Tool for altering the diameter, shape or configuration of a tube

Abstract: A hand held tool for use in flaring the end of a tube consists of two body components (2,3) pivotally connected (6) to provide a closed and released state, the components(2,3) include channels (7,8) that cooperate in the closed state to retain a releasable die block (11) in the released state to permit removal of the block (11), the die block (11) includes a passageway (19) having different sized or configured dies (20,21) at each end thereof, the tool cooperating with means (25) to apply hydraulic pressure to a stamp releasably secured thereto for flaring the end of the tube.

Description: This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to tools, such as those used for flaring and particularly, though not exclusively, those used for expanding the ends of brake pipe fittings. A significant number of flaring tools already exist which in basic terms comprise a die for restraining the pipe to be flared and a punch which enters the pipe and expands it to the shape of the die end. A wide variety of techniques for mounting the die and bringing the flaring cone and pipe into contact are known, such as rotating the flaring tool to advance it into contact with the pipe. Existing tools face a number of problems in terms of their working life, ease of use, accuracy and reproducibility of results, as well as cost. Document US 2 737 225 A discloses a tool according to the preamble of the independent claim 1 of this application. It is the aim of the present invention to provide a versatile tool which is easy to use and for which those components most prone to wear or damage can easily be replaced. According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a hand held tool for altering the diameter, shape or configuration of the end of a pipe or tube, the tool comprising a die block and a mounting member, one end of the mounting member co-operating with pressure applying means, and the die block comprising a die for controlling the shape to which the pipe or tube deforms, wherein the tool includes a handle member and a housing member pivotally connected to each other, the handle member and the housing member co-operating in the closed state to retain the removable die block in the tool and in the released state permitting the removal of the removable die block, the other end of the mounting member comprising notches co-operating with ridges on the handle member and the housing member in the closed state, or vice versa, to slide the mounting member relative to the handle member and housing member along the ridges. In this way the die can readily and quickly be replaced whether for repair or to insert a die block containing a die of different size and readily reproducible force applying conditions are obtained quickly and with minimum effort. The handle member and housing member are pivotally connected so as to provide an easily and accurately reproducible transition from the closed to released state and vice versa. Most preferably the pivotal connection is provided at an end of the tool, ideally at the end opposed to the handle member used for supporting the tool, for ease of handling. The tool being hand held eases its use and location of use. The pressure applying means may be hydraulically activated. The tool may be provided with two or more dies, preferably one die is provided at one end of a passage provided in the die block and another die is provided at the other end of the passage. In this way the tool has a longer life as two dies will last longer than one before becoming unusable due to damage. One or more of the dies provided may be of different sizes and/or be of different configuration to one or more of the other dies. In this way a tool is provided which is far more versatile as different sizes of flaring or different types of flaring can be effected without the need to change tool or die block. The die block is preferably accommodated in an aperture defined in part by the tool handle member and in part by the housing member. In this way easy access can be obtained in the released state. Preferably the handle and housing members are held in the closed state by retaining means which engage with the members. This ensures the die block is firmly held in place during flaring and no undesirable separation of the members occurs. Most preferably the retaining means comprise a threaded member. The threaded member may be pivotally attached to one of the handle or housing members and co-operate with a notch on the other. Additional restraining force may be applied by tightening an additional member on the threaded member so as to abut with one of the handle or housing members. A die block may be provided having one or more through passages, one or more of the passages being provided with a die at one end and a further die at the other end. Preferably the dies are of different sizes and/or configurations. Sets of two or more such die blocks may be provided. A number of embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, in which:- Figure 1 is a cross-section along the longitudinal axis of a tool in open configuration; Figure 2 is a plan view from below of the handle member of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged partial cross-section of a die block for use in the present invention; Figure 4 shows a view in the direction of arrow A in Figure 1 with the tool in closed configuration and the cross-sectioned hydraulic clamp attachment in place; and Figure 5 shows a view of the clamp attachment in the direction of arrow B of Figure 4. The tool 1 comprises a handle member 2 and housing member 3 pivotally mounted relative to each other at their respective ends 4, 5 by a pin 6. Each member 2, 3 has a channel 7, 8 extending over their full width, which channels oppose each other in the closed position, when surface 9 abuts surface 10. The channels 7, 8 accommodate a removable die block 11 (shown in Figure 3). In the closed position the die block 11 is restrained within the channels 7, 8. The handle member 2 also has a hand-held portion 12 by means of which the operator controls and positions the tool. A threaded member 13 is pivotally mounted between two projections 14 from the handle member 2 base by means of a pin 15. With the housing member 3 in the closed position the threaded member 13 can be swung so as to pass between opposing projections 16 on the housing member 3. The nut 17 can then be screwed down until it abuts surface 18 on housing member 3. The members 2, 3 are thus retained in the closed formation. As illustrated in Figure 3 the die block 11 comprises a rectangular block with a central axially aligned passage 19 having enlarged end portions 20, 21. The transition surface 22 between the passage 19 and enlarged portion 20 onto the right end is radial, so providing for DIN type flaring. The left end provides an axially inclined radiating surface 23, so providing for SAE type flaring. In use the tool 1 is opened and the die block 11 having the desired size passage 19 is inserted in the channel 7, 8. The die block 11 is inserted so that the desired transition surface configuration is on the desired side of the tool 1. The tool 1 is then closed and the handle and die housing members 2, 3 respectively are restrained relative to one another by the threaded member 13 as previously discussed. This provides for a tool assembly having a configuration as seen end-on in Figure 4. Each of the housing and handle members 2, 3 are provided with a rib 28 raised relative to the member. The rib 20 runs along each side of each member. An hydraulic mounting member 25 can then be slid over the end of the tool 1 and run along the ribs 28. The hydraulic mounting member is provided with notches 26 which cooperate with the ribs to resist direct movement away from the members 2, 3. The hydraulic mounting member 25 is provided with a threaded aperture 27 into which the hydraulically operated stamp can be screwed. The stamp is consequently held in position relative to the members 2, 3 during the flaring operation. Flaring is effected by applying hydraulic pressure to the stamp so forcing the cone into the pipe and expanding it to the die configuration. The flared pipe is extracted by removing the hydraulic stamp, hydraulic mounting member, threaded member and opening the members 2, 3 in the reverse of the aforementioned procedure.

Claims: A hand held tool (1) for altering the diameter, shape or configuration of the end of a pipe or tube, the tool comprising a die block (11) and a mounting member (25), one end of the mounting member (25) co-operating with pressure applying means, and the die block (11) comprising a die for controlling the shape to which the pipe or tube deforms, characterised in that; the tool (1) includes a handle member (2) and a housing member (3) pivotally connected to each other, the handle member (2) and the housing member (3) co-operating in the closed state to retain the removable die block (11) in the tool (1) and in the released state permitting the removal of the removable die block (11), the other end of the mounting member (25) comprising notches co-operating with ridges (28) on the handle member (2) and the housing member (3) in the closed state, or vice versa, to slide the mounting member (25) relative to the handle member (2) and housing member (3) along the ridges (28). A tool (1) according to Claim 1 wherein the pressure applying means is hydraulically activated. A tool (1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which one die is provided at one end of a passage provided in the die block (11) and another die is provided at the other end of the passage. A tool (1) according to Claim 3 in which the dies are of different sizes and/or of different configuration. A tool (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the die block (11) is accommodated, in the closed state, in an aperture defined in part by the handle member (2) and in part by the housing member (3). A tool (1) according to Claim 1 wherein the die block (11) has one or more through passages, one or more of the passages being provided with a die at one end and a further die at the other end.

Inventors: BRADLEY ANDREW WILLIAM, CROSS JOHN STEVEN, BRADLEY, ANDREW WILLIAM, CROSS, JOHN STEVEN
Applicants: SYKES PICKAVANT LTD, SYKES-PICKAVANT LIMITED
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B21D41
IPC codes: B21D41