A tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production

Abstract

The utility model relates to heat exchanger tube bundle clamping technical field, and disclose a tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production, including bottom plate, the top of bottom plate is provided with three clamping parts, and clamping part includes adjustable clamping arm and fixed support and three sucking disc, and the top of bottom plate is fixedly connected with adjustable clamping arm and fixed support, and three sucking discs are fixedly connected respectively in the top of adjustable clamping arm and fixed support, the utility model discloses a sucking disc and suction mechanism are set up, adopt vacuum adsorption mode, and the flexible contact of sucking disc and tube bundle surface avoids the scratch, indentation or deformation that traditional metal mechanical clamp can cause, is especially suitable for the heat exchange pipe of higher surface finish requirement, nine sucking discs distribute in different positions, can realize the adsorption of large area, uniform, this can effectively prevent the distortion or vibration that tube bundle produces in the processing process because of uneven stress, greatly improves the stability and reliability of clamping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger tube bundle clamping technology, specifically a tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of heat exchanger tube bundles, the clamping device is a key piece of equipment, and its performance directly affects the processing accuracy, production efficiency, and product qualification rate of the tube bundles. Traditional tube bundle clamping devices typically employ mechanical grippers or rigid support structures, achieving clamping action through hydraulic or pneumatic drive. The clamping force of traditional mechanical grippers is easily affected by pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic system, making it difficult to achieve uniform force application. This may lead to deformation of the tube bundle surface or internal stress concentration, especially with poor adaptability to thin-walled tubes or irregularly shaped tube bundles. Furthermore, the rigid clamping components are in direct contact with the tube bundle surface, easily causing surface damage such as scratches and indentations, affecting the heat exchanger's heat exchange efficiency and service life. Therefore, a tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems that the clamping force of traditional mechanical grippers is easily affected by the pressure fluctuation of the hydraulic system, making it difficult to achieve uniform force application. This may lead to deformation of the tube bundle surface or internal stress concentration, especially for thin-walled tubes or irregular tube bundles, which have poor adaptability. Moreover, the rigid clamping components are in direct contact with the tube bundle surface, which can easily cause surface damage such as scratches and indentations, affecting the heat exchanger's heat exchange efficiency and service life. Therefore, this invention proposes a tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production.

[0004] (II) Technical Solution The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production includes a base plate. The top of the base plate is provided with three clamping parts, each clamping part including an adjustable clamping arm, a fixed support, and three suction cups. The adjustable clamping arm and the fixed support are fixedly connected to the top of the base plate. The three suction cups are respectively fixedly connected to the top of the adjustable clamping arm and the fixed support. The nine suction cups are respectively connected to three suction mechanisms, and the three suction mechanisms are all fixedly connected to the top of the base plate.

[0005] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0006] Preferably, the adjustable clamping arm includes a fixed plate, and two fixed plates are fixedly connected to the top of the base plate. Two grippers are provided on opposite sides of the two fixed plates. Each of the four grippers has an arc-shaped through hole. Each of the two fixed plates has four threaded holes. Bolts are threaded to the inner side of each of the eight threaded holes. Nuts are threaded to the outer side of the bolts. The bolts are slidably connected to the inner side of the arc-shaped through holes.

[0007] Preferably, the suction mechanism includes an air pump, which is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate. The air pump's suction end is connected to a main pipe, and the end of the main pipe is connected to two first auxiliary pipes. One of the first auxiliary pipes is connected to a suction cup, and the end of the other first auxiliary pipe is connected to two second auxiliary pipes. The two second auxiliary pipes are respectively connected to two suction cups. A one-way valve is provided on the outside of one of the first auxiliary pipes and the two second auxiliary pipes.

[0008] Preferably, the base plate has a plurality of mounting holes.

[0009] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This utility model uses a suction cup and suction mechanism to perform vacuum adsorption. The suction cup is in flexible contact with the tube bundle surface, which avoids scratches, indentations or deformation that may be caused by traditional metal mechanical clamps. It is especially suitable for heat exchange tubes with high requirements for surface smoothness.

[0010] 2. This utility model uses nine suction cups to provide uniform force at multiple points, resulting in stable clamping. The nine suction cups are distributed in different positions, which can achieve large-area and uniform adsorption force. This can effectively prevent the tube bundle from twisting or vibrating due to uneven force during processing, and greatly improve the stability and reliability of clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping part of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable clamping arm structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the threaded hole and the bolt in this utility model. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the suction mechanism of this utility model.

[0012] In the diagram: 1. Base plate; 2. Clamping part; 21. Adjustable clamping arm; 211. Fixing plate; 212. Gripper; 213. Arc-shaped through hole; 214. Threaded hole; 215. Bolt; 216. Nut; 22. Fixed support; 23. Suction cup; 3. Suction mechanism; 31. Air pump; 32. Main pipe; 33. First auxiliary pipe; 34. Second auxiliary pipe; 35. One-way valve; 4. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0014] In the embodiments, by Figure 1-5 Provided is a tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production, including a base plate 1. The top of the base plate 1 is provided with three clamping parts 2. Each clamping part 2 includes an adjustable clamping arm 21, a fixed support 22, and three suction cups 23. The adjustable clamping arm 21 and the fixed support 22 are fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 1. The three suction cups 23 are respectively fixedly connected to the top of the adjustable clamping arm 21 and the fixed support 22. The nine suction cups 23 are respectively connected to three suction mechanisms 3. The three suction mechanisms 3 are all fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 1.

[0015] With the above setup, the entire clamping device is fixedly installed on the production line workbench or corresponding tooling. The positions of the three adjustable clamping arms 21 are adjusted according to the diameter and length of the heat exchanger tube bundle to be produced. By moving the adjustable clamping arms 21, the space formed by the nine suction cups 23 of the three clamping parts 2 can accurately accommodate and align the tube bundle. The heat exchanger tube bundle to be clamped and fixed (usually an assembly composed of multiple parallel tubes and baffles, etc.) is hoisted or placed on the top of the three clamping parts 2, i.e., placed on the support surface formed by the nine suction cups 23. Simultaneously, the three suction mechanisms 3 are activated. After the suction mechanism 3 operates, a vacuum negative pressure is generated and transmitted through pipelines to the nine suction cups 23 connected to it. The nine suction cups 23 simultaneously generate a strong suction force, firmly "sucking" the entire tube bundle assembly to the top of the clamping device. After the tube bundle is firmly and stably clamped, subsequent production operations can be carried out, such as: installing tube sheets at both ends of the tube bundle, welding, tube threading, and installing sealing devices. Throughout the process, the tube bundle remains stationary and does not deform, ensuring processing accuracy. After processing is complete, the suction mechanism 3 is closed, the vacuum disappears, and the negative pressure within the suction cup 23 is released. The suction cup 23 separates from the tube bundle surface, allowing the entire processed tube bundle assembly to be safely lifted away from the clamping device. Utilizing vacuum adsorption, the suction cup 23 (typically made of elastic materials such as rubber or polyurethane) makes flexible contact with the tube bundle surface, avoiding scratches, indentations, or deformation that may occur with traditional metal mechanical clamps. This is particularly suitable for heat exchange tubes requiring high surface finish. Multi-point uniform force ensures stable clamping: Nine suction cups 23 are distributed in different positions, achieving a large-area, uniform adsorption force. This effectively prevents twisting or vibration of the tube bundle due to uneven force during processing, greatly improving the stability and reliability of the clamping.

[0016] Reference Figure 1-5 The adjustable clamping arm 21 includes a fixed plate 211. Two fixed plates 211 are fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 1. Two grippers 212 are provided on opposite sides of the two fixed plates 211. Arc-shaped through holes 213 are provided on each of the four grippers 212. Four threaded holes 214 are provided on each of the two fixed plates 211. Bolts 215 are threaded to the inner side of each of the eight threaded holes 214. Nuts 216 are threaded to the outer side of the bolts 215. The bolts 215 are slidably connected to the inner side of the arc-shaped through holes 213. With the above structural setup, use a tool (such as a wrench) to loosen the eight nuts 216 on the four grippers 212 one by one. The nuts 216 only need to be loosened enough to allow the grippers 212 to move along the bolts 215; they do not need to be completely removed. At this time, the bolts 215 are still threaded into the threaded holes 214 of the fixing plate 211, serving as guides and supports. Manually move the grippers 212 that need adjustment. Because the through holes on the grippers 212 are arc-shaped through holes 213, the movement trajectory of the grippers 212 is restricted to an arc centered on the center of the threaded hole 214 on the fixing plate 211. The operator can simultaneously and synchronously move the left and right grippers 212 according to the diameter of the tube bundle to be clamped, causing them to move towards or away from each other, thereby reducing or increasing the distance between the suction cups 23 at the top of the two grippers 212. The length of the arc-shaped through hole 213 determines the adjustable stroke range of a single gripper 212. After moving the gripper 212 to the target position, a preliminary check can be performed to ensure its position is correct. Once the position is confirmed, use a tool to tighten all the nuts 216 one by one. When tightening the nuts 216, it presses the gripper 212 firmly against the surface of the fixed plate 211, eliminating all gaps through significant friction, thus securely locking the gripper 212 in its current position and preventing any movement during machining. Ensure all nuts 216 are reliably tightened and double-check the position of the gripper 212.

[0017] Reference Figure 1-5 The suction mechanism 3 includes an air pump 31. The air pump 31 is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 1. The air pump 31 is connected to the main pipe 32 at the suction end. The end of the main pipe 32 is connected to two first auxiliary pipes 33. One first auxiliary pipe 33 is connected to the suction cup 23. The end of the other first auxiliary pipe 33 is connected to two second auxiliary pipes 34. The two second auxiliary pipes 34 are respectively connected to the two suction cups 23. A one-way valve 35 is provided on the outside of the first auxiliary pipe 33 and the two second auxiliary pipes 34. With the above structural setup, the operator starts the air pump 31. The air pump 31 begins to work continuously, drawing air outward from its suction end. The suction action of the air pump 31 first creates a negative pressure (vacuum) in the main pipe 32 directly connected to it, starting to extract the air from the main pipe 32. The negative pressure at the end of the main pipe 32 is transmitted to the two first auxiliary pipes 33 connected to it. At this time, the air in the two first auxiliary pipes 33 begins to be drawn towards the main pipe 32, and after entering the air pump 31, it is discharged. For the first suction cup 23: One of the first auxiliary pipes 33 is directly connected to a suction cup 23. The vacuum in this first auxiliary pipe 33 directly acts on this suction cup 23, removing the air inside it, creating a negative pressure in the suction cup 23, thereby adsorbing the workpiece. For the other two suction cups 23: The end of the other first auxiliary pipe 33 is not directly connected to the suction cup 23, but further branches into two second auxiliary pipes 34. The vacuum negative pressure is transmitted through the first auxiliary pipe 33 to the two second auxiliary pipes 34, and finally acts on the suction cups 23 connected to the ends of the two second auxiliary pipes 34 respectively. The air pump 31 works continuously, constantly evacuating the air from the entire pipeline system (main pipe 32, first auxiliary pipe 33, second auxiliary pipe 34) and all nine suction cups 23, maintaining a stable low pressure state. Under atmospheric pressure, the workpiece is firmly pressed against the adsorption surface of all suction cups 23, thus achieving a strong clamping force. During the entire vacuuming process, the one-way valves 35 installed on the first auxiliary pipe 33 and the second auxiliary pipe 34 play a crucial role. The one-way valves 35 only allow gas to flow from the suction cups 23 towards the air pump 31 (i.e., "outflow only"). Once the required vacuum level is reached, even if the air pump 31 temporarily stops working or its power fluctuates, the one-way valves 35 can prevent outside air from flowing back into the pipeline system, thereby maintaining the vacuum inside the suction cups 23 for a short time and ensuring that the clamping does not fail (improving system safety). If a suction cup 23 leaks air due to poor sealing or uneven workpiece surface, the one-way valve 35 can effectively isolate the leak point within its branch pipeline, preventing it from affecting the vacuum level of other branch pipelines. This means that even if one or more suction cups 23 fail, the other suction cups 23 can still maintain strong suction force, greatly improving the reliability and redundancy of the system. When it is necessary to release the workpiece, the operator turns off the air pump 31. Usually, a release valve (not shown in the figure, integrated into the pipeline) is designed or the seal of the one-way valve 35 is broken to allow outside air to quickly enter the pipeline system, restoring the pressure inside the suction cup 23 to atmospheric pressure, thereby releasing the suction force and allowing the workpiece to be removed.

[0018] Reference Figure 1-5 The base plate 1 has several mounting holes 4. With the above-described structure, mounting hole 4 allows the entire clamping device to be securely fixed to the workbench, base, or designated station of automated equipment on the production line using screws or pins.

[0019] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0020] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production, characterized in that, Includes a base plate (1), the top of which is provided with three clamping parts (2). Each clamping part (2) includes an adjustable clamping arm (21), a fixed support (22), and three suction cups (23). The top of the base plate (1) is fixedly connected to the adjustable clamping arm (21) and the fixed support (22). The three suction cups (23) are respectively fixedly connected to the top of the adjustable clamping arm (21) and the fixed support (22). The nine suction cups (23) are respectively connected to three suction mechanisms (3). The three suction mechanisms (3) are all fixedly connected to the top of the base plate (1).

2. The tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustable clamping arm (21) includes a fixed plate (211). Two fixed plates (211) are fixedly connected to the top of the base plate (1). Two grippers (212) are provided on opposite sides of the two fixed plates (211). Arc-shaped through holes (213) are provided on the four grippers (212). Four threaded holes (214) are provided on the two fixed plates (211). Bolts (215) are threaded to the inner side of the eight threaded holes (214). Nuts (216) are threaded to the outer side of the bolts (215). The bolts (215) are slidably connected to the inner side of the arc-shaped through holes (213).

3. A tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction mechanism (3) includes an air pump (31). The air pump (31) is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate (1). The air pump (31) is connected to a main pipe (32) at the suction end. The end of the main pipe (32) is connected to two first auxiliary pipes (33). One of the first auxiliary pipes (33) is connected to a suction cup (23). The end of the other first auxiliary pipe (33) is connected to two second auxiliary pipes (34). The two second auxiliary pipes (34) are connected to two suction cups (23) respectively. A one-way valve (35) is provided on the outside of one of the first auxiliary pipes (33) and the two second auxiliary pipes (34).

4. A tube bundle clamping device for heat exchanger tube bundle production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base plate (1) has several mounting holes (4).

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