A sintering and aging system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of vacuum sintering and aging technology. The invention discloses a sintering and aging system and method. The system includes: a feeding / discharging device; a sintering and aging device; and a cooling device. The cooling device is electrically or wirelessly connected to a control center. The control center controls the cooling device to operate according to a planned path, controlling the cooling device to obtain material from the feeding / discharging device and deliver it to the sintering and aging device, or to obtain material from the sintering and aging device and deliver it to the feeding / discharging device. In this invention, the cooling device transports material between the feeding / discharging device and the sintering and aging device, completing material transportation, sintering and aging, and cooling. The cooling device and the sintering and aging device are independently set up to meet the requirements for temperature consistency and rapid cooling in the sintering and aging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum sintering aging technology, and particularly to a sintering aging system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Rare earth permanent magnet materials are an important material foundation for high technology, emerging industries, and social development, with wide applications in energy, information and communication, automotive, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. The production sequence of NdFeB (neodymium iron boron) is as follows: ① Select rare earth metals such as praseodymium, neodymium, iron, and ferroboron as base materials for batching; ② Place the metals in a vacuum electromagnetic induction melting furnace, where they are heated and melted into a liquid alloy using electromagnetic induction, which is then cast into NdFeB alloy sheets; ③ After hydrogen crushing, airflow milling, and magnetic field orientation molding, the NdFeB material enters the sintering process. After sintering, the NdFeB material becomes denser, resulting in a magnetic material with specific magnetic properties.

[0003] One of the key processes in sintering NdFeB is sintering and aging, and sintering temperature is a crucial process parameter determining the magnetic properties of NdFeB materials. Generally, controlling the grain size of sintered NdFeB can optimize the material's microstructure and improve its magnetic properties. Experience shows that a reasonable sintered NdFeB grain size of 5-20 micrometers with uniformity is optimal, resulting in higher coercivity. Factors affecting grain size include not only sintering temperature and processing time, but also many other factors such as alloy preparation process, material composition, powder particle size, and cooling rate.

[0004] Sintering and aging technology of NdFeB are key processes that determine the magnetic properties of NdFeB, resulting in a very high demand for vacuum sintering and aging furnaces. Vacuum sintering and aging methods have strict requirements for furnace temperature uniformity and rapid cooling of the product. However, the vacuum furnaces currently used for NdFeB sintering and aging in the industry are usually single-chamber vacuum sintering furnaces. Due to structural limitations, the heating device and the air-cooling structure coexist in the same vacuum chamber. They need to complete both heating and heat preservation as well as rapid cooling. These two processes interfere with each other, resulting in deficiencies in furnace temperature uniformity and rapid cooling, as well as high energy consumption.

[0005] As NdFeB manufacturers continue to raise their requirements for product quality and performance, especially in terms of temperature consistency and rapid cooling, the performance requirements for supporting equipment are also becoming more stringent. Conventional vacuum sintering aging furnaces can no longer meet the performance requirements and energy-saving and emission-reduction needs of products. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a high-performance NdFeB sintering aging system to meet higher product performance requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a sintering aging system and method.

[0007] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0008] Firstly, a sintering aging system is provided, comprising:

[0009] Feeding and discharging devices;

[0010] Sintering aging apparatus;

[0011] A cooling device is electrically or wirelessly connected to the control center. The control center controls the cooling device to operate according to a planned path, and controls the cooling device to obtain materials from the feeding and discharging device and send them to the sintering and aging device, or to obtain materials from the sintering and aging device and send them to the feeding and discharging device.

[0012] Preferably, a map is set in the control center;

[0013] The control center is used to obtain the locations of the cooling device, the sintering aging device, and the feeding and discharging device, and to plan the operating path of the cooling device on the map.

[0014] Preferably, at least two sintering aging devices are provided;

[0015] The sintering aging device and the control center are electrically connected or wirelessly connected, and the control center is used to obtain the operating status of the sintering aging device.

[0016] The control center is used to control the cooling device to send the material obtained from the feeding and discharging device to a sintering aging device that is in an idle operating state.

[0017] Preferably, the sintering aging system further includes:

[0018] A drive assembly, which is connected to the cooling device;

[0019] An identification component is disposed on the driving component;

[0020] The label is used to identify the position of the sintering aging device and the feeding and discharging device, and the identification component is used to identify the label.

[0021] The drive component and the identification component are electrically connected or wirelessly connected to the control center, respectively.

[0022] Preferably, the positioning and navigation device further includes a track, and the drive component runs along the track;

[0023] The feeding and discharging device and the sintering aging device are located on the same side of the track, and the cooling device is located corresponding to the sintering aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the same side of the track.

[0024] Preferably, two cooling devices are provided on the track;

[0025] The feeding and discharging device and the plurality of sintering and aging devices are arranged on the first side of the track, and a cooling device is arranged corresponding to the sintering and aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the first side of the track;

[0026] The feeding and discharging device and multiple sintering and aging devices are arranged on the second side of the track, and another cooling device is arranged corresponding to the sintering and aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the second side of the track.

[0027] Preferably, the sintering and aging apparatus includes a vacuum sintering and aging furnace and a first material conveying mechanism;

[0028] The shell of the vacuum sintering aging furnace is rectangular;

[0029] The first material conveying mechanism is disposed on the vacuum sintering aging furnace, and the first material conveying mechanism is used to feed materials into or out of the vacuum sintering aging furnace.

[0030] Preferably, the cooling device includes a cooling chamber and a second material conveying mechanism;

[0031] The shell of the cooling chamber is rectangular;

[0032] The second material conveying mechanism is disposed on the cooling chamber and is used to feed materials into or out of the cooling chamber.

[0033] Preferably, the feeding and discharging device includes a third material conveying mechanism, a hoisting rack, and a vacuum housing;

[0034] The hoisting rack and the third material conveying mechanism are respectively disposed inside the vacuum housing. The hoisting rack and the third material conveying mechanism are connected, and the material is placed on the hoisting rack.

[0035] In a second aspect, a sintering aging method is provided, employing a sintering aging system as described in the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0036] The cooling device is controlled to obtain material from the feeding and discharging device;

[0037] The cooling device is controlled to send the acquired material to the sintering and aging device for sintering and aging;

[0038] The cooling device is controlled to obtain the sintered and aged material from the sintering and aging device and to cool the sintered and aged material.

[0039] The cooling device is controlled to send the cooled material to the feeding and discharging device.

[0040] Preferably, controlling the cooling device to send the acquired material to the sintering and aging device for sintering and aging includes:

[0041] Obtain the location coordinates of the vacant sintering aging device and the cooling device;

[0042] Based on the location coordinates of the vacant sintering aging device and the cooling device, plan the shortest running path of the cooling device on the map;

[0043] The cooling device is controlled to operate according to the shortest operating path.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this invention include at least the following:

[0045] In this invention, a cooling device is used to transport materials from the feeding and discharging device and the sintering and aging device, thereby completing the material transportation, sintering and aging, and cooling. The cooling device and the sintering and aging device are set up independently to meet the requirements of temperature consistency and rapid cooling in the sintering and aging device. Attached Figure Description

[0046] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sintering aging system layout according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sintering aging system layout according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The reference numerals in the figure are respectively:

[0050] 1-Sintering and aging device; 11-Vacuum sintering and aging furnace; 12-Heating and heat preservation mechanism; 13-First vacuum exhaust mechanism; 14-First charging and discharging mechanism; 15-First temperature measuring mechanism; 16-First valve mechanism; 17-First material conveying mechanism; 18-First water cooling mechanism; 19-First pneumatic mechanism; 110-Power supply and power introduction mechanism; 111-Sintering and aging controller; 2-Cooling device; 21-Cooling chamber; 22-Second vacuum exhaust mechanism; 23-Second charging and discharging mechanism; 24-Second temperature measuring mechanism 25-Measuring mechanism; 26-Second valve mechanism; 27-Second material conveying mechanism; 28-Second water cooling mechanism; 29-Second pneumatic mechanism; 20-Forced air cooling heat exchange mechanism; 210-Cooling controller; 3-Positioning cruise device; 31-Identification sticker; 32-Railway; 4-Infeed / Discharge device; 41-Third material conveying mechanism; 42-Lifting rack; 43-Vacuum shell; 5-Control center; 51-Upper-level scheduling management module; 52-Vacuum furnace control module; 53-Positioning cruise control module; 54-Safety protection module.

[0051] The accompanying drawings illustrate a specific embodiment of the invention, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0052] 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0053] Before providing a further detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, the directional terms used in the embodiments of the present invention, such as "upper part," "lower part," and "side part," are used to refer to... Figure 1 The orientation shown is a reference and does not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0054] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] As mentioned above, current vacuum furnaces for NdFeB sintering and aging are typically single-chamber vacuum sintering furnaces. Due to structural limitations, this type of single-chamber cylindrical furnace has the heating device and air-cooling structure coexisting in the same vacuum chamber. It must simultaneously achieve heating and holding while also rapidly cooling, and these two processes interfere with each other, resulting in deficiencies in furnace temperature uniformity and rapid cooling, as well as high energy consumption. Therefore, this invention provides a sintering and aging system, comprising: a sintering and aging device 1, a cooling device 2, a feeding and discharging device 4, and a control center 5. The sintering and aging device 1, cooling device 2, and feeding and discharging device 4 are electrically or wirelessly connected to the control center 5. The control center 5 controls the cooling device 2 to operate according to a planned path, controls the cooling device 2 to obtain material from the feeding and discharging device 4 and send it to the sintering and aging device 1 for sintering and aging, or controls the cooling device 2 to obtain sintered and aged material from the sintering and aging device 1 and send it to the feeding and discharging device 4. In this invention, the material in the feeding and discharging device 4 and the sintering and aging device 1 is transported by the cooling device 2 to complete the material transportation, sintering and aging and cooling. The cooling device 2 and the sintering and aging device 1 are set up independently to meet the requirements of temperature consistency and rapid cooling in the sintering and aging device 1.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a sintering aging system includes: a sintering aging device 1, a cooling device 2, a feeding / discharging device 4, and a control center 5. The sintering aging device 1, cooling device 2, and feeding / discharging device 4 are electrically or wirelessly connected to the control center 5. The sintering aging device 1 is used to heat and hold the material according to a pre-set process curve in the control center 5 to complete vacuum sintering aging. The cooling device 2 is used to remove material from the feed port of the feeding / discharging device 4 and feed it into the sintering aging device 1 according to control commands from the control center 5. After vacuum sintering aging is completed, the cooling device 2 automatically moves to the sintering aging device 1 to remove the sintered material and performs forced air cooling on it. After air cooling, the cooling device 2 automatically sends the cooled material to the discharging port of the feeding / discharging device 4. The entire process of material handling and cooling by the cooling device 2 can be carried out under atmosphere protection or vacuum conditions. The material transfer between the sintering aging device 1 and the cooling device 2, as well as the sintering aging and cooling processes, are all controlled by the control center 5. Material transfer between the atmosphere-protected inlet / outlet device and the cooling device 2 is controlled by the control center 5. The sintering and aging system in this embodiment is highly automated, with sintering and cooling performed independently, improving temperature consistency and cooling efficiency during the sintering and aging process.

[0057] Preferably, in one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the sintering and aging apparatus 1 comprises a vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11, a heating and heat preservation mechanism 12, a first vacuum exhaust mechanism 13, a first gas charging and discharging mechanism 14, a first temperature measuring mechanism 15, a first valve mechanism 16, a first material conveying mechanism 17, a first water cooling mechanism 18, a first pneumatic mechanism 19, a power supply and power input mechanism 110, and a sintering and aging controller 111. The heating and heat preservation mechanism 12, the first vacuum exhaust mechanism 13, the first gas charging and discharging mechanism 14, the first temperature measuring mechanism 15, the first valve mechanism 16, the first material conveying mechanism 17, the first water cooling mechanism 18, the first pneumatic mechanism 19, the power supply and power input mechanism 110, and the sintering and aging controller 111 are respectively mounted on the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11.

[0058] The vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 has a flat rectangular shell with a tall and narrow rectangular cross-section. The temperature zone for processing the material within the flat vacuum furnace shell is also rectangular, making the sintering and aging process easier to achieve thorough burning, better uniformity, and shorter processing time. This flat rectangular structure employs unit-based, zoned, three-dimensional, multi-point temperature control, achieving furnace temperature consistency with a deviation reduction of over 30%, and enabling faster workpiece heating and holding, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0059] The first material conveying mechanism 17 is used to feed materials into or out of the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11.

[0060] During the docking process between the sintering aging device 1 and the cooling device 2, the pre-selected process curve is automatically executed according to the instructions of the control center 5. The first vacuum exhaust mechanism 13 is activated, automatically exhausting the vacuum of the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 to the process requirements. At the same time, the first gate valve mechanism 16 is prepared to open, and the material is fed into the cooling device 2 through the first material conveying mechanism 17. After the material is fed, the first gate valve mechanism 16 is closed, and the power supply and power introduction mechanism 110 and the first temperature measuring mechanism 15 are activated. The first heating and heat preservation mechanism 12 ensures that the temperature uniformity in the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 meets the product process requirements. The first water cooling mechanism 18 ensures that the equipment is safe and reliable during use and will not harm personnel, equipment, or products. The first pneumatic mechanism 19 ensures that the valves and cylinders operate accurately. The first charging and discharging mechanism 14 ensures that the furnace is charged with process gas or the vacuum is broken according to the process requirements. The vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 is opened, and according to the instructions of the control center 5, the sintering aging controller 111 performs heating and heat preservation, vacuum sintering, and aging according to the process curve pre-set by the control center 5.

[0061] Preferably, in one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the cooling device 2 comprises a cooling chamber 21, a second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22, a second charging / discharging mechanism 23, a second temperature measuring mechanism 24, a second valve mechanism 25, a second material conveying mechanism 26, a second water cooling mechanism 27, a second pneumatic mechanism 28, a forced air cooling heat exchange mechanism 29, and a cooling controller 210. The second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22, the second charging / discharging mechanism 23, the second temperature measuring mechanism 24, the second valve mechanism 25, the second material conveying mechanism 26, the second water cooling mechanism 27, the second pneumatic mechanism 28, the forced air cooling heat exchange mechanism 29, and the cooling controller 210 are respectively mounted on the cooling chamber 21. The second material conveying mechanism 26 is used to feed materials into or out of the cooling chamber 21.

[0062] The shell of the cooling chamber 21 has a flat rectangular structure, with a tall and narrow rectangular cross-section. The temperature zone for the processed material in the flat cooling chamber 21 is also rectangular, resulting in better uniformity and shorter cooling time.

[0063] During the docking process between the cooling device 2 and the feeding / discharging device 4, after receiving the material ready signal from the feeding / discharging device 4, the control center 5 controls the cooling device 2 to automatically move to the position of the feeding / discharging device 4; controls the second gate valve mechanism 25 and the third gate valve mechanism of the feeding / discharging device 4 to automatically open; controls the second material conveying mechanism 26 to dock with the feeding / discharging device 4; the second material conveying mechanism 26 removes the material from the feeding / discharging device 4 and sends it to the cooling chamber 21; controls the second gate valve mechanism 25 and the third gate valve mechanism of the feeding / discharging device 4 to automatically close; the cooling device 2 automatically executes the pre-selected process curve according to the instructions of the control center 5; controls the second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22 to start and automatically exhausts the vacuum of the cooling chamber 21 to the process requirements; at the same time, according to the principle of shortest path, the operating path is planned, and the cooling chamber 21 is controlled to move to the corresponding position of the nearest empty vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 and dock with it.

[0064] During the docking process between the cooling device 2 and the sintering aging device 1, the corresponding vacuum valves of the second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22 are opened to exhaust the vacuum in the transition chamber to meet the process requirements, so that the vacuum degree of the transition chamber is consistent with that of the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 and the cooling chamber 21; the first gate valve mechanism 16 and the second gate valve mechanism 25 are opened, and the material in the cooling chamber 21 is sent to the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 through the first material conveying mechanism 17 and the second material conveying mechanism 26; the first gate valve mechanism 16 and the second gate valve mechanism 25 are closed to complete the docking. After the material has been vacuum sintered and aged in the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11, the cooling chamber 21 is automatically moved to the position of the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11. The material is taken out into the cooling chamber 21 through the first gate valve mechanism 16 and the second gate valve mechanism 25. Argon gas is quickly charged into the cooling chamber 21 to the required process pressure through the second charging and discharging mechanism 23. According to the instructions of the control center 5, the cooling controller 210 activates the forced air cooling heat exchange mechanism 29 to force air cooling of the material in the cooling chamber 21. The temperature of the material in the cooling chamber 21 is monitored in real time by the second temperature measuring mechanism 24. When the material in the cooling chamber 21 reaches the required process cooling temperature, the air cooling ends. The cooling device 2 is moved to the position of the feeding and discharging device 4. The material in the cooling chamber 21 is sent to the feeding and discharging device 4 through the second material conveying mechanism 26. During the forced air cooling process, the second water cooling mechanism 27 effectively ensures the safety of equipment and personnel, and the second pneumatic mechanism 28 ensures the accurate operation of each valve and cylinder in the cooling chamber 21, perfectly executing the process curve preset by the control center 5.

[0065] The second material conveying mechanism 26 is used to send materials into or out of the cooling chamber 21.

[0066] Preferably, the cooling controller 210 in the cooling device 2 can also directly receive the material preparation instruction sent by the feeding and discharging device 4 and carry out the process of taking out the material from the feeding and discharging device 4.

[0067] Preferably, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the feeding / discharging device 4 consists of a third material conveying mechanism 41, a hoisting rack 42, a vacuum housing 43, and a third valve mechanism. The hoisting rack 42 and the third material conveying mechanism 41 are installed inside the vacuum housing 43. To prevent material oxidation, the door is opened manually or automatically during discharge, allowing the sealed material to be delivered into the vacuum housing 43. Nitrogen gas is automatically introduced into the vacuum housing 43 to replace the air inside. When the oxygen content reaches the process requirements (equipped with an oxygen analyzer for automatic monitoring), workers perform bag removal and palletizing operations inside the vacuum housing 43. Once the material has been bagged and palletized on the hoisting rack 42, a signal indicating material preparation is complete is triggered. After receiving the material preparation signal, the control center 5 controls the feeding / discharging device 4, the cooling device 2, and the sintering and aging device 1 to complete the subsequent material handling, sintering and aging process, and cooling process. The entire process is controlled by the control center 5. The control center 5 controls the docking of the cooling chamber 21 with the feeding and discharging device 4. Through the third material conveying mechanism 41 and the second material conveying mechanism 26, the material on the hoisting rack 42 is sent to the cooling chamber 21, or the material after vacuum sintering aging and cooling is sent to the feeding and discharging device 4. The whole process is protected by nitrogen, and no one is involved. It is executed automatically.

[0068] The third material conveying mechanism 41 is used to feed materials into or out of the feeding / discharging device 4.

[0069] The control center 5 is used to control the cooling device 2 to obtain materials from the feeding and discharging device 4, and also to control the cooling device 2 to send the obtained materials to the sintering and aging device 1 for sintering and aging. It is also used to control the cooling device 2 to obtain the sintered and aged materials from the sintering and aging device 1 and to cool the sintered and aged materials. It is also used to control the cooling device 2 to send the cooled materials to the feeding and discharging device 4.

[0070] In this embodiment, by independently setting the sintering aging device 1 and the cooling device 2, the cooling and heating and heat preservation are completely separated, and the cooling and heating and heat preservation are carried out in independent spaces. The heat load is reduced by a factor of two, and the unit cooling area is increased, so rapid cooling is achieved.

[0071] Preferred, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, at least two sintering aging devices 1 are provided. The control center 5 is used to acquire the operating status of the sintering aging device 1 and to control the cooling device 2 to send the acquired material to a sintering aging device 1 that is currently empty for sintering aging.

[0072] Preferably, multiple sintering aging devices 1 are provided, and a cooling device 2 can operate between a feeding / discharging device 4 and multiple sintering aging devices 1. A cooling device 2, a feeding / discharging device 4, and multiple sintering aging devices 1 constitute a sintering aging unit. Preferably, in one embodiment, the sintering aging system may include multiple sintering aging units.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple sintering and aging devices 1 are arranged in sequence, and a feeding and discharging device 4 is located next to the multiple sintering and aging devices 1. The multiple sintering and aging devices 1 share a single feeding and discharging device 4. In another embodiment, the feeding and discharging device 4 can be flexibly placed between the multiple sintering and aging devices 1.

[0074] Specifically, the control center 5 sets up a map to obtain the locations of the cooling device 2, the sintering aging device 1, and the feeding and discharging device 4, and plans the operating path of the cooling device 2 on the map.

[0075] Specifically, in one embodiment, the location coordinates of the sintering aging device 1 and the feeding / discharging device 4 are set in the map. Based on the location coordinates of the cooling device 2, the sintering aging device 1, and the feeding / discharging device 4, the operating path of the cooling device 2 is planned in the map according to the principle of shortest path.

[0076] Specifically, after receiving the signal that the inlet and outlet materials are ready, the system acquires the position coordinates of the sintering aging unit 1 (which is currently idle) and the cooling unit 2 (which is currently unavailable). Based on the position coordinates of the sintering aging unit 1 (which is currently idle), the cooling unit 2 (which is currently idle), and the feeding / discharging device 4 (which is currently unavailable), the system plans the shortest path for the cooling unit 2 on the map according to the shortest path principle. The system then controls the cooling unit 2 to move to the feeding / discharging device 4 to acquire the material and transport it to the nearest sintering aging unit 1 (which is currently idle). Following this, the system also acquires the coordinates of the sintering aging unit 1 (which is currently in the sintering aging complete phase). The system then controls the cooling unit 2 to move to the sintering aging unit 1 (which is currently in the sintering aging complete phase) and acquire the material from it. Finally, the system controls the cooling unit 2 to deliver the material to the feeding / discharging device 4.

[0077] Specifically, the control center 5 performs real-time path planning for the cooling device 2. The paths between the cooling device 2 and the feeding / discharging device 4, and between the cooling device 2 and the sintering aging device 1, need to be replanned each time. In other words, the cooling device 2 needs to plan its running path each time it moves, and each planning is based on the principle of the shortest path.

[0078] Preferably, when the drive component drives the cooling device 2, it can run along a track or without a track.

[0079] Preferred, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sintering aging system also includes a positioning cruise device 3. The positioning cruise device 3 includes a drive component, an identification component, and an identification sticker 31. The drive component is connected to the cooling device 2, the identification component is mounted on the drive component, and the identification sticker 31 is used to identify the positions of the sintering aging device 1 and the feeding / discharging device 4. The identification component is used to identify the identification sticker 31. The drive component and the identification component are electrically connected or wirelessly communicated with the control center 5, respectively.

[0080] Specifically, the control center 5 controls the drive component to operate the cooling device 2. The identification component identifies the surrounding environment in real time and feeds back to the control center 5. The control center 5 determines whether the object to be identified is the identification sticker 31 based on the feedback information from the identification component. When the identification sticker 31 is identified, the control center 5 identifies whether it is the target device. When the target device is identified, the control center controls the drive component to drive the cooling device 2 to the target device. The target device is the sintering aging device 1 or the feeding / discharging device 4. When there are multiple sintering aging devices 1, the target device can also be a sintering aging device 1 that is in an empty operating state or a sintering aging device 1 that has completed sintering. The identification component includes devices such as cameras.

[0081] Preferred, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the positioning cruise device 3 also includes a track 32, the drive component runs along the track, the feeding and discharging device 4 and the sintering aging device 1 are arranged on the same side of the track 32, and the cooling device 2 moves between the sintering aging device 1 and the feeding and discharging device 4 on the same side.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, track 32 is arranged along the layout of the feeding / discharging device 4 and the sintering aging device 1. The drive assembly runs along track 32, and the identification sticker 31 is arranged along the extension direction of track 32. The identification component is set on the drive assembly. As the drive assembly runs, the identification component identifies the identification sticker 31 in real time. Based on the identification sticker 31, the cooling device 2, the sintering aging device 1, and the feeding / discharging device 4 can be positioned and distances calculated. The control center 5 plans the running path of the cooling device 2 based on the feedback information from the identification component, the working status of the sintering aging device 1, and the material preparation status of the feeding / discharging device 4.

[0083] Specifically, the working states of the sintering aging device 1 include sintering aging completion and idle state. The control cooling device 2 removes material from the sintering aging device 1 after sintering aging is completed, and also transports material to the idle sintering aging device 1. The material preparation state of the feeding and discharging device 4 includes a material ready state. Once the material is ready, a switch is triggered to send a signal to the control center 5 indicating that the material is ready. This invention ensures accurate system positioning, smooth docking, and seamless material transfer through the positioning and cruise device 3. Furthermore, the entire process is under nitrogen protection, is automated, and requires no human intervention.

[0084] Specifically, the positioning and navigation device 3 also includes a navigation controller. The navigation controller collects feedback signals from the identification component and transmits them to the control center 5. Based on the instructions of the control center 5, it controls the drive component to drive the cooling device 2 to run along the planned path.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 1 The diagram shows a one-to-N layout. A sintering aging device 1 and a feeding / discharging device 4 are arranged on one side of track 32. Multiple sintering aging devices 1 are arranged, and a cooling device 2 is installed on track 32. Each cooling device 2 corresponds to one of the sintering aging devices 1 and the feeding / discharging device 4 on one side of track 32. It can be understood that the total length of track 32 within the operating range of one cooling device 2 is the same as the total length of its corresponding sintering aging device 1 and feeding / discharging device 4.

[0086] Specifically, such as Figure 2 The diagram shows a two-to-N layout, which is based on a one-to-N configuration. Multiple sintering aging devices 1 and feeding / discharging devices 4 are installed on the first (left) and second (right) sides of track 32, respectively. Two cooling devices 2 are installed on one track 32. One cooling device 2 corresponds to the sintering aging device 1 and feeding / discharging device 4 on the first side of track 32, and the other cooling device 2 corresponds to the sintering aging device 1 and feeding / discharging device 4 on the second side of track 32. Figure 2 As shown, the cooling device 2 located at the front end of track 32 corresponds to the feeding and discharging device 4 and multiple sintering aging devices 1 located on the left side of track 32, and the cooling device 2 located at the rear end of track 32 corresponds to the feeding and discharging device 4 and multiple sintering aging devices 1 located on the right side of track 32. The sintering aging devices 1, feeding and discharging devices 4, two cooling devices 2 and their corresponding positioning and cruise devices 3 on both sides are all controlled by the control center 5.

[0087] Specifically, in this embodiment, the material conveying mechanism (first material conveying mechanism 17, second material conveying mechanism 26, and third material conveying mechanism 41) adopts an upper sliding rail type hoisting device and a geared motor driving sprocket chain method.

[0088] Specifically, the control center 5 also includes a supervisory control module 51, a vacuum furnace control module 52, a positioning and cruise control module 53, and a safety protection module 54. The supervisory control module 51 stores different product grades and corresponding process curves and standards for each product. It is also used for process monitoring and control, archiving and managing process measurements, formula management, and historical information retrieval. The vacuum furnace control module 52 controls the diffusion process within the vacuum furnace. The positioning and cruise control module 53 controls the operation of the cooling device 2. The safety protection module 54 ensures the normal operation of the equipment during fully automated operation and prevents injury to personnel.

[0089] In this embodiment, after receiving a signal from the feeding / discharging device 4 indicating that the material is ready, the upper-level scheduling and management module 51 retrieves the corresponding process information package (including process curves and process standards) according to the preset material. The upper-level scheduling and management module 51 transmits the corresponding information package to the vacuum furnace control module 52 and the positioning and cruise control module 53. The positioning and cruise control module 53 controls the cooling device 2 to complete the material picking at the feeding / discharging device 4 and send it to the empty vacuum sintering aging furnace 11. The vacuum furnace control module 52 controls the sintering aging device 1 to start the corresponding sintering aging process. After the sintering aging is completed, the positioning and cruise control module 53 controls the cooling device 2 to run to the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 where the sintering aging is completed, pick up the material from the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11, and controls the cooling device 2 to complete the forced cooling process. After the process requirements are met, the cooling device 2 is controlled to send the material back to the feeding / discharging device 4. Thus, one cycle is completed. While waiting for the first sintering aging unit 1 to start sintering and aging, other sintering aging units 1 can simultaneously perform feeding, venting, and other actions, thus forming a cycle of one furnace per hour and increasing production capacity.

[0090] In this embodiment, both the vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 and the cooling chamber 21 are flat rectangular structures, horizontally placed. The sintering aging system can be configured in a one-to-N layout according to production volume and process requirements (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown), a two-to-N layout (sharing 32 tracks) (as shown) Figure 2(As shown). Vacuum sintering and aging furnaces 11 are placed side by side on one or both sides of track 32, and the feeding and discharging device 4 is placed in the middle or next to the multiple vacuum sintering and aging furnaces 11. According to the instructions of the control center 5, the cooling chamber 21 moves on track 32 through the positioning and cruise device 3, taking the material from the feeding and discharging device 4 and sending it into the empty vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11. The vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 performs heating and heat preservation and vacuum sintering aging based on the preset process curve. After the vacuum sintering and aging is completed, the cooling chamber 21 automatically moves to the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 to take out the material and put it into the cooling chamber 21. The cooling chamber 21 performs forced air cooling based on the preset process curve. After the air cooling is completed, the cooling chamber 21 automatically sends the material to the feeding and discharging device 4. The control center 5 ensures that the entire process of the sintering and aging system operates automatically under a protective atmosphere or vacuum, realizing process monitoring and control, process measurement value archiving and management, formula management, and historical information query. The entire process does not require human intervention and is fully automatic.

[0091] This embodiment also provides a sintering aging method, which employs a sintering aging system as described above, and the method includes:

[0092] S10: Control the cooling device 2 to obtain materials from the feeding and discharging device 4.

[0093] Specifically, after receiving the signal that the material is ready from the feeding and discharging device 4, the position coordinates of the cooling device 2 and the feeding and discharging device 4 are obtained; based on the position coordinates of the cooling device 2 and the feeding and discharging device 4, the cooling device 2 is controlled to run to the feeding and discharging device 4, and the second material conveying mechanism 26 of the cooling device 2 and the third material conveying mechanism 41 of the feeding and discharging device 4 are controlled to convey the material, so that the material in the feeding and discharging device 4 enters the cooling device 2.

[0094] S20: Control the cooling device 2 to send the acquired material to the sintering and aging device 1 for sintering and aging.

[0095] Specifically, step S20 controls the cooling device 2 to send the acquired material to the sintering aging device 1 for sintering aging, including:

[0096] S21: Obtain the position coordinates of the vacant sintering aging device 1 and the cooling device 2;

[0097] S22: Based on the location coordinates of the vacant sintering aging device 1 and the location coordinates of the cooling device 2, plan the shortest running path of the cooling device 2 on the map.

[0098] Specifically, based on the identification result of the identification component on the identification sticker 31, it can be determined whether the cooling device 2 has been running at the idle sintering aging device 1.

[0099] S23: Control the operation of cooling device 2 according to the shortest running path.

[0100] Step S20 controls the cooling device 2 to send the acquired material to the sintering aging device 1 for sintering aging, and also includes: controlling the sintering aging device 1 to sinter and age the material according to a pre-selected diffusion process curve, and acquiring the operating status of the sintering aging device 1 in real time.

[0101] Specifically, the operating status includes idle and sintering aging completed.

[0102] S30: Control the cooling device 2 to obtain the sintered and aged material from the sintering and aging device 1, and cool the sintered and aged material.

[0103] Specifically, when the operating status of the sintering aging device 1 is determined to be sintering aging complete, the position coordinates of the sintering aging device 1 with the operating status of sintering aging complete are obtained;

[0104] Based on the location coordinates of the sintering aging device 1 (which is in the sintering aging completion stage) and the location coordinates of the cooling device 2, a first shortest path is planned on the map. The cooling device 2 is then controlled to run to the sintering aging device 1 (which is in the sintering aging completion stage) based on the first shortest path, and the material in the sintering aging device 1 is obtained.

[0105] The cooling control device 2 cools the material according to a pre-selected cooling process curve;

[0106] After cooling is completed, the location coordinates of the cooling device 2 and the coordinates of the feeding and discharging device 4 are obtained. A second shortest path is planned on the map, and the cooling device 2 is controlled to send the material to the feeding and discharging device 4 according to the second shortest path.

[0107] As a specific embodiment, the control center 5 presets the materials and the corresponding process information package (including process curves and process standards). When the operator of the feeding and discharging device 4 finishes unpacking and palletizing the materials on the hoisting rack 42, the feeding and discharging device 4 with a protective atmosphere gives a signal that the materials are ready. All subsequent actions and processes are controlled by the control center 5. Based on the control commands from the control center 5, the cooling device 2 is moved to the feeding / discharging device 4 and docked with it via the positioning cruise device 3. The second and third gate valve mechanisms automatically open, and the material is removed from the feeding / discharging device 4 and sent to the cooling chamber 21 via the second material conveying mechanism 26 and the third material conveying mechanism 41. The second and third gate valve mechanisms then automatically close. According to the commands from the control center 5, the pre-selected process curve is automatically executed. The second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22 is activated, automatically venting the cooling chamber 21 to the required vacuum level. Simultaneously, based on the shortest path principle, the cooling device 2 is moved to the nearest empty vacuum sintering aging furnace 11 and docked with it via the drive components and track 32 of the positioning cruise device 3. The corresponding vacuum valves of the second vacuum exhaust mechanism 22 are opened, venting the transition chamber to the required vacuum level. The vacuum level is made consistent with that of the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 and the cooling chamber 21. The first valve mechanism 16 and the second valve mechanism 25 are opened, and the material is sent to the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 through the first material conveying mechanism 17 and the second material conveying mechanism 26. The first valve mechanism 16 and the second valve mechanism 25 are closed to complete the docking. At the same time, according to the instructions of the control center 5, the sintering and aging device 1 automatically executes the pre-selected process curve. The first vacuum exhaust mechanism 13 is started to automatically exhaust the vacuum of the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 to the process requirements. At the same time, the first valve mechanism 16 is prepared to be opened, and the material is fed to the cooling device 2 through the first material conveying mechanism 17. After the feeding is completed, the first valve mechanism 16 is closed, and the power supply and power introduction mechanism 110 and the first temperature measuring mechanism 15 are started. The heating, heat preservation and vacuum sintering aging are carried out according to the process curve preset by the control center 5. After the material has been vacuum sintered and aged in the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11, according to the instructions of the control center 5, the cooling device 2 automatically moves to the vacuum sintering and aging furnace 11 to take out the material and put it into the cooling chamber 21. The cooling chamber 21 is quickly filled with argon gas to the process requirement pressure through the second charging and discharging mechanism 23. According to the instructions of the control center 5, the cooling controller 210 starts the forced air cooling heat exchange mechanism 29 to perform forced air cooling. The temperature of the material is monitored in real time by the second temperature measuring mechanism 24. When the material reaches the process cooling requirement temperature, the air cooling ends. According to the instructions of the control center 5, the cooling device 2 is controlled to move to the position of the feeding and discharging device 4, and the material in the cooling chamber 21 is sent to the feeding and discharging device 4 through the second material conveying mechanism 26.At this point, one cycle is completed. While waiting for the first sintering and aging unit 1 to sinter and age, the feeding and venting of other sintering and aging units 1 can be completed simultaneously. Ultimately, the high-performance NdFeB sintering and aging system forms a cycle of one furnace per hour, increasing production capacity. The entire process operates automatically under a protective atmosphere or vacuum, realizing process monitoring and control, process measurement value archiving and management, formula management, and historical information query. The entire process requires no human intervention and is fully automated.

[0108] The NdFeB sintering aging system and method in this embodiment improves product performance and consistency, increases automation, meets energy conservation and emission reduction requirements, reduces long-term operating costs, and enhances market competitiveness. It is a modern, high-performance NdFeB sintering aging system that is easy to mass-produce industrially, with broad application prospects and fills an international gap.

[0109] In this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "a plurality" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0110] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0111] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sintering aging system, characterized in that, include: The feeding and discharging device includes a third material conveying mechanism; A sintering aging apparatus, comprising a vacuum sintering aging furnace and a first material conveying mechanism, wherein the shell of the vacuum sintering aging furnace is rectangular, and the first material conveying mechanism is disposed on the vacuum sintering aging furnace and is used to feed materials into or out of the vacuum sintering aging furnace. A cooling device is electrically or wirelessly connected to a control center. The control center controls the cooling device to operate according to a planned path and controls the cooling device to obtain materials from the feeding and discharging device and send them to the sintering and aging device, or to obtain materials from the sintering and aging device and send them to the feeding and discharging device. The cooling device includes a cooling chamber and a second material conveying mechanism. The shell of the cooling chamber is rectangular. The second material conveying mechanism is disposed on the cooling chamber and is used to feed materials into or out of the cooling chamber. The third material conveying mechanism, the first material conveying mechanism, and the second material conveying mechanism adopt an upper sliding rail type hoisting device and a geared motor driving sprocket chain method; A positioning and navigation device, comprising: a drive assembly connected to the cooling device; an identification assembly disposed on the drive assembly; and an identification sticker used to identify the positions of the sintering aging device and the feeding and discharging device, wherein the identification assembly is used to identify the identification sticker; the drive assembly and the identification assembly are electrically or wirelessly connected to the control center respectively.

2. The sintering aging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A map is set up in the control center; The control center is used to obtain the locations of the cooling device, the sintering aging device, and the feeding and discharging device, and to plan the operating path of the cooling device on the map.

3. The sintering aging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two sintering aging devices are provided; The sintering aging device and the control center are electrically connected or wirelessly connected, and the control center is used to obtain the operating status of the sintering aging device. The control center is used to control the cooling device to send the material obtained from the feeding and discharging device to a sintering aging device that is in an idle operating state.

4. A sintering aging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning and navigation device also includes a track, along which the drive component runs; The feeding and discharging device and the sintering aging device are located on the same side of the track, and the cooling device is located corresponding to the sintering aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the same side of the track.

5. A sintering aging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two cooling devices are installed on the track; The feeding and discharging device and the plurality of sintering and aging devices are arranged on the first side of the track, and a cooling device is arranged corresponding to the sintering and aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the first side of the track; The feeding and discharging device and multiple sintering and aging devices are arranged on the second side of the track, and another cooling device is arranged corresponding to the sintering and aging device and the feeding and discharging device on the second side of the track.

6. A sintering aging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding and discharging device includes a hoisting rack and a vacuum housing; The hoisting rack and the third material conveying mechanism are respectively disposed inside the vacuum housing. The hoisting rack and the third material conveying mechanism are connected, and the material is placed on the hoisting rack.

7. A sintering aging method, characterized in that, The method employs a sintering aging system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising: The cooling device is controlled to obtain material from the feeding and discharging device; The cooling device is controlled to send the acquired material to the sintering and aging device for sintering and aging; The cooling device is controlled to obtain the sintered and aged material from the sintering and aging device and to cool the sintered and aged material. The cooling device is controlled to send the cooled material to the feeding and discharging device.

Images