Method for forming an arrangement from blanks with several tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements

Abstract

A method for forming a stack-like arrangement (10) from several mat-like blanks (11) comprising the following steps: Providing the mat-like blanks (11), each blank comprising several tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements (12) connected by connecting elements (13). Arranging a first mat-like blank (11) on a first tray, the first blank (11) being aligned on the first tray by means of at least one first positioning gear interacting with the first tray such that the blank (11) as such and the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements (12) thereof have a defined position on the first tray. Subsequently applying at least one adhesive strip to the first blank (11) arranged on the first tray.Subsequently, another mat-like blank (11) is placed on top of the first blank (11) arranged on the first tray in a defined relative position to the first blank (11), and the blanks are glued together. Steps c) and d) are repeated, applying at least one adhesive strip to the respective last additional blank (11) arranged in the area of ​​the first tray (16), and placing another blank (11) on top of the last additional blank (11) arranged, until the stack-like arrangement (10) has a predetermined number of blanks.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for forming a stack-like arrangement from mat-like blanks, each comprising several tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements.

[0002] DE 10 2020 105 454 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger from heat exchanger mats, wherein each heat exchanger mat has a plurality of tubular microchannels which are interwoven with each other via a plurality of warp wires.

[0003] DE 10 2023 104 258 B3 discloses a method for manufacturing a tube bundle heat exchanger core. A mat-like blank consisting of several tube channels connected to each other via coupling agents is provided. The blank is wound around a tube channel axis.

[0004] DE 10 2019 133 563 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a tube arrangement consisting of a plurality of heat exchanger tubes. The tube arrangement is designed as a stacked package, with a plurality of tube layers stacked in one stacking direction.

[0005] DE 23 13 565 A discloses a tube bundle for a heat exchanger and a construction unit for such a tube bundle, which consists of thermoplastic tubes, as well as a method for manufacturing the tube bundle and the construction unit.

[0006] There is a need for a method for forming a stack-like arrangement of several blanks, each with several tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements, by means of which the blanks can be stacked with minimal effort in such a way that the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements of the mat-like blanks to be arranged stack-like on top of each other are aligned with high precision.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a novel method for forming an arrangement of mat-like blanks, each having several tubular, hose-like or capillary-like elements.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1. The method according to the invention comprises at least the following steps: Step a): Providing the multiple mat-like cutouts, each mat-like cutout having multiple tubular, hose-like or capillary-like elements connected by connecting elements. Step b): Arranging a first mat-like blank on a first tray, wherein the first mat-like blank is aligned on the first tray by means of at least one first positioning gear cooperating with the first tray such that the mat-like blank as such and the tubular or tube-like or capillary elements thereof have a defined position on the first tray. Step c): Subsequent application of at least one strip of adhesive onto the first mat-like cut-out arranged on the first tray. Step d): Subsequently, another mat-like cut is arranged on top of the first mat-like cut arranged on the first tray in a defined relative position to the first mat-like cut, gluing the cuts arranged on top of each other. Step e): Repeat steps c) and d) applying at least one adhesive strip to the respective mat-like blank last arranged in the area of ​​the first storage (and arranging another mat-like blank on top of the last arranged mat-like blank until the stacked arrangement has a predetermined number of mat-like blanks.

[0009] With the method according to the invention, a stack-like arrangement of several blanks, each with several tubular, hose-like or capillary-like elements, can be formed with minimal effort in such a way that the tubular, hose-like or capillary-like elements of the mat-like blanks to be arranged stack-like on top of each other are aligned with high precision.

[0010] First, a mat-like blank is positioned on a first tray using at least one positioning gear, ensuring a defined orientation of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements. After applying at least one adhesive strip to this first mat-like blank, another mat-like blank is positioned on top of the first in the defined relative position and bonded to it. This is preferably done using at least one further positioning gear. The application of the adhesive strip and the positioning of a further mat-like blank are repeated until the stacked arrangement comprises a predetermined number of mat-like blanks.Overall, a stack-like arrangement of mat-like cutouts can be easily constructed, with a highly accurate alignment of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements of the cutouts to each other.

[0011] Preferably, several first positioning gears interact with the first tray such that the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements of the first mat-like blank are aligned parallel to each other in the defined position on the first tray. This is particularly preferred for precisely aligning the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements when forming the stacked arrangement from the multiple mat-like blanks for use in a heat exchanger.

[0012] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each further mat-like blank is provided on a further tray by means of at least one further positioning gear such that the further mat-like blank as such and its tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements have a defined position on the further tray. The respective further mat-like blank is picked up from the further tray by means of a gripper and, via the gripper, is placed in the defined relative position on the first mat-like blank held in the area of ​​the first tray or on a further mat-like blank placed last in the area of ​​the first tray.

[0013] According to this first variant, each subsequent mat-like blank is positioned on the next storage tray by means of at least one further positioning gear interacting with the next storage tray, such that the respective subsequent mat-like blank as such and its tube-like, hose-like, or capillary-like elements occupy a defined position on the next storage tray. The gripper serves only to pick up the subsequent mat-like blank held in the defined position on the next storage tray, to transport it, and to position it on the first mat-like blank or on a previous mat-like blank placed in the area of ​​the first storage tray.

[0014] According to a second embodiment of the invention, each additional mat-like blank is picked up by a gripper and aligned in a state held on the gripper by means of at least one further positioning gear cooperating with the gripper, such that the additional mat-like blank as such and its tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements have a defined position on the gripper. The respective additional mat-like blank is then placed by the gripper in the defined relative position on the first mat-like blank or on a previously placed additional mat-like blank.

[0015] The second variant proposes aligning each subsequent mat-like blank using at least one additional positioning gear once it has been picked up by the gripper. In this case, the gripper is not only designed for transporting and placing each mat-like blank on top of the first mat-like blank or a previously placed mat-like blank in the area of ​​the first placement, but also for aligning each subsequent mat-like blank to arrange the blanks and their tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements in the defined relative position, stacking them on top of each other.

[0016] Preferably, the mat-like blanks are stacked on top of each other such that the axes of the stacked, tubular, or capillary-like elements lie on a straight line extending in the stacking direction. This is particularly preferred for precisely aligning the tubular, tube-like, or capillary-like elements when forming the stacked arrangement from the multiple mat-like blanks for use in a heat exchanger.

[0017] Preferably, for the alignment of the respective mat-like blank, the detection or gripping of at least one tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element, preferably the foremost tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element in the conveying direction, of the respective mat-like blank is detected by the respective positioning gear, wherein the alignment of the respective mat-like blank is carried out on the basis of the detected detection or gripping of the at least one tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element by the respective positioning gear.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a stack-like arrangement of mat-like cutouts, each consisting of several tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements; Fig. 2 a mat-like cut of the arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a first mat-like cut arranged on a first shelf; Fig. 4 a mat-like cut when applying adhesive strips to it; Fig. 5 the first mat-like cut arranged on the first tray together with another mat-like cut picked up by a gripper.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement 10 of several stacked mat-like cutouts 11 of several tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12. Fig. Figure 2 shows a single such cut 11 made up of several tubular, hose-like or capillary-like elements 12.

[0020] The tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12 of a respective blank 11 are connected to one another by thread-like or wire-like connecting elements 13 extending transversely to, and in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal direction of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 11. The tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12 of the respective blank 11 are connected to one another at their ends extending transversely to the longitudinal direction by a thread-like or wire-like connecting element 13.

[0021] The stacked arrangement 10 made up of the several mat-like cutouts 11 is used in a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, wherein in Fig. 1 the arrows 14 visualize a flow through the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 in their longitudinal direction, and wherein in Fig. 1 The arrows 15 visualize a flow around the tubular or hose-like or capillary elements 12 perpendicular to their longitudinal direction.

[0022] The invention now concerns the stack-like arrangement 10, which according to Fig. 1 consisting of several stacked mat-like blanks 11, each consisting of several tube-like, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12, to be provided with minimal effort, ensuring a highly accurate relative position between the individual mat-like blanks 11, namely in such a way that the mat-like blanks 11 are stacked on top of each other in such a manner that the longitudinal axes of the stacked tube-like, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 lie on a straight line extending in the stacking direction, in order to ensure, in particular, optimal flow around the tube-like, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 in the direction of arrows 15 when using the stacked arrangement 10 in a heat exchanger.

[0023] To form a stack-like arrangement 10 from several stacked mat-like blanks 11, each of which has several tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12, the several mat-like blanks 11 are first provided in a first step.

[0024] In a second step, a first mat-like cutout 11 is arranged on a first tray 16, wherein the first mat-like cutout 11 is aligned on the first tray 16 by means of at least one first positioning gear 17 cooperating with the first tray 16.

[0025] This alignment is carried out such that the mat-like cutout 11 as such and the tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12 of the same have a defined position on the first shelf 16.

[0026] In particular, it is provided that several positioning gears 17 cooperate with the first storage tray 16 to align the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of the first blank 11 in the defined position on the first storage tray 16 parallel to each other, such that the longitudinal center axes of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of the blank 11 run parallel to each other and parallel to the axes of rotation 18 of the several positioning gears 17, wherein the axes of rotation 18 of the several positioning gears 17 are aligned coaxially to each other.

[0027] For example, it is possible that the in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the mat-like blank 11 is engaged at its opposite ends, specifically at the opposite ends of the tubular, tube-like, or capillary elements 12, by a positioning gear 17. The tubular, tube-like, or capillary elements 12 project into groove-like recesses 19 in the respective positioning gear 17, one of which serves to receive an outer tubular, tube-like, or capillary element 12 located at the front of the mat-like blank 11. A sensor can detect whether this groove-like recess 19 engages the tubular, tube-like, or capillary element 12 located at the front of the blank 11.If it is found that the positioning gear 17 positioned at one end of the blank 11 has already engaged a tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element 12 in the corresponding groove-like recess 19, but the positioning gear 17 arranged on the opposite side of the mat-like blank 11 has not yet engaged the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element 12 which is located at the front of the blank 11, then the mat-like blank as such is misaligned.

[0028] The tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of the mat-like blank 11 do not run parallel to the axes of rotation 18 of the coaxially arranged positioning gears 17. In this case, the respective mat-like blank 11 can then be pushed further onto the tray 16 in a defined conveying direction until the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element 12, which is located at the front in the conveying direction, is also arranged in the respective groove-like recess 19 of the respective positioning gear 17 on the other positioning gear 17.

[0029] By appropriately controlling the positioning gears 17, it can be ensured that when arranging the mat-like blank 11 on the tray 16 using the positioning gears 17, the tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12 of the blank 11 have a defined position on the tray 16, such that they run parallel to each other on the one hand and parallel to the axes of rotation 18 of the coaxially arranged positioning gears 17 on the other.

[0030] After arranging a first mat-like cutout 11 on the first tray 16, at least one adhesive strip 20 is applied to the first mat-like cutout 11 arranged on the first tray 16. Fig. Figure 4 shows a mat-like blank 11 on which, with the aid of two adhesive nozzles 21, two adhesive strips 20 are applied transversely, i.e., perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12, to the first blank 11, namely in the area of ​​the lateral ends of the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12 parallel to the thread-like or wire-like connecting elements 13 that connect the elements 12. Although in Fig. 4 not shown, at least one adhesive strip 20 can also be applied to the first mat-like cut 11 between the connecting elements 13.

[0031] After applying the at least one adhesive strip 20 to the first mat-like blank 11, in which the tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12 have been aligned relative to each other in a defined manner via the at least one first positioning gear 17 on the first tray 16, a further mat-like blank 11 is subsequently arranged on the first mat-like blank 11 in a defined relative position to the first mat-like blank 11, bonding the mat-like blanks 11 arranged on top of each other, wherein the application of the at least one adhesive strip and the arrangement of a further mat-like blank 11 on the previously arranged further mat-like blank 11 is repeated so often until the stack-like arrangement 10 has a predetermined number of mat-like blanks 11.

[0032] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a further mat-like blank 11 is placed on the first mat-like blank 11 arranged on the first storage tray 16 by means of a gripper 22, wherein this gripper 22 interacts with at least one further positioning gear 23. Then, when each further mat-like blank 11 is picked up by means of the gripper 22, it is aligned in a state picked up by the gripper 22 by means of the at least one further positioning gear 23 interacting with the gripper 22, such that the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of this respective further mat-like blank 11 have a defined position in the gripper 22.As already described in connection with the first storage tray 16, it is advantageous if several coaxially aligned positioning gears 23 also work together with the gripper 22 to align the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of the respective further mat-like blank 11 picked up by the gripper 22 in the specified position in the gripper 22 parallel to each other, namely parallel to the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 of the first mat-like blank 11 positioned on the first storage tray 16.

[0033] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 5, the gripper 22 serves to pick up a further mat-like blank 11, transport it and place it on the surface shown in Fig. 5 shown first mat-like cut 11. Furthermore, it serves in Fig. 5 of the gripper 22, namely the at least one further positioning wheel 23 cooperating with the gripper 22, the alignment of the further mat-like blank 11 on the gripper 22, such that the blanks 11 can be arranged stacked on top of each other in the defined relative position, preferably such that the longitudinal axes of superimposed tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12 of the stacked blanks 11 lie on a straight line extending in the stacking direction.

[0034] After another mat-like blank 11 has been placed on the first mat-like blank 11 in the area of ​​the first storage tray 16 and glued to it, a respective adhesive strip 20 can be applied to the further blank 11 now placed in the area of ​​the first storage tray 16, and another mat-like blank can be picked up by the gripper 22 and aligned on the gripper 22 again by means of at least one further positioning gear 23 cooperating with the gripper 22.to be brought into a defined position in order to subsequently place another mat-like blank 11 on the area of ​​the first storage 16 and to glue it together, in such a way that superimposed tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12 of the stacked blanks 11 lie on a straight line extending in the stacking direction of the blanks 11.

[0035] Unlike in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, it is also possible that the gripper 22 serves only to pick up, transport, and place further mat-like blanks 11. In this case, the respective further mat-like blank 11 is then provided on a further tray by means of at least one further positioning wheel cooperating with the further tray.

[0036] The provision of each subsequent mat-like blank 11 on the further system is then carried out in such a way that the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements of the respective mat-like blank 11 have a defined position on the further storage area, in particular in such a way that they are aligned parallel to each other. This is done as described in connection with Fig. 3 described, in an analogous manner as for the first mat-like blank 11 on the first storage tray 16. From the further storage tray, another mat-like blank can then be picked up by means of a gripper 22 and placed in a defined manner on the first or a previously placed further mat-like blank, again such that superimposed tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements 12 of the stacked blanks 11 lie on a straight line that extends in the stacking direction of the blanks 11.

[0037] The invention makes it possible to provide a stack-like arrangement 10 consisting of stacked, mat-like blanks 11, each composed of several tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12, whose tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 are aligned with high precision relative to one another. For this purpose, a first blank 11 is first arranged on a first support 16, whereby positioning gears 17 interacting with the first support 16 precisely align the first mat-like blank 11 and its tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 with one another. As already described, a sensor can detect when a tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element 12 of the first mat-like blank 12, located at the front of the mat-like blank 11, is inserted into a groove-like recess 19 of the respective positioning gear 17.The sensor can, for example, be a load control integrated into the base of the groove-like receptacle 19 and / or an optical system, for example a camera.

[0038] If it is found that the front tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like element 12 of a positioning gear 17 is inserted into a corresponding groove-like recess 19, but not into a positioning gear 17 arranged coaxially to this positioning gear 17, this can be used to compensate for a misalignment of the blank 11 and the tubular, hose-like, or capillary-like elements 12 thereof and to align them parallel to each other and parallel to the coaxial axes of rotation of the positioning gears 17.

[0039] For this purpose, for example, the positioning gear 17 in whose respective groove-like recess 19 the front tubular, hose-like, or capillary element 12 of the respective blank 11 has already been inserted can be held and its rotation blocked until the front tubular, hose-like, or capillary element 12 of the respective mat-like blank 11 has also been inserted into the respective groove-like recess 19 of the other positioning gear 17 arranged coaxially with it. Alternatively, the positioning gear 17 in whose respective groove-like recess 19 the front tubular, hose-like, or capillary element 12 of the respective blank 11 has already been inserted can continue to rotate until the front tubular, hose-like, or capillary element 12 of the respective blank 11 has also been inserted into the respective groove-like recess 19 of the other positioning gear 17 arranged coaxially with it.The tubular, tube-like, or capillary-like element 12 of the respective mat-like blank 11 is inserted in order to subsequently drive the positioning gear into which the front tubular, tube-like, or capillary-like element 12 was subsequently inserted faster than the other positioning gear, until the angular offset between the recesses 19 of the coaxially arranged positioning gears 17 receiving the front tubular, tube-like, or capillary-like element 12 is compensated and the tubular, tube-like, or capillary-like element 12 of the respective mat-like blank 11 runs parallel to the coaxial axes of rotation of the positioning gears 17.

[0040] Subsequently, at least one adhesive strip 20 is applied to the first blank 11 arranged on the first tray 16, in order to then arrange another mat-like blank 11 on top of the first mat-like blank 11 using a gripper 22. The tubular, hose-like, or capillary elements 12 of the further blank 11 are also brought into a defined position and preferably aligned parallel to each other, either when they are held on a further tray or when they are already held by a gripper 22. The gripper 22 can be, for example, a vacuum gripper or the like, to hold the respective mat-like blank 11 on the respective gripper 22. When one mat-like blank 11 is arranged on top of another mat-like blank 11, the mat-like blanks 11 are bonded together.

Claims

[1] Method for forming a stack-like arrangement (10) from several mat-like blanks (11) each having several tubular or hose-like or capillary elements (12), comprising the following steps: a) Providing several mat-like blanks (11), each mat-like blank (11) having several tubular, hose-like or capillary elements (12) connected by connecting elements (13), b) Arranging a first mat-like blank (11) on a first tray (16), wherein the first mat-like blank (11) is aligned on the first tray (16) by means of at least one first positioning gear (17) cooperating with the first tray (16) such that the mat-like blank (11) as such and the tubular or tube-like or capillary elements (12) of it have a defined position on the first tray (16), c) subsequent application of at least one adhesive strip (20) to the first mat-like blank (11) arranged on the first tray (16), d) subsequent arrangement of a further mat-like cut (11) on the first mat-like cut (11) arranged on the first tray (16) in a defined relative position to the first mat-like cut (11) by gluing the arranged cuts (11) together, e) Repeating steps c) and d) by applying at least one adhesive strip (20) to the respective next mat-like blank (11) last arranged in the area of ​​the first storage (16) and by arranging another mat-like blank (11) on the next mat-like blank (11) arranged last until the stack-like arrangement (10) has a predetermined number of mat-like blanks (11). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that with the first tray (16) several first positioning gears (17) interact in such a way that the tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements (12) of the first mat-like blank (16) are aligned parallel to each other in the defined position on the first tray (16). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the respective further mat-like blank (11) is provided on a further tray by means of at least one further positioning gear (23) such that the further mat-like blank (11) as such and the tubular or hose-like or capillary elements (12) of the same have a defined position on the further tray. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by, that the respective further mat-like cut (11) is picked up from the further storage area by means of a gripper (22) and is placed via the gripper (22) in the defined relative position on the first mat-like cut (11) or on a last placed further mat-like cut (11) and is glued to the same. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that with the further storage several further positioning gears (23) interact in such a way that the tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements (12) of the respective further mat-like cutout (11) are aligned parallel to each other in the specified position on the further storage. [6] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the respective further mat-like blank (11) is picked up by means of a gripper (22) and is aligned in a state picked up on the gripper (22) by means of at least one further positioning gear (23) cooperating with the gripper (22), such that the further mat-like blank (11) as such and the tubular or tube-like or capillary elements (12) of the same have a defined position on the gripper (11). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the respective further mat-like cut (11) is placed with the aid of the gripper (22) in the defined relative position on the first mat-like cut (11) or on a last placed further mat-like cut (11) and glued to the same. [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that several further positioning gears (23) interact with the gripper (22) in such a way that the tubular or hose-like or capillary-like elements (12) of the respective further mat-like blank (11) are aligned parallel to each other in the specified position on the gripper (22). [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the mat-like blanks (11) are laid on top of each other in such a way that the longitudinal axes of superimposed tubular or tube-like or capillary elements (12) of the stacked blanks (11) lie on a straight line extending in the stacking direction. [10] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that for the alignment of the respective mat-like blank (11) with the aid of the respective at least one positioning gear (17) the detection or grasping of at least one tubular or hose-like or capillary element (12), preferably the foremost tubular or hose-like or capillary element (12) in the conveying direction, of the respective mat-like blank (11) is detected by the respective positioning gear (17), wherein the alignment of the respective mat-like blank (11) is carried out on the basis of the detected detection or grasping of the at least one tubular or hose-like or capillary element (12) by the respective positioning gear (17). [11] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that a heat exchanger arrangement is formed as a stack-like arrangement (10) in which the several tube-like or hose-like or capillary-like elements (12) are through which a first medium flows and around which a second medium flows.

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