Pipe expansion tool and control method

Abstract

This application discloses a pipe expanding tool and control method, belonging to the field of pipe expanding technology. The expanding tool includes a housing, a pin assembly, a rotating assembly, and an expanding head assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin and a linear drive mechanism, which is connected to the housing. The pin is driven by the linear drive mechanism to move axially along the pin. The rotating assembly includes an auxiliary motor and a transmission component, which is rotatably connected to the housing and driven to rotate by the auxiliary motor. The expanding head assembly is connected to the housing and is driven by the transmission component. The expanding head assembly also engages with the pin. The linear drive mechanism drives the expanding head assembly to expand the pipe radially outward through the pin. The auxiliary motor drives the expanding head assembly to rotate through the transmission component, allowing the expanding head assembly to expand the pipe at different circumferential positions. By controlling the rotation of the expanding head assembly with the auxiliary motor, an appropriate rotation angle can be set according to different pipes, increasing the efficiency of pipe expanding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pipe expansion technology, and in particular to a pipe expansion tool and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Pipe expanders are widely used in the connection process of polymer pipe fittings. During use, the expanding head of the expander extends into the end of the pipe fitting, plastically deforming the pipe opening through radial expansion. Then, the pipe fitting's own shrinkage characteristics are used to tightly fit it onto the joint. To ensure that the pipe end forms a uniform circle after expansion, multiple expansion actions are usually performed sequentially at different positions along the circumference of the pipe fitting during the expansion process. Existing pipe expanders have low expansion efficiency, making it difficult to meet the needs of efficient construction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a pipe expanding tool and control method, which improves the driving structure of the pipe expanding tool to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, a tube expander is provided, comprising a housing, a pin assembly, a rotating assembly, and an expansion head assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin and a linear drive mechanism, the linear drive mechanism being mounted within the housing, and the pin being driven by the linear drive mechanism to move axially along the pin. The rotating assembly includes an auxiliary motor and a transmission member, the transmission member being rotatably connected to the housing and driven to rotate by the auxiliary motor. The expansion head assembly is mounted within the housing, and is drively connected to the transmission member, and is also used for drive-cooperating with the pin. The linear drive mechanism is used to drive the expansion head assembly to expand the tube radially outward via the pin. The auxiliary motor is used to drive the expansion head assembly to rotate via the transmission member, so that the expansion head assembly expands the tube at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0005] Optionally, the transmission component includes a front rotating sleeve and a rear rotating sleeve. The front rotating sleeve is drivenly connected to the extension head assembly, and the rear rotating sleeve is drivenly connected to the auxiliary motor. The front rotating sleeve has a first tooth on the side away from the extension head assembly, and the rear rotating sleeve has a second tooth on the side closer to the front rotating sleeve. The first tooth and the second tooth are adapted to each other. The rotating component also includes a first elastic element, which causes the rear rotating sleeve to tend to move towards the front rotating sleeve.

[0006] Optionally, the rear rotating sleeve has a first limiting portion, and one end of the first elastic member abuts against the first limiting portion axially. The outer shell has a second limiting portion, and the front rotating sleeve abuts against the second limiting portion axially.

[0007] Optionally, the rotating assembly also includes a first gear, which is driven by a secondary motor, and the rear rotating sleeve is connected to the first gear.

[0008] Optionally, the rear rotating sleeve has a sliding portion that extends axially. The first gear has a groove that extends axially. The cross-section of the groove is adapted to the cross-section of the sliding portion, and the sliding portion is accommodated in the groove. The tube expander also includes a rear steel sleeve connected to the housing. The rear steel sleeve and the housing define a rotation space, in which the first gear is accommodated.

[0009] Optionally, the rotating assembly also includes a secondary reducer, a second gear, and a third gear; the output end of the secondary motor is connected to the input end of the secondary reducer, the output end of the secondary reducer is connected to the second gear, the third gear is rotatably connected to the housing, and the third gear meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

[0010] Optionally, the extension head assembly includes a constraint member, a second elastic member, a third elastic member, and multiple extension claws. The constraint member has a constraint space and is connected to the housing. The extension claw includes a guide portion, a constraint portion, an extension portion, a first limiting groove, a second limiting groove, and a connecting groove. The constraint portion is located at one end of the extension claw and is at least partially accommodated in the constraint space, while the extension portion is located at the end of the extension claw away from the constraint portion. The first limiting groove is disposed on the outer side of the constraint portion and extends circumferentially along the ejector pin. The guide portion is located on the side of the extension claw away from the first limiting groove, and the second limiting groove is disposed on the side of the extension portion near the constraint portion and extends circumferentially. The connecting groove is disposed in the constraint portion and extends radially. The second elastic member is simultaneously accommodated in the first limiting grooves of the multiple extension claws, and the third elastic member is simultaneously accommodated in the second limiting grooves of the multiple extension claws. Wherein, when the ejector pin does not push the extension head assembly, the guide portions of the multiple extension claws define a guide space, and the extension portion of any one extension claw abuts against the extension portions of two adjacent extension claws. The front rotating sleeve has multiple connecting parts, which are located on the side of the front rotating sleeve away from the rear rotating sleeve. The connecting parts extend radially, and each connecting part connects to a connecting groove.

[0011] Optionally, the linear drive mechanism includes a retaining assembly, a guide rail, a nut, a lead screw, a slider, and a main motor. The retaining assembly is connected to the housing, and the guide rail is also connected to the housing, with the guide rail arranged axially. The nut is rotatably disposed within the retaining assembly along the circumference of the ejector pin. The lead screw is adapted to the nut and is drivenly connected to it, with one end of the lead screw connected to the ejector pin. The slider is connected to the lead screw and slidably disposed on the guide rail. The main motor is connected to the housing and drives the nut.

[0012] Optionally, the retaining assembly includes a housing, a first retainer, and a second retainer. The housing is connected to the outer casing, the first retainer is disposed within the outer casing and located at the end of the nut, and the second retainer is disposed within the outer casing and located on the outer periphery of the nut.

[0013] Optionally, the nut has a fourth gear on its outer periphery, and the housing has an opening and a bearing seat, with the fourth gear extending out of the housing through the opening. The linear drive mechanism also includes a main reducer, a drive shaft, and a fifth gear. The input end of the main reducer is connected to the output end of the main motor, the drive shaft is connected to the output end of the main reducer and rotatably connected to the bearing seat, and the fifth gear is connected to the drive shaft and meshes with the fourth gear.

[0014] Optionally, the tube expander also includes a position detection unit for detecting the position of the lead screw or ejector pin.

[0015] Optionally, the position detection unit includes a first sensor and a second sensor, which are connected to the housing and arranged axially. The lead screw has a sensor; when the sensor passes the first sensor, the lead screw is in the starting position, and when the sensor passes the second sensor, the lead screw is in the return position.

[0016] Optionally, the position detection unit further includes a third sensor, which is connected to the housing and positioned between the first and second sensors; when the sensor returns past the third sensor, the auxiliary motor drives the transmission component to rotate.

[0017] According to a second aspect of this application, a control method for a pipe expander is provided, the control method being based on the pipe expander as described above. The control method includes: controlling a linear drive mechanism of the pipe expander to drive a ejector pin to move axially along the ejector pin, causing the ejector pin to drive an expansion head assembly to expand radially outward along the ejector pin, thereby expanding the pipe fitting; controlling the linear drive mechanism to drive the ejector pin axially away from the expansion head assembly; and controlling a secondary motor of the pipe expander to drive the expansion head assembly to rotate via a transmission component, so that the expansion head assembly expands the pipe fitting at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Optionally, the tube expanding tool further includes a first sensor and a second sensor, which are connected to the housing and arranged axially. The first sensor is positioned on the side of the second sensor away from the expansion head assembly. The moving end of the ejector pin or linear drive mechanism has a sensor, which acquires a corresponding signal when it passes the first or second sensor. The control method includes: when the second sensor acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism stops driving the ejector pin and drives it to move away from the expansion head assembly; and when a time threshold is reached, the rotating component drives the expansion head assembly to rotate through a preset angle; when the first sensor acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism stops driving the ejector pin and drives it to move closer to the expansion head assembly.

[0019] Optionally, the tube expanding tool further includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor. The first, second, and third sensors are connected to the housing and arranged along the axial direction of the ejector pin. The first sensor is located on the side of the second sensor away from the expansion head assembly, and the third sensor is located between the first and second sensors. The moving end of the ejector pin or the linear drive mechanism has a sensor. When the sensor passes the first, second, or third sensor, the first, second, or third sensor acquires a corresponding signal. The control method includes: when the second sensor acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism stops driving the ejector pin and drives the ejector pin to move away from the expansion head assembly; when the first sensor acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism stops driving the ejector pin and drives the ejector pin to move closer to the expansion head assembly; after the second sensor acquires a signal and before the first sensor acquires a signal, when the third sensor acquires a signal, the rotating component drives the expansion head assembly to rotate through a preset angle.

[0020] Optionally, the preset angle is any angle between 5° and 30°.

[0021] The pipe expanding tool in this application embodiment controls the rotation of the expanding head assembly via an auxiliary motor. Different rotation angles of the expanding head assembly can be set according to different pipe diameters. A smaller rotation angle can be set for pipes with larger diameters, and a larger rotation angle can be set for pipes with smaller diameters. By setting an appropriate rotation angle for different pipes, the efficiency of pipe expanding can be increased.

[0022] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a tube expanding tool in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ejector pin assembly and the rotating assembly in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating component in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the extension head assembly and transmission component in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an extension head component in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the guide space in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Outer shell; 110. Second limiting part; 120. Front steel sleeve; 200. Ejector assembly; 210. Ejector pin; 220. Linear drive mechanism; 221. Holding assembly; 222. Guide rail; 223. Nut; 224. Lead screw; 225. Sliding element; 226. Main motor; 227. Housing; 228. First holding element; 229. Second holding element; 230. Fourth gear; 231. Opening; 232. Bearing housing; 233. Main reducer; 234. Drive shaft; 235. Fifth gear; 236. Locking element; 300. Rotating assembly; 310. Auxiliary motor; 320. Transmission component; 321. Front rotating sleeve; 322. Rear rotating sleeve; 323. First tooth; 324. Second tooth; 325. First limiting part; 326. Sliding part; 327. Connecting part; 330. First elastic element; 340. First gear; 341. Slide groove; 350. Auxiliary reducer; 360. Second gear; 370. Third gear; 400. Extended head assembly; 410. Constraint member; 411. Constraint space; 420. Extended claw; 421. Guide part; 422. Constraint part; 423. Extended part; 424. First limiting groove; 425. Second limiting groove; 426. Connecting groove; 427. Clearance groove; 430. Second elastic member; 440. Third elastic member; 450. Guide space; 500, rear steel sleeve; 600, Position detection unit; 610, First sensor; 620, Second sensor; 630, Third sensor; 640, Sensor; 650, Mounting plate; 710. Control module; 720. Control switch; 730. Battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0028] Existing pipe expanders use a cam mechanism to rotate the expansion head assembly. In a single expansion operation, the expansion head assembly rotates at a fixed angle, which cannot adapt well to pipes of different diameters and thicknesses, thus affecting the efficiency of the pipe expander.

[0029] This application provides a tube expander tool and its control method, which improves the driving structure of the tube expander tool to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The tube expanding tool of this application embodiment includes a housing 100, a pin assembly 200, a rotating assembly 300, and an expanding head assembly 400. The pin assembly 200 includes a pin 210 and a linear drive mechanism 220. The linear drive mechanism 220 is installed inside the housing 100, and the pin 210 is driven by the linear drive mechanism 220 to move axially along the pin 210. The linear drive mechanism 220 can be selected as needed, such as a linear motor, pneumatic rod, hydraulic rod, lead screw and nut mechanism, gear and rack mechanism, etc., and can be disposed inside the housing 100, as long as it can drive the pin 210 to move axially.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 The rotating assembly 300 includes an auxiliary motor 310 and a transmission component 320. The transmission component 320 is rotatably connected to the housing 100 and is driven to rotate by the auxiliary motor 310. The expansion head assembly 400 is mounted on the housing 100 and is driven to rotate by the transmission component 320. The auxiliary motor 310 drives the expansion head assembly 400 to rotate via the transmission component 320, so that the expansion head assembly 400 expands the tube at different positions in the circumferential direction. Under preset conditions, the expansion head assembly 400 is driven to rotate by the auxiliary motor 310. The expansion head assembly 400 is also used to drive the ejector pin 210. The linear drive mechanism 220 drives the expansion head assembly 400 to expand outward along the radial direction of the ejector pin 210 via the ejector pin 210 to expand the tube.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pipe to be expanded is connected to the expansion head assembly 400, allowing part of the expansion head assembly 400 to enter the pipe. Then, the linear drive mechanism 220 drives the ejector pin 210 forward, pressing the expansion head assembly 400 outward, thereby expanding the inner wall of the pipe and increasing the size of the corresponding position. After one expansion operation, the linear drive mechanism 220 drives the ejector pin 210 backward, causing the expansion head assembly 400 to retract inward and move away from the expansion position. At this time, the auxiliary motor 310 drives the transmission component 320 to rotate, thereby rotating the expansion head assembly 400 through a certain angle to reach another expansion position. The linear drive mechanism 220 then repeats the operation, driving the ejector pin 210 forward to perform the expansion operation at that position, cycling through this cycle until the expansion is complete.

[0033] The pipe expander tool of this application embodiment controls the rotation of the expansion head assembly 400 via an auxiliary motor 310. Different rotation angles of the expansion head assembly 400 can be set according to different pipe diameters. For example, a smaller rotation angle can be set for larger diameter pipes, and a larger rotation angle can be set for smaller diameter pipes. Setting an appropriate rotation angle for different pipes increases the efficiency of pipe expansion. Different expansion head assemblies 400 are required for different pipe diameters. Therefore, a preset rotation angle can be selected based on the different expansion head assemblies 400 installed on the pipe expander tool. Alternatively, corresponding interactive devices such as knobs, buttons, or touchscreens can be installed on the pipe expander tool, allowing the operator to select a suitable rotation angle.

[0034] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4In some embodiments, the transmission component 320 includes a front rotating sleeve 321 and a rear rotating sleeve 322. The front rotating sleeve 321 is driveably connected to the extension head assembly 400, and the rear rotating sleeve 322 is driveably connected to the auxiliary motor 310. The front rotating sleeve 321 has a first tooth 323 on the side away from the extension head assembly 400, and the rear rotating sleeve 322 has a second tooth 324 on the side near the front rotating sleeve 321. The first tooth 323 and the second tooth 324 are adapted to each other, and the rotational motion of the rear rotating sleeve 322 is transmitted to the front rotating sleeve 321 through the meshing of the first tooth 323 and the second tooth 324. The rotating assembly 300 also includes a first elastic element 330, which keeps the rear rotating sleeve 322 tending to move towards the front rotating sleeve 321, so that the rear rotating sleeve 322 and the front rotating sleeve 321 maintain a stable connection. In this embodiment, the transmission component 320 is configured as a combination of a front rotating sleeve 321 and a rear rotating sleeve 322. When the extension head assembly 400 is subjected to external force and cannot rotate, the front rotating sleeve 321, due to its transmission connection with the extension head assembly 400, also cannot rotate. When the auxiliary motor 310 drives the rear rotating sleeve 322 to rotate, the second tooth 324 slips off the first tooth 323. Even when the front rotating sleeve 321 cannot rotate, the rear rotating sleeve 322 can still rotate, preventing damage to the auxiliary motor 310.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 In this embodiment, the ejector pin 210 is movably disposed within the front rotating sleeve 321 and the rear rotating sleeve 322, making the ejector pin 210, the transmission component 320, and the expansion head assembly 400 coaxial. This results in a more compact overall structure and reduces the space occupied inside the tube expanding tool. In other embodiments, the transmission component 320 can be disposed at other locations, such as on the outer periphery of the expansion head assembly 400, to drive the expansion head assembly 400 to rotate.

[0036] Please see Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment, the rear rotating sleeve 322 has a first limiting portion 325. One end of the first elastic member 330 abuts against the first limiting portion 325 axially, and the other end abuts against the stationary portion of the housing 100 or the linear drive mechanism 220. The housing 100 has a second limiting portion 110, and the front rotating sleeve 321 abuts against the second limiting portion 110 axially. The first elastic member 330 can be a compression spring, disposed on the inner wall of the rear rotating sleeve 322. The first elastic member 330 presses the rear rotating sleeve 322 toward the front rotating sleeve 321, keeping the first tooth 323 and the second tooth 324 engaged. The second limiting portion 110 keeps the front rotating sleeve 321 in a preset position, making the overall transmission more reliable.

[0037] Please see Figure 4As a preferred embodiment, the rotating assembly 300 further includes a first gear 340, which is connected to the auxiliary motor 310. The rear rotating sleeve 322 is connected to the first gear 340. The first gear 340 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rear rotating sleeve 322 and is used to drive the rear rotating sleeve 322 to rotate.

[0038] Please see Figure 3 More preferably, the rear rotating sleeve 322 has a sliding portion 326, which extends axially. The first gear 340 has a groove 341, which also extends axially. The cross-section of the groove 341 is adapted to the cross-section of the sliding portion 326, and the sliding portion 326 is accommodated in the groove 341, allowing the rear rotating sleeve 322 to slide axially relative to the first gear 340. This allows the rear rotating sleeve 322 to detach from the front rotating sleeve 321 when the front rotating sleeve 321 cannot rotate. The tube expander also includes a rear steel sleeve 500, which is connected to the housing 100. The rear steel sleeve 500 and the housing 100 define a rotation space, in which the first gear 340 is accommodated, preventing axial movement of the first gear 340 and increasing the reliability of the transmission. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the outer casing 100 includes a front steel sleeve 120, which is connected to the rear steel sleeve 500. Since the front steel sleeve 120 and the main structure of the outer casing 100 are relatively static, the front steel sleeve 120 can be considered as part of the casing 227. The extension head assembly 400 is connected to the front steel sleeve 120. This structure simplifies the installation process of the tube expanding tool. In other embodiments, the front steel sleeve 120 can be an integral part of the main structure of the outer casing 100, and the rear steel sleeve 500 is connected to the inside of the outer casing 100, but the assembly process is more difficult.

[0039] In some other embodiments, the first gear 340 may be fixedly connected to the rear rotating sleeve 322, and the first gear 340 then rotates the sleeve 322 axially. During the movement, the first gear 340 slides with the meshing gear but does not disengage, maintaining the continuity of transmission.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the rotating assembly 300 further includes an auxiliary reducer 350, a second gear 360, and a third gear 370. The output end of the auxiliary motor 310 is connected to the input end of the auxiliary reducer 350, the output end of the auxiliary reducer 350 is connected to the second gear 360, and the third gear 370 is rotatably connected to the housing 100. The third gear 370 meshes with the first gear 340 and the second gear 360. The housing 100 or the rear steel sleeve 500 is provided with corresponding connecting and limiting structures, so that the third gear 370 is rotatably disposed within the housing 100 and maintains a stable meshing relationship with the first gear 340 and the second gear 360.

[0041] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, the extension head assembly 400 includes a constraint member 410, a second elastic member 430, a third elastic member 440, and a plurality of extension claws 420. The constraint member 410 has a constraint space 411 and is connected to the housing 100. The extension claws 420 include a guide portion 421, a constraint portion 422, an extension portion 423, a first limiting groove 424, a second limiting groove 425, and a connecting groove 426. The constraint portion 422 is located at one end of the extension claw 420 and is at least partially accommodated in the constraint space 411. The constraint portion 422 moves within the constraint space 411, allowing the extension head assembly 400 to move according to a preset trajectory.

[0042] The extension portion 423 is located at the end of the extension claw 420 away from the constraint portion 422, and has a greater degree of mobility for compressing the tube. The first limiting groove 424 is provided on the outside of the constraint portion 422 and extends circumferentially along the ejector pin 210. The second limiting groove 425 is provided on the side of the extension portion 423 near the constraint portion 422 and extends circumferentially. The second elastic member 430 is simultaneously accommodated in the first limiting groove 424 of the multiple extension claws 420, and the third elastic member 440 is simultaneously accommodated in the second limiting groove 425 of the multiple extension claws 420. The second elastic member 430 and the third elastic member 440 can be selected as circular tension springs or elastic coils. Through the second elastic member 430 and the third elastic member 440, each extension claw 420 maintains the tendency to move inward.

[0043] The guide portion 421 is located on the side of the expansion claw 420 away from the first limiting groove 424. When the ejector pin 210 does not push the expansion head assembly 400, under the action of the second elastic member 430 and the third elastic member 440, the expansion portion 423 of any expansion claw 420 abuts against the expansion portions 423 of the two adjacent expansion claws 420. The guide portions 421 of the multiple expansion claws 420 define a guide space 450. The guide space 450 can be adapted to the shape of the ejector pin 210. By moving the ejector pin 210 forward, the guide portions 421 of each expansion claw 420 are squeezed, causing each expansion claw 420 to move radially outward, thus completing the tube expansion action.

[0044] A connecting groove 426 is disposed on the constraint portion 422 and extends radially. The front rotating sleeve 321 has multiple connecting portions 327, which are disposed on the side of the front rotating sleeve 321 away from the rear rotating sleeve 322. The connecting portions 327 extend radially, and each connecting portion 327 connects to a connecting groove 426. While each expanding claw 420 is expanding, the connecting groove 426 and the connecting portion 327 maintain a sliding relationship, so that the connecting portion 327 on the front rotating sleeve 321 can limit the movement of the expanding claw 420, making the movement of the expanding head assembly 400 more reliable. At the same time, during the rotation of the rotating component driving the expanding head assembly 400 to rotate, the connecting portion 327 can also transmit the rotational motion to the expanding head assembly 400.

[0045] Please see Figure 4 As a preferred embodiment, the extension claw 420 has a relief groove 427 on the side of the constraint part 422 away from the front rotating sleeve 321. The relief groove 427 extends circumferentially to avoid the constraint member 410, so that the extension claw 420 has a larger range of motion when each extension claw 420 moves outward.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 As a preferred embodiment, the linear drive mechanism 220 includes a holding assembly 221, a guide rail 222, a nut 223, a lead screw 224, a slider 225, and a main motor 226. The holding assembly 221, the guide rail 222, and the main motor 226 are connected to the housing 100 and remain relatively stationary, wherein the guide rail 222 is arranged axially. The nut 223 is rotatably disposed within the holding assembly 221 along the circumference of the ejector pin 210. The lead screw 224 is adapted to the nut 223 and is drivenly connected to the nut 223. The main motor 226 is drivenly connected to the nut 223. The lead screw 224 has connecting threads at both ends, one end of which is connected to the ejector pin 210, and the other end is connected to the slider 225, wherein the slider 225 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 222. The main motor 226 drives the nut 223 to rotate. Because the sliding member 225 on the lead screw 224 limits the movement trajectory of the lead screw 224, the lead screw 224 can only move axially. That is, the main motor 226 drives the lead screw 224 to perform linear translational movement, thereby driving the ejector pin 210 to perform linear translational movement. Furthermore, the linear drive mechanism 220 also includes a locking member 236, which is connected to the end of the lead screw 224 connected to the sliding member 225 via a connecting thread on the lead screw 224. By tightening the locking member 236, the sliding member 225 is locked to prevent loosening of the threaded connection.

[0047] Please see Figure 1In some embodiments, the retaining assembly 221 includes a housing 227, a first retaining member 228, and a second retaining member 229. The housing 227 is connected to the outer casing 100. The first retaining member 228 is disposed within the outer casing 100 and located at the end of the nut 223. The second retaining member 229 is disposed within the outer casing 100 and located on the outer periphery of the nut 223. In this embodiment, the first retaining member 228 is provided at both ends of the nut 223, which can limit the axial position of the nut 223. The first retaining member 228 can be selected as a thrust bearing, and the second retaining member 229 can be selected as a graphite sleeve, which can make the rotation of the nut 223 more stable.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the nut 223 has a fourth gear 230 on its outer periphery, and the housing 227 has an opening 231 and a bearing seat 232. The fourth gear 230 extends out of the housing 227 through the opening 231. The linear drive mechanism 220 also includes a main reducer 233, a drive shaft 234, and a fifth gear 235. The input end of the main reducer 233 is connected to the output end of the main motor 226. The drive shaft 234 is connected to the output end of the main reducer 233 and is rotatably connected to the bearing seat 232, making the rotation of the drive shaft 234 more stable. The fifth gear 235 is connected to the drive shaft 234 and meshes with the fourth gear 230. The main motor 226 drives the rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the fifth gear 235 to rotate, thereby driving the fourth gear 230 to rotate and causing the nut 223 to rotate. The fourth gear 230 and the nut 223 can be an integral structure or a separate structure, which is not limited here.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 In this embodiment, based on the above embodiment, the tube expanding tool further includes a position detection unit 600, used to detect the position of the lead screw 224 or the ejector pin 210. Since the lead screw 224 and the ejector pin 210 are connected together, detecting the position of the lead screw 224 or the ejector pin 210 has the same effect. Specifically, it detects the starting position and the return position of the lead screw 224 or the ejector pin 210. In the starting position, the ejector pin 210 does not compress the expansion head assembly 400; in the return position, the expansion head assembly 400 reaches the preset maximum expansion state. When the tube expanding tool is in use, if the starting position is detected, it drives the ejector pin 210 to move to the return position to perform the tube expanding operation; if the return position is detected, it drives the ejector pin 210 to move to the starting position to prepare for the next tube expanding operation.

[0050] Please see Figure 1In some embodiments, the position detection unit 600 includes a first sensor 610 and a second sensor 620, which are connected to the housing 100 and arranged axially. The lead screw 224 has a sensor 640. When the sensor 640 passes the first sensor 610, the lead screw 224 is in the starting position; when the sensor 640 passes the second sensor 620, the lead screw 224 is in the return position. The first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620 can be Hall effect sensors, and the sensor 640 can be a magnet. When the sensor 640 approaches the first sensor 610 or the second sensor 620, the corresponding sensor receives the signal. In other embodiments, other sensors can be selected, such as photoelectric sensors or infrared sensors, to determine the starting and return positions of the lead screw 224 or the ejector pin 210. When the lead screw 224 or the ejector pin 210 reaches the return position, the linear drive mechanism 220 drives the ejector pin 210 to move back to the starting position. When a preset time is reached, the rotating component 300 drives the expansion head assembly 400 to rotate a certain angle to change the expansion position of the tube fitting. This embodiment also includes a mounting plate 650, on which the first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620 are mounted. The mounting plate 650 is connected inside the housing 100. Setting the mounting plate 650 ensures that the distance between each sensor and the sensor 640 is the same, making the sensing of the sensor 640 more accurate. Simultaneously, the mounting plate 650 can be configured as a circuit board to arrange the sensor connection circuitry. In this embodiment, the sensor 640 is mounted on the lead screw 224, allowing the space behind the lead screw 224 to be used to arrange the corresponding detection unit, resulting in a smaller overall size of the tube expansion tool. Furthermore, by placing the sensor 640 on the slider 225, the connection between the slider 225 and the lead screw 224 can be directly utilized, without the need to set up a corresponding structure to arrange the sensor 640.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the position detection unit 600 further includes a third sensor 630, which is connected to the housing 100 and positioned between the first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620. Similarly, the third sensor 630 can also be mounted on the mounting plate 650. When the sensor 640 returns past the third sensor 630, the auxiliary motor 310 drives the transmission component 320 to rotate. Unlike technical solutions that only use the first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620, this embodiment uses the third sensor 630 to determine the rotation timing of the extension head assembly 400 and uses the travel distance of the ejector pin 210 to control the rotation of the rotating component 300, resulting in more precise control over the rotation timing of the extension head assembly 400.

[0052] Please see Figure 1This embodiment, based on the above embodiment, further includes a control module 710, a control switch 720, and a battery module 730. Each sensor, main motor 226, and auxiliary motor 310 are connected to the control module 710, which controls the forward and reverse rotation of the main motor 226 and the rotation of the auxiliary motor 310. The battery module 730 provides power so that the tube expander can move independently of an external power source. The control switch 720 controls the start and end of the tube expander operation; when the control switch 720 is released, the tube expander operation ends.

[0053] According to a second aspect of this application, a control method for a pipe expander is provided, the control method being based on the pipe expander described above. The control method includes: controlling a linear drive mechanism 220 of the pipe expander to drive a pin 210 to move axially along the pin 210, causing the pin 210 to drive an expansion head assembly 400 to expand radially outward along the pin 210, thereby expanding the pipe fitting; controlling the linear drive mechanism 220 to drive the pin 210 to move axially away from the expansion head assembly 400; and controlling a secondary motor 310 of the pipe expander to drive the expansion head assembly 400 to rotate via a transmission member 320, so that the expansion head assembly 400 expands the pipe fitting at different circumferential positions. This application allows for the selection of a suitable rotation angle based on pipe fittings of different diameters and wall thicknesses by driving the expansion head assembly 400 to rotate via the secondary motor 310.

[0054] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the tube expander further includes a first sensor 610 and a second sensor 620, which are connected to the housing 100 and arranged axially. The first sensor 610 is positioned on the side of the second sensor 620 away from the expansion head assembly 400. The moving end of the ejector pin 210 or the linear drive mechanism 220 has a sensor 640. When the sensor 640 passes the first sensor 610 or the second sensor 620, the first sensor 610 or the second sensor 620 acquires a corresponding signal. Since the ejector pin 210 is connected to the linear drive mechanism 220, acquiring the position of the moving end of the ejector pin 210 or the linear drive mechanism 220 has the same effect. In the embodiments of this application, the sensor 640 is disposed on the linear drive mechanism 220, which allows for a smaller overall size of the tube expander.

[0055] The control method includes: when the second sensor 620 acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism 220 stops driving the ejector pin 210 and drives the ejector pin 210 to move towards the starting position; and when a time threshold is reached, the rotating component 300 drives the expansion head component 400 to rotate through a preset angle; when the first sensor 610 acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism 220 stops driving the ejector pin 210 and drives the ejector pin 210 to move towards the return position, repeating until the tube expansion operation is completed. Optionally, the preset angle is any angle between 5° and 30°, specifically, the preset angle can be any value among 5°, 8°, 11°, 14°, 17°, 20°, 23°, 26°, 29°, and 30°, or any value between any two values.

[0056] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the tube expanding tool further includes a first sensor 610, a second sensor 620, and a third sensor 630. These sensors are connected to the housing 100 and arranged axially along the ejector pin 210. The first sensor 610 is located on the side of the second sensor 620 away from the expanding head assembly 400, and the third sensor 630 is located between the first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620. The moving end of the ejector pin 210 or the linear drive mechanism 220 has a sensor 640. When the sensor 640 passes the first sensor 610, the second sensor 620, or the third sensor 630, the first sensor 610, the second sensor 620, or the third sensor 630 acquires a corresponding signal.

[0057] The control method includes: when the second sensor 620 acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism 220 stops driving the ejector pin 210 and drives the ejector pin 210 to move away from the extension head assembly 400; when the first sensor 610 acquires a signal, the linear drive mechanism 220 stops driving the ejector pin 210 and drives the ejector pin 210 to move closer to the extension head assembly 400; after the second sensor 620 acquires a signal and before the first sensor 610 acquires a signal, when the third sensor 630 acquires a signal, the rotation component 300 drives the extension head assembly 400 to rotate through a preset angle. Optionally, the preset angle is any angle between 5° and 30°. Specifically, the preset angle can be any value among 5°, 8°, 11°, 14°, 17°, 20°, 23°, 26°, 29°, and 30°, or any value between any two values. Unlike technical solutions that only use the first sensor 610 and the second sensor 620, this embodiment uses the third sensor 630 to determine the rotation timing of the extension head assembly 400 and uses the travel distance of the ejector pin 210 to control the rotation of the rotating assembly 300, thus achieving more precise control over the rotation timing of the extension head assembly 400.

[0058] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0060] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0061] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A tube expander, characterized in that, include: Outer shell (100); The ejector assembly (200) includes an ejector pin (210) and a linear drive mechanism (220); the linear drive mechanism (220) is installed inside the housing (100), and the ejector pin (210) is driven by the linear drive mechanism (220) to move along the axial direction of the ejector pin (210); The rotating assembly (300) includes an auxiliary motor (310) and a transmission component (320); the transmission component (320) is rotatably connected to the housing (100) and is driven to rotate by the auxiliary motor (310); An extension head assembly (400) is mounted on the housing (100). The extension head assembly (400) is connected to the transmission member (320) and is also used to drive the ejector pin (210). The linear drive mechanism (220) is used to drive the extension head assembly (400) to expand radially outward along the ejector pin (210) to expand the tube. The auxiliary motor (310) is used to drive the extension head assembly (400) to rotate through the transmission member (320) so that the extension head assembly (400) expands the tube at different positions in the circumferential direction.

2. The tube expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component (320) includes a front rotating sleeve (321) and a rear rotating sleeve (322). The front rotating sleeve (321) is connected to the extension head assembly (400) and the rear rotating sleeve (322) is connected to the auxiliary motor (310). The front rotating sleeve (321) has a first tooth (323) on the side away from the extension head assembly (400), and the rear rotating sleeve (322) has a second tooth (324) on the side close to the front rotating sleeve (321). The first tooth (323) and the second tooth (324) are adapted to each other. The rotating assembly (300) further includes a first elastic element (330) that causes the rear rotating sleeve (322) to tend to move toward the front rotating sleeve (321).

3. The tube expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear rotating sleeve (322) has a first limiting part (325), and one end of the first elastic member (330) abuts against the first limiting part (325) along the axial direction. The outer casing (100) has a second limiting portion (110), and the front rotating sleeve (321) abuts against the second limiting portion (110) along the axial direction.

4. The tube expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating assembly (300) further includes a first gear (340), which is connected to the auxiliary motor (310); the rear rotating sleeve (322) is connected to the first gear (340).

5. The tube expander according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rear rotating sleeve (322) has a sliding portion (326) that extends along the axial direction; The first gear (340) has a groove (341) that extends along the axial direction; the cross section of the groove (341) is adapted to the cross section of the sliding part (326), and the sliding part (326) is accommodated in the groove (341). The tube expander also includes a rear steel sleeve (500) connected to the outer shell (100); the rear steel sleeve (500) and the outer shell (100) define a rotation space, and the first gear (340) is housed in the rotation space.

6. The tube expander according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating assembly (300) further includes a secondary reducer (350), a second gear (360), and a third gear (370); the output end of the secondary motor (310) is connected to the input end of the secondary reducer (350), the output end of the secondary reducer (350) is connected to the second gear (360), the third gear (370) is rotatably connected to the housing (100), and the third gear (370) meshes with the first gear (340) and the second gear (360).

7. The tube expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extended header assembly (400) includes: A constraint member (410) having a constraint space (411) is connected to the housing (100). Multiple extension claws (420), each extension claw (420) including a guide portion (421), a constraint portion (422), an extension portion (423), a first limiting groove (424), a second limiting groove (425), and a connecting groove (426); the constraint portion (422) is located at one end of the extension claw (420) and is at least partially accommodated in the constraint space (411); the extension portion (423) is located at the end of the extension claw (420) away from the constraint portion (422); the first limiting groove (424) is located at the end of the extension claw (425) away from the constraint portion (422); the first limiting groove (425) is located at the end of the extension claw (420) away from the constraint portion (422); the first limiting groove (424) is located at the end of the extension claw (425) away from the constraint portion (426); the first limiting groove (424) is located at the end of the extension claw (425 ... The positioning groove (424) is disposed on the outside of the constraint portion (422) and extends circumferentially along the ejector pin (210); the guide portion (421) is located on the side of the extension claw (420) away from the first limiting groove (424); the second limiting groove (425) is disposed on the side of the extension portion (423) close to the constraint portion (422) and extends circumferentially; the connecting groove (426) is disposed on the constraint portion (422) and extends radially. The second elastic element (430) is simultaneously housed in the first limiting groove (424) of the plurality of extended claws (420). The third elastic element (440) is simultaneously housed in the second limiting groove (425) of the plurality of extended claws (420). Wherein, when the ejector pin (210) does not push the extension head assembly (400), the guide portions (421) of the plurality of extension claws (420) define a guide space (450), and the extension portion (423) of any one extension claw (420) abuts against the extension portions (423) of two adjacent extension claws (420); The front rotating sleeve (321) has a plurality of connecting portions (327), the connecting portions (327) being disposed on the side of the front rotating sleeve (321) away from the rear rotating sleeve (322); the connecting portions (327) are arranged to extend radially, and each connecting portion (327) is connected to a connecting groove (426).

8. The tube expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear drive mechanism (220) includes: A retaining component (221) is attached to the housing (100); A guide rail (222) is connected to the housing (100); the guide rail (222) is arranged along the axial direction; A nut (223) is rotatably disposed within the retaining assembly (221) along the circumference of the ejector pin (210); A lead screw (224) is adapted to the nut (223) and is connected to the nut (223) in a transmission manner; one end of the lead screw (224) is connected to the ejector pin (210). A slider (225) is connected to the lead screw (224) and is slidably disposed on the guide rail (222). The main motor (226) is connected to the housing (100) and drives the nut (223).

9. The tube expander according to claim 8, characterized in that, The retaining component (221) includes: Housing (227) is connected to the outer shell (100); The first retainer (228) is disposed inside the housing (100) and located at the end of the nut (223); The second retainer (229) is disposed inside the housing (100) and located on the outer periphery of the nut (223).

10. The tube expander according to claim 9, characterized in that, The nut (223) has a fourth gear (230) on its outer periphery, and the housing (227) has an opening (231) and a bearing seat (232). The fourth gear (230) extends out of the housing (227) through the opening (231). The linear drive mechanism (220) further includes: The main reducer (233) has its input end connected to the output end of the main motor (226); The drive shaft (234) is connected to the output end of the main reducer (233) and is rotatably connected to the bearing housing (232). The fifth gear (235) is connected to the drive shaft (234) and meshes with the fourth gear (230).

11. The tube expander according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tube expanding tool also includes a position detection unit (600) for detecting the position of the lead screw (224) or the ejector pin (210).

12. The tube expander according to claim 11, characterized in that, The position detection unit (600) includes a first sensor (610) and a second sensor (620), the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620) are connected to the housing (100), and the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620) are arranged along the axial direction; The lead screw (224) has a sensor (640). When the sensor (640) passes the first sensor (610), the lead screw (224) is in the starting position, and when the sensor (640) passes the second sensor (620), the lead screw (224) is in the return position.

13. The tube expander according to claim 12, characterized in that, The position detection unit (600) further includes a third sensor (630), which is connected to the housing (100) and disposed between the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620); when the sensor (640) returns past the third sensor (630), the auxiliary motor (310) drives the transmission component (320) to rotate.

14. A method for controlling a tube expander, characterized in that, The control method is based on the tube expander tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; the control method includes: The linear drive mechanism (220) controlling the tube expanding tool drives the ejector pin (210) to move axially along the ejector pin (210), so that the ejector pin (210) drives the expansion head assembly (400) to expand radially outward along the ejector pin (210) to expand the tube. The linear drive mechanism (220) is controlled to drive the ejector pin (210) to move along the axial direction away from the expansion head assembly (400); the auxiliary motor (310) of the tube expanding tool is controlled to drive the expansion head assembly (400) to rotate through the transmission member (320) so that the expansion head assembly (400) expands the tube at different positions in the circumferential direction.

15. The control method for the tube expanding tool according to claim 14, characterized in that, The tube expanding tool further includes a first sensor (610) and a second sensor (620), the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620) being connected to the housing (100), the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620) being arranged along the axial direction, the first sensor (610) being disposed on the side of the second sensor (620) away from the expanding head assembly (400); the moving end of the ejector pin (210) or the linear drive mechanism (220) has a sensor (640), the first sensor (610) or the second sensor (620) acquiring a corresponding signal when the sensor (640) passes the first sensor (610) or the second sensor (620); The control method includes: When the second sensor (620) acquires the signal, the linear drive mechanism (220) stops driving the ejector pin (210) and drives the ejector pin (210) to move away from the extension head assembly (400); and when the time threshold is reached, the rotating component (300) drives the extension head assembly (400) to rotate through a preset angle; When the first sensor (610) acquires the signal, the linear drive mechanism (220) stops driving the ejector pin (210) and drives the ejector pin (210) to move toward the extension head assembly (400).

16. The control method for the tube expanding tool according to claim 14, characterized in that, The tube expanding tool further includes a first sensor (610), a second sensor (620), and a third sensor (630). The first sensor (610), the second sensor (620), and the third sensor (630) are connected to the housing (100). The first sensor (610), the second sensor (620), and the third sensor (630) are arranged along the axial direction of the ejector pin (210). The first sensor (610) is located on the side of the second sensor (620) away from the expansion head assembly (400). The third sensor (630) is located between the first sensor (610) and the second sensor (620). The moving end of the ejector pin (210) or the linear drive mechanism (220) has a sensor (640). When the sensor (640) passes the first sensor (610), the second sensor (620), or the third sensor (630), the first sensor (610), the second sensor (620), or the third sensor (630) acquires a corresponding signal. The control method includes: When the second sensor (620) acquires the signal, the linear drive mechanism (220) stops driving the ejector pin (210) and drives the ejector pin (210) to move away from the extension head assembly (400); When the first sensor (610) acquires the signal, the linear drive mechanism (220) stops driving the ejector pin (210) and drives the ejector pin (210) to move toward the extension head assembly (400); After the second sensor (620) acquires the signal and before the first sensor (610) acquires the signal, when the third sensor (630) acquires the signal, the rotating component (300) drives the extended head component (400) to rotate through a preset angle.

17. The control method for the tube expander according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The preset angle is any angle between 5° and 30°.

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