A laser engraving machine

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of laser engraving and cutting machines, and particularly discloses a laser engraving and cutting machine, which is characterized in that first clamping plates and second clamping plates capable of moving upwards along the z direction are arranged, when a product is conveyed to the space between the first clamping plates and the second clamping plates by a conveying belt, a second driving device of a pushing module drives a pushing plate to move to the side of the first clamping plates, the first clamping plates and the second clamping plates are used to clamp the product, then a first driving device of a lifting module is used to drive the first clamping plates to move upwards along the z direction, so that the product is lifted upwards, and then a laser is used to perform laser engraving on the upper surface of the product, the conveying belt does not need to be stopped during the whole process, and the normal feeding of the front station, that is, the feeding station, of the laser engraving is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser engraving machine technology, and in particular to a laser engraving machine. Background Technology

[0002] Laser engraving is a surface treatment process, similar to screen printing and pad printing, both of which print text or patterns on products. Laser engraving is also called laser carving. Laser engraving uses the light energy of a laser beam to cause chemical and physical changes in the surface material to carve out traces, or it uses light energy to burn away part of the material to reveal the desired etched graphics or text.

[0003] Traditional laser engraving machines require manual loading. The product is placed directly under the laser, and then the laser is turned on to engrave graphics or text on the product. This manual loading method results in extremely low production efficiency. To address this issue, some manufacturers have designed laser engraving machines that use robotic arms for loading and unloading. One example is an automated laser engraving device disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN110682002B, which includes a machine base, a material tray, a loading robotic arm, a transfer table, a workstation assembly, a laser engraving assembly, a horizontal transport mechanism, and an unloading robotic arm mounted on the machine base. The loading robotic arm picks up the parts to be engraved from the loading tray and places them on the transfer table. The workstation assembly includes n workstations for clamping the parts to be engraved. The laser engraving assembly includes m laser cavities positioned directly above each of the n workstations. The horizontal transport mechanism includes w grippers for sequentially moving the parts to be engraved on the transfer table to the n workstations. The unloading robotic arm picks up the parts to be engraved from the last workstation and places them into the unloading tray. Using this automated laser engraving equipment allows for automated laser engraving of products, reducing manual labor intensity and improving the efficiency of laser engraving processing. It is suitable for processing large batches of products.

[0004] While the aforementioned automated laser engraving equipment can automate loading and unloading, both processes still require transfer by a robotic arm, resulting in relatively low processing efficiency. To address this, a laser engraving machine using a belt conveyor has emerged. This machine transports products to predetermined workstations for laser engraving, effectively improving work efficiency. A similar example is the automatic laser engraving machine disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN201931902U, which includes a frame, a laser machine, a laser engraving fixture, a CNC system mounted on the frame, and an automatic feeding transmission mechanism. Both the laser machine and the laser engraving fixture are mounted on the frame, with the laser machine positioned directly above the fixture. The laser machine is electrically connected to the CNC system. The automatic feeding transmission mechanism includes a first unloading device, a transmission support, a material selection component, a conveyor component with a conveyor belt, a servo motor driving the conveyor belt component, a fixing device, a second unloading device, and a recovery component. The material selection component, fixing device, servo motor, and recovery component are all electrically connected to the CNC system.

[0005] The aforementioned automatic laser engraving machine, which uses a conveyor belt to transport products, requires the conveyor belt to stop after the product reaches the designated station before laser engraving can begin. However, in actual production, the station preceding the laser engraving station is usually the loading station, which shares a conveyor belt with the laser engraving station. Since the products transported by the laser engraving and loading stations are generally not synchronized, this means that the loading station cannot load products normally after the conveyor belt stops. If the conveyor belt does not stop, the product remains at the laser engraving station, and due to the extended engraving time, the bottom of the product is easily worn down by the conveyor belt.

[0006] Therefore, existing technologies still need to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a laser engraving machine to solve the problem that the conveyor belt needs to be stopped during laser engraving, which affects the feeding and conveying of products.

[0008] A laser engraving machine, comprising:

[0009] Machine tool;

[0010] The gantry frame is installed on the machine base;

[0011] A laser, mounted on the gantry, is used to generate a laser beam;

[0012] Mounting base, mounted on the machine tool, has a groove extending along the x-direction;

[0013] The lifting module includes a first clamping plate that can move upward along z and a first driving device for driving the first clamping plate to move upward along z, the first driving device being mounted on the mounting base;

[0014] A conveyor belt, with its upper end passing through the groove along the x-direction, forms a conveying channel on the conveyor belt;

[0015] The material pushing module includes a second driving device mounted on the mounting base along the y-direction, a push plate that is drively connected to the second driving device, and a second clamping plate disposed on the push plate and movable upward along the z-direction. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are respectively located on both sides of the conveying channel along the y-direction, and the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are arranged opposite to each other.

[0016] Specifically, the first driving device includes a mounting plate fixedly installed on the mounting base and a gear rotatably mounted on the mounting plate. A rack is connected to the end of the first clamping plate facing the first driving device. The rack is arranged along the z-direction and meshes with the gear.

[0017] Specifically, there are two of each of the groove, conveyor belt, and lifting module. The first drive device also includes two first motors fixedly installed on the mounting plate, and the output shafts of the two first motors are respectively connected to the two gear transmissions.

[0018] Specifically, there are two of each of the groove, conveyor belt, and lifting module. The two gears are driven by a driven wheel. The first drive device also includes a second motor fixedly mounted on the mounting plate. Any one of the gears is connected to the output shaft of the second motor.

[0019] Specifically, the second driving device includes a cylinder fixedly mounted on the mounting base, a vertical plate drivenly connected to the output shaft of the cylinder, a horizontal plate fixedly mounted on the vertical plate, and a pressure rod fixedly mounted on the horizontal plate. A round-headed pin is connected to one end of the push plate facing the pressure rod. The pressure rod is provided with a shaft hole for the round-headed pin to move along the y-direction. A spring is also sleeved on the round-headed pin, and the spring is located between the pressure rod and the push plate.

[0020] Specifically, the horizontal plate is provided with mounting holes along the y-direction, and the top of the vertical plate is provided with a threaded mounting part, which is fixed by a nut after passing through the mounting holes.

[0021] Specifically, the push plate is provided with through holes at both ends along the x-direction, and a photoelectric sensor is installed on one side of the through hole, with the sensing end of the photoelectric sensor facing the first clamping plate; the bottom of both ends of the second clamping plate along the x-direction is also provided with clearance grooves for the sensing light of the photoelectric sensor to pass through.

[0022] Specifically, the laser engraving machine also includes a material blocking module, which includes a third drive device mounted on the mounting base along the y-direction and a stop bar connected to the third drive device. The stop bar is located on one side of the push plate along the x-direction and is used to block the products conveyed by the conveyor belt.

[0023] Specifically, the first clamping plate is provided with several air holes at the end facing the second clamping plate.

[0024] Specifically, the laser engraving machine also includes a gas extraction module, which is used to remove the gas generated when the laser beam engraves the product.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0026] The present invention discloses a laser engraving machine, which is equipped with a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate that can move upward along the z-axis. When the product is conveyed by the conveyor belt to the space between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, the second driving device of the pushing module drives the pushing plate to move towards the first clamping plate. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the product. Then, the first driving device of the lifting module drives the first clamping plate to move upward along the z-axis, thereby moving the product upward. Then, the laser is used to engrave the upper surface of the product. The conveyor belt does not need to stop during the entire process, ensuring the normal feeding of the front station of laser engraving, that is, the feeding station. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the laser engraving machine in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view of the laser engraving machine in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of surface AA;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the mounting base, lifting module, conveyor belt, pushing module, and blocking module in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base and lifting module in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module in Example 1. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module in Example 1. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking module in Example 1;

[0036] Figure 9 Working principle of Example 1 Figure 1 The photoelectric sensor detects that the product is conveyed by the conveyor belt to the space between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and the third drive device drives the baffle to stop the material.

[0037] Figure 10 Working principle of Example 1 Figure 2 The cylinder pushes the push plate, which pushes the product toward the first clamping plate. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the product together.

[0038] Figure 11 Working principle of Example 1 Figure 3 The first driving device drives the first clamping plate to move upward along the z-axis, thereby lifting the product.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first driving device in Embodiment 2.

[0040] The attached figures are labeled as follows: machine base 10, gantry frame 20, laser 30, mounting base 40, groove 41, lifting module 50, first clamping plate 51, first drive device 52, conveyor belt 60, pushing module 70, second drive device 71, push plate 72, second clamping plate 73, mounting plate 521, gear 522, rack 511, first motor 523, driven wheel 524, second motor 525, cylinder 711, vertical plate 712, horizontal plate 713, mounting hole 7131, pressure rod 714, round head pin 715, spring 716, threaded mounting part 717, nut 718, through hole 721, photoelectric sensor 722, clearance groove 731, material blocking module 80, third drive device 81, stop bar 82, air hole 512, air extraction module 90, product 100. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This invention provides a laser engraving machine. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this invention clearer and more explicit, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1-4 This embodiment discloses a laser engraving machine, comprising:

[0045] 10 machines;

[0046] Gantry 20 is installed on machine base 10;

[0047] Laser 30, mounted on gantry 20, is used to generate a laser beam;

[0048] Mounting base 40, mounted on machine base 10, has a groove 41 extending in the x direction;

[0049] The lifting module 50 includes a first clamping plate 51 that can move upward along z and a first driving device 52 for driving the first clamping plate 51 to move upward along z. The first driving device 52 is mounted on the mounting base 40.

[0050] The upper end of the conveyor belt 60 passes through the groove 41 along the x-direction, and a conveying channel is formed on the conveyor belt 60.

[0051] The pushing module 70 includes a second driving device 71 mounted on the mounting base 40 along the y direction, a push plate 72 that is connected to the second driving device 71, and a second clamping plate 73 that is disposed on the push plate 72 and can move upward along the z direction. The first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73 are respectively located on both sides of the conveying channel along the y direction, and the first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0052] In this embodiment of the laser engraving machine, a first clamping plate 51 and a second clamping plate 73 that can move upward along the z-axis are set up. When the product 100 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 60 to the space between the first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73, the second drive device 71 of the pushing module 70 drives the push plate 72 to move towards the first clamping plate 51. The first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73 are used to clamp the product 100. Then, the first drive device 52 of the lifting module 50 drives the first clamping plate 51 to move upward along the z-axis, thereby moving the product 100 upward. Then, the laser 30 is used to engrave the upper surface of the product 100. The conveyor belt 60 does not need to stop during the whole process, ensuring the normal feeding of the front station of laser engraving, that is, the feeding station.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the first driving device 52 in this embodiment includes a mounting plate 521 fixedly mounted to the mounting base 40 by screws, a gear 522 rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 521, and a rack 511 connected to the end of the first clamping plate 51 facing the first driving device 52. The rack 511 is arranged along the z-direction and meshes with the gear 522. The side of the mounting base 40 along the y-direction is provided with a sliding groove for the rack 511 to move along the z-direction. The z-direction cross-section of the rack 511 and the sliding groove are both "convex". Other embodiments are not limited to "convex" shape and can adopt shapes such as "Y" shape, as long as the rack 511 can be locked. The "convex" cross-section structure adopted in this embodiment can effectively lock the rack 511, prevent the rack 511 from falling off, and ensure that the rack 511 can only move up and down along the z-direction.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve processing efficiency, this embodiment is designed with a double-row conveyor structure, that is, there are two grooves 41, two conveyor belts 60, and two lifting modules 50. Each conveyor belt 60 is equipped with three laser engraving stations. Correspondingly, there are six lasers 30, which are respectively located directly above each laser engraving station to generate laser beams downwards to engrave the upper surface of the product 100.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the first drive device 52 also includes two first motors 523 fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 521. The output shafts of the two first motors 523 are respectively connected to two gears 522 for transmission. The two conveyor belts 60 are independent of each other. Therefore, the conveying direction of the two conveyor belts 60 can be set according to the position of the loading station. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate centralized loading and unloading, the conveying direction of the two conveyor belts 60 is designed to be the same. Therefore, the two first motors 523 can be used to control the two gears 522 separately. The structure is simple and has good compatibility.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the second drive device 71 includes a cylinder 711 fixedly mounted on the mounting base 40, a vertical plate 712 drivenly connected to the output shaft of the cylinder 711, a horizontal plate 713 fixedly mounted on the vertical plate 712, and a pressure rod 714 fixedly mounted on the horizontal plate 713. A round-headed pin 715 is connected to one end of the push plate 72 facing the pressure rod 714. The pressure rod 714 is provided with a shaft hole for the round-headed pin 715 to move in the y direction. A spring 716 is also sleeved on the round-headed pin 715. The spring 716 is located between the pressure rod 714 and the push plate 72. By setting the spring 716, the push plate 72 has a certain buffering capacity in the y direction when pushing the material, so as to avoid damage to the product 100 due to excessive pushing force.

[0057] Different products 100 have different widths along the y-direction. Therefore, for processing different products 100, it is usually necessary to pre-set the pushing stroke of the pusher plate 72 along the y-direction. In order to adjust the pushing stroke of the pusher plate 72 along the y-direction, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the horizontal plate 713 of this embodiment is provided with a mounting hole 7131 along the y direction, and the top of the vertical plate 712 is provided with a threaded mounting part 717. The threaded mounting part 717 passes through the mounting hole 7131 and is fixed by a nut 718. When adjusting, the nut 718 can be loosened, the threaded mounting part 717 can be slid along the mounting hole 7131 to a predetermined position, and then the nut 718 can be used to lock it. The adjustment is easy and convenient for the operator.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, the push plate 72 is provided with through holes 721 at both ends along the x direction. A photoelectric sensor 722 is installed on one side of the through hole 721. The sensing end of the photoelectric sensor 722 faces the first clamping plate 51. The photoelectric sensor 722 is used to detect the product 300. When the product 300 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 60 to the side of the through hole 721, the photoelectric sensor 722 senses that the product 300 has passed through. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 722 feeds the signal back to the control system, which then counts or directly controls the material blocking module 80 at that position to block the material. The bottom of both ends of the second clamping plate 73 along the x direction is also provided with clearance grooves 731 for the sensing light of the photoelectric sensor 722 to pass through.

[0059] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the laser engraving machine also includes multiple material blocking modules 80. The material blocking modules 80 are set on one side of each pusher module 70 in the feeding direction. The material blocking module 80 includes a third drive device 81 installed on the mounting base 40 along the y direction and a stop bar 82 that is connected to the third drive device 81 in a transmission manner. The stop bar 82 is set on one side of the pusher plate 72 along the x direction and is used to block the product 100 conveyed by the conveyor belt 60. When the photoelectric sensor 722 senses the product 300, the third drive device 81 is activated and pushes the stop bar 82 toward the first clamping plate 51, thereby blocking the product 100. The structure is simple.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the first clamping plate 51 is also provided with a number of air holes 512 at the end facing the second clamping plate 73. The end face of the first clamping plate 51 along the x direction has an air port that communicates with the air holes 512. The air port is used to connect a vacuum device. After the vacuum device is started, it can generate negative pressure at the front end of the air holes 512. The negative pressure can be used to tighten the product 100, which can prevent the product 100 from falling off when the first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73 are clamped.

[0061] The laser engraving machine also includes an air extraction module 90, which includes a fan facing the laser engraving station and an exhaust pipe connected to the fan outlet. After the fan is started, it can remove the gas generated when the laser beam engraves the product 100.

[0062] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the operating principle of the laser engraving machine is as follows: The conveyor belt 60 transports the product 100 between the first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73. The photoelectric sensor 722 senses the product 100 and feeds the signal back to the control system. The control system directly controls the material blocking module 80 at this position to block the material. The cylinder 711 pushes the push plate 72, which pushes the product 100 towards the first clamping plate 51. The first clamping plate 51 and the second clamping plate 73 clamp the product 100. The first driving device 52 drives the first clamping plate 51 to move upward along z, thereby lifting the product 100. The laser 30 engraves the upper surface of the product 100.

[0063] Of course, the above principle only applies to the operation of the pushing module 70 and the blocking module 80. For the three laser engraving stations in this embodiment, they can be set from left to right as the first laser engraving station, the second laser engraving station, and the third laser engraving station. When the first product 100 is conveyed to the first laser engraving station by the conveyor belt 60, the blocking modules 80 at these two positions do not need to operate. The photoelectric sensor 722 only performs a counting function, allowing the first product 100 to smoothly enter the third laser engraving station. At this time, the blocking module 80 of the third laser engraving station blocks the first product 100. When the second product 100 is conveyed to the first laser engraving station by the conveyor belt 60, the blocking module 80 of the first laser engraving station can remain inactive, and the photoelectric sensor 722 only performs a counting function, allowing the second product 100 to smoothly enter the second laser engraving station. At this time, the blocking module 80 of the second laser engraving station blocks the second product 100. When the third product 100 is conveyed to the first laser engraving station by the conveyor belt 60, the blocking module 80 of the first laser engraving station blocks the second product 100. Then, laser engraving is performed simultaneously, resulting in higher overall processing efficiency.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] like Figure 12 As shown, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that: there are two of each of the groove 41, conveyor belt 60, and lifting module 50. The two gears 522 are driven by a driven wheel 524. The first drive device 52 also includes a second motor 525 fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 521. Any one of the gears 522 is connected to the output shaft of the second motor 525. The two gears 522 can be controlled synchronously by one second motor 525. The structure is ingenious and also reduces equipment costs and energy consumption.

[0066] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser engraving machine, characterized in that, include: Machine (10); Gantry (20) is installed on the machine base (10); A laser (30), mounted on the gantry (20), is used to generate a laser beam; Mounting base (40), mounted on the machine base (10), has a groove (41) extending in the x direction. The lifting module (50) includes a first clamping plate (51) movable upward along z and a first driving device (52) for driving the first clamping plate (51) to move upward along z, the first driving device (52) being mounted on the mounting base (40). A conveyor belt (60) has its upper end passing through the groove (41) along the x-direction, and a conveying channel is formed on the conveyor belt (60); The feeding module (70) includes a second driving device (71) mounted on the mounting base (40) along the y direction, a push plate (72) connected to the second driving device (71) in transmission, and a second clamping plate (73) disposed on the push plate (72) and movable along the z direction. The first clamping plate (51) and the second clamping plate (73) are respectively located on both sides of the conveying channel along the y direction, and the first clamping plate (51) and the second clamping plate (73) are arranged opposite to each other. The first driving device (52) includes a mounting plate (521) fixedly mounted on the mounting base (40) and a gear (522) rotatably mounted on the mounting plate (521). A rack (511) is connected to one end of the first clamping plate (51) facing the first driving device (52). The rack (511) is arranged along the z-direction and meshes with the gear (522). The second driving device (71) includes a cylinder (711) fixedly installed on the mounting base (40), a vertical plate (712) drivenly connected to the output shaft of the cylinder (711), a horizontal plate (713) fixedly installed on the vertical plate (712), and a pressure rod (714) fixedly installed on the horizontal plate (713). A round-headed pin (715) is connected to one end of the push plate (72) facing the pressure rod (714). The pressure rod (714) is provided with a shaft hole for the round-headed pin (715) to move in the y direction. A spring (716) is also sleeved on the round-headed pin (715). The spring (716) is located between the pressure rod (714) and the push plate (72).

2. The laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (41), conveyor belt (60), and lifting module (50) are all in two units. The first drive device (52) also includes two first motors (523) fixedly installed on the mounting plate (521). The output shafts of the two first motors (523) are respectively connected to the two gears (522) for transmission.

3. The laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (41), conveyor belt (60), and lifting module (50) are each two in number. The two gears (522) are driven by a driven wheel (524). The first drive device (52) also includes a second motor (525) fixedly installed on the mounting plate (521). Any one of the gears (522) is connected to the output shaft of the second motor (525) via a drive connection.

4. A laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal plate (713) is provided with a mounting hole (7131) along the y direction, and the top of the vertical plate (712) is provided with a threaded mounting part (717). The threaded mounting part (717) passes through the mounting hole (7131) and is fixed by a nut (718).

5. A laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push plate (72) is also provided with through holes (721) at both ends along the x direction. A photoelectric sensor (722) is installed on one side of the through hole (721), and the sensing end of the photoelectric sensor (722) faces the first clamping plate (51). The bottom of both ends of the second clamping plate (73) along the x direction is also provided with clearance grooves (731) for the sensing light of the photoelectric sensor (722) to pass through.

6. A laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser engraving machine also includes a material blocking module (80), which includes a third drive device (81) mounted on the mounting base (40) along the y direction and a baffle (82) connected to the third drive device (81) in a transmission manner. The baffle (82) is located on the push plate (72) along the x direction and is used to block the product (100) conveyed by the conveyor belt (60).

7. A laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping plate (51) is also provided with a number of air holes (512) at the end facing the second clamping plate (73).

8. A laser engraving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser engraving machine also includes a gas extraction module (90) for removing the gas generated when the laser beam engraves the product (100).

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