Laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for super-long pipes

By using a laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long pipes, chain drive and high-definition camera are used to identify the center of the pipe end face. Combined with positioning and correction mechanisms, uninterrupted cutting of ultra-long pipes is achieved, solving the problem of low cutting efficiency in existing technologies. This mechanism is suitable for pipes with different cross-sectional shapes.

CN119282445BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-18ANHUI UNITED INTELLIGENT EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411372300.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-29
Publication Date
2025-11-18
Estimated Expiration
2044-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies for laser cutting of ultra-long tubes are inefficient and cannot be performed simultaneously during placement and cutting, affecting the overall progress.

Method used

A laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long pipes was designed, including a chain drive mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a high-definition camera, and a vibration motor. The high-definition camera identifies the symmetry center of the pipe end face, and the chain drive mechanism and conveying mechanism realize the uninterrupted conveying and cutting of the pipe. The positioning mechanism and vibration motor correct position errors.

Benefits of technology

It enables uninterrupted cutting of pipe fittings, improves cutting efficiency, and can adapt to pipe fittings with different cross-sectional shapes, ensuring accurate docking and clamping mechanisms and avoiding conveying problems caused by positional errors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a long pipe laser cutting follow-up supporting mechanism, which comprises no less than two bases arranged along the Y axis, a chain transmission mechanism is arranged above the base, the chain transmission mechanism conveys the pipe along the X axis, and the multiple chain transmission mechanisms are synchronously driven through transmission shafts, positioning mechanisms are installed on the chains of the chain transmission mechanisms, pipe accommodating areas are formed between the adjacent two positioning mechanisms, and the follow-up supporting mechanism further comprises a conveying mechanism, a high-definition camera and a vibration motor. In the application, the pipe placement and the pipe cutting do not interfere with each other, so that uninterrupted pipe cutting is realized, the overall cutting efficiency is greatly improved, and the problem of the position of the pipe being not correct during the conveying process of the pipe on the chain transmission mechanism or manual placement can be solved through the method of dynamically identifying the symmetric center position of the pipe end face.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipe cutting technology, and in particular relates to a follow-up support mechanism for laser cutting of ultra-long pipes. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cutting of tubing is a highly efficient and precise processing technology widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, construction, and energy. This technology uses a high-energy laser beam to cut metal or non-metal tubing, enabling the creation of complex shapes.

[0003] In the laser cutting of ultra-long pipes, the existing technology requires that the pipe be placed on the support mechanism by manpower or auxiliary equipment, and then the pipe is transported to the clamping and cutting mechanism by the conveying mechanism below the support mechanism for laser cutting. After the cutting is completed, another pipe is placed on the support mechanism, and so on. The above operation mode cannot be cut when the pipe is placed, and similarly, the pipe cannot be placed when cutting, which makes the overall cutting efficiency low and affects the overall progress. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, the present invention proposes the following technical solution:

[0005] The laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes includes at least two bases arranged along the Y-axis. A chain drive mechanism is provided above the bases. The chain drive mechanism transmits the tube along the X-axis, and multiple chain drive mechanisms are synchronously driven by a drive shaft. A positioning mechanism is installed on the chain of the chain drive mechanism. A tube placement area for accommodating the tube is formed between two adjacent positioning mechanisms. The follow-up support mechanism also includes a conveying mechanism, a high-definition camera, and a vibration motor.

[0006] The pipe is placed on the pipe placement area from the starting end of the chain drive mechanism. The chain drive mechanism moves the pipe along the X-axis to the tail end. After the high-definition camera dynamically identifies that the symmetrical center position of the pipe end is correct, the pipe is then transported along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism by the conveying mechanism.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the top of the base is fixedly connected to an outer housing, and the outer housing is semi-enclosed around the chain drive mechanism.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the positioning mechanism includes a connecting bar fixedly connected to the chain of the chain transmission mechanism, and a docking plate is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting bar away from the chain;

[0009] The XOY cross section of the docking plate is "L" shaped, divided into a horizontal section and a vertical section. The horizontal section of the docking plate is connected to the connecting strip. The vertical section of the docking plate is rotatably connected to a clamping plate through a resistance shaft. Two adjacent clamping plates are inclined towards each other and are arranged in an inverted "V" shape.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a threaded rod is threadedly connected through the vertical section of the docking plate, and one end of the threaded rod abuts against the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a sleeve is fitted around one end of the threaded rod that abuts against the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the horizontal section of the docking plate extends outward, and the extension beyond the bottom of the clamping plate forms a horizontal platform for the pipe fitting.

[0013] A method for dynamically identifying the symmetry center position of a pipe fitting end face, the method being applied to the aforementioned follow-up support mechanism for laser cutting of ultra-long pipes, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] S1. Capture of coordinate data of pipe end face: Capture the diagonal position of the pipe end face through a high-definition camera, construct diagonal coordinate data, and output the coordinate data to the data processing module.

[0015] S2, Coordinate Data Processing: The data processing module identifies the pipe position based on coordinate data and the symmetry center formula. It compares the pipe position data with a set threshold to determine whether the pipe is in the set position. If the pipe is in the set position, it proceeds to S3; otherwise, it proceeds to S4.

[0016] S3. Feeding: The Y-axis conveying mechanism transports the pipe to the clamping mechanism for clamping and cutting.

[0017] S4 Correction: The vibration motor works to correct the position of the pipe. After correction, it returns to S1 to recapture the coordinate data of the pipe end face.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the formula for the coordinates of the center of symmetry in S2 is:

[0019]

[0020] Where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two opposite corners of the current pipe end face captured by the high-definition camera (50). If the pipe section is circular, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two ends on any diameter.

[0021] The threshold value set in S2 is:

[0022] (k1x, k2y)

[0023]

[0024] Where k is a set threshold, and (x, y) is the standard position of the symmetry center of the pipe fitting.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] 1. When the support mechanism of the present invention is working, the operator places the pipe in the placement area at the starting end of the chain drive mechanism by manpower or auxiliary device. The chain drive mechanism can move the pipe along the X-axis to the tail end. After the pipe reaches the tail end, the conveying mechanism transports the pipe at the tail end along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism for cutting. Therefore, in the whole process, the operator only needs to continuously place the pipe in the placement area at the starting end of the chain drive mechanism. The pipe conveyed to the tail end of the chain drive mechanism can be continuously transported along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism for cutting with the assistance of the conveying mechanism. The placement and cutting of the pipe do not interfere with each other, thereby realizing uninterrupted cutting of the pipe and greatly improving the overall cutting efficiency.

[0027] 2. The XOY cross-section of the connecting plate is "L" shaped, divided into a horizontal section and a vertical section. The horizontal section of the connecting plate is connected to the connecting strip. The vertical section of the connecting plate is rotatably connected to a clamping plate via a resistance shaft. Two adjacent clamping plates are inclined towards each other and form an inverted "V" shape. The inverted "V" shape design is suitable for pipe fittings with different cross-sectional shapes. For example, a pipe fitting with a circular cross-section can be placed on the inverted "V" shaped inclined surface between the two clamping plates, which can also play a role in its positioning. The horizontal section of the connecting plate extends outward, and the extension beyond the bottom of the clamping plate forms a horizontal platform for the pipe fitting. When the cross-sectional shape of the pipe fitting is square or rectangular, the pipe fitting can slide down along the inverted "V" shaped inclined surface of the two clamping plates until the bottom of the pipe fitting can be placed on the horizontal platform. At the same time, the bottom of the inverted "V" shape of the two clamping plates abuts against the two sides of the pipe fitting, thereby assisting in its positioning.

[0028] 3. During the transmission of the pipe by the chain drive mechanism or when it is placed manually, there may be a problem of misalignment. To solve this problem, this invention uses a high-definition camera to capture the diagonal coordinates of the pipe end face and then compares them with a set threshold. When the measured value is greater than k, it indicates that the pipe is not placed correctly. Then, the position of the pipe can be corrected by the vibration motor driving the chain drive mechanism and the positioning mechanism to vibrate, thereby avoiding the inability to accurately align with the clamping mechanism during the Y-axis transmission process. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2The diagram shown is a front view of the positioning mechanism in the laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes in the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the positioning mechanism in the laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long pipes in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shows a method for dynamically identifying the symmetrical center position of the end face of a pipe fitting.

[0033] In the diagram: 10. Base; 11. Outer housing; 20. Chain drive mechanism; 21. Drive shaft; 30. Conveying mechanism; 40. Positioning mechanism; 41. Connecting plate; 42. Resistance shaft; 43. Clamping plate; 44. Threaded rod; 45. Connecting bar; 400. Tube placement area; 440. Sleeve head; 50. High-definition camera; 60. Vibration motor. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0035] Example

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long pipes includes no fewer than two bases 10 arranged along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, two bases 10 are provided. In practical applications, the bases 10 can be set as needed according to the length of the pipe, which greatly improves the adaptability of the support mechanism of the present invention and can be used for supporting ultra-long pipes of various lengths.

[0037] A chain drive mechanism 20 is provided above the base 10. The chain drive mechanism 20 transmits the tube along the X-axis and multiple chain drive mechanisms 20 are synchronously driven by a drive shaft 21. A positioning mechanism 40 is installed on the chain of the chain drive mechanism 20. A tube placement area 400 for accommodating the tube is formed between two adjacent positioning mechanisms 40. The follow-up support mechanism also includes a conveying mechanism 30, a high-definition camera 50 and a vibration motor 60.

[0038] When the support mechanism of this invention is in operation, the operator places the pipe in the placement area 400 at the starting end of the chain drive mechanism 20 using manual labor or auxiliary devices. The chain drive mechanism 20 moves the pipe along the X-axis to the tail end. After the pipe reaches the tail end, the conveying mechanism 30 transports the pipe at the tail end along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism for cutting. Therefore, in the entire process, the operator only needs to continuously place the pipe in the placement area 400 at the starting end of the chain drive mechanism 20. The pipe at the tail end of the chain drive mechanism 20 can be continuously transported along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism for cutting with the assistance of the conveying mechanism 30. The placement and cutting of the pipe do not interfere with each other, thereby realizing uninterrupted cutting of the pipe and greatly improving the overall cutting efficiency.

[0039] The pipe fitting is placed on the pipe placement area 400 from the starting end of the chain drive mechanism 20. The chain drive mechanism 20 moves the pipe fitting along the X-axis to the end. After the high-definition camera 50 dynamically identifies that the symmetrical center position of the pipe fitting end face is correct, the pipe fitting is then transported along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism by the conveying mechanism 30.

[0040] An outer housing 11 is fixedly connected to the top of the base 10, and the outer housing 11 is semi-enclosed around the chain drive mechanism 20. By setting the outer housing 11, the chain drive mechanism 20 can be protected, and a foundation is provided for the auxiliary positioning and installation of the drive shaft 21, ensuring the stability of the drive shaft 21.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the positioning mechanism 40 includes a connecting bar 45 fixedly connected to the chain of the chain drive mechanism 20, and a mating plate 41 fixedly connected to the side of the connecting bar 45 away from the chain; two adjacent positioning mechanisms 40 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0042] The XOY cross section of the mating plate 41 is "L" shaped, divided into a horizontal section and a vertical section. The horizontal section of the mating plate 41 is connected to the connecting strip 45. The vertical section of the mating plate 41 is rotatably connected to the clamping plate 43 through the resistance shaft 42. The two adjacent clamping plates 43 are inclined towards each other and form an inverted "V" shape. The inverted "V" shape design can be applied to pipe fittings with different cross-sectional shapes. For example, pipe fittings with circular cross-sections can be placed on the inverted "V" shaped inclined surface between the two clamping plates 43, which can also play a role in assisting in their positioning. The horizontal section of the mating plate 41 extends outward, and the extension beyond the bottom of the clamping plate 43 forms a horizontal platform for the pipe fitting. When the cross-sectional shape of the pipe fitting is square or rectangular, the pipe fitting can slide down along the inverted "V" shaped inclined surface of the two clamping plates 43 until the bottom of the pipe fitting can be placed on the horizontal platform. At the same time, the bottom of the inverted "V" shape of the two clamping plates 43 abuts against the two sides of the pipe fitting, thereby assisting in its positioning.

[0043] A threaded rod 44 is threaded through the vertical section of the mating plate 41, with one end of the threaded rod 44 abutting against the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate 43. The threaded rod 44 facilitates adjustment of the tilt angle of the clamping plate 43, making it suitable for placing pipes of different specifications and thus having wider applicability.

[0044] A sleeve 441 is fitted around one end of the threaded rod 44 that abuts against the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate 43; by setting the sleeve 441, mutual wear caused by hard contact between the threaded rod 44 and the clamping plate 43 can be avoided.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, a method for dynamically identifying the symmetry center position of a pipe fitting end face is described. This method is applied to the aforementioned follow-up support mechanism for laser cutting of ultra-long pipes. The method includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. Capture of coordinate data of pipe end face: Capture the diagonal position of the pipe end face using a high-definition camera 50, construct diagonal coordinate data, and output the coordinate data to the data processing module.

[0047] S2, Coordinate Data Processing: The data processing module identifies the pipe position based on coordinate data and the symmetry center formula. It compares the pipe position data with a set threshold to determine whether the pipe is in the set position. If the pipe is in the set position, it proceeds to S3; otherwise, it proceeds to S4.

[0048] S3, Feeding: The Y-axis conveying mechanism 30 works to convey the pipe to the clamping mechanism for clamping and cutting;

[0049] S4 Correction: The vibration motor works to correct the position of the pipe. After correction, it returns to S1 to recapture the coordinate data of the pipe end face.

[0050] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the formula for the coordinates of the center of symmetry in S2 is:

[0051]

[0052] Where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two opposite corners of the current pipe end face captured by the high-definition camera (50). If the pipe section is circular, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two ends on any diameter.

[0053] The threshold value set in S2 is:

[0054] (k1x, k2y)

[0055]

[0056] Where k is a set threshold, and (x, y) is the standard position of the symmetry center of the pipe fitting.

[0057] During the transmission of the pipe by the chain drive mechanism 20 or when it is placed manually, the pipe may be misaligned. To solve this problem, the present invention uses a high-definition camera 50 to capture the diagonal coordinates of the pipe end face and compares them with a set threshold. When the measured value is greater than k, it indicates that the pipe is misaligned. Then, the vibration motor 60 can drive the chain drive mechanism 20 and the positioning mechanism 40 to vibrate and correct the position of the pipe, thereby avoiding the inability to accurately align with the clamping mechanism during the Y-axis transmission process.

[0058] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes, comprising at least two bases (10) arranged along the Y-axis, characterized in that, A chain drive mechanism (20) is provided above the base (10). The chain drive mechanism (20) transmits the pipe along the X-axis and multiple chain drive mechanisms (20) are synchronously driven by a drive shaft (21). A positioning mechanism (40) is installed on the chain of the chain drive mechanism (20). A pipe placement area (400) for accommodating the pipe is formed between two adjacent positioning mechanisms (40). The follow-up support mechanism also includes a conveying mechanism (30), a high-definition camera (50), and a vibration motor (60). The pipe fitting is placed on the pipe placement area (400) from the starting end of the chain drive mechanism (20). The chain drive mechanism (20) moves the pipe fitting along the X-axis to the tail end. After the high-definition camera (50) dynamically identifies that the symmetrical center position of the pipe fitting end face is correct, the pipe fitting is then transported along the Y-axis to the clamping and cutting mechanism through the conveying mechanism (30). The positioning mechanism (40) includes a connecting bar (45) fixedly connected to the chain of the chain drive mechanism (20), and a docking plate (41) is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting bar (45) away from the chain. The XOY section of the docking plate (41) is "L" shaped, divided into a horizontal section and a vertical section. The horizontal section of the docking plate (41) is connected to the connecting strip (45). The vertical section of the docking plate (41) is rotatably connected to a clamping plate (43) through a resistance shaft (42). Two adjacent clamping plates (43) are inclined towards each other and are in an inverted "V" shape. The diagonal coordinates of the pipe end face are captured by a high-definition camera (50) and then compared with a set threshold. When the measured value is greater than k, it indicates that the pipe is not placed correctly. Then the position of the pipe can be corrected by the vibration motor driving the chain transmission mechanism (20) and the positioning mechanism (40) to vibrate.

2. The laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the base (10) is fixedly connected to the outer shell (11), and the outer shell (11) is semi-enclosed around the chain drive mechanism (20).

3. The laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical section of the docking plate (41) is threaded with a threaded rod (44), and one end of the threaded rod (44) abuts against the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate (43).

4. The ultra-long tube laser cutting follow-up support mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The threaded rod (44) is fitted with a sleeve (441) around one end of the inner side of the lower edge of the clamping plate (43).

5. The laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The horizontal section of the docking plate (41) extends outward, and the extension beyond the bottom of the clamping plate (43) forms a horizontal platform for the pipe fitting.

6. A method for dynamically identifying the symmetry center position of a pipe fitting end face, characterized in that, The method is applied to the laser cutting follow-up support mechanism for ultra-long tubes as described in any one of claims 1-5, and the method includes the following steps: S1. Capture of coordinate data of pipe end face: Capture the diagonal position of pipe end face through high-definition camera (50), construct diagonal coordinate data, and output coordinate data to data processing module; S2, Coordinate Data Processing: The data processing module identifies the pipe position based on coordinate data and the symmetry center formula. It compares the pipe position data with a set threshold to determine whether the pipe is in the set position. If the pipe is in the set position, it proceeds to S3; otherwise, it proceeds to S4. S3, feeding: The Y-axis conveying mechanism (30) works to convey the pipe to the clamping mechanism for clamping and cutting; S4 Correction: The vibration motor works to correct the position of the pipe. After correction, it returns to S1 to recapture the coordinate data of the pipe end face.

7. The method for dynamically identifying the symmetry center position of a pipe fitting end face according to claim 6, characterized in that, The formula for the coordinates of the center of symmetry in S2 is: Where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two opposite corners of the end face of the pipe captured by the high-definition camera (50). If the cross-section of the pipe is circular, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinate data of the two ends on any diameter. The threshold value set in S2 is: , , Where k is a set threshold, and (x, y) is the standard position of the symmetry center of the pipe fitting.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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