Device for undulating a pipe

Abstract

A device for imparting an undulation to a smooth pipe ( 1 ) composed of metal which has wave peaks and wave valleys extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The device has an undulating unit ( 2 ) with a protrusion which rotates in the circumferential direction in the position of operation for producing the undulation. Arranged in front of the undulating unit ( 2 ) is a guide sleeve ( 5 ) for guiding the smooth pipe ( 1 ) moved in its longitudinal direction. A support sleeve ( 7 ) is arranged immediately behind the undulating unit ( 2 ) which tightly surrounds the undulated pipe ( 6 ) which leaves the undulating unit ( 2 ) in the pulling off direction without impairing the movement of the undulated pipe ( 6 ) in its longitudinal direction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Device for imparting an undulation to a smooth pipe having metal which extends transversely of the longitudinal direction of the pipe with wave peaks and wave valleys extending in a circumferential direction of the pipe, said device comprising:
 an undulating unit with a projection which has a protrusion rotating in the circumferential direction in the position of operation,   wherein in front of the undulating unit a guide sleeve is mounted for guiding the smooth pipe which is moved in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and   wherein a support sleeve is arranged immediately following the undulating unit which tightly surrounds the undulated pipe leaving the undulating unit in the pulling off direction without impairing the movement of the pipe in its longitudinal direction.   
     
     
         2 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in the case of an annularly undulated pipe, the axial width of the support sleeve equals approximately the distance between two successive wave crests. 
     
     
         3 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein, in the case of a helically undulated pipe, that the axial width of the support sleeve equals approximately twice the undulation pitch. 
     
     
         4 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support sleeve is tightly connected to an undulation head of the undulating unit, wherein the undulation head is rotatable about its axis. 
     
     
         5 . Device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support sleeve is connected to an undulation head with the intermediate arrangement of a roller bearing, wherein the undulation head is rotatable about its axis.