A method for robotically replacing a ladle

Abstract

The application relates to a robot pouring ladle replacement method, and relates to the technical field of casting. The method adopts the following device: a manipulator, a pouring ladle and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly is installed on the manipulator and used for installing the pouring ladle. The fixing assembly comprises a fixing rod and a fixing piece. The fixing piece is located on the fixing rod. The pouring ladle is provided with a fixing hole for the fixing rod to enter. The fixing hole and the fixing rod are matched. The cross section of the fixing rod is a non-circular cross section. The method further comprises the following steps: a confirmation step of confirming the specification of the pouring ladle used in the next batch; a replacement step of placing the current pouring ladle at a specified position, inserting the fixing rod into the fixing hole on the pouring ladle used in the next batch, and fixing the pouring ladle by the fixing piece when it is confirmed that the corresponding pouring ladle exists; and a detection step of detecting the firmness of the pouring ladle after installation. The application has the advantage that the risk of workers during replacement of the pouring ladle can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of casting technology, and in particular to a method for changing a ladle in robotic casting. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of gravity casting wheel hubs, robots are typically used to move molten metal into the mold by moving the ladle. However, the amount of molten metal required varies when producing wheel hubs of different specifications. Currently, ladle replacement is usually done manually. However, manual replacement involves replacing the ladle at high temperatures, which poses certain risks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, one of the objectives of this application is to provide a robotic pouring ladle replacement method, which has the advantage of reducing the risks to workers when replacing ladles.

[0004] The above-mentioned objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A method for replacing a pouring ladle using a robot employs the following apparatus: a robotic arm, a pouring ladle, and a fixing component. The fixing component is mounted on the robotic arm for installing the pouring ladle. The fixing component includes a fixing rod and a fixing member, with the fixing member located on the fixing rod. The pouring ladle has a fixing hole for the fixing rod to enter, and the fixing hole and the fixing rod are compatible. The fixing rod has a non-circular cross-section. The method also includes the following steps: a confirmation step: confirming the specifications of the pouring ladle to be used in the next batch; a replacement step: after confirming the existence of a corresponding pouring ladle, placing the current pouring ladle in the designated position, inserting the fixing rod into the fixing hole on the pouring ladle to be used next, and fixing the pouring ladle with the fixing member; and a testing step: testing the firmness of the pouring ladle after installation.

[0005] By adopting the above technical solution, the fixing parts are installed by a robotic arm during use, which can greatly reduce the direct contact between operators and pouring ladle, thereby reducing the risk to workers when changing pouring ladle.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, this application can be further configured such that, in the detection step, after the ladle is fixed, the fixing rod is rotated to determine whether there is a relative displacement between the fixing component and the ladle. If the relative displacement is within the error range, the casting operation is performed.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, after installation, the relative displacement between the fixing component and the pouring ladle is judged by rotating the fixing rod, thereby ensuring the stability of the pouring ladle installation.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, this application may be further configured to include a cleaning step, in which a scraper with a high-temperature resistant layer is used to clean the ladle. When cleaning the ladle, the ladle is rotated so that the nozzle is upward and the molten metal in the ladle flows away from the nozzle. When the temperature of the molten metal in the ladle is in the range of 560℃-600℃, the molten metal in the ladle is scraped off by the scraper.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when changing the ladle, the ladle is tilted so that the molten metal in the ladle gathers in a direction away from the nozzle. When the temperature of the molten metal in the ladle is in the range of 560℃-600℃, the molten metal in the ladle is scraped off with a scraper, thereby reducing the probability of the molten metal solidifying in the ladle.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, this application may be further configured to include a cover-back step, wherein after time T1, a cover is placed on the ladle and it is determined whether there is a gap between them. If there is a gap, the cover is removed, and after time T2, impurities on the ladle are removed.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, during use, if there is solidified metal at the edge of the ladle after time T1, which is the time taken for the molten metal to cool and solidify, there will be a gap between the ladle cover and the ladle, which will affect the heat preservation effect. At this time, the ladle cover is removed, and after time T2, if the metal cools to room temperature, the solidified metal is removed.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, this application can be further configured such that: the ladle is covered by a ladle cover, the ladle cover is provided with a positioning plate for extending into a positioning hole, the ladle cover is also provided with a connecting plate for connecting the positioning plate and the ladle cover, in the replacement step, the positioning plate is extended into the positioning hole, then the area where the connecting plate and the positioning hole are located is fitted together, and then the fixing rod is extended into the fixing hole.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the bag cover can be fixed in use by setting the connecting plate and positioning plate, thereby reducing the probability of the bag cover falling off during use.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, this application may be further configured to include an inspection step, in which, after the ladle is fixed, the fixing rod is rotated to observe whether there is a gap between the connecting plate and the fixing rod. If there is no gap, the casting operation is performed.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, that is, by observing whether there is a gap between the connecting plate and the fixing rod, it can be determined whether the strength of the connection meets the requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the ladle in this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the replacement component in this application.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Robotic arm; 2. Ladle; 21. Fixing hole; 31. Fixing rod; 32. Screw; 4. Ladle cover; 41. Connecting plate; 42. Positioning plate; 5. Replacement part; 51. Replacement slot. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-3 This application discloses a method for replacing a robotic casting ladle 2, employing the following apparatus: a robotic arm 1, a casting ladle 2, and a fixing component. The fixing component is mounted on the robotic arm 1 for installing the casting ladle 2. The fixing component includes a fixing rod 31 and a fixing member, with the fixing member located on the fixing rod 31. The casting ladle 2 has a fixing hole 21 for the fixing rod 31 to enter, and the fixing hole 21 is adapted to the fixing rod 31. The fixing rod 31 has a non-circular cross-section; in this embodiment, the fixing rod 31 is cuboid. The fixing member includes a screw 32 disposed on the fixing rod 31, with a nut on the screw 32 for locking the casting ladle 2. In other embodiments, the fixing member includes a retaining ring, and the fixing rod 31 has a retaining groove for engaging the retaining ring.

[0022] The ladle 2 is provided with a ladle cover 4, and the ladle cover 4 is provided with a positioning plate 42. The positioning plate 42 is used to extend into the positioning hole. The ladle cover 4 is also provided with a connecting plate 41, which is used to connect the positioning plate 42 and the ladle cover 4.

[0023] It also includes a replacement part 5, which is made of heat insulation material. The replacement part 5 is provided with a replacement groove 51 for accommodating the ladle 2. The connection between the ladle 2 and the fixing component is not located in the replacement groove 51. The surface of the replacement groove 51 that contacts the bottom surface of the ladle 2 is in contact with the bottom surface of the ladle 2.

[0024] The following steps are also included: Confirmation Step: Confirmation of the specification of ladle 2 for the next batch; Replacement Step 1: After confirming the existence of the corresponding ladle 2, the robot arm 1 moves the ladle 2 into the replacement slot 51, where the nut is exposed. The operator removes the nut from the screw 32, and then fixes the positioning plate 42 and / or the ladle cover 4. The robot arm 1 moves the ladle 2, causing the ladle cover 4 to detach from the ladle 2, and then proceeds to the cleaning step. Cleaning steps: Rotate ladle 2 so that the nozzle is facing upwards, and the molten metal in ladle 2 flows away from the nozzle. When the temperature of the molten metal in ladle 2 is in the range of 560℃-600℃, scrape the molten metal in ladle 2 with a scraper (if the scraper is fixed, the robot arm 1 moves the ladle 2 to achieve scraping, or the scraper is moved by another robot arm 1 to scrape the molten metal in ladle 2). The surface of the scraper is coated with a high-temperature resistant layer, such as a graphite layer. Covering procedure: After time T1, the robot arm 1 moves the ladle 2 to the designated position and separates it from the ladle 2. Then the operator puts the cover 4 on the ladle 2 and judges whether there is a gap between the two. If there is a gap, the cover 4 is removed. After time T2, the impurities on the ladle 2 are removed. Replacement Step 2: Insert the positioning plate 42 into the positioning hole, and then fit the connecting plate 41 into the area where the positioning hole is located. During this process, the ladle 2 is located in the replacement groove 51, and the connecting plate 41 and the replacement part 5 are in contact (i.e., forming the wall surface where the replacement groove 51 is located). That is, the connecting plate 41 and the area where the positioning hole is located are fitted together. The robot arm 1 moves to insert the fixing rod 31 into the fixing hole 21 on the ladle 2 to be used next, and thread the nut and the screw 32 to fix the ladle 2. Inspection steps: The firmness of the ladle 2 after installation is checked. After the ladle 2 is fixed, rotate the fixing rod 31 to determine whether there is a relative displacement between the fixing part and the ladle 2. If the relative displacement is within the error range and there is no gap between the connecting plate 41 and the fixing rod 31, the casting operation can be carried out.

[0025] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: through the above steps, when in use, the ladle 2 is placed in the replacement tank 51, and the nut can be disassembled by the operator or other equipment. After disassembly, the ladle cover 4 is removed, and the molten metal in the ladle 2 is scraped off. Then the robot arm 1 moves to the next ladle 2 and connects with the efficient ladle 2. In this process, the degree of human intervention is low, thus reducing the risk to workers.

[0026] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for replacing a robot casting ladle (2), characterized in that: The following device is used: a robot (1), a ladle (2) and a fixing component. The fixing component is installed on the robot (1) for installing the ladle (2). The fixing component includes a fixing rod (31) and a fixing member. The fixing member is located on the fixing rod (31). The ladle (2) is provided with a fixing hole (21) for the fixing rod (31) to enter. The fixing hole (21) and the fixing rod (31) are compatible. The cross section of the fixing rod (31) is a non-circular cross section. The device also includes the following steps: confirmation step: confirm the specifications of the ladle (2) to be used in the next batch; replacement step: after confirming that there is a corresponding ladle (2), place the current ladle (2) in the designated position and insert the fixing rod (31) into the fixing hole (21) on the ladle (2) to be used next time. The fixing member fixes the ladle (2); inspection step: inspect the firmness of the ladle (2) after installation.

2. The method for replacing the robot casting ladle (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the testing step, after fixing the ladle (2), rotate the fixing rod (31) to determine whether there is a relative displacement between the fixing part and the ladle (2). If the relative displacement is within the error range, the casting operation is carried out.

3. The method for replacing the robot casting ladle (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a cleaning step. In the cleaning step, a scraper is used. The surface of the scraper is coated with a high-temperature resistant layer. When cleaning the ladle (2), the ladle (2) is rotated so that the nozzle is upward and the molten metal in the ladle (2) flows away from the nozzle. When the temperature of the molten metal in the ladle (2) is in the range of 560℃-600℃, the molten metal in the ladle (2) is scraped off by the scraper.

4. The method for replacing the robot casting ladle (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a cover-back step. In the cover-back step, after time T1, the cover (4) is placed on the ladle (2), and it is determined whether there is a gap between them. If there is a gap, the cover (4) is removed. After time T2, the impurities on the ladle (2) are removed.

5. The method for replacing the robot casting ladle (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ladle (2) is covered by the cover (4), which has a positioning plate (42) for extending into the positioning hole. The cover (4) also has a connecting plate (41) for connecting the positioning plate (42) and the cover (4). In the replacement step, the positioning plate (42) is extended into the positioning hole, and then the connecting plate (41) and the area where the positioning hole is located are fitted together. Then the fixing rod (31) is extended into the fixing hole (21).

6. The method for replacing the robot casting ladle (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an inspection step. In the inspection step, after fixing the ladle (2), the fixing rod (31) is rotated to observe whether there is a gap between the connecting plate (41) and the fixing rod (31). If there is no gap, the casting operation is carried out.

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