A laser processing jig for sheet metal and an automated processing system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laser processing, specifically to a laser processing fixture and automated processing system and method for thin plates, comprising: a base, a limiting mechanism, and an upper cover plate for applying prestress to the thin plate, and an air inlet, an air outlet, and a slit-type air outlet integrated inside the upper cover plate. The air inlet communicates with the slit-type air outlet via a flow channel within the upper cover plate. The slit-type air outlet and the air outlet work together to form a high-speed airflow layer on the surface of the area to be processed on the thin plate. Embodiments of this invention effectively suppress macroscopic warping and deformation of the thin plate caused by thermal stress during laser processing by applying prestress to the thin plate and forming a high-speed airflow layer on the surface of the processing area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser processing, and specifically to a laser processing fixture, automated processing system, and method for thin plates. Background Technology

[0002] When existing laser processing equipment is used to process thin plates with a thickness of less than 0.6 mm, the following technical problems exist:

[0003] Low processing efficiency: It is necessary to reduce the laser scanning speed or power to avoid slag accumulation on the thin plate, thereby avoiding affecting the laser etching morphology or the regularity of the laser drilling channel edge.

[0004] Severe thermal deformation: Thin plates have small heat capacity, and the high energy density heat input instantaneously during laser processing is difficult to dissipate in time, causing a sharp local temperature rise and easy to generate severe heat accumulation. This leads to thermal stress generated inside the material due to temperature gradient, which in turn causes thermal deformation such as warping and wrinkling of the thin plate. This deformation, in turn, changes the relative position between the surface of the thin plate and the laser focus, which can seriously affect the accuracy and consistency of laser processing.

[0005] Low level of automation: The loading and unloading processes rely on manual labor, resulting in low production efficiency and difficulty in ensuring consistency and reliability.

[0006] Therefore, the industry needs an integrated solution that can effectively suppress thermal deformation and achieve fully automated loading and unloading when laser-processing thin plates. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a laser processing fixture and automated processing system and method for thin plates, which aims to laser process thin plates with high efficiency and automation, while reducing the degree of thermal deformation of the thin plates.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention specifically provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A laser processing fixture for thin plates, used for laser drilling or laser etching, comprising:

[0010] A base, wherein a limiting mechanism for positioning a thin plate is provided on the base;

[0011] A top cover plate is detachably disposed above the base for pressing the edge of a thin plate placed on the base by its own weight to apply prestress to the thin plate. A laser processing window is formed in the center of the top cover plate.

[0012] And a cooling system, integrated inside the upper cover, the cooling system comprising:

[0013] One air inlet is used to connect to a high-pressure air source;

[0014] One exhaust outlet is used to connect a vacuum pump;

[0015] At least one slit-type air outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the upper cover plate, and the air inlet is connected to the slit-type air outlet via a flow channel in the upper cover plate;

[0016] During laser processing, the gas ejected from the slit-type air outlet works in conjunction with the suction effect of the exhaust outlet to form a high-speed airflow on the surface of the area to be processed on the thin plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate detachably disposed on the base, and the limiting plate is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks for positioning the thin plate.

[0018] Furthermore, the slit-type air outlet is arranged along the inner circumferential or partial circumferential direction of the laser processing window and faces the processing area of ​​the thin plate; the flow channel is designed to narrow from the air inlet to the slit-type air outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the air extraction outlet is located on the opposite side or obliquely above the slit-type air outlet, and its suction direction forms an obtuse angle with the surface of the thin plate.

[0020] An automated laser processing system for thin plates includes a laser processing fixture; and

[0021] A laser is used to emit a laser beam and, in conjunction with a galvanometer, to perform laser drilling or laser etching on the thin plate.

[0022] A robotic arm is equipped with a composite end effector that integrates a first end effector and a second end effector, wherein the first end effector is used to grasp the thin plate and the second end effector is used to grasp the upper cover plate;

[0023] A controller, electrically connected to the robotic arm, is used to control the robotic arm to alternately use the first end effector and the second end effector to automatically complete the opening and closing of the upper cover and the loading and unloading of the thin plate.

[0024] Furthermore, the first end effector is a vacuum chuck, and the second end effector is an electromagnet.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0026] A limit plate library for storing at least one spare limit plate;

[0027] A locking mechanism corresponding to each of the laser processing fixtures is used to lock the limiting plate onto the base;

[0028] The limiting plate is made of a non-ferromagnetic material;

[0029] Furthermore, the controller is configured to: when preset conditions are met, control the locking mechanism to unlock and use the first end effector of the robotic arm to remove the currently used limit plate, grab a spare limit plate from the limit plate library, and install and lock it onto the base, thereby realizing the automatic replacement of the limit plate.

[0030] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes at least one lever cylinder and a pressure plate driven by it, the pressure plate being disposed above the edge of the limiting plate, and the lever cylinder being used to drive the pressure plate to move from top to bottom to press the limiting plate onto the base.

[0031] Furthermore, the limit plate is provided with a unique identification code containing its identity information, and the composite end effector integrates a miniature industrial camera. The miniature industrial camera is used to read the unique identification code to assist the controller in identifying the limit plate during automatic replacement.

[0032] An automated laser processing method for thin plates, executed using an automated laser processing system, includes the following steps:

[0033] Opening the cover: The robotic arm uses its second end effector to remove the top cover of the laser processing fixture;

[0034] Feeding: The robotic arm uses its first end effector to place the sheet metal to be processed into the limiting mechanism of the base;

[0035] Closing the cover: The robotic arm uses its second end effector to close the upper cover plate onto the base to apply prestress to the thin plate;

[0036] Processing and Cooling: The laser is started and laser drilling or laser etching is performed on the thin plate in conjunction with the galvanometer. At the same time, the cooling system is started. The cooling system blows cooling gas onto the surface of the thin plate through the compressed gas source and removes the processing fumes and heat through the vacuum pump.

[0037] Material unloading: After laser drilling or laser etching is completed, the cover opening step is performed and the first end effector is used to remove the processed thin plate;

[0038] The system continuously executes loading, closing, processing and cooling, and unloading actions in a cycle, achieving automated continuous execution of the laser processing system.

[0039] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention apply prestress to the thin plate by using a top cover plate with a certain weight and achieve fixed constraint on all four sides, which effectively suppresses the macroscopic warping and deformation of the thin plate caused by thermal stress during laser processing. This ensures that the laser focus remains relatively stable throughout the entire processing, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy and positional consistency of laser drilling or laser etching.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention form a high-speed airflow layer on the surface of the thin plate processing area through a cooling system integrated into the upper cover plate, thereby quickly blowing away the slag and dust generated by laser processing, avoiding absorption and interference of the incident laser beam energy, and ensuring the cleanliness and surface quality of the processing; at the same time, the high-speed airflow can continuously remove the heat accumulated in the processing area, playing a role in forced air cooling. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of the laser processing fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one angle.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an assembly view of the laser processing fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the laser processing fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a top view of the laser processing fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of the base and limiting plate from one perspective, representing a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is an assembly view of the base and limiting plate from another perspective of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of a robotic arm removing the upper cover plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0053] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of the robotic arm removing the limiting plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0055] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall layout of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 14 This is a top view of the finished thin plate product of the present invention, showing the aperture shape of the laser inlet of the finished thin plate product;

[0057] Figure 15 This is a bottom view of the finished thin plate product of the present invention, showing the aperture shape of the laser exit of the finished thin plate product;

[0058] Figure 16 This is a photograph of a finished thin sheet metal product without the use of laser processing fixtures.

[0059] Figure 17 A photograph of a finished thin sheet metal product after using the laser processing fixture of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] The labels in the diagram represent the following:

[0061] 1-Base; 11-Limiting block; 12-Limiting plate; 121-Positioning groove; 122-Upright plate; 13-Positioning pin; 14-Locking mechanism; 141-Lever cylinder; 142-Pressure plate; 2-Top cover plate; 21-Laser processing window; 22-Air inlet; 23-Air outlet; 24-Slit-type air outlet; 25-Flow channel; 26-Gateway; 31-First end effector; 311-Vacuum suction cup; 32-Second end effector; 321-Electromagnet; 33-Miniature industrial camera; 5-Thin plate; 51-Raw material storage box; 52-Finished product storage box; 6-Limiting plate storage. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0063] (First Embodiment)

[0064] This embodiment discloses a laser automated processing system for thin plates, which includes a laser processing fixture and an automated loading and unloading device.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The laser processing fixture includes a base 1 and a separable top cover 2.

[0066] The base 1 is provided with a limiting mechanism, which includes four L-shaped limiting blocks 11 for quickly positioning the four corners of the metal sheet 5 with a thickness of 0.1mm to 0.6mm. The bottom of the upper cover plate 2 is provided with a groove 26 that fits with each limiting block 11.

[0067] As a preferred technical solution, the laser processing fixture also includes a separable limiting plate 12, which is detachably mounted on the top of the base 1, and the limiting block 11 is integrated on the top of the limiting plate 12. This design allows the operator to replace the corresponding limiting plate 12 for thin plates 5 of different sizes, thereby quickly changing the limiting size of the limiting mechanism.

[0068] The upper cover plate 2 weighs 6-10 kg and has a flat bottom. It can be pressed directly onto the edge of the thin plate 5 and apply uniform prestress (also known as physical clamping force or normal constraint force) to the thin plate 5 using its own weight. When the limiting block 11 is inserted into the inside of the channel 26, it can position the upper cover plate 2.

[0069] A laser processing window 21 is provided in the center of the upper cover plate 2 for the laser to pass through to process the thin plate 5 at the bottom of the laser processing window 21.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The upper cover 2 integrates a "blowing and suction" cooling system:

[0071] An air inlet 22 is provided on the outer side of the upper cover plate 2, and at least one slit-type air outlet 24 with a height of 0.2 to 0.5 mm is provided on the inner side of the laser processing window 21 of the upper cover plate 2. The slit-type air outlet 24 is directly facing the laser processing area of ​​the thin plate 5.

[0072] The upper cover plate 2 has a flow channel 25 inside that connects the air inlet 22 and the slit-type air outlet 24. The flow channel 25 is designed as a stepped cavity that narrows from wide to narrow. According to the principles of fluid dynamics, the flow velocity of gas will increase significantly when it flows through the narrow channel.

[0073] The outer side of the upper cover plate 2 is also provided with an air extraction outlet 23, which is located on the opposite side of the slit-type air outlet 24, or diagonally above the opposite side.

[0074] The suction direction of the suction outlet 23 forms an obtuse angle with the surface of the thin plate 5. The angle of the obtuse angle is 160° to 170°, preferably 165°.

[0075] The cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust outlet 23 is much larger than that of the slit-type exhaust outlet 24, and it gradually increases in size along the direction close to the laser processing window 21 to form a funnel shape.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 The automated loading and unloading device includes a six-axis robot (not shown in the figure), a robot controller, a raw material storage box 51, and a finished product storage box 52.

[0077] A composite end effector is mounted on the end flange of the six-axis robot. This composite end effector integrates:

[0078] The first end effector 31 includes four small vacuum suction cups 311 for adsorbing and transporting lightweight thin plates 5.

[0079] The second end effector 32 includes a high-power electromagnet 321 for adsorbing and moving the top cover plate 2 weighing 6 to 10 kg.

[0080] The entire automated workflow is controlled by a robot controller based on a preset program, and the steps are as follows:

[0081] Opening the cover: The robot moves directly above the gripper, its second end effector 32 (electromagnet 321) is energized, descends and attracts the top cover 2, then lifts it and moves it to the preset top cover 2 placement area.

[0082] Loading: The robot rotates its end effector to face downwards, moving it above the raw material storage box 51. The vacuum suction cup 311 generates a vacuum to pick up a thin plate 5 to be processed, and then precisely places it into the limiting block 11 of the base 1 of the laser processing fixture.

[0083] Closing the cover: The robot moves back to the placement area of ​​the upper cover plate 2, uses the electromagnet 321 to hold the upper cover plate 2, and covers it on the base 1 where the thin plate 5 has been placed, so that each limit block 11 is precisely inserted into the groove 26 set at the bottom of the upper cover plate 2. Then the electromagnet 321 is de-energized, and the robot returns to the safe waiting area.

[0084] Processing: The control system sends a signal to start the laser and scanning galvanometer to perform high-speed laser drilling or laser etching on the thin plate 5. At the same time, the air pump and fan connected to the laser processing fixture are started. At this time, an independent compressed air source (such as an air compressor or air cylinder) provides cooling gas. The cooling gas enters the blowing inlet 22 through the pressure regulating valve and the flow control valve. After being accelerated, it is ejected from the slit-type air outlet 24 and sweeps across the surface of the thin plate 5 at high speed. At the same time, an external vacuum pump or high-pressure fan is connected to the air extraction outlet 23 and forms a negative pressure. Combined with the filter device, the gas mixed with heat and dust is extracted.

[0085] Material unloading: After laser processing is completed, the robot repeats the opening step, then rotates its end effector to make its first end effector 31 (vacuum suction cup 311) face down, and uses the vacuum suction cup 311 to take the processed finished product from the base 1 and place it into the finished product storage box 52.

[0086] Cycle: The system repeats the above steps to achieve continuous automated production.

[0087] (Second Embodiment)

[0088] In the first embodiment, although there is a local chip removal system (such as a cooling system that combines blowing and suction), trace residual contaminants generated by processes such as laser processing will still accumulate over a long period of time. These contaminants will seep into the gap between the limiting plate 12 and the base 1, or adhere to key positions such as the limiting block 11, gradually leading to problems such as decreased workpiece positioning accuracy, abnormal opening and closing of fixtures, and reduced product yield.

[0089] To solve the above problems, this embodiment improves the connection structure between the base 1 and the limiting plate 12, and adds a limiting plate library 6.

[0090] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 The top of the base 1 is flat and is provided with a positioning pin 13 for installing the limiting plate 12. The bottom of the limiting plate 12 is provided with a positioning groove 121 that cooperates with the positioning pin 13, and integrates a locking mechanism 14 for connecting the limiting plate 12 and the base 1.

[0091] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 The locking mechanism 14 includes at least two lever cylinders 141 disposed on the edge of the base 1. Each lever cylinder 141 has a pressure plate 142 connected to its end. The pressure plate 142 is located directly above the edge of the limiting plate 12.

[0092] When locking is required, the lever cylinder 141 is activated by an external signal, driving its pressure plate 142 to move downward, thereby firmly pressing the edge of the limiting plate 12 against the top surface of the base 1. A buffer pad or soft material is provided on the contact surface of the pressure plate 142 to avoid damaging the limiting plate 12.

[0093] The edge of the upper cover plate 2 is provided with a clearance opening for avoiding the pressure plate 142 (not shown in the figure). The limiting plate 12 is made of a non-ferromagnetic material (such as aluminum alloy or hard plastic), and its top surface is smooth and flat to facilitate stable adsorption by the first end effector 31 (vacuum chuck 311).

[0094] refer to Figure 13 The limit plate library 6 can adopt various structures, such as: disc type, chain type, storage type, and flat type.

[0095] In this embodiment, a disc-type structure is used, with multiple compartments on the rotary table. Each compartment corresponds to an address and is used to store different models or cleaned limit plates 12.

[0096] Furthermore, a vertical plate 122 is provided on one side of the limiting plate 12. The vertical plate 122 is printed with a unique QR code containing information such as its model and size. In addition, a miniature industrial camera 33 is added to the composite end effector. The miniature industrial camera 33 integrates a QR code recognition algorithm to read the identification mark (i.e., QR code) on the limiting plate 12 and assist in positioning.

[0097] The second embodiment has three associated working modes:

[0098] First mode: Standard production cycle mode.

[0099] This mode is a conventional loading and unloading process, in which the robot repeatedly performs actions such as opening the lid, loading, closing the lid, and unloading, which is basically the same as the first embodiment.

[0100] Second mode: Periodic deep maintenance mode.

[0101] When the robot controller's built-in production counter reaches a preset value (e.g., 500 times), it automatically executes the following steps:

[0102] The system pauses material feeding after processing the last product in the current batch.

[0103] Unlocking the limit plate: The controller sends an "unlock" signal to the locking mechanism 14 on the base 1, and the lever cylinder 141 drives the pressure plate 142 to lift up, releasing the mechanical clamping on the limit plate 12.

[0104] Grabbing the dirty plate: The robot moves to the top of the gripper, descends and activates the first end effector 31 (vacuum suction cup 311) to pick up the limit plate 12, which is already in a free state.

[0105] Sending for cleaning: The robot transports the dirty plate to the cleaning station (not shown) for automatic or manual cleaning.

[0106] Obtaining a clean plate: The robot moves to the limit plate library 6, scans the QR code 122 with the added miniature industrial camera 33, finds a clean spare limit plate 12 of the same model, and picks it up with the first end effector 31 (vacuum suction cup 311).

[0107] Installing and locking the new plate: Guided by visual recognition, the robot transports the clean limiting plate 12 back and precisely places it on the positioning pin 13 of the base 1. After confirming that the limiting plate 12 is in place through the force feedback system, the controller sends a "clamping" signal to the locking mechanism 14. The lever cylinder 141 is activated, and the pressure plate 142 firmly locks the new limiting plate 12 onto the base 1. The controller confirms whether the locking mechanism 14 has successfully locked the limiting plate 12 through the sensor. The sensor is used to monitor the position at the end of the stroke of the lever cylinder 141 or the pressure value of the contact surface of the pressure plate 142.

[0108] The system automatically resumes the standard production cycle.

[0109] The third mode: automated changeover mode.

[0110] The operator places a new production order containing the new limit plate model 12 through the host computer system, and then performs the following steps:

[0111] The robot first performs a "grab dirty plate" operation similar to the second mode, unlocking and removing the current old model limit plate 12, and then sending it to the designated recycling bin of the limit plate library 6.

[0112] Based on the new order information, the robot controller instructs the robot to search for and grab the specified new model limit plate 12 from the limit plate library 6 using the first end effector 31 (vacuum suction cup 311).

[0113] The robot installs the new limiting plate 12 onto the base 1 and locks it in place using the locking mechanism 14.

[0114] The controller automatically loads robot motion programs and laser processing programs that match the new model.

[0115] The system indicates that the model change is complete and automated production of the new product can begin.

[0116] (Technological Achievements)

[0117] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 Laser drilling enables the processing of five through holes in thin plates. Because the laser energy attenuates along the plate thickness, the inlet diameter is larger than the outlet diameter, and the outlet and inlet hole shapes have good consistency.

[0118] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 By optimizing laser processing parameters and fixture design, the deformation of thin plates can be significantly reduced.

[0119] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within its spirit and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered as falling within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser processing fixture for thin plates, used for laser drilling or laser etching, characterized in that, include: A base (1) is provided with a limiting mechanism for positioning the thin plate (5); An upper cover plate (2) is detachably disposed above the base (1) for pressing the edge of the thin plate (5) placed on the base (1) by its own weight to apply prestress to the thin plate (5). A laser processing window (21) is formed in the center of the upper cover plate (2). and a cooling system integrated inside the upper cover plate (2), the cooling system comprising: An air inlet (22) is provided for connecting a high-pressure air source; A suction outlet (23) is used to connect a vacuum pump; At least one slit-type air outlet (24) is formed on the bottom surface of the upper cover plate (2), and the air inlet (22) is connected to the slit-type air outlet (24) via a flow channel (25) in the upper cover plate (2); During laser processing, the gas ejected from the slit-type air outlet (24) works in conjunction with the suction effect of the exhaust outlet (23) to form a high-speed airflow on the surface of the area to be processed on the thin plate (5). The slit-type air outlet (24) is arranged circumferentially along the inner side of the laser processing window (21) and faces the processing area of ​​the thin plate (5); the flow channel (25) is designed to narrow from the air inlet (22) to the slit-type air outlet (24).

2. The laser processing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate (12) that can be detachably disposed on the base (1), and the limiting plate (12) is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks (11) for positioning the thin plate (5).

3. The laser processing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction outlet (23) is located on the opposite side or obliquely above the slit-type air outlet (24), and its suction direction forms an obtuse angle with the surface of the thin plate (5).

4. An automated laser processing system for sheet material, characterized by, include: Laser processing fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 3; as well as A laser is used to emit a laser beam and, in conjunction with a galvanometer, to perform laser drilling or laser etching on the thin plate (5); A robotic arm is equipped with a composite end effector that integrates a first end effector (31) and a second end effector (32), wherein the first end effector (31) is used to grasp the thin plate (5) and the second end effector (32) is used to grasp the upper cover plate (2). A controller, electrically connected to the robotic arm, is used to control the robotic arm to alternately use the first end effector (31) and the second end effector (32) to automatically complete the opening and closing of the upper cover plate (2) and the loading and unloading of the thin plate (5).

5. The automated laser processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first end effector (31) is a vacuum chuck (311), and the second end effector (32) is an electromagnet (321).

6. The automated laser processing system of claim 5, wherein, Also includes: A limit plate library (6) is used to store at least one spare limit plate (12). The locking mechanism (14) corresponding to each of the laser processing fixtures is used to lock the limiting plate (12) onto the base (1); The limiting plate (12) is made of a non-ferromagnetic material; Furthermore, the controller is configured to: when a preset condition is met, control the locking mechanism (14) to unlock and use the first end effector (31) of the manipulator to remove the currently used limit plate (12), grab a spare limit plate (12) from the limit plate library (6), and install and lock it onto the base (1), thereby realizing the automatic replacement of the limit plate (12).

7. The automated laser processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (14) includes at least one lever cylinder (141) and a pressure plate (142) driven therefrom, the pressure plate (142) being disposed above the edge of the limiting plate (12), the lever cylinder (141) being used to drive the pressure plate (142) to move from top to bottom to press the limiting plate (12) onto the base (1).

8. The automated laser processing system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The limiting plate (12) is provided with a unique identification code containing its identity information. The composite end effector integrates a miniature industrial camera (33). The miniature industrial camera (33) is used to read the unique identification code to assist the controller in identifying the limiting plate (12) during the automatic replacement process.

9. A method for automated laser processing of sheet material, characterized by, Performed using the automated laser processing system as described in claim 4, including the following steps: Opening the cover: The robotic arm uses its second end effector (32) to remove the upper cover plate (2) of the laser processing fixture; Loading: The robotic arm uses its first end effector (31) to place the sheet metal (5) to be processed into the limiting mechanism of the base (1); Closing the cover: The robotic arm uses its second end effector (32) to close the upper cover plate (2) onto the base (1) to apply prestress to the thin plate (5); Processing and cooling: The laser is started and laser drilling or laser etching is performed on the thin plate (5) in conjunction with the galvanometer. At the same time, the cooling system is started. The cooling system blows cooling gas into the surface of the thin plate (5) through the compressed gas source and removes the processing fumes and heat through the vacuum pump. Material unloading: After laser drilling or laser etching is completed, the cover opening step is performed and the first end effector (31) is used to remove the processed thin plate (5). The system continuously executes loading, closing, processing and cooling, and unloading actions in a cycle, achieving automated continuous execution of the laser processing system.

Images