An automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes, used to coat the outer wall and bottom surface of sodium salt battery ceramic tubes with carbon slurry. The device includes: a cabinet and a top base plate; a three-dimensional motion platform including an X-axis moving mechanism, a Y-axis moving mechanism, and a Z-axis moving mechanism, with the Y-axis moving mechanism mounted on the base plate, the X-axis moving mechanism mounted on the Y-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism mounted on the X-axis moving mechanism; a spray gun angle adjustment mechanism located at the lower end of the Z-axis moving mechanism, including a connected spray gun rotary motor and a bevel bracket, the bevel bracket having an arc-shaped adjustment groove, a locking member passing through the arc-shaped adjustment groove to lock and fix the spray gun to the bevel bracket, the locking member being movable along the arc-shaped adjustment groove to adjust the installation angle of the spray gun, and locking and fixing it after adjustment; a ceramic tube clamping rotary fixture mounted on the base plate; and a control system electrically connected to the three-dimensional motion platform, the spray gun rotary motor, and the ceramic tube clamping rotary fixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of sodium salt battery ceramic tube processing equipment, specifically to an automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes. Background Technology

[0002] A sodium-ion battery cell consists of components such as a ceramic tube, a steel casing, a nickel ring, a top bridge, and siphon plates. The specific installation method involves placing the ceramic tube inside the steel casing, fixing the nickel ring to the top of the ceramic tube, and fixing a top bridge between the nickel ring and the top of the steel casing. Since sodium-ion batteries are high-temperature batteries, sodium ions migrate between the positive and negative electrodes through the solid electrolyte during charging and discharging. During charging, liquid metallic sodium is generated on the outer wall of the ceramic tube. Due to gravity, the metallic sodium accumulates at the bottom of the battery. Therefore, four siphon plates are placed between the steel casing and the ceramic tube. These four siphon plates work together to evenly wrap around the outer wall of the ceramic tube. Simultaneously, the steel casing provides a certain gap between the ceramic tube and the siphon plates, creating a siphon effect. The metallic sodium is evenly distributed on the outer wall of the ceramic tube through this siphon effect, thereby increasing the battery's reaction area and improving its discharge power. Because the ceramic tube in a sodium-ion battery is sodium-repellent, an additional coating is needed to improve its surface condition. The solution is to evenly coat the surface and bottom of the ceramic tube with a layer of carbon slurry, then dry it. This improves sodium adsorption and increases conductivity. Currently, the carbon coating process for ceramic tubes is done manually, using a brush to apply carbon slurry to the surface. The tubes need to be weighed before and after coating to ensure the wet weight is within the range of 0.5-1g. However, in practice, manual operation cannot guarantee consistent carbon coating thickness, leading to uneven adhesion of liquid sodium to the ceramic tube surface, affecting battery performance. Furthermore, manual operation is inefficient. Therefore, an automated carbon coating device for ceramic tubes has been invented to improve the consistency and efficiency of the carbon coating process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes. Through the coordinated control of a three-dimensional motion platform, a spray gun angle adjustment mechanism, and a ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture, uniform spraying is achieved on the surface and bottom of the ceramic tube. This solves the problems of poor carbon coating consistency, difficulty in uniform coating on the bottom surface, and low work efficiency in existing manual coating methods.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes, used for carbon paste coating of the outer wall and bottom surface of sodium salt battery ceramic tubes, comprising: a cabinet and a base plate, the base plate being installed on the top of the cabinet; a three-dimensional motion platform, including an X-axis moving mechanism, a Y-axis moving mechanism, and a Z-axis moving mechanism, the Y-axis moving mechanism being installed on the base plate, the X-axis moving mechanism being disposed on the Y-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism being disposed on the X-axis moving mechanism; and a spray gun angle adjustment mechanism, disposed at the lower end of the Z-axis moving mechanism, including a spray gun rotation motor and an angled bracket, wherein the output of the spray gun rotation motor is... The output shaft is connected to the inclined bracket, which has an arc-shaped adjustment groove. A locking member passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove to install the spray gun on the inclined bracket. The locking member can move along the arc-shaped adjustment groove to adjust the installation angle of the spray gun and lock it in place after adjustment. A ceramic tube clamping rotating fixture is installed on the base plate and located below the three-dimensional motion platform. It is used to clamp and drive the ceramic tube to rotate around its own axis. A control system is installed inside the cabinet and is electrically connected to the X-axis moving mechanism, Y-axis moving mechanism, Z-axis moving mechanism, spray gun rotating motor and ceramic tube clamping rotating fixture.

[0005] The spray gun angle adjustment mechanism further includes a rotating block and an L-shaped bracket, wherein: the output shaft of the spray gun rotary motor is connected to the rotating block via a coupling; the center of the arc of the arc-shaped adjustment groove is located on the axis of the output shaft of the spray gun rotary motor, and the locking member passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove to lock the inclined bracket onto the rotating block; the L-shaped bracket is detachably mounted on the inclined bracket, the spray gun is mounted on the L-shaped bracket, and the locking member adjusts the angle between the L-shaped bracket and the rotating block when it moves along the arc-shaped adjustment groove, so that the spray gun is fixed at a preset tilt angle.

[0006] The spray gun rotary motor drives the inclined bracket to rotate around the vertical axis, causing the spray gun to rotate in the horizontal plane, so that the spray gun switches between the first working position and the second working position; in the first working position, the spray gun points to the outer wall of the ceramic tube for spraying the outer wall of the ceramic tube; in the second working position, the spray gun points to the bottom surface of the ceramic tube for spraying the bottom surface of the ceramic tube.

[0007] The Y-axis moving mechanism includes a first Y-axis moving assembly and a second Y-axis moving assembly; the first Y-axis moving assembly includes a first Y-axis support plate, a first Y-axis slide rail, a first Y-axis slider, a Y-axis ball screw, a Y-axis ball nut, and a Y-axis motor; the first Y-axis support plate is mounted on the base plate via two vertical support columns; the first Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the first Y-axis support plate; the Y-axis ball screw is mounted above the first Y-axis slide rail, the Y-axis motor is connected to the Y-axis ball screw, and the first Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the first Y-axis slide rail and is connected to the Y-axis... The ball bearing nut provides a fixed connection; the second Y-axis moving assembly includes a second Y-axis support plate, a second Y-axis slide rail, a second Y-axis slider, and a Y-axis drag chain; the second Y-axis support plate is mounted on the base plate via two additional vertical support columns, the second Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the second Y-axis support plate, and one end of the Y-axis drag chain is fixed to the second Y-axis support plate; the X-axis support plate in the X-axis moving mechanism spans the first Y-axis slide rail and the second Y-axis slide rail, and is fixedly connected to the first Y-axis slider and the second Y-axis slider; the other end of the Y-axis drag chain is connected to the X-axis support plate.

[0008] The X-axis moving mechanism includes an X-axis support plate, an X-axis slide rail, an X-axis slider, an X-axis ball screw, an X-axis ball nut, an X-axis motor, and an X-axis cable chain. The X-axis slide rail is mounted on the X-axis support plate. The X-axis ball screw is mounted above the X-axis slide rail. The X-axis motor is connected to the X-axis ball screw via a transmission connection. The X-axis slider is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail and fixedly connected to the X-axis ball nut. The X-axis slider is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism. One end of the X-axis cable chain is fixed to the X-axis slider, and the other end is fixed to the X-axis support plate.

[0009] The Z-axis moving mechanism includes a Z-axis support plate, a Z-axis slider, a Z-axis ball screw, a Z-axis ball nut, and a Z-axis motor; the Z-axis support plate is fixedly installed on the Z-axis slider; the Z-axis ball screw is vertically mounted on the Z-axis support plate; the Z-axis motor is connected to the Z-axis ball screw; the Z-axis slider is fixedly connected to the Z-axis ball nut; and the Z-axis slider is connected to the spray gun angle adjustment mechanism.

[0010] The ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture includes a pneumatic rotary cylinder and a conical plug. The conical plug is installed at the output end of the pneumatic rotary cylinder, and the pneumatic rotary cylinder drives the ceramic tube to rotate synchronously through the conical plug.

[0011] The spray gun is a replaceable pre-made carbon slurry hose-type spray gun; the end of the spray gun is connected to an air pipe, which is used to connect to an external air pressure source to force out the carbon slurry inside the spray gun for spraying.

[0012] The control system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the cabinet is equipped with a safety door magnetic induction switch. The safety door magnetic induction switch is electrically connected to the PLC and is used to control the equipment to stop when the protective door of the cabinet is opened.

[0013] The Y-axis moving mechanism is equipped with an origin reset component, which includes a first slotted photoelectric sensor switch, a second slotted photoelectric sensor switch, and a sensing plate. The first slotted photoelectric sensor switch is fixedly installed at the starting end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail, and the second slotted photoelectric sensor switch is fixedly installed at the ending end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail. The sensing plate is fixedly installed on the X-axis support plate and moves along the Y-axis direction with the X-axis support plate. When the sensing plate moves into the detection slot of the first slotted photoelectric sensor switch or the second slotted photoelectric sensor switch, a signal is triggered. After receiving the signal, the control system confirms the Y-axis origin position or limit position.

[0014] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the advantages of the present invention are: This invention achieves automated and uniform coating of the outer wall and bottom surface of sodium salt battery ceramic tubes through the coordinated operation of a three-dimensional motion platform, a spray gun angle adjustment mechanism, and a ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture. This significantly improves the consistency of coating and solves the problems of difficulty, missed coating, and excessive coating thickness when manually coating the bottom surface, while also greatly improving production efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to fix the spray gun at a preset tilt angle by opening an arc-shaped adjustment groove on the inclined bracket and using a locking component. The spray gun rotation motor drives the inclined bracket to rotate around the vertical axis, so that the spray gun can automatically switch between the first working position and the second working position, thereby achieving precise spraying of the bottom surface of the ceramic tube.

[0016] Furthermore, by setting up a first Y-axis moving component and a second Y-axis moving component, and adopting a double-rail cross-mounted structure, the present invention significantly improves the stability and anti-eccentric load capacity of the X-axis support plate when moving in the Y-axis direction; the setting of the X-axis drag chain and Y-axis drag chain effectively protects the accompanying air pipe and cable, and improves the safety and reliability of equipment operation.

[0017] Furthermore, by setting up a safety door magnetic induction switch and an origin reset component, the present invention realizes automatic shutdown when the door is opened and automatic origin reset of each axis, thereby further improving the safety protection capability and automation level of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first-view overall structural diagram of the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a second-view overall structural diagram of the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the upper part; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the control system for the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of region B in the middle; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the ceramic tube clamping rotating fixture of the automatic ceramic tube carbon coating device of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ceramic tube installation process of the ceramic tube clamping rotating tool of the automatic ceramic tube coating device of the present invention. Figure 10 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of region A in the middle; In the attached figures, the following labels are used: 1-Automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes; 10-Cabinet body; 100-Support leg; 101-Wheel casters; 102-Safety door; 103-Ventilation hole; 11-Base plate; 12-Three-dimensional motion platform; 120-X-axis moving mechanism; 1200-X-axis support plate; 1201-X-axis slide rail; 1202-X-axis slider; 1203-X-axis ball screw; 1204-X-axis ball nut; 1205-X-axis motor; 1206-X-axis drag chain; 1207-Support; 1208-X-axis coupling; 121-Y-axis moving mechanism; 1210-First Y-axis support plate; 1211-First Y-axis slide rail; 1212-First Y-axis slider; 1213 1214-Y-axis ball screw; 1215-Y-axis ball nut; 1216-Y-axis motor; 1217-Second Y-axis support plate; 1218-Second Y-axis slide rail; 1219-Second Y-axis slider; 122-Z-axis moving mechanism; 1220-Z-axis support plate; 1221-Z-axis slider; 1222-Z-axis ball screw; 1223-Z-axis ball nut; 1224-Z-axis motor; 1225-Z-axis coupling; 13-Spray gun angle adjustment mechanism; 130-Spray gun rotation motor; 131-Angled bracket; 1310-Arc-shaped adjustment groove; 1311-Mounting hole; 132-Rotating block; 133-L-shaped bracket; 1330-Vertical plate; 1331-Horizontal plate; 1332-Clamping hole; 14-Ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture; 140-Ceramic tube; 1400-Outer wall of ceramic tube; 1401-Bottom surface of ceramic tube; 141-Fixed seat; 142-Pneumatic rotary cylinder; 143-Conical plug; 15-Control System; 16-Support column; 17-Corner code; 18-Spray gun; 19-Origin reset assembly; 190-First slot type photoelectric sensor switch; 191-Second slot type photoelectric sensor switch; 192-Sensing element; 20-Operation panel; 21-Safety door magnetic induction switch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an automatic carbon coating device 1 for ceramic tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention; as shown... Figure 6 The diagram shown is an electrical connection schematic of the control system 15 of the automatic carbon coating device 1 for ceramic tubes of the present invention. The automatic carbon coating device 1 for ceramic tubes is used to coat the outer wall and bottom surface of sodium salt battery ceramic tubes with carbon paste, and includes a cabinet 10, a base plate 11, a three-dimensional motion platform 12, a spray gun angle adjustment mechanism 13, a ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture 14, and a control system 15.

[0021] The cabinet 10 is a square box structure made of bent and welded metal sheets. The interior of the cabinet 10 forms a cavity to house the control system 15 and related electrical components. Support legs 100 and casters 101 are installed at the four corners of the bottom of the cabinet 10. The support legs 100 are used for leveling and stabilizing the equipment during placement, while the casters 101 are used for moving and transporting the equipment. A protective door 102 is located on the front of the cabinet 10. One side of the protective door 102 is pivotally connected to the cabinet 10 via a hinge. The protective door 102 is equipped with a handle (not shown) for easy opening and closing by the operator. Ventilation holes 103 are provided on the side wall of the cabinet 10 or on the protective door 102 for ventilation and heat dissipation of the internal electrical components. In addition, a safety door magnetic induction switch 21 is installed on the protective door 102. When the protective door 102 is opened, the safety door magnetic induction switch 21 sends a signal to the control system 15, which then stops the equipment to ensure the safety of the operator.

[0022] The base plate 11 is installed on the top of the cabinet 10, serving as the installation reference for the three-dimensional motion platform 12 and the ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture 14. Both the three-dimensional motion platform 12 and the ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture 14 are installed on the base plate 11. Four vertical support columns 16 are fixed at the four corners of the base plate 11 by corner brackets 17. In this embodiment, the vertical support columns 16 are aluminum profile support columns.

[0023] The three-dimensional motion platform 12 includes an X-axis moving mechanism 120, a Y-axis moving mechanism 121, and a Z-axis moving mechanism 122. The Y-axis moving mechanism 121 is mounted on the base plate 11, the X-axis moving mechanism 120 is mounted on the Y-axis moving mechanism 121, and the Z-axis moving mechanism 122 is mounted on the X-axis moving mechanism 120.

[0024] Specifically, the Y-axis moving mechanism 121 includes a first Y-axis moving assembly and a second Y-axis moving assembly. The first Y-axis moving assembly includes a first Y-axis support plate 1210, a first Y-axis slide rail 1211, a first Y-axis slider 1212, a Y-axis ball screw 1213, a Y-axis ball nut 1214, and a Y-axis motor 1215. The second Y-axis moving assembly includes a second Y-axis support plate 1216, a second Y-axis slide rail 1217, a Y-axis cable chain 1218, and a second Y-axis slider 1219.

[0025] The first Y-axis support plate 1210 is fixedly installed on the top of two vertical support columns 16, and the second Y-axis support plate 1216 is fixedly installed on the top of the other two vertical support columns 16, meaning each Y-axis support plate corresponds to two vertical support columns 16. The first Y-axis slide rail 1211 and the second Y-axis slide rail 1217 are respectively disposed on the first Y-axis support plate 1210 and the second Y-axis support plate 1216. The Y-axis ball screw 1213 is mounted above the first Y-axis slide rail 1211. The Y-axis motor 1215 is connected to the Y-axis ball screw 1213 via a Y-coupling (not shown in the figure). The Y-axis ball nut 1214 is sleeved on the Y-axis ball screw 1213. The first Y-axis slider 1212 is slidably mounted on the first Y-axis slide rail 1211 and fixedly connected to the Y-axis ball nut 1214. One end of the Y-axis drag chain 1218 is fixed to the second Y-axis support plate 1216, and the other end is connected to the X-axis support plate 1200 of the X-axis moving mechanism 120.

[0026] In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the Y-axis ball screw 1213 is 20mm, the stroke is 365mm, and the lead is 10mm. The Y-axis motor 1215 is an AC servo motor with a rated power of 400W, a rated speed of 3000rpm, and an encoder accuracy of 17bit.

[0027] The X-axis moving mechanism 120 includes an X-axis support plate 1200, an X-axis slide rail 1201, an X-axis slider 1202, an X-axis ball screw 1203, an X-axis ball nut 1204, an X-axis motor 1205, and an X-axis cable chain 1206. The X-axis support plate 1200 spans the first Y-axis slide rail 1211 and the second Y-axis slide rail 1217, and its two bottom surfaces are connected to the first Y-axis slider 1212 and the second Y-axis slider 1219, respectively, and can move along the first Y-axis slide rail 1211 and the second Y-axis slide rail 1217 along with the first Y-axis slider 1212 and the second Y-axis slider 1219, respectively. The top surface of one end of the X-axis support plate 1200 located at the first Y-axis slider 1212 is fixedly connected to the Y-axis ball nut 1214 via a support 1207. The Y-axis cable chain 1218 connects to the X-axis support plate 1200.

[0028] The X-axis slide rail 1201 is mounted on the X-axis support plate 1200; the X-axis ball screw 1203 is mounted above the X-axis slide rail 1201; the X-axis motor 1205 is connected to the X-axis ball screw 1203 via the X-axis coupling 1208; the X-axis ball nut 1204 is sleeved on the X-axis ball screw 1203; the X-axis slider 1202 is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail 1201 and fixedly connected to the X-axis ball nut 1204; the X-axis slider 1202 is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism 122; one end of the X-axis drag chain 1206 is fixed to the X-axis slider 1202, and the other end is fixed to the X-axis support plate 1200.

[0029] In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the X-axis ball screw 1203 is 20mm, the stroke is 355mm, and the lead is 10mm. The X-axis motor 1205 is an AC servo motor with a rated power of 400W, a rated speed of 3000rpm, and an encoder accuracy of 17bit.

[0030] The Z-axis moving mechanism 122 includes a Z-axis support plate 1220, a Z-axis slider 1221, a Z-axis ball screw 1222, a Z-axis ball nut 1223, and a Z-axis motor 1224. The Z-axis support plate 1220 is fixedly installed on the side of the X-axis slider 1202 and moves along the X-axis direction with the X-axis slider 1202. The Z-axis ball screw 1222 is vertically mounted on the Z-axis support plate 1220. The Z-axis motor 1224 is connected to the Z-axis ball screw 1222 via a Z-axis coupling 1225. The Z-axis ball nut 1223 is sleeved on the Z-axis ball screw 1222 and fixedly connected to the Z-axis slider 1221. When the Z-axis motor 1224 drives the Z-axis ball screw 1222 to rotate, the Z-axis ball nut 1223 drives the Z-axis slider 1221 to rise and fall vertically along the Z-axis ball screw 1222. Z-axis slider 1221 connects to spray gun angle adjustment mechanism 13.

[0031] In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the Z-axis ball screw 1222 is 15mm, the stroke is 110mm, and the lead is 10mm. The Z-axis motor 1224 is an AC servo motor with a rated power of 100W, a rated speed of 3000rpm, an encoder accuracy of 17bit, and an electromagnetic brake device used to lock the Z-axis slider 1221 when power is off, preventing the spray gun angle adjustment mechanism 13 from falling due to its own weight.

[0032] In this embodiment, the X-axis motor 1205, Y-axis motor 1215 and Z-axis motor 1224 are all 220V AC servo motors with a torque range of 0.64~2.4N·m. The matching lead screw can achieve a linear speed of 0~200mm / s, and supports multi-segment speed curves and flexible start and stop for acceleration and deceleration.

[0033] The spray gun angle adjustment mechanism 13, located at the lower end of the Z-axis moving mechanism 122, includes a spray gun rotary motor 130, a bevel bracket 131, a rotating block 132, and an L-shaped bracket 133. The spray gun rotary motor 130 is fixed to the Z-axis slider 1221, and its output shaft extends vertically downwards, connected to the rotating block 132 via a coupling. The bevel bracket 131 has an arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310, the center of which is located on the axis of the output shaft of the spray gun rotary motor 130. A locking element (not shown) passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310 to fix the bevel bracket 131 to the rotating block 132.

[0034] See also Figure 7 As shown, the L-shaped bracket 133 has an L-shaped plate structure in cross-section, including a vertical plate 1330 and a horizontal plate 1331. The vertical plate 1330 is fixedly installed on the angled bracket 131, so that the L-shaped bracket 133 and the rotating block 132 form a preset angle. The horizontal plate 1331 has a clamping hole 1332, through which the head of the spray gun 18 passes, and the spray gun 18 is fixed to the horizontal plate 1331 by fasteners.

[0035] In this embodiment, the slanted bracket 131 has three sets of mounting holes 1311, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310. Each set of mounting holes 1311 includes four mounting holes 1311, two of which are located above the arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310, and the other two are located below the arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310 and correspond one-to-one with the two upper mounting holes 1311. The L-shaped bracket 133 is detachably mounted on the slanted bracket 131 through one set of mounting holes 1311 and fasteners (e.g., bolts).

[0036] During equipment debugging, the operator loosens the locking device and rotates the angled bracket 131. The locking device slides along the arc-shaped adjustment groove 1310, thereby adjusting the angle between the L-shaped bracket 133 and the rotating block 132, so that the nozzle of the spray gun 18 points obliquely downwards at a preset tilt angle toward the bottom of the ceramic tube. Then, the locking device is tightened and fixed. Once set, this preset tilt angle remains unchanged throughout the entire batch production process.

[0037] The spray gun rotary motor 130 drives the rotating block 132 to rotate around the vertical axis according to the program instructions of the control system 15, thereby driving the inclined bracket 131, the L-shaped bracket 133 and the spray gun 18 mounted on them to rotate in the horizontal plane, so that the spray gun 18 automatically switches between the first working position and the second working position: in the first working position, the spray gun 18 points to the outer wall 1400 of the ceramic tube, and in conjunction with the uniform rotation of the ceramic tube 140 and the axial feed of the X-axis moving mechanism 120, performs spiral uniform spraying on the outer wall 1400 of the ceramic tube; in the second working position, the spray gun 18 points to the bottom surface 1401 of the ceramic tube, and is used to spray the bottom surface 1401 of the ceramic tube.

[0038] In this embodiment, the spray gun rotary motor 130 is a servo motor with a power of 200W and a speed of 40rpm.

[0039] In this embodiment, the spray gun 18 is a replaceable pre-filled carbon slurry hose-type spray gun, with the carbon slurry pre-filled into the hose. During use, the pre-filled carbon slurry hose is directly installed on the angled bracket 131 and locked in place using locking devices. After each use, the hose is simply replaced without cleaning the pipeline. An air hose (not shown) is connected to the end of the spray gun 18. This air hose is used to connect to an external air pressure source (not shown) to force the carbon slurry inside the spray gun 18 out for spraying.

[0040] During the spraying operation, the spray gun 18 moves along the axial direction of the ceramic tube 140 from the opening to the bottom. The nozzle is 5 cm above the outer wall 1400 of the ceramic tube.

[0041] Under the control of the control system 15, the moving speed of the spray gun 18 is adjustable according to the working conditions: 50~100mm / s when uniformly spraying the outer wall 1400 of the ceramic tube, 20~80mm / s when finely spraying the bottom surface 1401 of the ceramic tube at low speed, and 300~500mm / s when moving quickly during idle stroke (no spraying, only positioning). For a ceramic tube with a length of 235mm, the single spraying time is 8~25 seconds; if a thicker coating is required, a multi-layer overlay spraying method can be used, with each layer leveled at an interval of 1~3 seconds, and the total cycle time is 15~60 seconds.

[0042] The working air pressure of the carbon slurry is controlled at 0.12~0.20MPa by a pressure regulating valve (not shown in the figure). The higher the air pressure, the greater the slurry flow rate. The spray gun movement speed must be matched to prevent the coating from being too thick or sagging.

[0043] A ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture 14 is mounted on the base plate 11 and located below the three-dimensional motion platform 12, used to clamp and drive the ceramic tube 140 to rotate around its own axis. Specifically, as follows... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture 14 includes a fixed base 141, a pneumatic rotary cylinder 142, and a conical plug 143. The fixed base 141 is fixedly installed on the base plate 11 and located below the first Y-axis moving assembly. The pneumatic rotary cylinder 142 is installed on the fixed base 141, and the conical plug 143 is installed at the output end of the pneumatic rotary cylinder 142. The pneumatic rotary cylinder 142 drives the ceramic tube 140 to rotate synchronously through the conical plug 143.

[0044] In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the pneumatic rotary cylinder 142 is 0~190°, the rotation speed is 0.2~0.7 seconds / 90°, and the working air pressure is 0.1MPa~0.6MPa.

[0045] The control system 15 is installed inside the cabinet 10 and is electrically connected to the X-axis moving mechanism 120, the Y-axis moving mechanism 121, the Z-axis moving mechanism 122, the spray gun rotary motor 130, and the pneumatic rotary cylinder 142 of the ceramic tube clamping rotary fixture 14.

[0046] The control system 15 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC). An operation panel 20 is installed on the protective door 102 of the cabinet 10. The operation panel 20 is electrically connected to the programmable logic controller. The operator inputs control commands and monitors the equipment operation status through the operation panel 20.

[0047] The programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the air supply and release of the pneumatic rotary cylinder 142 via an intermediate relay and a solenoid valve (not shown in the figure). A conical plug 143 is fixed on the pneumatic rotary cylinder 142. The conical plug 143 is tightly fixed with the ring at the opening of the ceramic tube 140, thereby driving the ceramic tube 140 to rotate together.

[0048] Origin sensors are respectively installed on the X-axis moving mechanism 120, Y-axis moving mechanism 121, and Z-axis moving mechanism 122 (the origin sensors for the X-axis and Z-axis are not shown in the diagram). After the equipment is powered on, the operator selects origin reset through the operation panel 20, and the programmable controller automatically performs origin reset of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis through the origin sensors of each axis. The following explanation uses the origin sensor (i.e., origin reset component 19) on the Y-axis moving mechanism 121 as an example.

[0049] In this embodiment, as Figure 10As shown, the Y-axis moving mechanism 121 is equipped with an origin reset assembly 19, which includes a first slotted photoelectric sensor switch 190, a second slotted photoelectric sensor switch 191, and a sensing plate 192. The first slotted photoelectric sensor switch 190 is fixedly mounted at the starting end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail 1211. The first slotted photoelectric sensor switch 190 consists of two slotted photoelectric sensor switches arranged in parallel. Triggering either switch outputs a valid signal. The second slotted photoelectric sensor switch 191 is fixedly mounted at the ending end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail 1211. The sensing plate 192 is fixedly mounted on the X-axis support plate 1200, located on the outer side of one end of the first Y-axis slide rail 1211, and moves along the Y-axis direction with the X-axis support plate 1200. When the sensing element 192 moves into the detection slot of the first slot-type photoelectric sensor switch 190, a trigger signal is generated. After receiving the signal, the control system 15 confirms the position of the Y-axis origin. When the sensing element 192 moves into the detection slot of the second slot-type photoelectric sensor switch 191, a trigger signal is generated. After receiving the signal, the control system 15 confirms the extreme position of the Y-axis.

[0050] The protective door 102 of the cabinet 10 is equipped with a safety door magnetic induction switch 21. The safety door magnetic induction switch 21 is electrically connected to the programmable controller. When the protective door 102 is opened, the programmable controller controls the equipment to stop to ensure the safety of the operator.

[0051] In summary, the automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes of the present invention controls the timing of the solenoid valve's operation through a program, and adjusts the airflow of the pneumatic rotary cylinder using a speed regulating valve, thereby controlling the rotation speed of the ceramic tube to achieve uniform rotation. The program controls the X-axis and Y-axis motors to adjust the movement speed and trajectory of the spray gun; it controls the Z-axis motor to adjust the height of the spray gun; and it controls the spray gun's rotation motor to change the angle of the spray gun, allowing it to coat the bottom of the ceramic tube. The spray gun is connected to an air pipe at its end, and the amount of carbon slurry sprayed is controlled by adjusting the air pressure parameters, as well as the spraying time and number of coats, to achieve consistent carbon coating on the ceramic tube surface.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes, used for coating the outer wall and bottom surface of sodium salt battery ceramic tubes with carbon slurry, characterized in that, include: The cabinet body and the base plate, wherein the base plate is installed on the top of the cabinet body; A three-dimensional motion platform includes an X-axis moving mechanism, a Y-axis moving mechanism, and a Z-axis moving mechanism. The Y-axis moving mechanism is mounted on the base plate, the X-axis moving mechanism is disposed on the Y-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism is disposed on the X-axis moving mechanism. A spray gun angle adjustment mechanism is located at the lower end of the Z-axis moving mechanism. It includes a spray gun rotary motor and an inclined bracket. The output shaft of the spray gun rotary motor is connected to the inclined bracket. An arc-shaped adjustment groove is provided on the inclined bracket. A locking member passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove to install the spray gun on the inclined bracket. The locking member can move along the arc-shaped adjustment groove to adjust the installation angle of the spray gun and lock it in place after adjustment. A ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture is installed on the base plate and located below the three-dimensional motion platform, used to clamp and drive the ceramic tube to rotate around its own axis. The control system is installed inside the cabinet and is electrically connected to the X-axis moving mechanism, Y-axis moving mechanism, Z-axis moving mechanism, spray gun rotary motor and ceramic tube clamping rotary fixture, respectively.

2. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray gun angle adjustment mechanism also includes a rotating block and an L-shaped bracket, wherein: The output shaft of the spray gun rotary motor is connected to the rotating block via a coupling. The center of the arc of the arc-shaped adjustment groove is located on the output shaft axis of the spray gun rotary motor, and the locking member passes through the arc-shaped adjustment groove to lock the inclined bracket onto the rotating block; The L-shaped bracket is detachably mounted on the inclined bracket, the spray gun is mounted on the L-shaped bracket, and the locking member adjusts the angle between the L-shaped bracket and the rotating block when it moves along the arc-shaped adjustment groove, so that the spray gun is fixed at a preset tilt angle.

3. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spray gun rotary motor drives the inclined bracket to rotate around the vertical axis, which in turn drives the spray gun to rotate in the horizontal plane, allowing the spray gun to switch between the first working position and the second working position. In the first working position, the spray gun is pointed at the outer wall of the ceramic tube for spraying the outer wall of the ceramic tube. In the second working position, the spray gun is angled downwards towards the bottom surface of the ceramic tube for spraying the bottom surface of the ceramic tube.

4. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Y-axis moving mechanism includes a first Y-axis moving component and a second Y-axis moving component; The first Y-axis moving assembly includes a first Y-axis support plate, a first Y-axis slide rail, a first Y-axis slider, a Y-axis ball screw, a Y-axis ball nut, and a Y-axis motor. The first Y-axis support plate is mounted on the base plate via two vertical support columns. The first Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the first Y-axis support plate. The Y-axis ball screw is mounted above the first Y-axis slide rail. The Y-axis motor is connected to the Y-axis ball screw via a transmission connection. The first Y-axis slider is slidably mounted on the first Y-axis slide rail and is fixedly connected to the Y-axis ball nut. The second Y-axis moving assembly includes a second Y-axis support plate, a second Y-axis slide rail, a second Y-axis slider, and a Y-axis drag chain; the second Y-axis support plate is mounted on the base plate by two other vertical support columns, the second Y-axis slide rail is mounted on the second Y-axis support plate, and one end of the Y-axis drag chain is fixed to the second Y-axis support plate; The X-axis support plate in the X-axis moving mechanism spans the first Y-axis slide rail and the second Y-axis slide rail, and is fixedly connected to the first Y-axis slider and the second Y-axis slider; the other end of the Y-axis drag chain is connected to the X-axis support plate.

5. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The X-axis moving mechanism includes the X-axis support plate, X-axis slide rail, X-axis slider, X-axis ball screw, X-axis ball nut, X-axis motor and X-axis drag chain; The X-axis slide rail is mounted on the X-axis support plate; the X-axis ball screw is mounted above the X-axis slide rail; the X-axis motor is connected to the X-axis ball screw via transmission; the X-axis slider is slidably mounted on the X-axis slide rail and fixedly connected to the X-axis ball nut; the X-axis slider is connected to the Z-axis moving mechanism. One end of the X-axis drag chain is fixed to the X-axis slider, and the other end is fixed to the X-axis support plate.

6. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 5, characterized in that, The Z-axis moving mechanism includes a Z-axis support plate, a Z-axis slider, a Z-axis ball screw, a Z-axis ball nut, and a Z-axis motor; the Z-axis support plate is fixedly mounted on the X-axis slider; The Z-axis ball screw is vertically mounted on the Z-axis support plate. The Z-axis motor is connected to the Z-axis ball screw via transmission. The Z-axis slider is fixedly connected to the Z-axis ball nut. The Z-axis slider is connected to the spray gun angle adjustment mechanism.

7. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ceramic tube clamping and rotating fixture includes a pneumatic rotary cylinder and a conical plug. The conical plug is installed at the output end of the pneumatic rotary cylinder, and the pneumatic rotary cylinder drives the ceramic tube to rotate synchronously through the conical plug.

8. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray gun is a replaceable pre-made carbon slurry hose-type spray gun; the end of the spray gun is connected to an air pipe, which is used to connect to an external air pressure source to force out the carbon slurry inside the spray gun for spraying.

9. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the cabinet is equipped with a safety door magnetic induction switch. The safety door magnetic induction switch is electrically connected to the PLC and is used to control the equipment to stop when the protective door of the cabinet is opened.

10. The automatic carbon coating device for ceramic tubes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The Y-axis moving mechanism is provided with an origin reset component, which includes a first slot-shaped photoelectric sensor switch, a second slot-shaped photoelectric sensor switch, and a sensing plate. The first slotted photoelectric sensor switch is fixedly installed at the starting end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail, and the second slotted photoelectric sensor switch is fixedly installed at the ending end of the stroke of the first Y-axis slide rail; The sensing element is fixedly mounted on the X-axis support plate and moves along the Y-axis direction with the X-axis support plate; When the sensing element moves into the detection slot of the first slot-type photoelectric sensor or the second slot-type photoelectric sensor, a signal is triggered. After receiving the signal, the control system confirms the origin position or limit position of the Y-axis.

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