A multi-species engine cylinder cleaning system and process method

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multi-species engine cylinder cleaning system and process method belongs to engine technical field. The system is through the full -automatic production mode such as loading recognition, lifting positioning, robot transfer, turbulent rotation cleaning, fixed point spray washing, multi -mode rinsing, blow dry, vacuum drying, cooling to room temperature, according to different model engine cylinder selects corresponding procedure, realized the cleaning operation to multiple model engine cylinder. Through the two -dimensional code scanning identification, robot high -pressure cleaning, cannula rinsing, vacuum drying, air conditioning cooling combined mode, the automatic cleaning of multi -species cylinder is realized. Turbulent washing and fixed point cleaning form the synergistic effect of " rough wash + fine wash", guarantee the cleaning efficiency and realize micron level cleanliness requirement. At the same time, reduce the downtime caused by frequent replacement of cleaning object, improve the production efficiency. The surface of cylinder after cleaning has no water stain residue, temperature adapts subsequent timely assembly production, guarantees the engine cylinder cleanliness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of engine cylinder block cleaning technology, specifically relating to a multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system and process method. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, the engine is considered the heart of power machinery, and the engine block, often referred to as the engine's skeleton, is used to mount all the major components and accessories. During engine assembly and operation, the cleanliness of its internal components has a decisive impact on the overall performance, reliability, and service life of the machine. Therefore, strictly controlling the cleanliness of the engine block is a key technical means to ensure engine lifespan, extend overhaul cycles, and enhance product market competitiveness.

[0003] Currently, with the continuous development of the industry, the improvement of national and industry standards, and market demand, engine block cleaning technology has evolved from traditional, extensive methods such as manual brushing and high-pressure water jet rinsing to a diversified technology system centered on high-pressure spray cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, scanning cleaning, and targeted cleaning. The cleanliness requirements for the cylinder block are gradually evolving from a single assessment of total impurity weight to a dual assessment of "total impurity weight + impurity particle size," with increasingly stringent standards. Furthermore, post-cleaning drying and temperature control are required to adapt to subsequent assembly. In addition, with the rapid development of product diversification, production models have gradually shifted from single-product, large-batch production to multi-variety, small-batch production. Currently, while the improvement and development of cleaning equipment is ongoing, it still falls short of meeting the demands of efficient, high-quality, and flexible production.

[0004] The State Intellectual Property Office of China published an invention patent application entitled "An Engine Cylinder Block Cleaning System" on July 9, 2019, with application number 2019103211863, publication number CN109985849B, and application date of April 19, 2019. This patent application discloses an engine cylinder block cleaning system, comprising: a positioning cleaning section, a positioning rinsing section, a flipping section, a positioning blow-drying section, a vacuum drying section, a water circulation section, and a conveying section arranged in sequence. The conveying section includes roller conveyor groups located directly below each station. Each roller conveyor group includes multiple rotatable rollers and a drive motor for rotating the rollers. Each roller conveyor group has a blocking mechanism at both ends along its length to hold the cylinder block in place. The blocking mechanism uses sensors to determine the position of the cylinder block. Through the cooperation of multiple roller conveyor groups and various cleaning mechanisms, the cylinder block is transported along a track.

[0005] Another invention patent application, "An Engine Cylinder Block Cleaning Device," published by the State Intellectual Property Office on November 4, 2022, with application number 2022109015651 and publication number CN115283387B, was filed on July 28, 2022. This patent application discloses an engine cylinder block cleaning device, comprising: a feeding roller conveyor, a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a discharge roller conveyor, a vacuum drying device, and a cooling channel. One end of the feeding roller conveyor corresponds to the first chamber, and the first, second, and third chambers are connected sequentially. The discharge roller conveyor is located on the other side of the third chamber. The vacuum drying device and cooling channel are both located on the discharge roller conveyor. The first chamber contains a conveyor roller conveyor, a first robot, and a positioning and clamping device; the second chamber contains a second robot and a second chamber cleaning station; and the third chamber contains a third robot and a third chamber cleaning station. This technology improves engine block cleaning compared to existing solutions, ensuring cleanliness, especially in the main oil passage.

[0006] The main shortcomings of existing engine block cleaning equipment can be summarized as follows: 1. The conveying method limits complex cleaning actions. Relying solely on roller conveyors makes it difficult to achieve significant workpiece rotation and water removal. The roller conveyor's poor flexibility prevents it from adjusting its posture according to the workpiece shape, resulting in numerous cleaning dead zones, especially deep holes that are difficult to clean thoroughly. 2. Insufficient fixed-point high-pressure cleaning and coverage capabilities. Although robots are introduced for cleaning, the integration of "fixed-point sealing cleaning" and "high-pressure cleaning" for key areas such as main and auxiliary oil passages and cylinder head main thread holes is not tight. 3. Insufficient refinement of drying and cooling processes, especially for blind spots and dead zones, leading to prominent residual water stains. The cooling process is inadequate; the workpiece temperature is too high after cleaning, directly entering the next process, which may affect subsequent processes. There is a lack of means to force cooling.

[0007] These shortcomings limit the effectiveness of cleaning equipment in treating complex engine core components that require high cleanliness, making it difficult to meet the demands of current high-end manufacturing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly automated cleaning system and process that can adapt to various types of engine cylinder blocks, achieve unmanned and automated production of various types of cylinder blocks. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a highly automated, effective cleaning system and process that can adapt to various engine cylinder block cleaning systems, achieving efficient, high-quality, flexible, and unmanned cleaning of various cylinder blocks.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system, comprising: a feeding motorized roller conveyor, a positioning roller conveyor, a turbulent flow cleaning device, a fixed-point cleaning device, a rinsing device, a drying device, a feeding roller conveyor, a vacuum drying device, an air conditioning cooling device, a discharging motorized roller conveyor, a system coarse filtration and chip removal device, a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device, and a handling robot; the system is arranged sequentially according to the material flow direction: feeding motorized roller conveyor, positioning roller conveyor, handling robot, turbulent flow cleaning device, fixed-point cleaning device, rinsing device, and drying device. The system includes a washing unit, a drying unit, a feeding roller conveyor, a vacuum drying unit, an air conditioning and cooling unit, and a discharging motorized roller conveyor. The feeding motorized roller conveyor and the positioning roller conveyor are connected as one unit. The feeding roller conveyor, vacuum drying unit, air conditioning and cooling unit, and discharging motorized roller conveyor are sequentially connected as one unit. A turbulent flow cleaning unit, a fixed-point cleaning unit, a rinsing unit, a drying unit, a coarse filtration and chip removal unit, a high-pressure pump set, and a fine filtration unit are separate units surrounding the system. A transport robot is positioned in the center of the system, responsible for transferring workpieces between the positioning roller conveyor and the washing and drying stations.

[0010] The return lines of the turbulent cleaning device, the fixed-point cleaning device, and the rinsing device are all connected to the system's coarse filtration and chip removal device. Their outlets are connected to a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device, which then supply high-pressure cleaning fluid to the fixed-point cleaning device and the rinsing device, respectively.

[0011] The main process of material conveying and workpiece handling is as follows: loading motorized roller conveyor → positioning roller conveyor → handling robot → turbulent cleaning device → fixed-point cleaning device → rinsing device → drying device → feeding roller conveyor → vacuum drying device → air conditioning cooling device → unloading motorized roller conveyor, completing the cleaning and unloading process.

[0012] The auxiliary system's sub-process is as follows: turbulent cleaning device, fixed-point cleaning device → system coarse filtration and chip removal device → high-pressure pump set and fine filtration device → fixed-point cleaning device and rinsing device.

[0013] The process method for a multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system includes the following steps: Step 1: The engine block is conveyed by the motorized roller conveyor at the loading station. This station is equipped with a mechanical contouring and error prevention device, a posture recognition device, a QR code recognition device, a material blocking and releasing device, and a positioning detection device to realize automatic conveying, error prevention, posture recognition, product identification, and material segmentation. The motorized roller conveyor is equipped with variable position guides on both sides, and the guide bar connection adopts a 15° chamfer angle. The rollers of the motorized roller conveyor are equipped with a scraper. Step 2: Positioning. The feeding motorized roller conveyor transports the cylinder body to the positioning roller conveyor at the positioning station. The lifting and positioning are achieved through guide limit, material blocking device and positioning detection device. The positioning point is arranged in the high-strength part of the cylinder body.

[0014] Step 3: The transport robot grabs the cylinder body to the turbulent cleaning device at the turbulent cleaning station. The transport robot grabs the cylinder body from the positioning roller conveyor at the positioning station and places it on the turbulent cleaning device at the turbulent cleaning station. The gripper of the transport robot adopts an open hollow design with two pins on one side for positioning. It has the functions of self-locking, self-cleaning and workpiece detection when power and air are cut off. Step 4: Turbulent cleaning. The cylinder is placed vertically in the turbulent cleaning device at the turbulent cleaning station, and the sealed door is closed. The rotary clamp drives the cylinder to rotate 270° for cleaning, while the nozzle spray pressure is ≥1.5MPa. A vortex is formed in the turbulent tank to immerse the cylinder. After cleaning, the liquid is drained, the door is opened, and the cylinder is taken away by the handling robot. Step 5: The transport robot picks up the cylinder and moves it to the fixed-point cleaning device at the fixed-point cleaning station. Using the same picking method as in Step 3, the cylinder is transferred from the turbulent flow cleaning device at the turbulent flow cleaning station to the fixed-point cleaning device at the fixed-point cleaning station. Step 6: The cylinder body is positioned and clamped in the fixed-point cleaning device at the fixed-point cleaning station, and the sealing door is closed; the end face cleaning device on the fixed-point cleaning device cleans the front and rear end faces with a pressure ≥0.8MPa; the nozzle box of the lifting fixed-point cleaning device cleans the top and bottom surfaces and the inlet and outlet surfaces with a pressure ≥0.8MPa; important orifice systems and oil passages are cleaned with a high pressure of 80MPa; the sealing door is opened after cleaning. Step 7: The transport robot picks up the cylinder and moves it to the rinsing device at the rinsing station. The same picking method as in Step 3 is used to transfer the cylinder to the rinsing device at the rinsing station. Step 8: Rinsing. The cylinder block is positioned within the rinsing device at the rinsing station, and the sealing door is closed. The following steps are performed sequentially: lifting rinsing, fixed-point rinsing, cylinder bore rinsing, high-pressure hose rinsing, and camshaft and crankshaft bore hose rinsing. The rinsing areas include: cylinder block top surface, bottom surface, intake surface, exhaust surface, front and rear end faces, cylinder bore, main oil passage, auxiliary oil passage, pump bore oil passage, camshaft bore, crankshaft bore, oblique oil passage, and branch oil passage. After rinsing, the sealing door is opened, and the following sub-steps are included: Step 8.1: Lifting and rinsing and fixed-point rinsing. The end face rinsing device on the rinsing device performs fixed-point rinsing on the front and rear end faces of the cylinder. The top and bottom faces of the cylinder and the inlet and outlet faces are rinsed by the lifting rinsing device on the rinsing device. The servo-driven lifting device on the rinsing device is connected to the rinsing nozzle box. The nozzle box is arranged with nozzles according to the cylinder series. The servo-controlled nozzle box can stop at any height to align and rinse the threaded holes of the cylinder. The rinsing pressure is ≥1.0MPa. The positioning fixture adopts a compatible design, and no adjustment is required when changing cylinder types. Step 8.2: Cylinder bore rinsing. The cylinder body is clamped and positioned. The servo-driven cylinder bore lifting device rinses the cylinder body bores one by one from top to bottom to remove the slag inside the bores. Step 8.3: High-pressure pipe insertion and rinsing. The X / Y servo control system installed on the frame above the rinsing station drives the main oil passage insertion and positioning device to align the main oil passage of the cylinder. The Z servo control system drives the main oil passage insertion nozzle to vertically penetrate the main oil passage of the cylinder for rinsing. It stops at key positions of the oil passage or at the intersecting holes for precise alignment and rinsing. Step 8.4 Camshaft and crankshaft bore insertion and rinsing: The X / Y servo control system drives the camshaft insertion positioning device to align the cylinder block camshaft and crankshaft. The Z servo control system drives the camshaft insertion nozzle to vertically probe into the cylinder block camshaft and crankshaft bores in sequence for rinsing. It stops at key positions in the bores or at intersecting holes for precise alignment and rinsing. Step 8.5 Robotic rinsing: The transport robot holds the nozzle gun and aligns it with the oil holes and important holes in the cylinder in sequence for targeted rinsing. After rinsing, the sealed door is opened. Step 8.6 The rinsing areas include: top surface, bottom surface, intake surface, exhaust surface, front end surface, rear end surface, cylinder bore, main oil passage, auxiliary oil passage, pump bore oil passage, camshaft bore, crankshaft bore, oblique oil passage, and branch oil passage; Step 9: The transport robot picks up the cylinder and moves it to the drying device at the drying station. Using the same picking method as in Step 3, the cylinder is transferred to the drying device at the drying station. Step 10: Drying. The cylinder body is clamped and positioned in the drying device at the drying station, and the sealing door is closed. The end face drying device and the lifting drying device on the drying device use high-pressure air at 0.6MPa to dry all parts of the cylinder body. After drying, the sealing door is opened. Step 11: The transport robot grabs the cylinder body to the feeding roller conveyor of the feeding station. Using the same grabbing method as in Step 3, the cylinder body is taken out from the drying device of the drying station and placed on the feeding roller conveyor of the feeding station. Step 12: Vacuum drying. The feeding roller conveyor at the feeding station transports the cylinder to the vacuum drying device at the vacuum drying station. The sealing door is closed, and the vacuum pump draws a vacuum (pressure ≤ -0.095MPa, maintained for ≥60 seconds) to vaporize and evaporate the moisture. After opening the sealing door, the feeding roller conveyor sends the cylinder out to the cooling station. Step 13: Cooling. The feeding roller conveyor sends the cylinder into the air conditioning cooling device at the cooling station. The industrial air conditioning forces the cylinder to cool it with cold air. The temperature at the outlet is monitored to be within ±5℃ of the room temperature. The feeding roller conveyor then sends the cylinder to the unloading motorized roller conveyor at the unloading station. Step 14: Unloading. The unloading station's motorized roller conveyor outputs the cylinder body to the subsequent equipment, and the work cycle ends.

[0015] Auxiliary system description: The return lines of the turbulent cleaning unit at the turbulent cleaning station and the fixed-point cleaning unit at the fixed-point cleaning station are connected to the system's coarse filtration and chip removal devices. Their outlets, via a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device, supply high-pressure cleaning fluid to the fixed-point cleaning unit at the fixed-point cleaning station and the rinsing unit at the rinsing station. All devices are centrally controlled by a PLC.

[0016] In the above process, the following control logic is used for changing cylinder blocks of different types: When it is necessary to change to clean different types of cylinder blocks, the equipment is first emptied and the current batch processing is completed. Then, the operator or the system triggers the changeover command, placing the first cylinder block to be processed on the feeding motorized roller conveyor at the feeding station. This station is equipped with a mechanical contouring error prevention device, a posture recognition device, a QR code recognition device, and a material blocking and releasing device. The QR code recognition device reads the QR code information on the cylinder block. At the same time, the posture recognition device and the mechanical contouring error prevention device perform dual error prevention verification (including error prevention based on LR series and YTN series features, and error prevention based on four-cylinder and six-cylinder cylinder block features). The system automatically calls the corresponding cleaning program and process parameters (including nozzle movement trajectory, cleaning pressure, time, robot gripping position, tube insertion alignment coordinates, etc.) based on the recognition results. After the program is automatically switched, the operator confirms on the touch screen human-machine interface that the program segment matches the model to be processed. After confirmation, the system automatically performs processing. The entire changeover process does not require manual replacement of any hardware, and the changeover time is 3-5 minutes. When an anomaly occurs that prevents interaction with the MES system (such as a network failure), the system can be manually switched to independent operation mode for normal production. The equipment is controlled by a PLC and equipped with various sensors for monitoring, maintenance, and real-time data acquisition to ensure process accuracy. It is also equipped with servo motors and pneumatic actuators to achieve precise motion control. The equipment operates fully automatically, automatically adjusting the cleaning program, and is compatible with multi-variety workpiece co-line and automated production.

[0017] The positive effects achieved by this invention using the above-mentioned technical solution are as follows: A fully automated production mode can automatically select the appropriate program based on different engine block models, enabling cleaning operations for various engine block types. This invention achieves automated cleaning of multiple types of engine blocks through a combination of QR code scanning and identification, robotic high-pressure cleaning, tube rinsing, vacuum drying, and air conditioning cooling. Turbulent cleaning uses high-flow, medium-pressure (≥1.5MPa) eddy currents to quickly remove large particulate contaminants, while targeted cleaning uses high pressure (80MPa) to precisely remove micron-sized stubborn particles. These two stages of cleaning create a synergistic effect of "coarse cleaning + fine cleaning," achieving micron-level cleanliness requirements while ensuring cleaning efficiency. Production line changes require no manual intervention, with a changeover time of approximately 3-5 minutes, achieving automated changeover production and reducing downtime caused by frequent changes in cleaning targets, thus improving production efficiency. After cleaning, the engine block surface is free of water stains, and the temperature is suitable for timely subsequent assembly production, ensuring engine block cleanliness (particle size ≤0.5mm, total weight of residual impurities in the oil passages ≤10mg / unit). Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment layout structure of a multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process method for a multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0019] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Feeding motorized roller conveyor; 2. Positioning roller conveyor; 3. Turbulent flow cleaning device; 4. Fixed point cleaning device; 5. Rinsing device; 6. Drying device; 7. Feeding roller conveyor; 8. Vacuum drying device; 9. Air conditioning cooling device; 10. Unloading motorized roller conveyor; 11. System coarse filtration and chip removal device; 12. High-pressure pump set and fine filtration device; 13. Handling robot. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. This embodiment uses a certain model of six-cylinder engine block as an example for illustration, but the system and process of the present invention are also applicable to the cleaning of other models and varieties of engine blocks.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, a multi-variety engine block cleaning system includes: a feeding motorized roller conveyor 1, a positioning roller conveyor 2, a turbulent flow cleaning device 3, a fixed-point cleaning device 4, a rinsing device 5, a drying device 6, a feeding roller conveyor 7, a vacuum drying device 8, an air conditioning cooling device 9, an unloading motorized roller conveyor 10, a system coarse filtration and chip removal device 11, a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device 12, and a handling robot 13. The system is arranged sequentially according to the material flow direction: feeding motorized roller conveyor 1, positioning roller conveyor 2, handling robot 13, turbulent flow cleaning device 3, fixed-point cleaning device 4, rinsing device 5, and drying device 6. The system includes a feeding roller conveyor 7, a vacuum drying device 8, an air conditioning and cooling device 9, and a discharging motorized roller conveyor 10. The loading motorized roller conveyor 1 and the positioning roller conveyor 2 are connected as one unit, while the feeding roller conveyor 7, vacuum drying device 8, air conditioning and cooling device 9, and discharging motorized roller conveyor 10 are sequentially connected as one unit. A turbulent flow cleaning device 3, a fixed-point cleaning device 4, a rinsing device 5, a drying device 6, a system coarse filtration and chip removal device 11, a high-pressure pump set, and a fine filtration device 12 are separate units surrounding the system. A handling robot 13 is positioned in the center of the system, responsible for transferring workpieces between the positioning roller conveyor 2 and the cleaning and drying stations. This arrangement generally follows a clockwise direction, but the positions can be adjusted according to the available space.

[0022] The return lines of the turbulent cleaning device 3, the fixed-point cleaning device 4, and the rinsing device 5 are all connected to the system coarse filtration and chip removal device 11, and their outlets are connected to the high-pressure pump set and the fine filtration device 12, respectively providing high-pressure cleaning fluid to the fixed-point cleaning device 4 and the rinsing device 5.

[0023] The main process of material conveying and workpiece handling is as follows: loading motorized roller conveyor 1 in the loading station → positioning roller conveyor 2 in the positioning station → handling robot 13 → turbulent cleaning device 3 in the turbulent cleaning station → fixed-point cleaning device 4 in the fixed-point cleaning station → rinsing device 5 in the rinsing station → drying device 6 in the drying station → feeding roller conveyor 7 in the feeding station → vacuum drying device 8 in the vacuum drying station → air conditioning cooling device 9 in the cooling station → unloading motorized roller conveyor 10 in the unloading station, thus completing the cleaning and unloading process.

[0024] The auxiliary system's sub-process is as follows: turbulent cleaning device 3 in the turbulent cleaning station, fixed-point cleaning device 4 in the fixed-point cleaning station → system coarse filtration and chip removal device 11 → high-pressure pump set and fine filtration device 12 → fixed-point cleaning device 4, rinsing device 5.

[0025] The process method of the present invention includes a loading station, a positioning station, a turbulent cleaning station, a fixed-point cleaning station, a rinsing station, a drying station, a feeding station, a vacuum drying station, a cooling station, and a unloading station arranged in sequence. The cylinder body is automatically transferred between the above stations through the cooperation of a motorized roller conveyor and a handling robot 13.

[0026] The specific implementation process of the technology is as follows: First, the engine block to be cleaned is fed in by the loading motorized roller conveyor 1 at the loading station. A QR code recognition device at this station reads the QR code information on the block to identify its type. Simultaneously, a posture recognition device determines whether the block is placed in the correct orientation, and a mechanical conformal error-proofing device prevents incorrect models from entering (including error-proofing for LR series and YTN series, and four-cylinder and six-cylinder features). After identification, the unloading device releases the block, and the loading motorized roller conveyor 1 transports it to the positioning roller conveyor 2 at the positioning station. The positioning roller conveyor 2 is equipped with variable positioning guide devices on both sides to precisely guide the block according to its shape. The guide bar connection uses a 15° chamfer design to avoid workpiece collisions.

[0027] In the positioning station, the guide and limit device of the positioning roller 2 guides the cylinder into the positioning area. After the arrival detection device sends a signal, the lifting and positioning device lifts the cylinder and fixes it precisely. The positioning point is arranged in the high-strength part of the cylinder to ensure that the cylinder does not deform after positioning, waiting for the robot to grab it.

[0028] The handling robot 13 automatically calls the corresponding gripping program based on the identified cylinder type information, grips the cylinder from the positioning roller conveyor 2 in the positioning station, and places it on the turbulent cleaning device 3 in the turbulent cleaning station. The robot gripper of the handling robot 13 adopts an open hollow design, with its grippers contacting the front and rear end faces of the cylinder to avoid damage to the machined surface; the gripper positioning adopts a one-sided two-pin design structure to ensure safe and damage-free gripping process.

[0029] In the turbulent cleaning station, the transport robot 13 places the cylinder vertically on a pallet, which is then moved into the turbulent cleaning tank, and the sealed door is closed. A rotary clamp clamps the cylinder and rotates it 270° for cleaning. Simultaneously, cleaning nozzles spray high-pressure water onto the cylinder surface and threaded holes at a pressure of 1.5 MPa. At the same time, cleaning fluid is injected into the turbulent cleaning tank, creating a strong vortex. After the cylinder is submerged, the rotary clamp rotates it in the turbulent cleaning fluid for approximately 150 seconds. The water flow violently washes against the cylinder's outer surface and inner cavity, removing large particles of contaminants such as chips and sludge. Turbulent cleaning, primarily using high-flow-rate, medium-pressure vortex scouring, quickly removes large particles of chips and sludge from the cylinder's outer surface and cavity, providing a clean foundation for subsequent targeted cleaning and preventing large particles from scratching precision-machined surfaces during high-pressure cleaning. After cleaning, the cleaning fluid is drained, the sealed door is opened, and the cylinder is removed and taken away by the transport robot 13.

[0030] The transport robot 13 transfers the cylinder body from the turbulent cleaning station to the fixed-point cleaning device 4 in the fixed-point cleaning station. The cylinder body is placed vertically on the fixture and clamped for positioning, and the sealing door is closed. In this station, the end-face cleaning device extends to perform targeted high-pressure spray cleaning on the front and rear ends of the cylinder body at a cleaning pressure of 0.8 MPa. Simultaneously, the lifting cleaning device drives the nozzle box to reciprocate up and down. The nozzles on the nozzle box, arranged according to different cylinder types, automatically stop at the threaded hole positions to precisely clean the inside of the threaded holes at a cleaning pressure of 0.8 MPa. For important bores and oil passages in the cylinder body, high-pressure cleaning is used at a cleaning pressure of 80 MPa to thoroughly remove micron-sized particles. The cleaning pressure is controlled at 8–10 MPa (for the conventional cleaning section) and 80 MPa (for the high-pressure cleaning section), with a cleaning time of approximately 50 seconds. Targeted cleaning primarily utilizes high-pressure precision strikes to precisely remove stubborn microparticles remaining at the bottom of threaded holes, at the intersection of oil passages, and in hidden corners after turbulent cleaning. The two-stage cleaning process creates a synergistic effect of "coarse cleaning + fine cleaning," achieving micron-level cleanliness requirements while ensuring cleaning efficiency.

[0031] Next, the transport robot 13 delivers the cylinder body into the rinsing device 5 in the rinsing station. The rinsing process proceeds sequentially: first, lifting and fixed-point rinsing are performed to remove residue from the outer surface and threaded holes; then, the lifting rod of the cylinder bore rinsing device drives the special nozzles to extend into each cylinder bore from top to bottom, spraying and rinsing the inner wall of the cylinder bore; next, the main oil passage insertion rinsing device, under servo control, precisely inserts the insertion tube into the main oil passage, rinsing the inner cavity with a pressure of over 1.0 MPa; the main oil passage is parallel to the camshaft bore, runs through the front and rear end faces of the cylinder body, and has a diameter of about 20 mm; the camshaft and crankshaft bore insertion tube rinsing is performed in the same way; finally, the transport robot 13 holds the flexible nozzle gun and performs supplementary rinsing on each oil hole, inclined oil passage, and other hidden parts according to the preset path. The entire rinsing process uses a special cleaning solution, and the rinsing time is 80-100 seconds.

[0032] After rinsing, the transport robot 13 moves the cylinder to the drying unit 6 in the drying station. High-pressure air (approximately 0.6 MPa) is used for drying, and the cylinder's outer surfaces and threaded holes are cleaned by end-face drying and lifting drying devices to remove most of the moisture. The drying time is 50–80 seconds.

[0033] Then, the handling robot 13 places the cylinder onto the feeding roller conveyor 7 in the feeding station, which then feeds the cylinder into the vacuum drying device 8 in the vacuum drying station. The vacuum chamber's sealed door is closed, the vacuum pump is started, and the air pressure inside the vacuum chamber drops below -0.095 MPa, maintaining this pressure for approximately 120 seconds, allowing any residual moisture on the cylinder's surface and inside to rapidly vaporize under low pressure. After drying, the sealed door is opened, and the feeding roller conveyor 7 outputs the cylinder to the air conditioning cooling device 9 in the cooling station.

[0034] On the air conditioning cooling device 9 in the cooling station, an industrial air cooler blows cold air of 5-10°C onto the cylinder to force cooling the cylinder. The temperature sensor at the outlet of the cooling chamber monitors the cylinder temperature in real time. When the cylinder temperature drops to within ±5°C of room temperature, the feeding roller conveyor 7 transports the cylinder to the unloading motorized roller conveyor 10 in the unloading station.

[0035] Finally, the unloading motorized roller conveyor 10 in the unloading station sends out the cleaned and temperature-controlled cylinder body for subsequent assembly processes.

[0036] When it is necessary to change to a different type of cylinder for cleaning, the system automatically switches between models through the following control logic: After the equipment is emptied and the current batch of processing is completed, the first cylinder to be processed is placed at the loading station. The QR code recognition device reads the cylinder's QR code information, while the posture recognition device and the mechanical contouring error-proofing device perform dual error-proofing verification (including error-proofing based on different series and product characteristics). Based on the recognition results, the system automatically calls the corresponding cleaning program and process parameters (including nozzle movement trajectory, cleaning pressure, time, robot gripping position, tube insertion alignment coordinates, etc.). After the program is automatically switched, the operator confirms on the touch screen human-machine interface that the program segment matches the model to be processed. After confirmation, the system automatically performs processing. The entire model changeover process requires no manual replacement of any hardware, and the changeover time is 3-5 minutes. When an anomaly occurs that prevents interaction with the MES system (such as a network failure), the system can be manually switched to independent operation mode for normal production.

[0037] After the engine block is cleaned using the above process, the cleanliness test results meet the requirements of particle size ≤0.5mm, total weight of residual impurities in the oil passage ≤10mg / unit, no visible water stains on the surface and inner cavity of the cylinder block, and the cylinder block temperature is stable at room temperature ±5℃, and it can be directly put into the assembly line.

[0038] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the specific implementation of the present invention with reference to the above embodiments. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-variety engine block cleaning system, comprising: The system comprises: a motorized loading roller conveyor (1), a positioning roller conveyor (2), a turbulent cleaning device (3), a fixed-point cleaning device (4), a rinsing device (5), a drying device (6), a feeding roller conveyor (7), a vacuum drying device (8), an air conditioning cooling device (9), a motorized unloading roller conveyor (10), a system coarse filtration and chip removal device (11), a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device (12), and a handling robot (13); characterized in that: the system is arranged in the following order according to the material flow direction: a motorized loading roller conveyor (1), a positioning roller conveyor (2), a handling robot (13), a turbulent cleaning device (3), a fixed-point cleaning device (4), a rinsing device (5), a drying device (6), a feeding roller conveyor (7), a positioning roller conveyor (2), a turbulent cleaning device (3), a fixed-point cleaning device (4), a rinsing device (5), a drying device (6), a feeding roller conveyor (7), a vacuum drying device (8), an air conditioning cooling device (9), a motorized unloading roller conveyor (10), a system coarse filtration and chip removal device (11), a high-pressure pump set and a fine filtration device (12), and a handling robot (13); Vacuum drying device (8), air conditioning cooling device (9), unloading motorized roller conveyor (10); wherein: the loading motorized roller conveyor (1) and the positioning roller conveyor (2) are connected as one unit, the feeding roller conveyor (7), vacuum drying device (8), air conditioning cooling device (9), and unloading motorized roller conveyor (10) are connected as one unit in sequence; turbulent cleaning device (3), fixed-point cleaning device (4), rinsing device (5), drying device (6), system coarse filtration and chip removal device (11), high-pressure pump group and fine filtration device (12) are separate individuals surrounding the system; the handling robot (13) is set in the middle of the system and is responsible for the transfer of workpieces between the positioning roller conveyor (2) and the cleaning and drying stations.

2. The multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return lines of the turbulent cleaning device (3), the fixed-point cleaning device (4), and the rinsing device (5) are all connected to the system coarse filtration and chip removal device (11), and their outlets are connected to the high-pressure pump group and the fine filtration device (12), which then provide high-pressure cleaning fluid to the fixed-point cleaning device (4) and the rinsing device (5) respectively.

3. The multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The main process flow is as follows: feeding motorized roller conveyor (1) → positioning roller conveyor (2) → handling robot (13) → turbulent cleaning device (3) → fixed point cleaning device (4) → rinsing device (5) → drying device (6) → feeding roller conveyor (7) → vacuum drying device (8) → air conditioning cooling device (9) → unloading motorized roller conveyor (10), thus completing the cleaning and unloading.

4. The multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The process flow is as follows: turbulent cleaning device (3), fixed-point cleaning device (4) → system coarse filtration and chip removal device (11) → high-pressure pump set and fine filtration device (12) → fixed-point cleaning device (4), rinsing device (5).

5. A multi-variety engine cylinder block cleaning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The steps of its process are as follows: Step 1: The engine block is conveyed by the feeding motorized roller conveyor (1) at the feeding station. This station is equipped with a mechanical contouring and error prevention device, a posture recognition device, a QR code recognition device, a material blocking and releasing device, and a position detection device to realize automatic conveying, error prevention, posture recognition, variety recognition, and material segmentation. The feeding motorized roller conveyor (1) is equipped with variable position guides on both sides. The guide strip connection adopts a 15° chamfer angle. The rollers of the feeding motorized roller conveyor (1) are equipped with a scraper. Step 2: Positioning, the loading motorized roller conveyor (1) transports the cylinder body to the positioning roller conveyor (2) at the positioning station. Through the guide limit, the material blocking device and the positioning detection device, the lifting and positioning are realized; the positioning point is arranged in the high strength part of the cylinder body; Step 3: The transport robot (13) grabs the cylinder body to the turbulent cleaning device (3) of the turbulent cleaning station. The transport robot (13) grabs the cylinder body from the positioning roller (2) of the positioning station and places it on the turbulent cleaning device (3) of the turbulent cleaning station. The clamp of the transport robot (13) adopts an open hollow design with two pins on one side for positioning. It has the functions of self-locking, self-cleaning and workpiece detection when power and air are cut off. Step 4: Turbulent cleaning. The cylinder is placed vertically in the turbulent cleaning device (3) at the turbulent cleaning station, and the sealing door is closed. The rotary clamp drives the cylinder to rotate 270° for cleaning, while the nozzle spray pressure is ≥1.5MPa. A vortex is formed in the turbulent barrel to immerse the cylinder. After cleaning, the liquid is drained, the door is opened, and the cylinder is taken away by the handling robot (13). Step 5: The transport robot (13) grabs the cylinder to the fixed cleaning device (4) of the fixed cleaning station. In the same way as in step 3, the cylinder is transferred from the turbulent cleaning device (3) of the turbulent cleaning station to the fixed cleaning device (4) of the fixed cleaning station. Step 6: The cylinder body is positioned and clamped in the fixed-point cleaning device (4) at the fixed-point cleaning station, and the sealing door is closed; the end face cleaning device on the fixed-point cleaning device (4) cleans the front and rear end faces with a pressure ≥0.8MPa; the nozzle box of the lifting fixed-point cleaning device (4) cleans the top and bottom surfaces and the inlet and outlet surfaces with a pressure ≥0.8MPa; important hole systems and oil passages are cleaned with a high pressure of 80MPa; the sealing door is opened after cleaning. Step 7: The transport robot (13) grabs the cylinder to the rinsing device (5) at the rinsing station. In the same way as in step 3, the cylinder is transferred to the rinsing device (5) at the rinsing station. Step 8: Rinsing. The cylinder block is positioned in the rinsing device (5) at the rinsing station, and the sealing door is closed. The following steps are performed in sequence: lifting rinsing, fixed-point rinsing, cylinder bore rinsing, high-pressure pipe rinsing, and camshaft and crankshaft bore pipe rinsing. The rinsing areas include: cylinder block top surface, bottom surface, intake surface, exhaust surface, front and rear end surfaces, cylinder bore, main oil passage, auxiliary oil passage, pump bore oil passage, camshaft bore, crankshaft bore, oblique oil passage, and branch oil passage. After rinsing, the sealing door is opened, and the following sub-steps are included: Step 8.1: Lifting and rinsing and fixed-point rinsing. The end face rinsing device on the rinsing device (5) performs fixed-point rinsing on the front and rear end faces of the cylinder. The top and bottom faces of the cylinder and the inlet and outlet faces are rinsed by the lifting rinsing device on the rinsing device (5). The servo-driven lifting device on the rinsing device (5) is connected to the rinsing nozzle box. The nozzle box is arranged according to the cylinder series. The servo-controlled nozzle box can stop at any height to align and rinse the threaded holes of the cylinder. The rinsing pressure is ≥1.0MPa. The positioning fixture adopts a compatible design and does not need to be adjusted when changing cylinder types. Step 8.2: Cylinder bore rinsing. The cylinder body is clamped and positioned. The servo-driven cylinder bore lifting device rinses the cylinder body bores one by one from top to bottom to remove the slag inside the bores. Step 8.3: High-pressure pipe insertion and rinsing. The X / Y servo control system installed on the frame above the rinsing station drives the main oil passage insertion and positioning device to align the main oil passage of the cylinder. The Z servo control system drives the main oil passage insertion nozzle to vertically penetrate the main oil passage of the cylinder for rinsing. It stops at key positions of the oil passage or at the intersecting holes for precise alignment and rinsing. Step 8.4 Camshaft and crankshaft bore insertion and rinsing: The X / Y servo control system drives the camshaft insertion positioning device to align the cylinder block camshaft and crankshaft. The Z servo control system drives the camshaft insertion nozzle to vertically probe into the cylinder block camshaft and crankshaft bores in sequence for rinsing. It stops at key positions in the bores or at intersecting holes for precise alignment and rinsing. Step 8.5 Robotic rinsing: The transport robot (13) holds the nozzle gun and aligns it with the cylinder oil hole and important hole system in sequence for fixed-point rinsing. After rinsing, the sealing door is opened. Step 8.6 The rinsing areas include: top surface, bottom surface, intake surface, exhaust surface, front end surface, rear end surface, cylinder bore, main oil passage, auxiliary oil passage, pump bore oil passage, camshaft bore, crankshaft bore, oblique oil passage, and branch oil passage; Step 9: The transport robot (13) grabs the cylinder and transfers it to the drying device (6) at the drying station. The same grabbing method as in step 3 is used to transfer the cylinder to the drying device (6) at the drying station. Step 10: Drying. The cylinder body is clamped and positioned in the drying device (6) at the drying station, and the sealing door is closed. The end face drying device and the lifting drying device on the drying device (6) use high-pressure air at 0.6MPa to dry each part of the cylinder body. After drying, the sealing door is opened. Step 11: The handling robot (13) grabs the cylinder body to the feeding roller conveyor (7) of the feeding station. In the same way as in step 3, the cylinder body is taken out from the drying device (6) of the drying station and placed on the feeding roller conveyor (7) of the feeding station. Step 12: Vacuum drying. The feeding roller conveyor (7) at the feeding station transports the cylinder to the vacuum drying device (8) at the vacuum drying station. The sealing door is closed, and the vacuum pump draws a vacuum (pressure ≤ -0.095MPa, maintained for ≥60 seconds) to vaporize and evaporate the moisture. After opening the sealing door, the feeding roller conveyor (7) sends the cylinder out to the air conditioning cooling device (9) at the cooling station. Step 13: Cooling. The feeding roller conveyor (7) sends the cylinder into the air conditioning cooling device (9) of the cooling station. The industrial air conditioning cold air is forced to cool it. The temperature at the outlet is detected to be within ±5℃ of the room temperature. The feeding roller conveyor (7) then sends the cylinder to the unloading motorized roller conveyor (10) of the unloading station. Step 14: Unloading. The unloading motorized roller conveyor (10) at the unloading station outputs the cylinder body to the subsequent equipment, and the work cycle ends.

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