Sample loading assembly, automated metallographic experiment system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sample loading component, and an automated metallographic experiment system and method, including a V-shaped positioning block, a loading tray, and plasticine, wherein the V-shaped positioning block includes a column, a left bayonet, and a right bayonet, the column is fixed on a workbench, a positioning vertical slot is provided on one side of the column, a chamfer is provided at the slot of the positioning vertical slot, the left bayonet extends outward along the chamfer of the left slot of the positioning vertical slot, and the right bayonet extends outward along the chamfer of the right slot of the positioning vertical slot, the bottoms of the left bayonet and the right bayonet are suspended, and the whole is arranged in a "V" shape; the loading tray includes a tray body and a mudguard, the mudguard is fixed on the tray body, and the tray body is divided into a left mud sticking area and a right adsorption area, and the side wall of the tray body mud sticking area has a side convex portion protruding outward, and the side convex portion is triangular; the plasticine is laid on the mud sticking area of ​​the tray body. The advantage of the present invention is that the accurate positioning of the sample is achieved through the matching of the notch and the side convex portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sample feeding component, belonging to the technical field of mechanical design, and also relates to an automated metallographic experiment system and method, belonging to the technical field of physical experiments in the steel industry. Background Art

[0002] Metallography refers to the chemical composition of a metal or alloy and the physical and chemical states of the various components within the alloy. In the production process of existing steel companies, metallographic analysis of billet samples is an indispensable link. The results of the analysis can help companies adjust the steelmaking model in a timely manner and improve the quality of billets.

[0003] However, in the existing metallographic test system of the physical laboratory of the steel enterprise, since the fully automatic microscope is a mobile metallographic structure observation under high magnification, the positioning accuracy of the sample is extremely high. At present, it is impossible to realize fully automated metallographic testing, and manual observation is mostly used for judgment. This judgment method has low loading and unloading efficiency, complex operation, and is prone to subjective errors. In addition, after the sample is highly magnified under the microscope, even if the sample is lightly touched, the mobile observation origin will be offset, which will have a great impact on the observation results.

[0004] Therefore, how to achieve fully automated metallographic analysis of billet samples and improve the analysis rhythm and accuracy has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved in the digital transformation of steel companies. Summary of the invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: In view of the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a sample loading assembly and an automated metallographic experiment system based on the sample loading assembly, and also to provide a method for using the automated metallographic experiment system to achieve fully automated sample analysis and improve analysis efficiency and accuracy.

[0006] Technical solution: A sample loading assembly, including a V-shaped positioning block, a loading tray, and plasticine, the V-shaped positioning block including a column, a left clip, and a right clip, the column is fixed on a workbench, a positioning vertical slot is opened on one side of the column, a chamfer is arranged at the slot of the positioning vertical slot, the left clip extends outward along the chamfer of the left slot of the positioning vertical slot, the right clip extends outward along the chamfer of the right slot of the positioning vertical slot, the bottoms of the left clip and the right clip are suspended, and the whole is arranged in a "V" shape; the loading tray includes a tray body and a mud guard strip, the mud guard strip is fixed on the tray body, and divides the tray body into a mud sticking area on the left and an adsorption area on the right, the side wall of the mud sticking area of ​​the tray body is provided with a side convex portion protruding outward, the side convex portion is triangular, and its top is aligned with the chamfer of the slot of the positioning vertical slot; the plasticine is laid on the mud sticking area of ​​the tray body.

[0007] The principle of the present invention is: when fixing the sample, first spread the plasticine on the sticky mud area of ​​the tray body, and then place the sample on the plasticine to stick it, so as to complete the sample fixation. When positioning, insert the top point of the side convex part of the loading tray into the positioning vertical groove of the V-shaped positioning block column, and use the chamfer of the notch to adjust the two side edges of the side convex part of the loading tray to the position matching the left and right bayonet, and use the left and right bayonet to limit the sample carried on the loading tray, so as to complete the precise positioning of the sample. After that, the loading tray can be taken and placed in the adsorption area by the robot to complete the subsequent automated operation. In this structure, the mud guard strip can effectively prevent the plasticine from overflowing into the adsorption area of ​​the tray body, affecting the robot's picking and placing. The plasticine is also conducive to the horizontal pressure operation of the upper surface of the sample, so as to facilitate the subsequent automated movement observation of the microscope.

[0008] Furthermore, the loading tray also includes a plurality of protrusions fixed on the tray body, the protrusions are located on the upper surface of the side protrusions and are arranged in an array, and the plasticine is laid on the protrusions. In this structure, the friction between the plasticine and the tray body is increased by the arrangement of the protrusions, preventing the plasticine from being offset as a whole and affecting the positioning of the sample.

[0009] Preferably, the angle between the left and right snap-fits of the V-shaped positioning block and the angle at the vertex of the side protrusion are both 90°, so as to facilitate the placement of rectangular specimens.

[0010] The present invention also relates to an automated metallographic experiment system, comprising a sample loading assembly, a fully automatic microscope, a control center, a workbench, a robot, and an end effector mechanism. The robot, the fully automatic microscope, and the sample loading assembly are installed on the workbench. The robot, the end effector mechanism, and the fully automatic microscope are respectively associated with the control center signal. The end effector mechanism is connected to the active end of the robot, and its active range covers the workbench, so as to take and place the loading tray from the workbench and place it in the observation area on the fully automatic microscope.

[0011] In this structure, when performing automated metallographic analysis of the sample, the sample loading assembly is first used to complete the placement and positioning of the sample, and then the robot drives its end actuator to reach the adsorption area of ​​the sample loading assembly. After adsorbing the loading tray, it is moved to the observation area on the fully automatic microscope. The fully automatic microscope is used to move and observe with the vertex of the side convex part of the loading tray as the observation origin, and the observation and analysis results are transmitted to the control center to complete the fully automatic metallographic analysis process.

[0012] Furthermore, the end actuator includes a connecting plate, an elastic component, and an electromagnetic suction cup. The connecting plate is fixedly connected to the movable end of the robot, and the elastic component connects the connecting plate and the electromagnetic suction cup. The elastic connection can effectively prevent the fully automatic microscope and the sample tray from being crushed by the robot, and it is also convenient to test the teaching points when debugging the robot.

[0013] Furthermore, the end effector mechanism further comprises a laser displacement sensor, which is fixed on the connecting plate and arranged in alignment with the carrier tray, and is used to detect whether the adsorption action of the carrier tray is completed.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic component includes a linear bearing and a spring, the linear bearing is penetrated and connected with the connecting plate and the electromagnetic suction cup, the spring is sleeved on the linear bearing and clamped between the connecting plate and the electromagnetic suction cup.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a method for using the above-mentioned automated metallographic experiment system, comprising:

[0016] Load the sample onto the plasticine on the loading tray and complete the sample positioning;

[0017] Load the loading tray to the V-shaped positioning block and complete the positioning of the loading tray;

[0018] The robot drives the electromagnetic suction cup to the adsorption area of ​​the loading tray, adsorbs the loading tray and moves it to the observation area of ​​the fully automatic microscope;

[0019] The fully automatic microscope takes the vertex of the side convex part as the observation origin, moves to observe the metallographic structure of the sample, and transmits the observation results to the control center;

[0020] The robot drives the electromagnetic chuck to remove the loading tray and put it back on the workbench, completing the fully automatic metallographic analysis of the sample.

[0021] Furthermore, the sample positioning step includes: if the sample is a cylindrical sample, it is arranged along the inscribed circle of the two oblique sides of the side convex part to complete the sample positioning; if the sample is a rectangular sample, one corner is arranged at the vertex of the side convex part, and the two sides are arranged along the two oblique sides of the side convex part to complete the sample positioning. This positioning method not only ensures the positioning accuracy of the sample, but also enables the fully automatic microscope to observe the sample faster when moving and observing with the vertex of the side convex part as the observation origin.

[0022] Furthermore, the step of positioning the loading tray includes: inserting the vertex of the side protrusion of the loading tray into the positioning vertical groove of the V-shaped positioning block, and adjusting the two oblique sides of the side protrusion to the corresponding positions of the left and right clamping ports, so as to make the positioning more accurate.

[0023] Furthermore, between the sample positioning step and the object tray positioning step, there is also a step of pressing the upper surface of the sample horizontally to facilitate movement and observation of the fully automatic microscope.

[0024] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: through the matching of the notch and the side convex portion, the precise positioning of the sample is achieved, and based on the precise positioning of the sample, the automatic loading and unloading of the sample and the automatic metallographic analysis are achieved, thereby improving the analysis rhythm and accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the sample feeding assembly of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of position A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the loading tray;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a V-shaped positioning block;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automated metallographic experiment system of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the end actuator;

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the placement of cylindrical specimens;

[0033] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of rectangular specimen placement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention is further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0035] This embodiment first relates to a sample feeding assembly, as shown in the attached Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it includes a V-shaped positioning block 11, a loading tray 12, and plasticine 13.

[0036] V-type positioning block 11 as attached Figure 2 , 4As shown, the column 11a includes a column 11a, a left clip 11b, and a right clip 11c. The column 11a is fixed on the workbench, and a positioning vertical slot a is provided on one side of the column. The slot of the positioning vertical slot a is provided with a chamfer. The left clip 11b extends outward along the chamfer of the left slot of the positioning vertical slot a, and the right clip 11c extends outward along the chamfer of the right slot of the positioning vertical slot a. The bottoms of the left clip 11b and the right clip 11c are suspended in the air, and the whole is arranged in a "V" shape; the loading tray 12 is as shown in the attached Figure 2 , 3 As shown, it includes a tray body 12a, a mud guard strip 12b, and a plurality of protrusions 12c. The mud guard strip 12b is fixed on the tray body 12a and divides the tray body 12a into a mud sticking area b on the left and an adsorption area c on the right. The side wall of the mud sticking area b of the tray body 12a has a side protrusion d protruding outward. The side protrusion d is triangular, and its top is aligned with the chamfer of the notch of the positioning vertical groove a. The protrusion 12c is fixed on the tray body 12a and is located on the upper surface of the side protrusion d. The plurality of protrusions 12c are arranged in an array. In this embodiment, a rectangular array structure is adopted, which spreads from the side protrusion d to the mud sticking area b; the plasticine 13 is laid on the protrusion 12c. In this embodiment, the angle between the left and right bayonet 11b and 11c of the V-shaped positioning block 11 is 90°. Correspondingly, the side protrusion d adopts a right triangle structure, that is, the angle at its vertex is also 90°.

[0037] Secondly, this embodiment also relates to an automated metallographic experiment system based on the above-mentioned sample feeding assembly, as shown in the attached Figures 5 to 7 As shown, it includes a sample loading component 1, a fully automatic microscope 2, a control center 3, a workbench 4, a robot 5, and an end effector 6.

[0038] The robot 5, the fully automatic microscope 2, and the sample loading assembly 1 are installed on the workbench 4. The robot 5, the end effector 6, and the fully automatic microscope 2 are respectively associated with the control center 3 signals. The end effector 6 is connected to the movable end of the robot 5, and its movable range covers the workbench 4, so as to take and place the loading tray 12 from the workbench 4 and place it in the observation area of ​​the fully automatic microscope 2. In this embodiment, a plurality of sample loading assemblies 1 are arranged on the workbench, and the batch metallographic analysis of the samples has been completed.

[0039] The end effector 6 is as shown in the attached Figure 6 As shown, it specifically includes a connecting plate 61, an elastic component 62, an electromagnetic suction cup 63, and a laser displacement sensor 64. One end of the connecting plate 61 is fixedly connected to the active end of the robot 5, and the other end is fixedly connected to the laser displacement sensor 64. The elastic component 62 connects the connecting plate 61 and the electromagnetic suction cup 63. The laser displacement sensor 64 is arranged in alignment with the carrier tray 12 to detect whether the electromagnetic suction cup 63 successfully completes the adsorption of the carrier tray 12. In this embodiment, the elastic component 62 is as shown in the attached Figure 7As shown, it includes a linear bearing 62a and a spring 62b. The linear bearing 62a is penetrated to connect the connecting plate 61 and the electromagnetic suction cup 63. The spring 62b is sleeved on the linear bearing 62a and clamped between the connecting plate 61 and the electromagnetic suction cup 63.

[0040] In addition, this embodiment also relates to a method for using the above-mentioned automated metallographic experiment system, including:

[0041] S1: Load the sample onto the plasticine on the loading tray and complete the sample positioning: For details, see the attached Figure 8 As shown in the figure, if the specimen is a cylindrical specimen, it is set along the inscribed circle of the two oblique sides of the side convex part to complete the specimen positioning; Fig. 9 As shown, if the sample is a rectangular sample, one corner is set at the vertex of the side convex portion, and the two sides are set along the two oblique sides of the side convex portion to complete the sample positioning.

[0042] S2: The upper surface of the specimen is pressed horizontally.

[0043] S3: Load the loading tray to the V-shaped positioning block and complete the positioning of the loading tray. Specifically, insert the vertex of the side protrusion of the loading tray into the positioning vertical groove of the V-shaped positioning block, and adjust the two oblique sides of the side protrusion to the corresponding positions of the left and right snap-in ports.

[0044] S4: The robot drives the electromagnetic suction cup to the adsorption area of ​​the carrier tray, adsorbs the carrier tray and moves it to the observation area of ​​the fully automatic microscope.

[0045] S5: The fully automatic microscope takes the vertex of the side convex part as the observation origin, moves to observe the metallographic structure of the sample, and transmits the observation results to the control center.

[0046] S6: The robot drives the electromagnetic chuck to remove the loading tray and put it back on the workbench, completing the fully automatic metallographic analysis of the sample.

[0047] This embodiment achieves precise positioning of the sample by matching the notch with the side convex portion, and based on the precise positioning of the sample, realizes automated loading and unloading of the sample and automated metallographic analysis, thereby improving the analysis rhythm and accuracy.

Claims

1. An automated metallographic experiment system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a sample loading component (1), a fully automatic microscope (2), a control center (3), a workbench (4), a robot (5), and an end effector (6). The robot (5), the fully automatic microscope (2), and the sample loading component (1) are installed on the workbench (4). The robot (5), the end effector (6), and the fully automatic microscope (2) are respectively associated with the control center (3) by signals. The end effector (6) is connected to the movable end of the robot (5), and its movable range covers the workbench (4) so ​​as to take and place a loading tray (12) from the workbench (4) and place it in the observation area of ​​the fully automatic microscope (2); the loading component (1) comprises a V-shaped positioning block (11), a loading tray (12), and plasticine (13). The V-shaped positioning block (11) comprises a column (11a), a left bayonet (11b), and a right bayonet (11c). The column (11a) is fixed on the workbench and has a slot on one side. A positioning vertical groove (a) is provided, and a chamfer is arranged at the notch of the positioning vertical groove (a), and the left clamp (11b) extends outward along the chamfer of the left notch of the positioning vertical groove (a), and the right clamp (11c) extends outward along the chamfer of the right notch of the positioning vertical groove (a), and the bottoms of the left clamp (11b) and the right clamp (11c) are suspended in the air, and the whole is arranged in a "V" shape; the loading tray (12) comprises a tray body (12a), a mudguard strip (12b), and the mudguard strip (12c) is provided at the bottom of the loading tray (12). The mud strip (12b) is fixed on the tray body (12a) and divides the tray body (12a) into a mud sticking area (b) on the left and an adsorption area (c) on the right. The side wall of the mud sticking area (b) of the tray body (12a) is provided with a side convex portion (d) protruding outwards. The side convex portion (d) is triangular in shape, and its top is aligned with the chamfer of the notch of the positioning vertical groove (a). The plasticine (13) is laid on the mud sticking area (b) of the tray body (12a).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading tray (12) further comprises a plurality of protrusions (12c) fixedly mounted on the tray body (12a); the protrusions (12c) are located on the upper surface of the side protrusions (d) and are arranged in an array; and the plasticine (13) is laid on the protrusions (12c).

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle between the left snap-in (11b) and the right snap-in (11c) of the V-shaped positioning block (11) and the angle at the vertex of the side convex portion (d) are both 90°.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end actuator (6) comprises a connecting plate (61), an elastic component (62), and an electromagnetic suction cup (63); the connecting plate (61) is fixedly connected to the movable end of the robot (5); and the elastic component (62) connects the connecting plate (61) and the electromagnetic suction cup (63).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end actuator (6) further comprises a laser displacement sensor (64), wherein the laser displacement sensor (64) is fixed on the connecting plate (61) and is arranged in alignment with the object loading tray (12).

6. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic component (62) comprises a linear bearing (62a) and a spring (62b); the linear bearing (62a) is arranged to pass through and connect the connecting plate (61) and the electromagnetic suction cup (63); the spring (62b) is sleeved on the linear bearing (62a) and clamped between the connecting plate (61) and the electromagnetic suction cup (63).

7. A method for using the automated metallographic experiment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: Load the sample onto the plasticine on the loading tray and complete the sample positioning; Load the loading tray to the V-shaped positioning block and complete the positioning of the loading tray; The robot drives the electromagnetic suction cup to the adsorption area of ​​the loading tray, adsorbs the loading tray and moves it to the observation area of ​​the fully automatic microscope; The fully automatic microscope takes the vertex of the side convex part as the observation origin, moves to observe the metallographic structure of the sample, and transmits the observation results to the control center; The robot drives the electromagnetic chuck to remove the loading tray and put it back on the workbench, completing the fully automatic metallographic analysis of the sample.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample positioning step includes: if the sample is a cylindrical sample, it is set along the inscribed circle of the two oblique sides of the side convex part to complete the sample positioning; if the sample is a rectangular sample, one corner of it is set at the vertex of the side convex part, and its two sides are set along the two oblique sides of the side convex part to complete the sample positioning.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of positioning the loading tray includes: inserting the vertex of the side protrusion of the loading tray into the positioning vertical groove of the V-shaped positioning block, and adjusting the two oblique sides of the side protrusion to the corresponding positions of the left and right clamping ports.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Between the sample positioning step and the object tray positioning step, there is also a step of pressing the upper surface of the sample to be horizontal.

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