EP3639942B2 - Press machine with sensor system for the automated detection of a press jaw system - Google Patents

Description

1. Technical area

The present invention relates to a pressing machine for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a pressing machine, a pressing jaw assembly for coupling to a pressing machine, and a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting.

2. Technical background

Several methods for joining tubular workpieces are known in the prior art. For example, pipes can be soldered or welded together. It is also known to insert the end of a small pipe into the end of a larger pipe and then press the two pipe ends together.

In other cases, pressing is performed using a (press) fitting. Pressing machines, such as pipe pressing machines, can be used to connect a pipe to a press fitting. Such a fitting can, for example, be designed as a pipe fitting, which can be used as a connecting piece in a pipeline. A fitting can be made of various materials, such as copper, aluminum, plastic, composite, and/or (stainless) steel.

A (pipe) pressing machine can comprise pressing jaws made of metals such as steel, aluminum, or similar, which can be interchangeable. Furthermore, the pressing machine can comprise interchangeable pressing tongs that have the pressing jaws. Other pressing jaw assemblies comprising pressing jaws are also known. By means of the pressing jaws or the pressing jaw assembly, a force can be exerted on the fitting in order to plastically deform it so that the fitting fits as tightly, tightly, and firmly as possible against a pipe. When using such a pressing machine, the pressing jaws can be pressed together in order to press a fitting arranged between them over a pipe. The pressing machine can be hand-held and operated by a drive. Typically, electric and/or hydraulic drives are used.

Typically, the pressing jaws or the pressing jaw arrangement are workpiece-specific. For example, different pressing jaws/pressing jaw arrangements are used for pressing metal fittings, such as copper or (stainless) steel fittings, than for pressing plastic fittings. The pressing machine can be adapted to different workpieces, especially fittings, by exchanging the pressing jaws/pressing jaw arrangement. When using such conventional pressing machines, pressing is usually always carried out using the maximum pressing force, regardless of the actual pressing jaws or pressing jaw arrangement and/or the fittings used. However, this can be disadvantageous because, for example, plastic fittings can be pressed with a much lower pressing force than metal fittings. Applying the maximum pressing force therefore leads to unnecessary energy waste.

In addition, each type of pressing jaw or pressing jaw arrangement used has its own characteristic pressing characteristics. These pressing characteristics can depend, for example, on the gear ratio of the pressing jaw arrangement, the material of the pressing jaws, and the workpiece to be pressed. For example, a workpiece such as a steel fitting should be pressed differently than a plastic fitting, also to ensure the best possible form fit and a long service life of the pressed fitting.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of achieving the most optimal and material-friendly pressing of a fitting onto a pipe. In particular, an improved (pipe) pressing machine is to be provided that enables such pressing. These and other objects, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, are achieved by a pressing machine according to claim 1, a method for operating a pressing machine according to claim 12, and a pressing jaw arrangement according to claim 13.

EP 2 794 191 A1 relates to a pressing device with a data acquisition element, wherein at least one data acquisition element is a camera. Furthermore, in a method, the camera is used as a data acquisition element for documenting pressing processes.

3. Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a pressing machine for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece. The tubular workpiece can, for example, be a fitting, and can be pressed into it to connect two pipes. The fitting can, for example, consist at least partially of copper, aluminum, plastic, composite, and/or (stainless) steel. The pressing machine, in turn, can be configured to plastically deform such a tubular workpiece, such as a fitting, in such a way that it is connected to a pipe section arranged in the fitting. In particular, pressing can be carried out by means of the pressing machine in order to permanently connect a fitting to a pipe in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. The fitting can, for example, be specified in accordance with the DIN EN 1254-7 standard.

The press machine also includes a Press jaw holder for coupling a press jaw assembly to the pressing machine. The press jaw holder couples to the press jaw assembly in such a way that the pressing machine can drive press jaws of the press jaw assembly. For example, the coupling is achieved via at least one coupling pin. The press jaws of the press jaw assembly can be configured to be movable relative to one another and, for example, can be closed and also moved apart so that, when moved apart, a tubular workpiece, such as a fitting, can be arranged between the press jaws. The press jaws of the press jaw assembly can be interchangeable. Different press jaw assemblies and/or press jaws can be designed for different tasks, such as pressing, crimping, or cutting. Typically, a press jaw assembly comprises at least two press jaws.

The pressing machine further comprises a drive configured to drive the pressing jaw assembly to apply a force to the workpiece. The drive may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic and/or hydraulic drive unit, and a gear. By means of the drive, the pressing jaws of the pressing jaw assembly can be moved relative to one another and, for example, driven into the closed state. The drive can at least partially apply the force necessary to deform the tubular workpiece, for example, to connect a fitting to a piece of pipeline.

For this purpose, the drive can be connected to the press jaw assembly directly or via a gear to transmit the drive force to the press jaw assembly and the press packs. The force acting on the press jaws or the press jaw assembly can be variably adjusted, for example, by varying motor parameters or other parameters (such as gear settings).

The pressing machine further comprises a sensor system configured to identify a pressing jaw arrangement and to provide corresponding sensor data. The sensor system can be configured to recognize an individual pressing jaw arrangement or to recognize a pressing jaw arrangement by its type. For this purpose, the sensor system can comprise detection means (e.g., a sensor) as an interface to the pressing jaw arrangement, and corresponding evaluation means, which can comprise a processor and/or memory with corresponding program code. The detection means can be provided separately from the evaluation means on the pressing machine. The sensor system can be powered by a power source arranged on the pressing machine, which can also power the drive or electric motor, for example. The sensor system can also be activated by a user/operator using a button to carry out the identification. This allows for targeted control of how and when the identification should take place. Furthermore, the sensor system can be configured to detect an exchange and in particular the coupling of a pressing jaw arrangement with the pressing jaw holder and to carry out the identification after detecting the exchange or the coupling.

Identification does not necessarily mean that a single jaw assembly is identified as an individual jaw assembly. Rather, it is sufficient that a jaw assembly is identified or recognized as different from another jaw assembly. For example, during identification, the jaw assembly can be classified based on its model number. In one example, it can be recognized that a jaw assembly for pressing stainless steel fittings with a diameter of 15 mm is present and/or coupled. Resulting sensor data can characterize the identified jaw assembly.

Furthermore, the press machine comprises a controller which is configured to control the drive based on the sensor data.

Depending on the identified press jaw arrangement, the drive is controlled accordingly. Depending on which press jaw arrangement or type of press jaw arrangement has been detected, the press jaw arrangement can be driven differently by the drive to ultimately optimally deform the workpiece.

The present invention thus allows the forming process to be carried out depending on the coupled press jaw arrangement. This allows an individual pressing force to be applied by the drive, depending on the type of press jaw arrangement used, in order to achieve optimal and material-friendly deformation of the workpiece. The use of the sensor system allows the press jaw arrangement to be automatically identified and the corresponding data to be transmitted to the drive, so that the user or operator of the press machine does not have to make any inputs themselves and is therefore not subjected to additional stress. This can reduce the risk of incorrect operation.

Preferably, the pressing machine comprises a storage medium with a database.

The database preferably includes, for a plurality of press jaw arrangements, specific control parameters for controlling the press machine. Furthermore, the controller can then control the drive according to the at least one specific control parameter. According to the identification of the press jaw arrangement, corresponding control parameters can thus be loaded from the memory or from the database and used to operate the drive. For example, control parameters for a pressing jaw arrangement for stainless steel fittings and different control parameters for a pressing jaw arrangement for copper fittings can be stored in the database. Depending on whether a pressing jaw arrangement for stainless steel or copper fittings was identified by the sensor system, the corresponding control parameters can be loaded from the database and used by the controller to control the pressing machine and ultimately the drive. Corresponding control parameters can be stored in the database for different characteristics of the pressing jaw arrangements (e.g. gear ratio, type of pressing jaws, size of the workpiece to be pressed, material of the workpiece to be pressed, and/or shape of the workpiece to be pressed) in order to enable optimal pressing or deformation of the respective workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the database can be accessed via a (wired or wireless) interface, for example to update the contents of the database.

In particular, the control parameters preferably comprise pressing parameters, which preferably include a maximum pressing force, a pressing speed, a pressing path, and/or a pressing time. Depending on the type of pressing jaw arrangement or the type of workpiece to be pressed using the pressing jaw arrangement, certain pressing forces, pressing speeds, pressing paths, and/or pressing times can thus be specified, for example, which the pressing machine is to use to press or deform the fitting with the pipe section. These parameters can, for example, be specified in the form of a pressing curve that specifies a temporal progression of the pressing force, pressing path, and/or pressing speed. Those skilled in the art will understand how to store appropriate control parameters in the database depending on the intended use of the pressing machine. Furthermore, the control parameters can, in particular, include drive parameters, which in particular include a drive speed, drive power, and/or oil pressure. Depending on the type of pressing jaw arrangement or the type of workpiece to be pressed using the pressing jaw arrangement, various drive parameters can thus be stored in the database, which can be loaded based on the identified pressing jaw arrangement in order to ultimately deform the workpiece. The person skilled in the art will understand that the pressing parameters or drive parameters may include motor and/or gear parameters that can control the power transmission from the drive to the pressing jaws.

In addition, the sensor system can comprise at least one optical sensor, a contact-based sensor, an inductive sensor, and/or a capacitive sensor, wherein the sensor system can be configured, in particular, to read an RFID and/or NFC transponder. In particular, the sensor system can alternatively or additionally be configured to read a barcode or a QR code. Furthermore, the sensor system can comprise a Bluetooth module configured to read a corresponding Bluetooth module.

The use of an optical sensor or a contact-based sensor allows for the provision of a cost-effective sensor system. A contact-based sensor may include an electrical contact that contacts a corresponding electrical contact of the die/die assembly to identify the die/die assembly.

The use of an inductive and/or capacitive sensor enables reliable identification, as inductive and/or capacitive sensors are less susceptible to contamination than, for example, optical or contact-based sensors. The RFID and/or NFC transponder or the corresponding Bluetooth module can have an identifier that is read during identification. This identifier is characteristic of the type of press jaw arrangement or of an individual press jaw arrangement and can, for example, include a serial number and/or a type number. Based on the read identifier and the database, the control parameters can then be determined. Likewise, the RFID and/or NFC transponder or the corresponding Bluetooth module can contain the control parameters themselves. These can then be read during identification and passed on to the control system. This means that the press machine database does not necessarily have to be updated if new or additional press jaw assemblies are to be used. The pressing jaw assembly carries the required control parameters in the RFID and/or NFC transponder assigned to it or in a corresponding Bluetooth module.

RFID (radio frequency identification) enables the identification of the press jaw assembly using electromagnetic waves. The press jaw assembly can be identified automatically and contactlessly using RFID technology. An RFID reader (sensor) mounted on the press machine can read the identification and/or control parameters, which can be provided by a corresponding RFID transponder of the press jaw assembly. An RFID transponder can be read without the need for additional power. Thus, the press jaw assembly can be designed passively and requires no additional interface or source for providing electrical power.

NFC technology, or near-field communication, is an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction or capacitive transmission. The communication between the corresponding NFC participants can be active-passive or active-active. In this case, the active part, i.e., the part supplied with electrical energy, is preferably located in the press machine, while the passive part is located on the press jaw assembly. Thus, the press jaw assembly can be designed passively and does not require an additional interface or source for providing electrical energy.

Bluetooth communication enables data transmission between devices over short distances using wireless technology. Communication takes place using a correspondingly developed industry standard, such as the IEEE 802.15.1 standard.

In particular, a first reading range of the sensor system can be limited and amount to a maximum of 0.3 m, preferably a maximum of 0.2 m, and most preferably a maximum of 0.1 m. Furthermore, the first reading range of the sensor system can be selected such that only one coupled pressing jaw arrangement can be identified. Limiting the first reading range prevents the incorrect pressing jaw arrangement located near the pressing machine from being accidentally identified. For example, the pressing machine is provided together with a plurality of pressing jaw assemblies in a transport case or on a workbench. When the pressing machine is put into operation, only the coupled pressing jaw arrangement or the one to be coupled should be identified. This can be ensured by limiting the first reading range.

Furthermore, the sensor system can be configured to identify a workpiece, wherein the storage medium comprises a database which comprises at least one specific control parameter for a plurality of workpieces, wherein the controller is configured to control the drive according to the at least one specific control parameter.

The drive is therefore controlled accordingly depending on the identified workpiece. Depending on which workpiece type or type has been detected, the pressing jaws can, for example, be driven differently by the drive in order to ultimately deform the workpiece optimally. Both the type of workpiece and the type of pressing jaw arrangement can be taken into account when selecting the control parameters. In particular, it can be checked whether the identified pressing jaw arrangement matches the workpiece to be pressed. If this is not the case, an alarm can be issued to prevent incorrect pressing and/or damage to the pressing machine. The control parameters can also be adapted to the identified workpiece and thus over-pressing can be avoided. For example, if a pressing jaw arrangement for pressing stainless steel fittings is coupled to the pressing machine and the workpiece to be pressed is a copper fitting, the pressing force applied would be too high if the type of pressing jaw arrangement were taken into account alone. If, however, the type of workpiece is also recognized, the pressing force can be reduced accordingly and the workpiece can be pressed with the supposedly unsuitable pressing jaw arrangement - but with reduced pressing force.

The present invention thus allows the forming process to be carried out depending on the object to be formed and the press jaw arrangement used. This allows an individual pressing force to be applied by the drive depending on the type of workpiece used or the coupled press jaw arrangement, in order to achieve optimal and material-friendly forming without damaging the workpiece or the press machine.

A second reading range for identifying the workpiece can preferably be in the range from 0 meters to 5 meters, more preferably in the range from 0.01 meters to 2 meters, more preferably in the range from 0.02 meters to 1 meter and more preferably in the range from 0.05 meters to 0.5 meters. The sensor system can therefore only identify workpieces that are located within the second reading range. This ensures that only those workpieces that are actually intended to be deformed are identified. This at least partially prevents accidental identification of workpieces that are far away and not to be deformed. Depending on the sensors used, the first and second reading ranges can be different.

Preferably, the sensor system is configured to detect characteristic features of the workpiece, in particular characteristic geometric features of the pressing jaw arrangement and/or a workpiece. For example, the sensor system can detect a shape and/or size of at least part of the pressing jaw arrangement and/or the workpiece. Based on these characteristic features, the pressing jaw arrangement and/or the workpiece can be identified, at least according to its type, and the drive can then be controlled accordingly to optimally deform the workpiece.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor system comprises a sensor such as a camera, an optical scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and/or a Bluetooth module for identifying the workpiece. The same sensor or different sensors or sensor types can be used to identify the workpiece and the press jaw assembly. The camera can be an optical camera, which can have sufficient resolution and quality to identify the workpiece at least by its type. For example, a fitting with a diameter of 15 mm can be identified using the camera. Furthermore, the material of the workpiece can be deduced from color values. The optical scanner, the RFID reader, the NFC reader, and/or the Bluetooth module can detect data or identifiers that can be provided, for example, by the workpiece itself or the press jaw arrangement, and allow the workpiece to be identified. For example, the optical scanner can detect a barcode or QR code arranged on the workpiece. To ensure identification using an optical camera or optical scanner, a light source can also be provided on the press machine, which can at least partially illuminate or illuminate the area captured by the camera or scanner.

Preferably, the sensor system is configured to detect a barcode on the workpiece, a QR code on the workpiece, an identifier in an RFID transponder on the workpiece, an identifier in an NFC transponder on the workpiece, and/or an identifier in a Bluetooth module on the workpiece. Those skilled in the art will understand that the workpiece can be equipped with corresponding codes, transponders, or modules to provide the press machine with corresponding data for identifying the workpiece—at least by its type.

Furthermore, the sensor of the sensor system is arranged directly on the press jaw holder. The sensor is at least partially covered by an element of the press machine in a first configuration of the press machine, and is uncovered by the element in a second configuration of the press machine. For example, a sensor of the sensor system can be covered by a part of the housing of the press machine, which can protect the sensor from contamination or other environmental influences. When the press jaws are moved apart or opened, which can correspond to the second configuration, the sensor is (at least partially) released or uncovered. The press jaw arrangement and/or the workpiece can now be identified using the sensor system. During the subsequent deformation of the workpiece, the press jaws are moved towards each other or brought into the first configuration, whereby the sensor can again be at least partially covered by a part of the housing. This also ensures that identification using the sensor system only takes place when the workpiece is to be deformed. This prevents inadvertent misidentification of a workpiece that is nearby (e.g., lying on a workbench).

Preferably, the pressing jaws of the pressing jaw arrangement, and particularly preferably the entire pressing jaw arrangement, are free of the sensor system. Thus, according to this exemplary embodiment, no elements of the sensor system are arranged on the pressing jaws or the pressing jaw arrangement. The sensor system can thus, for example, be arranged exclusively on or in a hand part of the pressing machine. This enables easy exchange of the pressing jaws or the pressing jaw arrangement. In another preferred embodiment, the sensor system is arranged at least partially on the pressing jaws or the pressing jaw arrangement, in particular in a recess in the pressing jaws (for example, to protect the sensor system). The sensor system can be connected to the motor of the pressing machine via a coupling interface.

The sensor system is preferably arranged at least partially within a housing of the press machine. If the sensor system is configured to read an RFID and/or NFC transponder, or if it comprises a Bluetooth module, the sensor system can be arranged entirely within the housing of the press machine. The housing of the press machine is at least partially permeable to the readout data. In particular, the housing material can comprise glass, ceramic, plastics, or composites, which are at least partially permeable to electromagnetic radiation. The housing can also have suitable recesses to enable reading. This arrangement can protect the sensor system from contamination or other environmental influences, as it is at least partially shielded by the housing of the press machine.

Particularly preferably, the pressing jaw arrangement can at least partially cover the sensor of the sensor system when the pressing jaw arrangement is coupled to the pressing jaw receptacle, wherein the sensor is at least partially uncovered when no pressing jaw arrangement is coupled to the pressing jaw receptacle. Thus, the sensor system or the sensor can be protected from contamination or other environmental influences. Furthermore, the reading accuracy of the sensor system can be increased because the sensor system or the sensor of the sensor system is arranged directly adjacent to the coupled pressing jaw receptacle and is not covered by other parts, such as a housing part. Thus, a very small maximum first reading range can be realized and the risk of incorrect identification of adjacent, uncoupled pressing jaw receptacles can be reduced.

The press machine preferably comprises a log memory configured to store the sensor data and control data. This allows the coupling process and/or the forming process to be traceable. All or some data relating to the coupling process and/or the forming process can be stored in the log memory, for example, to enable quality monitoring of individual forming processes. The log memory can be accessed via a (wireless or wired) interface to read out the corresponding data.

The present invention further relates to a method for operating a press machine according to the above statements, for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece, such as a fitting. The method comprises the following steps: coupling a pressing jaw arrangement to the pressing jaw receptacle of the pressing machine; identifying the pressing jaw arrangement by means of the sensor system and preferably identifying the workpiece; gripping the workpiece with the coupled pressing jaw arrangement; controlling the pressing machine according to the identified pressing jaw arrangement and preferably according to the identified workpiece in order to apply a force by means of the pressing jaw arrangement to the surface of the gripped workpiece in order to plastically deform the workpiece.

The identification of the press jaw arrangement can occur after coupling or before coupling, especially during coupling. The press machine's drive can be controlled accordingly to generate the force. Depending on the identification step, a reduced or increased press force, press duration, and/or press speed can be set, depending on the press jaw arrangement or workpiece type identified.

According to the present invention, in particular the method steps of identifying, gripping and/or controlling can be implemented in a computer program, wherein the computer program can cause a corresponding press machine system to carry out the respective steps.

4. Description of preferred embodiments

Figur 1

eine Explosionsansicht eines Pressmaschinensystems, umfassend eine Pressmaschine und eine Pressbackenanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine Pressbackenanordnung mit Pressbacken geeignet zur Verwendung mit der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 3

ein rohrförmiges Werkstück geeignet zur Verwendung mit der vorliegenden Erfindung, und

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Pressmaschinensystems, umfassend eine Pressmaschine, eine Pressbackenanordnung und ein rohrförmiges Werkstück gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements are provided with like reference numerals. They show:

Figure 1

an exploded view of a press machine system comprising a press machine and a press jaw assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2

a pressing jaw assembly with pressing jaws suitable for use with the present invention;

Figure 3

a tubular workpiece suitable for use with the present invention, and

Figure 4

a schematic representation of a pressing machine system comprising a pressing machine, a pressing jaw assembly and a tubular workpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 1 1 shows a pressing machine system 1 comprising a pressing machine 10 and a pressing jaw arrangement 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pressing machine 10 comprises a handle 11 which can be manually guided by an operator or user. The pressing jaw arrangement 20 can be detachably coupled to the handle 11. The pressing jaw arrangement 20 comprises two pressing jaws 21a, 21b by means of which a workpiece (fitting) can be gripped and plastically deformed. For this purpose, a drive 14, such as an electric motor with a gear, is provided in the handle 11, which can drive the pressing jaw arrangement 20 via a coupling interface and ultimately move the pressing jaws 21a, 21b in order to deform the fitting. To start the deformation process of the fitting, an operator can operate a corresponding actuating lever 13: By actuating the lever 13 accordingly, the pressing jaws 21a, 21b are first moved apart to grip a fitting and then pressed together, to deform the fitting. The coupling of the pressing jaw assembly 20 to the pressing machine 10 is effected via the pressing jaw holder 12, which can, for example, comprise a bolt.

Furthermore, a sensor system 40 (cf. Fig. 4 ). In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor system comprises an inductive and/or capacitive sensor and is particularly configured to read an RFID and/or NFC transponder 22. The sensor system 40 is activated by actuating the lever 13 to move the pressing jaws 21a, 21b apart in order to grip a fitting. The sensor system 40 can also be activated when coupling a pressing jaw arrangement 20 to the pressing jaw holder 12. In the activated state, the sensor system 40 can, for example, recognize and read an identifier from a corresponding pressing jaw arrangement 20. The identifier can be stored in a transponder 22. The transponder can also have stored control data that can be read out by the sensor system 40. Based on this identifier, the pressing jaw arrangement 20 can be identified by means of the sensor system 40. In addition, the sensor system 40 can identify a workpiece type. Furthermore, upon appropriate actuation of the lever 13, the drive 14 is driven to exert a force on the fitting arranged between the press jaws 21a, 21b. For this purpose, the drive 14 is controlled depending on which press jaw arrangement 20 or which type of workpiece has been identified.

In the Figure 2 1 shows a pressing jaw assembly 20 with pressing jaws 21a, 21b according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pressing jaw assembly can be detachably coupled to a pressing jaw receptacle 12 of a pressing machine 10. A transponder 22 (for example, an RFID or NFC transponder) is arranged in a recess 24. When the pressing jaw assembly 20 is coupled to the pressing jaw receptacle 12 of a pressing machine 10, the sensor system 40, and in particular a sensor of the sensor system, is at least partially concealed.

In Figure 3 A possible configuration of a tubular workpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The workpiece shown is designed in the form of a fitting 30. The fitting 30 comprises a means 32 for providing an identifier for identifying the respective fitting 30, for example to a pressing machine 10 according to Figure 1 . The Figure 3 Fitting 30 shown comprises an RFID transponder 32, on which at least one identifier is stored. The identifier characterizes the fitting 30 at least in terms of its type. By means of a corresponding RFID reader on the press machine, such as by means of the Figure 1 described sensor, the identifier stored on the RFID transponder 32 of the fitting 30 can be read out in order to identify the fitting 30.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the pressing machine system 1. The system comprises a pressing machine 10 with a pressing jaw arrangement 20 detachably coupled thereto. The pressing jaws 21a, 21b of the pressing jaw arrangement 20 have gripped a tubular workpiece 30. The pressing machine 10 further comprises a handle 11 for gripping the pressing machine 10 and a lever 13 for actuating the pressing machine 10. In addition, the pressing machine 10 comprises a sensor system 40, which in the present illustration comprises two sensors 42, 44. The sensor 42 serves to identify the pressing jaw arrangement 20 by means of the transponder 22 and has a maximum first reading range D20. The first reading range D20 of the sensor system is selected such that only one coupled pressing jaw arrangement 20 can be identified. Limiting the first reading range D20 prevents the inadvertent identification of an incorrect pressing jaw assembly located near the pressing machine 10. The sensor 44 serves to identify the workpiece 30 using the transponder 32. The sensor 44 has a second reading range D30. The second reading range D30 is selected such that the sensor system 40 can only identify workpieces 30 that are in the immediate vicinity of the pressing jaws 21a, 21b and/or are gripped by the pressing jaws 21a, 21b. Furthermore, the sensor system can comprise a sensor that serves both to identify the pressing jaw assembly 20 and to identify the workpiece 30.

Furthermore, the press machine 10 comprises a storage medium 18 with a database. The database preferably comprises specific control parameters for controlling the press machine 10 for a plurality of press jaw assemblies 20 and/or workpieces 30. A controller 16 of the press machine 10 can control the drive 14 according to the at least one specific control parameter.

The person skilled in the art will understand that individual elements of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined or exchanged with one another.

List of reference symbols:

1

Press machine system

10

Press machine

11

Handpiece

12

Press jaw holder

13

Actuating means

14

drive

16

steering

18

Storage medium

20

Press jaw arrangement

21a, b

Press jaws

22

Transponder

24

Deepening

30

Workpiece (fitting)

32

Transponder

40

Sensor system

42, 44

sensor

D20

first reading range

D30

second reading range

Claims (12)

1. A press machine (10), for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece (30), in particular a fitting, the press machine (10) comprising:

   a press jaw receptacle (12), for coupling a press jaw assembly (20) to the press machine (10);

   a drive (14), configured for driving a coupled press jaw assembly (20) to apply a force to the workpiece (30);

   a sensor system (40), configured for identifying a press jaw assembly (20) and for providing corresponding sensor data,

   a controller (16), configured for controlling the drive (14) based on the sensor data, wherein

   the sensor system comprises at least one sensor (42, 44) for identifying the press jaw assembly (20), characterised in that the at least one sensor of the sensor system (40) is arranged directly on the press jaw receptacle (12), wherein the sensor (42, 44) is at least partially covered by an element of the press machine (10) in a first configuration of the press machine (10), and in a second configuration of the press machine (10) the element exposes the sensor (42, 44).
2. The press machine (10) according to claim 1, comprising a storage medium (18) with a database, which for a plurality of press jaw assemblies (20) comprises at least one specific control parameter, wherein the controller (16) is configured for controlling the drive (14) according to the at least one specific control parameter.
3. The press machine (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control parameters comprise press parameters, which in particular comprise a maximum pressing force, a pressing speed, a pressing path and/or a pressing duration, and/or wherein the control parameters comprise drive parameters, which in particular comprise a predetermined drive speed, drive power and/or a predetermined oil pressure.
4. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (40) comprises at least one optical sensor, a contact-based sensor, an inductive sensor and/or capacitive sensor (42, 44), and wherein the sensor system (40) is in particular configured for reading out an RFID and/or NFC transponder (22, 32), and/or wherein the sensor system (40) is in particular configured for reading out a barcode or a QR code.
5. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (40) has a maximum first reading range (D20) of at most 0.3 m, preferably of at most 0.2 m and most preferably of at most 0.1 m, and/or wherein the first reading range (D20) of the sensor system is selected such that only one coupled press jaw assembly (20) can be identified.
6. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (40) is configured for identifying a workpiece (30), wherein a second reading range (D30) for identifying the workpiece (30) is preferably in the range of 0 m to 5 m, more preferably in the range of 0.01 m to 2 m, more preferably in the range of 0.02 m to 1 m and more preferably in the range of 0.05 m to 0.5 m, and wherein the storage medium (18) comprises a database,
   which for a plurality of workpieces (30) comprises at least one specific control parameter, wherein the controller (16) is configured for controlling the drive (14) according to the at least one specific control parameter.
7. The press machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (40) is configured for feature recognition of characteristic features of the press jaw assembly (20) and/or of a workpiece (30), in particular of characteristic geometric features of the press jaw assembly (20) and/or of the workpiece (30).
8. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (40) is configured for recognizing a barcode on the workpiece (30), a QR code on the workpiece (30), an identifier in an RFID transponder on the workpiece (30), an identifier in an NFC transponder (32) on the workpiece (30), and/or an identifier in a Bluetooth module on the workpiece (30).
9. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the press jaws (21 a, b) of the press jaw assembly (20) and preferably the press jaw assembly (20) is free of the sensor system (40).
10. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the press jaw assembly (20) at least partially covers the sensor (42, 44) of the sensor system (40) when the press jaw assembly (20) is coupled to the press jaw receptacle (12), and wherein the sensor (42, 44) is at least partially uncovered when no press jaw assembly (20) is coupled to the press jaw receptacle (12).
11. The press machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a log memory, configured for storing sensor data and controller data.
12. A method of operating a press machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece (30), the method comprising:

    coupling a press jaw assembly (20) to the press jaw receptacle (12) of the press machine (10);

    identifying the press jaw assembly (20) by means of the sensor system (40) and preferably identifying the workpiece (30);

    gripping the workpiece (30) with the coupled press jaw assembly (20);

    controlling the press machine (10) according to the identified press jaw assembly (20) and preferably according to the identified workpiece (30) to apply a force by means of the press jaw assembly (20) to the surface of the gripped workpiece (30) to plastically deform the workpiece (30).

Images