Liquid cooling plate assembling machine, assembling line and assembling method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of liquid cooling plate assembly machine, assembly line and assembly method, liquid cooling plate assembly machine includes assembly unit, feed unit and recovery unit, assembly unit includes harmonica tube positioning slot, harmonica tube shaping jig, multiple assembly jigs, harmonica tube clamp, first movement mechanism and second movement mechanism, harmonica tube positioning slot is used to carry and position harmonica tube, harmonica tube shaping jig is used to shape the end of harmonica tube, assembly jig is used to carry and position small material, harmonica tube clamp is used to carry and hold harmonica tube, feed unit includes multiple feed channels, recovery unit includes recovery channel.The present application can realize the semi-automatic or full-automatic assembly of liquid cooling plate, save manpower, and improve the assembly quality of liquid cooling plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling plate assembly technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling plate assembly machine, assembly line and assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, whose performance is significantly affected by temperature. When an electric vehicle operates under different conditions, the lithium-ion battery charges and discharges at different rates, causing heat to accumulate within the battery pack. For battery packs using liquid cooling, the heat generated by the battery is conducted to the liquid surface through the liquid cooling system, and then carried away from the battery pack through liquid circulation, thus enhancing heat exchange, controlling battery temperature, and ensuring the battery operates within a safe temperature range. Considering processing flatness and transportation convenience, liquid cooling systems are generally composed of multiple liquid cooling plates connected by pipes. Liquid cooling plates come in various forms, among which harmonica tubes are widely used due to their simple structure, high production efficiency, ease of mass production, and ability to meet lightweight requirements. The ends of the harmonica tube require welding rings, water-blocking plates, and current collectors. The water-blocking plates seal the connection between the harmonica tube and the current collector, while the welding rings weld the harmonica tube to the current collector. Currently, most liquid cooling plates are assembled manually. This is not only very labor-intensive, but also difficult to control the force applied during manual assembly, and prone to errors, resulting in a low yield rate of the final product. In the assembly of liquid cooling plates, how to improve product quality, save manpower, and increase productivity is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the problems of low yield, waste of manpower, and low production efficiency in the prior art.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a liquid-cooled plate assembly machine, including a first frame, on which an assembly unit, a feeding unit and a recycling unit are arranged from top to bottom;

[0005] The assembly unit includes a harmonica tube positioning groove, a harmonica tube shaping fixture, multiple assembly fixtures, a harmonica tube clamp, a first motion mechanism, and a second motion mechanism. The harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube shaping fixture, and the multiple assembly fixtures are arranged at intervals along the positive horizontal X-axis. The harmonica tube positioning groove is used to support and position the harmonica tube. The harmonica tube shaping fixture is used to shape the end of the harmonica tube. The assembly fixture is used to support and position small materials. The harmonica tube clamp is used to support and hold the harmonica tube. The held harmonica tube extends along a first inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis, with its drooping end facing the front of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The first motion mechanism connects to the harmonica tube clamp and drives the harmonica tube to move along the first inclined direction. The second motion mechanism connects to the harmonica tube. The tube clamp and the first motion mechanism drive the harmonica tube to move along the horizontal X-axis. When the harmonica tube moves along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis, it passes sequentially above the harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube shaping fixture, and the above of the multiple fixture mechanisms. When the harmonica tube above the harmonica tube positioning groove moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the harmonica tube positioning groove for positioning and then moves out of the harmonica tube positioning groove. When the harmonica tube above the harmonica tube shaping fixture moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the harmonica tube shaping fixture for shaping and then moves out of the harmonica tube shaping fixture. When the harmonica tube above the assembly fixture moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the assembly fixture and is inserted together with the small material before moving out of the assembly fixture.

[0006] The feeding unit includes multiple feeding channels, which are arranged at intervals along the horizontal X-axis. Each feeding channel extends along a second inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The lower end of each feeding channel faces the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. Under its own weight, the full material box slides along the feeding channel from the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine.

[0007] The recycling unit includes a recycling channel that extends along a third inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The downward end of the recycling channel faces the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. Empty material boxes and defective product collection boxes slide along the recycling channel from the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine under their own weight.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harmonica tube positioning groove includes:

[0009] The positioning cavity has an opening facing obliquely upward, and the positioning cavity is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube;

[0010] The first fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is properly inserted into the positioning slot cavity. The opposing position of the first fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the positioning slot cavity.

[0011] The first endoscope monitoring head is used to detect whether the end of the harmonica tube inserted into the positioning slot is the end of the small material to be assembled.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harmonica tube shaping fixture includes:

[0013] A shaping cavity, the opening of which faces obliquely upward, the shaping cavity mimics the shape of a current collector and has a draft angle, the shaping cavity is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube and correct the shape of the lower end of the harmonica tube;

[0014] The second fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is properly inserted into the shaping cavity. The opposing position of the second fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the shaping cavity.

[0015] The second endoscope monitoring head is used to detect whether the shaping process of the harmonica tube in the shaping cavity is correct;

[0016] A cleaning port is provided for discharging aluminum shavings generated during the shaping process.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of assembly fixtures include a welding ring assembly fixture, a water baffle assembly fixture, and a current collector assembly fixture. The welding ring assembly fixture, the water baffle assembly fixture, and the current collector assembly fixture are arranged sequentially along the horizontal X-axis direction. The welding ring assembly fixture is used to place the welding ring, the water baffle assembly fixture is used to place the water baffle, and the current collector assembly fixture is used to place the current collector.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly fixture includes:

[0019] Small material cavity, the opening of the small material cavity faces obliquely upward, the small material cavity is made of POM material and is used to accommodate small materials;

[0020] The third fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is inserted into the small material cavity. The opposing position of the third fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the small material cavity.

[0021] A demolding auxiliary structure is installed at the bottom of the small material cavity. When the harmonica tube clamp drives the lower end of the harmonica tube to detach from the small material cavity, the demolding auxiliary structure pushes the small material out of the small material cavity under the elastic restoring force of the elastic restoring component.

[0022] A fourth fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether a small material has come out of the small material cavity. The opposing position of the fourth fiber optic sensor is close to the cavity opening of the small material cavity.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harmonica tube clamp includes a Unicorn clamp plate, a guide rod for guiding the movement of the Unicorn clamp plate, and a force control system for controlling the clamping force of the Unicorn clamp plate.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the harmonica tube moves along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis and then returns to the position above the harmonica tube positioning groove along the negative direction of the horizontal X-axis.

[0025] This invention also provides another technical solution: a liquid cooling plate assembly line, comprising: arranged sequentially along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis;

[0026] The harmonica tube storage area is used to place multiple first harmonica tube turnover carts, and the first harmonica tube turnover carts are used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes.

[0027] The first turnover cart placement area is used to place the first harmonica tube turnover cart transferred from the harmonica tube storage area. The first harmonica tube turnover cart is used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes.

[0028] The first assembly area is equipped with a first assembly machine. The first assembly machine receives unassembled harmonica tubes from the first harmonica tube turnover cart and assembles multiple small materials sequentially onto one end of the harmonica tube. The first assembly machine is the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine described above.

[0029] The second turnover cart placement area is used to place the second harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the first assembly machine.

[0030] The first welding area is equipped with a first welding machine. The first welding machine receives one end of the harmonica tube assembly from the second harmonica tube turnover cart and welds one end of the harmonica tube to the small material.

[0031] The third turnover cart placement area is used to place the third harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives a welding harmonica tube from one end of the first welding machine.

[0032] The second assembly area is equipped with a second assembly machine. The second assembly machine receives a harmonica tube from one end of the third harmonica tube turnover cart and assembles multiple small materials sequentially to the other end of the harmonica tube. The second assembly machine is the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine.

[0033] The fourth turntable placement area is used to place the fourth harmonica tube turntable, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the second assembly machine.

[0034] The second welding area is equipped with a second welding machine, which receives the two ends of the harmonica tube assembly from the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart and welds the other end of the harmonica tube to the small material.

[0035] The fifth turnover cart placement area is used to place the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives the two ends of the welding harmonica tube from the second welding machine.

[0036] The coding area is equipped with a coding machine, which receives the welded harmonica tubes from both ends of the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart and performs coding processing on them.

[0037] The harmonica tube storage area is equipped with a small material shelf on the back side, which is used to store material boxes. The first assembly machine has a sixth turnover cart placement area on the back side, and the second assembly machine has a seventh turnover cart placement area on the back side. The sixth and seventh turnover cart placement areas are used to place small material turnover carts, which are used to place full material boxes, empty material boxes, and defective product collection boxes.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first harmonica tube turnover cart, the second harmonica tube turnover cart, the third harmonica tube turnover cart, the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart, and the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart are harmonica tube turnover carts with the same structure. The harmonica tube turnover cart includes a second frame and a harmonica tube positioning body. The harmonica tube positioning body is made of EVA soft foam material. The harmonica tube positioning body is used to carry and clamp the harmonica tube. The harmonica tube positioned by the harmonica tube positioning body extends in an inclined direction and the drooping end of the harmonica tube faces the front side of the liquid cooling plate assembly machine.

[0039] The present invention also provides another technical solution: the liquid cooling plate assembly method of the liquid cooling plate assembly line includes the following steps:

[0040] S1. Position the harmonica tube by making the first free end of the harmonica tube face down and positioning it through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the first assembly machine;

[0041] S2. The first free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the first assembly machine;

[0042] S3. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the first free end of the harmonica tube using multiple material jigs of the first assembly machine.

[0043] S4. The first free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small material using the first welding machine;

[0044] S5. Position the harmonica tube with the second free end facing down and through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the second assembly machine.

[0045] S6. The second free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the second assembly machine;

[0046] S7. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the second free end of the harmonica tube using multiple material jigs of the second assembly machine.

[0047] S8. The second free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small materials using a second welding machine;

[0048] S9. Use a coding machine to code the assembled and welded harmonica tubes.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages: The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine, assembly line and assembly method of the present invention involve manually or mechanically placing the harmonica tube into the harmonica tube clamp, manually or mechanically placing small materials into the assembly fixture, and using the first and second motion mechanisms to drive the harmonica tube to move, thereby pushing the lower end of the harmonica tube into the assembly fixture in sequence, assembling the harmonica tube and the small materials together. By setting a harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube clamp can hold the harmonica tube in a set position when clamping it, so that the harmonica tube can be smoothly moved in and out of the shaping fixture and assembly fixture in the subsequent process. By setting a shaping fixture, the free end of the harmonica tube is shaped and corrected so that the free end of the harmonica tube can meet the standard shape and size, so as to facilitate the subsequent assembly with small materials. By setting the first and second motion mechanisms, the harmonica tube can be switched between different workstations and positioned, shaped and assembled, saving manpower. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine disclosed in this invention from one angle.

[0052] Figure 2This is a structural schematic diagram of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine disclosed in this invention from another angle;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the harmonica tube positioning groove disclosed in this invention;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the orthopedic fixture disclosed in this invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the welding ring assembly fixture and the water baffle assembly fixture disclosed in this invention;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the current collector assembly fixture disclosed in this invention;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the harmonica tube clamp disclosed in this invention;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate assembly line disclosed in this invention;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the harmonica tube turnover cart disclosed in this invention;

[0060] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the small material turnover cart disclosed in this invention.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. First frame; 21. Harmonica tube positioning groove; 211. Positioning groove cavity; 212. First fiber optic sensor; 213. First endoscope monitoring head; 22. Harmonica tube shaping fixture; 221. Shaping cavity; 222. Second fiber optic sensor; 223. Second endoscope monitoring head; 224. Cleaning port; 23. Assembly fixture; 231, 234. Small material cavity; 232, 235. Third fiber optic sensor; 233. Demolding auxiliary structure; 24. Harmonica tube clamp; 2 41. Uni-polymer plywood; 242. Guide rod; 31. Feeding channel; 41. Recycling channel; 5. Harmonica tube; 6. First harmonica tube turnover cart; 61. Second frame; 62. Harmonica tube positioning body; 7. First assembly machine; 8. Second harmonica tube turnover cart; 9. First welding machine; 10. Third harmonica tube turnover cart; 11. Second assembly machine; 12. Fourth harmonica tube turnover cart; 13. Second welding machine; 14. Fifth harmonica tube turnover cart; 15. Coding machine; 16. Small material rack; 17. Small material turnover cart. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0063] See Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a liquid-cooled plate assembly machine includes a first frame 1, on which an assembly unit, a feeding unit and a recycling unit are arranged from top to bottom;

[0064] The assembly unit includes a harmonica tube positioning groove 21, a harmonica tube shaping fixture 22, multiple assembly fixtures 23, a harmonica tube clamp 24, a first motion mechanism (not shown in the figure), and a second motion mechanism (not shown in the figure). The harmonica tube positioning groove 21, the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22, and the multiple assembly fixtures 23 are arranged at intervals along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis. The harmonica tube positioning groove 21 is used to support and position the harmonica tube 5. The harmonica tube shaping fixture 22 is used to shape the end of the harmonica tube 5. The assembly fixture 23 is used to support and position small materials. The harmonica tube clamp 24 is used to support and clamp the harmonica tube 5. The clamped harmonica tube 5 extends along a first inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis, with the drooping end of the harmonica tube 5 facing the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The first motion mechanism is connected to the harmonica tube clamp 24 and drives the harmonica tube 5 to move along the first inclined direction. The second motion mechanism is connected to... The harmonica tube clamp 24 and the first motion mechanism are connected, and the harmonica tube 5 is moved along the horizontal X-axis. When the harmonica tube 5 moves along the positive horizontal X-axis, it passes obliquely above the harmonica tube positioning groove 21, the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22, and the multiple assembly fixtures 23 in sequence. When the harmonica tube 5 above the harmonica tube positioning groove 21 moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 moves into the harmonica tube positioning groove 21 for positioning and then moves out. The harmonica tube positioning groove 21 is described above. When the harmonica tube 5 above the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22 moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 moves into the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22 for shaping and then moves out of the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22. When the harmonica tube 5 above the assembly fixture 23 moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 moves into the assembly fixture 23 and is inserted together with the small material before moving out of the assembly fixture 23.

[0065] The aforementioned feeding unit includes multiple feeding channels 31, which are arranged at intervals along the horizontal X-axis. Each of the multiple feeding channels 31 extends along a second inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The lower end of the feeding channel 31 faces the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The full material box 11 slides along the feeding channel 31 from the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine under its own weight.

[0066] The aforementioned recycling unit includes a recycling channel 41, which extends along a third inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The lower end of the recycling channel 41 faces the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The empty material box 11 and the defective product collection box 12 slide along the recycling channel 41 from the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine under their own weight.

[0067] In the above technical solution, the material box contains small materials to be assembled to the end of the harmonica tube, such as welding rings, water-blocking plates, and manifolds. The harmonica tube is placed into the harmonica tube clamp by hand or a robotic arm, and the small materials are placed into the assembly fixture by hand or a robotic arm. The first and second motion mechanisms drive the harmonica tube to move, pushing the lower end of the harmonica tube sequentially into the assembly fixture, assembling the harmonica tube with the small materials. By setting a harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube clamp can hold the harmonica tube in a set position, allowing the harmonica tube to smoothly move in and out of the shaping fixture and assembly fixture. The shaping fixture shapes and corrects the free end of the harmonica tube, ensuring it conforms to a standard shape and size for subsequent assembly with small materials. The first and second motion mechanisms allow the harmonica tube to switch between different workstations and perform positioning, shaping, and assembly, saving manpower. The diagram shows that there are harmonica tube clamps and harmonica tubes above the harmonica tube positioning slot, harmonica tube shaping fixture, and multiple assembly fixtures. The diagram is to illustrate the cooperation relationship between the harmonica tube and the harmonica tube positioning slot, harmonica tube shaping fixture, and multiple assembly fixtures. In the actual product, there is only one harmonica tube clamp and one harmonica tube, which move sequentially to the harmonica tube positioning slot, harmonica tube shaping fixture, and multiple assembly fixtures above the harmonica tube positioning slot, harmonica tube shaping fixture, and multiple assembly fixtures.

[0068] Specifically, the angle between the first tilt direction and the horizontal Y-axis is the first angle, the angle between the second tilt direction and the horizontal Y-axis is the second angle, and the angle between the third tilt direction and the horizontal Y-axis is the third angle. The first angle is greater than the second angle, and the second angle is equal to the third angle. The first angle is approximately 45 to 60 degrees, and the second and third angles are approximately 45 degrees.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the harmonica tube positioning groove 21 includes:

[0070] The positioning cavity 211 has an opening facing obliquely upward, and the positioning cavity 211 is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube 5.

[0071] The first fiber optic sensor 212 is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 is properly inserted into the positioning groove 211. The opposing position of the first fiber optic sensor 212 is close to the bottom of the positioning groove 211.

[0072] The first endoscope monitoring head 213 is used to detect whether the end of the harmonica tube 5 inserted into the positioning slot 211 is the end of the small material to be assembled.

[0073] In the above technical solution, the positioning cavity is a U-shaped plate, the bottom of which is perpendicular to the first inclined direction, and the lower end of the harmonica tube abuts against the bottom of the U-shaped plate. When the first fiber optic sensor is activated, if it receives a light signal, it indicates that the harmonica tube is not inserted properly; if it does not receive a light signal, it indicates that the harmonica tube is inserted properly and is blocking the light path. The first endoscope monitoring head is relatively small, making it suitable for image acquisition within the positioning cavity. If the end of the harmonica tube inserted into the positioning cavity is abnormal, such as having an abnormal shape or being fitted with small materials, the first endoscope monitoring head can analyze the acquired image and issue an alarm.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the harmonica tube shaping fixture 22 includes:

[0075] The shaping cavity 221 is modeled after the shape of the current collector and has a draft angle. The shaping cavity 221 is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 and to correct the shape of the lower end of the harmonica tube 5.

[0076] The second fiber optic sensor 222 is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 is inserted into the shaping cavity 221. The opposing position of the second fiber optic sensor 222 is close to the bottom of the shaping cavity 221.

[0077] The second endoscope monitoring head 223 is used to detect whether the shaping process of the harmonica tube 5 in the shaping cavity 221 is correct.

[0078] Cleaning port 224 is used to discharge aluminum shavings generated during the shaping process.

[0079] In the above technical solution, the shaping cavity matches the shape of the current collector to be assembled later. However, the entrance of the shaping cavity has a draft angle to smoothly guide the harmonica tube into the shaping cavity. This shaping step is mainly for the smooth assembly of the current collector later. When the second fiber optic sensor is activated, if it can receive a light signal, it means that the harmonica tube is not inserted properly. If it does not receive a light signal, it means that the harmonica tube is inserted properly, blocking the light path. The second endoscope monitoring head is small in size and suitable for image acquisition inside the shaping cavity. If the harmonica tube inserted into the shaping cavity becomes abnormal during shaping, such as breaking or deforming, the second endoscope monitoring head can analyze the acquired image and issue an alarm. Some aluminum shavings and burrs will be generated during the shaping of the harmonica tube. When the harmonica tube comes out of the shaping cavity, the aluminum shavings and burrs in the shaping cavity are sucked out from the cleaning port by a suction device, so as not to affect the subsequent shaping.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the plurality of assembly fixtures 23 include a welding ring assembly fixture, a water baffle assembly fixture, and a manifold assembly fixture. The welding ring assembly fixture, the water baffle assembly fixture, and the manifold assembly fixture are arranged sequentially along the horizontal X-axis. The welding ring assembly fixture is used to support and position the welding ring, the water baffle assembly fixture is used to support and position the water baffle, and the manifold assembly fixture is used to place and position the manifold.

[0081] The end of the harmonica tube is provided with multiple ports arranged sequentially along the width direction of the harmonica tube. Welding rings, water baffles and manifolds are assembled sequentially to the end of the harmonica tube. The manifold is a component with one interface, through which fluid is fed into and output into the harmonica tube.

[0082] In this preferred embodiment, the welding ring assembly fixture and the water-blocking plate assembly fixture have the same structure, including:

[0083] Small material cavity 231, the opening of the small material cavity 231 faces obliquely upward, the small material cavity 231 is made of POM material and is used to contain small materials;

[0084] The third fiber optic sensor 232 is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 is inserted into the small material cavity 231 in place. The opposing position of the third fiber optic sensor 232 is close to the bottom of the small material cavity 231.

[0085] Demolding aid structure 233 is installed at the bottom of the small material cavity 231. When the harmonica tube clamp 24 drives the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 to detach from the small material cavity 231, the demolding aid structure pushes the small material out of the small material cavity 231 under the elastic restoring force of the elastic restoring component.

[0086] A fourth fiber optic sensor (not shown in the figure) is used to detect whether the small material has come out of the small material cavity 231. The opposing position of the fourth fiber optic sensor is close to the cavity opening of the small material cavity 231.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the aforementioned current collector assembly fixture includes:

[0088] Small material cavity 234, the opening of the small material cavity 234 faces obliquely upward, the small material cavity 234 is made of POM material and is used to contain small materials;

[0089] The third fiber optic sensor 235 is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube 5 is inserted into the small material cavity 234 in place. The opposing position of the third fiber optic sensor 235 is close to the bottom of the small material cavity 234.

[0090] A fourth fiber optic sensor (not shown in the figure) is used to detect whether the small material has come out of the small material cavity 231. The opposing position of the fourth fiber optic sensor is close to the cavity opening of the small material cavity 231.

[0091] In the above technical solution, the cavity of the small material matches the shape of the small material. When the third fiber optic sensor is engaged, if it receives a light signal, it indicates that the harmonica tube is not inserted properly; if it does not receive a light signal, it indicates that the harmonica tube is inserted properly, blocking the light path. After the harmonica tube is pushed into the cavity of the small material, it aligns with the small material. Then, the harmonica tube and the small material leave the cavity together. At this time, the small material is ejected from the cavity by the set demolding auxiliary structure, i.e., the elastic ejector pin. When the harmonica tube is inserted into the cavity of the small material under the action of the first motion mechanism, the elastic ejector pin is in a contracted state due to the large force. When the harmonica tube is disengaged from the cavity under the action of the first motion mechanism, the elastic ejector pin begins to extend, applying a pushing force to the small material and pushing it out of the cavity. When the fourth fiber optic sensor is engaged, if it continuously receives a light signal, it indicates that the small material has not left the cavity; if it does not receive a light signal, it indicates that the small material has left the cavity, blocking the light path.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of this example, the harmonica tube clamp 24 includes a Uni-Gel clamp 241, a guide rod 242 for guiding the movement of the Uni-Gel clamp 241, and a force control system (not shown in the figure) for controlling the clamping force of the Uni-Gel clamp 241.

[0093] Polyurethane (PU) elastomer, also known as urethane rubber, is a new type of material with high strength and low compression set. It lies between plastic and rubber, possessing the rigidity of plastic and the elasticity of rubber. The aforementioned urethane clamps make flexible contact with the harmonica tube, and the elasticity and force control system prevent excessive clamping force on the harmonica tube. This force control system automatically adjusts the clamping force.

[0094] In the preferred embodiment of this example, after the harmonica tube 5 moves along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis, it returns to the oblique upper part of the harmonica tube positioning groove 21 along the negative direction of the horizontal X-axis.

[0095] After the first harmonica tube passes through the positioning groove, the shaping fixture, and multiple assembly fixtures in sequence, it is removed from the harmonica tube clamp. The harmonica tube clamp returns to the upper side of the positioning groove, and the next harmonica tube is clamped into the harmonica tube clamp to continue positioning, shaping, and assembly.

[0096] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the illustration, a liquid cooling plate assembly line includes the following components arranged sequentially along the positive horizontal X-axis:

[0097] Harmonica tube storage area, the above-mentioned harmonica tube storage area is used to place multiple first harmonica tube turnover carts 6, the above-mentioned first harmonica tube turnover carts 6 are used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes;

[0098] The first turnover cart placement area is used to place the first harmonica tube turnover cart 6 transferred from the harmonica tube storage area A. The first harmonica tube turnover cart 6 is used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes.

[0099] The first assembly area is equipped with a first assembly machine 7. The first assembly machine 7 receives unassembled harmonica tubes from the first harmonica tube turnover cart 6 and assembles multiple small materials sequentially onto one end of the harmonica tube. The first assembly machine 7 adopts the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine described above.

[0100] The second turnover cart placement area is used to place the second harmonica tube turnover cart 8, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the first assembly machine 7.

[0101] The first welding area is equipped with a first welding machine 9, which receives one end of the harmonica tube assembly from the second harmonica tube turnover cart 8 and welds one end of the harmonica tube to the small material.

[0102] The third turnover cart placement area is used to place the third harmonica tube turnover cart 10, which receives a harmonica tube from one end of the first welding machine 9.

[0103] The second assembly area is equipped with a second assembly machine 11. The second assembly machine 11 receives a harmonica tube from the third harmonica tube turnover cart 10 and assembles multiple small materials sequentially to the other end of the harmonica tube. The second assembly machine 11 adopts the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine described above.

[0104] The fourth turntable placement area is used to place the fourth harmonica tube turntable 12, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the second assembly machine 11.

[0105] The second welding area is equipped with a second welding machine 13, which receives the two ends of the harmonica tubes assembled from the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart 12 and welds the other end of the harmonica tubes to the small materials.

[0106] The fifth turnover cart placement area is used to place the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart 14, which receives the two ends of the harmonica tubes from the second welding machine 13.

[0107] The coding area is equipped with a coding machine 15, which receives the two ends of the welded harmonica tubes from the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart 14 and performs coding processing.

[0108] The back side of the harmonica tube storage area is provided with a small material shelf 16 for storing material boxes. The back side of the first assembly machine 7 is provided with a sixth turnover cart placement area, and the back side of the second assembly machine 11 is provided with a seventh turnover cart placement area. The sixth and seventh turnover cart placement areas are used to place small material turnover carts 17, which are used to place full material boxes, empty material boxes, and defective product collection boxes.

[0109] The aforementioned harmonica tube storage area, first turnover cart placement area, first assembly area, second turnover cart placement area, first welding area, third turnover cart placement area, second assembly area, fourth turnover cart placement area, second welding area, fifth turnover cart placement area, and coding area are located in the first strip-shaped area extending along the horizontal X-axis direction. The aforementioned sixth and seventh turnover cart placement areas are located in the second strip-shaped area extending along the horizontal X-axis direction. The aforementioned small material shelf is located in the third strip-shaped area extending along the horizontal X-axis direction. The aforementioned first, second, and third strip-shaped areas are arranged sequentially along the horizontal Y-axis direction and form a rectangular area.

[0110] In this preferred embodiment, the first harmonica tube turnover cart 6, the second harmonica tube turnover cart 8, the third harmonica tube turnover cart 10, the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart 12, and the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart 14 are harmonica tube turnover carts with the same structure. Each harmonica tube turnover cart includes a second frame 61 and a harmonica tube positioning body 62. The harmonica tube positioning body 62 is made of EVA soft foam and is used to support and hold the harmonica tube 5. The harmonica tube 5 positioned by the harmonica tube positioning body 62 extends in an inclined direction, with its drooping end facing the front of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The EVA soft foam material is elastic, reliably supporting and holding the harmonica tube without damaging it.

[0111] The following describes the liquid cooling plate assembly method for the above-mentioned liquid cooling plate assembly line, including the following steps:

[0112] S1. Position the harmonica tube by making the first free end of the harmonica tube face down and positioning it through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the first assembly machine;

[0113] S2. The first free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the first assembly machine;

[0114] S3. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the first free end of the harmonica tube using multiple material jigs of the first assembly machine.

[0115] S4. The first free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small material using the first welding machine;

[0116] S5. Position the harmonica tube with the second free end facing down and through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the second assembly machine.

[0117] S6. The second free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the second assembly machine;

[0118] S7. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the second free end of the harmonica tube using multiple material jigs of the second assembly machine.

[0119] S8. The second free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small materials using a second welding machine;

[0120] S9. Use a coding machine to code the assembled and welded harmonica tubes.

[0121] Before assembling the harmonica tubes, first move one of the first harmonica tube turnover carts from the harmonica tube storage area to the first turnover cart placement area. Transfer multiple material boxes from the small material shelf to two small material turnover carts. Place the two small material turnover carts behind the first assembly machine and the second assembly machine. Transfer the full material boxes and defective product collection boxes from the two small material turnover carts to the feeding channel. The two small material turnover carts are parked behind the first assembly machine and the second assembly machine. Subsequently, empty material boxes and defective product collection boxes transferred from the recycling channel can be transferred to the small material turnover carts.

[0122] The transfer of the first harmonica tube turnover cart, the material turnover cart, and the materials can be carried out manually or by a robotic arm. In this embodiment, the transfer of the first harmonica tube turnover cart, the material turnover cart, and the materials is carried out manually.

[0123] When the assembly process officially begins, the same harmonica tube passes through the following different equipment in sequence from the first harmonica tube turnover cart: the first assembly machine, the second harmonica tube turnover cart, the first welding machine, the third harmonica tube turnover cart, the second assembly machine, the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart, the second welding machine, the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart, and the coding machine.

[0124] The transfer of harmonica tubes between different devices can be done manually or by a robotic arm. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transfer of harmonica tubes is done manually. During formal assembly, there is one operator at the front of each of the first assembly machine, first welding machine, second assembly machine, second welding machine, and coding machine. Their main tasks are to place the harmonica tubes into the harmonica tube clamps, place small materials into the assembly fixtures, place empty material boxes into the recycling channel, place defective product collection boxes into the recycling channel, and place the harmonica tubes onto the first and second welding machines.

[0125] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled plate assembly machine, characterized in that, Includes a first frame, on which an assembly unit, a feeding unit, and a recycling unit are arranged from top to bottom; The assembly unit includes a harmonica tube positioning groove, a harmonica tube shaping fixture, multiple assembly fixtures, a harmonica tube clamp, a first motion mechanism, and a second motion mechanism. The harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube shaping fixture, and the multiple assembly fixtures are arranged at intervals along the positive horizontal X-axis. The harmonica tube positioning groove is used to support and position the harmonica tube. The harmonica tube shaping fixture is used to shape the end of the harmonica tube. The assembly fixture is used to support and position small materials. The harmonica tube clamp is used to support and hold the harmonica tube. The held harmonica tube extends along a first inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis, with its drooping end facing the front of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The first motion mechanism connects to the harmonica tube clamp and drives the harmonica tube to move along the first inclined direction. The second motion mechanism connects to the harmonica tube. The tube clamp and the first motion mechanism drive the harmonica tube to move along the horizontal X-axis. When the harmonica tube moves along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis, it passes sequentially above the harmonica tube positioning groove, the harmonica tube shaping fixture, and the multiple assembly fixtures. When the harmonica tube above the harmonica tube positioning groove moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the harmonica tube positioning groove for positioning and then moves out of the harmonica tube positioning groove. When the harmonica tube above the harmonica tube shaping fixture moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the harmonica tube shaping fixture for shaping and then moves out of the harmonica tube shaping fixture. When the harmonica tube above the assembly fixture moves along the first inclined direction, the lower end of the harmonica tube moves into the assembly fixture and is inserted together with the small material before moving out of the assembly fixture. The feeding unit includes multiple feeding channels, which are arranged at intervals along the horizontal X-axis. Each feeding channel extends along a second inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The lower end of each feeding channel faces the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. Under its own weight, the full material box slides along the feeding channel from the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. The recycling unit includes a recycling channel that extends along a third inclined direction perpendicular to the horizontal X-axis. The downward end of the recycling channel faces the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine. Empty material boxes and defective product collection boxes slide along the recycling channel from the front side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine to the back side of the liquid-cooled plate assembly machine under their own weight.

2. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The harmonica tube positioning groove includes: The positioning cavity has an opening facing obliquely upward, and the positioning cavity is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube; The first fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is properly inserted into the positioning slot cavity. The opposing position of the first fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the positioning slot cavity. The first endoscope monitoring head is used to detect whether the end of the harmonica tube inserted into the positioning slot is the end of the small material to be assembled.

3. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The harmonica tube shaping fixture includes: A shaping cavity, the opening of which faces obliquely upward, the shaping cavity mimics the shape of a current collector and has a draft angle, the shaping cavity is used to accommodate the lower end of the harmonica tube and correct the shape of the lower end of the harmonica tube; The second fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is properly inserted into the shaping cavity. The opposing position of the second fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the shaping cavity. The second endoscope monitoring head is used to detect whether the shaping process of the harmonica tube in the shaping cavity is correct; A cleaning port is provided for discharging aluminum shavings generated during the shaping process.

4. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of assembly fixtures include a welding ring assembly fixture, a water baffle assembly fixture, and a manifold assembly fixture. The welding ring assembly fixture, the water baffle assembly fixture, and the manifold assembly fixture are arranged sequentially along the horizontal X-axis. The welding ring assembly fixture is used to support and position the welding ring, the water baffle assembly fixture is used to support and position the water baffle, and the manifold assembly fixture is used to support and position the manifold.

5. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The welding ring assembly fixture and the water-blocking plate assembly fixture include: Small material cavity, the opening of the small material cavity faces obliquely upward, the small material cavity is made of POM material and is used to accommodate small materials; The third fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is inserted into the small material cavity. The opposing position of the third fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the small material cavity. A demolding auxiliary structure is installed at the bottom of the small material cavity. When the harmonica tube clamp drives the lower end of the harmonica tube to detach from the small material cavity, the demolding auxiliary structure pushes the small material out of the small material cavity under the elastic restoring force of the elastic restoring component. The fourth fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the small material has come out of the small material cavity. The opposing position of the fourth fiber optic sensor is close to the cavity opening of the small material cavity. The current collector assembly fixture includes: Small material cavity, the opening of the small material cavity faces obliquely upward, the small material cavity is made of POM material and is used to accommodate small materials; The third fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether the lower end of the harmonica tube is inserted into the small material cavity. The opposing position of the third fiber optic sensor is close to the bottom of the small material cavity. A fourth fiber optic sensor is used to detect whether a small material has come out of the small material cavity. The opposing position of the fourth fiber optic sensor is close to the cavity opening of the small material cavity.

6. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The harmonica tube clamp includes a Unicorn clamp plate, a guide rod for guiding the movement of the Unicorn clamp plate, and a force control system for controlling the clamping force of the Unicorn clamp plate.

7. The liquid-cooled plate assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the harmonica tube moves along the positive direction of the horizontal X-axis, it returns to the position above the harmonica tube positioning groove along the negative direction of the horizontal X-axis.

8. A liquid-cooled plate assembly line, characterized in that, Including those arranged sequentially along the positive horizontal X-axis: The harmonica tube storage area is used to place multiple first harmonica tube turnover carts, and the first harmonica tube turnover carts are used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes. The first turnover cart placement area is used to place the first harmonica tube turnover cart transferred from the harmonica tube storage area. The first harmonica tube turnover cart is used to place multiple unassembled harmonica tubes. The first assembly area is equipped with a first assembly machine. The first assembly machine receives unassembled harmonica tubes from the first harmonica tube turnover cart and sequentially assembles multiple small materials onto one end of the harmonica tube. The first assembly machine is a liquid-cooled plate assembly machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The second turnover cart placement area is used to place the second harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the first assembly machine. The first welding area is equipped with a first welding machine. The first welding machine receives one end of the harmonica tube assembly from the second harmonica tube turnover cart and welds one end of the harmonica tube to the small material. The third turnover cart placement area is used to place the third harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives a welding harmonica tube from one end of the first welding machine. The second assembly area is equipped with a second assembly machine. The second assembly machine receives a harmonica tube from one end of the third harmonica tube turnover cart and assembles multiple small materials sequentially to the other end of the harmonica tube. The second assembly machine is a liquid-cooled plate assembly machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The fourth turntable placement area is used to place the fourth harmonica tube turntable, which receives one end of the assembled harmonica tube from the second assembly machine. The second welding area is equipped with a second welding machine, which receives the two ends of the harmonica tube assembly from the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart and welds the other end of the harmonica tube to the small material. The fifth turnover cart placement area is used to place the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart, which receives the two ends of the welding harmonica tube from the second welding machine. The coding area is equipped with a coding machine, which receives the welded harmonica tubes from both ends of the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart and performs coding processing on them. The harmonica tube storage area is equipped with a small material shelf on the back side, which is used to store material boxes. The first assembly machine has a sixth turnover cart placement area on the back side, and the second assembly machine has a seventh turnover cart placement area on the back side. The sixth and seventh turnover cart placement areas are used to place small material turnover carts, which are used to place full material boxes, empty material boxes, and defective product collection boxes.

9. The liquid-cooled plate assembly line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first harmonica tube turnover cart, the second harmonica tube turnover cart, the third harmonica tube turnover cart, the fourth harmonica tube turnover cart, and the fifth harmonica tube turnover cart are harmonica tube turnover carts with the same structure. The harmonica tube turnover cart includes a second frame and a harmonica tube positioning body. The harmonica tube positioning body is made of EVA soft foam material. The harmonica tube positioning body is used to carry and clamp the harmonica tube. The harmonica tube positioned by the harmonica tube positioning body extends in an inclined direction and the drooping end of the harmonica tube faces the front side of the liquid cooling plate assembly machine.

10. The liquid cooling plate assembly method of the liquid cooling plate assembly line as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Position the harmonica tube by making the first free end of the harmonica tube face down and positioning it through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the first assembly machine; S2. The first free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the first assembly machine; S3. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the first free end of the harmonica tube using multiple assembly fixtures of the first assembly machine. S4. The first free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small material using the first welding machine; S5. Position the harmonica tube with the second free end facing down and through the harmonica tube positioning groove of the second assembly machine. S6. The second free end of the harmonica tube is shaped using the shaping fixture of the second assembly machine; S7. Multiple small materials are sequentially assembled onto the second free end of the harmonica tube using multiple assembly fixtures of the second assembly machine. S8. The second free end of the harmonica tube is welded to the assembled small materials using a second welding machine; S9. Use a coding machine to code the assembled and welded harmonica tubes.

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