A heat exchanger production line

Abstract

This application provides a heat exchanger production line, relating to the technical field of heat exchangers. The production line includes a fin supply module, a refrigerant pipe supply module, and an assembly module. The fin supply module extends longitudinally and is used to supply fins. The refrigerant pipe supply module is arranged parallel to the fin supply module and located on one side of the fin supply module in the transverse direction, and is used to supply refrigerant pipes. The assembly module is located at one end of the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipe supply module in the longitudinal direction, and is used to assemble the fins supplied by the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipes supplied by the refrigerant pipe supply module. Corresponding to the basic scheme of this application, this production line can automatically complete the production of heat exchangers, with a high degree of automation and production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, and more specifically to a heat exchanger production line. Background Technology

[0002] In the current manufacturing process of air conditioning heat exchangers, core processes such as fin stamping, copper tube bending, tube threading, tube expansion, and material handling are all highly dependent on manual operation. This production model has many technical defects and production bottlenecks: On the one hand, each process operates in a decentralized manner as an independent work unit, forming an "island-like" production layout. The material connection between processes relies entirely on manual handling, resulting in difficulty in unifying the production rhythm and lengthy material flow paths, directly causing low material turnover efficiency; on the other hand, the widespread use of manual operation not only increases the company's labor costs, but also further restricts the improvement of overall production efficiency due to the instability and limited efficiency of manual operation, making it difficult to meet the high-efficiency, automated, and large-scale production needs of modern manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a heat exchanger production line designed to automate the assembly of heat exchangers and improve their production efficiency.

[0004] This application provides a heat exchanger production line, including: A fin supply module extends longitudinally and is used to supply fins; A refrigerant pipe supply module, arranged parallel to the finned supply module and located on one side of the finned supply module in the lateral direction, is used to supply refrigerant pipes; and, An assembly module is disposed at one end of the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipe supply module in the longitudinal direction, and is used to assemble the fins supplied by the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipes supplied by the refrigerant pipe supply module.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fin supply module, the refrigerant pipe supply module, and the assembly module constitute a production system, and two sets of the production system are provided, with the two sets of the production system arranged horizontally.

[0006] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pipe supply modules of the two production systems are arranged adjacent to each other, and the two finned supply modules are respectively located on both sides of the two refrigerant pipe supply modules.

[0007] In some embodiments, the refrigerant supply module includes: A pipe bending machine is used to bend refrigerant pipes, and the pipe bending machine is arranged adjacent to the fin supply module; A pipe manifold, located at the outlet of the pipe bending machine, is used to collect the bent refrigerant pipes; and, A conveying device is located on the side of the manifold away from the pipe bending machine and is used to convey refrigerant pipes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the conveying device includes a conveyor line, a return line, and a tooling plate. The conveyor line is located above the return line and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the conveyor line is located at the manifold. The heat exchanger production line also includes a return plate device, which is located at the discharge end of the conveyor line of the two conveying devices and is used to return the tooling plate flowing out of the discharge end of the conveyor line to the return line.

[0009] In some embodiments, the assembly module includes: A pipe-insertion device is provided at one end of the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipe supply module in the longitudinal direction, and is used to insert the refrigerant pipe into the fins. An expansion device is located on the side of the tube insertion device away from the fin supply module, and is used to expand the refrigerant tube after insertion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the assembly module further includes a palletizing robot, which is disposed at one end of the tube expansion device in the lateral direction, for palletizing the heat exchangers after the tube expansion device has expanded. The heat exchanger production line also includes a hoist, which is positioned between the palletizing robots of the two assembly modules and is used to lift and lower the palletized heat exchangers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line further includes a transfer robot, which is positioned between the tube expansion device and the tube insertion device to transfer the heat exchanger to the tube expansion device after the tube insertion device has inserted the tubes.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fin supply module includes: A stamping device for stamping and forming fins; and... A needle-threading device is used to thread needles through the formed fins to perform coarse positioning of the fins.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line further includes a fin-retrieving robot for grasping the fins stamped by the stamping device.

[0014] In the technical solution of this application, the fin supply module extends longitudinally, while the refrigerant pipe supply module is arranged parallel to the fin supply module, also extending longitudinally. The assembly module is located at one end of the longitudinal direction of both modules. This close proximity optimizes the material flow path and improves material turnover efficiency. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension of both modules, with the assembly module at one end, avoids excessive size in any one direction, reducing space requirements. Since the refrigerant pipe supply module and the fin supply module are arranged parallel, they can be fed from the same end, simplifying the feeding process. Moreover, this production line can automatically complete the production of heat exchangers, achieving a high degree of automation and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger production line provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Process diagram of the heat exchanger production line in China; Figure 3 This is a top view of a heat exchanger production line provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the copper pipe supply module in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of the finned supply module in the middle; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of the assembly module in the middle; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the tube-insertion device in the diagram; Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A 3D structural diagram of the transfer robot in the diagram; Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A 3D structural diagram of the endplate robot; Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A 3D structural diagram of the needle-threading robot.

[0017] Explanation of key component symbols: 100. Heat exchanger production line; 20. Refrigerant pipe supply module; 40. Fin supply module; 12. Discharge end; 42. Needle threading device; 422. Clamping device; 311. Tube pushing mechanism; 313. Positioning platform; 314. Guide pin; 22. Pipe manifold machine; 32. Tube expansion device; 60. Transfer robot; 80. Palletizing robot; 10. Conveying device; 30. Assembly module; 11. Feed end; 41. Stamping device; 421. Needle threading robot; 31. Tube threading device; 312. Supporting mechanism; 50. Fin removal robot; 21. Tube bending machine; 13. Tooling plate; 14. Return plate device; 70. End plate robot; 90. Elevator. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0021] The use of "applies to" or "configured to" in this application implies open and inclusive language, which does not exclude the applicability to or configuration to devices performing additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of "based on" implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations, or other actions "based on" one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0022] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0023] In the current manufacturing process of air conditioning heat exchangers, core processes such as fin stamping, copper tube bending, tube threading, tube expansion, and material handling are all highly dependent on manual operation. This production model has many technical defects and production bottlenecks: On the one hand, each process operates in a decentralized manner as an independent work unit, forming an "island-like" production layout. The material connection between processes relies entirely on manual handling, resulting in difficulty in unifying the production rhythm and lengthy material flow paths, directly causing low material turnover efficiency; on the other hand, the widespread use of manual operation not only increases the company's labor costs, but also further restricts the improvement of overall production efficiency due to the instability and limited efficiency of manual operation, making it difficult to meet the high-efficiency, automated, and large-scale production needs of modern manufacturing.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of modules of a heat exchanger production line 100 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Process diagram of heat exchanger production line 100 in China; Figure 3 This is a top view of a heat exchanger production line 100 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the copper pipe supply module in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A top view of the fin supply module 40 in the middle; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Top view of assembly module 30; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the tube-inserting device 31 in the diagram; Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A 3D structural diagram of the transfer robot 60 in the diagram; Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the endplate robot 70 in the image; Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the needle-threading robot 421.

[0025] For this, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 Some embodiments of this application provide a heat exchanger production line 100, which includes a fin supply module 40, a refrigerant pipe supply module 20, and an assembly module 30. The fin supply module 40 extends longitudinally and is used to supply fins. The refrigerant pipe supply module 20 is arranged parallel to the fin supply module 40 and is located on one side of the fin supply module 40 in the transverse direction, and is used to supply refrigerant pipes. The assembly module 30 is located at one end of the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 in the longitudinal direction, and is used to assemble the fins supplied by the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipes supplied by the refrigerant pipe supply module 20.

[0026] The form of the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 is not limited. It can be in the form of a refrigerant pipe silo to store the refrigerant pipes for subsequent assembly. Of course, the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 can also include a pipe bending machine 21 and a pipe manifold 22. The pipe bending machine 21 bends the refrigerant pipes, and the pipe manifold 22 collects and sorts the bent refrigerant pipes for direct processing. There are no limitations here.

[0027] The specific form of the refrigerant pipe is not limited; it can be made of copper, aluminum, or other materials, etc.

[0028] The specific form of the fin supply module 40 is not limited. It can be in the form of a fin hopper, where processed fins are stored and then directly supplied to the assembly module 30. Alternatively, it can be in the form of a stamping device 41, which can directly punch holes in a metal plate, form louvers, and cut to a fixed length to obtain fins. In this case, only a metal plate needs to be provided. There are no limitations on this.

[0029] The specific composition of the assembly module 30 is not limited. It can be composed of a tube threading machine, a tube expanding machine, or multiple assembly robots, etc., and is not limited here.

[0030] It should be noted that if the fin supply module 40, the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 and the assembly module 30 are all arranged longitudinally or laterally, it is easy to result in a larger size in one direction. Therefore, the space requirements for setting up this production line are relatively high.

[0031] In the technical solution of this application, the finned supply module 40 extends longitudinally, while the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 is arranged in parallel with the finned supply module 40, that is, it also extends longitudinally. The assembly module 30 is located at one end of the longitudinal direction of the two. On the one hand, the three are located close to each other, which can optimize the material flow path and improve the material turnover efficiency. On the other hand, the two extend longitudinally, and the assembly module 30 is located at one end of the two, which can avoid the size being too large in one direction and reduce the space requirements.

[0032] Furthermore, since the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 and the fin supply module 40 are arranged in parallel, they can be fed from the same end, which improves the ease of feeding.

[0033] Furthermore, this production line can automatically complete the production of heat exchangers, with a high degree of automation and production efficiency.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fin supply module 40, the refrigerant pipe supply module 20, and the assembly module 30 constitute a production system, and two sets of the production system are provided, with the two sets of the production system arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0035] It should be noted that the production system is set up in two sets, that is, there are two fin supply modules 40, two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 and two assembly modules 30.

[0036] In the scheme of this embodiment, by arranging the two production systems in a horizontal direction, the space can be better utilized and the production efficiency can be improved. Compared with the scheme of a single production system, the production efficiency of the heat exchanger is obviously higher, and the material flow of the two production systems is consistent, resulting in higher material turnover efficiency.

[0037] It should be noted that the arrangement of the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 in the two production systems is not limited. It can be that the two fin supply modules 40 are placed together and the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 are placed together, or the two fin supply modules 40 are placed together and the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 are respectively located on both sides of the two fin supply modules 40, etc., and no limitation is made here.

[0038] In some embodiments, the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 of the two production systems are arranged adjacent to each other, and the two finned supply modules 40 are respectively located on both sides of the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20.

[0039] The two finned supply modules 40 are respectively located on both sides of the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20. That is, in the horizontal direction, they are finned supply module 40, refrigerant pipe supply module 20, refrigerant pipe supply module 20 and finned supply module 40. This arrangement can centrally supply material to the refrigerant pipe supply module 20, improve the material turnover efficiency of the refrigerant pipe. In addition, the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 are arranged adjacent to each other, which can allow the two refrigerant pipe supply modules 20 to share some specific devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 includes a pipe bending machine 21, a pipe manifold 22, and a conveying device 10. The pipe bending machine 21 is used to bend the refrigerant pipe and is arranged adjacent to the finned supply module 40. The pipe manifold 22 is located at the outlet of the pipe bending machine 21 and is used to collect the bent refrigerant pipe. The conveying device 10 is located on the side of the pipe manifold 22 away from the pipe bending machine 21 and is used to convey the refrigerant pipe.

[0041] Specifically, the tube bending machine 21 receives the refrigerant pipe and can bend it to form the shape required by the heat exchanger. This can be achieved using a high-precision bending head driven by a servo motor, in conjunction with a multi-axis linkage mold, to complete the bending operation at a preset angle and shape, thus transforming straight pipes into bent pipes. Furthermore, the tube bending machine 21 can precisely bend and shape straight refrigerant pipes according to a preset heat exchanger core size and shape program.

[0042] Next, the manifold 22 may be designed with multi-layer stacking channels, and use cylinders or servo push rods to neatly stack the bent pipes into the positioning slots of the special tooling plate 13 according to the preset number and direction (such as the bend direction being consistent), thereby concentrating the bent pipes required for a heat exchanger together.

[0043] In the scheme of this embodiment, by setting up the pipe bending machine 21, the pipe manifold 22 and the conveying device 10, the refrigerant pipe can be bent. Then, the refrigerant pipe assembled by the pipe manifold 22 can be conveyed to the assembly module 30 through the conveying device 10, thereby automatically completing the bending, assembly and conveying of the refrigerant pipe.

[0044] In some embodiments, a tooling plate 13 is provided on the conveyor line, and the tooling plate 13 has a positioning groove for positioning and placing the refrigerant pipe. By setting the positioning groove, the refrigerant pipe can maintain a specific posture during the conveyor line's transport of the refrigerant pipe, thereby facilitating subsequent pipe pushing operations.

[0045] In some embodiments, the conveying device 10 includes a conveying line, a return line, and a tooling plate 13. The conveying line is located above the return line and has an inlet end 11 and an outlet end 12. The inlet end 11 of the conveying line is located at the manifold 22.

[0046] In the scheme of this embodiment, by setting the conveyor line, the refrigerant pipes collected by the manifold 22 can be transported toward the assembly module 30, and by setting the return line, the tooling plate 13 after transportation can be transported back to the manifold 22, thereby automatically realizing the recycling of the tooling plate 13.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 further includes a return plate device 14, which is located at the discharge end 12 of the conveyor line of the two conveying devices 10 and is used to return the tooling plate 13 flowing out of the discharge end 12 of the conveyor line to the return line.

[0048] In the scheme of this embodiment, by setting the return plate device 14, the tooling plate 13 flowing out of the conveyor line can be lowered to the return line by raising and lowering the tooling plate 13 through the return plate device 14, so as to be transported to the manifold machine 22 through the return line, thus completing the recycling of the tooling plate 13. The return plate device 14 is located at the discharge end 12 of the conveyor line of the two conveyor devices 10, so that the two conveyor devices 10 can share the same return plate device 14 for returning plates.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the conveying devices 10 of the two production systems are arranged adjacent to each other, so that the same return plate device 14 can better perform the return plate action on the tooling plates 13 of the two conveying devices 10.

[0050] Please refer to this carefully. Figures 3 to 7 In some embodiments, the assembly module 30 includes a pipe-inserting device 31, which is disposed at one end of the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 in the longitudinal direction, for inserting the refrigerant pipe into the fins.

[0051] In this embodiment, since both the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 extend longitudinally, and the pipe-passing device 31 is located at one end of the fin supply module 40 and the refrigerant pipe supply module 20 in the longitudinal direction, the fins and refrigerant pipes supplied by both can smoothly reach the pipe-passing device 31 after moving longitudinally. This optimizes the material's path and turnover efficiency. Compared with the traditional method of arranging around the conveyor belt, it can reduce the use of the conveyor belt and improve space utilization.

[0052] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the fin assembly provided by the fin supply module 40 is a fin assembly with connecting pins. In this way, the fins can be prevented from spreading out during the fin handling process, and the fin assembly of a heat exchanger can be handled as a whole at one time, which can also improve the stability when inserting the tube.

[0053] Specifically, after the fins are needled, the fins with the connecting needles can be transferred to the tube-threading device 31. In addition, the refrigerant pipes transported by the conveyor line can also be transferred to the tube-threading device 31.

[0054] More specifically, the tube-threading device 31 may include a tube-pushing mechanism 311 and a supporting mechanism 312. The tube-pushing mechanism 311 is used to push the tube fitting horizontally through the heat exchanger fins. The supporting mechanism 312 is disposed on one side of the tube-pushing mechanism 311. The supporting mechanism 312 includes a drive assembly and a supporting member. The output end of the drive assembly is connected to the supporting member and can drive the supporting member to rise and fall and move horizontally, so that the supporting member supports the tube fitting. The tube-threading device 31 of this application automatically pushes the tube fitting forward to be threaded into the heat exchanger fins by using the tube-pushing mechanism 311, while the supporting mechanism 312 automatically supports the tube fitting to prevent it from tilting downwards during the forward movement, thereby aligning the tube fitting with the assembly holes of the heat exchanger fins, realizing automated tube-threading operation, reducing the labor intensity of workers, and improving tube-threading efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that since the object to be threaded is a fin assembly with connecting pins, during the threading process, when the refrigerant pipe is inserted into the hole of the fin, the refrigerant pipe can push out the connecting pin in the hole of the fin, thereby simultaneously realizing the pin-pulling action during the threading process.

[0056] In some embodiments, the tube-threading device 31 is provided with a positioning platform 313 for positioning and placing the fins. The positioning platform 313 is used to position the fins during the tube-threading process, thereby preventing the fins from moving during the tube-threading process and improving the efficiency and stability of fin tube-threading.

[0057] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 further includes a fin transfer robot and a transfer platform. The fin transfer robot is used to transfer the fins after needle insertion to the transfer platform. The tube insertion device 31 further includes a transfer manipulator, which can grab the fins at the transfer platform and place them at the positioning platform 313 for tube insertion.

[0058] In this embodiment, by setting up the fin transfer robot, the fin groups after threading can be automatically transported, reducing manual operation and lowering labor costs. Furthermore, by setting up the transfer platform, materials can be temporarily stored, and after the fins on the positioning platform 313 have completed the threading process, fins can be provided to the positioning platform 313 at any time, improving material turnover efficiency and ensuring the threading efficiency of the threading device 31.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fin transfer robot includes a clamp for flexibly holding the fins after they have been needled, that is, it has a flexible component for flexibly pressing them. This configuration can effectively prevent the fins from deforming during the transfer process.

[0060] More specifically, a guide pin 314 is provided at the positioning platform 313. The guide pin 314 can be inserted into the refrigerant pipe to guide the movement of the refrigerant pipe and improve the stability of the refrigerant pipe during the pipe insertion process.

[0061] In addition, during the tube insertion process, the tube insertion device 31 can also generate high-frequency micro-vibration at the positioning platform 313 to overcome minor misalignment.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fin supply module 40 includes a stamping device 41 and a needle-threading device 42. The stamping device 41 is used to stamp and form the fins; the needle-threading device 42 threades the formed fins through a needle to perform rough positioning of the fins.

[0063] Specifically, the form of the stamping device 41 is not limited. It can be a combination of multiple machine tools or a single stamping machine tool with multiple stations, etc., and is not limited here.

[0064] The specific material of the fins is not limited; they can be made of copper, aluminum, alloys, etc. There are no restrictions here. Currently, most fins are made of aluminum foil rolls, so aluminum foil rolls will be used as an example for explanation in the following text.

[0065] In some embodiments, the stamping device 41 includes a three-station automatic punch press, which has a punching station, a forming station and a cutting station. When the aluminum foil roll enters the stamping device 41 after being uncoiled and leveled, the three-station automatic punch press punches holes in the aluminum foil roll as it flows through the punching station. The punched holes can be used for subsequent refrigerant pipes to be threaded through, or for subsequent connecting pins to be threaded through.

[0066] Furthermore, when the punched aluminum foil is transferred to the forming station, the three-station automatic punch press performs louver forming on the aluminum foil. During this process, the punch press slide can drive the upper die to move down quickly, thereby achieving louver forming on the aluminum foil to enhance heat exchange.

[0067] Next, after being stamped and formed, the aluminum foil is transferred to the cutting station, where the stamping device 41 cuts the aluminum foil to a fixed length to obtain individual fins.

[0068] It should be emphasized that the fins formed by the stamping device 41 are individual pieces. A heat exchanger requires multiple fins to be composed. Therefore, when transporting them to the assembly module 30, they can be transported one by one or multiple at a time, etc., without limitation.

[0069] As for the assembly module 30, when it receives fins in pieces, it needs to arrange and position the fins first before inserting the refrigerant pipes into the holes of the fins to complete the pipe insertion work.

[0070] In this embodiment, by setting the needle-threading device 42, the formed fins are needled to perform coarse positioning of the fins. In this way, during the subsequent transfer process, the fin group after coarse positioning can be transferred at the same time. Furthermore, when reaching the assembly module 30, the coarsely positioned fin group can be directly needled during the tube-threading process, thus optimizing the tube-threading process and efficiency.

[0071] Specifically, the specific implementation of the needle-threading device 42 is not limited. It can be a combination of a fin stack positioning and pressing unit, a steel needle magazine and a material distribution mechanism, a multi-axis needle insertion actuator and a detection device. The fin stack positioning and pressing unit includes a positioning platform and a pressing structure. By placing the fins on the positioning platform and then pressing the fins through the pressing structure, the positioning and pressing of the fins can be achieved.

[0072] More specifically, the pressing structure includes a side-pushing mechanism and a constant-pressure mechanism. The side-pushing mechanism is used to push the fin stack to the reference edge to ensure that the end faces of the fins are flush. The constant-pressure mechanism presses the fin stack evenly from top to bottom to prevent the fins from floating or misaligning when threading the needle.

[0073] The steel needles are stored in a steel needle magazine. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive unit and a gripper. The drive unit drives the gripper to pick up the steel needles, or the drive unit pushes the steel needles toward the gripper so that the gripper can pick up the steel needles.

[0074] The multi-axis needle insertion actuator includes a servo slide, and the gripper is mounted on the servo slide, thereby driving the gripper to carry the steel needle for puncture under the movement of the servo slide.

[0075] The detection device includes a visual detection device, which can quickly identify the hole positions on the fins, thereby achieving automatic correction of the pin positions.

[0076] Specifically, in some embodiments, the connecting pin is equipped with a spring for cushioning, thereby accommodating minor deviations in the fin hole position and preventing hard top deformation.

[0077] Of course, please refer to the following carefully. Figure 10 In some embodiments, the needle-threading device 42 may also take the form of a needle-threading robot 421, which can be equipped with a gripper 422 at the end of the needle-threading robot 421. The gripper 422 is used to pick up the connecting needle and then insert the connecting needle into the fin hole at a specific position through the mechanical guide hole, thereby achieving coarse positioning of multiple fins.

[0078] Specifically, in the technical solution of this application, after the aluminum foil roll enters the fin supply module 40, it is first unwound, then calibrated by the fin supply module 40, and then enters the three-station punch press for punching, shaping and cutting into single fins. The pinning device 42 then uses pins to connect the fins required for a heat exchanger. The fin transfer robot then transfers the pinned fins to the transfer platform, and the robotic arm of the tube-threading device 31 transfers them to the positioning platform 313, where they are clamped and positioned. Then, the tube-pushing mechanism 311 and the supporting mechanism 312 move to insert the refrigerant pipe into the fin and push out the connecting pin, completing the tube-threading work of the fins.

[0079] In addition, currently, the stamped fins of the stamping device 41 are generally handled manually, which is a dangerous operation.

[0080] Therefore, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 also includes a fin-retrieving robot 50, which is used to grab the fins stamped by the stamping device 41. Specifically, the end of the fin-retrieving robot 50 can be equipped with a dedicated vacuum suction cup or flexible gripper, so that it can accurately grab one or more finished fins from the stamping die or the discharge port, thereby replacing the manual fin-retrieving method.

[0081] In some embodiments, the assembly module 30 includes a tube expansion device 32, which is disposed on the side of the tube insertion device 31 away from the fin supply module 40, and is used to expand the refrigerant tube after insertion.

[0082] In the scheme of this embodiment, the tube expansion device 32 is set on one side of the tube insertion device 31, so that the heat exchanger after tube insertion can quickly reach the tube expansion device 32 to perform tube expansion, thereby improving the efficiency of material turnover and production.

[0083] Specifically, the tube expansion device 32 can adopt a rotary or linear multi-station layout to achieve continuous tube expansion. For example, the tube expansion device 32 can adopt a four-station form, with the four stations being the feeding station, the end plate placement station, the tube expansion station, and the unloading station.

[0084] After the tube threading device 31 completes the tube threading process, the heat exchanger after tube threading can be transferred to the loading station. The heat exchanger queues up at the loading station, waiting to enter the end plate placement station for end plate placement.

[0085] Specifically, the method by which the material is transferred from the pipe-threading device 31 to the loading station is not limited; it can be done manually, by using a conveyor belt, etc., and is not limited here. Please see Figures 3 to 9 In some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 further includes a transfer robot 60, which is disposed between the tube expansion device 32 and the tube insertion device 31, and is used to transfer the heat exchanger to the tube expansion device 32 after the tube insertion device 31 has inserted the tubes.

[0086] In the scheme of this embodiment, by setting up the transfer robot 60, the heat exchanger after the tube threading device 31 has threaded the tube can be automatically transferred to the tube expansion device 32, that is, directly transferred to the loading station, thereby effectively saving labor costs and improving the turnover efficiency of materials.

[0087] Specifically, the transfer robot 60 picks up the complete semi-finished heat exchanger with the refrigerant pipes inserted from the end of the pipe and then transfers it to the loading station. The loading station can also be equipped with a clamp to position the heat exchanger, thereby ensuring that the heat exchanger remains stable during the subsequent tube expansion process.

[0088] Pre-assembling end plates before tube expansion can provide axial restraint and rigid support for the fin stack during the tube expansion process, counteract the axial thrust generated by tube expansion, prevent fins from collapsing or shifting, and prevent overall deformation of the heat exchanger. At the same time, it ensures the accuracy of copper tube arrangement and structural squareness, providing a stable positioning reference for the tube expansion process.

[0089] Therefore, at the end plate placement station, the heat exchanger can be placed with end plates first.

[0090] Specifically, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 also includes an end plate robot 70, which is used to mount the upper end plate of the heat exchanger after the tubes are inserted. In this way, the labor cost of manually mounting the end plate can be effectively eliminated, and the production efficiency can be improved.

[0091] At the tube expansion station, the tube expansion device 32 expands the refrigerant tube. Specifically, it can use hydraulic or mechanical expansion to expand the end of the refrigerant tube so that it is tightly expanded to the end plate and fins to form a solid whole, thereby completing the tube expansion work of the refrigerant tube of the heat exchanger.

[0092] More specifically, the tube expansion process can be performed in one step or in multiple steps, etc., without limitation here.

[0093] Next, after the tube expansion is completed, the heat exchanger can be transferred to the unloading station, where the finished tubes await to be taken away, thus completing the tube expansion work of the heat exchanger.

[0094] Specifically, after the tube expansion is completed, the heat exchangers need to be stacked. Therefore, in some embodiments, the assembly module 30 also includes a stacking robot 80, which is located at one end of the tube expansion device 32 in the lateral direction, for stacking the heat exchangers after the tube expansion device 32 has expanded the tubes.

[0095] In the scheme of this embodiment, by setting up the palletizing robot 80, the heat exchanger located at the unloading station can be unloaded and palletized. Specifically, the palletizing robot 80 picks up the finished heat exchanger and automatically pallets it on a pallet or special tooling, stacking it according to the set number of layers and arrangement.

[0096] Since the production system has two components, each assembly module 30 can be equipped with a palletizing robot 80, thereby increasing the material unloading and palletizing speed.

[0097] In addition, in the subsequent process, the heat exchangers after being stacked by the palletizing robot 80 need to be transferred to the silo. Therefore, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger production line 100 also includes a hoist 90, which is set between the two palletizing robots 80 of the assembly module 30 and is used to lift the stacked heat exchangers.

[0098] Specifically, by setting up the elevator 90, the stacked heat exchangers can be lifted to the height of docking with the automated warehouse, or the transfer between floors can be completed. Finally, the finished products enter the automated warehouse for automated storage and management, realizing the automatic warehousing of the produced heat exchangers.

[0099] In the scheme of this embodiment, since the elevator 90 is located between the two palletizing robots 80 of the assembly module 30, one elevator 90 can lift the heat exchanger after it has been palletized by the two palletizing robots 80, without having to set up separate elevators 90 for the two palletizing robots 80, thus reducing equipment costs.

[0100] In addition, in some embodiments, a finished product roller conveyor line can be set between the elevator 90 and the automated warehouse, so that the heat exchanger lifted by the elevator 90 can be connected to the finished product roller conveyor line and finally automatically transported to the entrance of the automated warehouse to complete the entire production process.

[0101] In this embodiment, by setting up the tube expansion device 32, the palletizing robot 80, and the elevator 90, the processes of tube expansion, palletizing, and warehousing of the heat exchanger after tube insertion can be automatically completed. Combined with the preceding processes of tube insertion, fin stamping, and tube bending, the heat exchanger production line provided in this application can automatically complete the entire process of fin stamping, fin removal, copper tube bending, copper tube collection, copper tube insertion, tube expansion, loading and unloading, and finished product palletizing and conveying. This systematically solves industry problems such as low production efficiency, high labor costs, poor quality consistency, and material waste. Furthermore, through automated and synchronized information control of heat exchanger materials, material backlog and manual handling between processes are completely eliminated, forming a continuous production flow with matching cycle time, thereby improving production efficiency, product consistency, and capacity scalability.

[0102] The heat exchanger production line 100 provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used in this document to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger production line, characterized in that, include: A fin supply module extends longitudinally and is used to supply fins; A refrigerant pipe supply module, arranged parallel to the finned supply module and located on one side of the finned supply module in the lateral direction, is used to supply refrigerant pipes; and, An assembly module is disposed at one end of the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipe supply module in the longitudinal direction, and is used to assemble the fins supplied by the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipes supplied by the refrigerant pipe supply module.

2. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fin supply module, the refrigerant pipe supply module, and the assembly module constitute a production system. Two sets of the production system are provided, and the two sets of the production system are arranged horizontally.

3. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two refrigerant pipe supply modules of the two production systems are arranged adjacent to each other, and the two finned supply modules are located on both sides of the two refrigerant pipe supply modules.

4. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant supply module includes: A pipe bending machine is used to bend refrigerant pipes, and the pipe bending machine is arranged adjacent to the fin supply module; A pipe manifold, located at the outlet of the pipe bending machine, is used to collect the bent refrigerant pipes; and, A conveying device is located on the side of the manifold away from the pipe bending machine and is used to convey refrigerant pipes.

5. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conveying device includes a conveyor line, a return line, and a tooling plate. The conveyor line is located above the return line and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the conveyor line is located at the manifold. The heat exchanger production line also includes a return plate device, which is located at the discharge end of the conveyor line of the two conveying devices and is used to return the tooling plate flowing out of the discharge end of the conveyor line to the return line.

6. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The assembly module includes: A pipe-insertion device is provided at one end of the fin supply module and the refrigerant pipe supply module in the longitudinal direction, and is used to insert the refrigerant pipe into the fins. An expansion device is located on the side of the tube insertion device away from the fin supply module, and is used to expand the refrigerant tube after insertion.

7. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, The assembly module also includes a palletizing robot, which is located at one end of the tube expansion device in the lateral direction, and is used to palletize the heat exchangers after the tube expansion device has expanded the tubes. The heat exchanger production line also includes a hoist, which is positioned between the palletizing robots of the two assembly modules and is used to lift and lower the palletized heat exchangers.

8. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchanger production line also includes a transfer robot, which is positioned between the tube expansion device and the tube insertion device to transfer the heat exchanger to the tube expansion device after the tube insertion device has inserted the tubes.

9. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, Therefore, the fin supply module includes: A stamping device for stamping and forming fins; and... A needle-threading device is used to thread needles through the formed fins to perform coarse positioning of the fins.

10. The heat exchanger production line according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heat exchanger production line also includes a fin-removing robot, which is used to grab the fins stamped by the stamping device.

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