Tube bending machine and method for operating the same

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a pipe bending machine and a method for operating the pipe bending machine. The pipe bending machine includes: a housing; a bending assembly rotatably connected to the housing and driven by a drive unit to rotate relative to the housing, the bending assembly including a forming disc having a first arcuate receiving channel; and a clamping assembly fixed to the housing and including a slider having a second arcuate receiving channel, the pipe fitting being clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel. The pipe bending machine operates in an automatic operation mode or a manual operation mode. The bending assembly is provided with a triggering part, and at least one of the clamping assembly and the housing is provided with a detection part. In the automatic operation mode, the detection part is configured to be triggered by the triggering part to stop the drive unit. The pipe bending machine according to this disclosure has a simple structure and light weight, making it easy for users to operate and use. It can also shorten the operation time of the pipe bending process and improve the working efficiency of bending pipe fittings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a power tool, and more specifically, to a pipe bending machine and a method for operating the pipe bending machine. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section provides only background information related to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Industrial pipe fittings are typically manufactured and sold as straight, long pipes. However, in actual construction processes, such as installing water pipes, it is often necessary to bend the fittings to the desired angle according to the specific conditions. This bending work is accomplished using a pipe bender. Such a pipe bender can bend the fittings to the required angle without causing the pipe wall to collapse or wrinkle.

[0004] Most existing pipe bending machines typically employ conventional worm gear transmission mechanisms, resulting in a relatively heavy overall system weight. Furthermore, existing pipe bending machines generally require users to frequently check the degree of bending while operating the machine, often necessitating multiple bending operations to achieve the desired angle. This makes operation complex and inefficient. Although some pipe bending machines with automatic stop functions have recently been developed, these machines still suffer from structural complexity and difficulty in operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of this disclosure is to provide a pipe bending machine that is simple in structure and lightweight.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and use.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a method for operating a pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and improves work efficiency.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a pipe bending machine, comprising: a housing including a drive unit and a button for controlling the drive unit; a bending assembly rotatably connected to the housing and driven by the drive unit to rotate relative to a clamping assembly, the bending assembly including a forming disc having a first arcuate receiving channel; and a clamping assembly fixed to the housing and including a slider having a second arcuate receiving channel, the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel being shaped-fitted and a pipe being clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel, characterized in that the pipe bending machine is capable of operating in an automatic operation mode or a manual operation mode, the bending assembly being provided with a triggering part, and at least one of the clamping assembly and the housing being provided with a detection part, wherein in the automatic operation mode, the detection part is configured to be triggered by the triggering part to stop the drive unit from driving.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes a motor and a drive gear that rotates under the drive of the motor, and the bending assembly further includes a driven gear that meshes with the drive gear, and the radius of the driven gear is larger than the radius of the drive gear.

[0010] In some embodiments, the driven gear is formed in a fan shape and has a first edge tooth at a first circumferential end and a second edge tooth at a second circumferential end. The driven gear rotates to a limit position when the first edge tooth or the second edge tooth meshes with the drive gear. The driven gear is rotatably connected to a mounting plate of the housing. The driven gear has an elastic protrusion on the side near the mounting plate. When the driven gear rotates to the limit position in a first direction, the elastic protrusion contacts the edge of the mounting plate and undergoes elastic deformation to limit the continued rotation of the driven gear in the first direction. When the drive unit drives the driven gear to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the elastic protrusion returns to its original shape and causes the driven gear to mesh with the drive gear to rotate in the second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bending assembly further includes a forming disc seat and an adjusting wheel, the forming disc seat being disposed between the driven gear and the adjusting wheel, and the adjusting wheel being disposed between the forming disc seat and the forming disc, the forming disc seat being fixed to the driven gear, the adjusting wheel being rotatably connected to the forming disc seat, and the forming disc being fixed to the forming disc seat.

[0012] In some embodiments, the molding disc holder includes a body and a protrusion extending from the body. The body has a plurality of spaced-apart grooves arranged circumferentially. An adjusting wheel accommodates a ball protruding toward the body of the molding disc holder. When the ball engages with one of the plurality of grooves, the adjusting wheel is fixed relative to the molding disc holder. When the ball moves from one of the plurality of grooves to another, the adjusting wheel rotates relative to the molding disc holder. The protrusion of the molding disc holder corresponds to and engages with the through-hole shape of the molding disc, thereby fixing the molding disc to the molding disc holder.

[0013] In some embodiments, the triggering part is disposed in the hollow portion of the annular body of the adjusting wheel, and the triggering part is configured to switch between an automatic operation mode position and a manual operation mode position. In the automatic operation position, the triggering part can trigger the detection part, while in the manual operation position, the triggering part does not trigger the detection part.

[0014] In some embodiments, after the detection unit is triggered by the triggering unit to stop the driving unit, the pipe bending machine automatically switches from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the triggering part includes an operating part, a compression spring, a trigger, a torsion spring, a fixing block, and a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin. The operating part includes a knob and a cam. The cam includes a notch located in its minor axis direction. The operating part and the trigger are connected to the annular body by the first connecting pin and the second connecting pin, which respectively extend through the trigger and are rotatable about the first connecting pin and the second connecting pin, respectively. In the automatic operation mode position, the first end of the trigger engages with the notch, and the second end of the trigger extends radially outward to the outside of the annular body. In the manual operation mode position, the first end of the trigger disengages from the notch, and the cam returns to a position where the end of the long axis of the cam abuts against the first end of the trigger under the action of the torsion spring. The second end of the trigger overcomes the action of the compression spring and is located inside the annular body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly further includes a slider base and a mounting pin, the slider base being fixed to the housing, and the detection unit being fixed to the slider base and formed as a micro switch.

[0017] In some embodiments, the trigger portion includes a first trigger portion, which is formed as a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the annular body of the adjusting wheel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly further includes a slider base and a mounting pin, the slider base being fixed to the housing, and the detection unit including a first detection unit rotatably connected to the slider base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first detection unit is configured to switch between an automatic operation mode position and a manual operation mode position. In the automatic operation mode position, the first detection unit is close to the annular body of the adjustment wheel and the first trigger unit can selectively trigger the first detection unit. In the manual operation mode position, the first detection unit is far from the annular body of the adjustment wheel and the first trigger unit cannot trigger the first detection unit. The first detection unit includes a sensing unit and a toggle handle connected to the sensing unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the trigger portion further includes a second trigger portion formed by the elastic protrusion, and the detection portion further includes a second detection portion fixed to the mounting plate of the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pipe bending machine further includes a main control module configured to detect the current signal of the drive unit to determine whether the drive unit is operating in forward or reverse rotation mode.

[0022] In some embodiments, the circumferential length of the protrusion is 1 / 12 to 1 / 4 of the circumferential length of the annular body.

[0023] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for operating the aforementioned pipe bending machine, which is capable of operating in automatic and manual modes. The button includes a main control button for controlling whether power is supplied to the drive unit and a switching button for controlling the drive unit to operate in forward or reverse rotation mode. The method includes: a pipe fitting setting step: pre-setting the bending angle of the pipe fitting and clamping it in place; a mode selection step: manually selecting the automatic operation mode; a drive unit activation step: turning on the main control button to start the drive unit; a forward rotation mode setting step: setting the drive unit to operate in forward rotation mode via the switching button; and a pipe bending step: the drive unit drives the bending assembly to rotate in the forward direction away from the initial position. The process involves: bending the pipe fitting; determining whether bending is complete by the detection unit; stopping the bending process if the detection unit is triggered and the pipe fitting has bent to a preset bending angle; setting a reverse mode by using the switch button to set the drive unit to operate in reverse mode; rotating the bending component back to its initial position by the drive unit; determining whether the bending component has returned to its initial position; stopping the drive unit if the bending component has returned to its initial position; and continuing the bending component back to its initial position if the bending component has not returned to its initial position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further include a mode switching step, which automatically switches the pipe bending machine from automatic mode to manual mode through the mechanical structure of the trigger, and is performed after the bending completion determination step determines to stop the pipe bending step, and before the reversal mode setting step.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pipe bending machine includes a main control module configured to detect the current signal of the drive unit to determine whether the drive unit is operating in forward or reverse mode, and to detect the drive unit using the main control module. When the drive unit is detected to be in forward mode, the bending completion determination step is performed; when the drive unit is detected to be in reverse mode, the bending component recovery step is performed.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method may further include stopping the detection unit after the bending completion determination step determines that a preset bending angle has been reached.

[0027] In some implementations, in the return position determination step, the bending component is determined to have returned to its initial position by manually observing whether it has stopped rotating.

[0028] In some embodiments, the detection unit includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit, and the bending completion determination step includes: activating the first detection unit when the second detection unit changes from an initial state to a triggered state, and using the activated first detection unit to determine whether the bending of the pipe is completed.

[0029] In some implementations, in the return position determination step, the bending component is determined to have returned to its initial position by determining whether the second detection unit has returned from the triggered state to the initial state.

[0030] The pipe bending machine according to this disclosure can selectively interact with a trigger part provided on the bending assembly and a detection part on the housing and / or clamping assembly. Thus, when the driving unit drives the bending assembly to rotate by a preset angle, the triggering of the detection part determines whether the pipe has been bent to the preset angle. This allows for automatic termination of the bending process in a simple manner, simplifying the operation and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the pipe bending machine according to this disclosure uses a large driven gear and a small driving gear to transmit power, which can significantly reduce the weight of the pipe bending machine compared to conventional worm gear mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same features or components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe bending machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 An exploded view of a pipe bending machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram illustrating the driving method of a pipe bending machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0035] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A rear view of a pipe bending machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 An exploded view of the adjusting wheel of a pipe bending machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figures 7a-7c A schematic diagram showing the adjusting wheel of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the automatic mode position;

[0038] Figures 8a-8c A schematic diagram showing the adjusting wheel of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the manual mode position;

[0039] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in an angle-setting state;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in the pipe clamping state;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the detection unit of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is triggered;

[0042] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the control process of the automatic pipe bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0043] Figure 13 A perspective view of a pipe bending machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figure 14 To illustrate an exploded view of a pipe bending machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, some components are omitted from the diagram;

[0045] Figure 15 A rear view of a pipe bending machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 16 To show Figure 15 An enlarged view of part A;

[0047] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the first detection unit of a pipe bending machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0048] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the protrusion of the adjusting wheel of the pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure contacts the first detection part;

[0049] Figure 19 A flowchart illustrating the control process of the automatic pipe bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0050] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a pipe bending machine according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0051] Figure 21 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a pipe bending machine according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0052] Figure 22 To illustrate a schematic diagram of a pipe bending machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, some components are omitted; and

[0053] Figure 23 A flowchart illustrating the control method of a pipe bending machine according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or use of this disclosure. It should be understood that in all these figures, similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts and features. The figures are merely schematic representations of the concept and principles of embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Certain details or structures of embodiments of this disclosure may be exaggerated in specific portions of particular figures.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the directional terms related to "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the upper and lower positions of the views shown in the accompanying drawings. In practical applications, the positional relationships of "upper" and "lower" used herein can be defined according to actual circumstances, and these relationships can be reversed.

[0056] First, combine Figures 1 to 12 The structure and control process of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0057] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe bending machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An exploded view of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is shown, and Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram illustrating the driving method of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0058] like Figures 1-2As shown, the pipe bending machine 1 generally includes a housing 10, a bending assembly 20, and a clamping assembly 30. The housing 10 may include a drive unit and buttons for controlling the drive unit. The bending assembly 20 may be rotatably connected to the housing 10 and is driven by the drive unit to rotate relative to the clamping assembly 30 and the housing 10. The bending assembly may include a forming disc 22 with a first arcuate receiving channel 282. The clamping assembly 30 may be fixed to the housing 10 and may include a slider 34 with a second arcuate receiving channel 342, the first arcuate receiving channel 282 and the second arcuate receiving channel 342 being shape-fitted, and the pipe fitting being clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel. The bending assembly 20 may be provided with a trigger unit, and the clamping assembly 30 may be provided with a detection unit M1. The drive unit is configured to change its state when the detection unit M1 is triggered by the trigger unit.

[0059] Specifically, as described above, the housing 10 may include a drive unit and buttons for controlling the drive unit. The drive unit may, for example, include a motor and a drive gear 12. Figure 3a and 3b (As shown in the diagram). The drive unit can be powered by a battery, which can be removably installed in the housing 10 and provides power to the drive unit. Alternatively, the drive unit can be powered by a power cord connected to an external power source. Preferably, as described in this application... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pipe bending machine 1 can be configured as a battery-powered cordless pipe bending machine, thereby facilitating pipe bending operations. The housing 10 may also include grip handles 14 arranged on opposite sides of the drive unit and a mounting plate 15 fixed within the housing 10. The grip handles 14 may be equipped with a main control button 16 and a switching button 18. Figure 9 The button (shown in the image) is a main control button 16. The main control button 16 can move between an open and closed position to selectively supply power to or de-supply the drive unit. For example, a user can continuously press the main control switch to put it in the open position to supply power to the drive unit, and a user can release the main control switch to return it to the closed position to de-supply the drive unit. The toggle button 18 can move between a forward and reverse position to achieve forward and reverse rotation of the drive gear 12.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The bending assembly 20 may further include an adjusting wheel 26 and a forming disc 28. A forming disc base 24 may be arranged between the driven gear 22 and the adjusting wheel 26, and the adjusting wheel 26 may be arranged between the forming disc base 24 and the forming disc 28. The forming disc base 24 may be fixed to the driven gear 22, the adjusting wheel 26 may be rotatably connected to the forming disc base 24, and the forming disc 28 may be fixed to the forming disc base 24.

[0061] Specifically, the driven gear 22 can be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 and drives the gear 12 ( Figure 3a and 3b (As shown in the figure) can engage with driven gear 22 to drive driven gear 22 to rotate. Exemplarily, driven gear 22 can be rotatably mounted to mounting plate 15 of housing 10.

[0062] The forming disc holder 24 can be fixed to the driven gear 22 so as to rotate together with the driven gear 22. The adjusting wheel 26 can be rotatably connected to the forming disc holder 24, and the forming disc 28 can be fixed above the adjusting wheel 26 to the forming disc holder 24, so that the adjusting wheel 26 and the forming disc 28 can rotate together with the forming disc holder 24. Thus, when the drive gear 12 drives the driven gear 22 to rotate, the forming disc holder 24, the adjusting wheel 26, and the forming disc 28 can rotate together with the driven gear 22, that is, the entire bending assembly 20 rotates.

[0063] Specifically, the molding disc holder 24 may include a body 240 and a protrusion 242 extending from the body. The body 240 may have a plurality of spaced-apart grooves arranged circumferentially on its upper surface. The adjusting wheel 26 may have a protruding ball (not shown) on its lower surface that contacts the molding disc holder 24, and the ball may be accommodated in a groove of the body 240. On one hand, the ball of the adjusting wheel 26 can engage with the groove of the body 240 of the molding disc holder 24, thus fixing the adjusting wheel 26 to the molding disc holder 24. When the molding disc holder 24 rotates under the drive of the driven gear 22, the adjusting wheel 26 also rotates. On the other hand, when the adjusting wheel 26 is manually rotated, the manually applied steering force overcomes the holding force that keeps the ball in the groove, allowing the ball of the adjusting wheel 26 to move from one groove to another, enabling the adjusting wheel to rotate relative to the molding disc holder 24. The molded disc 28 can have a through hole 280, and the protrusion 242 can extend through the through hole 280 and correspond to the shape of the through hole 280. For example... Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the protrusion 242 may have a generally rectangular outer contour, and the protrusion 242 may correspond to the shape of a generally rectangular through hole. In this way, the molding disc 28 can be fixed together with the molding disc base 24, and when the molding disc 28 rotates, the adjusting wheel 26 also rotates together.

[0064] The forming disc 28 may have a first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 for receiving a pipe fitting and a hook 284 disposed at the end of the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282, the hook 284 being able to engage the pipe fitting T (see reference) received in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282. Figure 10 And to prevent the pipe fitting T from shifting.

[0065] The following will refer to Figures 3a-5The driven gear 22 is described in detail. For example... Figure 3a and 3b As shown, the radius of the driven gear 22 can be larger than the radius of the driving gear 12. For example, the radius of the driven gear can be 10 to 15 times the radius of the driving gear. Since the driven gear 22 has a much larger radius than the driven gear 12, the number of teeth on the driven gear 22 is also much larger than the number of teeth on the driven gear 12, thereby achieving a large transmission ratio. In conventional pipe bending machines, worm gears and worm shafts are typically used as transmission devices, resulting in a heavy structure (typically weighing 10 kg or more). In this application, by using a large driven gear and a small driving gear to achieve the required transmission ratio, the weight of the pipe bending machine can be significantly reduced compared to the conventional pipe bending machine described above, allowing users to use and operate the pipe bending machine more easily.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 3a and 3b The driven gear 22 can be formed in a generally fan-shaped shape and has a first edge tooth 220 located at a first circumferential end and a second edge tooth 222 located at a second circumferential end. When the driven gear 22 rotates to the point where the first edge tooth 220 or the second edge tooth 222 meshes with the drive gear, if the driven gear continues to rotate, the driven gear 22 will disengage from the drive gear. To prevent this, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a resilient protrusion 224 is provided on the rear side of the driven gear 22 (i.e., the side near the mounting plate 15). The resilient protrusion 224 can contact the edge of the mounting plate 15 to limit the continued rotation of the driven gear 22 when it rotates to its limit position (i.e., the position where the first edge tooth 220 or the second edge tooth 222 meshes with the drive gear).

[0067] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The driven gear 22 rotates along the first direction to the first edge tooth 220 ( Figure 4The first edge tooth of the driven gear 22 is blocked by the mounting plate 15, and it meshes with the drive gear. At this time, the elastic protrusion 224 contacts the first edge 152 of the mounting plate 15. The drive gear 12 continues to apply a driving force to the driven gear 22, and the driven gear continues to rotate in the first direction, causing the elastic protrusion 224 to move further toward the first edge 152 of the mounting plate and be squeezed by the mounting plate 15 to undergo elastic deformation. When the elastic protrusion 224 reaches its elastic deformation limit, the driven gear 22 is blocked by the elastic protrusion 224 and cannot continue to rotate. Thus, the elastic protrusion 224 can limit the continued rotation of the driven gear 22 in the first direction. When the drive gear 12 drives the driven gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction), the elastic protrusion 224 elastically returns to its original shape and causes the drive gear 12 to mesh with the driven gear 22, thereby causing the driven gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction under the action of the drive gear 12.

[0068] Figure 5 The diagram shows the driven gear 22 rotating to the position where the second edge tooth 222 meshes with the drive gear, at which point the elastic protrusion 224 contacts the second edge 154 of the mounting plate 15. The drive gear 12 continues to apply a driving force to the driven gear 22, causing the driven gear to continue rotating, which in turn causes the elastic protrusion 224 to move further toward the second edge 154 of the mounting plate and be compressed by the mounting plate 15, resulting in elastic deformation. When the elastic protrusion 224 reaches its elastic deformation limit, the driven gear 22 is blocked by the elastic protrusion 224 and cannot continue to rotate counterclockwise. Thus, the elastic protrusion 224 restricts the continued rotation of the driven gear 22. When the drive gear 12 drives the driven gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction (i.e., in a second direction opposite to the first direction), the elastic protrusion 224 elastically returns to its original shape, causing the drive gear 12 and driven gear 22 to re-mesh, thereby causing the driven gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction under the action of the drive gear 12.

[0069] Next, we will refer to Figures 6 to 8c The structure of the adjusting wheel 26 is described in detail. Figure 6 As shown, the adjusting wheel 26 may include: an annular body 262, an angle sticker 264 attached to the annular body 262, and a trigger part 25 disposed in the annular body. Although Figure 6 The figure shows separately formed angle sticker 264 and annular body 262, but those skilled in the art will understand that the angle can also be integrally formed on the annular body 262 by means of printing or etching.

[0070] The trigger 25 can be disposed in the outwardly open hollow portion 263 extending in the circumferential direction of the annular body 262. The trigger 25 can be in the first position (also known as the automatic mode position, see reference 262). Figures 7a-7c ) and the second position (also known as the manual mode position, see reference) Figures 8a-8c Switching between positions, the trigger unit at the first position can trigger the detection unit M1 (located on the clamping assembly 30) Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) and in the second position, the detection unit M1 will not be triggered. Specifically, the trigger unit 25 may include an operating unit 250, a compression spring 252, a trigger 254, a torsion spring 256, a fixing block 258, and a first connecting pin 251 and a second connecting pin 253. The operating unit 250 may include a knob 270 disposed on its upper side and a cam 272 disposed on its lower side. The knob 270 can be accessed from the upper surface of the annular body 262 for manual operation, and the cam 272 may have a notch 274 formed on its outer peripheral surface. The operating unit 250 and the trigger 254 may be rotatably mounted to the hollow portion 263. Exemplarily, the operating unit 250 and the trigger 254 may be connected to the annular body 262 by means of the first connecting pin 251 and the second connecting pin 253 extending through it respectively, and may be rotatable about the first connecting pin 251 and the second connecting pin 253 respectively. The compression spring 252 and the torsion spring 256 apply elastic restoring forces to the trigger 254 and the operating unit 250 respectively. The retaining block 258 can be combined with the annular body 262 to conceal the cam 272, compression spring 252, trigger 254, and torsion spring 256 beneath it. Of course, the retaining block 258 can also be omitted.

[0071] Reference Figures 7a-7c In the first position, the knob 270 of the operating unit points to the automatic mode position (A). At this time, the first end 255 of the trigger 254 engages in the notch 274 of the cam 272, and the second end 257 of the trigger 254 extends radially outward to the outside of the annular body 262. (Refer to...) Figures 8a-8c In the second position, the knob 270 of the operating unit 250 is rotated to the manual mode position (M), the first end 255 of the trigger 254 disengages from the notch 274 of the cam 272, and the second end 257 of the trigger 254 returns to the interior of the annular body 262. More specifically, the first end 255 and the second end 257 of the trigger 254 are located on opposite sides of the second connecting pin 253 (i.e., the pivot). In the first position, the first end 255 of the trigger 254 engages with the notch 274 located on the short axis of the cam, at which time the first end 255 is in its radially inward position while the second end 257 is in its radially outward position under the action of the compression spring 252 and extends radially outward to the outside of the annular body 262. In the second position, the first end 255 of the trigger 254 disengages from the notch 274 of the cam 272, and the cam 272 returns to the position where its long axis abuts against the first end 255 of the trigger under the action of the torsion spring 256. At this time, the first end 255 of the trigger is in its radially outer position, while the second end 257 is in its radially inner position under the action of the compression spring 252 and is located inside the annular body 262.

[0072] The specific structure of the clamping assembly 30 will be described in detail below. Figure 2 As shown, the clamping assembly 30 may include a slider base 32, a slider 34, and a mounting pin 36. The slider base 32 may be fixed to the housing, and the slider base 32 may include a base body 320 provided with a plurality of mounting holes 324 and a detection unit M1 fixed on the base body 320. The detection unit M1 may be selectively triggered by the second end 257 of the trigger 25 of the trigger 25 to change the state of the drive unit. For example, the detection unit M1 may be a micro switch, which may provide an electrical signal when touched to change the drive of the drive unit.

[0073] The slider 34 may have a second arc-shaped receiving channel 342 and a slider through-hole 344. The second arc-shaped receiving channel 342 may correspond in size to the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28 to clamp the tube between the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 and the second arc-shaped receiving channel 342. The mounting pin 36 may extend through the slider through-hole 344 and engage with the mounting hole 324 of the slider base, thereby fixing the slider 34 to the slider base 32. Depending on the different sizes of the tube, multiple sets of forming discs 28 and sliders 34 may be provided, each set of forming discs 28 and sliders 34 having an arc-shaped channel of a corresponding size. Furthermore, depending on the size of the pipe fitting, the slider 34 can be fixed in different mounting holes of the slider base 32. For example, when clamping a larger pipe fitting, the slider 34 can be fixed in a mounting hole away from the forming plate, while when clamping a smaller pipe fitting, the slider 34 can be fixed in a mounting hole close to the forming plate. In this way, pipe fittings of different sizes can be firmly clamped between the second arc-shaped receiving channel 342 of the slider 34 and the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming plate 28.

[0074] Below, we will refer to Figures 9-12 The operation method of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be specifically described. The operation method may include a pipe fitting setting step, which may include pre-setting a bending angle. Specifically, refer to... Figure 9 Rotate the adjusting wheel 26 to align the desired angle scale on the adjusting wheel 26 with the indicator arrow on the slider base 32. For example, Figure 9 The pre-set bending angle of the pipe fitting is shown to be 120 degrees, and therefore the angle scale of 120 degrees on the adjusting wheel is aligned with the indicator arrow on the slider base 32. Next, the pipe fitting setup step may include clamping the pipe fitting into place. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10Select a forming disc 28 and a slider 34 that match the size of the tube T, accommodate the tube T in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28, then use the mounting pin 36 to fix the slider 34 in the corresponding mounting hole of the slider base 34, and the hook 284 engages with the tube T, thereby firmly holding the tube T between the first arc-shaped channel of the forming disc 28 and the second arc-shaped channel of the slider 34.

[0075] Then, the pipe bending machine of the first embodiment of this disclosure can be used to automatically bend the pipe fittings, as will be described below. Figure 12 The control process for bending pipe fittings in the automatic bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. First, in step S01, the automatic operation mode is manually selected. Specifically, the knob 270 of the adjusting wheel 26 is rotated to the automatic mode position (A) to select the automatic operation mode. Then, in step S02, it is determined whether the main control button 16 is working. If the determination result is negative (no), the process returns to step S02 for re-determination. If the determination result is positive (yes), the process continues to step S03. In step S03, the drive unit is set to operate in forward rotation mode by switching button 18, so that the drive unit drives the driven gear and the forming disc to rotate forward. As a result, the forming disc seat 24, the adjusting wheel 26, and the forming disc 28 rotate forward together with the driven gear 22 (i.e., the drive unit drives the entire bending assembly 20 to rotate forward), thereby bending the pipe fitting T held in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28. Next, in step S04, it is determined whether the detection unit M1 has been triggered, that is, whether the second end 257 of the trigger 254 of the trigger part 25 of the adjusting wheel 26 has contacted the detection unit M1. If the determination result is negative (no), the process returns to step S03 to continue driving the bending assembly 20 to rotate. If the determination result is positive (yes), it indicates that the bending process has reached the preset bending angle, and then proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the motor is automatically stopped rotating forward, thereby stopping the bending of the pipe. Next, in step S06, the process automatically switches from automatic mode to manual mode. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8cSince the second end 257 of the trigger 254 of the trigger unit 25 is abutted by the detection unit M1 and pushed to rotate around the second connecting pin 253, the first end 256 of the trigger 254 of the trigger unit 25 disengages from the notch 274. As a result, the cam 272 automatically rotates under the action of the torsion spring 256, causing the long shaft end of the cam to engage with the second end 254 of the trigger 254, thus automatically switching to manual mode. In step S07, the reverse mode is set, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly to rotate in the opposite direction. The reverse process can eliminate stress in the bent tube, making the completed tube shape more stable. Finally, in step S08, the bending assembly returns to its initial position, preparing for the next bending operation. The entire process ends, and the slider 34 can be released to remove the bent tube.

[0076] Reference Figure 11 Steps S04-S08 are explained in detail. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the knob is pointed to the automatic mode position (A) and the second end 257 of the trigger extends outward to the outside of the annular body 262. When the adjusting wheel 26 and the forming disc rotate together with the driven gear 22 by a preset bending angle (i.e., from the 120-degree angle scale line on the adjusting wheel shown in Figure 7 aligned with the indicator arrow on the slider base to the...), Figure 11 (The 0-degree angle scale line on the adjustment wheel is aligned with the indicator arrow on the slider base). The second end 257 of the trigger contacts the detection unit M1, and the detection unit M1 is triggered. At this time, the determination result in step S04 is a positive determination (yes), and the process continues to step S05. For example, the detection unit M1 can be a micro switch, which changes from an open state to a closed state when triggered. Of course, the detection unit M1 can also be other suitable detection devices such as a sensor, as long as it can be triggered when it contacts the end of the trigger. For ease of description, the detection unit M1 will be described as a micro switch in the following example. The micro switch contacts the second end 257 of the trigger 254, thus switching from an open state to a closed state, thereby sending a signal to the drive unit to stop the forward rotation of the drive unit, thereby stopping the bending of the tube, i.e., executing step S05. Since the micro switch applies a force to the trigger when it contacts the second end 257 of the trigger 254, the first end 255 of the trigger disengages from the notch 274 under this force (see reference). Figure 8cAt this point, under the action of the torsion spring 256, the cam 272 returns to the position where the end of the long axis of the cam 272 abuts against the first end 255 of the trigger, and the second end 257 of the trigger overcomes the force of the compression spring 252 and returns to the interior of the annular body 262. That is, the second end 257 of the trigger 254 returns to the interior of the annular body 262, and the cam 272 drives the knob 270 to automatically return to the manual mode position (M), thereby automatically executing step S06 through the mechanical structure of the adjustment wheel 26. In step S07, the reverse mode is selected by switching button 18, causing the drive unit to drive the bending assembly 20 to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, when the driven gear 22 rotates to the limit position (i.e., the position where the first edge tooth 220 or the second edge tooth 222 meshes with the drive gear), the driven gear 22 will disengage from the drive gear 12 and therefore cannot continue to rotate. Therefore, when the driven gear stops rotating, the main control button can be manually stopped, and the bending assembly 20 returns to the initial position.

[0077] Although the foregoing describes the process of the bending assembly reversing back to its initial position, at which point the slider 34 can be released to remove the bent pipe, it is understood that the reversal can also be paused and the bent pipe removed during the reversal process. After the bending assembly reverses a certain distance, the stress applied to the pipe by the bending assembly during forward rotation is released, and the pipe can be in a relaxed state without stress, thus facilitating its removal. Furthermore, although the operation method of the pipe bending machine has been described exemplarily above, those skilled in the art should understand that the order of the steps in the operation method is not limited thereto; for example, the pipe setting step can also be performed after the automatic operation mode is selected.

[0078] The pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can also be used in manual mode to bend pipes. The manual bending process is as follows: First, the pipe is clamped and positioned. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10Select a forming disc 28 and a slider 34 that match the size of the tube T, accommodate the tube T in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28, then use the mounting pin 36 to fix the slider 34 in the corresponding mounting hole of the slider base 34, and the hook 284 engages with the tube T, thereby firmly holding the tube T between the first arc-shaped channel of the forming disc 28 and the second arc-shaped channel of the slider 34. Then, select the manual operation mode. Specifically, select the manual operation mode by rotating the knob 270 of the adjusting wheel 26 to the manual mode position (M). Afterward, press the main control button 16 to start the motor and select the forward rotation mode via the switch button 18. The drive gear 12 drives the driven gear 22 to rotate forward away from the initial position. Correspondingly, the forming disc base 24, adjusting wheel 26, and forming disc 28 rotate forward together with the driven gear 22 (i.e., the drive unit drives the entire bending assembly 20 to rotate forward), thereby bending the tube held in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28. When the tube T is manually observed to be bent to a preset angle, manually release the main control button 16 to stop bending the tube T. Finally, select the reverse mode via the switch button 18, causing the drive gear 12 to drive the bending assembly 20 to rotate in the opposite direction. When the bending assembly 20 rotates back to the initial position, release the main control button 16 to prepare for the next operation. At the end of the reverse rotation or during its operation, the slider 34 can be released to remove the bent tube.

[0079] The pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can automatically switch from automatic mode to manual mode using the mechanical structure of the adjusting wheel. The pipe bending machine has a simple structure and is lightweight, allowing the user to accurately and easily bend the pipe to the required angle using only one hand, facilitating operation and providing a handheld pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and carry. Throughout the entire working process, the user does not need to manually check the bending angle of the pipe, and can directly achieve the required bending angle in one go, improving operating efficiency and making the operation process more convenient and faster.

[0080] The following will combine Figures 13 to 19 The structure and operation process of the pipe bending machine 1A according to the second embodiment of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0081] The structure of the pipe bending machine 1A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to that of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The differences will be described in detail below.

[0082] Reference Figure 13 The pipe bending machine 1A can generally include a housing 10A, a bending assembly 20A, and a clamping assembly 30A.

[0083] The housing 10A is structurally and functionally similar to the housing 10, the only difference being that the second detection unit M2A is fixed on the mounting plate 15A of the housing 10A. (Refer to...) Figure 15 and 16 The second detection unit M2A can be located near one edge of the mounting plate 15A and protrude from that edge. The second detection unit M2A can contact the elastic protrusion 224 (also called the second trigger) on the driven gear to be triggered.

[0084] The bending assembly 20A and the bending assembly 20 are basically the same in structure and function, the only difference being the structure of the trigger part of the adjusting wheel. Specifically, as shown... Figure 14 As shown, the trigger portion (also called the first trigger portion) of the adjusting wheel 26A can be formed as a protrusion 264A that protrudes radially outward from the annular body 262A. The function and assembly method of the adjusting wheel 26A are basically the same as those of the adjusting wheel 26, so a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0085] The clamping assembly 30A has a basically the same structure and function as the clamping assembly 30, the only difference being the structure of the detection section. Specifically, refer to... Figure 14 The first detection unit M1A can be rotatably mounted to the base body 320 of the slider base 32. (Refer to...) Figure 17 The first detection unit M1A can rotate between a first position (also known as the automatic mode position) and a second position (also known as the manual mode position). In the first position, the first detection unit M1A is close to the annular body 262A of the adjustment wheel 26A, and the protrusion 264A can selectively trigger the first detection unit M1A. In the second position, the first detection unit M1A is away from the annular body 262A of the adjustment wheel 26A, and the protrusion 264A cannot trigger the first detection unit M1A. Exemplarily, the first detection unit M1A may include a sensing unit and a handle connected to the sensing unit, allowing the user to move the first detection unit M1A between the automatic mode position and the manual mode position by turning the handle. (See reference...) Figure 18 When the first detection unit M1A is in the automatic mode position, the first detection unit M1A can touch the protrusion 264A of the adjustment wheel 26A.

[0086] The operation method of the pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is similar to that of the pipe bending machine according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and may include a pipe setting step and a pipe bending step. Specifically, the bending of the pipe can be performed in automatic mode or manual mode. The pipe bending process in manual mode is as follows: First, the first detection unit M1A is rotated to the second position to select the manual operation mode; then, the main control button 16 is pressed to make the motor work and the forward rotation mode is selected by switching button 18, the drive gear 12 drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the forward direction, thereby bending the pipe held in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming plate 28; when the pipe is bent to a preset angle, the main control button 16 is manually released to stop bending the pipe; thereafter, the reverse mode is selected by switching button 18, the drive gear 12 drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the reverse direction, and when the bending assembly 20A rotates back to the initial position, the main control button 16 is released, and the bending process ends.

[0087] The following reference Figure 19The control process for bending pipe fittings in the automatic bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. First, in step S11, the pipe bending machine 1A is manually switched to the automatic operation mode and the second detection unit M2A is in the initial state. Specifically, the first detection unit M1A is rotated to the first position to select the automatic operation mode. Exemplarily, the first detection unit M1A and the second detection unit M2A can be a first micro switch and a second micro switch, and of course, the first detection unit M1A and the second detection unit M2A can also be other suitable detection devices such as sensors. In the following, for ease of explanation, the first detection unit M1A and the second detection unit M2A are described as a first micro switch and a second micro switch, and the initial state of the second micro switch is described as a closed state. Then, in step S12, it is determined whether the main control button 16 is working. If the determination result is a negative determination (no), the process returns to step S12 for re-determination; if the determination result is a positive determination (yes), the process continues to step S13. In step S13, the forward rotation mode is set by switching button 18, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward, causing the driven gear to leave its initial position. Next, in step S14, the second microswitch is triggered, switching from a closed state to an open state, indicating the start of forward rotation and activating the first detection unit M1A. Then, in step S15, the drive unit continues to drive the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward, thereby bending the tube T held in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28. Next, in step S16, it is determined whether the first microswitch has been triggered. If the determination result is negative (No), the process returns to step S16 to continue driving the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward; if the determination result is positive (Yes), the process continues to step S17. In step S17, the motor automatically stops rotating forward, thereby stopping the bending of the tube. Next, in step S18, the reverse rotation mode is set. In step S19, the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the opposite direction. Then in step S20, it is determined whether the second micro switch is triggered. If the determination result is negative (no), the process returns to step S18 to continue driving the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the opposite direction. If the determination result is positive (yes), the process continues to step S21, which indicates that the bending assembly 20A has returned to the initial position, the whole process is over, and the bent pipe can be taken out.

[0088] The following is a detailed explanation of steps S14-S21. In step S14, as follows... Figure 15As shown, when the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward, causing the driven gear 22 to leave its initial position, the elastic protrusion 224 located on the rear side of the driven gear 22 (i.e., the side near the mounting plate 15) rotates along with the driven gear 22. The elastic protrusion 22 changes from a position in contact with the second detection unit M2A (second microswitch) to a position separating from the second microswitch. Consequently, the second microswitch is triggered due to separation from the elastic protrusion 22 and changes from an initial closed state to a triggered open state. Next, in step S15, the drive unit continues to drive the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward, thereby bending the tube held in the first arc-shaped receiving channel 282 of the forming disc 28. (Refer to...) Figure 18 When the adjusting wheel 26A and the forming disc 28 rotate together with the driven gear 22 to a preset bending angle, the protrusion 264A of the adjusting wheel 26A contacts the first micro switch, triggering the first micro switch. At this time, the determination result in step S16 is a positive determination (yes), and the process continues to step S17. In step S17, the motor stops rotating forward, thereby stopping the bending of the tube. Then, in steps S18 and S19, the reverse mode is set, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the opposite direction. When the driven gear rotates back to the initial position, the elastic protrusion 224 returns to the position of contacting the second detection unit M2A (second micro switch), thereby triggering the second micro switch and changing it from the triggered open state to the initial closed state. At this time, the determination result in step S20 is a positive determination (yes), and the process continues to step 21.

[0089] The pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of this disclosure can automatically stop the forward rotation process and the reverse rotation process by using a first detection unit and a second detection unit respectively. The second detection unit can activate the first detection unit so that it controls only the forward rotation process. The pipe bending machine has a simple structure and is lightweight, allowing the user to accurately and easily bend the pipe to the required angle with just one hand, facilitating operation and providing a handheld pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and carry. Throughout the entire working process, the user does not need to manually check the bending angle of the pipe and can directly achieve the required bending angle in one go, thereby improving operating efficiency and making the operation process more convenient and faster. Furthermore, the pipe bending machine according to the second embodiment of this disclosure has a simpler mechanical structure, making component assembly and maintenance more convenient and avoiding operational inconvenience caused by a complex and heavy pipe bending machine.

[0090] The following will combine Figure 20 and Figure 21 The structure and operation process of the pipe bending machine 1B according to the third embodiment of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0091] like Figure 20As shown, the structure of the pipe bending machine 1B according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is basically the same as that of the pipe bending machine 1A according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The only difference is that the second detection unit M2A can be omitted in the pipe bending machine 1B, and the pipe bending machine 1B may include a main control module (not shown). The main control module is configured to detect the current signal of the drive unit to determine whether the drive unit is operating in forward or reverse rotation mode. For example, the main control module may be disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the drive unit for detecting the current signal of the motor in the drive unit.

[0092] The pipe bending machine 1B according to the third embodiment of this disclosure can also bend pipes in manual mode, and the process is the same as that of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, so its specific description is omitted.

[0093] The following reference Figure 21 The control process of the automatic pipe bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. First, in step S21, the pipe bending machine 1A is manually switched to automatic operation mode. Specifically, the first detection unit M1A is rotated to a first position to select the automatic operation mode. For example, the first detection unit M1A can be a first micro switch. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the first detection unit M1A will be described as a first micro switch. Then, in step S22, it is determined whether the main control button is working. If the determination result is negative (no), the process returns to step S22 for re-determination. If the determination result is positive (yes), the process continues to step S23. In step S23, the forward rotation mode is set by switching button 18. At this time, the main control module detects the current signal of the motor rotating forward, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward. Next, in step S24, it is determined whether the first microswitch has been triggered. If the determination result is negative (No), the process returns to step S23 to continue driving the bending assembly 20A to rotate forward. If the determination result is positive (Yes), the process continues to step S25. In step S25, the motor is automatically stopped rotating forward, thereby stopping the bending of the pipe. Next, in step S26, the reverse mode is set, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20A to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, in step S27, the main control module detects the reverse current signal of the motor. Finally, in step S28, the bending assembly 20A rotates in the reverse direction back to its initial position, the entire process ends, and the bent pipe can be removed.

[0094] In the control process of the automatic bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, when the main control module detects the forward rotation current signal of the motor, it determines whether the first micro switch is triggered. When the main control module detects the reverse rotation current signal of the motor, it confirms that the bending assembly 20A has returned to the initial position by manually observing that the driven gear has stopped rotating. Specifically, step S24 is similar to step S16. When the adjusting wheel 26A and the forming disc 28 rotate together with the driven gear 22 by a preset bending angle, the protrusion 264A of the adjusting wheel 26A contacts the first micro switch, and the first micro switch is triggered. At this time, the determination result in step S24 is a positive determination (yes), and the process continues to step S25. In step S28, when the driven gear 22 rotates to the limit position, the driven gear 22 will disengage from the drive gear 12 and therefore cannot continue to rotate. Therefore, when the bending assembly 20A is observed to have stopped rotating, the main control button can be manually stopped, and the driven gear and the forming disc return to the initial position.

[0095] In the automatic pipe bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the user does not need to manually check the bending angle of the pipe and can directly achieve the required bending angle in one go, thereby improving operating efficiency and making the operation process more convenient and faster. The pipe bending machine has a relatively simple structure and is lightweight, allowing the user to accurately and easily bend the pipe to the required angle with just one hand, facilitating operation and providing a handheld pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and carry. Furthermore, the structure of the pipe bending machine according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is further simplified, making component assembly and maintenance more convenient and avoiding operational inconvenience caused by the complex structure and excessive weight of the pipe bending machine.

[0096] The following will combine Figure 22 and Figure 23 The structure and operation process of the pipe bending machine 1C according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0097] like Figure 22As shown, the structure of the pipe bending machine 1C according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is basically the same as that of the pipe bending machine 1B according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. The only difference is that the trigger part 264C of the adjusting wheel 26C of the pipe bending machine 1C extends longer along the circumferential direction of the annular body of the adjusting wheel than the trigger part 264B of the adjusting wheel 26B of the pipe bending machine 1B. Furthermore, the pipe bending machine 1C may not include a main control module with the function of detecting forward and reverse current signals. The increased circumferential length of the protrusion 264C ensures that the micro switch has sufficient response time. For example, the circumferential length of the protrusion 264C can be 1 / 12 to 1 / 4 of the circumferential length of the annular body of the adjusting wheel. Specifically, when the micro switch M1A contacts the protrusion 264C, the micro switch M1A changes from the open state to the closed state. However, it is possible that after the protrusion rotates away from the micro switch, the micro switch M1A does not remain stably in the closed state but springs back to the open state. To avoid this rebound of the micro switch, the protrusion 264C of the pipe bending machine 1C is configured to have an increased circumferential length. When the micro switch M1A contacts the front end of the protrusion 264C, the micro switch M1A changes from the open state to the closed state, and the adjusting wheel 26C continues to rotate under inertia. The protrusion 264C continues to contact and press the micro switch M1A to keep it stably in the closed state.

[0098] The pipe bending machine 1C according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure can also bend pipes in manual mode, and the process is the same as that of the pipe bending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, so its specific description is omitted.

[0099] The following reference Figure 23The control process of the automatic pipe bending mode of the pipe bending machine according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. First, in step S31, the pipe bending machine 1C is manually switched to automatic operation mode. Specifically, the first detection unit M1A is rotated to a first position to select the automatic operation mode. Exemplarily, the first detection unit M1A can be a first micro switch. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the first detection unit M1A will be described as a first micro switch. Then, in step S32, it is determined whether the main control button is working. If the determination result is a negative determination (No), the process returns to step S32 for re-determination. If the determination result is a positive determination (Yes), the process continues to step S33. In step S33, the forward rotation mode is set by switching the button, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20C to rotate forward. Next, in step S34, it is determined whether the first micro switch is triggered by the trigger unit 264C. If the determination result is negative (No), the process returns to step S33 to continue driving the bending assembly 20C to rotate forward. If the determination result is positive (Yes), the process continues to step S25. In step S35, the motor is automatically stopped rotating forward, thereby stopping the bending of the pipe. Next, in step S36, the reverse mode is set, and the drive unit drives the bending assembly 20C to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, in step S37, the bending assembly 20C rotates in the reverse direction back to its initial position, and the entire process ends. At this point, the bent pipe can be removed.

[0100] During the control process of the automatic bending mode of the pipe bending machine 1C according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, when the adjusting wheel 26C and the forming disc 28 rotate together with the driven gear 22 to a preset bending angle, the protrusion 264C of the adjusting wheel 26C contacts the first micro switch, triggering the first micro switch to change from an open state to a closed state. The control circuit in the pipe bending machine receives a signal, causing the motor to change from a current-carrying state to a current-free state, generating a falling edge trigger. At this time, the determination result in step S34 is a positive determination (yes), and step S35 continues. The micro switch M1 can be deactivated, i.e., in an inactive state, after a predetermined time period (e.g., 2-3 seconds) has elapsed since the first micro switch was triggered. Alternatively, the micro switch M1 can be deactivated immediately after the first micro switch is triggered.

[0101] In the automatic bending mode control process of the pipe bending machine according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the first micro switch is set to deactivate after a predetermined period of time after being triggered, so that the first micro switch does not participate in the control process during the reverse rotation of the bending component. The pipe bending machine has a relatively simple structure and is lightweight, allowing the user to accurately and easily bend the pipe to the required angle with just one hand, facilitating operation and providing a handheld pipe bending machine that is easy to operate and carry. Throughout the operation, the user does not need to manually check the bending angle of the pipe and can directly achieve the required bending angle in one go, thereby improving operating efficiency and making the operation process more convenient and faster. Furthermore, the structure of the pipe bending machine according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is further simplified, making component assembly and maintenance more convenient and avoiding operational inconvenience caused by the complex structure and excessive weight of the pipe bending machine.

[0102] Exemplary embodiments of the pipe bending machine according to this disclosure have been described in detail herein; however, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and shown above. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit and scope. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A pipe bending machine (1, 1A, 1B, 1C), comprising: Housing (10, 10A, 10B), the housing includes a drive unit and buttons (16, 18) for controlling the drive unit. A bending assembly (20, 20A) is rotatably connected to the housing and is driven by the drive unit to rotate relative to the housing. The bending assembly includes a forming disc (28) having a first arcuate receiving channel (282). A clamping assembly (30, 30A) is fixed to the housing and includes a slider (34) forming a second arcuate receiving channel (342), the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel being shaped to each other and the tube (T) being clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel. The pipe bending machine is characterized in that it can operate in either an automatic or manual mode. The bending assembly is provided with a trigger (25, 224), and at least one of the clamping assembly and the housing is provided with a detection unit (M1, M1A, M2A). In the automatic mode, the detection unit is configured to be triggered by the trigger to stop the drive unit from operating. The bending assembly further includes a forming disc base (24) and an adjusting wheel (26), the adjusting wheel (26) being arranged between the forming disc base (24) and the forming disc (28), the adjusting wheel (26) being rotatably connected to the forming disc base (24) and the adjusting wheel (26) including the trigger portion.

2. The pipe bending machine according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit includes a motor and a drive gear (12), the drive gear rotating under the drive of the motor. The bending assembly also includes a driven gear (22) that meshes with the drive gear, and the radius of the driven gear (22) is greater than the radius of the drive gear (12).

3. The pipe bending machine according to claim 2, wherein, The driven gear (22) is formed in a fan shape and has a first edge tooth (220) located at a first circumferential end and a second edge tooth (222) located at a second circumferential end. The driven gear (22) rotates to its limit position when the first edge tooth or the second edge tooth meshes with the driving gear. The driven gear (22) is rotatably connected to the mounting plate (15) of the housing (10). The driven gear has an elastic protrusion (224) on the side near the mounting plate (15). When the driven gear rotates to the limit position in the first direction, the elastic protrusion (224) contacts the edge of the mounting plate (15) and undergoes elastic deformation to limit the continued rotation of the driven gear in the first direction. When the driving part drives the driven gear to rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the elastic protrusion (224) returns to its original shape and makes the driven gear mesh with the driving gear to rotate in the second direction.

4. The pipe bending machine according to claim 3, wherein, The forming disc base (24) is arranged between the driven gear (22) and the adjusting wheel (26). The molding disc base (24) is fixed to the driven gear (22), and the molding disc is fixed to the molding disc base.

5. The pipe bending machine according to claim 4, wherein, The molding disc base (24) includes a body (240) and a protrusion (242) extending from the body. The body has a plurality of spaced grooves arranged in a circumferential direction. The adjusting wheel (26) accommodates a ball protruding toward the body (240) of the molding disc base. When the ball engages with one of the plurality of grooves, the adjusting wheel is fixed relative to the molding disc base. When the ball moves from one of the plurality of grooves to another, the adjusting wheel rotates relative to the molding disc base. The protrusion (242) of the molding plate base corresponds to the shape of the through hole (280) of the molding plate and engages with the through hole of the molding plate, thereby fixing the molding plate to the molding plate base.

6. The pipe bending machine according to claim 5, wherein, The triggering part (25) is disposed in the hollow part (263) of the annular body (262) of the adjusting wheel, and the triggering part is configured to switch between an automatic operation mode position (A) and a manual operation mode position (M). In the automatic operation mode position, the triggering part (25) can trigger the detection part (M1), while in the manual operation mode position, the triggering part (25) does not trigger the detection part (M1).

7. The pipe bending machine according to claim 6, wherein, After the detection unit is triggered by the triggering unit to stop the drive unit, the pipe bending machine automatically switches from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode.

8. The pipe bending machine according to claim 7, wherein, The triggering part (25) includes an operating part (250), a compression spring (252), a trigger (254), a torsion spring (256), a fixing block (258), a first connecting pin (251), and a second connecting pin (253). The operating part (250) includes a knob (270) and a cam (272). The cam includes a notch (274) located in the direction of its minor axis. The operating part (250) and the trigger (254) are connected to the annular body by the first connecting pin (251) and the second connecting pin (253) extending through them respectively, and are rotatable about the first connecting pin (251) and the second connecting pin (253) respectively. In the automatic operation mode position (A), the first end (255) of the trigger engages with the notch (274), and the second end (257) of the trigger extends radially outward to the outside of the annular body (262); in the manual operation mode position (M), the first end (255) of the trigger disengages from the notch (274), the cam (272) returns to the position where its long axis end abuts against the first end (255) of the trigger under the action of the torsion spring, and the second end of the trigger overcomes the action of the compression spring and is located inside the annular body.

9. The pipe bending machine according to claim 8, wherein, The clamping assembly (30) further includes a slider base (32) and a mounting pin (36), the slider base being fixed to the housing, and the detection part (M1) being fixed to the slider base (32) and forming a micro switch.

10. The pipe bending machine according to claim 5, wherein, The triggering part includes a first triggering part, which is formed as a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the annular body (262A, 262C) of the adjusting wheel.

11. The pipe bending machine according to claim 10, wherein, The clamping assembly (30A) also includes a slider base (32) and a mounting pin (36), the slider base being fixed to the housing (10A), and the detection unit including a first detection unit (M1A) rotatably connected to the slider base.

12. The pipe bending machine according to claim 11, wherein, The first detection unit (M1A) is configured to switch between an automatic operation mode position and a manual operation mode position. In the automatic operation mode position, the first detection unit is close to the annular body (262A) of the adjusting wheel, and the first trigger unit (264A) can selectively trigger the first detection unit (M1A). In the manual operation mode position, the first detection unit is away from the annular body (262A) of the adjusting wheel, and the first trigger unit cannot trigger the first detection unit. The first detection unit includes a sensing unit and a toggle handle connected to the sensing unit.

13. The pipe bending machine according to claim 12, wherein, The triggering part further includes a second triggering part, which is formed by the elastic protrusion (224), and the detection part further includes a second detection part (M2A), which is fixed to the mounting plate (15A) of the housing.

14. The pipe bending machine according to claim 12, wherein, The pipe bending machine also includes a main control module, which is configured to detect the current signal of the drive unit to determine whether the drive unit is operating in forward or reverse rotation mode.

15. The pipe bending machine according to claim 12, wherein, The circumferential length of the protrusion is 1 / 12 to 1 / 4 of the circumferential length of the annular body (262C).

16. A pipe bending machine (1, 1A, 1B, 1C), comprising: Housing (10, 10A, 10B), the housing includes a drive unit and buttons (16, 18) for controlling the drive unit. A bending assembly (20, 20A) is rotatably connected to the housing and is driven by the drive unit to rotate relative to the housing. The bending assembly includes a forming disc (28) having a first arcuate receiving channel (282). A clamping assembly (30, 30A) is fixed to the housing and includes a slider (34) forming a second arcuate receiving channel (342), the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel being shaped to each other and the tube (T) being clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel. The pipe bending machine is characterized in that it can operate in automatic or manual mode. The bending assembly is provided with a triggering part (25, 224), and at least one of the clamping assembly and the housing is provided with a detection part (M1, M1A, M2A). In the automatic operation mode, the detection part is configured to be triggered by the triggering part to stop the driving part from driving. The pipe bending mechanism enables switching between the automatic operation mode and the manual operation mode. In the automatic operation mode position, the trigger unit can trigger the detection unit (M1), while in the manual operation mode position, the trigger unit does not trigger the detection unit (M1), and After the detection unit is triggered by the triggering unit to stop the driving unit, the pipe bending machine automatically switches from the automatic operation mode position to the manual operation mode position.

17. The pipe bending machine according to claim 16, wherein, The drive unit includes a motor and a drive gear (12), the drive gear rotating under the drive of the motor. The bending assembly also includes a driven gear (22) that meshes with the drive gear, and the radius of the driven gear (22) is greater than the radius of the drive gear (12).

18. The pipe bending machine according to claim 17, wherein, The driven gear (22) is formed in a fan shape and has a first edge tooth (220) located at a first circumferential end and a second edge tooth (222) located at a second circumferential end. The driven gear (22) rotates to its limit position when the first edge tooth or the second edge tooth meshes with the driving gear. The driven gear (22) is rotatably connected to the mounting plate (15) of the housing (10). The driven gear has an elastic protrusion (224) on the side near the mounting plate (15). When the driven gear rotates to the limit position in the first direction, the elastic protrusion (224) contacts the edge of the mounting plate (15) and undergoes elastic deformation to limit the continued rotation of the driven gear in the first direction. When the driving part drives the driven gear to rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the elastic protrusion (224) returns to its original shape and makes the driven gear mesh with the driving gear to rotate in the second direction.

19. The pipe bending machine according to claim 18, wherein, The bending assembly further includes a forming disc base (24) and an adjusting wheel (26), the forming disc base (24) being arranged between the driven gear (22) and the adjusting wheel (26), and the adjusting wheel (26) being arranged between the forming disc base (24) and the forming disc (28). The molding disc base (24) is fixed to the driven gear (22), the adjusting wheel (26) is rotatably connected to the molding disc base (24), and the molding disc is fixed to the molding disc base.

20. The pipe bending machine according to claim 19, wherein, The molding disc base (24) includes a body (240) and a protrusion (242) extending from the body. The body has a plurality of spaced grooves arranged in a circumferential direction. The adjusting wheel (26) accommodates a ball protruding toward the body (240) of the molding disc base. When the ball engages with one of the plurality of grooves, the adjusting wheel is fixed relative to the molding disc base. When the ball moves from one of the plurality of grooves to another, the adjusting wheel rotates relative to the molding disc base. The protrusion (242) of the molding plate base corresponds to the shape of the through hole (280) of the molding plate and engages with the through hole of the molding plate, thereby fixing the molding plate to the molding plate base.

21. The pipe bending machine according to claim 20, wherein, The trigger part (25) is disposed in the hollow part (263) of the annular body (262) of the adjusting wheel.

22. The pipe bending machine according to claim 19, wherein, The triggering part (25) includes an operating part (250), a compression spring (252), a trigger (254), a torsion spring (256), a fixing block (258), a first connecting pin (251), and a second connecting pin (253). The operating part (250) includes a knob (270) and a cam (272). The cam includes a notch (274) located in the direction of its minor axis. The operating part (250) and the trigger (254) are connected to the annular body of the adjusting wheel by the first connecting pin (251) and the second connecting pin (253) extending through them respectively, and are rotatable about the first connecting pin (251) and the second connecting pin (253) respectively. In the automatic operation mode position (A), the first end (255) of the trigger engages with the notch (274), and the second end (257) of the trigger extends radially outward to the outside of the annular body (262); in the manual operation mode position (M), the first end (255) of the trigger disengages from the notch (274), the cam (272) returns to the position where its long axis end abuts against the first end (255) of the trigger under the action of the torsion spring, and the second end of the trigger overcomes the action of the compression spring and is located inside the annular body.

23. The pipe bending machine according to claim 22, wherein, The clamping assembly (30) further includes a slider base (32) and a mounting pin (36), the slider base being fixed to the housing, and the detection part (M1) being fixed to the slider base (32) and forming a micro switch.

24. A method for operating a pipe bending machine, the pipe bending machine comprising: Housing (10, 10A, 10B), the housing includes a drive unit and buttons (16, 18) for controlling the drive unit. A bending assembly (20, 20A) is rotatably connected to the housing and driven by the drive unit to rotate relative to the housing. The bending assembly includes a forming disc (28) having a first arcuate receiving channel (282). A clamping assembly (30, 30A) is fixed to the housing and includes a slider (34) having a second arcuate receiving channel (342). The first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel are shaped to fit together, and the tube (T) is clamped between the first arcuate receiving channel and the second arcuate receiving channel. The tube bending machine is capable of operating in an automatic or manual mode. The bending assembly is provided with a trigger (25, 224). At least one of the clamping assembly and the housing is provided with a detection unit (M1, M1A, M2A). In the automatic mode, the detection unit is configured to be triggered by the trigger to stop the drive unit. The button includes a main control button for controlling whether to supply power to the drive unit and a switching button for controlling the drive unit to operate in a forward or reverse rotation mode. The method includes: Pipe fitting installation steps: Pre-set the bending angle of the pipe fitting and clamp the pipe fitting in place; Mode selection step: Manually select the automatic operation mode; Driver activation steps: Turn on the main control button to start the driver unit; Forward rotation mode setting steps: Set the drive unit to operate in forward rotation mode using the switch button; Pipe bending step: The drive unit drives the bending assembly to rotate in the positive direction away from the initial position to bend the pipe; Bending completion determination step: The detection unit determines whether the bending of the pipe is completed. When the detection unit is triggered, it is determined that the pipe has bent at a preset bending angle, and the bending step is stopped. When the detection unit is not triggered, the bending step continues. Reverse mode setting steps: Set the drive unit to operate in reverse mode using the switch button; Bending assembly recovery step: The driving unit drives the bending assembly to rotate in the opposite direction toward the initial position; Return position determination step: Determine whether the bending component has returned to the initial position. If the bending component has returned to the initial position, stop the operation of the drive unit. If the bending component has not returned to the initial position, continue the bending component return step.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: Mode switching steps: The mechanical structure of the trigger unit automatically switches the pipe bending machine from the automatic operation mode to the manual operation mode, and The mode switching step is performed after the bending completion determination step determines to stop the pipe bending step, and before the reversal mode setting step.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The pipe bending machine includes a main control module, which is configured to detect the current signal of the drive unit to determine whether the drive unit is operating in forward or reverse rotation mode. The main control module is used to detect the drive unit. When the drive unit is detected to be in forward rotation mode, the bending completion determination step is performed. When the drive unit is detected to be in reverse rotation mode, the bending component recovery step is performed.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising: The step of stopping the detection unit after determining that the bending has reached a preset bending angle in the bending completion determination step.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24-27, wherein, In the return position determination step, the bending component is manually observed to determine whether it has returned to its initial position.

29. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The detection unit includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit, and the bending completion determination step includes: activating the first detection unit when the second detection unit changes from an initial state to a triggered state, and using the activated first detection unit to determine whether the bending of the pipe is completed.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, In the return position determination step, the bending component is determined to have returned to its initial position by determining whether the second detection unit has returned from the triggered state to the initial state.

31. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The pipe bending machine is the pipe bending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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