Automatic processing production line for niobium-titanium bar

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of mechanical processing automation, and relates to a niobium-titanium bar automatic processing production line. The production line comprises a feeding frame, a discharging frame is arranged on one side of the feeding frame, a mechanical hand is arranged behind the feeding frame, a numerical control lathe is arranged on one side of the mechanical hand, a polishing machine and a laser marking machine are arranged on the other side of the numerical control lathe, the feeding frame, the discharging frame, the mechanical hand, the numerical control lathe, the polishing machine and the laser marking machine are controlled by a control center, and the control center is provided with a visual identification system. Through a large number of experiments on tool selection and in-depth exploration of processing parameters, the first full-automatic processing mode without manual intervention is realized in the field of superconducting niobium-titanium alloy bar processing, and the processing efficiency and the processing consistency of product size are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mechanical processing automation technology, and relates to an automated production line for processing niobium-titanium bars. Background Technology

[0002] Niobium-titanium alloy, as a superconducting material, is one of the important raw materials for the industrialization of superconducting wires. The processing method of superconducting wires involves embedding niobium-titanium rods and copper sleeves, followed by drawing. This process of embedding and drawing is repeated. The diameter of a single core of the finished superconducting wire is at the micrometer level. To prevent wire breakage during the stretching process, the surface finish of the niobium-titanium rods after turning is required to be high.

[0003] Niobium-titanium alloy, as a superconducting material, is one of the important raw materials for the industrialization of superconducting wires. The processing method of superconducting wires involves embedding niobium-titanium rods and copper sleeves, followed by drawing. This process of embedding and drawing is repeated. The diameter of a single core of the finished superconducting wire is at the micrometer level. To prevent wire breakage during the stretching process, the surface finish of the niobium-titanium rods after turning is required to be high.

[0004] Due to the high viscosity and poor thermal conductivity of niobium-titanium materials, they are prone to sticking to the cutting tool during turning. Continuous manual trimming is necessary during the turning process to prevent scratches on the surface of the niobium-titanium bar. The current polishing method involves manually pressing sandpaper onto the rotating bar surface, resulting in inconsistent polishing quality. Each bar requires manual inspection, making mass production impossible. Furthermore, frequent transfers between processes are necessary, leading to low efficiency and the following problems:

[0005] 1. Low processing efficiency: Currently, the main method of turning is to use ordinary lathes. It takes about 2.5 hours to turn a bar using the existing method, and about 1 hour to polish a bar. In addition, the time required for transportation, clamping, protection, etc., is about 4.3 hours to process a bar, which is time-consuming.

[0006] 2. Low yield: Ordinary lathe is used for processing. In order to prevent bumps caused during manual transportation, a processing allowance of 4-5mm is reserved in the diameter direction and a processing allowance of 25mm is reserved in the length direction of the bar before processing.

[0007] 3. Safety hazards exist: Whether it is manual chip removal during the turning process or polishing with hand sandpaper, there is a risk of mechanical injury;

[0008] 4. Low standardization rate: Because polishing is done manually with hand-held sandpaper, different people apply different amounts of pressure. When the same person polishes the same bar, the polishing time and intensity of different parts cannot be guaranteed to be consistent, resulting in uneven surface finish of the niobium-titanium bar after polishing, requiring repeated grinding. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to propose an automated production line for processing niobium-titanium rods.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] An automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars includes a loading rack, a unloading rack on one side of the loading rack, a robotic arm at the rear of the loading rack, a CNC lathe on one side of the robotic arm, and a polishing machine and a laser marking machine on the other side of the CNC lathe. The loading rack, unloading rack, robotic arm, CNC lathe, polishing machine, and laser marking machine are all controlled by a control center equipped with a vision recognition system. The niobium-titanium bars are transported to the discharge end of the loading rack and then clamped onto the CNC machine for processing. The robotic arm clamps the processed niobium-titanium bars onto the polishing machine for polishing, then clamps the polished niobium-titanium bars onto the marking machine for marking, and finally transfers the marked niobium-titanium bars to the unloading rack.

[0012] Furthermore, the control system adopts a PLC control method.

[0013] Furthermore, the visual recognition system includes a first camera positioned above the robotic arm and a second camera positioned above the laser marking machine.

[0014] Furthermore, the control center is equipped with a control interface, through which process parameters are input.

[0015] Furthermore, alarm information is displayed through the control interface, including reminders about the lifespan of cutting tools and grinding wheels.

[0016] Furthermore, the robotic arm is a pneumatic elastic structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the robotic arm is equipped with a position sensing switch.

[0018] Furthermore, the abrasive belt of the polishing machine includes a 240-mesh belt and a 360-mesh belt.

[0019] Furthermore, the abrasive belt of the polishing machine includes stacked abrasive belts and nylon belts.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) This utility model has developed an automated production line for niobium-titanium rod processing. Through extensive testing of tool selection and in-depth exploration of processing parameters, a fully automated processing mode without human intervention has been realized for the first time in the field of superconducting niobium-titanium alloy rod processing, which significantly improves processing efficiency and the consistency of product dimensions.

[0022] (2) Due to the special properties of niobium-titanium materials, during ordinary belt polishing, niobium-titanium powder is easily embedded in the gaps between the abrasive grains of the belt, causing the belt to slip and fail, resulting in ablation black spots on the surface of the polished rod. This utility model successfully solves the technical problem of unstable surface polishing of niobium-titanium rods on a large scale by accurately selecting the polishing belt and innovating the polishing method.

[0023] (3) This invention reduces the processing time of a single niobium-titanium rod from 4.3 hours to 1 hour. The original processing method required 3 people per shift, and only 3 rods could be produced in 12 hours; after adopting this invention, only 1 person is needed per shift, and the output can reach 10 rods in 12 hours. This not only greatly improves production efficiency and reduces labor costs, but also significantly reduces the labor intensity of workers;

[0024] (4) The design of the entire niobium-titanium rod automated processing system provides valuable experience for the research and development of raw material processing equipment for large-size and ultra-large-size superconducting wires. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated production line for niobium-titanium rods according to this utility model.

[0028] Among them: 1 is the loading rack; 2 is the robotic arm; 3 is the CNC lathe; 4 is the polishing machine; 5 is the laser marking machine; 6 is the unloading rack; and 7 is the control center. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this invention. Rather, they are merely examples consistent with some aspects of this invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example

[0031] An automated production line for processing niobium-titanium bars, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a loading rack 1, a unloading rack 6 on one side of the loading rack 1, a robotic arm 2 at the rear of the loading rack 1, a CNC lathe 3 on one side of the robotic arm 2, and a polishing machine 4 and a laser marking machine 5 on the other side of the CNC lathe 3. The loading rack 1, unloading rack 6, robotic arm 2, CNC lathe 3, polishing machine 4, and laser marking machine 5 are all controlled by a control center 7, which is equipped with a vision recognition system. Niobium-titanium rods are transported to the discharge end of the loading rack 1 via the loading rack 1 and then clamped by the robotic arm 2 onto the CNC machine tool for processing. The robotic arm 2 clamps the processed niobium-titanium rods onto the polishing machine 4 for polishing, and then clamps the polished niobium-titanium rods onto the marking machine for marking. Finally, the robotic arm 2 transfers the marked niobium-titanium rods to the unloading rack 6.

[0032] In this embodiment: The niobium-titanium rod to be processed is placed on the loading rack 1. The loading rack 1 transports the niobium-titanium rod to be processed to the clamping position of the robot arm 2. The vision recognition system identifies the appearance, size and placement position of the rod and compares it with the input information. After confirmation, the robot arm 2 clamps the niobium-titanium rod and transfers it to the CNC lathe 3 for processing. After processing, the robot arm 2 clamps the niobium-titanium rod and transfers it to the loading rack 1 of the polishing machine 4. The polishing machine 4 starts and completes the surface polishing of the niobium-titanium rod. After polishing, the robot arm 2 clamps the niobium-titanium rod to the position of the laser marking machine 5 to complete the end face marking. The robot arm 2 then places the marked niobium-titanium rod on the unloading rack 6, and the entire niobium-titanium rod processing is completed.

[0033] Furthermore, the control center includes a control system, which adopts a PLC control method.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control system is generally controlled by a PLC and communicates with the CNC lathe, polishing machine, robotic arm, industrial camera and laser marking machine for overall scheduling and coordination.

[0035] Furthermore, the visual recognition system includes a first camera positioned above the robotic arm 2 and a second camera positioned above the laser marking machine 5.

[0036] In this embodiment: The first camera mounted on the robotic arm 2 first takes a picture of the appearance of the bar stock, then uploads it to the vision recognition system. The system measures the dimensions of the bar stock and compares them with the information of the bar stock to be processed that has been input into the control system to ensure the accuracy of the processing information. The second camera mounted on the laser marking machine takes a picture of the end face after the laser marking machine has marked it. After the vision recognition system confirms that the bar stock information is accurate by comparison, the robot clamps the bar stock and transfers it to the unloading rack 6, and the entire processing process is completed.

[0037] Furthermore, the control center 7 is equipped with a control interface, through which process parameters are input.

[0038] Furthermore, alarm information is displayed through the control interface, including reminders about the lifespan of cutting tools and grinding wheels.

[0039] In this embodiment, the input of bar stock information and processing parameters can be achieved through the control interface. At the same time, relevant alarm information and tool and grinding wheel life reminders can be displayed.

[0040] Furthermore, the robotic arm 2 is a pneumatic elastic structure.

[0041] Furthermore, the robotic arm 2 is equipped with a position sensing switch.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gripper of the robotic arm 2 is designed as a pneumatic elastic structure and is equipped with a position sensing switch to ensure close contact between the end face of the bar stock and the three-grip chuck.

[0043] Furthermore, the abrasive belt of the polishing machine 4 includes a 240-mesh belt and a 360-mesh belt.

[0044] Furthermore, the abrasive belt of the polishing machine 4 includes a stacked abrasive belt and a nylon belt.

[0045] In this embodiment, coarse grinding uses a 240-mesh abrasive belt with stacked abrasive material, while fine grinding uses a 360-mesh nylon abrasive belt.

[0046] The operation process of this utility model:

[0047] 1. Material loading, positioning, and conveying

[0048] Based on the bar stock processing parameters, adjust the scale of the loading rack 1 to ensure that the bar stock is accurately centered. The loading rack 1 can carry a maximum of 10 bar stock at a time. Through program settings, the chain plate of the loading rack 1 moves the bar stock. When the photoelectric photoelectric switch detects that the bar stock has arrived in place, the chain plate immediately stops running, so that the bar stock is within the working range of the robot arm 2.

[0049] 2. Robotic arm loading and clamping

[0050] Robotic arm 2, equipped with a vision recognition system, measures the external dimensions of the bar stock and compares them with the preset processing parameters of the control system to ensure the accuracy of the processing information. After confirmation, robotic arm 2 grips the bar stock along the preset trajectory and transfers it to CNC lathe 3. Upon receiving the instruction, CNC lathe 3 simultaneously opens the three-jaw chuck and hydraulic center rest. Robotic arm 2, using a pneumatic elastic gripper with a built-in position sensor switch, precisely and tightly fits the end face of the bar stock against the three-jaw chuck. Subsequently, the three-jaw chuck and hydraulic center rest clamp in sequence, completing the loading process.

[0051] 3. CNC lathe machining

[0052] The CNC lathe automatically calls the pre-stored machining program based on the dimensions of the bar stock. First, it processes the end face 1 of the bar stock, then performs drilling and threading operations in sequence, and finally automatically changes the circumferential tool to perform circumferential turning. After the first end is processed, the robot arm 2 picks up the bar stock, turns it around, and continues processing the end face 2, thus completing the CNC machining process.

[0053] 4. Polishing treatment

[0054] Robotic arm 2 transfers the machined bar stock to polishing machine 4. Polishing machine 4 synchronously receives processing parameters transmitted from the control system and automatically adjusts the transmission roller spacing, grinding head height, and abrasive belt speed. Once robotic arm 2 has left the work area, polishing machine 4 starts the polishing process, using different abrasive belts to polish the bar stock. After cleaning and drying, the polishing machine 4's bracket lifts the finished bar stock and sends a polishing completion signal back to the control system.

[0055] 5. Laser marking and blanking

[0056] Robotic arm 2 transfers the polished bar to laser marking machine 5. Laser marking machine 5 marks the end face of the bar according to preset information from the control system. An industrial camera photographs the marked end face. After the control system verifies the information twice, robotic arm 2 picks up the bar and transfers it to unloading rack 6, completing the entire automated processing flow.

[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this utility model.

[0058] It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the content already described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this utility model is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated production line for processing niobium-titanium bars, characterized in that, The system includes a loading rack (1), a unloading rack (6) on one side of the loading rack (1), a robot arm (2) at the rear of the loading rack (1), a CNC lathe (3) on one side of the robot arm (2), and a polishing machine (4) and a laser marking machine (5) on the other side of the CNC lathe (3). The loading rack (1), unloading rack (6), robot arm (2), CNC lathe (3), polishing machine (4), and laser marking machine (5) are all controlled by a control center. 7) Control is performed. The control center (7) is equipped with a visual recognition system. The niobium titanium rod is transported to the discharge end of the loading rack (1) by the loading rack (1) and then clamped by the robot (2) to the CNC machine tool for processing. The robot (2) clamps the processed niobium titanium rod to the polishing machine (4) for polishing. The robot (2) clamps the polished niobium titanium rod to the marking machine for marking. The robot (2) transfers the marked niobium titanium rod to the unloading rack (6).

2. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control center (7) includes a control system, which adopts a PLC control method.

3. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual recognition system includes a first camera positioned above the robotic arm (2) and a second camera positioned above the laser marking machine (5).

4. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control center (7) is equipped with a control interface, through which process parameters are input.

5. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control interface displays alarm information, including reminders about the lifespan of cutting tools and grinding wheels.

6. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (2) is a pneumatic elastic structure.

7. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (2) is equipped with a position sensing switch.

8. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polishing machine (4) has abrasive belts including 240 mesh belts and 360 mesh belts.

9. The automated processing production line for niobium-titanium bars according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abrasive belt of the polishing machine (4) includes stacked abrasive belt and nylon belt.

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