DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fixture used for bending the pipes. In particular, the present invention relates to a pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pipe bending fixture, which is used for bending multiple brake pipes for automotive applications. The present invention also concerns a process for bending multiple brake pipes by using a pipe bending fixture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pipe bending fixture is used for performing operations like bending of brake pipes in required angles. A variety of brake pipes are available today for different models and makes of automotive vehicles. Therefore, different fixtures are needed to perform such pipe bending operations. Conventionally, different fixtures are available for bending different types of brake pipes for various vehicle models. In a conventional method, the brake pipes are bent with the help of various available fixtures available for bending the brake pipe as shown in Fig.1.

However, these different types of fixtures used for a variety of brake pipes have the following disadvantages:

Longer time required for bending the brake pipes.

Larger space requirement for performing the bending operations.

No provision for differentiating between the brake pipes of different variants.

Leads to wrong pipe selection for performing bending operations.

PRIOR ART

WO2016030461A1 discloses a bending machine (1) having a main spindle (2) supporting a die (51). Two counter dies (50) each mounted on a working arm (3) and rotating about the main spindle (2). Here, two working arms (3) are pivotally mounted on the main spindle under the action of the link arms. The outer ends of the link arms are connected to a pivot joint and the inner end is connected to the working arm. The working arms (3) are driven by link arms (4) acted upon by a translational drive (6). A versatile three-point bending is possible by three die points, two on the working arms (3) and one (51) on the die support shaft (2). The working arm (3) drive includes a translational component (6) extending through the die support shaft (2(c) connected to the link arms (4) to achieve excellent symmetry and compactness.

CN103191962A discloses multi-angle pipe bender. It comprises a bench, press rolls, a bending roll and a PLC (programmable logic controller). Press rolls are sequentially disposed on top of the bench. Adjusting wheels for adjusting transverse movement of the press rolls are arranged on one side wall of the bench. A bending roll is in sliding connection with a guide on the bench. The bending roll is driven to move on the guide by a step motor disposed on one side of the bench to detect the position of rolling roll. A first position sensor and a second position sensor are arranged on one side of the guide. An output end of the PLC is connected with a signal end of the step motor. A third sensor is arranged between two adjacent pairs of press rolls. The motor controls the position of the bending roll on the guide to obtain required bending angles. Different angles of bending can be obtained at different positions on a steel pipe by using this multi-angle pipe bender. It has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost and offers substantially improved working efficiency.

CN104308773A discloses a fixture of a pipe-bending work piece. The fixture comprises a base substrate provided with at least five parallel rails and at least four circular upright post blocks arranged on each rail. The circular upright post blocks slide on the rails in such a manner that bottom bumps of the circular upright post blocks are matched with the recesses of the rails. Threaded holes passing through the circular upright post blocks are formed in the circle centers of the circular upright post blocks and screw rods are arranged in these threaded holes. The bending workpiece is limited or fixed through the movement of the circular upright post blocks.
DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

The disadvantages with the abovementioned various prior arts are that these disclose various pipe bending fixtures requiring large working spaces and often take longer time, while performing the bending operations.

Further, none of the cited prior art throws light on a single brake pipe bending machine with a variety of fixtures according to end application of the pipes.

The present invention offers various advantages to address all these disadvantages of the conventional pipe bending fixtures and thereby leads to a significant reduction in time for pipe bending and substantial saving of working space.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for accurate bending of different brake pipes according to different types of fixtures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single fixture for bending of a variety of brake pipes, leading to better access to bending operations.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for bending a variety of brake pipes to eliminate unsafe working conditions during the bending operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for bending a variety of brake pipes, which reduces the time required for bending operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a fixture for bending variety of brake pipes within limited space while performing bending.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of performing bending operation by the fixture according to the present invention is very simple and operator friendly.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a single brake-pipe bending fixture for bending different brake pipes by an indexing mechanism; the fixture comprising a multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement rotatably mounted on a base frame and wherein each facet of the multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement is fitted with a respective bending fixture for bending brake pipes of a different model thereof.

Typically, the multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement preferably comprises a hexagonal indexing drum fitted with six different bending fixtures for bending six different brake pipe models.

Typically, a locking pin or stopper is provided for locking or stopping the top face of the specific bending fixture of the rotatable multi-faceted drum for performing the respective bending operation on the targeted brake pipes to be bent thereon.

Typically, the rotatable multi-faceted drum is mounted to be easily rotatable and accessible for performing the desired specific brake pipe bending operations merely by removing the locking pin and by rotating the multi-faceted drum for changing the bending fixture to be used for subsequent brake pipe bending operation.
Typically, the rotatable multi-faceted drum is rotatable either in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for bring the targeted pipe bending fixture on the top face thereof for performing bending of the respective brake pipe.

Typically, the rotatable multi-faceted drum is mounted by means of a respective mounting bracket on either side thereof, the said brackets being firmly fixed on the base frame.

Typically, the mounting brackets are provided with at least two mounting holes for adjusting the height of the rotatable multi-faceted drum as per the requirement.

Typically, the top face of the base frame is provided with a recess, preferably a rectangular recess between the mounting brackets for facilitating unhindered rotation thereof.

Typically, a locking hole provided is provided on one side face of the rotating drum for inserting the locking pin for locking the fixture from rotation after selecting the bending fixture to be used for performing the bending operation of the targeted brake pipe model.

Typically, each face of the multi-faceted rotating drum colored with a different color to differentiate between different types of bending fixtures for bending different brake pipe models.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a typical layout of the pipe-bending shop in an automobile manufacturing plant.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pipe bending fixture configured in accordance with the present invention painted in different colors.
Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of the unique pipe bending fixture of Fig.1 for performing bending operations on different brake pipes on single fixture.

Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig. 6.

Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig.6.

Figure 6 shows a left-hand side view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig. 6.

Figure 7 shows a right-hand side view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig. 6.

Figure 8a shows a first detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 1 showing plane 1 fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 2 fitted with camper gold front RH models respectively.

Figure 8b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold model of plane 1 in Figure 8a.

Figure 8c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold front RH model of plane 2 in Fig. 8a.

Figure 9a shows a second detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig.1 showing plane 3 fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 4 fitted with BMT and camper rear models respectively.

Figure 9b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of BMT model of plane 3 in Figure 9a.

Figure 9c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper rear model of plane 4 in Figure 9a.

Figure 10a shows a third detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 1 showing plane 5 fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 6 fitted with BMT and camper rear LH models respectively.

Figure 10b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold model of plane 5 in Figure 10a.

Figure 10c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper rear LH model of plane 6 in Figure 10a.

Figure 11a shows the schematic front view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of Figure 2.

Figure 11b shows the schematic side view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the pipe bending fixture used for bending multiple brake pipes configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a typical layout of the pipe-bending shop in an automobile manufacturing plant. A variety of pipe bending fixtures are arranged in the layout in the vicinity of a conveyor C for transferring pipes for performing various bending operations on different types of brake pipes and to supply these after bending to different assembly units. In particular, the bending shop is equipped with a Camper Savari Invader S/A fixture 2, an IFS Camper Invader S/A fixture 4, a Gold S/A fixture 6, a non-IFS MAXX S/A fixture 8, a IFS MAXX S/A fixture 10, a Camper S/A fixture 12. A brake pipe material storage bin 14 for keeping different brake pipes, a pipe rack 16 for storing different types of pipes to be made into various types of brake pipes and a table 18 for storing different types of brake pipes are also located within the pipe-bending shop floor. Due to a large number of different pipe bending fixtures required, the pipe bending shop has to be quite spacious.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pipe bending fixture configured in accordance with the present invention painted in different colors to be used for bending different types of brake pipes for various automotive applications. Similarly, the bins for keeping the pipes for bending into different types of brake pipes are also correspondingly colored in matching colors to make clear for the operator to select the side of the hexagonal fixture to be used for correct type of pipe therefor.

Figure 3 shows a fixture made from mild steel (MS). Six plates are welded in a hexagonal configuration. A container is provided for hold the brake pipes to be bent. A plurality of locators is provided on each plate of the hexagonal brake pipe bending fixture according to the requirement of performing the bending operations on this fixture. This hexagonal brake pipe bending fixture is rotatable and lockable for performing specific brake pipe bending operations. The fixture is fitted with an arrangement by providing a locking pin or stopper for locking or stopping the rotatable fixture for specific bending operations according to requirement. The fixture is arranged in such a position that it is easily rotatable and accessible for performing the desired specific brake pipe bending operations, which only requires removing the locking pin and to rotate the hexagonal pipe bending fixture. After selection, the required fixture locking pin is inserted into the locking hole provided, which locks the fixture from further rotation. In addition, a container is arranged near the fixture for holding a variety of brake pipes requiring bending operations. The plates are colored with different colors to differentiate between various types of bending fixtures.

Figure 4 shows a perspective front view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig. 6.

Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig.6.
Figure 6 shows a left-hand side view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig. 6.

Figure 7 shows a right-hand side view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 6.

Figure 8a shows a first view of brake pipe BP of the bending fixture of Fig.1 schematically showing planes 1 to 6 thereof. Plane 1 is fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 2 is fitted with camper gold front RH models. Six (6) lock holes LH are also indicated on the side face of the drum D for locking the brake pipe bending fixture with the desired fixture out of six available fixtures fitted on different faces 1 to 6 of the hexagonal drum D disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 8b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold model of plane 1 in Figure 8a. It includes 11 locators 1L1 to 1L11 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 1 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 8c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold front RH model of plane 2 in Figure 8a. It includes 5 locators 2L1 to 2L5 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 2 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 9a shows a second view of brake pipe bending fixture of Fig.1 showing planes 1 to 6 thereof. Plane 3 is fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 4 is fitted with BMT and camper rear models. Here, face 2 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D. Again, six (6) lock holes LH are also indicated on the side face of the drum D for locking the brake pipe bending fixture with the desired fixture out of six available fixtures fitted on different faces 1 to 6 of the hexagonal drum D disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 9b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of BMT model of plane 3 in Figure 9a. It includes 7 locators 3L1 to 3L7 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 3 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 9c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper rear model of plane 4 in Figure 9a. It also includes 7 locators 4L1 to 4L7 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 4 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 10a shows a third view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 1 showing planes 1 to 6 thereof. Plane 5 is fitted with fixtures for bending brake pipes of camper gold and plane 6 is fitted with BMT and camper rear LH models. This figure also shows six (6) lock holes LH on the side face of the drum D for locking the brake pipe bending fixture with the desired fixture out of six available fixtures fitted on different faces 1 to 6 of the hexagonal drum D disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 10b shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper gold model of plane 5 in Figure 10a. It includes 4 locators 5L1 to 5L4 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 5 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of a lock pin LP also provided on the side face of the drum D.

Figure 10c shows the detailed view of brake pipe bending fixture for bending brake pipes of camper rear LH model of plane 6 in Figure 10a. It includes 6 locators 6L1 to 6L6 disposed at important positions for giving specific profile to the brake pipe during bending thereof on this fixture. Here, face 6 of the hexagonal drum D is disposed locked at the top of the fixture by means of lock pin LP also provided on the side face of drum D.

Figure 11a shows the schematic front view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 2 for bending brake pipes. The base of the brake pipe bending fixture has a base length L, width W and height H1. The hexagonal drum D is provided with fixtures of different models of brake pipes on the six faces 1 to 6 thereof.

Figure 11b shows the schematic side view of brake pipe bending fixture of Figure 2 for bending brake pipes. The drum D has a height H2 from the top of the base, which depends on the respective parallel face to face width FW of the drum. The drum can be rotated in clockwise or anticlockwise R directions to bring the relevant face (out of faces 1 to 6 thereof) on top of the fixture to bend the type of brake pipe targeted to be bent thereon. A locating pin LP is also shown here.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The hexagonal indexing multi-brake pipe bending fixture configured in accordance with the present invention has the following technical and economic advantages:

• Accurate bending of different brake pipes by different fixtures.

• Single fixture used for bending of different brake pipes facilitates better access to bending operations.
• Eliminates unsafe working conditions during the bending operation.

• Reduces the time required for bending operation.

• Bending can be performed on different brake pipes within limited space.

• Fixture very simple and operator friendly.

The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention. The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration.

Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the specific features of the preferred embodiment described here, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.

Also, any reference herein to the terms ‘left’ or ‘right, ‘up’ or ‘down, or ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel.

Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A single brake-pipe bending fixture for bending different brake pipes by an indexing mechanism; the fixture comprising a multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement rotatably mounted on a base frame and wherein each facet of the multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement is fitted with a respective bending fixture for bending brake pipes of a different model thereof.

2. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-faceted rotating indexing arrangement preferably comprises a hexagonal indexing drum fitted with six different bending fixtures for bending six different brake pipe models.

3. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein a locking pin or stopper is provided for locking or stopping the top face of the specific bending fixture of the rotatable multi-faceted drum for performing the respective bending operation on the targeted brake pipes to be bent thereon.

4. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotatable multi-faceted drum is mounted to be easily rotatable and accessible for performing the desired specific brake pipe bending operations merely by removing the locking pin and by rotating the multi-faceted drum for changing the bending fixture to be used for subsequent brake pipe bending operation.

5. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotatable multi-faceted drum is rotatable either in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for bringing the targeted pipe bending fixture on the top face thereof for performing bending of the respective brake pipe.

6. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotatable multi-faceted drum is mounted by means of a respective mounting bracket on either side thereof, the said brackets being firmly fixed on the base frame.
7. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mounting brackets are provided with at least two mounting holes for adjusting the height of the rotatable multi-faceted drum as per the requirement.

8. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top face of the base frame is provided with a recess, preferably a rectangular recess between the mounting brackets for facilitating unhindered rotation thereof.

9. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein a locking hole provided is provided on one side face of the rotating drum for inserting the locking pin for locking the fixture from rotation after selecting the bending fixture to be used for performing the bending operation of the targeted brake pipe model.

10. Brake-pipe bending fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein each face of the multi-faceted rotating drum colored with a different color to differentiate between different types of bending fixtures for bending different brake pipe models.

Dated: this 15th day of August, 2016. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT.