Pipeline expander

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pipeline expander. The pipeline expander comprises a driver; comprising a plurality of jaws, the jaws being movable between a retracted state and a fully expanded state; the transmission mechanism is connected with the driver and the chuck and comprises a cam and a push rod, the driver is configured to drive the cam to rotate, the rotating motion of the cam is converted into linear reciprocating motion of the push rod between a first position and a second position, the multiple clamping jaws are in a contracted state at the first position, and the push rod is in a non-contracted state at the second position. The push rod pushes the multiple clamping jaws to be in a complete expansion state. And the switch is electrically connected with the driver. The pipeline expander further comprises a stroke detection mechanism, and the stroke detection mechanism is configured to detect the stroke position of the transmission mechanism so as to determine whether the multiple clamping jaws are in the contraction state or not. The conduit expander is configured to close the driver in response to the switch receiving a user input indicative of closing and the stroke detection mechanism detecting a signal that the plurality of jaws are in a retracted state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to tools for use in the field of piping, and more particularly to a pipe expander. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section only provides background information related to this utility model and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] When connecting one pipe to another or other equipment, a pipe expander may be needed to enlarge the pipe's inner diameter. One known pipe expander includes a cam mechanism and a chuck consisting of several jaws that extend into the pipe to be expanded and expand radially outward to increase the pipe's inner diameter. During operation, the expander's actuator drives the cam mechanism to rotate, and this rotational motion is converted into the linear reciprocating motion of a push rod. When the push rod reaches its foremost position, it pushes the jaws to the fully expanded state; when the push rod is fully retracted, the jaws return to the contracted state. A drawback of conventional pipe expanders is that when the user turns off the expander to stop the actuator, the cam mechanism and the associated push rod may remain in any position, causing the jaws to remain in any intermediate state between the fully expanded and contracted states. Therefore, when restarting the expander, the jaws must first be returned to the contracted state, causing inconvenience to the user. Furthermore, the jaws being in any state other than the contracted state when the expander is off may make them more susceptible to damage. Therefore, there is a need to develop a pipe expander that allows the chuck to automatically return to the contracted state when the machine is shut down. Utility Model Content

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide a pipe expander that allows the chuck to automatically return to a contracted state when the machine is turned off.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a pipe expander comprising: an actuator; a chuck including a plurality of jaws movable between a contracted state and a fully expanded state, wherein in the contracted state the jaws are abutting each other; and in the fully expanded state the jaws are radially outwardly expanded; a transmission mechanism coupled to the actuator and the chuck, the transmission mechanism including a cam and a push rod, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the cam to rotate, the rotational motion of the cam translating into linear reciprocating motion of the push rod between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the jaws are in the contracted state, and in the second position the push rod pushes the jaws to the fully expanded state; and a switch electrically connected to the actuator. The pipe expander further includes a stroke detection mechanism configured to detect the stroke position of the transmission mechanism to determine whether the jaws are in the contracted state. The pipe expander is configured to close the actuator in response to the switch receiving a user input instructing it to close and the stroke detection mechanism detecting a signal that the jaws are in the contracted state.

[0006] In some implementations, the stroke detection mechanism may include a non-contact or contact position sensor configured to detect the stroke position of the cam or push rod.

[0007] In some implementations, the position sensor may be configured as a Hall sensor, and a magnet may be provided on the cam or push rod. The Hall sensor is configured to detect the proximity of the magnet when the push rod moves to a first position and output a signal.

[0008] In some implementations, the position sensor may be configured as a limit switch that is triggered to output a signal when the push rod moves to a first position and contacts the cam or push rod.

[0009] In some implementations, the position sensor may be located below the cam or push rod.

[0010] In some implementations, the stroke detection mechanism may include a non-contact or contact position sensor configured to detect the stroke position of a movable part in the pipe expander that moves in association with a cam or push rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the movable component may include any of the following: a roller assembly disposed between the cam and the push rod and reciprocating linearly with the push rod; a sleeve arranged around the push rod and reciprocating linearly with the push rod; and a rotating component that rotates with the cam.

[0012] In some implementations, the position sensor may include any of the following: a Hall sensor that detects the proximity of a magnet disposed on a movable part, or a limit switch configured to be triggered by contact with the movable part.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pipe expander may further include a main controller, which is electrically and signal-connected to a switch, a travel detection mechanism, and a drive via wired or wireless means, and configured such that: the switch sends a first shut-off signal to the main controller when it receives a user input indicating shut-off; the travel detection mechanism sends a second shut-off signal to the main controller when it detects that multiple claws are in a retracted state; and the main controller shuts off the drive upon receiving both the first and second shut-off signals.

[0014] In some implementations, the main controller may be constructed as a printed circuit board.

[0015] In various embodiments of this disclosure, when the user turns off the pipe expander, the expander's actuator does not stop immediately, but only after the clamps return to the retracted state. This design, which allows the clamps to automatically reset upon shutdown, facilitates the user's operation when starting the pipe expander again and effectively protects the clamps from damage when the expander is off. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same features or parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a pipe expander in a contracted state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the longitudinal mid-section of the pipe expander in the middle;

[0019] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic 3D view of the pipe expander in its fully expanded state;

[0020] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the longitudinal mid-section of the pipe expander in the middle;

[0021] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the pipe expander in the image;

[0022] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the cam in the pipe expander;

[0023] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a pipe expander according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A 3D view of the position sensor of the pipe expander in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that in all these figures, similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts and features. The figures only schematically illustrate the concept and principles of embodiments of the invention and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of each embodiment. Certain parts of specific figures may be depicted in an exaggerated manner to illustrate relevant details or structures of embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the directional terms related to "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the upper and lower positions of the views shown in the accompanying drawings. In practical applications, the positional relationships of "upper" and "lower" used herein can be defined according to the actual situation, and these relationships can be reversed.

[0027] First, combine Figures 1 to 6 The structure and working principle of a pipe expander 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are explained.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a pipe expander 1 in a contracted state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the longitudinal mid-section of the pipe expander 1 in the middle; Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the pipe expander 1 in its fully expanded state is shown; Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the longitudinal mid-section of the pipe expander 1 in the middle; Figure 5 An exploded view of pipe expander 1 is shown; Figure 6 A plan view of the cam 21 of the pipe expander 1 is shown.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the pipe expander 1 generally includes an actuator 10, a transmission mechanism 20, a chuck 30, and a switch 40. The switch 40 is electrically connected to the actuator 10 to control the opening and closing of the actuator 10; the user can manually open or close the switch 40. The transmission mechanism 20 connects the actuator 10 and the chuck 30, transmitting power from the actuator 10 to the chuck 30 to expand it, thereby expanding the pipe fitted onto the chuck 30. The actuator 10 may include, for example, an electric motor. The pipe expander 1 may also include a housing 50. Components such as the actuator 10, transmission mechanism 20, and chuck 30 may be at least partially housed within the housing 50. On one hand, the housing 50 supports and protects the components housed within it; on the other hand, the housing 50 can guide and limit the movement of the transmission mechanism 20, particularly the push rod 22, which will be further described below, to ensure that the push rod 22 performs linear reciprocating motion along axis L2. The housing 50 may be assembled from multiple sub-housings.

[0030] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As best shown, the transmission mechanism 20 includes a cam 21 and a pusher 22. The term "cam" as used herein broadly includes various rotary transmission components with curved profiles; for example, an eccentrically positioned circular disc should also be included within the scope of "cam" as described herein. The cam 21 is connected to the output of the driver 10 via a camshaft 23, enabling the driver 10 to drive the cam 21 to rotate about its axis of rotation L1 (i.e., the axis of the camshaft 23). The rotational motion of the cam 21 can be converted into linear reciprocating motion of the pusher 22 between a first position and a second position. The axis of rotation L1 of the cam 21 is orthogonal to the axis of the pusher 22 L2, and the outer peripheral surface of the cam 21 can directly or indirectly push the first end 221 of the pusher 22 during rotation, such that during the rotation of the cam 21 from its minimum travel position (initial position) where its concave point engages with the pusher 22 to its maximum travel position where its convex point engages with the pusher 22, the cam 21 pushes the pusher 22 along axis L2 from the first position (i.e., the initial position) to the maximum travel position where its convex point engages with the pusher 22. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown) feed towards chuck 30 to the second position (e.g. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown). Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the cam 21 indirectly pushes the push rod 22 via the roller assembly 24. The roller assembly 24 may include a roller shaft 241, a roller 242 rotatably mounted on the roller shaft 241, and a roller shaft mounting base 243 supporting the roller shaft 241. The roller shaft 241 can slide in a straight groove 511 extending along the axis L2 on a first fixed sleeve 51 that forms part of the split housing 50, thereby guiding the push rod 22 to move linearly along the axis L2 and making the movement smoother. Figure 5 As best shown, the second end 222 of the push rod 22, facing the chuck 30 and opposite to the first end 221, is formed into a tapered shape. In this embodiment, the push rod 22 is constructed as a split structure, including a cylindrical section 22a and a tapered section 22b connected to each other. In other embodiments, the push rod 22 may also be constructed as a single piece.

[0031] Furthermore, the push rod 22 can also be configured to rotate about its axis L2. In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the cylindrical section 22a of the push rod 22 has an inclined groove or helical groove 223 extending obliquely relative to the axis L2, which is used to receive the fixedly mounted guide pin 71. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the guide pin 71 is fixed to the second fixed sleeve 52, which forms part of the split housing 50. Thus, while the push rod 22 reciprocates linearly along the axis L2, the inclined groove or spiral groove 223 engages with the guide pin 71 to guide the push rod 22 to rotate around the axis L2.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the chuck 30 may include a mounting ring 31 and a plurality of jaws 32 (six jaws 32 in this embodiment) connected to the mounting ring 31 along the inner circumferential surface of the mounting ring 31, each jaw 32 having the same shape. In other embodiments, other structures different from the mounting ring 31 may be used to connect the plurality of jaws. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the retracted state of the jaws 32, in which the jaws 32 are adjacent to each other and collectively define a tapered chuck end 33 for insertion into the pipe to be expanded. Figure 2 As shown, in the retracted state, each of the claws 32 also collectively defines a conical hollow internal cavity 34 for receiving the conical second end 222 of the push rod 22 of the transmission mechanism 20 in the first position. Each claw 32 can be positioned relative to the mounting ring 31 from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The contraction state shown moves radially outward to, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4The fully expanded state is shown. During this period, push rod 22 moves from the initial first position along axis L2 toward chuck 30 to the second position. The second end 222 of push rod 22 pushes the individual jaws 32 to expand radially outward and separate from each other, thereby expanding the outer diameter of chuck end 33 and forcing the pipe fitted on chuck end 33 to expand. Chuck 30 can also be configured to allow jaws 32 to rotate about axis L2, thereby allowing the pipe to be expanded multiple times at different angular positions to ensure that the inner diameter of the pipe is expanded more uniformly. Specifically, in this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a chuck drive sleeve 72 is provided, which is connected to both the push rod 22 and the jaw 32. The chuck drive sleeve 72 is connected to the radially outer side of the push rod 22 via a one-way bearing 73 and a bushing 74. The bushing 74 is configured to rotate with the push rod 22, and the one-way bearing 73 is configured to transmit the torque of the unidirectional rotation of the push rod 22 only to the chuck drive sleeve 72. The end face teeth 721 provided on the end face of the chuck drive sleeve 72 can engage the corresponding end face teeth on the jaw 32 to transmit torque to the jaw 32. Thus, when the push rod 22 rotates about the axis L2, the chuck drive sleeve 72 cooperates with the one-way bearing 73 to drive the jaw 32 to rotate unidirectionally. In other embodiments, any suitable mechanism can be used to rotate the jaw 32, preferably unidirectionally.

[0033] The transmission mechanism 20 may further include a reset device 25 configured to return the push rod 22 from the second position to the first position along the axis L2. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As best shown, the reset device 25 includes a spring 251 that applies a spring force to the push rod 22 to bias the push rod 22 toward a first position. Figure 4Ideally, one end of the spring 251 abuts against a sleeve 252 arranged around the push rod 22 and reciprocating linearly with the push rod 22, while the opposite end of the spring 251 abuts against a second fixed sleeve 52 that forms part of the split housing 50. If the sleeve 252 is omitted, one end of the spring 251 may also abut directly against a flange located at the first end 221 of the push rod 22. When the cam 21 rotates from its minimum stroke position (where its concave point connects with the push rod 22) to its maximum stroke position (where its convex point connects with the push rod 22), the thrust exerted by the cam 21 on the push rod 22 overcomes the spring force of the spring 251, causing the push rod 22 to move along axis L2 toward the chuck 30 from the first position to the second position. When the cam 21 continues to rotate from its maximum stroke position until it returns to the minimum stroke position, the spring force of the spring 251 forces the push rod 22 away from the chuck 30 along axis L2 back to the first position. In other embodiments, other types of reset devices may also be used. For example, a T-shaped groove can be provided around the outer peripheral surface of the cam 21, and a hook can be provided at the first end 221 of the push rod 22, so that the hook engages in the T-shaped groove. Thus, when the cam 21 rotates, the hook at the first end 221 of the push rod 22 slides within the T-shaped groove of the cam 21, allowing the push rod 22 to automatically follow the cam 21 back to the first position as the cam 21 continues to rotate from its maximum stroke position to its minimum stroke position. Alternatively, a pair of magnets that attract each other can be provided on the cam 21 and the push rod 22, so that the push rod 22 can automatically follow the cam 21 back to the first position as the cam 21 continues to rotate from its maximum stroke position to its minimum stroke position.

[0034] The pipe expander 1 also includes a stroke detection mechanism 60 configured to detect the stroke position of the drive mechanism 20 to determine whether the chuck 32 is in a retracted state. The stroke detection mechanism 60 is associated with the switch 40 and the actuator 10 such that when the user closes the switch 40, the actuator 10 of the pipe expander 1 does not stop immediately, but only stops when the stroke detection mechanism 60 determines that the chuck 32 is in a retracted state. In other words, the pipe expander 1 is configured to close the actuator 10 in response to the switch 40 receiving a user input indicating closure and the stroke detection mechanism 60 detecting that the chuck 32 is in a retracted state. Specifically, the stroke detection mechanism 60 may include a non-contact or contact position sensor configured to detect the stroke position of the cam 21 or push rod 22 or any other associated movable part of the pipe expander 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the stroke detection mechanism 60 includes a Hall sensor 61 and a magnet 62. The Hall sensor 61 may be disposed near the cam 21, for example, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the printed circuit board 63, on which the Hall sensor 61 is mounted, can be fixed to the housing 50, below the cam 21. In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown in the optimal configuration, the magnet 62 is mounted on the cam 21. This embodiment is not limited by the specific arrangement of the Hall sensor 61; it only requires that the relative positions of the Hall sensor 61 and the cam 21 are arranged such that when the cam 21 rotates to its minimum stroke position where its concave point connects with the push rod 22 (i.e., when the push rod 22 is in the first position and the pawl 32 is in the retracted state), the Hall sensor 61 detects the approach of the magnet 62 on the cam 21 and outputs a signal. For example, the Hall sensor 61 and the cam 21 can be arranged such that when the cam 21 rotates to its minimum stroke position where its concave point connects with the push rod 22, the magnet 62 is directly above the Hall sensor 61. Thus, the Hall sensor 61 can output a signal indicating that the pawl 32 is in the retracted state.

[0036] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the Hall sensor 61 and magnet 62 can be arranged in any other suitable location. For example, the Hall sensor 61 can be arranged near the push rod 22 and the magnet 62 can be disposed on the push rod 22, such that the Hall sensor 61 detects the magnet 62 on the push rod 22 when the push rod 22 is in the first position and outputs a signal indicating that the pawl 32 is in the retracted state. Furthermore, the magnet 62 can be arranged on any movable part that moves in association with the cam 21 and / or the push rod 22, and the Hall sensor 61 can be arranged near such movable part. For example, in this embodiment, the roller assembly 24 disposed between the cam 21 and the push rod 22, and the sleeve 252 arranged around the push rod 22, both reciprocate linearly with the push rod 22. Additionally, there may be a rotating component that rotates with the cam 21, such as a camshaft 23 or a reduction gear (not shown) that can be connected between the output end of the driver 10 and the cam 21. Therefore, magnet 62 can also be arranged on any of these movable parts, and Hall sensor 61 can be arranged near the corresponding movable part (e.g., below or to the side) to detect the approach of magnet 62 when push rod 22 is in the first position and output a signal indicating that claw 32 is in the retracted state.

[0037] The pipe expander 1 can be configured to shut down its actuator 10 in response to a user input indicating closure received by switch 40 and a signal from stroke detection mechanism 60 that the chuck 32 is in a retracted state. For example... Figures 1 to 5As shown, the pipe expander 1 may also include a main controller 80. In this embodiment, the main controller 80 is configured as a printed circuit board (PCB). The main controller 80 is electrically and signal-connected to the switch 40, the travel detection mechanism 60 (particularly the Hall sensor 61), and the driver 10 via wired or wireless means. When the switch 40 receives a user input indicating closure, it sends a first closure signal to the main controller 80. When the Hall sensor 61 of the travel detection mechanism 60 detects that the claw 32 is in a retracted state, it sends a second closure signal to the main controller 80. The main controller 80 is configured to control the driver 10 to close when it receives both the first and second closure signals. In particular, the main controller 80 may be configured to control the driver 10 to close when it receives the first and second closure signals sequentially within a predetermined time period (e.g., within 1 second) to prevent the driver 10 from accidentally closing due to sensor malfunction. In addition, the main controller 80 may also be configured to close the driver 10 if it does not receive the second closure signal within a longer predetermined time period (e.g., within 3 seconds) after receiving the first closure signal, to prevent the driver 10 from failing to close due to position sensor failure. In other implementations, the above control relationship can also be implemented by any other suitable hardware and / or software system (e.g., a microcontroller).

[0038] Alternatively, in addition to the Hall sensor 61, the travel detection mechanism 60 may also include any other type of non-contact position sensor, such as electromagnetic, photoelectric, differential transformer, eddy current, or capacitive non-contact position sensors.

[0039] In other embodiments, the travel detection mechanism 60 may also include any suitable type of contact position sensor. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a pipe expander 1' with a contact position sensor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A limit switch 61' is shown as an example of a contact position sensor. This is in addition to replacing the Hall sensor 61 and magnet 62 with a limit switch 61'. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Other aspects of the illustrated implementation are similar to Figures 1 to 6 The implementation methods shown are the same or similar, and will not be described again below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the middle, as referenced above Figures 1 to 6 Components that are identical or similar to the described components are indicated by the same reference numerals with apostrophes.

[0040] like Figure 8 As shown, the limit switch 61' includes a lever 611' and a contact 612'. The lever 611' can... Figure 8The lever 611' moves between the disconnected position and the connected position (not shown). In the disconnected position, the lever 611' is not in contact with the contact 612'; in the connected position, the lever 611' is in contact with the contact 612'. When the lever 611' is not subjected to external force, the lever 611' is in the disconnected position. Figure 7 As shown, the limit switch 61' can be fixed near the cam 21', for example, below the cam 21'. The relative positions of the limit switch 61' and the cam 21' are arranged such that when the cam 21' rotates to its minimum travel position where its concave point engages with the push rod 22' (i.e., when the push rod 22' is in the first position and the pawl 32' is in the retracted state), the cam 21' (e.g., the lower edge of the cam 21') contacts the pressure lever 611' of the limit switch 61' and forces the pressure lever 611' from the open position to the connected position to contact the contact 612'. Thus, the limit switch 61' outputs a signal indicating that the pawl 32' is in the retracted state. When the cam 21' moves to other positions, the cam 21' disengages from the limit switch 61', causing the pressure lever 611' of the limit switch 61' to return to the open position. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the limit switch 61' can also be arranged in any other suitable position. For example, the limit switch 61' can be positioned near the push rod 22' or the roller assembly 24' (e.g., the roller shaft mount 243' in the roller assembly 24') such that when the push rod 22' is in the first position, the pressure lever 611' of the limit switch 61' contacts the push rod 22' or the roller shaft mount 243' and is forced to a contact position with the contact 612', thereby outputting a signal indicating that the pawl 32' is in the retracted state. When the push rod 22', together with the roller shaft mount 243', moves to another position, the push rod 22' or the roller shaft mount 243' disengages from the limit switch 61', causing the pressure lever 611' of the limit switch 61' to return to the open position. In other embodiments, any other suitable contact position sensor besides a limit switch may also be used.

[0041] In conventional pipe expanders, when the user turns off the expander's switch, the actuator immediately shuts off, and the chuck's jaws may remain in any position between the contracted and fully expanded states. Therefore, when restarting the expander, the user usually needs to return the jaws to the contracted state before continuing use. The pipe expander according to this invention is equipped with a stroke detection mechanism for determining whether the chuck's jaws are in the contracted state, and is configured to shut off the actuator only in response to the user input indicating shutdown and the stroke detection mechanism detecting that the jaws are in the contracted state. In other words, the pipe expander according to this invention ensures that the jaws automatically return to the contracted state each time the expander is shut down, facilitating future use. Furthermore, this automatic jaw reset design upon shutdown effectively prevents damage to the jaws in the off state, improving the reliability and service life of the pipe expander.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the pipe expander according to the present invention have been described in detail herein; however, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and shown above. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit and scope. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A pipe expander (1), comprising: Driver (10); A chuck (30) includes a plurality of jaws (32) that are movable between a retracted state and a fully expanded state. In the retracted state, the jaws are adjacent to each other; in the fully expanded state, the jaws expand radially outward. A transmission mechanism (20) connecting the driver and the chuck, the transmission mechanism including a cam (21) and a push rod (22), wherein the driver is configured to drive the cam to rotate, the rotational motion of the cam being converted into linear reciprocating motion of the push rod between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the plurality of jaws are in the retracted state, and in the second position the push rod pushes the plurality of jaws to the fully expanded state; and Switch (40), the switch being electrically connected to the driver, The pipe expander is characterized in that it further includes: A stroke detection mechanism (60) is configured to detect the stroke position of the transmission mechanism to determine whether the plurality of jaws are in the retracted state. The pipe expander is configured to shut down the actuator in response to the switch receiving a user input indicating closure and the stroke detection mechanism detecting that the plurality of jaws are in the contracted state.

2. The pipe expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stroke detection mechanism includes a non-contact or contact position sensor configured to detect the stroke position of the cam or the push rod.

3. The pipe expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is configured as a Hall sensor (61), and a magnet (62) is provided on the cam or the push rod. The Hall sensor is configured to detect the proximity of the magnet when the push rod moves to the first position and output the signal.

4. The pipe expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is configured as a limit switch (61'), which is configured to be triggered to output the signal when the push rod moves to the first position and comes into contact with the cam or the push rod.

5. The pipe expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is located below the cam or the push rod.

6. The pipe expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stroke detection mechanism includes a non-contact or contact position sensor configured to detect the stroke position of a movable part in the pipe expander that moves in association with the cam or the push rod.

7. The pipe expander according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movable component includes any one of the following: a roller assembly (24) disposed between the cam and the push rod and reciprocating linearly with the push rod; a sleeve (252) arranged around the push rod and reciprocating linearly with the push rod; and a rotating component that rotates with the cam.

8. The pipe expander according to claim 6, characterized in that, The position sensor includes any of the following: a Hall sensor that detects the proximity of a magnet disposed on the movable part, or a limit switch configured to be triggered by contact with the movable part.

9. The pipe expander according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The pipe expander also includes a main controller (80), which is electrically and signal-connected to the switch (40), the stroke detection mechanism (60), and the driver (10) via wired or wireless means, and is configured to: When the switch (40) receives a user input indicating that it should be closed, it sends a first closing signal to the main controller. When the travel detection mechanism (60) detects that the plurality of claws are in the retracted state, it sends a second closing signal to the main controller. When the main controller (80) receives both the first closing signal and the second closing signal, it shuts down the driver (10).

10. The pipe expander according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main controller (80) is constructed as a printed circuit board.

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