An end plug automatic marking device and an end plug processing system

Abstract

The application discloses an end plug automatic marking equipment and an end plug processing system comprising the same. The end plug automatic marking equipment comprises an automatic feeding device, an automatic storage device, a laser marking device and a clamping and rotating device. The automatic feeding device is used for conveying end plugs to the automatic storage device. The automatic storage device is used for transporting the end plugs to the clamping and rotating device. The clamping and rotating device comprises a clamping assembly and a rotating assembly. The clamping assembly is installed on the rotating assembly and is used for clamping the end plugs transported by the automatic storage device. The rotating assembly is used for rotating the clamping assembly. The laser marking device is arranged on one side of the clamping and rotating device and is used for marking the surface of the end plug in a ring direction when the end plug rotates. The end plug automatic marking equipment can realize the automation of the whole process of end plug marking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of nuclear industry technology, specifically relating to an automatic end plug marking device and an end plug processing system including the automatic end plug marking device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of nuclear fuel element manufacturing, fuel rod cladding tubes are marked with codes on the cladding or end plugs during the manufacturing process, according to the needs of material tracking.

[0003] Existing end-plug marking machines all rely on manual feeding, making them unsuitable for mass production. Furthermore, end-plug marking equipment operates online, which introduces a certain rate of defective products, resulting in the scrapping of entire parts. It is also unsuitable for applications requiring high cleanliness of end plugs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing an automatic end-plug marking device and an end-plug processing system including the automatic end-plug marking device, wherein the automatic end-plug marking device can realize the automation of the entire end-plug marking process.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic end-plug marking device includes an automatic feeding device, an automatic storage device, a laser marking device, and a clamping and rotating device. The automatic feeding device is used to transport the end plug to the automatic storage device, and the automatic storage device is used to transport the end plug to the clamping and rotating device. The clamping and rotating device includes a clamping component and a rotating component. The clamping component is mounted on the rotating component and is used to clamp the end plug transported by the automatic storage device. The rotating component is used to drive the clamping component to rotate. The laser marking device is located on one side of the clamping and rotating device and is used to mark the surface of the end plug in a circumferential direction when the end plug rotates.

[0007] Preferably, the automatic storage device is also used to transport the marked end caps to a material tray for storage.

[0008] Preferably, the automatic storage device includes a three-axis translation stage and an end clamping assembly. The three-axis translation stage is used to move in the X, Y and Z axis directions, and the end clamping assembly is located at the bottom of the three-axis translation stage to clamp the marked end plugs to the material tray.

[0009] Preferably, the automatic feeding device includes a vibrating feeder and a feeding pipe. One end of the feeding pipe is located at the outlet of the vibrating feeder. The vibrating feeder is used to store end plugs and transport the end plugs into the feeding pipe. The other end of the feeding pipe is fixedly installed on the three-axis translation table through an air circuit connecting plate and moves with the three-axis translation table to directly above the clamping and rotating device to transport the end plugs to the clamping and rotating device.

[0010] Preferably, the automatic feeding device further includes a support frame, which is disposed on the side close to the automatic storage device, and the top of the support frame is higher than the automatic feeding device. The feeding pipe is inverted U-shaped, which includes a first vertical section, a second vertical section and a horizontal section. The bottom end of the first vertical section is connected to the vibrating feeder, and the top end is connected to one end of the horizontal section. The horizontal section is mounted on the support frame, and the other end of the horizontal section is connected to the top end of the second vertical section. The bottom end of the second vertical section is fixed on the three-axis translation platform.

[0011] Preferably, the automatic end-plug marking device further includes a support assembly, which includes a first support and a second support. The first support is disposed between the vibrating feeder and the clamping and rotating device. The material tray is placed on the first support, and the three-axis translation stage is disposed on the second support. The first support and the second support are parallel, the height of the second support is higher than the height of the first support, and the three-axis translation stage is located above the material tray.

[0012] Preferably, the laser marking device includes a two-dimensional slide table and a laser marking machine. The laser marking machine is used to mark the end plug. The two-dimensional slide table is located on one side close to the clamping and rotating device. The laser marking machine slides on the two-dimensional slide table and slides on the two-dimensional slide table to focus on the end plug on the clamping and rotating device.

[0013] Preferably, the automatic end-cap marking device further includes a barcode reader, which is arranged opposite to the clamping and rotating device and is used to scan the marked end caps to verify the consistency between the marked barcode and the set barcode.

[0014] Preferably, the automatic end-plug marking device further includes a control component, which includes a controller and a sensor. The sensor is located near the clamping and rotating device and is electrically connected to the controller. It is used to sense the end plug on the clamping and rotating device and send a sensing signal to the controller when the end plug of the clamping and rotating device is sensed. The controller is also electrically connected to the laser marking device and is used to control the laser marking device to work after receiving the sensing signal.

[0015] The present invention also provides an end plug processing system, including an end plug storage chamber, a transfer device, and the aforementioned automatic end plug marking device. The automatic end plug marking device is used to mark the end plugs and transport the marked end plugs to a material tray. The transfer device is located between the end plug storage chamber and the automatic end plug marking device and is used to clamp the material tray and transfer the material tray full of end plugs to the end plug storage chamber.

[0016] The automatic end-plug marking equipment of this invention realizes the full automation of the end-plug marking process. It can complete the automatic feeding, automatic coding, automatic verification and automatic storage of end plugs, which greatly improves the efficiency, quality and cleanliness of end-plug marking, and is suitable for mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the automatic end-plug marking device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a left view of the automatic end-plug marking device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic storage device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Automatic feeding device, 11-Vibrating feeder, 12-Feeding pipe, 13-Air circuit connection plate, 2-Clamping and rotating device, 21-Rotating component, 22-Clamping component, 3-Laser marking device, 31-Laser marking machine, 32-Two-dimensional slide table, 33-Connecting plate, 41-Sensor, 42-Code reader, 5-Automatic storage device, 51-First track, 52-Second track, 53-Telescopic cylinder, 54-End clamping component, 55-First support, 56-Material tray, 57-Second support, 7-First vertical section, 71-Second vertical section, 72-Horizontal section, 8-Support frame, 91-First limit block, 92-Second limit block. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without creative effort are within the scope of the invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "above" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of the description and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "setting," "installation," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] This invention provides an automatic end-plug marking device, comprising an automatic feeding device, an automatic storage device, a laser marking device, and a clamping and rotating device. The automatic feeding device is used to transport the end plug to the automatic storage device, and the automatic storage device is used to transport the end plug to the clamping and rotating device. The clamping and rotating device includes a clamping component and a rotating component. The clamping component is mounted on the rotating component and is used to clamp the end plug transported by the automatic storage device. The rotating component is used to drive the clamping component to rotate. The laser marking device is disposed on one side of the clamping and rotating device and is used to mark the surface of the end plug in a circumferential direction when the end plug rotates.

[0027] The present invention also provides an end plug processing system, including an end plug storage chamber, a transfer device, and the aforementioned automatic end plug marking device. The automatic end plug marking device is used to mark the end plugs and transport the marked end plugs to a material tray. The transfer device is located between the end plug storage chamber and the automatic end plug marking device and is used to clamp the material tray and transfer the material tray full of end plugs to the end plug storage chamber.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment discloses an automatic end-plug marking device, including an automatic feeding device 1, an automatic storage device 5, a laser marking device 3, and a clamping and rotating device 2. The automatic feeding device 1 is used to transport the end plug to the automatic storage device 5, and the automatic storage device 5 is used to transport the end plug to the clamping and rotating device 2. The automatic storage device 5 is disposed between the automatic feeding device 1 and the clamping and rotating device 2. The clamping and rotating device 2 includes a clamping component 22 and a rotating component 21. The clamping component 22 is mounted on the rotating component 21 and is used to clamp the end plug transported by the automatic storage device 5. The rotating component 21 is used to drive the clamping component 22 to rotate. The laser marking device 3 is disposed on one side of the clamping and rotating device 2 and is used to mark the end plug circumferentially on the surface of the end plug when the end plug rotates.

[0030] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the automatic storage device 5 is also used to transport the marked end caps to the material tray 56 for storage. Specifically, the automatic storage device 5 includes a three-axis translation stage and an end clamping assembly 54. The three-axis translation stage is used to realize movement in the X, Y, and Z axes, and includes a first track 51 arranged along the X-axis, a second track 52 arranged along the Y-axis, and a telescopic cylinder 53 arranged along the Z-axis. The first track 51 and the second track 52 are located in a horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other, while the telescopic cylinder 53 is located in a vertical plane and is perpendicular to the horizontal plane containing the first track 51 and the second track 52.

[0031] Furthermore, the second track 52 is slidably mounted on the first track 51 and can slide linearly along the first track 51 in the X-axis direction. The telescopic cylinder 53 is slidably mounted on the second track 52 and can slide linearly along the second track 52 in the Y-axis direction. The telescopic cylinder 53 can move up and down in the Z-axis direction. The end clamping assembly 54 is located at the bottom of the telescopic cylinder 53 and is used to clamp the marked end plug to the material tray 56. The end clamping assembly 54 includes a pneumatic gripper and a control cylinder. The control cylinder is used to control the opening and closing of the pneumatic gripper, thereby clamping or releasing the end plug.

[0032] Optionally, the first track 51 is provided with an L-shaped first limiting block 91 to prevent the second track 52 from slipping off the first track 51.

[0033] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the automatic feeding device 1 includes a vibrating feeder 11 and a feeding pipe 12. One end of the feeding pipe 12 is located at the outlet of the vibrating feeder 11. The vibrating feeder 11 stores end plugs and conveys them into the feeding pipe 12. The other end of the feeding pipe 12 is fixedly mounted on the slider of the third track via an air connection plate 13 and moves with the three-axis translation stage to directly above the clamping and rotating device 2 to convey the end plugs to the clamping and rotating device 2. The automatic feeding device 1 is also connected to a compressed air pipeline. Compressed air flows from the outlet of the vibrating feeder 11 into the feeding pipe 12, thereby driving the end plugs to move within the feeding pipe 12. The vibrating feeder 11 and the feeding pipe 12 can feed disordered end plugs to the marking position with precise and uniform posture, ensuring efficient material preparation.

[0034] Specifically, the automatic feeding device 1 also includes a support frame 8, which is located on the side close to the automatic storage device 5, and the top of the support frame 8 is higher than the automatic feeding device 1. The feeding pipe 12 is an inverted U-shape, which includes a first vertical section 7, a second vertical section 71, and a horizontal section 72. The bottom end of the first vertical section 7 is connected to the vibrating feeder 11, and the top end is connected to one end of the horizontal section 72. The top of the support frame 8 is provided with a limiting groove. The horizontal section 72 of the feeding pipe 12 is mounted in the limiting groove of the support frame 8. The other end of the horizontal section 72 extends horizontally to the other side of the automatic storage device 5 and then connects to the top end of the second vertical section 71. The bottom end of the second vertical section 71 is fixed on the telescopic cylinder 53.

[0035] The automatic end-cap marking equipment also includes a support assembly, which includes a first support 55 and a second support 57. The first support 55 is located between the vibrating feeder 11 and the clamping and rotating device 2, and the material tray 56 is placed on the first support 55. The three-axis translation stage is located on the second support 57. The first support 55 and the second support 57 are parallel, and the height of the second support 57 is higher than the height of the first support 55. The three-axis translation stage is located above the material tray 56, thereby ensuring that the three-axis translation stage can smoothly put the marked end caps into the material tray 56.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, optionally, the tray 56 adopts a convenient detachable installation method. Specifically, a protrusion is provided on one side of the tray 56, and a clamping component is provided on the first support 55. The clamping component includes two L-shaped second limiting blocks 92, which are arranged opposite to each other. By adjusting the distance between the second limiting blocks 92, the protrusion of the tray 56 can be loosened or clamped, thereby ensuring that the tray 56 can be quickly installed and removed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the three-axis translation stage first moves the feeding pipe 12 to directly above the clamping and rotating device 2 so that the outlet of the feeding pipe 12 is aligned with the center of the clamping assembly 22. Then, the vibrating feeder 11 is activated, and the end plug stored in the vibrating feeder 11 falls into the clamping assembly 22 along the feeding pipe 12. The rotating assembly 21 drives the clamping assembly 22 to rotate, and the laser marking device 3 performs circumferential marking on the surface of the end plug. The end clamping assembly 54 clamps the marked end plug and transports it to the material tray 56 on the first support 55.

[0038] In this embodiment, the laser marking device 3 includes a two-dimensional slide 32 and a laser marking machine 31. The laser marking machine 31 is used to mark the end plug. The two-dimensional slide 32 is located on the side close to the clamping and rotating device 2. A connecting plate 33 is also provided on the two-dimensional slide 32. The laser marking machine 31 is fixedly installed on the connecting plate 33. The connecting plate 33 drives the laser marking machine 31 to slide on the two-dimensional slide 32. It can slide along the X-axis and Y-axis directions so that the laser marking machine 31 is focused on the end plug on the clamping and rotating device 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the automatic end-cap marking device also includes a barcode reader 42, which is located below the second support 57 and opposite to the clamping and rotating device 2. The barcode reader 42 is used to scan the end cap after marking to verify the consistency between the marked barcode and the set barcode.

[0040] In this embodiment, the automatic end-plug marking device also includes a control component, which includes a controller and a sensor 41. The sensor 41 is located near the clamping and rotating device 2 and is electrically connected to the controller. It is used to sense the end plug on the clamping and rotating device 2 and send a sensing signal to the controller when it senses the end plug on the clamping and rotating device 2. The controller is also electrically connected to the laser marking device 3 and is used to control the laser marking device 3 to work after receiving the sensing signal in order to mark the end plug.

[0041] In this embodiment, the controller is also electrically connected to the clamping and rotating device 2. The clamping and rotating device 2 rotates intermittently. The controller controls the rotation of the clamping and rotating device 2 according to the requirements of the laser marking device 3 to ensure the normal operation of end plug marking.

[0042] The working process of the automatic end plug marking equipment in this embodiment is as follows:

[0043] First, the three-axis translation stage moves the feeding pipe 12 to directly above the clamping and rotating device 2, so that the outlet of the feeding pipe 12 is aligned with the center of the clamping assembly 22.

[0044] Then, the vibratory feeder 11 is activated, and the end plug falls into the clamping assembly 22 along the feeding pipe 12.

[0045] Adjust the two-dimensional slide 32 so that the laser marking machine 31 is focused on the end plug on the clamping assembly 22.

[0046] Activate the rotating assembly 21 to drive the clamping assembly 22 to rotate.

[0047] Sensor 41 detects the end plug on the clamping assembly 22 and sends a sensing signal to the controller. The controller then controls the laser marking machine 31 to start, thereby marking the end plug.

[0048] After marking is completed, the barcode reader 42 scans and verifies the barcode on the surface of the end plug. When the printed barcode matches the set barcode, the end clamping component 54 clamps the end plug and transports it to the material tray 56. When the printed barcode does not match the set barcode, the end clamping component 54 transports it to the waste material station.

[0049] The automatic end-cap marking device in this embodiment realizes the automation of the entire end-cap marking process, including automatic end-cap feeding, automatic coding, automatic verification and automatic storage, which greatly improves the efficiency, quality and cleanliness of end-cap marking. It is suitable for mass production, and no manual operation is required in the entire process, reducing the risk of personnel coming into contact with radioactive materials.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] This embodiment discloses an end plug processing system, including an end plug storage chamber, a transfer device, and an automatic end plug marking device as described in Embodiment 1. The automatic end plug marking device is used to mark the end plugs and transport the marked end plugs to a material tray 56. The transfer device is located between the end plug storage chamber and the automatic end plug marking device and is used to pick up the material tray 56 and transfer the material tray 56 filled with end plugs to the end plug storage chamber.

[0052] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the material tray 56 is provided with a plurality of storage grooves for storing end plugs. The marked end plugs are temporarily stored in the material tray 56. After the material tray 56 is full, the transfer device picks up the material tray 56 and transports the material tray 56 to the end plug storage chamber.

[0053] The end plug processing system in this embodiment can automatically complete the marking and storage processes of end plugs. The entire process is fast and efficient, improving the efficiency of end plug production and processing, and further improving the production efficiency of subsequent nuclear fuel assemblies.

[0054] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic marking device for end plugs, characterized in that, It includes an automatic feeding device (1), an automatic storage device (5), a laser marking device (3), and a clamping and rotating device (2). The automatic feeding device (1) is used to transport the end plugs to the automatic storage device (5). The automatic storage device (5) is used to transport the end plug to the clamping and rotating device (2). The clamping and rotating device (2) includes a clamping assembly (22) and a rotating assembly (21). The clamping assembly (22) is mounted on the rotating assembly (21) and is used to clamp the end plug transported by the automatic storage device (5). The rotating assembly (21) is used to drive the clamping assembly (22) to rotate. The laser marking device (3) is located on one side of the clamping and rotating device (2) and is used to mark the surface of the end plug in a circumferential direction when the end plug rotates. The automatic storage device (5) includes a three-axis translation stage, which is used to realize movement in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions; The automatic feeding device (1) includes a vibrating feeder (11) and a feeding pipe (12). One end of the feeding pipe (12) is located at the outlet of the vibrating feeder (11), which is used to store end plugs and transport them into the feeding pipe (12). The other end of the feeding pipe (12) is fixedly installed on the three-axis translation platform through the air connection plate (13), and moves with the three-axis translation platform to the top of the clamping and rotating device (2) to deliver the end plug to the clamping and rotating device (2). The automatic feeding device (1) is also connected to a compressed air pipeline, and the compressed air flows from the outlet of the vibrating feeder (11) to the feed pipe (12). The automatic storage device (5) further includes an end clamping assembly (54), which is located at the bottom of the three-axis translation stage and is used to clamp the marked end plugs to the material tray (56).

2. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic storage device (5) is also used to transport the marked end caps to the material tray (56) for storage.

3. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device (1) also includes a support frame (8). The support frame (8) is located on one side close to the automatic storage device (5), and the top of the support frame (8) is higher than the automatic feeding device (1). The feeding pipe (12) is an inverted U-shape, which includes a first vertical section (7), a second vertical section (71) and a horizontal section (72). The bottom end of the first vertical section (7) is connected to the vibrating feeder (11), and the top end is connected to one end of the horizontal section (72). The horizontal section (72) is mounted on the support frame (8), and the other end of the horizontal section (72) is connected to the top end of the second vertical section (71). The bottom end of the second vertical section (71) is fixed on the three-axis translation platform.

4. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a support assembly, which includes a first support (55) and a second support (57). The first support (55) is disposed between the vibrating feeder (11) and the clamping and rotating device (2), and the material tray (56) is placed on the first support (55). The three-axis translation stage is mounted on the second support (57), and the first support (55) and the second support (57) are parallel. The height of the second support (57) is higher than the height of the first support (55), and the three-axis translation stage is located above the material tray (56).

5. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The laser marking device (3) includes a two-dimensional slide table (32) and a laser marking machine (31). The laser marking machine (31) is used to mark the end plugs. The two-dimensional slide (32) is located on one side close to the clamping and rotating device (2). The laser marking machine (31) slides on the two-dimensional slide (32) and slides on the two-dimensional slide (32) to focus on the end plug on the clamping and rotating device (2).

6. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a barcode reader (42). The barcode reader (42) is positioned opposite to the clamping and rotating device (2) and is used to scan the barcode on the end cap after coding to verify the consistency between the coded barcode and the set barcode.

7. The automatic end-plug marking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control component, which includes a controller and a sensor (41). The sensor (41) is located near the clamping rotation device (2) and electrically connected to the controller. It is used to sense the end plug on the clamping rotation device (2) and, upon sensing the end plug of the clamping rotation device (2), sends a sensing signal to the controller. The controller is also electrically connected to the laser marking device (3) and is used to control the laser marking device (3) to work after receiving the sensing signal.

8. An end plug processing system, characterized in that, It includes an end-plug storage chamber, a transfer device, and an automatic end-plug marking device as described in any one of claims 1-7. The automatic end plug marking equipment is used to mark the end plugs and transport the marked end plugs to the material tray (56). The transfer device is located between the end plug storage chamber and the end plug automatic marking device, and is used to pick up the material tray (56) and transfer the material tray (56) full of end plugs to the end plug storage chamber.

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