Heating device for auxiliary pipe bending, pipe bending device and processing method

Abstract

This invention discloses a heating device, a pipe bending device, and a processing method for assisting pipe bending, relating to the field of pipe processing technology. The heating device for assisting pipe bending includes: a laser heating device, an electromagnetic heating device, and a temperature sensor. The laser heating device is disposed at the free end of a robotic arm and is used to preheat the portion of the pipe to be bent. The electromagnetic heating device is disposed at the free end of the robotic arm and is used to assist in heating the preheated portion of the pipe to be bent. The temperature sensor is disposed at the free end of the robotic arm and is used to detect the temperature of the portion of the pipe to be bent and feed it back to the control system. The control system controls the operation of the electromagnetic heating device based on the temperature information of the portion of the pipe to be bent. This invention can improve the accuracy and quality of pipe bending processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipe processing technology, and in particular to a heating device, a pipe bending device, and a processing method for assisting in pipe bending. Background Technology

[0002] Titanium alloys are widely used in aerospace, marine engineering, and chemical industries due to their high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent high-temperature performance. However, this material has poor plastic deformation ability, especially during cold bending, where it is prone to cracking, wrinkling, and springback. Because of its high strength, low plasticity, poor thermal conductivity, and sensitivity to high-temperature oxidation, titanium alloys are prone to work hardening and uneven stress during cold processing, while easily forming an oxide layer during high-temperature forming. Therefore, precise temperature control is crucial for improving its forming quality. To solve the processing difficulties encountered in bending titanium alloy tubes, heating technology has become a key means to optimize forming quality. Due to the special forming characteristics of titanium alloys, such as high strength, low plasticity, poor thermal conductivity, and sensitivity to high-temperature oxidation, the heating device plays a particularly important role in the forming process. However, existing heating technologies generally have the following problems in application: First, uneven heating areas lead to local stress concentration, easily causing cracks, local depressions, or excessive deformation; second, it is difficult to maintain temperature stability during the heating process, especially under dynamic processing conditions, where heat loss and temperature fluctuations further weaken the material's plasticity and forming accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heating device, a pipe bending device, and a processing method for assisting pipe bending, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art and improve the accuracy and quality of pipe bending processing.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0005] This invention provides a heating device for assisting in pipe bending, comprising:

[0006] A laser heating device is installed at the free end of the robotic arm, and the laser heating device is used to preheat the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0007] An electromagnetic heating device is installed at the free end of the robotic arm. The electromagnetic heating device is used to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent.

[0008] A temperature sensor is installed at the free end of the robotic arm. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the part of the pipe to be bent and feed it back to the control system. The control system controls the electromagnetic heating device to work based on the temperature information of the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a switchable flange for mounting on the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is used to mount a bending mold. The laser heating device is mounted on the second mounting portion, and the electromagnetic heating device and the temperature sensor are mounted on the first mounting portion.

[0010] Preferably, the heating end of the electromagnetic heating device is an electromagnetic induction coil, and in the heating state, the electromagnetic induction coil is sleeved on the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0011] Preferably, the electromagnetic induction coil, the temperature sensor, and the bending mold are sequentially disposed in the first mounting portion.

[0012] Preferably, the temperature sensor is a contact temperature sensor.

[0013] The present invention also provides a pipe bending device, comprising: a robot, a clamping assembly, a bending die, and a heating device for assisting pipe bending as described above; the clamping assembly is used to clamp one end of the pipe, the other end of the pipe is suspended, and the laser heating device, the bending die, the electromagnetic heating device, and the temperature sensor are all mounted on the robotic arm of the robot.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a switchable flange for mounting on the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The laser heating device is mounted on the second mounting portion, and the electromagnetic heating device, the bending mold, and the temperature sensor are mounted on the first mounting portion.

[0015] Preferably, the electromagnetic heating device, the temperature sensor, and the bending mold are sequentially mounted on the first mounting part.

[0016] Preferably, during the laser preheating stage, the clamping assembly can also drive the tube to rotate.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for bending pipes, comprising:

[0018] Preparation steps: Use clamping components to precisely clamp the pipe;

[0019] Preheating step: The robotic arm drives the laser heating device to preheat all the parts of the pipe to be bent in sequence;

[0020] Auxiliary heating step: The robotic arm drives the electromagnetic heating device to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent;

[0021] Bending step: The robotic arm drives the bending mold to bend the part of the pipe that has been assisted in heating.

[0022] When there are multiple parts to be bent, repeat the auxiliary heating step and the bending step until all parts to be bent have been processed.

[0023] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0024] This invention combines laser heating with electromagnetic assisted heating to achieve rapid preheating and precise assisted heating. Specifically, the laser provides a concentrated and controllable heat source for rapid preheating of the pipe, while electromagnetic heating compensates for the lack of dynamic adjustment capability in laser heating technology, effectively avoiding localized overheating or cooling problems caused by uneven heat distribution in traditional heating methods. Furthermore, the control system utilizes temperature information fed back from temperature sensors to flexibly respond to temperature changes during processing, ensuring that the temperature in the bending area remains within an optimized range, significantly improving processing quality.

[0025] Furthermore, this invention employs a switchable flange, integrating the laser heating device for preheating, the auxiliary heating device, the electromagnetic heating device for processing, and the bending die into a single switchable flange. This flange allows for switching the positions of components used in two processes, reducing the connection time between them, minimizing heat loss, and improving thermal efficiency. Compared to traditional methods, this integrated design not only reduces energy consumption but also adapts to the processing needs of titanium alloy pipes of different sizes and complex shapes. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device for assisting in pipe bending provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the temperature sensor, electromagnetic heating device, and pipe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the robot and the switching flange assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] In the diagram: 1-robotic arm interface; 2-switching flange; 3-laser heating device; 4-upper slider; 5-upper assembly block; 6-lower wheel mold; 7-temperature sensor; 8-electromagnetic heating device; 9-pipe; 10-bending mold; 11-robot. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] The present invention provides a heating device for assisting in the bending of pipes, which is particularly suitable for heating titanium alloy pipes 9, including: a laser heating device 3, an electromagnetic heating device 8 and a temperature sensor 7.

[0035] Laser heating device 3 is located at the free end of the robotic arm and is used to preheat the part of the pipe to be bent. Electromagnetic heating device 8 is located at the free end of the robotic arm and is used to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent. Temperature sensor 7 is located at the free end of the robotic arm and is used to detect the temperature of the part of the pipe to be bent and feed it back to the control system. The control system controls the operation of electromagnetic heating device 8 based on the temperature information of the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0036] This invention combines laser heating with electromagnetic assisted heating to achieve rapid preheating and precise assisted heating. Specifically, the laser provides a concentrated and controllable heat source for rapid preheating of the tube 9, while electromagnetic heating compensates for the lack of dynamic adjustment capability in laser heating technology, thus effectively avoiding localized overheating or cooling problems caused by uneven heat distribution in traditional heating methods. Furthermore, the control system utilizes temperature information fed back by temperature sensor 7 to flexibly respond to temperature changes during processing, ensuring that the temperature in the bending area remains within the optimized range, significantly improving processing quality.

[0037] In some embodiments, the present invention further includes a switchable flange 2, which is used to be installed on the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange 2 has a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part is used to install the bending mold 10. The laser heating device 3 is installed on the second mounting part, and the electromagnetic heating device 8 and the temperature sensor 7 are installed on the first mounting part.

[0038] This invention employs a switchable flange 2, integrating the laser heating device 3 for preheating, the electromagnetic heating device 8 for auxiliary heating and processing, and the bending die 10 onto the same switchable flange 2. The switchable flange 2 allows for switching the positions of components used in two processes, reducing the connection time between them, minimizing heat loss, and improving thermal efficiency. Compared to traditional methods, this integrated design not only reduces energy consumption but also adapts to the processing needs of titanium alloy pipes 9 of different sizes and complex shapes.

[0039] In some embodiments, the heating end of the electromagnetic heating device 8 is an electromagnetic induction coil, and in the heating state, the electromagnetic induction coil is sleeved on the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0040] Since the present invention does not improve the electromagnetic heating device 8, and the electromagnetic heating device 8 is a mature prior art, the composition of the electromagnetic heating device 8 will not be described in detail in this specification.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic induction coil, the temperature sensor 7, and the bending mold 10 are sequentially disposed in the first mounting portion.

[0042] This embodiment facilitates the sequential auxiliary heating, temperature detection, and bending of the preheated pipe section to be bent. After the temperature detection is completed, the control system determines whether the temperature has reached the designed threshold range. If not, it controls the electromagnetic induction coil to move to the pipe section to be bent again to heat that section. The auxiliary heating and temperature detection steps are repeated until the temperature reaches the designed threshold range.

[0043] Understandably, during use, since the electromagnetic induction coil is sleeved on the pipe 9, after heating is completed, the robotic arm needs to control the switching flange 2 to move the electromagnetic induction coil, temperature sensor 7, and bending mold 10 a short distance along the axial direction of the pipe 9. This short distance is just enough to make the temperature sensor 7 contact the part of the pipe to be bent, thereby realizing temperature detection. When the detection meets the requirements, the switching flange 2 continues to be driven to move a short distance along the axial direction of the pipe 9 so that the bending mold 10 is facing the part of the pipe to be bent, so that the bending mold 10 can bend the part of the pipe to be bent.

[0044] Since the bending die 10 is also a structure already existing in mature technology, this invention does not improve upon it. Therefore, the composition of the bending die 10 will not be described in detail in this specification. The bending die 10 only needs to be able to bend the heated pipe 9.

[0045] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 7 is a contact temperature sensor 7.

[0046] The temperature detection accuracy in this embodiment is high.

[0047] The present invention also provides a pipe bending device, comprising: a robot 11, a clamping assembly, a bending die 10, and a heating device for assisting pipe bending as described above; the clamping assembly is used to clamp one end of the pipe 9, and the other end of the pipe 9 is suspended, so that the electromagnetic induction coil can be nested on the pipe 9 from the suspended end of the pipe 9; the laser heating device 3, the bending die 10, the electromagnetic heating device 8, and the temperature sensor 7 are all disposed on the robotic arm of the robot 11.

[0048] This invention combines laser heating with electromagnetic assisted heating to achieve rapid preheating and precise assisted heating. Specifically, the laser provides a concentrated and controllable heat source for rapid preheating of the tube 9, while electromagnetic heating compensates for the lack of dynamic adjustment capability in laser heating technology, thus effectively avoiding localized overheating or cooling problems caused by uneven heat distribution in traditional heating methods. Furthermore, the control system utilizes temperature information fed back by temperature sensor 7 to flexibly respond to temperature changes during processing, ensuring that the temperature in the bending area remains within the optimized range, significantly improving processing quality.

[0049] In some embodiments, the present invention further includes a switchable flange 2, which is used to install on the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange 2 has a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The laser heating device 3 is mounted on the second mounting part, and the electromagnetic heating device 8, the bending mold 10 and the temperature sensor 7 are mounted on the first mounting part.

[0050] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic heating device 8, the temperature sensor 7, and the bending mold 10 are sequentially mounted on the first mounting part.

[0051] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly can also drive the tube 9 to rotate during the laser preheating stage.

[0052] During preheating, the laser only needs to be irradiated on a specific position of the tube 9, and then the clamping assembly drives the tube 9 to rotate to achieve the purpose of circumferential heating of the part of the tube to be bent.

[0053] The present invention also provides a method for bending pipes, the method utilizing the aforementioned pipe bending device, comprising:

[0054] Preparation steps: Use the clamping assembly to precisely clamp the pipe 9;

[0055] Preheating step: The robotic arm drives the laser heating device 3 to preheat all the parts of the pipe 9 to be bent in sequence;

[0056] Auxiliary heating step: The robotic arm drives the electromagnetic heating device 8 to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent;

[0057] Bending step: The robotic arm drives the bending mold 10 to bend the part of the pipe that has been assisted in heating.

[0058] When there are multiple parts to be bent, repeat the auxiliary heating step and the bending step until all parts to be bent have been processed.

[0059] In some examples, there is also a temperature detection step between the auxiliary heating step and the bending step. The control system determines whether the auxiliary heating has reached the required temperature based on the temperature detection information. If the required temperature has not been reached, the instrument wall drives the electromagnetic heating device 8 to move to the part of the pipe to be bent for reheating.

[0060] Understandably, the auxiliary heating step, temperature detection step, and bending step are not performed simultaneously, but sequentially. All three steps target the section of the pipe to be bent. Therefore, after the auxiliary heating step is completed, the robotic arm drives the switching flange 2 to move the temperature sensor 7 a certain distance along the axial direction of the pipe 9, bringing the temperature sensor 7 into contact with the section of the pipe to be bent. After temperature detection, the control system determines whether the temperature has reached the required level. If not, the robotic arm drives the switching flange 2 to move the temperature sensor 7 and the electromagnetic heating device 8 a certain distance back along the axial direction of the pipe 9, returning the electromagnetic heating device 8 to the section of the pipe to be bent. Then, the electromagnetic heating device 8 is activated to reheat the section of the pipe to be bent until the temperature meets the requirements. Then, the switching flange 2 is driven to move the bending die 10 a certain distance along the axial direction of the pipe 9, aligning the bending die 10 with the section of the pipe to be bent. Finally, the bending die 10 is activated to bend the section of the pipe to be bent.

[0061] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A heating device for assisting in pipe bending, characterized in that: include: A laser heating device is installed at the free end of the robotic arm, and the laser heating device is used to preheat the part of the pipe to be bent. An electromagnetic heating device is installed at the free end of the robotic arm. The electromagnetic heating device is used to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent. A temperature sensor is installed at the free end of the robotic arm. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the part of the pipe to be bent and feed it back to the control system. The control system controls the operation of the electromagnetic heating device based on the temperature information of the part of the pipe to be bent. The robotic arm also includes a switchable flange, which is installed at the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange has a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part is used to install the bending mold. The laser heating device is installed on the second mounting part, and the electromagnetic heating device and the temperature sensor are installed on the first mounting part.

2. The heating device for assisting in pipe bending according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating end of the electromagnetic heating device is an electromagnetic induction coil. In the heating state, the electromagnetic induction coil is sleeved on the part of the pipe to be bent.

3. The heating device for assisting in pipe bending according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electromagnetic induction coil, the temperature sensor, and the bending mold are sequentially arranged in the first mounting part.

4. The heating device for assisting in pipe bending according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensor is a contact temperature sensor.

5. A pipe bending device, characterized in that: include: The robot, clamping assembly, bending die, and heating device for assisting in pipe bending as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; The clamping assembly is used to clamp one end of the pipe, while the other end of the pipe is suspended in the air. The laser heating device, the bending mold, the electromagnetic heating device, and the temperature sensor are all mounted on the robot's robotic arm.

6. The pipe bending device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a switchable flange for mounting on the free end of the robotic arm. The switchable flange has a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The laser heating device is mounted on the second mounting part, and the electromagnetic heating device, the bending mold, and the temperature sensor are mounted on the first mounting part.

7. The pipe bending device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electromagnetic heating device, the temperature sensor, and the bending mold are sequentially mounted on the first mounting part.

8. The pipe bending device according to claim 6, characterized in that: During the laser preheating stage, the clamping assembly can also drive the tube to rotate.

9. A method for bending pipes using the pipe bending device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: include: Preparation steps: Use clamping components to precisely clamp the pipe; Preheating step: The robotic arm drives the laser heating device to preheat all the parts of the pipe to be bent in sequence; Auxiliary heating step: The robotic arm drives the electromagnetic heating device to provide auxiliary heating to the preheated part of the pipe to be bent; Bending step: The robotic arm drives the bending mold to bend the part of the pipe that has been assisted in heating. When there are multiple parts to be bent, repeat the auxiliary heating step and the bending step until all parts to be bent have been processed.

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