A full-automatic production line for heat-dissipating organ pipe

Abstract

The application discloses a full-automatic production line for heat-dissipation accordion tubes, which is characterized by the following: the material transfer operation of workpieces between the first feeding station, the second feeding station, the assembling station, the welding station and the discharging and carrying station is carried out by a material transfer manipulator, the devices in the production line are arranged compactly, the production line occupies a small space in the workshop, and the space utilization is improved. The material taking mechanism on the material transfer manipulator is composed of a base frame, a linear driving device, material taking claws, a connecting seat, a guide seat and the like, can realize the quick and stable switching of the material clamping state of multiple material taking claws in vertical opposition and the material sucking state of part of the material taking claws in horizontal, complete the conversion of multiple operation modes of the material taking mechanism, and meet the stable clamping of large-size accordion tube components and the flexible movement and sucking operation of the material taking claws in the narrow space in the workpiece support of the feeding station, so that the adaptability of material taking in multiple scenes and the versatility of the material taking mechanism are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of harmonica tube manufacturing technology, specifically a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes. Background Technology

[0002] The manufacturing process of harmonica-style heat sinks for new energy batteries generally includes assembly and welding. These processes are typically carried out manually or semi-automatically using a combination of manual and automated production equipment. The former, due to human factors such as the experience and skills of the operators, cannot guarantee that the harmonica tubes will be fully assembled, resulting in significant deviations in welding precision. This leads to low production efficiency, poor product quality, and high labor costs. The latter, using automated production equipment, generally employs a transfer robot to transfer workpieces between processing stations. However, this robot typically grips workpieces using surface suction nozzles or clamping structures. It cannot simultaneously handle the stable gripping of large, long harmonica tubes, nor can it reach into narrow spaces for flexible movement and material handling. This semi-automated production generally requires manual assistance and cannot adapt to the requirements of various usage scenarios, thus limiting production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that existing production lines for heat dissipation plates for new energy batteries using harmonica tubes cannot meet the requirements of stable gripping of large-sized, long strip-shaped harmonica tubes and flexible movement and material handling in narrow spaces, thus limiting production efficiency. In this way, a fully automated production line for heat dissipation harmonica tubes can be provided.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes, the production line comprising a material transfer robot and a first loading station, a second loading station, an assembly station, a welding station, and a material unloading and handling station surrounding the material transfer robot, wherein the material transfer robot comprises:

[0005] Multi-axis driven robotic arm;

[0006] The material handling mechanism includes a base frame, several material handling claws, a connecting seat, and several guide seats corresponding to the material handling claws. The base frame is connected to the movable end of the multi-axis driven robotic arm, and several linear drive devices are laterally extended on it. The material handling claws are equipped with suction nozzles and several suction nozzle connector assemblies, which are rotatably connected to a slide via a side pivot. The linear drive devices drive the slide to move laterally. The connecting seat is connected to an external vacuum generator, and several connecting pipes corresponding to the material handling claws extend from its side. Several air extraction connector assemblies that connect to the suction nozzle connector assemblies are provided on the connecting pipes. The guide seats abut against the surface of the material handling claws to guide the flipping of the material handling claws during lateral movement.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0008] The suction nozzle assembly includes a first connector and a second connector, and the air extraction connector assembly includes a third connector and a fourth connector. When several of the material-grabbing claws are perpendicular to the base frame and correspond to each other, the first connector and the third connector are connected. When the material-grabbing claws are parallel to the base frame, the second connector and the fourth connector are connected. Control valves are provided on the first connector, the second connector, the third connector, and the fourth connector.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0010] The first connector is disposed on the side of the picking claw, perpendicular to the connecting pipe and close to the connecting seat. The second connector is disposed on the side of the picking claw facing the connecting pipe. The third connector and the fourth connector are respectively located at the inner and outer ends of the side of the connecting pipe facing the picking claw. The opening of the third connector faces outward and corresponds to the first connector. The fourth connector extends perpendicular to the connecting pipe.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0012] The control valve is a miniature solenoid valve.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0014] The first and second connectors are each fitted with a sliding collar on the outer side of their open ends, and a sealing ring is provided at the end of the sliding collar facing the third or fourth connector.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0016] At least one limiting ring is provided on the outer side of both the first and second connectors. The limiting ring is slidably disposed in the annular guide groove inside the sliding collar. The end face of the annular guide groove corresponds to the sliding collar to limit the range of motion.

[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0018] A docking magnet is provided on the sliding collar, and an electromagnet is provided on both the third and fourth joints. The docking magnet is magnetically connected to the corresponding electromagnet.

[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0020] The guide seat has a first positioning surface at its inner end facing the end face of the picking claw, and a second positioning surface at its outer end. The distance between the first positioning surface and the end face of the base frame is less than the distance between the second positioning surface and the end face of the base frame. The first positioning surface and the second positioning surface are connected by an inclined guide surface.

[0021] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0022] The material handling claw and the guide seat are respectively provided with a first magnet and a second magnet that are magnetically connected.

[0023] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0024] The fully automated harmonica tube production line of this invention uses a transfer robot to transfer workpieces between the first loading station, second loading station, assembly station, welding station, and unloading station. The equipment layout in the production line is compact, occupying little space in the workshop and improving space utilization. The material handling mechanism of the transfer robot consists of a base frame, linear drive equipment, material handling claws, connecting seats, and guide seats. It can quickly and stably switch between a vertically opposing clamping state for multiple material handling claws and a horizontal suction state for some material handling claws, completing the conversion of multiple working modes of the material handling mechanism. This satisfies the stable clamping of large-sized harmonica tube components and the flexible movement and suction operation of the material handling claws in the narrow space of the workpiece support in the loading station, improving the adaptability of material handling in multiple scenarios and the versatility of the material handling mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling robot in a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism in the clamping state of a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes. Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism (left slide omitted) in the clamping state of a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes. Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the first connector (or the second connector) and the third connector (or the fourth connector) are connected in a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial sectional view of the first connector (or second connector) in a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the material handling mechanism in the suction state of a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes.

[0033] Legend:

[0034] 1. First loading station; 2. Second loading station; 3. Assembly station; 4. Welding station; 5. Unloading and handling station; 6. Transfer robot; 61. Multi-axis driven robotic arm; 62. Picking mechanism; 7. Base frame; 71. Linear drive equipment; 8. Picking claw; 81. Suction nozzle; 82. Rotating shaft; 83. Slide seat; 84. First connector; 841. Limiting ring; 85. Second connector; 86. Sliding collar; 861. Annular guide groove; 87. Sealing ring; 88. First magnet; 9. Connecting seat; 91. Connecting pipe; 92. Third connector; 93. Fourth connector; 94. Electromagnet; 10. Guide seat; 101. First positioning surface; 102. Second positioning surface; 103. Guide surface; 104. Second magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0036] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0037] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] Please see Figure 1-7 This invention provides a technical solution: a fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes, the production line including a material transfer robot 6 and a first loading station 1, a second loading station 2, an assembly station 3, a welding station 4, and a material unloading and handling station 5 surrounding the material transfer robot 6, the material transfer robot 6 comprising:

[0042] Multi-axis driven robotic arm 61;

[0043] The material handling mechanism 62 includes a base frame 7, several material handling claws 8, a connecting seat 9, and several guide seats 10 corresponding to the material handling claws 8. The base frame 7 connects to the movable end of the multi-axis driven robotic arm 61, and several linear drive devices 71 extend laterally from it. Each material handling claw 8 is equipped with a suction nozzle 81 and several suction nozzle connector assemblies, which are rotatably connected to a slide 83 via a side pivot 82. The linear drive devices 71 drive the slide 83 to move laterally. The connecting seat 9 connects to an external vacuum generator, and several connecting pipes 91 corresponding to the material handling claws 8 extend from its side. Each connecting pipe 91 is equipped with several suction connector assemblies that connect to the suction nozzle connector assemblies. The guide seats 10 abut against the surface of the material handling claws 8 to guide the lateral movement of the material handling claws 8. The linear drive devices 71 are conventional linear drive devices such as linear motors, electric cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or hydraulic cylinders.

[0044] The fully automated harmonica tube production line of this invention uses a transfer robot to transfer workpieces between the first loading station, second loading station, assembly station, welding station, and unloading station. The equipment layout in the production line is compact, occupying little space in the workshop and improving space utilization. The material handling mechanism of the transfer robot consists of a base frame, linear drive equipment, material handling claws, connecting seats, and guide seats. It can quickly and stably switch between a vertically opposing clamping state for multiple material handling claws and a horizontal suction state for some material handling claws, completing the conversion of multiple working modes of the material handling mechanism. This satisfies the stable clamping of large-sized harmonica tube components and the flexible movement and suction operation of the material handling claws in the narrow space of the workpiece support in the loading station, improving the adaptability of material handling in multiple scenarios and the versatility of the material handling mechanism.

[0045] The suction nozzle assembly includes a first connector 84 and a second connector 85, and the air extraction connector assembly includes a third connector 92 and a fourth connector 93. When several of the material-grabbing claws 8 are perpendicular to the base frame 7 and correspond to each other, the first connector 84 and the third connector 92 are connected. When the material-grabbing claws 8 are parallel to the base frame 7, the second connector 85 and the fourth connector 93 are connected. Control valves are provided on the first connector 84, the second connector 85, the third connector 92, and the fourth connector 93.

[0046] In this embodiment, the nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly are arranged in the following ways: the first connector 84 is arranged on the material-grabbing claw 8, perpendicular to the connecting pipe 91 and close to the side of the connecting seat 9; the second connector 85 is arranged on the material-grabbing claw 8, facing the side of the connecting pipe 91; the third connector 92 and the fourth connector 93 are located at the inner and outer ends of the side of the connecting pipe 91 facing the material-grabbing claw 8, respectively; the opening of the third connector 92 faces outward and corresponds to the first connector 84; and the fourth connector 93 extends perpendicular to the connecting pipe 91.

[0047] The control valve is a miniature solenoid valve, designed to meet the requirements for installation in confined spaces and the need for stable automated on / off control of pipelines.

[0048] The guide seat 10 has a first positioning surface 101 at its inner end facing the end face of the picking claw 8, and a second positioning surface 102 at its outer end. The distance between the first positioning surface 101 and the end face of the base frame 7 is less than the distance between the second positioning surface 102 and the end face of the base frame 7. The first positioning surface 101 and the second positioning surface 102 are connected by an inclined guide surface 103.

[0049] The picking claw 8 and the guide seat 10 are respectively provided with a first magnet 88 and a second magnet 104 that are magnetically connected. The above structure is mainly used to assist in flipping and resetting when the picking claw 8 moves inward, thereby improving the structural stability.

[0050] The working principle of a fully automated production line for heat dissipation harmonica tubes in this embodiment includes: during use, the material transfer robot 6 performs material transfer operations between the surrounding first loading station 1, second loading station 2, assembly station 3, welding station 4, and unloading and handling station 5, so that after the harmonica tube components have undergone assembly and welding processes, they are moved out of the production line from the unloading and handling station 5 and transferred to the next processing process.

[0051] When the material handling mechanism 62 needs to handle material in the narrow space of the loading station, the suction nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly disconnect. The linear drive device 71 drives the slide 83 to move outward, causing the material handling claw 8 to flip relative to the slide 83 and become parallel to the base frame 7 under the guidance of the guide surface 103. It then abuts against the first positioning surface 101 to ensure structural stability. At this time, the material handling claw 8 extends to the outside of the base frame 7, and the suction nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly partially reconnect to meet the material handling requirements of the suction nozzle 81. Afterward, the material handling claw 8 can be inserted into the narrow space to perform the material handling operation, i.e. Figure 7 The material feeding state of the material feeding mechanism 62.

[0052] When clamping large harmonica tube components, the nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly are disconnected. The linear drive device 71 drives the slide 83 to move inward and reset. Under the magnetic attraction of the first magnet 88 and the second magnet 104, the other end of the picking claw 8 opposite the nozzle 81 flips towards the guide seat 10 and abuts against the second positioning surface 102 when it moves to the innermost end, completing the structural positioning. The picking claws 8 are aligned to clamp the harmonica tube component. At this time, the surface of the harmonica tube component abuts against the connecting seat 9 to improve clamping stability. The nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly are partially re-connected, and the nozzle 81 adsorbs the component to further improve the clamping strength. Specifically, as shown below... Figure 2-4 The structure of the material handling mechanism 62 in the clamping state is shown.

[0053] Example 2:

[0054] Please see Figure 5 , 6 The figure shows a fully automatic production line for heat dissipation harmonica tubes provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, the following technical solutions are further improved: a sliding collar 86 is slidably sleeved on the outer side of the opening end of the first connector 84 and the second connector 85, and a sealing ring 87 is provided on the end of the sliding collar 86 facing the third connector 92 or the fourth connector 93.

[0055] At least one limiting ring 841 is provided on the outer side of the first connector 84 and the second connector 85. The limiting ring 841 is slidably disposed in the annular guide groove 861 inside the sliding collar 86. The end face of the annular guide groove 861 corresponds to the sliding collar 86 to limit the range of motion.

[0056] A docking magnet is provided on the sliding collar 86, and an electromagnet 94 is provided on the third connector 92 and the fourth connector 93. The docking magnet is magnetically connected to the corresponding electromagnet 94.

[0057] The working principle of a fully automated production line for heat dissipation harmonica tubes in this embodiment includes: When the nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly are disconnected (before the linear drive device 71 starts running), the controller of this production line controls the control valve to disconnect the airflow passage inside each connector. The magnetic field formed by the electromagnet 94 is opposite to the same pole of the docking magnet, and the sliding collar 86 pops out from the electromagnet 94 to avoid structural interference when the picking claw 8 moves. At this time, the picking claw 8 can move. When the nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly are partially reconnected (after the linear drive device 71 stops running), a reverse current is passed through the electromagnet 94, and the magnetic field formed is opposite to the docking magnet. The sliding collar 86 moves toward the electromagnet 94, and the sealing ring 87 is fitted on the electromagnet 94 to achieve resealing of the connector. After that, the control valve controls the airflow passage inside each connector to open, and the vacuum generator, connecting seat 9, connecting pipe 91, connector, picking claw 8, and nozzle 81 are connected in sequence to extract the gas, so that the component can be adsorbed through the nozzle 81. This enables rapid switching between the docking and disconnection states of the suction nozzle connector assembly and the air extraction connector assembly, avoiding structural interference when the picking claw 8 moves, while ensuring airtightness when the connector is docked, resulting in sufficient and stable suction at the suction nozzle 81.

[0058] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes in this embodiment has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0059] The fully automated harmonica tube production line of this invention uses a transfer robot to transfer workpieces between the first loading station, second loading station, assembly station, welding station, and unloading station. The equipment layout in the production line is compact, occupying little space in the workshop and improving space utilization. The material handling mechanism of the transfer robot consists of a base frame, linear drive equipment, material handling claws, connecting seats, and guide seats. It can quickly and stably switch between a vertically opposing clamping state for multiple material handling claws and a horizontal suction state for some material handling claws, completing the conversion of multiple working modes of the material handling mechanism. This satisfies the stable clamping of large-sized harmonica tube components and the flexible movement and suction operation of the material handling claws in the narrow space of the workpiece support in the loading station, improving the adaptability of material handling in multiple scenarios and the versatility of the material handling mechanism.

[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat dissipating organ pipe full-automatic production line, characterized in that, The production line includes a material handling robot and a first loading station, a second loading station, an assembly station, a welding station, and a material unloading and handling station surrounding the material handling robot. The material handling robot includes: Multi-axis driven robotic arm; The material handling mechanism includes a base frame, several material handling claws, a connecting seat, and several guide seats corresponding to the material handling claws. The base frame is connected to the movable end of the multi-axis driven robotic arm, and several linear drive devices are laterally extended on it. The material handling claws are equipped with suction nozzles and several suction nozzle connector assemblies, which are rotatably connected to a slide via a side pivot. The linear drive devices drive the slide to move laterally. The connecting seat is connected to an external vacuum generator, and several connecting pipes corresponding to the material handling claws extend from its side. Several air extraction connector assemblies that connect to the suction nozzle connector assemblies are provided on the connecting pipes. The guide seats abut against the surface of the material handling claws to guide the flipping of the material handling claws during lateral movement.

2. The full-automatic production line of heat dissipation concertina tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction nozzle assembly includes a first connector and a second connector, and the air extraction connector assembly includes a third connector and a fourth connector. When several of the material-grabbing claws are perpendicular to the base frame and correspond to each other, the first connector and the third connector are connected. When the material-grabbing claws are parallel to the base frame, the second connector and the fourth connector are connected. Control valves are provided on the first connector, the second connector, the third connector, and the fourth connector.

3. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connector is disposed on the side of the picking claw, perpendicular to the connecting pipe and close to the connecting seat. The second connector is disposed on the side of the picking claw facing the connecting pipe. The third connector and the fourth connector are respectively located at the inner and outer ends of the side of the connecting pipe facing the picking claw. The opening of the third connector faces outward and corresponds to the first connector. The fourth connector extends perpendicular to the connecting pipe.

4. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control valve is a miniature solenoid valve.

5. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second connectors are each fitted with a sliding collar on the outer side of their open ends, and a sealing ring is provided at the end of the sliding collar facing the third or fourth connector.

6. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one limiting ring is provided on the outer side of both the first and second connectors. The limiting ring is slidably disposed in the annular guide groove inside the sliding collar. The end face of the annular guide groove corresponds to the sliding collar to limit the range of motion.

7. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 5, characterized in that, A docking magnet is provided on the sliding collar, and an electromagnet is provided on both the third and fourth joints. The docking magnet is magnetically connected to the corresponding electromagnet.

8. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide seat has a first positioning surface at its inner end facing the end face of the picking claw, and a second positioning surface at its outer end. The distance between the first positioning surface and the end face of the base frame is less than the distance between the second positioning surface and the end face of the base frame. The first positioning surface and the second positioning surface are connected by an inclined guide surface.

9. The fully automated production line for heat-dissipating harmonica tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material handling claw and the guide seat are respectively provided with a first magnet and a second magnet that are magnetically connected.

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