Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Assembling or joining
Patent
1980-05-27
1982-07-20
Moon, Charlie T.
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Assembling or joining
29237, 29252, 29701, 29788, 72370, 285222, B21D 3900, B23P 1102
Patent
active
043398669
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a method of mechanically connecting a tube to a flange, and more particularly to an improved method of expanding the tube radially outwardly into interlocking engagement with the flange.
2. Background Art
Metal flanges having a plurality of grooves in a central bore therein have heretofore been connected to a metal tube by inserting a rotating expander assembly into the end of the tube. The rotating expander assembly has a tapered mandril and a plurality of floating tapered elongate rollers contained within an accompanying cage. The rollers are expanded by insertion of the rotating mandril and this deforms the metal of the tube radially outwardly into interlocking engagement with the flange. Such method is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,778 to B. G. Spencer, et al on Sept. 28, 1976.
Over the years these rotating mandril methods have been generally satisfactory. But as the tube walls have been made thicker to withstand higher operating pressures it has been increasingly difficult to make a high quality joint. For example, the amount of energy required to force the rollers into the tube bores to expand the walls has increased until surface spalling has been noted on the inside surfaces of the bores. With such spalling undesirable flakes of metal can be flushed into the associated control system as hydraulic fluid or the like is directed through the tubes. Moreover, the increased forces that have been required have resulted in increased failure and breakage of the expensive rotating expander assemblies and cracking of the flanges prior to obtaining the desired amount of fill of the grooves in the flange. Flakes of metal getting into the expander assembly can contribute to these problems.
Not only is a considerable amount of energy used, but also a substantial amount of time is required to make a satisfactory joint using the rotating mandril method.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention a method of connecting a tube to a flange includes placing the tube between first and second portions of a holding apparatus, closing the portions and securely gripping the tube by operation of a first powered actuator, positioning a force-transmitting apparatus including a profiled punch into axial alignment with the tube, and forcing the punch into the tube and expanding it radially outwardly into interlocking engagement with the flange by operation of a second powered actuator.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention the first and second portions of the holding apparatus have semi-cylindrical recesses and are connected together such that the method includes pivotally closing the portions and gripping the tube securely in the recesses.
In the illustrated embodiment the first powered actuator is pivotally secured to the first portion of the holding apparatus in such a manner that the method can subsequently include forcibly separating the first and second portions by retracting the actuator.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the force-transmitting apparatus can include a computer controlled industrial robot for automatically moving the force-transmitting apparatus into a preselected position.
In the illustrated embodiment the force-transmitting apparatus has a pair of gripping arms of such a construction that the method includes closing the arms embracingly on the holding apparatus before urging the punch into the tube, and after the punch has been withdrawn from the tube opening the arms away from the holding apparatus.
Advantageously, after the tube is rigidly secured in the closed holding apparatus by actuation of the first powered actuator, the programmed industrial robot of the force-transmitting apparatus can automatically and precisely position the profiled punch into axial alignment with the tube. Thereafter the gripping arms are closed upon the holding apparatus, the punch is forc
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Industrial Robot-Publication No. K-259, Cincinnati Milacron, Inc. Circa 1977.
Horton Edward R.
Hughes John L.
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Lanchantin, Jr. Charles E.
Moon Charlie T.
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