Liquid cooling manifold welding forming device and welding forming method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device and its welding and forming method, belonging to the field of liquid-cooled manifold welding technology. It includes a vacuum brazing furnace, a positioning support structure, a multi-station linear module, a loading and unloading mechanism, and alternating positioning fixtures. The positioning support structure can be installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace. The positioning support structure includes support platforms and support rails. Multiple sets of support platforms are fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace, and support positioning grooves are formed on the support platforms. Support rails are symmetrically fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace. A movable carrier is fixedly installed at the moving end of the multi-station linear module, and two sets of loading and unloading mechanisms are installed on the movable carrier. The loading and unloading mechanism includes a movable support structure, a feeding structure, and a lifting structure. Through the above methods, the volatilization temperature of the organic matter in the BNi-2 solder paste and the heating rate of the BNi-2 solder paste through its solid-liquid phase line during brazing are adjusted, effectively solving the problems of weld blackening and pinholes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid-cooled manifold welding technology, specifically to a liquid-cooled manifold welding forming apparatus and welding forming method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid growth in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing power, the requirements for flow channel precision, sealing reliability, and structural complexity in AI server liquid cooling manifolds are constantly increasing. Vacuum brazing has been widely adopted as the main connection process for various components of AI server liquid cooling manifolds due to its advantages: 1. dense, oxidation-free, and highly airtight welds (meeting the long-term leak-proof requirements of liquid cooling); 2. ability to form complex multi-channel / irregular structures in a single step; and 3. minimal heat-affected zone and excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the joints. This ensures the long-term reliability of the liquid cooling system under high-pressure cycling conditions.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN115815727B discloses a compact vacuum brazing equipment and a vacuum brazing production method. The device is equipped with a vacuum brazing chamber, an air-cooling chamber, a loading and unloading workbench, a material cart, and a conveyor trolley, which allows the material cart to be transported back and forth between different vacuum brazing production execution units such as the conveyor trolley, the loading and unloading workbench, the vacuum brazing chamber, and the air-cooling chamber.

[0004] However, in AI server liquid cooling manifolds, due to the L-shaped overlap, adhesive can only be applied at the overlap. After the weld is formed, a radius (R) weld will be formed at the overlap. Due to the accumulation of solder at this radius weld, B and Si elements are not easily diffused, and Cr-B and Ni-Si precipitates are easily formed in the center of the weld. The paper "Microstructure and Properties of BNi-2 Amorphous Brazing Alloy Brazing High-Niobium TiAl Alloy and GH3536 Alloy Joint" shows that continuous low-melting-point precipitates will form a liquid film when the weld solidifies. When the weld solidifies and shrinks, the liquid film is torn, and the insufficient residual liquid metal cannot fill the gap in time, resulting in crystallization cracks. In addition, because there is more solder at the overlap, the temperature of the outer edge of the brazing joint is often higher than that inside the gap. As a result, the solder flows faster on the outside than it fills the gap inside. This may cause the solder to surround the gas or flux inside the gap, resulting in porosity.

[0005] Based on this, the present invention designs a liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device and a welding and forming method thereon to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device and a welding and forming method thereof.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus includes a vacuum brazing furnace, a positioning support structure, a multi-station linear module, a loading and unloading mechanism, and an alternating positioning tooling.

[0009] The vacuum brazing furnace is equipped with a positioning support structure;

[0010] The positioning support structure includes a support platform and a support rail. Multiple sets of support platforms for supporting alternating positioning fixtures are fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace. Support positioning grooves for positioning alternating positioning fixtures are provided on the support platforms. Support rails are symmetrically fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace.

[0011] The moving end of the multi-station linear module is fixedly equipped with a mobile carrier, and two sets of loading and unloading mechanisms are installed on the mobile carrier.

[0012] The loading and unloading mechanism includes a movable support structure, a feeding structure, and a lifting structure. The movable support structure is installed on the movable frame. The movable support structure and the support rail work together to support the feeding structure. The feeding structure is installed on the movable support structure, and two sets of lifting structures for supporting the alternating positioning tooling are symmetrically installed on the moving end of the feeding structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the alternating positioning fixture includes an installation frame, a tooling frame, a main pipe positioning module, and a joint positioning module. The installation frame is connected to the moving end of the lifting structure. Multiple sets of tooling frames are installed on the installation frame to position the manifold in accordance with the holes on the manifold. Multiple sets of main pipe positioning modules and joint positioning modules are installed on the installation frame. The main pipe positioning modules and joint positioning modules are alternately distributed. The joint positioning module is used to position and support the joint.

[0014] Furthermore, the mobile support structure includes a delivery linear module, a delivery carrier, and docking rails. The delivery carrier is fixedly installed on the mobile end of the delivery linear module, and docking rails are symmetrically fixedly installed on the delivery carrier; the docking rails are aligned with the support rails.

[0015] Furthermore, the feeding structure includes a feeding cylinder, a moving frame, and rollers. The feeding cylinder is fixedly installed on the delivery frame, and the moving frame is fixedly installed at the output end of the feeding cylinder. Four rollers are rotatably installed in a rectangular array on the moving frame, and the rollers make rolling contact with the docking track and the support track.

[0016] Furthermore, the lifting structure includes a lifting cylinder, a support module, a lifting frame, and a feeding positioning pin. The lifting cylinder is fixedly installed on the movable frame, and the lifting frame is fixedly installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder. Two sets of support modules are symmetrically installed between the lifting frame and the movable frame. Feeding positioning pins are symmetrically fixedly installed on the lifting frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting frame is symmetrically fixedly mounted with positioning platforms, and brazed positioning pins are fixedly mounted on the positioning platforms. The brazed positioning pins are inserted into the support positioning grooves. The mounting frame is symmetrically provided with mounting frame positioning grooves, and the feeding positioning pins are inserted into the mounting frame positioning grooves. Multiple sets of mounting platforms are symmetrically fixedly mounted on the mounting frame, and mounting bolts are fixedly mounted on the mounting platforms.

[0018] A method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold includes the following steps:

[0019] Step 1: Clean and degrease the connectors and manifolds;

[0020] Step 2: Perform laser spot welding on the mating joint and manifold;

[0021] Step 3: Place the connector and manifold on the vehicle, and then apply adhesive.

[0022] Step 4: Place the glued joint and manifold into a vacuum brazing furnace and perform the following six stages of heating treatment: T1, heat from room temperature to 100℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30 min; T2, heat from 100℃ to 420℃-510℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30 min; T3, heat from 510℃ to 960℃ at a heating rate of 10℃ / min and hold for 30 min; T4, heat from 960℃ to 1060℃ at a heating rate of 1-10℃ / min and hold for 20 min; T5, cool from 1060℃ in the furnace to 990℃-1010℃ and hold for 60 min; T6, cool from 980℃ in the furnace to 850℃ and then cool with argon gas.

[0023] Furthermore, T6 in step four is removed, and T5 is changed to be cooled to 850°C with the furnace at 1060°C and then cooled by argon gas.

[0024] Furthermore, the specific steps for placing the connector and manifold on the carrier and then applying adhesive in step three are as follows:

[0025] At the loading and unloading station on one side, some joints and manifolds are positioned by installing a carrier frame, a tool loading frame, a main pipe positioning module, and a joint positioning module; adhesive is applied to the weld seams of the joints and manifolds.

[0026] Furthermore, the specific steps in step four of sending the glued joint and manifold into the vacuum brazing furnace are as follows:

[0027] The mobile carrier moves two sets of mobile support structures, moving the dispensing manifold and multiple connectors to the feeding and welding station. The lifting structure raises the installation carrier, and the mobile support structure connects with the support rail. Then, through the cooperation of the feeding structure, lifting structure, mobile support structure, and support rail, the installation carrier is placed on the positioning support structure. The lifting structure continues to lower the installation carrier, and the feeding structure and mobile support structure are reset in sequence.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. By cooperating with the mounting frame, the tooling frame, the main pipe positioning module and the joint positioning module, the manifold and the joint are alternately supported and positioned, ensuring the alignment accuracy of the manifold and the joint, and welding multiple joints at one time; ensuring efficiency while ensuring accurate alignment.

[0029] 2. By adjusting the volatilization temperature of organic matter in BNi-2 solder paste and the heating rate through its solid-liquid phase line during brazing with BNi-2 solder paste, the problems of weld blackening and pinholes can be effectively solved. In addition, by introducing a high-temperature heat preservation period after the brazing temperature is completed, the solid-solid diffusion of elements can be promoted, which can effectively reduce the low-melting-point precipitates in the weld and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the weld. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a front view of a liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the supporting track and its connecting structure;

[0034] Figure 4 Explosion of the integrated positioning plate and its connecting structure Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 5 Explosion of the integrated positioning plate and its connecting structure Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0037] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0038] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning seat and its connection structure;

[0040] Figure 10 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point D;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum brazing process.

[0042] The labels in the diagram represent:

[0043] 1. Vacuum brazing furnace; 2. Positioning support structure; 21. Support platform; 22. Support positioning groove; 23. Support rail; 3. Multi-station linear module; 31. Moving carrier; 4. Loading and unloading mechanism; 41. Moving support structure; 411. Delivery linear module; 412. Delivery carrier; 413. Docking rail; 42. Feeding structure; 421. Feeding cylinder; 422. Moving frame; 423. Roller; 43. Lifting structure; 431. Lifting cylinder; 432. Support module; 4321. Hinge rod; 433. Lifting carrier; 434. Feeding 5. Alternating positioning fixture; 51. Mounting frame; 511. Positioning table; 512. Brazed positioning pin; 513. Frame positioning groove; 514. Mounting table; 515. Mounting bolt; 52. Tooling frame; 521. Integrated positioning plate; 522. Mounting seat; 523. Flow-blocking step; 524. Flow-blocking groove; 53. Main pipe positioning module; 531. Positioning post; 54. Connector positioning module; 541. Positioning mounting post; 542. Positioning seat; 543. Positioning cylinder; 544. Mounting groove; 6. Manifold; 61. Hole; 62. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to the orientation from the perspective of the front view.

[0046] Example 1: In some embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-4 A liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device includes a vacuum brazing furnace 1, a positioning support structure 2, a multi-station linear module 3, a loading and unloading mechanism 4, and an alternating positioning tooling 5.

[0047] The vacuum brazing furnace 1 is equipped with a positioning support structure 2;

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the positioning support structure 2 includes a support platform 21 and a support rail 23. Multiple sets of support platforms 21 for supporting the alternating positioning fixture 5 are fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace 1. The support platform 21 is provided with a support positioning groove 22 for positioning the alternating positioning fixture 5. The support rail 23 is symmetrically fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace 1.

[0049] The moving end of the multi-station linear module 3 is fixedly mounted with a moving frame 31, and two sets of loading and unloading mechanisms 4 are mounted on the moving frame 31.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 4 includes a movable support structure 41, a feeding structure 42, and a lifting structure 43. The movable support structure 41 is installed on the movable frame 31. The movable support structure 41 and the support rail 23 cooperate to support the feeding structure 42. The feeding structure 42 is installed on the movable support structure 41. Two sets of lifting structures 43 for supporting the alternating positioning tooling 5 are symmetrically installed on the moving end of the feeding structure 42.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the alternating positioning fixture 5 includes a mounting frame 51, a tooling frame 52, a main pipe positioning module 53, and a joint positioning module 54. The mounting frame 51 is connected to the moving end of the lifting structure 43. Multiple sets of tooling frames 52 are installed on the mounting frame 51 to position the manifold 6 in conjunction with the holes 61 on the manifold 6. Multiple sets of main pipe positioning modules 53 and joint positioning modules 54 are installed on the mounting frame 51. The main pipe positioning modules 53 and joint positioning modules 54 are alternately distributed. The joint positioning module 54 is used to position and support the joint 62.

[0052] The two sides of the multi-station linear module 3 are set as loading and unloading stations, and the middle of the multi-station linear module 3 is a feeding and welding station. The vacuum brazing furnace 1 is aligned with the feeding and welding station.

[0053] The vacuum brazing furnace 1 includes a furnace body, an internal heating zone, a vacuum unit, and a water cooling system, and uses commercially available mature equipment in this field.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device is working normally, the mounting frame 51 is placed on the lifting structure 43 at the loading and unloading station on one side. The tooling frame 52 passes through the manifold 6, and the mounting frame 51 supports multiple sets of tooling frames 52. The tooling frames 52 support the manifold 6, and the tooling frames 52 and some holes 61 cooperate to position the manifold 6. The main pipe positioning module 53 passes through the remaining holes 61. After the connector 62 is aligned with the main pipe positioning module 53, the connector positioning module 54 positions and supports the connector 62, thereby ensuring the accurate positioning of the manifold 6 and multiple connectors 62. Then, glue is applied to the weld seam of the connector 62 and the manifold 6. The moving frame 31 drives the two sets of movable support structures 41 to move, so that the glued manifold 6 and multiple connectors 62 move to the feeding and welding station. Upon reaching the workstation, the lifting structure 43 raises the mounting frame 51, and the movable support structure 41 connects with the support rail 23. Then, the feeding structure 42 moves the lifting structure 43 into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 under the support of the movable support structure 41 and the support rail 23, aligning the mounting frame 51 with the positioning support structure 2. The lifting structure 43 then resets, allowing the mounting frame 51 to rest on the positioning support structure 2. The positioning support structure 2 supports and positions the mounting frame 51, and the lifting structure 43 continues to lower the mounting frame 51. Then, the feeding structure 42 and the movable support structure 41 reset sequentially, completing the feeding. The vacuum brazing furnace 1 is then closed, and the furnace is started to melt the brazing filler metal, welding the manifold 6 and the connector 62 together. During this process, the manifold 6 and the connector 62 are positioned and supported at the loading / unloading station on the other side.

[0055] After the manifold 6 and some of the joints 62 are welded, the vacuum brazing furnace 1 is opened. Then, the movable support structure 41 is connected to the support rail 23. The feeding structure 42 drives the lifting structure 43 to move into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 and align it with the mounting frame 51. The lifting structure 43 lifts the mounting frame 51. Then, the feeding structure 42 and the movable support structure 41 are reset in sequence, moving the mounting frame 51 out. The multi-station linear module 3 moves the welded manifold 6 and joints 62 to the loading and unloading station via the movable frame 31. At the same time, the manifold 6 and joints 62 on the other side are moved to the feeding and welding station. Through the cooperation of the movable support structure 41, the feeding structure 42 and the lifting structure 43, another set of mounting frames 51 is placed into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 for welding. In the process, at the loading and unloading station on the other side, the connector positioning module 54 is separated from the connector 62, and the manifold 6 and the welded connector 62 are moved to one side so that the main pipe positioning module 53 is aligned with the welded connector 62 for positioning. At this time, the connector positioning module 54 passes through the hole 61 of the unwelded connector 62. After placing another part of the connector 62 on the connector positioning module 54 for positioning and support, glue is applied again, waiting to be sent into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 for welding. Thus, through the cooperation of the mounting frame 51, the tooling frame 52, the main pipe positioning module 53 and the connector positioning module 54, the manifold 6 and the connector 62 are alternately supported and positioned to ensure the alignment accuracy of the manifold 6 and the connector 62, and multiple connectors 62 are welded at one time; ensuring efficiency while ensuring accurate alignment.

[0056] Example 2: In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movable support structure 41 includes a delivery linear module 411, a delivery carrier 412, and a docking rail 413. The delivery carrier 412 is fixedly installed on the movable end of the delivery linear module 411, and the docking rail 413 is symmetrically fixedly installed on the delivery carrier 412. The docking rail 413 is aligned with the support rail 23.

[0057] The feeding structure 42 includes a feeding cylinder 421, a moving frame 422, and rollers 423. The feeding cylinder 421 is fixedly installed on the delivery frame 412, and the moving frame 422 is fixedly installed on the output end of the feeding cylinder 421. Four rollers 423 are rotatably installed in a rectangular array on the moving frame 422, and the rollers 423 are in rolling contact with the docking track 413 and the support track 23.

[0058] The lifting structure 43 includes a lifting cylinder 431, a support module 432, a lifting frame 433, and a feeding positioning pin 434. The lifting cylinder 431 is fixedly installed on the movable frame 422. The lifting frame 433 is fixedly installed on the output end of the lifting cylinder 431. Two sets of support modules 432 are symmetrically installed between the lifting frame 433 and the movable frame 422. The feeding positioning pin 434 is symmetrically fixedly installed on the lifting frame 433.

[0059] The support module 432 includes four hinge rods 4321. One end of the two upper hinge rods 4321 is rotatably mounted on the lifting frame 433, and one end of the two lower hinge rods 4321 is rotatably mounted on the movable frame 422. The other ends of the upper and lower hinge rods 4321 are rotatably connected.

[0060] like Figure 5 , Figures 8-10 The mounting frame 51 is symmetrically fixedly mounted with positioning platforms 511, and brazed positioning pins 512 are fixedly mounted on the positioning platforms 511. The brazed positioning pins 512 are inserted into the support positioning grooves 22. The mounting frame 51 is symmetrically provided with frame positioning grooves 513, and the feeding positioning pins 434 are inserted into the frame positioning grooves 513. Multiple sets of mounting platforms 514 are symmetrically fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 51, and mounting bolts 515 are fixedly mounted on the mounting platforms 514.

[0061] The tooling frame 52 includes an integrated positioning plate 521, a mounting base 522, and a flow-blocking step 523. The mounting base 522 is fixedly installed at both ends of the integrated positioning plate 521, and the mounting bolts 515 pass through the mounting base 522 and are fixed by nuts. The flow-blocking steps 523 are evenly fixedly installed on the integrated positioning plate 521, and the flow-blocking steps 523 and the integrated positioning plate 521 form a flow-blocking groove 524 to facilitate the flow of excess brazing filler metal.

[0062] The main positioning module 53 includes a positioning post 531, which is fixedly installed on the integrated positioning plate 521 and is inserted into the hole 61.

[0063] The connector positioning module 54 includes a positioning mounting post 541, a positioning seat 542, and a positioning cylinder 543. The positioning mounting post 541 is fixedly mounted on the integrated positioning plate 521. The positioning cylinder 543 is fixedly mounted on the lower side of the positioning seat 542. The positioning cylinder 543 has a mounting groove 544 inside, and the mounting groove 544 has a thread that mates with the positioning mounting post 541. The mounting groove 544 is threadedly connected to the positioning mounting post 541. The outer diameter of the positioning cylinder 543 is the same as the inner diameter of the connector 62.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the loading / unloading mechanism 4 and the alternating positioning fixture 5 are working normally, the integrated positioning plate 521 passes through the manifold 6, and the positioning post 531 on the integrated positioning plate 521 passes through part of the joint 62. The upper surface of the integrated positioning plate 521 contacts the inner wall of the manifold 6, and the positioning post 531 positions the manifold 6. At this time, the positioning mounting post 541 passes through the remaining holes 61, the joint 62 passes through the positioning mounting post 541, and the positioning cylinder 543 on the lower side of the positioning seat 542 is inserted from the upper side of the joint 62. By connecting the positioning cylinder 543 and the positioning mounting post 541, the joint 62 is positioned. Then, solder paste is applied to the connection between the manifold 6 and the joint 62. The integrated positioning plate 521 is placed on the mounting platform 514 and the mounting bolts 51 are used to... 5. Secure the integrated positioning plate 521 with nuts. After welding the manifold 6 and some of the connectors 62, it is not necessary to remove the integrated positioning plate 521. Simply separate the positioning cylinder 543 from the positioning mounting post 541, allowing the positioning mounting post 541 to detach from the connector 62 and move the manifold 6 and connector 62 to one side, so that the positioning mounting post 541 is inserted into the adjacent hole 61. At this time, the positioning post 531 is inserted into the connector 62 for positioning. Position and support the remaining connectors 62 through the positioning mounting post 541 and the positioning cylinder 543, and continue with subsequent dispensing and welding. During the welding process, the flow-blocking steps 523 and the flow-blocking grooves 524 prevent multiple sets of brazing filler metal from flowing into the interior of the manifold 6, affecting the flatness of the inner wall, thereby effectively ensuring the welding quality.

[0065] The multi-station linear module 3 drives the moving carrier 31, causing the two sets of delivery linear modules 411 on the moving carrier 31 to move sequentially between the loading / unloading station and the feeding / welding station. At the feeding / welding station, the delivery linear module 411 drives the delivery carrier 412 to move horizontally, so that the docking rail 413 on the delivery carrier 412 extends into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 and aligns with the support rail 23, facilitating the support of the roller 423. The feeding cylinder 421 drives the moving frame 422 to move horizontally, pushing the moving frame 422 into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 with the support of the roller 423, the docking rail 413, and the support rail 23, so that the support platform 21 in the vacuum brazing furnace 1 aligns with the positioning platform 511, and the support positioning groove 22 aligns with the brazing positioning pin 512. The lifting cylinder 431 drives the lifting carrier 433 to move vertically downward, thereby driving the mounting carrier 51 to move vertically downward, so that the positioning platform 511 on the lower side of the mounting carrier 51 falls on the support platform 21, and the brazing begins. Positioning pin 512 is inserted into support positioning groove 22 to support and position mounting frame 51. Then, lifting frame 433 continues to move downward until feeding positioning pin 434 disengages from frame positioning groove 513. Then, feeding cylinder 421 drives moving frame 422 and roller 423 to reset, causing moving frame 422 to leave vacuum brazing furnace 1. Delivery linear module 411 drives delivery frame 412 and docking track 413 to reset, completing feeding. During material removal, docking track is reset again. The guide rail 413 extends into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 and connects with the support rail 23. Then, the moving frame 422 moves to the lower side of the mounting frame 51. The lifting cylinder 431 drives the lifting frame 433 to rise, so that the feeding positioning pin 434 is inserted into the positioning groove 513 of the frame and continues to rise until the brazing positioning pin 512 is disengaged from the support positioning groove 22. Then, the feeding cylinder 421 drives the moving frame 422 to reset, and the delivery linear module 411 drives the delivery frame 412 to reset, realizing the material picking.

[0066] Example 3: In some embodiments, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold includes the following steps:

[0067] Step 1: Clean and degrease the connector 62 and manifold 6;

[0068] Step 2: Perform laser spot welding on the mating joint of connector 62 and manifold 6;

[0069] Step 3: Place connector 62 and manifold 6 on the vehicle, and then apply adhesive.

[0070] Step 4: Place the glued joint 62 and manifold 6 into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 and perform the following six stages of heating treatment: T1, heat from room temperature to 100℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30min; T2, heat from 100℃ to 420℃-510℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30min; T3, heat from 510℃ to 960℃ at a heating rate of 10℃ / min and hold for 30min; T4, heat from 960℃ to 1060℃ at a heating rate of 1-10℃ / min and hold for 20min; T5, cool from 1060℃ to 990℃-1010℃ in the furnace and hold for 60min; T6, cool from 980℃ to 850℃ in the furnace and cool with argon gas.

[0071] The stages of vacuum brazing are as follows: T1: Heat from room temperature to 100℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30 minutes to remove moisture adhering to the product and the solder paste. T2: Heat from 100℃ to 420-510℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30 minutes to remove some organic matter from the solder paste. The temperature should not be too high to prevent carbonization of the organic matter. T3: Heat from 510℃ to 960℃ at a heating rate of 10℃ / min and hold for 30 minutes to ensure uniform temperature of the product in the furnace before reaching the brazing temperature. T4: Heat from 960℃ to 1060℃ at a heating rate of 3℃ / min and hold for 20 minutes. Slow heating helps to ensure uniform temperature of the internal and external welds and prevents the outer solder from melting first, enveloping the internal gas and creating porosity. T5: Cool from 1060℃ to 1000℃ in the furnace and hold for 60 minutes to promote solidification diffusion in the weld and reduce brittle phases in the weld. T6, 980℃ is cooled in the furnace to 850℃ and then cooled with argon gas to avoid the sensitization zone of stainless steel and prevent carbide precipitation;

[0072] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T2 involves heating from 100°C to 420°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min and holding at that temperature for 30 minutes.

[0073] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T2 involves heating from 100°C to 480°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min and holding at that temperature for 30 minutes.

[0074] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T2 involves heating from 100°C to 510°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min and holding at that temperature for 30 minutes.

[0075] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T4 involves heating from 960°C to 1060°C at a heating rate of 1°C / min and holding at that temperature for 20 minutes.

[0076] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T4 involves heating from 960°C to 1060°C at a heating rate of 5°C / min and holding at that temperature for 20 minutes.

[0077] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T4 involves heating from 960°C to 1060°C at a heating rate of 10°C / min and holding at that temperature for 20 minutes.

[0078] The vacuum brazing process in step four does not include step T6. Step T5 is changed to 1060℃ followed by furnace cooling to 850℃ and then argon cooling.

[0079] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T5 involves cooling the furnace at 1060°C to 990°C and holding for 60 minutes.

[0080] In step four, the vacuum brazing process T5 involves cooling the furnace at 1060°C to 1010°C and holding for 60 minutes.

[0081] Weld observations were performed on joints 62 after welding in Examples 1 and Comparative Examples 1-9 to observe the weld appearance and brittle phases, and mechanical property tests were conducted.

[0082] The test results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0083] Table 1. Weld observation results of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-9

[0084] As shown in Table 1, Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-7, in the vacuum brazing process, the 420-510℃ holding temperature can lead to several problems. If the holding temperature is too low, the organic matter in the solder paste will not fully volatilize, resulting in pinholes during the high-temperature process. If the holding temperature is too high, the organic matter will carbonize, causing the weld to turn black. Conversely, if the heating rate at 960℃ in the vacuum brazing process is too fast, it will result in poor temperature uniformity, causing the outer solder to melt first and form a large encircling phenomenon, producing pinholes. If the heating rate is too slow, it will lead to excessive erosion of boron and silicon elements in the solder paste. The mechanical properties of the weld decrease due to the addition of high-melting-point elements to the base metal grain boundaries. In addition, the liquidus line of the weld increases after brazing due to the addition of high-melting-point elements to the base metal. Setting a post-weld heat preservation at 1000℃ is conducive to the diffusion of B and Si elements and reduces the precipitation of phases. When the temperature is too low, the reduction of brittle phases is not obvious. When the temperature is too high, it is above the liquidus line of the weld, which will also cause the B and Si elements in the solder paste to excessively erode the base metal grain boundaries and generate continuous low-melting-point phases. This will lead to microcracks when the molten metal is insufficient to fill the gap during the solidification and shrinkage of the weld.

[0085] Compared with related technologies, the vacuum brazing forming method for liquid-cooled manifolds provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0086] This invention effectively solves the problems of weld blackening and pinholes by adjusting the volatilization temperature of organic matter in BNi-2 solder paste and the heating rate through its solid-liquid phase line during brazing with BNi-2 solder paste. In addition, by introducing a high-temperature heat preservation period after the brazing temperature is completed, the solid-solid diffusion of elements is promoted, which can effectively reduce the low-melting-point precipitates in the weld and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the weld.

[0087] The specific steps for placing the connector 62 and manifold 6 on the carrier and then applying adhesive in step three are as follows:

[0088] At the loading and unloading station on one side, some joints 62 and manifolds 6 are positioned by installing the carrier 51, the tooling loading frame 52, the main pipe positioning module 53, and the joint positioning module 54; adhesive is applied to the weld seams of joints 62 and manifolds 6.

[0089] The specific steps for sending the glued connector 62 and manifold 6 into the vacuum brazing furnace 1 in step four are as follows:

[0090] The movable carrier 31 moves two sets of movable support structures 41, moving the dispensing manifold 6 and multiple connectors 62 to the feeding and welding station; the lifting structure 43 lifts the mounting carrier 51, and the movable support structure 41 connects with the support rail 23. Then, the mounting carrier 51 is placed on the positioning support structure 2 through the cooperation of the feeding structure 42, the lifting structure 43, the movable support structure 41 and the support rail 23; the lifting structure 43 continues to move the mounting carrier 51 down, and the feeding structure 42 and the movable support structure 41 are reset in sequence.

[0091] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming device, comprising a vacuum brazing furnace (1), a positioning support structure (2), a multi-station linear module (3), a loading and unloading mechanism (4), and an alternating positioning fixture (5), characterized in that: The vacuum brazing furnace (1) is equipped with a positioning support structure (2); The positioning support structure (2) includes a support platform (21) and a support rail (23). Multiple sets of support platforms (21) for supporting the alternating positioning fixture (5) are fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace (1). Support positioning grooves (22) for positioning the alternating positioning fixture (5) are provided on the support platform (21). Support rails (23) are symmetrically fixedly installed inside the vacuum brazing furnace (1). The moving end of the multi-station linear module (3) is fixedly installed with a mobile carrier (31), and two sets of loading and unloading mechanisms (4) are installed on the mobile carrier (31). The loading and unloading mechanism (4) includes a movable support structure (41), a feeding structure (42) and a lifting structure (43). The movable support structure (41) is installed on the movable carrier (31). The movable support structure (41) and the support rail (23) work together to support the feeding structure (42). The feeding structure (42) is installed on the movable support structure (41). Two sets of lifting structures (43) for supporting the alternating positioning tooling (5) are symmetrically installed on the moving end of the feeding structure (42).

2. The liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alternating positioning fixture (5) includes a mounting frame (51), a tooling frame (52), a main pipe positioning module (53), and a joint positioning module (54). The mounting frame (51) is connected to the moving end of the lifting structure (43). Multiple tooling frames (52) are installed on the mounting frame (51) to position the manifold (6) in accordance with the holes (61) on the manifold (6). Multiple main pipe positioning modules (53) and joint positioning modules (54) are installed on the mounting frame (51). The main pipe positioning modules (53) and joint positioning modules (54) are alternately distributed. The joint positioning module (54) is used to position and support the joint (62).

3. The liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable support structure (41) includes a delivery linear module (411), a delivery carrier (412), and a docking rail (413). The delivery linear module (411) is fixedly mounted with the delivery carrier (412) at its movable end. The docking rail (413) is symmetrically fixedly mounted on the delivery carrier (412). The docking rail (413) is aligned with the support rail (23).

4. The liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding structure (42) includes a feeding cylinder (421), a moving frame (422) and rollers (423). The feeding cylinder (421) is fixedly installed on the delivery carrier (412), and the moving frame (422) is fixedly installed at the output end of the feeding cylinder (421). Four rollers (423) are rotatably installed in a rectangular array on the moving frame (422), and the rollers (423) roll in contact with the docking track (413) and the support track (23).

5. The liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting structure (43) includes a lifting cylinder (431), a support module (432), a lifting frame (433), and a feeding positioning pin (434). The lifting cylinder (431) is fixedly installed on the moving frame (422). The lifting frame (433) is fixedly installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder (431). Two sets of support modules (432) are symmetrically installed between the lifting frame (433) and the moving frame (422). The feeding positioning pin (434) is symmetrically fixedly installed on the lifting frame (433).

6. The liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting frame (51) is symmetrically fixedly mounted with positioning platforms (511), and brazed positioning pins (512) are fixedly mounted on the positioning platforms (511). The brazed positioning pins (512) are inserted into the support positioning grooves (22). The mounting frame (51) is symmetrically opened with mounting frame positioning grooves (513), and the feeding positioning pins (434) are inserted into the mounting frame positioning grooves (513). Multiple sets of mounting platforms (514) are symmetrically fixedly mounted on the mounting frame (51), and mounting bolts (515) are fixedly mounted on the mounting platforms (514).

7. A method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold, comprising the liquid-cooled manifold welding and forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Clean and degrease the connector (62) and manifold (6); Step 2: Perform laser spot welding on the mating joint (62) and manifold (6); Step 3: Place the connector (62) and manifold (6) on the vehicle, and then apply adhesive. Step 4: Send the glued joint (62) and manifold (6) into the vacuum brazing furnace (1) for the following six stages of heating treatment: T1, heat to 100℃ at room temperature at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30min; T2, heat to 420℃-510℃ at 100℃ at a heating rate of 5℃ / min and hold for 30min. T3: Heat at 510℃ to 960℃ at a heating rate of 10℃ / min and hold for 30 min; T4: Heat at 960℃ to 1060℃ at a heating rate of 1-10℃ / min and hold for 20 min; T5: Cool at 1060℃ with the furnace to 990℃-1010℃ and hold for 60 min; T6: After reaching 990℃, cool with the furnace to 850℃ and then purge with argon gas.

8. The method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold according to claim 7, characterized in that, Remove T6 from step four, and change T5 to 1060℃, cool it to 850℃ with the furnace, and then cool it with argon gas.

9. The method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold according to claim 7, characterized in that, The specific steps for placing the connector (62) and manifold (6) on the carrier and then applying adhesive in step three are as follows: At the loading and unloading station on one side, some joints (62) and manifolds (6) are positioned by installing a carrier (51), a tool loading frame (52), a main pipe positioning module (53), and a joint positioning module (54); adhesive is applied to the weld seams of the joints (62) and manifolds (6).

10. The method for welding and forming a liquid-cooled manifold according to claim 7, characterized in that, The specific steps for sending the glued connector (62) and manifold (6) into the vacuum brazing furnace (1) in step four are as follows: The movable carrier (31) moves two sets of movable support structures (41) to move the dispensing manifold (6) and multiple connectors (62) to the feeding and welding station; the lifting structure (43) lifts the installation carrier (51), the movable support structure (41) docks with the support rail (23), and then the installation carrier (51) is placed on the positioning support structure (2) through the cooperation of the feeding structure (42), the lifting structure (43), the movable support structure (41) and the support rail (23); the lifting structure (43) continues to move the installation carrier (51) down, and the feeding structure (42) and the movable support structure (41) are reset in sequence.

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