A chuck structure for an electric pipe expander and an electric pipe expander

Abstract

The utility model relates to electric tool technical field especially, it relates to a chuck structure and electric pipe expander for electric pipe expander, including chuck and drive mechanism. The chuck includes fixed clamp block, movable clamp block, is equipped with the guide column on fixed clamp block, and movable clamp block slidingly covers and sets up on the guide column. The chuck still includes: reset spring, covers and sets up on the guide column, baffle, rotatably located in fixed clamp block and located in the front of pipe piece extension path, elastic part, act on the baffle, and make it have the tendency of stopping in the pipe piece extension path, push part, be located in movable clamp block, wherein, when movable clamp block moves towards fixed clamp block, push part pushes baffle and rotates, makes it exit pipe piece extension path. The structure can one key start, and automatic complete clamping, pipe expansion and loosen whole process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power tool technology, and in particular to a chuck structure for an electric pipe expander and an electric pipe expander. Background Technology

[0002] Pipe expanders are essential tools in industries such as refrigeration and air conditioning installation for flaring the ends of copper pipes and other tubing. Currently, commercially available electric pipe expanders generally suffer from cumbersome operation procedures, reliance on manual labor, and inability to operate continuously. The operator must first remove the entire clamp and manually open the clamping port to insert the pipe fitting; then, align the clamped pipe fitting with the clamp and place it into the expanding chamber of the expander; and finally, tighten the clamp by rotating the handle or operating a separate locking mechanism to ensure it doesn't loosen during processing. Only after completing all these manual steps can the machine be started to expand the pipe. After processing, the locking mechanism must be loosened to remove the entire clamp from the expanding chamber, and finally, the clamp must be manually loosened again to remove the pipe fitting. This complex operation requires high operator skill and is inefficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a pipe expander solution that simplifies operation and enables "one-click" automated operation, improving work efficiency and user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide a clamp structure and electric pipe expander for an electric pipe expander that can be started with one button and automatically complete the entire process of clamping, expanding and releasing.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is: This utility model discloses a clamp structure for an electric pipe expander, including a clamp and a driving mechanism. The clamp includes a fixed clamp block and a movable clamp block. The fixed clamp block is provided with a guide post. The movable clamp block is slidably sleeved on the guide post. The driving mechanism is used to drive the movable clamp block to move toward the fixed clamp block. The chuck also includes: A reset spring, sleeved on the guide post, is used to drive the movable clamping block to move away from the fixed clamping block; A baffle plate is rotatably mounted on the fixed clamp and located in front of the pipe insertion path; An elastic element acts on the baffle and tends to stop the tube from extending into the path of the tube. A pushing part is provided on the movable clamping block; When the movable clamping block moves toward the fixed clamping block, the pushing part can push the baffle to rotate, causing it to exit the pipe insertion path.

[0005] This structure enables one-button start-up. The operator simply inserts the pipe fitting and starts the equipment; the drive mechanism automatically drives the movable clamping block to complete the clamping. During clamping, the baffle plate is automatically pushed open to make way for pipe expansion. After expansion, the system automatically controls the drive mechanism to reset, the movable clamping block automatically releases under the action of the return spring, and the baffle plate automatically resets under the action of the elastic element. The entire process requires no manual clamping, insertion, or locking steps, greatly simplifying operation. Furthermore, through the coordinated action of the baffle plate and the pusher, axial limiting is automatically performed when inserting the pipe fitting, ensuring consistent insertion depth. The limiting is automatically released during clamping, effectively guaranteeing processing quality and preventing equipment damage.

[0006] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric tube expander described in this utility model, the elastic element is a torsion spring. The torsion spring structure is simple, reliable in operation, and can effectively provide the return torque for the baffle plate.

[0007] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, a pin is fixedly mounted on the fixed clamping block, the baffle is rotatably sleeved on the pin, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin with one end fixed to the fixed clamping block and the other end connected to the baffle. This structure is compact, integrating the rotating parts and elastic elements on the pin, facilitating assembly and maintenance.

[0008] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, the driving mechanism includes a drive motor, a coupling driven by the drive motor, a screw, and a fixed nut; the screw is threadedly connected to the fixed nut; the screw and the coupling are connected in a circumferentially fixed and axially sliding manner, and the end of the screw is in push-contact contact with the movable clamping block. This driving method converts the rotational motion of the motor into the linear motion of the screw, resulting in smooth transmission, large thrust, and a self-locking function, ensuring reliable clamping.

[0009] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, the drive motor is a geared motor. A geared motor can provide greater output torque, meeting the high torque requirements of pipe expanding operations.

[0010] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, the coupling has an axially oriented groove, and the outer peripheral wall of the screw has a protruding limiting pin, which is slidably disposed within the groove. This connection structure is simple and effective, ensuring the reliability of power transmission while allowing the screw to move axially.

[0011] Furthermore, in the clamp structure for the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, the pushing part is a pushing protrusion protruding from the movable clamping block. The pushing protrusion has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and can reliably drive the baffle plate to rotate.

[0012] This utility model also discloses an electric pipe expander, including a housing and the aforementioned clamp structure for electric pipe expanders, with the drive mechanism disposed within the housing. The housing is provided with a clamp replacement port for loading and unloading the clamp, and a pipe insertion port for inserting pipe fittings to be clamped by the clamp. This design allows the clamp to be quickly assembled and disassembled as a single independent module, greatly facilitating replacement, cleaning, and maintenance, and improving work efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, in the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, a reinforcing cover plate is also provided on the outer shell at the pipe inlet to enhance the structural strength of the outer shell at that location.

[0014] Furthermore, in the electric pipe expander described in this utility model, the outer shell is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the fixed clamping block is provided with a positioning groove that cooperates with the positioning protrusion; the movable clamping block is provided with a positioning conical hole for cooperating with the output end of the drive structure. This structure ensures that the clamping module can be automatically and accurately aligned after installation, guaranteeing the stability of power transmission and the accuracy of clamping.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model enables one-button fully automatic operation, realizing full automation from inserting the pipe fitting to completing the processing. The operator only needs to start the equipment to automatically complete all actions of clamping, expanding, and releasing and resetting, completely eliminating the tedious steps of manual clamping, insertion, and locking, making the operation extremely simple.

[0016] 2. By setting a baffle driven by an elastic element and a pusher that moves together with the movable clamping block, this utility model can automatically limit the axial movement of the pipe fitting when it is inserted, thus limiting the insertion depth of the pipe fitting. It can also automatically push the baffle to avoid interference with the clamping action during the clamping process, thus realizing the automatic coordination of the limiting and clamping functions and effectively ensuring the consistency of processing quality.

[0017] 3. This utility model designs the chuck as a module that can be picked up and put in one piece through the replacement port on the outer shell, realizing the quick replacement, cleaning and maintenance of the chuck, greatly improving work efficiency and reducing downtime.

[0018] 4. This utility model adopts a transmission method in the drive mechanism that uses a screw and a fixed nut, and achieves "circumferential fixation and axial sliding" connection between the screw and the motor through a coupling. This efficiently converts the rotational motion of the motor into the linear pushing motion of the screw, resulting in smooth transmission, large thrust, and good self-locking. At the same time, it makes the entire drive layout more compact and effectively utilizes the internal space of the equipment.

[0019] 5. This utility model ensures that the chuck module can be automatically and accurately aligned after being installed in the housing by setting positioning protrusions and grooves on the outer shell and the chuck, and setting positioning cone holes on the movable chuck block to cooperate with the output end of the drive mechanism. The power transmission is stable and reliable, and the operation is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure for the electric tube expander.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the clamp structure for the electric tube expander.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of the electric expander.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the chuck in a closed state.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the chuck in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To more clearly demonstrate the core innovation of this utility model—the clamp structure—the tube expanding structure of the electric tube expander has been omitted from all the above figures and corresponding descriptions. The clamp structure and electric tube expander of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example 1

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the clamp structure of the electric pipe expander in this embodiment mainly includes a clamp and a drive mechanism. The clamp includes a fixed clamping block 1, a movable clamping block 2, a guide post 3, a return spring 8, a baffle 4, a torsion spring 5, and a push protrusion 6. The fixed clamping block 1 and the movable clamping block 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and their opposite inner surfaces are each recessed with a semi-circular clamping groove, which forms a clamping opening for clamping pipe fittings when they are closed. At least one guide post 3 is fixedly installed on the fixed clamping block 1; in this embodiment, two guide posts are used as an example. The movable clamping block 2 is slidably installed on the guide post 3 by direct sleeve. The drive mechanism is used to drive the movable clamping block 2 to move toward the fixed clamping block 1. The return spring 8 is sleeved on the guide post 3, and its two ends abut against the fixed clamping block 1 and the movable clamping block 2 respectively, providing the movable clamping block 2 with a continuous return force away from the fixed clamping block.

[0028] Combination Figures 5-6A baffle 4 is rotatably mounted on the fixed clamping block 1 via a fixed pin 7. The baffle 4 is located in front of the clamping groove of the fixed clamping block 1, i.e., in front of the pipe insertion direction. A torsion spring 5, acting as an elastic element, is sleeved on the pin 7. One end of the torsion spring 5 is fixed to a fixed point on the fixed clamping block 1, and the other end is engaged in a notch on the baffle 4. Under the action of the torsion spring 5, the baffle 4 has a tendency to continuously steer towards the pipe insertion path, thereby stopping the insertion of the pipe in its natural state and limiting the insertion length of the inserted pipe.

[0029] A push protrusion 6 is provided on the movable clamping block 2. When the drive mechanism drives the movable clamping block 2 to move toward the fixed clamping block 1 to perform the clamping action, the push protrusion 6 will move accordingly and push against the baffle 4, forcing the baffle 4 to rotate against the elastic force of the torsion spring 5, thereby withdrawing from the pipe insertion path and making room for the clamping of the pipe.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive mechanism includes a geared motor 11 as a power source. The output shaft of the geared motor 11 is connected to a screw 13 via a coupling 12. A fixing nut 14 is fixed inside the electric expander, and the screw 13 and the fixing nut 14 form a threaded pair.

[0031] The key point is that the connection between the screw 13 and the coupling 12 is a "circumferentially fixed, axially sliding" connection. The specific implementation is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the coupling 12 has a U-shaped groove 17 at its end. One end of the screw 13 is inserted into the coupling 12, and a positioning hole is radially provided on its outer peripheral wall. A limiting pin 19 passes through and is fixed in the positioning hole and protrudes from the outer wall of the screw 13. Both ends of the limiting pin can slide axially into the U-shaped groove 17. This structure allows the coupling 12 to transmit the rotational power of the geared motor 11 to the screw 13, making it rotate synchronously, while allowing the screw 13 to move axially relative to the coupling 12 while rotating. When the screw 13 rotates, since the fixing nut 14 is stationary, according to the principle of thread transmission, the screw 13 itself will move axially, and its end will eventually push against the movable clamping block 2, thereby driving the movable clamping block 2 to move towards the fixed clamping block 1 to perform the clamping action. Example 2

[0032] like Figure 3As shown, the electric pipe expander of this embodiment includes a housing 9. A drive mechanism is fixed inside the housing 9. The side wall of the housing 9 is provided with a clamp replacement port 18 for placing and removing the clamp, and the front end of the housing 9 is provided with a pipe insertion port for inserting a pipe fitting to be clamped by the clamp. The entire clamp, consisting of a fixed clamping block 1, a movable clamping block 2, a guide post 3, a return spring 8, a baffle 4, a torsion spring 5, and a push protrusion 6, is inserted into or removed from the housing 9 as a whole through the clamp replacement port 18.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 To ensure precise positioning of the chuck after it is installed in the housing 9, a positioning protrusion (not shown in the figure) is provided on the inner wall of the housing 9, and a corresponding positioning groove 15 is provided at the corresponding position of the fixing block 1. When the chuck module is installed, the protrusion and the groove cooperate to ensure accurate positioning of the chuck in the horizontal direction.

[0034] Simultaneously refer to Figure 2 A positioning cone hole 16 is also provided on the movable clamping block 2. When the clamping module is installed in place, the output end of the screw 13 of the drive mechanism is precisely inserted into this positioning cone hole 16. The structure of the cone hole can play a guiding and self-centering role, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of power transmission.

[0035] To enhance the structural strength of the outer casing 9 around the pipe insertion inlet and prevent deformation or cracking due to excessive stress during pipe expansion operations, a U-shaped reinforcing cover plate 10 is fixedly installed on the outer casing surface where the pipe insertion inlet is located using fasteners. This U-shaped reinforcing cover plate 10 has corresponding openings for the pipe insertion inlet and the clamp replacement port 18 on the outer casing 9, thereby ensuring effective reinforcement while guaranteeing the normal insertion of the pipe and smooth loading and unloading of the clamp module.

[0036] Working principle: First, the pipe fitting is inserted into the clamping groove of the fixed clamping block 1. The end of the pipe fitting is stopped when it hits the baffle 4, ensuring consistent insertion depth. The reduction motor 11 is started, and the screw 13 rotates and pushes forward, pushing the movable clamping block 2 against the spring force of the return spring 8 towards the fixed clamping block 1. During this process, the push-protrusion 6 pushes open the baffle 4, allowing it to pass. Subsequently, the movable clamping block 2 and the fixed clamping block 1 together clamp the pipe fitting, completing the pipe expansion process. Then, the reduction motor 11 reverses, and the screw 13 retracts. The movable clamping block 2 resets under the action of the return spring 8, and the baffle 4 automatically rotates back to the limit position under the action of the torsion spring 5, allowing the pipe fitting to be removed.

[0037] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model are still covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A clamp structure for an electric tube expander, characterized in that, The device includes a chuck and a drive mechanism. The chuck includes a fixed clamping block and a movable clamping block. The fixed clamping block is provided with a guide post. The movable clamping block is slidably sleeved on the guide post. The drive mechanism is used to drive the movable clamping block to move toward the fixed clamping block. The chuck also includes: A reset spring, sleeved on the guide post, is used to drive the movable clamping block to move away from the fixed clamping block; A baffle plate is rotatably mounted on the fixed clamp and located in front of the pipe insertion path; An elastic element acts on the baffle and tends to stop the tube from extending into the path of the tube. A pushing part is provided on the movable clamping block; When the movable clamping block moves toward the fixed clamping block, the pushing part can push the baffle to rotate, causing it to exit the pipe insertion path.

2. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a torsion spring.

3. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pin is fixedly provided on the fixed clamping block, the baffle is rotatably sleeved on the pin, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin with one end fixed to the fixed clamping block and the other end connected to the baffle.

4. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a coupling driven by the drive motor, a screw, and a fixed nut; the screw is threadedly connected to the fixed nut; the screw is circumferentially fixed and axially slidingly connected to the coupling, and the end of the screw is in push contact with the movable clamping block.

5. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive motor is a geared motor.

6. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 4, characterized in that, The coupling has a sliding groove along the axial direction, and the screw has a limiting pin protruding from its outer peripheral wall. The limiting pin is slidably disposed in the sliding groove.

7. The clamp structure for an electric pipe expander according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing part is a pushing protrusion that protrudes from the movable clamping block.

8. An electric pipe expander, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a clamp structure for an electric pipe expander as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the drive mechanism is disposed within the housing; the housing is provided with a clamp replacement port for picking up and placing the clamp, and a pipe insertion port for inserting a pipe fitting to be clamped by the clamp.

9. The electric pipe expander according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer casing is also provided with a reinforcing cover plate on the side where the pipe extends.

10. The electric tube expander according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing has a positioning protrusion inside, and the fixed clamping block has a positioning groove that mates with the positioning protrusion; the movable clamping block has a positioning cone hole for mates with the output end of the drive structure.

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