Flexible hub machining production line and machining method

Abstract

The invention discloses a hub machine machining flexible production line and a machining method, and belongs to the technical field of hub machine machining. The production line comprises a blank dispatching and sorting system, a roller way conveying system, a flexible machining unit and an auxiliary machining unit. The workblank dispatching and sorting system distributes different types of workblanks to appointed flexible machining units through the roller way conveying system; the roller way conveying system is used for conveying the blank to the flexible machining unit; the feeding roller way of each flexible machining unit is used for feeding blanks, the first-sequence double-tool-tower numerical control vertical lathe, the second-sequence single-tool-tower numerical control vertical lathe and the third-sequence machining center equipment are used for machining the blanks into semi-finished products, and the semi-finished product roller way is used for outputting the semi-finished products. The auxiliary machining unit comprises a cleaning device, a detecting device and a deburring device. According to the production line, mixed-line full-automatic production of multi-model hubs is achieved through the blank automatic distribution unit, the multi-procedure flexible machining unit and the online detection self-correction system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of wheel machining, and particularly to a flexible production line and processing technology for wheel machining. Background Art

[0002] With the accelerating trend of automotive lightweighting, the demand for aluminum alloy wheels has increased sharply. However, traditional production lines rely on manual operation and are difficult to adapt to the efficient processing of multi-variety wheels.

[0003] In related technologies, fixed assembly lines are generally used for wheel machining. However, in related technologies, when switching wheel types, it is necessary to frequently adjust equipment and replace fixtures, resulting in long downtime; quality inspection relies on manual sampling, and dimensional errors are difficult to correct in a timely manner, resulting in poor product consistency. In addition, the automation levels of blank sorting, process connection, deburring, etc. are low, with high labor costs and limited efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a production line to achieve mixed-line production of multiple models, online intelligent detection, and process self-correction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a flexible production line and processing technology for wheel machining to solve the above problems. The technical solutions are as follows: In the first aspect, a flexible production line for wheel machining is provided, including a blank scheduling and sorting system, a roller conveyor system, a flexible machining unit, and an auxiliary machining unit. The blank scheduling and sorting system inputs various wheel type templates and distributes different types of blanks to the designated flexible machining units through the roller conveyor system. The roller conveyor system is used to transport blanks to the flexible machining units and transport the semi-finished products processed by the flexible machining units to the auxiliary machining unit. The flexible machining unit is a plurality of units arranged on the side of the roller conveyor system. Each flexible machining unit includes a feeding roller conveyor, a first-order double turret CNC vertical lathe, a second-order single turret CNC vertical lathe, a third-order machining center device, and a semi-finished product roller conveyor. The feeding roller conveyor is used to feed blanks, and the first-order double turret CNC vertical lathe, the second-order single turret CNC vertical lathe, and the third-order machining center device are used to process blanks into semi-finished products, and the semi-finished product roller conveyor is used to output the semi-finished products. The auxiliary machining unit includes a cleaning device, a detection device, and a deburring device sequentially installed on the roller conveyor system. The cleaning device is used to clean the semi-finished products, the detection device is used to detect the performance and compliance with process requirements of the semi-finished products, the deburring device is used to remove the burrs of the semi-finished products to obtain finished products, and the finished products are sent to the next process through the roller conveyor system.

[0005] In a possible embodiment, the flexible machining unit also includes a manipulator, a control cabinet and a purge box, wherein: the first-sequence double-turret CNC vertical lathe, the second-sequence single-turret CNC vertical lathe and the third-sequence machining center equipment are installed around the circumferential direction of the feed roller and the semi-finished product roller; the manipulator is located at the center of the equipment layout and is used to transport the wheel hub; the purge box and the buffer table are arranged adjacent to the manipulator, the buffer table is equipped with an identification camera for identifying the position of the valve hole, and the purge box is used to purge aluminum chips after each sequence of processing; the control cabinet controls the movement of the manipulator and the processing procedures of each CNC vertical lathe.

[0006] In a possible implementation, a lifting device is installed on the feed roller for lifting the blank to separate it from the feed roller and for rotating the blank to position. A positioning camera is provided on the side of the lifting device for positioning identification of the blank after lifting.

[0007] In a possible implementation, a code scanning and recognition camera and a processing unit integrated control system in a unit industrial computer are installed below the feed roller, and an automatic laser code engraving machine is provided next to the semi-finished product roller.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the detection device includes: a laser detection device, which is used to compare the size detection data of the semi-finished product with the input template and transmit the deviation value to the corresponding device of the flexible machining unit; a balancing and jumping integrated machine, which is used to detect the balancing performance of the semi-finished product; a helium testing machine, which is used to detect the air tightness of the semi-finished product; the laser detection equipment, the balancing and jumping integrated machine and the helium testing machine are all installed on the roller transport system.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the helium testing machine is a double-station helium testing machine, and the double-station helium testing machine is installed between two transport rollers.

[0010] In a possible implementation, an automatic valve hole plugging machine is provided in front of the helium testing machine, and an integrated plugging and marking machine is provided behind the helium testing machine; the automatic valve hole plugging machine is used for plugging the valve holes of semi-finished products; the integrated plugging and marking machine is used for plugging and marking the semi-finished products.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the burr removal device includes a plurality of 3D deburring machines and burr brushing machines installed on a transport roller, wherein the 3D deburring machine eliminates burrs in blind areas by planning the milling path through a 3D digital model, and the burr brushing machine removes fine burrs on the edges.

[0012] In a second aspect, a wheel hub machining method is provided, the method being applied to the wheel hub machining flexible production line described in the first aspect, the method comprising: Enter the wheel template into the blank automatic sorting and scheduling system, and set the wheel data required to be produced by each flexible machining unit; The blank is transported to the blank scheduling and sorting system through the roller conveyor system. After being scanned and identified, it is sorted to the designated flexible machining unit. The flexible machining unit identifies the blank model and calls the corresponding machining program for the blank model to complete the machining. After coding, the semi-finished product is output to the roller conveyor system. The above semi-finished product is transported to the auxiliary machining unit through the roller conveyor system for inspection. Those that fail the inspection are sorted to the waste area by the transport roller. The qualified finished products of the auxiliary machining unit are transported to the next process through the roller conveyor system.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the machining process of the flexible machining unit includes: unit feeding, code scanning, wheel type confirmation, automatic call of the corresponding product machining program by the machining tool, lifting and positioning, blank positioning and identification completion, mechanical hand grasping the blank, feeding on the first-order lathe, automatic positioning and clamping of the first-order fixture, first-order running machining, after machining, the mechanical hand transports in sequence, purging box purging aluminum chips, feeding on the second-order lathe, second-order positioning and clamping, second-order running machining, purging box purging aluminum chips, third-order machining center photographing and identifying the position of the valve hole, third-order machining center feeding, third-order running machining, automatic laser coding, and putting into the semi-finished product transport roller.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the inspection process of the auxiliary machining unit includes: cleaning by the cleaning machine, laser detection of product dimensions, automatic balance and runout detection, automatic valve hole plugging, automatic helium airtightness detection, automatic plug removal and numbering, automatic deburring by milling, automatic deburring by brushing, and automatic transfer to the logistics roller of the painting process.

[0015] The technical solution provided by this application at least brings the following beneficial effects: The technical solution provided by this application, by pre-storing the wheel type template in the blank scheduling and sorting system and automatically sorting the blank to the designated flexible machining unit, combined with the seamless connection of the roller conveyor system, solves the problem of frequent equipment adjustment and fixture replacement when switching wheel types in the traditional production line, significantly reduces the downtime, and improves the equipment utilization rate. The flexible machining unit adopts a multi-process integrated layout, and cooperates with the roller conveyor system to automatically transfer the blank and semi-finished product, realizing the full-process unmanned machining from the blank to the semi-finished product, reducing the labor cost and improving the production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of this application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the process layout of a hub machining production line provided by this application; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the process layout of a flexible machining unit provided by this application.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Blank scheduling and sorting system, 2. Roller conveyor system, 3. Flexible machining unit, 4. Cleaning device, 5. Detection device, 6. Balancing and runout integrated machine, 7. Automatic valve hole plugging machine, 8. Double-station helium leak tester, 9. Plug pulling and marking integrated machine, 10. 3D milling burr machine, 11. Brush burr machine, 12. Logistics roller conveyor for transferring to the painting process below.

[0019] 13. Infeed roller conveyor, 14. Scanning and identification camera, 15. Lifting device, 16. Positioning camera, 17. Manipulator, 18. First-order double turret CNC vertical lathe, 19. Blowing box, 20. Second-order single turret CNC vertical lathe, 21. Buffer table, 22. Identification camera, 23. Third-order machining center, 24. Automatic laser coding machine, 25. Semi-finished product roller conveyor, 26. Unit door, 27. Total control cabinet, 28. Guardrail. Detailed implementation manners

[0020] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the following will further describe this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. (if any) in the specification of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of this application described here can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. The implementation manners described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementation manners consistent with this application. On the contrary, they are only examples of the application consistent with some aspects of this application.

[0022] With the increasing demand of the automotive manufacturing industry for lightweight and high-strength components, aluminum alloy wheels have become the mainstream choice due to their excellent performance. However, traditional hub machining production lines generally rely on manual operation and fixed process flows and are difficult to meet the flexible production requirements of multiple varieties and small batches. In related technologies, the hub machining usually adopts the following mode: The blank is scheduled to the machining unit through manual or semi-automatic equipment, and the operator manually clamps, adjusts the machine tool parameters and completes the machining; the semi-finished product after machining needs to be manually transferred to the detection station, and the dimensional accuracy and balance performance are judged by experience; after passing the detection, subsequent processes such as deburring and airtightness testing are carried out through manual or simple automation equipment.

[0023] In the prior art, there are high levels of manual dependency: from blank sorting, equipment setup to quality inspection, manual intervention is required in each link, resulting in low production efficiency, rising labor costs, and human operation errors directly affecting product consistency. Insufficient flexibility: Traditional production lines are mostly designed for a single wheel type. When switching products, it is necessary to frequently adjust equipment parameters, replace jigs and tools, resulting in long downtime, low equipment utilization, and difficulty in achieving mixed-line production of multiple models. Lagging quality control: Dimension detection and process correction rely on off-line sampling inspection and manual intervention, and data cannot be fed back to the processing equipment in real time, leading to the accumulation of dimension deviations and unstable product qualification rates. Broken automation link: The equipment for each process operates independently, lacking an intelligent logistics and information integration system. The transfer of semi-finished products and process connection rely on manual intervention, making it difficult to optimize the overall production rhythm.

[0024] The present application provides a flexible production line for hub machining, thereby realizing fully automatic mixed-line production of multiple models of hubs and improving production efficiency. Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 which is a schematic diagram of the process layout of a hub machining production line provided by the present application. Combining Figure 2 , Figure 2 which is a schematic diagram of the process layout of a flexible machining unit 3 provided by the present application.

[0025] The flexible production line for hub machining includes: a blank scheduling and sorting system 1, a roller conveyor system 2, a flexible machining unit 3, and an auxiliary machining unit. The blank scheduling and sorting system 1 inputs templates of each wheel type and distributes blanks of different types to the designated flexible machining unit 3 through the roller conveyor system 2; the roller conveyor system 2 is used to transport blanks to the flexible machining unit 3 and transport semi-finished products processed by the flexible machining unit 3 to the auxiliary machining unit; the flexible machining unit 3 is a plurality of units arranged on the side of the roller conveyor system 2. Each flexible machining unit 3 includes a feeding roller conveyor 13, a first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18, a second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20, a third-order machining center 23, and a semi-finished product roller conveyor 25. The feeding roller conveyor 13 is used to feed blanks, and the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20, and the third-order machining center 23 are used to process blanks into semi-finished products, and the semi-finished product roller conveyor 25 is used to output semi-finished products.

[0026] The auxiliary machining unit includes a cleaning device 4, a detection device 5, and a deburring device sequentially installed on the roller conveyor system 2. The cleaning device 4 is used to clean semi-finished products, the detection device 5 is used to detect the performance and compliance with process requirements of semi-finished products, and the deburring device is used to remove burrs from semi-finished products to obtain finished products, and the finished products are sent to the next process through the roller conveyor system 2.

[0027] The blank scheduling and sorting system 1 is the initial scheduling module of the production line, and its core functions are wheel-type data management and intelligent blank sorting. In specific implementation, the blank scheduling and sorting system 1 pre-stores template data of multiple wheel hub models, and performs wheel-type matching on the incoming blanks through barcode scanning recognition technology. After the blanks enter the roller conveyor system 2, the blank scheduling and sorting system 1 distributes the blanks of different wheel types to the corresponding flexible machining units 3 according to the preset sorting rules. The operation logic of this system is data-driven, and it can respond to production plan adjustments in real time to ensure the dynamic scheduling requirements of mixed-line production of multiple types of wheel hubs.

[0028] The roller conveyor system 2 is a fully automatic logistics conveying network that runs through each processing unit and auxiliary unit of the production line to achieve seamless connection of materials. The roller conveyor system 2 includes two functional paths: the blank transportation path: transports the unprocessed blanks from the blank scheduling and sorting system 1 to the designated flexible machining unit 3; the semi-finished product transfer path: transfers the semi-finished products output from the flexible machining unit 3 to the auxiliary processing unit for post-processing. The roller conveyor system 2 adopts a segmented control design, and each section of the roller is linked with the photoelectric sensor and the PLC control system to ensure accurate positioning and continuous conveying of materials, and avoid blockage or idling between processes.

[0029] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the process layout of a flexible machining unit provided by this application. The flexible machining unit 3 is the core machining module of the production line, and adopts a multi-device integrated layout. The specific composition is as follows: The feeding roller 13 receives the blanks from the roller conveyor system 2, and positions the blanks by lifting the blank off the roller through the lifting device 15; the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18 performs rough machining on the wheel hub blanks. The double-turret design can perform external circle and end face machining simultaneously to improve machining efficiency; the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20 undertakes the semi-finished products after the first-order machining and completes the finish turning process to ensure the dimensional accuracy of the wheel hub; the third-order machining center 23 is responsible for drilling and milling the bolt holes, valve holes and decorative holes of the wheel hub, and locates the machining reference through the valve hole recognition camera 22; the semi-finished product roller 25 outputs the machined semi-finished products to the roller conveyor system 2 and enters the auxiliary processing unit. The flexible machining unit 3 centrally controls the processing programs of each device through the control cabinet, and relies on the manipulator 17 to realize automatic handling of the blanks between processes, forming an unmanned machining closed loop.

[0030] The auxiliary processing unit is a post - processing and quality assurance module. Along the roller conveyor system 2, the following functional devices are sequentially arranged: The cleaning device 4 adopts a high - pressure spraying and drying system to remove pollutants such as cutting fluid and aluminum chips remaining on the surface of the semi - finished product, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent detection and processing; The detection device 5 includes three core detection equipment. The laser detection equipment obtains the three - dimensional size data of the semi - finished product through laser scanning and compares it with the pre - stored template in real time. If any out - of - tolerance is found, the deviation value is fed back to the flexible machining unit 3 for automatic tool compensation correction; The balancing and run - out integrated machine 6 detects the dynamic balance and radial run - out of the wheel hub to determine whether it meets the process requirements; The helium leak detector tests the airtightness of the wheel hub to verify whether there are leakage defects; The deburring device: includes multiple 3D milling deburring machines 10 and brush deburring machines 11.

[0031] The 3D milling deburring machine 10 automatically plans the milling path based on the 3D digital model of the wheel hub, precisely removes the burrs in complex areas such as bolt holes and window edges, avoiding blind spots in manual operations; The brush deburring machine 11 uses a rotating brush head to polish the edges of the milled wheel hub, eliminating fine burrs and ensuring surface smoothness.

[0032] The blank is distributed to the flexible machining unit 3 by the scheduling and sorting system, and successively undergoes turning and hole machining through the first - order, second - order, and third - order equipment to form a semi - finished product; The semi - finished product enters the auxiliary processing unit through the roller conveyor system 2 and successively completes cleaning, dimensional inspection, balance and run - out inspection, airtightness test, and deburring; The qualified finished products are automatically conveyed to subsequent processes such as painting through the roller conveyor system 2, and the unqualified products are removed to the waste area by the sorting system.

[0033] Through the blank sorting system and multi - unit collaboration, mixed - line production of multiple models of wheel hubs is realized, reducing equipment setup time; From blank feeding to finished product output, each process is automatically connected through the roller conveyor system 2 and the manipulator 17, reducing manual intervention; The on - line detection device 5 feeds back data to the processing unit in real time, combined with the refined processing of the deburring device, ensuring the dimensional consistency and surface quality of the finished product.

[0034] Optionally, the flexible machining unit 3 further includes a unit door 26, a main control cabinet 27, and a protective fence 28. The unit door 26 is used for users to enter the flexible machining unit 3, the main control cabinet 27 is used to control the operation of the flexible machining unit 3, and the protective fence 28 is used to protect the flexible machining unit 3.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the flexible machining unit 3 further includes a manipulator 17, a control cabinet, and a purging box 19, where: the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20, and the third-order machining center 23 are installed around the feeding roller table 13 and the semi-finished product roller table 25 in the circumferential direction; the manipulator 17 is located at the center of the equipment layout and is used to carry the wheel hub; the purging box 19 and the buffer table 21 are arranged adjacent to the manipulator 17. The buffer table 21 is equipped with an identification camera 22 for identifying the position of the valve hole, and the purging box 19 is used to purge aluminum chips after each machining process; the control cabinet controls the movement of the manipulator 17 and the machining programs of each CNC vertical lathe.

[0036] The first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20, and the third-order machining center 23 are arranged in a ring layout. Taking the feeding roller table 13 and the semi-finished product roller table 25 as the central axis, they are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The above layout form makes the processing equipment and the material transmission channel form a compact ring-shaped machining island structure. The six-axis industrial manipulator 17 located at the center of the ring layout is used as the core execution mechanism, and its end effector realizes the full-automatic handling of the wheel hub blank between the feeding roller table 13, the main shafts of each processing equipment, and the semi-finished product roller table 25 through vacuum adsorption or jaw clamping.

[0037] The CNC control cabinet independently set outside the ring layout integrates a programmable logic controller and a numerical control system, and realizes real-time communication with the servo driver of the manipulator 17 and the numerical control systems of each CNC vertical lathe through the field bus. The integrated control system of the machining unit configured in the control cabinet has a dual control function: firstly, through the preset machining process flow, it sends an instruction sequence including target coordinates, grasping postures, and movement speeds to the manipulator 17; secondly, according to the current machining wheel type parameters, it automatically calls the machining program codes of the corresponding CNC vertical lathes, and real-time monitors key parameters such as the load of each equipment main shaft and the tool wear state. When detecting equipment failures or machining deviations, the control system can immediately trigger the safety interlock mechanism, suspend the operation of relevant equipment, and push the fault code to the central monitoring system.

[0038] An auxiliary workstation composed of a double-station purging box 19 and a buffer table 21 is arranged adjacent to the operation area of the manipulator 17. The surface of the buffer table 21 is integrated with an identification camera 22, which can accurately identify the circumferential angle position and radial eccentricity of the valve hole of the wheel hub. After the identification data is processed by the industrial control computer, the grasping posture is corrected through the coordinate compensation algorithm of the manipulator 17 to ensure the valve hole positioning accuracy of the subsequent machining process.

[0039] When the feed roller 13 detects the signal that the blank is in place, the lifting and positioning device lifts the blank to the gripping height of the manipulator 17. At this time, the cache table 21 recognizes the camera 22 and synchronously completes the valve hole positioning. The control cabinet plans the gripping path of the manipulator 17 according to the recognition result, and sends the blank to the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18 for end face and center hole processing, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20 to complete the spoke rough processing, and the third-order machining center 23 for fine processing and drilling operations. After each process is completed, the manipulator 17 transfers the wheel hub to the purge box 19 for cleaning, and then places it on the semi-finished product roller 25 for output. The entire processing process displays the status of each device, processing progress and quality data in real time through the electronic billboard, forming a closed-loop controlled intelligent manufacturing unit.

[0040] In a possible implementation, a lifting device 15 is installed on the feed roller 13 for lifting the blank to separate it from the feed roller 13 and for rotating the blank to a certain position. A positioning camera 16 is provided on the side of the lifting device 15 for positioning and identifying the blank after lifting.

[0041] The lifting device 15 installed on the feed roller 13 adopts a vertical lifting structure, and realizes the blank lifting function through pneumatic or electric drive. When the blank is transported to the predetermined workstation along the feed roller 13, the lifting device 15 starts and lifts the blank vertically, so that the bottom surface of the blank is completely out of contact with the roller conveying surface, forming a safety gap to avoid interference with the blank positioning caused by the roller operation during processing. The lifting device 15 is also integrated with a rotary positioning mechanism. After the blank is lifted to a predetermined height, the rotary positioning mechanism drives the blank to perform circumferential rotation adjustment to ensure that the valve hole precast hole or other feature mark of the blank is aligned with the preset processing reference direction.

[0042] A positioning camera 16 is fixedly installed on the side of the lifting device 15. When the blank is lifted to the detection height, the positioning camera 16 triggers the image acquisition function to shoot the outer edge contour and feature identification of the blank. The built-in image processing module of the positioning camera 16 analyzes and calculates the collected image through edge detection and pattern recognition algorithms to determine the deviation value between the current circumferential angle position of the blank and the theoretical processing benchmark. This deviation value is used as an input parameter of the control system of the flexible machining unit 3 to compensate for the gripping posture of the manipulator 17 and the CNC vertical lathe machining origin setting to ensure the benchmark uniformity of each processing process.

[0043] In a possible implementation, a code scanning and recognition camera 14 and a processing unit integrated control system in a unit industrial computer are installed below the feed roller 13 , and an automatic laser code engraving machine 24 is provided next to the semi-finished product roller 25 .

[0044] A code scanning and recognition camera 14 is fixedly installed below the incoming material roller table 13. The camera is arranged with an inclined viewing angle to ensure that the barcodes or QR code labels preset on the side wall or bottom surface of the blank can be completely scanned during the blank conveying process. The code scanning and recognition camera 14 communicates with the processing unit integrated control system in the unit industrial control computer. When the blank triggers the in-place sensor at the preset position of the roller table, the code scanning and recognition camera 14 automatically starts the image acquisition function, analyzes the encoded labels within the field of view, and obtains key information such as the wheel type number, processing batch, and process route of the blank.

[0045] The processing unit integrated control system is deployed in the unit industrial control computer. Its core functions include receiving the encoded data transmitted by the code scanning and recognition camera 14, verifying the data integrity through the built-in verification algorithm, and filtering invalid or duplicate codes; calling the pre-stored processing process template according to the blank wheel type number, and allocating the corresponding processing program codes to the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe 18, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe 20, and the third-order machining center 23 of the flexible machining unit 3; real-time collecting the operating status, tool life, and alarm information of each CNC device, and dynamically adjusting the processing rhythm; generating an electronic traceability record including the blank code, processing equipment, operation time, and quality inspection results.

[0046] An automatic laser coding machine 24 is configured at the output end of the semi-finished product roller table 25. The device uses a fiber laser as the light source and is equipped with a high-precision galvanometer scanning system. When the semi-finished product roller table 25 detects the in-place signal of the processed hub, the automatic laser coding machine 24 engraves a permanent label including the production serial number, production date, and factory code on the non-machined surface of the hub flange or the inner side of the rim through the preset coding program. After the coding is completed, the roller table transportation system 2 transports the semi-finished product with a unique identifier to the auxiliary processing unit for subsequent processing.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the detection device 5 includes: a laser detection device for comparing the size detection data of the semi-finished product with the input template and transmitting the deviation value to the corresponding device of the flexible machining unit 3; a balance and runout integrated machine 6 for detecting the balance performance of the semi-finished product; a helium leak tester for detecting the airtightness of the semi-finished product; the laser detection device, the balance and runout integrated machine 6, and the helium leak tester are all installed on the roller table transportation system 2.

[0048] The laser detection device uses a non-contact laser scanning sensor and is installed above the roller table transportation system 2. When the semi-finished product is transported to the detection station, the laser sensor emits line structured light to perform three-dimensional scanning on the outer edge contour of the hub. The detection data is transmitted to the processing unit integrated control system in the unit industrial control computer, and the system automatically compares the measured size data with the pre-entered wheel type template parameters to generate a detection report including the radial runout, end face flatness, and hole position deviation values.

[0049] The balance and beating integrated machine 6 is bridged across both sides of the roller conveyor system 2 through a rigid support, and consists of an electric drive spindle, a belt drive mechanism, and a vibration detection sensor. When the semi-finished product enters the detection station, the spindle lifting cylinder lifts the hub to the detection height. During the helium testing machine detection, the system automatically marks unqualified products and triggers an audible and visual alarm. After the detection is completed, the nitrogen purging device purifies the inside of the hub to avoid the influence of residual helium on subsequent processes.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the helium testing machine is a two-station helium testing machine 8, and the two-station helium testing machine 8 is installed between two transport rollers.

[0051] The main frame of the two-station helium testing machine 8 is bridged across two parallel transport rollers. The two transport rollers are respectively located on the inlet side and the outlet side of the helium testing machine. The two-station helium testing machine 8 includes two independent detection stations, and each detection station is equipped with a dedicated sealing fixture, a helium filling system, and a leak detection sensor.

[0052] The semi-finished product after the previous process is conveyed by the roller conveyor system 2 to the inlet-side transport roller of the two-station helium testing machine 8; the two-station helium testing machine 8 alternately distributes the semi-finished product to the two detection stations through a roller sorting mechanism; the two detection stations simultaneously perform airtightness detection on the semi-finished products in their respective stations, specifically including valve hole sealing, helium filling, and leakage monitoring; after the detection is completed, the qualified semi-finished products are conveyed to the subsequent plug-removing and number-engraving integrated machine 9 through the outlet-side transport roller, and the unqualified products are transferred to the waste channel through a sorting mechanism.

[0053] The two-station helium testing machine 8 is straddled across two transport rollers, reducing the floor area of the equipment and at the same time realizing the direct connection between the detection station and the logistics path; the two-station parallel detection mode doubles the detection volume per unit time, avoids the logistics waiting caused by single-station detection, and ensures the coherence of the production beat; Each detection station independently determines the result and controls the sorting action, avoiding the cross-interference between qualified products and unqualified products.

[0054] In a possible implementation, there is a valve hole automatic plugging machine 7 in front of the helium testing machine, and a plug-removing and number-engraving integrated machine 9 behind the helium testing machine; the valve hole automatic plugging machine 7 is used to plug the valve hole of the semi-finished product; the plug-removing and number-engraving integrated machine 9 is used to remove the plug and engrave the number of the semi-finished product.

[0055] In the auxiliary processing unit of the flexible production line for hub machining, an automatic valve hole plugging machine 7 and a plug removing and marking integrated machine 9 are respectively arranged at the front and rear stations of the helium gas testing machine. The automatic valve hole plugging machine 7 is installed on the inlet side of the helium gas testing machine and is directly connected to the helium gas testing machine through the roller conveyor system 2. The automatic valve hole plugging machine 7 receives semi-finished products from the previous inspection station and performs automatic plugging operations on the valve holes of the semi-finished products. The plugging action is completed by a pneumatic or electric actuator to ensure that the valve holes are completely sealed before the helium gas testing machine conducts the test.

[0056] The helium gas testing machine is located downstream of the automatic valve hole plugging machine 7 and is used to detect the airtightness of the semi-finished products after plugging. The plug removing and marking integrated machine 9 is installed on the outlet side of the helium gas testing machine and is directly connected to the helium gas testing machine through the roller conveyor system 2. The plug removing and marking integrated machine 9 performs plug removing operations on the semi-finished products that have completed the airtightness test and simultaneously imprints a unique identification number on the hub surface. The plug removing action is achieved by mechanical jaws, and the marking function is completed by a laser or mechanical marking device.

[0057] The semi-finished products are transported to the automatic valve hole plugging machine 7 through the roller conveyor system 2 to complete the valve hole plugging; the semi-finished products after plugging enter the helium gas testing machine for airtightness testing; the semi-finished products that have completed the testing are transported to the plug removing and marking integrated machine 9 by the roller conveyor system 2 to perform plug removing and marking operations in sequence; the final products are output to the subsequent processes through the roller conveyor system 2.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the deburring device includes a plurality of 3D milling deburring machines 10 and brush deburring machines 11 installed on the transport roller path. The 3D milling deburring machines 10 eliminate blind area burrs by planning the milling path through 3D digital models, and the brush deburring machines 11 remove fine burrs on the edges.

[0059] In the auxiliary processing unit of the flexible production line for hub machining, the deburring device consists of a plurality of 3D milling deburring machines 10 and brush deburring machines 11. The 3D milling deburring machines 10 are fixedly installed on the transport roller path and are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the roller path. The 3D milling deburring machines 10 automatically plan the milling path based on the pre-stored 3D digital model of the hub and mill and remove the residual burrs in the machining blind areas such as bolt holes and window edges. During the milling process, the cutters of the 3D milling deburring machines 10 precisely cut the burr area along the planned path to ensure that the blind area burrs are completely removed.

[0060] The brush deburring machines 11 are fixedly installed on the transport roller path and are located downstream of the 3D milling deburring machines 10. The brush deburring machines 11 polish the fine burrs in areas such as the edges and orifice openings of the hub through a rotating brush head, eliminate acute angle burrs, and ensure that the surface smoothness of the hub meets the process requirements.

[0061] The semi-finished products that pass the inspection are successively conveyed by the transport roller table to the 3D milling deburring machine 10 to remove the blind area burrs; the semi-finished products continue to be conveyed by the transport roller table to the brush deburring machine 11 for polishing the fine burrs on the edges; the finished products after deburring are output by the transport roller table to the subsequent processes. The machined hubs are conveyed to the logistics roller table 12 of the next transfer painting process.

[0062] In summary, the technical solution provided by this application, through the coordination of the blank scheduling and sorting system and the roller table transport system, realizes the automatic distribution of blanks of different wheel types to the designated processing units, reduces the frequency of manual machine adjustment and fixture replacement, and improves the flexibility level of the production line. The flexible machining unit integrates multi-process equipment, and cooperates with the roller table transport system to automatically transfer blanks and semi-finished products, forming a non-stop machining process without human intervention, and reducing labor costs. Online detection and process self-correction: The laser detection equipment in the detection device compares the size of the semi-finished product with the template data in real time, and feeds back the deviation to the processing unit to ensure the consistency of machining accuracy; the balance and runout integrated machine and the helium testing machine automatically verify the product performance, reducing the dependence on manual sampling inspection. Closed-loop deburring and quality assurance: The deburring device eliminates the blind area burrs through the path planning of the 3D milling deburring machine, and combines the fine processing of the edges by the brush deburring machine to form an automated post-processing closed loop, improving the qualified rate of the finished products.

[0063] This application also provides a hub machining method. This method is applied to the hub machining flexible production line shown in the above embodiments, and this method includes: Enter the wheel type template in the blank automatic sorting and scheduling system, and set the wheel type data required for each flexible machining unit to produce.

[0064] The blanks are conveyed by the roller table transport system to the blank scheduling and sorting system, and after being scanned and identified, they are distributed to the designated flexible machining units.

[0065] The flexible machining unit identifies the blank model and calls the machining program corresponding to the blank model to complete the machining. After coding, the semi-finished products are output to the roller table transport system. Among them, the photoelectricity of the unit feeding roller table receives the signal of the incoming blank to trigger the automated total control system of the machining unit. The blanks are fed in sequence. The flexible machining unit automatically identifies and confirms the blank model when feeding. The integrated control system of the flexible machining unit automatically calls the machining programs corresponding to the blanks of each device according to the automatically identified and confirmed blank information, and the manipulator transports the blanks to each machining device in sequence according to the set machining process. After the cutting machining of each device in the automatic machining unit is completed, the manipulator grabs the machined semi-finished products from the machining center to the laser coding machine to engrave the two-dimensional code, records the product information and then puts them into the semi-finished product roller table.

[0066] The above semi-finished products are transported to the auxiliary processing unit for inspection through the roller table transport system, and those that do not pass the inspection are sorted to the waste area by the transport roller table.

[0067] The qualified finished products detected by the auxiliary processing unit are transported to the next process through the roller conveyor system.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the processing flow of the flexible machining unit includes: unit feeding code scanning wheel type confirmation, the processing machine automatically calling the corresponding product processing program, lifting and positioning to lift, blank positioning and identification completed, the manipulator grasping the blank, feeding on the first-order lathe, the first-order fixture automatically positioning and clamping, the first-order running for processing, after processing, the manipulator transports in sequence, the purging box purging aluminum chips, feeding on the second-order lathe, the second-order positioning and clamping, the second-order running for processing, the purging box purging aluminum chips, the third-order machining center taking pictures to identify the position of the valve hole, feeding on the third-order machining center, the third-order running for processing, automatic laser coding, and putting into the semi-finished product transport roller path.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the detection flow of the auxiliary processing unit includes: cleaning by the cleaning machine, laser detection of product dimensions, automatic balance runout detection, automatic valve hole plugging, automatic helium airtightness detection, automatic plug removal and numbering, automatic deburring by milling, automatic deburring by brushing, and automatically transferring to the logistics roller path of the painting process.

[0070] Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 1 and Figure 2 the structures shown in do not constitute a limitation to the structure of the present application, and may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figures, or combine some components, or adopt different component arrangements.

[0071] It should be understood that "a plurality of" mentioned herein refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0072] The above are only exemplary embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principle of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A flexible production line for machining wheel hubs, characterized in that, The production line includes a blank scheduling and sorting system, a roller conveyor system, a flexible machining unit and an auxiliary machining unit; The blank scheduling and sorting system inputs each wheel type template and distributes different types of blanks to the designated flexible machining unit through the roller conveyor system; The roller conveyor system is used to transport the blank to the flexible machining unit, and to transport the semi-finished product processed by the flexible machining unit to the auxiliary machining unit; The flexible machining units are multiple units arranged on the side of the roller conveyor system, each of which includes a feed roller, a first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe, a second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe, a third-order machining center equipment and a semi-finished product roller. The feed roller is used to feed the blank, the first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe and the third-order machining center equipment are used to process the blank into a semi-finished product, and the semi-finished product roller is used to output the semi-finished product; The auxiliary processing unit includes a cleaning device, a detection device and a burr removal device which are installed in sequence on the roller conveyor system. The cleaning device is used to clean the semi-finished product. The detection device is used to detect the performance of the semi-finished product and the degree of compliance with process requirements. The burr removal device is used to remove burrs from the semi-finished product to obtain a finished product. The finished product is sent to the next process via the roller conveyor system.

2. The flexible production line for hub machining according to claim 1, wherein The flexible machining unit also includes a manipulator, a control cabinet and a purge box, wherein: The first-order double-turret CNC vertical lathe, the second-order single-turret CNC vertical lathe and the third-order machining center equipment are installed around the circumferential direction of the feed roller and the semi-finished product roller; The manipulator is located at the center of the equipment layout and is used to carry the wheel hub; The purge box and the buffer table are arranged adjacent to the manipulator, the buffer table is equipped with a recognition camera for identifying the position of the valve hole, and the purge box is used to purge aluminum chips after each processing sequence; The control cabinet controls the movements of the manipulator and the processing procedures of each CNC vertical lathe.

3. The flexible production line for hub machining according to claim 2, wherein, A lifting device is installed on the feed roller, which is used to lift the blank to separate it from the feed roller and to rotate and position the blank. A positioning camera is provided on the side of the lifting device for positioning and identifying the blank after it is lifted.

4. The flexible production line for machining the wheel hub according to claim 2, characterized in that, A code scanning and recognition camera and a processing unit integrated control system in a unit industrial computer are installed below the feeding roller, and an automatic laser coding machine is arranged next to the semi-finished product roller.

5. The flexible production line for hub machining according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device comprises: Laser detection equipment, used to compare the dimensional detection data of semi-finished products with the input template and transmit the deviation value to the corresponding equipment of the flexible machining unit; The balancing and beating machine is used to detect the balancing performance of semi-finished products; Helium test machine, used to detect the air tightness of semi-finished products; The laser detection equipment, the balancing and beating integrated machine and the helium testing machine are all installed on the roller conveyor system.

6. The flexible production line for hub machining according to claim 5, characterized in that, The helium testing machine is a double-station helium testing machine, and the double-station helium testing machine is installed between two transport rollers.

7. The flexible production line for machining a wheel hub according to claim 5, wherein, The helium test machine is provided with an automatic valve hole plugging machine in front of it, and a plug pulling and marking machine is provided at the back of it; The automatic valve hole plugging machine is used to plug the semi-finished valve holes; The integrated machine for removing the stopper and marking is used for removing the stopper and marking the stopper on the semi-finished product.

8. The flexible production line for machining the wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The deburring device includes a plurality of 3D milling deburring machines and brush deburring machines installed on the conveying roller path. The 3D milling deburring machines eliminate blind area burrs by planning the milling path through 3D digital models, and the brush deburring machines remove fine burrs on the edges.

9. A wheel machining method, which uses the flexible production line for wheel machining described in any one of claims 1-8, is characterized in that, The method includes: Input the wheel type template into the blank automatic sorting and scheduling system and set the wheel type data required for each flexible machining unit to produce; The blanks are transported to the blank scheduling and sorting system through the roller path system. After being scanned and identified, they are sorted to the designated flexible machining unit; The flexible machining unit identifies the blank model and calls the corresponding processing program for the blank model to complete the processing. After coding, the semi-finished products are output to the roller path system; The semi-finished products are transported to the auxiliary processing unit through the roller path system for inspection. Those that fail the inspection are sorted to the waste area by the conveying roller path; The qualified finished products of the auxiliary processing unit are transported to the next process through the roller path system.

10. The process according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processing flow of the flexible machining unit includes: Unit feeding, scanning and wheel type confirmation, automatic calling of the corresponding product processing program by the processing machine tool, jacking up for positioning, completion of blank positioning and identification, mechanical hand grasping the blank, feeding on the first-order lathe, automatic positioning and clamping of the first-order fixture, first-order running and processing, after processing, the mechanical hand transports in sequence, purging box purging aluminum chips, feeding on the second-order lathe, second-order positioning and clamping, second-order running and processing, purging box purging aluminum chips, the third-order machining center taking pictures to identify the position of the valve hole, feeding on the third-order machining center, third-order running and processing, automatic laser coding, putting into the semi-finished product conveying roller path.

11. The process according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inspection flow of the auxiliary processing unit includes: Cleaning by the cleaning machine, laser detection of product dimensions, automatic balance and runout detection, automatic valve hole plugging, automatic helium airtightness detection, automatic plug removal and numbering, automatic milling of burrs, automatic brushing of burrs, automatically transferring to the logistics roller path of the painting process.

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