Laser-assisted machining and milling device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser-assisted machining and milling device and a control method thereof.The laser-assisted machining and milling device is installed on a machine tool and comprises a milling cutter installed on a machine tool spindle of the machine tool and used for machining a workpiece to be machined; and the multiple lasers are arranged around the machine tool spindle and used for conducting auxiliary machining on the to-be-machined workpiece before the milling cutter machines the to-be-machined workpiece. Compared with the prior art, the device has the advantages of being high in machining efficiency, good in machining effect, high in automation degree, capable of achieving accurate machining, high in flexibility, capable of improving the material removal rate and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laser-assisted machining, and particularly relates to a laser-assisted machining milling device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Most of the existing laser-assisted milling devices rely on a single laser for operation. Such devices have some obvious limitations in practical applications. For example, a multi-axis laser-assisted milling machining device and method disclosed in the invention with the publication number CN119159398A includes an adjustable optical path system and an auxiliary milling mechanism. The adjustable optical path system includes a laser, a mirror, a laser beam channel, and a conversion motor. The auxiliary milling mechanism includes a rotating body and a tool mounted on the rotating body. A first optical path channel connecting the laser beam channel and the tool is provided on the rotating body, and a second optical path channel is provided on the tool. When the tool is mounted on the rotating body, the first optical path channel is connected to the second optical path channel. The laser is equipped with a plurality of emission sources with different powers and frequencies. The laser emitted by the laser passes through the mirror to change the direction and is transmitted in the laser beam channel, then enters the first optical path channel and is transmitted to the second optical path channel, and finally exits from the bottom of the tool. By softening the workpiece with the laser and continuously working the laser during tool machining, variable attitude manufacturing, high-precision forming, and stress concentration reduction are achieved.

[0003] First of all, it requires the operator to precisely set the movement path of the tool in advance, which not only increases the complexity of the operation but also leads to a reduction in processing efficiency. At the same time, the irradiation path of the laser needs to be adjusted according to the movement mode of the tool, which further increases the tediousness of the processing process. In addition, according to the properties of different materials, appropriate laser power and trajectories need to be specified, which not only requires the operator to have high professional skills but also limits the flexibility and efficiency of the processing process.

[0004] Due to these limitations, the laser-assisted machining device with a single laser may encounter problems of low efficiency during the processing. Especially when dealing with complex shapes or difficult-to-reach areas, the irradiation range and flexibility of a single laser limit its performance, resulting in the appearance of processing dead corners. These dead corner areas may not be effectively irradiated by the laser, thus affecting the processing quality of the material and the overall processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art and provide a laser-assisted machining milling device and a control method thereof with high processing efficiency, good processing effect, high automation degree, precise machining, strong flexibility, and capable of improving the material removal rate.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laser-assisted machining milling device, which is installed on a machine tool. The device includes:

[0008] A milling cutter, which is installed on the spindle of the machine tool and is used for machining a workpiece to be machined;

[0009] A plurality of lasers, which are arranged around the spindle of the machine tool and are used for assisting in machining the workpiece to be machined before the milling cutter machines the workpiece to be machined.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the plurality of lasers are uniformly arranged around the spindle of the machine tool.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the plurality of lasers are uniformly arranged along a target circumference; wherein, the target circumference is a circumference centered on the center of the milling cutter.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the number of the lasers is three.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the lasers are carbon dioxide lasers.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a laser-assisted machining milling device for the laser-assisted machining milling device provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect. The method includes: obtaining a machine tool control instruction; setting laser parameters of a plurality of lasers; determining a target laser among the plurality of lasers; and using the target laser to assist in machining the workpiece to be machined.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the determining a target laser among the plurality of lasers includes: obtaining the real-time position and movement direction of the milling cutter; and determining the lasers among the plurality of lasers whose included angle with the movement direction of the milling cutter is less than a preset angle as the target lasers.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, when the number of the lasers is three, the preset angle is 60°.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution, the using the target laser to assist in machining the workpiece to be machined includes: generating a target laser trajectory of the target laser based on the real-time position, movement direction of the milling cutter and the machine tool control instruction; and controlling the target laser to assist in machining the workpiece to be machined along the target laser trajectory.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution, the laser parameters include at least one of laser power, frequency and pulse width.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] I. High processing efficiency: The laser-assisted machining milling device provided by the present invention adopts a design of multiple lasers, so that the processing process is no longer limited by a single light source, and multiple areas can be processed simultaneously, which is particularly effective when dealing with large areas or complex geometries, greatly shortening the processing cycle and improving production efficiency;

[0021] II. Good processing effect: The laser-assisted machining milling device provided by the present invention realizes that at least one laser can cover the processing area no matter how the tool moves by arranging multiple lasers evenly around the machine tool spindle, solving the problem of processing dead angles existing in the traditional single-laser system;

[0022] III. High degree of automation: The laser-assisted machining milling device and its control method provided by the present invention can realize the automatic generation of laser trajectories and related parameters through the coupling of the machine tool G code and the laser system, greatly simplifying the operation process and improving the stability and reliability of the processing process; in addition, the highly automated operation reduces manual intervention, reduces the labor intensity of operators, and also reduces the processing errors caused by human factors, improving the safety of the processing process;

[0023] IV. Achieving precise machining: The laser-assisted machining milling device and its control method provided by the present invention can realize the automatic generation of laser trajectories and the adjustment of laser parameters, not only improving the machining accuracy, but also ensuring the repeatability of each machining, which is beneficial to maintaining the consistency of product quality;

[0024] V. Strong flexibility: The laser-assisted machining milling device and its control method provided by the present invention can flexibly adjust the laser power and irradiation trajectory according to different material characteristics and processing requirements, enabling the device to adapt to a wider range of materials and processing conditions, and improving its adaptability and flexibility in different industrial applications;

[0025] VI. Improving the material removal rate: The laser-assisted machining milling device and its control method provided by the present invention can pre-soften or remove materials, thereby improving the material removal rate, reducing the direct contact between the tool and the workpiece, and extending the service life of the tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the laser-assisted machining milling device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cutter mounting structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3Schematic flow diagram of the control method for the laser-assisted machining milling device provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] As used herein, "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation manner of the present application. In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the embodiments of the present invention provide a laser-assisted machining milling device, which is installed on a machine tool. The laser-assisted machining milling device includes:

[0032] A milling cutter 110, which is installed on the machine tool spindle 120 of the machine tool and is used for machining the workpiece to be machined;

[0033] A plurality of lasers 130, which are arranged around the machine tool spindle 120 and are used for auxiliary machining of the workpiece to be machined before the milling cutter 110 machines the workpiece to be machined.

[0034] It can be understood that Figure 1 shows a scenario where three lasers 130 are arranged, that is, the scenario of lasers 130-1, lasers 130-2, and lasers 130-3. This scenario is only a schematic illustration of the above laser-assisted machining milling device and does not mean that the above laser-assisted machining milling device can only be provided with three lasers 130. Those skilled in the art should know that the number of lasers 130 in the above laser-assisted machining milling device can be flexibly set according to specific application scenarios and is not limited to three. For example, four lasers 130 are arranged at intervals of 90° around the machine tool spindle 120 in sequence.

[0035] The design of three lasers enables the machining process to no longer be limited to a single light source and can machine multiple areas simultaneously, which is particularly effective when processing large areas or complex geometries, greatly shortening the machining cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0036] Specifically, multiple lasers can be distributed beside the main shaft at an included angle of 120°, enabling simultaneous machining of multiple areas, significantly improving the machining efficiency and coverage. When the included angle between the advancing direction of the cutting tool and any laser is less than 60°, the laser automatically operates to ensure full coverage of the machining area and effectively eliminate machining dead angles.

[0037] Moreover, by distributing three lasers beside the main shaft at an included angle of 120°, the present invention ensures that no matter how the cutting tool moves, there is always at least one laser that can cover the machining area, completely solving the problem of machining dead angles existing in traditional single-laser systems.

[0038] Optionally, the milling cutter 110 can be installed on the machine tool spindle 120 of the machine tool through the tool holder 140.

[0039] Optionally, multiple lasers 130 are uniformly arranged around the machine tool spindle 120.

[0040] Optionally, multiple lasers 130 are uniformly arranged along a target circumference; wherein, the target circumference is a circumference centered on the center of the milling cutter.

[0041] Optionally, the number of lasers 130 can be three. The three lasers 130 are mutually at an included angle of 120° and are uniformly arranged around the machine tool spindle 120.

[0042] Optionally, the laser 130 can be a carbon dioxide laser.

[0043] The control method of the above laser-assisted machining milling device is introduced as follows:

[0044] As Figure 3 shown, based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for a laser-assisted machining milling device for the above laser-assisted machining milling device. The method includes:

[0045] Step S210: Obtain a machine tool control instruction;

[0046] Step S220: Set the laser parameters of multiple lasers 130;

[0047] Step S230: Determine a target laser among multiple lasers 130;

[0048] Step S240: Use the target laser to perform assisted machining on the workpiece to be machined.

[0049] It can be understood that the above-mentioned machine tool control instructions can be G instructions. G instructions refer to machine tool control instructions written by G codes (G-code, also known as RS-274). Using G instructions can achieve functions such as rapid positioning, inverse circular interpolation, circular interpolation, intermediate point circular interpolation, radius programming, and jump machining. The G instructions in the embodiments of the present invention can control the starting displacement and speed of the machine tool and indirectly control parameters such as the rate of the laser.

[0050] By coupling the machine tool G code with the laser system, this device can automatically generate laser trajectories and related parameters, simplify the operation process, and improve the accuracy and repeatability of processing.

[0051] Optionally, the laser parameters in the above step S220 may include at least one of laser power, frequency, and pulse width. Correct parameter settings can ensure that the material is processed uniformly and efficiently, while reducing the heat-affected area and material deformation. Step S220 can set the laser parameters of the laser 130 based on the material of the workpiece to be processed.

[0052] The power and irradiation trajectory of the laser can be flexibly adjusted according to different material characteristics and processing requirements, enabling the device to adapt to a wider range of materials and processing conditions, and improving its practicality in different industrial applications.

[0053] Optionally, the above step S230 includes: obtaining the real-time position and movement direction of the milling cutter 110; determining the lasers among the multiple lasers 130 whose angles with the movement direction of the milling cutter are less than a preset angle as target lasers.

[0054] Optionally, when the number of lasers is three, the preset angle is 60°.

[0055] It can be understood that when the number of lasers 130 is three, the lasers 130 with an angle less than 60° with the movement direction of the milling cutter 110 can be selected as target lasers, which can reduce the dead corners in the processing process, and these dead corners may cause incomplete or uneven processing.

[0056] Optionally, the above step S240 includes: generating a target laser trajectory of the target laser based on the real-time position, movement direction of the milling cutter, and the machine tool control instructions; controlling the target laser to perform auxiliary processing on the workpiece to be processed along the target laser trajectory.

[0057] This solution not only improves the processing quality but also enhances the adaptability, and can adjust the laser power and trajectory according to different materials and processing requirements, providing an efficient and flexible solution for laser-assisted milling of complex surfaces.

[0058] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can easily think of various equivalent modifications or substitutions, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A laser-assisted milling device, characterized in that: The milling device is mounted on a machine tool, and the device comprises: A milling cutter, mounted on a machine spindle of the machine tool, for machining a workpiece to be machined; A plurality of lasers are arranged around the main axis of the machine tool and are used for assisting the processing of the workpiece to be processed before the milling cutter processes the workpiece to be processed.

2. The laser-assisted milling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of lasers are evenly arranged around the main axis of the machine tool.

3. The laser-assisted milling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of lasers are evenly arranged along a target circumference; wherein the target circumference is a circle with the center of the milling cutter as its center.

4. The laser-assisted milling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The number of the lasers is three.

5. The laser-assisted milling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The laser is a carbon dioxide laser.

6. A laser-assisted milling device control method for the laser-assisted milling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtain machine tool control instructions; Setting laser parameters for multiple lasers; determining a target laser among the plurality of said lasers; The target laser is used to perform auxiliary processing on the workpiece to be processed.

7. The laser-assisted milling device control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of determining a target laser among the plurality of lasers comprises: Get the real-time position and movement direction of the milling cutter; The laser among the plurality of lasers, the laser that forms an angle with the moving direction of the milling cutter that is smaller than a preset angle, is determined as a target laser.

8. The laser-assisted milling device control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the number of the lasers is three, the preset angle is 60°.

9. The laser-assisted milling device control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The method of using the target laser to perform auxiliary processing on the workpiece to be processed includes: Based on the real-time position and movement direction of the milling cutter and the machine tool control instruction, generating a target laser trajectory of the target laser; The target laser is controlled to perform auxiliary processing on the workpiece to be processed along the target laser trajectory.

10. The laser-assisted milling device control method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: The laser parameters include at least one of laser power, frequency and pulse width.

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