An automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of component forming technology, specifically disclosing an automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials. The line includes a control unit and connected to the control unit, a tube feeding unit, a first press unit, a second press unit, a tube discharging unit, a liquid-cooled plate destacking unit, a liquid-cooled plate oiling unit, a liquid-cooled plate unloading unit, and a robot handling unit. The main problem solved by this invention is that current automated production lines for internal high-pressure forming of tubes can only meet the needs of a single internal high-pressure forming process and mass production, and cannot accommodate other different types of forming processes and production requirements. This production line effectively integrates the internal high-pressure forming process of tubes and the liquid-cooled plate stamping forming process, developing an automated mass production line solution that is compatible with both tube sheet forming processes. Compared to two separate production lines, this reduces investment costs and floor space requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of component forming technology, and in particular relates to an automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, due to fuel and raw material costs and stringent environmental regulations on exhaust emissions, the production of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles has become an increasingly important trend in the automotive industry. High-pressure forming of tubular components is an advanced manufacturing technology developed to meet this trend of automotive lightweighting. Developed countries such as Europe, America, and Japan have conducted extensive and in-depth research on this technology and have applied it extensively in the automotive and aerospace industries to manufacture various hollow lightweight components. Its application is particularly widespread in the automotive manufacturing industry, including components for exhaust systems, chassis, and frames.

[0003] Currently, the internal high-pressure forming of pipes and the stamping forming of liquid-cooled plates are completed using different production lines, resulting in a large space occupation and high investment costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials, so as to solve the problem that the internal high-pressure forming of tubes and the stamping forming of liquid-cooled plates are currently completed using different production lines, resulting in large space occupation and high investment costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: an automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials, comprising a control unit and a tube feeding unit, a first press unit, a second press unit, a tube discharging unit, a liquid-cooled plate destacking unit, a liquid-cooled plate oiling unit, a liquid-cooled plate unloading unit, and a robot handling unit connected to the control unit; the robot handling unit includes a first robot, a second robot, a third robot, a fourth robot, and a fifth robot;

[0006] The pipe feeding unit is used to feed pipes sequentially. The first robot is used to transport the pipes from the pipe feeding unit to the placement table. The second robot is used to transport the pipes from the placement table to the first press unit, which is used to pre-form the pipes. The third robot is used to transport the pre-formed pipes from the first press unit to the second press unit, which is used to perform internal high-pressure final forming on the pipes. The fourth robot is used to transport the internally high-pressure final-formed pipes to the pipe discharge unit for discharge.

[0007] The liquid-cooled plate destacking unit is used to destacking the liquid-cooled plates. The fifth robot is used to transport the liquid-cooled plates from the destacking unit to the liquid-cooled plate oiling unit for oiling. The fourth robot is used to transport the oiled liquid-cooled plates to the second press unit, which is used to calender the liquid-cooled plates. The third robot is used to transport the calendered liquid-cooled plates from the second press unit to the first press unit, which is used to trim and punch the liquid-cooled plates. The second robot is used to transport the trimmed and punched liquid-cooled plates from the first press unit to the liquid-cooled plate unloading unit for unloading.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid-cooled plate centering unit, which is used to center the oiled liquid-cooled plates; the liquid-cooled plate oiling unit includes an oiling machine and a first conveying mechanism, the liquid-cooled plate centering unit includes a centering machine and a second conveying mechanism, and the transmission end of the first conveying mechanism and the transmission beginning of the second conveying mechanism are connected; the fifth robot is used to transport the liquid-cooled plates from the liquid-cooled plate destacking unit to the first conveying mechanism for oiling; the fourth robot is used to transport the centered liquid-cooled plates on the second conveying mechanism to the second press unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the pipe feeding unit includes a first feeding device and a second feeding device, and the pipe includes a crossbeam and a longitudinal arm; the first feeding device is used to feed the longitudinal arm, and the second feeding device is used to feed the crossbeam; the first feeding device corresponds to a set of pipe bending machines and a set of clamping structures; the clamping structures are used to clamp the longitudinal arm on the first feeding device into the pipe bending machine for processing; the first robot is used to transport the longitudinal arm processed by the pipe bending machine and the crossbeam on the second feeding device to the placement table.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first and second feeding devices include a storage rack, a conveying structure, an inclined storage platform, and a single-tube transport structure; the storage rack is used to stack several crossbeams or longitudinal arms; the side of the storage rack near the inclined storage platform is set as an inclined surface, and the upper side of the inclined surface is inclined towards the inclined storage platform; the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt and a drive assembly, the drive assembly being used to drive the conveyor belt for transport; the upper side of the conveyor belt is located on both sides and the bottom of the storage rack, and the conveyor belt is used to transport the crossbeams or longitudinal arms in the storage rack to the top of the storage rack; the inclined storage platform is connected to the top of the storage rack, and the inclined... The inclined storage platform has a side away from the storage rack that is lower than the other side. The side of the inclined storage platform away from the storage rack is provided with a first limiting block for blocking the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The single-tube transport structure is used to transport a crossbeam or longitudinal arm that is in contact with the first limiting block. The single-tube transport structure includes a drive unit and multiple sets of single-tube transport components, which are arranged along the length of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The drive unit is used to drive the multiple sets of single-tube transport components to rotate synchronously. One side of the single-tube transport component can lift the crossbeam or longitudinal arm upward, and the other side of the single-tube transport component is provided with a second limiting block for blocking the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

[0011] Furthermore, a weld seam identification structure connected to the control unit is provided on one side of the first and second feeding devices. The weld seam identification structure includes an identification component and a rotating component. The rotating component is used to drive the crossbeam or longitudinal arm on the single tube transport component to rotate. The identification component is used to identify the weld seam on the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The rotating component includes a rotating component, a lateral moving component, and two sets of driving blocks. The rotating component is used to drive the two sets of driving blocks to rotate. The lateral moving component is used to drive the two sets of driving blocks to move closer to or further away from each other. The two sets of driving blocks are directly opposite the two ends of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled plate destacking unit includes a base, limiting posts, a pneumatic splitting device, and a double-material detection device; the limiting posts are provided in several sets, and the several sets of limiting posts are arranged around the base; the liquid-cooled plates are stacked on the base and limited by the limiting posts; the pneumatic splitting device is used to destacking the stacked liquid-cooled plates; the double-material detection device is used to perform double-material detection on the liquid-cooled plates transported by the fifth robot.

[0013] Furthermore, the pipe discharge unit includes a third conveying mechanism and a laser marking structure. The laser marking structure is located above the third conveying mechanism. The fourth robot transfers the pipe that has been formed by high internal pressure to the laser marking structure for marking and then releases it onto the third conveying mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled plate unloading unit includes a fourth conveying mechanism, a lifting device, a flipping device, and a fifth conveying mechanism; the second robot is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate after edge cutting and punching in the first press unit to the fourth conveying mechanism; the lifting device is used to lift the liquid-cooled plate at the end of the conveying of the fourth conveying mechanism; the lifting device is provided with a sixth conveying mechanism, and the flipping device is provided with a seventh conveying mechanism; the sixth conveying mechanism is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate on the lifting device to the seventh conveying mechanism; the flipping device is used to flip the liquid-cooled plate on the seventh conveying mechanism; the seventh conveying mechanism is used to convey the flipped liquid-cooled plate to the fifth conveying mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the fourth conveying mechanism employs multiple sets of conveyors arranged side-by-side with spacing; the lifting device includes a lifting member, a lifting plate, and two sets of lifting assemblies, with the two sets of lifting assemblies located on both sides of the lifting plate, and the lifting member used to lift the lifting plate; each set of lifting assemblies includes several sets of lifting columns, and the lifting columns of each set of lifting assemblies can be inserted into the spacing between the multiple sets of conveyors; the sixth conveying mechanism includes several sets of first conveying rollers; the lifting columns of the two sets of lifting assemblies correspond one-to-one, and a first conveying roller is provided between the corresponding two sets of lifting columns; a first conveying member is provided on the lifting column, and the first conveying member is used to drive the first conveying roller to rotate.

[0016] Furthermore, the flipping device includes a support frame, a flipping component, and a flipping frame; the flipping frame includes two sets of rings and several sets of connecting rods, with each side of the several sets of connecting rods connected to the two sets of rings respectively; an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the rings; two sets of support seats are provided on each side of the support frame, with each side of the two sets of support seats located on both sides of the ring; rollers are connected to the support seats, and the rollers are located in the annular grooves; the flipping component is used to drive the rollers to rotate, and the rollers drive the flipping frame to rotate through the friction between themselves and the annular grooves; the seventh conveying mechanism includes two sets of conveying components, with the two sets of conveying components located on the upper and lower sides of the center line of the ring respectively; each set of conveying components includes a second conveying component and several sets of second conveying rollers, with each side of the second conveying rollers rotatably connected to the connecting rods; the second conveying component is used to drive the second conveying rollers to rotate; slots for passing through liquid cooling plates are provided on both sides of the flipping frame.

[0017] The working principle of this technical solution is as follows:

[0018] ①The high-pressure process inside the pipe is as follows:

[0019] (1) Place several crossbeams and longitudinal arms in their respective storage racks. Start the drive assembly, which drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt rotates the crossbeams or longitudinal arms, causing them to sequentially enter the inclined storage platform and roll downwards under gravity until they contact the first limit block. Start the drive unit, which drives the single-tube transport unit to rotate. One side of the single-tube transport unit rises and lifts the lowest crossbeam or longitudinal arm, which rolls along the single-tube transport unit to the second limit block. Then start the lateral movement unit, which drives the two sets of drive blocks closer together until they abut against the ends of the crossbeams or longitudinal arms. Then start the rotating unit, which drives the drive blocks to rotate, which in turn drives the crossbeams or longitudinal arms to rotate. During this process, the identification assembly identifies the welds on the crossbeams or longitudinal arms until the welds rotate to the specified position. The rotating unit then stops rotating, and the lateral movement unit drives the two sets of drive blocks away from each other. Start the clamping structure, which clamps the longitudinal arm on the single-tube transport unit to the pipe bending machine for processing. The first robot transports the crossbeam and the longitudinal arm processed by the pipe bending machine to the placement platform.

[0020] (2) The second robot transports the crossbeam and longitudinal arm on the placement table to the mold of the first press unit for preforming, and the third robot transports the preformed pipe in the first press unit to the second press unit for internal high-pressure expansion.

[0021] (3) The fourth robot transfers the crossbeam and longitudinal arm of the internal high pressure final forming from the second press to the position of the laser marking structure for laser marking. After marking, it is released to the third conveying mechanism for conveying and to the manual picking point for framing. At this point, the internal high pressure production of the pipe is completed in one work cycle. For continuous batch production, the cycle is repeated.

[0022] ②The stamping process for liquid-cooled plates is as follows:

[0023] (1) Workers stack the liquid-cooled plates on the base, which is then limited by the limiting posts. When transporting the liquid-cooled plates, the fifth robot uses a pneumatic splitting device to unpack the plates, and is equipped with a double-material detection device to prevent stacking. The fifth robot transfers the liquid-cooled plates to the first conveying mechanism. During the conveying process, an oiling machine applies oil to the liquid-cooled plates. The oiled liquid-cooled plates are then transferred to the second conveying mechanism, where a centering machine centers them. The centered liquid-cooled plates are then transferred to the end of the second conveying mechanism.

[0024] (2) The fourth robot transports the liquid-cooled plate after centering to the second press unit for calendering and forming. The third robot transports the calendered liquid-cooled plate from the second press unit to the first press unit for trimming and punching. The second robot transports the trimmed and punched liquid-cooled plate from the first press unit to the fourth conveying mechanism.

[0025] (3) The fourth conveying mechanism transports the liquid-cooled plate to the top of the lifting device. The lifting component drives the lifting plate upward, which in turn drives all the lifting columns upward and inserts them into the gaps of the conveyor. The lifting columns drive the liquid-cooled plate upward, and the worker deburrs the liquid-cooled plate. After the deburring is completed, the first and second conveying components are activated, driving the first and second conveying rollers to move, thereby transferring the liquid-cooled plate above the second conveying roller and into the flipping device. The flipping component is activated, driving the rollers to rotate, which in turn drives the flipping frame to flip, thus flipping the liquid-cooled plate. The second conveying component is activated, driving the second conveying rollers to rotate, thereby transferring the liquid-cooled plate to the fifth conveying mechanism, where the worker deburrs the other side of the liquid-cooled plate, and finally frames it. This completes one work cycle for the liquid-cooled plate.

[0026] When changing the molded product, it is necessary to switch the control program of the control unit and replace the robot's end effector and auxiliary hardware tooling (such as the molding die).

[0027] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows:

[0028] ①The main problem solved by this invention is that the current automated production line for internal high-pressure forming of pipes can only meet the needs of a single internal high-pressure forming process and mass production, and cannot be compatible with other different types of forming processes and production requirements. This production line effectively integrates the internal high-pressure forming process of pipes and the liquid-cooled plate stamping forming process, and develops an automated mass production line solution that can be compatible with both pipe and plate forming processes. Compared with two production lines, the investment cost is reduced (by more than 60%) and the floor space is reduced (by more than 50%).

[0029] ② The pipe feeding unit can automatically feed pipes and lift and transport the bottommost pipe on the inclined storage platform using a single-pipe transport structure, enabling the extraction of a single pipe. Furthermore, by setting up a weld seam recognition structure, the weld seam on the pipe can be rotated to a set position for easy grasping by the robot end effector, facilitating subsequent production.

[0030] ③ The sheet metal is separated using a pneumatic sheeting device, and a dual-material detection device is also provided to prevent stacking. The centering unit adjusts the centering position of the liquid-cooled plate to prepare it for the fourth robot to pick up and load it.

[0031] ④ In this technical solution, a lifting device is installed to lift the liquid-cooled plate on the fourth conveying mechanism, detaching it from the mechanism. The lifted plate then allows for manual deburring by workers. A sixth conveying mechanism is installed above the lifting column to automatically transport the liquid-cooled plate to the turning device. The turning device automatically flips and transports the liquid-cooled plate, which is then transported to the fifth conveying mechanism via a seventh conveying mechanism for manual deburring. The entire conveying process requires no manual intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the tube feeding unit;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first feeding device in the middle;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the tube feeding unit, the liquid cooling plate destacking unit, the liquid cooling plate oiling unit and the liquid cooling plate centering unit;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at the liquid cooling plate unloading unit;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure at the flip unit. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0039] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: control unit 1, pipe feeding unit 2, first press unit 3, second press unit 4, pipe discharging unit 5, liquid-cooled plate destacking unit 6, liquid-cooled plate oiling unit 7, liquid-cooled plate centering unit 8, liquid-cooled plate unloading unit 9, first robot 10, second robot 11, fourth robot 12, fifth robot 13, first feeding device 14, second feeding device 15, clamping structure 16, pipe bending machine 17, placement table 18, storage rack 19, conveying structure 20, inclined surface 21, inclined storage table 22, first limiting block 23. Single-tube transport component; 24. Second limiting block; 25. Rotating assembly; 26. Anti-overlapping block; 27. Horizontal drive component; 28. Vertical drive component; 29. ​​Gripper; 30. Limiting post; 31. First conveying mechanism; 32. Oiling machine; 33. Second conveying mechanism; 34. Centering machine; 35. Laser marking structure; 36. Third conveying mechanism; 37. Fourth conveying mechanism; 38. Lifting device; 39. Sixth conveying mechanism; 40. Tilting device; 41. Fifth conveying mechanism; 42. Ring; 43. Connecting rod; 44. Support frame; 45. Support seat; 46. Roller; 47. Annular groove; 48. Conveying assembly; 49.

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 As shown: An automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials includes a control unit 1 and tube feeding unit 2, first press unit 3, second press unit 4, tube discharging unit 5, liquid-cooled plate destacking unit 6, liquid-cooled plate oiling unit 7, liquid-cooled plate centering unit 8, liquid-cooled plate unloading unit 9 and robot handling unit connected to the control unit 1; the robot handling unit includes a first robot 10, a second robot 11, a third robot, a fourth robot 12 and a fifth robot 13.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the pipe feeding unit 2 is used to sequentially feed pipes. The pipe feeding unit 2 includes a first feeding device 14 and a second feeding device 15. The pipes include crossbeams and longitudinal arms. The first feeding device 14 is used to feed the longitudinal arms, and the second feeding device 15 is used to feed the crossbeams. The first feeding device 14 corresponds to a set of pipe bending machines 17 and a set of clamping structures 16. The clamping structure 16 is used to clamp the longitudinal arms on the first feeding device 14 into the pipe bending machine 17 for processing. The first robot 10 is used to transport the processed longitudinal arms from the pipe bending machine 17 and the crossbeams from the second feeding device 15 to the placement table 18. The first robot 10 can clamp one set of crossbeams and one set of processed longitudinal arms from the pipe bending machine 17 at a time. Figure 3 As shown, the clamping structure 16 includes a support column, a horizontal drive member 28, a vertical drive member 29, a clamping drive member, and two sets of grippers 30. The horizontal drive member 28 is mounted on the support column, and the vertical drive member 29 is mounted on the drive end of the horizontal drive member 28. The drive end of the vertical drive member 29 is provided with a connecting plate, and the clamping drive members are connected to both sides of the connecting plate. The two sets of clamping drive members are respectively connected to the two sets of grippers 30. The clamping drive members are used to drive the grippers 30 to clamp the material. The horizontal drive member 28 and the vertical drive member 29 can be linear drive members such as cylinders or linear push rods.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, both the first feeding device 14 and the second feeding device 15 include a storage rack 19, a conveying structure 20, an inclined storage platform 22, and a single-tube transport structure. The storage rack 19 is used to stack several crossbeams or longitudinal arms. The side of the storage rack 19 closest to the inclined storage platform 22 is designated as an inclined surface 21, with the upper side of the inclined surface 21 tilted towards the inclined storage platform 22. The conveying structure 20 includes a conveyor belt and a drive assembly. The drive assembly drives the conveyor belt for transmission, and can employ a motor + drive wheel transmission method. The upper side of the conveyor belt is located on the left and right sides and the bottom of the storage rack 19. The conveyor belt is used to transport the crossbeams or longitudinal arms within the storage rack 19 to the top of the storage rack 19. The inclined storage platform 22 is aligned with the top of the storage rack 19. The side of the inclined storage platform 22 away from the storage rack 19 is lower than the other side. A first limiting block 23 is provided on the side of the inclined storage platform 22 away from the storage rack 19 to block the crossbeams or longitudinal arms. An anti-overlapping block 27 is provided above the tilted storage platform 22. The anti-overlapping block 27 is arranged parallel to the tilted storage platform 22, and the distance between the anti-overlapping block 27 and the tilted storage platform 22 is slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe, so that the pipes on the tilted storage platform 22 cannot overlap. The single-pipe transport structure is used to transport a crossbeam or longitudinal arm that is in contact with the first limiting block 23. The single-pipe transport structure includes a driving component and multiple sets of single-pipe transport components 24, which are arranged along the length of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The driving component is used to drive the multiple sets of single-pipe transport components 24 to rotate synchronously. In this embodiment, there are two sets of single-pipe transport components 24. The driving component can adopt a motor + synchronous rod transmission method. The two sets of single-pipe transport components 24 are fixed to the synchronous rod, and the motor drives the synchronous rod to rotate. The left side of the single-pipe transport component 24 can lift the crossbeam or longitudinal arm upward, and the other side of the single-pipe transport component 24 is provided with a second limiting block 25 for blocking the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

[0044] The first feeding device 14 and the second feeding device 15 are also provided with a weld seam recognition structure connected to the control unit 1 on one side. The weld seam recognition structure includes a recognition component and a rotating component 26. The rotating component 26 is used to drive the crossbeam or longitudinal arm on the single tube transport component 24 to rotate. The recognition component is used to recognize the weld seam on the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The recognition component can be a recognition camera. The rotating component 26 includes a rotating part, a lateral moving part, and two sets of drive blocks. The rotating part is used to drive the two sets of drive blocks to rotate. The rotating part can be a motor. The lateral moving part is used to drive the two sets of drive blocks to move closer or further apart. The lateral moving part can be two sets of cylinders. The two sets of drive blocks are directly opposite the two ends of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

[0045] The second robot 11 is used to transport the pipes from the placement platform 18 to the first press unit 3. The first press unit 3 is used to pre-form the pipes, and can simultaneously pre-form a set of crossbeams and a set of longitudinal arms. The third robot is used to transport the pre-formed pipes from the first press unit 3 to the second press unit 4. The second press unit 4 is used to perform internal high-pressure final forming of the pipes, and can simultaneously perform internal high-pressure final forming of a set of crossbeams and a set of longitudinal arms. The fourth robot 12 is used to transport the internally high-pressure formed pipes to the pipe discharge unit 5 for discharge. Figure 4 As shown, the pipe discharge unit 5 includes a third conveying mechanism 37 and a laser marking structure 36. The laser marking structure 36 is located above the third conveying mechanism 37. The fourth robot 12 transfers the pipe that has been formed by high pressure to the laser marking structure 36 for marking and then releases it onto the third conveying mechanism 37.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid-cooled plate destacking unit 6 is used to destacking liquid-cooled plates. The liquid-cooled plate destacking unit 6 includes a base, limiting posts 31, a pneumatic sheet-separating device, and a double-material detection device. Several sets of limiting posts 31 are arranged around the circumference of the base. Liquid-cooled plates are stacked on the base and limited by the limiting posts 31. The pneumatic sheet-separating device is used to destacking the stacked liquid-cooled plates. The double-material detection device is used to perform double-material detection on the liquid-cooled plates transported by the fifth robot 13. Alternatively, a last-sheet material detection device can be installed on the base. This last-sheet material detection device can be an infrared detector. A groove is provided on the base, and the infrared detector is installed in the groove. When no liquid-cooled plate above blocks the infrared light emitted by the infrared detector, the control unit issues a warning to remind the operator to load the material.

[0047] The fifth robot 13 is used to transport the liquid-cooled plates from the liquid-cooled plate destacking unit 6 to the first conveying mechanism 32 of the liquid-cooled plate oiling unit 7 for oiling. The liquid-cooled plate centering unit 8 is used to center the oiled liquid-cooled plates. The liquid-cooled plate oiling unit 7 includes an oiling machine 33 and a first conveying mechanism 32. The liquid-cooled plate centering unit 8 includes a centering machine 35 and a second conveying mechanism 34. The transmission end of the first conveying mechanism 32 is connected to the transmission beginning of the second conveying mechanism 34. The centering machine 35 includes a centering camera, a position adjustment component, and a suction cup component. The centering camera is used to identify the position of the liquid-cooled plates on the second conveying mechanism 34. The suction cup component is used to pick up the liquid-cooled plates. The position adjustment component is used to adjust the position of the suction cup component and the liquid-cooled plates.

[0048] The fourth robot 12 is used to transport the centered liquid-cooled plate from the second conveying mechanism 34 to the second press unit 4, which is used to calender the liquid-cooled plate. The third robot is used to transport the calendered liquid-cooled plate from the second press unit 4 to the first press unit 3, which is used to trim and punch the liquid-cooled plate. The second robot 11 is used to transport the trimmed and punched liquid-cooled plate from the first press unit 3 to the liquid-cooled plate unloading unit 9 for unloading.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid-cooled plate unloading unit 9 includes a fourth conveying mechanism 38, a lifting device 39, a tilting device 41, and a fifth conveying mechanism 42. The first robot 10 is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate on the placement platform 18 to the fourth conveying mechanism 38, which employs multiple sets of parallel belt conveyors spaced apart. The lifting device 39 is used to lift the liquid-cooled plate at the end of the conveyor from the fourth conveying mechanism 38. A sixth conveying mechanism 40 is provided on the lifting device 39. Specifically, the lifting device 39 includes a lifting component, a lifting plate, and two sets of lifting assemblies. The two sets of lifting assemblies are located on both sides of the lifting plate. The lifting component is used to lift the lifting plate and can be a lifting cylinder. Each set of lifting assemblies includes several sets of lifting columns, and each set of lifting columns can be inserted into the spacing between the multiple sets of conveyors. The sixth conveying mechanism 40 includes several sets of first conveying rollers; the lifting columns of the two sets of lifting assemblies correspond one-to-one, and a first conveying roller is provided between the corresponding two sets of lifting columns. The lifting column is equipped with a first conveying component, which drives the first conveying roller to rotate, thereby conveying the liquid cooling plate on the lifting device 39 to the flipping device 41.

[0050] like Figure 6As shown, the tilting device 41 is equipped with a seventh conveying mechanism. The sixth conveying mechanism 40 is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate on the lifting device 39 to the seventh conveying mechanism. The tilting device 41 is used to tilt the liquid-cooled plate on the seventh conveying mechanism. The seventh conveying mechanism is used to convey the tilted liquid-cooled plate to the fifth conveying mechanism 42. The tilting device 41 includes a support frame 45, a tilting component, and a tilting frame. The tilting frame includes two sets of rings 43 and several sets of connecting rods 44. The two sides of the several sets of connecting rods 44 are respectively connected to the two sets of rings 43. The outer side of the rings 43 is provided with an annular groove 48. The two sides of the support frame 45 are respectively provided with two sets of support seats 46, and the two sets of support seats 46 on each side are respectively located on both sides of the rings 43. A rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the support seat 46, and a roller 47 is connected to the rotating shaft. The roller 47 is located in the annular groove 48. The tilting component is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, and the rotating shaft drives the roller 47 to rotate. The roller 47 drives the tilting frame to rotate through the friction between itself and the annular groove 48. The seventh conveying mechanism includes two sets of conveying components 49, which are located on the upper and lower sides of the center line of the ring 43, respectively. Each set of conveying components 49 includes a second conveying element and several sets of second conveying rollers. The two sides of the second conveying rollers are rotatably connected to the connecting rod 44. The second conveying element is used to drive the second conveying rollers to rotate. The two sides of the tilting frame are provided with slots for passing through the liquid cooling plate, and the slots are located between the two sets of conveying components 49.

[0051] A lifting device 39 can be installed below the fifth conveying mechanism 42 to lift the liquid cooling plate on the fifth conveying mechanism 42, making it convenient for workers to perform deburring operations.

[0052] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0053] ①The high-pressure process inside the pipe is as follows:

[0054] (1) Several crossbeams and longitudinal arms are placed in their respective storage racks 19. The drive assembly is activated, causing the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt rotates the crossbeams or longitudinal arms, which then sequentially enter the inclined storage platform 22 and roll downwards under gravity until they contact the first limiting block 23. The drive unit is activated, causing the single-tube transport unit 24 to rotate. One side of the single-tube transport unit 24 rises and lifts the lowest crossbeam or longitudinal arm, which rolls along the single-tube transport unit 24 to the second limiting block 25. Then, the lateral movement unit is activated, causing the two sets of drive blocks to move closer together until they abut against the ends of the crossbeams or longitudinal arms. Afterward, the rotation unit is activated, causing the drive blocks to rotate, which in turn causes the crossbeams or longitudinal arms to rotate. During this process, the identification component identifies the welds on the crossbeams or longitudinal arms until the welds rotate to a specified position. The rotation unit then stops rotating, and the lateral movement unit causes the two sets of drive blocks to move away from each other. The clamping structure 16 is activated, which clamps the longitudinal arm on the single-tube transport component 24 to the pipe bending machine 17 for processing. The first robot 10 then transports the crossbeam and the processed longitudinal arm from the pipe bending machine 17 to the placement table 18.

[0055] (2) The second robot 11 transports the crossbeam and longitudinal arm on the placement platform 18 to the mold of the first press unit 3 for preforming, and the third robot transports the preformed pipe in the first press unit 3 to the second press unit 4 for internal high-pressure expansion.

[0056] (3) The fourth robot 12 transfers the crossbeam and longitudinal arm of the internal high pressure final forming from the second press to the position of the laser marking structure 36 for laser marking. After marking, it is released to the third conveying mechanism 37 for conveying and to the manual picking point for framing. At this point, the internal high pressure production of the pipe is completed in one work cycle. For continuous batch production, the cycle is repeated.

[0057] ②The stamping process for liquid-cooled plates is as follows:

[0058] (1) Workers stack the liquid-cooled plates on the base, and the limiting post 31 limits their movement. When transporting the liquid-cooled plates, the fifth robot 13 uses a pneumatic splitting device to unpack the plates, and is equipped with a double-material detection device to prevent stacking. The fifth robot 13 transfers the liquid-cooled plates to the first conveying mechanism 32. During the conveying process, the oiling machine 33 applies oil to the liquid-cooled plates. The oiled liquid-cooled plates are then transferred to the second conveying mechanism 34. The centering machine 35 centers the liquid-cooled plates on the second conveying mechanism 34, and the centered liquid-cooled plates are then transferred to the end of the second conveying mechanism 34.

[0059] (2) The fourth robot 12 transports the centered liquid cooling plate to the second press unit 4 for calendering and forming. The third robot transports the calendered liquid cooling plate from the second press unit 4 to the first press unit 3 for trimming and punching. The second robot 11 transports the trimmed and punched liquid cooling plate from the first press unit 3 to the fourth conveying mechanism 38.

[0060] (3) The fourth conveying mechanism 38 conveys the liquid-cooled plate to the top of the lifting device 39. The lifting component drives the lifting plate to move upward, and the lifting plate drives all the lifting columns to move upward and insert them into the gap of the conveyor. The lifting columns drive the liquid-cooled plate to move upward, and the worker deburrs the liquid-cooled plate. After the treatment is completed, the first and second conveying components are started, driving the first and second conveying rollers to move, so that the liquid-cooled plate is transferred to the top of the second conveying roller and located in the flipping device 41. The flipping component is started, and the flipping component drives the roller 47 to rotate, and the roller 47 drives the flipping frame to flip, thereby realizing the flipping of the liquid-cooled plate. The second conveying component is started, and the second conveying component drives the second conveying roller to rotate, thereby transferring the liquid-cooled plate to the fifth conveying mechanism 42, where the worker deburrs the other side of the liquid-cooled plate, and finally it is framed. Thus, one working cycle of the liquid-cooled plate is completed.

[0061] When changing the molded product, it is necessary to switch the control program of control unit 1 and replace the robot's end effector and auxiliary hardware tooling (such as the molding die).

[0062] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0063] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials, characterized in that: It includes a control unit (1) and a pipe feeding unit (2), a first press unit (3), a second press unit (4), a pipe discharging unit (5), a liquid-cooled plate destacking unit (6), a liquid-cooled plate oiling unit (7), a liquid-cooled plate unloading unit (9), and a robot handling unit connected to the control unit (1); the robot handling unit includes a first robot (10), a second robot (11), a third robot, a fourth robot (12), and a fifth robot (13); The pipe feeding unit (2) is used to feed pipes sequentially. The first robot (10) is used to transport the pipes from the pipe feeding unit (2) to the placement table (18). The second robot (11) is used to transport the pipes from the placement table (18) to the first press unit (3). The first press unit (3) is used to pre-form the pipes. The third robot is used to transport the pre-formed pipes in the first press unit (3) to the second press unit (4). The second press unit (4) is used to perform internal high-pressure final forming of the pipes. The fourth robot (12) is used to transport the internally high-pressure final-formed pipes to the pipe discharge unit (5) for discharge. The liquid cooling plate destacking unit (6) is used to destacking the liquid cooling plates. The fifth robot (13) is used to transport the liquid cooling plates from the liquid cooling plate destacking unit (6) to the liquid cooling plate oiling unit (7) for oiling. The fourth robot (12) is used to transport the oiled liquid cooling plates to the second press unit (4), which is used to calender the liquid cooling plates. The third robot is used to transport the calendered liquid cooling plates from the second press unit (4) to the first press unit (3), which is used to trim and punch the liquid cooling plates. The second robot (11) is used to transport the trimmed and punched liquid cooling plates from the first press unit (3) to the liquid cooling plate unloading unit (9) for unloading.

2. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid cooling plate centering unit (8), which is used to center the oiled liquid cooling plate; the liquid cooling plate oiling unit (7) includes an oiling machine (33) and a first conveying mechanism (32); the liquid cooling plate centering unit (8) includes a centering machine (35) and a second conveying mechanism (34); the transmission end of the first conveying mechanism (32) and the transmission beginning of the second conveying mechanism (34) are connected; the fifth robot (13) is used to transport the liquid cooling plate of the liquid cooling plate destacking unit (6) to the first conveying mechanism (32) for oiling; the fourth robot (12) is used to transport the centered liquid cooling plate on the second conveying mechanism (34) to the second press unit (4).

3. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe feeding unit (2) includes a first feeding device (14) and a second feeding device (15). The pipe includes a crossbeam and a longitudinal arm. The first feeding device (14) is used to feed the longitudinal arm, and the second feeding device (15) is used to feed the crossbeam. The first feeding device (14) corresponds to a set of pipe bending machines (17) and a set of clamping structures (16). The clamping structure (16) is used to clamp the longitudinal arm on the first feeding device (14) into the pipe bending machine (17) for processing. The first robot (10) is used to transport the longitudinal arm processed by the pipe bending machine (17) and the crossbeam on the second feeding device (15) to the placement table (18).

4. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first feeding device (14) and the second feeding device (15) both include a storage rack (19), a conveying structure (20), an inclined storage platform (22), and a single-tube transport structure; the storage rack (19) is used to stack several crossbeams or longitudinal arms; the side of the storage rack (19) near the inclined storage platform (22) is set as an inclined surface (21), and the upper side of the inclined surface (21) is inclined towards the inclined storage platform (22); the conveying structure (20) includes a conveyor belt and a drive assembly, the drive assembly being used to drive the conveyor belt for transmission; the upper side of the conveyor belt is located on both sides and the bottom of the storage rack (19), and the conveyor belt is used to transport the crossbeams or longitudinal arms in the storage rack (19) to the top of the storage rack (19); the inclined storage platform (22) and the storage rack (19) are connected. The top docking is such that the side of the inclined storage platform (22) away from the storage rack (19) is lower than the other side. The side of the inclined storage platform (22) away from the storage rack (19) is provided with a first limiting block (23) for blocking the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The single-tube transport structure is used to transport a crossbeam or longitudinal arm that is in contact with the first limiting block (23). The single-tube transport structure includes a drive and multiple sets of single-tube transport components (24). The multiple sets of single-tube transport components (24) are arranged along the length direction of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The drive is used to drive the multiple sets of single-tube transport components (24) to rotate synchronously. One side of the single-tube transport component (24) can lift the crossbeam or longitudinal arm upward. The other side of the single-tube transport component (24) is provided with a second limiting block (25) for blocking the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

5. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first feeding device (14) and the second feeding device (15) are also provided with a weld seam identification structure connected to the control unit (1) on one side. The weld seam identification structure includes an identification component and a rotating component (26). The rotating component (26) is used to drive the crossbeam or longitudinal arm on the single tube transport component (24) to rotate. The identification component is used to identify the weld seam on the crossbeam or longitudinal arm. The rotating component (26) includes a rotating component, a lateral moving component and two sets of driving blocks. The rotating component is used to drive the two sets of driving blocks to rotate. The lateral moving component is used to drive the two sets of driving blocks to move closer or further away from each other. The two sets of driving blocks are directly opposite the two ends of the crossbeam or longitudinal arm.

6. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid-cooled plate destacking unit (6) includes a base, a limiting post (31), a pneumatic sheeting device, and a double-material detection device; the limiting post (31) is provided in several groups, and the several groups of the limiting post (31) are arranged around the base; the liquid-cooled plates are stacked on the base and limited by the limiting post (31); the pneumatic sheeting device is used to destacking the stacked liquid-cooled plates; the double-material detection device is used to perform double-material detection on the liquid-cooled plates transported by the fifth robot (13).

7. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe discharge unit (5) includes a third conveying mechanism (37) and a laser marking structure (36). The laser marking structure (36) is located above the third conveying mechanism (37). The fourth robot (12) transfers the pipe with internal high pressure final forming to the laser marking structure (36) for marking and then releases it onto the third conveying mechanism (37).

8. The automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid-cooled plate unloading unit (9) includes a fourth conveying mechanism (38), a lifting device (39), a flipping device (41), and a fifth conveying mechanism (42); the second robot (11) is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate after the inner edge cutting and punching of the first press unit (3) to the fourth conveying mechanism (38); the lifting device (39) is used to lift the liquid-cooled plate at the end of the conveying of the fourth conveying mechanism (38); the lifting device (39) is provided with a sixth conveying mechanism (40), and the flipping device (41) is provided with a seventh conveying mechanism. The sixth conveying mechanism (40) is used to convey the liquid-cooled plate on the lifting device (39) to the seventh conveying mechanism; the flipping device (41) is used to flip the liquid-cooled plate on the seventh conveying mechanism; the seventh conveying mechanism is used to convey the flipped liquid-cooled plate to the fifth conveying mechanism (42).

9. An automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fourth conveying mechanism (38) employs multiple sets of conveyors arranged side-by-side with spacing; the lifting device (39) includes a lifting member, a lifting plate, and two sets of lifting components, with the two sets of lifting components located on both sides of the lifting plate, and the lifting member used to lift the lifting plate; each set of lifting components includes several sets of lifting columns, and the lifting columns of each set of lifting components can be inserted into the spacing between the multiple sets of conveyors; the sixth conveying mechanism (40) includes several sets of first conveying rollers; the lifting columns of the two sets of lifting components correspond one-to-one, and a first conveying roller is provided between the corresponding two sets of lifting columns; a first conveying member is provided on the lifting column, and the first conveying member is used to drive the first conveying roller to rotate.

10. An automated production line for composite forming of tube sheet metal materials according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flipping device (41) includes a support frame (45), a flipping component, and a flipping frame; the flipping frame includes two sets of rings (43) and several sets of connecting rods (44), with each side of the several sets of connecting rods (44) connected to the two sets of rings (43); an annular groove (48) is provided on the outer side of the rings (43); two sets of support seats (46) are provided on each side of the support frame (45), with the two sets of support seats (46) on each side located on both sides of the rings (43); rollers (47) are connected to the support seats (46), and the rollers (47) are located in the annular groove (48). Inside; the flipping component is used to drive the roller (47) to rotate, and the roller (47) drives the flipping frame to rotate through the friction between it and the annular groove (48); the seventh conveying mechanism includes two sets of conveying components (49), and the two sets of conveying components (49) are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the center line of the ring (43); each set of conveying components (49) includes a second conveying component and several sets of second conveying rollers, and the two sides of the second conveying rollers are respectively rotatably connected to the connecting rod (44); the second conveying component is used to drive the second conveying rollers to rotate; the two sides of the flipping frame are provided with slots for passing through the liquid cooling plate.

Images