Positioning method of U-shaped frame laser cutting flexible tooling

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning method of a U-shaped frame laser cutting flexible tool, which is implemented on a flexible tool arranged on a numerical control rotary table and comprises the following steps: assembling a rotating disc mounting seat, assembling a part mounting seat, determining the number and positions of a positioning clamping unit and a slag baffle, determining a part clamping position, clamping the part, and cutting and disassembling the part. The application has high clamping efficiency, and different specifications of positioning blocks can be selected according to the arc and cross-section size of the part during clamping, so that the positioning of various U-shaped cross-section frames with a certain radius range and a certain bent edge and back plate width range can be realized, and the application has high flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of positioning tooling technology, and relates to a positioning method for a flexible tooling for laser cutting of several frame shapes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various new structural arrow bodies are emerging in an endless stream, and sheet metal components of different sizes and structures are rapidly iterating, driving enterprises' manufacturing technology towards flexibility. Among these, sheet metal frame structures typically require the creation of various stringer notches, but traditional notch-making methods, such as die-cutting, are unsuitable for processing requirements involving multiple specifications, small batches, and short cycles. Patent CN115055847B discloses a flexible positioning device and notch-making method for creating notches in large and medium-sized Z-shaped thin-walled components. This device is suitable for slender cutting nozzles, especially robotic arm-type 3D laser cutting machines, but it causes severe interference with the cutting head when used in gantry beam AC tilting head type 3D laser cutting machines. Patent CN119897612A discloses a method for cutting Z-shaped cross-section frames with a 3D five-axis laser cutting machine, which can overcome the interference problem, but does not provide a flexible positioning method.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a positioning method that works in conjunction with a rotary table, allows for rapid position reconfiguration, and enables replacement without disassembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and provide a positioning method for a flexible tooling for laser cutting of several frame shapes.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solutions: A positioning method for a flexible fixture used in laser cutting of several frame shapes, wherein the positioning method is implemented on the flexible fixture mounted on a CNC rotary table, and includes the following steps: S1. Swing the CNC rotary table until the axis is vertical, align and fix the turntable mounting base; S2. Swing the CNC rotary table to a horizontal position, and then fix the part mounting base to the turntable mounting base; S3. Run the program in idle mode or use a template to scribble lines on both sides of the first piece of the part to be cut to determine the number of positioning and clamping units to be used. Slide the positioning and clamping units along the arc length of the part mounting base and pre-install the corresponding number of slag baffles according to the number of gaps and holes between adjacent positioning and clamping units. S4. Place the part on the part mounting base, simulate the program, and adjust the circumferential position of the part on the part mounting base according to the trajectory of the cutting head indicator light to ensure that the template scribing line coincides with the trajectory of the indicator light. S5. Based on the characteristics of the part and the position of the notches and holes on the part, adjust the position of the positioning clamping unit and the slag baffle plate and then clamp the part. S6. Execute the cutting program, coordinate the rotation of the CNC rotary table and the disassembly of parts after laser cutting.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible tooling includes a base unit, a positioning and clamping unit, and a slag-blocking plate unit. The positioning and clamping unit is fixed to the base unit via an adjustable mechanical connection, and the slag-blocking plate unit is fixed to the base unit via a magnetic connection. The base unit includes a part mounting base and a magnet mounted on the part mounting base. The part mounting base is provided with an arc-shaped positioning reference and a limiting groove that are adapted to the arc-shaped edge of the part. The positioning and clamping unit includes a positioning block and a clamping block. The positioning block has a positioning surface that matches the outer arc of the curved edge of the part. The clamping block is mounted on the positioning block by a quick handle and a tightening handle and is used to clamp the curved edge of the workpiece. The slag baffle unit is made of ferromagnetic material, placed on the part mounting base, and attracted and fixed by the magnet.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S4, the part is placed on the part mounting base, and its curved outer arc surface abuts against the positioning block.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S5, the tightening handle is screwed along the width direction of the part so that the second clamping surface of the clamping block abuts against the end face of the bent edge of the part and presses the inner side of the web of the part against the positioning block; the quick handle is turned to drive the clamping block so that the first clamping surface of the clamping block presses the outer arc surface of the bent edge of the part against the positioning block in the radial direction, and presses symmetrically from the middle of the part to both ends.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S6, the quick handle and tightening handle are released sequentially during disassembly, and the clamping block is rotated around the axis of the quick handle to complete the disassembly of the parts.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S3, the method of program idle running involves determining the position of each component while running the program idle, ensuring that it does not interfere with the cutting head.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, in step S2, the part mounting base and the turntable mounting base are guided by the sliding grooves and bosses on their respective mating surfaces and achieve repeated positioning.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the part mounting base and the turntable mounting base are connected by bolts that mate with a through hole in the part mounting base and a threaded hole in the turntable mounting base.

[0013] The device of this invention is equipped with an interface for connection to a CNC rotary table, which can rotate around the axis of the CNC rotary table to ensure that each pair of notches is at the lowest position of the part during cutting; it can complete all feature cutting of the part in one clamping; it adopts a flexible positioning and clamping unit and a slag-blocking plate unit, which realizes flexible positioning and clamping of several frame parts with the same external dimensions but different notch shapes and positions, and can also adapt to parts with small differences in external dimensions by changing the positioning blocks; at the same time, it can change the next part without removing the clamping structure, improving the changeover efficiency.

[0014] The present invention has the following advantages: This invention ensures that the positioning datum matches the design datum when clamping several types of frame parts, and guarantees operational convenience and accurate part positioning through a reasonable assembly and clamping sequence. This invention only requires marking the first piece, or even without marking (through program idle running), to determine the position of each tooling component. For a single type of part or parts with the same cutting feature position, the positioning and clamping unit can remain stationary, and the clamping blocks do not need to be removed during part loading and unloading, resulting in high clamping efficiency. During clamping, different specifications of positioning blocks can be selected according to the part's curvature and cross-sectional dimensions, enabling the positioning of various Z-shaped cross-section frames within a certain radius range and a certain range of curved edges and backplate widths, exhibiting high flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base unit structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning and clamping unit structure; Figure 4 A top view of the turntable mounting base; Figure 5 A bottom-view diagram showing the fracture of the part mounting base; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping block structure; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram, A is the base unit, B is the positioning and clamping unit, C is the slag baffle unit, 1 is the lifting ring, 2 is the magnet, 3 is the part mounting base, 4 is the reinforcing base, 5 is the turntable mounting base, 7 is the clamping block, 8 is the quick handle, 9 is the tightening handle, 31 is the slide groove, 32 is the through hole, 51 is the threaded hole, 52 is the boss, 71 is the first clamping surface, and 72 is the second clamping surface. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0019] Example: A positioning method for a flexible fixture for laser cutting of several frame shapes, the flexible fixture including a base unit A, a positioning and clamping unit B, and a slag-blocking plate unit C, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The positioning and clamping unit B is fixed to the base unit A via an adjustable mechanical connection, and the slag-blocking plate unit C is fixed to the base unit A via a magnetic connection. In this embodiment, the specific mechanical connection method between the positioning and clamping unit B and the base unit A is not limited, as long as it can be reliably fixed; the specific material of the slag-blocking plate is not limited, as long as it can be fixed by magnetic attraction.

[0020] Base unit A includes a lifting ring 1, a magnet 2, a parts mounting base 3, a reinforcing base 4, and a turntable mounting base 5. Positioning and clamping unit B includes a positioning block 6, a clamping block 7, a quick-release handle 8, and a tightening handle 9. Slag-blocking plate unit C includes various types of slag-blocking plates, such as L-shaped, extended L-shaped, and rectangular plates. The bottom surface of the parts mounting base 3 is provided with a structural groove 31 and a through hole 32. The top surface of the turntable mounting base 5 is provided with a structural threaded hole 51 and a boss 52. The clamping block 7 is provided with a structural first clamping surface 71 and a second clamping surface 72.

[0021] The method for achieving flexible positioning of several-shaped frames using the above-mentioned positioning fixture includes the following steps: Step 1: Assemble the turntable mounting base 5. Swing the CNC rotary table until the axis is vertical. Use a dial indicator to align the turntable mounting base 5 concentrically on the rotary table surface, and then secure it with hexagon socket screws through the six stepped holes. Step 2: Assemble the part mounting base 3 and the reinforcing base 4. Swing the CNC rotary table until its axis is horizontal, ensuring the mounting surfaces of the turntable mounting base 5 and the part mounting base 3 are level. Place the part mounting base 3 onto the turntable mounting base 5 manually or by hanging. Slide the slide groove 31 into the boss 52 and secure it to the turntable mounting base 5 using three Allen screws through the through hole 32 and the threaded hole 51. Then, connect and secure the reinforcing base 4 to the turntable mounting base 5 and the part mounting base 3 using screws and washers.

[0022] Step 3: Preliminarily determine the quantity and position of positioning and clamping units B and slag baffles. Mark the first piece of the workpiece to be cut on both sides using a template. Based on the drawing or the number of notches and holes on the markings, determine the number of positioning and clamping units B to be used. This should be determined based on the length of the workpiece or the center angle, with one unit installed approximately every 20°. After roughly estimating the clamping position, slide the positioning and clamping units B to the required position. The distribution principle for positioning and clamping units B is: one unit is needed at each end of the theoretical line of the workpiece, and they should be evenly distributed in the middle. Then, pre-install the corresponding number of various types of slag baffles according to the number and position of notches and holes between adjacent positioning and clamping units B.

[0023] When determining the quantity and position of the positioning clamping unit B and the slag baffle, the scribing of the parts can be omitted, and the program can be used to run the program in the air while determining the position of each component to ensure that it does not interfere with the cutting head.

[0024] Step 4: Determine the part clamping position. Place the part on the part mounting base 3, press the part down by hand so that the outer arc surface of the bent edge touches the positioning block 6, and visually ensure that the height of both ends of the part is basically the same. Simulate the program and adjust the circumferential position of the part on the part mounting base 3 according to the trajectory of the cutting head indicator light to ensure that the scribing line coincides with the trajectory of the indicator light.

[0025] Step 5: Clamp the part. Based on the part and the positions of its notches and holes, adjust the positions of the positioning clamping unit B and the baffle plate as needed, then clamp the part. First, tighten the tightening handle 9 to bring the second clamping surface 72 of the clamping block 7 against the bent end face of the part, so that the inner side of the part's web plate rests against the positioning block 6, ensuring accurate positioning in the width direction. Then, move the quick handle 8 downwards to move the clamping block 7, using the first clamping surface 71 to press the outer arc surface of the bent edge of the part against the positioning block 6. During clamping, use the positioning clamping unit B to gradually and symmetrically clamp the part from the middle outwards on both sides, one pair at a time.

[0026] Step 6: Cutting and disassembling parts. Execute the cutting program, coordinate the rotation of the CNC rotary table, and disassemble the parts after laser cutting.

[0027] Specifically, first pull the quick-release handle 8 to release the radial clamping, then loosen the tightening handle 9 to release the width clamping, and then manually rotate the clamping block 7 90 degrees around the axis of the quick-release handle 8. After releasing all the positioning clamping units B, remove the part upwards.

[0028] After the cutting work is completed, only the part mounting base 3 can be removed. For subsequent production, only the part mounting base 3 needs to be reinstalled.

[0029] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the CNC rotary table is not shown in the figure. The CNC rotary table is a common piece of equipment on the market, which can achieve CNC rotation in both horizontal and vertical states.

[0030] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The invention extends to any new feature or combination disclosed in this specification, as well as any new method or process step or combination disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A positioning method for a flexible tooling fixture for laser cutting of several frame shapes, characterized in that, The positioning method is implemented on a flexible fixture mounted on a CNC rotary table; The flexible tooling includes a base unit, a positioning and clamping unit, and a slag-blocking plate unit. The positioning and clamping unit is fixed to the base unit by an adjustable mechanical connection, and the slag-blocking plate unit is fixed to the base unit by a magnetic connection. The base unit includes a part mounting base and a magnet mounted on the part mounting base. The part mounting base is provided with an arc-shaped positioning reference and a limiting groove that are adapted to the arc-shaped edge of the part. The positioning and clamping unit includes a positioning block and a clamping block. The positioning block has a positioning surface that matches the outer arc of the curved edge of the part. The clamping block is mounted on the positioning block by a quick handle and a tightening handle and is used to clamp the curved edge of the part. The slag baffle unit is made of ferromagnetic material, placed on the part mounting base, and attracted and fixed by the magnet. The positioning method includes the following steps: S1. Swing the CNC rotary table until the axis is vertical, align and fix the turntable mounting base; S2. Swing the CNC rotary table to a horizontal position, and then fix the part mounting base to the turntable mounting base; S3. Mark the first piece of the part to be cut on both sides using a template to determine the number of positioning and clamping units to be used. Slide the positioning and clamping units along the arc length of the part mounting base. Pre-install the corresponding number of slag baffles according to the number of gaps and holes between adjacent positioning and clamping units. S4. Place the part on the part mounting base, simulate the program, and adjust the circumferential position of the part on the part mounting base according to the trajectory of the cutting head indicator light to ensure that the template scribing line coincides with the trajectory of the indicator light. S5. Based on the characteristics of the part and the position of the notches and holes on the part, adjust the position of the positioning clamping unit and the slag baffle plate and then clamp the part. S6. Execute the cutting program, coordinate the rotation of the CNC rotary table and disassemble the parts after laser cutting. In step S5, tighten the tightening handle along the width direction of the part so that the second clamping surface of the clamping block abuts against the end face of the bent edge of the part and presses the inner side of the web of the part against the positioning block; turn the quick handle to drive the clamping block so that the first clamping surface of the clamping block presses the outer arc surface of the bent edge of the part against the positioning block in the radial direction, and presses symmetrically from the middle of the part to both ends.

2. The positioning method for a flexible tooling for laser cutting of a multi-frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the part is placed on the part mounting base, and its curved outer arc surface abuts against the positioning block.

3. The positioning method for a flexible tooling for laser cutting of several-shaped frames according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S6, during disassembly, the quick handle and tightening handle are released sequentially, and the clamping block is rotated around the axis of the quick handle to complete the disassembly of the parts.

4. The positioning method of a flexible tooling for laser cutting of several-shaped frames according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the part mounting base and the turntable mounting base are guided by the sliding grooves and bosses on their respective mating surfaces and achieve repeated positioning.

5. The positioning method for a flexible tooling for laser cutting of a multi-frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the part mounting base and the turntable mounting base are connected by bolts. The bolts pass through the through holes provided on the part mounting base and are threadedly engaged with the threaded holes provided on the turntable mounting base.

Images