A low-damage optical glass laser cutting machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a low-damage-rate laser cutting machine for optical glass, applicable to the field of optical glass cutting. It includes a laser cutting machine body with a cutting worktable installed within it. Employing a combination of a vision sensor and a kerf compensation subsystem, the machine body can monitor the kerf status of the optical glass in real time during the cutting process. Furthermore, when poor edge quality occurs, it can work with the laser cutting system to autonomously adjust cutting parameters. This reduces continuous damage to the cut edges of the optical glass, lowering the loss rate and defect rate. Simultaneously, it effectively promotes the intelligent function of the laser cutting machine body, achieving self-adaptability and compensating for cutting parameters based on the actual cutting conditions. This significantly improves the cutting quality of optical glass and enhances the economic efficiency of optical glass processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine, and particularly to a low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine for use in the field of optical glass cutting. Background Technology

[0002] Optical glass is a type of glass material with special optical properties and excellent transparency. It features low dispersion, high refractive index, and high transmittance, and is widely used in optical instruments, optical devices, and optical systems.

[0003] An optical glass laser cutting machine is a device specifically designed for the precise cutting of optical glass. It utilizes a high-energy laser beam to generate a thermal effect on the optical glass, locally heating the glass material to a molten or vaporized state. By controlling the movement path and power of the laser beam, it achieves precise cutting of the glass material. Current laser cutting machines for optical glass operate on an ablation mechanism, using a focused, high-energy-density laser to melt or even vaporize the glass, while a high-pressure auxiliary gas blows away any remaining slag.

[0004] However, in the process of cutting optical glass with existing laser cutting machines, the cutting quality of the optical glass can only be inspected after the entire optical glass has been cut, and then the laser cutting parameters can be adjusted. This not only causes the cutting loss rate of optical glass and increases the cutting cost, but also increases the cutting damage rate of optical glass during the continuous adjustment process, thus reducing the economic benefits of optical glass processing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to detect the cutting quality of optical glass during the laser cutting process.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a low-damage optical glass laser cutting machine, comprising a laser cutting machine body, a cutting worktable installed within the laser cutting machine body, a laser cutting head located above the cutting worktable within the laser cutting machine body, and a cutting controller fixedly installed at the front end of the laser cutting machine body.

[0007] An extension bracket is fixedly connected to the outer end of the laser cutting head, and a vision sensor is installed on the left end of the extension bracket.

[0008] The cutting controller is equipped with a kerf compensation subsystem that works in conjunction with the laser cutting system. The kerf compensation subsystem includes a kerf status processing unit, and the input of the kerf status processing unit is connected to a laser cutting data acquisition unit, an optical glass thickness acquisition unit, and a visual image acquisition unit.

[0009] The output of the cut-off status processing unit is connected to a cut-off data comparison unit and a cut-off control and compensation unit.

[0010] The input terminals of the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit are both connected to the laser cutting system signal, and the input terminal of the visual image acquisition unit is connected to the visual sensor signal.

[0011] The output of the kerf data comparison unit is connected to the signal of the kerf control and compensation unit, and the output of the kerf control and compensation unit is connected to the signal of the laser cutting system.

[0012] In the aforementioned low-damage optical glass laser cutting machine, the laser cutting machine body can monitor the kerf status of the optical glass in real time during the cutting process, and can autonomously adjust the cutting parameters, effectively improving the cutting quality of optical glass and increasing the economic benefits of optical glass processing.

[0013] As a supplement to this application, an inductive isolation component is provided on the upper part of the cutting worktable, and a light-absorbing sheet that cooperates with the vision sensor is provided inside the inductive isolation component.

[0014] As a supplement to this application, the inductive isolation assembly includes an isolation cover plate disposed on the upper end of the cutting worktable, an inductive base plate being detachably connected to the upper end of the isolation cover plate by bolts, and a light-absorbing sheet being embedded between the isolation cover plate and the inductive base plate.

[0015] As a further improvement of this application, the output of the kerf state processing unit is also connected to a thickness re-verification unit, and the output of the thickness re-verification unit is connected to the visual sensor and the displacement control structure signal connected to the laser cutting head, respectively.

[0016] As a further improvement of this application, the laser cutting system includes a cutting data processing unit, the input end of which is connected to a cutting parameter setting unit, a parameter compensation receiving unit and a cutting command unit, and the output end of the cutting data processing unit is connected to a cutting parameter output unit and a laser cutting control unit.

[0017] The input end of the cutting parameter setting unit is connected to the touch screen signal located at the front end of the cutting controller; the input end of the parameter compensation receiving unit is connected to the cutting seam control compensation unit signal; and the input end of the cutting command unit is connected to the control button signal located on the cutting controller.

[0018] The output of the cutting parameter output unit is connected to the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit, respectively. The output of the laser cutting control unit is connected to the laser cutting head and the shift control structure connected to the laser cutting head, respectively.

[0019] As a further improvement of this application, the output end of the cutting data processing unit is also connected to an abnormality warning unit and a cutting data feedback unit. The output end of the abnormality warning unit is connected to the alarm signal installed on the laser cutting machine body, and the output end of the cutting data feedback unit is connected to the memory signal in the cutting controller.

[0020] In summary, by combining the vision sensor and the kerf compensation subsystem, the laser cutting machine body can monitor the kerf status of optical glass in real time during the cutting process. This allows for autonomous adjustment of cutting parameters in conjunction with the laser cutting system when poor edge quality occurs. This reduces continuous damage to the optical glass cutting edge, lowering the loss and defect rates. Furthermore, it effectively promotes the intelligent function of the laser cutting machine body, achieving self-adaptability and compensating for cutting parameters based on the actual cutting conditions. This significantly improves the cutting quality of optical glass and enhances the economic efficiency of optical glass processing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the laser cutting machine body according to the first and second embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a control logic diagram of the slit compensation subsystem in the first and second embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 Axonometric drawing of the laser cutting head, inductive isolation assembly, and vision sensor according to the first and second embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 Exploded views of the inductive isolation assembly according to the first and second embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view of the laser cutting head and vision sensor used in conjunction with the first and second embodiments of this application during cutting.

[0026] Figure 6 The vision sensor collects a cutting gap state diagram when the laser focus position of the laser cutting machine body and the optical glass position are in state H1 according to the first and second embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 7 The vision sensor collects a cutting gap state diagram when the laser focus position and the optical glass position of the laser cutting machine body in the first and second embodiments of this application are in state H2.

[0028] Figure 8The vision sensor collects a cutting gap state diagram when the laser focus position and the optical glass position of the laser cutting machine body in the first and second embodiments of this application are in state H3.

[0029] Figure 9 Axonometric view of the laser cutting machine body when opened according to the first and second embodiments of this application.

[0030] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0031] 1. Laser cutting machine body, 11. Cutting worktable, 12. Cutting controller, 2. Laser cutting head, 3. Induction isolation assembly, 31. Isolation cover plate, 32. Induction base plate, 4. Light absorbing sheet, 5. Extension bracket, 6. Vision sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The two embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] First implementation method

[0034] Figures 1-9 The diagram shows a laser cutting machine body 1, a cutting worktable 11 installed inside the laser cutting machine body 1, a laser cutting head 2 located on the upper side of the cutting worktable 11, and a cutting controller 12 fixedly installed at the front end of the laser cutting machine body 1.

[0035] An extension bracket 5 is fixedly connected to the outer end of the laser cutting head 2, and a vision sensor 6 is installed on the left end of the extension bracket 5.

[0036] The cutting controller 12 is equipped with a kerf compensation subsystem that works with the laser cutting system. The kerf compensation subsystem includes a kerf status processing unit. The input of the kerf status processing unit is connected to a laser cutting data acquisition unit, an optical glass thickness acquisition unit, and a visual image acquisition unit.

[0037] The output of the cut-off status processing unit is connected to a cut-off data comparison unit and a cut-off control and compensation unit.

[0038] The input terminals of the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit are both connected to the laser cutting system signal, and the input terminal of the visual image acquisition unit is connected to the visual sensor 6 signal.

[0039] The output of the kerf data comparison unit is connected to the kerf control and compensation unit, and the output of the kerf control and compensation unit is connected to the laser cutting system. Through the cooperation of the vision sensor 6 and the kerf compensation subsystem, the laser cutting machine body 1 can monitor the kerf status of optical glass in real time during the cutting process. In the event of poor cutting edge quality, it can cooperate with the laser cutting system to autonomously adjust the cutting parameters. This reduces continuous damage to the cutting edge of the optical glass, lowers its loss rate and defect rate, and effectively promotes the intelligent function of the laser cutting machine body 1. It also effectively realizes the adaptability of the laser cutting machine body 1, and can compensate the cutting parameters according to the actual cutting status, effectively improving the cutting quality of optical glass and increasing the economic benefits of optical glass processing.

[0040] Figures 3-5 The upper end of the cutting worktable 11 is shown to be equipped with an inductive isolation component 3. The inductive isolation component 3 is equipped with a light-absorbing sheet 4 that works in conjunction with the vision sensor 6. The light-absorbing sheet 4 not only provides good background protection for the vision sensor 6, improving the accuracy of its image acquisition, thereby improving the judgment accuracy of the kerf status processing unit and promoting the effectiveness of data compensation, but also works in conjunction with the laser cutting system to reduce the reflection and scattering of the cutting laser by the optical glass, effectively improving the cutting quality of the optical glass.

[0041] Figures 3-5 The inductive isolation assembly 3 includes an isolation cover plate 31 disposed on the upper end of the cutting worktable 11. An inductive base plate 32 is detachably connected to the upper end of the isolation cover plate 31 by bolts. A light-absorbing sheet 4 is embedded between the isolation cover plate 31 and the inductive base plate 32. The isolation cover plate 31 and the inductive base plate 32 can protect the light-absorbing sheet 4, extend the service life of the light-absorbing sheet 4, and also provide effective support for the optical glass, ensuring the stability of the cutting position of the same batch of optical glass, thereby effectively reducing the need to adjust the cutting parameters and thus reducing the cutting loss rate of the optical glass.

[0042] Figures 1-9 The output of the kerf status processing unit is also connected to a thickness re-verification unit. The output of the thickness re-verification unit is connected to the vision sensor 6 and the shift control structure signal connected to the laser cutting head 2, respectively. The thickness re-verification unit can effectively realize the re-acquisition and verification of the thickness of the optical glass, thereby effectively eliminating the temperature of cutting damage caused by thickness error, and thus effectively avoiding the problem of edge chipping or cracking of the optical glass during the cutting process. In this way, while effectively ensuring cutting efficiency, it also promotes the cutting quality of the laser cutting machine body 1.

[0043] Figures 1-9This demonstrates that during the cutting of optical glass by the laser cutting machine body 1, the optical glass thickness acquisition unit and the laser cutting data acquisition unit can acquire parameters within the laser cutting system and transmit the optical glass's specification thickness data and basic laser cutting parameters, including but not limited to the cutting path, cutting focal point position, and standard kerf status, to the kerf status processing unit. Furthermore, for batches of optical glass of the same specification, before each cutting operation begins on the laser cutting machine body 1, the kerf status processing unit sends a control command to the thickness re-verification unit. This causes the thickness re-verification unit to send control commands to the vision sensor 6 and the shift control unit of the laser cutting head 2, respectively. The shift control unit of the laser cutting head 2 moves the laser cutting head 2 and the vision sensor 6 to the edge of the optical glass, enabling the vision sensor 6 to monitor the edge of the optical glass located on the sensing base plate 32 after activation. The system acquires images of the side of the optical glass at the end of the machine. The data is then transmitted via a vision image acquisition unit to a kerf status processing unit. This unit analyzes the image data, calculates the actual thickness of the optical glass, and assesses the thickness error. If the error is large but within the adjustable range, the data is transmitted to a kerf control and compensation unit. This unit then converts the data and transmits it to the laser cutting system, allowing the system to adjust the cutting parameters based on the actual thickness. If the error is small, no data transmission occurs. If the error is large and outside the adjustable range, the data is transmitted to the kerf control and compensation unit, which then converts the data and transmits it to the laser cutting system. This triggers an alarm, sending a signal to the operator indicating an optical glass malfunction.

[0044] During the continuous operation of the laser cutting machine body 1, the vision sensor 6 continuously collects kerf image data after laser cutting. The collected data is then transmitted to the vision image acquisition unit, which in turn transmits it to the kerf status processing unit for analysis and judgment. The kerf status processing unit calculates and processes the dimensional data based on the kerf data displayed in the image, and then transmits the processed data to the kerf data comparison unit. This unit determines the laser focus position based on the kerf data dimensions and transmits the comparison data to the kerf control and compensation unit. The kerf control and compensation unit then transmits this data to the laser cutting system, allowing the laser cutting system to judge or adjust the focus position. Furthermore, the kerf status processing unit can also judge the collected kerf status, checking for chipping and cracks in the kerf image. If such an anomaly occurs, the data is transmitted to the kerf control and compensation unit, which then transmits the data to the laser cutting system. This allows the laser cutting system to adjust data such as cutting speed and air output, thereby improving the cutting quality of the optical glass while maintaining the cutting speed of the laser cutting machine body 1.

[0045] It should be noted that the kerf data comparison unit can determine the laser focal point position based on the kerf width, thereby measuring the distance between the laser cutting head 2 and the optical glass. This, in turn, assists the laser cutting system in adjusting the laser cutting parameters. Figures 6-8 As shown, when the kerf image data is at node L11 < L1, the laser focus is negative, meaning the laser focus converges inside the optical glass, the kerf is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the distance between the laser cutting head 2 and the optical glass is H1. When the kerf image data is at node L2, the laser focus is zero, meaning the laser focus converges on the surface of the optical glass, the kerf is at its minimum, and the distance between the laser cutting head 2 and the optical glass is H2. When the kerf image data is at node L3 > L31, the laser focus is both positive and negative, meaning the laser focus converges at the upper end of the optical glass, the kerf is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, and the distance between the laser cutting head 2 and the optical glass is H3. Therefore, after the kerf data comparison unit receives the actual kerf data, it determines the position of the laser focus based on the data interval, and then transmits the position of the laser focus to the laser system, facilitating the laser system to adjust the laser parameters.

[0046] Second implementation method

[0047] Figures 1-9 The laser cutting system shown includes a cutting data processing unit. The input end of the cutting data processing unit is connected to a cutting parameter setting unit, a parameter compensation receiving unit, and a cutting command unit. The output end of the cutting data processing unit is connected to a cutting parameter output unit and a laser cutting control unit.

[0048] The input end of the cutting parameter setting unit is connected to the touch screen located at the front end of the cutting controller 12; the input end of the parameter compensation receiving unit is connected to the cutting seam control compensation unit; and the input end of the cutting command unit is connected to the control button located on the cutting controller 12.

[0049] The output terminals of the cutting parameter output unit are respectively connected to the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit. The output terminals of the laser cutting control unit are respectively connected to the laser cutting head 2 and the shift control structure connected to the laser cutting head 2. The setting of the laser cutting glass and kerf compensation subsystem can not only play the role of real-time monitoring and data compensation of the optical glass cutting status, but also reduce the operating burden and parameter calculation difficulty of the laser cutting machine body 1 through the cooperation of the two systems, effectively ensuring the cutting efficiency of the laser cutting machine body 1. Furthermore, through the independent setting of the kerf compensation subsystem, the system modification of the laser cutting machine body 1 in the prior art can be realized, which can reduce the investment cost of optical glass manufacturing enterprises and promote the application of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 and Figure 9 The output of the cutting data processing unit is also connected to an abnormality warning unit and a cutting data feedback unit. The output of the abnormality warning unit is connected to the alarm signal set on the laser cutting machine body 1, and the output of the cutting data feedback unit is connected to the memory signal in the cutting controller 12.

[0051] Figures 1-9The diagram illustrates the operation of the laser cutting machine body 1. The operator inputs the specifications of the optical glass, such as thickness and dimensions, into the cutting parameter setting unit via the touchscreen on the cutting controller 12. The operator also inputs data such as laser cutting power, speed, kerf standard status, cooling pressure, and laser focus. The cutting parameter setting unit then transmits the data to the cutting data processing unit. Based on this data, the cutting data processing unit generates the corresponding cutting path and transmits the relevant laser cutting parameters and optical glass parameters to the cutting parameter output unit. This allows the cutting parameter output unit to transmit relevant data to the optical glass thickness acquisition unit and the laser cutting data acquisition unit, respectively, for processing and calculation by the cutting compensation subsystem. Furthermore, the operator can control the laser cutting machine body 1 to start and stop via control buttons to the cutting command unit. Upon receiving the instruction to stop, the cutting data processing unit prioritizes the operation of the kerf compensation subsystem. The parameter compensation receiving unit collects data from the kerf control compensation unit. When the thickness compensation data transmitted by the kerf control compensation unit is collected, the cutting data processing unit adjusts the cutting data according to the thickness compensation data. When abnormal thickness data is collected, the cutting data processing unit sends an abnormal instruction to the abnormal warning unit, activates the alarm, and transmits an alarm signal to the staff. The staff then inspects the optical glass and the laser cutting machine body 1. After the cutting compensation subsystem has finished running, if the parameter compensation receiving unit does not receive a signal, the cutting data processing unit directly sends a control instruction to the laser cutting control unit, causing the laser cutting control unit to control the laser cutting head 2 and the shift control structure to perform a cutting action on the optical glass.

[0052] During the continuous cutting process, the parameter compensation receiving unit continuously receives data from the kerf control compensation unit. Upon receiving abnormal kerf data, it transmits it to the cutting data processing unit. The cutting data processing unit adjusts the laser cutting parameters, such as cutting speed, laser power, and airflow rate. The corresponding adjustment data is then output and controlled by the laser cutting control unit. The cutting data processing unit performs multiple individual adjustments until the parameter compensation receiving unit no longer receives abnormal kerf data. At this point, it stops adjusting the laser cutting parameters, saves and stores this data, and then transmits it to the cutting data feedback unit. The data can be further processed using a memory. Data storage is performed on the laser cutting head 2. When the parameter compensation receiving unit receives the compensation data of the laser focus, it transmits it to the cutting data processing unit. The cutting data processing unit adjusts the laser cutting parameters and controls the Z-axis position of the laser cutting head 2. By adjusting the Z-axis position of the laser cutting head 2, the distance between it and the optical glass and the position of the laser focus are controlled. Then, based on whether the parameter compensation receiving unit receives the compensation data of the laser focus, if the data is no longer received, it can be determined that the current focus position is valid, so it is maintained and stored. This can effectively improve the intelligence and automation of the laser cutting machine body 1, ensure the cutting command of the optical glass, and reduce the damage rate during continuous cutting.

[0053] In light of current practical needs, the above-described embodiments adopted in this application are not limited to these. Any changes made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept of this application still fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine, characterized in that: It includes a laser cutting machine body (1), a cutting worktable (11) is installed inside the laser cutting machine body (1), a laser cutting head (2) located on the upper side of the cutting worktable (11) is also installed inside the laser cutting machine body (1), and a cutting controller (12) is fixedly installed at the front end of the laser cutting machine body (1). The laser cutting head (2) is fixedly connected to an extension bracket (5) at its outer end, and a vision sensor (6) is installed at the left end of the extension bracket (5). The cutting controller (12) is equipped with a kerf compensation subsystem that works in conjunction with the laser cutting system. The kerf compensation subsystem includes a kerf status processing unit. The input of the kerf status processing unit is connected to a laser cutting data acquisition unit, an optical glass thickness acquisition unit, and a visual image acquisition unit. The output of the cut-off status processing unit is connected to a cut-off data comparison unit and a cut-off adjustment and compensation unit. The input terminals of the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit are both connected to the laser cutting system signal, and the input terminal of the visual image acquisition unit is connected to the visual sensor (6) signal. The output of the kerf data comparison unit is connected to the kerf control and compensation unit, and the output of the kerf control and compensation unit is connected to the laser cutting system. The laser cutting system includes a cutting data processing unit. The input end of the cutting data processing unit is connected to a parameter compensation receiving unit, a cutting parameter setting unit, and a cutting command unit. The output end of the cutting data processing unit is connected to a cutting parameter output unit and a laser cutting control unit. The input end of the parameter compensation receiving unit is signal-connected to the kerf control compensation unit. The kerf data comparison unit can determine the laser focal point position based on the kerf width, thereby measuring the distance between the laser cutting head (2) and the optical glass, and thus assisting the laser cutting system in adjusting the laser cutting parameters. When the parameter compensation receiving unit receives the compensation data of the laser focus, it transmits it to the cutting data processing unit. The cutting data processing unit adjusts the laser cutting parameters and controls the Z-direction position of the laser cutting head (2). By adjusting the Z-direction position of the laser cutting head (2), the distance between it and the optical glass and the position of the laser focus are controlled.

2. The low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the cutting workbench (11) is provided with a sensing isolation component (3), and a light-absorbing sheet (4) that cooperates with the vision sensor (6) is provided inside the sensing isolation component (3).

3. The low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The induction isolation assembly (3) includes an isolation cover plate (31) disposed on the upper end of the cutting worktable (11). The upper end of the isolation cover plate (31) is detachably connected to an induction base plate (32) by bolts, and a light-absorbing sheet (4) is embedded between the isolation cover plate (31) and the induction base plate (32).

4. The low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output of the kerf state processing unit is also connected to a thickness re-verification unit. The output of the thickness re-verification unit is connected to the visual sensor (6) and the shift control structure signal connected to the laser cutting head (2), respectively.

5. The low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input end of the cutting parameter setting unit is connected to the touch screen located at the front end of the cutting controller (12), and the input end of the cutting command unit is connected to the control button located on the cutting controller (12). The output terminal of the cutting parameter output unit is connected to the laser cutting data acquisition unit and the optical glass thickness acquisition unit respectively. The output terminal of the laser cutting control unit is connected to the laser cutting head (2) and the shift control structure connected to the laser cutting head (2) respectively.

6. The low-damage-rate optical glass laser cutting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The output of the cutting data processing unit is also connected to an abnormal warning unit and a cutting data feedback unit. The output of the abnormal warning unit is connected to the alarm signal set on the laser cutting machine body (1), and the output of the cutting data feedback unit is connected to the memory signal in the cutting controller (12).

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