A sheet laser cutting apparatus and control method

Abstract

A kind of plate laser cutting equipment and control method, including processing table, portal frame, transverse drive component, longitudinal drive component, image acquisition component and laser cutting component;Portal frame is slidably fitted on processing table, transverse drive component is arranged in the lower end of portal frame, and transverse drive component is used to drive portal frame to slide along the length direction of processing table;Slip seat is slidably fitted on the top of portal frame, longitudinal drive component is arranged in the bottom of slip seat, and longitudinal drive component is used to drive slip seat to slide along the width direction of processing table;Image acquisition component and laser cutting component are oppositely arranged on the two sides of slip seat, so as to realize image acquisition and laser cutting in turn.The overall structure is simple, image acquisition component and laser cutting component are arranged, image acquisition component is set to be able to move along the length and width direction of processing table with drive component, so as to complete overall scanning to entire plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser cutting, and specifically to a laser cutting device and control method for sheet metal. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cutting technology for sheet metal is an advanced manufacturing technology that uses a laser as the cutting tool. Through the interaction of a high-energy laser beam with the material surface, it achieves high-precision and high-efficiency processing of sheet metal. This technology is widely used in metal processing, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace, and is applicable to cutting sheet metal of varying thicknesses and materials. It boasts significant advantages such as high cutting speed, smooth edges, and high flexibility. Furthermore, laser cutting supports the processing of complex shapes, providing strong support for the automation and intelligentization of industrial manufacturing.

[0003] However, traditional sheet metal cutting mostly employs manual methods, including manual mechanical cutting or handheld tool cutting. While these methods are low-cost and simple, they have the following drawbacks: Cutting results depend heavily on the operator's skill level, especially in machining complex curves or requiring high-precision dimensions, where achieving ideal results is difficult. Traditional cutting methods involve high temperatures, high noise levels, or sharp tools, which can easily damage the operator. Furthermore, human error leads to low material utilization, increased defect rates, and hinders the achievement of green manufacturing goals. Therefore, to address these issues, a laser cutting device and control method for sheet metal is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a laser cutting device and control method for sheet metal. The specific technical solution of the laser cutting device for sheet metal is as follows: A laser cutting device for sheet metal, characterized in that: Includes processing table, gantry frame, transverse drive assembly, longitudinal drive assembly, image acquisition assembly and laser cutting assembly; The gantry frame is slidably mounted on the processing table, and the transverse drive assembly is disposed at the lower end of the gantry frame. The transverse drive assembly is used to drive the gantry frame to slide along the length direction of the processing table. The sliding seat is slidably mounted on the top of the gantry frame, and the longitudinal drive assembly is disposed at the bottom of the sliding seat. The longitudinal drive assembly is used to drive the sliding seat to slide along the width direction of the processing table. The image acquisition component and the laser cutting component are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the sliding base so as to realize image acquisition and laser cutting in sequence.

[0005] To better realize the present invention, it can be further: On both sides of the top of the processing table, there are transverse guide rails that are aligned with the length of the processing table. The bottom of the gantry frame is provided with a transverse sliding groove. The transverse sliding groove and the transverse guide rail are engaged by a concave-convex structure to allow the gantry frame to slide on the transverse guide rail. A transverse rack is connected side by side on the inner side of the transverse guide rail. A transverse drive motor is installed at the bottom of the gantry frame. A transverse gear is provided at the rotating end of the transverse drive motor. The transverse drive motor meshes with the transverse rack through the transverse gear at its rotating end to drive the gantry frame to slide along the transverse guide rail.

[0006] Furthermore: A longitudinal guide rail aligned with the width of the processing table is provided on the top of the gantry frame, and a longitudinal sliding groove is provided at the bottom of the sliding seat, the longitudinal sliding groove engaging with the longitudinal guide rail. A longitudinal rack is connected side by side on the inner side of the longitudinal guide rail. A longitudinal drive motor is installed at the bottom of the sliding seat. A longitudinal gear is provided at the rotating end of the longitudinal drive motor. The longitudinal gear meshes with the longitudinal rack. The longitudinal drive motor is used to drive the sliding seat to slide along the longitudinal guide rail.

[0007] Furthermore: The image acquisition component includes an acquisition bracket, an acquisition cylinder, and a camera module. The acquisition bracket is fixedly connected to the sliding base, the acquisition cylinder is connected to the acquisition bracket, and the camera module is installed on the telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder. The telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder is used to drive the camera module to move up and down to achieve image acquisition at different heights.

[0008] Furthermore: The laser cutting assembly includes a connecting plate, a lifting motor, a lead screw, a guide seat, and a laser head. A guide groove is formed in the connecting plate, the lead screw is rotatably connected in the guide groove, the guide seat is slidably installed in the guide groove, the guide seat and the lead screw are threadedly engaged, the laser head is connected to the guide seat, the lifting motor is used to drive the lead screw to rotate, and the lead screw is used to convert the rotational motion into the sliding motion of the guide seat in the guide groove.

[0009] The specific technical solution for a control method of a plate laser cutting equipment is as follows: A working method of a plate laser cutting equipment, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Place the workpiece to be processed stably on the working surface of the processing table, ensuring that the workpiece is within the effective working area of ​​the processing table; S2: The control system drives the transverse drive component to make the gantry slide along the length of the processing table, and at the same time drives the longitudinal drive component to make the sliding seat slide along the width of the processing table. The image acquisition component sequentially scans and acquires images of the entire surface of the workpiece on the processing table, generating the outline of the workpiece and the position information of the processing area. S3: The image acquisition component transmits the acquired board image data to the control system. The control system uses embedded algorithms to process the image data, extract the edge contour of the processing area, and generate a laser cutting path. S4: The control system controls the horizontal drive component and the vertical drive component to move the sliding seat according to the planned cutting path. At the same time, the height of the laser head is adjusted to a position that is compatible with the surface of the plate by the lifting motor, and the laser cutting component is controlled to cut the plate segment by segment according to the path information to complete the precise cutting. S5: After processing is complete, remove the sheet and check the cutting effect, clean the processing table, and prepare for the processing of the next sheet.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The overall structure is simple, incorporating an image acquisition component and a laser cutting component. The image acquisition component moves along the length and width of the processing table with the drive component, thus completing a comprehensive scan of the entire workpiece. The control system processes the acquired image data, accurately extracting the workpiece contour and processing area information, and automatically generating the laser cutting path. This avoids the cumbersome process of traditional manual measurement and marking. The laser cutting component controls the position of the laser head via a lifting motor, adjusting its height according to the thickness or surface condition of the workpiece to ensure the cutting head is always in the optimal working position. Combined with precise cutting path control, high-precision processing of the workpiece is achieved. By setting up horizontal and vertical drive components, the gantry and sliding seat can achieve dual-axis linkage, significantly improving the flexibility of the processing range. By entrusting all critical operations to the automated system, the direct threat of high temperatures or lasers to personnel is avoided. Simultaneously, the cutting path is planned by an algorithm, reducing the possibility of misoperation. Through precise image recognition and path optimization, waste is reduced, and production costs are lowered. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a first overall structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second overall structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the present invention; The attached diagram shows the following components: 1. Processing table; 2. Gantry frame; 3. Horizontal drive motor; 4. Horizontal guide rail; 5. Horizontal gear; 6. Horizontal rack; 7. Longitudinal drive motor; 8. Longitudinal gear; 9. Longitudinal guide rail; 10. Longitudinal rack; 11. Acquisition bracket; 12. Acquisition cylinder; 13. Camera module; 14. Connecting plate; 15. Lifting motor; 16. Lead screw; 17. Guide seat; 18. Laser head; 19. Guide groove; 20. Sliding seat. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 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.

[0013] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: A plate laser cutting device includes a processing table 1, a gantry frame 2, a transverse drive assembly, a longitudinal drive assembly, an image acquisition assembly, and a laser cutting assembly; The gantry frame 2 is slidably mounted on the processing table 1, and the transverse drive assembly is located at the lower end of the gantry frame 2. The transverse drive assembly is used to drive the gantry frame 2 to slide along the length direction of the processing table 1. Specifically, transverse guide rails 4, which are aligned with the length of the processing table 1, are respectively provided on both sides of the top of the processing table 1. The transverse guide rails 4 are made of high-strength aluminum alloy and the surface is anodized to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance, ensuring stable performance of the equipment during long-term use.

[0014] The bottom of the gantry 2 is provided with a transverse sliding groove. The transverse sliding groove and the transverse guide rail 4 are engaged by a concave-convex structure to enable the gantry 2 to slide on the transverse guide rail 4. The sliding groove is provided with a self-lubricating ball block slider, which can effectively reduce friction and operating noise and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0015] A transverse rack 6 is connected side-by-side on the inner side of the transverse guide rail 4. The rack is made of high-carbon steel and has undergone high-frequency quenching treatment to improve its hardness and strength. A transverse drive motor is installed at the bottom of the gantry frame 2. A transverse gear 5 is provided at the rotating end of the transverse drive motor. The transverse drive motor meshes with the transverse rack 6 through the transverse gear 5 at its rotating end to drive the gantry frame 2 to slide along the transverse guide rail 4.

[0016] The sliding seat 20 is slidably mounted on the top of the gantry frame 2, and the longitudinal drive assembly is disposed at the bottom of the sliding seat 20. The longitudinal drive assembly is used to drive the sliding seat 20 to slide along the width direction of the processing table 1. A longitudinal guide rail 9, which is aligned with the width of the processing table 1, is provided on the top of the gantry frame 2. The longitudinal guide rail 9 is embedded with a high-precision rolling bearing and is pre-tightened to ensure the accurate positioning of the sliding seat 20 during operation and reduce errors caused by vibration.

[0017] The bottom of the sliding seat 20 is provided with a longitudinal sliding groove, which is in concave-convex fit with the longitudinal guide rail 9; A longitudinal rack 10 is connected side by side on the inner side of the longitudinal guide rail 9. A longitudinal drive motor 7 is installed at the bottom of the sliding seat 20. A longitudinal gear 8 is provided at the rotating end of the longitudinal drive motor 7. The longitudinal gear 8 meshes with the longitudinal rack 10. The longitudinal drive motor 7 is used to drive the sliding seat 20 to slide along the longitudinal guide rail 9.

[0018] The image acquisition component and the laser cutting component are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the sliding base 20 so as to realize image acquisition and laser cutting in sequence.

[0019] The image acquisition component includes an acquisition bracket 11, an acquisition cylinder 12, and a camera module 13. The acquisition bracket 11 is fixedly connected to the sliding seat 20, the acquisition cylinder 12 is connected to the acquisition bracket 11, and the camera module 13 is installed on the telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder 12. The acquisition cylinder 12 is a high-precision servo cylinder with fast response and precise position control capabilities, ensuring clear and stable images during the acquisition process of the camera module 13.

[0020] The camera module 13 is installed on the telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder 12. The telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder 12 is used to drive the camera module 13 to move up and down, so as to acquire images at different heights.

[0021] The laser cutting assembly includes a connecting plate 14, a lifting motor 15, a lead screw 16, a guide seat 17, and a laser head 18. A guide groove 19 is provided in the connecting plate 14. The lead screw 16 is rotatably connected in the guide groove 19. The guide seat 17 is slidably installed in the guide groove 19. The guide seat 17 and the lead screw 16 are threaded together. The lead screw 16 is a ball screw, which has high transmission efficiency and stronger wear resistance.

[0022] The laser head 18 is connected to the guide seat 17. The lifting motor 15 is used to drive the lead screw 16 to rotate. The lead screw 16 is used to convert the rotational motion into the sliding of the guide seat 17 in the guide groove 19. By precisely controlling the moving distance of the guide seat 17, the laser head 18 is always kept at the optimal focal length position, thereby improving the cutting effect.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, a working method of a plate laser cutting equipment includes the following steps: S1: Place the workpiece to be processed stably on the working plane of the processing table 1, ensuring that the workpiece is within the effective working area of ​​the processing table 1; S2: The control system drives the transverse drive component to make the gantry 2 slide along the length direction of the processing table 1, and at the same time drives the longitudinal drive component to make the sliding seat 20 slide along the width direction of the processing table 1. The image acquisition component sequentially scans and acquires images of the entire surface of the plate on the processing table 1 to generate the plate outline and the position information of the processing area. S3: The image acquisition component transmits the acquired board image data to the control system. The control system uses embedded algorithms to process the image data, extract the edge contour of the processing area, and generate a laser cutting path. S4: The control system controls the horizontal drive component and the vertical drive component to move the sliding seat 20 according to the planned cutting path. At the same time, the lifting motor 15 adjusts the height of the laser head 18 to a position that is compatible with the surface of the plate, and controls the laser cutting component to cut the plate segment by segment according to the path information to complete the precise cutting. S5: After processing is completed, remove the board and check the cutting effect. Clean processing table 1 and prepare for the processing of the next board.

[0024] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0025] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A laser cutting device for sheet metal, characterized in that: Includes processing table, gantry frame, transverse drive assembly, longitudinal drive assembly, image acquisition assembly and laser cutting assembly; The gantry frame is slidably mounted on the processing table, and the transverse drive assembly is disposed at the lower end of the gantry frame. The transverse drive assembly is used to drive the gantry frame to slide along the length direction of the processing table. The sliding seat is slidably mounted on the top of the gantry frame, and the longitudinal drive assembly is disposed at the bottom of the sliding seat. The longitudinal drive assembly is used to drive the sliding seat to slide along the width direction of the processing table. The image acquisition component and the laser cutting component are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the sliding base so as to realize image acquisition and laser cutting in sequence.

2. The plate laser cutting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: On both sides of the top of the processing table, there are transverse guide rails that are aligned with the length of the processing table. The bottom of the gantry frame is provided with a transverse sliding groove. The transverse sliding groove and the transverse guide rail are engaged by a concave-convex structure to allow the gantry frame to slide on the transverse guide rail. A transverse rack is connected side by side on the inner side of the transverse guide rail. A transverse drive motor is installed at the bottom of the gantry frame. A transverse gear is provided at the rotating end of the transverse drive motor. The transverse drive motor meshes with the transverse rack through the transverse gear at its rotating end to drive the gantry frame to slide along the transverse guide rail.

3. The plate laser cutting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: A longitudinal guide rail aligned with the width of the processing table is provided on the top of the gantry frame, and a longitudinal sliding groove is provided at the bottom of the sliding seat, the longitudinal sliding groove engaging with the longitudinal guide rail. A longitudinal rack is connected side by side on the inner side of the longitudinal guide rail. A longitudinal drive motor is installed at the bottom of the sliding seat. A longitudinal gear is provided at the rotating end of the longitudinal drive motor. The longitudinal gear meshes with the longitudinal rack. The longitudinal drive motor is used to drive the sliding seat to slide along the longitudinal guide rail.

4. The plate laser cutting equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The image acquisition component includes an acquisition bracket, an acquisition cylinder, and a camera module. The acquisition bracket is fixedly connected to the sliding base, the acquisition cylinder is connected to the acquisition bracket, and the camera module is installed on the telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder. The telescopic end of the acquisition cylinder is used to drive the camera module to move up and down to achieve image acquisition at different heights.

5. The plate laser cutting equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The laser cutting assembly includes a connecting plate, a lifting motor, a lead screw, a guide seat, and a laser head. A guide groove is formed in the connecting plate, the lead screw is rotatably connected in the guide groove, the guide seat is slidably installed in the guide groove, the guide seat and the lead screw are threadedly engaged, the laser head is connected to the guide seat, the lifting motor is used to drive the lead screw to rotate, and the lead screw is used to convert the rotational motion into the sliding motion of the guide seat in the guide groove.

6. The working method of the plate laser cutting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Place the workpiece to be processed stably on the working surface of the processing table, ensuring that the workpiece is within the effective working area of ​​the processing table; S2: The control system drives the transverse drive component to make the gantry slide along the length of the processing table, and at the same time drives the longitudinal drive component to make the sliding seat slide along the width of the processing table. The image acquisition component sequentially scans and acquires images of the entire surface of the workpiece on the processing table, generating the outline of the workpiece and the position information of the processing area. S3: The image acquisition component transmits the acquired board image data to the control system. The control system uses an embedded algorithm to process the image data, extract the edge contour of the processing area, and generate a laser cutting path. S4: The control system controls the horizontal drive component and the vertical drive component to move the sliding seat according to the planned cutting path. At the same time, the height of the laser head is adjusted to a position that is compatible with the surface of the plate by the lifting motor, and the laser cutting component is controlled to cut the plate segment by segment according to the path information to complete the precise cutting. S5: After processing is complete, remove the sheet and check the cutting effect, clean the processing table, and prepare for the processing of the next sheet.

Images