A tube sheet laser cutting apparatus and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of tube plate laser cutting equipment and its using method, it is related to laser cutting machine technical field, in tube plate laser cutting equipment, pipe material warehouse, machine tool and plate material warehouse are sequentially arranged along X axis direction, pipe material warehouse is equipped with pipe material feeding mechanism, plate material warehouse is equipped with plate material feeding mechanism, machine tool moves along X axis direction by X axis mechanism;The lower portion of portal frame is also equipped with pipe material lifting mechanism, and the pipe material feeding mechanism is movably connected with the portal frame along the Y axis direction;Pipe material feeding mechanism, plate material feeding mechanism, X axis mechanism, pipe material lifting mechanism, pipe material feeding mechanism, Y axis mechanism, Z axis mechanism and laser cutting mechanism are electrically connected with host computer;The method is: after host computer receives the feeding command of pipe material or plate material, host computer drives machine tool to move to plate material or pipe material feeding station, and the pipe material or plate material feeding mechanism is fed to machine tool.The application can improve the degree of automation of pipe material and plate material feeding, and is beneficial to improve feeding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser cutting machine technology, specifically to a tube sheet laser cutting device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the metal processing industry, pipes and sheets are two common raw materials. In traditional processing methods, laser cutting of pipes and sheets usually requires two separate sets of equipment, which has the disadvantages of large footprint and high equipment investment.

[0003] In response, integrated tube and sheet laser cutting equipment was developed. Currently, common tube and sheet laser cutting equipment includes a sheet metal machine tool for carrying the sheet metal, a separate tube cutting machine tool on one side of the sheet metal machine tool, a gantry spanning the sheet metal machine tool, a Y-axis mechanism on the gantry, a Z-axis mechanism on the Y-axis mechanism, and a laser cutting mechanism on the Z-axis mechanism. The Y-axis movement range of the Y-axis mechanism is sufficient to cover both the sheet metal machine tool and the tube cutting machine tool. The tube cutting machine tool is equipped with a tube feeding mechanism, which is used to clamp, rotate, and feed the tube to the laser cutting mechanism.

[0004] As described above, current tube-to-plate laser cutting equipment uses the same set of laser cutting mechanisms for both tubes and plates, resulting in a simplified and compact structure that saves floor space and investment costs. However, these tube-to-plate laser cutting equipment still have shortcomings. Loading of tubes or plates largely relies on overhead cranes or manual handling, and both loading efficiency and automation levels need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of the existing technology by providing a tube and plate laser cutting device and its usage method. The present invention can improve the automation level of tube and plate feeding and is conducive to improving feeding efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A tube sheet laser cutting device includes a machine tool, a gantry frame spanning the upper side of the machine tool, a Y-axis mechanism mounted on the gantry frame, a Z-axis mechanism mounted on the Y-axis mechanism, a laser cutting mechanism mounted on the Z-axis mechanism, and a tube feeding mechanism.

[0008] It also includes a pipe library, a sheet metal library, and a host computer. The pipe library, the machine tool, and the sheet metal library are arranged sequentially along the X-axis. The pipe library is equipped with a pipe feeding mechanism, and the sheet metal library is equipped with a sheet metal feeding mechanism. The machine tool moves along the X-axis via the X-axis mechanism.

[0009] A pipe lifting mechanism is also provided below the gantry frame, and the pipe feeding mechanism is movably connected to the gantry frame along the Y-axis direction;

[0010] The pipe feeding mechanism, plate feeding mechanism, X-axis mechanism, pipe lifting mechanism, pipe feeding mechanism, Y-axis mechanism, Z-axis mechanism and laser cutting mechanism are all electrically connected to the host computer.

[0011] Furthermore, the pipe storage is equipped with a pipe feeding trigger element, the plate storage is equipped with a plate feeding trigger element, and the gantry is equipped with a lifting trigger element. The pipe feeding trigger element, the plate feeding trigger element, and the lifting trigger element are all electrically connected to the host computer.

[0012] When the X-axis mechanism drives the machine tool to trigger the pipe feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism to feed the target pipe in the pipe library onto the machine tool;

[0013] When the X-axis mechanism drives the machine tool to trigger the plate feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the plate feeding mechanism to feed the target plate from the plate library onto the machine tool.

[0014] When the target pipe on the machine tool moves above the pipe lifting mechanism, the lifting trigger element is triggered, and the host computer controls the pipe lifting mechanism to lift the target pipe to the coaxial height of the pipe feeding mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, multiple machine tools are provided along the Y-axis, and the pipe lifting mechanism is provided between each pair of adjacent machine tools. All machine tools are arranged sequentially from the middle to both sides as a first machine tool, a second machine tool, and a third machine tool. The first machine tool, the second machine tool, and the third machine tool are all connected to the host electromechanical system.

[0016] Furthermore, the pipe library includes a pipe rack, the top surface of which is provided with an inclined surface, on which a plurality of pipes are placed, and the pipe rack is provided with a pipe feeding trigger element on the side facing the machine tool.

[0017] The pipe feeding mechanism includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a first lifting component, and a second lifting component. The first baffle is connected to the pipe rack via the first lifting component, and the second baffle is connected to the pipe rack via the second lifting component. The first baffle is used to block the target pipe on the inclined surface, which is the pipe with the lowest position on the inclined surface. The second baffle is used to separate the target pipe from the pipe with the second lowest position. Both the first lifting component and the second lifting component are connected to the upper electromechanical unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the sheet metal storage includes a sheet metal rack and a rear rack. The rear rack is located on the upper part of the sheet metal rack on the side away from the machine tool, and the sheet metal feeding trigger element is located on the lower part of the sheet metal rack on the side away from the machine tool.

[0019] The plate feeding mechanism includes a rotary conveyor with multiple baffles on its surface. Plates are placed between every two baffles. The plate closest to the machine tool is the target plate, and the plate furthest from the machine tool abuts against the rear frame. The upper parts of two connected plates abut against each other. The rotary conveyor is electrically connected to the host computer.

[0020] Furthermore, the pipe feeding mechanism includes a first rotary clamp and a second rotary clamp, both of which are movably connected to the gantry along the Y-axis. The first rotary clamp is used to clamp the end of the target pipe, and the second rotary clamp is used to clamp the front of the target pipe.

[0021] A method of using a tube sheet laser cutting device, based on the aforementioned tube sheet laser cutting device, includes the following steps when cutting tubes:

[0022] S101, The host computer receives the pipe feeding command, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move to the pipe feeding station, so that the machine tool triggers the pipe feeding trigger element;

[0023] S102. After receiving the trigger information from the pipe feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism to feed the target pipe in the pipe library onto the machine tool.

[0024] S103. After the target pipe is loaded onto the machine tool, the host computer controls the pipe loading mechanism to reset, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move in the opposite direction until the target pipe moves above the pipe lifting mechanism, so that the lifting trigger element is triggered.

[0025] S103. After receiving the trigger information from the lifting trigger element, the host computer controls the target pipe lifting mechanism to lift the pipe to the coaxial position of the pipe feeding mechanism, and the pipe feeding mechanism clamps the target pipe and feeds it to the laser cutting mechanism.

[0026] S104. The host computer controls the Y-axis mechanism to adjust the Y-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, the host computer controls the Z-axis mechanism to adjust the Z-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, and the host computer controls the laser cutting mechanism to cut the target pipe.

[0027] Furthermore, the host computer is equipped with pipes of gradually increasing length, namely pipe No. 1, pipe No. 2, and pipe No. 3.

[0028] When the host computer receives the loading command for pipe No. 1, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool to move to the pipe loading station;

[0029] When the host computer receives the loading command for the second pipe, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool and the second machine tool to move to the pipe loading station;

[0030] When the host computer receives the loading command for pipe No. 3, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool, the second machine tool and the third machine tool to move to the pipe loading station.

[0031] A method of using a tube sheet laser cutting device, based on the aforementioned tube sheet laser cutting device, includes the following steps when cutting the sheet material:

[0032] S201. The host computer receives the board loading command and controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move to the board loading station, so that the machine tool triggers the board loading trigger element.

[0033] S202. After receiving the trigger information from the board feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the board feeding mechanism to feed the target board in the board library onto the machine tool, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move in the reverse direction and reset.

[0034] S203. The host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to adjust the position of the target material in the X-axis direction, controls the Y-axis mechanism to adjust the Y-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, controls the Z-axis mechanism to adjust the Z-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, and controls the laser cutting mechanism to cut the target material.

[0035] Furthermore, the host computer is equipped with three plates of gradually increasing length: plate number one, plate number two, and plate number three.

[0036] When the host computer receives the loading command for the first plate, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool to move to the plate loading station;

[0037] When the host computer receives the loading command for the second plate, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool and the second machine tool to move to the plate loading station;

[0038] When the host computer receives the loading command for plate number three, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool, the second machine tool and the third machine tool to move to the plate loading station.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0040] 1. By integrating the pipe library, machine tool, and sheet metal library sequentially along the X-axis, and centrally controlling the pipe feeding mechanism, sheet metal feeding mechanism, X-axis mechanism, pipe lifting mechanism, pipe feeding mechanism, Y-axis mechanism, Z-axis mechanism, and laser cutting mechanism from the same host computer, the integration of pipe or sheet metal feeding and laser cutting functions is realized, improving the automation level of feeding and increasing the feeding efficiency of pipes and sheets.

[0041] 2. By setting up trigger elements for pipe feeding, plate feeding, and lifting, and linking them with the host computer, precise trigger-based automatic feeding and positioning are achieved. After the machine tool moves to a specific position and triggers the corresponding element, the host computer controls and executes the corresponding action, ensuring the accuracy of pipe and plate feeding, and reliably lifting the pipe to a height coaxial with the feed mechanism. This lays the foundation for subsequent precise cutting. The entire process requires no manual intervention, further improving the level of automation.

[0042] 3. By setting up multiple independently controllable machine tools (first, second, and third machine tools) along the Y-axis and installing a pipe lifting mechanism between adjacent machine tools, the equipment can flexibly utilize one or more machine tools to form the required working platform according to the length of the pipe or plate to be processed. This modular and scalable design significantly enhances the equipment's adaptability to workpieces of different lengths, optimizes the utilization of the equipment's stroke, and realizes flexible production.

[0043] 4. The pipe storage unit adopts a pipe rack with an inclined surface, combined with a pipe feeding mechanism consisting of a first baffle, a second baffle, and first and second lifting components, resulting in an ingenious structure. It can store multiple pipes in an orderly manner, and through the coordinated lifting action of the two baffles, it releases and feeds only the bottommost target pipe onto the machine tool at a time, effectively preventing multiple pipes from rolling off or getting stuck, thus achieving automatic and reliable single-pipe feeding.

[0044] 5. The sheet metal storage unit employs a combination of sheet metal racks and rear racks, working in conjunction with a rotary conveyor mechanism equipped with baffles to form a sheet metal feeding system. The baffles separate the sheet metal for storage; as the rotary conveyor rotates, the target sheet closest to the machine tool is fed out, while the rear rack prevents the sheets behind from tipping over. This structure achieves automated, stacked sheet metal feeding, is simple and reliable, and has high space utilization.

[0045] 6. The pipe feeding mechanism employs a first and second rotary clamp that can move along the Y-axis, clamping the end and front of the pipe respectively. This dual-point clamping method provides better support and driving stability, making it particularly suitable for feeding long pipes. The rotary function also facilitates rotating the pipe during cutting to complete circumferential or complex curve cuts. Furthermore, both the first and second rotary clamps can move along the Y-axis, flexibly adjusting the clamping position and further enhancing flexibility.

[0046] 7. Automated cutting methods are provided for pipes and plates respectively. These methods are based on the trigger control logic and multi-machine tool collaboration mechanism of the aforementioned equipment, with clear steps and rigorous logic. From receiving the loading command to automatic loading, positioning, lifting (for pipes), clamping and feeding (for pipes) / positioning (for plates), and finally completing the cutting, the entire process is automatically scheduled and executed by the host computer, forming a complete unmanned operation process, greatly improving the standardization of operations and production efficiency.

[0047] 8. The host computer pre-defines different length specifications of pipes / plates (e.g., No. 1, No. 2, No. 3) and associates them with different machine tool calling strategies (e.g., calling the first machine tool, calling the first and second machine tools, calling all three machine tools). When a loading command for a specific specification is received, the host computer can automatically drive the machine tool to the corresponding loading station combination. This intelligent length adaptation method enables the equipment to automatically handle workpieces of different lengths with the optimal machine tool combination, achieving dynamic and efficient allocation of production resources. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tube sheet laser cutting device;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a top view of a tube sheet laser cutting device;

[0050] Figure 3 Three-dimensional structures for gantry cranes, pipe feeding mechanisms, Y-axis mechanisms, Z-axis mechanisms, and laser cutting mechanisms. Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 4 Three-dimensional structures for gantry cranes, pipe feeding mechanisms, Y-axis mechanisms, Z-axis mechanisms, and laser cutting mechanisms. Figure 2 ;

[0052] Figure 5 For machine tools and X-axis mechanisms in three dimensions Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 6 For machine tools and X-axis mechanisms in three dimensions Figure 2 ;

[0054] Figure 7 This is the front view of the machine tool and the X-axis mechanism;

[0055] Figure 8 A 3D view of the pipe storage area and pipe feeding mechanism;

[0056] Figure 9 Right view of the pipe storage area and pipe feeding mechanism;

[0057] Figure 10 A top view of the pipe storage area and pipe loading mechanism;

[0058] Figure 11 Three-dimensional for sheet material storage and sheet material feeding mechanism Figure 1 ;

[0059] Figure 12 Three-dimensional for sheet material storage and sheet material feeding mechanism Figure 2 ;

[0060] Figure 13 Three-dimensional for sheet material storage and sheet material feeding mechanism Figure 3 ;

[0061] Figure 14 Right view of the sheet material library and sheet material feeding mechanism.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0063] 101-First machine tool, 102-Second machine tool, 103-Third machine tool, 110-X-axis mechanism, 111-Support frame, 112-X-axis motor, 113-X-axis gear, 114-X-axis rack.

[0064] 200 - Gantry frame, 210 - Lifting trigger element,

[0065] 300-Y-axis mechanism, 310-Y-axis moving base, 320-Y-axis motor, 330-Y-axis rack, 340-auxiliary beam, 350-auxiliary base.

[0066] 400-Z axis mechanism, 410-Z axis moving base, 420-Z axis motor

[0067] 500-Laser Cutting Mechanism

[0068] 610 - First rotary clamp, 611 - First multi-jaw chuck, 612 - First support, 613 - First motor

[0069] 620 - Second rotary clamp, 621 - Second multi-jaw chuck, 622 - Second support, 623 - Second motor, 624 - Drive gear, 625 - Driven gear ring.

[0070] 700 - Pipe storage, 710 - Pipe feeding mechanism, 711 - First baffle, 712 - Second baffle, 713 - First lifting component, 714 - Second lifting component, 720 - Pipe feeding trigger element, 730 - Pipe rack, 731 - Inclined surface

[0071] 800 - Sheet metal storage, 810 - Sheet metal feeding mechanism, 811 - Stop bar, 820 - Sheet metal feeding trigger element, 830 - Sheet metal rack, 840 - Rear rack.

[0072] 900 - Pipe lifting mechanism, 910 - Lifting and raising component, 920 - Lifting roller. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0074] Example 1:

[0075] See Figures 1 to 14 A tube sheet laser cutting device includes a machine tool, a gantry 200, a Y-axis mechanism 300, a Z-axis mechanism 400, a laser cutting mechanism 500, a tube feeding mechanism, a tube storage 700, a sheet storage 800, a tube lifting mechanism 900, and a host computer.

[0076] The pipe feeding mechanism 710, the sheet material feeding mechanism 810, the X-axis mechanism 110, the pipe lifting mechanism 900, the pipe feeding mechanism, the Y-axis mechanism 300, the Z-axis mechanism 400, and the laser cutting mechanism 500 are all connected to the host computer and are subject to its unified control.

[0077] The 200-span gantry frame is installed on the upper side of the machine tool.

[0078] The Y-axis mechanism 300 is mounted on the gantry 200. The Y-axis mechanism 300 includes a Y-axis moving base 310, a Y-axis motor 320, a Y-axis gear, and a Y-axis rack 330. The Y-axis moving base 310 is slidably connected to the top surface of the gantry 200 via a slider guide pair. The Y-axis motor 320 is fixedly mounted on the Y-axis moving base 310, the Y-axis gear is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the Y-axis motor 320, and the Y-axis rack 330 is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the gantry 200, meshing with the Y-axis gear. After the Y-axis motor 320 starts, it drives the Y-axis gear to move along the fixed Y-axis rack 330, thereby driving the Y-axis moving base 310 (along with the Z-axis mechanism 400 and the laser cutting mechanism 500 mounted thereon) to move along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis motor 320 is electrically connected to the host computer.

[0079] An auxiliary beam 340 is fixedly mounted on the Y-axis moving base 310. An X-axis auxiliary mechanism is set on the auxiliary beam 340. The X-axis auxiliary mechanism (either a motor gear structure or a motor lead screw structure, both of which are existing mature moving mechanisms) drives the auxiliary base 350 to move in the X-axis direction. The X-axis auxiliary mechanism is electrically connected to the host computer.

[0080] A Z-axis mechanism 400 is mounted on the auxiliary seat 350. The Z-axis mechanism 400 includes a Z-axis movable seat 410, a Z-axis motor 420, a Z-axis lead screw, and a Z-axis nut seat. The Z-axis movable seat 410 is slidably connected to the auxiliary seat 350 along the Z-axis direction via a slider guide pair. The Z-axis motor 420 is fixedly mounted on the Z-axis movable seat 410. Both ends of the Z-axis lead screw are rotatably connected to the Z-axis movable seat 410 via bearing seats. The upper end of the Z-axis lead screw is connected to the Z-axis motor 420 via a coupling. The Z-axis nut seat is fixedly mounted on the auxiliary seat 350 and is threadedly engaged with the Z-axis lead screw. After the Z-axis motor 420 is started, it drives the Z-axis lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the Z-axis movable seat 410 to move up and down in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis motor 420 is electrically connected to the host computer.

[0081] The laser cutting mechanism 500 is fixedly mounted on the Z-axis mechanism 400. The laser cutting mechanism 500 can be moved in the Y-axis, Z-axis and X-axis directions through the Y-axis mechanism 300, the Z-axis mechanism 400 and the X-axis auxiliary mechanism.

[0082] The pipe feeding mechanism is movably connected to the gantry 200 along the Y-axis and is used to clamp and transport the pipe. The pipe feeding mechanism includes a first rotary clamp 610 and a second rotary clamp 620. Both are movably connected to the gantry 200 along the Y-axis. The first rotary clamp 610 is used to clamp the end of the target pipe, and the second rotary clamp 620 is used to clamp the front of the target pipe. Together, they achieve the clamping, feeding, and rotation of the pipe. Both the first rotary clamp 610 and the second rotary clamp 620 are connected to the host computer.

[0083] The first rotary fixture 610 includes a first multi-jaw chuck 611, which is rotatably mounted on a first support 612. A first motor 613 is fixedly mounted on the first support 612 to drive the first multi-jaw chuck 611 to rotate. The first support 612 is slidably connected to the front side of the gantry 200 along the Y-axis via a slider guide pair. The first support 612 is driven to move along the Y-axis via a motor gear structure.

[0084] The second rotary clamp 620 includes a second multi-jaw chuck 621, with a through-hole in the middle for pipe passage. The second multi-jaw chuck 621 is rotatably mounted on a second support 622, on which a second motor 623 is fixedly mounted. A drive gear 624 is fixedly mounted at the output end of the second motor 623, meshing with a driven gear ring 625 fixedly mounted on the outside of the second multi-jaw chuck 621. After the second motor 623 starts, the drive gear 624 drives the driven gear ring 625 to rotate, thereby rotating the second multi-jaw chuck 621. The second support 622 is slidably connected to the front side of the gantry 200 along the Y-axis via a slider guide pair, and is also driven to move along the Y-axis via a motor-gear structure.

[0085] The pipe storage 700, machine tool, and sheet metal storage 800 are arranged sequentially along the X-axis. The pipe storage 700 is equipped with a pipe feeding mechanism 710, and the sheet metal storage 800 is equipped with a sheet metal feeding mechanism 810. The machine tool can move along the X-axis via the X-axis mechanism 110 to dock with either the pipe storage 700 or the sheet metal storage 800 for feeding. A pipe lifting mechanism 900 is also located below the gantry 200.

[0086] Furthermore, the pipe storage 700 is equipped with a pipe feeding trigger element 720 (such as a micro switch), the plate storage 800 is equipped with a plate feeding trigger element 820 (such as a micro switch), and the gantry 200 is equipped with a lifting trigger element 210 (such as a photoelectric sensor). These trigger elements are all electrically connected to the host computer. The working logic is as follows: when the X-axis mechanism 110 drives the machine tool to move and triggers the pipe feeding trigger element 720, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism 710 to feed the target pipe from the pipe storage 700 onto the machine tool; when the plate feeding trigger element 820 is triggered, the host computer controls the plate feeding mechanism 810 to feed the target plate; when the target pipe on the machine tool moves above the pipe lifting mechanism 900 and triggers the lifting trigger element 210, the host computer controls the pipe lifting mechanism 900 to lift the target pipe to the coaxial height of the pipe feeding mechanism.

[0087] In this embodiment, five machine tools are provided along the Y-axis, namely the first machine tool 101, the second machine tool 102, and the third machine tool 103. From the center to both sides, they are arranged in the following order: the first machine tool 101, the second machine tool 102, and the third machine tool 103. All machine tools are connected to a host electromechanical system and can be independently controlled to move.

[0088] A pipe lifting mechanism 900 is provided between each pair of adjacent machine tools. The pipe lifting mechanism 900 includes a lifting component 910 (cylinder or electric push rod) and a lifting roller 920. The lifting roller 920 is fixedly installed at the output end of the lifting component 910 and is used to lift the pipe. The lifting component 910 is electrically connected to the host computer.

[0089] Each machine tool is equipped with an X-axis mechanism 110 below it. The X-axis mechanism includes a support frame 111, an X-axis motor 112, an X-axis gear 113, and an X-axis rack 114. The support frame 111 is fixedly installed on the ground, and the machine tool is slidably connected to the support frame 111 along the X-axis direction via a slider guide pair. The X-axis motor 112 is fixedly installed on the side of the machine tool, the X-axis gear 113 is fixedly installed on the output shaft of the X-axis motor 112, and the X-axis rack 114 is fixedly installed on the support frame 111. The X-axis gear 113 and the X-axis rack 114 mesh. The cylinder of the lifting and hoisting component 910 in the aforementioned pipe lifting mechanism 900 is fixedly installed on the side of the support frame 111. After the X-axis motor 112 is started, it drives the X-axis gear 113 to move along the X-axis rack 114, thereby moving the machine tool along the X-axis direction. The X-axis motor 112 is connected to the host computer.

[0090] The pipe storage unit 700 includes a pipe rack 730, the top surface of which is provided with an inclined surface 731 for placing a number of pipes. A pipe feeding trigger element 720 is fixedly installed on the side of the pipe rack 730 facing the machine tool.

[0091] The pipe feeding mechanism 710 includes a first baffle 711, a second baffle 712, a first lifting member 713 (cylinder or electric push rod), and a second lifting member 714 (cylinder or electric push rod). The first baffle 711 is fixedly installed at the output end of the first lifting member 713, and the cylinder body of the first lifting member 713 is fixedly installed on the pipe rack 730. The first baffle 711 is used to block the target pipe (i.e., the lowest-positioned pipe) on the inclined surface 731. The second baffle 712 is fixedly installed at the output end of the second lifting member 714, and the cylinder body of the second lifting member 714 is fixedly installed on the pipe rack 730. The second baffle 712 is used to separate the target pipe from the adjacent pipe above it. Both the first lifting member 713 and the second lifting member 714 are connected to a host computer and work together according to instructions to complete the feeding of a single pipe.

[0092] The sheet metal storage unit 800 includes a sheet metal rack 830 and a rear rack 840. The rear rack 840 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the sheet metal rack 830 on the side away from the machine tool. A sheet metal feeding trigger element 820 is fixedly installed on the lower part of the sheet metal rack 830 on the side away from the machine tool. The sheet metal feeding mechanism 810 is a rotary conveyor (such as a belt conveyor or chain conveyor), and multiple baffles 811 are fixedly installed on its surface. A sheet metal can be placed between every two baffles 811. The sheet metal closest to the machine tool is the target sheet metal, and the sheet metal furthest from the machine tool abuts against the rear rack 840, with the upper parts of the two connected sheets metal abutting against each other. The rotary conveyor is electrically connected to a host computer and can deliver the target sheet metal when it rotates.

[0093] Example 2:

[0094] This embodiment, based on the equipment described in Embodiment 1, illustrates its method of use when cutting pipes, including the following steps:

[0095] S101. The host computer receives the pipe feeding command and controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the machine tool (which may be a combination of one or more machine tools depending on the length of the pipe) to move to the pipe feeding station, triggering the pipe feeding trigger element 720.

[0096] Specifically, the host computer pre-sets the types of pipes No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 with progressively increasing lengths, along with their corresponding machine tool calling strategies:

[0097] When the host computer receives the first pipe feeding command, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101 to move to the pipe feeding station.

[0098] When the host computer receives the command to feed the second pipe, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101 and the second machine tool 102 to move to the pipe feeding station.

[0099] When the host computer receives the command to feed pipe No. 3, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101, the second machine tool 102 and the third machine tool 103 to move to the pipe feeding station.

[0100] S102. After receiving the trigger signal, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism 710 to feed the target pipe in the pipe library 700 onto the machine tool.

[0101] S103. After the material feeding is completed, the pipe feeding mechanism 710 is reset. The host computer controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the machine tool to move in the reverse direction until the target pipe moves above the pipe lifting mechanism 900, triggering the lifting trigger element 210.

[0102] S104. After receiving the trigger signal from the lifting trigger element 210, the host computer controls the pipe lifting mechanism 900 to lift the target pipe to a position coaxial with the pipe feeding mechanism. Subsequently, the first rotary clamp 610 and the second rotary clamp 620 of the pipe feeding mechanism clamp the target pipe and feed it to the laser cutting mechanism 500.

[0103] S105, the host computer controls the Y-axis mechanism 300, X-axis auxiliary mechanism and Z-axis mechanism 400 to adjust the position of the laser cutting mechanism 500 and control the laser cutting mechanism 500 to cut the target pipe.

[0104] Example 3:

[0105] This embodiment, based on the equipment described in Embodiment 1, illustrates its method of use when cutting sheet metal, including the following steps:

[0106] S201. The host computer receives the board loading command and controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the machine tool (calling the corresponding number of machine tools according to the length of the board) to move to the board loading station, triggering the board loading trigger element 820.

[0107] Similarly, the host computer pre-sets the types of plate materials No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 with gradually increasing lengths, and the corresponding machine tool calling strategies:

[0108] When the host computer receives the order to load the first plate, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101 to move to the plate loading station.

[0109] When the host computer receives the order to feed the second plate, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101 and the second machine tool 102 to move to the plate feeding station.

[0110] When the host computer receives the order to feed the No. 3 plate, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the first machine tool 101, the second machine tool 102 and the third machine tool 103 to move to the plate feeding station.

[0111] S202. After receiving the trigger signal, the host computer controls the plate feeding mechanism 810 (rotary conveyor) to operate, feeding the target plate from the plate storage 800 onto the machine tool. Subsequently, it controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to drive the machine tool to move in the reverse direction and reset.

[0112] S203. The host computer controls the Z-axis mechanism 400 to adjust the height of the laser cutting mechanism 500, making the laser cutting mechanism higher than the second rotary fixture 620. The host computer controls the Y-axis mechanism 300 to adjust the Y-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism 500, so that the laser cutting mechanism 500 passes over the second rotary fixture 620 and moves between the first rotary fixture 610 and the second rotary fixture 620, so as to avoid the laser cutting mechanism 500 being obstructed by the first rotary fixture 610 and the second rotary fixture 620. Then, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism 110 to adjust the position of the target material in the X-axis direction, and simultaneously controls the Y-axis mechanism 300 and the Z-axis mechanism 400 to adjust the position of the laser cutting mechanism 500. Finally, the host computer controls the laser cutting mechanism 500 to cut the target material.

[0113] Example 4:

[0114] Through the description of Examples 1 to 3, it can be seen that the tube sheet laser cutting equipment of Example 1 has the following advantages:

[0115] First, by integrating the pipe library 700, machine tool, and sheet metal library 800 sequentially along the X-axis, and centrally controlling the pipe feeding mechanism 710, sheet metal feeding mechanism, X-axis mechanism, pipe lifting mechanism 900, pipe feeding mechanism, Y-axis mechanism 300, Z-axis mechanism 400, and laser cutting mechanism 500 by the same host computer, the integration of pipe or sheet metal feeding and laser cutting functions is realized, improving the automation level of feeding and increasing the feeding efficiency of pipes and sheets.

[0116] Secondly, by setting up pipe feeding trigger elements, plate feeding trigger elements, and lifting trigger elements 210, and linking them with the host computer, precise trigger-based automatic feeding and positioning are achieved. After the machine tool moves to a specific position and triggers the corresponding element, the host computer controls and executes the corresponding action, ensuring the accuracy of pipe and plate feeding, and reliably lifting the pipe to a height coaxial with the feed mechanism. This lays the foundation for subsequent precise cutting. The entire process requires no manual intervention, further improving the degree of automation.

[0117] Third, by setting up multiple independently controllable machine tools (first, second, and third machine tools) along the Y-axis and installing a pipe lifting mechanism 900 between adjacent machine tools, the equipment can flexibly utilize one or more machine tools to form the required work platform according to the length of the pipe or plate to be processed. This modular and scalable design significantly enhances the equipment's adaptability to workpieces of different lengths, optimizes the utilization of the equipment's stroke, and realizes flexible production.

[0118] Fourth, the pipe storage unit 700 employs a pipe rack with an inclined surface, coupled with a pipe feeding mechanism 710 composed of a first baffle 711, a second baffle 712, a first lifting component 713, and a second lifting component 714, resulting in an ingenious structure. This allows for the orderly storage of multiple pipes, and through the coordinated lifting action of the two baffles, only the bottommost target pipe is released and stably fed onto the machine tool at a time, effectively preventing multiple pipes from rolling off or jamming, thus achieving automatic and reliable single-pipe feeding.

[0119] Fifth, the sheet metal storage unit 800 employs a combination of sheet metal racks and rear racks, working in conjunction with a rotary conveyor mechanism equipped with baffles to form a sheet metal feeding mechanism. The baffles separate the sheet metal for storage; as the rotary conveyor rotates, the target sheet closest to the machine tool is fed out, while the rear rack prevents the sheets behind from tipping over. This structure achieves automated, stacked sheet metal feeding, is simple and reliable, and has high space utilization.

[0120] Sixth, the pipe feeding mechanism employs a first rotary clamp 610 and a second rotary clamp 620, which can move along the Y-axis, to clamp the end and front of the pipe, respectively. This dual-point clamping method provides better support and driving stability, and is especially suitable for feeding long pipes. The rotary function also facilitates rotating the pipe during cutting to complete circumferential or complex curve cuts. Furthermore, both the first rotary clamp 610 and the second rotary clamp 620 can move along the Y-axis, flexibly adjusting the clamping position and further improving flexibility.

[0121] As described in Examples 2 and 3, these methods provide automated cutting methods for pipes and plates, respectively. Based on the trigger control logic and multi-machine tool collaborative mechanism of the aforementioned equipment, the methods are clear in their steps and rigorous in their logic. From receiving the loading command to automatic loading, positioning, lifting (for pipes), clamping and feeding (for pipes) / positioning (for plates), and finally completing the cutting, the entire process is automatically scheduled and executed by the host computer, forming a complete unmanned operation process that improves the standardization of operations and production efficiency.

[0122] Furthermore, the host computer pre-sets different length specifications of pipes / plates (e.g., No. 1, No. 2, No. 3) and associates them with different machine tool calling strategies (e.g., calling the first machine tool, calling the first and second machine tools, or calling all three machine tools). When a loading command for a specific specification is received, the host computer can automatically drive the machine tool to the corresponding loading station combination. This intelligent length adaptation method enables the equipment to automatically handle workpieces of different lengths with the optimal machine tool combination, achieving dynamic and efficient allocation of production resources.

[0123] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A tube sheet laser cutting device, comprising a machine tool, a gantry frame spanning the upper side of the machine tool, a Y-axis mechanism mounted on the gantry frame, a Z-axis mechanism mounted on the Y-axis mechanism, a laser cutting mechanism mounted on the Z-axis mechanism, and a tube feeding mechanism. Its features are, It also includes a pipe library, a sheet metal library, and a host computer. The pipe library, the machine tool, and the sheet metal library are arranged sequentially along the X-axis. The pipe library is equipped with a pipe feeding mechanism, and the sheet metal library is equipped with a sheet metal feeding mechanism. The machine tool moves along the X-axis via the X-axis mechanism. The pipe storage includes a pipe rack with an inclined surface on the top surface. Several pipes are placed on the inclined surface. The pipe rack has a pipe feeding trigger element on the side facing the machine tool. The pipe feeding mechanism includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a first lifting component, and a second lifting component. The first baffle is connected to the pipe rack through the first lifting component, and the second baffle is connected to the pipe rack through the second lifting component. The first baffle is used to block the target pipe on the inclined surface. The target pipe is the pipe with the lowest position on the inclined surface. The second baffle is used to separate the target pipe from the pipe with the second lowest position. The sheet metal storage unit includes a sheet metal rack and a rear rack. The rear rack is located on the upper part of the sheet metal rack on the side away from the machine tool, and a sheet metal feeding trigger element is located on the lower part of the sheet metal rack on the side away from the machine tool. The plate feeding mechanism includes a rotary conveyor. The surface of the rotary conveyor is provided with multiple baffles. A plate is placed between every two baffles. The plate closest to the machine tool is the target plate. The plate furthest from the machine tool abuts against the rear frame. The upper parts of two connected plates abut against each other. A pipe lifting mechanism is also provided below the gantry frame, and the pipe feeding mechanism is movably connected to the gantry frame along the Y-axis direction; The pipe feeding trigger element, the plate feeding trigger element, the first and second lifting components in the pipe feeding mechanism, the rotary conveyor in the plate feeding mechanism, the X-axis mechanism, the pipe lifting mechanism, the pipe feeding mechanism, the Y-axis mechanism, the Z-axis mechanism, and the laser cutting mechanism are all electrically connected to the host computer.

2. The tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gantry frame is equipped with a lifting trigger element, which is electrically connected to the host computer. When the X-axis mechanism drives the machine tool to trigger the pipe feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism to feed the target pipe from the pipe library onto the machine tool; When the X-axis mechanism drives the machine tool to trigger the plate feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the plate feeding mechanism to feed the target plate from the plate library onto the machine tool. When the target pipe on the machine tool moves above the pipe lifting mechanism, the lifting trigger element is triggered, and the host computer controls the pipe lifting mechanism to lift the target pipe to the coaxial height of the pipe feeding mechanism.

3. The tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The machine tools are arranged in multiple ways along the Y-axis. The pipe lifting mechanism is provided between each pair of adjacent machine tools. All the machine tools are arranged in sequence from the middle to the sides as the first machine tool, the second machine tool, and the third machine tool. The first machine tool, the second machine tool, and the third machine tool are all connected to the host electromechanical system.

4. The tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe feeding mechanism includes a first rotary clamp and a second rotary clamp. Both the first rotary clamp and the second rotary clamp are movably connected to the gantry along the Y-axis. The first rotary clamp is used to clamp the end of the target pipe, and the second rotary clamp is used to clamp the front of the target pipe.

5. A method of using a tube sheet laser cutting device, characterized in that, Based on the tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in any one of claims 3-4, the tube cutting process includes the following steps: S101, The host computer receives the pipe feeding command, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move to the pipe feeding station, so that the machine tool triggers the pipe feeding trigger element; S102. After receiving the trigger information from the pipe feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the pipe feeding mechanism to feed the target pipe in the pipe library onto the machine tool. S103. After the target pipe is loaded onto the machine tool, the host computer controls the pipe loading mechanism to reset, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move in the opposite direction until the target pipe moves above the pipe lifting mechanism, so that the lifting trigger element is triggered. S104. After receiving the trigger information from the lifting trigger element, the host computer controls the target pipe lifting mechanism to lift the pipe to the coaxial position of the pipe feeding mechanism, and the pipe feeding mechanism clamps the target pipe and feeds it to the laser cutting mechanism. S105. The host computer controls the Y-axis mechanism to adjust the Y-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, the host computer controls the Z-axis mechanism to adjust the Z-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, and the host computer controls the laser cutting mechanism to cut the target pipe.

6. The method of using the tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The host computer is equipped with pipes of gradually increasing length: pipe number one, pipe number two, and pipe number three. When the host computer receives the loading command for pipe No. 1, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool to move to the pipe loading station; When the host computer receives the loading command for the second pipe, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool and the second machine tool to move to the pipe loading station; When the host computer receives the loading command for pipe No. 3, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool, the second machine tool and the third machine tool to move to the pipe loading station.

7. A method of using a tube sheet laser cutting device, characterized in that, According to any one of claims 3-4, the tube sheet laser cutting equipment includes the following steps when cutting the sheet material: S201. The host computer receives the board loading command and controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move to the board loading station, so that the machine tool triggers the board loading trigger element. S202. After receiving the trigger information from the board feeding trigger element, the host computer controls the board feeding mechanism to feed the target board in the board library onto the machine tool, and the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the machine tool to move in the reverse direction and reset. S203. The host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to adjust the position of the target material in the X-axis direction, controls the Y-axis mechanism to adjust the Y-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, controls the Z-axis mechanism to adjust the Z-axis position of the laser cutting mechanism, and controls the laser cutting mechanism to cut the target material.

8. The method of using the tube sheet laser cutting equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The host computer is equipped with three plates of gradually increasing length: Plate No. 1, Plate No. 2, and Plate No.

3. When the host computer receives the loading command for the first plate, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool to move to the plate loading station; When the host computer receives the loading command for the second plate, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool and the second machine tool to move to the plate loading station; When the host computer receives the loading command for plate number three, the host computer controls the X-axis mechanism to drive the first machine tool, the second machine tool and the third machine tool to move to the plate loading station.

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