A balloon stretching forming device and stretching forming method

Abstract

This invention discloses a balloon stretching and forming equipment and a stretching and forming method. The stretching and forming equipment includes: a support frame, with an automatic feeding mechanism and an automatic unloading mechanism installed on the top of the support frame; a worktable is set inside the support frame, and multiple sets of pre-stretching mechanisms, cutting and length-cutting mechanisms, automatic feeding mechanisms, and stamping and sealing mechanisms are set on the worktable. The stretching and forming method includes: resetting all slide modules and drive cylinders; setting processing parameters and processing sequence; taking out a single material tube from the feeding box; heating and simultaneously pre-stretching the material tube; cutting it to a set length; completing the feeding; heating and filling with nitrogen to complete the balloon forming production process. In this invention, the entire process is fully automated and continuous, monitored by a PLC control system and corresponding sensors. Multiple sets of product parameters can be stored and processed, eliminating the need for manual loading, unloading, and inflation pressurization, effectively shortening processing time and improving processing efficiency and yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical processing equipment technology, and in particular to a balloon stretching and forming device and a stretching and forming method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of medical technology, medical catheters are playing an increasingly crucial role in clinical treatment, becoming an indispensable tool in many treatment methods. Especially in the field of cardiovascular disease treatment, balloon catheters, as an important medical device, are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease and vascular stenosis. Therefore, in the design and production process of balloon catheters, it is essential to ensure extremely high processing precision to guarantee safety and efficacy during use.

[0003] Currently, the automation level of molding machines in balloon catheter production remains low, with most equipment still employing semi-automatic production methods. In this model, each process is carried out separately, requiring significant manual intervention at each stage. This fragmented operation and manual intervention result in low production efficiency, poor product quality consistency, and a low yield rate, making it difficult to meet the demands of large-scale production. To address this issue, some equipment manufacturers use a mold-separated manufacturing process for balloons, which has indeed improved production efficiency and achieved partial automation to some extent. However, the mold-separated processing technology still has significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the mold-joining line: because the mold needs to be reassembled after separation, the mold-joining line generated during production affects the structural stability and sealing of the balloon. This is unacceptable for high-requirement balloon products like coronary balloons, which still rely heavily on manual loading for balloon production, resulting in a low level of automation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a balloon stretching and forming device and a stretching and forming method.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a balloon stretching and forming equipment, comprising: a support frame, wherein an automatic feeding mechanism and an automatic unloading mechanism are installed on the top of the support frame, and a worktable is provided inside the support frame, wherein a pre-stretching mechanism, a cutting and length-cutting mechanism, an automatic feeding mechanism and a stamping and sealing mechanism are provided on the worktable;

[0007] The automatic feeding mechanism includes a first linear motor slide module, a first linear screw slide module, a first drive cylinder, a feeding gripper and / or a feeding suction cup. The automatic feeding mechanism is used to pick up, place and move a single tube.

[0008] The automatic unloading mechanism is located on one side of the automatic loading mechanism. The automatic unloading mechanism includes a second linear motor slide module, a second linear screw slide module, a second drive cylinder, and a unloading gripper. The automatic unloading mechanism is used to complete the picking, placing, and moving of balloon products.

[0009] The pre-stretching mechanism includes a third linear motor slide module, a third drive cylinder, a pre-stretching component, and a heating component. The pre-stretching mechanism is used to heat and pre-stretch the conduit.

[0010] The cutting and length-cutting mechanism is located on one side of the pre-stretching mechanism. The cutting and length-cutting mechanism includes a cutting component and a fourth drive cylinder. The cutting and length-cutting mechanism is used for clamping, length-fixing, and cutting the material tube.

[0011] The automatic feeding mechanism is located on one side of the cutting and lengthening mechanism. The automatic feeding mechanism includes a fourth linear motor slide module, a fourth drive cylinder, and a feeding gripper. The automatic feeding mechanism is used to grip the material tube and feed it onto the stamping and sealing mechanism.

[0012] The stamping and sealing mechanism is located at one end of the cutting and lengthening mechanism. The stamping and sealing mechanism includes a fifth linear motor slide module, a fifth drive cylinder, a clamping and stretching assembly, a forming water jacket assembly, a mold assembly, and a stamping and sealing assembly. The stamping and sealing mechanism is used to clamp the material tube, stretch it, inflate it, and hot-press it to form a balloon-shaped conduit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a side support weldment and a top support weldment, which are welded together, and the first linear motor slide module and the second linear motor slide module are installed in parallel between the top support weldment.

[0014] A first fixing plate is installed on the top support weldment via a first support block, and the first linear screw slide module and the second linear screw slide module are installed in parallel at the lower part of the first fixing plate.

[0015] A second fixed plate is mounted on the workbench via a second support block, and the third linear motor slide module and the fourth linear motor slide module are mounted in parallel on the upper part of the second fixed plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first linear motor slide module includes a first slide, the first drive cylinder is detachably connected to a first mounting plate and a first sliding plate at the bottom of the first slide, the first drive cylinder includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders, the feeding cylinders on both sides are detachably connected to feeding grippers through a first connecting plate, and the feeding cylinder in the middle is detachably connected to a feeding suction cup through a first connecting plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second linear motor slide module includes a second slide, the second drive cylinder is detachably connected to the second sliding plate at the bottom of the second slide via a second mounting plate, and the second drive cylinder includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders, which are detachably connected to the feeding grippers via a second connecting plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third linear motor slide module includes a third slide, the third drive cylinder is detachably connected to the third sliding plate on the top of the third slide via a third mounting plate, a position sensor is provided on one side of the third slide, a floating seat is provided between the third mounting plate and the third drive cylinder, and a tension sensor is provided inside the floating seat;

[0019] The third drive cylinder includes multiple sets of pre-tension cylinders and heating cylinders. The pre-tension cylinders and pre-tension components are detachably connected. The pre-tension component includes a pre-tension chuck. The heating cylinders and heating components are detachably connected. The heating component includes a heating plate.

[0020] Multiple sets of heating plates are arranged between the pre-stretching clamps, and a gear and rack sliding module is arranged below the heating cylinder. The heating cylinder is detachably connected to the sliding seat and the gear and rack transmission module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cutting drive cylinder includes a cutting cylinder and a lifting cylinder, the cutting assembly includes a cutting gripper and a cutting blade, the cutting gripper is detachably connected to the cutting cylinder via a cutting fixing plate, and the cutting blade is detachably connected to the lifting cylinder via a blade holder.

[0022] In some embodiments, a material box mechanism is provided between the cutting and length-taking mechanism and the automatic feeding mechanism. The material box mechanism includes a support frame, a placement plate is installed on the upper part of the support frame, a material box is installed on the upper part of the placement plate, the material box is provided with a material feeding area, and waste areas are provided at both ends of the material feeding area.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fourth linear motor slide module includes a fourth slide, the fourth drive cylinder is detachably connected to the fourth sliding plate on the top of the fourth slide via a fourth mounting plate, and the fourth drive cylinder includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders, the feeding cylinders being detachably connected to the feeding grippers via a fourth connecting plate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fifth linear motor slide module includes a fifth slide, and the fifth drive cylinder is detachably connected to a fifth mounting plate and a fifth sliding plate on the top of the fifth slide;

[0025] The fifth drive cylinder includes a re-stretching cylinder, a sliding cylinder, and a clamping cylinder. The re-stretching cylinder is detachably connected to the clamping stretching assembly via a fifth connecting plate. The sliding cylinder is detachably connected to the mold assembly via a fifth connecting plate. The clamping cylinder is detachably connected to the stamping sealing assembly via a fifth connecting plate.

[0026] The clamping and stretching assembly includes a re-stretching chuck, which is detachably connected to the output end of the re-stretching cylinder. The forming water jacket assembly includes a housing with a heating chamber inside. The mold assembly includes a distal mold and a proximal mold, which are located at both ends of the forming water jacket assembly. The stamping and sealing assembly includes a sealing chuck, which is detachably connected to the output end of the pressing cylinder.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a balloon stretching and forming method, performed via a balloon stretching and forming apparatus as described in the first aspect, the stretching and forming method comprising the following steps:

[0028] Reset all slide modules and drive cylinders, and set the machining parameters and machining sequence;

[0029] The feeding cylinder drives the feeding gripper and / or feeding suction cup to remove the single material tube from the feeding box. The pre-stretching cylinder drives the pre-stretching chuck to clamp both ends of the material tube. After being heated by the heating plate, the material tube is pre-stretched simultaneously.

[0030] The feeding cylinder drives the feeding gripper and / or feeding suction cup to remove the pre-stretched tube; the cutting cylinder drives the cutting gripper to clamp and fix the tube; and the lifting cylinder drives the cutting blade to cut the tube to the set length.

[0031] The feeding cylinder drives the feeding end and the feeding gripper in the middle to grasp the cut material tube and move synchronously, driving the material tube through the forming water jacket assembly to complete the feeding of the straight section mold in the water jacket.

[0032] The feeding cylinder drives the feeding jaws at the discharge end to grip the end of the material tube passing through the forming water jacket assembly. The feeding jaws at the feeding end move synchronously to send the material tube out a fixed distance. After being released, the feeding jaws retract to the gripping position. The feeding jaws then grip the material tube again and send it forward a fixed distance. The above actions are repeated until the material tube passes through the inside of the near-end mold and enters the sealing chuck, completing the feeding of the near-end mold. The clamping cylinder drives the sealing chuck to lock, and the feeding cylinder drives the feeding jaws in the middle to retract and move to the initial position.

[0033] The feeding cylinder drives the feeding jaws, the remote mold and the stretching chuck at the feeding end to move synchronously, so that the other end of the material tube is fed through the remote mold into the stretching chuck in the same way. The sliding cylinder drives the sealing chuck to clamp and fix it, thus completing the feeding of the remote mold.

[0034] The distal mold, proximal mold, and water jacket assembly are joined together, the position of the balloon vesicle is adjusted to be centered, and nitrogen is injected to complete the balloon molding production process.

[0035] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0036] 1. This invention uses a feeding and unloading mechanism on the top of the support frame to clamp and load the material tube. Multiple sets of parallel pre-stretching mechanisms, cutting and length-cutting mechanisms, automatic feeding mechanisms, and stamping and sealing mechanisms form a multi-station balloon production station. The pre-stretching mechanism heats and pre-stretches the material tube, the cutting and length-cutting mechanism cuts the material tube to a fixed length, the automatic feeding mechanism clamps and feeds the material tube, and the stamping and sealing mechanism clamps the material tube and then stretches, inflates, and hot-presses it. The entire process is fully automated and continuous, monitored by a PLC control system and corresponding sensors. Multiple sets of product parameters can be stored and processed. There is no need for manual loading, unloading, inflation, and pressurization, which effectively shortens the processing time and improves processing efficiency and yield.

[0037] 2. In this invention, the feeding mechanism includes a first linear motor slide module and a first linear screw slide module; the unloading mechanism includes a second linear motor slide module and a second linear screw slide module; the pre-stretching mechanism includes a third linear motor slide module, a third drive cylinder, a pre-stretching assembly, and a heating assembly; the cutting and lengthening mechanism includes cutting grippers and cutting blades mounted on the third drive cylinder; the automatic feeding mechanism includes multiple sets of feeding grippers mounted on the fourth drive cylinder and a cooperating fourth linear motor slide module; and the stamping and sealing mechanism includes a clamping and stretching assembly, a forming water jacket assembly, a mold assembly, and a stamping and sealing assembly mounted on the fifth drive cylinder and a cooperating fifth linear motor slide module. The sliding table module can automatically complete various processes such as tube pre-stretching, tube cutting, tube passing through the straight section of the mold, feeding into the near mold, feeding into the far mold, tube re-stretching, and hot-press sealing: the feeding jaws move to feed the tube, which is pre-stretched by heating through the heating plate and pre-stretching jaws. Then, the cutting jaws determine the cutting length and the cutting blades cut the tube. The feeding jaws pick up the tube and move it. One end of the tube is fed into the near mold and clamped and fixed by the sealing jaws. The other end of the tube is fed into the far mold and clamped and fixed by the stretching jaws. Then, the tube and the forming water jacket assembly are closed. The length is adjusted by clamping the stretching assembly. After heating, the sealing jaws apply pressure to form the balloon. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention. Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention. Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-stretching mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting and lengthening mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the stamping and sealing mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the material box mechanism in the balloon stretching and forming equipment proposed in this invention.

[0048] Legend:

[0049] 1. Support frame; 11. Worktable; 12. Side support weldment; 13. Top support weldment; 14. First support block; 15. First fixing plate; 16. Second support block; 17. Second fixing plate; 2. Automatic feeding mechanism; 21. First linear motor slide module; 211. First slide; 212. First mounting plate; 213. First sliding plate; 214. First connecting plate; 22. First linear screw slide module; 23. First drive cylinder; 231. Feeding cylinder; 24. Feeding gripper; 25. Feeding suction cup; 3. Automatic unloading mechanism; 31. Second linear motor slide module; 311. Second slide; 312. Second mounting plate; 313. Second sliding plate; 314. Second connecting plate; 32. Second linear screw slide module; 33. Second drive cylinder; 331. Unloading cylinder; 34. Unloading gripper; 4. Pre-tensioning mechanism; 41. Third linear motor slide module; 411. Third slide; 412. Third mounting plate; 413. Third sliding plate; 414. Position sensor; 415. Floating seat; 416. Tension sensor; 42. Third drive cylinder; 421. Pre-tensioning cylinder; 422. Heating cylinder; 43. Pre-tensioning assembly; 431. Pre-tensioning chuck; 44. Heating assembly; 441. Heating plate; 45. Gear and rack sliding module; 451. Sliding seat; 5. Cutting and length-taking mechanism; 51. Cutting assembly; 511. Cutting fixing plate; 512. Cutting support plate; 513. Cutting gripper; 514. Cutting blade; 515. Blade holder; 52. Cutting drive cylinder; 521. Cutting cylinder; 522. Lifting cylinder; 6. Automatic feeding mechanism; 61. Fourth linear motor slide module; 611. Fourth slide; 612. Fourth mounting plate; 613. Fourth sliding plate; 614. Fourth connecting plate; 62. Fourth drive cylinder; 621. Feeding cylinder; 63. Feeding gripper; 7. Stamping and sealing mechanism; 71. Five linear motor slide module; 711, fifth slide; 712, fifth mounting plate; 713, fifth sliding plate; 714, fifth connecting plate; 72, fifth drive cylinder; 721, re-stretching cylinder; 722, sliding cylinder; 723, clamping cylinder; 73, clamping and stretching assembly; 731, re-stretching chuck; 74, forming water jacket assembly; 741, outer shell; 75, mold assembly; 751, far-end mold; 752, near-end mold; 76, stamping and sealing assembly; 761, sealing chuck; 8, material box mechanism; 81, support frame; 82, placement plate; 83, material box; 831, material placement area; 832, waste area. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] This application provides a balloon stretching and forming equipment and method, solving the problems of low automation levels, the need for extensive manual operation, low production efficiency, poor product consistency, and low yield rates in existing forming machines. This application utilizes a feeding and unloading mechanism on the top of the support frame to handle the loading and unloading of the material tube. Multiple parallel pre-stretching mechanisms, cutting and length-cutting mechanisms, automatic feeding mechanisms, and stamping and sealing mechanisms form a multi-station balloon production line. The pre-stretching mechanism heats and pre-stretches the material tube; the cutting and length-cutting mechanism cuts the material tube to a fixed length; the automatic feeding mechanism grips and feeds the material tube; and the stamping and sealing mechanism clamps the material tube before stretching, inflating, and hot-pressing. The entire process is fully automated and continuous, monitored by a PLC control system and corresponding sensors. Multiple sets of product parameters can be stored and processed, eliminating the need for manual loading, unloading, and inflation / pressurization, effectively shortening processing time and improving processing efficiency and yield rates.

[0052] Please refer to the following examples for details:

[0053] Reference Figures 1-10 The present invention provides an embodiment of a balloon stretching and forming equipment, the specific structure of which includes: a support frame 1, an automatic feeding mechanism 2 and an automatic unloading mechanism 3 installed on the top of the support frame 1, a workbench 11 provided inside the support frame 1, and multiple sets of pre-stretching mechanisms 4, cutting and length-cutting mechanisms 5, automatic feeding mechanisms 6 and stamping and sealing mechanisms 7 arranged in parallel on the workbench 11, forming a multi-station balloon production station.

[0054] The automatic feeding mechanism 2 consists of components such as a first linear motor slide module 21, a first linear screw slide module 22, a first drive cylinder 23, a feeding gripper 24, and / or a feeding suction cup 25. It is used for the precise picking, placing, and moving of single tube materials, ensuring the continuity and smoothness of the production line. Similarly, the automatic unloading mechanism 3 is installed on one side of the automatic feeding mechanism 2. The unloading mechanism includes a second linear motor slide module 31, a second linear screw slide module 32, a second drive cylinder 33, and an unloading gripper 34. It is used for the picking, placing, and moving of finished balloon catheters, accurately delivering the finished products to the designated positions. The automatic feeding mechanism 2 and the automatic unloading mechanism 3 can automatically complete the directional movement of the tube materials. They can fully automatically complete various processes such as tube pre-stretching, tube cutting, tube passing through the straight section of the mold, feeding into the near end mold 752, feeding into the far end mold 751, tube re-stretching, and hot-press sealing, effectively reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency and safety.

[0055] The pre-stretching mechanism 4 includes a third linear motor slide module 41, a third drive cylinder 42, a pre-stretching component 43, and a heating component 44, which can precisely heat the balloon vesicles and perform pre-stretching treatment.

[0056] The cutting and length-cutting mechanism 5 is located on one side of the pre-stretching mechanism 4. It consists of a cutting component 51 and a cutting drive cylinder 52. It can accurately clamp the tube material and perform precise cutting to ensure that the length of each tube material meets the production standard.

[0057] The automatic feeding mechanism 6 is located on one side of the cutting and length taking mechanism 5, and includes a fourth linear motor slide module 61, a fourth drive cylinder 62 and a feeding gripper 63, which can accurately control the conveying and positioning of the tube material;

[0058] The stamping and sealing mechanism 7 is located at one end of the cutting and lengthening mechanism 5. It includes a fifth linear motor slide module 71, a fifth drive cylinder 72, a clamping and stretching assembly 73, a forming water jacket assembly 74, a mold assembly 75, and a stamping and sealing assembly 76. By precisely controlling the coordinated work of each component, the stamping and sealing mechanism 7 can complete the sealing and hot-pressing forming of the balloon catheter in a short time, ensuring that the quality and performance of each balloon meet the standard requirements.

[0059] Specifically, the entire production process is controlled and monitored by a host computer system, a PLC control system, and supporting sensors. The PLC control system collects data from each module in real time, ensuring seamless connection and efficient operation of each link through precise logical judgment and automatic adjustment. Simultaneously, the host computer system can store multiple sets of product parameter settings and flexibly adjust them according to the needs of different production batches without manual intervention, ensuring the stability and consistency of the production process. Sensors monitor the operating status and key parameters of each link, providing real-time feedback on abnormal information, further improving the controllability and safety of the production process. Through this fully automated and continuous production method, balloon manufacturing not only effectively shortens the processing cycle but also significantly improves product yield and consistency while increasing production efficiency.

[0060] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the support frame 1 includes a side support weldment 12 and a top support weldment 13. The top support weldment 13 and the side support weldment 12 are welded together to ensure the overall rigidity and structural stability of the frame.

[0061] The first linear motor slide module 21 and the second linear motor slide module 31 are installed in parallel between the top bracket weldment 13, which can effectively improve the stability and accuracy of the drive system and enable subsequent processing steps to be executed smoothly.

[0062] Furthermore, through the first support block 14, the first fixing plate 15 is securely mounted on the top bracket weldment 13, allowing the first linear screw slide module 22 and the second linear screw slide module 32 to be installed parallel to each other on the lower part of the first fixing plate 15. This ensures that the two slide modules can move precisely on the same horizontal plane, effectively reducing operational errors and providing sufficient support force to guarantee precise operation. Similarly, on the second support block 16 of the second support block 11, the second fixing plate 17 is securely mounted on the top bracket weldment 13, and supports the third linear motor slide module 41 and the fourth linear motor slide module 61 through this fixing plate. The two slide modules are also installed parallel to each other on the upper part of the second fixing plate 17. This structural design not only ensures that the operation of multiple slide modules does not interfere with each other, but also ensures that they can cooperate precisely and work together to complete production tasks.

[0063] Please continue reading. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first linear motor slide module 21 includes a first slide 211, and the first drive cylinder 23 is detachably connected to the first mounting plate 212 and the first sliding plate 213 at the bottom of the first slide 211.

[0064] The first drive cylinder 23 includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders 231. The two side feeding cylinders 231 are detachably connected to the feeding gripper 24 through the first connecting plate 214. The feeding cylinders 231 drive the feeding gripper 24 to accurately grab the material and complete the vertical or horizontal transport of the material tube. The middle feeding cylinder 231 is detachably connected to the feeding suction cup 25 through the first connecting plate 214. It generates suction force through an externally connected vacuum generator to adsorb the material tube and complete the vertical or horizontal transport of the material tube.

[0065] Similarly, the second linear motor slide module 31 includes a second slide 311, and the second drive cylinder 33 is detachably connected to the second mounting plate 312 and the second sliding plate 313 at the bottom of the second slide 311.

[0066] The second drive cylinder 33 includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders 331. The feeding cylinders 331 are detachably connected to the feeding claws 34 via the second connecting plate 314. The feeding cylinders 331 drive the feeding claws 34 to accurately grasp the balloon tubing and complete the vertical or horizontal transport of the balloon tubing.

[0067] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the third linear motor slide module 41 includes a third slide 411, and the third drive cylinder 42 is detachably connected to the third mounting plate 412 and the third sliding plate 413 on the top of the third slide 411.

[0068] Specifically, a position sensor 414 is provided on one side of the third slide 411. The position sensor 414 is a grating sensor, and multiple position sensors are provided. A light shield is also provided on one side of the third slide 411 to locate the position of the pre-stretching component 43. When it reaches the designated position, it will stop moving, thereby completing the stretching and resetting. A floating seat 415 is provided between the third mounting plate 412 and the third drive cylinder 42. A tension sensor 416 is provided inside the floating seat 415. The two sides of the tension sensor 416 are connected to the third mounting plate 412 and the floating seat 415 respectively, which can monitor the tension of the pre-stretching component 43 in real time to prevent the guide tube from breaking.

[0069] Furthermore, the third drive cylinder 42 includes multiple sets of pre-tension cylinders 421 and heating cylinders 422. The pre-tension cylinders 421 and the pre-tension assembly 43 are detachably connected. The pre-tension assembly 43 includes a pre-tension clamp 431 for clamping both ends of the conduit. The heating cylinders 422 are detachably connected to the heating assembly 44, which includes a heating plate 441 for heating the conduit.

[0070] Specifically, multiple heating plates 441 are arranged between pre-stretching clamps 431. A gear and rack sliding module 45 is arranged below the heating cylinder 422. The heating cylinder 422 is detachably connected to the gear and rack transmission module through a sliding seat 451. The spacing between opposing heating plates 441 can be adjusted by the heating cylinder 422, thereby adjusting the heating temperature. The gear and rack sliding module 45 is driven by a drive motor at the bottom, thereby adjusting the spacing between adjacent heating plates 441. The length of the balloon vesicle can be adjusted by adjusting the heating area. Both sides of the catheter can be heated simultaneously. After heating, both sides are stretched synchronously through the pre-stretching clamps 431. The balloon is subjected to tensile stress at the same time, ensuring the accuracy of balloon stretching and forming. Only one stretching is required to complete the process, effectively improving processing efficiency.

[0071] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the cutting drive cylinder 52 includes a cutting cylinder 521 and a lifting cylinder 522, and the cutting assembly 51 includes a cutting gripper 513 and a cutting blade 514.

[0072] The cutting gripper 513 is detachably connected to the cutting fixing plate 511 and the cutting cylinder 521, and can be adaptively adjusted according to the shape and size of the material to ensure that the material can be stably kept in the correct position throughout the cutting process. It can also precisely adjust the clamping force on the material tube. The cutting blade 514 is detachably connected to the blade bracket 515 and the lifting cylinder 522 to ensure that the cutting blade 514 can quickly and accurately complete the cutting action, thereby achieving precise cutting of the material.

[0073] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the fourth linear motor slide module 61 includes a fourth slide 611, and the fourth drive cylinder 62 is detachably connected to the fourth mounting plate 612 and the fourth sliding plate 613 on the top of the fourth slide 611.

[0074] The fourth drive cylinder 62 includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders 621. The feeding cylinders 621 are detachably connected to the fourth connecting plate 614 and the feeding gripper 63, so that the material tube is continuously transported to the next process section in steps after being cut to the set length.

[0075] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the fifth linear motor slide module 71 includes a fifth slide 711, and the fifth drive cylinder 72 is detachably connected to the fifth mounting plate 712 and the fifth sliding plate 713 on the top of the fifth slide 711.

[0076] The fifth drive cylinder 72 includes a re-stretching cylinder 721, a sliding cylinder 722, and a clamping cylinder 723. The re-stretching cylinder 721 is detachably connected to the clamping and stretching assembly 73 via the fifth connecting plate 714, and is used to clamp and stretch a section of the material tube fed into the distal mold 751 by the feeding gripper 63 during processing. The sliding cylinder 722 is detachably connected to the mold assembly 75 via the fifth connecting plate 714, and is used to mold the material tube entering the forming water jacket assembly 74. The clamping cylinder 723 is detachably connected to the stamping and sealing assembly 76 via the fifth connecting plate 714, and is used to clamp and inflate a section of the material tube fed into the proximal mold 752 by the feeding gripper 63 during processing.

[0077] Furthermore, the clamping and stretching assembly 73 includes a re-stretching chuck 731, which is detachably connected to the output end of the re-stretching chuck 731 and the re-stretching cylinder 721. The forming water jacket assembly 74 includes a housing 741, which has a heating chamber inside for introducing a heating circulating medium to heat the balloon tube. The mold assembly 75 includes a distal mold 751 and a proximal mold 752, which are located at both ends of the forming water jacket assembly 74. During processing, the two sections of tube gripped by the feeding jaws 63 will enter the forming water jacket assembly 74 through the proximal mold 752 and the distal mold 751, respectively.

[0078] Furthermore, the stamping sealing assembly 76 includes a sealing chuck 761, which is detachably connected to the output end of the clamping cylinder 723. Specifically, the sealing chuck 761 is a pneumatic three-jaw chuck with a conical front end. When clamping the tube, it pushes the proximal mold 752 to gradually reduce the distance between it and the sealing chuck 761, and then it comes into contact with the inner side of the sealing chuck 761 until it is clamped, thereby completing the sealing and fixing of the tube. The sealing chuck 761 and the re-stretching chuck 731 are coaxially arranged, which can ensure the coaxiality of the re-stretching chuck 731 and the sealing chuck 761, avoid damage during the stretching process, and ensure thickness uniformity.

[0079] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, a material box mechanism 8 is provided between the cutting and length-cutting mechanism 5 and the automatic feeding mechanism 6. The material box mechanism 8 includes a support frame 81, a placement plate 82 is installed on the upper part of the support frame 81, and a material box 83 is installed on the upper part of the placement plate 82. The material box 83 is provided with a material placement area 831 for placing the material tube to be processed. Waste areas 832 are provided at both ends of the material placement area 831. The waste material tubes cut off at both ends are picked up by the feeding claws 24 of the automatic feeding mechanism 2 and placed into the waste area 832.

[0080] All standard parts used in this embodiment can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] The present invention also provides an embodiment of a balloon stretching and forming method, performed via the balloon stretching and forming equipment as described in the above embodiments, the stretching and forming method comprising the following steps:

[0082] All slide modules and drive cylinders are reset via a touch screen connected to the host computer, and processing parameters and processing sequence are set according to product model and production requirements;

[0083] The feeding cylinder 231 drives the feeding gripper 24 and / or the feeding suction cup 25 to take out the single tube from the material box 83, and moves the tube to the next processing station by vertical and horizontal movement. The pre-stretching cylinder 421 drives the pre-stretching chuck 431 to clamp the two ends of the tube. The distance is adjusted by the gear and rack mechanism. The heating cylinder 422 closes the heating plate 441 to heat and pre-stretch the tube synchronously. During this period, the production parameters are monitored by the position sensor 414 and the tension sensor 416, and the length of the balloon vesicle is automatically adjusted.

[0084] The feeding cylinder 231 drives the feeding gripper 24 and / or the feeding suction cup 25 to take out the pre-stretched tube. The cutting cylinder 521 drives the cutting gripper 513 to clamp and fix the tube. The lifting cylinder 522 drives the cutting blade 514 to cut the tube to a set length. The waste material is picked up by the feeding gripper 24 and placed in the waste area 832 of the material box 83.

[0085] The feeding cylinder 621 drives the feeding end and the feeding gripper 63 in the middle to clamp the cut material tube and move synchronously, driving the material tube through the forming water jacket assembly 74 to complete the feeding of the straight section mold in the water jacket.

[0086] The feeding cylinder 621 drives the feeding jaws 63 at the discharge end to grip the end of the material tube that passes through the forming water jacket assembly 74. The feeding jaws 63 at the feeding end move synchronously to send the material tube out a fixed distance. After being released, the clamping jaws retract to the gripping position, and then grip the material tube again to send it forward a fixed distance. The above actions are repeated until the material tube passes through the inside of the near-end mold 752 and enters the sealing clamp 761, completing the feeding of the near-end mold 752. The clamping cylinder 723 drives the sealing clamp 761 to lock the seal through the clamping cylinder 723. The feeding cylinder 621 drives the feeding jaws 63 in the middle to retract and move to the initial position.

[0087] The feeding cylinder 621 drives the feeding jaw 63 at the feeding end, the remote mold 751 and the stretching chuck to move synchronously, so as to feed the other end of the material tube through the remote mold 751 into the stretching chuck 731 and clamp it in the same way, thus completing the feeding of the remote mold 751.

[0088] The distal mold 751, the proximal mold 752 and the formed water jacket assembly 74 are joined together, the position of the balloon vesicle is adjusted to be centered, and nitrogen is heated and filled to complete the balloon forming production process.

[0089] The feeding cylinder 331 drives the feeding gripper 34 to take out the finished balloon catheter and send it into the collection box.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A balloon stretching and forming device, characterized in that, include: The support frame (1) is equipped with an automatic feeding mechanism (2) and an automatic unloading mechanism (3) on its top. The support frame (1) is equipped with a workbench (11) and multiple sets of pre-stretching mechanisms (4), cutting and length-cutting mechanisms (5), automatic feeding mechanisms (6) and stamping and sealing mechanisms (7) are provided on the workbench (11). The automatic feeding mechanism (2) includes a first linear motor slide module (21), a first linear screw slide module (22), a first drive cylinder (23), a feeding gripper (24) and / or a feeding suction cup (25). The automatic feeding mechanism (2) is used to complete the picking, placing and moving of a single tube. The automatic unloading mechanism (3) is located on one side of the automatic loading mechanism (2). The automatic unloading mechanism (3) includes a second linear motor slide module (31), a second linear screw slide module (32), a second drive cylinder (33), and a unloading gripper (34). The automatic unloading mechanism (3) is used to complete the picking, placing, and moving of balloon products. The pre-stretching mechanism (4) includes a third linear motor slide module (41), a third drive cylinder (42), a pre-stretching component (43), and a heating component (44). The pre-stretching mechanism (4) is used to complete the heating and pre-stretching of the conduit. The cutting and length-cutting mechanism (5) is located on one side of the pre-stretching mechanism (4). The cutting and length-cutting mechanism (5) includes a cutting component (51) and a cutting drive cylinder (52). The cutting and length-cutting mechanism (5) is used for clamping, length-fixing and cutting the material tube. The automatic feeding mechanism (6) is located on one side of the cutting and lengthening mechanism (5). The automatic feeding mechanism (6) includes a fourth linear motor slide module (61), a fourth drive cylinder (62), and a feeding gripper (63). The automatic feeding mechanism (6) is used to clamp the material tube and feed it onto the stamping and sealing mechanism (7). The stamping sealing mechanism (7) is located at one end of the cutting and lengthening mechanism (5). The stamping sealing mechanism (7) includes a fifth linear motor slide module (71), a fifth drive cylinder (72), a clamping and stretching assembly (73), a forming water jacket assembly (74), a mold assembly (75), and a stamping sealing assembly (76). The stamping sealing mechanism (7) is used to clamp the material tube, stretch it, inflate it, and hot-press it to form a balloon catheter. The third linear motor slide module (41) includes a third slide (411), the third drive cylinder (42) is detachably connected to the third mounting plate (412) and the third sliding plate (413) on the top of the third slide (411), a position sensor (414) is provided on one side of the third slide (411), a floating seat (415) is provided between the third mounting plate (412) and the third drive cylinder (42), and a tension sensor (416) is provided inside the floating seat (415). The third drive cylinder (42) includes multiple sets of pre-tension cylinders (421) and heating cylinders (422). The pre-tension cylinders (421) and pre-tension components (43) are detachably connected. The pre-tension components (43) include a pre-tension chuck (431). The heating cylinders (422) and heating components (44) are detachably connected. The heating components (44) include a heating plate (441). Multiple sets of heating plates (441) are arranged between the pre-tension chucks (431), and a gear and rack sliding module (45) is arranged below the heating cylinder (422). The heating cylinder (422) is detachably connected to the gear and rack transmission module through the sliding seat (451). The fifth linear motor slide module (71) includes a fifth slide (711), and the fifth drive cylinder (72) is detachably connected to the fifth mounting plate (712) and the fifth sliding plate (713) on the top of the fifth slide (711); The fifth drive cylinder (72) includes a re-stretching cylinder (721), a sliding cylinder (722), and a clamping cylinder (723). The re-stretching cylinder (721) is detachably connected to the clamping stretching assembly (73) via the fifth connecting plate (714). The sliding cylinder (722) is detachably connected to the mold assembly (75) via the fifth connecting plate (714). The clamping cylinder (723) is detachably connected to the stamping sealing assembly (76) via the fifth connecting plate (714). The clamping and stretching assembly (73) includes a re-stretching chuck (731), which is detachably connected to the output end of the re-stretching chuck (731) and the re-stretching cylinder (721). The forming water jacket assembly (74) includes a housing (741), which has a heating chamber inside. The mold assembly (75) includes a distal mold (751) and a proximal mold (752), which are located at both ends of the forming water jacket assembly (74). The stamping and sealing assembly (76) includes a sealing chuck (761), which is detachably connected to the output end of the pressing cylinder (723).

2. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes a side support weldment (12) and a top support weldment (13), which are welded together. The first linear motor slide module (21) and the second linear motor slide module (31) are installed in parallel between the top support weldment (13). A first fixing plate (15) is installed on the top support weldment (13) via a first support block (14), and the first linear screw slide module (22) and the second linear screw slide module (32) are installed in parallel on the lower part of the first fixing plate (15). A second fixed plate (17) is installed on the workbench (11) via a second support block (16), and the third linear motor slide module (41) and the fourth linear motor slide module (61) are installed in parallel on the upper part of the second fixed plate (17).

3. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first linear motor slide module (21) includes a first slide (211). The first drive cylinder (23) is detachably connected to the first mounting plate (212) and the first sliding plate (213) at the bottom of the first slide (211). The first drive cylinder (23) includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders (231). The feeding cylinders (231) on both sides are detachably connected to the feeding gripper (24) through the first connecting plate (214). The feeding cylinder (231) in the middle is detachably connected to the feeding suction cup (25) through the first connecting plate (214).

4. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second linear motor slide module (31) includes a second slide (311), and the second drive cylinder (33) is detachably connected to the second mounting plate (312) and the second sliding plate (313) at the bottom of the second slide (311). The second drive cylinder (33) includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders (331), and the feeding cylinders (331) are detachably connected to the feeding gripper (34) via the second connecting plate (314).

5. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting drive cylinder (52) includes a cutting cylinder (521) and a lifting cylinder (522). The cutting assembly (51) includes a cutting gripper (513) and a cutting blade (514). The cutting gripper (513) is detachably connected to the cutting cylinder (521) via a cutting fixing plate (511). The cutting blade (514) is detachably connected to the lifting cylinder (522) via a blade bracket (515).

6. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A material box mechanism (8) is provided between the cutting and length taking mechanism (5) and the automatic feeding mechanism (6). The material box mechanism (8) includes a support frame (81), a placement plate (82) is installed on the upper part of the support frame (81), a material box (83) is installed on the upper part of the placement plate (82), the material box (83) is provided with a material feeding area (831), and waste areas (832) are provided at both ends of the material feeding area (831).

7. The balloon stretching and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth linear motor slide module (61) includes a fourth slide (611). The fourth drive cylinder (62) is detachably connected to the fourth sliding plate (613) on the top of the fourth slide (611) via the fourth mounting plate (612). The fourth drive cylinder (62) includes multiple sets of feeding cylinders (621). The feeding cylinders (621) are detachably connected to the feeding grippers (63) via the fourth connecting plate (614).

8. A method for stretching and forming a balloon, characterized in that, The stretching forming method is performed via the balloon stretching forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and the stretching forming method includes the following steps: Reset all slide modules and drive cylinders, and set the machining parameters and machining sequence; The feeding cylinder (231) drives the feeding gripper (24) and / or the feeding suction cup (25) to take out the single tube in the feeding box (83). The pre-stretching cylinder (421) drives the pre-stretching chuck (431) to clamp the two ends of the tube. After being heated by the heating plate (441), the tube is pre-stretched synchronously. The feeding cylinder (231) drives the feeding gripper (24) and / or the feeding suction cup (25) to take out the pre-stretched tube. The cutting cylinder (521) drives the cutting gripper (513) to clamp and fix the tube. The lifting cylinder (522) drives the cutting blade (514) to cut the tube to the set length. The feeding cylinder (621) drives the feeding end and the feeding claw (63) in the middle to clamp the cut material tube and move synchronously, driving the material tube through the forming water jacket assembly (74) to complete the feeding of the straight section mold in the water jacket; The feeding cylinder (621) drives the feeding jaws (63) at the discharge end to grip the end of the material tube that passes through the forming water jacket assembly (74). The feeding jaws (63) at the feeding end move synchronously to send the material tube out a fixed distance. After being released, the material tube retracts to the gripping position. The feeding jaws (63) grip the material tube again and send it forward a fixed distance. The above actions are repeated until the material tube passes through the inside of the near end mold (752) and enters the sealing chuck (761), completing the feeding of the near end mold (752). The clamping cylinder (723) drives the sealing chuck (761) to lock. The feeding cylinder (621) drives the feeding jaws (63) in the middle to exit and move to the initial position. The feeding cylinder (621) drives the feeding jaw (63), the far-end mold (751) and the stretching chuck at the feeding end to move synchronously, so as to feed the other end of the material tube through the far-end mold (751) into the re-stretching chuck (731) in the same way. The sliding cylinder (722) drives the sealing chuck (761) to clamp and fix it, thus completing the feeding of the far-end mold (751). The distal mold (751), proximal mold (752) and the formed water jacket assembly (74) are joined together, the position of the balloon vesicle is adjusted to be centered, and nitrogen is heated and filled to complete the balloon forming production process.

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