Integrated niobium rod automatic detection and sorting treatment device and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of metal material nondestructive testing, and relates to an integrated niobium rod automatic detection and sorting treatment device and a use method thereof.The device comprises a feeding system and a conveying system connected with the feeding system, and the feeding system is used for conveying niobium rods of different specifications to the conveying system; the conveying system is provided with a length detection system, a diameter detection system, a surface defect detection system, an identification system and a sorting system in the conveying direction. The system further comprises a control system, and all the systems of the control system are connected and used for cooperative control so as to detect the length, the diameter and the surface defects of the niobium rods and carry out corresponding identification and sorting operation. Feeding, detection, data recording and analysis and sorting of qualified products and unqualified products of the niobium rods are completed through an automatic process, the detection efficiency is improved, the detection precision is improved, the labor intensity is reduced, a perfect quality tracing system is established, and the strict requirements of large-scale production and high-end manufacturing for the quality of the niobium rods are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of non-destructive testing technology for metallic materials, specifically relating to an integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium rods and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Niobium rods, as a key metallic material with high melting point and corrosion resistance, are indispensable in the manufacturing of high-end equipment such as aerospace engine combustion chambers, nuclear reactor pressure vessels, and special chemical autoclaves. Their dimensional accuracy and surface quality directly affect the safety performance and service life of the end products. However, the current quality inspection of niobium rods faces multiple technical barriers, making it difficult to meet the quality and efficiency requirements of high-end manufacturing.

[0003] Traditional manual inspection methods have the following three major drawbacks: 1) Low inspection efficiency and poor stability: Manual inspection using calipers and micrometers for dimensional measurement and visual inspection of surface defects results in a speed of less than 80 pieces / hour, far below the requirements of large-scale production. More importantly, manual inspection is susceptible to fluctuations in physical strength and attention, making it prone to missed defects, especially micro-cracks and pits smaller than 0.1mm, which are easily overlooked and cannot meet the stringent quality standards of nuclear-grade niobium rods.

[0004] 2) High labor intensity and harsh working environment: A single niobium rod typically weighs 5 to 20 kg. Manual inspection requires frequent handling and flipping of the rods, resulting in high labor intensity. Surface inspection must be carried out under strong light, which can easily lead to visual fatigue and even occupational eye diseases if done for a long time.

[0005] 3) Lack of a quality traceability system: When manually marking non-conforming products, simple tools such as chalk and paint pens are often used. The marking information is blurry and easily falls off, making it impossible to associate it with key data such as material number and inspection time. The inspection results are only archived on paper, making it difficult to achieve real-time data statistics, trend analysis, and quality traceability. When quality problems occur in the end product, it is impossible to quickly locate the root cause of defects in the niobium rod production process.

[0006] In addition, existing automated inspection equipment has limitations: mainstream eddy current flaw detectors have a blind spot of 50-100mm at the head and tail, and the effective inspection coverage of finished niobium bars with a length of only 300-800mm is less than 70%; moreover, they can only identify surface and near-surface defects and cannot simultaneously complete dimensional accuracy inspection, requiring additional diameter measuring equipment, resulting in fragmented inspection process and low equipment integration.

[0007] These problems directly lead to enterprises having to adopt a redundant "sampling inspection + full inspection and verification" model, which increases testing costs and extends the production cycle due to the cumbersome process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated automatic testing and sorting solution.

[0008] In view of this, this invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars and its usage method. It is mainly used to solve the problems of low efficiency, poor stability, high labor intensity, and difficulty in quality traceability of traditional manual detection, as well as the large blind spots and low integration of existing automated equipment.

[0010] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars, including a feeding system and a conveying system connected thereto. The feeding system is used to feed niobium bars of different specifications to the conveying system. The conveying system is provided with a length detection system, a diameter detection system, a surface defect detection system, an marking system and a sorting system along the conveying direction. It also includes a control system, which is connected to the feeding system, length detection system, diameter detection system, surface defect detection system, marking system, sorting system and conveying system respectively, for coordinated control to detect the length, diameter and surface defects of niobium rods and to perform corresponding marking and sorting operations.

[0011] Furthermore, the length detection system includes a distance sensor with a spacing setting and a centering and pressing mechanism controlled by a cylinder. The distance sensor is located at one end of the feed inlet of the conveying system, and the centering and pressing mechanism is installed above the conveying system.

[0012] Furthermore, a photoelectric sensor is provided at the bottom of the centering and pressing mechanism. The photoelectric sensor, distance sensor and cylinder are all connected to the control system. The length of the niobium rod is L=L1-L2. Where L1 is the fixed distance from the distance sensor to the centering and pressing mechanism; L2 is the distance measured by the distance sensor when the niobium rod is pressed down by the centering and pressing mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the diameter detection system includes a front clamping mechanism, a rear clamping mechanism, an air knife, and a diameter measurement adjustment mechanism, wherein the air knife and the diameter measurement adjustment mechanism are located between the front clamping mechanism and the rear clamping mechanism; The front clamping mechanism and the rear clamping mechanism work together to ensure the stability of the niobium rod diameter detection process; the air knife is used to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the niobium rod. The diameter adjustment mechanism consists of a triaxial diameter gauge and an XZ dual-axis linear module. The XZ dual-axis linear module can adjust the up and down and left and right sides of the triaxial diameter gauge to align niobium rods of different specifications with the center of the triaxial diameter gauge.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface defect detection system includes a first line scan camera, a second line scan camera, a third line scan camera, a fourth line scan camera, a darkroom, and a bar lifting and rotating mechanism; The first, second, third, and fourth line scan cameras are arranged sequentially at intervals along the conveying direction in the dark chamber and are connected to the control system. Each camera is equipped with a strip light source, which is arranged on both sides of the niobium rod to illuminate it at a 45° angle downwards. The rod lifting and rotating mechanism is used to lift the niobium rod away from the conveying system and drive the niobium rod to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, the first line scan camera, the second line scan camera, the third line scan camera, and the fourth line scan camera are all 2.5D scan cameras.

[0016] Furthermore, the bar stock lifting and rotating mechanism includes a first servo motor reducer, a screw jack, a base, a bearing seat, a rotating shaft, a second servo motor reducer, a gear meshing transmission assembly, a rotating wheel, a support member, and a fixed wheel; The spiral jack is located at the bottom of the base and is driven by a first servo motor reducer to achieve the lifting action of the base. A bearing seat is fixedly installed at one end of the base, and a rotating shaft is movably connected to the bearing seat. The rotating shaft is driven to rotate by a second servo motor reducer. The driving gear of the gear meshing transmission assembly is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and its driven gear meshes with the driving gear. A rotating wheel is coaxially installed on the driven gear. At the same time, a support member is fixedly installed on the base, and a fixed wheel is fixedly installed on the upper part of the support member, which is arranged opposite to the rotating wheel.

[0017] Furthermore, the marking system is located in a dark room and consists of a coding machine motion module and a coding machine mounted on the coding machine motion module; The inkjet printer motion module is driven by a servo motor and achieves precise movement of the inkjet printer through a gear and rack system. The inkjet printer marks the niobium rods according to the information fed back by the control system.

[0018] Furthermore, the sorting system includes a qualified product placement area, a repairable product placement area, a non-qualified product placement area, and a material transfer mechanism. Based on the detection results of the niobium bars, the sorting system places niobium bars with different markings into the corresponding placement areas through the material transfer mechanism.

[0019] Furthermore, the conveying system includes a V-shaped roller conveyor and a variable frequency motor. The V-shaped roller conveyor is fixed to the frame by a bearing seat, and a driven sprocket is installed at the end of its roller shaft. The output shaft of the variable frequency motor is connected to the driving sprocket through a coupling. The driving sprocket and the driven sprocket of each V-shaped roller conveyor are connected by a closed chain to form a transmission connection. Speed ​​regulation is achieved by adjusting the output frequency of the variable frequency motor.

[0020] Furthermore, corresponding material inspection sensors can be installed in the diameter detection system, surface defect detection system, marking system, and sorting system, and these material inspection sensors are connected to the control system.

[0021] Furthermore, the control system consists of an MES system / quality platform, a host computer, a PLC, and an HMI. The MES system / quality platform communicates with the host computer via the enterprise LAN to achieve data exchange such as material information, inspection reports, and defect images. The host computer, PLC, and HMI communicate with each other via Ethernet.

[0022] It should be noted that all parts of the device that come into contact with the niobium rod are covered with polyurethane material to ensure the surface quality of the niobium rod itself.

[0023] Secondly, based on the above-described apparatus, the present invention also provides a method for detecting and sorting niobium rods, comprising the following steps: Step 1, feeding: Place the niobium rod to be tested into the feeding system. The feeding system, under the control of the control system, conveys the niobium rods one by one to the conveying system. Step 2, Length Detection: After the niobium rod enters the length measurement station, the centering and pressing mechanism of the length detection system is pressed down for positioning. The distance sensor measures the length of the niobium rod and uploads the length data to the control system. After the length measurement is completed, the centering and pressing mechanism is lifted. Step 3, Diameter Inspection: After the niobium rod enters the diameter measurement station, the front clamping mechanism and the rear clamping mechanism of the diameter inspection system clamp the niobium rod and use an air knife to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the niobium rod. The niobium rod is then inspected for diameter and out-of-roundness by the diameter adjustment mechanism, and the measurement data is uploaded to the control system. Step 4, Surface Defect Detection: After the niobium rod enters the surface defect detection station, the rod lifting and rotating mechanism of the surface defect detection system first lifts the niobium rod away from the conveying system, and then drives the niobium rod to rotate. At the same time, each scanning camera collects surface images of the niobium rod in the dark room, and the control system synchronously performs surface defect identification. Step 5, Marking: The marking system marks the niobium rods with inkjet printing based on the defect codes and locations fed back by the control system; Step 6, Sorting: After marking is completed, the sorting system will send the niobium rods to the corresponding placement areas according to the test results.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The integrated automatic niobium rod detection and sorting device provided by this invention mainly consists of a feeding system, a length detection system, a diameter detection system, a surface defect detection system, an marking system, a sorting system, a conveying system, and a control system. This device integrates automatic conveying, multi-dimensional dimensional detection, high-precision surface defect identification, and intelligent sorting functions. During use, it automates the feeding, detection, data recording and analysis of niobium rods, as well as the sorting of qualified and unqualified products. This improves detection efficiency, increases detection accuracy, reduces labor intensity, and establishes a comprehensive quality traceability system, meeting the stringent quality requirements of niobium rods in large-scale production and high-end manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the integrated niobium rod automatic detection and sorting device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front clamping mechanism in the diameter detection system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bar lifting and rotating mechanism in the surface defect detection system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control system connection of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the niobium rod detection and sorting method of the present invention.

[0028] in: 1 is the feeding system; 2 is the length detection system; 3 is the diameter detection system; 4 is the surface defect detection system; 5 is the marking system; 6 is the sorting system; 7 is the conveying system; 8 is the control system; 21 is the distance sensor; 22 is the centering and pressing mechanism; 31 is the front clamping mechanism; 32 is the rear clamping mechanism; 33 is the air knife; 34 is the diameter adjustment mechanism; 41 is the first line scanning camera; 42 is the second line scanning camera; 43 is the third line scanning camera; 44 is the fourth line scanning camera; 45 is the darkroom; 46 is the bar stock lifting and rotating mechanism; 51 is the inkjet printer motion module; 52 61 is the inkjet printer; 62 is the qualified product placement area; 63 is the repairable product placement area; 84 is the non-conforming product placement area; 85 is the MES system / quality platform; 866 is the host computer; 87 is the PLC; 88 is the HMI; 311 is the L-shaped plate; 312 is the cylinder; 313 is the roller; 460 is the first servo motor reducer; 461 is the screw jack; 462 is the base; 463 is the bearing housing; 464 is the rotating shaft; 465 is the second servo motor reducer; 466 is the gear meshing transmission assembly; 467 is the rotating wheel; 468 is the support component; 469 is the fixed wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example

[0031] Please see Figures 1-5 The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars provided in this embodiment of the invention mainly consists of a feeding system 1, a length detection system 2, a diameter detection system 3, a surface defect detection system 4, an marking system 5, a sorting system 6, a conveying system 7, and a control system 8. The feeding system 1 is a stepped feeder used to convey niobium bars of different specifications (different lengths and diameters) to the conveying system 7. The length detection system 2, diameter detection system 3, surface defect detection system 4, marking system 5, and sorting system 6 are arranged sequentially around the conveying system 7 along the conveying direction. The control system 8 is connected to the feeding system 1, length detection system 2, diameter detection system 3, surface defect detection system 4, marking system 5, sorting system 6, and conveying system 7 respectively, and is used for coordinated control to detect the length, diameter, and surface defects of the niobium bars, and to perform corresponding marking and sorting operations.

[0032] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the conveying system 7 includes a V-shaped roller conveyor and a variable frequency motor. The V-shaped roller conveyor is fixed to the frame by a bearing seat, and a driven sprocket is installed at the end of its roller shaft. The output shaft of the variable frequency motor is connected to the driving sprocket through a coupling. The driving sprocket and the driven sprockets of each V-shaped roller conveyor are connected by a closed chain to form a transmission connection. By adjusting the output frequency of the variable frequency motor, speed regulation is achieved, allowing it to move from left to right (according to the direction in the attached drawing) at a variable speed of 0 to 15 m / min as needed. Through the above connection structure, the conveying system 7 can achieve stable conveying of niobium bars and automatically adjust the operating speed in conjunction with each detection system to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the detection process.

[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, the length detection system 2 includes distance sensors 21 spaced apart and a centering and pressing mechanism 22. The distance sensors 21 are located at one end of the feed inlet of the conveying system 7, and the centering and pressing mechanism 22 is installed above the conveying system 7. The centering and pressing mechanism 22 is controlled by a cylinder to press down or lift. To accurately identify the niobium rod entering the length detection station, a photoelectric sensor is installed at the bottom of the centering and pressing mechanism 22 in this embodiment. The photoelectric sensor, the distance sensors 21, and the cylinder are all connected to the control system 8. The length detection principle is as follows: the distance from the distance sensor 21 to the centering and pressing mechanism 22 is a fixed value L1 (this distance is required to be greater than the length of the niobium rod being inspected). When the niobium rod is positioned by the centering and pressing mechanism 22, the distance measured by the distance sensor is L2, and the length of the niobium rod L = L1 - L2. The distance sensor needs to be inspected periodically, and the length detection accuracy is ≤1mm.

[0034] The diameter detection system 3 includes a front clamping mechanism 31, a rear clamping mechanism 32, an air knife 33, and a diameter adjustment mechanism 34. The air knife 33 and the diameter adjustment mechanism 34 are located between the front clamping mechanism 31 and the rear clamping mechanism 32, with a detection accuracy ≤0.005mm. The front clamping mechanism 31 and the rear clamping mechanism 32 are spaced apart and have identical structures. Taking the front clamping mechanism 31 as an example... Figure 2As shown, it includes an inverted L-shaped plate 311, the vertical section of which is fixedly mounted on one side of the frame of the conveying system 7. A cylinder 312 is installed on the horizontal section of the inverted L-shaped plate 311. The piston end of the cylinder 312 is connected to a roller 313, which is located directly above the V-shaped roller conveyor of the conveying system 7. The cylinder 312 controls the upward and downward movement of the roller 313. When the diameter of the niobium rod is detected, the cylinder 312 controls the roller to move downward and contact the surface of the niobium rod to prevent the niobium rod from shaking on the conveying system 7 and to ensure the stability of the diameter detection process. An air knife 33 is used to remove impurities from the surface of the niobium rod. Dust removal; it should be noted that the diameter adjustment mechanism 34 consists of a triaxial diameter gauge and an XZ dual-axis linear module. The XZ dual-axis linear module consists of a base platform for fixing the module, a guide rail + slider + lead screw for controlling the X-axis (left and right) and Z-axis (up and down) directions, and an adjustment handwheel (the position is adjusted by rotating the lead screw through the handwheel). This is existing technology and will not be described in detail. The XZ dual-axis linear module can adjust the up and down and left and right of the triaxial diameter gauge to align niobium rods of different specifications with the center of the triaxial diameter gauge (the center of the niobium rod is defined according to the offset of the diameter gauge; the closer the offset is to 0%, the closer it is to the center).

[0035] The surface defect detection system 4 includes a first line scanning camera 41, a second line scanning camera 42, a third line scanning camera 43, a fourth line scanning camera 44, a darkroom 45, and a bar lifting and rotating mechanism 46. The first line scanning camera 41, the second line scanning camera 42, the third line scanning camera 43, and the fourth line scanning camera 44 are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction (from left to right) within the darkroom 45. The darkroom 45 avoids interference from changes in external light. Each scanning camera is connected to the control system 8. The number of scanning cameras depends on the scanning range, the maximum length of the bar, and the detection time. Preferably, the first line scanning camera 41, the second line scanning camera 42, the third line scanning camera 43, and the fourth line scanning camera 44 are all 2.5D scanning cameras. Each camera has a 200mm imaging range and a scanning speed of 80mm / s. These cameras are used to image the surface of niobium rods to meet the requirement of inspecting the longest rod within 15 seconds and generating an image. A strip light source is installed below each scanning camera, positioned on both sides of the rod and illuminating it at a 45° downward angle, allowing for the detection of an area ≥0.01mm². 2 Surface defects.

[0036] To achieve comprehensive inspection of the outer periphery of the niobium rod, this embodiment is also specially equipped with, for example... Figure 3The bar stock lifting and rotating mechanism 46 shown includes a first servo motor reducer 460 (servo motor + reducer), a screw jack 461, a base 462, a bearing housing 463, a rotating shaft 464, a second servo motor reducer 465 (servo motor + reducer), a gear meshing transmission assembly 466 (driving gear + driven gear), a rotating wheel 467, a support member 468, and a fixed wheel 469. The specific structure and working principle are as follows: A screw jack 461 is connected below the base 462. The screw jack 461 is driven by a first servo motor reducer 460 to move the base 462 up and down. A bearing housing 463 is fixedly mounted at one end of the base 462. A rotating shaft 464 is movably connected to the bearing housing 463. This rotating shaft 464 is driven by a second servo motor reducer 465, allowing for controllable rotation. It is worth noting that both the rotating shaft 464 and the base 462 are located below the V-shaped roller conveyor of the conveyor system 7 to avoid interference with the V-shaped roller conveyor during lifting.

[0037] In the gaps between two adjacent V-shaped roller conveyors, a gear meshing transmission assembly 466 is provided, wherein the driving gear is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 464, the driven gear meshes with the driving gear, and the driven gear is coaxially arranged with the rotating wheel 467; at the same time, a support member 468 is fixedly installed on the base 462, and a fixed wheel 469 is fixedly provided on the upper part of the support member. The fixed wheel 469 and the rotating wheel 467 are arranged opposite to each other, and both are located in the gaps between two V-shaped roller conveyors.

[0038] When surface defect detection is required, the working process of the bar lifting and rotating mechanism 46 is as follows: The first servo motor reducer 460 drives the screw jack 461 to control the base 462 to rise. The rotating wheel 467 and the fixed wheel 469 cooperate to lift the niobium bar on the V-shaped roller conveyor, so that it is separated from the roller conveyor and raised to the set height, ensuring that niobium bars of different specifications can be within the focal range of the scanning camera. Subsequently, the second servo motor reducer 465 drives the rotating shaft 464 to rotate, which drives the gear meshing transmission component 466 to drive the rotating wheel 467 to rotate synchronously with the niobium bar, so that the line scanning camera can take pictures of the outer periphery of the niobium bar from all directions, ensuring that there are no blind spots in the detection.

[0039] The marking system 5 is located in the darkroom 45 and consists of a marking machine motion module 51 and a marking machine 52 mounted on the marking machine motion module 51. The marking machine motion module 51 is a single-axis linear module that uses a servo motor as a drive device and drives the marking machine 52 to achieve precise movement through a gear and rack transmission. The marking machine 52 performs corresponding marking operations on the niobium rods based on the information fed back by the control system 8.

[0040] The marking system 5 should mark the reasons for non-conformity and their location: Different colors or numbers should be used to mark the reasons for non-conformity. The markings should be easy to clean, and if liquid markings are used, they should dry quickly. Specifically, the marking method uses numbers, such as: 11, where the first 1 represents bar stock #1 and the second 1 represents the larger diameter; 12, where the first 1 represents bar stock #1 and the second 2 represents the smaller diameter; 13, where the first 1 represents bar stock #1 and the third 3 represents the longer length; 14, where the first 1 represents bar stock #1 and the fourth 4 represents the shorter length. When the diameter and length are non-conforming, the marking location is the beginning or end of the material; 15-X, where the first 1 represents bar stock #1, the fifth 5 represents surface defects, and the suffix X represents the code for surface defects. Examples of surface defects include: 1-small pit, 2-scratch, 3-bite, 4-crack, 5-spiral mark, 6-cut, etc. The defect location is marked with black lines, completely encompassing the non-conforming location, and the marking should be completed within 10mm on both sides.

[0041] The sorting system 6 includes a qualified product placement area 61, a repairable product placement area 62, a defective product placement area 63, and a material transfer mechanism (which can use existing technology to move the inspected niobium bars on the conveyor system 7 to the corresponding areas). The repairable product placement area 62 holds niobium bars that are defective due to excessive length, excessive diameter, or minor surface defects; the defective product placement area 63 holds niobium bars that are defective due to excessive length, excessive diameter, or severe surface defects. In this embodiment, since the length of the bars is less than 1000mm, the qualified product placement area 61, the repairable product placement area 62, and the defective product placement area 63 can all be set to 1000mm × 1000mm × 50mm easily detachable, hoistable trays that can be used interchangeably.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the control system 8 in this embodiment of the invention consists of a MES system / quality platform 81, a host computer 82, a PLC 83, and an HMI 84. The MES system / quality platform 81 and the host computer 82 communicate via an enterprise local area network to exchange data such as material information, inspection reports, and defect images. The host computer 82, PLC 83, and HMI 84 communicate with each other via Ethernet.

[0043] The present invention can generate corresponding inspection reports by storing information in the control system 8. The inspection reports can include the diameter, length, defect pictures, defect type and information summary of all non-conforming materials (number of non-conforming diameters, number of non-conforming lengths, number of defect types, etc.).

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, the present invention provides a method for detecting and sorting niobium rods based on the above-mentioned device. Taking multiple niobium rods with a diameter of 18.2 mm and a diameter of 800 mm as an example, the specific detection process includes the following: 1) Feeding: The Φ18.2mm and 800mm niobium bars to be tested are placed in batches in the feeding system 1. The feeding system 1 receives the instructions from the control system 8 and separates the individual bars through the material distribution mechanism of the stepped feeding machine, and smoothly conveys the niobium bars to the V-shaped roller conveyor of the conveying system 7. 2) Length detection: After the niobium rod enters the length measuring station with the conveying system 7, the centering pressing mechanism 22 is pressed down under the drive of the cylinder to accurately position the niobium rod; the distance sensor 21 starts detection and uploads the measured data to the control system 8, and the length of the niobium rod is calculated; after the detection is completed, the centering pressing mechanism 22 is lifted and the niobium rod continues to be conveyed. 3) Diameter Inspection: After the niobium rod enters the diameter measuring station, the front clamping mechanism 31 and the rear clamping mechanism 32 clamp the niobium rod synchronously to stabilize it. The air knife 33 sprays high-pressure airflow to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the niobium rod. Subsequently, the niobium rod passes through the diameter adjustment mechanism 34, and the triaxial diameter measuring instrument completes the diameter and out-of-roundness inspection. The inspection data is uploaded to the control system 8 in real time. After the inspection is completed, the clamping mechanism is released, and the niobium rod continues to be conveyed. 4) Surface defect detection: After the niobium rod enters the surface defect detection station, the rod lifting and rotating mechanism 46 lifts the niobium rod away from the conveying system 7 and adjusts it to the focal length range of the camera. Then, the niobium rod is driven to rotate at a constant speed. At the same time, the first line scanning camera 41, the second line scanning camera 42, the third line scanning camera 43, and the fourth line scanning camera 44 synchronously acquire surface images in the darkroom 45. The control system 8 analyzes the images to identify surface defects and records the defect type and location. 5) Marking: After the niobium rod is transported to the marking station, the inkjet printer motion module 51 of the marking system 5 drives the inkjet printer 52 to move precisely to the corresponding position according to the defect code and position information fed back by the control system 8, and marks the niobium rod. The marking content is clear and dries quickly. 6) Sorting: The marked niobium bars are transported to the sorting station. According to the instructions of the control system 8, the sorting system 6 sends qualified products to the qualified product placement area 61, repairable products to the repairable product placement area 62, and unqualified products to the unqualified product placement area 63, thus completing the sorting operation.

[0045] Through the above testing process, the automatic niobium rod testing device has an average testing time of ≤15s / rod, and after random checks and re-inspections, no missed tests or errors were found. This fully demonstrates the high testing efficiency and accuracy of the device, which can meet the stringent requirements of large-scale production for niobium rod quality testing.

[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0047] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the content already described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars, characterized in that, It includes a feeding system (1) and a conveying system (7) connected thereto. The feeding system (1) is used to convey niobium rods of different specifications to the conveying system (7). The conveying system (7) is equipped with a length detection system (2), a diameter detection system (3), a surface defect detection system (4), an identification system (5), and a sorting system (6) along the conveying direction. It also includes a control system (8), which is connected to the feeding system (1), length detection system (2), diameter detection system (3), surface defect detection system (4), marking system (5), sorting system (6) and conveying system (7) respectively, for coordinated control to detect the length, diameter and surface defects of niobium rods and to perform corresponding marking and sorting operations.

2. The integrated niobium bar automatic detection and sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length detection system (2) includes a distance sensor (21) with a spacing setting and a centering and pressing mechanism (22) controlled by a cylinder. The distance sensor (21) is located at one end of the feed inlet of the conveying system (7), and the centering and pressing mechanism (22) is installed above the conveying system (7).

3. The integrated niobium rod automatic detection and sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The centering and pressing mechanism (22) is equipped with a photoelectric sensor at its bottom. The photoelectric sensor, distance sensor (21) and cylinder are all connected to the control system (8). The length of the niobium rod is L = L1 - L2. Wherein, L1 is the fixed distance from the distance sensor (21) to the centering and pressing mechanism (22); L2 is the distance measured by the distance sensor (21) when the niobium rod is pressed down by the centering and pressing mechanism (22).

4. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter detection system (3) includes a front clamping mechanism (31), a rear clamping mechanism (32), an air knife (33), and a diameter adjustment mechanism (34), wherein the air knife (33) and the diameter adjustment mechanism (34) are located between the front clamping mechanism (31) and the rear clamping mechanism (32); The front clamping mechanism (31) and the rear clamping mechanism (32) work together to ensure the stability of the niobium rod diameter detection process; the air knife (33) is used to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the niobium rod. The diameter adjustment mechanism (34) consists of a triaxial diameter gauge and an XZ dual-axis linear module. The XZ dual-axis linear module can adjust the up and down and left and right sides of the triaxial diameter gauge to align niobium rods of different specifications with the center of the triaxial diameter gauge.

5. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface defect detection system (4) includes a first line scan camera (41), a second line scan camera (42), a third line scan camera (43), a fourth line scan camera (44), a darkroom (45), and a bar lifting and rotating mechanism (46). Among them, the first line scan camera (41), the second line scan camera (42), the third line scan camera (43) and the fourth line scan camera (44) are arranged in the dark chamber (45) at intervals along the conveying direction and are respectively connected to the control system (8). Each camera is equipped with a strip light source, which is arranged on both sides of the niobium rod to illuminate it at a 45° angle downward. The rod lifting and rotating mechanism (46) is used to lift the niobium rod away from the conveying system (7) and drive the niobium rod to rotate.

6. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bar stock lifting and rotating mechanism (46) includes a first servo motor reducer (460), a screw jack (461), a base (462), a bearing seat (463), a rotating shaft (464), a second servo motor reducer (465), a gear meshing transmission assembly (466), a rotating wheel (467), a support member (468), and a fixed wheel (469). The spiral jack (461) is located at the bottom of the base (462) and is driven by a first servo motor reducer (460) to achieve the lifting action of the base (462). A bearing seat (463) is fixedly installed at one end of the base (462), and a rotating shaft (464) is movably connected to the bearing seat (463). The rotating shaft (464) is driven to rotate by a second servo motor reducer (465). The driving gear of the gear meshing transmission assembly (466) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (464), and its driven gear meshes with the driving gear. A rotating wheel (467) is coaxially installed on the driven gear. Meanwhile, a support member (468) is fixedly installed on the base (462), and a fixed wheel (469) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the support member (468) and arranged opposite to the rotating wheel (467).

7. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 5, characterized in that, The marking system (5) is set in a darkroom (45) and consists of a coding machine motion module (51) and a coding machine (52) installed on the coding machine motion module (51). The inkjet printer motion module (51) is driven by a servo motor and achieves precise movement of the inkjet printer (52) through a gear rack. The inkjet printer (52) marks the niobium rods according to the information fed back by the control system (8).

8. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting system (6) includes a qualified product placement area (61), a repairable product placement area (62), a non-qualified product placement area (63), and a material transfer mechanism. The sorting system (6) places niobium bars with different markings into the corresponding placement areas through the material transfer mechanism according to the test results of the niobium bars.

9. The integrated automatic detection and sorting device for niobium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying system (7) includes a V-shaped roller conveyor and a variable frequency motor. The V-shaped roller conveyor is fixed to the frame by a bearing seat, and a driven sprocket is installed at the end of its roller shaft. The output shaft of the variable frequency motor is connected to the driving sprocket through a coupling. The driving sprocket and the driven sprocket of each V-shaped roller conveyor are connected by a closed chain to form a transmission connection. The speed regulation is achieved by adjusting the output frequency of the variable frequency motor.

10. A method for detecting and sorting niobium rods based on the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1, feeding: Place the niobium rod to be tested into the feeding system (1). The feeding system (1) conveys the niobium rods one by one to the conveying system (7) according to the control system (8). Step 2, Length detection: After the niobium rod enters the length measurement station, the centering and pressing mechanism (22) of the length detection system (2) is pressed down for positioning, the distance sensor (21) measures the length of the niobium rod and uploads the length data to the control system (8), and the centering and pressing mechanism (22) is lifted after the length measurement is completed. Step 3, Diameter Inspection: After the niobium rod enters the diameter measurement station, the front clamping mechanism (31) and the rear clamping mechanism (32) of the diameter inspection system (3) clamp the niobium rod and use the air knife (33) to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the niobium rod. The niobium rod is inspected for diameter and out-of-roundness by the diameter adjustment mechanism (34) and the measurement data is uploaded to the control system (8). Step 4, Surface Defect Detection: After the niobium rod enters the surface defect detection station, the rod lifting and rotating mechanism (46) of the surface defect detection system (4) first lifts the niobium rod away from the conveying system (7), and then drives the niobium rod to rotate. At the same time, each scanning camera collects the surface image of the niobium rod in the dark room (45), and the control system (8) synchronously performs surface defect identification. Step 5, Marking: The marking system (5) marks the niobium rod with inkjet printing based on the defect code and location fed back by the control system (8); Step 6, Sorting: After marking is completed, the sorting system (6) will send the niobium rods to the corresponding placement areas according to the test results.

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