A clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surface

Abstract

This invention discloses a clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpieces, belonging to the field of laser cladding. The mechanism includes a base on which four sets of clamping mechanisms are mounted, with each pair of clamping mechanisms symmetrically mounted at both ends of the base along its length. Each clamping mechanism includes a fixed shaft symmetrically mounted on both sides of the base along its width. A rotating cylinder is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft, and clamping blocks are hinged to the side of the rotating cylinder. Two symmetrical clamping blocks cooperate to clamp the workpiece. An orientation mechanism is provided on the clamping blocks, rotating cylinder, and fixed shaft, so that the orientation of the clamping blocks remains unchanged when the rotating cylinder rotates. When the rotating cylinders of multiple clamping mechanisms rotate in the same direction, the workpiece can be linearly conveyed. When performing cladding repair on long workpieces, this mechanism eliminates the need to re-lift the workpiece, release the clamps, and re-clamp them, saving time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser cladding technology, specifically to a clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cladding repair technology is an advanced surface modification and defect repair method. It uses a high-energy laser beam to form a metallurgical bond between the cladding material and the workpiece surface substrate. It can effectively repair defects such as wear, corrosion, and cracks on the surface of long workpieces such as shafts, rods, and guide rails, and restore the dimensional accuracy and performance of the workpiece. It is widely used in fields such as machinery manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, and energy equipment.

[0003] During the laser cladding repair of long workpieces, the core requirements of precise clamping and stable continuous transport must be met simultaneously: the workpiece must maintain a stable posture during cladding to avoid deviations in the cladding trajectory and substandard cladding quality due to loose clamping or positioning offset; in addition, long workpieces are long and heavy, and a single cladding can only cover a local area, so a conveying mechanism is needed to achieve continuous movement of the workpiece to complete the full surface repair, while avoiding relative sliding between the workpiece and the clamping and conveying components to prevent damage to the repaired surface and secondary damage to the workpiece.

[0004] Currently, existing clamping and conveying devices for laser cladding repair of long workpieces have the following technical defects: Poor coordination between clamping and conveying: Most devices use a single clamping mechanism to fix the workpiece. After the cladding head completes partial cladding, it is necessary to first release the clamp, lift the workpiece to a new position, and then re-clamp it. The process is cumbersome and time-consuming, reducing repair efficiency. Moreover, multiple lifting and re-clamping can easily lead to the accumulation of positioning errors, affecting the accuracy of cladding. It can easily cause secondary damage to the workpiece: Some conveying mechanisms use roller friction, belt drive and other methods to convey workpieces. There is relative sliding friction between the workpiece and the clamping and conveying parts, which can easily wear down the workpiece surface, especially the repaired parts that have been melted and repaired. It may also cause scratches and deformation on the workpiece surface.

[0005] In summary, existing technologies cannot easily achieve uninterrupted clamping and conveying, synchronous and precise fixing, and zero relative sliding damage during the cladding repair process of long workpieces, and it is difficult to balance repair efficiency and repair quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpieces, which solves the problem of poor cladding repair effect of existing devices for long workpieces.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces, comprising a base, wherein four sets of clamping mechanisms are mounted on the base, and every two sets of clamping mechanisms are symmetrically mounted at both ends of the base along the length direction of the base; The clamping mechanism includes fixed shafts symmetrically mounted on both sides of the base along the width direction of the base. A rotating cylinder is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft. A clamping block is hinged to the side of the rotating cylinder. The two symmetrical clamping blocks cooperate to clamp the workpiece. An orientation mechanism is provided on the clamping blocks, the rotating cylinder, and the fixed shaft, so that the orientation of the clamping blocks remains unchanged when the rotating cylinder rotates. When the rotating drums of multiple clamping mechanisms rotate in the same direction, they can linearly transport the workpiece.

[0008] Preferably, two racks are slidably connected to the clamping block, and a cylindrical gear meshes between the two racks. A first cylinder for driving the cylindrical gear to slide linearly is installed on the clamping block. When the cylindrical gear slides toward the clamping block, the ends of both racks abut against the surface of the workpiece. When the rotating drum rotates to move the two clamping blocks away from each other, the cylindrical gear continues to slide toward the clamping block so that the ends of the racks remain in contact with the workpiece.

[0009] Preferably, the output end of the first cylinder is fixedly connected to a bracket, and the cylindrical gear is rotatably connected to the bracket.

[0010] Preferably, the orientation mechanism includes a rotating shaft, with a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft, and a third bevel gear meshing with the first bevel gear fixedly connected to the end of the fixed shaft. A fourth bevel gear meshing with the second bevel gear is fixedly connected to the clamping block. When the rotating drum rotates, the rotating shaft drives the clamping block, so that the orientation of the clamping block remains unchanged.

[0011] Preferably, a swing arm is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating drum, a rotating seat is fixedly connected to the swing arm, and the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the rotating seat.

[0012] Preferably, a rotating rod is fixedly connected to the clamping block, the fourth bevel gear is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod, and the swing rod has a hole that mates with the rotating rod.

[0013] Preferably, each of the rotating drums is connected to a swing arm at both ends, and a rotating shaft is rotatably connected to each of the two swing arms.

[0014] Preferably, a worm gear is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating drum, and a worm is meshed on the worm gear. The worm is rotatably mounted on a fixed axis and installed in the workshop.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of second cylinders are fixedly connected to the base, and the output ends of the plurality of second cylinders are respectively connected to the plurality of fixed shafts. The extension and retraction length of the second cylinders increases as the extension and retraction length of the first cylinder decreases.

[0016] Preferably, support blocks are installed at both ends of the base along its length.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention involves the system controlling the cladding head to lift away from the workpiece after it has moved to its near-end of its stroke. Simultaneously, two other sets of clamping mechanisms are controlled to operate. The tangential direction of the rotating drums of these two sets of clamping mechanisms is oriented towards the direction in which the workpiece needs to be transported. Just as the clamping blocks of these two sets of clamping mechanisms are about to contact the workpiece, the rotating drum of the clamping mechanism currently holding the workpiece rotates, causing the corresponding two sets of clamping blocks to drive the long workpiece to move linearly. As the two sets of clamping blocks are about to move away from each other and release the workpiece, the other two sets of clamping mechanisms take over clamping the long workpiece. Subsequently, the rotating drum continues to rotate, and the two sets of clamping mechanisms... The clamping blocks holding the long workpiece continue to linearly drive the long workpiece to move in a straight line after clamping it. When the two rotating drums rotate to the closest distance between the corresponding two clamping blocks, the two rotating drums stop rotating, completing the action of conveying and re-clamping the long workpiece. With the above settings, when repairing long workpieces by cladding, there is no need to lift the workpiece again and then release and re-clamp it, saving time. In addition, when conveying long strip workpieces, there is no relative sliding friction between the workpiece and the clamping mechanism, thereby avoiding secondary damage and also preventing wear on the cladding repaired area. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention for conveying the workpiece. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping block in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the worm gear structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the orientation mechanism of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical gear in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention for clamping a workpiece with a cylindrical cross-section; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of how the present invention clamps a workpiece with an irregular cross-section.

[0019] In the diagram: 100, base; 110, support block; 200, fixed shaft; 210, rotating cylinder; 220, swing arm; 221, rotating seat; 230, third bevel gear; 240, rotating shaft; 241, first bevel gear; 242, second bevel gear; 250, fourth bevel gear; 260, clamping block; 261, rotating rod; 270, worm gear; 280, worm wheel; 300, first cylinder; 310, bracket; 320, cylindrical gear; 330, rack; 340, second cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-8 This embodiment provides a technical solution: a clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces, including a base 100, on which four sets of clamping mechanisms are installed, with each pair of clamping mechanisms symmetrically installed at both ends of the base 100 along its length. Each clamping mechanism includes a fixed shaft 200 symmetrically installed on both sides of the base 100 along its width. A rotating cylinder 210 is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft 200, and clamping blocks 260 are hinged to the side of the rotating cylinder 210. Two symmetrical clamping blocks 260 cooperate to clamp the workpiece. An orientation mechanism is provided on the clamping blocks 260, the rotating cylinder 210, and the fixed shaft 200, so that the orientation of the clamping blocks 260 remains unchanged when the rotating cylinder 210 rotates. When the rotating cylinders 210 of multiple clamping mechanisms rotate in the same direction, the workpiece can be linearly conveyed.

[0022] When performing cladding repair on a long workpiece, the long workpiece is first hoisted onto the upper part of the base 100. The two clamping mechanisms on both sides of the base 100 that are closest to each other are controlled to operate, and the corresponding rotating drum 210 rotates, so that the two clamping blocks 260 on both sides of the workpiece come closer to each other, thereby clamping the long workpiece. The operation of the two clamping mechanisms clamps and fixes the long workpiece at two positions, thereby fixing the long workpiece. Then, the surface laser cladding repair of the long workpiece can be performed. After the cladding head moves to near its travel end, the system controls the cladding head to lift away from the workpiece. At this time, the system controls the operation of the other two sets of clamping mechanisms. The rotation tangent direction of the rotating drums 210 of the other two sets of clamping mechanisms is towards the direction in which the workpiece needs to be conveyed. When the clamping blocks 260 of the other two sets of clamping mechanisms are about to contact the workpiece, the rotating drums 210 of the clamping mechanism in the workpiece clamping state rotate, causing the corresponding two sets of clamping blocks 260 to drive the long workpiece to move linearly. When the two sets of clamping blocks 260 in the clamping state are about to move away from each other to release the clamping state on the workpiece, the other two sets of clamping mechanisms take over clamping the long workpiece. That is, the clamping mechanism is changed from... Figure 1 The state change is Figure 2 In this state, the rotating drum 210 continues to rotate, and the two sets of clamping blocks 260 that just clamped the long workpiece continue to linearly drive the long workpiece to move in a straight line. When the two rotating drums 210 rotate to the closest distance between the corresponding two clamping blocks 260, the two rotating drums 210 stop rotating, completing the action of conveying and re-clamping the long workpiece. Through the above settings, when repairing long workpieces by cladding, there is no need to lift the workpiece again and then release and re-clamp it, saving time. In addition, when conveying long strip workpieces, there is no relative sliding friction between the workpiece and the clamping mechanism, thereby avoiding secondary damage and also preventing wear on the cladding repaired area.

[0023] Two racks 330 are slidably connected to the clamping block 260, and a cylindrical gear 320 meshes between the two racks 330. A first cylinder 300 for driving the cylindrical gear 320 to slide linearly is installed on the clamping block 260. When the cylindrical gear 320 slides toward the clamping block 260, the ends of the two racks 330 abut against the surface of the workpiece. When the rotating drum 210 rotates so that the two clamping blocks 260 move away from each other, the cylindrical gear 320 continues to slide toward the clamping block 260 so that the ends of the racks 330 remain in contact with the workpiece.

[0024] When the cylindrical gear 320 slides toward the clamping block 260, it drives both racks 330 to approach the workpiece. After the end of one rack 330 contacts the workpiece first, the cylindrical gear 320 can roll relative to the two racks 330, thereby driving the end of the other rack 330 to also abut against the workpiece. Through the above arrangement, the cylindrical gear 320 can drive the two racks 330 to abut and fix the workpiece when it moves, and it can also be adapted to clamping long strip workpieces with irregular cross sections. Reference Figure 7As shown, when the cross-section of the workpiece is a regular circle, the first cylinder 300 shortens. At this time, the first cylinder 300 drives the cylindrical gear 320 to approach the position of the workpiece. The cylindrical gear 320 can drive the two racks 330 to approach the workpiece synchronously by relying on the meshing of its teeth with the two racks 330, so that the ends of the racks 330 abut against the surface of the cylindrical workpiece. Reference Figure 8 As shown, when the cross-section of the workpiece is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, taking the movement of the two racks 330 and the cylindrical gear 320 on the right as an example, the shortening of the first cylinder 300 first drives the cylindrical gear 320 to move the two racks 330 closer to the workpiece simultaneously. Then, the end of the lower rack 330 first abuts against the surface of the workpiece, and the first cylinder 300 continues to shorten. At this time, the cylindrical gear 320 can roll on the lower rack 330 under the pull of the first cylinder 300. When the cylindrical gear 320 rolls in this state, the tangential direction of the movement of the upper quadrant position is towards the workpiece. Thus, this rolling state will drive the upper rack 330 to continue to move closer to the workpiece. After the end of the upper rack 330 also abuts against the surface of the workpiece, the continued shortening of the first cylinder 300 will drive the cylindrical gear 320 to further abut against the surface of the workpiece through the meshing of its teeth with the two racks 330.

[0025] The output end of the first cylinder 300 is fixedly connected to the bracket 310, and the cylindrical gear 320 is rotatably connected to the bracket 310.

[0026] The bracket 310 allows the cylindrical gear 320 to be rotatably mounted on the output end of the first cylinder 300. The first cylinder 300 has sufficient extension and retraction. When the rotating drum 210 rotates and the distance between the clamping blocks 260 begins to increase, the first cylinder 300 continues to shorten, causing the cylindrical gear 320 to move closer to the clamping blocks 260. This allows the rack 330 to be driven to continue abutting against the workpiece, ensuring that the workpiece remains fixed when the rotating drum 210 rotates. When the first cylinder 300 is about to shorten to its shortest state, the other two clamping mechanisms take over to clamp and fix the workpiece. The first cylinder 300 on the clamping mechanism that takes over clamping the workpiece is initially in its shortest state. As the rotating drum 210 continues to rotate, the first cylinder 300 gradually shortens, preventing the rack 330 from applying excessive clamping force to the workpiece and also preventing the rotating drum 210 from jamming.

[0027] The orientation mechanism includes a rotating shaft 240, with a first bevel gear 241 and a second bevel gear 242 fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 240, and a third bevel gear 230 meshing with the first bevel gear 241 fixedly connected to the end of the fixed shaft 200. A fourth bevel gear 250 meshing with the second bevel gear 242 is fixedly connected to the clamping block 260. When the rotating drum 210 rotates, the rotating shaft 240 transmits power to the clamping block 260, so that the orientation of the clamping block 260 remains unchanged.

[0028] Reference Figure 5 When the rotating drum 210 rotates clockwise, the first bevel gear 241 rolls on the third bevel gear 230. At this time, the first bevel gear 241 drives the rotating shaft 240 and the second bevel gear 242 to rotate clockwise, while the second bevel gear 242 drives the fourth bevel gear 250 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the clamping block 260 rotates counterclockwise, so that the orientation of the clamping block 260 will not change when the rotating drum 210 rotates, thus ensuring the clamping effect on the workpiece.

[0029] A swing arm 220 is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating drum 210, and a rotating seat 221 is fixedly connected to the swing arm 220. The rotating shaft 240 is rotatably connected to the rotating seat 221.

[0030] The clamping block 260 is positioned between the two swing arms 220, so that the rotating drum 210 will not interfere with the clamping block 260 when it rotates 360 degrees. The rotating seat 221 is set on the surface of the swing arm 220 away from the clamping block 260 to prevent the clamping block 260 from colliding and getting stuck when it rotates.

[0031] A rotating rod 261 is fixedly connected to the clamping block 260, and a fourth bevel gear 250 is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod 261. A hole is opened on the swing rod 220 to cooperate with the rotating rod 261.

[0032] The rotating rod 261 is rotatably connected to the swing rod 220, and the clamping block 260 can rotate about the rotating rod 261 as an axis.

[0033] Each rotating drum 210 has a swing arm 220 connected to both ends, and a rotating shaft 240 is rotatably connected to each of the two swing arms 220.

[0034] The arrangement of two sets of swing rods 220 and two sets of rotating shafts 240 ensures that when the rotating drum 210 rotates, driving force can be applied to both ends of the clamping block 260, thus ensuring the stable rotation and orientation of the clamping block 260.

[0035] A worm gear 280 is fixedly connected to the top of the rotating drum 210, and a worm 270 is meshed on the worm gear 280. The worm 270 is set to rotate on a fixed axis and is installed in the workshop.

[0036] The mounting base of the worm gear 270 can be fixed to the wall of the workshop or to the base 100. A servo motor is set to drive the worm gear 270 to rotate, so that the worm gear 270 drives the rotating drum 210 to rotate through meshing with the worm wheel 280. The servo motor is controlled by a preset program to ensure that the two rotating drums 210 that cooperate with each other can rotate synchronously.

[0037] Multiple second cylinders 340 are fixedly connected to the base 100. The output ends of the multiple second cylinders 340 are respectively connected to multiple fixed shafts 200. The extension and retraction length of the second cylinders 340 increases as the extension and retraction length of the first cylinder 300 decreases.

[0038] When the second cylinder 340 extends or retracts, it can control the vertical lifting and lowering of the fixed shaft 200, thereby changing the vertical height of the clamping mechanism. In this setting, the worm 270 and the corresponding servo motor are also connected to the output end of the second cylinder 340 to ensure that the worm 270 can maintain meshing with the worm wheel 280 when the fixed shaft 200 is vertically lifted or lowered. Alternatively, the servo motor can be disconnected from the output end of the second cylinder 340. In this case, the servo motor and the worm 270 can be connected through a universal joint. When the two clamping blocks 260 of the initial clamping mechanism are closest to each other, the workpiece is clamped. At this time, the extension and retraction of the first cylinder 300 is recorded. After the workpiece is transported, another set of clamping mechanisms re-clamps the workpiece. At this time, the extension and retraction of the first cylinder 300 on the clamping mechanism that re-clamps the workpiece is recorded. If the extension and retraction recorded later is equal to the extension and retraction recorded earlier, then the second cylinder 340 does not extend or retract, indicating that the cross-sectional diameter of the long workpiece does not change at this time. If the extension amount recorded later is less than the extension amount recorded earlier, it means that the diameter of the workpiece has increased. At this time, the distance between the surface of the workpiece to be clad and the cladding head may decrease, so the second cylinder 340 is shortened, so that the distance between the workpiece surface and the cladding head is restored. Conversely, if the extension amount recorded later is greater than the extension amount recorded earlier, the second cylinder 340 will extend. The extension and retraction length of the second cylinder 340 can be controlled by interpolation function method, which means that the extension and retraction amount of the second cylinder 340 corresponds one-to-one with the extension and retraction change values ​​of the two first cylinders 300.

[0039] Support blocks 110 are installed at both ends of the base 100 along its length.

[0040] The support block 110 can be lifted and lowered by a hydraulic rod to support the two ends of the non-clamping part of the long strip workpiece, prevent the long workpiece from deforming, and reduce the load on the clamping mechanism.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces, comprising a base (100), characterized in that: Four sets of clamping mechanisms are installed on the base (100), and every two sets of clamping mechanisms are symmetrically installed at both ends of the base (100) along the length direction of the base (100). The clamping mechanism includes a fixed shaft (200) symmetrically mounted on both sides of the base (100) along the width direction of the base (100). A rotating cylinder (210) is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft (200). A clamping block (260) is hinged to the side of the rotating cylinder (210). The two symmetrical clamping blocks (260) cooperate to clamp the workpiece. An orientation mechanism is provided on the clamping block (260), the rotating cylinder (210) and the fixed shaft (200), so that the orientation of the clamping block (260) remains unchanged when the rotating cylinder (210) rotates. When the rotating drums (210) of the multiple clamping mechanisms rotate in the same direction, the workpiece can be transported linearly.

2. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two racks (330) are slidably connected to the clamping block (260), and a cylindrical gear (320) meshes between the two racks (330). A first cylinder (300) for driving the cylindrical gear (320) to slide linearly is installed on the clamping block (260). When the cylindrical gear (320) slides toward the clamping block (260), the ends of the two racks (330) abut against the surface of the workpiece. When the rotating drum (210) rotates so that the two clamping blocks (260) move away from each other, the cylindrical gear (320) continues to slide toward the clamping block (260) so that the ends of the racks (330) maintain contact with the workpiece.

3. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 2, characterized in that: The output end of the first cylinder (300) is fixedly connected to a bracket (310), and the cylindrical gear (320) is rotatably connected to the bracket (310).

4. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The orientation mechanism includes a rotating shaft (240), with a first bevel gear (241) and a second bevel gear (242) fixedly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft (240). A third bevel gear (230) meshing with the first bevel gear (241) is fixedly connected to the end of the fixed shaft (200). A fourth bevel gear (250) meshing with the second bevel gear (242) is fixedly connected to the clamping block (260). When the rotating drum (210) rotates, the rotating shaft (240) drives the clamping block (260), so that the orientation of the clamping block (260) remains unchanged.

5. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the rotating drum (210) is fixedly connected to a swing rod (220), and a rotating seat (221) is fixedly connected to the swing rod (220). The rotating shaft (240) is rotatably connected to the rotating seat (221).

6. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 5, characterized in that: A rotating rod (261) is fixedly connected to the clamping block (260), and the fourth bevel gear (250) is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod (261). A hole is provided on the swing rod (220) to cooperate with the rotating rod (261).

7. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the rotating drums (210) is connected to two ends of the swing rods (220), and each of the two swing rods (220) is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft (240).

8. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the rotating drum (210) is fixedly connected to a worm gear (280), and a worm (270) is meshed on the worm gear (280). The worm (270) is fixedly rotatable and installed in the workshop.

9. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of second cylinders (340) are fixedly connected to the base (100). The output ends of the plurality of second cylinders (340) are respectively connected to the plurality of fixed shafts (200). The extension length of the second cylinder (340) increases as the extension length of the first cylinder (300) decreases.

10. The clamping and conveying mechanism for laser cladding repair of long workpiece surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that: Support blocks (110) are installed at both ends of the base (100) along its length.

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