Safety production system and method for automatic machining unit

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic machining unit safety production system and method, and relates to the technical field of automatic machining, the system comprises a numerical control lathe, a machining center, a safety door and a feeding and discharging connection table which are all arranged on the edge of an automatic machining unit area, a sky rail is arranged in the sky, and a mechanical arm is movably arranged on the sky rail; the linkage type grating safety system is arranged at the positions of the safety door, the numerical control lathe, the machining center and the feeding and discharging connection table. The mechanical arm automatic limiting module is arranged at the boundary position of the movement range of the mechanical arm. The linkage type grating safety system is used for controlling the mechanical arm to stop; the mechanical arm automatic limiting module is used for limiting the movement range of the mechanical arm. By arranging the layout of the automatic machining unit area and combining the linkage type grating safety system and the mechanical arm automatic limiting module, the production safety of the automatic machining unit is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated processing technology, and in particular to a safe production system and method for automated processing units. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing number of tasks involving sensors and valves for attitude and orbit control engines, the unstable quality of production relying on external resources necessitates the construction of automated machining units for machined parts. These production units combine automation and digitalization with CNC equipment to achieve fully automated production from raw materials to finished products, improving the level of digital, automated, and intelligent processing, and enhancing both capacity and quality. Currently, safety is paramount; since automated machining units involve unattended production, safety issues under various 24 / 7 production modes must be considered.

[0003] In the prior art, Chinese patent CN117226068A discloses an automatic processing system and method for die castings, including a feeding system, a gripper mechanism, a heating system, and a die casting machine; the feeding system is disposed on one side of the heating system; the feeding system is disposed on one side of the die casting machine; the heating system is disposed on one side of the feeding system; the gripper mechanism is disposed corresponding to the feeding system, the heating system, and the die casting machine, and is disposed at a position between the die casting machine and the feeding system.

[0004] However, the production safety of the automated processing units in the aforementioned technologies needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a safe production system and method for automated processing units, which addresses the problem that the production safety of automated processing units in the prior art needs to be improved.

[0006] On the one hand, this application provides an automatic processing unit safety production system, including: a CNC lathe, a machining center, a safety door, a loading and unloading docking station, a ceiling rail, a robotic arm, a linkage-type optical grating safety system, and an automatic limit module for the robotic arm.

[0007] The CNC lathe, the machining center, the safety door, and the loading / unloading docking station are all located at the edge of the automatic machining unit area. The overhead track is located above the automatic machining unit area. The robotic arm is movably mounted on the overhead track. The linkage-type optical grating safety system is located at the positions of the safety door, the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading docking station. The robotic arm automatic limit module is located at the boundary of the robotic arm's range of motion.

[0008] The robotic arm is used to operate on the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading dock.

[0009] The linkage-type optical grating safety system is used to control the robotic arm to stop when it detects personnel entering the area of ​​the automatic processing unit, the interior of the CNC lathe, the interior of the machining center, or when personnel are performing loading and unloading operations on the loading and unloading dock.

[0010] The automatic limit module for the robotic arm is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm.

[0011] In one possible implementation, both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with worker access doors and robotic arm access doors.

[0012] The worker access door is used to allow personnel to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center.

[0013] The robotic arm operating door is used to allow the robotic arm to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the worker operating door is located outside the automated processing unit area, and the robotic arm operating door is located inside the automated processing unit area.

[0015] In one possible implementation, both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with a machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module.

[0016] The machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module is used to control the machine tool servo axes and spindle of the CNC lathe or machining center to stop when the robotic arm enters the interior of the CNC lathe or machining center.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the robotic arm automatic limiting module includes a hard limiting unit and a soft limiting unit.

[0018] The hard limiting unit is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm through a limiting structure.

[0019] The soft limit unit is used to control the robotic arm to change direction or change the operating angle when it is detected that the robotic arm is approaching or about to collide with an object, so as to avoid collision.

[0020] In one possible implementation, guardrails are installed around the truss of the automated processing unit area and at the edge of the operating area of ​​the robotic arm.

[0021] In one possible implementation, an automated processing unit safety production system further includes a central control module.

[0022] The main control module is located outside the automatic processing unit area.

[0023] The master control module is used to program the process flow of the robotic arm and to restrict the robotic arm through the linkage grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module.

[0024] On the other hand, this application provides a safe production method for an automated processing unit, which includes the following steps: Step 1: The manual person delivers the blank material tray to the loading and unloading dock for loading. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the manual loading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop.

[0025] Step 2: After the material loading operation is completed, set the process flow for the robotic arm.

[0026] Step 3: The robotic arm operates according to the set process flow, and is restricted by the linkage light grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module during the process.

[0027] Step four: After the robotic arm completes its operation, the system prompts the user to remove the finished product tray. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the user's unloading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop.

[0028] The automated processing unit safety production system and method disclosed in this application have the following advantages: By setting the layout of the automated processing unit area, and combining it with a linkage-type optical grating safety system and an automatic limit module for the robotic arm, the production safety of the automated processing unit is improved.

[0029] The proposed worker operating door is located outside the automated processing unit area, allowing operation without entering the automated processing unit area, thus avoiding personnel safety hazards during program debugging.

[0030] The proposed machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module is used to control the machine tool servo axes and spindle of the CNC lathe or machining center to stop when the robotic arm enters the interior of the CNC lathe or machining center, further improving safety.

[0031] The proposed hard limit unit is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm through the limit structure, while the soft limit unit is used to control the robotic arm to change direction or change the operating angle when it is detected that the robotic arm is approaching or about to collide with an object, so as to avoid collision. The dual limit improves the operational reliability of the robotic arm.

[0032] The proposed automated processing unit area is equipped with isolation barriers around the truss and the edge of the robotic arm's operating area, achieving physical isolation of the automated processing unit area. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a top view of a safe production system for an automated processing unit, provided as an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application provides an automatic processing unit safety production system, including: a CNC lathe, a machining center, a safety door, a loading and unloading docking station, a ceiling rail, a robotic arm, a linkage-type optical grating safety system, and an automatic limit module for the robotic arm.

[0037] The CNC lathe, the machining center, the safety door, and the loading / unloading docking station are all located at the edge of the automatic machining unit area. The overhead track is located above the automatic machining unit area. The robotic arm is movably mounted on the overhead track. The linkage-type optical grating safety system is located at the positions of the safety door, the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading docking station. The robotic arm automatic limit module is located at the boundary of the robotic arm's range of motion.

[0038] The robotic arm is used to operate on the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading dock.

[0039] The linkage-type optical grating safety system is used to control the robotic arm to stop when it detects personnel entering the area of ​​the automatic processing unit, the interior of the CNC lathe, the interior of the machining center, or when personnel are performing loading and unloading operations on the loading and unloading dock.

[0040] The automatic limit module for the robotic arm is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, specifically in this embodiment, there are 3 CNC lathes and 2 machining centers. Each CNC lathe and machining center is equipped with a corresponding worktable. There are 2 safety doors. The overhead rail is a seven-axis overhead rail. The robotic arm is a handling robot. The automated processing unit area is also equipped with a material tray library and a tool library. In other possible embodiments, the number of CNC lathes, machining centers, and safety doors can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0042] For example, both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with worker access doors and robotic arm access doors.

[0043] The worker access door is used to allow personnel to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center.

[0044] The robotic arm operating door is used to allow the robotic arm to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center.

[0045] For example, the worker operating door is located outside the automated processing unit area, and the robotic arm operating door is located inside the automated processing unit area.

[0046] Specifically, by setting up separate worker access doors and robotic arm access doors, allowing personnel and robotic arms to enter and exit separately, physical interaction between personnel and robotic arms is avoided, thus improving safety.

[0047] For example, both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with a machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module.

[0048] The machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module is used to control the machine tool servo axes and spindle of the CNC lathe or machining center to stop when the robotic arm enters the interior of the CNC lathe or machining center.

[0049] For example, the robotic arm automatic limiting module includes a hard limiting unit and a soft limiting unit.

[0050] The hard limiting unit is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm through a limiting structure.

[0051] The soft limit unit is used to control the robotic arm to change direction or change the operating angle when it is detected that the robotic arm is approaching or about to collide with an object, so as to avoid collision.

[0052] Specifically, the dual limiting mechanism of hard and soft limit units improves the operational reliability of the robotic arm. The specific number and location of the hard and soft limit units can be set according to actual needs.

[0053] For example, guardrails are installed around the truss of the automated processing unit area and at the edge of the operating area of ​​the robotic arm.

[0054] Specifically, physical isolation is achieved by installing isolation barriers around the truss of the automated processing unit area and at the edge of the robotic arm's operating area. This results in an aesthetically pleasing and tidy appearance, and the entire unit meets the requirements of operation, maintenance, and industrial safety standards.

[0055] For example, an automated processing unit safety production system further includes a central control module.

[0056] The main control module is located outside the automatic processing unit area.

[0057] The master control module is used to program the process flow of the robotic arm and to restrict the robotic arm through the linkage grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the central control module uses a central control console. The central control console programs and controls the process flow of the handling robot (i.e., the robotic arm) through a robot control cabinet. The process flow clearly defines the production process for each part, identifies all safety issues encountered in actual processing, and establishes an "Automatic Processing Unit Operation Manual" to guide safe production. The central control console also controls the linkage-type optical grating safety system and the robotic arm's automatic limit module.

[0059] This application also provides a method for safe production in an automated processing unit, which includes the following steps: Step 1: The manual person delivers the blank material tray to the loading and unloading dock for loading. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the manual loading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop.

[0060] Step 2: After the material loading operation is completed, set the process flow for the robotic arm.

[0061] Step 3: The robotic arm operates according to the set process flow, and is restricted by the linkage light grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module during the process.

[0062] Step four: After the robotic arm completes its operation, the system prompts the user to remove the finished product tray. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the user's unloading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, step one involves: a manual transporter using a material trolley to move a tray containing workpiece blanks from the warehouse to outside the automated processing unit area. After inputting the information, the manual pushes the blank tray into the loading / unloading dock to position and fix the workpiece tray, and presses the loading confirmation button. The robotic arm only begins operation after the button is confirmed and the manual exits. When the manual loads the material, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the movement and locks the robotic arm.

[0064] In this embodiment, step two specifically involves: the process flow arrangement and material handling position setting of the robotic arm are manually combined and arranged for each process flow of each device on the main control panel. Based on the positioning dimensions of the product to be processed in the workpiece tray, machine tool chuck, flipping mechanism, and workpiece gripper, the operator calculates the required offset value for the gripper using a specified formula and inputs the corresponding value into the offset management item in the production system software. If the setting is unreasonable, the robotic arm is restricted by hard and soft limit units to prevent collisions.

[0065] In this embodiment, step three specifically involves: after all preparations are complete, the operator switches the manual / automatic knob to automatic mode on the main control panel, presses and holds the main control start button for 2 seconds to start the production line. If the production line fails to start normally (the system will issue an alarm), the above steps must be checked for correctness, and then the line should be started again. The transport robot automatically transfers the workpiece trays to be processed from the tray storage to the corresponding picking platforms of each processing equipment according to the production schedule from the main control panel. Based on the set process flow and the real-time status of each processing equipment, the transport robot automatically completes operations such as tray picking, machine tool cleaning, equipment loading and unloading, workpiece flipping, and unloading of processed parts. The processing equipment automatically completes door opening and closing actions, tool setting and measurement, and automatic machining of workpiece dimensions for each process. During batch production, there is no manual intervention. When personnel enter the safety door to retrieve intermediate inspection parts, the linkage light grating safety system triggers an automatic emergency stop, the robotic arm stops moving, and the robotic arm resumes normal operation after the personnel exit.

[0066] In this embodiment, step four specifically involves: after each processing device finishes processing the incoming workpieces on the corresponding picking platform, the end effector of the handling robot automatically switches to a pallet handling gripper. The handling robot then transfers the empty and finished workpiece pallets from the picking platform to the pallet storage. The handling robot then transfers multiple buffered blank pallets from the pallet storage to the machine tool picking platform, where the machine tool automatically and continuously processes the workpieces. When the system executes an outbound command, the end effector of the handling robot automatically switches to a pallet handling gripper and retrieves the corresponding workpiece pallet from the pallet storage, transferring it to the loading / unloading dock. The system then prompts the operator to retrieve the finished workpiece pallet promptly. A linked optical grating safety system identifies the operator when retrieving materials, locking the robotic arm.

[0067] This application embodiment improves the production safety of the automatic processing unit by setting the layout of the automatic processing unit area and combining the linkage grating safety system and the automatic limit module of the robotic arm.

[0068] The proposed worker operating door is located outside the automated processing unit area, allowing operation without entering the automated processing unit area, thus avoiding personnel safety hazards during program debugging.

[0069] The proposed machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module is used to control the machine tool servo axes and spindle of the CNC lathe or machining center to stop when the robotic arm enters the interior of the CNC lathe or machining center, further improving safety.

[0070] The proposed hard limit unit is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm through the limit structure, while the soft limit unit is used to control the robotic arm to change direction or change the operating angle when it is detected that the robotic arm is approaching or about to collide with an object, so as to avoid collision. The dual limit improves the operational reliability of the robotic arm.

[0071] The proposed automated processing unit area is equipped with isolation barriers around the truss and the edge of the robotic arm's operating area, achieving physical isolation of the automated processing unit area.

[0072] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0073] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A safe production system for an automated processing unit, characterized in that, include: CNC lathes, machining centers, safety doors, loading and unloading docks, overhead rails, robotic arms, linked optical grating safety systems, and automatic limit modules for robotic arms; The CNC lathe, the machining center, the safety door, and the loading / unloading docking station are all located at the edge of the automatic machining unit area. The overhead track is located above the automatic machining unit area. The robotic arm is movably mounted on the overhead track. The linkage-type optical grating safety system is located at the positions of the safety door, the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading docking station. The robotic arm automatic limit module is located at the boundary of the robotic arm's range of motion. The robotic arm is used to operate on the CNC lathe, the machining center, and the loading / unloading docking platform; The linkage-type optical grating safety system is used to control the robotic arm to stop when it detects that personnel have entered the area of ​​the automatic processing unit, the interior of the CNC lathe, the interior of the machining center, or when personnel are performing loading and unloading operations on the loading and unloading dock. The automatic limit module for the robotic arm is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm.

2. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with worker access doors and robotic arm access doors. The worker access door is used to allow personnel to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center; The robotic arm operating door is used to allow the robotic arm to enter and exit the CNC lathe and the machining center.

3. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The worker operating door is located outside the automated processing unit area, and the robotic arm operating door is located inside the automated processing unit area.

4. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the CNC lathe and the machining center are equipped with a machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module. The machine tool robotic arm safety interlock module is used to control the machine tool servo axes and spindle of the CNC lathe or machining center to stop when the robotic arm enters the interior of the CNC lathe or machining center.

5. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm automatic limiting module includes a hard limiting unit and a soft limiting unit; The hard limiting unit is used to limit the range of motion of the robotic arm through a limiting structure; The soft limit unit is used to control the robotic arm to change direction or change the operating angle when it is detected that the robotic arm is approaching or about to collide with an object, so as to avoid collision.

6. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The truss of the automated processing unit area and the edge of the operating area of ​​the robotic arm are all equipped with guardrails.

7. The automatic processing unit safety production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: master control module; The main control module is located outside the automatic processing unit area; The master control module is used to program the process flow of the robotic arm and to restrict the robotic arm through the linkage grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module.

8. A safe production method for an automated processing unit, employing the safe production method for an automated processing unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The manual person delivers the blank material tray to the loading and unloading dock for loading. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the manual loading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop. Step 2: After the material loading operation is completed, set the process flow for the robotic arm; Step 3: The robotic arm operates according to the set process flow, and is restricted by the linkage light grating safety system and the robotic arm automatic limit module during the process. Step four: After the robotic arm completes its operation, the system prompts the user to remove the finished product tray. At this time, the linkage light grating safety system recognizes the user's unloading operation and controls the robotic arm to stop.

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