DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to machining devices, especially to the devices for grinding, polishing and cleaning tube like members.

Background of the invention

[002] Prior art discloses various machining devices for grinding, polishing or cleaning. The US patent publication No. US9,802,285 discloses a device for holding a milling and/or grinding machine, particularly hand-held milling and/or grinding machine, in a position for machining an edge at one end of a pipe. The holder device includes at least one rotatable roller which can be laid against the pipe inner side or the pipe outer side and by which a connecting part of the holder device, on which the milling and/or grinding machine can be arranged, may be moved along the edge.

[003] Chinese patent application publication No. CN111716210 discloses a tube polishing machine comprising a machine table. The device is arranged on the machine table, and a first motor and a second motor, which drive the device, are arranged below the machine table. The device comprises a large rotary disc and a small rotary disc, belts are arranged between the large rotary disc and the first motor and between the small rotary disc and the second motor, a polishing wheel set and a transmission wheel set are arranged on the large rotary disc, and the polishing wheel set is connected with the transmission wheel set. Canadian patent application publication No. CA655707 discloses similar design tube polishing machine.

[004] Chinese patent application publication No. CN113182995 discloses a handheld belt sander comprising a main machine body, wherein a motor and a rotating disc are arranged on the main machine body, the motor drives a main belt wheel to rotate, the main belt wheel drives the rotating disc to rotate through a synchronous belt, a workpiece containing hole is formed in the rotating disc, a grinding belt connected end to end to form a circle is arranged on the side edge of the workpiece containing hole and located in the rotating disc, at least one power transmission mechanism is arranged in the rotating disc, rotation of the rotating disc is converted into circulating movement of the grinding belt through the power transmission mechanisms, and therefore the outer wall of the U-shaped pipe to be ground in the workpiece containing hole is ground.

[005] European patent application publication No. EP 1647362 discloses a belt grinder for grinding pipes and similar items comprising a drive unit on which a drive roller is accommodated, with two rocker arms which can be moved relative to one another being held on the drive unit and on each of whose free ends a deflection roller is accommodated, with an endless grinding belt over the drive roller and the two deflection rollers are guided and can be driven by means of the drive roller, with a spring element being provided, by means of which the two rockers are acted upon outwards in order to pretension the grinding belt guided over the rollers, and with a handle for holding the machine, with a first of the two rockers is fixedly connected to the drive unit and the second of the two rockers is movably mounted on the drive unit, and wherein the second rocker is pretensioned by a tension spring, which is preferably designed as a helical spring, in a direction away from the first rocker. Similar design is disclosed in German patent application publication No. DE102011104010. The device also has an endless abrasive belt guided over first, second and third deflection elements and driven by the third deflecting element. The first and second deflection elements are spaced apart from one another such that a workpiece is slightly pressed between the first and second deflection elements by formation of a grinding bed at the abrasive belt. The first and second deflection elements are moveable with respect to the third deflecting element and moveably coupled with each other by a coupling element i.e. gear element. The first and second deflection elements are formed as sharpening bed-deflection elements, and the third deflecting element is formed as a drive element.

Summary of the invention

[006] The present invention is a machining device, whit which one of the following machining operations may be performed: grinding, polishing, and cleaning.

[007] The machining device comprises four main units that are interconnected to each other. These four main units are a support with a drive motor, a split support disc, split rotatable disc and three machining units.

[008] The support may be in various configurations. For portable configuration the support may be in a form of a handle that comprises the drive motor and a drive axis extending from the support in the form of the handle and connected to the drive motor. The drive axis may be connected to the drive motors directly or through a transmission, for example a gear transmission. For other configurations the support may be a frame construction or any other constructions known to the skilled person that can support the machining device and provide a drive motion. The support further comprises a main drive pulley attached to the drive axis of the drive motor. An angle grinder may be adapted as this support in the form of the handle as it comprises aforementioned necessary features - the support in the for of the handle and the drive motor.

[009] The split support disc is fixed to the support. The split support disc comprises a through hole in the centre of the split support disc and a removable section, which is a part of the split support disc and configured to be removably attached and detached from the split support disc. The removable section of the split support disc allows to install the machining device onto the endless tubes to machine thereof. The split support disc comprises two slave drive pulleys rotatably connected to the split support disc and configured to be driven by the main drive pulley of the support through a transmission. A transmission may be a belt transmission, a chain transmission or a gear transmission. Preferable type of transmission is the belt transmission. The split support disc comprises two support disc drive rollers. Each support disc drive roller is connected to respective slave drive pulley so that the rotation of the slave drive pulley rotates the support disc drive roller. The support disc drive rollers are in engagement with the split rotatable disc and rotation of support disc drive rollers drive the rotation of the split rotatable disc. The support disc drive rollers are supplemented by a pressure roller arranged at the circumference of the split support disc and configured to bear against the split rotatable disc, in result of which the split rotatable disc is securely held and rotated at the support disc by means of two support disc drive rollers and the pressure roller. The split support disc comprises a circumferential flange formed on a circumference of the split support disc.

[010] The pressure roller of the split support disc comprises a tensioning mechanism configured to provide a tension to the pressure roller against the split rotatable disc.

[Oi l] The split rotatable disc is installed in the split support disc in a rotatable manner so that the split rotatable disc can rotate relative to the support disc and a central axis of the split rotatable disc is concentric with a central axis of the split support disc. The split rotatable disc also comprises a through hole in the centre of the split rotatable disc. The through hole of the split support disc is concentric with the through hole of the split rotatable disc. The split rotatable disc also comprises a removable split disc section, which is a part of the split rotatable disc and configured to be removably attached and detached from the split rotatable disc. The removable split disc section has the same function as the removable section of the split support disc. The removable split disc section allows to install the machining device onto the endless tubes to machine thereof. The split rotatable disc comprises a circumferential drive slot formed on a circumference of the split rotatable disc so that the support disc drive rollers are in engagement with the circumferential drive slot of the split rotatable disc and rotation of the support disc drive rollers rotates the split rotatable disc.

[012] The split rotatable disc further comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the removable section to the split rotatable disc and unlock the removable section from the split rotatable disc.

[013] The machining device comprises three machining units connected to the split rotatable disc. Each machining unit comprises a frame, a machining unit drive roller rotatably connected to said frame and configured to be in engagement with the circumferential flange of the split support disc so that in result of rotation of the split rotatable disc the machining unit drive roller rolls along the circumferential flange of the split support disc providing rotation of the machining unit drive roller. This rotation of the machining unit drive roller is utilized as a main drive for driving a machining belt. Each machining unit comprises a machining belt drive roller connected to the machining unit drive roller so that the rotation of the machining unit drive roller rotates the machining belt drive roller. The machining unit further comprises a machining belt support roller rotatably connect to the frame of the machining unit and a tension roller configured to tension the machining belt. The machining belt is arranged around the machining unit drive roller and the machining belt support roller as well as around the tension roller. The machining belt depending on the necessary operation to be made may be a grinding belt, a sanding belt, a polishing belt or a cleaning belt.

[014] The machining device further comprises a suspension of the drive roller of the machining unit. The suspension comprises a lever having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lever is rotatably connected to the split rotatable disc and the second end of the lever is rotatably connected to the drive roller. The suspension comprises a tensioner connected to the lever and configured to push the lever radial in relation to the split rotatable disc, in result of which the machining unit drive roller is constantly pressed against the circumferential flange of the split support disc. The tensioner may be in the form of a spring.

[015] The hand-held machining device further comprises a toothed rack connected to the lever of the suspension of the machining unit drive roller and configured to adjust the position of the lever in relation to the split rotatable disc.

[016] The machining device comprises a tube support unit connected to the split support disc for providing a suspension for the machining unit. The tube support unit comprises a frame, a support lever rotatable connected to the frame and a suspension member rotatable connected to the frame and to the support lever, and a hand knob connected to the frame and configured to adjust the tube support unit for machining of the tube of the necessary diameter. The suspension member may be selected from the group comprising a gas spring, an absorber, or a spring.

[017] The machining device is configured to be able to machine an outer surface of a tube, where the diameter of the tube may be in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 20 mm to 100 mm.

Brief description of the drawings

[018] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments of the invention.

[019] Fig. 1 illustrates a machining device (1) fully assembled and ready to perform griding, polishing or cleaning of a tube-like member.

[020] Fig. 2 illustrates the machining device (1) as seen in Fig. 1, but in a partly disassembled state, where a removable section (12) of a split support disc (10) is partly detached from the split support disc (10) and a split rotatable disc (20) is removed from the split support disc (10). [021] Fig. 3 illustrates the machining device (1) as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, where also a removable split disc section (22) of the split rotatable disc (20) is removed from the split rotatable disc (20).

[022] Fig. 4 illustrates the machining device (1) as seen in Fig. 3, but from an opposite side.

[023] Fig. 5 illustrates the machining device (1) as seen in Figs. 1-4 adjusted to machine a tube (60) with a possible minimal diameter to be set.

[024] Fig. 6 illustrates the machining device (1) as seen in Figs. 1-5 adjusted to machine a tube (60) with a possible maximum diameter to be set.

[025] Fig. 7 illustrates a split support disc (10) with a removable section (12) of a split support disc (10) hingedly connected to the split support disc (10) by means of a hinge (18).

[026] Fig. 8 illustrates a split rotatable disc (20) with a removable split disc section (22) of the split rotatable disc (20) connected to the split rotatable disc (20) by means of a locking mechanism (24).

[027] Fig. 9 illustrates a machining unit (30).

[028] Fig. 10 illustrates the machining unit (30) as seen in Fig. 9 from an opposite side.

[029] Fig. 11 illustrates a tube support unit (50). Detailed description of the embodiments

[030] The preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the figures to illustrate objectives, advantages, and efficiency of the present invention.

[031] As seen in Figs. 1 to 6 a machining device (1) comprises a support (2) in a form of a handle configuring the device as a hand-held machining device (1). This is just one of many configurations a device may have as the support (2) may be as the handle, an adapter or any unit that can support all other element of the device. The following embodiment is a hand-held device where the support (2) is in a form of handle. In a description below the support (2) is defined as a handle (2). The handle (2) comprises a drive motor (not illustrated in Figs.) and a drive axis (3) extending from the handle (2) and connected to the drive motor. The handle (2) comprises a main drive pulley (4) attached to the drive axis (3) of the drive motor. The machining device (1) comprises a split support disc (10) fixed to the handle (2) and a split rotatable disc (20) installed in the split support disc (10) in a rotatable manner so that the split rotatable disc (20) can rotate (20A) relative to the support disc (10) and a central axis (X) of the split rotatable disc (20) is concentric with a central axis (X) of the split support disc (10). The machining device (1) further comprises three machining units (30) connected to the split rotatable disc (20) and wherein each machining unit (30) comprises a grinding belt (34).

[032] The split support disc (10) comprises a through hole (11) in the centre of the split support disc (10) and a removable section (12), which is a part of the split support disc (10) and configured to be removably attached and detached from the split support disc (10). In present embodiment the removable section (12) is connected to the split support disc (10) through a hinge (18). Figs. 2, 3 and 7 show the removable section (12) is detached position. This allows insertion of the endless tube (60) to be processed within the through hole (11) of the split support disc (10). The split support disc (10) comprises two slave drive pulleys (13) rotatable attached to the split support disc (10) and configured to be driven by the main drive pulley (4) of the handle (2) through a belt transmission (14). The split support disc (10) comprises two support disc drive rollers (15) where each support disc drive roller (15) is connected to respective slave drive pulley (13) so that the rotation (13A) of the slave drive pulley (13) rotates (15A) the support disc drive roller (15). The support disc drive rollers (15) are in engagement with a circumferential drive slot (23) of the split rotatable disc (20) so that the rotation (15A) of the support disc drive roller (15) drives or rotates (20A) the split rotatable disc (20). In order to firmly hold and stabilize the rotation of the split rotatable disc (20), the split support disc (10) comprises a pressure roller (17) arranged at the circumference of the split support disc (10) and configured to bear against the split rotatable disc (20), in result of which the split rotatable disc (20) is securely held and rotated (20A) at the split support disc (10) by means of two support disc drive rollers (15) and the pressure roller (17) of the split support disc (10). The pressure roller (17) of the split support disc (10) comprises a tensioning mechanism (18) configured to provide a tension to the pressure roller (17) against the split rotatable disc (20). The split support disc (10) further comprises a circumferential flange (16) formed on a circumference of the split support disc (10). The circumferential flange (16) is configured for engagement with machining unit drive rollers (31) so that in result of the rotation (20A) of the split rotatable disc (20), the machining unit drive rollers (31) rolls along the circumferential flange (16) of the split support disc (10) driving the machining unit (30) and its grinding belt (34) (see Figs. 1 to 7).

[033] The machining device (1) comprises the split rotatable disc (20) installed in the split support disc (10) in a rotatable manner so that the split rotatable disc (20) can rotate (20A) relative to the support disc (10) and a central axis (X) of the split rotatable disc (20) is concentric with a central axis (X) of the split support disc (10). The split rotatable disc (20) comprises a through hole (21) in the centre of the split rotatable disc (20) that is concentric with the through hole (11) of the split support disc (10). The split support disc (10) further comprises a lock (19) for holding and locking the split support disc (10) together. The split rotatable disc (20) also comprises a removable split disc section (22), which is a part of the split rotatable disc (20) and configured to be removably attached and detached from the split rotatable disc (20). The split rotatable disc (20) comprises a circumferential drive slot (23) formed on a circumference of the split rotatable disc (20) so that the support disc drive rollers (15) of the split support disc (10) are in engagement with the circumferential drive slot (23) of the split rotatable disc (20) and rotation (15A) of the support disc drive rollers (15) of the split support disc (10) rotates (20A) the split rotatable disc (20). The split rotatable disc (20) comprises a locking mechanism (24) configured to lock the removable split disc section (22) to the split rotatable disc (20) and unlock the removable split disc section (22) from the split rotatable disc (20) (see Figs. 1 to 6 and 8).

[034] The machining device (1) comprises three machining units (30) connected to the split rotatable disc (20). In the present embodiment the machining unit (30) is a grinding unit comprising a grinding belt (34). Each machining unit (30) comprises a frame (35), a machining unit drive roller (31) rotatably connected to the frame (35) of the machining unit (30) and configured to be in engagement with the circumferential flange (16) of the split support disc (10) so that in result of rotation (20A) of the split rotatable disc (20) the machining unit drive roller (31) rolls (31A) along the circumferential flange (16) of the split support disc (10) providing rotation (31 A) of the machining unit drive roller (31). The functioning of the machining belt (34) is provided by a machining belt drive roller (32), a machining belt support roller (33) and a tension roller (36). The machining belt drive roller (32) is connected to the machining unit drive roller (31) so that the rotation (31 A) of the machining unit drive roller (31) rotates (32A) the machining belt drive roller (32). The machining belt support roller (33) is rotatably connect to the frame (35) of the machining unit (30). The tension roller (36) is configured to tension the machining belt (34). The machining belt (34) itself is arranged around the machining unit drive roller (31), the machining belt support roller (33) and the tension roller (36) (see Figs. 1 to 6 and 9, and 10).

[035] The machining device (1) further comprises a suspension (40) of the machining unit drive roller (31) (see Fig. 8). The suspension (40) comprises a lever (41) having a first end (42) and a second end (43). The first end (42) of the lever (41) is rotatable connected to the split rotatable disc (20) and the second end (43) of the lever (41) is rotatable connected to the machining unit drive roller (31). The suspension (40) comprises a tensioner (44) connected to the lever (41) and configured to push the lever (41) radial in relation to the split rotatable disc (20), in result of which the machining unit drive roller (31) is constantly pressed against the circumferential flange (16) of the split support disc (10). The suspension (40) further comprises a toothed rack (45) connected to the lever (41) of the suspension (40) of the machining unit drive roller (31) and configured to adjust the position of the lever (41) in relation to the split rotatable disc (20). The toothed rack (45) allows adjustment of the machining units (30) allowing to move (30B) the machining units (30) in direction of the central axis (X) of both discs (10; 20) or away from it. The toothed rack (45) further comprises a diameter scale (46) allowing to set-up all three machining units (30) for machining a tube of necessary diameter.

[036] The machining device (1) further comprises a tube support unit (50) connected to the split support disc (10) (see Fig. 11). The tube support unit (50) comprises a frame (51), a support lever (52) rotatable connected to the frame (51) and a suspension member (53) rotatable connected to the frame (51) and to the support lever (52), and a hand knob (54) connected to the frame (51) and configured to adjust the tube support unit (50). The support lever (52) further comprises a support roller (55) which is rotatable attached thereto. The tube to be machined is supported on said rollers (55). The tube support unit (50) further comprises a diameter scale (56) allowing to set the tube support unit (50) for machining of necessary diameter. The tube support unit (50) allows the machining units (30) to move slightly in relation to the central axis (X) of both discs (10; 20) so that bent sections of the tube (60) can be machined. Said tube support unit (50) also provides additional support for machining the tube.

[037] For ease of handling the machining device (1), two handle bars (61) are attached to the device through handle brackets (62).

[038] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

List of references

1 - a machining device;

2 - a support in a form of a handle;

3 - a drive axis of a motor;

4 - a main drive pulley;

10 - a split support disc;

11 - a through hole of a split support disc;

12 - a removable section of a split support disc;

13 - a slave drive pulley of a split support disc;

13A - a rotation of a slave drive pulley of a split support disc;

14 - a transmission;

15 - a support disc drive roller;

15A - a rotation of a split support disc;

16 - a circumferential flange of a split support disc;

17 - a pressure roller;

17A - a rotation of a pressure roller;

18 - a hinge;

19 - a lock;

20 - a split rotatable disc;

20A - a rotation of a split rotatable disc

21 - a through hole of a split rotatable disc;

22 - a removable split disc section;

23 - circumferential drive slot of a split rotatable disc; - a locking mechanism; - a machining unit; A - a direction of movement of a machining belt;B - a swivel of a machining unit; - a machining unit drive roller; A - a rotation of a machining unit drive roller; - a machining belt drive roller; A - a rotation of a machining belt drive roller; - a machining belt support roller; - a machining belt; - a frame of a machining unit; - a tension roller; A - a tension lever; B - a tension mechanism; C - a release lever; D - a gear transmission; - a support roller; A - a hand knob; B - an idler gear; C - a lock gear; D - a control gear; - a suspension of a drive roller; - a lever of a suspension; - a first end of a lever; - a second end of a lever; - a tensioner; - a toothed rack; - a diameter scale of a machining unit; - a tube support unit; - a frame of a tube support unit; - a support lever of a tube support unit; - a suspension member of a tube support unit; - a hand knob of a tube support unit; - a support roller of a tube support unit; - a diameter scale of a tube support unit; - a tube; - a handle bar; and - a handle bracket.