A fully automatic ingot preparation system and a working method thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI DONGXUAN MEASUREMENT & CONTROL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the cleaning process of melting equipment mostly relies on manual or simple mechanical cleaning, which makes it difficult to completely remove residual materials from the surface of crucibles and molds, resulting in cross-contamination and reduced detection accuracy, and failing to meet the needs of continuous industrial production.
A fully automated sheet preparation system was designed, including a batching component, a muffle furnace, a melting furnace, and an ultrasonic cleaning component. The system achieves automated cleaning through a robotic arm working in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning, and combines image detection and label printing to achieve fully automated operation of the entire process.
It significantly improves the efficiency of large-scale sample preparation, reduces manual labor intensity, ensures the consistency of molten sheet quality and detection accuracy, adapts to the needs of continuous industrial production, reduces human error and safety risks, and improves equipment resource utilization and standardization.
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Figure CN122282833A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of sheet preparation, and in particular to a fully automated sheet preparation system and its working method. Background Technology
[0002] In the iron and steel metallurgical industry, accurate detection of the composition of iron ore and various flux materials is a key link to ensure ironmaking production efficiency, product quality and safe production. Among them, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) analysis has become the core technical means for the detection of the composition of iron ore and flux materials due to its advantages such as non-destructive nature, simultaneous detection of multiple elements, and fast analysis speed.
[0003] Currently, the preparation of X-ray fluorescence spectra for iron ore and flux materials is mostly done manually or with semi-automated equipment. The operation process is cumbersome, requiring manual completion of multiple steps. This is especially inefficient when processing large batches of samples, and cannot meet the testing requirements of continuous industrial production. Furthermore, the cleaning of the spectra equipment is mostly done manually or with simple mechanical cleaning, which makes it difficult to completely remove residual materials from the surface of the crucible and mold. Incomplete cleaning can lead to cross-contamination of subsequent spectra, further affecting the detection accuracy. At the same time, manual cleaning is inefficient and cannot achieve rapid recycling of equipment, thus restricting the improvement of overall sample preparation efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides a fully automated sheet preparation system and its working method, which can solve the problem that the cleaning process of existing sheet preparation equipment often relies on manual cleaning or simple mechanical cleaning, making it difficult to completely remove residual materials from the surface of the crucible and mold.
[0005] A fully automated sheet preparation system includes a frame assembly, within which are installed a batching assembly for automatic batching, a muffle furnace for material pre-oxidation treatment, a melting furnace for material melting and liquefaction forming, and an ultrasonic cleaning assembly for cleaning. The ingredient dispensing assembly includes several automatically dispensing storage boxes; The ultrasonic cleaning assembly includes a cleaning bracket for placing the object to be cleaned and a cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning tank. The cleaning bracket can be moved into the cleaning mechanism for cleaning. The cleaning tank is used to clean the object to be cleaned by a combination of ultrasonic and mechanical methods.
[0006] Furthermore, the frame assembly is equipped with an operating table, on which the batching assembly, muffle furnace, melting furnace and ultrasonic cleaning assembly are all installed. The operating table is also equipped with a robotic arm handling assembly, a label printing assembly, a waste film box assembly, an image judgment assembly, a crucible storage assembly, a mold storage assembly, a sample cup storage assembly, a pressing assembly, a cantilever touch screen assembly and a cooling assembly.
[0007] Furthermore, the frame assembly includes an automatically docking door and a manually operated safety door; The ingredient dispensing component is located at a right angle to the frame component tabletop. The ingredient dispensing component includes a mounting bracket fixedly installed on the tabletop. A rotating component is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket. The rotating component is rotated by a first motor and is used to place sample cups. The mounting bracket is also provided with a slide rail. A moving component is slidably mounted on the slide rail and moves back and forth along the slide rail. Several material storage mechanisms are also installed on both sides of the slide rail on the mounting bracket. The material storage mechanism includes a fixed bracket. A storage box is mounted on the fixed bracket. An automatic dispensing trough is provided at the bottom of the storage box.
[0008] Furthermore, a crucible storage component and a mold storage component are also fixedly provided on the platform of the frame assembly on one side of the dispensing component; The melting furnace includes a furnace body, a rocking support is rotatably installed inside the furnace body, and a placement groove is also provided inside the furnace body. The rocking support is used to place the crucible after the ingredients have been prepared. The rocking support can realize the rotation and reciprocating rocking of the crucible. On the platform of the frame assembly, next to the muffle furnace, a cooling assembly and a label printing assembly are also installed. On the platform of the frame assembly, next to the label printing assembly, a discard box assembly and an image judgment assembly are installed in sequence. The image judgment assembly includes a film carrier, a film stage is fixedly provided at the bottom of the film carrier, a camera assembly is fixedly provided above the film carrier, and an imaging base plate is fixedly provided on the platform below the film carrier. The imaging base plate includes a background plate or a backlight source. A robotic arm handling component is installed at the center of the platform of the frame assembly; A mold storage assembly and a pressing assembly are fixedly installed on one side of the ultrasonic cleaning assembly. The pressing assembly includes a liftable pressing head.
[0009] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning assembly is located on the opposite side of the frame assembly where the dispensing assembly is located. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly includes a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank, and a drying tank. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly includes a first mounting plate fixed to the top of the inside of the frame assembly. A first telescopic assembly is slidably mounted on the first mounting plate. The transmission method between the first telescopic assembly and the first mounting plate includes, but is not limited to, screw transmission. A drag chain is also installed between the first telescopic assembly and the first mounting plate. The first telescopic assembly includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. A first mating block is fixedly mounted on the output end of the first telescopic assembly.
[0010] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning assembly also includes a side bracket fixedly installed on the table surface of the frame assembly. A partition baffle is fixedly provided on the side bracket, and a flipping mechanism is rotatably installed on the side bracket. The rotation of the flipping mechanism is not limited to being driven by a motor. A cleaning bracket is placed on the flipping mechanism. The cleaning bracket includes a top mating plate, which is inserted into the flipping mechanism. An L-shaped bracket is fixedly provided on the bottom surface of the top mating plate. A bent baffle is also fixedly provided on the L-shaped bracket. An inner support bracket is fixedly provided in the middle of the L-shaped bracket, and a placement ring is fixedly provided on the inner support bracket. The placement ring is circular.
[0011] Furthermore, a cleaning mechanism is fixedly installed next to the side bracket, and a cleaning water tank is provided inside the cleaning mechanism. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly also includes several second telescopic components fixed to the top of the frame assembly. The output ends of the several second telescopic components are fixedly provided with cover plates. The cleaning mechanism includes a tank body, and several partitions are provided inside the tank body. A table panel is also provided at the top of the tank body. The tank body is divided into three areas by the partitions, namely a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank, and a drying tank. An installation strip is fixedly installed on the back of the tank body, and several insertion rods are fixedly installed on the installation strip. The cleaning bracket can cooperate with the insertion rods.
[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning tank is equipped with a scrubbing assembly for mechanically scrubbing the items to be cleaned. The scrubbing assembly includes several sets of rotatable cleaning brushes, all of which are installed in the same way. A sliding groove is provided on the inner wall of the cleaning tank, and a spring is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sliding groove. A clamping assembly is fixedly installed at the top of the spring, and an arc-shaped clamping groove is provided on the clamping assembly. A cylindrical rod is provided at the bottom of the cleaning brush, and the cylindrical rod cooperates with the arc-shaped clamping groove. Extension rods are fixedly installed at the bottom of both sides of the clamping assembly, and rectangular mating plates are fixedly installed at the bottom of the two extension rods. A drive shaft is also rotatably installed on the inner wall of the primary cleaning tank, located between the two extension rods. An installation block is fixedly installed on the drive shaft, and a rotating block is rotatably installed on the installation block. A mating hole is provided on the rotating block, and the installation block and the rotating block are rotatably engaged through a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating block, and a gear is coaxially installed on the rotating shaft on the outer side of the rotating block. A crossbar is fixedly installed on the extension rod on the same side as the gear, and a rack is vertically fixed on the crossbar.
[0013] Furthermore, several of the aforementioned drive shafts pass through the side wall of the cleaning tank and are coaxially and fixedly provided with friction wheels. The friction wheels are in contact with each other and rotate synchronously. One of the drive shafts has a pulley fixedly provided at its protruding end. The pulley is connected to the gearbox via a belt. The gearbox realizes the rotation of the drive shaft via the belt, and then realizes the synchronous rotation of the several drive shafts through the friction wheels.
[0014] A working method of a fully automated sheet preparation system includes the following steps: S1: First, the initial batching of the crucible is completed on the batching component. The crucible is then placed into the muffle furnace by the robotic arm handling component to complete the pre-oxidation treatment of the material. After the pre-oxidation is completed, the crucible is placed into the cooling component by the robotic arm handling component to be rapidly cooled to room temperature. Then, the cooled crucible is placed on the batching component by the robotic arm handling component to continue adding the remaining material. After completion, the crucible containing the material is placed on the melting furnace by the robotic arm handling component to heat, shake, pour into the mold and cool the material. S2: After cooling, the robotic arm transfer component transfers the mold and the molten sheet together to the molding component for molding. After molding, the robotic arm transfer component sucks out the sheet and places it at the image judgment component for sheet inspection. The robotic arm transfer component picks up the label at the label printing component and affixes it to the sheet. Then, the robotic arm transfer component sends the sheet into the analysis equipment for analysis. After the analysis is completed, the robotic arm transfer component discards the sheet into the discard box component. At the same time, the robotic arm transfer component grabs the crucible in the melting furnace and the mold in the molding component and puts them into the ultrasonic cleaning component for cleaning and drying.
[0015] Beneficial effects
[0016] 1. The fully automated molten sheet preparation system of this invention achieves fully automated operation of the entire molten sheet preparation process, from material feeding, precise step-by-step batching, pre-oxidation, melting and molding, molding, image detection, labeling and sample delivery, to ultrasonic cleaning and reuse of crucibles and molds and disposal of discarded sheets. The entire process requires no frequent manual intervention, significantly improving the efficiency of preparing large batches of samples and reducing the safety risks caused by manual labor intensity and high temperature and chemical contact. By standardizing the step-by-step batching sequence and precise feeding control, combined with image detection to screen qualified molten sheets, the consistency of molten sheet quality and the reliability of subsequent analysis results are effectively guaranteed. The coordinated operation of various components of the system enables parallel operation of sample preparation, analysis and instrument regeneration, improving the utilization rate of equipment resources. Furthermore, the sample information is traceable through labeling, adapting to the standardized management needs of laboratories. The overall process is closed-loop controllable, stable in operation, highly integrated and compact in layout, significantly improving the standardization and intelligence level of molten sheet preparation.
[0017] 2. This invention employs a cleaning method that combines ultrasonic cleaning with mechanical cleaning. The ultrasonic cleaning mechanism generates high-frequency vibrations, causing the cleaning fluid to form microbubbles that then violently burst, generating a powerful impact force. This quickly removes residual materials, solvents, and release agents adhering to the surfaces of crucibles, molds, and other items to be cleaned. Simultaneously, combined with mechanical cleaning, it achieves comprehensive and thorough cleaning of the items, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and cleanliness. It also avoids operational errors and incomplete cleaning caused by manual cleaning, ensuring that the cleaned crucibles and molds can be directly recycled, guaranteeing the quality stability of subsequent sheet preparation, and further enhancing the automated operation efficiency of the entire system. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning component structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the brushing component structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the brushing component of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the friction wheel drive on the brushing assembly of the present invention.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Frame assembly; 2. Feeding assembly; 3. Cleaning assembly; 4. Handling assembly; 5. Label printing assembly; 6. Discard bin assembly; 7. Image judgment assembly; 8. Crucible storage assembly; 9. Mold storage assembly; 10. Sample cup storage assembly; 11. Pressing assembly; 12. Cantilever touch screen assembly; 13. Cooling assembly; 14. Melting furnace; 15. Muffle furnace; 201. Mounting bracket; 202. Slide rail; 203. Rotating assembly; 204. First motor; 2 05. Sample cup; 206. Moving component; 207. Fixed bracket; 208. Storage box; 209. Automatic discharge chute; 301. First mounting plate; 302. First telescopic component; 303. Cable chain; 304. First mating block; 305. Dividing baffle; 306. Side bracket; 307. Tilting mechanism; 308. Top mating plate; 309. Support bracket; 310. Placement ring; 311. L-shaped bracket; 312. Cleaning mechanism; 313. Cleaning water 314. Second telescopic assembly; 315. Cover plate; 316. Washing assembly; 701. Slide holder; 702. Camera assembly; 703. Slide stage; 704. Imaging base plate; 1401. Furnace body; 1402. Shaking bracket; 1403. Placement slot; 31201. Slot body; 31202. Tabletop; 31203. Mounting strip; 31204. Insert rod; 31205. Partition; 31601. Sliding slot; 31602. Clamping assembly 31603, Spring; 31604, Extension Rod; 31605, Rectangular Fit; 31606, Arc-shaped Clamping Groove; 31607, Cylindrical Rod; 31608, Cleaning Brush; 31609, Crossbar; 31610, Rack; 31611, Mounting Block; 31612, Gear; 31613, Rotating Block; 31614, Mating Hole; 31615, Drive Shaft; 31616, Friction Wheel; 31617, Belt; 31618, Gearbox. 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] Example 1 like Figure 1As shown in the figure, the fully automatic sheet preparation system provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a frame assembly 1, which is composed of several steel components and door panels. The frame assembly 1 is equipped with an operating table, on which are arranged a batching assembly 2, an ultrasonic cleaning assembly 3, a robotic arm handling assembly 4, a label printing assembly 5, a discard sheet box assembly 6, an image judgment assembly 7, a crucible storage assembly 8, a mold storage assembly 9, a sample cup storage assembly 10, a pressing assembly 11, a cantilever touch screen assembly 12, a cooling assembly 13, a melting furnace 14, and a muffle furnace 15.
[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, frame assembly 1 is used for the installation and fixation of the above structure, and includes an automatically connected external door and a manually operated safety door; the dispensing assembly 2 is used to automatically proportion the materials with the required flux and to add the release agent. The dispensing assembly 2 is located at a right angle on the table of frame assembly 1, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing component 2 includes a mounting bracket 201 fixedly mounted on a tabletop. A rotating component 203 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 201. The rotating component 203 is rotated by a first motor 204. A sample cup 205 is placed on the rotating component 203, and the sample cup 205 contains pre-stored material. The mounting bracket 201 is also provided with a slide rail 202, and a moving component 206 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 202. The moving component 206 can move back and forth along the slide rail 202. The moving method includes the use of an electric slide table, a lead screw, or other structures, which is provided for those skilled in the art. The familiar conventional techniques will not be elaborated on here. A crucible can be placed on the moving component 206. Several material storage mechanisms are also installed on both sides of the slide 202 on the mounting bracket 201. The material storage mechanism includes a fixed bracket 207, on which a storage box 208 is installed. The bottom of the storage box 208 is provided with an automatic discharge chute 209. The storage boxes 208 are used to store solvents, materials, oxidants, co-solvents, release agents and other reagents required for the preparation of melt sheets. The moving component 206 drives the crucible to slide along the slide to dispense the materials.
[0023] like Figure 1 On the platform of the frame component 1 shown, a crucible storage component 8 and a mold storage component 9 are also fixedly provided on one side of the ingredient component 2. The crucible storage component 8 and the sample cup storage component 10 are both storage supports adapted to the shape of the crucible and the sample cup, respectively used to store the crucible and the sample cup.
[0024] like Figure 1As shown, a muffle furnace 15 is also fixedly installed on the platform of frame component 1 at a right angle on the same side as the batching component 2. The muffle furnace 15 is used for pre-oxidation treatment of materials. A melting furnace 14 is fixedly installed on the platform of frame component 1 at the middle position on the other side of the batching component 2. The melting furnace 14 is used to heat, liquefy, shake, and pour the proportioned materials into a mold for cooling and shaping. Figure 3 As shown, the melting furnace 14 includes a furnace body 1401, a rocking support 1402 rotatably arranged inside the furnace body 1401, and a placement groove 1403 also provided inside the furnace body 1401. The rocking support 1402 is used to place a crucible after the batching is completed. The rocking support 1402 can realize the rotation and reciprocating rotation of the crucible to achieve the even mixing of the molten material in the crucible. The specific structure for realizing the rotation and reciprocating rocking of the crucible is a conventional technical means well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here. The placement groove 1403 is used for empty molds.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a cooling assembly 13 and a label printing assembly 5 are also installed on the platform of frame assembly 1 next to the muffle furnace 15. The cooling assembly 13 is used to rapidly cool the crucible after pre-oxidation, and the label printing assembly 5 is used to print information such as material numbers on labels. Next to the label printing assembly 5, a discard sheet box assembly 6 and an image judgment assembly 7 are sequentially installed on the platform of frame assembly 1. The discard sheet box assembly 6 is used to collect the analyzed molten sheets, and the image judgment assembly 7 is used to detect whether there are defects on the molten sheets that affect the analysis, such as… Figure 2 As shown, the image judgment component 7 includes a slide holder 701, a slide stage 703 fixedly mounted at the bottom of the slide holder 701 for placing the prepared molten sheet, a camera component 702 fixedly mounted above the slide holder 701, and an imaging base plate 704 fixedly mounted on the lower platform of the slide holder 701. The imaging base plate 704 includes a background plate or a backlight source. A robotic arm handling component 4 is installed at the middle position of the platform of the frame component 1. The robotic arm handling component 4 is used for transferring items such as crucibles, molds, and molten sheets between various components.
[0026] like Figure 1 An ultrasonic cleaning component 3 is also provided on the platform of the frame component 1, opposite to the dispensing component 2. The ultrasonic cleaning component 3 is used to clean crucibles and molds used during melting, removing residues and drying them for reuse. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning component 3 includes a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank, and a drying tank. The crucibles and molds first undergo ultrasonic cleaning in the primary cleaning tank, then secondary cleaning in the secondary cleaning tank, and finally drying in the drying tank. Specifically... Figure 4As shown, the ultrasonic cleaning assembly 3 includes a first mounting plate 301 fixed to the top of the frame assembly 1. A first telescopic assembly 302 is slidably mounted on the first mounting plate 301. The transmission method between the first telescopic assembly 302 and the first mounting plate 301 includes, but is not limited to, screw drive. A cable chain 303 is also installed between the first telescopic assembly 302 and the first mounting plate 301. The first telescopic assembly 302 includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. A first mating block 304 is fixedly mounted at the output end of the first telescopic assembly 302. Figure 5 As shown, the ultrasonic cleaning assembly 3 also includes a side bracket 306 fixedly installed on the table of the frame assembly 1. A partition baffle 305 is fixedly provided on the side bracket 306. A flipping mechanism 307 is rotatably installed on the side bracket 306. The rotation of the flipping mechanism 307 is not limited to being driven by a motor. A cleaning bracket is placed on the flipping mechanism 307. The cleaning bracket includes a top mating plate 308. The top mating plate 308 is inserted into the flipping mechanism 307. An L-shaped bracket 311 is fixedly provided on the bottom surface of the top mating plate 308. A bent baffle is also fixedly provided on the L-shaped bracket 311. An inner support bracket 309 is fixedly provided in the middle position of the L-shaped bracket 311. A placement ring 310 is fixedly provided on the inner support bracket 309. The placement ring 310 is circular.
[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, a cleaning mechanism 312 is fixedly installed next to the side bracket 306. The cleaning mechanism 312 contains a cleaning water tank 313. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly 3 also includes several second telescopic components 314 fixedly installed at the top of the frame assembly 1. Cover plates 315 are fixedly installed at the output ends of the second telescopic components 314. The cover plates 315 are used to cover the primary cleaning tank, the secondary cleaning tank, and the drying tank, respectively. Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 312 includes a tank 31201, which is provided with several partitions 31205. The top of the tank 31201 is also provided with a table panel 31202. The partitions 31205 divide the tank 31201 into three areas, namely a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank, and a drying tank. An installation strip 31203 is fixedly installed on the back of the tank 31201. Several insertion rods 31204 are fixedly installed on the installation strip 31203. The cleaning bracket can cooperate with the insertion rods 31204 to achieve fixation.
[0028] In use, several cleaning racks are inserted into the flipping mechanism 307 in a row. The flipping mechanism 307 is then flipped 90°, causing the entire cleaning rack to flip upwards. At this time, the placement ring 310 moves to the top, and the robotic arm handling assembly 4 picks up the used crucible or mold and places it into the placement ring 310. Subsequently, the flipping mechanism 307 flips to the top. Figure 5In the initial position shown, the first telescopic component 302 controls the first mating block 304 to descend. The first mating block 304 engages with the top mating plate 308. With the lateral movement of the first telescopic component 302, the cleaning bracket is moved onto the cleaning mechanism 312. The cleaning bracket engages with the insertion rod 31204 and is fixed in the primary cleaning tank position, thereby moving the crucible or mold into the cleaning mechanism 312 for ultrasonic cleaning.
[0029] A mold storage component 9 and a mold pressing component 11 are fixedly installed on one side of the ultrasonic cleaning component 3. The mold storage component 9 is used to place the cleaned mold, and the mold pressing component 11 is used to assist the separation of the molten sheet from the mold. The mold pressing component 11 includes a liftable pressing head, which can apply pressure to the molten sheet inside the mold to achieve the separation of the molten sheet from the mold.
[0030] The working method of a fully automated sheet preparation system is as follows: First, an external large robotic arm places a sample cup containing material onto the sample cup storage assembly 10 via the automatic docking and opening door of the frame assembly 1. Then, the robotic arm transport assembly 4 picks up an empty crucible from the crucible storage assembly 8 and places it on the dispensing position of the dispensing assembly 2, i.e., the moving assembly 206. Next, the sample cup in the sample cup storage assembly 10 is placed on the rotating assembly 203 of the dispensing assembly 2. The rotating assembly 203 rotates, pouring the material from the sample cup into the crucible on the moving assembly 206. The moving assembly 206 moves the crucible containing material, and the material on the dispensing assembly 2... The material storage mechanism dispenses the materials in the following order: partial solvent, raw material, and oxidant. After dispensing, the robotic arm handling component 4 places the crucible into the muffle furnace 15 to complete the pre-oxidation treatment of the material. After pre-oxidation, the robotic arm handling component 4 places the crucible into the cooling component 13 for rapid cooling to room temperature. Then, the robotic arm handling component 4 places the cooled crucible onto the moving component 206 of the dispensing component 2 to continue dispensing the remaining solvent and adding the release agent. After completion, the robotic arm handling component 4 places the crucible containing the material onto the melting furnace 14, and then grabs an empty mold from the mold storage component 9. The material is placed in the melting furnace 14, which heats the crucible and mold, completing the steps of heating, shaking, pouring into the mold, and cooling. After cooling, the robotic arm handling component 4 transfers the mold and the melt sheet together to the pressing component 11 for pressing. After pressing, the robotic arm handling component 4 sucks out the sheet and places it at the image judgment component 7 for sheet inspection to determine if it meets the analysis requirements. If it passes, the robotic arm handling component 4 takes a label with the current material information from the label printing component 5 and affixes it to the sheet. Then, the robotic arm handling component 4 places the sheet on the belt conveyor line. The sample is conveyed to the analysis equipment at the other end via a belt conveyor. After analysis, the sample is returned via the belt conveyor. The robotic arm handling component 4 discards the sample into the discard box component 6. During the process of sending the molten sheet into the analysis, the robotic arm handling component 4 grabs the crucible in the melting furnace 14 and the mold in the pressing mold component 11 and puts them into the ultrasonic cleaning component 3 for cleaning and drying. After completion, they are put back into the crucible storage component 8 and the mold storage component 9. At this point, the entire process is completed. This invention is used to prepare samples required for the spectral analysis of iron ore and flux materials. The sample preparation quality is high and the repeatability is good, thus ensuring more accurate analysis results.
[0031] The preparation system of this invention is fully automated, from material feeding, batching, pre-oxidation, melting, cooling, molding, detection, labeling, sample delivery and analysis to crucible and mold cleaning and recycling, and waste sheet disposal. It is completed automatically by a robotic arm and its components, requiring minimal human intervention and significantly shortening the single-sample preparation cycle. Suitable for large-scale continuous sample processing, it strictly follows the step-by-step quantitative addition sequence of co-solvent, sample, oxidant, remaining co-solvent, and release agent, with a dedicated rotating and moving mechanism achieving precise material addition, reducing human error. The melt sheet has uniform composition and stable quality, ensuring the reliability of subsequent analytical results. It integrates key processes such as pre-oxidation, melting and mixing, molding and cooling, molding, and image detection, creating a closed-loop, controllable process. Image analysis is used for judgment. The system automatically selects qualified fused sheets, preventing unqualified samples from entering the analysis process and improving the success rate of analysis. While the fused sheets are being fed into the analytical equipment, the system simultaneously performs ultrasonic cleaning and drying of the crucibles and molds for reuse, realizing parallel operations of "sample preparation-analysis-instrument cleaning and regeneration". This reduces equipment downtime and increases overall capacity. The system completely replaces manual labor in high-risk and repetitive operations such as high-temperature melting, handling crucibles and molds, and contact with chemical reagents, reducing the risk of burns and chemical exposure, improving the working environment, and saving labor costs. Labels are automatically printed and affixed with material information, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between sample information and fused sheets. The entire process is traceable, facilitating quality control and data traceability, and meeting the requirements of standardized laboratory management.
[0032] Example 2
[0033] In the ultrasonic cleaning process, when the crucible and mold are directly fixed in the cleaning tank by the cleaning support for ultrasonic cleaning, the ultrasonic cavitation effect is insufficient to fully act on firmly attached sintering residues, flux scale, and other stubborn stains. This results in uneven overall cleaning effect and the inability to effectively remove and peel off stubborn impurities, making it difficult to meet the stringent cleanliness requirements of subsequent sheet preparation. Therefore, this embodiment also proposes a brushing component 316 for mechanically brushing the crucible and mold during the ultrasonic process, ensuring effective removal and cleaning of stubborn impurities.
[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the scrubbing component 316 is installed in the primary cleaning tank of the tank body 31201, as... Figure 7As shown, the scrubbing assembly 316 includes several sets of rotatable cleaning brushes 31608. All sets of cleaning brushes 31608 are installed in the same way. Taking one set as an example, specifically, a sliding groove 31601 is provided on the inner wall of the primary cleaning tank. A spring 31603 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sliding groove 31601, and a clamping assembly 31602 is fixedly installed at the top of the spring 31603. The clamping assembly 31602 has an arc-shaped clamping groove 31606. A cylindrical rod 31607 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning brush 31608. The cylindrical rod 31607 cooperates with the arc-shaped clamping groove 31606 to clamp the cleaning brush 31608 within the arc-shaped clamping groove 31606 on the clamping assembly 31602. Extension rods 31604 are fixedly installed on the bottom of both sides of the clamping assembly 31602. A rectangular mating plate 31605 is fixedly provided at the bottom of each extension rod 31604. A drive shaft 31615 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the primary cleaning tank, located between the two extension rods 31604. A mounting block 31611 is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 31615. A rotating block 31613 is rotatably mounted on the mounting block 31611. A mating hole 31614 is provided on the rotating block 31613. The mounting block 31611 and the rotating block 31613 are rotatably fitted by a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating block 31613. A gear 31612 is coaxially mounted on the rotating shaft on the outer side of the rotating block 31613. A crossbar 31609 is fixedly mounted on the extension rod 31604 on the same side as the gear 31612. A rack 31610 is vertically fixed on the crossbar 31609. Figure 9 As shown, several drive shafts 31615 pass through the side wall of the cleaning tank and are coaxially mounted with friction wheels 31616. The friction wheels 31616 are in contact with each other and rotate synchronously. One of the drive shafts 31615 has a pulley fixedly mounted at its protruding end. The pulley is connected to the gearbox 31618 via a belt 31617. The gearbox 31618 realizes the rotation of the drive shaft 31615 via the belt 31617, and further realizes the synchronous rotation of the several drive shafts 31615 via the friction wheels 31616.
[0035] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in the initial state, several cleaning brushes 31608 are placed vertically upwards in the arc-shaped clamping grooves 31606 on the clamping assembly 31602. When the first telescopic assembly 302 moves the cleaning bracket into the primary cleaning tank and fixes its position using the insertion rod 31204, the cleaning bracket gradually contacts and presses against the rectangular mating plate 31605 as it is lowered into the primary cleaning tank, causing the rectangular mating plate 31605 to gradually move downwards. The rectangular mating plate 31605 is connected to the two extension rods 31604. This causes the clamping assembly 31602 to move downwards, and the cleaning brush 31608 on the clamping assembly 31602 moves downwards synchronously. As the cleaning brush 31608 moves downwards, its cylindrical rod 31607 gradually inserts into the mating hole 31614. The two extension rods 31604 continue to move downwards. At this time, the rack 31610 on the extension rod 31604 gradually meshes with the gear 31612, realizing the rotation of the gear 31612. The rotation of the gear 31612 drives the rotating block 31613 to generate power. 31613 drives the cleaning brush 31608 to rotate synchronously towards the cleaning support. The cleaning brush 31608 moves into the crucible or mold. Since the clamping assembly 31602 and the cylindrical rod 31607 on the cleaning brush 31608 are fixed by the arc-shaped clamping groove 31606, the cleaning brush 31608 can separate from the arc-shaped clamping groove 31606 when it rotates, so that the cleaning brush 31608 rotates with the rotating block 31613 to a horizontal state. At this time, the gearbox 31618 drives several transmissions. The synchronous rotation of shaft 31615 enables the cleaning brush 31608 to mechanically clean the inside of the crucible or mold, making the cleaning more thorough. In this embodiment, each set of cleaning brackets is equipped with one cleaning brush 31608. The number of cleaning brushes 31608 in operation is consistent with the number of cleaning brackets, so that the cleaning brushes 31608 are unfolded when working and retracted when not working, avoiding the cleaning brushes 31608 from being continuously contaminated by staying in the cleaning tank for a long time. At the same time, the cleaning brushes 31608 are designed to be manually removed for cleaning or replacement after a certain period of use.
[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientational structure and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, "first" and "second" are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.
[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.
Claims
1. A fully automated sheet preparation system, characterized in that, Includes a frame assembly (1), which is equipped with a batching assembly (2) for automatic batching, a muffle furnace (15) for material pre-oxidation treatment, a melting furnace (14) for material melting and liquefaction molding, and an ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) for cleaning. The ingredient dispensing component (2) includes several storage boxes (208) with automatic dispensing function. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) includes a cleaning bracket for placing the object to be cleaned and a cleaning mechanism (312). The cleaning mechanism (312) includes a cleaning tank (313). The cleaning bracket can be moved into the cleaning mechanism (312) for cleaning. The cleaning tank (313) is used to clean the object to be cleaned by ultrasonic combined with mechanical means.
2. The fully automated sheet preparation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame assembly (1) is equipped with an operating table. The batching assembly (2), muffle furnace (15), melting furnace (14) and ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) are all installed on the operating table. The operating table is also equipped with a robotic arm handling assembly (4), a label printing assembly (5), a waste film box assembly (6), an image judgment assembly (7), a crucible storage assembly (8), a mold storage assembly (9), a sample cup storage assembly (10), a molding assembly (11), a cantilever touch screen assembly (12), and a cooling assembly (13).
3. The fully automated sheet preparation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The frame component (1) includes an automatic door that docks with the outside and a manually operated safety door; The ingredient preparation component (2) is located at a right angle to the table surface of the frame component (1). The ingredient preparation component (2) includes a mounting bracket (201) fixedly installed on the table surface. A rotating component (203) is rotatably provided on the mounting bracket (201). The rotating component (203) is rotated by a first motor (204). The rotating component (203) is used to place sample cups (205). The mounting bracket (201) is also provided with a slide rail (202). A moving component (206) is slidably provided on the slide rail (202). The moving component (206) moves back and forth along the slide rail (202). Several material storage mechanisms are also installed on both sides of the slide rail (202) on the mounting bracket (201). The material storage mechanism includes a fixed bracket (207). A storage box (208) is installed on the fixed bracket (207). An automatic discharge chute (209) is provided at the bottom of the storage box (208).
4. The fully automated sheet preparation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, On the platform of the frame assembly (1), a crucible storage assembly (8) and a mold storage assembly (9) are also fixedly provided on one side of the ingredient assembly (2). The melting furnace (14) includes a furnace body (1401), a rocking bracket (1402) is rotatably installed inside the furnace body (1401), and a placement groove (1403) is also provided inside the furnace body (1401). The rocking bracket (1402) is used to place a crucible after the ingredients have been prepared. The rocking bracket (1402) can realize the rotation and reciprocating rocking of the crucible. On the platform of the frame assembly (1), next to the muffle furnace (15), a cooling assembly (13) and a label printing assembly (5) are also installed. On the platform of the frame assembly (1), next to the label printing assembly (5), a discard box assembly (6) and an image judgment assembly (7) are installed in sequence. The image judgment assembly (7) includes a film carrier (701). A film carrier stage (703) is fixedly provided at the bottom of the film carrier (701). A camera assembly (702) is fixedly provided above the film carrier (701). An imaging base plate (704) is fixedly provided on the platform below the film carrier (701). The imaging base plate (704) includes a background plate or a backlight source. A robotic arm handling component (4) is installed at the middle position on the platform of the frame component (1). The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) is fixedly installed with a mold storage assembly (9) and a pressing assembly (11) on one side. The pressing assembly (11) includes a liftable pressing head.
5. The fully automated slug preparation system of claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) is located on the opposite side of the feeding assembly (2) on the frame assembly (1). The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) includes a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank and a drying tank. The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) includes a first mounting plate (301) fixed inside the top of the frame assembly (1). A first telescopic assembly (302) is slidably provided on the first mounting plate (301). The transmission method between the first telescopic assembly (302) and the first mounting plate (301) includes, but is not limited to, screw transmission. A drag chain (303) is also installed between the first telescopic assembly (302) and the first mounting plate (301). The first telescopic assembly (302) includes, but is not limited to, a cylinder. A first mating block (304) is fixedly provided at the output end of the first telescopic assembly (302).
6. The fully automated sheet preparation system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic cleaning assembly (3) also includes a side bracket (306) fixedly installed on the table of the frame assembly (1). A partition baffle (305) is fixedly provided on the side bracket (306). A flipping mechanism (307) is rotatably installed on the side bracket (306). The rotation of the flipping mechanism (307) includes, but is not limited to, being driven by a motor. A cleaning bracket is placed on the flipping mechanism (307). The cleaning bracket includes a top mating plate (308). The top mating plate (308) is inserted into the flipping mechanism (307). An L-shaped bracket (311) is fixedly provided on the bottom surface of the top mating plate (308). A bent baffle is also fixedly provided on the L-shaped bracket (311). An inner support bracket (309) is fixedly provided in the middle position of the L-shaped bracket (311). A placement ring (310) is fixedly provided on the inner support bracket (309). The placement ring (310) is circular.
7. The fully automated slug preparation system of claim 1, wherein, A cleaning mechanism (312) is fixedly provided next to the side bracket (306). A cleaning water tank (313) is provided inside the cleaning mechanism (312). The ultrasonic cleaning component (3) also includes several second telescopic components (314) fixed inside the top of the frame component (1). A cover plate (315) is fixedly provided at the output end of the several second telescopic components (314). The cleaning mechanism (312) includes a tank (31201). Several partitions (31205) are provided inside the tank (31201). A table panel (31202) is also provided at the top of the tank (31201). The tank (31201) is divided into three areas by the partitions (31205): a primary cleaning tank, a secondary cleaning tank, and a drying tank. An installation strip (31203) is fixedly installed on the back of the tank (31201). Several insert rods (31204) are fixedly provided on the installation strip (31203). The cleaning bracket can cooperate with the insert rods (31204).
8. The fully automated slug preparation system of claim 1, wherein, The cleaning tank (313) is equipped with a brushing assembly (316), which is used to mechanically brush the items to be cleaned. The brushing assembly (316) includes several sets of rotatable cleaning brushes (31608). The installation method of the several sets of cleaning brushes (31608) is the same. A sliding groove (31601) is opened on the inner wall of the cleaning tank (313). A spring (31603) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sliding groove (31601). A clamping assembly (31602) is fixedly installed at the top of the spring (31603). An arc-shaped clamping groove (31606) is provided on the clamping assembly (31602). A cylindrical rod (31607) is provided at the bottom of the cleaning brush (31608). The cylindrical rod (31607) cooperates with the arc-shaped clamping groove (31606). Extension rods (31604) are fixedly installed at the bottom of both sides of the clamping assembly (31602). A rectangular mating plate (31605) is fixedly provided at the bottom of the primary cleaning tank. A drive shaft (31615) is also rotatably provided on the inner wall of the primary cleaning tank, located between the two extension rods (31604). A mounting block (31611) is fixedly provided on the drive shaft (31615). A rotating block (31613) is rotatably provided on the mounting block (31611). A mating hole (31614) is provided on the rotating block (31613). The mounting block (31611) and the rotating block (31613) are rotatably mated through a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating block (31613). A gear (31612) is coaxially provided on the rotating shaft on the outer side of the rotating block (31613). A crossbar (31609) is fixedly provided on the extension rod (31604) on the same side as the gear (31612). A rack (31610) is vertically fixed on the crossbar (31609).
9. A fully automated slug preparation system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that Several drive shafts (31615) pass through the side wall of the cleaning tank and are coaxially mounted with friction wheels (31616). The friction wheels (31616) are in contact with each other and rotate synchronously. A pulley is fixedly mounted at the end of one of the drive shafts (31615). The pulley is connected to the gearbox (31618) through a belt (31617). The gearbox (31618) realizes the rotation of the drive shaft (31615) through the belt (31617), and then realizes the synchronous rotation of several drive shafts (31615) through the friction wheels (31616).
10. A method for operating a fully automated sheet preparation system, applied to the fully automated sheet preparation system described in claim 2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: First, the initial batching of the crucible is completed on the batching component (2). The crucible is placed into the muffle furnace (15) by the robotic arm handling component (4) to complete the pre-oxidation treatment of the material. After the pre-oxidation is completed, the crucible is placed into the cooling component (13) by the robotic arm handling component (4) to cool it to room temperature quickly. Then, the cooled crucible is placed on the batching component (2) by the robotic arm handling component (4) to continue to add the remaining material. After completion, the crucible containing the material is placed on the melting furnace (14) by the robotic arm handling component (4) to heat, shake, pour into the mold and cool the material. S2: After cooling, the robotic arm handling component (4) transfers the mold and the melt sheet together to the molding component (11) for molding. After molding, the robotic arm handling component (4) sucks out the sheet and places it at the image judgment component (7) for sheet detection. The robotic arm handling component (4) takes the label at the label printing component (5) and pastes it on the sheet. Then the robotic arm handling component (4) sends the sheet into the analysis equipment for analysis. After the analysis is completed, the robotic arm handling component (4) discards the sheet into the discard box component (6). At the same time, the robotic arm handling component (4) grabs the crucible in the melting furnace (14) and the mold in the molding component (11) and puts them into the ultrasonic cleaning component (3) for cleaning and drying.