Apparatus for guiding tube processing devices

#The invention relates to an apparatus for guiding tube processing devices, in particular planing devices, wherein the apparatus is to be arranged on the outer circumference of the tube to be processed.

#Remachining work which serves for connecting further lines or branches, is often carried out on plastic tubes or plastic pipework.

#For example, to fit branch sockets or welding saddles which are welded to the main line, it is necessary to plane off the outer surface of the tube at the weld point in order to remove dirt inclusions from the production process or even material changes brought about by ageing which, for example, can occur on the surface of the tube as a result of UV damage or weather.

#One exemplary embodiment of the invention is described by way of the figures, the invention not being restricted to only the exemplary embodiment, in which:

#FIG. 1 shows a 3D view of an apparatus according to the invention mounted on the outer circumference of a tube,

#FIG. 2 shows a 3D view of an apparatus according to the invention with slides,

#FIG. 1 shows the apparatus according to the invention mounted on the circumference. The two bands 2, which are preferably of spring steel, adapt to the course of the circumference of the tube 8. The material of the bands 2 is selected such that it has a high degree of torsional strength as well as being stiff to torsion, that means that the bands 2 can hardly be deformed along their length, however, they adapt easily to the circumference of the tube 8 by means of their high degree of flexibility along their length. By means of the spacers 5 which are arranged on the band underside 6, the band is at a constant spacing from the outer circumference of the tube 8 or from the surface thereof. The two bands 2 of the apparatus extend parallel with respect to one another. The band ends of the two bands 2, which are located on the same side of the circumference or which are located side by side, are in each case connected together by means of a carrier 3. The apparatus 1 forms, as a result, a type of frame 9 which is positioned over the outer circumference of the tube 8 for processing the tube 8. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the bands 2 adapt precisely to the course of the circumference of the tube 8. As a result the spacing between the band 2 and the circumference of the tube 8, which is generated by the spacers 5, is the same size at any position. When using a planing device 11 in combination with the apparatus 1 according to the invention, it is thereby ensured that the planing depth is given at every position, in addition non-planed regions can be avoided even in the case of tubes 8 which have an oval form. The band ends are preferably connected to the respective carrier 3 by means of a carrier accommodating means 4.

#As an alternative to this, the band ends can also be mounted directly on the carrier 3. Carrier accommodating means 4, which enable the bands 2 to be connected to the respective carrier 3, are arranged on both ends of the carrier 3, which is preferably formed by a steel or aluminium profile. The carrier accommodating means 4 are preferably screw-connected to the carriers 3. The connection of the bands 2 and the carrier 3 together to form a type of frame 9, which is positioned over the circumference of a tube 8 and is fastened by means of a tensioning device, achieves a rigidity of the apparatus which enables it to attach tube processing devices, in particular planing devices 11, on the apparatus 1 which neither tilt nor lift in an unwanted manner from the outer circumference of the tube 8 when they are being used. FIG. 2 shows the optimum slide guiding means for the slides 10 on which a tube processing device can be fastened. The slide guiding means extends along the bands 2, which through their material, their carrier connection and the fastening by means of a tensioning device, run rigidly and parallel to the circumference. The fastening of the apparatus 1 according to the invention on the outer circumference of the tube 8 is converted by a tensioning device, preferably by two lashing straps 7, which are fastened on the frame 9. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lashing straps 7 are fastened on the carrier accommodating means 4, but can also be attached directly on the carrier 3 if there are no carrier accommodating means 4 present.

#The frame 9 is fastened on the outer circumference of the pipeline 8 to be processed by means of a ratchet or an alternative tensioning device.