Automatic laser cleaning device for guide rod
The automatic laser cleaning device for anode guide rods, which combines a robot and a laser cleaning gun, solves the problem of contact pressure drop caused by dirt on the surface of the anode guide rod, achieving automated and safe cleaning results while reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520230269.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-13
AI Technical Summary
During use, surface contamination of the anode guide rod leads to increased contact voltage drop, consumes a large amount of electrical energy, and poses safety hazards. Existing cleaning technologies cannot meet the requirements for automation and safety.
Design a guide rod laser automatic cleaning device that utilizes a six-axis robot and a laser cleaning gun head, combined with a clamping device and a dust collection system, to achieve non-contact cleaning, and is equipped with automated control and safety protection measures.
It achieves efficient and safe guide rod cleaning, reduces contact pressure drop, saves energy costs, avoids environmental pollution from chemical cleaning, and meets production efficiency and safety requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN223833021U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of anode cleaning technology, and specifically relates to an automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods. Background Technology
[0002] In the electrolytic aluminum production process, the anode conductor is the connecting conductor between the anode carbon block and the main busbar of the electrolytic cell. Its contact conductivity directly affects the energy consumption and the safe and stable operation of the electrolytic cell. During use, the surface of the anode conductor is prone to contamination, which significantly increases the contact voltage drop (increased contact resistance) between the anode conductor and the main busbar. This not only consumes a large amount of electrical energy and increases production costs, but also causes the contact surface to overheat due to increased resistance, thus posing a safety hazard. Therefore, reducing the contact voltage drop between the anode conductor and the main busbar has always been a key issue in electrolytic production. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects and propose an automatic laser cleaning device for aluminum guide rods. This device achieves cleaning of the surface of aluminum guide rods. The entire production line is highly automated, easy to operate, and the guide rod cleaning is quick, inexpensive, and effective. It is equipped with corresponding hardware and software to realize the automation, informatization, and intelligence of the system. It utilizes the existing workshop conditions and the overhead conveyor system to achieve online cleaning of guide rods.
[0004] The specific technical solution is as follows:
[0005] An automatic laser cleaning device for anode guide rods in electrolytic aluminum production includes:
[0006] The operating platform is located on one side of the guide rod suspension chain conveyor line and is used for the installation of cleaning equipment;
[0007] The guide rod clamping device is located directly below the guide rod suspension chain conveyor, corresponding to the position of the operating platform, and is used to clamp the guide rod. The guide rod clamping device includes a frame and clamping components. The upper end of the frame is higher than the bottom surface of the suspended guide rod, and the upper part of the frame has a channel for the guide rod to pass through. The clamping components are installed on the upper end of the frame, respectively arranged on both sides of the channel and front and back, to apply force to clamp the front and back sides of the lower part of the guide rod. The clamping components include clamping parts and cylinders. The middle part of the clamping parts is rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame, one end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame, and the other end of the cylinder is hinged to one end of the clamping parts. The extension and retraction of the cylinder drives the other end of the clamping parts to rotate horizontally relative to the channel direction, so as to form contact with the front and back sides of the guide rod and apply force to clamp it.
[0008] The robot is a six-axis robot, mounted on an operating platform;
[0009] The laser cleaning gun head is located at the moving end of the robot and connected to the control cabinet. It is used to perform laser cleaning on the guide rods of the guide rod clamping device. The laser cleaning gun head is equipped with a dust suction port and cooling pipes.
[0010] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the clamping member has a clamping block at one end corresponding to the guide rod that contacts the guide rod.
[0011] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the frame includes a first end frame and a second end frame, the lower parts of the first end frame and the second end frame are fixedly connected by a connecting rod, and a channel for the guide rod to pass through is formed between the upper parts of the first end frame and the second end frame.
[0012] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the frame is formed by welding profiles.
[0013] Furthermore, the upper end of the guide rod clamping device is also provided with a rotating light-blocking mechanism, which can block the light when the laser cleaning gun head is working by rotating the light-blocking plate.
[0014] Furthermore, in the above solution, the dust suction port is connected to a centralized dust collector, which is located on one side of the operating platform. The centralized dust collector includes a dust collector housing, a fan, and a filtration system. The fan rotation creates negative pressure, which sends the dust generated during cleaning into the filtration system for centralized filtration.
[0015] Furthermore, in the above scheme, the cooling pipe is connected to a water chiller installed on the operating platform, and the cooling pipe is used to heat and cool the laser generator and galvanometer in the laser cleaning gun head in real time.
[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0017] 1. This utility model features a non-contact cleaning method that will not damage the guide rod, and the cleaning efficiency meets the requirements of anode assembly in the plant. The guide rod cleaning equipment can be used in conjunction with the existing overhead conveyor system without affecting the current production cycle or increasing the workload of personnel, thus meeting current production efficiency requirements.
[0018] 2. This utility model equipment can seamlessly integrate with existing overhead conveyor systems, achieving unattended, fully automated operation and fully automatic control throughout the entire process. This includes detection of the guide rod and steel claw assembly's positioning, and after the protective mechanism is in place, the equipment, carrying a laser cleaning head, begins cleaning. The actuator utilizes a Siasun 6-axis robot, which can monitor the cleaning head's position in real time through a sophisticated detection system, ensuring safety. The equipment comes equipped with a dust collector, dust collection pipeline, and dust hood to prevent the spread of smoke and dust. It also features lens protection measures and comprehensive safety precautions, along with an automatic light-blocking system and complete interlocking control. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall functional architecture of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the guide rod clamping device of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping state of the guide rod clamping device;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rod clamping device in the released state.
[0023] In the attached diagram, 1-operating platform, 2-guide rod clamping device, 3-robot, 4-laser cleaning gun head, 5-control cabinet, 6-power distribution cabinet, 7-water chiller, 8-central dust collector, 9-guide rod, 10-conveyor line, 41-frame, 42-pressing plate, 43-cylinder, 44-clamping block. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The embodiments of the utility model are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the purpose, technical solution and technical effect of the utility model can be more clearly presented.
[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0026] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses an automatic laser cleaning device for cleaning electrolytic aluminum anode guide rods. The entire cleaning device includes an operating platform 1, a guide rod clamping device 2, a robot 3, a laser cleaning gun head 4, and a control cabinet 5.
[0027] The operating platform 1 is located on one side of the guide rod overhead conveyor line 10 and is used for the installation of cleaning equipment. The operating platform 1 is a raised platform with walking stairs for personnel access. The operating platform 1 primarily forms an equipment platform, particularly for the installation of equipment such as the robot 3, water chiller 7, and control cabinet 5. The guide rods 9 in the guide rod overhead conveyor line 10 have a certain height, and the operating platform 1 facilitates laser cleaning of the guide rods 9.
[0028] like Figure 1As shown, robot 3 is a six-axis robot, mounted on operating platform 1 and near the guide rod suspension conveyor line 10. Operating platform 1 also houses the power distribution cabinet 6 for robot 3, which provides power. The movable end of robot 3 is equipped with a laser cleaning gun head 4. The laser cleaning gun head 4 emits a high-energy laser beam; the instantaneous high temperature generated causes dirt and impurities on the surface of the guide rod 9 to rapidly evaporate or peel off, achieving a highly efficient and precise cleaning effect. The laser cleaning gun head 4 is connected to control cabinet 5 and is equipped with a dust suction port and cooling pipes. The dust suction port is connected to a centralized dust collector 8, which is located on one side of operating platform 1. The centralized dust collector 8 includes a dust collector housing, a fan, and a filtration system; the fan rotation creates negative pressure, sending the dust generated during cleaning into the filtration system for centralized filtration. Here, the cooling pipes are connected to a water chiller 7 mounted on operating platform 1, which is used to heat and cool the laser generator and galvanometer in the laser cleaning gun head 4 in real time.
[0029] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the guide rod clamping device 2 is located directly below the guide rod suspension chain conveyor 10, corresponding to the position of the operating platform 1, and is used to clamp the guide rod 9. The guide rod clamping device 2 includes a frame 41 and clamping components; the upper end surface of the frame 41 is higher than the bottom surface of the suspended guide rod 9, and the upper part of the frame 41 is provided with a channel for the guide rod 9 to pass through. Two sets of clamping components are provided, installed on the upper end surface of the frame 41, respectively arranged on both sides of the channel and arranged front and back, to apply force to clamp the front and back sides of the lower part of the guide rod 9. The clamping components include a clamping element and a cylinder 43. The middle part of the clamping element is rotatably connected to the upper end surface of the frame 41, one end of the cylinder 43 is rotatably connected to the upper end surface of the frame 41, and the other end of the cylinder 43 is hinged to one end of the clamping element. By extending and retracting the cylinder 43, the other end of the clamping element is driven to rotate horizontally relative to the channel direction, so as to form contact with the front and back sides of the guide rod 9 and apply force to clamp it. The clamping member has a clamping block 44 at one end corresponding to the guide rod 9, which is in contact with the guide rod 9. The clamping block 44 protrudes relative to the clamping member and is used to contact the guide rod 9.
[0030] The frame 41 includes a first end frame and a second end frame. The lower parts of the first end frame and the second end frame are fixedly connected by a connecting rod, and a channel for the guide rod 9 to pass through is formed between the upper parts of the first end frame and the second end frame. The frame 41 is formed by welding profiles.
[0031] Here, the upper end of the guide rod clamping device 2 is also equipped with a rotating light-blocking mechanism, which can block the light when the laser cleaning gun head 4 is working by rotating the light-blocking plate.
[0032] like Figure 3-4The diagram illustrates the clamping and releasing states of the clamping assembly in the guide rod clamping device 2. When clamping the guide rod 9, the control cylinder 43 extends, and one end of the clamping member rotates relative to the guide rod 9, causing the clamping block 44 to contact the guide rod 9. Since the two clamping members rotate in opposite directions, the guide rod 9 is clamped and fixed under the action of the cylinder 43. Then, the robot 3 is started to perform laser cleaning on the guide rod 9. After cleaning is completed, the control cylinder 43 extends and retracts, and the clamping member rotates back to the starting position. During this process, the clamping member does not affect the normal suspension and conveying of the guide rod 9; clamping is only initiated after the guide rod 9 reaches the predetermined position. To achieve automation, a trigger switch is provided on the side of the corresponding channel of the frame 41 for stopping the suspension chain conveying system and starting the clamping assembly. This is a common operation in the field and will not be elaborated here.
[0033] In the above scheme, control cabinet 5 is connected to the overhead conveyor system. When the overhead conveyor system controls the guide rod overhead conveyor line 10 to move the guide rod 9 into the guide rod clamping device 2 and triggers the positioning module, such as a trigger switch or infrared sensor, the overhead conveyor system stops conveying. Control cabinet 5 controls the clamping component assembly to work and clamp and fix the guide rod 9. Cooling and dust extraction functions are activated, and robot 3 is controlled to perform laser dust removal according to the predetermined procedure. During laser dust removal, a rotating light-blocking mechanism is controlled to block the light and avoid strong light pollution. After cleaning, control cabinet 5 controls the clamping component assembly to retract the clamping component and controls robot 3 to move back to its initial position. After the above operations are completed, control cabinet 5 sends a message to the overhead conveyor system, and the overhead conveyor system resumes conveying. If robot 3 cannot return to its original position or the clamping component assembly cannot retract during this process, a message is sent to stop the overhead conveyor system. To ensure the safe return of robot 3 and the clamping component assembly before proceeding to the next step, a reset trigger switch can be set. After the reset trigger switch is triggered, control cabinet 5 sends a message to start the overhead conveyor system. The reset trigger switch can be installed at the initial position of robot 3 and clamping assembly, and will be triggered upon reset.
[0034] This solution utilizes a laser beam to irradiate the surface of the guide rod. On one hand, the irradiated contaminants undergo a series of physicochemical changes, including vibration, melting, evaporation, and combustion, ultimately detaching from the guide rod surface and removing the dirt layer. On the other hand, a laser beam with a specific energy density and wavelength is used to create a thin melting layer or evaporate the surface of the guide rod, resulting in a smooth surface and improved surface finish. This reduces the contact resistance between the aluminum guide rod and the main busbar, effectively lowering the electricity operating costs of electrolytic aluminum production.
[0035] The economic benefits of the above embodiments for the application enterprises mainly include: (1) After cleaning the pressure drop of the guide rod and the horizontal busbar, the contact pressure drop of the guide rod and the horizontal busbar can be effectively reduced, and the power consumption per ton of aluminum can be reduced. (2) After the guide rod is cleaned by equipment, the manual grinding cost can be saved, reducing labor costs and improving the working environment of employees. Calculation of energy-saving economic benefits: After cleaning the aluminum guide rod and the horizontal busbar, the pressure drop of the contact surface is calculated as a reduction of 3mV. Taking an electrolytic aluminum enterprise with a capacity of 1 million tons as an example, if all the pressure surfaces of the guide rod are cleaned by laser, the annual energy-saving benefits can be calculated as follows (electricity cost is calculated at 0.5 yuan / kWh): 100×104×3.2×3×0.5=4.8 million yuan. Social and environmental benefits: Laser cleaning does not use any chemical agents. The waste after cleaning is a solid harmless powder, which can completely solve the environmental pollution problem caused by chemical cleaning.
[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present utility model. All equivalent changes, equivalent substitutions or modifications made within the technical spirit and principles indicated by the present utility model should be included within the scope of patent protection covered by the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic laser cleaning device for anode guide rods in electrolytic aluminum production, characterized in that, include: The operating platform is located on one side of the guide rod suspension chain conveyor line and is used for the installation of cleaning equipment; The guide rod clamping device is located directly below the guide rod suspension chain conveyor, corresponding to the position of the operating platform, and is used to clamp the guide rod. The guide rod clamping device includes a frame and clamping components. The upper end of the frame is higher than the bottom surface of the suspended guide rod, and the upper part of the frame has a channel for the guide rod to pass through. The clamping components are installed on the upper end of the frame, respectively arranged on both sides of the channel and front and back, to apply force to clamp the front and back sides of the lower part of the guide rod. The clamping components include clamping parts and cylinders. The middle part of the clamping parts is rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame, one end of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame, and the other end of the cylinder is hinged to one end of the clamping parts. The extension and retraction of the cylinder drives the other end of the clamping parts to rotate horizontally relative to the channel direction, so as to form contact with the front and back sides of the guide rod and apply force to clamp it. The robot is a six-axis robot, mounted on an operating platform; The laser cleaning gun head is located at the moving end of the robot and connected to the control cabinet. It is used to perform laser cleaning on the guide rods of the guide rod clamping device. The laser cleaning gun head is equipped with a dust suction port and cooling pipes.
2. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member has a clamping block at one end corresponding to the guide rod, which contacts the guide rod.
3. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a first end frame and a second end frame. The lower parts of the first end frame and the second end frame are fixedly connected by a connecting rod, and a channel for the guide rod to pass through is formed between the upper parts of the first end frame and the second end frame.
4. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is formed by welding profiles.
5. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the guide rod clamping device is also provided with a rotating light-blocking mechanism, which can block the light when the laser cleaning gun head is working by rotating the light-blocking plate.
6. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dust suction port is connected to a centralized dust collector, which is located on one side of the operating platform. The centralized dust collector includes a dust collector housing, a fan, and a filtration system. The fan rotation creates negative pressure, which sends the dust generated during cleaning into the filtration system for centralized filtration.
7. The automatic laser cleaning device for guide rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling pipe is connected to a water chiller installed on the operating platform. The cooling pipe is used to heat and cool the laser generator and galvanometer in the laser cleaning gun head in real time.