Patent ID: 9505049
Filing Date: 2016-11-29
CPC Classification: B21D,B29C

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for altering the shape of an end of a tube using an end forming tool, the apparatus comprising: a hydraulic actuator operatively couplable to the end forming tool and configured to move the end forming tool into contact with the end of the tube to alter the shape thereof; a hydraulic pump operatively coupled to the hydraulic actuator through a hydraulic circuit comprising hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic pump being configured to generate flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit to drive the hydraulic actuator; a servo motor operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and configured to drive the hydraulic pump; a servo drive coupled to the servo motor and operative to control the speed or torque of the servo motor which in turn controls the flow rate or pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit; a pressure transducer operatively coupled to the hydraulic circuit and the servo drive, the pressure transducer being configured to monitor the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic circuit and to provide pressure feedback information to the servo drive that is used by the servo drive to control the speed or torque of the servo motor; and a controller operatively coupled to the servo drive and the hydraulic actuator, the controller being configured to control the position and movement of the end forming tool by receiving position feedback information from the hydraulic actuator and sending control commands to the servo drive indicative of system pressure; wherein the hydraulic pump is a fixed displacement hydraulic pump.