System for automatically inserting u-tubes of heat exchanger or the like

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for automatically successively inserting a plurality of U-shaped heat transfer tubes into holes of support members of an equipment such as a heat exchanger. The system has fixing means for removably fixing the support members such that the corresponding holes of the support members are axially aligned; gripping means adapted to pick up one of the heat transfer tubes and movable to bring the heat transfer tube toward the holes of supporting members; a positioning means disposed between the gripping means and the fixing means and adapted to hold the gripped heat transfer tube horizontally and to make the same align with the holes in the support members; and control means operatively connected to the gripping means and the positioning means so as to sequentially control the operation of both means in a predetermined sequence. The system operates as follows under the control of the control means. The gripping means grips the heat transfer tube and raises the same. The gripping means is then moved toward the support members while the positioning means supports the heat transfer tube. As the heat transfer tube is inserted deeper into the support members, the support of the tube by the positioning means is released. The gripping of the tube by the gripping means is released and the gripping means is then returned to the position for picking up the next tube, after the completion of the insertion of the heat transfer tube.