A small automatic chip cleaning machine

Abstract

This invention provides a small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine, comprising: a parts positioning system, an automatic air blowing system, a cleaning machine body, a waste collection system, and an electrical control system; the parts positioning system includes a positioning plate and positioning pins, the positioning pins being disposed on the positioning plate; the automatic air blowing system includes an air blowing pipe and a universal air blowing port, the universal air blowing port being disposed on the air blowing pipe. This invention mainly utilizes the integration of the parts positioning system, the automatic air blowing system, the waste collection system, and the electrical control system into an automatically opening and closing housing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning parts with a single small device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and more particularly to a small automatic chip cleaning machine. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive industry is characterized by mass production, and machining is a processing method that uses the relative motion between a cutting tool and a workpiece to remove excess metal from a blank to obtain parts that fully meet requirements. Surface finishing and cleaning of the cutting fluid after machining have always been among the industry's most challenging issues.

[0003] Automotive aluminum alloy castings include engine blocks, oil pans, timing covers, cylinder heads, clutch housings, and transmission housings. Aluminum alloy machining equipment primarily consists of machining centers combined with high-performance fixtures and diamond cutting tools.

[0004] This invention targets cast aluminum alloy blanks that have been machined by a machining center. The current process involves the operator removing the aluminum alloy parts from the machine tool and using a high-pressure air gun to blow off the aluminum shavings and cutting fluid adhering to the surface of the parts. This process cannot guarantee that the surface of the parts is clean and tidy, nor can it effectively remove residues from internal threaded holes. The quality of cleaning depends entirely on the operator's work attitude and skills. At the same time, aluminum shavings and cutting fluid are scattered around the operator, which not only pollutes the environment but may also cause the operator to slip and get injured.

[0005] Existing technologies are divided into two types: cleaning by high-pressure air guns used by machining center operators and cleaning by centralized, large-scale automated production lines (large cleaning machines).

[0006] The process of cleaning with an air gun using high-pressure air is as follows: After the casting has been machined, it is taken out of the machining center and the operator uses an air gun to clean the part.

[0007] This process involves the operator removing the finished part from the machine tool and using an air gun on a workbench to continuously blow air onto the surface of the machined part. The operator uses both hands in coordination, focusing on cleaning certain surfaces based on their individual understanding of the product. For automotive parts with complex contours, a handheld air gun cannot thoroughly clean every surface of mass-produced parts. Aluminum shavings often remain on the surface, or in deeper holes and threads, affecting vehicle assembly or clogging oil passages. Residual cutting fluid can also cause parts to mold and even contaminate the engine operating environment. Simultaneously, the blown-off aluminum shavings and cutting fluid pollute the work area.

[0008] Centralized, large-scale automated production line (cleaning machine) cleaning involves the operator gathering all processed parts into a transit packaging container, sending them in batches to the cleaning machine for cleaning, and then packaging the finished products after the cleaning process is completed.

[0009] This process requires the addition of a large cleaning machine production line, which includes multiple stations and typically involves steps such as air blowing, atmospheric pressure water washing, high pressure water washing, acid washing, water washing, and drying. Each part to be cleaned after processing needs to be placed on a special tooling fixture. The fixture moves in a cycle along the production line, and the production line carries the fixture and workpiece through each step in sequence, including air blowing, atmospheric pressure water washing, high pressure water washing, acid washing, water washing, and drying. The workpiece is then removed by the operator at the end of the production line.

[0010] This cleaning machine is expensive, generally costing 600,000 to 1,000,000 RMB per unit. It also occupies a large area and requires special cleaning fixtures for each type of part that needs cleaning, which increases the power consumption. On average, the cost of each part increases by 0.5 to 1 RMB due to power consumption, with a total cost of 1 to 2 RMB per piece.

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to design a small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine, which can be placed on one side of the machining center to achieve efficient and high-quality flexible automatic cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To address the aforementioned technical problems of existing automated production lines being expensive and costly to maintain, and manual cleaning failing to thoroughly clean workpieces and easily polluting the environment, this invention provides a small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine. This invention primarily utilizes a part positioning system, an automatic air blowing system, a waste collection system, and an electrical control system integrated into an automatically opening and closing housing, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning parts with a single small device.

[0013] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] 1. The present invention provides a small automatic chip cleaning machine that integrates a parts positioning system, an automatic air blowing system, a waste collection system and an electrical control system into an automatic opening and closing box, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning parts with a single small device.

[0016] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely promoted in the fields of mass production machining of steel, non-metals, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the waste collection system of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic air blowing system of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid receiving tray of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning plate of a small automatic chip cleaning machine according to the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Box body; 2. Top cover; 3. Telescopic cylinder; 4. Electrical control system; 5. Bracket; 6. Casters; 7. Material receiving funnel; 8. Waste bin; 9. Material-liquid separation screen; 10. Drain valve; 11. Liquid receiving tray; 12. Strong magnet; 13. Air blowing branch pipe; 14. Air blowing main pipe; 15. Universal air blowing port; 16. Positioning plate; 17. Positioning pin. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0030] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] like Figure 1-6As shown, the present invention provides a small automatic chip cleaning machine, comprising: a parts positioning system, an automatic air blowing system, a cleaning machine body, a waste collection system, and an electrical control system 4; the parts positioning system includes a positioning plate 16 and positioning pins 17, the positioning pins 17 being disposed on the positioning plate 16; the automatic air blowing system includes an air blowing pipe and a universal air blowing port 15, the universal air blowing port 15 being disposed on the air blowing pipe; the cleaning machine body includes a housing 1, a top cover 2, a telescopic cylinder 3, and a drive motor, the top cover 2 being hinged to the housing 1, and so on. The upper cover 2 and the box body 1 are connected by a telescopic cylinder 3. The drive motor is located inside the box body 1. The positioning plate 16 is located inside the box body 1 and connected to the drive motor. The automatic air blowing system is located inside the box body 1. The waste collection system is located at the lower end of the box body 1. The electrical control system 4 is electrically connected to the drive motor and the telescopic cylinder 3. The waste collection system includes a receiving funnel 7, a waste bin 8, a material-liquid separation screen 9, and a drain valve 10. The material-liquid separation screen 9 is located inside the waste bin 8. In the middle section, the receiving funnel 7 is located at the upper end of the waste bin 8, and the drain valve 10 is located at the lower end of the waste bin 8. Casters 6 are provided on the bottom surface of the waste bin 8. The air blowing pipe includes a main air blowing pipe 14 and branch air blowing pipes 13. Two branch air blowing pipes 13 are provided at the outlet end of the main air blowing pipe 14. Multiple universal air blowing ports 15 are vertically arranged on each branch air blowing pipe 13. The branch air blowing pipes 13 are located on the back plate of the housing 1. A pressure control valve is provided on the main air blowing pipe 14, and a branch flow control valve is provided on each branch air blowing pipe 13. The valve; a bracket 5 is provided at the lower end of the housing 1, and casters 6 are provided at the lower end of the bracket 5; the electrical control system 4 is provided on the front of the housing 1, the electrical control system 4 includes a PLC controller and an LCD screen, the PLC controller is electrically connected to the LCD screen, the drive motor, the telescopic cylinder 3 and the pressure control valve; a liquid receiving tray 11 is provided between the housing 1 and the waste bin 8, the liquid receiving tray 11 is a grooved plate structure with a 15° inclination, and two strong magnets 12 are provided on the right side of the high end of the liquid receiving tray 11.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a small automatic chip cleaning machine, including: a parts positioning system, an automatic air blowing system, a cleaning machine body, a waste collection system and an electrical control system 4.

[0035] Part positioning system:

[0036] The positioning system shown in the figure below includes a positioning disk 16 and a positioning pin 17.

[0037] The positioning disc 16 has a diameter of 400mm and a thickness of 20mm. It has four rings of M6 threaded through holes evenly distributed from the center outwards, with the center position being 1-M6. 18-M6 is evenly distributed around the circumference. 20-M6 are evenly distributed around the circumference. 22-M6 are evenly distributed around the circumference. The U-shaped opening on the edge of the positioning disc 16 is used for the zero-phase positioning pin mating hole.

[0038] Four parts are positioned by pin 17. The standard part is an M6X50 socket head cap bolt. The threaded part of the bolt is connected to the positioning plate 16. The side of the bolt head is in contact with the edge of the part being cleaned.

[0039] When using, place the processed parts on the positioning plate 16, select the appropriate installation position and number (4 or 6) of the positioning pins 17 according to the shape of the parts to be cleaned, and screw the M6 ​​positioning pins 17 into the positioning plate 16, so that all the bolt heads leave a gap of about 0.5mm with the side wall of the parts to be cleaned, to ensure that parts to be cleaned in large quantities can be put in and taken out smoothly.

[0040] During operation, the positioning disk 16 is controlled by the PLC, and the drive motor rotates and stops according to the program, with the rotation speed appropriately controlled (approximately π / 2 radians per second, i.e., 4 seconds per revolution). The car parts rotate synchronously with the positioning system.

[0041] Automatic air blowing system:

[0042] The system includes a main air blowing pipe 14, left and right side air blowing branches 13, 16 universal serpentine air blowing ports, an air filter connected to the main air blowing pipe 14, and a plastic flow control valve installed on each air blowing port.

[0043] The automatic air blowing system is fixed inside the rear two sides of the cleaning machine housing 1 and is stationary relative to the housing 1. The parts to be cleaned and the positioning system rotate relative to the air blowing port to adjust the placement position of the parts. The nozzles on both sides cover the parts to be cleaned. When the parts are stationary, that is, when the rotary table is at zero phase, the important control points of the parts (such as the plane, holes and threads of the machining cutting surface of the parts) correspond to the air blowing port.

[0044] During operation, high-pressure air (0.6-0.7MPa) in the factory system passes sequentially through the main pipe, air filter, pressure control valve, branch pipe, branch pipe flow control valve, and air outlet. The high-pressure air in the main pipe is controlled by the electrical system. When the workpiece is placed on the positioning plate 16 and the cover 2 of the housing 1 is closed, air blowing begins, stripping most of the aluminum chips and cutting fluid from the surface of the part. Then, the rotary table slowly rotates 3-4 times to further clean the impurities on the surface of the part. After the part comes to rest, the rotary table returns to the zero phase, and the nozzle is pointed at the most important parts of the part (such as the plane of the machined cutting surface, deep holes, and threaded inner holes), finally cleaning the inner holes and threads of the part, achieving thorough cleaning of the impurities on the part.

[0045] Depending on the size and complexity of the parts, the position and flow control valve of each air outlet can be adjusted so that the air flow controlled by the valve meets the cleaning requirements, while preventing the blown-off aluminum chips from secondary contaminating the workpiece. Individual valves can even be closed as needed (for example, if the parts are small, close the top few valves).

[0046] After the parts are cleaned, the top cover opens automatically, and the parts are manually removed. Under the control of the PLC system, compressed air works to rotate the worktable and clean the worktable surface, making it ready for the start of the next work cycle.

[0047] Cleaning machine body:

[0048] The automatic opening and closing box includes a box body 1, a top cover 2, a telescopic cylinder 3, a bracket 5, and four casters 6. A stepper motor and a zero-phase positioning pin 17 are designed on the bottom of the box body 1.

[0049] The housing 1 is the main working area, housing the positioning system and the automatic air blowing system, and blowing off impurities (aluminum chips and cleaning fluid) through the gap between the side wall of the housing 1 and the positioning plate 16 into the waste bin 8 below the support frame.

[0050] The opening and closing motion between the housing 1 and the top cover 2 is achieved by a telescopic cylinder 3. The telescopic cylinder 3, the stepper motor, and the zero-phase positioning pin 17 are controlled by a PLC program. When the zero-phase positioning pin extends into the corresponding position of the positioning disk 16, the positioning disk 16 is locked. This position is called zero phase. At this time, the part will be placed into the positioning disk 16 of the housing 1. Then, the telescopic cylinder 3 automatically retracts, and the top cover 2 is fastened to the upper surface of the housing 1. The part is then cleaned by blowing air for 3-5 seconds while it is stationary. Then, the zero-phase positioning pin disengages, and the positioning disk 16 rotates under the control of the PLC. The part begins to be cleaned around its perimeter. After the rotation cleaning is completed, the zero-phase positioning pin enters the corresponding hole of the positioning disk 16, and the part returns to zero. Continuous air blowing is used to clean the key holes and threads of the part. Then, the machine stops, the telescopic cylinder 3 extends, the top cover 2 is opened, and the part is manually removed.

[0051] The four sides of the enclosure 1 and the top of the cover 2 are designed with transparent plexiglass panels to facilitate the operator's observation of the interior of the enclosed enclosure 1; the PLC controller and LCD screen are located at the front of the enclosure 1.

[0052] Waste collection system:

[0053] The system consists of a receiving funnel 7, a waste bin 8, a material-liquid separation screen 9, four waste bins 8 with casters 6, and a drain valve 10.

[0054] The large end of the receiving funnel 7 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 1, with a 45° tapered angle on all four sides. This funnel serves as a channel for collecting aluminum chips and cutting fluid, while the small end is suspended and connected to the scrap bin 8. The collected aluminum chips and cutting fluid are separated into solid and liquid components by a mesh screen within the scrap bin 8. The cutting fluid sinks to the bottom of the scrap bin 8 through the mesh screen, while the aluminum alloy chips remain on the upper part of the mesh screen, achieving automatic separation of chips and cutting fluid.

[0055] The capacity of the scrap bin 8 is designed according to the production batch size, and the scrap bin 8 is cleaned once a day, three shifts a day. During the cleaning process, the scrap bin 8 is opened, the drain valve 10 is opened to drain the cutting fluid, and then the aluminum chips are poured out of the scrap bin 8. The operation process is simple and reliable.

[0056] Drainage tray 11:

[0057] The drip tray 11 is a channel connecting the machining center and the small automatic cleaning machine. Its purpose is to prevent the cutting fluid adhering to the surface of the parts from dripping onto the work surface when the parts are taken out of the machining center.

[0058] The drip tray 11 is angled at 15°. The upper right side is connected to the machining center by two strong magnets 12, and the lower left side is attached to the upper part of the cutting fluid waste collection cart. The cutting fluid dripping from the parts enters the waste cart under gravity.

[0059] The design of the drip tray 11 further controls the recovery of cutting fluid, prevents the fluid from polluting the environment, and effectively ensures the cleanliness of the ground.

[0060] The PLC control panel and LCD touch screen are placed at the front of the housing 1. Process parameters such as blowing time and interval time can be set on the LCD screen, and the drive motor works according to the instructions.

[0061] Technical Notes:

[0062] The PLC action control sequence of the cleaning machine of this invention is as follows:

[0063] Manually press the button to open the top cover 2 - place the parts into the positioning plate 16;

[0064] Manual button start program - close cover 2 - blow air - release zero phase positioning pin 17 - position plate 16 rotates at low speed - stop machine - insert zero phase positioning pin 17 - deep cleaning for important points - stop blowing air - open cover;

[0065] Parts removal - Manually press the button to blow air and clean the surface of positioning plate 16;

[0066] After the project is completed, the product qualification rate is expected to increase by 2%, production capacity will increase, production efficiency will increase by 20%, the working environment for workers will be greatly improved, and waste liquid and waste residue will be effectively controlled and recycled.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine, characterized in that, include: Parts positioning system, automatic air blowing system, main body of cleaning machine, waste collection system and electrical control system; The part positioning system includes a positioning disk and a positioning pin, wherein the positioning pin is disposed on the positioning disk; The U-shaped opening on the edge of the positioning plate is used for the zero-phase positioning pin mating hole; in use, the processed part is placed on the positioning plate, and the appropriate positioning pin installation position and number are selected according to the shape of the part to be cleaned; the automatic air blowing system includes an air blowing pipe and a universal air blowing port, the air blowing pipe includes a main air blowing pipe and a branch air blowing pipe, the air outlet end of the main air blowing pipe is provided with two branch air blowing pipes, and multiple universal air blowing ports are vertically arranged on the branch air blowing pipes; The main body of the cleaning machine includes a housing, a top cover, a telescopic cylinder, and a drive motor. The top cover is hinged to the housing, and the top cover and the housing are connected by the telescopic cylinder. The drive motor is located inside the housing. A stepper motor and a zero-phase positioning pin are designed on the bottom of the housing. The telescopic cylinder, the stepper motor, and the zero-phase positioning pin are controlled by a PLC program. The positioning plate is disposed inside the box and connected to the drive motor. The automatic air blowing system is disposed inside the box. The waste collection system is disposed at the lower end of the box. The electrical control system is electrically connected to the drive motor and the telescopic cylinder. It also includes a drip tray, which is a channel connecting the machining center and the small automatic chip cleaning machine. Its purpose is to prevent the cutting fluid adhering to the surface of the parts from dripping onto the work surface when the parts are taken out of the machining center. The drip tray is at a 15° angle. The upper right end is connected to the machining center by two strong magnets, and the lower left end is attached to the upper part of the cutting fluid waste collection cart. The cutting fluid dripping from the parts enters the waste cart under gravity. When the zero-phase positioning pin extends into the corresponding position of the positioning plate, the positioning plate is locked. This position is called zero phase. At this time, the part will be placed into the positioning plate of the box. When the rotary table is in zero phase, the plane, hole and thread of the machining cutting surface of the part correspond to the air blowing port. Then the telescopic cylinder automatically retracts and fastens the top cover to the upper surface of the box. The part is stationary and blown clean for 3-5 seconds. Then the zero-phase positioning pin disengages, the positioning plate rotates under PLC control, and the parts begin to be cleaned around the perimeter. After the rotation cleaning is completed, the zero-phase positioning pin enters the corresponding hole of the positioning plate, the parts are reset to zero, and air is continuously blown to clean the key holes and threads of the parts. Then the machine stops, the telescopic cylinder extends, the top cover is opened, and the parts are manually taken out. The waste collection system includes a receiving funnel, a waste bin, a liquid-material separation screen, and a drain valve. The liquid-material separation screen is located in the middle section of the waste bin, the receiving funnel is located at the upper end of the waste bin, the drain valve is located at the lower end of the waste bin, and the bottom surface of the waste bin is equipped with waste bin casters.

2. The small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air blowing branch pipe is installed on the back plate of the housing. The main air blowing pipe is equipped with a pressure control valve, and the air blowing branch pipe is equipped with a branch flow control valve.

3. A small-scale automatic chip cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the housing is provided with a bracket, and the lower end of the bracket is provided with casters; the front of the housing is provided with the electrical control system, which includes a PLC controller and an LCD screen. The PLC controller is electrically connected to the LCD screen, the drive motor, the telescopic cylinder, and the pressure control valve.

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