Double-station pipe expanding and thinning bar stripping machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a double-station pipe expanding, thinning and bar removing machine which comprises a machine table, a pipe expanding and thinning mechanism arranged on the machine table, two bar removing mechanisms arranged side by side, a transplanting assembly after thinning, a discharging assembly after bar removing and a discharging positioning mechanism. The pipe expanding and thinning mechanism comprises a pushing assembly, an upper bulging die assembly, a lower bulging die assembly, two marking following assemblies, a thinning assembly and a pulling assembly, wherein the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly are arranged up and down. The material pushing assembly and the material pulling assembly are oppositely arranged, and the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly are arranged between the material pushing assembly and the material pulling assembly. The thinning assembly is arranged on the output end side of the material pulling assembly and located on one side of the upper bulging die assembly and one side of the lower bulging die assembly. The two marking following assemblies are arranged on the two sides of the lower bulging die assembly. According to the full-automatic pipe expanding machine, the procedures of discharging positioning, pipe expanding, marking, thinning, transplanting, bar removing and discharging can be continuously completed, manual carrying and intermediate turnover links among all the procedures are reduced, and the automation degree and production efficiency of the whole machine are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and in particular to a dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the processing of irregularly shaped metal pipe fittings, especially in the manufacturing of non-circular cross-section pipe fittings such as D-shaped pipes, mandrels are typically used to support and shape the pipe fittings, and multiple processes are sequentially completed, including loading and positioning, pipe expansion and shaping, marking, thinning, mandrel removal, and unloading. For D-shaped pipes with mandrels, after expansion and thinning, the mandrel must be separated from the formed pipe fitting, and the removed pipe fittings and mandrels must be collected separately. The above processes are closely linked, affecting not only processing accuracy but also the overall production cycle time and automation level.

[0003] In existing technologies, the aforementioned processes are typically completed by multiple pieces of equipment in a decentralized manner. Even when they are set up on the same production line, the loading, transfer, alignment, and sorting of workstations such as tube expansion, thinning, rod removal, and unloading still mainly rely on manual labor. Because manual operation is greatly affected by skill level, operating rhythm, and on-site conditions, inconsistencies in workpiece placement, posture deviations, inaccurate docking, and unstable process connections can easily occur. This can lead to decreased tube expansion accuracy, uneven thinning, unsmooth rod removal, and even affect the quality of subsequent material collection.

[0004] Especially for D-type tube workpieces, after tube expansion and thinning, the workpiece still mates with the mandrel. If manual handling and placement are continued at the mandrel removal station, it not only increases the intermediate turnaround time but also easily causes the workpiece to shake, shift, or be damaged during handling, thus affecting the alignment and stability during mandrel removal. At the same time, existing mandrel removal stations are mostly single-station structures, with limited separation efficiency between the mandrel and the tube. When the upstream tube expansion and thinning processes have a fast cycle time, the mandrel removal process can easily become a bottleneck for the entire production line, making it difficult to meet the requirements of continuous production.

[0005] Furthermore, after the mandrel is removed, the D-type tubes and mandrels need to be unloaded and collected separately. If manual handling, transfer, and sorting are still required, it is not only labor-intensive but also prone to problems such as untimely collection, chaotic classification, misplacement, and omissions, affecting production order and subsequent management. Moreover, frequent manual involvement in multiple workstations such as tube expansion, thinning, mandrel removal, and unloading presents challenges including high workload, significant efficiency fluctuations, and certain safety risks, hindering the achievement of stable and efficient automated production.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine to solve the problems in the existing technology of D-shaped tubes with mandrels in the tube expansion, thinning, rod removal, and material feeding processes, such as dispersed processes, high degree of manual participation, low station connection efficiency, poor positioning consistency, insufficient rod removal efficiency, and low degree of automation in the classification and material feeding after rod removal. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: This invention provides a dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine, including a machine base, a tube expansion and thinning mechanism mounted on the machine base, two rod removal mechanisms arranged side by side, a thinning and transfer assembly, a rod removal and unloading assembly, and a material feeding and positioning mechanism. The tube expansion and thinning mechanism includes a pushing assembly, an upper bulging die assembly and a lower bulging die assembly arranged vertically, two marking and following assemblies, a thinning assembly, and a pulling assembly; the pushing assembly and the pulling assembly are arranged opposite to each other, and the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly are arranged between the pushing assembly and the pulling assembly; the thinning assembly is located on the output end side of the pulling assembly and on one side of the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly; the two marking and following assemblies are located on both sides of the lower bulging die assembly; The feeding and positioning mechanism is located on one side between the upper bulging mold assembly and the lower bulging mold assembly, and is used to feed and position the D-shaped tube with mandrel to be processed. The thinned transplanting assembly is placed between the rod removal mechanism and the thinning assembly, and is used to transfer the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel to the corresponding rod removal mechanism. The two rod removal mechanisms are arranged on both sides of the material pulling assembly and are used to remove the D-shaped tube with the core rod after it has been transferred by the thinning and transplanting assembly; the rod removal and unloading assembly is placed above the rod removal mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the pushing assembly includes a pushing electric cylinder, a first sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the output end of the pushing electric cylinder, a sliding plate disposed on the first sliding assembly, a pushing block disposed on the sliding plate, and two limiting assemblies installed at the end of the pushing block; the pushing block is connected to the output end of the pushing electric cylinder. Each of the aforementioned limiting components includes a clamping cylinder, a gripper disposed at the output end of the clamping cylinder, and an optical fiber probe disposed next to the gripping station of the gripper.

[0010] Preferably, the upper bulging mold assembly includes an upper mold fixing seat, an upper mold electric cylinder disposed on the upper mold fixing seat, an upper mold guide assembly penetrating the top of the upper mold fixing seat, an upper mold fixing plate installed at the bottom of the upper mold guide assembly, and two bulging upper molds installed at the bottom of the upper mold fixing plate; the output end of the upper mold electric cylinder is connected to the upper mold fixing plate; The lower bulging mold assembly includes a lower mold fixing seat, a lower mold electric cylinder mounted on the lower mold fixing seat, a lower mold guide assembly connected to the output end of the lower mold electric cylinder, a lower mold fixing plate mounted on the top of the lower mold guide assembly, and two lower bulging molds mounted on the lower mold fixing plate and opposite to the two upper bulging molds; the output end of the lower mold electric cylinder is connected to the lower mold guide assembly.

[0011] Preferably, each of the marking follower components includes a marking laser and a follower component; The marking laser is positioned below the follower assembly, with its emitting part facing the marking hole on the bulging lower mold; the follower assembly is located beside the thinning assembly. The following component includes a follower cylinder, a second sliding component disposed beside the follower cylinder, a fixed block disposed on the second sliding component, a slide cylinder disposed on the fixed block, a finger cylinder disposed at the output end of the slide cylinder, and a gripper disposed on the finger cylinder; the output end of the follower cylinder is connected to the fixed block and is used to push the fixed block to slide on the second sliding component; the thinning component includes a mounting base and a thinning circular mold disposed on the mounting base.

[0012] Preferably, the material pulling assembly includes a material pulling electric cylinder, a third sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the output end of the material pulling electric cylinder, a connecting seat disposed on the third sliding assembly, and two thinning clamping assemblies disposed on the connecting seat; The output end of the electric cylinder for pulling the material is connected to the connecting seat, which is used to drive the connecting seat to move on the third sliding component; Each of the aforementioned thinning clamping components includes a drive cylinder, a clamping block disposed at the output end of the drive cylinder, and a fixing plate disposed on the connecting seat; the fixing plate is also provided with a through hole; the clamping block is placed at the through hole.

[0013] Preferably, each of the rod release mechanisms includes a rod release and pulling mechanism, a first sliding mechanism located in front of the rod release and pulling mechanism, a clamping mechanism located on the first sliding mechanism and connected to the output end of the rod release and pulling mechanism, a blocking mechanism located in front of the clamping mechanism, a second sliding mechanism located below the blocking mechanism, a discharging mechanism located on the second sliding mechanism, and a guiding support mechanism located between the rod release and pulling mechanism and the blocking mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the feeding mechanism includes a rotating mechanism, a rotating plate disposed on the output end of the rotating mechanism, a feeding platform disposed on the rotating plate, and pressing components disposed on the rotating plate and positioned on both sides of the feeding platform; the rotating mechanism is disposed on the second sliding mechanism; The end of the feeding platform is also provided with a first material guide support wheel and a material sensor placed next to the first material guide support wheel. The first material guide support wheel is opposite to the feeding platform. The material guide support mechanism includes a Z-axis cylinder and a second material guide support wheel set on the output end of the Z-axis cylinder. The material blocking mechanism includes a support base, a rod release plate disposed on the support base, a material blocking cylinder disposed on the top of the support base, and two material blocking plates disposed on the output end of the material blocking cylinder; the rod release plate has a rod release hole in the middle, and the two material blocking plates are placed on the back of the rod release plate and at the rod release hole.

[0015] Preferably, the clamping mechanism includes a first connecting seat and a first clamping assembly disposed on the first connecting seat; the first clamping assembly includes a first driving cylinder, a first clamping block disposed on the output end of the first driving cylinder, and a first fixing plate disposed on the first connecting seat; the first fixing plate is also provided with a first through hole; the first clamping block is placed on the back of the first fixing plate and is positioned at the first through hole.

[0016] The rod-pulling mechanism includes a pulling electric cylinder; the rotating mechanism includes a rotating cylinder. The pressing assembly includes a pressing cylinder and a presser handle disposed at the output end of the pressing cylinder. Preferably, the material feeding and positioning mechanism includes a support frame, a first Y-axis linear module mounted on the support frame, a first Z-axis cylinder disposed on the output end of the first Y-axis linear module, a second Z-axis cylinder disposed on the output end of the first Z-axis cylinder, a connecting plate disposed on the output end of the second Z-axis cylinder, a feeding plate mounted on the connecting plate, a rotary clamping cylinder disposed on the feeding plate, a side cylinder disposed on the support frame and opposite to the feeding plate, and a side plate disposed on the output end of the side cylinder.

[0017] Preferably, the thinned transplanting assembly includes a mounting plate, two first telescopic cylinders and a fifth sliding assembly mounted on the mounting plate, two first up-and-down cylinders mounted on the fifth sliding assembly, and a first clamping cylinder mounted on the output end of each first up-and-down cylinder. The output end of each first telescopic cylinder is connected to a first up-and-down cylinder to drive the corresponding first up-and-down cylinder to slide on the fifth sliding assembly. The fifth sliding assembly consists of a fifth slide rail and a fifth slider.

[0018] Preferably, the unloading assembly after rod removal includes a second Y-axis linear module, an unloading assembly disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module, and two transfer assemblies disposed on the back of the second Y-axis linear module; The feeding assembly includes a sliding seat disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module, a rodless cylinder disposed on the sliding seat, a sixth sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the rodless cylinder, a first clamping assembly disposed on the sixth sliding assembly and connected to the output end of the rodless cylinder, and a second clamping assembly disposed at the end of the sliding seat and disposed opposite to the first clamping assembly. Both the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly include a mounting plate, a second telescopic cylinder mounted on the mounting plate, a seventh sliding assembly located on one side of the second telescopic cylinder, a fixed seat mounted on the seventh sliding assembly, and a second clamping cylinder mounted on the fixed seat; the output end of the second telescopic cylinder is connected to the fixed seat. Each of the transplanting components includes a third telescopic cylinder, an eighth sliding component located on one side of the third telescopic cylinder, a second upper and lower cylinder disposed on the eighth sliding component, and a third clamping cylinder disposed on the output end of the second upper and lower cylinder; the output end of the third telescopic cylinder is connected to the second upper and lower cylinder and is used to drive the second upper and lower cylinder to slide along the eighth sliding component; The sixth and seventh sliding components are both composed of a slide rail and a slider.

[0019] The technical solution of this invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention integrates a tube expansion and thinning mechanism, a rod removal mechanism, a thinning and transplanting assembly, a rod removal and unloading assembly, and a feeding and positioning mechanism on the same machine. This allows D-shaped tubes with mandrels to continuously complete feeding and positioning, tube expansion, marking, thinning, transplanting, rod removal, and unloading processes within the same equipment. This reduces manual handling and intermediate turnover between processes, which helps improve the automation level and production efficiency of the whole machine.

[0020] This invention, by setting up a feeding and positioning mechanism, can adjust the position, correct the posture, and limit the clamping of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel before the workpiece enters the tube expansion station. This improves the positional and posture consistency of the workpiece when it enters the tube expansion station, reduces processing errors caused by manual feeding deviations, and helps to improve the stability and product consistency of subsequent tube expansion and thinning processes.

[0021] This invention, by setting up a tube expansion and thinning mechanism, enables the material pushing component, upper expansion mold component, lower expansion mold component, marking and following component, thinning component and material pulling component to form a continuous cooperative relationship. This allows for direct marking and thinning processing after tube expansion and forming, reducing the accumulation of positioning errors caused by the transfer of workpieces between different devices, and improving the forming accuracy and thinning uniformity of the tube.

[0022] This invention, by setting up a thinning and transfer component, enables the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel to be automatically transferred to the corresponding mandrel removal station, avoiding the problems of reduced efficiency, workpiece displacement and unstable connection caused by manual handling. It is beneficial to achieve rapid connection between the thinning process and the mandrel removal process and improve the continuity of the whole machine cycle.

[0023] This invention forms a dual-station rod removal structure by setting two parallel rod removal mechanisms, which can perform rod removal operations alternately or in parallel depending on the status of the left and right stations. Compared with a single-station structure, it can effectively improve the separation efficiency of mandrel and tube, reduce the limitation of the rod removal process on the overall machine capacity, and help meet the needs of continuous production.

[0024] This invention, by setting up a feeding mechanism, a blocking mechanism, a clamping mechanism, and a guiding support mechanism in the rod removal mechanism, enables the tube to be reliably positioned and blocked during the rod removal process, and the mandrel to be stably clamped and smoothly pulled out along the rod removal direction. This reduces the phenomenon of workpiece following, mandrel shaking or deflection during the rod removal process, and helps to improve the stability and reliability of the rod removal process.

[0025] This invention, by setting up a feeding component after rod removal, enables the tubes and mandrels after rod removal to be clamped, transported, and sorted for feeding separately, reducing manual sorting and receiving operations, lowering labor intensity, and improving the accuracy and automation level of sorting and receiving, thus avoiding problems such as mixed materials, leakage, and untimely receiving.

[0026] In summary, this invention enables the integrated automatic processing of D-shaped tubes with mandrels, including tube expansion, thinning, mandrel removal, and sorting and unloading. This not only improves production efficiency and automation but also reduces positioning errors and efficiency fluctuations caused by manual intervention, thereby enhancing product processing accuracy, quality consistency, and overall machine stability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tube expansion and thinning mechanism of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tube expansion and thinning mechanism of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material pushing component of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bulging mold assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bulging mold assembly of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the marking and following component of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the marking and following component of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the thinning component of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the material pulling assembly of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rod release mechanism of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking mechanism of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking mechanism of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rod removal plate of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the material feeding and positioning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thinned transplanting component of the present invention; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding assembly after rod removal in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding assembly after rod removal in this invention. Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 20 This invention provides a dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine, comprising a machine base, on which are arranged a tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100, two rod removal mechanisms 200 arranged side by side, a thinning and transfer assembly 400, a rod removal and unloading assembly 500, and a feeding and positioning mechanism 300. By integrating tube expansion, thinning, rod removal, and unloading processes onto the same machine base and adopting a dual-station rod removal structure, D-shaped tubes with mandrels 10 can complete continuous processes such as feeding and positioning, tube expansion, thinning, transfer, rod removal, and unloading on the same equipment, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing the degree of manual intervention.

[0034] The tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100 is mainly used to achieve integrated processing of D-shaped tubes, including automatic tube expansion, marking, and thinning. This mechanism 100 adopts a D-shaped tube stretching and extrusion integrated forming process with a mandrel 10. Through the precise coordination of various components, it achieves high-precision, automated, and efficient production. The tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100 includes a pushing component 20, an upper bulging die component 30 and a lower bulging die component 40 arranged vertically, two marking and following components 50, a thinning component 70, and a pulling component 80. The pushing component 20 and the pulling component 80 are arranged opposite each other, and the upper bulging die component 30 and the lower bulging die component 40 are arranged vertically correspondingly. The upper bulging die component 30 and the lower bulging die component 40 are positioned between the pushing component 20 and the pulling component 80, forming a bulging processing station. The thinning component 70 is located on the output end side of the pulling component 80 and on one side between the upper bulging die component 30 and the lower bulging die component 40, and is used to precisely thin the bulged tube. Two marking follower components 50 are placed on both sides of the lower bulging mold component 40 to perform laser marking synchronously during the bulging process.

[0035] Reference Figure 17 A feeding and positioning mechanism 300 is located on one side between the upper and lower bulging mold assemblies, used for feeding and positioning the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed. A thinning and transferring assembly 400 is located between the mandrel removal mechanism 200 and the thinning assembly, used to transfer the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to the corresponding mandrel removal mechanism. Two mandrel removal mechanisms 200 are arranged on both sides of the feeding assembly, used to remove the mandrel 10 from the D-shaped tube transferred by the thinning and transferring assembly 400. A post-mandrel removal unloading assembly 500 is located above the mandrel removal mechanism 200, used to sort and transfer the separated D-shaped tube and mandrel 10 to the corresponding material boxes after mandrel removal.

[0036] Furthermore, the feeding and positioning mechanism 300 includes a support frame, a first Y-axis linear module 301 mounted on the support frame, a first Z-axis cylinder 302 disposed on the output end of the first Y-axis linear module 301, a second Z-axis cylinder 303 disposed on the output end of the first Z-axis cylinder 302, a connecting plate disposed on the output end of the second Z-axis cylinder 303, a feeding plate 304 mounted on the connecting plate, a rotary clamping cylinder 305 disposed on the feeding plate 304, a side cylinder 306 disposed on the support frame and disposed opposite to the feeding plate 304, and a side plate disposed on the output end of the side cylinder 306. The combination of the first Y-axis linear module 301, the first Z-axis cylinder 302, and the second Z-axis cylinder 303 allows the feeding plate 304 to be adjusted in different directions to accommodate the feeding posture of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. The rotary clamping cylinder 305 is used to rotary clamp the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. The side cylinder 306 drives the side plate to limit the lateral position of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. This feeding and positioning mechanism 300 improves the positional consistency of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 before it enters the tube expansion station.

[0037] The working principle of the material feeding and positioning mechanism 300 is as follows: During the loading stage, the first Y-axis linear module 301 first moves the feeding plate 304 to an initial position suitable for manual loading. The first Z-axis cylinder 302 and the second Z-axis cylinder 303 adjust the feeding plate 304 to a height suitable for receiving the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed. After the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed is placed on the feeding plate 304, the rotary clamping cylinder 305 is activated to clamp and fix the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to prevent it from shifting or tilting during subsequent movement.

[0038] During the posture adjustment stage, if the axial posture, circumferential angle, or relative direction of the mandrel in the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 does not meet the loading requirements of the tube expansion station, the rotary clamping cylinder 305 can rotate the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 at an appropriate angle to adjust the loading direction, mandrel orientation, or characteristic parts of the tube to be processed so that they correspond to the processing reference of the subsequent tube expansion and thinning mechanism. At the same time, the side cylinder 306 is activated, causing the side plate to move towards the feeding plate 304, which abuts and limits the side wall or lateral reference part of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to further eliminate the lateral gap of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10, making the position of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 on the feeding plate 304 more stable and reliable.

[0039] During the fine-tuning stage, the first Y-axis linear module 301 drives the feeding plate 304 to move upward in the Y direction, gradually bringing the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 closer to the predetermined handover position of the tube expansion station. The first Z-axis cylinder 302 and the second Z-axis cylinder 303 operate according to the station height requirements, adjusting the height of the feeding plate 304 in stages. The first Z-axis cylinder 302 can complete a larger range of vertical lifting and lowering, while the second Z-axis cylinder 303 can complete a smaller range of fine compensation, so that the axial height, end position, or mandrel position of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 achieves a better docking state with the subsequent mechanisms such as the pushing assembly and the expansion mold assembly.

[0040] During the handover phase, once the position and orientation of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 are adjusted to the correct position, the side cylinder 306 retracts, causing the side plate to exit the lateral space of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10; the rotary clamping cylinder 305 releases or partially releases the clamping constraint, placing the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 in a state where it can be pushed or picked up. Subsequently, the pushing assembly 20 actuates, pushing the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 from the feeding plate 304 to the working area of ​​the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100. After a complete work cycle, the first Y-axis linear module 301, the first Z-axis cylinder 302, the second Z-axis cylinder 303, the rotary clamping cylinder 305, and the side cylinder 306 all reset, and the feeding plate 304 returns to the loading position to enter the next cycle. With the above-mentioned structural settings, the feeding and positioning mechanism 300 can support, clamp, adjust the rotation posture, limit the lateral position, and fine-tune the spatial position of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 before it enters the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100. This effectively improves the positional and posture consistency of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 before it enters the tube expansion station, reduces the adverse effects of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 offset, tilt, or incorrect angle on subsequent tube expansion and thinning processes, and thus helps to improve the stability and processing accuracy of the whole machine processing.

[0041] Furthermore, the pushing assembly 20 includes a pushing electric cylinder 21, first sliding assemblies 22 disposed on both sides of the output end of the pushing electric cylinder 21, a sliding plate disposed on the first sliding assembly 22, a pushing block 24 disposed on the sliding plate, and two limiting assemblies installed at the end of the pushing block 24; the pushing block 24 is connected to the output end of the pushing electric cylinder 21; the first sliding assembly 22 is composed of a first slide rail and a first slider. When the pushing electric cylinder is activated, it can drive the pushing block to move smoothly in a predetermined direction under the guidance of the first sliding assembly, so as to push the end of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to be processed. The first sliding assembly plays a guiding and supporting role in the movement of the pushing block, which helps to ensure the straightness and stability during the pushing process.

[0042] In this embodiment, the working principle of the pushing component 20 is as follows: the pushing electric cylinder 21 drives the pushing block 24 to move horizontally along the first sliding component 22, thereby driving the limiting component 25 to move horizontally, which in turn drives the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to move. The limiting component 25 is used to clamp and limit the front end of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10, ensuring that the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 is accurately pushed into the bulging mold component to achieve bulging processing. Each of the limiting components 25 includes a clamping cylinder 251, a gripper 252 disposed at the output end of the clamping cylinder 251, and an optical fiber probe disposed next to the gripping station of the gripper 252. The clamping cylinder 251 drives the gripper 252 to clamp the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10, and the optical fiber probe is used to detect in real time whether the position of the mandrel 10 is in place, ensuring the pushing accuracy. This component is installed at the end of the pushing block 24 and is closely linked with the pushing electric cylinder 21.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper bulging mold assembly 30 includes an upper mold fixing base 31, an upper mold electric cylinder 32 disposed on the upper mold fixing base 31, an upper mold guide assembly 33 penetrating the top of the upper mold fixing base 31, an upper mold fixing plate 34 installed at the bottom of the upper mold guide assembly 33, and two bulging upper molds 35 installed at the bottom of the upper mold fixing plate 34; the output end of the upper mold electric cylinder 32 is connected to the upper mold fixing plate 34 and is used to drive the upper mold fixing plate 34 and its bulging upper molds 35 to move up and down; the upper mold guide assembly 33 includes a first guide shaft and a first bushing disposed on the first guide shaft. In this embodiment, the working principle of the upper bulging mold assembly 30 is as follows: the upper mold electric cylinder 32 drives the bulging upper molds 35 to move downward, close with the lower bulging mold assembly 40, and form a bulging cavity. The guide assembly 33 ensures smooth movement, avoids deviation, and improves molding accuracy.

[0044] Furthermore, the lower bulging mold assembly 40 includes a lower mold fixing base 41, a lower mold electric cylinder 42 disposed on the lower mold fixing base 41, a lower mold guide assembly 43 connected to the output end of the lower mold electric cylinder 42, a lower mold fixing plate 44 mounted on the top of the lower mold guide assembly 43, and two lower bulging molds 45 mounted on the lower mold fixing plate 44 and opposite to the upper bulging mold 35. The output end of the lower mold electric cylinder 42 is connected to the lower mold guide assembly 43 and is used to drive the lower mold fixing plate 44 and its lower bulging molds 45 to move up and down. The lower mold guide assembly 43 includes a second guide shaft and a second bushing disposed on the second guide shaft. In this embodiment, the lower mold electric cylinder 42 drives the lower bulging molds 45 to move upward and close with the upper bulging mold assembly 30. The lower bulging molds 45 are provided with marking holes for laser marking to ensure accurate marking positions.

[0045] Furthermore, each of the marking follower components 50 includes a marking laser 51 and a follower component 5100; the marking laser 51 is disposed below the follower component, with its emitting part facing the marking hole on the bulging lower mold 45; the follower component 5100 is located beside the thinning component 70. The marking laser 51 is used to laser mark the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 through the marking hole during the bulging process. The follower component 5100 ensures that the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 is in a stable position during marking, synchronized with the bulging action, and improves the marking quality.

[0046] The following assembly 5100 includes a follower cylinder 521, a second sliding assembly 522 disposed beside the follower cylinder 521, a fixing block 523 disposed on the second sliding assembly 522, a slide cylinder 524 disposed on the fixing block 523, a finger cylinder 525 disposed at the output end of the slide cylinder 524, and a gripper disposed on the finger cylinder 525. The output end of the follower cylinder 521 is connected to the fixing block 523 and is used to push the fixing block 523 to slide on the second sliding assembly 522. The second sliding assembly 522 includes a second slide rail and a second slider disposed on the second slide rail. In this embodiment, the follower cylinder 521 drives the fixing block 523 to move along the second sliding assembly 522, and the slide cylinder 524 and the finger cylinder 525 further adjust the position of the gripper to clamp the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to follow the expansion and marking actions, ensuring marking accuracy and stability.

[0047] Furthermore, the thinning component 70 includes a mounting base 71 and a thinning circular mold 72 disposed on the mounting base 71. The thinning circular mold 72 is used to draw and thin the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 after expansion, control the wall thickness uniformly, and achieve product size consistency.

[0048] Furthermore, the material pulling assembly 80 includes a material pulling electric cylinder 81, a third sliding assembly 82 disposed on both sides of the output end of the material pulling electric cylinder 81, a connecting seat 83 disposed on the third sliding assembly 82, and two thinning clamping assemblies disposed on the connecting seat 83; the output end of the material pulling electric cylinder 81 is connected to the connecting seat 83 and is used to drive the connecting seat 83 to move on the third sliding assembly 82; each of the thinning clamping assemblies includes a drive cylinder 841, a clamping block 842 disposed on the output end of the drive cylinder 841, and two thinning clamping assemblies disposed on the connecting seat 83. A fixing plate 843 is provided on the seat 83; the fixing plate 843 is also provided with a through hole 844 for the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to pass through; the clamping block 842 is placed on the back of the fixing plate 843 and at the through hole 844; the third sliding assembly 82 is composed of a third slide rail and a third slider. In this embodiment, the working principle of the pulling assembly 80 is as follows: the pulling electric cylinder 81 drives the connecting seat 83 to move along the third sliding assembly 82, thereby driving the thinning clamping assembly to move, thereby pulling the clamped D-shaped tube with mandrel 10. The thinning clamping assembly controls the clamping block 842 to clamp and hold the tail end of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 through the driving cylinder 841, and pulls the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 through the thinning round mold 72 to achieve efficient thinning processing of the tube.

[0049] The working principle of the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100 is as follows: Material feeding, positioning and handover preparation: After the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed is supported, positioned and its posture adjusted by the feeding and positioning mechanism 300, the pushing component 20 hands it over; then, the clamping cylinder 251 of the limiting component 25 drives the gripper 252 to clamp the front end of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10, and the fiber optic probe detects whether the position is in place so that it can enter the subsequent expansion station.

[0050] Material ejection and bulging: The upper bulging mold assembly 30 and the lower bulging mold assembly 40 close. The upper mold electric cylinder 32 and the lower mold electric cylinder 42 drive the upper bulging mold 35 and the lower bulging mold 45 to move relative to each other, forming a closed bulging cavity. At the same time, the material ejection assembly 20 is activated: the material ejection electric cylinder 21 drives the pusher block 24 to advance horizontally along the first sliding assembly 22, pushing the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 into the bulging cavity. Under the action of the thrust, the D-shaped tube is deformed by the mandrel 10 and the mold, conforming to the shape of the mandrel 10, realizing tube expansion and forming a preliminary D-shaped tube blank. This process ensures uniform deformation of the tube and avoids uneven wall thickness.

[0051] Synchronous Marking: During the bulging process, the marking follower component 50 moves synchronously. The marking laser 51 marks the surface of the D-shaped tube through the marking hole 451 on the lower bulging mold 45. Simultaneously, the follower cylinder 521 of the follower component 5100 drives the fixed block 523 to move along the second sliding component 522. The slide cylinder 524 and the finger cylinder 525 adjust the gripper to hold the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10, ensuring the stability of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 and preventing marking deviation.

[0052] Thinning by pulling: After the bulging is completed, the pulling assembly 80 is activated: the driving cylinder 841 of the thinning clamping assembly controls the clamping block 842 to clamp the tail end of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 through the through hole 844 on the fixing plate 843. The pulling electric cylinder 81 drives the connecting seat 83 to pull along the third sliding assembly 82, causing the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to exit the bulging cavity, and then it is pulled and thinned by the thinning round mold 72 of the thinning assembly 70. After thinning, it is transported to the rod removal mechanism 200 by the thinning post-transfer assembly 400.

[0053] Reference Figure 18 After thinning, the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 is transferred to the corresponding mandrel removal mechanism 200 by the thinning and transfer assembly 400. The thinning and transfer assembly 400 includes a mounting plate, two first telescopic cylinders 401 and a fifth sliding assembly 402 mounted on the mounting plate, two first up-and-down cylinders 403 mounted on the fifth sliding assembly 402, and a first clamping cylinder 404 mounted on the output end of each first up-and-down cylinder 403. The output end of each first telescopic cylinder 401 is connected to a first up-and-down cylinder 403, which drives the corresponding first up-and-down cylinder 403 to slide on the fifth sliding assembly 402. The fifth sliding assembly 402 consists of a fifth slide rail and a fifth slider. During operation, the first clamping cylinder 404 clamps the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10, the first lifting cylinder 403 drives the clamping end to rise and fall, and the first telescopic cylinder 401 drives the corresponding clamping end to move along the fifth sliding assembly 402, thereby transferring the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 from the thinning station to the corresponding mandrel removal station. Because there are two clamping and transferring units, the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 can be conveyed to the mandrel removal mechanisms 200 on the left and right sides respectively, to meet the requirements of parallel operation of two stations.

[0054] Working principle of the thinned transplant component 400: After the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 completes the thinning process at the thinning assembly 70, the external control system outputs a thinning completion signal, and the thinning transfer assembly 400 is activated. At this time, the corresponding first telescopic cylinder 401 first drives the corresponding first up-and-down cylinder 403 to move along the fifth sliding assembly 402 toward the thinning station, so that the first clamping cylinder 404 enters above the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 or the predetermined clamping position.

[0055] After the first clamping cylinder 404 moves to the predetermined material-retrieving position, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 actuates, causing the first clamping cylinder 404 to move downwards, bringing the clamping end close to the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. Subsequently, the first clamping cylinder 404 actuates to clamp the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. After clamping, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 reverses its action, causing the first clamping cylinder 404 and the clamped D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to rise together. After the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 is raised to a safe height, the first telescopic cylinder 401 reverses its action or continues its action, causing the corresponding first up-and-down cylinder 403 to slide along the fifth sliding assembly 402 towards the corresponding rod-removal station. Since the fifth sliding assembly 402 is composed of a fifth slide rail and a fifth slider, it can provide stable guidance for the first upper and lower cylinders 403 and the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 held in the transfer process, so that the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 can move smoothly along the predetermined path to the top of the corresponding rod release mechanism.

[0056] After the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 is transferred to the target unloading station, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 actuates again, driving the first clamping cylinder 404 downwards, causing the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to gradually descend to the unloading area of ​​the unloading mechanism 200. Subsequently, the first clamping cylinder 404 releases, releasing the thinned D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 onto the unloading mechanism 200 for use in subsequent unloading processes. After unloading is completed, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 rises to reset, and the first telescopic cylinder 401 drives the material handling unit back to its initial standby position along the fifth sliding assembly 402, awaiting the next transfer operation.

[0057] Furthermore, two rod release mechanisms 200 are used to separate the mandrel 10 from the D-shaped tube containing the mandrel 10. Each of the rod release mechanisms includes a rod release and pulling mechanism 2002, a first sliding mechanism 2003, a clamping mechanism 2006, a blocking mechanism 2013, a second sliding mechanism 2020, a discharging mechanism 2023, and a guiding support mechanism 2033.

[0058] The feeding mechanism 2023 supports and positions the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10; the blocking mechanism 2013 provides blocking support for the D-shaped tube to limit its movement during the mandrel removal process; the clamping mechanism 2006 clamps the mandrel; the mandrel removal and pulling mechanism 2002 drives the clamping mechanism 2006 to move linearly along the mandrel removal direction under the guidance of the first sliding mechanism 2003 to pull the mandrel and separate the D-shaped tube from the mandrel 10; the guiding support mechanism 2033 provides support and guidance for the movement of the mandrel in the mandrel removal direction. The mandrel removal and pulling mechanism 2002 provides linear pulling output along the mandrel removal direction and includes a pulling electric cylinder. The first sliding mechanism 2003 is located in front of the mandrel removal and pulling mechanism 2002 and includes a first sliding rail and a first slider that slides in cooperation with the first sliding rail. The clamping mechanism 2006 is mounted on the first slider and connected to the output end of the rod release and pulling mechanism 2002, so that the clamping mechanism 2006 moves linearly along the rod release direction under the guidance of the first sliding mechanism 2003, thereby improving motion stability and reducing the lateral force on the rod release and pulling mechanism 2002.

[0059] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 2006 includes a first connecting seat 2007 and a first clamping assembly disposed on the first connecting seat 2007. The first clamping assembly includes a first driving cylinder 2009, a first clamping block 2010 driven by the first driving cylinder 2009, and a first fixing plate fixedly disposed on the first connecting seat 2007. A first through hole 2012 is formed on the first fixing plate for the mandrel 10 to pass through; the first clamping block 2010 is located on the back of the first fixing plate and is disposed corresponding to the first through hole 2012. During operation, the first driving cylinder 2009 drives the first clamping block 2010 to press down, thereby clamping the mandrel 10 and achieving reliable clamping of the mandrel 10.

[0060] Furthermore, a material blocking mechanism 2013 is positioned in front of the clamping mechanism 2006 to provide blocking support for the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10, thereby limiting the movement of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 during the mandrel removal process. The material blocking mechanism 2013 includes a support base 2014, a mandrel removal plate 2015 mounted on the support base 2014, a material blocking cylinder 2017 mounted on the support base 2014, and two material blocking plates 2018 mounted at the output end of the material blocking cylinder 2017. The two material blocking plates are designated as a first material blocking plate and a second material blocking plate. A mandrel removal hole 2016 is formed in the middle of the mandrel removal plate 2015, through which the mandrel 10 passes. The first and second material blocking plates are located on the back of the rod removal plate 2015 and are set corresponding to the rod removal hole 2016. The material blocking cylinder 2017 drives the first and second material blocking plates to press down to press the D-shaped tube with the core rod 10, thereby forming a reverse blocking support for the D-shaped tube with the core rod 10 when the rod is pulled.

[0061] Furthermore, the second sliding mechanism 2020 is positioned below the material blocking mechanism 2013. The second sliding mechanism 2020 includes a second sliding track and a second slider that slides in cooperation with the second sliding track. The material feeding mechanism 2023 is disposed on the second slider and is used to support and position a D-shaped tube with a mandrel 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism 2023 includes a rotating mechanism 2024, a rotating plate 2026 disposed on the output end of the rotating mechanism 2024, a feeding platform 2027 disposed on the rotating plate 2026, and pressing components 2028 disposed on the rotating plate 2026 and located on both sides of the feeding platform 2027; the rotating mechanism 2024 is disposed on the second sliding mechanism 2020. In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism 2024 includes a rotating cylinder, which drives the rotating plate 2026 to rotate, so as to adjust or align the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 on the feeding platform 2027. The pressing component 2028 includes a pressing cylinder and a presser disposed on the output end of the pressing cylinder, the presser being used to press and fix the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 placed on the feeding platform 2027 to prevent the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 from shifting during rotation or displacement. A first guide support wheel 2031 is provided at the end of the feeding platform 2027, and a material sensor 2032 is provided next to the first guide support wheel 2031. The first guide support wheel 2031 is arranged opposite to the feeding platform 2027 to provide rolling support for the end of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 or the end of the mandrel; the material sensor 2032 is used to detect the positioning status of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10, which facilitates subsequent interlocking control.

[0063] Furthermore, a material guiding support mechanism 2033 is disposed between the mandrel release and pulling mechanism 2002 and the material blocking mechanism 2013, for providing support and guidance for the movement of the mandrel 10 in the release direction, reducing deflection or vibration of the overhanging section of the mandrel 10. The material guiding support mechanism 2033 includes a Z-axis cylinder and a second material guiding support wheel disposed on the output end of the Z-axis cylinder. The second material guiding support wheel moves closer to or away from the mandrel 10 under the drive of the Z-axis cylinder, thereby achieving support or avoidance of the mandrel 10.

[0064] The working principle of the rod removal mechanism is as follows: After thinning, the transfer assembly 400 places the D-shaped tube with the core rod 10 after being expanded and thinned by the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100 on the feeding table 2027. The pressing cylinder drives the presser to press down to press and position the D-shaped tube with the core rod 10. After the material sensor 2032 detects the positioning signal, the second sliding mechanism 2020 drives the feeding mechanism 2023 to move to the position aligned with the blocking mechanism 2013. If necessary, the rotary cylinder drives the rotating plate 2026 to rotate to complete the posture alignment, so that the core rod 10 faces the rod removal hole 2016.

[0065] After alignment, the mandrel 10 passes through the mandrel release hole 2016. The material blocking cylinder 2017 drives the first and second material blocking plates to press down and clamp the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10, thereby restricting the movement of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. Subsequently, the Z-axis cylinder drives the second guide support wheel to approach the mandrel 10 to form support. At the clamping mechanism 2006, the first drive cylinder 2009 drives the first clamping block 2010 to press down and clamp the mandrel 10.

[0066] During the rod release process, the rod release and pulling mechanism 2002 outputs a linear stroke, driving the clamping mechanism 2006 to move along the rod release direction under the guidance of the first sliding mechanism 2003 and pull the mandrel 10. Because the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 is pressed and blocked by the blocking mechanism 2013, the mandrel 10 and the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 are relatively displaced, thus separating the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 from the mandrel 10. After separation, the clamping mechanism 2006 releases the mandrel 10, the blocking mechanism 2013 releases its pressure, and the second sliding mechanism 2020 drives the discharging mechanism 2023 back to the discharging position.

[0067] Reference Figures 19 to 20 The unloading assembly 500 after mandrel removal includes a second Y-axis linear module 501, an unloading component disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module 501, and two transfer components disposed on the back of the second Y-axis linear module 501. The second Y-axis linear module 501 provides the unloading component and the two transfer components with overall movement capability along the Y direction. The unloading component is installed at the output end of the second Y-axis linear module 501 and is used to clamp, receive, and transfer the mandrel 10 after mandrel removal. The two transfer components are used to transport the separated D-shaped tubing to a receiving box. The unloading assembly includes a sliding seat disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module 501, a rodless cylinder 502 disposed on the sliding seat, a sixth sliding component disposed on both sides of the rodless cylinder 502, a first clamping component disposed on the sixth sliding component and connected to the output end of the rodless cylinder 502, and a second clamping component disposed at the end of the sliding seat and opposite to the first clamping component.

[0068] A rodless cylinder 502 is mounted on a sliding seat, and its output end is connected to the first clamping assembly. It drives the first clamping assembly to move closer to or further away from the second clamping assembly in a predetermined direction. A sixth sliding assembly is located on both sides of the rodless cylinder 502, guiding and supporting the movement of the first clamping assembly to ensure its stability and straightness during movement, and to reduce swaying and wobble during clamping.

[0069] The first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly are used to clamp the mandrel 10 after it has been decoupled. Both the first and second clamping assemblies include a mounting plate, a second telescopic cylinder 503 mounted on the mounting plate, a seventh sliding assembly 504 located on one side of the second telescopic cylinder 503, a fixed seat mounted on the seventh sliding assembly 504, and a second clamping cylinder 505 mounted on the fixed seat. The output end of the second telescopic cylinder 503 is connected to the fixed seat. With this structure, the second telescopic cylinder 503 can drive the fixed seat and the second clamping cylinder 505 to move up and down along the seventh sliding assembly 504, thereby allowing the clamping end to be adaptively adjusted according to the specific position, length, posture, or separation state of the mandrel 10 after decoupling. The output end of the second clamping cylinder 505 is equipped with a gripper, which is used to drive the gripper to clamp or release the mandrel 10.

[0070] Two transfer components located on the back of the second Y-axis linear module 501 are used to transfer and unload the pipe fittings after they have been received by the unloading component. Each transfer component includes a third telescopic cylinder 506, an eighth sliding component 507 located on one side of the third telescopic cylinder 506, a second up-and-down cylinder 508 mounted on the eighth sliding component 507, and a third clamping cylinder 509 mounted on the output end of the second up-and-down cylinder 508. The output end of the third telescopic cylinder 506 is connected to the second up-and-down cylinder 508 and is used to drive the second up-and-down cylinder 508 to slide along the eighth sliding component 507; the second up-and-down cylinder 508 is used to drive the third clamping cylinder 509 to move up and down to achieve lifting and gripping of the target object; the third clamping cylinder 509 is used to clamp and release the D-shaped pipe. The sixth sliding component, the seventh sliding component 504, and the eighth sliding component 507 are all composed of slide rails and sliders to improve the guiding accuracy and running stability of the corresponding motion mechanism.

[0071] In this embodiment, after the mandrel is removed, the D-shaped tube and the mandrel 10 are separated. The working process of the unloading assembly 500 after mandrel removal is as follows: After the rod removal mechanism 200 completes the rod removal action, the external control system outputs a rod removal completion signal, the second Y-axis linear module 501 is started, and the rod removal unloading component 500 is moved to the material picking position of the corresponding rod removal station. At this time, the unloading component is located above the rod removal core 10, and the two transfer components are located at the material picking position of the rod removal tube.

[0072] Subsequently, the unloading assembly unloads the mandrel 10 after it has been removed from the mandrel. Specifically, the second telescopic cylinder 503 drives the fixed base and the second clamping cylinder 505 to move along the seventh sliding assembly 504 to align with the mandrel 10. After alignment, the second clamping cylinder 505 clamps the mandrel 10, and the second Y-axis linear module 501 drives the unloading assembly to exit the mandrel removal station and move to the receiving box in the mandrel unloading area. Then, the second clamping cylinder 505 releases, releasing the mandrel 10 into the receiving box at the corresponding receiving position.

[0073] Simultaneously, the two transfer components unload the D-shaped tube after it has been removed from the rod. The third telescopic cylinder 506 actuates, causing the second up-and-down cylinder 508 and the third clamping cylinder 509 to move along the eighth sliding component 507 above the tube. The second up-and-down cylinder 508 descends, causing the third clamping cylinder 509 to descend to the clamping position. After the third clamping cylinder 509 clamps the D-shaped tube, the second up-and-down cylinder 508 rises to lift the D-shaped tube. Then, the third telescopic cylinder 506 reverses its movement, transferring the D-shaped tube to above the corresponding receiving area. The second up-and-down cylinder 508 descends again, and the third clamping cylinder 509 releases, releasing the tube into the corresponding receiving box.

[0074] In operation, the dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine provided by this invention first supports, positions, and adjusts the posture of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed by the feeding and positioning mechanism 300. The feeding and positioning mechanism 300, through the coordinated action of the first Y-axis linear module 301, the first Z-axis cylinder 302, the second Z-axis cylinder 303, the connecting plate, the feeding plate 304, the rotary clamping cylinder 305, the side cylinder 306, and the side plate, adjusts the position, height, and posture of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 to be processed, ensuring that it corresponds to the feeding station of the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100. This guarantees that the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 enters the subsequent processing station with a stable and accurate posture.

[0075] After positioning, the pusher assembly 20 is activated, and the pusher electric cylinder 21 drives the pusher block 24 to move along the first sliding assembly 22, which in turn drives the limiting assembly 25 to clamp and push the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 towards the bulging station. At the same time, the upper bulging mold assembly 30 and the lower bulging mold assembly 40 move towards each other and close the mold to form the bulging cavity. Under the action of the pusher, the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 enters the bulging cavity. Under the combined action of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 and the two upper bulging molds 35 and the two lower bulging molds 45, the D-shaped tube undergoes plastic deformation, thereby completing the tube expansion and forming the D-shaped tube blank with the required cross-section.

[0076] During the tube expansion process, the marking follower component 50 works synchronously. The marking laser 51 performs laser marking on the surface of the D-shaped tube through the marking hole 451 on the lower forming mold 45; at the same time, the follower component 5100 clamps and follows the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 through the coordinated action of the follower cylinder 521, the second sliding component 522, the fixing block 523, the slide cylinder 524, the finger cylinder 525 and the gripper, so as to ensure the stability of the position of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 during the marking process and avoid the marking accuracy being affected by the displacement of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10.

[0077] After the tube expansion and marking are completed, the material pulling assembly 80 and the thinning assembly 70 work together. The drive cylinder 841 in the thinning clamping assembly drives the clamping block 842 to cooperate with the fixing plate 843 to clamp the tail end of the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. The material pulling electric cylinder 81 drives the connecting seat 83 to move along the third sliding assembly 82, thereby driving the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 to perform a material pulling motion, so that the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 passes through the thinning round mold 72 to complete the thinning process and obtain the D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 that meets the requirements.

[0078] After thinning is completed, the thinned transfer assembly 400 is activated. The corresponding first telescopic cylinder 401 drives the first up-and-down cylinder 403 to move along the fifth sliding assembly 402, causing the first clamping cylinder 404 to move above the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10. Subsequently, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 descends, the first clamping cylinder 404 clamps the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 and lifts it, and then the first telescopic cylinder 401 drives it to move along the fifth sliding assembly 402 towards the corresponding unloading station. Upon reaching the target unloading station, the first up-and-down cylinder 403 descends, placing the thinned D-shaped tube with the mandrel 10 into the receiving position of the corresponding unloading mechanism 200, thus completing the automatic transfer between the thinning station and the unloading station. Because two transfer units are provided, D-shaped tubes with the mandrel 10 can be transported to both left and right unloading stations respectively, to meet the requirements of parallel operation of two stations.

[0079] After the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 enters the mandrel removal mechanism 200, the feeding mechanism 2023 first supports and positions the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10. If necessary, the rotating mechanism 2024 drives the rotating plate 2026 to rotate, adjusting the posture of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10. The pressing assembly 2028 then presses the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10. Afterward, the feeding mechanism 2023 moves under the drive of the second sliding mechanism 2020 to a position aligned with the blocking mechanism 2013, so that the end of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 corresponds to the mandrel removal hole 2016. The material blocking mechanism 2013 activates, pressing and fixing the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 through the first and second material blocking plates 2018 to prevent the tube from moving along with the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 during the mandrel removal process. The second material guiding support wheel in the material guiding support mechanism 2033 approaches the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10 under the drive of the Z-axis cylinder, providing support and guidance for its movement in the mandrel removal direction. At this time, the clamping mechanism 2006 activates, and the first driving cylinder 2009 drives the first clamping block 2010 to clamp the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10. The mandrel removal and material pulling mechanism 2002 then outputs a linear pulling stroke, driving the clamping mechanism 2006 to move along the mandrel removal direction under the guidance of the first sliding mechanism 2003, thereby pulling the mandrel 10 out of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10, realizing the separation of the mandrel 10 from the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10.

[0080] After the rod removal is completed, the rod removal unloading component 500 automatically collects the materials. The second Y-axis linear module 501 drives the unloading component and the two transfer components to the corresponding rod removal station, clamps the removed tubes and mandrels 10 respectively, and transports them to the corresponding material boxes or collection areas, thereby realizing automatic sorting and unloading.

[0081] After completing one cycle, the feeding and positioning mechanism 300 returns to the loading position, the tube expansion and thinning mechanism 100 returns to the initial state, the thinning and transfer component 400 and the rod removal and unloading component 500 return to the standby position, and the left and right rod removal mechanisms 200 return to the receiving state, thus entering the next automatic processing cycle of the D-shaped tube with mandrel 10.

[0082] In summary, this invention integrates processes such as material feeding and positioning, tube expansion and shaping, synchronous marking, thinning, post-thinning transfer, dual-station rod removal, and post-rod removal sorting and unloading into a single machine, thereby achieving continuous automated processing of D-shaped tubes with mandrel 10. This not only improves the positioning accuracy and processing consistency of D-shaped tubes with mandrel 10, but also significantly enhances the overall production efficiency and reduces the intensity of manual operation.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the content and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine, characterized in that, It includes a machine base, a tube expansion and thinning mechanism set on the machine base, two rod removal mechanisms arranged side by side, a thinning and transfer assembly, a rod removal and unloading assembly, and a material feeding and positioning mechanism. The tube expansion and thinning mechanism includes a pushing assembly, an upper bulging die assembly and a lower bulging die assembly arranged vertically, two marking and following assemblies, a thinning assembly, and a pulling assembly; the pushing assembly and the pulling assembly are arranged opposite to each other, and the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly are arranged between the pushing assembly and the pulling assembly; the thinning assembly is located on the output end side of the pulling assembly and on one side of the upper bulging die assembly and the lower bulging die assembly; the two marking and following assemblies are located on both sides of the lower bulging die assembly; The material feeding and positioning mechanism is located on one side between the upper bulging mold assembly and the lower bulging mold assembly; The thinned transplanting assembly is positioned between the rod removal mechanism and the thinning assembly; The two rod release mechanisms are arranged on both sides of the material pulling assembly; the rod release and unloading assembly is placed above the rod release mechanisms.

2. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly includes a feeding electric cylinder, a first sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the output end of the feeding electric cylinder, a sliding plate disposed on the first sliding assembly, a pushing block disposed on the sliding plate, and two limiting assemblies installed at the end of the pushing block; the pushing block is connected to the output end of the feeding electric cylinder; each of the limiting assemblies includes a clamping cylinder, a gripper disposed on the output end of the clamping cylinder, and an optical fiber probe disposed next to the gripping station of the gripper.

3. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper bulging mold assembly includes an upper mold fixing base, an upper mold electric cylinder mounted on the upper mold fixing base, an upper mold guide assembly penetrating the top of the upper mold fixing base, an upper mold fixing plate mounted at the bottom of the upper mold guide assembly, and two bulging upper molds mounted at the bottom of the upper mold fixing plate; the output end of the upper mold electric cylinder is connected to the upper mold fixing plate; The lower bulging mold assembly includes a lower mold fixing seat, a lower mold electric cylinder mounted on the lower mold fixing seat, a lower mold guide assembly connected to the output end of the lower mold electric cylinder, a lower mold fixing plate mounted on the top of the lower mold guide assembly, and two lower bulging molds mounted on the lower mold fixing plate and opposite to the two upper bulging molds; the output end of the lower mold electric cylinder is connected to the lower mold guide assembly.

4. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the marking follower components includes a marking laser and a follower component; The marking laser is positioned below the follower assembly, with its emitting part facing the marking hole on the bulging lower mold; the follower assembly is located beside the thinning assembly. The following component includes a follower cylinder, a second sliding component disposed beside the follower cylinder, a fixed block disposed on the second sliding component, a slide cylinder disposed on the fixed block, a finger cylinder disposed at the output end of the slide cylinder, and a gripper disposed on the finger cylinder; the output end of the follower cylinder is connected to the fixed block and is used to push the fixed block to slide on the second sliding component; the thinning component includes a mounting base and a thinning circular mold disposed on the mounting base.

5. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material pulling assembly includes a material pulling electric cylinder, a third sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the output end of the material pulling electric cylinder, a connecting seat disposed on the third sliding assembly, and two thinning clamping assemblies disposed on the connecting seat. The output end of the electric pulling cylinder is connected to the connecting seat, which is used to drive the connecting seat to move on the third sliding component; Each of the aforementioned thinning clamping components includes a drive cylinder, a clamping block disposed at the output end of the drive cylinder, and a fixing plate disposed on the connecting seat; the fixing plate is also provided with a through hole; the clamping block is placed at the through hole.

6. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned rod release mechanisms includes a rod release and pulling mechanism, a first sliding mechanism located in front of the rod release and pulling mechanism, a clamping mechanism located on the first sliding mechanism and connected to the output end of the rod release and pulling mechanism, a blocking mechanism located in front of the clamping mechanism, a second sliding mechanism located below the blocking mechanism, a releasing mechanism located on the second sliding mechanism, and a guiding support mechanism located between the rod release and pulling mechanism and the blocking mechanism.

7. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a rotating mechanism, a rotating plate disposed on the output end of the rotating mechanism, a feeding platform disposed on the rotating plate, and a pressing assembly disposed on the rotating plate and positioned on both sides of the feeding platform; the rotating mechanism is disposed on the second sliding mechanism. The end of the feeding platform is also provided with a first guide support wheel and a material sensor placed next to the first guide support wheel, the first guide support wheel being opposite to the feeding platform; the guide support mechanism includes a Z-axis cylinder and a second guide support wheel set on the output end of the Z-axis cylinder; the blocking mechanism includes a support base, a rod release plate set on the support base, a blocking cylinder set on the top of the support base, and two blocking plates set on the output end of the blocking cylinder; the rod release plate has a rod release hole in the middle, and the two blocking plates are placed on the back of the rod release plate and at the rod release hole; The clamping mechanism includes a first connecting seat and a first clamping assembly disposed on the first connecting seat; the first clamping assembly includes a first driving cylinder, a first clamping block disposed on the output end of the first driving cylinder, and a first fixing plate disposed on the first connecting seat; the first fixing plate is also provided with a first through hole; the first clamping block is placed on the back of the first fixing plate and at the first through hole; the rod release and pulling mechanism includes a pulling electric cylinder; the rotating mechanism includes a rotating cylinder; the pressing assembly includes a pressing cylinder and a presser disposed on the output end of the pressing cylinder.

8. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material feeding and positioning mechanism includes a support frame, a first Y-axis linear module mounted on the support frame, a first Z-axis cylinder disposed on the output end of the first Y-axis module, a second Z-axis cylinder disposed on the output end of the first Z-axis cylinder, a connecting plate disposed on the output end of the second Z-axis cylinder, a feeding plate mounted on the connecting plate, a rotary clamping cylinder disposed on the feeding plate, a side cylinder disposed on the support frame and opposite to the feeding plate, and a side plate disposed on the output end of the side cylinder.

9. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thinned transplanting assembly includes a mounting plate, two first telescopic cylinders and a fifth sliding assembly mounted on the mounting plate, two first up-and-down cylinders mounted on the fifth sliding assembly, and a first clamping cylinder mounted on the output end of each first up-and-down cylinder. The output end of each first telescopic cylinder is connected to a first up-and-down cylinder to drive the corresponding first up-and-down cylinder to slide on the fifth sliding assembly.

10. The dual-station tube expansion, thinning, and rod removal machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloading assembly after rod removal includes a second Y-axis linear module, an unloading assembly disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module, and two transfer assemblies disposed on the back of the second Y-axis linear module; The feeding assembly includes a sliding seat disposed on the output end of the second Y-axis linear module, a rodless cylinder disposed on the sliding seat, a sixth sliding assembly disposed on both sides of the rodless cylinder, a first clamping assembly disposed on the sixth sliding assembly and connected to the output end of the rodless cylinder, and a second clamping assembly disposed at the end of the sliding seat and disposed opposite to the first clamping assembly. Both the first and second clamping assemblies include a mounting plate, a second telescopic cylinder mounted on the mounting plate, a seventh sliding assembly located on one side of the second telescopic cylinder, a fixed seat mounted on the seventh sliding assembly, and a second clamping cylinder mounted on the fixed seat; the output end of the second telescopic cylinder is connected to the fixed seat; each of the transplanting assemblies includes a third telescopic cylinder, an eighth sliding assembly located on one side of the third telescopic cylinder, a second up-and-down cylinder mounted on the eighth sliding assembly, and a third clamping cylinder mounted on the output end of the second up-and-down cylinder; the output end of the third telescopic cylinder is connected to the second up-and-down cylinder and is used to drive the second up-and-down cylinder to slide along the eighth sliding assembly.

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