Claims:We Claim:
1. An automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes, an automatic device comprising:
? a center pipe rotator to support and cut pipe;
? a pipe cut bit supporting rollers (1) configured to hold both cut bits of pipe when the pipe is cut in to two pieces;
? a pipe rotating rollers (2) configured to support the pipe while gas cutting;
? a laser light positioning pipe (3) configured to set and focus a laser light (4) at predetermined height according to the pipe diameter and cutting point;
? a cutting torch locking screw knob (5) configured to lock the cutting torch position and adjust height and length of a cutting torch (7) according to cutting point of the pipe;
? a cross pipes (6) configured to permit the movement of cutting torch (7) along with the length of pipe;
? a main column pipe (8) forms base for fixing the cross pipe;
? a cross pipe locking screw knob (9) configured to adjust height and length of the cross pipe according to the required cutting point;
? an Acetylene gas hose (10) configured to supply acetylene gas for the cutting torch (7);
? an Oxygen gas hose (11) configured to supply oxygen gas for the cutting torch (7);
? travelling wheels (12) configured to move the center pipe rotator unit on rails, and
? a diameter adjustment screw rod (13) configured to adjust the length, height, and angle of the cutting torch (7).

2. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laser light (4) is used to monitor pipe cutting point while the gas cutting.

3. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-2, wherein the cutting torch (7) is configured to cut the pipes with good surface finish.

4. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the main column pipe (8) configured to permit the cross pipe (6) to move in up-down and swivel movement.

5. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein an nozzle angle adjustment knob provided to adjust the angle of the nozzle for edge preparation of the pipes;

6. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein a back end pipe rotator comprise a motor and a gear box assembly which configured to provide an automated pipe rotation during gas cutting process.

7. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein the movable column pipe (8) configured for adjusting height of cutting torch according to diameter of pipe

8. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-7, wherein the adjustable cross pipe configured for easy setting of cutting point in forward, reverse or up and down directions over the column pipe (8).

9. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-8, wherein the oxy-acetylene nozzle assembly produces cutting edges with good surface finish.

10. The automatic device for cutting pipes as claimed in claim 1-9, wherein the rail track arrangement is provided which permits individual and combined movement of three types of pipe rotator units along the length of pipe to cut pipe
, Description:AN AUTOMATIC DEVICE FOR CUTTING PIPES USING GAS CUTTING OPERATION AND EDGE PREPARATION OF PIPES
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to an automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arrangement for cutting and edge preparation of pipes (for low thickness pipes) using oxy-acetylene gas. Further, an arrangement to automate pipe rotation and reduce gas cutting time, reduce gas consumption, and improve safety during oxy – acetylene gas cutting of pipe along with edge preparation provision (for low thickness pipes) in comparison to manual cutting using oxy acetylene flame.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Any steel pipe fabrication unit procures pipes as raw material in various optimal diameters, lengths and thickness as per their requirements. Once the pipes are taken for production, marking of pipe is done as per the cutting plan taking into consideration the economic usage of the material. After marking, the pipes are cut to required lengths. A common method to cut pipes is, manually by oxy-acetylene gas cutting method. The method requires marking and punching the cutting line along the circumference of pipe. The pipe has to be rotated for cutting in 1G position. The resultant cutting edge of pipe is very rough which in turn increases the difficulty of machining the edges in edge preparation machines. The operator (welder) faces continuous heat while carrying out the operation.
[0004] The gap and angle maintained between cutting torch and pipe play a crucial role in final output. However, in manual cutting controlling these parameters is very difficult and require high skill of operator. Failure to maintain right gap and angle would result in slag blocking the torch nozzle. Also, the slag keeps the cut piece of pipe intact with parent pipe. Flashback and backfire are possible due to damaged cutting torch It creates a safety hazard. Needless to say, this method has many associated risks (manually handling/ rotating pipes of heavy weight up to/ more than 10 MT) and consumes more time and fuel while delivering low quality edges in pipes.
[0005] After cutting operation, the pipe edges are to be prepared for butt welding. This process is done in Edge Preparation (EP) machines which also takes some time for loading, setting, operation and unloading.
PRIOR ARTS
[0006] The Chinese patent CN202428472U discloses an automatic cutting machine for tubular or rod like flexible materials. The utility model relates to an automatic cutting machine for tubular or rod like flexible materials. The mechanism makes use of a power driven blade to cut tubes and rods. The above patent is applicable for smaller pipes and rods and not for larger metallic pipes for industrial application. Moreover, there is no provision for EP in the model.
[0007] The Chinese patent CN211889360 discloses mechanical automatic flame cutting machine. Further, the utility model discloses a mechanical automatic flame cutting machine which comprises a flame cutting machine body, a fixator is installed on a cross beam of the flame cutting machine body. The nozzle can be slid along the cross beam. There is only one degree of freedom for the cutting nozzle in this model, but our new invention has 8 degrees of freedom.
[0008] The Chinese patent CN204430518 discloses Automatic rotation flame cutting machine. Further, the utility model discloses a flame cutting machine having an automatic rotation function. The flame cutting machine comprises a connecting pipe with the flame cutting nozzle connected at one end of the pipe. The connecting pipe along with the flame cutting nozzle can be rotated. However, there is no provision for edge preparation in this machine unlike our new invention.
[0009] Hence, in order to overcome the above shortcomings, a new cutting arrangement with EP facility (EP for low thickness pipes) has been developed.
[0010] Therefore, a need exists for an automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes. Hence, the present invention has been introduced.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0012] It is a general or primary object of the present disclosure to provide an automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes which obviates the disadvantages of the known art(s).
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a gas cutting machine with automatic pipe rotation and automatic gas cutting facility for pipe gas cutting operation, which complete the desired gas cutting operation in less time with relatively less amount of fuel consumption.
[0014] Further object of the invention is to provide a good surface finish of pipe edges which will increase cutting tool life and increase welder’s safety and comfort.
[0015] Furthermore object of the invention is to integrate Edge preparation operation of low thickness pipes along with cutting in a single stroke.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present disclosure is illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0018] According to this invention, it has been principally decided to making a gas cutting and edge preparation machine with automatic pipe rotation and automatic cutting facility for pipes using oxy acetylene gas.
[0019] Job rotators are arranged with wheel and track assembly to rotate pipe at adjustable speeds (rpm). Also, this arrangement can be used to rotate pipes of different diameters and lengths. This arrangement totally eliminates manual pipe rotation during gas cutting process. Oxy Acetylene cutting torch is fixed to job rotator using a column assembly. Laser light is fixed in the arrangement to visualize the cutting line. This eliminates the need for marking and punching in pipe.
[0020] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figure in which like numerals represent like components.
[0022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] Fig. 1 shows the front end pipe rotator driven, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Fig. 2 shows the back end pipe rotator driver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 3 shows the center pipe rotator with gas cutting and laser light monitoring assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0028] Fig. 4 shows the schematic diagram of work piece secured in the work holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to con all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0032] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding an automatic device for cutting pipes using gas cutting operation and edge preparation of pipes.
[0033] Reference may be made to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of the pipe rotator driven unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pipe rotator driven unit is used to rotate and support one end of pipe. Diameter adjustment screw rod (1) is used for adjusting width so that the pipes of varying diameter can be accommodated. Pipe supporting rollers (2) are used to support and rotate pipe at one end while gas cutting process. Travelling wheels (3) are used to move pipe rotator arrangement on rails so that pipes of varying lengths can be supported.
[0034] Referring to Figure 2 showing schematic diagram of the pipe rotator drive unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pipe rotator drive unit is used to rotate and support other end of pipes. The pipes of varying diameter and length can be accommodated using mechanisms similar to driven unit. In addition, the drive unit is fitted with motor and gear box which rotates the rollers. Motor and gear box assembly (2) is used to rotate pipe supporting rollers (1). Pipe rotating rollers (1) in turn rotate the pipe during gas cutting process. Diameter adjustment screw rod (3) is used for adjusting width so that the pipes of varying diameter can be accommodated. Travelling wheels (4) are used to move pipe rotator driven arrangement on rails so that pipes of varying lengths can be supported.
[0035] Figure 3 shows schematic diagram of the center pipe rotator with gas cutting and laser light monitoring assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The center pipe rotator is used to support and cut pipe. It has multiple parts for gas cutting and laser light monitoring during pipe cutting process. Pipe cut bit supporting rollers (1) are used to hold both cut bits of pipe after the pipe is cut in to two pieces. These rollers prevent pipe from falling on ground after cutting operation. Pipe rotating rollers (2) are used to support pipe during gas cutting process. Laser light positioning pipe (3) is used to set and focus laser light at required height according to pipe diameter and cutting point. Laser light (4) is used to monitor pipe cutting point during gas cutting process. Cutting torch locking screw knob (5) is used to lock the cutting torch position and adjust height and length of cutting torch according to cutting point of pipe. The nozzle angle adjustment knob can be used to adjust the angle of nozzle for edge preparation of thin wall pipes. Cross pipes (6) permit movement of cutting torch along the length of pipe. Cutting torch (7) is used to cut high thickness pipes with good surface finish. Main column pipe (8) forms base for fixing cross pipe and its accessories. This main column pipe (8) permits cross pipe to move in up-down and swivel movement. Cross pipe locking screw knob (9) is used to adjust height and length of cross pipe as per required cutting point. Acetylene gas hose (10) is used to supply acetylene gas for cutting torch. (11) Oxygen gas hose is used to supply oxygen gas for cutting torch. Travelling wheels (12) are used to move center pipe rotator unit on rails to required position where cutting is to be done. Diameter adjustment Screw rod (13) is used for adjusting width so that the pipes of varying diameter can be accommodated.
[0036] Figure 4 shows schematic diagram of the automatic pipe gas cutting device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The automatic pipe gas cutting device is used to cut pipe to required length. Pipe rotator driven unit (1) is used for rotating and supporting pipes of varying diameter and length at one end of pipe. Pipe rotator drive unit (3) is used for supporting the other end of pipe and to rotate the pipe using motor and gear box assembly. The speed of rotation can be varied electronically. Pipes of varying diameter can be accommodated by varying the width/ gap between rollers. Center pipe rotator (2) is used to support and cut pipe. It has multiple parts for gas cutting and laser light monitoring during pipe gas cutting process. Rail track arrangement (4) permits movement of all three rotator units to any place and distance between roller units can be varied based on requirement.
[0037] An automatic pipe gas cutting device used for cutting pipe with help of various parts of machine. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with provision for edge preparation of thin wall pipes along with cutting. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with provisions for width/ diameter adjustment using Screw rods for adjusting axial distance between pipe supporting rollers in each roller unit according to pipe diameter. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with travelling wheels used to move centre pipe rotator unit to different length portion of rails corresponding to length of the cutting pipe. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with three pipe rotators for completely supporting the pipes at three locations. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with automated pipe rotation during gas cutting process by using back end pipe rotator which has motor and gear box assembly. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with Laser pointer for identifying exact gas cutting line on pipe during cutting. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with movable Column pipe for adjusting height of cutting torch according to diameter of pipe. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with adjustable cross pipe for easy setting of cutting point in forward, reverse or up & down directions over column pipe. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with oxy-acetylene nozzle assembly which produces cutting edges with good surface finish. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with adjustable screw knobs for adjusting length, height and angle of cutting torch. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with adjustable screw knobs for adjusting length, height and angle of cross pipe. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with adjustable screw knobs for adjusting the angle of pipe edge preparation depending on the EP style. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with supporting rollers to hold the cut pipe after the gas cutting operation. An automatic pipe gas cutting device with rail track arrangement which permits individual and combined movement of three types of pipe rotator units along the length of pipe to cut pipe.
[0038] Working of invention
[0039] The device is being successfully used in various pipe cutting applications for pipe thickness up to 80mm and for edge preparation of pipes with thickness up to 14 mm.
[0040] Advantages
[0041] Marking in one point and cutting line is monitored with Laser arrangement
[0042] Pipe rotates continuously with help of job rotator – Motorized
[0043] Pipe is cut continuously for full circumference with desired speed.
[0044] The finish is smooth and perfect compared to manual cutting.
[0045] Productivity is more compared to manual cutting, i.e., cutting time is less.
[0046] Pipes of various sizes can be easily accommodated, so the fixture setting time is less between two different cuts.
[0047] Further processing of Cut pipes like Edge Preparation is easy as the finish is good.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0048] There is a plurality of features which are listed as technical advantages below:
[0049] The present disclosure provides an automatic device for cutting pipes of different diameter and length by using gas cutting operation along with edge preparation of thin wall pipes which obviates the disadvantages of the known art(s).
[0050] The present disclosure provides a gas cutting machine with automatic pipe rotation and automatic gas cutting facility for pipe gas cutting operation. The new development that will complete the desired gas cutting operation in less time with relatively less amount of fuel consumption.
[0051] The present disclosure provides a good surface finish of pipe edges which will increase cutting tool life and increase welder’s safety and comfort.
[0052] The present disclosure provides an integrate edge preparation operation of low thickness pipes along with cutting in a single stroke.
[0053] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0054] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0055] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.
[0056] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0058] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0059] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.