A welding equipment and a welding method for pipe fittings.

Abstract

This invention provides a welding device and a welding method for pipe fittings, relating to the field of endoscopy. The welding device includes a mounting frame, multiple pipe fitting clamping devices, and multiple connector clamping devices. The multiple pipe fitting clamping devices are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on one side of the mounting frame, and the multiple connector clamping devices are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on the other side of the mounting frame. The multiple connector clamping devices correspond to the multiple pipe fitting clamping devices, and threaded pipes can extend through the mounting frame to the connector clamping devices. The welding device of this invention, with its multiple pipe fitting clamping devices and multiple connector clamping devices, allows for the simultaneous clamping of multiple threaded pipes by the multiple pipe fitting clamping devices and the simultaneous fixing of multiple connectors by the multiple connector clamping devices. This enables batch welding operations with high welding speed and efficiency. This invention also provides a welding method, using the aforementioned welding device for welding threaded pipes and connectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy, and more specifically, to a welding device and a welding method for pipe fittings. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes, as an important auxiliary medical instrument, are widely used in various surgical procedures. They contain a thin insertion tube that can enter the human body through natural orifices or small surgical incisions.

[0003] The insertion tube typically contains a wire drive structure, including a snake-like skeleton, a threaded tube, and a wire for controlling the snake-like skeleton's direction. In existing designs, the snake-like skeleton end usually has a tube connector (hereinafter referred to as the connector), which has a slot. The threaded tube is welded to the slot of the connector. Currently, the welding of the threaded tube and the connector is done manually, with only one threaded tube and one connector being welded at a time, resulting in slow welding speed and low welding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a welding equipment and a welding method for pipe fittings, which can batch weld threaded pipes and connectors, thereby improving welding speed and efficiency.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a welding apparatus, comprising:

[0007] Mounting rack;

[0008] Multiple pipe clamping devices are arranged at intervals and side by side on one side of the mounting frame. The pipe clamping devices can be used to clamp threaded pipes.

[0009] Multiple connector clamping devices are arranged at intervals and side by side on the other side of the mounting frame. The multiple connector clamping devices correspond to multiple pipe clamping devices respectively, and the threaded pipe can pass through the mounting frame and extend to the connector clamping devices.

[0010] Optionally, the connector clamping device includes a mandrel, a sleeve, and a cover. The sleeve is connected to the end face of the mandrel and has a welding groove. The sleeve is used to fit the connector. The cover is fitted onto the outside of the mandrel and is used to push the connector to move. A threaded tube passes through the mandrel and extends to the welding groove. The connector is welded to the threaded tube.

[0011] Optionally, an anti-slip element is provided between the mandrel and the sleeve cover to prevent the sleeve cover from slipping off the mandrel.

[0012] Optionally, the pipe clamping device includes a sleeve, an elastic ring, and a cover plate. The sleeve and the elastic ring are sleeved on the outside of the mandrel. The cover plate is connected to the mandrel and is provided with a pin. The sleeve has a limiting groove, and the pin is slidably disposed in the limiting groove. By rotating the sleeve and the elastic ring, the sleeve and the elastic ring clamp or disengage from the threaded pipe.

[0013] Optionally, the welding equipment also includes a transmission assembly for driving multiple connector clamping devices to move synchronously;

[0014] The transmission assembly includes a first driving member, a driving wheel and a rack. The driving wheel is connected to the output end of the first driving member and meshes with the rack. A driven wheel is fixed on the spindle of the connecting member clamping device and meshes with the rack.

[0015] Optionally, both ends of the rack are provided with stops, which are used to limit the range of movement of the rack.

[0016] Optionally, the welding equipment also includes a feeding device for supplying threaded pipes to multiple pipe clamping devices;

[0017] The feeding device includes multiple first limiting wheels and multiple second limiting wheels. The multiple first limiting wheels and multiple second limiting wheels correspond to each other and their surfaces are in contact. Both the first limiting wheels and the second limiting wheels are provided with wheel surface grooves. The threaded tube is limited in the wheel surface groove. The rotation of the first limiting wheel and / or the second limiting wheel can drive the threaded tube to move along the wheel surface groove.

[0018] Optionally, the feeding device also includes a guide, which is disposed between the feeding device and the pipe clamping device, and is used to guide multiple threaded pipes.

[0019] Optionally, the welding equipment also includes a quality inspection device for inspecting the welding quality of the threaded pipe and the connector.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for welding pipe fittings, which uses the above-mentioned welding equipment to weld threaded pipes and connectors, including the following steps:

[0021] Multiple threaded pipes are passed through multiple pipe clamping devices, and the ends of the threaded pipes are extended to the predetermined positions of the connector clamping devices.

[0022] Install multiple connectors onto multiple connector clamping devices, and adjust the welding position of the connectors to correspond to the welding position of the threaded pipe;

[0023] The pipe clamping device clamps the threaded pipe, and the connector clamping device fixes the connector.

[0024] Start the welding machine to weld multiple connectors and multiple threaded pipes simultaneously;

[0025] Remove the welded product and repeat the above steps for the next round of welding.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention:

[0027] The welding equipment includes a mounting frame, multiple pipe clamping devices, and multiple connector clamping devices. The pipe clamping devices are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on one side of the mounting frame, while the connector clamping devices are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on the other side. The connector clamping devices correspond to the pipe clamping devices, and threaded pipes can pass through the mounting frame and extend to the connector clamping devices. This embodiment of the welding equipment is equipped with multiple pipe clamping devices and multiple connector clamping devices. The pipe clamping devices can simultaneously clamp multiple threaded pipes, and the connector clamping devices can simultaneously fix multiple connectors. Once multiple threaded pipes and multiple connectors are aligned one-to-one, the welding machine can be started to simultaneously weld the multiple threaded pipes and multiple connectors. This allows for batch welding operations with high speed and efficiency.

[0028] The welding method for this pipe fitting includes: passing multiple threaded pipes through multiple pipe fitting clamping devices, extending the ends of the threaded pipes to predetermined positions on the connector clamping devices; installing multiple connectors onto multiple connector clamping devices, adjusting the welding positions of the connectors to correspond to the welding positions of the threaded pipes; clamping the threaded pipes with the pipe fitting clamping devices, and fixing the connectors with the connector clamping devices; starting the welding machine to simultaneously weld multiple connectors and multiple threaded pipes; removing the welded finished product, and repeating the above operations for the next round of welding. This welding method allows for the simultaneous welding of multiple threaded pipes and multiple connectors, resulting in high welding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the welding equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the pipe clamping device, the connector clamping device, and the transmission assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the transmission assembly and the connecting clamping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting member clamping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which is disposed on the mandrel;

[0034] Figure 5 For along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-section of the location of the threaded pipe;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe clamping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a mandrel.

[0036] Figure 7 For along Figure 6 A radial cross-sectional view of the location of the elastic ring.

[0037] Icons: 1-Mounting bracket; 10-Housing shell; 11-Detector; 2-Pipe clamping device; 20-Clamping sleeve; 201-Limiting slide; 202-Gear; 21-Elastic ring; 22-Cover plate; 23-Gear rack; 24-Second driving component; 3-Connecting component clamping device; 30-Mandrel; 301-Through hole; 302-Driven wheel; 31-Sleeve head; 311-Welding groove; 32-Cover; 4-Transmission assembly; 40-First driving component Components; 41-Drive wheel; 42-Rack; 43-Stop block; 431-Stop arm; 432-Long groove; 433-Locking component; 44-Pressure rod; 5-Feeding device; 50-Frame; 51-First limiting wheel; 511-Wheel surface groove; 52-Second limiting wheel; 53-Drive shaft; 54-Third driving component; 55-Guide component; 7-Blanking mechanism; 70-Blanking upper die; 71-Blanking lower die; 8-Threaded pipe; 9-Connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0044] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the aforementioned method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to this application, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. The steps in the methods of this application embodiments can be adjusted, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0046] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0047] Endoscopes, as important auxiliary medical instruments, are widely used in various surgical procedures. They consist of a slender insertion tube that can be inserted into the body through natural openings or small surgical incisions. To ensure the insertion tube can smoothly enter the body and reach the designated treatment location along the designated path, the insertion tube typically has a wire-driven structure inside, including a snake-like skeleton, a threaded tube, and a wire for controlling the direction of the snake-like skeleton. The tail end of the threaded tube is fixedly connected to the end of the snake-like skeleton (or to a connecting ring that fits onto the end of the snake-like skeleton). The wire is placed in the threaded tube and the snake-like skeleton and welded to the tail end of the snake-like skeleton. The threaded tube provides support and guidance, creating a rigid structure in the insertion tube so that when the wire is pulled, only the snake-like skeleton bends while the insertion tube remains stationary. It also controls the direction of the wire, positioning the bend and facilitating smooth bending and flexing of the endoscopic snake-like skeleton. If the connection between the threaded tube and the snake-like skeleton (or the connecting ring that fits onto the snake-like skeleton) is unstable or unsmooth, it will affect the normal use of the endoscope.

[0048] The tubular snake-bone end or the connecting ring sleeved to the snake-bone end forms a tube connector (hereinafter referred to as the connector). The connector has a slot, and the threaded tube is welded to the slot of the connector. Currently, the welding of the threaded tube and the connector is all done manually. Only one threaded tube and one connector can be welded at a time, which is slow and inefficient.

[0049] In view of the above reasons, the embodiments of the present invention provide a welding equipment and a welding method for pipe fittings. The welding equipment can solve the above problems, and will be described in detail below.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The welding equipment includes a mounting frame 1, multiple pipe clamping devices 2, and multiple connector clamping devices 3. The pipe clamping devices 2 are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on one side of the mounting frame 1, and the connector clamping devices 3 are spaced apart and arranged side-by-side on the other side of the mounting frame 1. The connector clamping devices 3 correspond to the pipe clamping devices 2, and threaded pipes 8 can pass through the mounting frame 1 and extend to the connector clamping devices 3. The welding equipment is equipped with multiple pipe clamping devices 2 and multiple connector clamping devices 3. The multiple pipe clamping devices 2 can simultaneously clamp multiple threaded pipes 8, and the multiple connector clamping devices 3 can simultaneously fix multiple connectors 9. Once multiple threaded pipes 8 and multiple connectors 9 are aligned one-to-one, the welding machine can be started to simultaneously weld multiple threaded pipes 8 and multiple connectors 9, thus enabling batch welding operations. The welding speed is fast, the welding efficiency is high, manual operation is eliminated, and the welding quality is guaranteed.

[0051] The mounting bracket 1 has multiple spaced through holes. Multiple pipe clamping devices 2 are located on the same side of the mounting bracket 1 and each corresponds to one or more through holes. Multiple connector clamping devices 3 are located on the other side of the mounting bracket 1 and each corresponds to one or more through holes. The connector clamping devices 3 correspond to the pipe clamping devices 2 through the through holes. The pipe clamping devices 2 are used to clamp threaded pipes 8, and the connector clamping devices 3 are used to fix connectors 9. The threaded pipes 8 pass through the through holes and are brought close to the connectors 9, thus preparing for welding.

[0052] It is worth mentioning that the welding equipment in this embodiment of the invention also includes a welding machine, which has a laser emitting module and an instruction input module. The laser emitting module and the instruction input module are communicatively connected. When the user inputs a work instruction into the instruction input module, the laser emitting module can emit a laser of fixed power along a specified direction to achieve welding. The power of the laser emitted by the laser emitting module is adjustable, and the direction of the laser emitted by the laser emitting module is also adjustable. This embodiment of the invention uses laser welding, which does not require the introduction of welding materials during welding, thus preventing the generation of welding contaminants. Furthermore, the composition of the molten metal remains unchanged, and few or no bubbles are generated. Therefore, the quality of the weld is good, and the weld is strong and reliable. Laser welding can also be used for spot welding, making it suitable for high-precision operation of small-sized parts. Of course, in other embodiments, brazing or other welding methods can also be used, and this is not limited.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connector clamping device 3 includes a mandrel 30, a sleeve 31, and a cover 32. The mandrel 30 has a large-diameter end and a small-diameter end. The small-diameter end of the mandrel 30 passes through a through hole on the mounting bracket 1 and extends to the pipe clamping device 2. The sleeve 31 is inserted into the large-diameter end face of the mandrel 30. At the same time, the mandrel 30 has a through hole 301 along its own axial direction. The threaded pipe 8 can extend from the pipe clamping device 2 to the large-diameter end of the mandrel 30 through the through hole 301. The sleeve 31 is provided with a welding groove 311. The connector 9 is fitted on the outside of the sleeve 31 and fixed. The shape and size of the welding groove 311 are adapted to the slot on the connector 9. The end of the threaded pipe 8 passes through the through hole 301 and extends to the welding groove 311. The wall of the threaded pipe 8 is in contact with the slot of the connector 9. Welding can then be performed to weld the threaded pipe 8 and the connector 9 together.

[0054] Since the finished product needs to be removed from the sleeve 31 after the threaded pipe 8 and the connector 9 are welded, a sleeve cover 32 is also sleeved on the outside of the mandrel 30 to make it easier to remove the finished product. The sleeve cover 32 can move along the axial direction of the sleeve 31, thereby pushing the connector 9 to move so that the connector 9 can be detached from the sleeve 31.

[0055] Optionally, an anti-slip element is also provided between the mandrel 30 and the sleeve cover 32 to prevent the sleeve cover 32 from completely slipping off the mandrel 30. The anti-slip element can take various forms. For example, a groove is provided on the outer wall of the mandrel 30, the groove having an axial cavity extending along the axial direction of the mandrel 30 and a circumferential cavity extending along the circumferential direction of the mandrel 30. The circumferential cavity is on the side away from the sleeve head 31, and the axial cavity is on the side away from the sleeve head 31, with the axial cavity and circumferential cavity connected. A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the sleeve cover 32, the protrusion being accommodated in the groove and movable within the axial and circumferential cavities. When the protrusion moves from the axial cavity to the circumferential cavity, the sleeve cover 32 can press the sleeve head 31 onto the mandrel 30, limiting the position of the sleeve head 31. When the protrusion moves from the circumferential cavity to the axial cavity, the sleeve cover 32 can push the connector 9 off the sleeve head 31.

[0056] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pipe clamping device 2 includes a sleeve 20, an elastic ring 21, a cover plate 22, a toothed rack 23, and a second driving member 24. The sleeve 20 is sleeved on the small-diameter end of the mandrel 30, and the elastic ring 21 is sleeved on the annular groove of the sleeve 20 and connected to the mandrel 30. The cover plate 22 is connected to the end face of the small-diameter end of the mandrel 30. The cover plate 22 is used to limit the sleeve 20 and prevent the sleeve 20 from falling off the mandrel 30. A pin is provided on the side of the cover plate 22 near the sleeve 20. An arc-shaped limiting groove 201 is provided on the sleeve 20. The pin is slidably disposed in the limiting groove 201. When the sleeve 20 and the elastic ring 21 are rotated clockwise, the sleeve 20 and the elastic ring 21 will apply a clamping force from the radial direction to clamp the threaded pipe 8, and the threaded pipe 8 cannot move axially. When the sleeve 20 and the elastic ring 21 are rotated counterclockwise, the sleeve 20 and the elastic ring 21 will disengage from the threaded pipe 8, and the threaded pipe 8 can move axially.

[0057] Because the mounting frame 1 is equipped with multiple pipe clamping devices 2, a gear 202 is fixed to the end of the sleeve 20 away from the cover plate 22. A gear rack 23 is provided below the gear 202 and is mounted on the mounting frame 1. The gear 202 meshes with the gear rack 23. When the gear rack 23 moves, it drives multiple gears 202 to rotate, thereby driving multiple sleeves 20 and elastic rings 21 to rotate, so as to clamp / disengage multiple threaded pipes 8. The second driving member 24 is connected to the gear rack 23 and is used to drive the gear rack 23 to reciprocate. In this embodiment, the second driving member 24 is a motor, and a rotating tooth is fixed on its output shaft. The rotating tooth meshes with the gear rack 23. At the same time, the end of the motor's output shaft is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 1 through a bearing. Of course, the gear rack 23 can also be manually pushed to move, in which case the second driving member 24 can be omitted.

[0058] Optionally, the elastic ring 21 is fitted onto the annular groove of the sleeve 20. The radial cross-sectional shape of the sleeve 20 at this location is triangular. Since there are two slots on the connector 9, two threaded pipes 8 are welded onto one connector 9. However, the two threaded pipes 8 are not symmetrically arranged along the diameter direction. Therefore, setting the sleeve 20 into a triangular shape at the elastic ring 21 can make the elastic ring 21 fit better with the threaded pipes 8, and can clamp the two threaded pipes 8 at the same time or disengage from the two threaded pipes 8.

[0059] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 After the threaded tube 8 is clamped and the connector 9 is fitted onto the sleeve 31, the welding points of both need to be aligned with the welding machine so that the laser emitted by the welding machine can be aimed at the welding points to achieve welding. Since the connector 9 has two slots that are aligned with two welding slots 311, after welding is completed at one welding slot 311, the threaded tube 8 and connector 9 need to be rotated before welding is performed at the other welding slot 311. The rotation of the threaded tube 8 and connector 9 is achieved through the transmission assembly 4. In this embodiment, the transmission assembly 4 drives multiple connector clamping devices 3 and the threaded tube 8 and connector 9 mounted on the connector clamping devices 3 to move synchronously.

[0060] The transmission assembly 4 includes a first driving member 40, a driving wheel 41, and a rack 42. The driving wheel 41 is sleeved and fixed to the output end of the first driving member 40. The rack 42 is located below the driving wheel 41 and meshes with the driving wheel 41 and the rack 42. The rack 42 is connected to the mounting bracket 1. A driven wheel 302 is also fixed to the large-diameter end of the mandrel 30 and meshes with the rack 42. The first driving member 40 can be a motor. When the first driving member 40 is started, it drives the driving wheel 41 to rotate. The rotation of the driving wheel 41 drives the rack 42 to move. The movement of the rack 42 drives multiple driven wheels 302 to rotate, thereby driving multiple mandrels 30 to rotate. The connector 9 connected to the sleeve 31 and the threaded tube 8 located in the through hole 301 of the mandrel 30 also rotate accordingly, so that the second welding groove 311 is aligned with the laser emitted by the welding machine, realizing the second welding of the connector 9 and the threaded tube 8.

[0061] The rack 42, the driving wheel 41, and the driven wheel 302 are also provided with a housing 10. The housing 10 is connected to the mounting bracket 1, and the first driving member 40 is mounted on the housing 10.

[0062] Optionally, both ends of the rack 42 are provided with stops 43, which can limit the initial and final positions and the range of movement of the rack 42. Specifically, the stops 43 have elongated slots 432 and stop arms 431. A locking element 433 is arranged in the elongated slots 432, which can fix the position of the stops 43. By adjusting the relative position of the locking element 433 and the elongated slots 432, the initial and final positions of the rack 42 can be limited by the stop arms 431. The locking element 433 can be a screw, which is connected to the housing 10 or the mounting bracket 1 to fix the stops 43. Of course, if the first driving element 40 is a motor, since the motor has a self-locking function, the stops 43 may not be necessary.

[0063] Optionally, to prevent the rack 42 from vibrating during movement, which could cause uneven rotation of the driven wheel 302, a pressure rod 44 can be provided above the rack 42. The lower end of the pressure rod 44 is movably connected to the rack 42, with a very small gap between them. This ensures smooth movement of the rack 42 without increasing friction between them. Of course, the pressure rod 44 can be connected to the housing 10 or the mounting bracket 1; there is no limitation on this.

[0064] Refer again Figure 1 A feeding device 5 is also provided on one side of the pipe clamping device 2, which supplies threaded pipes 8 to multiple pipe clamping devices 2.

[0065] The feeding device 5 includes a frame 50, multiple first limiting wheels 51 and multiple second limiting wheels 52. The multiple first limiting wheels 51 and multiple second limiting wheels 52 correspond to each other and their wheel surfaces are in contact. The first limiting wheels 51 and the second limiting wheels 52 are rotatably connected to the frame 50 through a drive shaft 53. The first limiting wheels 51 and the second limiting wheels 52 are provided with wheel surface grooves 511. The threaded tube 8 is limited in the wheel surface grooves 511. When the first limiting wheel 51 and / or the second limiting wheel 52 rotate, they can drive the threaded tube 8 to move along the wheel surface grooves 511, thereby realizing the pushing of the threaded tube 8.

[0066] The number of drive shafts 53 can be two or more. When there are two drive shafts 53, multiple first limiting wheels 51 are connected in series on one drive shaft 53, and multiple second limiting wheels 52 are connected in series on the other drive shaft 53. A third driving component 54 can be connected to one of the two drive shafts 53. The third driving component 54 drives one drive shaft 53 to rotate, and then pushes the threaded tube 8 through the friction between the first limiting wheels 51 and the second limiting wheels 52. Alternatively, a corresponding first limiting wheel 51 and a corresponding second limiting wheel 52 can form a group, and each group can be equipped with a third driving component 54. This ensures that the pushed threaded tubes 8 do not interfere with each other, which is beneficial for some threaded tubes 8 to retract and align before being pushed again. Optionally, the third driving component 54 can be a motor.

[0067] The feeding device 5 also includes a guide 55, which is disposed between the feeding device 5 and the pipe clamping device 2. The guide 55 is used to guide multiple threaded pipes 8. The guide 55 is a block structure with an inclined and through guide hole, which is used to deliver the threaded pipes 8 pushed by the feeding device 5 to the pipe clamping device 2 at certain intervals.

[0068] An external punching mechanism 7 is also provided for the feeding device 5. The punching mechanism 7 includes an upper punching die 70 and a lower punching die 71. The punching mechanism 7 is used to cut the threaded tube 8 so that the threaded tube 8 and the connector 9 can be continuously welded. After the first batch of threaded tubes 8 and connectors 9 are welded, the upper punching die 70 moves relative to the lower punching die 71 to cut the threaded tube 8 that passes through the lower punching die 71, and the welded threaded tube 8 and connector 9 are taken out. The upper punching die 70 is close to the side of the feeding device 5 to ensure that the threaded tube 8 will not deform when punching.

[0069] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The outer casing 10 is also equipped with a detector 11, which detects whether the threaded tube 8 has been pushed into place. The detector 11 can be a vision inspection module or other inspection instruments. Taking the vision inspection module as an example, when the threaded tube 8 is pushed beyond the predetermined welding position, the second drive component 24 is activated to reverse, the sleeve 20 and the elastic ring 21 loosen the threaded tube 8, and the feeding device 5 pulls the threaded tube 8 back and pushes it again.

[0070] The outer casing 10 is also equipped with a quality inspection device (not shown in the figure), which is used to inspect the welding quality of the threaded pipe 8 and the connector 9. The quality inspection device can use tensile testing or image comparison. For example, the quality inspection device is a vision inspection module. After the threaded pipe 8 and the connector 9 are welded, the vision inspection module aligns with the welding position of the two and acquires the welding image. The welding image is compared with a standard welding image to detect the welding quality. If the welding quality is unqualified, the operator is alerted to decide whether to re-weld.

[0071] Finally, it is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pipe fitting clamping device 2 and connector clamping device 3 shown are both single units; in practice, multiple units should be installed (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown).

[0072] The welding equipment of this invention has the capability of batch welding, and can simultaneously weld multiple threaded pipes 8 and multiple connectors 9, with good welding quality and high welding efficiency.

[0073] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a welding method for pipe fittings, which uses the above-mentioned welding equipment to weld threaded pipe 8 and connector 9, including the following steps:

[0074] S1: Pass multiple threaded pipes 8 through multiple pipe clamping devices 2 respectively, and extend the ends of the threaded pipes 8 to the predetermined positions of the connector clamping devices 3.

[0075] S2: Install multiple connectors 9 onto multiple connector clamping devices 3 respectively, and adjust the welding position of connectors 9 to correspond to the welding position of threaded pipe 8;

[0076] S3: Pipe clamping device 2 clamps threaded pipe 8, and connector clamping device 3 fixes connector 9;

[0077] S4: Start the welding machine to weld multiple connectors 9 and multiple threaded pipes 8 simultaneously;

[0078] S5: Remove the welded product and repeat the above operation for the next round of welding.

[0079] In step S1, the threaded pipe 8 is supplied to the pipe clamping device 2 via the feeding device 5 or by manual operation. When operated manually, the end of the threaded pipe 8 is inserted into the through hole 301 from the small-diameter end of the mandrel 30, pushing the threaded pipe 8 to the welding groove 311 of the sleeve 31. Whether the threaded pipe 8 is pushed manually or via the feeding device 5, its position within the welding groove 311 needs to be detected. This detection can be achieved using a vision inspection module, which can be easily implemented using existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0080] In step S2, the connector 9 is installed onto the connector clamping device 3, specifically, the connector 9 is sleeved onto the sleeve head 31. The connection of the connector 9 onto the sleeve head 31 can be achieved manually or mechanically. In manual operation, the operator holds the connector 9 and inserts it onto the outside of the sleeve head 31, rotating the connector 9 to align the slot of the connector 9 with the welding groove 311. When using a mechanical device, a mechanical claw or gripper can be used to clamp the connector 9 and sleeve it onto the sleeve head 31. The mechanical sleeve connection of the connector 9 requires the assistance of visual recognition technology.

[0081] In step S3, the threaded pipe 8 can be clamped in two ways: one is manual operation, and the other is clamping driven by the second drive member 24 of the pipe clamping device 2. When operating manually, the operator holds the sleeve clamp 20 and rotates it to clamp the threaded pipe 8.

[0082] In step S4, before starting the welding machine, it is necessary to check whether the welding positions of the connector 9 and the threaded pipe 8 are aligned with the laser emission area of ​​the welding machine to avoid misalignment of the welding positions. After confirming that the checks are correct, start the welding machine, and the laser irradiation will melt the welding positions. Then, turn off the welding machine and wait for the molten metal to solidify.

[0083] After the first side slot of the connector 9 is welded, the rack 42 is manually pushed or driven by the first drive unit 40 to rotate the connector clamping device 3, the connector 9, and the threaded tube 8, so that the second side welding part of the connector 9 and the threaded tube 8 is aligned with the laser emission area of ​​the welding machine to complete the welding of the second side of the connector 9 and the threaded tube 8.

[0084] In step S5, the operator releases the sleeve clamp 20 or reverses the second drive member 24 to release the threaded tube 8, allowing the threaded tube 8 to move axially. The operator then manually or mechanically pushes the sleeve cap 32 and manually or using the third drive member 54 to push the threaded tube 8 forward, causing the finished connector 9 to detach from the sleeve head 31. The finished threaded tube 8 is then pulled out of the mandrel 30 through hole 301 by a robotic arm, gripper, or manually. Of course, the threaded tube 8 at the rear end is punched off using the punching mechanism 7 to facilitate the next round of welding.

[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A welding device, characterized in that, include: Mounting bracket (1); Multiple pipe clamping devices (2) are arranged at intervals and side by side on one side of the mounting frame (1). The pipe clamping devices (2) can be used to clamp threaded pipes (8). Multiple connector clamping devices (3) are spaced apart and arranged side by side on the other side of the mounting frame (1). The multiple connector clamping devices (3) correspond to the multiple pipe clamping devices (2) respectively. The threaded pipe (8) can pass through the mounting frame (1) and extend to the connector clamping device (3). The connector clamping device (3) includes a mandrel (30) with a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The large diameter end of the mandrel (30) is connected to a connector (9). The pipe clamping device (2) includes a sleeve (20), an elastic ring (21), and a cover plate (22). The sleeve (20) is sleeved on the small diameter end of the mandrel (30), and the elastic ring (21) is sleeved on the annular groove of the sleeve (20) and connected to the mandrel (30). The cover plate (22) is connected to the small diameter end face of the mandrel (30) and is used to limit the sleeve (20) to prevent the sleeve (20) from falling off the mandrel (30). A pin is provided on the side of the cover plate (22) near the sleeve (20), and an arc-shaped limiting groove (201) is provided on the sleeve (20). The pin is slidably disposed in the limiting groove (201). When the sleeve (20) and the elastic ring (21) are rotated, the sleeve (20) and the elastic ring (21) clamp or disengage from the threaded pipe (8).

2. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector clamping device (3) includes a sleeve (31) and a cover (32). The sleeve (31) is connected to the end face of the mandrel (30). The sleeve (31) is provided with a welding groove (311). The sleeve (31) is used to fit the connector (9). The cover (32) is fitted onto the outside of the mandrel (30). The cover (32) is used to push the connector (9) to move. The threaded tube (8) passes through the mandrel (30) and extends to the welding groove (311). The connector (9) is welded to the threaded tube (8).

3. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, An anti-slip element is provided between the mandrel (30) and the cover (32) to prevent the cover (32) from slipping off the mandrel (30).

4. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a transmission assembly (4), which is used to drive multiple connector clamping devices (3) to move synchronously; The transmission assembly (4) includes a first driving member (40), a driving wheel (41) and a rack (42). The driving wheel (41) is connected to the output end of the first driving member (40). The driving wheel (41) meshes with the rack (42). A driven wheel (302) is fixed on the spindle (30) of the connecting member clamping device (3). The driven wheel (302) meshes with the rack (42).

5. The welding equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the rack (42) are provided with stops (43), which are used to limit the range of movement of the rack (42).

6. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a feeding device (5) for supplying threaded pipes (8) to a plurality of the pipe clamping devices (2); The feeding device (5) includes a plurality of first limiting wheels (51) and a plurality of second limiting wheels (52). The plurality of first limiting wheels (51) and the plurality of second limiting wheels (52) are respectively corresponding to each other and their surfaces are in contact. The first limiting wheels (51) and the second limiting wheels (52) are both provided with wheel surface grooves (511). The threaded tube (8) is limited to the wheel surface grooves (511). The rotation of the first limiting wheels (51) and / or the second limiting wheels (52) can drive the threaded tube (8) to move along the wheel surface grooves (511).

7. The welding equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The feeding device (5) further includes a guide (55), which is disposed between the feeding device (5) and the pipe clamping device (2) and is used to guide the multiple threaded pipes (8).

8. The welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a quality inspection device, which is used to inspect the welding quality of the threaded pipe (8) and the connector (9).

9. A method for welding pipe fittings, comprising welding a threaded pipe (8) and a connector (9) using the welding equipment described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Multiple threaded pipes (8) are passed through multiple pipe clamping devices (2) respectively, and the ends of the threaded pipes (8) are extended to the predetermined positions of the connector clamping devices (3). Install multiple connectors (9) onto multiple connector clamping devices (3) respectively, and adjust the welding position of the connectors (9) to correspond to the welding position of the threaded pipe (8); The pipe clamping device (2) clamps the threaded pipe (8), and the connector clamping device (3) fixes the connector (9). Start the welding machine and weld multiple of the connectors (9) to multiple of the threaded pipes (8) simultaneously; Remove the welded product and repeat the above steps for the next round of welding.

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