Automatic casting blanking device and blanking method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of casting machining equipment, in particular to an automatic casting discharging device and method. The carriers on the two annular guide rails are aligned in pairs, move in parallel and sequentially pass through a detection station, an unqualified product discharging conveying line and a qualified product discharging conveying line which are arranged in the middle of the rack, each carrier comprises a mounting frame, a moving block and an L-shaped placement plate, and the placement plates driven by the two annular guide rails support the two ends of a casting respectively; according to the technical scheme, a plurality of carriers are carried through the annular guide rail to move continuously, and a plurality of castings can be conveyed and detected at the same time; when unqualified castings are detected at the detection station, the distance adjusting unit controls the carriers on the two annular guide rails to move to the position above the unqualified product discharging conveying line, the containing plates are far away from each other to enable the castings to fall down, and automatic distribution of qualified products and the unqualified products is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of casting processing equipment technology, specifically to an automatic casting unloading device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of my country's manufacturing industry, castings are increasingly widely used in aviation, aerospace, automotive, and machinery fields. In the casting production process, visual inspection of castings is a crucial step, involving checking the quality characteristics of the casting surface to ensure it meets design requirements and customer expectations. This process includes checking surface quality, dimensions, geometry, finish, coatings, markings, and color, typically using tools and equipment to ensure a comprehensive assessment of casting quality and recording the results for tracking and reference.

[0003] The visual inspection of automotive parts typically relies on manual inspection. While simple and intuitive, this method suffers from subjectivity and inefficiency. Furthermore, the weight of castings and the high labor intensity result in limited economic benefits. Chinese patent CN119038099A discloses an automated loading and unloading method and device for casting inspection. This method utilizes a combination of a loading / unloading robot and a camera. The robot grips the casting, and the vision camera performs visual inspection, achieving automated loading and unloading for casting inspection. However, this equipment can only inspect one casting at a time. Moreover, after inspection, the robot needs to place qualified and unqualified castings in different areas, leading to an excessively long inspection cycle for a single casting, which is unsuitable for inspecting large quantities of castings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide an automatic casting unloading device and method. The automatic casting unloading device includes a frame with two annular guide rails symmetrically arranged on both sides. Several carriers are mounted on the annular guide rails. The carriers on the two annular guide rails move parallel to each other, sequentially passing through a detection station located in the middle of the frame, a non-conforming product unloading conveyor line, and a conforming product unloading conveyor line. Each carrier includes a mounting frame connected to the working end of the annular guide rails. A movable block is slidably mounted on a horizontal top plate on the top of the mounting frame, and a "..." is mounted on the movable block. The L-shaped placement plate has two ring-shaped guide rails driving the placement plates to support the two ends of the casting respectively. The frame is equipped with a path control plate for adjusting the distance between the placement plates on the two ring-shaped guide rails. The path control plate controls the placement plates to move away from each other when the carriers on the two ring-shaped guide rails move above the qualified product unloading conveyor line, causing the casting to fall. The path control plate is equipped with a spacing adjustment unit. When a non-qualified casting is detected at the inspection station, the spacing adjustment unit controls the placement plates to move away from each other when the carriers on the two ring-shaped guide rails move above the non-qualified product unloading conveyor line, causing the casting to fall.

[0005] To enable the moving block and placement plate to move in a limited manner under the control of the path control plate, the following features are specifically provided: the path control plate extends horizontally along the length of the frame; the moving block is provided with several guide rods, the axis of which is perpendicular to the length of the path control plate; the guide rods are inserted into guide holes provided on the horizontal top plate; springs are sleeved on the guide rods, and the springs elastically connect the guide rods and the horizontal top plate; the spring force causes the moving block to tend to move away from the center of the annular guide rail; an extension plate extending horizontally along the axis of the guide rods is provided on the top of the moving block, and a protruding contact block is provided on the upper side of the extension plate.

[0006] In order to adjust the spacing between the two placement plates according to the size of the casting, the following features are specifically provided: a gantry frame is provided on the frame located on one side of the annular guide rail, and the path control plate is slidably installed in the first limiter at the top of the gantry frame; a first linear drive for driving the path control plate to move along the axis of the guide rod is installed on the gantry frame.

[0007] To enable the carrier to automatically unload the casting when it moves the casting to the qualified product unloading conveyor line, the following features are specifically provided: the contact side of the contact block and the path control plate is located on the side of the path control plate away from the center of the frame, and a limiting top plate protruding from the side of the path control plate is provided on this side above the qualified product unloading conveyor line. The limiting top plate has inclined surfaces that smoothly connect to the side of the path control plate on both sides.

[0008] In order to control whether the casting is discharged at the non-conforming product discharge line or the conforming product discharge line, the following features are specifically designed: The spacing adjustment unit includes a movable top plate that is slidably mounted on the upper side of the path control plate. The movable top plate has the same shape as the limiting top plate. The movable top plate is slidably mounted in the second limiter located above the non-conforming product discharge line on the path control plate. The spacing adjustment unit is fixedly connected to the working end of the second linear driver, which is fixedly mounted on the path control plate. The working end of the second linear driver moves along the width direction of the path control plate.

[0009] To ensure that both the path control board and the movable top plate can make effective contact with the contact block, the following feature is specifically provided: the top surface of the contact block is higher than the top surfaces of the path control board and the movable top plate.

[0010] To ensure that the contact block can move smoothly under the drive of the moving top plate and the limiting top plate, the following feature is specifically set: one end of the contact block contact path control plate is rounded.

[0011] To enable separate transport of defective and qualified castings on the same moving path, the following features are specifically designed: the defective product unloading conveyor includes a first conveyor belt flush with the qualified product unloading conveyor and a second conveyor belt located below the qualified product unloading conveyor. There is a gap between the output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the qualified product unloading conveyor. The output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the second conveyor belt are connected by an inclined guide plate.

[0012] To ensure comprehensive inspection of the castings supported by the placement plate, the following features are specifically designed: the inspection station includes a first mounting frame set in the frame and a second mounting frame spanning above two annular guide rails. The first mounting frame is equipped with several first vision cameras with their working ends facing upwards, and the second mounting frame is equipped with several second vision cameras with their working ends facing downwards. The first and second vision cameras inspect the upper and lower sides of the castings passing through the inspection station.

[0013] An automatic casting unloading method, implemented using an automatic casting unloading device, includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the casting on two placement plates, and use a circular guide rail to move the casting to the inspection station for inspection; Step 2: The inspection station determines whether the casting is qualified. If the casting is qualified, the ring guide rail drives the placement plate to move to the qualified product unloading conveyor line for unloading. At this time, the mounting frame does not start. If the casting is unqualified, when the ring guide rail drives the placement plate to move to the unqualified product unloading conveyor line, the mounting frame starts to unload the casting at the unqualified product unloading conveyor line.

[0014] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: Firstly, this invention uses a ring-shaped guide rail to carry multiple carriers that move continuously, enabling the simultaneous transport and inspection of multiple castings. This avoids the problem of excessively long inspection cycles for individual castings and is suitable for the batch inspection needs of a large number of castings.

[0015] Secondly, this invention utilizes the mechanical cooperation between the limiting top plate and the contact block on the path control plate. The change in the spacing between the placement plates can be triggered simply by the movement of the carrier along the annular guide rail, thus completing the automatic unloading of qualified products. The path control plate, in conjunction with the spacing adjustment unit, can precisely control the change in the spacing between the placement plates based on the detection results, thereby achieving automatic separation of qualified and unqualified products and reducing sorting errors.

[0016] Thirdly, in this invention, the placement plate can move along a prescribed route according to the constraints of the path control plate during the casting movement process. The first linear actuator drives the path control plates on both sides of the frame to move in opposite directions, changing the spacing between the path control plates to achieve precise adjustment of the spacing between the placement plates on both sides. This improves the equipment's ability to quickly switch between castings of multiple specifications. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an automatic casting unloading device.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of section B.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point C.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point D.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a front view of an automatic casting unloading device.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view of the EE section.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Sectional view of the section at FF.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a carrier for an automatic casting unloading device.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the carrier of an automatic casting unloading device.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 1a. Inspection station; 1a1. First mounting frame; 1a2. Second mounting frame; 1a3. First vision camera; 1a4. Second vision camera; 1b. Non-conforming product unloading conveyor line; 1b1. First conveyor belt; 1b2. Second conveyor belt; 1b3. Guide plate; 1c. Conforming product unloading conveyor line; 1d. Gantry frame; 1d1. First limiter; 1d2. First linear actuator; 2. Circular conveyor guide rail; 3. Moving carrier; 3a. Mounting frame; 3a1. Horizontal top plate; 3a2. Guide hole; 3a3. Limiting seat; 3b. Moving block; 3b1. Guide rod; 3b2. Spring; 3b3. Extension plate; 3b4. Contact block; 3c. Placement plate; 4. Path control plate; 4a. Spacing adjustment unit; 4a1. Moving top plate; 4a2. Second limiter; 4a3. Second linear actuator; 4b. Limiting top plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 10 : An automatic casting unloading device includes a frame 1 with two annular guide rails 2 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the frame 1. Several carriers 3 are mounted on the annular guide rails 2. The carriers 3 on the two annular guide rails 2 move parallel to each other and sequentially pass through a detection station 1a, a non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b, and a conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c located in the middle of the frame 1. Each carrier 3 includes a mounting frame 3a connected to the working end of the annular guide rail 2. A moving block 3b is slidably mounted on a horizontal top plate 3a1 at the top of the mounting frame 3a. An "L"-shaped placement plate 3c is mounted on the moving block 3b. The two annular guide rails 2 are driven... Placement plates 3c support both ends of the casting respectively; the frame 1 is equipped with a path control plate 4 for adjusting the distance between the placement plates 3c on the two annular guide rails 2. When the carriers 3 on the two annular guide rails 2 move above the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c, the placement plates 3c move away from each other, causing the casting to fall. The path control plate 4 is equipped with a spacing adjustment unit 4a. When a non-qualified casting is detected at the inspection station 1a, the spacing adjustment unit 4a controls the carriers 3 on the two annular guide rails 2 to move away from each other when they move above the non-qualified product unloading conveyor line 1b, causing the placement plates 3c to move away from each other, causing the casting to fall.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 10In this embodiment, the annular guide rails 2 on both sides of the frame 1 operate synchronously, driving several carriers 3 installed on them to move sequentially in a cyclical manner. The carriers 3 are connected to the working ends of the annular guide rails 2 through the mounting frame 3a. The moving block 3b on the horizontal top plate 3a1 at the top of the mounting frame 3a drives the "L"-shaped placement plate 3c to move. The placement plates 3c on the two annular guide rails 2 are aligned in pairs. The operator manually or automatically with the help of a robotic arm places the castings one by one on the placement plates 3c on the two annular guide rails 2. The horizontal bottom of the placement plates 3c jointly supports both ends of the castings. The carrier 3 first moves the casting to the inspection station 1a in the middle of the frame 1 for inspection. After inspection, if the casting is qualified, the path control board 4 directly controls the placement plates 3c of the carriers 3 on both sides to move above the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c. Then, the moving block 3b drives the placement plates 3c to move away from each other, so that the casting falls into the qualified product conveyor line. If the casting is unqualified, the spacing adjustment unit 4a on the path control board 4 is activated, controlling the moving block 3b of the carriers 3 on both sides to move the placement plates 3c away from each other when they move above the unqualified product unloading conveyor line 1b, so that the casting falls into the unqualified product conveyor line, thus completing the continuous conveying, inspection, and sorting of the casting. In this embodiment, multiple carriers 3 are continuously moved by the ring guide rail 2, which can simultaneously convey and inspect multiple castings, avoiding the problem of excessively long inspection cycles for a single casting, and adapting to the batch inspection needs of a large number of castings. The path control plate 4 works in conjunction with the spacing adjustment unit 4a to precisely control the spacing of the placement plates 3c according to the detection results, thereby achieving automatic separation of qualified and unqualified products and reducing sorting errors. The path control plate 4 can adjust the spacing between the two placement plates 3c, which can be adapted to castings of different lengths and specifications, improving the versatility of the device.

[0032] To enable the moving block 3b and the placement plate 3c to move in a limited position under the control of the path control plate 4, the following features are specifically set: The path control plate 4 extends horizontally along the length of the frame 1. Several guide rods 3b1 are provided on the moving block 3b. The axis of the guide rods 3b1 is perpendicular to the length of the path control plate 4. The guide rods 3b1 are inserted into the guide holes 3a2 provided on the horizontal top plate 3a1. A spring 3b2 is sleeved on the guide rod 3b1. The spring 3b2 elastically connects the guide rod 3b1 and the horizontal top plate 3a1. The elastic force of the spring 3b2 causes the moving block 3b to tend to move away from the center of the annular guide rail 2. An extension plate 3b3 extending horizontally along the axis of the guide rods 3b1 is provided on the top of the moving block 3b. A protruding contact block 3b4 is provided on the upper side of the extension plate 3b3.

[0033] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, the path control plate 4 is arranged horizontally along the length of the frame 1. When the carrier 3 moves with the annular guide rail 2, the contact block 3b4 on the top extension plate 3b3 of the moving block 3b maintains contact with the path control plate 4. The moving block 3b is inserted into the guide hole 3a2 of the horizontal top plate 3a1 through the guide rod 3b1. The guide rod 3b1 limits the moving block 3b to move only in a direction perpendicular to the length of the path control plate 4. The spring 3b2 sleeved on the guide rod 3b1 elastically connects the guide rod 3b1 and the horizontal top plate 3a1. Its elastic force continuously makes the moving block 3b tend to move away from the center of the annular guide rail 2, thereby maintaining the contact block 3b4 in contact with one side of the path control plate 4. Therefore, it can be ensured that the placement plate 3c moves according to the prescribed route according to the restriction of the path control plate 4 during the process of moving the casting.

[0034] In order to adjust the spacing between the two side placement plates 3c according to the size of the casting, the following features are specifically set: A gantry 1d is mounted on the frame 1 and located on one side of the annular guide rail 2. The path control plate 4 is slidably mounted in the first limiter 1d1 at the top of the gantry 1d. A first linear actuator 1d2 is mounted on the gantry 1d to drive the path control plate 4 to move along the axis of the guide rod 3b1.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first linear actuator 1d2 can be a cylinder or an electric push rod, etc. When it is necessary to adjust the spacing between the two side placement plates 3c according to the casting size, the first linear actuator 1d2 on the gantry 1d is activated. The first linear actuator 1d2 drives the path control plates 4 on both sides of the frame 1 to move in the opposite direction, changing the spacing between the path control plates 4. When the contact block 3b4 of the subsequent carrier 3 is in contact with the path control plate 4, the precise adjustment of the spacing between the two side placement plates 3c can be achieved. This improves the equipment's ability to quickly switch between castings of multiple specifications.

[0036] To enable the carrier to automatically unload the casting when it moves the casting to the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c, the following features are specifically designed: The contact side of the contact block 3b4 and the path control plate 4 is located on the side of the path control plate 4 away from the center of the frame 1. This side is located above the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c and is provided with a limiting top plate 4b that protrudes from the side of the path control plate 4. The limiting top plate 4b is provided with inclined surfaces that smoothly connect to the side of the path control plate 4 on both sides.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, when the carrier 3 moves with the annular guide rail 2, under the elastic force of the spring 3b2, the contact block 3b4 on the top extension plate 3b3 of the moving block 3b always adheres to the side of the path control plate 4 away from the center of the frame 1. When the carrier 3 moves with the qualified casting above the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c, the contact block 3b4 slides along the inclined surface of the side of the path control plate 4 towards the protruding limiting top plate 4b; as the carrier 3 continues to move, the limiting top plate 4b applies a pushing force to the contact block 3b4 in the direction away from the center of the frame 1, causing the extension plate 3b3, the moving block 3b and the placement plate 3c to move synchronously, increasing the distance between the two placement plates 3c, and the casting falls into the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c after losing support. In this embodiment, the mechanical cooperation between the limiting top plate 4b on the path control board 4 and the contact block 3b4 eliminates the need for additional sensors or complex electrical control commands. The change in the spacing of the placement plate 3c can be triggered simply by the movement of the carrier 3 along the annular guide rail 2, thus completing the automatic unloading of qualified products. This simplifies the control logic and reduces the equipment failure rate.

[0038] In order to control whether the casting is discharged at the non-conforming product discharge conveyor line 1b or the conforming product discharge conveyor line 1c, the following features are specifically set: The spacing adjustment unit 4a includes a movable top plate 4a1 that is slidably mounted on the upper side of the path control plate 4. The movable top plate 4a1 has the same shape as the limiting top plate 4b. The movable top plate 4a1 is slidably mounted in the second limiter 4a2 located above the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b on the path control plate 4. The spacing adjustment unit 4a is fixedly connected to the working end of the second linear driver 4a3. The second linear driver 4a3 is fixedly mounted on the path control plate 4. The working end of the second linear driver 4a3 moves along the width direction of the path control plate 4.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, the second linear actuator 4a3 in this embodiment can be a cylinder or an electric push rod, etc. When the detection station 1a detects that the casting is a qualified product, the second linear actuator 4a3 does not move, and the moving top plate 4a1 in the spacing adjustment unit 4a remains within the second limiter 4a2 and does not protrude from the side of the path control plate 4. When the carrier 3 moves with the annular guide rail 2 to the top of the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c, the contact block 3b4 slides along the inclined surface of the limiter top plate 4b, triggering the placement plates 3c to move away from each other to complete the unloading. When a non-conforming product is detected, the detection signal triggers the second linear actuator 4a3 to move. Its working end pushes the moving top plate 4a1 along the width direction of the path control plate 4, causing the moving top plate 4a1 to slide along the second limiter 4a2 and protrude from the side of the path control plate 4. When the carrier 3 moves above the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b, the contact block 3b4 contacts and slides with the inclined surface of the moving top plate 4a1, causing the placement plates 3c to move away from each other to achieve unloading. After unloading is completed, the second linear actuator 4a3 drives the moving top plate 4a1 to reset within the second limiter 4a2, without affecting the subsequent carrier operation. In this embodiment, the extension and retraction of the moving top plate 4a1 driven by the second linear actuator 4a3 can accurately control the unloading position based on the detection results.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in order to ensure that both the path control plate 4 and the moving top plate 4a1 can make effective contact with the contact block 3b4, the following features are specifically designed: The top surface of contact block 3b4 is higher than the top surface of path control plate 4 and moving top plate 4a1.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to ensure that the contact block 3b4 can move smoothly under the drive of the moving top plate 4a1 and the limiting top plate 4b, the following features are specifically set: One end of the contact block 3b4 is rounded and contacts the path control plate 4.

[0042] To enable the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b and the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c to separately transport non-conforming and conforming castings on the same moving path, the following features are specifically designed: The non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b includes a first conveyor belt 1b1 that is flush with the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c, and a second conveyor belt 1b2 located below the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c. There is a gap between the output end of the first conveyor belt 1b1 and the input end of the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c. The output end of the first conveyor belt 1b1 and the input end of the second conveyor belt 1b2 are connected by an inclined guide plate 1b3.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 6As shown, when the inspection station 1a determines that the casting is a non-conforming product and unloads it through the placement plate 3c of the carrier 3, the casting falls onto the first conveyor belt 1b1 of the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line 1b, which is flush with the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c. The first conveyor belt 1b1 transports the non-conforming casting to its output end. Due to the gap between the output end of the first conveyor belt 1b1 and the input end of the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c, the non-conforming casting does not enter the conforming product conveyor line. Instead, it slides through the inclined guide plate 1b3 into the input end of the second conveyor belt 1b2, which is located below the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c. The second conveyor belt 1b2 further transports the non-conforming casting to the designated collection area. Conforming castings fall directly into the conforming product unloading conveyor line 1c and are transported away, realizing the separate transport of conforming and non-conforming castings on the same movement path. This effectively avoids mixing of conforming and non-conforming castings during transport and ensures the independence and accuracy of the transport after sorting.

[0044] To ensure comprehensive inspection of the castings supported by the 3C placement plate, the following features were specifically designed: Inspection station 1a includes a first mounting frame 1a1 set in the frame 1 and a second mounting frame 1a2 spanning above two annular guide rails 2. The first mounting frame 1a1 is equipped with a number of first vision cameras 1a3 with their working ends facing upwards, and the second mounting frame 1a2 is equipped with a number of second vision cameras 1a4 with their working ends facing downwards. The first vision cameras 1a3 and the second vision cameras 1a4 inspect the upper and lower sides of the casting passing through inspection station 1a.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, when the carrier 3 carrying the casting moves to the inspection station 1a along the annular guide rail 2, several first vision cameras 1a3 on the first mounting frame 1a1 in the frame 1, with their working ends facing upwards, are aligned with the lower surface of the casting. Simultaneously, several second vision cameras 1a4 on the second mounting frame 1a2 spanning the two annular guide rails 2, with their working ends facing downwards, are aligned with the upper surface of the casting. The first vision cameras 1a3 and second vision cameras 1a4 are activated synchronously, acquiring images of the upper and lower surfaces of the casting and transmitting them to the inspection system. This completes a comprehensive inspection of the quality characteristics of the upper and lower surfaces of the casting. The inspection results are then used to control the carrier 3 to feed material onto the corresponding conveyor line. In this embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the casting are simultaneously covered by the coordinated operation of the first vision cameras 1a3 and second vision cameras 1a4. This solves the problem of missing lower surface defects during single-direction inspection, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the casting's appearance quality and improving the inspection pass rate.

[0046] An automatic casting unloading method, implemented using an automatic casting unloading device, includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the casting on two placement plates 3c, and the annular guide rail 2 will transport the casting to the inspection station 1a for inspection. Step 2: Inspection station 1a determines whether the casting is qualified. If the casting is qualified, the ring guide rail 2 drives the placement plate 3c to move to the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c for unloading. At this time, the mounting frame 3a does not start. If the casting is unqualified, when the ring guide rail 2 drives the placement plate 3c to move to the unqualified product unloading conveyor line 1b, the mounting frame 3a starts to unload the casting at the unqualified product unloading conveyor line 1b.

[0047] Working Principle: The annular guide rails 2 on both sides of the frame 1 operate synchronously, driving several carriers 3 installed on them to move sequentially in a cyclical manner. Workers manually or automatically using robotic arms place the castings one by one onto the placement plates 3c on the annular guide rails 2. The horizontal bottoms of the placement plates 3c jointly support both ends of the casting. The carriers 3 first move the castings to the inspection station 1a in the middle of the frame 1 for inspection. After inspection, if the casting is qualified, the path control board 4 directly controls the placement plates 3c of the carriers 3 on both sides to move above the qualified product unloading conveyor line 1c. Then, the moving blocks 3b move the placement plates 3c away from each other, causing the casting to fall into the qualified product conveyor line. If the casting is found to be unqualified, the spacing adjustment unit 4a on the path control board 4 is activated, controlling the moving blocks 3b of the carriers 3 on both sides to move the placement plates 3c away from each other when they move above the unqualified product unloading conveyor line 1b, causing the casting to fall into the unqualified product conveyor line, thus completing the continuous conveying, inspection, and sorting of the castings.

[0048] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An automatic casting unloading device, characterized in that, The machine includes a frame (1), two annular guide rails (2) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the frame (1), and several carriers (3) are installed on the annular guide rails (2). The carriers (3) on the two annular guide rails (2) move parallel to each other and pass through the inspection station (1a), the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line (1b) and the conforming product unloading conveyor line (1c) set in the middle of the frame (1) in sequence. The carrier (3) includes a mounting frame (3a) that connects to the working end of the annular guide rail (2). A moving block (3b) is slidably installed on the horizontal top plate (3a1) set on the top of the mounting frame (3a). An "L"-shaped placement plate (3c) is installed on the moving block (3b). The placement plate (3c) driven by the two annular guide rails (2) supports the two ends of the casting respectively. The frame (1) is provided with a path control plate (4) for adjusting the spacing between the placement plates (3c) on the two annular guide rails (2). The path control plate (4) controls the carriers (3) on the two annular guide rails (2) to move away from each other when they move above the qualified product unloading conveyor line (1c), causing the casting to fall. The path control plate (4) is provided with a spacing adjustment unit (4a). When the detection station (1a) detects a non-qualified casting, the spacing adjustment unit (4a) controls the carriers (3) on the two annular guide rails (2) to move away from each other when they move above the non-qualified product unloading conveyor line (1b), causing the casting to fall.

2. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The path control plate (4) extends horizontally along the length of the frame (1). The moving block (3b) is provided with a number of guide rods (3b1). The axis of the guide rods (3b1) is perpendicular to the length of the path control plate (4). The guide rods (3b1) are inserted into the guide holes (3a2) provided on the horizontal top plate (3a1). A spring (3b2) is sleeved on the guide rod (3b1). The spring (3b2) elastically connects the guide rod (3b1) and the horizontal top plate (3a1). The elastic force of the spring (3b2) makes the moving block (3b) tend to move away from the center of the annular guide rail (2). An extension plate (3b3) extending horizontally along the axis of the guide rod (3b1) is provided on the top of the moving block (3b). A protruding contact block (3b4) is provided on the upper side of the extension plate (3b3).

3. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A gantry (1d) is installed on the frame (1) on one side of the circular guide rail (2), and the path control plate (4) is slidably installed in the first limiter (1d1) at the top of the gantry (1d); The gantry (1d) is equipped with a first linear actuator (1d2) for driving the path control board (4) to move along the axis of the guide rod (3b1).

4. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The contact side of the contact block (3b4) and the path control plate (4) is located on the side of the path control plate (4) away from the center of the frame (1). This side is provided with a limiting top plate (4b) protruding from the side of the path control plate (4) above the qualified product unloading conveyor line (1c). The limiting top plate (4b) is provided with inclined surfaces that smoothly connect to the side of the path control plate (4) on both sides.

5. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spacing adjustment unit (4a) includes a movable top plate (4a1) that is slidably mounted on the upper side of the path control plate (4). The movable top plate (4a1) has the same shape as the limiting top plate (4b). The movable top plate (4a1) is slidably mounted in the second limiter (4a2) located above the non-conforming product unloading conveyor line (1b) of the path control plate (4). The spacing adjustment unit (4a) is fixedly connected to the working end of the second linear driver (4a3). The second linear driver (4a3) is fixedly mounted on the path control plate (4). The working end of the second linear driver (4a3) moves along the width direction of the path control plate (4).

6. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top surface of the contact block (3b4) is higher than the top surfaces of the path control plate (4) and the moving top plate (4a1).

7. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact block (3b4) has a rounded end on one end of the contact path control plate (4).

8. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-conforming product unloading conveyor line (1b) includes a first conveyor belt (1b1) flush with the conforming product unloading conveyor line (1c) and a second conveyor belt (1b2) located below the conforming product unloading conveyor line (1c). There is a gap between the output end of the first conveyor belt (1b1) and the input end of the conforming product unloading conveyor line (1c). The output end of the first conveyor belt (1b1) and the input end of the second conveyor belt (1b2) are connected by an inclined guide plate (1b3).

9. The automatic casting unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inspection station (1a) includes a first mounting frame (1a1) set in the frame (1) and a second mounting frame (1a2) spanning above two annular guide rails (2). The first mounting frame (1a1) is equipped with a number of first vision cameras (1a3) with their working ends facing upwards, and the second mounting frame (1a2) is equipped with a number of second vision cameras (1a4) with their working ends facing downwards. The first vision cameras (1a3) and the second vision cameras (1a4) inspect the upper and lower sides of the casting that has passed through the inspection station (1a).

10. An automatic casting unloading method, implemented using the automatic casting unloading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the casting on two placement plates (3c), and the ring guide rail (2) transports the casting to the inspection station (1a) for inspection; Step 2: Inspection station (1a) determines whether the casting is qualified. If the casting is qualified, the ring guide rail (2) drives the placement plate (3c) to move to the qualified product unloading conveyor line (1c) for unloading. At this time, the mounting frame (3a) is not started. If the casting is unqualified, when the ring guide rail (2) drives the placement plate (3c) to move to the unqualified product unloading conveyor line (1b), the mounting frame (3a) is started to unload the casting at the unqualified product unloading conveyor line (1b).

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