U.S. patent application number 10/180236 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for tool for locally forming a workpiece.
Invention is credited to Gray, Luke George Mark.
Application Number | 20040000182 10/180236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29778886 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040000182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gray, Luke George Mark |
January 1, 2004 |
Tool for locally forming a workpiece
Abstract
A forming or re-rounding machine has a pair of concentric inner
and outer rings supported with a gap between the rings. The support
of the rings provides for both axial and rotational movement. A can
or shell having a section to be formed, or a damaged portion for
re-rounding, is inserted into the gap. Hydraulic rams are mounted
in a radial pattern into the outer edge of the inner ring and the
inner edge of the outer ring, facing the gap. The inner and outer
rings can be oriented so that the hydraulic rams in each ring can
be directly opposed to the hydraulic rams in the opposing ring, or
alternatively, can be offset from adjacent hydraulic rams in the
opposing ring. In a vertically oriented embodiment, the forming or
re-rounding machine has a pair of concentric rings suspended from a
crane or I-beam support with a gap between the rings.
Inventors: |
Gray, Luke George Mark;
(Waterloo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kathryn W. Grant
THE BABCOCK & WILCOX COMPANY - PATENT DEPARTMENT
20 S. Van Buren Avenue
Barberton
OH
44203
US
|
Family ID: |
29778886 |
Appl. No.: |
10/180236 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
72/399 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 41/00 20130101;
B21D 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
72/399 |
International
Class: |
B21D 041/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A machine for forming a workpiece, comprising: an inner ring; an
outer ring concentric with and surrounding the inner ring about an
axis to form a gap between the inner and outer rings, the gap for
receiving the workpiece between the inner and outer rings; at least
a pair of hydraulic rams, at least one hydraulic ram mounted to
each of the inner and outer rings so as to extend into the gap; and
a support connected to each of the inner and outer rings for moving
the inner and outer rings back and forth along the axis and
rotating the inner and outer rings about the axis to align at least
one of the at least a pair of hydraulic rams over an area of the
workpiece.
2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein each hydraulic ram
comprises an hydraulic cylinder connected to a ram head.
3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are directly opposed.
4. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are offset from each other.
5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer
rings are offset from each other.
6. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising means for
rotating the workpiece.
7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner ring
comprises at least a pair of inner rings and the outer ring
comprises at least a pair of outer rings, the at least a pair of
inner and outer rings being arranged in at least a pair of sets of
concentric inner and outer rings forming gaps therebetween, the at
least a pair of sets connected together and having the gaps aligned
with each other for receiving the workpiece.
8. A machine for providing a cylindrical workpiece with a round
circumference, comprising: an inner ring; an outer ring concentric
with and surrounding the inner ring to form a gap between the inner
and outer rings, the gap for receiving the workpiece between the
inner and outer rings; at least a pair of hydraulic rams, at least
one hydraulic ram mounted to each of the inner and outer rings so
as to extend into the gap; and a vertically displaceable support
connected to each of the inner and outer rings for moving the inner
and outer rings up and down and rotating the inner and outer rings
to align at least one of the at least a pair of hydraulic rams over
an area of the workpiece.
9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein each hydraulic ram
comprises an hydraulic cylinder connected to a ram head.
10. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are directly opposed.
11. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are offset from each other.
12. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the vertically
displaceable support comprises rods attached to the inner and outer
rings and connected to cables.
13. A machine for providing a cylindrical workpiece with a round
circumference, comprising: an inner ring; an outer ring concentric
with and surrounding the inner ring to form a gap between the inner
and outer rings, the gap for receiving the workpiece between the
inner and outer rings; at least a pair of hydraulic rams, at least
one hydraulic ram mounted to each of the inner and outer rings so
as to extend into the gap; and a horizontally displaceable support
connected to each of the inner and outer rings for moving the inner
and outer rings right and left and rotating the inner and outer
rings to align at least one of the at least a pair of hydraulic
rams over an area of the workpiece.
14. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the outer ring is
segmented.
15. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the outer ring
comprises at least one segment, the at least one segment only
partially surrounding the workpiece.
16. The machine according to claim 13, wherein each hydraulic ram
comprises an hydraulic cylinder connected to a ram head.
17. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are directly opposed.
18. The machine according to claim 13, wherein the inner and outer
rings are oriented so that the at least one hydraulic ram mounted
to the inner ring and the at least one hydraulic ram mounted to the
outer ring are offset from each other.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
forming or re-rounding metal cans and shells and in particular to a
new and useful hydraulic forming tool for providing a damaged
cylinder with a round shape.
[0002] Relatively large metal shells and cans are used in a wide
variety of applications including use as coverings to protect
mechanical and electrical devices and provide a uniform appearance,
and as components of thick-walled pressure vessels. Often, these
shells and cans must be formed to have a perfectly round, or
circular, shape in order to fit as intended.
[0003] For a general description of methods of making pressure
vessels, the reader is referred to Chapters 38 and 52 of Steam/Its
Generation and Use, 40th Edition, The Babcock and Wilcox Company,
Barberton, Ohio, U.S.A., .COPYRGT.1992, the text of which is hereby
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0004] In addition, metal shells and cans can become deformed due
to contact with heavy objects or from damage that occurs during
manufacturing or shipping. As a result, it is necessary to re-form
the shells and cans into a perfectly round cylinder again.
[0005] Prior methods for forming or re-rounding metal shells and
cans include hitting the cans with an uncontrolled hammer, rolling
or re-rolling the cans in a rolling machine and pressing the shell
or can from the inside curvature with a single post and ram
device.
[0006] The prior methods and devices are unsatisfactory because
they are inaccurate and can affect other regions of the cans and
shells besides those being re-rounded. Flexing of the entire can,
including areas not being formed or re-rounded, can occur as a
result of using each of the prior devices, since a small area
cannot be worked in isolation. As a result, one can end up chasing
a deformation around the can in what is known as "radial chasing."
(So-called "axial chasing", along the length of the can, tends to
be minimal.) Further, prior devices require significant mechanical
force, especially to form or re-round large, thick-walled cans. As
a result, the prior devices are somewhat unsafe due to the nature
of the forces being applied to the cans and shells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
forming or re-rounding machine which is safer to use than known
machines.
[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a forming or
re-rounding machine which does not adversely affect other sections
of a can or shell being formed or re-rounded.
[0009] In one embodiment, the machine for forming a workpiece has a
single set of concentric inner and outer rings which can be
independently moved back and forth along and rotated about a
damaged can to align one of the hydraulic rams on the appropriate
side of the damaged can to contact a damaged area. Once the rings
are positioned, the aligned one of the hydraulic rams is activated
to press the can wall back into round. Accordingly, a machine for
forming a workpiece is provided having a pair of concentric rings
and a support connected to each of the rings, with a gap between
the rings. One ring is an inner ring, the other is an outer ring.
The support includes means for rotating the rings about the ring
axis and means for moving the rings back and forth along the ring
axis. A can or shell having a portion to be formed or a damaged
portion for re-rounding is inserted into the gap. Hydraulic rams
are mounted into the outer edge of the inner ring and the inner
edge of the outer ring, facing the gap. The inner and outer rings
can be oriented so that the hydraulic rams in each ring can be
directly opposed to the hydraulic rams in the opposing ring, or
alternatively, can be offset from adjacent hydraulic rams in the
opposing ring.
[0010] In another embodiment, the machine has multiple sets of
concentric inner and outer rings which can be rotated using the
support. This embodiment of the machine has a reduced need for
movement back and forth along the ring axis, because one of the
hydraulic rams in any one of the multiple sets of rings can be
quickly aligned over the damaged area of the can.
[0011] In a vertical embodiment, a forming or re-rounding machine
has a single set of concentric inner and outer rings which can be
raised, lowered and rotated about a damaged can to align one of the
hydraulic rams on the appropriate side of the damaged can to
contact a damaged area. Accordingly, a vertically oriented forming
or re-rounding machine is provided having a pair of concentric
rings suspended from a crane, or beam support, or other vertically
movable support, with a gap between the rings. One ring is an inner
ring, the other is an outer ring. A can or shell having a damaged
portion for re-rounding is inserted into the gap. Hydraulic rams
are mounted horizontally into the outer edge of the inner ring and
the inner edge of the outer ring, facing the gap. The inner and
outer rings can be oriented so that the hydraulic rams in each ring
can be directly opposed to the hydraulic rams in the opposing ring,
or can instead, be offset from adjacent hydraulic rams in the
opposing ring.
[0012] In a horizontal embodiment, the forming or re-rounding
machine has a single set of concentric inner and outer rings which
can be moved right and left and rotated about a damaged can to
align one of the hydraulic rams on the appropriate side of the
damaged can to contact a damaged area. Accordingly, a horizontally
oriented re-rounding machine is provided having a pair of
concentric rings supported by a horizontally movable support, with
a gap between the rings. One ring is an inner ring, the other is an
outer ring. A can or shell having a damaged portion for re-rounding
is inserted into the gap. Hydraulic rams are mounted vertically
into the outer edge of the inner ring and the inner edge of the
outer ring, facing the gap. The inner and outer rings can be
oriented so that the hydraulic rams in each ring can be directly
opposed to the hydraulic rams in the opposing ring, or can instead,
be offset from adjacent hydraulic rams in the opposing ring.
[0013] The various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a forming or re-rounding
machine of the invention illustrating the position of a can being
formed or re-rounded in phantom lines;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a vertical embodiment
of the forming or re-rounding machine of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment
of the forming or re-rounding machine of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a horizontal embodiment
of the forming or re-rounding machine of FIG. 1; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative to the
horizontal embodiment of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, FIGS. 1
and 2 show a machine 10 for forming or re-rounding a workpiece 100,
such as a cylindrical can or metal shell, having a pair of
concentric rings 20, 25. One ring is an inner ring 20, while the
other is an outer ring 25. A gap 40 is formed between the rings 20,
25.
[0021] Each of the inner and outer rings 20, 25 carries several
hydraulic rams 60, 80, respectively. The hydraulic rams 60, 80 are
oriented in a radial pattern within the respective rings 20, 25.
Inner hydraulic rams 60 are arranged to extend from the outer edge
of the inner ring 20, while outer hydraulic rams 80 are positioned
to extend into gap 40 from the inner edge of outer ring 25.
[0022] Each hydraulic ram 60, 80 has a hydraulic cylinder 50 and a
ram head 70 connected to the cylinder by bolt connector 72.
Hydraulic feeds 74 are used to supply and remove a hydraulic
pressure for each of the hydraulic cylinders 50.
[0023] In each embodiment described below, a workpiece 100 is
positioned next to the rings 20, 25, and the rings are moved along
the ring axis so that the workpiece 100 ends up within gap 40
having inner ring 20 on the inside of the can 100 and outer ring 25
on the outside of the can 100. An operator then positions the
hydraulic rams 60, 80 within the rings 20, 25 along the ring axis
and circumferentially about the ring axis to align at least one
hydraulic ram 60, 80 over an area of the can 100 to be formed or
re-rounded. Once the hydraulic ram 60, 80 is aligned, the operator
may leave the area, and the selected one(s) of the hydraulic rams
60, 80 is fired by supplying and subsequently removing hydraulic
pressure to cylinders 50 through feeds 74. The ram head 70 impacts
the appropriate side of the can 100 and re-rounds the damaged
region.
[0024] The ring arrangement of the forming or re-rounding machine
10 permits rapid positioning of the hydraulic rams 60, 80. Further,
the rings 20, 25 may be positioned by a local operator, or a remote
operator. The hydraulic rams 60, 80 are not activated and do not
need to be loaded until all of the operators have left the
immediate area, thereby increasing the safety of using the forming
or re-rounding machine 10 of the invention over known devices.
[0025] For the vertical orientation depicted in FIG. 2, the inner
and outer rings 20, 25 are suspended from a support 110 by cables
90 and rods 95. Rods 95 are connected to each of several support
pins 30 in each of the inner and outer rings 20, 25. The support
110 may be attached to a crane beam 120 or other structure which is
used to raise and lower the support 110 and attached inner and
outer rings 20, 25. The support 110 can rotate, so that rings 20,
25 also rotate in order to position the hydraulic rams 60, 80 at
different positions on the circumference of a workpiece 100 at a
given vertical displacement.
[0026] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show rings 20, 25 positioned in the
same plane with hydraulic rams 60, 80 staggered about the
circumference, rings 20, 25 may be positioned one above the other
and/or hydraulic rams 60, 80 may arranged about the circumference
as required.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment requiring less
vertical movement of the rings 20, 25 to position the hydraulic
rams 60, 80. Multiple sets of inner and outer rings 20, 25 are
provided connected together using rods 95 and supported from
support 110. Inner rings 20 may be moved independently from outer
rings 25, and vice versa.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in
which the workpiece 100 is handled in the horizontal plane. In this
embodiment hydraulic rams are mounted vertically into the outer
edge of the inner rings 20 and the inner edge of the outer rings
25, facing the gap 40. Similar to the vertical embodiment, the
support 110 can rotate, so that rings 20, 25 also rotate in order
to position the hydraulic rams 60, 80 at different positions on the
circumference of a workpiece 100 at a given horizontal
displacement. For some applications it may be desirable or
necessary to segment or split outer rings 25 to get over or around
exterior support structure, and then reconnect outer rings 25 as
required.
[0029] A variation of the horizontal embodiment is shown in FIG. 5.
In this embodiment the outer ring 25' is shaped more or less like
the letter "C." Outer ring 25' only partially surrounds workpiece
100, thus allowing forming or re-rounding machine 10 to clear any
support mechanism.
[0030] While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown
and described in detail to illustrate the application of the
principles of the invention, it will be understood that the
invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such
principles. For example workpiece 100 could be rotated instead of
rotating any or all of the inner and outer rings.
* * * * *