistern Werk Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co Kg Method and device for producing a metal profile
US6527056B2 (en) * 2001-04-02 2003-03-04 Ctes, L.C. Variable OD coiled tubing strings

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EP1466676A1 (en) 2004-10-13
US20040245321A1 (en) 2004-12-09
CA2464912A1 (en) 2004-10-10
DE10316336A1 (en) 2004-11-04
ATE306334T1 (en) 2005-10-15
DE502004000095D1 (en) 2006-02-23

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