Rare earth metal electrolysis device and process

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of rare earth electrolytic cell, in particular to a rare earth metal electrolysis device and process; the present application provides a rare earth metal electrolysis device, which comprises a cell body and an anode arranged in the cell body, further comprises a vertical moving support mechanism arranged on one side of the cell body, the output end of the vertical moving support mechanism is fixed with a rotary fine adjustment mechanism, the output end of the rotary fine adjustment mechanism is connected with one end of an electrode arm, the other end of the electrode arm is fixed with the upper side of a cathode rod, and the cathode rod is vertically arranged in the cell body; the vertical moving support mechanism is used for supporting the cathode rod and adjusting the height of the cathode rod; the rotary fine adjustment mechanism is used for driving the cathode rod to rotate and vertically fine adjusting the cathode rod; the present application solves the technical problem of how to realize the automatic and manual dual-mode rotation of the cathode rod of the electrolytic cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rare earth electrolysis technology, specifically to a rare earth metal electrolysis device and process. Background Technology

[0002] Rare earth metal electrolytic cells are used to electrolyze rare earth metals. Rare earth metal raw materials are added to molten salt in the electrolytic cell. Under high temperature, the rare earth metal oxides become molten. Under the action of a DC electric field, rare earth metal cations move to the cathode rod and gain electrons there, becoming rare earth metal atoms, thus precipitating rare earth metal. The precipitated rare earth metal falls into the crucible below. Then, the cathode rod is manually pushed with manual clamps to rotate it to the edge of the cell. The crucible is then removed with manual clamps, and the molten rare earth liquid is poured into a mold.

[0003] By modifying the cathode support, the cathode rod can be automatically rotated to the edge of the tank. After the modification, it was found that due to the long-standing work habits of the workers, when it was time to rotate the cathode rod, the workers often forgot to use the automatic device and subconsciously used the manual clamps to push the cathode rod. The rotation was transmitted to the motor at the power end, which would damage the motor and affect its service life.

[0004] Therefore, the problem in the existing technology is: how to propose a cathode rod that can achieve automatic and manual dual-mode rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a rare earth metal electrolysis device and process, aiming to solve the technical problem of how to achieve automatic and manual dual-mode rotation of the cathode rod in the electrolytic cell.

[0006] The technical solution used in this invention is as follows:

[0007] The first aspect of this application discloses a rare earth metal electrolysis device, which includes a tank and an anode disposed within the tank, and a vertical moving support mechanism disposed on one side of the tank. A rotary fine-tuning mechanism is fixed to the output end of the vertical moving support mechanism, and the output end of the rotary fine-tuning mechanism is fixed to the cathode rod via an electrode arm. The rotary fine-tuning mechanism includes a drive box, with a fine-tuning cylinder at the bottom of the drive box. The pusher of the fine-tuning cylinder extends into the drive box and is fixed to a conversion component. A transmission cavity is rotatably fitted to the inner side wall of the drive box via a mounting bracket. A fixed transmission gear is provided on the outer side of the transmission cavity, and a sliding slot is provided on the inner side of the transmission cavity. The lower side of a fine-tuning connecting rod is rotatably fitted to the upper side of the conversion component, and the upper side of the fine-tuning connecting rod passes through the inner side of the transmission cavity, extends upward through the drive box, and is fixed to the electrode arm. A sliding pin is provided on the fine-tuning connecting rod, and the sliding pin engages in the sliding slot. A rotary drive motor is provided on the upper side of the drive box, and the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor extends downward into the inner side of the drive box and is connected to a separation transmission mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the separation transmission mechanism includes a separation connecting plate, a separation connecting shaft rotatably fitted in the middle of the separation connecting plate via a bearing, the upper side of the separation connecting shaft being connected to the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor, and the lower side of the separation connecting shaft being keyed to a main gear; gear shafts are provided at both ends of the lower side of the separation connecting plate, and driven gears are rotatably fitted on the gear shafts, with the driven gears meshing with the main gear.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper side of the separating plate is provided with a first adsorption column with a semi-circular cross section; the inner top wall of the drive box is provided with a second adsorption column with a semi-circular cross section. When the separating plate rotates as a whole, the straight surfaces of the first adsorption column and the second adsorption column are in contact. An iron sheet is embedded on the first adsorption column, and a corresponding electromagnet is embedded on the second adsorption column.

[0010] Furthermore, the vertical support mechanism includes a support column mounted on the ground. A lifting motor is fixed to the bottom of the support column via a motor support plate. A lifting traction wheel is fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting motor, and a lifting fixed wheel is fixed to the top of the support column. Lifting grooves are provided on both sides of the support column, and a lifting sleeve is slidably fitted on the support column. Rectangular cross-section grooves are provided on both sides of the lifting sleeve, and a sleeve roller is rotatably fitted inside the sleeve groove. The sleeve roller rolls with the lifting groove. One side of the lifting sleeve is fixed to a traction plate, and the other side of the lifting sleeve is connected to a rotary fine-tuning mechanism. One end of the lifting traction wheel is connected to a traction rope, and the other end of the traction rope passes around the lifting fixed wheel and is fixed to the traction plate. Pressing mounting plates are provided on both sides of the traction plate, and pressing cylinders are provided on the pressing mounting plates. The push head of the pressing cylinder passes through the pressing mounting plate and connects to the pressing block. The pressing cylinder extends, and the pressing block extends into the lifting groove for pressing and fixing.

[0011] Furthermore, the side of the tank is equipped with a crucible tilting mechanism and a rare earth ingot casting mechanism; the crucible tilting mechanism is used to pour molten rare earth liquid into the mold of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, and the rare earth ingot casting mechanism is used to automatically demold after the rare earth ingot is formed; the rare earth ingot casting mechanism includes a demolding slide plate and a demolding screw that rotates with both sides of the demolding slide plate. A demolding motor is fixed to the side of the demolding slide plate through a motor frame. One side of the demolding screw rotates with the demolding slide plate through a bearing. The other side of the demolding screw passes through the demolding slide plate and is fixed to the motor shaft of the demolding motor through a coupling. A zigzag-shaped steering guide groove is opened on the side of the demolding slide plate; a demolding drive block is threaded onto the demolding screw, and a tilting shaft is rotated with the demolding drive block through a bearing. The trapezoidal cavity mold is fixed between the two tilting shafts. The outer side of the tilting shaft is connected to one end of a swing plate, and a steering roller is rotated with the other end of the swing plate. The steering roller rolls in the steering guide groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the bottom of the mold is equipped with a demolding striking assembly, and mounting plates are fixed to the upper sides of the demolding slides on both sides. The inner side of the mounting plates has a zigzag-shaped striking guide groove, and the side of the striking guide groove has an opening. The demolding striking assembly includes a striking support fixed to the bottom of the mold. A partition plate is vertically positioned in the middle of the striking support, and a through-flow mating channel is opened on the partition plate. A drive slide is opened on the right side of the striking support, and a drive slider slides within the drive slide. A drive shaft is horizontally positioned on the outer side of the drive slider, and a drive roller is rotatably mounted on the drive shaft. The drive roller is used for rolling mating with the striking guide groove. A push wheel is located on the inner side of the drive slider, and the push wheel is located within the mating channel. A striking slide is provided on the left side of the seat, and the striking slider slides within the striking slide. A striking guide shaft is provided on the upper side of the drive slider, and a striking support extends through the upper side of the striking guide shaft. A striking spring is fitted on the striking guide shaft. The lower side of the striking slider is fixed to the striking plate via the striking shaft. A locking tongue groove is provided on the side of the striking slider, and a locking tongue block slides within the locking tongue groove. One side of the locking tongue block is fixed to one end of the locking tongue guide post, and the other side of the locking tongue guide post extends through the bottom of the locking tongue groove and is fixed to the anti-detachment plate. The upper end of the other side of the locking tongue block has a sloping structure. A locking tongue spring passes through the locking tongue guide post. An inclined plate corresponding to the locking tongue block is provided on the upper side of the mating channel, and the locking tongue block contacts and engages with the push wheel.

[0013] Furthermore, the crucible flipping mechanism is located on the crucible switching mechanism. The crucible flipping mechanism includes flipping base plates arranged opposite each other. A flipping motor is provided on one side of the flipping base plate, and a crucible support is provided between the flipping base plates. The crucible support is provided with a crucible clamp plate with a circular crucible groove. Support shafts are provided on both sides of the crucible support. The motor shaft of the flipping motor extends into the interior of the flipping base plate and is fixed to the support shaft on one side by a coupling. The support shaft on the other side is rotatably engaged with the flipping base plate. Crucible cylinders are provided on both sides of the flipping base plate respectively. The push head of the crucible cylinder passes through the flipping base plate and is fixed to the crucible clamp.

[0014] Furthermore, the crucible switching mechanism includes a switching horizontal plate and a first switching vertical plate, a second switching vertical plate, and a switching drive plate disposed on the switching horizontal plate. The switching drive plate has a switching drive groove with inclined sides and a horizontal center. An L-shaped first crucible support plate is mounted on the first switching vertical plate via a transverse roller slide. A transfer plate is mounted on the second switching vertical plate via a transverse roller slide. A second crucible support plate is mounted on the outer side of the transfer plate via a longitudinal roller slide. Two crucible flipping mechanisms are respectively disposed on the first crucible support plate and the second crucible support plate. A switching guide wheel is provided on the side of the second crucible support plate, and the switching guide wheel rolls and engages in the switching drive groove. Two switching cylinders are provided on the side of the switching horizontal plate, and the push heads of the switching cylinders are respectively fixed to the sides of the first crucible support plate and the second crucible support plate. A cleaning robotic arm is provided on the side of the crucible switching mechanism. A cleaning motor is provided at the execution end of the cleaning robotic arm, and a cleaning roller is provided on the motor shaft of the cleaning motor.

[0015] A rare earth metal electrolysis process, using the rare earth metal electrolysis apparatus of the above embodiments, includes the following steps.

[0016] Step 1: Place the crucible into the tank, drive the cathode rod to descend using the vertical support mechanism, adjust the discharge gap between the cathode rod and the anode to a suitable state, and start the electrolysis system;

[0017] Step 2: After electrolysis is complete, start the rotary fine-tuning mechanism to rotate the cathode rod and make room above the tank; remove the crucible and place it on the crucible flipping mechanism;

[0018] Step 3: The crucible tilting mechanism pours the molten rare earth liquid into the mold of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, where it cools and solidifies.

[0019] Step 4: The crucible flipping mechanism moves horizontally and flips, and the demolding striking component shakes the rare earth ingots off, automatically demolding them.

[0020] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: When it is necessary to remove the crucible from the tank, the rotary drive motor can be turned on, the output end of the separation transmission mechanism meshes with the fixed transmission gear, and the power is transmitted to the fine-tuning connecting rod through the transmission cavity, sliding slot and sliding pin. The fine-tuning connecting rod drives the electrode arm and cathode rod to rotate as a whole, so that the cathode rod makes room above the tank, which is convenient for hoisting or manual clamping to put in and take out the crucible; when the manual clamp pushes the cathode rod, the cathode rod drives the fixed transmission gear to rotate and separate from the output end of the separation transmission mechanism, so that the power is not transmitted to the rotary drive motor. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rare earth metal electrolysis device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical movement support mechanism of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the lifting sleeve and the lifting groove of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary fine-tuning mechanism of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fine-tuning connecting rod structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the separation transmission mechanism of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of the first adsorption column and the second adsorption column of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the crucible flipping mechanism and the rare earth ingot casting mechanism of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the crucible flipping mechanism of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the demolding drive block and the flipping shaft structure of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the demolding and striking component of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the demolding and striking component structure of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the striking support of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the striking support structure of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the crucible clamping assembly structure of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram, 1. Tank; 2. Anode; 3. Electrode arm; 4. Cathode rod; 5. Support column; 6. Motor support plate; 7. Lifting motor; 8. Lifting traction wheel; 9. Lifting fixed wheel; 10. Lifting slide rail; 11. Lifting sliding sleeve; 12. Sliding sleeve groove; 13. Sliding sleeve roller; 14. Pulling plate; 15. Mounting angle steel; 16. Traction rope; 17. Pressing mounting plate; 18. Pressing cylinder; 19. Pressing block; 20. Drive box; 21. Fine-tuning cylinder; 22. Converter; 23. Mounting bracket; 24. Transmission cavity; 25. Fixed transmission gear; 26. Sliding... 27. Slot; 28. Fine-tuning connecting rod; 29. ​​Sliding locking post; 30. Rotary drive motor; 31. Separating connecting plate; 32. Separating connecting shaft; 33. Main gear; 34. Gear shaft; 35. Driven gear; 36. First suction column; 37. Second suction column; 38. Iron sheet; 39. Electromagnet; 40. Demolding slide plate; 41. Demolding screw; 42. Demolding motor; 43. Steering guide groove; 44. Demolding drive block; 45. Tilting shaft; 46. Mold; 47. Swing plate; 48. Steering roller; 49. Striking support; 50. Partition plate; 51. Mating channel 51. Drive slide; 52. Drive slider; 53. Drive shaft; 54. Drive roller; 55. Striking guide groove; 56. Push wheel; 57. Striking slide; 58. Striking slider; 59. Striking guide shaft; 60. Striking spring; 61. Striking shaft; 62. Striking plate; 63. Locking tongue groove; 64. Locking tongue block; 65. Locking tongue guide post; 66. Anti-detachment plate; 67. Locking tongue spring; 68. Inclined plate; 69. Mounting support plate; 70. Flipping base plate; 71. Flipping motor; 72. Crucible bracket; 73. Crucible clamping plate; 74. Bracket shaft; 75. Crucible gas... 76. Cylinder; 77. Crucible chuck; 78. Switching horizontal plate; 79. First switching vertical plate; 80. Second switching vertical plate; 81. Switching drive plate; 82. Switching drive groove; 83. Roller slide; 84. First crucible support plate; 85. Transfer plate; 86. Second crucible support plate; 87. Switching guide wheel; 88. Cleaning robotic arm; 89. Cleaning motor; 90. Cleaning roller; 91. Six-axis gantry robot; 92. Clamping base; 93. Clamping arm; 94. Clamping claw plate; 95. Clamping groove; 96. First lead screw; 97. Second lead screw. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To facilitate understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood through the specific circumstances.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a rare earth metal electrolysis device, which includes a tank 1 and an anode 2 disposed within the tank 1. It also includes a vertical support mechanism disposed on one side of the tank 1. A rotary fine-tuning mechanism is fixed to the output end of the vertical support mechanism. The output end of the rotary fine-tuning mechanism is connected to one end of an electrode arm 3, and the other end of the electrode arm 3 is fixed to the upper side of a cathode rod 4, which is vertically disposed within the tank 1. The vertical support mechanism supports the cathode rod 4 and adjusts its height. The rotary fine-tuning mechanism drives the cathode rod 4 to rotate and performs vertical fine-tuning of the cathode rod 4. Figure 2 As shown, the vertical support mechanism includes a support column 5 mounted on the ground. A lifting motor 7 is fixed to the bottom of the support column 5 via a motor support plate 6. A lifting traction wheel 8 is fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting motor 7, and a lifting fixed wheel 9 is fixed to the top of the support column 5. Figure 2-3 The support column 5 has lifting grooves 10 on both sides, and a lifting sleeve 11 is slidably fitted on the support column 5. The lifting sleeve 11 has rectangular cross-section grooves 12 on both sides, and a sleeve roller 13 is rotatably fitted inside the grooves 12. The sleeve roller 13 rolls with the lifting groove 10 to ensure smooth sliding of the lifting sleeve 11 along the support column 5. One side of the lifting sleeve 11 is fixed to the traction plate 14, and the other side of the lifting sleeve 11 is connected to the rotary fine-tuning mechanism via an angle steel 15. The lifting traction wheel 8 is connected to one end of the traction rope 16, and the other end of the traction rope 16 is wound around... The lifting fixed wheel 9 is fixed to the traction plate 14; the traction plate 14 is provided with pressing mounting plates 17 on both sides, and pressing cylinders 18 are provided on the pressing mounting plates 17. The push head of the pressing cylinder 18 passes through the pressing mounting plate 17 and is connected to the pressing block 19. The pressing cylinder 18 extends, and the pressing block 19 extends into the lifting slide groove 10 to press and fix it; when the cathode rod 4 needs to be pulled up, the pressing cylinder 18 retracts, the lifting motor 7 drives the lifting traction wheel 8 to rotate, thereby pulling the traction rope 16. The traction rope 16 pulls the lifting slide sleeve 11 to slide along the lifting slide groove 10; thus pulling the cathode rod 4 out of the groove 1.

[0041] like Figure 4-5As shown, the rotary fine-tuning mechanism includes a rectangular drive box 20. A fine-tuning cylinder 21 is located at the bottom of the drive box 20. The pusher of the fine-tuning cylinder 21 extends upwards into the drive box 20 and is fixed to the conversion component 22. The upper side of the conversion component 22 has a circular constricted groove structure. A transmission cavity 24 is rotatably fitted to the inner side wall of the drive box 20 via a mounting bracket 23. A fixed transmission gear 25 is located on the outer side of the transmission cavity 24. The transmission cavity 24 rotates synchronously with the fixed transmission gear 25. Two sliding slots 26 are oppositely located on the inner side of the transmission cavity 24. The lower side of the fine-tuning connecting rod 27 rotatably engages with the upper side of the conversion component 22. The upper side of the fine-tuning connecting rod 27 passes through the inner side of the transmission cavity 24, extends upwards out of the drive box 20, and is fixed to the electrode arm 3. A sliding pin 28 is provided on the fine-tuning connecting rod 27, which engages with... The crucible is located within the sliding slot 26. A rotary drive motor 29 is installed on the upper side of the drive box 20. The motor shaft of the rotary drive motor 29 extends downward into the inner side of the drive box 20 and is connected to the separation transmission mechanism. When it is necessary to remove the crucible from the tank 1, the rotary drive motor 29 can be turned on. The output end of the separation transmission mechanism meshes with the fixed transmission gear 25. The power is transmitted to the fine-tuning connecting rod 27 through the transmission cavity 24, the sliding slot 26, and the sliding pin 28. The fine-tuning connecting rod 27 drives the electrode arm 3 and the cathode rod 4 to rotate as a whole, so that the cathode rod 4 makes room above the tank 1, which is convenient for hoisting or manual clamping to put in and take out the crucible. When the manual clamp pushes the cathode rod 4, the cathode rod 4 drives the fixed transmission gear 25 to rotate and separate from the output end of the separation transmission mechanism. The power will not be transmitted to the rotary drive motor 29.

[0042] When the cathode rod 4 bears its own weight and electrolytic load for a long time, a "high-temperature creep" phenomenon will occur, and the lower side of the cathode rod 4 will sag. The sag of the cathode rod 4 will change the discharge gap and disrupt the uniformity of the electric field, thereby causing abnormal consumption of the anode 2 and affecting the service life of the equipment. By retracting the fine-tuning cylinder 21, the fine-tuning connecting rod 27 is driven to slide along the transmission cavity 24, so that the electrode arm 3 and the cathode rod 4 are finely adjusted upward to compensate for the sag of the cathode rod 4. This invention realizes the functions of rotational displacement and sag compensation through a rotary fine-tuning mechanism: on the one hand, the separation transmission mechanism automatically disengages after rotating to the position, so that the cathode rod 4 obtains circumferential freedom, meets the needs of manual intervention, and protects the rotary drive motor 29 from overload impact; on the other hand, the sliding slot 26 transmits rotational torque and allows axial sliding, so that the linear motion of the fine-tuning cylinder 21 is directly converted into the height adjustment of the cathode rod 4.

[0043] like Figure 6As shown, the separation transmission mechanism includes a separation connecting plate 30, with a separation connecting shaft 31 rotatably fitted in the middle of the separation connecting plate 30 via a bearing. The upper side of the separation connecting shaft 31 is fixed to the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor 29 via a coupling, and a main gear 32 is keyed to the lower side of the separation connecting shaft 31. Gear shafts 33 are provided at both ends of the lower side of the separation connecting plate 30, and driven gears 34 are rotatably fitted on the gear shafts 33, meshing with the main gear 32. When it is necessary to remove the crucible from the tank 1, the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor 29 drives the separation connecting shaft 31 to rotate. Under the action of the gear meshing force, the separation connecting plate 30 rotates as a whole, and the driven gear 34 meshes with the fixed transmission gear 2. 5. Tightening engagement; The rotation of the main gear 32 is transmitted to the fixed transmission gear 25 through the slave gear 34, which in turn drives the transmission cavity 24 and the fine-tuning connecting rod 27 to rotate; When the rotary drive motor 29 stops, the meshing pressure between the slave gear 34 and the fixed transmission gear 25 is lost. The cathode rod 4 is manually pushed, and the fixed transmission gear 25 rotates, pushing the separation connecting plate 30 to rotate as a whole by a certain angle. The slave gear 34 rotates around the main gear 32, and the fixed transmission gear 25 disengages from the slave gear 34; It will not drive the slave gear 34 and the main gear 32 to rotate, thereby achieving power separation from the rotary drive motor 29 and avoiding the transmission of torque to the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor 29.

[0044] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the upper side of the separating plate 30 is provided with a first adsorption column 35 with a semi-circular cross-section; the inner top wall of the drive box 20 is provided with a second adsorption column 36 with a semi-circular cross-section. When the separating plate 30 rotates as a whole, the straight surfaces of the first adsorption column 35 and the second adsorption column 36 are in contact. An iron sheet 37 is embedded on the first adsorption column 35, and a corresponding electromagnet 38 is embedded on the second adsorption column 36. The first adsorption column 35 and the second adsorption column 36 with semi-circular cross-sections are in contact with each other through straight surfaces, providing a mechanical positioning reference for the meshing of the driven gear 34 and the fixed transmission gear 25, ensuring precise alignment of the gear teeth, and avoiding gear misalignment and jamming caused by the rotation angle deviation of the separating plate 30. The adsorption force of the electromagnet 38 and the iron sheet 37 rigidly fixes the separating plate 30, preventing changes in gear meshing clearance caused by vibration and load fluctuation during transmission, and ensuring the stability and continuity of power transmission.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, the side of the tank 1 is equipped with a crucible tilting mechanism and a rare earth ingot casting mechanism; after smelting, the crucible is removed and placed into the crucible tilting mechanism (the crucible can be removed manually using manual clamps, or it can be removed by the crucible removal mechanism); the crucible tilting mechanism is used to pour molten rare earth liquid into the mold 45 of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, and the rare earth ingot casting mechanism is used to automatically demold the rare earth ingot into the rare earth ingot placement box after the rare earth ingot is formed; as Figure 10-11As shown, the rare earth ingot casting mechanism includes a demolding slide plate 39 mounted on the support legs and a demolding screw 40 rotatably engaged with both sides of the demolding slide plate 39. A demolding motor 41 is fixed to the side of the demolding slide plate 39 via a motor frame. One side of the demolding screw 40 is rotatably engaged with the demolding slide plate 39 via a bearing. The other side of the demolding screw 40 passes through the demolding slide plate 39 and is fixed to the motor shaft of the demolding motor 41 via a coupling. A zigzag-shaped steering guide groove 42 (including horizontal sections on both sides and an inclined section in the middle) is provided on the side of the demolding slide plate 39. A demolding drive block 43 is threaded onto the demolding screw 40. A flipping shaft 44 is rotatably engaged with the demolding drive block 43 via a bearing. A trapezoidal cavity mold 45 is fixed between the flipping shafts 44 on both sides. The outer side of the flipping shaft 44 is connected to one end of a swing plate 46. A steering roller 47 is rotatably engaged with the other end of the swing plate 46. The steering roller 47 rolls within the steering guide groove 42.

[0046] The steering roller 47 is located in the horizontal section below the steering guide groove 42, and the opening of the mold 45 remains horizontal and upward. The crucible tilting mechanism tilts at a constant speed, pouring the molten rare earth liquid into the mold 45. After the rare earth ingot cools, the demolding motor 41 is then started, and the two demolding screws 40 rotate synchronously. The demolding drive block 43 drives the tilting shaft 44 and the mold 45 to move horizontally together with the demolding slide plate 39. When the steering roller 47 enters the inclined section of the steering guide groove 42, the swing plate 46 drives the tilting shaft 44 to rotate 180 degrees. The steering roller 47 continues to move to the upper horizontal section, the opening of the mold 45 turns vertically downward, and the rare earth ingot falls out automatically under its own weight, completing the demolding.

[0047] Considering the issue that rare earth ingots adhere to the mold 45 after molding, and the ingots cannot fall off automatically after the mold 45 is flipped; if Figure 12-13 As shown, the bottom of the mold 45 is equipped with a demolding striking assembly, and mounting plates 69 are fixed to the upper side of the demolding slides 39 on both sides. The inner side of the mounting plates 69 is provided with a zigzag-shaped striking guide groove 55, and the side of the striking guide groove 55 has an opening; Figure 14-15As shown, the demolding striking assembly includes a striking support 48 fixed to the bottom of the mold 45. A vertical partition plate 49 is provided in the middle of the striking support 48, dividing it into left and right parts. A through-flow mating channel 50 is provided on the partition plate 49. A drive slide 51 is provided on the right side of the striking support 48, and a rectangular drive slider 52 is slidably fitted within the drive slide 51. A drive shaft 53 is horizontally provided on the outer side of the drive slider 52, and a drive roller 54 is rotatably fitted on the drive shaft 53. The drive roller 54 is used for rolling engagement with the striking guide groove 55. A push wheel 56 is provided on the inner side of the drive slider 52, and the push wheel 56 is located within the mating channel 50. A striking support 48 is provided on the left side. A striking slide 57 is provided, and a rectangular striking slider 58 is slidably fitted within the striking slide 57. A striking guide shaft 59 is provided on the upper side of the drive slider 52, and the upper side of the striking guide shaft 59 extends through a striking support 48. Its end has an anti-detachment structure. A striking spring 60 is fitted onto the striking guide shaft 59, and the striking spring 60 is engaged between the striking slider 58 and the striking support 48. The lower side of the striking slider 58 is fixed to a striking plate 62 via a striking shaft 61. The striking plate 62 is used to strike the bottom of the mold 45 when the striking slider 58 is released, causing the rare earth ingot to separate from the mold 45. A rectangular locking tongue groove 63 is provided on the side of the striking slider 58, and a locking tongue block 64 is slidably fitted within the locking tongue groove 63. One side of the locking tongue block 64 is fixed to one end of the locking tongue guide post 65, and the other side of the locking tongue guide post 65 passes through the bottom of the locking tongue groove 63 and is fixed to the anti-detachment plate 66. The upper end of the other side of the locking tongue block 64 is a sloping structure. A locking tongue spring 67 passes through the locking tongue guide post 65, which is used to force the locking tongue guide post 65 to slide towards the mating channel 50. The upper side of the mating channel 50 is provided with a sloping plate 68 corresponding to the locking tongue block 64, and the locking tongue block 64 contacts and engages with the push wheel 56. The steering roller 47 continues to move to the upper horizontal section, the opening of the mold 45 turns vertically downward, the drive roller 54 engages in the striking guide groove 55, and the demolding motor 41 continues to drive the inverted mold 45 to move laterally. The striking guide groove 55 forces the drive roller to move horizontally. Roller 54 moves upward, thereby driving the drive slider 52 to slide upward along the drive slide 51. The push wheel 56 engages the lower side of the locking tongue block 64, driving the striking slider 58 to slide upward along the striking slide 57, and the striking spring 60 is compressed. When the inclined surface of the locking tongue block 64 contacts the inclined plate 68, the push wheel 56 continues to push the locking tongue block 64 to slide upward. During the upward movement, the inclined plate 68 forces the locking tongue block 64 to slide laterally along the locking tongue groove 63. The push wheel 56 moves to the upper side of the locking tongue block 64 and is located between the two inclined plates 68. Under the action of the striking spring 60, the striking slider 58 is released, and the striking plate 62 strikes the bottom of the mold 45, causing the rare earth ingot to separate from the mold 45.The demolding motor 41 continues to drive the inverted mold 45 to move laterally in the opposite direction, striking the guide groove 55 and forcing the drive roller 54 to move downwards. This causes the drive slider 52 to return downwards along the drive slide 51. When the push wheel 56 contacts the inclined surface of the locking tongue block 64, the push wheel 56 presses against the locking tongue block 64, and the locking tongue block 64 slides laterally along the locking tongue groove 63. The push wheel 56 moves to the lower side of the locking tongue block 64. At this time, the drive slider 52 slides to the end of the drive slide 51 (the drive slider 52 can no longer slide downwards).

[0048] like Figure 9 As shown, the crucible flipping mechanism is mounted on the crucible switching mechanism. The crucible flipping mechanism includes opposing flipping base plates 70. A flipping motor 71 is mounted on one side of the flipping base plate 70. A crucible support 72 is positioned between the flipping base plates 70. The crucible support 72 has a crucible clamping plate 73 with a circular crucible groove. Support shafts 74 are located on both sides of the crucible support 72. The motor shaft of the flipping motor 71 extends inside the flipping base plate 70 and is fixed to one side of the support shaft 74 via a coupling. The other side of the support shaft 74 is rotatably engaged with the flipping base plate 70. Crucible cylinders 75 are respectively mounted on both sides of the flipping base plate 70. The pusher of the crucible cylinder 75 passes through the flipping base plate 70 and is fixed to the crucible clamp 76. Figure 16 As shown, the crucible is placed in the crucible groove, the crucible cylinder 75 extends, and the crucible clamp 76 clamps and fixes the crucible; the tilting motor 71 drives the crucible bracket 72 to tilt as a whole.

[0049] After multiple uses, the slag inside the crucible needs to be cleaned. A crucible switching mechanism is used to switch between the cleaning and casting positions. The mechanism includes a switching horizontal plate 77, a first switching vertical plate 78, a second switching vertical plate 79, and a switching drive plate 80 mounted on the horizontal plate 77. The drive plate 80 has a switching drive groove 81 that is inclined on both sides and horizontal in the middle. An L-shaped first crucible support plate 83 is mounted on the first switching vertical plate 78 via a transverse roller slide 82. A transfer plate 84 is mounted on the second switching vertical plate 79 via a transverse roller slide 82. A second crucible support plate 85 is mounted on the outer side of the transfer plate 84 via a longitudinal roller slide 82. The two crucibles are flipped... The rotating mechanism is respectively mounted on the first crucible support plate 83 and the second crucible support plate 85; the side of the second crucible support plate 85 is provided with a switching guide wheel 86, which is rolled in the switching drive groove 81; the side of the switching cross plate 77 is provided with two switching cylinders (not shown in the figure), the push head of the switching cylinder is fixed to the side of the first crucible support plate 83 and the second crucible support plate 85 respectively, and the switching cylinder is used to drive the first crucible support plate 83 and the second crucible support plate 85 to move laterally; the side of the crucible switching mechanism is provided with a cleaning mechanical arm 87, the execution end of the cleaning mechanical arm 87 is provided with a cleaning motor 88, and the motor shaft of the cleaning motor 88 is provided with a cleaning roller 89, which is used to clean the slag inside the crucible.

[0050] When the crucible needs to be switched and cleaned, the switching cylinder is activated simultaneously. The first crucible support plate 83 moves outward along the transverse roller slide 82, and the second crucible support plate 85 moves laterally. Guided by the inclined section on one side of the switching drive groove 81, the switching guide wheel 86 on the side of the second crucible support plate 85 slides diagonally downward to the middle horizontal section. The second crucible support plate 85 descends as a whole under the constraint of the longitudinal roller slide 82, completing the misalignment action with the first crucible support plate 83. Subsequently, guided by the inclined section on the other side of the switching drive groove 81, the switching guide wheel 86 on the side of the second crucible support plate 85 slides diagonally upward. The crucible to be cleaned moves to the cleaning area with the first crucible support plate 83 for cleaning, and the new crucible can continue the casting operation.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, a crucible removal mechanism is horizontally arranged across the upper side of the tank; the crucible removal mechanism is used to remove the crucible and place it into the crucible flipping mechanism after smelting; the crucible removal mechanism includes a six-axis gantry robot 90 with a crucible clamping assembly, the crucible clamping assembly being fixed to the moving end of the six-axis gantry robot 90, and the six-axis gantry robot 90 driving the crucible clamping assembly to move in six axes: up and down, forward and backward, and left and right; as shown Figure 16 As shown, the crucible clamping assembly includes a clamping base 91 and a clamping arm 92 slidably disposed on the clamping base 91. The clamping base 91 is a hexagonal plate structure with a certain structural strength. A cross-shaped clamping claw disk 93 is provided on the clamping base 91. The moving end of the six-axis gantry robot 90 is fixed to the clamping claw disk 93. A clamping groove 94 is provided on the clamping base 91, and the upper side of the clamping arm 92 slides in the clamping groove 94. The lower side of the clamping arm 92 has a semi-circular clamping plate for clamping the crucible. A clamping motor 95 is mounted on one side of the clamping base 91 via a motor support. The clamping motor 95 is a servo motor. The motor shaft of the clamping motor 95 is connected to one end of the first lead screw 96 via a coupling, and the other end of the first lead screw 96 is connected to one end of the second lead screw 97 via a coupling; the other end of the second lead screw 97 is connected to a bearing; the bearing is fixed to the clamping base 91 via a bearing support; the threads of the first lead screw 96 and the second lead screw 97 have opposite directions, and the two clamping arms 92 are threadedly engaged with the first lead screw 96 and the second lead screw 97 respectively; the six-axis servo robot 90 extends the crucible clamping assembly into the groove 1, the clamping motor 95 rotates, and the clamping arms 92 clamp the crucible; the six-axis servo robot 90 removes the crucible and places it into the crucible flipping mechanism.

[0052] A second aspect of the present invention provides a rare earth metal electrolysis process using the aforementioned rare earth metal electrolysis apparatus, comprising the following steps.

[0053] Step 1: Place the crucible into tank 1, drive the cathode rod 4 to descend through the vertical support mechanism, adjust the discharge gap between the cathode rod 4 and the anode 2 to a suitable state, and start the electrolysis system;

[0054] Step 2: After electrolysis is completed, start the rotary drive motor 29 of the rotary fine adjustment mechanism to drive the cathode rod 4 to rotate, making room above the tank 1; take out the crucible and place it on the crucible bracket 72 of the crucible flipping mechanism, and the crucible is held and fixed by the crucible chuck 76 driven by the crucible cylinder 75.

[0055] Step 3: The crucible tilting mechanism pours the molten rare earth liquid into the mold 45 of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, and it cools and solidifies.

[0056] Step 4: The demolding motor 41 drives the mold 45 to move horizontally and rotate, and the demolding hammer component shakes off the rare earth ingots, and the mold is automatically demolded;

[0057] Step 5: The crucible switching mechanism moves the crucible to be cleaned to the cleaning area, and the cleaning robot arm 87 drives the cleaning roller 89 to remove the slag inside the crucible; at the same time, a new crucible enters the casting area, and the cycle continues.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, the above methods of fixing all use common technical means employed by industry professionals, such as welding, nesting, or threaded fixing.

[0059] The following points need to be explained:

[0060] The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of the present invention; other structures can refer to general designs.

[0061] For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the accompanying drawings used to describe embodiments of the invention; that is, these drawings are not drawn to scale. It is understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “above” or “below” another element, the element may be “directly” located “above” or “below” the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present.

[0062] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0063] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rare earth metal electrolysis device, characterized in that, It includes a tank (1) and an anode (2) disposed in the tank (1), and also includes a vertical moving support mechanism disposed on one side of the tank (1). The output end of the vertical moving support mechanism is fixed with a rotary fine-tuning mechanism. The output end of the rotary fine-tuning mechanism is fixed to the cathode rod (4) through an electrode arm (3). The rotary fine-tuning mechanism includes a drive box (20). The bottom of the drive box (20) is provided with a fine-tuning cylinder (21). The push head of the fine-tuning cylinder (21) extends into the interior of the drive box (20) and is fixed to the conversion component (22). The inner side wall of the drive box (20) is rotatably fitted with a transmission cavity (24) through a mounting bracket (23). The outer side of the transmission cavity (24) is provided with a fixed transmission gear (25). The inner side of the transmission cavity (24) is provided with a sliding slot (26). The lower side of the fine-tuning connecting rod (27) is rotatably fitted with the upper side of the conversion component (22). The upper side of the fine-tuning connecting rod (27) passes through the transmission cavity (24). The inner side of the drive box (20) extends upward and is fixed to the electrode arm (3); the fine-tuning connecting rod (27) is provided with a sliding pin (28), which is fitted in the sliding slot (26); the upper side of the drive box (20) is provided with a rotary drive motor (29), the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor (29) extends downward to the inner side of the drive box (20) and is connected to the separation transmission mechanism; the separation transmission mechanism includes a separation connecting plate (30), the middle of the separation connecting plate (30) is rotatably fitted with a separation connecting shaft (31) through a bearing, the upper side of the separation connecting shaft (31) is connected to the motor shaft of the rotary drive motor (29), and the lower side of the separation connecting shaft (31) is keyed to a main gear (32); the lower ends of the separation connecting plate (30) are provided with gear shafts (33), and the gear shafts (33) are rotatably fitted with a driven gear (34), which meshes with the main gear (32).

2. The rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper side of the separation plate (30) is provided with a first adsorption column (35) with a semi-circular cross section; the inner top wall of the drive box (20) is provided with a second adsorption column (36) with a semi-circular cross section. When the separation plate (30) rotates as a whole, the straight surfaces of the first adsorption column (35) and the second adsorption column (36) are in contact. An iron sheet (37) is embedded on the first adsorption column (35), and a corresponding electromagnet (38) is embedded on the second adsorption column (36).

3. The rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical support mechanism includes a support column (5) mounted on the ground. A lifting motor (7) is fixed to the bottom of the support column (5) via a motor support plate (6). A lifting traction wheel (8) is fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting motor (7). A lifting fixed wheel (9) is fixed to the top of the support column (5). Lifting slide grooves (10) are provided on both sides of the support column (5). A lifting slide sleeve (11) is slidably fitted on the support column (5). A slide sleeve groove (12) with a rectangular cross section is provided on both sides of the lifting slide sleeve (11). A slide sleeve roller (13) is rotatably fitted in the slide sleeve groove (12). The slide sleeve roller (13) rolls with the lifting slide groove (10). One side of the lifting slide sleeve (11) is fixed to the traction plate (14), and the other side of the lifting slide sleeve (11) is connected to the rotary fine adjustment mechanism. The lifting traction wheel (8) is connected to one end of the traction rope (16), and the other end of the traction rope (16) passes around the lifting fixed wheel (9) and is fixed to the traction plate (14). The traction plate (14) is provided with pressing mounting plates (17) on both sides. The pressing mounting plate (17) is provided with pressing cylinders (18). The push head of the pressing cylinder (18) passes through the pressing mounting plate (17) and is connected to the pressing block (19). The pressing cylinder (18) extends, and the pressing block (19) extends into the lifting slide groove (10) to press and fix.

4. The rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the tank (1) is provided with a crucible tilting mechanism and a rare earth ingot casting mechanism; the crucible tilting mechanism is used to pour molten rare earth liquid into the mold (45) of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, and the rare earth ingot casting mechanism is used to automatically demold after the rare earth ingot is formed; the rare earth ingot casting mechanism includes a demolding slide plate (39) and a demolding screw (40) that rotates with both sides of the demolding slide plate (39). A demolding motor (41) is fixed to the side of the demolding slide plate (39) by a motor frame. One side of the demolding screw (40) rotates with the demolding slide plate (39) through a bearing, and the other side of the demolding screw (40) passes through the demolding slide plate (39). The motor shaft of the demolding motor (41) is fixed by a coupling. The demolding slide (39) has a zigzag-shaped steering guide groove (42) on its side. The demolding screw (40) is threaded with a demolding drive block (43). The demolding drive block (43) is rotated with a rotating shaft (44) through a bearing. The trapezoidal cavity mold (45) is fixed between the rotating shafts (44) on both sides. The outer side of the rotating shaft (44) is connected to one end of the swing plate (46). The other end of the swing plate (46) is rotated with a steering roller (47). The steering roller (47) rolls in the steering guide groove (42).

5. A rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the mold (45) is provided with a demolding striking assembly, and the upper side of the demolding slides (39) on both sides is fixed with a mounting plate (69). The inner side of the mounting plate (69) is provided with a zigzag-shaped striking guide groove (55), and the side of the striking guide groove (55) has an opening. The demolding striking assembly includes a striking support (48) fixed to the bottom of the mold (45). A partition plate (49) is vertically provided in the middle of the striking support (48), and a through-hole (50) is provided on the partition plate (49). A drive slide (51) is provided on the right side of the striking support (48), and a drive slider (52) is slidably fitted in the drive slide (51). A drive shaft (53) is horizontally provided on the outer side of the drive slider (52), and a drive roller (54) is rotatably fitted on the drive shaft (53). The drive roller (54) is used to roll with the striking guide groove (55). A push wheel (56) is provided on the inner side of the drive slider (52), and the push wheel (56) is located in the mating channel (50). The left side of the striking support (48) is open A striking slide (57) is provided, and a striking slider (58) slides within the striking slide (57). A striking guide shaft (59) is provided on the upper side of the driving slider (52), and a striking support (48) extends through the upper side of the striking guide shaft (59). A striking spring (60) is sleeved on the striking guide shaft (59). The lower side of the striking slider (58) is fixed to the striking plate (62) via a striking shaft (61). A locking tongue groove (63) is provided on the side of the striking slider (58), and a locking tongue groove (63) is provided within the locking tongue groove (63). A sliding engagement is provided with a locking tongue block (64); one side of the locking tongue block (64) is fixed to one end of the locking tongue guide post (65), and the other side of the locking tongue guide post (65) passes through the bottom of the locking tongue groove (63) and is fixed to the anti-detachment plate (66). The upper end of the other side of the locking tongue block (64) is a sloping structure; a locking tongue spring (67) passes through the locking tongue guide post (65); the upper side of the engagement channel (50) is provided with a sloping plate (68) corresponding to the locking tongue block (64), and the locking tongue block (64) is in contact with the push wheel (56).

6. The rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The crucible flipping mechanism is located on the crucible switching mechanism. The crucible flipping mechanism includes a flipping base plate (70) arranged opposite to each other. A flipping motor (71) is provided on one side of the flipping base plate (70). A crucible bracket (72) is provided between the flipping base plates (70). A crucible clamp plate (73) with a circular crucible groove is provided on the crucible bracket (72). A bracket shaft (74) is provided on both sides of the crucible bracket (72). The motor shaft of the flipping motor (71) extends into the interior of the flipping base plate (70) and is fixed to the bracket shaft (74) on one side by a coupling. The bracket shaft (74) on the other side is rotatably engaged with the flipping base plate (70). A crucible cylinder (75) is provided on each of the two flipping base plates (70). The push head of the crucible cylinder (75) passes through the flipping base plate (70) and is fixed to the crucible clamp (76).

7. A rare earth metal electrolysis device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The crucible switching mechanism includes a switching horizontal plate (77) and a first switching vertical plate (78), a second switching vertical plate (79), and a switching drive plate (80) disposed on the switching horizontal plate (77). The switching drive plate (80) has a switching drive groove (81) that is inclined on both sides and horizontal in the middle. An L-shaped first crucible support plate (83) is installed on the first switching vertical plate (78) through a transverse roller slide (82). A transfer plate (84) is installed on the second switching vertical plate (79) through a transverse roller slide (82). A second crucible support plate (85) is installed on the outer side of the transfer plate (84) through a longitudinal roller slide (82). Two crucible flipping mechanisms are respectively installed on the first crucible support plate (83) and the second crucible support plate (85); the side of the second crucible support plate (85) is provided with a switching guide wheel (86), which is rolled in the switching drive groove (81); the side of the switching cross plate (77) is provided with two switching cylinders, and the push head of the switching cylinder is fixed to the side of the first crucible support plate (83) and the second crucible support plate (85) respectively; the side of the crucible switching mechanism is provided with a cleaning mechanical arm (87), the execution end of the cleaning mechanical arm (87) is provided with a cleaning motor (88), and the motor shaft of the cleaning motor (88) is provided with a cleaning roller (89).

8. A rare earth metal electrolysis process, characterized in that, The rare earth metal electrolysis apparatus as described in claim 5 includes the following steps. Step 1: Place the crucible into the tank (1), drive the cathode rod (4) to descend through the vertical support mechanism, adjust the discharge gap between the cathode rod (4) and the anode (2) to a suitable state, and start the electrolysis system; Step 2: After electrolysis is completed, start the rotary fine-tuning mechanism to drive the cathode rod (4) to rotate, making room directly above the tank (1); Remove the crucible and place it on the crucible tilting mechanism; Step 3: The crucible tilting mechanism pours the molten rare earth liquid into the mold (45) of the rare earth ingot casting mechanism, and cools and solidifies; Step 4: The crucible flipping mechanism moves horizontally and flips, and the demolding striking component shakes the rare earth ingots off, automatically demolding them.

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