A metal bellows end welded flange positioning device for a liquid accumulator

Abstract

This invention discloses a positioning device for a welded flange at the end of a metal bellows in a liquid reservoir, relating to the field of bellows welding positioning technology. The invention includes a flange mounting base for installing a necked flange, a bellows clamp for holding the metal bellows, a synchronous drive assembly for driving the flange mounting base and the bellows clamp to rotate coaxially and synchronously, and a docking push assembly for driving the bellows clamp to move axially to abut against the necked flange. This invention achieves coaxial and synchronous rotation of the flange mounting base and the bellows clamp through a transmission shaft connected in series with a double gear set, requiring only a single power source and reducing equipment costs. The docking push assembly uses a spring for flexible force application, avoiding rigid pressure damage to the bellows and achieving harmless docking. The locking mechanism makes operation convenient and reliable. A linear sliding sleeve and a guide rod provide dual guidance to ensure coaxial accuracy, and a large cap bolt limit ensures batch docking consistency. The split-type clamping structure is highly efficient for assembly and disassembly and has strong versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of bellows welding positioning technology, and in particular relates to a positioning device for the end welding flange of a metal bellows used in a liquid reservoir. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid receivers are key components in refrigeration, hydraulic, and pressure vessel systems. They often contain internal metal bellows for flexible connections, thermal expansion compensation, or vibration damping. During the assembly of liquid receivers, the ends of the metal bellows need to be welded to the necked flanges. Before welding, the bellows and flanges must be precisely coaxially positioned and clamped to ensure welding quality and assembly accuracy.

[0003] In existing technologies, common positioning and clamping methods typically employ a dual-power-source drive scheme. One end uses a chuck or clamp to fix the flange, while the other end uses an independent drive mechanism to clamp and push the bellows, ensuring coaxial alignment and synchronous rotation for welding. However, this method has the following drawbacks: First, it requires two independent drive power sources, which has high equipment configuration requirements, high manufacturing costs, and high maintenance difficulty, making it unfavorable for promotion and application by small and medium-sized processing enterprises.

[0004] Secondly, if a rigid pressing method is used to directly push the end of the bellows for axial connection, the thin wall and elastic sensitivity of the metal bellows will easily cause irreversible compression deformation or even buckling at the end of the bellows due to rigid force, which will affect the product performance and service life of the bellows.

[0005] Third, some simple clamps use a method of fixing one end and manually supporting the other end. Although this reduces the number of power sources, the two ends cannot be guaranteed to rotate synchronously. During the welding process, relative angular displacement is likely to occur between the bellows and the flange, resulting in uneven welds and difficulty in ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a positioning device with a simple structure that can drive the synchronous rotation of both ends with a single power source and can achieve harmless and precise docking of the bellows and flange in a flexible manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a positioning device for the welded flange at the end of a metal bellows in a liquid reservoir. The device achieves coaxial synchronous rotation of the flange mounting base and the bellows clamp through a synchronous drive component, requiring only a single power source to drive it, thus reducing the requirements for the equipment. The device applies axial thrust to the bellows clamp in an elastic manner through a docking push component, avoiding rigid compression damage to the bellows and achieving harmless alignment and precise positioning.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention relates to a positioning device for a welded flange at the end of a metal bellows in a liquid reservoir. It includes a flange mounting base for mounting a necked flange, a bellows clamp for holding the metal bellows, a synchronous drive assembly for driving the flange mounting base and the bellows clamp to rotate coaxially and synchronously, and a docking push assembly for driving the bellows clamp to move axially to abut against the necked flange. The synchronous drive assembly includes a frame, with the flange mounting base rotatably mounted at one end of the frame. The bellows clamp is slidably mounted at the other end of the frame via several linear sleeves, and is coaxially arranged with the flange mounting base. The docking push assembly is mounted on the frame and configured to apply an axial thrust to the bellows clamp.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the synchronous drive assembly further includes a drive shaft, a first gear set, and a second gear set. The drive shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame. A first gear disc is fixed on the outer circumference of the flange mounting base, and a first gear meshing with the first gear disc is fixed on the drive shaft; the first gear disc and the first gear constitute a first gear set. A transition plate seat is also rotatably mounted on the frame, and a second gear disc is fixed on the transition plate seat. A second gear meshing with the second gear disc is also fixed on the drive shaft; the second gear disc and the second gear constitute a second gear set. A bellows clamp is axially adjustable and connected to the transition plate seat, rotating synchronously circumferentially with the flange mounting base.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter plate base includes an adapter disc. A connecting tube extending outwards is fixedly through the center of the adapter disc. Second guide rods evenly arranged around the axis of the guide rods are fixed to the inner end face of the adapter disc. The inner wall of the end of the connecting tube is provided with a first thread that engages with the docking and pushing assembly.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the docking and pushing assembly includes a circular groove guide frame, a control rod, a spring, and a retaining ring. The circular groove guide frame includes a circular groove body, with a gantry fixed to the open end of the groove body. A second thread is formed on the outer wall of the circular groove body to connect and mate with the adapter plate seat. Guide channels are symmetrically formed on the two walls of the gantry. A guide hole is provided at the center of the circular groove body. The control rod includes a first guide rod that mates with the guide hole. A limiting circular plate is installed on the outer end of the first guide rod, and a handle rod that moves linearly along the two guide channels is fixed to the inner end of the first guide rod. The spring is sleeved on the first guide rod, and one end of the spring is fixed to the limiting circular plate. The retaining ring is inserted and installed on the outer end of the gantry; when the retaining ring is sleeved on one end of the handle rod, the spring is in a compressed state.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the corrugated pipe clamp includes a connecting disc, a first semicircular clamping groove, and a second semicircular clamping groove, which are symmetrically structured for clamping the corrugated pipe. The connecting disc has a cylindrical boss structure with a ring of evenly distributed mounting through holes for mounting linear sliding sleeves. One end of the first semicircular clamping groove is fixed to the connecting disc, and the second semicircular clamping groove is hinged to the first semicircular clamping groove via a hinge. The second semicircular clamping groove and the first semicircular clamping groove are connected as a single unit by a quick-locking snap, and the axes of the first and second semicircular clamping grooves coincide with the axis of the connecting disc.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a limiting groove is provided at one end of the connecting disc relative to the docking pushing component, and the telescopic end of the docking pushing component is embedded in the limiting groove to limit radial displacement.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flange mounting base includes a mounting disc and a coaxial boss. The mounting disc has a countersunk hole at its center for accommodating the neck of a necked flange. The coaxial boss extends to the outside of the frame, forming a drive shaft section for clamping by an external power source. The countersunk hole has an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the necked flange.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the frame has a U-shaped frame structure, including a bottom plate and two side plates, and the bottom plate has a number of stepped through holes for fixed installation.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the second guide rod is provided with a threaded blind hole, and a cap bolt is connected to the threaded blind hole for limiting the extreme position of the bellows clamp in the direction of the flange mounting seat.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: The synchronous drive assembly of this invention connects the first gear set and the second gear set in series via a transmission shaft, linking the flange mounting base and the bellows clamp into a synchronously rotating unit. Only one external power source is needed to clamp the coaxial boss of the flange mounting base, simultaneously driving both ends to rotate synchronously. This avoids the problem of requiring two independent power sources in traditional solutions, significantly reducing equipment configuration requirements and manufacturing costs.

[0018] The present invention employs a spring-loaded, elastically stored energy method to apply axial thrust to the bellows holder, rather than rigidly pressing the bellows end directly. This flexible force application method effectively avoids irreversible deformation or buckling instability caused by excessive compression of the thin-walled metal bellows, thus ensuring the product performance and service life of the bellows.

[0019] The present invention features a locking ring in the docking and pushing assembly that engages with a control lever. When the locking ring is fitted onto the handle rod, the spring is in a compressed, energy-stored state. Releasing the locking ring releases the elastic force, completing the docking. This design eliminates the need for continuous force application during clamping and releasing, simplifying operation and ensuring reliable positioning.

[0020] The bellows clamp of the present invention is slidably mounted on the frame by several linear sliding sleeves. At the same time, the second guide rods evenly arranged on the adapter plate provide auxiliary guidance for the axial movement of the bellows clamp. The dual guide structure effectively ensures the coaxiality accuracy of the bellows clamp during axial movement and ensures that the mating position of the flange and the end of the bellows is accurately consistent.

[0021] The corrugated pipe clamp of this invention adopts a split design in which the first semi-circular clamping groove and the second semi-circular clamping groove are hinged together and quickly closed with a snap fastener. The operator only needs to open the snap fastener to quickly put in or take out the corrugated pipe without disassembling the entire clamp, which greatly improves the clamping efficiency. At the same time, by changing the clamping groove of different specifications, it can be adapted to corrugated pipes of various diameters, which is highly versatile.

[0022] The docking push assembly of this invention is connected to the connecting round pipe of the adapter plate seat via a second thread, which facilitates fine adjustment of the axial position; at the same time, a limiting groove is opened on the connecting round plate of the bellows holder, and the telescopic end of the docking push assembly is embedded therein, which effectively limits radial offset and improves positioning stability while ensuring a compact structure.

[0023] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process of loading the flange and bellows according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flange and bellows being welded together after the present invention has been loaded.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the flange mounting base.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bellows clamp.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the synchronous drive assembly and the flange mounting base.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter plate base.

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure for connecting and driving components.

[0033] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Flange mounting base; 11. Mounting disc; 12. Coaxial boss; 2. Bellows clamp; 21. Connecting disc; 211. Mounting through hole; 212. Limiting groove; 22. First semi-circular clamping groove; 23. Second semi-circular clamping groove; 24. Quick latch; 3. Synchronous drive assembly; 31. Frame; 311. Stepped through hole; 32. Drive shaft; 33. First gear disc; 34. First gear; 35. Adapter disc base; 351. Adapter disc; 352. Connecting round pipe; 353. Second guide rod; 354. Threaded blind hole; 355. First thread; 36. Second gear; 37. Second gear; 4. Docking and pushing assembly; 41. Circular groove guide frame; 411. Circular groove body; 412. Gantry; 413. Guide channel; 414. Second thread; 415. Guide hole; 42. Control rod; 421. First guide rod; 422. Limiting circular plate; 423. Handle rod; 43. Spring; 44. Buckle ring; 5. Linear sliding sleeve; 6. Cap bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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. Specific Implementation Example 1:

[0036] Please see Figure 1-8 As shown, the present invention is a positioning device for a metal bellows end welding flange for a liquid reservoir. Its structure mainly includes a flange mounting base 1, a bellows clamp 2, a synchronous drive assembly 3, and a docking push assembly 4.

[0037] The flange mounting base 1 is used to mount the necked flange to be welded, and includes a mounting disc 11 and a coaxial boss 12. The mounting disc 11 has a countersunk hole in its center. The coaxial boss 12 extends to the outside of the frame 31 to form a drive shaft section for clamping and driving by an external power source (such as a lathe chuck or motor chuck).

[0038] In the case where the neck of the flange to be welded is threaded, an internal thread is provided in the countersunk hole (this internal thread is not made for flanges without threads). This internal thread is used to mate with the external thread of the neck of the flange to achieve reliable fixing of the flange.

[0039] The bellows holder 2 is used to hold metal bellows and includes a connecting disc 21, a first semi-circular clamping groove 22, and a second semi-circular clamping groove 23. The connecting disc 21 has a cylindrical boss structure with evenly distributed mounting through holes 211 for mounting linear sliding sleeves 5. The first semi-circular clamping groove 22 is fixed to the connecting disc 21, and the second semi-circular clamping groove 23 is hinged to the first semi-circular clamping groove 22 via a hinge. When the two are closed by a quick-release buckle 24, they form a cylindrical clamping channel that adapts to the outer diameter of the bellows. The end of the connecting disc 21 facing the docking push assembly 4 also has a limiting groove 212 for engaging with the telescopic end of the docking push assembly 4 to limit radial displacement.

[0040] The synchronous drive assembly 3 includes a frame 31, a drive shaft 32, and an adapter plate 35. The frame 31 has a U-shaped frame structure, including a base plate and two side plates. A stepped through-hole 311 is provided on the base plate for fixed installation. The drive shaft 32 is rotatably mounted laterally on the frame 31, with a first gear 34 and a second gear 37 fixed at its two ends, respectively. A flange mounting base 1 is rotatably mounted on one end of the frame 31, with a first gear disc 33 fixed on its outer circumference, meshing with the first gear 34. The first gear set consists of the first gear disc 33 and the first gear 34. The adapter plate 35 is rotatably mounted on the other end of the frame 31, with a second gear disc 36 fixed on it, meshing with the second gear 37. The second gear set consists of the second gear disc 36 and the second gear 37. Therefore, when the external power source drives the flange mounting base 1 to rotate, the first gear 33, the first gear 34, the transmission shaft 32, the second gear 37 and the second gear 36 drive the adapter plate 35 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the bellows clamp 2 to rotate synchronously with the flange mounting base 1 on the same axis.

[0041] The adapter plate base 35 includes an adapter disc 351 and a connecting tube 352. A plurality of second guide rods 353 are evenly fixed to the inner end face of the adapter disc 351. The ends of the second guide rods 353 are provided with threaded blind holes 354 for connecting cap bolts 6, thereby limiting the extreme positions of the bellows clamp 2 towards the flange mounting base 1. The inner wall of the end of the connecting tube 352 is provided with a first thread 355 for connecting and engaging with the docking push assembly 4.

[0042] The docking push assembly 4 includes a circular groove guide frame 41, a control rod 42, a spring 43, and a retaining ring 44. The outer wall of the circular groove 411 of the circular groove guide frame 41 has a second thread 414, which mates with the first thread 355 of the connecting circular tube 352, enabling axial installation and adjustment of the docking push assembly 4 on the adapter plate 35. A gantry 412 is fixed to the open end of the circular groove 411. Guide channels 413 are symmetrically formed on both walls of the gantry 412, and a guide hole 415 is located at the center of the circular groove 411. The first guide rod 421 of the control rod 42 passes through the guide hole 415. A limiting circular plate 422 is installed on the outer end, and a handle rod 423 is fixed to the inner end. The handle rod 423 moves linearly along the guide channel 413. The spring 43 is sleeved on the first guide rod 421, with one end fixed to the limiting circular plate 422. The buckle 44 is inserted through the outer end of the gantry 412. When the buckle 44 is sleeved on one end of the handle rod 423, the spring 43 is in a compressed and energy-storing state.

[0043] After the flange and bellows are installed and the quick-release buckle 24 is closed, the retaining ring 44 releases the limit on the control lever 42, thereby applying a continuous axial thrust to the bellows clamp 2 through the elastic restoring force of the spring 43, achieving flexible and harmless docking.

[0044] When using Figure 1-3 The installation process begins by screwing the necked flange (with threads on the flange neck) into the countersunk hole of the flange mounting base 1. Then, the metal bellows is placed into the first semi-circular clamping groove 22 of the bellows holder 2, and the second semi-circular clamping groove 23 is closed and locked using the quick-release buckle 24. The retaining ring 44 releases the limit on the control rod 42, and the control rod 42, under the elastic restoring force of the spring 43, applies a continuous axial thrust to the bellows holder 2, forming a pressurized and tight connection between the flange welding end and the bellows welding end. Subsequently, the power source is activated to drive the flange mounting base 1 to rotate, which, through the gear transmission of the synchronous drive assembly 3, drives the bellows holder 2 to rotate synchronously. During this process, the spring 43 in the docking push assembly 4 continuously applies an axial thrust to the bellows holder 2, ensuring that the bellows end smoothly abuts against the flange welding surface, completing coaxial alignment. The welding equipment operates simultaneously with the activation of the external power source. After one full rotation, the welding equipment stops, and the external power source reverses its rotation to reset. After welding, first pull the control lever 42 to compress the spring 43, and then put the buckle 44 onto one end of the handle lever 423 to press the docking push assembly 4 into the energy storage state. Then open the quick latch 24, open the second semi-circular clamping groove 23, and simultaneously rotate the welded flange and bellows assembly to exit from the flange mounting seat 1, thus completing the entire process of welding material feeding, alignment, welding and removal.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural modifications made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A positioning device for a welded flange at the end of a metal bellows pipe in a liquid reservoir, characterized in that: It includes a flange mounting base (1) for mounting a necked flange, a bellows clamp (2) for clamping a metal bellows, a synchronous drive assembly (3) for driving the flange mounting base (1) and the bellows clamp (2) to rotate coaxially and synchronously, and a docking push assembly (4) for driving the bellows clamp (2) to move axially to abut against the necked flange. The synchronous drive assembly (3) includes a frame (31), and the flange mounting base (1) is rotatably mounted on one end of the frame (31); The bellows clamp (2) is slidably mounted on the other end of the frame (31) via several linear sliding sleeves (5), and the bellows clamp (2) is coaxially arranged with the flange mounting seat (1); The docking push assembly (4) is mounted on the frame (31) and configured to apply axial thrust to the bellows holder (2).

2. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronous drive assembly (3) also includes a drive shaft (32), a first gear set, and a second gear set; The drive shaft (32) is rotatably mounted on the frame (31); A first gear plate (33) is fixed on the outer circumference of the flange mounting base (1), and a first gear (34) that meshes with the first gear plate (33) is fixed on the transmission shaft (32); the first gear set consists of the first gear plate (33) and the first gear (34); A transfer plate seat (35) is rotatably mounted on the frame (31), a second gear plate (36) is fixed on the transfer plate seat (35), and a second gear (37) that meshes with the second gear plate (36) is fixed on the drive shaft (32); the second gear set consists of the second gear plate (36) and the second gear (37); The bellows holder (2) is axially adjustable on the adapter plate seat (35) and rotates circumferentially synchronously with the flange mounting seat (1).

3. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adapter plate base (35) includes an adapter disc (351); a connecting round tube (352) extending outward is fixed through the center of the adapter disc (351); a second guide rod (353) is fixedly arranged evenly around its axis on the inner end face of the adapter disc (351); and a first thread (355) is provided on the inner wall of the end of the connecting round tube (352) to connect and cooperate with the docking push assembly (4).

4. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The docking push assembly (4) includes a circular groove guide frame (41), a control rod (42), a spring (43), and a buckle (44). The circular groove guide frame (41) includes a circular groove body (411); a gantry (412) is fixed to the open end of the circular groove body (411); a second thread (414) is provided on the outer wall of the circular groove body (411) to connect and cooperate with the adapter plate seat (35); guide channels (413) are symmetrically provided on the two walls of the gantry (412); and a guide hole (415) is provided in the center of the circular groove body (411). The control lever (42) includes a first guide rod (421) that mates with the guide hole (415); a limiting circular plate (422) is installed on the outer end of the first guide rod (421); and a handle rod (423) that moves linearly along the two guide channels (413) is fixed to the inner end of the first guide rod (421). The spring (43) is sleeved on the first guide rod (421), and one end of the spring (43) is fixed on the limiting circular plate (422); The buckle (44) is inserted and installed on the outer end of the gantry (412); when the buckle (44) is sleeved on one end of the handle rod (423), the spring (43) is in a compressed state.

5. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bellows clamp (2) includes a connecting disc (21), a first semicircular clamping groove (22) and a second semicircular clamping groove (23) with symmetrical structure for clamping the bellows. The connecting disc (21) is a cylindrical boss structure; the connecting disc (21) has a ring of evenly distributed mounting through holes (211) for mounting the linear sliding sleeve (5). One end of the first semi-circular clamping groove (22) is fixed to the connecting disk (21). The second semi-circular clamping groove (23) is hinged to the first semi-circular clamping groove (22) by a hinge. The second semi-circular clamping groove (23) and the first semi-circular clamping groove (22) are closed and connected as one unit by a quick snap (24). The axes of the first semi-circular clamping groove (22) and the second semi-circular clamping groove (23) coincide with the axis of the connecting disk (21).

6. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting disc (21) has a limiting groove (212) at one end relative to the docking push assembly (4); the telescopic end of the docking push assembly (4) is embedded in the limiting groove (212) to limit radial displacement.

7. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange mounting base (1) includes a mounting disc (11) and a coaxial boss (12); the center of the mounting disc (11) is provided with a countersunk hole for accommodating the neck of the flange with neck, and the coaxial boss (12) extends to the outside of the frame (31) to form a drive shaft section for clamping by an external power source.

8. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 7, characterized in that, The countersunk hole is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the neck of the flange.

9. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (31) has a U-shaped frame structure, including a bottom plate and side plates on both sides; the bottom plate has a number of stepped through holes (311) for fixed installation.

10. The metal bellows end welding flange positioning device for a liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the second guide rod (353) is provided with a threaded blind hole (354); the threaded blind hole (354) is connected to a cap bolt (6) for limiting the extreme position of the bellows clamp (2) in the direction of the flange mounting seat (1).

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