Circular end socket blank plate centering device and centering method

Abstract

The invention discloses a round end socket blank plate centering device and centering method, and belongs to the field of large tank body machining. In the centering device, an output shaft of a motor is connected with a first bevel gear; the at least three sliding supporting grooves which are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction extend in the radial direction; the lead screw is arranged in the sliding supporting groove in the extending direction of the sliding supporting groove. One end of each lead screw is fixedly connected with a second bevel gear which is meshed with the first bevel gear; a lead screw nut is mounted on each lead screw in a matched manner; each lead screw nut is fixedly connected with a sliding block, and the sliding blocks are embedded in the corresponding sliding supporting grooves and can slide along the sliding supporting grooves. Each sliding block is connected with a push plate of an L-shaped structure, so that when the motor drives the first bevel gear to rotate, all the push plates are driven to synchronously move in the radial direction of the sliding supporting groove through a transmission chain of the first bevel gear, the second bevel gear, the lead screw, the lead screw nut and the sliding blocks. By using the centering device and the centering method, the production efficiency and the centering precision can be improved, and meanwhile, the surface of the blank plate is prevented from being damaged.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application entitled "A centering device and centering method for a circular head blank plate", the original application was filed on December 29, 2019, application number 201911386538.X. Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of large tank processing technology, specifically relating to a centering device and method for a circular end cap blank plate. Background Technology

[0003] Many large tanks are designed with inner and outer layers for insulation. The middle part of the tank is cylindrical, while the two ends are curved, referred to as the upper and lower heads, respectively. After the heads are formed, the straight edges need further processing, with the machining amount generally controlled within 5mm. The higher the forming accuracy of the head, the less machining is required for the straight edges, and the lower the manufacturing cost. The forming accuracy of the head is mainly determined by the alignment accuracy between the center axis of the blank plate and the center axis of the forming mold. Current centering operations mainly rely on manual visual inspection or measurement with tools, resulting in low production efficiency. If the deviation is large, it is necessary to use forklifts and manpower to adjust the position of the blank plate on the head forming mold. Since the accuracy of manual visual inspection and measurement with tools is difficult to guarantee, the centering error is large; while using forklifts or manpower for adjustment can easily damage the surface of the blank plate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a centering device and method for circular end cap blanks to improve production efficiency and centering accuracy, while avoiding damage to the surface of the blank.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] A centering device for a circular head blank plate includes: The motor, whose output shaft is connected to the first bevel gear; At least three circumferentially distributed sliding support grooves, each extending radially; The lead screws are provided for each sliding support groove, and the lead screws are arranged inside the sliding support groove along the extension direction of the groove. One end of each lead screw is fixedly connected to a second bevel gear, and the second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear. Each lead screw is fitted with a lead screw nut; Each lead screw nut is fixedly connected to a slider, which is embedded in the corresponding sliding support groove and can slide along it; Each slider is connected to a push plate, so that when the motor drives the first bevel gear to rotate, the first bevel gear → second bevel gear → lead screw → lead screw nut → slider drives each push plate to move radially along the sliding support groove synchronously. The push plate has an L-shaped structure, with its vertical part facing the first bevel gear and its horizontal part spanning the top of the sliding support groove.

[0007] Alternatively, the sliding device can be achieved by changing the material of the top of the sliding support groove.

[0008] Optionally, a sliding device is installed on each of the two sides of the sliding support groove, and the horizontal part of the push plate slides in cooperation with the sliding device; the sliding device is a roller or a slide rail.

[0009] Optionally, the lead screw nut and the slider are separate structures.

[0010] Optionally, the lead screw nut is fixed to the bottom of the push plate by bolts and also serves as the slider.

[0011] Optionally, the circular head blank centering device further includes a support frame; one end of the sliding support groove is fixed to the support base, and the other end is fixed to the support frame; the support frame and the support base together provide support for both ends of the sliding support groove.

[0012] Optionally, a pressure sensor is installed on the vertical part of the push plate facing the first bevel gear; the pressure sensor is connected to the motor and the motor detects the sensing signal.

[0013] Optionally, the first bevel gear is mounted at a non-geometric center on the support.

[0014] A method for centering a circular head blank plate, based on the aforementioned circular head blank plate centering device, includes: Turn on the motor and drive each push plate to move synchronously away from the first bevel gear, so that the distance between the push plate and the first bevel gear is greater than the radius of the circular head blank plate. The circular end cap blank is hoisted and placed on the horizontal part of each push plate; The control motor reverses, driving each push plate to move synchronously towards the first bevel gear until the vertical part of each push plate contacts the side of the circular head blank plate. When the motor stops running, the central axis of the circular head blank is perpendicular to the plane containing the central axes of each sliding support groove, and passes through the intersection of the central axes of each sliding support groove, thus completing the centering of the circular head blank.

[0015] Optionally, the distance from the push plate to the first bevel gear is determined based on a preset scale on the sliding support groove that corresponds to the outer diameter of the circular head blank plate.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The circular head blank centering device and method of the present invention combines ball screw transmission and gear transmission. A motor drives the first bevel gear to rotate, causing push plates to move synchronously outward or inward on the sliding support grooves, ensuring that each push plate is at the same distance from the first bevel gear. When the vertical portion of each push plate is in contact with the side of the circular head blank, the central axis of the circular head blank is perpendicular to the plane containing the central axes of each sliding support groove, and passes through the intersection of the central axes of the sliding support grooves, thus completing the centering of the circular head blank. This centering method is simple to operate, accurate, and has extremely high production efficiency and centering precision, while avoiding damage to the surface of the head blank caused by relying on manual labor and forklifts for centering. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the circular head blank centering device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the connection between the push plate and the lead screw in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the motor drive structure in an embodiment of the present invention; Among them, 1-support base, 2-push plate, 3-sliding device, 4-first bevel gear, 5-motor, 6-lead screw, 7-second bevel gear, 8-sliding support groove, 9-support frame, 10-lead screw nut. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] To address the technical problems of low production efficiency, difficulty in ensuring accuracy, and easy damage to the surface of the blank when centering the blank plate and forming mold by relying on manual visual inspection or tool measurement in the existing technology, the present invention provides a centering device and centering method for a circular head blank plate.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, the present invention provides a centering device for a circular end cap blank plate, including a support base 1, a push plate 2, a sliding device 3, a first bevel gear 4, a motor 5, a lead screw 6, a second bevel gear 7, a sliding support groove 8, a support frame 9, and a lead screw nut 10.

[0021] The support base 1 is circular, and the motor 5 is fixed to the support base 1. The output shaft of the motor 5 is connected to the first bevel gear 4 to drive the first bevel gear 4 to rotate. The support base 1 can also be other shapes; the circular shape is only a preferred design. Furthermore, the first bevel gear 4 can be installed at the geometric center of the support base 1 or at a non-geometric center. Each push plate 2 is located on the same circumference centered on the first bevel gear 4.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the sliding support grooves 8 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the support base 1, located on the same horizontal plane, and extend radially. The number of sliding support grooves 8 in this invention can be greater than three; three is the minimum number required to center the circular end cap blank plate.

[0023] The top of the sliding support groove 8 is equipped with a sliding device 3 to avoid mutual friction between the push plate 2 and the sliding support groove 8. The sliding device 3 can be a roller that facilitates the sliding of the push plate 2 or other slide rails that can reduce friction. Alternatively, the friction can be reduced by changing the material of the top of the sliding support groove 8.

[0024] The push plate 2 is L-shaped, with its opening facing the first bevel gear 4, and includes a vertical part and a horizontal part. The horizontal part of the push plate 2 spans the top of the sliding support groove 8, and the sliding device 3 is installed on the two sides of the sliding support groove 8. The push plate 2 and the sliding device 3 are in sliding engagement. The sliding device 3 guides the push plate 2, ensuring centering accuracy while avoiding mutual friction between the push plate 2 and the sliding support groove 8.

[0025] The horizontal portion of the push plate 2 is mounted on the sliding device 3, and a slider is provided at its lower part. The slider is located inside the sliding support groove 8 and is adapted to the interior of the sliding support groove 8. The slider can limit the push plate 2 to be positioned on the sliding support groove 8, preventing the push plate 2 from tilting to the left or right.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, a lead screw nut 10 is fixed on the slider at the lower part of the push plate 2. The lead screw nut 10 is fixed to the bottom of the push plate 2 by bolts. The lead screw nut 10 and the slider can be separate as described above, or they can be integrated, with the outer periphery of the lead screw nut 10 being regarded as the slider.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lead screw 6 is located within the sliding support groove 8, and is arranged parallel to the sliding device 3. The lead screw nut 10 is sleeved on the lead screw 6, and the lead screw and lead screw nut 10 form a ball screw kinematic pair. A second bevel gear 7 is fixed to the end of the lead screw 6, and all three second bevel gears 7 mesh with the first bevel gear 4 to achieve synchronous movement of the three push plates 2, ensuring the centering accuracy.

[0028] One end of the sliding support groove 8 is fixed to the support base 1, and the other end is fixed to the support frame 9. The support frame 9 is located on the same circumference with the first bevel gear 4 as the center, and the sliding support groove 8 is stably supported by the support base 1 and the support frame 9.

[0029] The transmission mechanism of the aforementioned centering device moves as follows: the motor 5 drives the first bevel gear 4 to rotate, the first bevel gear 4 drives the three second bevel gears 7 to rotate synchronously, and at the same time, the three lead screws 6 rotate synchronously. The lead screw nut 10 moves along the lead screw 6, driving the push plate 2 to move along the sliding device 3 toward or away from the first bevel gear 4.

[0030] Pressure sensors are installed on the side of the vertical part of the push plate 2 facing the first bevel gear 4. All pressure sensors are connected to the motor 5. The centering accuracy and safety of the device are ensured by detecting the sensor signals through the motor 5.

[0031] Alternatively, graduations can be set on the sliding support grooves 8. Since the circular head blanks on the production site often have relatively fixed outer diameters, graduations corresponding to the outer diameter of the circular head blanks can be set on the sliding device 3. At the start of centering, the push plates 2 need to be moved to a certain position so that the circular head blanks can be placed between the push plates 2. Graduations can be set on each sliding support groove 8, or on any sliding support groove 8.

[0032] Based on the above-described circular head blank centering device, the present invention also provides a method for centering a circular head blank, wherein the blank is centered at the center of each sliding support groove 8. The centering method based on the above-described circular head blank centering device is as follows: S1, start motor 5, motor 5 drives the first bevel gear 4 to rotate, which drives the second bevel gear 7 and the lead screw 6 to rotate synchronously. Each push plate 2 moves synchronously along the sliding support groove 8 away from the first bevel gear 4 according to the size of the circular end cap blank plate, until the distance between the push plate 2 and the first bevel gear 4 is greater than the radius of the circular end cap blank plate. S2, lift the circular end cap blank plate and place it on the horizontal part of the push plate 2; S3, the motor 5 drives each push plate 2 to move synchronously in the direction of the first bevel gear 4 until the vertical part of each push plate 2 is in contact with the side of the circular head blank plate. S4, when the motor 5 detects that the pressure sensors on each push plate 2 have sent sensing signals, the motor 5 stops running and the circular head blank plate is centered. At this time, the central axis of the circular head blank plate is perpendicular to the plane where the central axis of each sliding support groove 8 is located, and passes through the intersection of the central axes of each sliding support groove 8.

[0033] After centering the circular head blank plate using the aforementioned centering device, other transfer devices can be used to automatically transfer the circular head blank plate to the forming mold along a fixed path. Since the centers of the transfer device and the forming mold can be set automatically, as long as the center of the circular head blank plate is found, the centering of the circular head blank plate and the forming mold can be completed simply by using the transfer device along a fixed path.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The circular head blank centering device of the present invention combines ball screw transmission and gear transmission. A motor drives the first bevel gear to rotate, causing push plates to move synchronously outward or inward on the sliding support groove. This ensures that the distance between each push plate and the first bevel gear is the same, thus enabling the centering of the circular head blank. This device offers high production efficiency and centering accuracy, while avoiding damage to the surface of the head blank caused by manual centering or forklift operation. Furthermore, by adjusting the dimensions of the sliding support groove, the centering device can achieve automated centering of a wide range of large-diameter head blanks, making it widely applicable.

[0035] 2. The present invention has a sliding device between the sliding support groove and the horizontal part of the push plate, which further guides the push plate, ensuring accuracy while avoiding mutual friction between the push plate and the sliding support groove.

[0036] 3. The present invention has three sliding support grooves, which can achieve a stable centering effect with a smaller number of sliding support grooves.

[0037] 4. The sliding support groove of the present invention is provided with a scale, which can be marked according to the circular head blank plate commonly used in the production site, so that the push plate can be moved to the appropriate position at the beginning of centering, so that the circular head blank plate can be hoisted and placed between the push plates.

[0038] 5. The centering method of the present invention using the above-mentioned centering device involves first moving the push plates to a certain position using a motor, then suspending the circular head blank plate between the push plates and placing it on the horizontal part of each push plate. Then, each push plate is simultaneously driven to move towards the circular head blank plate. When the pressure sensor on the vertical part of the push plate detects contact with the side of the circular head blank plate, the pressure sensor sends a sensing signal to the motor. Once the motor receives the sensing signals from all pressure sensors, the motor stops running, completing the centering process. The centering method based on the centering device of the present invention is convenient to operate and provides accurate centering.

[0039] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular head blank plate centering device characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of centering device for circular head blank, including: Motor, the output shaft of which is connected with first bevel gear; At least three sliding support grooves are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and each sliding support groove extends in the radial direction; A lead screw is arranged in each sliding support groove along the extension direction of the sliding support groove; One end of each lead screw is fixedly connected with second bevel gear, and the second bevel gear is engaged with the first bevel gear; A lead screw nut is installed on each lead screw; Each lead screw nut is fixedly connected with a sliding block, and the sliding block is embedded in the corresponding sliding support groove and can slide along it; Each sliding block is connected with a push plate, so that when the motor drives the first bevel gear to rotate, the push plate is driven to move radially along the sliding support groove through the transmission chain of the first bevel gear→the second bevel gear→the lead screw→the lead screw nut→the sliding block; The push plate has an L-shaped structure, and the vertical part of the push plate faces the first bevel gear, and the horizontal part of the push plate spans the top of the sliding support groove.

2. A circular head blank plate centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that The material of the top of the sliding support groove is changed to function as a sliding device.

3. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, A sliding device is installed on each side of the sliding support groove, and the horizontal part of the push plate is in sliding cooperation with the sliding device.

4. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, The lead screw nut and the sliding block are in a split structure.

5. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, The lead screw nut is fixed to the bottom of the push plate by bolts and serves as the sliding block.

6. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, A support frame is further included, one end of the sliding support groove is fixed to the support seat, and the other end is fixed to the support frame.

7. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, The vertical part of the push plate is provided with a pressure sensor on the side facing the first bevel gear.

8. The circular head blank plate centering device of claim 1, wherein, The pressure sensor is connected with the motor, and the sensor signal is detected by the motor.

9. A method for centering a circular head blank plate, implemented based on the centering device for a circular head blank plate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first bevel gear is installed at a non-geometric center of the support seat. The utility model relates to a kind of centering device for circular head blank, including: Opening motor drives each push plate to move synchronously in the direction away from the first bevel gear, so that the distance between the push plate and the first bevel gear is greater than the radius of the circular head blank plate; The circular head blank plate is hoisted and placed on the horizontal part of each push plate; The motor is controlled to reverse, and each push plate is driven to move synchronously towards the first bevel gear until the vertical part of each push plate is in contact with the side surface of the circular head blank plate; 10. A method of centering a circular head blank plate according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motor stops running, and at this time, the center axis of the circular head blank plate is perpendicular to the plane in which the center axes of the sliding support grooves are located, and the center axis of the circular head blank plate passes through the intersection of the center axes of the sliding support grooves, and the circular head blank plate is centered. The distance between the push plate and the first bevel gear is determined according to the scale corresponding to the outer diameter of the circular head blank plate preset on the sliding support groove.

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