Fin storing and taking equipment and heat exchanger production line

Abstract

The utility model provides fin storing and taking equipment and a heat exchanger production line, the fin storing and taking equipment comprises a storing and taking support, a supporting bottom plate, a lifting supporting plate and an off-line robot, the supporting bottom plate is horizontally arranged in a storage position, and a blanking needle is vertically arranged on the supporting bottom plate; the lifting supporting plate is parallel to the supporting bottom plate; the off-line robot is arranged on the side of the storing and taking support and comprises an off-line robot body and an off-line clamp. The machined and formed fins are sequentially stacked on the lifting supporting plate through the blanking needle and the positioning needle, after the fin stack is machined, the lifting supporting plate drives the fin stack and the positioning needle to ascend, the fin stack is grabbed by the off-line robot and then placed on the fin conveying line, forming and transferring of the fin stack are achieved in a full-automatic mode, and the production efficiency is improved. The completeness of the fin stack can be kept, the problems of displacement, dislocation and the like of the fins in the fin stack are reduced, and the mechanization degree and the intelligence degree are higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular relates to a fin storage and retrieval device and a heat exchanger production line. Background Technology

[0002] In the air conditioning industry, the heat exchanger in an air conditioner refers to the evaporator and condenser, which play the roles of evaporation, heat dissipation and heat exchange, and are an important component of the refrigeration system.

[0003] During the production process, the stamping machine processes the raw sheet metal into fins and stacks the processed fins into fin stacks to facilitate subsequent processing into heat exchangers. When the fin stacks are unloaded from the stamping machine, some require manual assistance to ensure accurate positioning of the fin stacks. After the fin stacks are unloaded, they also rely on manual transfer and storage. After each set of fin stacks is processed, workers need to bend over to pick up and lift the fin stacks. During this period, there is a lot of ineffective turnover and handling, which greatly reduces production efficiency and results in high labor intensity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a fin storage and retrieval device and a heat exchanger production line to solve the problems in the existing technology, such as the high dependence on manual labor, low level of intelligence, and high labor intensity of fin stack transfer and storage after fin processing and forming.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0006] In one aspect, this utility model proposes a fin access device, comprising:

[0007] Access rack, which has storage compartments formed inside;

[0008] A support base plate is horizontally arranged within the storage position, and a material drop pin is vertically arranged on the support base plate;

[0009] A lifting support plate, which is parallel to the support base plate and located above the support base plate, is movably connected to the storage and retrieval bracket. The lifting support plate is provided with a through hole corresponding to each of the dropping needles, through which the dropping needles pass. The fins are stacked on the lifting support plate to form a fin stack, and the insertion holes on the fins are inserted into the corresponding dropping needles.

[0010] The off-line robot is located next to the access bracket and includes an off-line robot body and an off-line clamp. The off-line clamp is located on the off-line robot body and includes a first off-line clamping member and a second off-line clamping member arranged symmetrically. The off-line robot is configured to clamp both ends of the fin stack on the lifting support plate and transfer it to the target position.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, at least one positioning pin is inserted at each end of the fin stack along the length direction of each fin. The bottom of the positioning pin contacts the lifting support plate, and the top of the positioning pin extends to the upper end of the fin stack. The first lower wire clamp and the second lower wire clamp are used to clamp the upper end and the lower end of the positioning pin, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the robot body includes a robot base, a robot upper arm, and a robot lower arm connected in sequence. The first and second robot clamping members are respectively connected to the ends of the robot lower arm via clamping power members. The first robot clamping member includes two spaced-apart first robot jaws, and the second robot clamping member includes two spaced-apart second robot jaws. The first robot jaws are used to clamp the upper end of the positioning pin, and the second robot jaws are used to clamp the lower end of the positioning pin.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the first lower wire clamp and the second lower wire clamp are respectively connected to the clamping power member through an adapter plate. The first lower wire clamp has a first positioning clamp plate perpendicular to the adapter plate. The first positioning clamp plate has at least one first positioning recess with an opening facing the second lower wire clamp. The second lower wire clamp has a second positioning clamp plate perpendicular to the adapter plate. The second positioning clamp plate has at least one second positioning recess with an opening facing the first lower wire clamp. In the clamping state, the upper end of the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning recess, and the lower end of the positioning pin is inserted into the second positioning recess.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the first lower clamping claw further includes a first connecting plate, the first connecting plate being perpendicularly disposed to the first positioning clamping plate, and the first positioning clamping plate being detachably connected to the adapter plate via the first connecting plate;

[0015] The second lower clamp also includes a second connecting plate, which is perpendicular to the second positioning clamp. The second positioning clamp is detachably connected to the adapter plate via the second connecting plate.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp are integral structures, the second connecting plate and the second positioning clamp are integral structures, and reinforcing ribs are respectively provided between the first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp, and between the second connecting plate and the second positioning clamp.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the end of the second positioning clamp is formed with a guide slope, which is used to lift the bottommost fin of the fin stack and guide the lower end of the positioning pin into the second positioning recess during the process of the second lower clamp moving to the bottom of the fin stack.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, an upwardly extending support protrusion is formed on the lifting support plate, and each fin stack is supported on the support protrusion. Under the action of the support protrusion, a clamping gap is formed between the bottom of each fin stack and the lifting support plate. The second lower line clamping member moves from the clamping gap to the bottom of the fin stack and clamps the positioning pin.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the access bracket is provided with a lifting cylinder, which is connected to the lifting support plate and is used to drive the lifting support plate to move along the height direction of the access bracket.

[0020] On the other hand, this application also proposes a heat exchanger production line, which includes a support frame, a fin conveyor line, and the fin storage and retrieval equipment mentioned above, wherein the fin storage and retrieval equipment is located at the input end of the fin conveyor line, and the off-line robot is used to clamp the fin stacks on the lifting support plate and transfer them to the fin conveyor line.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:

[0022] After processing, the fins are stacked sequentially on the lifting support plate by the blanking pin and the positioning pin. When the fin stack is completed, the lifting support plate drives the fin stack and the positioning pin to rise. The fin stack is then picked up by the off-line robot and placed on the fin conveyor line. The formation and transfer of the fin stack are fully automated, which helps to maintain the integrity of the fin stack and reduces problems such as fin displacement and misalignment in the fin stack. The degree of mechanization and intelligence is higher.

[0023] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger production line according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the fin access device according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a position diagram of the lifting support plate in the material storage state according to the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a position diagram of the lifting support plate in the material handling state according to the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the lifting support plate according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the offline robot according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the offline fixture;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the second lower clamping member according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0034] Figure 10 Structural diagram of the endplate mounting equipment;

[0035] Figure 11 A diagram showing the conveying status of the finned stack on the short plate mounting equipment;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the lifting component on the end plate mounting equipment.

[0037] Figure 13 Structural diagram of the robot for installing endplates;

[0038] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A diagram showing the connection at point B in the diagram;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the state of the end plate clamp holding the end plate component.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of a heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram of an intubation robot;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram of the cannulation clamp;

[0043] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of the transfer fixture;

[0044] Figure 20 Here is a structural diagram of the nitrogen filling equipment;

[0045] Figure 21 This is a structural diagram of an intubation robot;

[0046] Figure 22 Diagram of the pipe clamp structure;

[0047] Figure 23 This is one of the connection diagrams for nitrogen-filled fittings and piping components;

[0048] Figure 24 for Figure 23 CC section view in the middle;

[0049] Figure 25 Diagram 2 showing the connection between the nitrogen-filled fitting and the piping fitting;

[0050] Figure 26 Diagram of elastic component connection;

[0051] Figure label:

[0052] 100. Finned conveyor line; 110. Upstream conveyor line; 111. Roller; 112. Pallet component;

[0053] 120. Downstream conveyor line; 130. Tube expansion equipment; 140. Drying equipment; 150. Transfer robot; 151. Transfer beam; 152. Transfer drive unit; 153. Transfer clamp;

[0054] 160. Pipe bending equipment; 170. Welding equipment; 180. Helium detection equipment; 190. Bending equipment;

[0055] 200. Support frame;

[0056] 300, Fin stack; 310, Blanking pin; 320, Positioning pin; 330, End plate component; 340, Piping component;

[0057] 400. Fin storage and retrieval device; 410. Storage and retrieval bracket; 420. Support base plate;

[0058] 430. Lifting support plate; 431. Support protrusion; 432. Connecting hole;

[0059] 440. Lifting cylinder; 450. Offline robot; 451. Offline robot body; 4511. Offline robot base; 4512. Offline robot upper arm; 4513. Offline robot lower arm; 452. Offline clamp; 4521. First offline clamping component; 4522. Second offline clamping component; 4523. Adapter plate; 4524. Second positioning clamping plate; 4525. Second positioning recess; 4526. Guide slope; 4527. Second connecting plate; 4528. Reinforcing rib;

[0060] 500. End plate installation equipment; 510. End plate installation robot; 511. End plate robot body; 512. Connecting beam; 513. End plate clamp; 514. Pushing component;

[0061] 520. Lifting stop component; 521. Lifting drive component; 522. Stop part; 5221. Stop block;

[0062] 530. Lifting component;

[0063] 540. Centering assembly; 541. Centering crossbeam; 542. Guide section; 543. Centering bracket;

[0064] 550. Test items;

[0065] 600. Intubation equipment; 610. Intubation robot; 611. Intubation robot body; 612. Intubation clamp; 613. Intermediate connection part; 614. Tube gripper; 6141. Gripper cylinder; 6142. Gripper end; 6144. Gripper recess;

[0066] 700. Nitrogen filling equipment; 710. Nitrogen filling device; 711. Nitrogen filling pipeline; 720. Nitrogen filling connector; 730. Nitrogen filling robot; 731. Nitrogen filling robot body; 732. Nitrogen filling clamp; 733. Gripper assembly; 7331. First gripper; 7332. Second gripper; 7333. Gripper recess; 740. Nitrogen filling chamber; 750. Elastic element;

[0067] 800, Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0068] 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.

[0069] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0070] 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 technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0073] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 This application proposes a heat exchanger production line, which includes a support frame 200, a fin conveyor line 100, and a plurality of processing equipment arranged along the conveying direction of the fin conveyor line 100.

[0075] The fin conveyor line 100 is installed on the support frame 200. Along the conveying direction of the fin conveyor line 100, at least a fin storage and retrieval position, an end plate mounting position, a tube insertion position, and a nitrogen filling position are provided.

[0076] The processing equipment includes a fin storage and retrieval device 400 corresponding to the fin storage and retrieval position, an end plate mounting device 500 corresponding to the end plate mounting position, a tube insertion device 600 corresponding to the tube insertion station, and a nitrogen filling device 700 corresponding to the nitrogen filling station.

[0077] Combination Figure 9 Specifically, the fin conveying line 100 includes an upstream conveying line 110 and a downstream conveying line 120. The upstream conveying line 110 includes a plurality of rollers 111 spaced apart along the conveying direction of the upstream conveying line 110. Each roller 111 is connected to a motor, and the rollers 111 are driven to roll by the motor to convey the fin stack 300.

[0078] The downstream conveyor line 120 includes a conveyor drive and a conveyor belt. The conveyor drive drives the conveyor belt to move, thereby achieving the purpose of conveying the fin stack 300 between various workstations. When the fin stack 300 is conveyed to the corresponding processing workstation, the conveyor drive is turned off. After processing is completed, the conveyor drive is turned on to continue conveying to the next workstation.

[0079] The fin storage and retrieval device 400 is located at the end of the fin conveyor line 100 and is used to transfer the fin stack 300 formed by the fins processed by the aluminum sheet uncoiling machine and the punching machine to the fin conveyor line 100. The fin stack 300 is then processed through subsequent processes to form a heat exchanger or evaporator.

[0080] The end plate mounting position and the tube insertion position are located on the upstream conveyor line 110, and the nitrogen filling position is located on the downstream conveyor line 120.

[0081] An expansion tube device 130 and a drying device 140 are also installed between the upstream conveyor line 110 and the downstream conveyor line 120. The fin stack 300 is transported between the upstream conveyor line 110 and the expansion tube device 130, between the expansion tube device 130 and the drying device 140, and between the drying device 140 and the downstream conveyor line 120 by a transfer robot 150.

[0082] Downstream conveyor line 120 is also equipped with a pipe bending station, a welding station, and a helium filling station. The pipe bending station is located upstream of the nitrogen filling station, and the welding station and the helium filling station are located downstream of the nitrogen filling station along the conveying direction of downstream conveyor line 120.

[0083] Since the downstream conveyor line 120 is started and stopped by a conveyor drive, the layout of each station needs to meet the following requirements: in the shutdown state, each station can perform corresponding processing operations; during conveying, the corresponding fin stack 300 is synchronously conveyed to the next processing station.

[0084] The following is a detailed description of the processing equipment involved:

[0085] refer to Figures 2-4 The fin storage and retrieval device 400 includes a storage and retrieval bracket 410, a support base plate 420, a lifting support plate 430, and an unloading robot 450. The storage and retrieval bracket 410 is a frame structure with storage positions formed inside. The support base plate 420 is horizontally set on the storage and retrieval bracket 410, specifically at the bottom of the storage positions formed inside the storage and retrieval bracket 410.

[0086] A blanking pin 310 is vertically installed on the support base plate 420. The bottom of the blanking pin 310 is fixed on the support base plate 420, and the top of the blanking pin 310 is vertically upward, which is used to position the fins that have been processed and formed and are placed into the storage position.

[0087] The length direction of the fin is defined as the first direction, the width direction of the fin as the second direction, and the thickness direction of the fin as the third direction. Along the second direction, multiple sets of fin stacks 300 are formed in the storage position. Each set of fin stacks 300 includes multiple fins stacked on the drop pin 310 along the third direction.

[0088] Combination Figure 6 The off-line robot 450 is used to transfer each fin stack 300 to the upstream conveyor line 110.

[0089] The lifting support plate 430 is arranged parallel above the support base plate 420 and is movably connected to the storage bracket 410 along the third direction. A connecting hole 432 is formed on the lifting support plate 430 and a through insertion hole is formed on the fin. The dropping needle 310 is connected to the corresponding insertion hole through the connecting hole 432.

[0090] The storage and retrieval bracket 410 is equipped with a lifting cylinder 440. The output end of the lifting cylinder 440 is connected to the lifting support plate 430, which is used to drive the lifting support plate 430 to move along the height direction of the storage and retrieval bracket 410.

[0091] When the lifting support plate 430 moves up and down along the third direction, the dropping needle 310 remains fixed, while the insertion hole and the connecting hole 432 move up and down relative to the dropping needle 310.

[0092] After the fin stack 300 is formed in the storage position, a positioning pin 320 is also provided on the fin stack 300.

[0093] The positioning pin 320 is set in the reserved insertion hole. One end of the positioning pin 320 is supported on the lifting support plate 430, and the other end extends to the top of the fin stack 300.

[0094] The lifting support plate 430 and the positioning pin 320 are not designed with connecting holes 432. As the lifting support plate 430 moves up and down, the positioning pin 320 also moves, always connecting the fins in the same fin stack 300 together.

[0095] The off-line robot 450 specifically includes the off-line robot 450 body and the off-line fixture 452, with the off-line fixture 452 mounted on the off-line robot 450 body.

[0096] The off-line robot 450 body includes an off-line robot base 4511, an off-line robot upper arm 4512, and an off-line robot lower arm 4513 connected in sequence.

[0097] In addition, the off-line robot 450 also includes a robot motor and a vision camera. The off-line robot base 4511 is fixed to the ground with bolts, and the robot motor is connected to the off-line robot 450 from the off-line robot base 4511 with bolts. The off-line robot base 4511, the off-line robot upper arm 4512 and the off-line robot lower arm 4513 are all connected by sliding joints. The vision camera is set on the off-line fixture 452 and is used to obtain the position information of the fin stack 300.

[0098] refer to Figures 7-9 The unloading clamp 452 includes a first unloading clamp 4521 and a second unloading clamp 4522 arranged symmetrically. The first unloading clamp 4521 and the second unloading clamp 4522 are respectively provided with clamping parts for clamping the two ends of the positioning pin 320.

[0099] The off-line robot 450 is configured to grip both ends of the fin stack 300 on the lifting support plate 430 and transfer it to the target position, that is, to grip the fin stack 300 onto the upstream conveyor line 110.

[0100] Along the length of each fin, at least one positioning pin 320 is inserted at each end of the fin stack 300. The bottom of the positioning pin 320 contacts the lifting support plate 430, and the top of the positioning pin 320 extends to the upper end of the fin stack 300. The first lower wire clamp 4521 and the second lower wire clamp 4522 are used to clamp the upper end of the positioning pin 320 and the lower end of the positioning pin 320, respectively.

[0101] The first unloading clamping member 4521 and the second unloading clamping member 4522 are respectively connected to the end of the unloading robot forearm 4513 through clamping power members. The first unloading clamping member 4521 includes two first unloading grippers arranged at intervals, and the second unloading clamping member 4522 includes two second unloading grippers arranged at intervals. The first unloading grippers are used to clamp the upper end of the positioning pin 320, and the second unloading grippers are used to clamp the lower end of the positioning pin 320.

[0102] There can be two clamping power components, each of which includes an output end, which is connected to the first lower wire gripper and the second lower wire gripper respectively.

[0103] Alternatively, there may be one clamping power component with two output ends located on either side of the clamping power component and connected to the first lower wire gripper and the second lower wire gripper, respectively.

[0104] The first and second lower wire clamps are respectively connected to the clamping power component via the adapter plate 4523. That is, the output end of the clamping power component is connected to the adapter plate 4523, and the first and second lower wire clamps are respectively connected and fixed to the adapter plate 4523 on the corresponding side.

[0105] A first positioning clamping plate perpendicular to the adapter plate 4523 is formed on the first lower clamping jaw, and at least one first positioning recess with an opening facing the second lower clamping jaw is formed on the first positioning clamping plate.

[0106] A second positioning clamping plate 4524 perpendicular to the adapter plate 4523 is formed on the second lower clamping jaw, and at least one second positioning recess 4525 with an opening facing the first lower clamping jaw is formed on the second positioning clamping plate 4524.

[0107] In the clamping state, the upper end of the positioning pin 320 is inserted into the first positioning recess, and the lower end of the positioning pin 320 is inserted into the second positioning recess 4525.

[0108] The first lower clamp also includes a first connecting plate, which is perpendicular to the first positioning clamp. The first positioning clamp is detachably connected to the adapter plate 4523 via the first connecting plate.

[0109] The second lower clamp also includes a second connecting plate 4527, which is perpendicular to the second positioning clamp 4524. The second positioning clamp 4524 is detachably connected to the adapter plate 4523 via the second connecting plate 4527.

[0110] The first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp are integral structures, and the second connecting plate 4527 and the second positioning clamp 4524 are integral structures. Reinforcing ribs 4528 are respectively provided between the first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp, and between the second connecting plate 4527 and the second positioning clamp 4524, to improve the connection strength between the first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp, and between the second connecting plate 4527 and the second positioning clamp 4524.

[0111] The end of the second positioning clamp 4524 corresponding to the lower end of the fin stack 300 is formed with a guide slope 4526. The guide slope 4526 is used to lift the bottom fin of the fin stack 300 and guide the lower end of the positioning pin 320 into the second positioning recess 4525 during the process of the second lower line clamp moving to the bottom of the fin stack 300.

[0112] To facilitate the clamping of the second positioning clamping plate 4524, in some embodiments of this application, an upwardly extending support protrusion 431 is formed on the lifting support plate 430, and the length of the support protrusion 431 along the first direction is less than the length of the fin.

[0113] Each fin stack 300 is supported on the support protrusion 431. Under the action of the support protrusion 431, a clamping gap is formed between the bottom of each fin stack 300 and the lifting support plate 430. The second lower line clamping member 4522 moves from the clamping gap to the bottom of the fin stack 300 and clamps the positioning pin 320.

[0114] To avoid interference between the adapter plate 4523 on the second positioning clamping plate 4524 and the support protrusion 431 during the clamping process, this application designs the length of the second connecting plate 4527 to extend downward so that the adapter plate 4523 is located above the support protrusion 431 during the clamping process of the second positioning clamping plate 4524, thus avoiding interference.

[0115] End plate installation equipment 500

[0116] refer to Figures 10-11 The finned conveyor line 100 has end plate mounting positions, and the end plate mounting equipment 500 is adapted to the end plate mounting positions.

[0117] The end plate installation equipment 500 includes an end plate installation robot 510 and a lifting stop 520. The end plate installation robot 510 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fin conveyor line 100 and is used to simultaneously install end plate components 330 at both ends of the fin stack 300.

[0118] Each endplate installation robot 510 includes an endplate robot body 511, a connecting beam 512, a clamping power component, and two endplate clamps 513. The connecting beam 512 is mounted on the endplate robot body, the clamping power component is mounted on the connecting beam 512, and the two endplate clamps 513 are mounted on the clamping power component. Under the action of the clamping power component, the two endplate clamps 513 move relative to each other or towards each other to clamp or release the endplate 330.

[0119] The clamping power component is located along the length of the connecting beam 512, and has a first telescopic end and a second telescopic end. Two end plate clamps 513 are respectively installed on the first telescopic end and the second telescopic end.

[0120] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the clamping power member corresponds one-to-one with the end plate clamp 513, and the two clamping power members are symmetrically arranged on the connecting beam 512, with the end plate clamp 513 installed at the output end of the clamping power member.

[0121] An end plate mounting position is formed on the fin conveyor line 100. The stop part 522 is located downstream of the end plate mounting position. When the fin stack 300 is conveyed to the end plate mounting position along the fin conveyor line 100, the stop part 522 rises above the roller 111.

[0122] The lifting stop 520 is installed on the fin conveyor line 100. Before the fin stack 300 is conveyed to the end plate mounting position, the lifting stop 520 rises to stop the fin stack 300.

[0123] The lifting stop 520 specifically includes a lifting drive 521 and a stop part 522. The lifting drive 521 is used to be set below the fin conveyor line 100, and the stop part 522 is installed at the output end of the lifting drive 521. Under the action of the lifting drive 521, the stop part 522 moves up and down between the corresponding adjacent rollers 111 on the fin conveyor line 100 to stop and correct the fin stack 300 at the corresponding position on the fin conveyor line 100.

[0124] The stop part 522 includes two or more stops 5221 spaced apart along the axial direction of the roller 111. Both stops 5221 are connected to the output end of the lifting drive 521. The lifting drive 521 drives the two stops 5221 to rise simultaneously. Before the fin stack 300 is conveyed to the end plate mounting position, the two stops 5221 rise above the roller 111, stopping the forward conveying of the fin stack 300.

[0125] When the fin stack 300 is angularly misaligned with the roller 111, the stop block 5221 can straighten the fin stack 300 to be parallel to the axis of the roller 111, which facilitates the installation of the end plate 330 by the short board robot.

[0126] An endplate clamping position is formed between the two endplate clamps 513 of the endplate installation robot 510. A pusher 514 extending towards the endplate clamping position is provided on the connecting beam 512. The pusher 514 includes a pusher power member and a pusher end. The pusher power member is fixed on the connecting beam 512, and the pusher end is fixed on the output end of the pusher power member.

[0127] The fin conveyor line 100 is also equipped with a pallet 112, on which the fin stack 300 is placed. The lifting member 530 is located upstream of the lifting stop member 520 and includes a lifting cylinder and a top block. The lifting cylinder is located below the end plate mounting position, and the top block is installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder. Under the action of the lifting cylinder, the top block moves up and down between the corresponding rollers 111 to lift the pallet conveyed to the top block mounting position upward.

[0128] The conveying direction of the fin conveyor line 100 is defined as the X direction, the width direction of the fin conveyor line 100 is defined as the Y direction, the height direction of the fin conveyor line 100 is defined as the Z direction, the dimension of the end plate 330 along the Z direction is the width of the end plate 330, the dimension of the fin stack 300 along the Z direction is the width of the fin stack 300, the width L1 of the end plate 330 is greater than the width L2 of the fin stack 300, and the thickness L3 of the support plate 112 satisfies: L3>(L1-L2) / 2, so as to avoid interference between the end plate 330 and the roller 111 when it is installed at both ends of the fin stack 300.

[0129] An inspection element 550 is also provided upstream of the end plate mounting position. The inspection element 550 is specifically installed on the support frame 200, located on one side of the roller 111. The inspection element 550 is connected to the controller 800. The controller 800 is connected to the lifting drive 521 and the lifting cylinder. The controller 800 is used to receive the inspection signal from the inspection element 550 and control the movement of the lifting drive 521 and the lifting cylinder.

[0130] The controller 800 is the control center of the entire processing line. It is used to control the start and stop of the fin conveyor line 100, the operation of each robot, and the switching on and off of each device. The control process is existing technology and will not be described in detail.

[0131] In some other embodiments, the fin conveyor line 100 is also provided with a centering assembly 540, which includes two centering beams 541 symmetrically arranged on the fin conveyor line 100. The centering beams 541 are located downstream of the end plate mounting position, and a centering channel is formed between the centering beams 541 for centering the pallet to the middle position of the fin conveyor line 100.

[0132] Each pair of crossbeams 541 has a guide section 542 at one end near the end plate mounting position, and a guide channel that gradually narrows along the conveying direction of the fin stack 300 is formed between the two guide sections 542.

[0133] The centering beam 541 is fixed to the support frame 200 by the centering bracket 543, and the height of the centering beam 541 is lower than the positioning pin 320 on the fin stomp.

[0134] After the end plate is installed, the stop block 5221 on the lifting stop 520 descends, and the fin stack 300 continues to be conveyed downward along the fin conveyor line 100.

[0135] After the end plates 330 at both ends of the fin stack 300 pass through the guide channel, under the action of the guide section 542, the fin stack 300 moves towards the middle position of the fin conveying line 100, improving the positional accuracy of the fin stack 300 during conveying, and making it easier for the tube insertion robot 610 to operate during subsequent tube insertion.

[0136] Each of the two end plate clamps 513 has a plurality of limiting protrusions on one side opposite to the end plate clamps 513. The limiting protrusions of each end plate clamp 513 form a clamping position for limiting the end plate 330. When clamped, the end of the end plate 330 is located between the limiting protrusions, which restricts the position of the end plate 330 and prevents the end plate 330 from coming off the end plate clamp 513.

[0137] refer to Figures 13-16 Similar to the off-line robot 450, the endplate robot body 511 includes an endplate robot base, an endplate robot upper arm, and an endplate robot lower arm connected in sequence.

[0138] In addition, the endplate robot also includes a robot motor and a vision camera. The endplate robot base is fixed to the ground by bolts, and the robot motor is connected to the endplate robot base by bolts. The endplate robot base, the endplate robot upper arm, and the endplate robot lower arm are all connected by sliding joints. The vision camera is set on the endplate fixture 513 to obtain the position information of the fin stack 300 and the positioning pin 320.

[0139] The end plate 330 is also provided with through holes corresponding to the fins. The end plate 330 is inserted into the positioning pin 320 through the corresponding through holes. After the end plate 330 is inserted, the pushing power component drives the pushing end to push the end plate 330 forward. The two end plates 330 on both sides are pushed towards the middle at the same time. This not only installs the end plate 330 into place and eliminates the gaps between the fins, but also makes the connection between the fins tight.

[0140] After installation, the fin stack 300 is conveyed downwards to the tube insertion station via the fin conveyor line 100.

[0141] A tube insertion device 600 is installed next to the tube insertion station. The tube insertion device 600 grabs the tube component 340 and inserts the tube component 340 into the insertion hole in the fin stack 300.

[0142] For details, please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 18 The intubation device 600 includes an intubation robot 610, which includes an intubation robot body 611 and an intubation clamp 612. The intubation clamp 612 is connected to the intubation robot body 611 and includes two intubation components spaced apart. Each intubation component includes an intermediate connecting part 613 and at least one pipe gripper 614 disposed on the intermediate connecting part 613. The intubation device 600 grips the pipe component 340 through the pipe gripper 614 and inserts the pipe component 340 into the fin stack 300 under the drive of the intubation robot body 611.

[0143] In addition, the intubation robot 610 also includes a robot motor and a vision camera. The intubation robot base is fixed to the ground by bolts, and the robot motor is connected to the intubation robot base by bolts. The intubation robot base, the intubation robot upper arm, and the intubation robot lower arm are all connected by sliding joints. The vision camera is set on the intubation fixture 612 to obtain the position information of the fin stack 300 and the insertion hole.

[0144] Each pipeline clamp 614 includes a clamping cylinder 6141 and a clamping end 6142. The clamping cylinder 6141 has a first telescopic end and a second telescopic end. There are two clamping ends 6142, which are respectively set on the first telescopic end and the second telescopic end. Each clamping end 6142 has a clamping recess 6144. The pipeline component 340 is used to clamp in the clamping position formed by the two clamping recesses 6144.

[0145] The pipe fitting 340 has a U-shaped structure. Both ends of the pipe fitting 340 are simultaneously inserted into the corresponding insertion holes of the fin stack 300. In order to improve the stability of clamping the pipe fitting 340, each insertion clamp 612 includes two pipe grippers 614 spaced apart. The pipe grippers 614 on each insertion clamp 612 are used to clamp one side of the pipe fitting 340 for insertion.

[0146] At least two insertion devices 600 are provided at intervals along the conveying direction of the fin conveyor line 100 to improve the insertion efficiency of the pipe fittings 340.

[0147] In addition to inserting tubing components 340, the intubation robot 610 can also disassemble the positioning pin 320. For example, but not limited to, after the upstream intubation robot 610 inserts part of the tubing components 340, the fin stack 300 is transported to the corresponding position of the downstream intubation robot 610. The downstream intubation robot 610 first disassembles the positioning pin 320 and then inserts the remaining tubing components.

[0148] When the positioning pin 320 is removed, the intubation robot arm of the intubation robot 610 can rotate 90 degrees, and a single positioning pin 320 can be removed using only one of the tube grippers 614.

[0149] The movement of the forearm of the intubation robot is existing technology and is not the focus of this application, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0150] After the tube insertion is completed, the fin stack 300 continues to be conveyed downwards to the tube expansion station, where the tube expansion equipment 130 performs tube expansion operation on the pipe component 340.

[0151] After the tube expansion is completed, the fin stack 300 is transferred from the fin conveyor line 100 to the drying equipment 140 by the transfer robot 150 for drying. After drying, the fin stack 300 is transferred to the downstream conveyor line 120 by the transfer robot 150.

[0152] refer to Figure 19 The transfer robot 150 includes a transfer robot body and a transfer fixture. The transfer fixture is set on the transfer robot body and includes a transfer beam 151, a transfer drive component 152, and a transfer clamping plate 153. The transfer beam 151 is connected to the transfer robot body, and the transfer drive component 152 is installed on the transfer beam 151. The transfer drive component 152 has a first telescopic end and a second telescopic end. There are two transfer clamping plates 153, which are respectively set on the first telescopic end and the second telescopic end. The transfer clamping plates 153 are used to clamp the end plate components 330 at both ends of the fin stack 300.

[0153] On the downstream conveyor line 120, the fin stack 300 is connected by bending pipes through the pipe bending device 160. Specifically, the pipe bending device 160 is a pipe bending robot, whose structure is similar to that of the pipe insertion robot 610. The pipe bending robot grips the U-shaped pipe, positions it through mechanical vision, and inserts it into the pipe fitting 340 on the fin stack 300.

[0154] It should be noted that when the heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger, it needs to be bent into an L-shape in the last step. Therefore, during the insertion of the bent tube, there is a certain height difference between the ends of the two fins of the outdoor heat exchanger after bending. So, it is necessary to tilt the tube at a certain angle when inserting it. For the evaporator, it does not need to be bent, so there is no height difference between the two aluminum fins that make up the evaporator. Therefore, it is not necessary to tilt the tube when inserting it.

[0155] When the outdoor heat exchanger bends are inserted, the insertion clamp 612 of the insertion robot 610 automatically tilts at a preset angle through the robot's forearm to insert the bend into the pipe fitting 340.

[0156] After installing a bend in the end of the fin stack 300, it is conveyed downwards to the nitrogen filling station for nitrogen filling.

[0157] refer to Figures 20-25 The nitrogen filling equipment 700 includes a nitrogen filling device 710, a nitrogen filling docking component 720, and a nitrogen filling robot 730. The nitrogen filling device 710 has an external nitrogen filling pipeline 711. The nitrogen filling docking component 720 is located at the end of the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 and has a docking channel that gradually expands away from the nitrogen filling pipeline 711.

[0158] The nitrogen filling robot 730 includes a nitrogen filling robot body 731 and a nitrogen filling fixture 732. The nitrogen filling robot 730 is located next to the nitrogen filling station on the fin conveyor line 100. The nitrogen filling fixture 732 is located on the nitrogen filling robot 730 and is configured to clamp the nitrogen filling docking part 720 and dock it with the pipeline part 340 on the fin stack 300 to fill the pipeline part 340 with nitrogen.

[0159] In some embodiments, a nitrogen filling device 710 is disposed inside a nitrogen filling chamber 740, the nitrogen filling chamber 740 is provided with an installation port, and a nitrogen filling pipeline 711 extends from the installation port to the outside of the nitrogen filling chamber 740.

[0160] The nitrogen filling chamber 740 is supported by outriggers directly above the nitrogen filling station. The installation port is located on the bottom wall of the nitrogen filling chamber 740. The nitrogen filling pipeline 711 extends from directly below the nitrogen filling chamber 740, and the nitrogen filling connector 720 is connected to the nitrogen filling pipeline 711.

[0161] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 23 , Figure 24 In some embodiments of this application, the nitrogen filling connector 720 is detachably connected to the nitrogen filling pipeline 711. The end of the nitrogen filling connector 720 connected to the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 is provided with a connecting end. An internal thread is formed on the inner wall of the connecting end. An external thread is formed at the end of the nitrogen filling pipeline 711. The nitrogen filling pipeline 711 is threadedly connected to the connecting end.

[0162] During the nitrogen filling process, the nitrogen filling robot 730 grips the nitrogen filling pipe 711 above the nitrogen filling docking part 720, pulls the nitrogen filling pipe 711 down onto the pipe part 340, and the pipe part 340 is guided into the nitrogen filling pipe 711 through the nitrogen filling docking part 720 and connected to the nitrogen filling pipe 711. Then, the nitrogen filling device 710 delivers nitrogen gas into the pipe part 340.

[0163] In order to accurately guide the pipe fitting 340 into the nitrogen-filling pipe 711, the minimum inner diameter of the docking channel shall not be greater than the inner diameter of the nitrogen-filling pipe 711.

[0164] refer to Figure 25 In other embodiments, the nitrogen filling connector 720 is integrally formed with the nitrogen filling pipeline 711, and the nitrogen filling connector 720 is generally horn-shaped.

[0165] refer to Figure 26In other embodiments, in order to achieve automatic upward reset of the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 after nitrogen filling, an elastic element 750 is designed between the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 and the nitrogen filling chamber 740. One end of the elastic element 750 is fixed to the inner wall of the nitrogen filling chamber 740, and the other end is connected to the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 located inside the nitrogen filling chamber 740. When the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 moves outward to the state of docking with the pipeline component 340, the elastic element 750 is compressed. After nitrogen filling is completed, the nitrogen filling robot 730 releases the nitrogen filling pipeline 711, and the elastic element 750, under its own restoring force, drives the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 to move upward and reset.

[0166] In some other embodiments, an elastic element 750 is provided between the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 and the nitrogen filling chamber 740. One end of the elastic element 750 is fixed to the outside of the installation port, and the other end is connected to the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 located outside the nitrogen filling chamber 740. When the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 moves outward to the state of docking with the pipeline component 340, the elastic element 750 is stretched. After the nitrogen filling is completed, the nitrogen filling robot 730 releases the nitrogen filling pipeline 711, and the elastic element 750 drives the nitrogen filling pipeline 711 to move upward and reset under its own restoring force.

[0167] In other embodiments, a flexible section is formed on the nitrogen filling line 711 to enable the nitrogen filling line 711 to be retractable relative to the mounting port.

[0168] The elastic pipe section is at least one section of the nitrogen filling pipe 711. During the nitrogen filling process, the elastic pipe section is stretched. After the nitrogen filling is completed, the elastic pipe section retracts under its own elasticity, thereby realizing the upward repositioning of the nitrogen filling docking part 720.

[0169] The nitrogen filling clamp 732 includes a clamping drive and a jaw assembly 733 connected to the clamping drive. The jaw assembly 733 includes a first jaw 7331 and a second jaw 7332 arranged symmetrically. Both the first jaw 7331 and the second jaw 7332 have clamping recesses 7333 formed on them. The size of the clamping recesses 7333 is adapted to the outer diameter of the nitrogen filling pipeline 711. The nitrogen filling pipeline 711 is used to clamp between the clamping recesses 7333.

[0170] The specific connection between the clamping drive and the first gripper 7331 and the second gripper 7332, and the implementation of the switching of the first gripper 7331 and the second gripper 7332, are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0171] Similarly, the nitrogen-filling robot body 731 also includes a nitrogen-filling robot base 730, a nitrogen-filling robot large arm 730, and a nitrogen-filling robot small arm connected in sequence.

[0172] In addition, the nitrogen filling robot 730 also includes a robot motor and a vision camera. The base of the nitrogen filling robot 730 is fixed to the ground by bolts, and the robot motor is connected to the base of the nitrogen filling robot 730 by bolts. The base, the upper arm and the lower arm of the nitrogen filling robot 730 are all connected by sliding joints. The vision camera is set on the nitrogen filling fixture 732 and is used to acquire the position information of the fin stack 300 and the positioning pin 320.

[0173] After nitrogen purging is completed, the fin conveyor line 100 drives the fin stack 300 forward to the welding station for welding, and then to the helium inspection station for welding status inspection.

[0174] When the heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger, after the helium test is completed, the fin stack 300 needs to be bent by the bending equipment 190 to finally form the heat exchanger.

[0175] The specific steps for machining the finned stack 300 into a heat exchanger are described below:

[0176] First, place the uncoiled aluminum sheet on the uncoiler frame of the aluminum sheet uncoiler, put the end of the coiled aluminum sheet into the middle of the uncoiler rollers, then start the motor, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, and the uncoiled aluminum sheet is fed into the stamping machine.

[0177] In the stamping press, multiple processes are carried out. The first step is straightening and oiling. After the strip material is straightened by the roller group, it enters the oil immersion tank. A pair of roller shafts are set at the outlet of the oil tank to remove dust and excess grease from the surface of the strip material, so that a uniform oil film is formed on the surface of the material, which is conducive to the lubrication of the mold and stamping.

[0178] The second step is material feeding. The feeding mechanism is integrated with the main machine. The rotation of the stamping spindle is connected to the mold via a toothed belt, toothed wheel shaft, slide plate, tie rod, rocker plate, feeding shaft, to ensure synchronous movement between the feeding and spindle stamping. The feeding pitch can be precisely set by adjusting the length of the slide plate and tie rod. The third step is cutting and counting. Cutting is performed by the upper and lower shear blades and a cylinder controlled by a contactless cam controller 800, and the number of actions is recorded. The final step is material dropping, which places the material at the designated position.

[0179] The heat exchanger fins are punched out by the die in the punching machine. The fin length is between 500mm and 1000mm, the width is between 50mm and 100mm, the thickness is between 0.2mm and 0.5mm, and the fin spacing is between 8mm and 12mm. The size can be determined according to the size of the die.

[0180] The stamping process of the punching machine is existing technology and is not the focus of this application. However, for the sake of the completeness of the technical solution, it is only briefly described here.

[0181] A positioning pin is inserted into the fin stack 300. After the positioning pin 320 is inserted, the off-line robot 450 starts. The robotic arm of the off-line robot 450 stops its gripper at the designated position and clamps the two ends of the positioning pin 320. Then, the upper arm 4512 of the off-line robot drives the lower arm 4513 of the off-line robot to move and place it on the fin conveyor line 100.

[0182] Next, end plates 330 are installed at both ends of the fin stack 300. During the installation of the end plates 330, the end plate robot's large arm drives the end plate robot's small arm to clamp the end plates from behind using the end plate clamp 513. Then, the vision camera on the end plate robot takes a picture and identifies the position of the positioning pins 320 and the insertion holes. After processing by the processor, the end plate 330 is raised to a suitable height and aligned with the side of the fin stack 300. The end plate 330 is then inserted into the fin stack 300 with the positioning pins 320. The end plate clamp 513 releases the force, and then the pushing end slowly pushes out to push the end plate 330 in.

[0183] Regarding the transportation of heat exchangers, the existing solution is to clamp both sides of the heat exchanger. However, the clamping force is not strictly maintained during the clamping process. Therefore, the present invention adopts clamping the end plates on both sides of the heat exchanger, which better ensures the shape of the heat exchanger.

[0184] The fin conveyor line 100 transports the fin stack 300 to the next process position. The clamp used by the tube insertion robot 610 is the same as that of the positioning pin robot 320. First, the robot clamps the pipe component 340 from the rear raw material area. Then, the robot clamp moves to the vicinity of both sides of the heat exchanger, and the vision camera takes pictures. According to the positioning method and clamping force maintenance method described above, the pipe component 340 is slowly inserted into the heat exchanger. After the insertion is completed, the clamp is unloaded, and the above process is repeated.

[0185] After the tube insertion process is completed, the tube insertion robot 610 will pull the positioning pin 320 out of the heat exchanger. At this time, the inserted pipe component 340 will replace the positioning pin 320 to position and constrain the aluminum sheet of the heat exchanger. Similarly, it will restrict the movement in the X-axis direction, the movement in the Y-axis direction, the rotation around the X-axis, the rotation around the Y-axis, and the rotation around the Z-axis.

[0186] After the insertion robot 610 pulls out the positioning pin 320, the insertion robot 610 will pick up the pipe component 340 from the raw material area and repeat the above process to insert the pipe component 340 into the insertion hole of the pulled-out positioning pin 320.

[0187] After the tube insertion is completed, the transfer robot 150 transports the heat exchanger to the tube expansion station for tube expansion.

[0188] A tube expander is a specialized device used to tightly fix metal tubes and tube sheets, widely used in refrigeration, heat exchangers, boilers, and other fields. Its core principle is to expand the tube material mechanically or hydraulically, causing plastic deformation between it and the tube sheet bore wall to form an interference fit, thereby ensuring sealing and connection strength. This invention uses a hydraulic tube expander, whose working principle involves injecting hydraulic oil into the tube, uniformly expanding the tube wall through liquid pressure to fit the tube sheet bore. The pressure value can be precisely controlled. The hydraulic range used in this hydraulic tube expander is 150–250 bar.

[0189] First, the hydraulic head of the tube expander is inserted into the tube and positioned at the tube sheet bore. Then, the hydraulic pump is started, injecting high-pressure oil into the tube, causing the tube wall to expand evenly until it fits snugly against the tube sheet bore. After expansion is complete, the hydraulic expander needs to be depressurized before the hydraulic head is withdrawn.

[0190] Calculation of tube expansion rate:

[0191] Tube expansion rate = (Dafter expansion - Dbefore expansion) / Dbefore expansion × 100%

[0192] The expansion rate is usually controlled between 3% and 8% to avoid overexpansion that could lead to thinning or rupture of the pipe wall.

[0193] After the tube expansion process is completed, the transfer robot 150 transfers the fin stack 300 to the drying station for drying.

[0194] The dryer starts running. The purpose of the dryer is to dry the lubricating oil in the heat exchanger. If the lubricating oil is not dried before it is put into use, it may evaporate into the air and harm the human body.

[0195] First, the dryer pre-cleans the heat exchanger using warm water spray to remove large particles of lubricating oil adhering to the surface, reducing the burden on the main degreasing process. Then, the main degreasing process proceeds: 1. Spray degreasing: The spray system evenly covers the workpiece surface with degreasing solution at a pressure of 0.3–0.8 MPa for 5–15 minutes. 2. Temperature control: The degreasing tank is heated to 50–70℃ (alkaline degreasing). 3. Circulation and filtration: The degreasing solution is filtered or centrifuged to remove impurities and then recycled to extend its service life.

[0196] After degreasing, a multi-stage rinsing process is performed. The first rinse uses hot water (60–80℃) to wash away any remaining degreasing agent and prevent crystallization. The second rinse uses room temperature water to further remove trace amounts of residue and ensure a neutral pH value. A drying process is then carried out using hot air drying at 80–120℃ to quickly dry the parts and prevent water stains.

[0197] After the drying process is completed, the fin stack 300 is sent out from the tail end of the dryer along the fin conveyor line 100. At this time, another transfer robot 150 completes the unloading process of the fin stack 300 according to the above process.

[0198] The next step is inserting the bend. Here, the processes for outdoor and indoor heat exchangers differ. For outdoor heat exchangers, bending is required in the final step. Therefore, during the bend insertion process, the aluminum fins that make up the heat exchanger have a certain height difference, so the bend needs to be inserted at a certain angle. For indoor heat exchangers, bending is not required, so there is no height difference.

[0199] The robot for inserting bends is the same as the robot for inserting tubes 610. Its positioning method and clamping force are consistent with the above description. When inserting the bend, because there is a height difference, the robot clamp is set with a certain inclination, which is related to the height difference of the heat exchanger.

[0200] After completing the above process, the next step is to purge the heat exchanger with nitrogen. The main purpose of purging with nitrogen in the previous step is to prevent oxide scale from forming on the inner wall of the pipe component 340 at high temperatures. Nitrogen is chemically very stable and can isolate the pipe component 340 from contact with oxygen, thereby preventing oxidation of the pipe component 340 during the welding process and the formation of oxides.

[0201] The vision camera on the nitrogen filling robot 730 takes pictures of the fin stack 300 to determine the position of the pipe 340 that needs to be filled with nitrogen. Then, the nitrogen filling clamp 732 clamps the nitrogen filling pipe 711 and pulls it down. The nitrogen filling pipe 711 is connected to the pipe 340. The nitrogen filling pipe 711 is retractable. The nitrogen filling docking piece 720 is aligned with the pipe 340, and then nitrogen filling is performed. After the nitrogen filling is completed, the nitrogen filling clamp 732 removes the nitrogen filling pipe 711 from the pipe 340.

[0202] The heat exchanger continues to be transported to the automatic welding equipment 170 via conveyor belt. During the above-mentioned insertion bending process, the bending tube has brazing filler metal on it. At the automatic welding equipment 170, welding only needs to be carried out for 3-5 seconds to melt the brazing filler metal. The process is completed under the control of the control cabinet of the automatic welding equipment 170, and its temperature control range is 180°~250°.

[0203] After welding is completed, the next process, helium testing, will be carried out. Before helium testing, the protective gas nitrogen introduced in the previous process must be extracted, and then helium is injected. This process is the same as the nitrogen purging process described above.

[0204] Helium is an inert gas commonly used for detection because helium molecules are small and can easily pass through narrow gaps. Helium testing rooms are equipped with helium mass spectrometers to monitor changes in helium concentration in the surrounding environment, as well as sensors to accurately locate leak points.

[0205] After helium testing, the outdoor heat exchanger needs to be bent. The bending machine drives the fin stack 300 to rotate 90°, bending the heat exchanger into an L-shape. At this point, the entire heat exchanger production process is complete.

[0206] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied individually, and these individual aspects can serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0207] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0208] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0209] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied individually, and these individual aspects can serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0210] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0211] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A finned storage and retrieval device, characterized in that, include: Access rack, which has storage compartments formed inside; A support base plate is horizontally arranged within the storage position, and a material drop pin is vertically arranged on the support base plate; A lifting support plate, which is parallel to the support base plate and located above the support base plate, is movably connected to the storage and retrieval bracket. The lifting support plate is provided with a through hole corresponding to each of the dropping needles, through which the dropping needles pass. The fins are stacked on the lifting support plate to form a fin stack, and the insertion holes on the fins are inserted into the corresponding dropping needles. The off-line robot is located next to the access bracket and includes an off-line robot body and an off-line clamp. The off-line clamp is located on the off-line robot body and includes a first off-line clamping member and a second off-line clamping member arranged symmetrically. The off-line robot is configured to clamp both ends of the fin stack on the lifting support plate and transfer it to the target position.

2. The finned storage and retrieval device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the length of each fin, at least one positioning pin is inserted at each end of the fin stack. The bottom of the positioning pin contacts the lifting support plate, and the top of the positioning pin extends to the upper end of the fin stack. The first lower wire clamp and the second lower wire clamp are used to clamp the upper end and the lower end of the positioning pin, respectively.

3. The fin access device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The robot body includes a robot base, a robot upper arm, and a robot lower arm connected in sequence. The first and second robot clamping components are respectively connected to the ends of the robot lower arm via clamping power components. The first robot clamping component includes two spaced-apart first robot clamping claws, and the second robot clamping component includes two spaced-apart second robot clamping claws. The first robot clamping claws are used to clamp the upper end of the positioning pin, and the second robot clamping claws are used to clamp the lower end of the positioning pin.

4. The fin access device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first and second lower wire clamps are respectively connected to the clamping power component via an adapter plate. The first lower wire clamp has a first positioning plate perpendicular to the adapter plate. The first positioning plate has at least one first positioning recess with an opening facing the second lower wire clamp. The second lower wire clamp has a second positioning plate perpendicular to the adapter plate. The second positioning plate has at least one second positioning recess with an opening facing the first lower wire clamp. In the clamping state, the upper end of the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning recess, and the lower end of the positioning pin is inserted into the second positioning recess.

5. The fin access device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first lower clamp also includes a first connecting plate, which is perpendicular to the first positioning clamp, and the first positioning clamp is detachably connected to the adapter plate via the first connecting plate. The second lower clamp also includes a second connecting plate, which is perpendicular to the second positioning clamp. The second positioning clamp is detachably connected to the adapter plate via the second connecting plate.

6. The fin access device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp are integral structures, the second connecting plate and the second positioning clamp are integral structures, and reinforcing ribs are respectively provided between the first connecting plate and the first positioning clamp, and between the second connecting plate and the second positioning clamp.

7. The fin access device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end of the second positioning clamp is formed with a guide slope. The guide slope is used to lift the bottommost fin of the fin stack and guide the lower end of the positioning pin into the second positioning recess during the process of the second lower clamping claw moving to the bottom of the fin stack.

8. The fin access device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting support plate has an upwardly extending support protrusion, and each fin stack is supported on the support protrusion. Under the action of the support protrusion, a clamping gap is formed between the bottom of each fin stack and the lifting support plate. The second lower line clamping member moves from the clamping gap to the bottom of the fin stack and clamps the positioning pin.

9. The fin access device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The access bracket is equipped with a lifting cylinder, which is connected to the lifting support plate and is used to drive the lifting support plate to move along the height direction of the access bracket.

10. A heat exchanger production line, characterized in that, The device includes a support frame, a fin conveying line, and the fin storage and retrieval device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the fin storage and retrieval device is located at the input end of the fin conveying line, and the off-line robot is used to clamp the fin stack on the lifting support plate and transfer it to the fin conveying line.

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