A flexible laser engraving apparatus and method of operation

Abstract

The application relates to the field of laser engraving equipment, in particular to a flexible laser engraving equipment and a running method. A bearing frame is provided with a laser engraving laser emission host and a laser engraving position; the laser engraving position is arranged in the laser emission range of the laser engraving laser emission host; a workpiece recognition mechanism is arranged on one side of the bearing frame and is used for recognizing workpiece information to be processed and sending; a workpiece moving mechanism is located between the laser engraving laser emission host and the workpiece recognition mechanism; the workpiece moving mechanism is used for moving the workpiece in the recognition range to the laser engraving position; a control mechanism is in communication connection with the workpiece recognition mechanism and the workpiece moving mechanism; the control mechanism is used for receiving the workpiece information fed back by the workpiece recognition mechanism; planning a motion stroke of the workpiece moving mechanism based on the workpiece information; and sending the motion stroke to the workpiece moving mechanism. The overall working efficiency in the laser engraving process is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of laser engraving equipment, and in particular to a flexible laser engraving device and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Laser engraving, generally referring to laser carving, is a process that utilizes CNC technology and lasers as the processing medium. The physical transformation of the material under laser irradiation—instantaneous melting and vaporization—allows laser engraving to achieve its purpose. Laser engraving uses laser technology to write text on objects. This technique produces text without scratches, leaving the object surface smooth, and the text will not wear off.

[0003] During laser engraving, the workpiece to be engraved needs to be conveyed by the vibrating feeder to the area below the laser emitter and fixed. After the laser engraving is completed, the finished workpiece is moved away from the area below the laser emitter. Repeating the above steps can complete the sequential processing of multiple workpieces.

[0004] The inventors discovered that during the vibratory feeding process, the inner wall shape of the feeding track of the vibratory feeding plate needs to be modified according to the processing requirements of the workpiece to be conveyed. If different shapes of workpieces are laser engraved, multiple sets of vibratory feeding plates with different feeding tracks need to be matched and used. When different workpieces need to be replaced for laser engraving, the operation steps are cumbersome when matching the corresponding vibratory feeding plates, which leads to a reduction in the overall efficiency of laser engraving. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To improve the overall efficiency of the laser engraving process, this application provides a flexible laser engraving device and its operating method.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a flexible laser engraving device, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A flexible laser engraving device, comprising:

[0008] A support frame, on which a laser engraving main unit and a laser engraving position are provided; the laser engraving position is located within the laser emission range of the laser engraving main unit;

[0009] A workpiece identification mechanism is disposed on one side of the support frame and is used to identify and send information about the workpiece to be processed.

[0010] A workpiece moving mechanism is located between the laser engraving host and the workpiece recognition mechanism; it is used to move the workpiece within the recognition range to the laser engraving position.

[0011] The control mechanism is communicatively connected to both the workpiece identification mechanism and the workpiece moving mechanism. The control mechanism receives workpiece information fed back by the workpiece identification mechanism, plans the motion stroke of the workpiece moving mechanism based on the workpiece information, and sends the motion stroke to the workpiece moving mechanism.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, firstly, the pre-laser-engraved workpiece model is imported into the control mechanism / workpiece recognition mechanism, and the corresponding clamping parts of the workpiece are preset; the clamping parts are used as recognition targets.

[0013] Subsequently, the workpieces to be laser-engraved are transported in appropriate quantities to the recognition range of the workpiece recognition mechanism. The workpiece recognition mechanism performs feature recognition / image acquisition on the workpieces within the recognition range to obtain workpiece information (coordinate information of the clamping parts within the recognition range) and sends the workpiece information to the control mechanism. At this time, the clamping end of the workpiece moving mechanism is in the initial position (i.e., the origin of the coordinates).

[0014] The control mechanism plans the movement stroke between the clamping end of the workpiece moving mechanism and the coordinates contained in the workpiece information based on the received workpiece information, and sends it to the workpiece moving mechanism so that the workpiece moving mechanism can move the workpiece one by one to the laser engraving position.

[0015] In summary, the laser engraving equipment is designed to be suitable for different types of workpieces. When processing different workpieces, it is only necessary to replace the different workpiece models, import them into the workpiece recognition mechanism, and set the corresponding clamping parts, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the equipment during the laser engraving process.

[0016] Optionally, the support frame is provided with a feeding tray located within the recognition range of the workpiece recognition mechanism, and a vibrating element is provided on the feeding tray for vibrating the feeding tray; the signal end of the vibrating element is communicatively connected to the workpiece recognition mechanism.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the workpiece is conveyed to the loading tray, and the vibrating component gradually vibrates the workpiece on the loading tray to the recognition range. After the workpiece recognition mechanism has completed the recognition of the workpiece within the recognition range, it can send a start command to the vibrating component so that the vibrating component can shake the loading tray again, thereby realizing the flipping of the remaining workpieces within the recognition range and the continuous feeding of subsequent workpieces; thereby improving the working efficiency of the workpiece recognition mechanism.

[0018] Optionally, a positioning pad is detachably connected to the side of the feeding tray facing the workpiece identification mechanism; the side of the positioning pad away from the feeding tray has several limiting protrusions, and the side of the limiting protrusions away from the positioning pad is arc-shaped.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, after the vibrating component stops, several limiting protrusions can restrict the workpiece from continuously rolling on the positioning pad, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in the workpiece information obtained by the workpiece identification mechanism due to the workpiece rolling.

[0020] Optionally, a pusher roller is slidably connected to the side of the feeding tray facing the positioning pad, and the workpiece identification mechanism is communicatively connected to a first drive component that drives the pusher roller to reciprocate within the identification range of the workpiece identification mechanism; the output end of the first drive component is connected to the end of the pusher roller.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, after the vibration ends, the first drive component is activated to drive the pusher roller to move back and forth within the recognition range, so as to flatten the workpieces that overlapped during the vibration process, thereby further improving the possibility of errors in the workpiece information obtained by the workpiece recognition mechanism due to workpiece overlap.

[0022] Optionally, the workpiece moving mechanism includes an intelligent robotic arm, a closed-loop feeding track, and a conveying track mounted on the support frame; the closed-loop feeding track and the conveying track are stacked.

[0023] A plurality of workpiece levers are connected to the closed-loop feeding track; the plurality of workpiece levers are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track; the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track is set from the recognition range toward the laser engraving position; the workpiece levers can be engaged with the workpieces to be processed; a second drive component is provided on the closed-loop feeding track to push the plurality of workpiece levers toward the laser engraving position.

[0024] The material feeding track is set from the recognition range to the laser engraving position; the inside of the material feeding track allows for workpiece sliding connection; the end of the workpiece lever away from the closed-loop feeding track extends into it;

[0025] An air suction hole is provided on the inner wall of the laser engraving position; the air suction hole is connected to an electrically controlled air pump; the air suction direction of the air suction hole is set towards the material conveying track.

[0026] The intelligent robotic arm is used to receive the motion stroke and move the workpiece within the recognition range to the end of the feed track away from the laser engraving position.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the intelligent robotic arm clamps the gripper part of the workpiece and moves the workpiece into the feeding track. The second drive component drives the workpiece paddle to move circumferentially on the closed-loop feeding track, so as to realize that the workpiece to be processed is moved on the feeding track towards the laser engraving position by the workpiece paddle. When the workpiece is transported along the feeding track to near the laser engraving position, the electric air pump is activated, and the workpiece is sucked from the feeding track to the engraving position through the air suction port; thus realizing automatic feeding of the workpiece and improving the convenience of laser engraving workpieces.

[0028] Optionally, the closed-loop feeding track is equipped with an air box inside, and an air suction device is installed outside the air box. The air suction device is used to transport the gas inside the air box to the outside of the box.

[0029] A vent pipe is inserted inside the workpiece lever; a guide rail is provided through the air box for the vent pipe to slide and connect; the end of the vent pipe away from the workpiece lever is connected to the interior of the air box by the guide rail.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, during the material feeding process, the air suction device draws out the air from the air box. Based on the structure that connects the air pipe and the air box, an internal airflow is formed at the end of the air pipe away from the air box (i.e. inside the workpiece feeder) to maintain the stability of the connection between the workpiece feeder and the workpiece when the feeder action is performed, thereby reducing the possibility of the workpiece feeder detaching from the workpiece due to the excessive speed of the second drive component.

[0031] Optionally, the inner wall of the air box is slidably provided with an elastic seal that covers the guide rail; both ends of the elastic seal are connected to two adjacent air pipes.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, an elastic seal is used to connect two adjacent vent pipes, thereby covering the guide rail, reducing the contact area between the inside and outside of the air box, and better maintaining the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air box, which is conducive to maintaining the internal airflow intensity at one end of the workpiece lever; at the same time, since the sealing elastic element is elastic, it can adapt to different spacings between two adjacent vent pipes, thereby improving the practicality of the elastic seal.

[0033] Optionally, the support frame is provided with a discharge mechanism and a material transfer robotic arm; the material transfer robotic arm is rotatably connected to the support frame;

[0034] The discharge mechanism includes a discharge track mounted on a support frame; the discharge track extends in a direction away from the laser engraving position.

[0035] The end of the discharge track near the laser engraving position has a feeding notch for the free end of the material transfer robot arm to engage.

[0036] By adopting the above technical solution, a material transfer robotic arm is used to move the laser-engraved workpiece from the laser engraving position to the feeding gap, thereby improving the overall efficiency of material unloading. Subsequently, several workpieces are stacked one by one on the discharge track. Workpieces that are subsequently pushed into the discharge track from the feeding gap can realize the accumulation of workpieces at the rear end (the end of the discharge track closer to the laser engraving position) and the automatic discharge of workpieces at the front end (the end of the discharge track away from the laser engraving position).

[0037] Optionally, the discharge mechanism further includes a guide assembly disposed at the feed notch; the guide assembly includes an elastic reset member disposed on the inner wall of the feed notch and a guide block slidably connected to the inner wall of the feed notch; one end of the elastic reset member away from the inner wall of the feed notch is connected to the side wall of the guide block;

[0038] The side of the guide block away from the elastic reset member is a guide plane; the guide plane can be abutted by the free end of the material handling robot arm; the elastic reset member has a normal position and a force-bearing position;

[0039] When the elastic reset member is in the normal position, the guide plane of the guide block fills the feed gap;

[0040] When the elastic reset member is in the force-bearing position, the guide plane of the guide block partially fills the feed gap and is positioned towards the interior of the discharge track.

[0041] By adopting the above technical solution, the guide plane of the guide block fills the feeding gap, and the feeding gap is in a closed state. When the material transfer robot moves the laser-engraved workpiece from the laser engraving position to the feeding gap, the guide block is forced to move into the feeding gap, thereby forcing the elastic reset part to move from the normal position to the force position, so that the workpiece can enter the internal stack of the discharge track from the feeding gap.

[0042] When the material handling robot arm resets, the guide block loses external force, and the reset elastic element returns from the force-bearing position to the normal position, thereby completing the reset of the guide block, maintaining the closed state of the feed notch, and at the same time, enabling the guide block to abut against the stacked workpieces on the side away from the guide plane.

[0043] Secondly, the operating method of the flexible laser engraving equipment provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0044] A method for operating a flexible laser engraving device includes the following steps:

[0045] Step 1.1: Start the vibrating component for the preset duration;

[0046] Step 1.2: Start the first drive component to drive the pusher roller to reciprocate within the recognition range for one cycle;

[0047] Step 1.3: Start the workpiece recognition mechanism to identify the workpieces on the loading tray and send the workpiece information to the control mechanism;

[0048] Step 2: The control mechanism analyzes the movement stroke between the clampable part of each workpiece and the starting position of the workpiece moving mechanism based on the received workpiece information, and sends several of the movement strokes to the intelligent robotic arm.

[0049] Step 3: The intelligent robotic arm clamps the workpieces one by one into the conveyor track;

[0050] Step 3.1: Start the second drive assembly and suction device; the workpiece in the feed track is moved closer to the laser engraving position by the workpiece lever;

[0051] Step 4: Start the electric air pump; suck the workpiece in the feed track to the laser engraving position;

[0052] Step 4.1: Start the laser engraving laser emitter to execute one action cycle. When one action cycle is completed, the laser engraving laser emitter sends a start command to the material handling robot arm.

[0053] Step 5: The material handling robot arm starts running according to the start command.

[0054] By adopting the above technical solutions, automatic identification, clamping, loading, laser engraving, and unloading of workpieces can be achieved, thereby improving the convenience of loading different types of workpieces for laser engraving and thus improving the overall working efficiency of laser engraving equipment.

[0055] In summary, this application includes at least the following beneficial technical effects:

[0056] 1. The workpiece recognition mechanism performs feature recognition / image acquisition on the workpieces within the recognition range to obtain workpiece information (coordinate information of the clamping parts within the recognition range) of each workpiece, and sends the workpiece information to the control mechanism; the control mechanism plans the movement stroke between the clamping end of the workpiece moving mechanism and the coordinates contained in the workpiece information according to the received workpiece information, so that the workpiece moving mechanism can move the workpieces one by one to the laser engraving position.

[0057] 2. To achieve automatic identification, clamping, loading, laser engraving and unloading of workpieces, thereby improving the ease of loading different types of workpieces for laser engraving and thus improving the overall working efficiency of laser engraving equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall installation structure of the flexible laser engraving equipment in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control principle of the flexible laser engraving equipment in this application embodiment;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the feeding mechanism in this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal installation structure of the workpiece moving mechanism in this application;

[0062] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the material feeding mechanism and the laser engraving laser transmitter in this application;

[0064] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of part B.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0066] 1. Support frame; 11. Laser engraving position; 12. Arc-shaped guide rail; 13. Electric air pump; 131. Suction port; 2. Laser engraving laser emitter; 3. Workpiece recognition mechanism; 31. Bracket; 32. Image acquisition module; 33. Controller; 4. Workpiece moving mechanism; 41. Intelligent robotic arm; 42. Closed-loop feeding track; 43. Conveying track; 44. Workpiece lever; 441. Groove; 45. Second drive assembly; 46. Air box; 47. Suction device; 48. Vent pipe; 481. Elastic seal; 4 9. Guide rail; 5. Control mechanism; 6. Material transfer robotic arm; 7. Discharge mechanism; 71. Discharge rail; 72. Guide assembly; 721. Guide block; 7211. Guide plane; 7212. Abutment surface; 722. Elastic reset component; 73. Feed notch; 8. Loading mechanism; 81. Base; 82. Vibration spring; 83. Loading tray; 831. Enclosure; 832. Positioning pad; 833. Limiting protrusion; 834. Storage hopper; 835. Push roller; 836. First drive assembly; 84. Vibrating component. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-7 The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the application.

[0068] This application discloses a flexible laser engraving device.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The flexible laser engraving equipment includes a support frame 1 and a laser engraving laser emitting host 2 installed on one side of the support frame 1; the emitting end of the laser engraving laser emitting host 2 faces the upper surface of the support frame 1, and a laser engraving position 11 is provided on the upper surface of the support frame 1, located directly below the emitting end of the laser engraving laser emitting host 2;

[0070] On one side of the laser engraving position 11, a workpiece identification mechanism 3, a workpiece moving mechanism 4 and a control mechanism 5 are arranged in sequence, and on the other side, a material transfer robotic arm 6 and a material discharge mechanism 7 are arranged.

[0071] Wherein: the workpiece moving mechanism 4 is located between the laser engraving position 11 and the workpiece recognition mechanism 3; the workpiece recognition mechanism 3 is used to acquire workpiece information within the recognition range; the support frame 1 is also provided with a feeding mechanism 8 located on one side of the recognition range of the workpiece recognition mechanism 3; the feeding mechanism 8 is used to transport workpieces in an appropriate amount to the recognition range of the workpiece recognition mechanism 3.

[0072] Both the workpiece identification mechanism 3 and the workpiece moving mechanism 4 are communicatively connected to the control mechanism 5. The control mechanism 5 is used to receive workpiece information fed back by the workpiece identification mechanism 3, plan the motion stroke of the workpiece moving mechanism 4 based on the workpiece information, and send the motion stroke to the workpiece moving mechanism 4.

[0073] In addition, the material transfer robotic arm 6 is rotatably connected to the support frame 1, and the rotation point of the material transfer robotic arm 6 and the laser engraving position 11 are on the same straight line; the material discharge mechanism 7 can be one or two. In this embodiment, the material discharge mechanism 7 is set to two, and the two material discharge mechanisms 7 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the material transfer robotic arm 6; and an arc-shaped guide rail 12 is also provided between the laser engraving position 11 and the two material discharge mechanisms 7.

[0074] It is worth noting that the center of the arc-shaped guide rail 12 coincides with the rotation point of the material transfer robotic arm 6.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The feeding mechanism 8 includes a base 81 mounted on the support frame 1, a plurality of vibration springs 82 disposed on the side of the base 81 away from the support frame 1, and a feeding tray 83 disposed on the end of the support spring away from the base 81; a vibrating element 84 is mounted on the side wall of the feeding tray 83; as one embodiment of the vibrating element 84, the vibrating element 84 can be any electronic device with vibration output function. In this embodiment, the vibrating element 84 is a vibration motor.

[0076] A barrier 831 is provided around the side of the loading tray 83 away from the support frame 1 to prevent the workpiece from falling into the area outside the loading tray 83 during the shaking process; in addition, a positioning pad 832 is slidably connected to the side of the loading tray 83 facing the workpiece identification mechanism 3, and a number of limiting protrusions 833 are provided on the upper surface of the positioning pad 832; depending on the shape of different workpieces, the limiting protrusions 833 can be set with different shapes. In this embodiment, the side of the limiting protrusions 833 away from the positioning pad 832 is an arc surface.

[0077] Combined with the above structure, the adjacent limiting protrusions 833 form a constraint that prevents the workpiece from being continuously affected by vibration and continues to move within the recognition range, so as to maintain that the workpieces within the recognition range are all in a stationary state when the workpiece recognition mechanism 3 acquires workpiece information.

[0078] In addition, a storage hopper 834 is installed above the feeding tray 83, with the opening of the storage hopper 834 facing the recognition range. The upper surface of the feeding tray 83 is also inclined towards the recognition range. A pusher roller 835 is slidably connected inside the feeding tray 83. To facilitate the automatic start of the pusher roller 835, a first drive assembly 836 is also installed on the feeding tray 83. The first drive assembly 836 includes a lead screw installed inside the feeding tray 83 and a motor for driving the lead screw. The two ends of the pusher roller 835 are rotatably / fixedly connected to the sliders of the lead screw. The length of the lead screw is set along the length of the feeding tray 83 / recognition range.

[0079] When the vibrating element 84 is activated, the storage hopper 834 vibrates synchronously, thereby discharging material towards the upward material tray 83. Subsequently, the workpiece is gradually moved into the recognition range by the vibration. Then, the motor of the transmission screw is activated so that the pusher roller 835 can push the workpieces that are overlapping in the recognition range to flatten them. Then, the pusher roller 835 is reset. The workpiece recognition mechanism 3 is activated to obtain the workpiece information (coordinate information of the clampable parts in the recognition range) of all workpieces in the recognition range and send the workpiece information to the control mechanism 5. The control mechanism 5 plans the movement stroke between the clamping end of the workpiece moving mechanism 4 and the coordinates contained in the workpiece information according to the received workpiece information, so that the workpiece moving mechanism 4 can move the workpieces one by one to the laser engraving position 11.

[0080] As one embodiment of the workpiece identification mechanism 3, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The workpiece identification mechanism 3 includes a bracket 31 mounted on the support frame 1, an image acquisition module 32 mounted on the top of the bracket 31 and located directly above the loading tray 83, and a controller 33 connected to the image acquisition module 32. The vibrating element 84 and the motor of the transmission screw are both connected to the controller 33. The controller 33 controls the opening and closing of the image acquisition module 32, the vibrating element 84 and the motor respectively. In addition, the controller 33 also serves as the signal terminal of the workpiece identification mechanism 3 and is connected to the control mechanism 5 to send the image information acquired by the image acquisition module 32 to the control mechanism 5 for corresponding processing.

[0081] The controller 33 is also provided with an external interface to facilitate the import of workpiece feature information to be identified; in this embodiment, the controller 33 can be an electronic component with intelligent control function, such as a microcontroller or an intelligent control chip.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The workpiece moving mechanism 4 includes an intelligent robotic arm 41, a closed-loop feeding track 42, and a conveying track 43 mounted on the support frame 1; wherein the closed-loop feeding track 42 and the conveying track 43 are stacked; the intelligent robotic arm 41 serves as the signal terminal of the workpiece moving mechanism 4 and is connected to the control mechanism 5.

[0083] A number of workpiece levers 44 are connected to the closed-loop feeding track 42; the workpiece levers 44 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track 42; the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track 42 is set from the recognition range toward the laser engraving position 11; a groove 441 is recessed on the side of the workpiece lever 44 away from the closed-loop feeding track 42; the groove 441 can be used for the workpiece to be processed to be snapped into.

[0084] It is worth noting that: the closed-loop feeding track 42 is provided with a second drive assembly 45 that pushes several workpiece paddles 44 toward the laser engraving position 11; the second drive assembly 45 includes two drive wheels rotatably connected to the support frame 1 and a drive motor coaxially fixed to any one of the drive wheels; the mounting seat of the drive motor is bolted to the support frame 1; the closed-loop feeding track 42 is sleeved on the outer edge of the two drive wheels, so that the closed-loop feeding track 42 is rotated circumferentially by the drive motor. In this embodiment, the outermost edge of the closed-loop feeding track 42 extends in an elliptical path.

[0085] The feeding track 43 is set from the recognition range to the laser engraving position 11; the end of the feeding track 43 that allows the workpiece to slide and connect is the processing area near the laser engraving position 11; the end of the workpiece pusher 44 that is away from the closed-loop feeding track 42 extends into the track; the end of the feeding track 43 that is away from the laser engraving position 11 has an opening for the workpiece to be snapped into, and the inner wall of the opening is inclined to facilitate the workpiece to be inserted into the interior of the feeding track 43.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 An air suction hole 131 is provided on the inner wall of the laser engraving position 11; the air suction hole 131 is connected to an electric air pump 13; the air suction direction of the air suction hole 131 is set towards the material conveying track 43, the air suction end of the electric air pump 13 is connected to the air suction hole 131, and the control end of the electric air pump 13 is communicatively connected to the intelligent robotic arm 41 but is not started synchronously.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The signal end of the intelligent robotic arm 41 serves as the signal end of the workpiece moving mechanism 4, used to receive the motion stroke and move the workpiece within the recognition range to the end of the feeding track 43 away from the laser engraving position 11.

[0088] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In conjunction with the above structure, the intelligent robotic arm 41 clamps the gripper part of the workpiece and moves the workpiece into the feeding track 43. The second drive component 45 drives the workpiece paddle 44 to move circumferentially on the closed-loop feeding track 42, so as to realize that the workpiece to be processed is moved on the feeding track 43 towards the laser engraving position by the workpiece paddle 44. When the workpiece is transported along the feeding track 43 to near the laser engraving position 11, the electric air pump 13 is started, and the workpiece is sucked from the feeding track 43 to the engraving position through the suction port 131; thereby realizing automatic feeding of the workpiece to improve the convenience of laser engraving workpieces.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The closed-loop feeding track 42 is equipped with an air box 46 inside, and an air suction device 47 is installed outside the air box 46. The air suction device 47 is used to transport the gas inside the air box 46 to the outside of the box.

[0090] A ventilation pipe 48 is installed inside the workpiece lever 44; the ventilation box 46 can be two halves of a shell, which are bolted to the support frame 1, and the adjacent side walls of the two shells form a guide rail 49; the end of the ventilation pipe 48 away from the workpiece lever 44 is connected to the interior of the ventilation box 46 by the guide rail 49.

[0091] It is worth noting that: an elastic seal 481 covering the guide rail 49 is slidably provided on the inner wall of the bellows 46; both ends of the elastic seal 481 are connected to two adjacent vent pipes 48; in this embodiment, the elastic seal 481 can be any elastic and airtight rubber sheet; a guide slider that is slidably connected to the side of the rubber sheet near the guide rail 49 is fixedly connected to the side of the rubber sheet that is close to the guide rail 49, so as to improve the fit of the elastic seal 481 covering the guide rail 49.

[0092] The discharge mechanism 7 includes a discharge track 71 and a guide assembly 72 mounted on the support frame 1; the discharge track 71 extends in a direction away from the laser engraving position 11; and the end of the discharge track 71 near the laser engraving position 11 is provided with a feeding notch 73 into which the free end of the material transfer robot arm 6 can engage; the guide assembly 72 is located at the feeding notch 73.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The guide assembly 72 includes an elastic reset member 722 disposed on the inner wall of the feed notch 73 and a guide block 721 slidably connected to the inner wall of the feed notch 73; one end of the elastic reset member 722 away from the inner wall of the feed notch 73 is connected to the side wall of the guide block 721.

[0094] Wherein: the side of the guide block 721 away from the elastic reset member 722 is the guide plane 7211; the guide plane 7211 can be abutted by the free end of the material transfer robot arm 6; the side of the guide plane 7211 closer to the inside of the discharge track 71 is the abutment surface 7212; the elastic reset member 722 has a normal position and a force-bearing position;

[0095] When the elastic reset member 722 is in the normal position, the guide plane 7211 of the guide block 721 fills the feed gap 73, and the abutment surface 7212 faces the inside of the discharge track 71.

[0096] When the elastic reset member 722 is in the force-bearing position, the guide plane 7211 of the guide block 721 partially fills the feed notch 73 and is set towards the inside of the discharge track 71, and the abutment surface 7212 abuts against the inner wall of the discharge track 71.

[0097] Based on the above structure, the guide plane 7211 of the guide block 721 fills the feeding gap 73, and the feeding gap 73 is in a closed state. When the transfer robot arm 6 moves the laser-engraved workpiece from the laser engraving position 11 to the feeding gap 73, the guide block 721 is forced to move into the feeding gap 73, thereby forcing the elastic reset member 722 to move from the normal position to the force position, so that the workpiece can enter the discharge track 71 from the feeding gap 73 and be stacked inside.

[0098] When the material handling robot arm 6 is reset, the guide block 721 loses external force, and the elastic reset member 722 returns from the force-bearing position to the normal position, thereby completing the reset of the guide block 721, maintaining the closed state of the feed notch 73, and at the same time, enabling the side of the guide block 721 away from the guide plane 7211 to abut against the stacked workpieces.

[0099] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the laser engraving position 11, the two symmetrical arc-shaped guide rails 12, and the two feeding notches 73 are all located on the same arc path with the rotation point of the material transfer robot arm 6 as the center, so as to facilitate the reciprocating movement of the free end of the material transfer robot arm 6.

[0100] Based on the same design concept, this embodiment also discloses a method for operating a flexible laser engraving device.

[0101] refer to Figure 1-7 A method for operating a flexible laser engraving device includes the following steps:

[0102] Step 1.1: Start the vibrating element 84 for the preset duration;

[0103] Specifically, each time the vibrating element 84 starts, it takes 3-5 seconds; a timing module can be connected in series between the vibrating motor and the controller 33; the timing module is preset to a timing duration of 3-5 seconds; when the controller 33 sends a timing start command to the timing module, the timing module continuously sends start commands to the vibrating element 84 until the timing is completed, thus achieving the above functions.

[0104] Step 1.2: Start the first drive assembly 836 to drive the pusher roller 835 to reciprocate within the recognition range for one cycle;

[0105] Specifically, one motion cycle of the first drive component 836 is to push the material into the recognition range and feed it back to the starting position.

[0106] Step 1.3: Start the workpiece recognition mechanism 3 to recognize the workpiece on the loading tray 83 and obtain the workpiece information to send to the control mechanism 5;

[0107] Specifically, after steps 1.1 and 1.2 are completed, the controller 33 starts the image acquisition module 32 to acquire image information within the recognition range, and the controller 33 sends the acquired image information as workpiece information to the control mechanism 5.

[0108] Step 2: The control mechanism 5 analyzes the movement stroke between the clampable part of each workpiece and the starting position of the workpiece moving mechanism 4 based on the received workpiece information, and sends several of the movement strokes to the intelligent robotic arm 41.

[0109] Specifically, the control mechanism 5 plans the movement stroke between the clamping end of the workpiece moving mechanism 4 and the coordinates contained in the workpiece information based on the received workpiece information, so that the workpiece moving mechanism 4 can move the workpieces one by one to the laser engraving position 11.

[0110] Step 3: The intelligent robotic arm 41 clamps the workpieces one by one into the conveying track 43;

[0111] Step 3.1: Start the second drive assembly 45 and the suction device 47; the workpiece in the feed track 43 is moved closer to the laser engraving position 11 by the workpiece paddle 44;

[0112] Specifically, the drive motor and the suction device 47 start synchronously, which can accurately obtain the workpiece at the foremost end of the material conveying track 43 and move the workpiece along the extension direction of the material conveying track 43 toward the laser engraving position 11.

[0113] When the workpiece is moved to the arc of the closed-loop feeding track 42, the workpiece lever 44 and the closed-loop feeding track 42 move synchronously. Combined with the limiting of the workpiece by the conveying track 43, the workpiece is released from the workpiece lever 44 and enters the processing area in the conveying track 43. After the electric air pump 13 is started, the workpiece at the front end of the processing area is sucked into the laser engraving position 11 by the electric air pump 13.

[0114] Step 4: Start the electric air pump 13; suck the workpiece in the material conveying track 43 to the laser engraving position 11;

[0115] First, start the electric air pump 13 to suck the workpiece at the front of the processing area into the laser engraving position 11; then step 4.1 can be executed.

[0116] Step 4.1: Start the laser engraving laser emitter 2 to execute one action cycle. When one action cycle is completed, the laser engraving laser emitter 2 sends a start command to the material transfer robot arm 6.

[0117] One operation cycle of the laser engraving host 2 is determined by the engraving program settings of the workpiece to be processed; one operation cycle is the engraving action of one workpiece.

[0118] Step 5: The material handling robot arm 6 starts running according to the start command.

[0119] When one operation cycle of the laser engraving host is completed, both the electric air pump 13 and the laser engraving host stop running, the material transfer robot arm 6 starts, and moves the workpiece that has completed the laser operation toward any feeding notch 73; and resets it to the starting position;

[0120] Once the finished workpiece is removed from the laser engraving position 11, steps 4 and 4.1 can be repeated until all workpieces are finished. It is worth noting that during the reset process of the intelligent robotic arm 41, the reset speed of the intelligent robotic arm 41 can be slowed down, so that when the intelligent robotic arm 41 resets to the laser engraving position 11, one action cycle of the laser engraving host 2 has been completed.

[0121] The above description of the embodiments is only used to provide a detailed introduction to the technical solutions of this application. However, the description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application, and should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flexible laser engraving device, characterized in that, include: A support frame (1) is provided with a laser engraving host (2) and a laser engraving position (11); the laser engraving position (11) is located within the laser emission range of the laser engraving host (2); Workpiece identification mechanism (3), which is disposed on one side of the support frame (1), is used to identify and send the information of the workpiece to be processed; The workpiece moving mechanism (4) is located between the laser engraving host (2) and the workpiece identification mechanism (3); it is used to move the workpiece within the identification range to the laser engraving position (11); The control mechanism (5) is communicatively connected to the workpiece identification mechanism (3) and the workpiece moving mechanism (4); the control mechanism (5) is used to receive workpiece information fed back by the workpiece identification mechanism (3); and to plan the motion stroke of the workpiece moving mechanism (4) based on the workpiece information; and to send the motion stroke to the workpiece moving mechanism (4); The support frame (1) is provided with a loading tray (83) located within the recognition range of the workpiece recognition mechanism (3). A vibrating element (84) is provided on the loading tray (83), and the signal end of the vibrating element (84) is communicatively connected to the workpiece recognition mechanism (3). A positioning pad (832) is detachably connected to the side of the loading tray (83) facing the workpiece recognition mechanism (3). A plurality of limiting protrusions (833) are provided on the side of the positioning pad (832) away from the loading tray (83). The side of the limiting protrusions (833) away from the positioning pad (832) is arc-shaped. A pusher roller (835) is slidably connected to the side of the loading tray (833) facing the positioning pad (832). A first drive assembly (836) is communicatively connected to the workpiece recognition mechanism (3) to drive the pusher roller (835) to reciprocate within the recognition range. The workpiece moving mechanism (4) includes an intelligent robotic arm (41) mounted on the support frame (1), a closed-loop feeding track (42), and a conveying track (43). A bellows (46) is installed inside the closed-loop feeding track (42), and an air suction device (47) is installed outside the bellows (46). A ventilation pipe (48) passes through the workpiece lever (44) on the closed-loop feeding track (42), and the ventilation pipe (48) is located away from the workpiece lever (44). The end is connected to the inside of the air box (46) by the guide rail (49). The inner wall of the air box (46) is slidably provided with an elastic sealing element (481) covering the guide rail (49) and connected to two adjacent air pipes (48) at both ends. The inner wall of the laser engraving position (11) is provided with an air suction hole (131). The air suction hole (131) is connected to an electric air pump (13). The air suction direction of the air suction hole (131) is towards the material conveying rail (43).

2. The flexible laser engraving equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output end of the first drive assembly (836) is connected to the end of the pusher roller (835).

3. The flexible laser engraving equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed-loop feeding track (42) and the conveying track (43) are stacked together; A plurality of workpiece levers (44) are connected to the closed-loop feeding track (42); the plurality of workpiece levers (44) are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track (42); the extension direction of the closed-loop feeding track (42) is set from the identification range toward the laser engraving position (11); the workpiece levers (44) can be engaged by the workpieces to be processed; a second drive assembly (45) is provided on the closed-loop feeding track (42) to push the plurality of workpiece levers (44) toward the laser engraving position (11); The feeding track (43) is set in the direction from the recognition range to the laser engraving position (11); the inside of the feeding track (43) is available for workpiece sliding connection; the end of the workpiece lever (44) extends into the track away from the closed-loop feeding track (42); The intelligent robotic arm (41) is used to receive the motion stroke and move the workpiece within the recognition range to the inside of the feed rail (43) away from the laser engraving position (11).

4. The flexible laser engraving equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame (1) is provided with a discharge mechanism (7) and a material transfer mechanical arm (6); the material transfer mechanical arm (6) is rotatably connected to the support frame (1); The discharge mechanism (7) includes a discharge track (71) disposed on the support frame (1); the discharge track (71) extends in a direction away from the laser engraving position (11); The end of the discharge track (71) near the laser engraving position (11) is provided with a feeding notch (73) into which the free end of the material transfer robot arm (6) can be engaged.

5. A flexible laser engraving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The discharge mechanism (7) further includes a guide assembly (72) disposed at the feed notch (73); the guide assembly (72) includes an elastic reset member (722) disposed on the inner wall of the feed notch (73) and a guide block (721) slidably connected to the inner wall of the feed notch (73); one end of the elastic reset member (722) away from the inner wall of the feed notch (73) is connected to the side wall of the guide block (721); The guide block (721) has a guide plane (7211) on the side away from the elastic reset member (722); the guide plane (7211) can be abutted by the free end of the material transfer robot arm (6); the elastic reset member (722) has a normal position and a force-bearing position; When the elastic reset member (722) is in the normal position, the guide plane (7211) of the guide block (721) fills the feed notch (73); When the elastic reset member (722) is in the force-bearing position, the guide plane (7211) of the guide block (721) partially fills the feed gap (73) and is arranged towards the interior of the discharge track (71).

6. A method for operating the flexible laser engraving equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1.1: Start the vibrating component (84) for the preset duration; Step 1.2: Start the first drive assembly (836) to drive the pusher roller (835) to reciprocate within the recognition range for one cycle; Step 1.3: Start the workpiece identification mechanism (3) to identify the workpiece on the loading tray (83) and obtain the workpiece information to send to the control mechanism (5); Step 2: The control mechanism (5) analyzes the movement stroke between the clampable part of each workpiece and the starting position of the workpiece moving mechanism (4) based on the received workpiece information, and sends several of the movement strokes to the intelligent robotic arm (41). Step 3: The intelligent robotic arm (41) clamps the workpieces one by one into the conveying track (43); Step 3.1: Start the second drive assembly (45) and the suction device (47); the workpiece in the feed rail (43) is moved towards the laser engraving position (11) by the workpiece pusher (44); Step 4: Start the electric air pump (13); suck the workpiece in the material conveying track (43) to the laser engraving position (11); Step 4.1: Start the laser engraving laser emitter (2) to execute one action cycle. When one action cycle is completed, the laser engraving laser emitter (2) sends a start command to the material transfer robot arm (6). Step 5: The material handling robot arm (6) starts running according to the start command.

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