A pipe full-automatic flanging and flattening production line and production process

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of pipe automatic processing, in particular to a pipe full-automatic flanging and flattening production line and production process, comprising a feeding device, a pipe heating device for heating the end of the pipe to be processed, a pipe flanging and flattening device for flanging and flattening the end of the heated pipe to be processed, and a feeding manipulator, the feeding manipulator automatically carries the pipe between the feeding device, the pipe heating device and the pipe flanging and flattening device, the present application integrates the automatic production line structure design, integrates the independent feeding, heating, flanging and flattening, cooling process, relies on the feeding manipulator to realize the full-automatic transfer between the pipe stations, completely abandons the traditional manual operation mode, effectively simplifies the production process, shortens the production rhythm, eliminates the pipe bumping and positioning deviation caused by manual transfer, greatly improves the production efficiency and processing stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated pipe fitting processing technology, specifically to a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line and its production process. Background Technology

[0002] Pipe fittings are core components in pipeline transportation, HVAC, machinery manufacturing, automotive piping, and hardware accessories. Flanging and flattening are crucial processes in pipe fitting manufacturing, directly determining the sealing performance, connection stability, and overall precision of subsequent assembly. The quality of flanging and flattening not only affects the fit of the pipe fitting during installation but also directly relates to the pressure resistance, leak-proofness, and service life of the piping system, serving as a vital foundation for ensuring the safe and stable operation of various pipeline equipment. With the rapid development of modern manufacturing towards high precision, high efficiency, automation, and large-scale production, the market demands continuously increasing dimensional accuracy, forming consistency, production efficiency, and yield rates for pipe fitting processing. Traditional flanging and flattening processing methods are no longer adequate for the needs of modern mass production.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream pipe fitting flanging and flattening processing methods in the industry are mainly divided into two categories: manual assisted processing and semi-automated equipment processing. Among them, the traditional manual processing mode relies on operators to manually position the pipe fitting, use hand tools to tap the flanging, and manually trim and flatten it. The entire process is fragmented and highly manual, which not only results in high labor intensity and low production efficiency, making it impossible to achieve batch continuous production, but also makes the processing quality entirely dependent on the operator's experience. It is very easy to produce defects such as uneven flanging thickness, uneven pressing surface, flanging angle deviation, and pipe end deformation. The pipe fittings have poor consistency and low yield. At the same time, manual processing poses safety hazards, and the labor cost is high, making it difficult to meet the production standards of high-precision pipe fittings.

[0004] While existing semi-automated flanging and flattening equipment has replaced manual processing to some extent, it still suffers from numerous technical shortcomings, hindering the automation and precision of pipe fitting processing. Firstly, most existing equipment is a separate, stand-alone structure, with the flanging and flattening processes operating independently. Each process requires dedicated equipment, and after flanging, the pipe fittings require manual transfer and secondary positioning and clamping. This cumbersome process leads to a long production cycle and increases the risk of damage and misalignment during transfer, further reducing processing accuracy and efficiency. Secondly, existing equipment lacks versatility, mostly only suitable for flanging and flattening single-specification, single-type pipe fittings. It cannot adapt to the flexible processing of pipe fittings with different diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths, resulting in low adaptability and utilization, making it difficult to meet the production needs of diverse pipe fittings.

[0005] Third, the existing semi-automated equipment has insufficient precision in the positioning, clamping, and forming adjustment structure of pipe fittings. During the processing, pipe fittings are prone to loosening, shifting, and uneven stress, resulting in quality problems such as asymmetrical flanging, substandard flatness of the pressing surface, and warping and deformation of the pipe ends. Subsequent manual repairs are required, which not only increases the processing steps and production costs, but also fails to guarantee the standardization precision of pipe fitting products.

[0006] Fourth, existing production lines lack an integrated closed-loop control structure for automatic feeding, precise positioning, forming inspection, and automatic unloading. The degree of automation is low, and it is impossible to achieve fully automated operation from raw pipe fitting feeding to finished product output. A large amount of manual assistance is still required for feeding, alignment, and quality inspection. Human error and human intervention factors are difficult to eliminate, and the consistency of products produced in batches cannot be guaranteed.

[0007] In summary, the current pipe fitting flanging and flattening processing field generally suffers from technical pain points such as low automation, poor process integration, unstable processing accuracy, weak versatility, low production efficiency, high labor costs, and poor product consistency, making it difficult to meet the modern manufacturing industry's production demands for high precision, standardization, batch processing, and flexibility in pipe fittings. Therefore, developing a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line and process that can achieve fully automated operation, adapt to multiple pipe fitting specifications, achieve high processing accuracy, high production efficiency, and stable forming quality has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the existing technical problems, this invention provides a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line and production process. This invention integrates the independent feeding, heating, flanging and flattening, and cooling processes through an integrated automated production line structure design. It relies on a collaborative feeding robot to achieve fully automated transfer between pipe fitting stations, completely eliminating the traditional manual transfer, manual alignment, and manual loading and unloading operation mode. This effectively simplifies the production process, shortens the production cycle, and eliminates the problems of pipe fitting collision and positioning misalignment caused by manual transfer, thus significantly improving production efficiency and processing stability.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line includes: The feeding device is used to transport the pipe fittings to be processed; A pipe heating device is used to heat the end of the pipe to be processed; A pipe fitting flanging and flattening device is used to flanging and flattening the heated end of the pipe fitting to be processed. The loading robot automatically transports pipes between the loading device, the pipe heating device, and the pipe flanging and flattening device. The loading robot works in coordination with the loading device, the pipe heating device, and the pipe flanging and flattening device to achieve fully automatic continuous processing of pipes from semi-finished products to finished products.

[0010] As an improvement, the feeding device includes a conveyor belt and a positioning block; The conveyor belt is provided in two sets, and the two sets of conveyor belts are arranged in parallel. The conveyor belt is located on one side of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device. The positioning block is fixedly installed on the conveyor belt. There are several sets of positioning blocks. The pipe fitting to be processed is sleeved on the positioning block. Each set of positioning blocks is arranged at equal intervals along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt.

[0011] As an improvement, the pipe heating device includes a cabinet, a heating coil, a heating machine, a lifting mechanism, and a horizontal moving mechanism; The cabinet is installed on one side of the pipe fitting flange flattening device; The heating coil is connected to the heating machine, the heating coil is installed on the moving end of the lifting mechanism, and the heating coil is raised and lowered above the horizontal moving mechanism through the lifting mechanism; Both the lifting mechanism and the horizontal moving mechanism are fixedly installed on the top platform of the cabinet. The lifting mechanism drives the heating coil to move up and down in the vertical direction. The horizontal moving mechanism drives the pipe to be processed to move horizontally along the length of the cabinet. A limit block is provided on the top of the horizontal moving mechanism corresponding to the pipe to be processed. The limit block is fixedly connected to the horizontal moving mechanism, and the pipe to be processed is sleeved on the limit block.

[0012] As an improvement, the loading robot includes a robotic arm and pneumatic grippers. The pneumatic grippers are provided in two sets, and the two sets of pneumatic grippers are mounted on the robotic arm through mounting bases. The mounting bases are fixedly mounted on the top of the robotic arm, and the pneumatic grippers are symmetrically mounted on the mounting bases.

[0013] As an improvement, the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device includes a frame, a drive mechanism, an upper mold assembly, and a lower mold assembly; The drive mechanism is mounted on the frame, and a linear slide is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive mechanism. The upper mold assembly is mounted on the output end of the linear slide. The drive mechanism drives the upper mold assembly to move vertically, and the linear slide drives the upper mold assembly to move horizontally. The upper mold assembly includes a flanging upper mold and a flattening upper mold, which are arranged side by side and mounted on a connecting plate. Limiting members are provided on both sides of the connecting plate. The limiting members are L-shaped, with one end connected to the linear slide and the other end abutting against the connecting plate. The flanging upper mold is inserted into the end of the pipe to be processed to complete the expansion flanging, and the flattening upper mold presses and shapes the flanged end of the pipe to be processed into a flat flange surface. The lower mold assembly is mounted on the mounting platform of the frame, and the lower mold assembly is located below the upper mold assembly.

[0014] As an improvement, the lower mold assembly includes a positioning seat, a first clamping mold, and a second clamping mold; The positioning seat is fixed to the mounting platform of the machine frame, and a fixing block is fixedly installed on the positioning seat. The pipe fitting to be processed is sleeved on the fixing block. The first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are slidably mounted on the positioning seat. The first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are arranged opposite to each other. Both the first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are driven by a driving cylinder. The first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are opened and closed by the driving cylinder. After the first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are joined together, they form a clamping cavity for clamping and fixing the pipe to be processed. The inner diameter of the clamping cavity is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe to be processed.

[0015] As an improvement, both the first clamping mold and the second clamping mold include a transmission block and a clamping block. The transmission block is slidably mounted on the positioning seat, one side of the transmission block is connected to the output end of the driving cylinder, and the clamping block is detachably mounted on the other side of the transmission block.

[0016] In addition, the present invention also provides a production process for a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Loading. The loading robot grabs the pipe fittings to be processed and transfers them from the loading device to the pipe fitting heating device to heat the ends of the pipe fittings. Step 2: Transfer. After heating is completed, the loading robot grabs the pipe fitting and transfers it to the positioning station of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device. Step 3: Positioning and clamping. After the pipe to be processed is in place, the drive cylinder on one side drives the first clamping mold to fit against the outer wall of the pipe to be processed, and determines the positioning reference position of the pipe. Then, the drive cylinder on the other side drives the second clamping mold to apply clamping force to the pipe to be processed, and completes the fixed positioning of the pipe. Step 4, Flanging and Flattening: The upper mold assembly of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device moves downward. First, the upper flanging mold folds the end of the pipe fitting outward, and then the upper flattening mold flattens and shapes the folded end. Step 5, Unloading: After processing, the finished pipe fittings are picked up by the loading robot and transferred to the spray cooling device.

[0017] As an improvement, in step three, the output thrust of the first driving cylinder is F1, and the output thrust of the second driving cylinder is F2, satisfying the condition: F1 > F2.

[0018] As an improvement, in step three, limiting holes and limiting protrusions are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two sets of clamping blocks. The limiting holes and the limiting protrusions are correspondingly provided. When the first clamping mold and the second clamping mold are engaged and clamped, the limiting protrusions are embedded in the limiting holes to achieve positioning and cooperation of the clamping blocks on both sides.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The present invention integrates a feeding device, a pipe heating mechanism, a flanging and flattening device and a spray cooling device, and works with a robot to realize fully automatic transfer and collaborative operation of pipes at each station. It constructs a fully automated closed-loop production system from feeding, preheating, flanging and flattening to cooling and unloading. It eliminates the need for manual transfer, alignment and auxiliary processing, greatly reduces manual intervention, shortens the production cycle, avoids problems such as pipe collision, positioning deviation and processing error caused by manual operation, significantly improves production efficiency and production continuity, and is suitable for large-scale standardized production of pipes. (2) The present invention adds a preheating process at the end of the pipe fitting, which can effectively reduce the forming stress and processing resistance at the end of the pipe fitting. For hard metal pipe fittings, it can avoid the problems of flanging cracking and forming wrinkles. For thin-walled pipe fittings, it can effectively prevent extrusion deformation, greatly expand the range of pipe fitting materials that can be processed, and significantly improve the flanging and flattening forming quality and product yield of pipe fittings. (3) The present invention adopts a composite mold structure of flanging upper mold and flattening upper mold. The two processes of flanging expansion and end face flattening can be completed by relying on the driving component, replacing the traditional step-by-step processing mode. The process is closely connected and highly synchronous, effectively eliminating the accuracy error caused by step clamping and secondary positioning, and greatly improving the flatness of the flange surface of the pipe fitting, the forming symmetry and dimensional accuracy. (4) The present invention adopts a bidirectional clamping structure with differentiated thrust, first positioning the reference and then clamping it stably, so as to achieve clamping and fixing of the pipe without deviation and with uniform force, which solves the quality defects of loosening, warping and asymmetrical forming of pipe in traditional processing, and effectively ensures the dimensional consistency and processing stability of mass-produced products. (5) The present invention is equipped with an independent spray cooling mechanism, which can quickly cool and shape the end of the pipe after heat processing, suppress the rebound of the pipe in heat deformation, further solidify the molding accuracy, and improve the product quality stability.

[0020] In summary, this invention has the advantages of high automation, tight process connection, and high production efficiency, and is especially suitable for the field of automated pipe fitting processing technology. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fully automatic flanging and flattening production line of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fully automatic flanging and flattening production line of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the feeding device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pipe heating device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the loading robot of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device and the spray cooling device of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pipe fitting flange flattening device of the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting flange flattening device of the present invention; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view at point B in the middle; Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view at point C; Figure 12 This is a partial structural diagram of the pipe fitting flange flattening device of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe fitting pressing and forming process of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Feeding device; 10. Pipe fitting to be processed; 11. Conveyor belt; 12. Positioning block; 2. Pipe fitting heating device; 2. Cabinet; 21. Heating coil; 22. Heating machine; 23. Lifting mechanism; 24. Horizontal moving mechanism; 25. Limiting block; 26. Pipe fitting flanging and flattening device; 3. Frame; 31. Drive mechanism; 32. Upper mold assembly; 33. Flanging upper mold; 331. Flattening upper mold; 332. Connecting plate; 333. Limiting piece; 334. Lower mold assembly; 34. Clamping cavity; 340. Positioning seat; 341. First clamping mold; 342. Transmission block; 3421. Holding block; 3422. Limiting hole; 3423. Limiting protrusion; 3424. Second clamping mold; 343. Fixing block; 344. Drive cylinder; 345. Linear slide; 35. Feeding robot; 4. Robotic arm; 41. Pneumatic gripper; 42. Mounting seat; 43. Spray cooling device; 5. Spray assembly; 51. Water tank; 52. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0025] Furthermore, 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] Example 1: like Figures 1-13 As shown, a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line includes: Feeding device 1 is used to transport the pipe fittings 10 to be processed; Pipe heating device 2 is used to heat the end of the pipe fitting 10 to be processed; The pipe fitting flanging and flattening device 3 is used to flanging and flattening the heated end of the pipe fitting 10 to be processed. The loading robot 4 automatically transports pipes between the loading device 1, the pipe heating device 2, and the pipe flanging and flattening device 3. The loading robot 4 works in coordination with the loading device 1, the pipe heating device 2, and the pipe flanging and flattening device 3 to realize fully automatic continuous processing of pipes from semi-finished products to finished products.

[0027] In addition, the production line also includes a control cabinet, which manages the operation procedures and power supply signals of all equipment, including feeding, heating, robotic arms, and edge-flipping cooling. The production line is uniformly surrounded by safety fences. The entire production line relies on robotic arms to complete the flow of each station, eliminating the need for manual handling of pipe parts. However, the high-speed movement of robotic arms, mold stamping, and high-temperature heating of pipe parts all pose safety hazards. The fence completely isolates the human-machine area, preventing personnel from accidentally touching moving mechanisms or being injured by high-temperature workpieces, and ensuring comprehensive on-site operational safety.

[0028] The feeding device 1 includes a conveyor belt 11 and a positioning block 12; The conveyor belt 11 is provided in two sets, and the two sets of conveyor belt 11 are arranged in parallel. The conveyor belt 11 is located on one side of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device 3. The positioning block 12 is fixedly installed on the conveyor belt 11. The positioning block 12 is provided in several sets. The pipe fitting to be processed 10 is sleeved on the positioning block 12. Each set of positioning blocks 12 is arranged at equal intervals along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11. The structure of double parallel conveyor belts with equidistant positioning blocks can arrange multiple pipe fittings to be processed in an orderly manner at one time, and the pipe fittings are arranged in a regular manner, which is convenient for the robot to grasp accurately, stabilizes the feeding cycle, and avoids the stacking and tipping of pipe fittings, which would affect the automated continuous production.

[0029] Furthermore, the pipe heating device 2 includes a cabinet 21, a heating coil 22, a heating machine 23, a lifting mechanism 24, and a horizontal moving mechanism 25; The cabinet 21 is installed on one side of the pipe fitting flange flattening device 3; The heating coil 22 is connected to the heating machine 23. The heating coil 22 is installed on the moving end of the lifting mechanism 24. The heating coil 22 is raised and lowered above the horizontal moving mechanism 25 through the lifting mechanism 24. A sensor S1 is installed below the lifting mechanism 24 corresponding to the pipe to be processed 10. The sensor S1 detects in real time whether the pipe at the work station is in place. The signal is synchronously transmitted to the control system. When there is no pipe or the pipe is offset, the heating program is automatically locked to prevent the coil from burning out and damaging the equipment, and to avoid processing defects caused by heating misalignment. The lifting mechanism 24 and the horizontal moving mechanism 25 are both fixedly installed on the top platform of the cabinet 21. The lifting mechanism 24 drives the heating coil 22 to move up and down in the vertical direction. The horizontal moving mechanism 25 drives the pipe to be processed 10 to move horizontally along the length of the cabinet 21. The top of the horizontal moving mechanism 25 is provided with a limiting block 26 corresponding to the pipe to be processed 10. The limiting block 26 is fixedly connected to the horizontal moving mechanism 25. The pipe to be processed 10 is sleeved on the limiting block 26. The limiting block 26 fixes the pipe to ensure that the pipe will not shift during heating, thereby ensuring that the end of the pipe is heated evenly. The lifting mechanism 24, in conjunction with the horizontal moving mechanism 25, can flexibly adjust the relative position between the heating coil 22 and the end of the pipe to be processed 10.

[0030] In addition, a heating analyzer is provided on one side of the heating coil 22. The heating analyzer can collect the heating temperature and heating rate of the pipe fitting in real time. The data is uniformly summarized to the side main control cabinet. The system automatically adjusts the power of the heating machine according to the real-time temperature to adapt to the processing needs of pipe fittings of different specifications and avoid insufficient heating or overheating and scrapping. The pipe fitting heating device 2 is preferably a high-frequency heating machine. The high-frequency heating machine is a structure well known to those skilled in the art, and the specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0031] Furthermore, the loading robot 4 includes a robotic arm 41 and pneumatic grippers 42. The pneumatic grippers 42 are provided in two sets, and the two sets of pneumatic grippers 42 are mounted on the robotic arm 41 through mounting bases 43. The mounting bases 43 are fixedly mounted on the top of the robotic arm 41, and the pneumatic grippers 42 are symmetrically mounted on the mounting bases 43. The two sets of symmetrical pneumatic grippers 42 can simultaneously grasp and place pipes, and the clamping is stable during the transfer process. The robotic arm 41 reciprocates across workstations, connecting the entire process of loading, heating, forming, and cooling, replacing manual handling, and greatly improving the conveying efficiency.

[0032] In addition, the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device 3 includes a frame 31, a drive mechanism 32, an upper mold assembly 33 and a lower mold assembly 34; The drive mechanism 32 is mounted on the frame 31. The output end of the drive mechanism 32 is fixedly connected to a linear slide 35. The upper mold assembly 33 is mounted on the output end of the linear slide 35. The drive mechanism 32 drives the upper mold assembly 33 to move in the vertical direction, and the linear slide 35 drives the upper mold assembly 33 to move in the horizontal direction. The upper mold assembly 33 includes a flanging upper mold 331 and a flattening upper mold 332. The flanging upper mold 331 and the flattening upper mold 332 are arranged side by side. Both the flanging upper mold 331 and the flattening upper mold 332 are installed on the connecting plate 333. The vertical drive mechanism is combined with the horizontal linear slide table, which can flexibly switch between the two upper mold stations of flanging and flattening. Limiting members 334 are provided on both sides of the connecting plate 333. The limiting members 334 are L-shaped. One end of the limiting member 334 is connected to the linear slide 35, and the other end of the limiting member 334 is in contact with the connecting plate 333. The L-shaped limiting members restrict the displacement of the connecting plate and ensure the stability of the position when the mold is pressed down for processing. The upper flange mold 331 is inserted into the end of the pipe fitting 10 to be processed to complete the expansion flange. The upper flattening mold 332 presses and shapes the flanged end of the pipe fitting 10 to be processed into a flat flange surface. The dual mold design of first flange expansion and then flattening and shaping eliminates the need for secondary clamping of the pipe fitting. Two forming processes can be completed in one positioning, effectively shortening the processing time. The lower mold assembly 34 is mounted on the mounting platform of the frame 31, and the lower mold assembly 34 is located below the upper mold assembly 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the lower mold assembly 34 includes a positioning seat 341, a first clamping mold 342, and a second clamping mold 343; The positioning seat 341 is fixed on the mounting platform of the frame 31, and a fixing block 344 is fixedly installed on the positioning seat 341. The pipe fitting 10 to be processed is sleeved on the fixing block 344. The first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 are slidably mounted on the positioning seat 341. The first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 are arranged opposite to each other. The first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 are both driven by the driving cylinder 345. The first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 realize the opening and closing action through the driving cylinder 345. A sensor S2 is installed on one side of the first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343. The sensor S2 detects the presence or absence of pipes in the cavity in real time and transmits the signal to the main control cabinet. When a pipe is missing, the system automatically locks the upper mold pressing action to prevent the mold from being collided due to air pressure. After the first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 are joined together, a clamping cavity 340 is formed for clamping and fixing the pipe fitting 10 to be processed. The inner diameter of the clamping cavity 340 is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe fitting 10 to be processed. The fixing block 344 supports the pipe fitting in advance. The clamping cavity 340 can wrap around the outer wall of the pipe fitting and firmly lock the pipe fitting during the forming process to prevent the pipe fitting from slipping or rotating during stamping.

[0034] Furthermore, both the first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 include a transmission block 3421 and a clamping block 3422. The transmission block 3421 is slidably mounted on the positioning seat 341. One side of the transmission block 3421 is connected to the output end of the drive cylinder 345. The clamping block 3422 is detachably mounted on the other side of the transmission block 3421. The split transmission block and detachable clamping block structure facilitates the replacement of the appropriate clamping block according to different pipe diameters and fittings, making the equipment more versatile. In addition, sensors S3 are installed on the sides of the transmission blocks on both sides. Sensors S3 provide real-time feedback on the position signals of the mold being fully opened and fully clamped. All sensor signals are uniformly collected to the central control cabinet. The system uses this as the interlocking condition for switching between processes. Combined with the pipe detection signal of sensor S2, the system makes dual judgments on the workstation status to ensure that the loading and unloading of the robot and the stamping sequence of the mold are accurately matched and that there will be no process disorder.

[0035] In addition, a spray cooling device 5 is also provided on one side of the pipe fitting flange flattening device 3; The spray cooling device 5 includes a spray assembly 51 and a water tank 52; The spray assembly 51 is installed on one side of the frame 31, and the water tank 52 is connected to the spray assembly 51. The spray assembly 51 sprays cooling water at the end of the processed pipe fitting to quickly cool and shape the pipe fitting that has just been flanged and flattened. The cooled water flows back to the water tank 52 through the guide groove of the frame 31 for recycling.

[0036] Example 2: The present invention also provides a production process for a fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line as described in Example 1, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Loading. The loading robot 4 grabs the pipe fitting 10 to be processed and transfers it from the loading device 1 to the pipe fitting heating device 2 to heat the end of the pipe fitting. Step 2: Transfer. After heating is completed, the loading robot 4 grabs the pipe fitting and transfers it to the positioning station of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device 3. Step 3: Positioning and clamping. After the pipe fitting 10 to be processed is in place, the driving cylinder 345 on one side drives the first clamping mold 342 to fit against the outer wall of the pipe fitting 10 to determine the positioning reference position of the pipe fitting. Then, the driving cylinder 345 on the other side drives the second clamping mold 343 to apply clamping force to the pipe fitting 10 to be processed, thus completing the fixed positioning of the pipe fitting. Step 4, Flanging and Flattening: The upper mold assembly 33 of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device 3 moves downward. First, the flanging upper mold 331 folds the end of the pipe fitting outward, and then the flattening upper mold 332 flattens and shapes the folded end. Step 5, Unloading: After processing, the finished pipe fittings are picked up by the loading robot 4 and transferred to the spray cooling device 5.

[0037] Furthermore, in step three, the output thrust of the driving cylinder 345 driving the first clamping mold 342 is F1, and the output thrust of the driving cylinder 345 driving the second clamping mold 343 is F2, satisfying the condition: F1 > F2. The two sides are clamped in stages with two levels of differentiated thrust. First, the driving cylinder with greater thrust drives the first clamping mold to fit against the outer wall of the pipe, strongly resisting the fixed block to form a unique and stable positioning reference, avoiding the pipe from shifting left and right in the early stage of clamping; then the driving cylinder with less thrust pushes the second clamping mold to complete the auxiliary clamping.

[0038] On the one hand, if the thrust of the cylinders on both sides is equal and they are pressed simultaneously, the two opposing large forces will concentrate on squeezing the thin-walled pipe fittings, which can easily cause the pipe wall to be flattened and the cross section to be out of round. The flanges after subsequent flanging and flattening will have defects such as eccentricity and uneven thickness. By using a thrust difference of large at the front and small at the back, locking the position on the reference side first, and applying only a moderate clamping force on the auxiliary side, the roundness of the pipe fittings can be effectively protected and clamping deformation can be avoided.

[0039] Furthermore, in step three, limiting holes 3423 and limiting protrusions 3424 are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two sets of clamping blocks 3422. The limiting holes 3423 and the limiting protrusions 3424 are correspondingly provided. When the first clamping mold 342 and the second clamping mold 343 are engaged and clamped, the limiting protrusions 3424 are embedded in the limiting holes 3423 to achieve positioning and cooperation of the clamping blocks on both sides. The limiting protrusions 3424 and the limiting holes 3423 are mutually engaged, which can offset the assembly gap caused by the long-term opening and closing of the clamping mold, improve the coaxiality of the two clamping blocks after engagement, and prevent the pipe fitting from shifting left and right when clamping. This ensures that the flange roundness is uniform after flanging and that the dimensional tolerance can be stabilized in long-term mass production.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line, characterized in that, include: The feeding device (1) is used to transport the pipe fittings (10) to be processed. Pipe heating device (2) is used to heat the end of the pipe fitting (10) to be processed; Pipe fitting flanging and flattening device (3) is used to flanging and flattening the heated end of the pipe fitting (10) to be processed; The loading robot (4) automatically transports pipes between the loading device (1), the pipe heating device (2) and the pipe flanging and flattening device (3). The loading robot (4) works in coordination with the loading device (1), the pipe heating device (2) and the pipe flanging and flattening device (3) to realize fully automatic continuous processing of pipes from semi-finished products to finished products.

2. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device (1) includes a conveyor belt (11) and a positioning block (12). The conveyor belt (11) is provided in two sets, and the two sets of conveyor belts (11) are arranged in parallel. The conveyor belt (11) is located on one side of the pipe fitting flange flattening device (3). The positioning block (12) is fixedly installed on the conveyor belt (11). The positioning block (12) is provided in several sets. The pipe fitting (10) to be processed is sleeved on the positioning block (12). Each set of positioning blocks (12) is arranged at equal intervals along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (11).

3. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe heating device (2) includes a cabinet (21), a heating coil (22), a heating machine (23), a lifting mechanism (24), and a horizontal moving mechanism (25). The cabinet (21) is installed on one side of the pipe fitting flange flattening device (3); The heating coil (22) is connected to the heating machine (23), the heating coil (22) is installed on the moving end of the lifting mechanism (24), and the heating coil (22) is raised and lowered above the horizontal moving mechanism (25) through the lifting mechanism (24); The lifting mechanism (24) and the horizontal moving mechanism (25) are both fixedly installed on the top platform of the cabinet (21). The lifting mechanism (24) drives the heating coil (22) to move up and down in the vertical direction. The horizontal moving mechanism (25) drives the pipe to be processed (10) to move horizontally along the length direction of the cabinet (21). The top of the horizontal moving mechanism (25) is provided with a limit block (26) corresponding to the pipe to be processed (10). The limit block (26) is fixedly connected to the horizontal moving mechanism (25), and the pipe to be processed (10) is sleeved on the limit block (26).

4. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading robot (4) includes a robotic arm (41) and pneumatic grippers (42). There are two sets of pneumatic grippers (42). The two sets of pneumatic grippers (42) are mounted on the robotic arm (41) through mounting bases (43). The mounting bases (43) are fixedly mounted on the top of the robotic arm (41). The pneumatic grippers (42) are symmetrically mounted on the mounting bases (43).

5. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe fitting flanging and flattening device (3) includes a frame (31), a drive mechanism (32), an upper mold assembly (33), and a lower mold assembly (34). The drive mechanism (32) is mounted on the frame (31). The output end of the drive mechanism (32) is fixedly connected to a linear slide (35). The upper mold assembly (33) is mounted on the output end of the linear slide (35). The drive mechanism (32) drives the upper mold assembly (33) to move vertically, and the linear slide (35) drives the upper mold assembly (33) to move horizontally. The upper mold assembly (33) includes a flange upper mold (331) and a flattening upper mold (332). The flange upper mold (331) and the flattening upper mold (332) are arranged side by side. Both the flange upper mold (331) and the flattening upper mold (332) are installed on the connecting plate (333). Limiting members (334) are provided on both sides of the connecting plate (333). The limiting members (334) are L-shaped. One end of the limiting member (334) is connected to the linear slide (35), and the other end of the limiting member (334) is in contact with the connecting plate (333). The flange upper mold (331) is inserted into the end of the pipe fitting (10) to be processed to complete the expansion flange. The flattening upper mold (332) squeezes and shapes the flanged end of the pipe fitting (10) to be processed into a flat flange surface. The lower mold assembly (34) is mounted on the mounting platform of the frame (31), and the lower mold assembly (34) is located below the upper mold assembly (33).

6. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower mold assembly (34) includes a positioning seat (341), a first clamping mold (342) and a second clamping mold (343). The positioning seat (341) is fixed on the mounting platform of the frame (31), and a fixing block (344) is fixedly installed on the positioning seat (341). The pipe fitting (10) to be processed is sleeved on the fixing block (344). The first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are slidably mounted on the positioning seat (341). The first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are arranged opposite to each other. The first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are both driven by the driving cylinder (345). The first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are opened and closed by the driving cylinder (345). After the first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are joined together, a clamping cavity (340) is formed for clamping and fixing the pipe fitting (10) to be processed. The inner diameter of the clamping cavity (340) is adapted to the outer diameter of the pipe fitting (10) to be processed.

7. The fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both the first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) include a transmission block (3421) and a clamping block (3422). The transmission block (3421) is slidably mounted on the positioning seat (341). One side of the transmission block (3421) is connected to the output end of the drive cylinder (345). The clamping block (3422) is detachably mounted on the other side of the transmission block (3421).

8. The production process of a fully automated pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Loading. The loading robot (4) grabs the pipe fitting (10) to be processed and transfers it from the loading device (1) to the pipe fitting heating device (2) to heat the end of the pipe fitting. Step 2, transfer: After heating is completed, the loading robot (4) grabs the pipe fitting and transfers it to the positioning station of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device (3); Step 3: Positioning and clamping. After the pipe fitting (10) to be processed is in place, the driving cylinder (345) on one side drives the first clamping mold (342) to fit against the outer wall of the pipe fitting (10) to determine the positioning reference position of the pipe fitting. Then the driving cylinder (345) on the other side drives the second clamping mold (343) to apply clamping force to the pipe fitting (10) to complete the fixed positioning of the pipe fitting. Step 4, Flanging and Flattening: The upper mold assembly (33) of the pipe fitting flanging and flattening device (3) moves down, first flanging the end of the pipe fitting outward through the flanging upper mold (331), and then flattening and shaping the flanged end through the flattening upper mold (332); Step 5, unloading: After processing, the finished pipe fittings are picked up by the loading robot (4) and transferred to the spray cooling device (5).

9. The production process of a fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step three, the output thrust of the first driving cylinder (345) is F1, and the output thrust of the second driving cylinder (346) is F2, satisfying the condition: F1 > F2.

10. The production process of a fully automatic pipe fitting flanging and flattening production line according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step three, limiting holes (3423) and limiting protrusions (3424) are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two sets of clamping blocks (3422). The limiting holes (3423) and the limiting protrusions (3424) are correspondingly provided. When the first clamping mold (342) and the second clamping mold (343) are engaged and clamped, the limiting protrusions (3424) are embedded in the limiting holes (3423) to achieve positioning and cooperation of the clamping blocks on both sides.

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