A pipe expanding system for copper pipes

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of copper tubes, specifically relating to a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes. The system includes a drive module, a limiting module, and an expansion module. The drive module is connected to the expansion module, and the expansion module moves linearly inside the copper tube under the drive of the drive module. The limiting module is used to limit and fix the copper tube. The expansion module includes an expansion ball and a connecting rod. The drive module is connected to the expansion ball via the connecting rod. A cooling and lubricating medium supply channel is provided within the connecting rod. The expansion ball has a release port and an internal flow channel. The cooling and lubricating medium supply channel communicates with the inlet of the internal flow channel, and the outlet of the internal flow channel communicates with the release port. Multiple release ports are provided. This invention provides a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes, aiming to solve the problem of reduced production efficiency caused by high friction during the tube expansion process in existing technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of copper pipes, and specifically relates to a pipe expansion system suitable for copper pipes. Background Technology

[0002] In copper tube production, tube expansion is an indispensable processing step that directly determines the dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties, and adaptability to subsequent processing of the copper tube product. Copper tube expansion primarily serves three needs: first, process integration requirements. After the copper tube is formed through rolling and stretching processes, the tube diameter needs to be adjusted through expansion to adapt to subsequent sizing, straightening, and cutting processes. Especially in the production of large-diameter copper tubes, expansion can overcome the diameter limitations of the preceding stretching process, achieving precise forming of the target specifications. Second, product specification adaptation requirements. Different application scenarios (such as refrigeration, new energy, and aerospace) have significantly different requirements for copper tube diameter and wall thickness. Through the tube expansion process in the production stage, the same blank can be expanded to achieve the required diameter and wall thickness. Based on this, copper tube products of different specifications can be processed without the need to adjust the previous rolling and stretching processes, which improves the flexibility and versatility of production; thirdly, there is the need for quality calibration and performance optimization. Copper tubes are prone to defects such as uneven diameter, wall thickness deviation and surface unevenness during rolling and stretching. Through the tube expansion process, the inner and outer diameters of the copper tubes can be accurately corrected to ensure that the dimensions meet industry standards. At the same time, the plastic deformation during the tube expansion process can optimize the internal metal structure of the copper tube, improve the ductility and uniformity of the tube, and avoid problems such as cracking and breakage in subsequent processing.

[0003] To expand the diameter of copper tubes, existing technologies typically require specialized tube expanders. These expanders travel axially inside the copper tube, gradually increasing the diameter through mechanical action. However, because the expander is in direct contact with the inner surface of the copper tube, significant frictional resistance is generated. This not only easily leads to a rapid increase in the tool's temperature but also causes severe wear. These problems not only affect the service life of the expander but also limit the efficiency of the entire tube expanding process, thereby reducing production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes, which aims to solve the problem of reduced production efficiency caused by high friction during the tube expansion process in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes, including a driving module, a limiting module, and a tube expansion module. The driving module is connected to the tube expansion module, and the tube expansion module moves linearly inside the copper tube under the drive of the driving module. The limiting module is used to limit and fix the copper tube. The tube expansion module includes an expansion ball and a connecting rod. The drive module is connected to the expansion ball through the connecting rod. A cooling and lubricating medium supply channel is provided inside the connecting rod. The expansion ball is constructed with a release port and an internal flow channel. The cooling and lubricating medium supply channel is connected to the inlet of the internal flow channel. The outlet of the internal flow channel is connected to the release port. Multiple release ports are provided, and the release port is at least located on the front side of the contact point between the expansion ball and the copper tube.

[0006] Preferably, the expansion tube ball has a through installation channel inside, the installation channel is used to accommodate the connecting rod, and a limiting part is provided at the end of the connecting rod.

[0007] Preferably, the limiting part is a nut, and the end of the connecting rod is provided with a thread, and the limiting part and the connecting rod are detachably connected by the thread.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting channel includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the diameter of the second segment of the mounting channel is larger than the diameter of the first segment of the mounting channel; The connecting rod is provided with a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The first sealing part and the second sealing part cooperate with the first section and the second section of the installation channel, respectively, so that a closed cavity is formed between the first sealing part and the second sealing part. The cavity is connected to the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel and the internal flow channel.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting channel further includes a third section, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the second section of the mounting channel; The diameter of the first sealing part matches the diameter of the second section of the mounting channel, which is used to seal the second section from the first section. The diameter of the second sealing part matches the diameter of the third section of the mounting channel, which is used to seal the second section from the third section. The second section area of ​​the mounting channel forms a closed cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the dimensions of the first and second sections of the installation channel are fixed values, while the dimensions of the third section of the installation channel vary depending on the type of expansion tube.

[0011] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided on the side wall of the first sealing part corresponding to the first section of the installation channel.

[0012] A sealing ring is provided on the side wall of the second sealing part corresponding to the second section of the installation channel.

[0013] Preferably, the internal structure of the expanding ball has an installation channel that does not penetrate through it, and the inner wall of the installation channel is provided with internal threads, and the end of the connecting rod is provided with external threads, so that the connecting rod is threadedly connected to the expanding ball; The installation channel is connected to the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel and the internal flow channel.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting module includes V-shaped blocks arranged vertically, which cooperate to lock the outer wall of the copper tube.

[0015] Preferably, the limiting module further includes an expandable device, which is connected to the V-shaped locking block, and the expandable device drives the V-shaped locking block to change position.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In this solution, the cooling and lubricating medium can be accurately delivered to the front end of the contact area between the expansion ball and the inner wall of the copper tube through the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel, the internal flow channel of the expansion ball and the release port in sequence.

[0017] During the tube expansion process, the cooling and lubricating medium forms a continuous and uniform lubricating film between the outer surface of the expanding ball and the inner wall of the copper tube, effectively reducing the frictional resistance between them. This significantly reduces wear and surface damage caused by continuous friction, extending the service life of the expanding ball. Simultaneously, the cooling and lubricating medium continuously circulates within the internal channels of the expanding ball, promptly carrying away the large amount of heat generated during extrusion and friction. This achieves efficient cooling of the expanding ball, preventing problems such as decreased hardness, deformation, or thermal fatigue due to excessive temperature rise. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the limit module.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion module.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the expansion module in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the expansion module in Example 2.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the cooling and lubricating medium in Example 2.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the expansion module in Example 3.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the cooling and lubricating medium in Example 3.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the cooling and lubricating medium in Example 4.

[0027] The reference numerals in the attached drawings include: drive module 1, limit module 2, frame 21, telescopic device 22, V-shaped locking block 23, expansion module 3, expansion ball 31, installation channel 311, first section 311a, second section 311b, third section 311c, internal flow channel 312, release port 313, connecting rod 32, cooling and lubricating medium supply channel 321, first sealing part 322, second sealing part 323, and limit part 33. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2 As shown, a tube expansion system suitable for copper tubes mainly involves applying radial expansion force to the inner wall of the copper tube to cause controllable plastic deformation, thereby achieving uniform expansion of the copper tube diameter.

[0030] Specifically, the copper tube expansion system mainly includes a drive module 1, a limiting module 2, and an expansion module 3. The drive module 1 provides axial power output for the entire expansion process; the limiting module 2 clamps and fixes the copper tube during expansion, preventing circumferential rotation or radial displacement; and the expansion module 3 is adapted to the copper tube to be processed, acting on the inner wall of the tube under the drive of the drive module 1 to extend and deform the tube wall, ultimately completing the expansion process.

[0031] In this embodiment, the drive module 1 serves as the power source for the entire pipe expansion system and can be adapted and selected according to the actual installation environment, load requirements, and usage scenarios. For example, linear power components such as linear cylinders, linear hydraulic cylinders, or linear motion modules can be used to provide smooth linear power to the pipe expansion module 3.

[0032] The limiting module 2 in this embodiment is used to reliably clamp the copper pipe during pipe expansion operations. Its structure includes a frame 21, telescopic devices 22, and V-shaped clamps 23. The frame 21 serves as the mounting base for the entire limiting module 2; the frame 21 can be a rectangular frame structure or other types of frame 21. Multiple telescopic devices 22 are fixedly mounted on the frame 21. These telescopic devices 22 can be selected from telescopic cylinders or telescopic hydraulic cylinders according to actual needs. Each telescopic device 22 has a V-shaped clamp 23 fixedly installed at its telescopic end. The telescopic devices 22 and V-shaped clamps 23 are fixedly connected by welding. The telescopic devices 22 are specifically arranged vertically, allowing the connected V-shaped clamps 23 to form a vertical clamping structure for the copper pipe.

[0033] When the copper tube to be processed is placed between the corresponding upper and lower V-shaped clamps 23, the expansion joint 22 is activated and performs an extension and retraction movement, which drives the V-shaped clamps 23 to move closer to the copper tube. By using the limiting clamps of the V-shaped clamps 23, the copper tube is clamped and fixed in the preset processing position, ensuring that the position of the copper tube is stable during the tube expansion process.

[0034] It is understood that the limiting module 2 in this embodiment has good adaptability and can flexibly adapt to copper pipes of different specifications. When it is necessary to adapt to copper pipes of different diameters, the upper and lower telescopic devices 22 can extend and retract to the corresponding positions according to the diameter of the copper pipe, thereby driving the V-shaped locking block 23 to adjust the clamping distance and thus clamping and fixing copper pipes of different diameters.

[0035] The tube expansion module 3 in this embodiment specifically includes an expansion ball 31 and a connecting rod 32. The expansion ball 31 has a spherical structure, and its outer diameter matches the target expansion diameter of the copper tube. Under the power transmission of the drive module 1, the expansion ball 31 can move along the length of the copper tube, applying a radial expansion force to the inner wall of the copper tube, causing the copper tube to undergo plastic elongation deformation. The connecting rod 32 plays a crucial role in power transmission. One end of the connecting rod 32 is fixedly connected to the power output end of the drive module 1, stably transmitting the axial power output by the drive module 1 to the expansion ball 31; the other end of the connecting rod 32 is detachably connected to the expansion ball 31, facilitating flexible replacement of the expansion ball 31 according to subsequent processing requirements.

[0036] To achieve a detachable connection between the expanding tube ball 31 and the connecting rod 32, this embodiment preferably employs a threaded connection. Specifically, the expanding tube ball 31 in this embodiment is provided with an installation channel 311, which is not through-hole. The inner wall of the installation channel 311 is machined with internal threads; correspondingly, the outer surface of the end of the connecting rod 32 that connects to the expanding tube ball 31 is machined with external threads that match the aforementioned internal threads. By screwing the threads together, the connecting rod 32 and the expanding tube ball 31 can be fixedly connected, and they can also be disassembled and separated by screwing in the opposite direction.

[0037] It is understandable that in actual production and processing, the diameter specifications of the copper tubes to be processed vary, and the corresponding target expansion diameters also differ. Based on the detachable connection structure of the expansion ball 31 and the connecting rod 32 in this embodiment, when it is necessary to expand the copper tube to a different diameter, the operator does not need to disassemble the entire expansion module 3. They only need to unscrew the expansion ball 31 in the reverse direction to separate the current specification expansion ball 31 from the connecting rod 32. Then, a new expansion ball 31 matching the target expansion diameter is selected and reconnected to the connecting rod 32 via threaded engagement, completing the replacement of the expansion ball 31 and adapting it to the expansion requirements of different copper tube specifications.

[0038] To achieve cooling and lubrication of the expanding ball 31 during the tube expansion process, and to prevent damage to the tube wall and wear of the expanding ball 31 due to high temperatures caused by friction between the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube, the connecting rod 32 in this embodiment has a hollow internal structure, thus forming a supply channel for the cooling and lubricating medium. Simultaneously, an internal flow channel 312 is constructed inside the expanding ball 31, which communicates with the mounting channel 311 of the expanding ball 31. When the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31 are connected by a threaded connection, the supply channel of the connecting rod 32 is in communication with the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding ball 31. The cooling and lubricating medium supplied from the supply channel enters the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding ball 31, achieving cooling of the inside of the expanding ball 31. At the same time, multiple release ports 313 are provided on the outer surface of the expanding ball 31, all of which are in communication with the internal flow channel 312, realizing the release of the cooling and lubricating medium. Multiple release ports 313 are evenly distributed in a ring shape and are located on the front side of the contact point between the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube. This allows the cooling and lubricating medium, after being discharged from the release ports 313, to adhere a layer of cooling and lubricating medium to the inner wall of the copper tube and the outer wall of the expanding ball 31 before the expanding ball 31 enters the copper tube. This ensures sufficient lubrication between the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube, reduces frictional resistance between them, avoids defects such as scratches and scoring on the tube wall, and extends the service life of the expanding ball 31. In this embodiment, the cooling and lubricating medium used can be cutting oil.

[0039] Since the expanding ball 31 is horizontal during the expansion operation, the cooling and lubricating medium discharged from the top of the expanding ball 31 will naturally flow downward along the outer surface of the expanding ball 31 under the action of gravity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of release ports 313 in the upper region of the expanding ball 31 is preferably set to be more than the number of release ports 313 in the lower region, thereby ensuring that more cooling and lubricating medium is discharged downward from the upper side of the expanding ball 31, so that the lubricant can fully cover the contact area between the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube. At the same time, in order to facilitate the differentiation between the upper and lower regions of the expanding ball 31 during the assembly process and avoid poor lubrication due to reverse installation, this embodiment also provides a straight protrusion on the surface of the connecting rod 32 and processes a straight guide groove in the corresponding installation channel 311. During assembly, the installation angle of the expanding ball 31 can be limited by the alignment and cooperation of the straight protrusion and the straight guide groove, so as to reliably realize the differentiation and positioning of the upper and lower positions of the expanding ball 31.

[0040] In this embodiment, to recover the cooling and lubricating medium discharged from the copper pipe and prevent leakage and environmental pollution, a recovery tank can be installed at the lower part of the copper pipe expansion area. The recovery tank can temporarily store the cooling and lubricating medium flowing out of the copper pipe, preventing leakage to the outside. Simultaneously, a pump can be installed in the recovery tank, connected to the supply channel inside the connecting rod 32 via a flexible pipe. The pump then supplies the cooling and lubricating medium from the recovery tank back to the expansion ball 31, achieving secondary recycling of the cooling and lubricating medium.

[0041] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: When pipe expansion is required, the copper pipe is first fixed by the limiting module 2; then, the copper pipe to be processed is fitted onto the connecting rod 32, completing the initial assembly of the copper pipe; subsequently, the expansion ball 31 is connected to the connecting rod 32. Under the traction of the driving module 1, the expansion ball 31 moves at a constant speed along the inner wall of the copper pipe, and the outer diameter of the expansion ball 31 radially compresses the inner wall of the copper pipe, thereby expanding the diameter of the copper pipe.

[0042] During tube expansion, the cooling and lubricating medium is delivered to the front end of the contact area between the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube via the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel 321, the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding ball 31, and the release port 313. The cooling and lubricating medium can form a uniform lubricating film between the outer surface of the expanding ball 31 and the inner wall of the copper tube, effectively reducing the frictional resistance between the two, reducing wear and surface damage caused by continuous friction, and improving the service life of the expanding ball 31. At the same time, the cooling and lubricating medium flows continuously in the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding ball 31, which can promptly remove the heat generated by the expanding ball 31 during friction, achieving efficient cooling of the expanding ball 31.

[0043] Example 2 This embodiment is an improvement on Embodiment 1. In the existing embodiments, the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31 of the expanding module 3 are directly connected by threads, which has certain defects. The threaded connection relies solely on the engagement of the threads for fixation. During the expanding operation, the expanding ball 31 needs to withstand the axial friction force of the inner wall of the pipe and the vibration load during the operation. With long-term use or uneven stress, the threads are prone to wear, which may lead to the disconnection between the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31.

[0044] To effectively solve the technical problem of unreliable connection between the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31, the expanding module 3 of this embodiment includes an expanding ball 31 and a connecting rod 32. However, the expanding ball 31 is constructed with an installation channel 311 extending through both ends. The axis of the installation channel 311 coincides with the central axis of the expanding ball 31, allowing the connecting rod 32 to pass through it. Through the cooperation of the connecting rod 32 and the installation channel 311, precise positioning and assembly of the two can be achieved, avoiding the alignment deviation problem that occurs in traditional threaded connections. At the same time, a limiting part 33 is provided at the end of the connecting rod 32. The core function of the limiting part 33 is to limit the assembly position of the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31, preventing the expanding ball 31 from shifting along the axial direction of the connecting rod 32 during the expanding operation, thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of the expanding operation.

[0045] In this embodiment, the limiting part 33 is preferably a nut, and an external thread is provided on the outer surface of the end of the connecting rod 32. The specification of the external thread matches the internal thread of the nut, so that the limiting part 33 and the connecting rod 32 can be detachably connected by thread engagement, taking into account both connection reliability and maintenance convenience. Furthermore, multiple limiting parts 33 can be provided according to actual operation requirements, working together to limit the expansion ball 31.

[0046] The specific assembly process is described below: During actual assembly, the operator only needs to insert one end of the connecting rod 32 into the installation channel 311 from one end of the expanding ball 31 until the limiting end of the connecting rod 32 extends out of the other end of the expanding ball 31. Then, tighten the nut onto the external thread at the end of the connecting rod 32 to connect the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31. When it is necessary to disassemble, repair, or replace the expanding ball 31, simply turn the nut in the opposite direction to separate the limiting part 33 from the connecting rod 32, and then pull the connecting rod 32 out of the installation channel 311 of the expanding ball 31.

[0047] When the connection between the expanding tube ball 31 and the connecting rod 32 is optimized from a direct threaded connection to the aforementioned through-type fixing method, the original cooling and lubricating medium delivery method needs to be modified. Specifically, in this embodiment, the installation channel 311 is set as a segment, specifically including a first segment 311a and a second segment 311b, where the diameter of the first segment 311a is smaller than the diameter of the second segment 311b. Simultaneously, a first sealing part 322 and a second sealing part 323 are provided on the connecting rod 32. Both the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 are annular, and their diameters match the diameter of the second segment 311b of the installation channel 311. The main function of the first sealing part 322 is to seal the gap between the second segment 311b channel and the first segment 311a channel, preventing the cooling and lubricating medium from leaking from the junction of the two channels; the second sealing part 323 is used to seal the second segment 311b channel from the outside, preventing the cooling and lubricating medium from leaking to the outside. The cooperation of the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 enables a closed cavity to be formed between the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323.

[0048] To achieve a better sealing effect, a sealing ring is provided on the side wall of the first section 311a of the mounting channel 311 in the first sealing part 322; and a sealing ring is also provided on the outer ring of the second sealing part 323. The sealing rings achieve a better sealing effect and prevent leakage of cooling and lubricating media.

[0049] The flow path of the cooling and lubricating medium is described below: The cooling and lubricating medium enters the second section 311b of the mounting channel 311 through the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel 321 inside the connecting rod 32. Since the second section 311b of the mounting channel 311 is closed by the first sealing part 322 and the second limiting part 33, the cooling and lubricating medium entering the second section 311b of the mounting channel can flow into the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding tube ball 31 within the cavity. After flowing through the internal flow channel 312 of the expanding tube ball 31, the cooling and lubricating medium is finally discharged from the release port 313 pre-installed on the expanding tube ball 31.

[0050] Example 3 This embodiment is an improvement upon embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, the second sealing part 323 needs to achieve a sealing effect with the outside. However, due to factors such as vibration during the expansion process, the sealing effect at the second sealing part 323 is usually poor, and leakage of the cooling and lubricating medium is very likely to occur.

[0051] To address the aforementioned problems, this embodiment configures the installation channel 311 into three sections: a first section 311a, a second section 311b, and a third section 311c. These three sections are sequentially connected along the axial direction of the expanding tube ball 31, and their inner diameters increase in a stepwise manner: the first section 311a has the smallest inner diameter, the second section 311b has a larger inner diameter, and the third section 311c has the largest inner diameter. Simultaneously, a first sealing part 322 and a second sealing part 323 are provided on the connecting rod 32. The first sealing part 322 primarily seals the gap between the second section 311b and the first section 311a, preventing leakage of the cooling and lubricating medium from the junction of the two sections. The second sealing part 323 seals the gap between the second section 311b and the third section 311c, preventing leakage of the cooling and lubricating medium from the junction of these two sections. This design significantly enhances the sealing effect of the second sealing part 323, effectively preventing leakage of the cooling and lubricating medium.

[0052] To achieve a better sealing effect, in some embodiments, the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 can adopt a conical structure, and both are integrally formed with the connecting rod 32. The conical structure has a natural self-centering and sealing compression function. During the assembly process of the connecting rod 32 and the expanding ball 31, the conical sealing part can automatically fit against the joint of the installation channel 311 under the action of assembly force. Furthermore, both the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 are also equipped with sealing rings, which further improve the sealing effect.

[0053] It should be noted that when flaring copper tubes, different diameter expansion balls 31 are required for different inner diameter flaring requirements. To ensure the sealing performance of the overall structure after replacing expansion balls 31 with different specifications, this embodiment adopts a segmented design for the installation channel 311 inside the expansion ball 31: the structural dimensions (including axial length and radial diameter) of the first segment 311a and the second segment 311b of the installation channel 311 are uniformly set to fixed values, that is, regardless of the diameter of the expansion ball 31 used, the dimensions of the first segment 311a and the second segment 311b of the installation channel 311 remain consistent; the dimensions of the third segment 311c of the installation channel 311 are set to be adaptively adjusted according to the overall specifications of the expansion ball 31. Based on the above structure, when replacing the expansion ball 31 with different diameters, the first sealing part 322 can always reliably seal the fitting gap between the first section 311a channel and the second section 311b channel, and the second sealing part 323 can always reliably seal the fitting gap between the second section 311b channel and the third section 311c channel, thereby ensuring a stable overall sealing effect without the need to adjust the sealing structure separately for expansion balls 31 of different specifications.

[0054] Meanwhile, since the dimensions of the first section 311a of the installation channel 311 are fixed, a fixing mark can be preset on the connecting rod 32. When the nut is rotated to the position of the fixing mark, it can be determined that the nut has reached the preset assembly position, at which time both the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 are in a sealed state.

[0055] Example 4 This embodiment is a further improvement upon embodiment 3. Because the first sealing part 322 forms a fitting structure with the first segment 311a channel and the second segment 311b channel, and the second sealing part 323 also forms a fitting structure with the second segment 311b channel and the third segment 311c channel, under this fitting relationship, the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323 can not only reliably achieve the sealing function, but also provide radial restraint for the expanding ball 31, preventing problems such as movement of the expanding ball 31 during operation.

[0056] Based on the aforementioned limiting structure, this embodiment can reciprocate the expansion ball 31 via the drive module 1. Specifically, after a single expansion operation is completed, the expansion ball 31 can be controlled to move back and forth multiple times within the copper tube. Through repeated fine-tuning and adjustment, the roundness, uniformity, and surface finish of the copper tube are further improved. However, when the expansion ball 31 completes the expansion and retracts, insufficient lubrication may occur between it and the inner wall of the copper tube. Therefore, this embodiment constructs release ports 313 on both sides of the expansion ball 31. Each release port 313 is correspondingly provided with an internal flow channel 312, and each internal flow channel 312 is connected to the cavity formed between the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323. During operation, the cooling and lubricating medium can be released synchronously outward through the release ports 313 on both sides of the expanding ball 31, ensuring that the cooling and lubricating medium can be discharged in a timely manner in front of the contact position with the inner wall of the copper tube during the reciprocating motion of the expanding ball 31 in the forward expansion and reverse retraction, achieving continuous lubrication and cooling throughout the process. Figure 9 As shown.

[0057] It is understandable that by adding multiple sets of internal flow channels 312 and release ports 313, the flow area and range of action of the cooling and lubricating medium are increased on the one hand, and the cooling and lubricating medium can act on the body of the expanding ball 31 on the other hand, significantly improving the cooling effect of the expanding ball 31.

[0058] To achieve supply and flow control of the cooling and lubricating medium, in some embodiments, the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel 321 inside the connecting rod 32 can be further optimized. Specifically, it can be configured as a first supply channel and a second supply channel that are independent of each other. The first supply channel is directly connected to the intermediate cavity formed between the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323; simultaneously, an additional annular groove structure is machined on the connecting rod 32, which cooperates with the inner wall of the mounting channel to form a closed annular cavity, and the second supply channel is connected to this annular cavity. The release ports 313 on both sides of the expanding ball 31 are respectively connected to the cavity between the first sealing part 322 and the second sealing part 323, and the annular cavity on the connecting rod 32. Based on the real-time movement direction of the expanding ball 31 (expanding forward or retracting to reset), the flow rate of the cooling and lubricating medium in the first and second supply channels can be independently controlled, achieving precise control of the cooling and lubricating medium at different release ports 313, ensuring that the cooling and lubricating medium is supplied as needed.

[0059] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An expanding system for copper tubes, characterized by: It includes a drive module (1), a limiting module (2) and a tube expansion module (3). The drive module (1) is connected to the tube expansion module (3). The tube expansion module (3) moves linearly inside the copper tube under the drive of the drive module (1). The limiting module (2) is used to limit and fix the copper tube. The tube expansion module (3) includes a tube expansion ball (31) and a connecting rod (32). The drive module (1) is connected to the tube expansion ball (31) through the connecting rod (32). A cooling and lubricating medium supply channel (321) is provided inside the connecting rod (32). The tube expansion ball (31) is constructed with a release port (313) and an internal flow channel (312). The cooling and lubricating medium supply channel (321) is connected to the inlet of the internal flow channel (312). The outlet of the internal flow channel (312) is connected to the release port (313). Multiple release ports (313) are provided, and the release port (313) is at least located on the front side of the contact point between the tube expansion ball (31) and the copper tube.

2. The pipe expansion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion tube ball (31) has a through installation channel (311) inside, which is used to accommodate the connecting rod (32), and a limiting part (33) is provided at the end of the connecting rod (32).

3. The pipe expansion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting part (33) is a nut, and the end of the connecting rod (32) is provided with a thread. The limiting part (33) and the connecting rod (32) are detachably connected by the thread.

4. The pipe expansion system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting channel (311) includes a first segment (311a) and a second segment (311b), wherein the diameter of the second segment (311b) of the mounting channel (311) is larger than the diameter of the first segment (311a) of the mounting channel (311); The connecting rod (32) is provided with a first sealing part (322) and a second sealing part (323). The first sealing part (322) and the second sealing part (323) respectively cooperate with the first section (311a) and the second section (311b) of the mounting channel (311) so that a closed cavity is formed between the first sealing part (322) and the second sealing part (323). The closed cavity is connected to the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel (321) and the internal flow channel (312).

5. The pipe expansion system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting channel (311) further includes a third segment (311c), the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the second segment (311b) of the mounting channel (311). The diameter of the first sealing part (322) matches the diameter of the second section (311b) of the mounting channel (311) to seal the second section (311b) from the first section (311a). The diameter of the second sealing part (323) matches the diameter of the third section (311c) of the mounting channel (311) to seal the second section (311b) from the third section (311c). The second section (311b) region of the mounting channel (311) forms a closed cavity.

6. The pipe expansion system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The dimensions of the first segment (311a) and the second segment (311b) of the installation channel (311) are fixed values, while the dimensions of the third segment (311c) of the installation channel (311) vary depending on the different expansion tube ball (31).

7. The pipe expansion system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first sealing part (322) is provided with a sealing ring at the side wall of the first section (311a) of the mounting channel (311); and / or; The second sealing part (323) is provided with a sealing ring at the side wall of the second section (311b) of the mounting channel (311).

8. The pipe expansion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal structure of the expansion ball (31) has an installation channel (311) that does not penetrate through it, and the inner wall of the installation channel (311) is provided with an internal thread. The end of the connecting rod (32) is provided with an external thread, so that the connecting rod (32) is threadedly connected to the expansion ball (31). The installation channel (311) is connected to the cooling and lubricating medium supply channel (321) and the internal flow channel (312).

9. The pipe expansion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting module (2) includes V-shaped blocks (23) set at the top and bottom, which cooperate to lock the outer wall of the copper tube.

10. The pipe expansion system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The limiting module (2) also includes a telescopic device (22), which is connected to the V-shaped block (23). The telescopic device (22) drives the V-shaped block (23) to change position.

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