Automatic aluminum shell cleaning line capable of achieving continuous feeding and discharging and feeding and discharging method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic production equipment, and discloses a continuous feeding and discharging aluminum shell cleaning automatic line and a feeding and discharging method.The aluminum shell cleaning automatic line comprises a cleaning main line, a feeding area and a discharging area, and the feeding area and the discharging area are arranged at the feeding end and the discharging end of the cleaning main line correspondingly; the feeding area comprises a continuous feeding and positioning module used for continuously conveying workpieces to be treated, arranging and positioning the workpieces according to a preset posture and integrally lifting the arranged workpieces to be separated from a conveying face. The feeding and transferring module is arranged between the continuous feeding and positioning module and the feeding end of the cleaning main line and used for integrally grabbing the suspended workpieces to be treated from the side direction and transferring the suspended workpieces to a cleaning carrier of the cleaning main line; and the cache module is used for temporarily storing the to-be-treated workpieces when the cleaning main line is located in the gap for replacing the cleaning carriers. Linkage is formed through path dynamic switching of the independently-arranged cache module and the feeding and transferring module, and the problem of beat conflict between front-end continuous feeding and rear-end intermittent carrier replacement is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated production equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automated aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading and a loading and unloading method. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of new energy batteries and hardware manufacturing, aluminum shells and other workpieces typically require surface degreasing and chip removal after machining to meet the cleanliness requirements of subsequent processes. Existing automated aluminum shell cleaning lines usually use a front-end conveyor belt for continuous feeding, and then a gripping mechanism places the workpieces into a rear-end cleaning carrier for centralized cleaning.

[0003] However, this conventional loading and unloading method presents significant cycle time conflicts in actual high-frequency production. The front-end material supply is continuous, while the back-end cleaning line requires the removal of the cleaning carriers and the replacement with new empty carriers after the carriers are fully loaded. This carrier replacement process is inevitably intermittent. In existing technologies, to wait for carrier replacement, the front-end continuous feeding mechanism is often forced to frequently start and stop, which not only reduces the overall operating efficiency of the entire cleaning line but also causes frequent start-stop impact damage to the mechanical structure. Furthermore, if the feeding end is not stopped during carrier replacement, the continuously conveyed workpieces will accumulate and cause damage at the loading station, compressing the surface finish of the aluminum workpieces and severely reducing product yield.

[0004] Therefore, how to eliminate the cycle conflict between continuous front-end feeding and intermittent back-end carrier replacement, while ensuring the optimal steady-state operating range of the front-end module and reducing workpiece damage, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides an automatic aluminum shell cleaning line and a method for continuous loading and unloading, including a cleaning main line and loading and unloading areas respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the cleaning main line. The loading area includes: The continuous feeding and positioning module is used to continuously convey the workpieces to be processed and arrange them in a preset posture, and then lift the arranged workpieces as a whole away from the conveying surface. The loading and transfer module is located between the continuous feeding and positioning module and the feeding end of the cleaning main line. It is used to grab the suspended workpiece from the side and transfer it to the cleaning carrier of the cleaning main line. The buffer module is independently set within the working stroke of the loading and transfer module; it is used to temporarily store the workpieces to be processed when the main cleaning line is in the interval of changing cleaning carriers. The material unloading area includes: The unloading and transfer module and the rear conveying module are located at the discharge end of the main cleaning line. The unloading and transfer module is used to remove the cleaned workpieces from the cleaning carrier and transfer them to the rear conveying module for output to the next process.

[0007] Preferably, the main cleaning line includes a cleaning equipment body and a circulating conveyor line. The circulating conveyor line is connected to the feed end and discharge end of the cleaning equipment body and carries multiple cleaning carriers; it is used to circulate and transport the unloaded cleaning carriers to the loading position.

[0008] Preferably, the continuous feeding and positioning module includes a front-end conveyor belt and a shaping machine; the output end of the front-end conveyor belt is connected to the input end of the shaping machine, and the shaping machine is used to arrange and position the workpieces to be processed that flow from the front-end conveyor belt in a preset manner.

[0009] Preferably, the cleaning carrier is equipped with an openable and closable cover; the loading area is also equipped with a loading cover lifting machine, and the unloading area is also equipped with an unloading cover lifting machine; the loading cover lifting machine is used to automatically grab and place the cover at the loading position; the unloading cover lifting machine is used to grab and place the cover at the unloading position.

[0010] Preferably, the loading and transfer module and the loading and unloading machine have partially overlapping working envelope areas above the cleaning carrier; when the loading and unloading machine performs the grabbing and placing action on the cover, the loading and transfer module is in a safe avoidance position within its working stroke, and the buffer module is in a safe avoidance position outside the working envelope area; when the loading and unloading machine cuts into the working envelope area to perform the action on the cover, a spatial interlock is triggered, the loading and transfer module is restricted to operate within the safe avoidance position, and the workpiece to be processed grabbed from the continuous feeding positioning module is temporarily stored on the buffer module.

[0011] Preferably, the setting machine includes: The stenter conveyor assembly has a front end for receiving the workpieces conveyed by the front conveyor belt and a positioning area at the end. The material blocking assembly is equipped with a sensor and a controlled baffle. The sensor is used to detect the position status of the workpiece entering the positioning area and to instruct the controlled baffle to lift and lower to limit the arrangement and quantity control of the workpiece.

[0012] Preferably, the shaping machine also includes an adsorption and lifting mechanism, which simultaneously adsorbs and lifts the preset number of workpieces to be processed, so that the workpieces are completely removed from the conveying surface. The loading and transfer module is set as a multi-degree-of-freedom robot and the execution end is equipped with a picking gripper. The picking gripper grabs the suspended workpiece from the side as a whole.

[0013] Preferably, the continuous loading and unloading automatic aluminum shell cleaning line further includes a safety protection system, which includes a safety guardrail and an access control switch on the safety guardrail; the safety guardrail is used to physically isolate the loading area and the unloading area.

[0014] This invention provides a loading and unloading method based on the aforementioned automated cleaning line, comprising the following steps: S1: The continuous feeding and positioning module continuously conveys the workpiece to be processed and positions it; the loading and transfer module grabs the positioned workpiece according to the preset trajectory and places it in the cleaning carrier of the main cleaning line. S2: When a signal is received from the main cleaning line to change the cleaning carrier, the continuous feeding and positioning module continues to operate without interruption; the loading and transfer module changes the transfer path in real time, transferring the workpiece to be processed on the continuous feeding and positioning module to the buffer module for temporary storage. S3: During the change of cleaning vehicle, perform a grabbing or placing action on the cover of the cleaning vehicle; S4: Upon receiving a signal that the new cleaning carrier is in place, the loading and transfer module first grabs the workpieces to be processed temporarily stored on the buffer module and transfers them to the new cleaning carrier. S5: After the cache module is cleared, the loading and transfer module seamlessly resumes the normal loading steps of S1 to grab the front-end workpiece. S6: After cleaning, the unloading and transfer module removes the workpiece from the cleaning carrier and transfers it to the rear conveying module for output to the next process.

[0015] Preferably, in S2, when a signal is received from the main cleaning line to change the cleaning carrier, the circulating conveyor line transports the fully loaded cleaning carrier into the main body of the cleaning equipment, and simultaneously transports the new empty cleaning carrier to the feeding end, moving it to the preset feeding position.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, this invention provides an automated aluminum shell cleaning line and method with continuous loading and unloading, offering at least the following advantages: By dynamically switching the paths of an independently configured buffer module and a loading / transfer module, a linkage is formed, resolving the cycle conflict between continuous front-end feeding and intermittent rear-end carrier replacement. This structural linkage ensures that the continuous feeding positioning module always operates within its optimal steady-state operating range, avoiding damage to the equipment and workpiece accumulation caused by frequent mechanical start-stop cycles, thus guaranteeing the continuous and stable operation of the cleaning line. Simultaneously, the coordinated operation of first lifting the workpiece away from the conveyor surface and then laterally gripping it eliminates the dynamic sliding friction between the bottom of the workpiece and the moving conveyor belt during gripping, ensuring the surface smoothness of the aluminum shell workpiece and improving the overall operating efficiency of the cleaning line.

[0017] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning main line in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding area in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the setting machine in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cache module in this invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air-bearing support structure in this invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Cleaning main line; 2. Continuous feeding and positioning module; 3. Loading and transfer module; 4. Buffer module; 5. Unloading and transfer module; 6. Rear conveyor module; 7. Cleaning carrier; 8. Loading and unloading machine; 9. Unloading and unloading machine; 10. Safety guardrail; 11. Main body of cleaning equipment; 12. Circulating conveyor line; 21. Front conveyor belt; 22. Sterilizer; 31. Picking gripper; 40. Transparent glass; 41. Shell; 42. First cavity; 43. Air guide plate; 44. Light source; 45. Second cavity; 46. Noise-absorbing structure; 47. Air guide base; 48. Third cavity; 49. Blowing hole; 71. Cover; 221. Sterilizer conveying assembly; 222. Controlled baffle; 223. Adsorption lifting mechanism; 411. Buffer platform; 412. Positioning clamp; 413. Air flotation support structure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0021] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0022] Example 1: As Figures 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading, including a cleaning main line 1 and a loading area and a unloading area respectively located at the inlet end and outlet end of the cleaning main line 1. The loading area includes: The continuous feeding and positioning module 2 is used to continuously convey the workpieces to be processed and arrange and position them in a preset posture, and then lift the arranged workpieces as a whole away from the conveying surface. The loading and transfer module 3 is located between the continuous feeding and positioning module 2 and the feeding end of the cleaning main line 1. It is used to grab the suspended workpiece from the side and transfer it to the cleaning carrier 7 of the cleaning main line 1. The buffer module 4 is independently set within the working stroke of the loading and transfer module 3; it is used to temporarily store the workpieces to be processed when the main cleaning line 1 is in the interval of changing the cleaning carrier 7. The material unloading area includes: The unloading and transfer module 5 and the rear conveying module 6 are located at the discharge end of the main cleaning line 1. The unloading and transfer module 5 is used to remove the cleaned workpieces from the cleaning carrier 7 and transfer them to the rear conveying module 6 for output to the next process.

[0023] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The continuous loading and unloading automatic aluminum shell cleaning line in this embodiment includes a main cleaning line 1 and loading and unloading areas located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main cleaning line 1, respectively. During the normal loading stage, the conveying components (conveyor belt, etc.) of the continuous feeding and positioning module 2 continuously transport the workpieces to be processed forward. When the workpieces reach the designated station, the positioning structure arranges and positions the workpieces according to a preset quantity and spacing. After the position sensor detects that the workpieces have been arranged and positioned, the controller sends an action command to the lifting mechanism on the side of the continuous feeding and positioning module 2 to lift the workpieces arranged in the preset posture as a whole, so that their bottoms are completely separated from the friction surface of the conveyor belt, forming a suspended state.

[0024] At this time, the loading and transfer module 3 (multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, etc.) is activated, driving the actuator to move to the side of the workpiece, and the gripper retracts from the side to firmly grasp the suspended workpiece to be processed. Subsequently, the loading and transfer module 3 moves along the preset first preset trajectory, accurately placing the workpiece into the cleaning carrier 7 waiting at the feed end of the cleaning main line 1. After placement, the loading and transfer module 3 moves in the reverse direction along the original path, resetting to the gripping preparation position.

[0025] When the cleaning carrier 7 at the feed end of the main cleaning line 1 is fully loaded and flows inward, the controller receives a carrier replacement signal and does not send any stop command to the continuous feeding and positioning module 2, allowing it to maintain its original operating state and continue positioning and lifting the workpiece. Simultaneously, the controller sends a command to the loading and transfer module 3 to change the transfer path. After the loading and transfer module 3 grabs the suspended workpiece, it no longer moves towards the feed end, but instead moves along the second preset trajectory to above the buffer module 4, which is independently set within the working stroke. It then controls the gripper to open, temporarily storing the workpiece on the bracket of the buffer module 4, and quickly reverses to reset for the next grab.

[0026] Once the new cleaning carrier 7 is in place, it sends a carrier arrival signal to the controller, which then sends a command to the loading and transfer module 3 to change the transfer path. The loading and transfer module 3 moves along the third preset trajectory to above the buffer module 4 to grab the temporarily stored workpiece and transfer it to the newly positioned cleaning carrier 7. It then reverses and resets to the buffer module 4 to continue emptying the buffer. After the temporarily stored workpieces on the buffer module 4 are cleared, the controller sends another command to the loading and transfer module 3 to change the transfer path, re-executes the first preset trajectory of the normal loading phase, and grabs a newly positioned workpiece from the continuous feeding and positioning module 2.

[0027] After the cleaning carrier 7 is in place, the unloading and transfer module 5 at the unloading area end takes the cleaned workpiece out of the cleaning carrier 7 at the unloading end, moves it horizontally through the linear guide rail and places it on the belt of the rear conveyor module 6, and is driven by the rear conveyor module 6 to continuously output to the next process.

[0028] This embodiment provides an automated aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading. Through the dynamic path switching between the independently configured buffer module 4 and the loading and transfer module 3, a linkage is formed, resolving the cycle time conflict between continuous front-end feeding and intermittent rear-end carrier changing. This structural linkage ensures that the continuous feeding positioning module 2 always operates within its optimal steady-state operating range, avoiding damage to the equipment and workpiece accumulation caused by frequent mechanical start-stop cycles, thus guaranteeing the continuous and stable operation of the cleaning line. Simultaneously, the linkage mechanism of first lifting the workpiece away from the conveyor surface and then laterally gripping it eliminates the dynamic sliding friction between the bottom of the workpiece and the moving conveyor belt during gripping, ensuring the surface finish of the aluminum shell workpiece and improving the overall operating efficiency of the cleaning line.

[0029] Example 2: Based on Example 1 above, the continuous feeding positioning module 2 includes a front-end conveyor belt 21 and a shaping machine 22; the output end of the front-end conveyor belt 21 is connected to the input end of the shaping machine 22, and the shaping machine 22 is used to arrange and position the workpieces to be processed that flow from the front-end conveyor belt 21 in a preset manner.

[0030] The setting machine 22 includes: The stenter conveyor assembly 221 has a front end for receiving the workpieces conveyed by the front conveyor belt 21, and a positioning area at the end. The material blocking assembly is equipped with a sensor and a controlled baffle 222. The sensor is used to detect the position status of the workpiece to be processed entering the positioning area and to instruct the controlled baffle 222 to lift and lower to limit the arrangement and quantity control of the workpiece.

[0031] The setting machine 22 also includes an adsorption and lifting mechanism 223, which simultaneously adsorbs and lifts the preset number of workpieces to be processed, so that the workpieces are completely removed from the conveying surface. The loading and transfer module 3 is configured as a multi-degree-of-freedom robot and the execution end is equipped with a material handling gripper 31. The material handling gripper 31 grabs the suspended workpiece from the side as a whole.

[0032] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: When using the continuous feeding positioning module 2, it is necessary to achieve accurate counting and non-destructive grouping of the workpieces to be processed on the high-speed flowing conveyor belt, and ensure that the workpieces will not shift in position during the transfer and gripping process, and that the gripping execution end will not have a rigid mechanical collision with the bottom conveyor mechanism.

[0033] In this embodiment, the continuous feeding positioning module 2 includes a front-end conveyor belt 21 and a shaping machine 22. The power output end of the front-end conveyor belt 21 is seamlessly connected to the input end of the shaping machine 22 in a straight line. The workpiece to be processed is smoothly transferred to the bearing surface of the shaping machine conveying assembly 221 by relying on the linear speed difference between the front and rear belts.

[0034] The end of the stenter conveyor assembly 221 is equipped with a positioning area. Within this area, multiple independent positioning positions are sequentially arranged along the material conveying direction. The number of these positions corresponds to the number of workpieces picked up and transferred in a single operation. Each positioning position is independently equipped with a photoelectric sensor and a cylinder-driven, liftable, controlled baffle 222. When the workpieces flowing with the belt sequentially enter the positioning area, the foremost workpiece reaches the first positioning position first. The corresponding photoelectric sensor detects that the beam of light is blocked upon workpiece arrival and immediately sends a signal to the controller. The controller sends a command to the cylinder corresponding to that position, driving the controlled baffle 222 to rise, precisely blocking and stopping the workpiece. Subsequent workpieces flow in sequentially and are identified by their respective sensors and intercepted by the corresponding controlled baffles 222. Because the controlled baffles 222 are distributed along the conveying direction within the positioning area at a specific span, when they rise successively to intercept, adjacent workpieces are forcibly separated, forming a precise preset gap. This preset gap is consistent with the spacing of the receiving slots inside the cleaning vehicle 7 in the main cleaning line 1.

[0035] Once all controlled baffles 222 at all positioning positions in the batch have completed their interception, the suction lifting mechanism 223 on the side of the stenter 22 is activated, causing a tray with multiple vacuum suction cups to descend and contact the top surface of all positioned workpieces. Simultaneously, the vacuum generator is activated, creating a strong negative pressure within the suction cup cavities. This firmly adsorbs the preset number of workpieces to be processed, causing them to move upwards a preset distance, vertically lifting the entire array of workpieces with preset gaps and completely detaching them from the moving belt surface of the stenter conveyor assembly 221, creating a suspended state. Each controlled baffle 222 is then driven by a cylinder to descend and retract below the belt surface, resetting to its original position, allowing the next batch of workpieces to enter the positioning area.

[0036] At this time, the loading and transfer module 3 receives the lifting position signal and drives the picking gripper 31 at the execution end to move horizontally to cut into one edge of the workpiece array, clamping the suspended workpiece array from the side. After confirming clamping, the suction lifting mechanism 223 breaks the negative pressure and releases the workpiece in place; the picking gripper 31 removes the workpiece array with a preset gap. The picking gripper 31 includes clamping plates on both sides, with one side fixed and the other side movable. Picking is performed by fixing one side and clamping the other, using the fixed side as the positioning reference to ensure consistent picking position each time.

[0037] Through the above structural design, an independent sensor is used at each positioning position in conjunction with the controlled baffle 222 to absorb the spatial transfer of the lifting mechanism 223, achieving fixed-distance isolation and rigid extraction on a dynamic production line. The suspended material-grabbing action after lifting is completely separated from the continuously running conveyor belt plane, eliminating the need to enter the belt surface for waiting or realignment. This fundamentally eliminates the wear and aluminum shavings contamination on the aluminum shell surface caused by continuous sliding friction at the bottom, and greatly reduces the dead zone time of mechanism handover. The entire gripping process does not affect the high-speed cycle of continuous feeding.

[0038] By utilizing the physical limits of multiple controlled baffles 222, the orientation adjustment of the workpiece array is completed in advance. When the transfer module moves the workpiece directly above the cleaning carrier 7, there is no need to rely on any additional orientation adjustment mechanism. A simple vertical descent action is all that is needed to smoothly and unobstructedly insert the entire row of workpieces into the corresponding slots of the cleaning carrier 7, which greatly improves loading efficiency and assembly yield.

[0039] Example 3: Based on Example 1 above, the main cleaning line 1 includes a main cleaning equipment body 11 and a circulating conveyor line 12. The circulating conveyor line 12 is connected to the feed end and the discharge end of the main cleaning equipment body 11 and carries multiple cleaning carriers 7; it is used to circulate and transport the unloaded cleaning carriers 7 to the loading position.

[0040] The cleaning carrier 7 is equipped with an openable cover 71; the loading area is also equipped with a loading cover opener 8, and the unloading area is also equipped with an unloading cover opener 9; the loading cover opener 8 is used to automatically grab and place the cover 71 at the loading position; the unloading cover opener 9 is used to grab and place the cover 71 at the unloading position.

[0041] The loading and transfer module 3 and the loading and unloading machine 8 have partially overlapping working envelope areas above the cleaning carrier 7. When the loading and unloading machine 8 performs the grabbing and placing action on the cover 71, the loading and transfer module 3 is in a safe avoidance position within its working stroke, and the buffer module 4 is in a safe avoidance position outside the working envelope area. When the loading and unloading machine 8 cuts into the working envelope area to perform the action on the cover 71, the space interlock is triggered, the loading and transfer module 3 is restricted to operate within the safe avoidance position, and the workpiece to be processed grabbed from the continuous feeding positioning module 2 is temporarily stored on the buffer module 4.

[0042] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The main cleaning line 1 is equipped with a circulating conveyor line 12 that runs through both ends of the main cleaning equipment 11. The circulating conveyor line 12 adopts a ring chain structure, on which multiple cleaning carriers 7 with openable and closable covers 71 are fixedly supported. The covers 71 are used to ensure the cleaning effect and prevent the workpieces from tumbling and flying out under the high-pressure spray in the cleaning chamber. After the workpieces are unloaded in the feeding area, the bottom return section of the circulating conveyor line 12 reverses and circulates the empty cleaning carriers 7 to the preset feeding position at the feeding end.

[0043] At this time, the loading and unloading machine 8 located in the loading area is activated. The loading and unloading machine 8 drives the actuator head to descend, accurately positioning and locking the cover 71, and then retracts and pulls it upward, removing the cover 71 from the carrier and laterally moving it along the horizontal guide rail, completing the automatic gripping and placement of the open cover. The movement trajectories of the loading and transfer module 3 and the loading and unloading machine 8 can be detected by position sensors. Since the workpiece descent trajectory of the loading and transfer module 3 and the movement trajectory of the loading and unloading machine 8 partially overlap in three-dimensional space above the cleaning carrier 7 (i.e., the working envelope area), the control system is equipped with strict hardware interlocking signals. When the loading and unloading machine 8 performs the above-mentioned gripping, lifting, or lateral placement of the cover 71, the servo driver of the loading and transfer module 3 receives the instruction and forces it to stop at the safety avoidance position within the working stroke to perform workpiece temporary storage. Only after the loading and unloading machine 8 has removed the cover 71 can the loading and transfer module 3 be released from interlock and moved to the envelope area to place the workpiece into the open cleaning carrier 7.

[0044] Once the cleaning carrier 7 is full, it returns to its safe clearance position within its working stroke for temporary workpiece storage. The loading and unloading machine 8 reverses its translation and descent motion, pressing the cover 71 back onto the cleaning carrier 7. The unloading and unloading machine 9 in the unloading area and the unloading and transfer module 5 perform avoidance and coordination actions for opening, removing, and closing the cover.

[0045] Through the above structural design, spatial interference avoidance and dynamic buffering cycle time are linked. Using the overlapping working envelope area of ​​the feeding and transfer module 3 and the feeding and unloading machine 8 above the cleaning carrier 7 as a trigger condition, when the feeding and unloading machine 8 enters this area, a physical interlock is triggered, and the feeding and transfer module 3 automatically retreats to a safe avoidance position and performs buffering operations. This eliminates equipment collision accidents under high-cycle operation, reduces the footprint of the entire equipment, ensures that the continuous feeding positioning module 2 is always in the optimal constant-speed steady-state operating range, significantly improves the overall operating efficiency of the equipment, and ensures equipment safety.

[0046] Example 4: Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, based on the above embodiment 1, the buffer module 4 includes: a buffer platform 411, positioning clamps 412, and multiple air-bearing support structures 413. The positioning clamps 412 are arranged in a preset array on the buffer platform 411 to limit the side of the temporarily stored workpiece. The air-bearing support structures 413 are located at the bottom of the buffer platform 411 and include: The housing 41 has a first cavity 42 and an air guide plate 43 embedded in the upper part of the housing 41. The upper surface of the air guide plate 43 has a plurality of air flotation holes communicating with the first cavity 42. The housing 41 is installed at the bottom of the buffer platform 411. A light-transmitting glass 40 is installed at the top of the housing 41 and located on both sides of the air guide plate 43, with a light source 44 located below it; a second cavity 45 is provided inside the housing 41, located below the light source, and the second cavity 45 is connected to the first cavity 42 through an external pipeline; a sound-absorbing structure 46 is provided at the air inlet of the second cavity 45; the width of the light-transmitting glass 40 is greater than the width of the workpiece, so that the light source can pass through. The air guide base 47 is installed at the bottom of the housing 41 and has a third cavity 48. The air inlet of the third cavity 48 is connected to the air supply equipment. The protruding part of the silencer structure 46 can extend into the third cavity 48. The air guide base 47 has blow holes 49 on both sides that communicate with the third cavity 48. The visual inspection mechanism is aligned with the workpiece storage area of ​​the buffer stage; the visual inspection mechanism is electrically connected to the controller of the cleaning main line 1 and is used to acquire the outline image of the aluminum shell workpiece.

[0047] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: When the loading and transfer module 3 transfers the aluminum shell workpiece to be processed onto the buffer platform 411, the side of the workpiece is limited by several positioning clamps 412 to ensure accurate lateral positioning of the workpiece during temporary storage. During the temporary storage operation, the light source 44 below the light-transmitting glass 40 projects a high-brightness, uniform backlight upwards. At the same time, the external air supply device introduces high-pressure gas at a first preset pressure into the third chamber 48 of the air supply base 47, causing the gas to be diverted.

[0048] A portion of the high-pressure gas is directly ejected from the third chamber 48 through the blow holes 49 on both sides, and blows the bottom and the whole body of the aluminum shell from the side to dry the residual cutting fluid during the aluminum shell production process.

[0049] Another portion of the high-pressure gas flows upward through the silencing structure 46. Since gas entering a relatively wide cavity easily generates high-frequency aerodynamic noise, the silencing structure 46 effectively reduces jet noise, allowing the gas to smoothly enter the second cavity 45. The airflow entering the second cavity 45 passes over the bottom of the light source 44. During temporary storage operations, the light source 44 remains constantly lit, carrying away the waste heat generated by the light source during prolonged operation, thus ensuring the lifespan and luminous stability of the light source.

[0050] The warm airflow, having absorbed waste heat, is introduced into the uppermost first chamber 42 through an external pipeline and ultimately sprayed upwards evenly through several air-float holes on the surface of the air guide plate 43. This upward, pressure-equalizing airflow forms a uniform air cushion between the air guide plate 43 and the bottom of the aluminum shell, steadily supporting the aluminum shell, which is confined within the positioning clamp, achieving temporary suspension. Simultaneously, the warm airflow accelerates the evaporation and thinning of the residual cutting oil film on the aluminum shell surface, further improving the pretreatment effect.

[0051] After the preset purging time ends, the visual inspection stage begins. At this time, the external air supply equipment gradually reduces the inlet pressure, causing the aluminum shell workpiece to slowly fall onto the top surface of the shell 41, reducing impact. When the pressure is reduced to the second preset pressure, the lifting force of the low-pressure casting gas is less than the weight of the aluminum shell, allowing the aluminum shell workpiece to fall smoothly back and adhere to the top surface of the shell 41, remaining stationary to ensure the accurate vertical position of the aluminum shell workpiece.

[0052] After confirming that the aluminum shell has settled and come to rest, the top visual inspection mechanism emits light from the edge of the translucent glass 40. Utilizing this high-contrast contour imaging environment, it instantly acquires images of the aluminum shell's contour and the adhesion of impurities, and sends the data to the controller of the main cleaning line 1. This data is used to extract the coordinate information of areas with high concentrations of impurities to guide subsequent targeted and intensive cleaning actions. Furthermore, by comparing the positional images of the aluminum shell workpiece during placement with preset positional images, the placement accuracy of the loading and transfer module 3 can be evaluated.

[0053] Once the test is complete, simply stop the gas flow completely.

[0054] Through the above structural design, this solution improves the function of the buffer platform. Utilizing the gap during carrier changes, it achieves suspension for scratch prevention and warm dehydration, and integrates visual inspection, transforming non-production waiting time into process pretreatment time. The air-floating support structure replaces the traditional rigid contact bracket, buffering the aluminum shell workpiece and preventing collision damage with the machine table, thus improving the yield rate of the aluminum shell's appearance. Through the buffer area's built-in visual inspection and backlight system, some workpieces can be sampled for inspection, pre-anchoring the coordinates of stubborn stains on the aluminum shell workpiece to guide the subsequent cleaning host for precise targeted intensive cleaning, improving the intelligence level of the automated line. Simultaneously, it enables the sampling inspection of residues from previous steps such as machining, providing guidance for equipment maintenance.

[0055] Example 5: Based on Example 1 above, the continuous loading and unloading automatic aluminum shell cleaning line further includes a safety protection system. The safety protection system includes a safety guardrail 10, and an access control switch is installed on the safety guardrail 10. The safety guardrail is used to physically isolate the loading area and the unloading area.

[0056] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The aluminum shell cleaning automatic line is completely enclosed by a safety protection system, the main structure of which is the safety guardrail 10. The safety guardrail 10 forms two completely independent enclosed chambers in terms of spatial layout, which strictly physically isolate the front loading area (including the continuous feeding positioning module 2, the loading and transfer module 3, and the buffer module 4) and the rear unloading area (including the unloading and transfer module 5 and the rear conveying module 6) to prevent any unauthorized limbs from entering the danger zone.

[0057] A safety access control switch is installed on the movable maintenance door of the safety guardrail 10. During automatic operation of the equipment, the access control switch is mechanically locked, and personnel cannot forcibly open it. When the operator presses the request to enter button, the PLC, after determining that the loading / unloading module 3 or the unloading / unloading module 5 has completed the current single action cycle and stopped at the safety origin, outputs a signal to release the electromagnetic lock of the access control switch. Separating the loading and unloading areas also enables regional degraded maintenance; that is, when the unloading area is being repaired, the loading area can remain in a safe locked standby state, improving the maintainability and safety level of the equipment.

[0058] Example 6: This example provides a loading and unloading method based on the automatic cleaning line described in any one of Examples 1-5, including the following steps: S1: In steady-state production mode, the continuous feeding and positioning module 2 operates normally, sorting and lifting the workpieces to be processed. The loading and transfer module 3 executes the preset first preset trajectory (from coordinate system point A to point B), directly grabbing the positioned workpiece (coordinate system point A) and placing it in the open cleaning carrier 7 (coordinate system point B) at the feed end of the cleaning main line 1, and then reversing back to point A. This cycle continues until the carrier is fully loaded; S2: When the sensor at the feed end of the main cleaning line 1 detects that the carrier 7 is full, it triggers a carrier replacement signal. The circulating conveyor line 12 starts, moving the fully loaded cleaning carrier 7 forward to the cleaning station inside the main body 11 of the cleaning equipment, and simultaneously driving a new empty cleaning carrier 7 in the bottom return section to the feed end, precisely moving it to the preset loading position and locking it. The continuous feeding and positioning module 2 maintains its operation, continuously feeding and positioning the workpiece; at the same time, it controls the loading and transfer module 3 to change the transfer path, activates the second preset trajectory (from coordinate system point A to point C), grabs the workpieces to be processed (coordinate system point A) continuously generated on the feeding module and transfers them to the bracket of the independently set buffer module 4 (coordinate system point C) for temporary storage, and then reverses and resets to point A to continue grabbing and storing them in the buffer area; S3: After the new cleaning carrier 7 is moved into place by the circulating conveyor line 12, the loading and unloading machine 8 operates synchronously to grab and remove the cover 71 of the new carrier, completing the carrier's material receiving preparation. S4: The limit switch installed at the loading position confirms that the new cleaning carrier 7 is open and in place. After sending a new carrier ready signal to the controller, the controller confirms that there is a temporary workpiece inside the buffer module 4. The system forces the loading and transfer module 3 to execute the third preset trajectory (from point C to point B in the coordinate system) first. That is, it controls the robot arm to move above the buffer module 4 to grab the temporary workpiece and transfer it to the newly positioned cleaning carrier 7. Then it reverses and resets to point C to continue clearing the buffer. S5: As step S4 is repeated, when the cache on the cache module 4 is completely cleared, the loading and transfer module 3 is controlled to resume the execution of the first preset trajectory (from coordinate system point A to point B) of step S1, and grabs the newly positioned workpiece from the front-end feeding module again. The entire switching process is uninterrupted and without interruption. S6: After the workpiece enters the main body 11 of the cleaning equipment along with the carrier and completes the cleaning process, the circulating conveyor line 12 sends it to the discharge end. The unloading and transfer module 5 repeats a similar gripping action to take the workpiece out of the carrier 7 and transfer it to the rear conveyor module 6 to enter the next drying or inspection process.

[0059] The loading and unloading method provided in this embodiment employs a control logic of trigger-based temporary storage, priority clearing, and seamless recovery. It leverages the speed advantage of the loading and transfer module 3 in buffering the load onto the carrier, quickly absorbing the production capacity accumulated in the buffer area during carrier changes and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, it ensures that the continuous feeding and positioning module 2 always operates within its optimal steady-state operating range, avoiding damage to the equipment and workpiece accumulation caused by frequent start-ups and shutdowns of the mechanical structure, thus guaranteeing the continuous and stable operation of the cleaning line.

[0060] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0061] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. Other modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. An automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading, comprising a main cleaning line (1) and a loading area and a unloading area respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main cleaning line (1), characterized in that, The loading area includes: The continuous feeding and positioning module (2) is used to continuously convey the workpiece to be processed and arrange and position it in a preset posture, and lift the arranged workpiece as a whole away from the conveying surface. The loading and transfer module (3) is set between the continuous feeding and positioning module (2) and the feeding end of the cleaning main line (1). It is used to grab the suspended workpiece from the side and transfer it to the cleaning carrier (7) of the cleaning main line (1). The buffer module (4) is independently set within the working stroke of the loading and transfer module (3); it is used to temporarily store the workpieces to be processed when the main cleaning line (1) is in the gap of changing the cleaning carrier (7); The material unloading area includes: The unloading and transfer module (5) and the rear conveying module (6) are located at the discharge end of the cleaning main line (1) and are used to remove the cleaned workpieces from the cleaning carrier (7) and transfer them to the rear conveying module (6) for output to the subsequent process.

2. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main cleaning line (1) includes the main body of the cleaning equipment (11) and the circulating conveyor line (12). The circulating conveyor line (12) is connected to the feed end and discharge end of the main body of the cleaning equipment (11) and carries multiple cleaning carriers (7); it is used to circulate and transport the cleaning carriers (7) after unloading to the loading position.

3. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous feeding positioning module (2) includes a front conveyor belt (21) and a shaping machine (22); the output end of the front conveyor belt (21) is connected to the input end of the shaping machine (22), and the shaping machine (22) is used to arrange and position the workpieces to be processed that flow from the front conveyor belt (21) in a preset manner.

4. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning carrier (7) is equipped with an openable cover (71); the loading area is also equipped with a loading cover opener (8), and the unloading area is also equipped with an unloading cover opener (9); the loading cover opener (8) is used to automatically grab and place the cover (71) at the loading position; the unloading cover opener (9) is used to grab and place the cover (71) at the unloading position.

5. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The loading and transfer module (3) and the loading and unloading machine (8) have a partially overlapping working envelope area above the cleaning carrier (7); when the loading and unloading machine (8) performs the grabbing and placing action on the cover (71), the loading and transfer module (3) is in a safe avoidance position within its working stroke, and the buffer module (4) is in a safe avoidance position outside the working envelope area; when the loading and unloading machine (8) cuts into the working envelope area to perform the action on the cover (71), the space interlock is triggered, the loading and transfer module (3) is restricted to running within the safe avoidance position, and the workpiece to be processed grabbed from the continuous feeding positioning module (2) is temporarily stored on the buffer module (4).

6. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The setting machine (22) includes: The stenter conveyor assembly (221) has a front end for receiving the workpieces conveyed by the front conveyor belt (21) and a positioning area at the end. The material blocking assembly is equipped with a sensor and a controlled baffle (222). The sensor is used to detect the position status of the workpiece to be processed entering the positioning area and to instruct the controlled baffle (222) to lift and lower to limit the arrangement and quantity control of the workpiece.

7. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The shaping machine (22) also includes an adsorption lifting mechanism (223), which simultaneously adsorbs and lifts a preset number of workpieces to be processed, so that the workpieces are completely removed from the conveying surface; The loading and transfer module (3) is set as a multi-degree-of-freedom robot and the execution end is equipped with a picking gripper (31). The picking gripper (31) grabs the suspended workpiece from the side.

8. The automatic aluminum shell cleaning line with continuous loading and unloading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety protection system, which includes a safety guardrail (10) with an access control switch on it; the safety guardrail is used to physically isolate the loading area and the unloading area.

9. A loading and unloading method, based on the automatic cleaning line according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The continuous feeding and positioning module (2) continuously feeds the workpiece to be processed and positions it; the loading and transfer module (3) grabs the positioned workpiece according to the preset trajectory and places it in the cleaning carrier (7) of the cleaning main line (1); S2: When the signal to change the cleaning carrier (7) of the cleaning main line (1) is received, the continuous feeding positioning module (2) continues to run without interruption; the loading and transfer module (3) changes the transfer path in real time and transfers the workpiece to be processed on the continuous feeding positioning module (2) to the buffer module (4) for temporary storage. S3: During the change of the cleaning vehicle (7), the cover (71) of the cleaning vehicle (7) is grasped or placed. S4: When the signal that the new cleaning carrier (7) has been in place is received, the loading and transfer module (3) will first grab the workpieces to be processed temporarily stored on the buffer module (4) and transfer them to the new cleaning carrier (7). S5: After the cache module (4) is cleared, the loading and transfer module (3) seamlessly resumes the normal loading steps of S1 to grab the front-end workpiece. S6: After cleaning, the unloading and transfer module (5) takes the workpiece out of the cleaning carrier (7) and transfers it to the rear conveying module (6) for output to the next process.

10. The loading and unloading method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, When the signal to change the cleaning carrier is received in the cleaning main line (1) in S2, the fully loaded cleaning carrier (7) is transported to the main body (11) of the cleaning equipment, and the new empty cleaning carrier (7) is simultaneously transported to the feeding end and moved to the preset feeding position.

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