Laser cutting equipment and method for vehicle pipe shaped like Chinese character'ri '

Abstract

The invention relates to laser cutting equipment and method for a vehicle-used pipe shaped like a Chinese character'ri ', the laser cutting equipment for the vehicle-used pipe shaped like the Chinese character'ri' comprises a cutting mechanism and a conveying mechanism capable of driving a pipe to move from a previous procedure to a next procedure, the conveying mechanism is provided with a cutting station, and the conveying mechanism comprises a centering assembly used for adjusting the deflection angle of the pipe. The cutting mechanism comprises two cutting assemblies arranged on the two sides of the cutting station correspondingly, each cutting assembly comprises a driving platform, a laser cutting head and an alignment piece used for adjusting the position of the pipe, and the cutting station is located in the acting area of the centering assembly and the laser cutting head. The laser cutting head and the aligning part are both arranged on the driving platform, and the driving platform can drive the laser cutting head to move in the x direction and the y direction according to the required cutting shape. According to the laser cutting equipment and method for the vehicle-used pipe shaped like the Chinese character'ri ', the problem that an existing cutting method for the pipe shaped like the Chinese character'ri' is low in cutting efficiency is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser cutting technology, and in particular to a laser cutting device and method for automotive H-tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the production of automotive H-beams mainly relies on cutting machines. The tubes are then manually transferred to other workstations, where they are placed on custom fixtures and one end is cut first. After one end is cut, the tube is turned around and the other end is cut. Finally, the cut H-beams are placed on a pallet, completing the entire H-beam cutting process. This existing production method requires manual intervention throughout the entire process, resulting in low cutting efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a laser cutting device and method for automotive H-tubes, aiming to solve the problem of low cutting efficiency in existing H-tube cutting methods.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a laser cutting device for automotive tubes, comprising a cutting mechanism and a feeding mechanism capable of driving the tube to move from one process to the next. The feeding mechanism has a cutting station and includes a centering component for adjusting the deflection angle of the tube. The cutting mechanism includes two cutting components respectively disposed on both sides of the cutting station. Each cutting component includes a driving platform, a laser cutting head, and an alignment component for adjusting the position of the tube. The cutting station is located within the working area of ​​the centering component and the laser cutting head. The laser cutting head and the alignment component are both disposed on the driving platform. The driving platform can drive the laser cutting head to move in the x and y directions according to the required cutting shape.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the material conveying mechanism further includes a conveying assembly having the cutting station. The conveying assembly includes a plurality of partition blocks and two drive chains that can move synchronously. Both drive chains extend in the x-direction and are spaced apart in the y-direction. The plurality of partition blocks are spaced apart on the two drive chains and are driven by the drive chains to move in their length direction. The two drive chains cooperate with two adjacent partition blocks to define a placement groove for placing the pipe.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the centering assembly is disposed between the two transmission chains. The centering assembly includes a lifting platform, a guide structure, and two clamping members. The guide structure is disposed on the lifting platform and extends along the x-direction. The two clamping members can be driven by the lifting platform to rise to a position higher than the placement slot opening. Both clamping members are movably disposed on the guide structure. The two clamping members can approach each other to clamp the pipe so that the pipe extends along the y-direction.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive platform includes a base, a first connecting seat, a second connecting seat, and a mounting seat. The first connecting seat is movably disposed on the base in the y-direction, the second connecting seat is rotatably disposed on the first connecting seat about an axis extending in the y-direction, the mounting seat is movably disposed on the second connecting seat in the x-direction, the laser cutting head is movably disposed on the mounting seat in the z-direction, and the alignment member is disposed on the side of the second connecting seat facing the cutting station. The alignment member has a contact surface that can contact the end of the pipe.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the conveying assembly further includes loading and unloading stations spaced apart in the x-direction, the cutting station being located at the exact center of the loading and unloading stations, the conveying assembly having a plurality of placement slots, the spacing between two adjacent placement slots being consistent with the spacing between the loading and cutting stations, the conveying mechanism further including a loading assembly and an unloading assembly, the loading assembly including a receiving rack, a loading robotic arm, and a first adsorption part detachably connected to the pipe, the first adsorption part being disposed at the end of the loading robotic arm, the first adsorption part being driven to move by the loading robotic arm, and the movement path of the first adsorption part passing through the receiving rack and the loading station, the unloading assembly including an unloading tray, an unloading robotic arm, and a second adsorption part detachably connected to the pipe, the second adsorption part being disposed at the end of the unloading robotic arm, the second adsorption part being driven to move by the unloading robotic arm, and the movement path of the second adsorption part passing through the unloading tray and the unloading station.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a dust collection chamber and a chip removal mechanism are also included. The cutting station and the cutting mechanism are both located inside the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is provided with a material inlet, a material outlet, and a waste outlet. One end of the conveying component extends from the material inlet, and the other end extends from the material outlet, so that the loading station and the unloading station are located outside the dust collection chamber. The chip removal mechanism includes a waste conveying section and a collection trolley. The waste conveying section is at least partially located below the cutting mechanism. One end of the waste conveying section extends from the waste outlet and is connected to the collection trolley.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting station includes a primary station and a secondary station arranged at intervals. Two centering components and two cutting mechanisms are provided. The two centering components are respectively arranged corresponding to the primary station and the secondary station. The four cutting components are arranged in pairs on both sides of the primary station and the secondary station.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a laser cutting method, comprising the following steps:

[0012] After detecting that a pipe is placed in the placement slot of the loading station, control the two transmission chains to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the cutting station;

[0013] The centering component is controlled to adjust the deflection angle of the tube so that it extends along the y-direction;

[0014] The two drive platforms are controlled according to the length of the pipe to drive the two alignment members to move in the y direction, so that the two alignment members respectively contact the two ends of the pipe.

[0015] The two cutting components are controlled to operate according to the required cutting shape, so as to cut the required shape at both ends of the pipe.

[0016] After cutting, the two drive chains are controlled to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the unloading station so that the pipe can be transferred to the next process.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the operation of the two cutting components separately according to the required cutting shape includes:

[0018] The cutting trajectories of the two laser cutting heads are determined according to the required cutting shape;

[0019] According to each of the cutting trajectories, the corresponding first connecting seat is controlled to move in the y-direction, the corresponding second connecting seat is controlled to rotate around the axis extending in the y-direction, the corresponding mounting seat is controlled to move in the x-direction, and the corresponding laser cutting head is controlled to start and stop so that the corresponding laser cutting head performs laser cutting on the pipe along the cutting trajectory.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, determining the cutting trajectory of the two laser cutting heads based on the required cutting shape includes:

[0021] Obtain the three-dimensional model data of the pipe, and generate two sets of different coordinate points at both ends of the pipe at the cutting station based on the required cutting shape, the three-dimensional model data, and the coordinates of the cutting station;

[0022] Two sets of cutting coordinate points are determined based on the two sets of differing coordinate points and the focal length of the laser cutting head;

[0023] Based on geometric features, all points in one of the cutting coordinate point sets are divided into multiple point clusters, and several points are selected from each point cluster as cutting points.

[0024] Based on the geometric features of each point cluster, the corresponding interpolation algorithm is used to connect the cutting points within each point cluster to form multiple cutting paths;

[0025] Multiple cutting paths with intersecting beginning and end relationships are connected sequentially to form trajectory segments, and the trajectory segments are sorted according to their cutting complexity.

[0026] Obtain the initial three-dimensional coordinates of the initial position of the laser cutting head;

[0027] If the first trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to each cutting point within the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as both the start and end point of the first trajectory segment; if the first trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to both ends of the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the start point of the first trajectory segment, while the other cutting point is selected as the end point of the first trajectory segment.

[0028] If the second trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the end of the first trajectory segment to each cutting point within the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as both the start and end point of the second trajectory segment; if the second trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the end of the first trajectory segment to the two cutting points at both ends of the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the start point of the second trajectory segment, while the other cutting point is selected as the end point of the second trajectory segment.

[0029] Based on the type of each subsequent trajectory segment, the starting point and ending point of each trajectory segment are determined using this method. The ending point of the previous sequential trajectory segment is connected to the starting point of the next sequential trajectory segment to form the cutting trajectory of the laser cutting head. The cutting trajectory of another laser cutting head is obtained through the above method.

[0030] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0031] In this invention, a feeding mechanism receives the pipe material transferred from the previous process and transports it to the cutting station. During transport, the pipe material may shift in position and angle. At this point, a centering component adjusts the deflection angle of the pipe material. Then, the drive platforms of two cutting components drive the two alignment members to adjust the position of the pipe material. Next, the two drive platforms can drive the laser cutting head to move in the x and y directions according to the required cutting shape, cutting the required shape at both ends of the pipe material. This invention achieves automated feeding through the feeding mechanism and solves the problem of position and angle shift during pipe material transport through the centering component and the two alignment members, enabling automated and precise cutting of the pipe ends. The entire process requires no manual intervention, greatly improving the cutting efficiency of the H-shaped pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or 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 only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser cutting device for automotive H-shaped tubes provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after the dust removal chamber is removed using a laser cutting machine for H-shaped tubes from CRRC.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the transmission component;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the center-to-center component;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle cutting component;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding assembly;

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding and unloading assembly;

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the dust removal room;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the chip removal mechanism;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of the first embodiment of the laser cutting method of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the second embodiment of the laser cutting method of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of the third embodiment of the laser cutting method of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 100-Laser cutting equipment for automotive-grade H-tubes; 1-Cutting mechanism; 11-Cutting assembly; 111-Drive platform; 1111-Base; 1112-First connecting seat; 1113-Second connecting seat; 1114-Mounting seat; 112-Laser cutting head; 113-Alignment component; 114-Fireproof plate; 2-Feeding mechanism; 21-Centering assembly; 211-Lifting platform; 212-Guide structure; 213-Clamping component; 214-Workpiece placement rack; 22-Transfer assembly; 221-Separator block; 222-Drive chain; 223-Placement groove; 224-Cutting tool Position; 2241-Primary station; 2242-Secondary station; 225-Loading station; 226-Unloading station; 227-First sensor; 228-Second sensor; 229-Unloading positioning component; 23-Loading assembly; 231-Incoming material rack; 232-Loading robotic arm; 233-First adsorption unit; 24-Unloading assembly; 241-Unloading tray; 242-Unloading robotic arm; 243-Second adsorption unit; 3-Dust removal chamber; 31-Outlet; 32-Waste outlet; 33-Dust removal pipe; 4-Chip removal mechanism; 41-Waste conveying unit; 42-Collection trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. 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.

[0048] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0049] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0050] This invention provides a laser cutting device and method for automotive H-tubes. Figures 1 to 12 This is a specific embodiment of a laser cutting device and method for automotive H-shaped tubes provided by the present invention.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a laser cutting device 100 for automotive H-tubes, including a cutting mechanism 1 and a feeding mechanism 2 that can drive the tube to move from the previous process to the next process. The feeding mechanism 2 has a cutting station 224 and includes a centering component 21 for adjusting the deflection angle of the tube. The cutting mechanism 1 includes two cutting components 11 respectively disposed on both sides of the cutting station 224. Each cutting component 11 includes a driving platform 111, a laser cutting head 112, and an alignment component 113 for adjusting the position of the tube. The cutting station 224 is located within the working area of ​​the centering component 21 and the laser cutting head 112. The laser cutting head 112 and the alignment component 113 are both disposed on the driving platform 111. The driving platform 111 can drive the laser cutting head 112 to move in the x and y directions according to the required cutting shape.

[0052] In this invention, the feeding mechanism 2 receives the pipe material transferred from the previous process and transports it to the cutting station 224. During transport, the position and angle of the pipe material may shift. At this time, the centering component 21 adjusts the deflection angle of the pipe material. Then, the drive platforms 111 of the two cutting components 11 drive the two alignment members 113 to adjust the position of the pipe material. Next, the two drive platforms 111 can drive the laser cutting head 112 to move in the x and y directions according to the required cutting shape, cutting the required shape at both ends of the pipe material. This invention achieves automated feeding through the feeding mechanism 2 and solves the problem of position and angle shift during pipe material transport through the centering component 21 and the two alignment members 113, enabling automated and precise cutting of both ends of the pipe material. The entire process requires no manual intervention, greatly improving the cutting efficiency of the H-shaped pipe.

[0053] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, based on the actual cutting shape required for the pipe, two laser cuts are needed at the end of the automotive H-tube. To improve cutting efficiency, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the cutting station 224 includes a primary station 2241 and a secondary station 2242 arranged at intervals. Two centering components 21 and two cutting mechanisms 1 are provided. The two centering components 21 are respectively positioned corresponding to the primary station 2241 and the secondary station 2242. Four cutting components 11 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the primary station 2241 and the secondary station 2242. After the pipe completes its first laser cut at the primary station 2241, it is transported to the secondary station 2242 for further centering and alignment. Then, the pipe undergoes a second laser cut at the secondary station 2242. Simultaneously, the next pipe, after completing its centering and alignment, undergoes its first laser cut at the primary station 2241. This arrangement allows the automotive H-tube laser cutting equipment 100 to simultaneously perform laser cutting operations on two pipes, improving cutting efficiency.

[0054] The specific structure of the feeding mechanism 2 is not limited, as long as it has a cutting station 224 for the cutting mechanism 1 to perform laser cutting operations. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 3As shown, the material conveying mechanism 2 further includes a conveying component 22, which has the cutting station 224. The conveying component 22 includes multiple partition blocks 221 and two synchronously movable drive chains 222. Both drive chains 222 extend in the x-direction and are spaced apart in the y-direction. The multiple partition blocks 221 are spaced apart on the two drive chains 222 and are driven by the drive chains 222 to move along their length. The two drive chains 222 cooperate with the two adjacent partition blocks 221 to define a placement groove 223 for placing the pipe. With this configuration, by placing the pipe in the placement groove 223, the partition blocks 221 block the pipe, preventing excessive angular deflection and positional shift of the pipe during conveying.

[0055] Preferably, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the conveying assembly 22 also has loading stations 225 and unloading stations 226 spaced apart in the x-direction. The cutting station 224 is located in the middle of the loading station 225 and the unloading station 226. The conveying assembly 22 has a plurality of placement slots 223 formed thereon, and the spacing between two adjacent placement slots 223 is the same as the spacing between the loading station 225 and the cutting station 224. The material conveying mechanism 2 also includes a loading assembly 23 and an unloading assembly 24. The loading assembly 23 includes a material receiving rack 231, a loading robotic arm 232, and a first suction part 233 detachably connected to the pipe. The first adsorption part 233 is located at the end of the loading robotic arm 232 and is driven to move by the loading robotic arm 232. The moving path of the first adsorption part 233 passes through the receiving rack 231 and the loading station 225. The unloading assembly 24 includes an unloading tray 241, an unloading robotic arm 242, and a second adsorption part 243 detachably connected to the pipe. The second adsorption part 243 is located at the end of the unloading robotic arm 242 and is driven to move by the unloading robotic arm 242. The moving path of the second adsorption part 243 passes through the unloading tray 241 and the unloading station 226. The material receiving rack 231 receives the pipe material from the previous process, and the loading robotic arm 232 transfers the pipe material from the material receiving rack 231 to the loading station 225 of the conveying assembly 22. Similarly, the unloading robotic arm 242 transfers the pipe material from the unloading station 226 of the conveying assembly 22 to the unloading tray 241. This arrangement allows for material conveying from one process to the next process simply by connecting the material receiving rack 231 to the equipment of the previous process and the unloading tray 241 to the equipment of the next process. This eliminates the need for all equipment to be arranged in one direction, reducing the space requirements of the automotive D-tube laser cutting equipment 100.

[0056] Specifically, both the first adsorption part 233 and the second adsorption part 243 are electromagnets. When energized, the first adsorption part 233 and the second adsorption part 243 become magnetic, so as to adsorb the pipe. By fixing the pipe through adsorption, damage to the surface of the pipe can be avoided.

[0057] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the conveying assembly 22 further includes a first sensor 227, a second sensor 228, and a feeding positioning component 229. The first sensor 227 is configured corresponding to the loading station 225, and the second sensor 228 and the feeding positioning component 229 are configured corresponding to the feeding station 226. Both the first sensor 227 and the second sensor 228 are photoelectric sensors. When the loading robotic arm 232 places the pipe in the placement slot 223 of the loading station 225, the first sensor 227 sends a signal to the controller. The controller controls the two transmission chains 222 to move synchronously, moving the pipe from the loading station. The material is conveyed to the cutting station 224. At this time, there is no pipe on the loading station 225. The first sensor 227 sends a signal to the controller to control the transmission chain 222 to stop moving. The second sensor 228 is used to detect whether there is pipe on the unloading station 226. When the cut pipe is conveyed from the cutting station 224 to the unloading station 226, it is blocked and positioned by the unloading positioning component 229. At this time, the second sensor 228 detects that there is pipe on the unloading station 226 and sends a signal to the controller to control the unloading robot arm 242 to take the pipe from the unloading station 226.

[0058] Because laser cutting generates a large amount of harmful fumes, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the automotive D-type laser cutting equipment 100 also includes a dust removal chamber 3 and a chip removal mechanism 4. The cutting station 224 and the cutting mechanism 1 are both located inside the dust removal chamber 3. The dust removal chamber 3 has a material inlet, a material outlet 31 and a waste outlet 32. One end of the conveying component 22 extends from the material inlet and the other end extends from the material outlet 31, so that the loading station 225 and the unloading station 226 are located outside the dust removal chamber 3. The chip removal mechanism 4 includes a waste conveying part 41 and a collection trolley 42. The waste conveying part 41 is at least partially located below the cutting mechanism 1. One end of the waste conveying part 41 extends from the waste outlet 32 ​​and is connected to the collection trolley 42. With this configuration, since both the cutting station 224 and the cutting mechanism 1 are located inside the dust removal chamber 3, the harmful fumes generated during the cutting process can be removed by the dust removal chamber 3. Meanwhile, the loading station 225 and the unloading station 226 are located outside the dust removal chamber 3, preventing the loading robotic arm 232 and the unloading robotic arm 242 from carrying harmful fumes during the loading and unloading process. The waste generated during the cutting process is transported to the collection trolley 42 by the waste conveying unit 41.

[0059] Specifically, the dust removal chamber 3 is connected to a dust removal pipe 33, and a fan is installed on the dust removal pipe 33 to remove harmful smoke and dust from the dust removal chamber 3.

[0060] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the collection trolley 42 is an automatic transfer trolley. When the waste storage in the collection trolley 42 is full, it can automatically travel to the waste disposal location to discharge the waste.

[0061] The specific structure of the centering component 21 is not limited, as long as it ensures that the centering component 21 can adjust the deflection angle of the pipe. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the centering component 21 is disposed between the two transmission chains 222. The centering component 21 includes a lifting platform 211, a guide structure 212, and two clamping members 213. The guide structure 212 is disposed on the lifting platform 211 and extends along the x-direction. The two clamping members 213 can be driven by the lifting platform 211 to rise to a position higher than the slot opening of the placement slot 223. Both clamping members 213 are movably disposed on the guide structure 212. The two clamping members 213 can approach each other to clamp the pipe so that the pipe extends along the y-direction. With this configuration, when the pipe is transported to the cutting station 224, the lifting platform 211 drives the two clamping members 213 to rise, and at the same time, the two clamping members 213 move closer to each other to clamp the pipe, so that the pipe extends along the y-direction. Finally, the two clamping members 213 are driven by the lifting platform 211 to rise to a position higher than the opening of the placement slot 223, so that the pipe is higher than the opening of the placement slot 223, thus preventing the pipe from affecting the transmission assembly from transporting the next pipe.

[0062] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the centering assembly 21 also includes a workpiece placement rack 214 for placing the pipe. The workpiece placement rack 214 is mounted on the lifting platform 211 and positioned between the two clamping members 213. With this configuration, when the pipe is conveyed to the cutting station 224, the lifting platform 211 drives the workpiece placement rack 214 and the two clamping members 213 to rise, allowing the pipe to be carried by the workpiece placement rack 214 and rise along with it. This eliminates the need for the pipe to wait to be clamped by the two clamping members 213 before rising to a position above the opening of the placement slot 223, thus improving the conveying efficiency of the transmission assembly.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the drive platform 111 includes a base 1111, a first connecting seat 1112, a second connecting seat 1113, and a mounting seat 1114. The first connecting seat 1112 is movably disposed on the base 1111 in the y-direction. The second connecting seat 1113 is rotatably disposed on the first connecting seat 1112 about an axis extending in the y-direction. The mounting seat 1114 is movably disposed on the second connecting seat 1113 in the x-direction. The laser cutting head 112 is movably disposed on the mounting seat 1114 in the z-direction. The alignment member 113 is disposed on the side of the second connecting seat 1113 facing the cutting station 224. The alignment member 113 has a contact surface that can contact the end of the pipe. With this configuration, since the tube extends along the y-direction after centering, and the first connecting seat 1112 is moved and positioned on the base 1111 in the y-direction, it can drive the alignment member 113 on the second connecting seat 1113 to move in the y-direction. This allows the contact surface of the alignment member 113 to contact the end of the tube and drive the tube to move in the y-direction to adjust its position. Since the automotive H-tube is hollow, the laser cutting head 112 can only quickly complete the cutting on one side by moving in the xy-direction. The opposite side is slower because it is not at the laser focus, and the adjacent side is even slower because it mainly extends in the z-direction. Therefore, by rotating the second connecting seat 1113 90 degrees, the laser cutting head 112 moves in the yz-direction to laser cut the adjacent side. After cutting the adjacent side, rotating it 90 degrees again allows laser cutting of the opposite side. Since the cross-section of the automotive H-tube is rectangular, the movement of the laser cutting head 112 in the z-direction ensures that the laser focus is always on the surface of the tube, thus improving cutting efficiency.

[0064] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second connecting seat 1113 is provided with a fireproof plate 114. The fireproof plate 114 is positioned directly opposite the light outlet of the laser cutting head 112. The fireproof plate 114 is used to block the laser and prevent the laser from shooting outside the cutting area.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described structure does not constitute a limitation on the automotive H-tube laser cutting equipment 100, and may include more or fewer components than described above, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, based on the automotive H-tube laser cutting equipment 100, this embodiment of the invention provides a laser cutting method, including the following steps:

[0067] Step S10: After detecting that a pipe is placed in the placement slot 223 of the loading station 225, control the two transmission chains 222 to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the cutting station 224.

[0068] It should be noted that the first sensor 227 can detect whether there are pipes placed in the placement slot 223 of the loading station 225.

[0069] Step S20: Control the centering component 21 to adjust the deflection angle of the tube so that it extends along the y direction.

[0070] Step S30: Control the movement of two drive platforms 111 according to the length of the pipe to drive two alignment members 113 to move in the y direction so that the two alignment members 113 respectively contact the two ends of the pipe.

[0071] It should be noted that the coordinates of the two transmission chains 222 can be obtained in advance. Then, based on the length of the pipe and the coordinates of the two transmission chains 222, the distance between each transmission chain 222 and the corresponding alignment member 113 can be calculated. The alignment coordinates of the two alignment members 113 can then be calculated. Based on the two alignment coordinates, the two drive platforms 111 are controlled to move to drive the two alignment members 113 to move in the y-direction, thereby driving the pipe to move in the y-direction. Finally, the two alignment members 113 contact the two ends of the pipe respectively, completing the position adjustment of the pipe.

[0072] It should be noted that after the position adjustment of the pipe is completed, the two alignment pieces 113 retract a certain distance in the y direction so that the drive platform 111 can drive the laser cutting head 112 to move in the x and y directions during subsequent laser cutting.

[0073] Step S40: Control the operation of the two cutting components 11 according to the required cutting shape to cut the required shape at both ends of the pipe.

[0074] Step S50: After cutting is completed, control the two transmission chains 222 to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the unloading station 226 so that the pipe can be transferred to the next process.

[0075] In this embodiment, the laser cutting method includes the following steps: after detecting that a tube is placed in the placement slot 223 of the loading station 225, controlling two transmission chains 222 to move synchronously to drive the tube to the cutting station 224; controlling the centering component 21 to adjust the deflection angle of the tube so that it extends along the y-direction; controlling two drive platforms 111 to move according to the length of the tube to drive two alignment members 113 to move in the y-direction so that the two alignment members 113 contact the two ends of the tube respectively; controlling two cutting components 11 to operate according to the required cutting shape to cut the required shape at both ends of the tube; after cutting is completed, controlling two transmission chains 222 to move synchronously to drive the tube to the unloading station 226 so that the tube is transferred to the next process. The present invention achieves automated material feeding through the transmission chain 222 of the feeding mechanism 2, and solves the problem of position and angle offset during the conveying of the pipe through the centering component 21 and the two alignment members 113, so as to realize the subsequent automated and precise cutting of the two ends of the pipe. The whole process does not require manual intervention, which greatly improves the cutting efficiency of the H-shaped pipe.

[0076] refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of the second embodiment of the laser cutting method of the present invention.

[0077] Based on the first embodiment described above, the laser cutting method of this embodiment includes the following in step S40:

[0078] Step S41: Determine the cutting trajectory of the two laser cutting heads 112 according to the required cutting shape.

[0079] Step S42: Control the first connecting seat 1112 to move in the y direction according to each of the cutting trajectories, control the second connecting seat 1113 to rotate around the axis extending in the y direction, control the mounting seat 1114 to move in the x direction, and control the laser cutting head 112 to start and stop so that the laser cutting head 112 can laser cut the pipe along the cutting trajectory.

[0080] It should be noted that the two laser cutting heads 112 perform laser cutting on the pipe along the two cutting trajectories respectively, without interfering with each other.

[0081] It should be noted that the rotation of the second connecting seat 1113 enables the laser cutting head 112 to quickly cut the four sides of the pipe end.

[0082] It should be noted that if the required cutting shape is divided into multiple shapes, the cutting trajectory will also be divided into multiple segments. After completing one segment of the cutting trajectory, the laser cutting head 112 needs to stop running. The first connecting seat 1112, the second connecting seat 1113 and the mounting seat 1114 work together to drive it to the starting point of the next segment of the cutting trajectory before restarting.

[0083] In this embodiment, the cutting trajectories of the two laser cutting heads 112 are first determined according to the required cutting shape. Then, according to each cutting trajectory, the corresponding first connecting seat 1112 is controlled to move in the y-direction, the corresponding second connecting seat 1113 is controlled to rotate around the axis extending in the y-direction, the corresponding mounting seat 1114 is controlled to move in the x-direction, and the corresponding laser cutting head 112 is controlled to start and stop so that the corresponding laser cutting head 112 performs laser cutting on the pipe along the cutting trajectory.

[0084] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of the third embodiment of the laser cutting method of the present invention.

[0085] Based on the second embodiment described above, the laser cutting method of this embodiment includes the following in step S41:

[0086] Step S411: Obtain the three-dimensional model data of the pipe, and generate two sets of different coordinate points at both ends of the pipe on the cutting station 224 according to the required cutting shape, the three-dimensional model data and the cutting station coordinates.

[0087] It should be noted that the three-dimensional model data of the pipe is acquired in advance through sensors. By importing the three-dimensional model data of the pipe into the three-dimensional software, the cutting shape is modeled according to the requirements in the three-dimensional software and combined with the coordinates of the cutting station, two sets of different coordinate points at both ends of the pipe on the cutting station 224 can be generated.

[0088] Step S412: Determine two cutting coordinate point sets based on the two sets of difference coordinate points and the focal length of the laser cutting head 112.

[0089] It should be noted that the upper and lower sides of the pipe end in the xy coordinate system are named the first and second surfaces, and the left and right sides in the yz coordinate system are named the third and fourth surfaces. The z-coordinates of all points in the difference coordinate point set located on the first surface, plus the focal length value, can be converted into corresponding points in the cutting coordinate point set. The z-coordinates of all points located on the second surface, minus the focal length value, can be converted into corresponding points in the cutting coordinate point set. The x-coordinates of all points located on the third surface, minus the focal length value, can be converted into corresponding points in the cutting coordinate point set. The x-coordinates of all points located on the fourth surface, plus the focal length value, can be converted into corresponding points in the cutting coordinate point set. In this way, two cutting coordinate point sets can be determined.

[0090] Step S413: Divide all points of one of the cutting coordinate point sets into multiple point clusters according to geometric features, and select several points from each point cluster as cutting points.

[0091] It should be noted that the geometric features include straight line segments and arc segments. Complex curves can be decomposed into multiple arc segments with different radii. All points that make up each straight line segment or arc segment are assigned to the same point cluster. If the point cluster can form a straight line segment, the two endpoints of the straight line segment are selected as cutting points. If the point cluster can form an arc segment, the two endpoints of the arc segment are selected as cutting points and the corresponding radii are marked.

[0092] Step S414: Based on the geometric features of each point cluster, use the corresponding interpolation algorithm to connect the cutting points within each point cluster to form multiple cutting paths.

[0093] It should be noted that if the point cluster is a straight line segment, a linear interpolation algorithm is used; if the point cluster is an arc segment, a circular interpolation algorithm is used in combination with the radius corresponding to the point cluster.

[0094] It should be noted that the purpose of selecting several points from each point cluster as cutting points is to simplify the data and reduce the processing load, while the interpolation algorithm is used to connect the discrete cutting points in order to form a smooth and continuous cutting path so that the laser cutting head 112 can move along the cutting path.

[0095] Step S415: Connect the multiple cutting paths that have an intersecting relationship to form a trajectory segment, and sort the trajectory segments according to the cutting complexity of the trajectory segments.

[0096] It should be noted that if the two cutting paths intersect at the beginning and end, it means that the laser cutting head 112 can directly cut along the two cutting paths without stopping in the middle. In this case, the two cutting paths can be connected sequentially as a trajectory segment.

[0097] It should be noted that since small-radius arc segments and acute-angle connections are prone to thermal stress deformation during laser cutting, the small-radius arc segments and acute-angle connections in the trajectory segment can be set as complexity factors with different weights. In this way, the cutting complexity of each trajectory segment can be calculated, and the first, second, and third trajectory segments can be sorted in order of cutting complexity from high to low.

[0098] Step S416: Obtain the initial three-dimensional coordinates of the initial position of the laser cutting head.

[0099] It should be noted that the laser cutting head 112 resets to its initial position after each laser cutting operation.

[0100] Step S417: If the first trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, calculate the motion cost from the initial point to each cutting point within the first trajectory segment, and select the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost as both the start and end point of the first trajectory segment; if the first trajectory segment is an open trajectory, calculate the motion cost from the initial point to both ends of the first trajectory segment, and select the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost as the start point of the first trajectory segment and the other cutting point as the end point of the first trajectory segment.

[0101] It should be noted that since the laser cutting head 112 does not cut back and forth during cutting, for open trajectories, only the cutting points at both ends are used as the start and end points. For closed trajectories, only the start and end points are required to be the same point, and the cutting points on each segment of the cutting path that makes up the trajectory can be used as the start point.

[0102] It should be noted that the face directly opposite the initial point is generally the first face, and the corresponding face of each trajectory segment is determined based on the face of the corresponding point in the set of difference coordinate points before conversion. If the face directly opposite the initial point is the same as the corresponding face of the first trajectory segment, the motion cost from the initial point to each cutting point in the first trajectory segment is the Euclidean distance difference from the initial point to each cutting point in the first trajectory segment. If the face directly opposite the initial point is different from the corresponding face of the first trajectory segment, the three-dimensional coordinates of the initial point are first converted to the three-dimensional coordinates after the laser cutting head 112 rotates to face the corresponding face of the first trajectory segment, and then the Euclidean distance difference from the converted point to each cutting point in the first trajectory segment is calculated as the motion cost.

[0103] Step S418: If the second trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, calculate the motion cost of each cutting point from the end of the first trajectory segment to the second trajectory segment, and select the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost as both the start and end point of the second trajectory segment; if the second trajectory segment is an open trajectory, calculate the motion cost from the end of the first trajectory segment to the two cutting points at both ends of the second trajectory segment, and select the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost as the start point of the second trajectory segment and the other cutting point as the end point of the second trajectory segment.

[0104] It should be noted that if the corresponding surfaces of the first trajectory segment and the second trajectory segment are the same, then the motion cost is the difference in Euclidean distance from the end point of the first trajectory segment to each cutting point in the second trajectory segment. If the corresponding surfaces of the first trajectory segment and the second trajectory segment are different, then the three-dimensional coordinates of the end point of the first trajectory segment are first converted to three-dimensional coordinates when the corresponding surfaces are the same, and then the difference in Euclidean distance from the converted point to each cutting point in the second trajectory segment is calculated as the motion cost.

[0105] Step S419: Using this method, determine the start and end points of each trajectory segment according to the type of each subsequent trajectory segment, and connect the end point of the previous sequential trajectory segment with the start point of the next sequential trajectory segment to form the cutting trajectory of the laser cutting head 112, and obtain the cutting trajectory of another laser cutting head 112 through the above method.

[0106] In this embodiment, firstly, the three-dimensional model data of the pipe is acquired. Based on the required cutting shape, the three-dimensional model data, and the coordinates of the cutting station, two sets of differential coordinate points are generated at both ends of the pipe on the cutting station 224. Then, two sets of cutting coordinate points are determined based on the two sets of differential coordinate points and the focal length of the laser cutting head 112. According to geometric features, all points in one set of cutting coordinate points are divided into multiple point clusters, and several points are selected from each cluster as cutting points. Based on the geometric features of each cluster, a corresponding interpolation algorithm is used to connect the cutting points within each cluster to form multiple cutting paths. Multiple cutting paths with intersecting beginnings and ends are sequentially connected to form trajectory segments. The trajectory segments are then sorted according to their cutting complexity. Next, the initial three-dimensional coordinates of the initial point of the laser cutting head 112 are acquired. If the first trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to each cutting point within the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the first trajectory. The starting and ending points of the first trajectory segment are determined as follows: If the first trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to the two cutting points at both ends of the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the starting point of the first trajectory segment and the other cutting point is selected as the ending point of the first trajectory segment. If the second trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the ending point of the first trajectory segment to each cutting point within the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as both the starting and ending points of the second trajectory segment. If the second trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the ending point of the first trajectory segment to the two cutting points at both ends of the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the starting point of the second trajectory segment and the other cutting point is selected as the ending point of the second trajectory segment. The starting and ending points of each trajectory segment are determined according to the type of each subsequent trajectory segment using this method, and the ending point of the previous sequential trajectory segment is connected to the starting point of the next sequential trajectory segment to form the cutting trajectory of the laser cutting head 112. The cutting trajectory of another laser cutting head 112 is obtained through the above method.

[0107] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of this application's embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some of the steps in the figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0108] It should be noted that the workflow described above is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of protection of this invention. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can select some or all of the workflow to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0109] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser cutting device for automotive-grade H-tubes, characterized in that, The device includes a cutting mechanism and a feeding mechanism that can drive the pipe to move from one process to the next. The feeding mechanism has a cutting station and includes a centering component for adjusting the deflection angle of the pipe. The cutting mechanism includes two cutting components respectively disposed on both sides of the cutting station. Each cutting component includes a driving platform, a laser cutting head, and an alignment component for adjusting the position of the pipe. The cutting station is located within the working area of ​​the centering component and the laser cutting head. The laser cutting head and the alignment component are both disposed on the driving platform. The driving platform can drive the laser cutting head to move in the x and y directions according to the required cutting shape.

2. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material conveying mechanism further includes a conveying component, which has the cutting station. The conveying component includes multiple partition blocks and two synchronously movable drive chains. Both drive chains extend in the x-direction and are spaced apart in the y-direction. The multiple partition blocks are spaced apart on the two drive chains and are driven by the drive chains to move in their length direction. The two drive chains cooperate with the two adjacent partition blocks to define a placement groove for placing the pipe.

3. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The centering assembly is located between the two transmission chains. The centering assembly includes a lifting platform, a guide structure, and two clamping members. The guide structure is located on the lifting platform and extends along the x-direction. The two clamping members can be driven by the lifting platform to rise above the position of the placement slot opening. Both clamping members are movably mounted on the guide structure. The two clamping members can approach each other to clamp the pipe so that the pipe extends along the y-direction.

4. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The drive platform includes a base, a first connecting seat, a second connecting seat, and a mounting seat. The first connecting seat is movable on the base in the y-direction, and the second connecting seat is rotatably mounted on the first connecting seat about an axis extending in the y-direction. The mounting seat is movable on the second connecting seat in the x-direction, and the laser cutting head is movable on the mounting seat in the z-direction. The alignment member is located on the side of the second connecting seat facing the cutting station, and the alignment member has a contact surface that can contact the end of the pipe.

5. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying assembly also has loading and unloading stations spaced apart in the x-direction. The cutting station is located in the middle of the loading and unloading stations. The conveying assembly has multiple placement slots, and the distance between two adjacent placement slots is the same as the distance between the loading and cutting stations. The conveying mechanism also includes a loading component and an unloading component. The loading component includes a receiving rack, a loading robotic arm, and a first adsorption part detachably connected to the pipe. The first adsorption part is located at the end of the loading robotic arm and is driven to move by the loading robotic arm. The movement path of the first adsorption part passes through the receiving rack and the loading station. The unloading component includes an unloading tray, an unloading robotic arm, and a second adsorption part detachably connected to the pipe. The second adsorption part is located at the end of the unloading robotic arm and is driven to move by the unloading robotic arm. The movement path of the second adsorption part passes through the unloading tray and the unloading station.

6. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a dust collection chamber and a chip removal mechanism. The cutting station and the cutting mechanism are both located inside the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber has a material inlet, a material outlet, and a waste outlet. One end of the conveying component extends from the material inlet, and the other end extends from the material outlet, so that the loading station and the unloading station are located outside the dust collection chamber. The chip removal mechanism includes a waste conveying section and a collection trolley. The waste conveying section is at least partially located below the cutting mechanism. One end of the waste conveying section extends from the waste outlet and is connected to the collection trolley.

7. The laser cutting equipment for automotive H-tubes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting station includes a primary station and a secondary station arranged at intervals. There are two centering components and two cutting mechanisms. The two centering components are respectively set for the primary station and the secondary station. The four cutting components are arranged in pairs on both sides of the primary station and the secondary station.

8. A laser cutting method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: After detecting that a pipe is placed in the placement slot of the loading station, control the two transmission chains to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the cutting station; The centering component is controlled to adjust the deflection angle of the tube so that it extends along the y-direction; The two drive platforms are controlled according to the length of the pipe to drive the two alignment members to move in the y direction, so that the two alignment members respectively contact the two ends of the pipe. The two cutting components are controlled to operate according to the required cutting shape, so as to cut the required shape at both ends of the pipe. After cutting, the two drive chains are controlled to move synchronously to drive the pipe to the unloading station so that the pipe can be transferred to the next process.

9. The laser cutting method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method of controlling the operation of two cutting components according to the required cutting shape includes: The cutting trajectories of the two laser cutting heads are determined according to the required cutting shape; According to each of the cutting trajectories, the corresponding first connecting seat is controlled to move in the y-direction, the corresponding second connecting seat is controlled to rotate around the axis extending in the y-direction, the corresponding mounting seat is controlled to move in the x-direction, and the corresponding laser cutting head is controlled to start and stop so that the corresponding laser cutting head performs laser cutting on the pipe along the cutting trajectory.

10. The laser cutting method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The step of determining the cutting trajectory of the two laser cutting heads according to the required cutting shape includes: Obtain the three-dimensional model data of the pipe, and generate two sets of different coordinate points at both ends of the pipe at the cutting station based on the required cutting shape, the three-dimensional model data, and the coordinates of the cutting station; Two sets of cutting coordinate points are determined based on the two sets of differing coordinate points and the focal length of the laser cutting head; Based on geometric features, all points in one of the cutting coordinate point sets are divided into multiple point clusters, and several points are selected from each point cluster as cutting points. Based on the geometric features of each point cluster, the corresponding interpolation algorithm is used to connect the cutting points within each point cluster to form multiple cutting paths; Multiple cutting paths with intersecting beginning and end relationships are connected sequentially to form trajectory segments, and the trajectory segments are sorted according to their cutting complexity. Obtain the initial three-dimensional coordinates of the initial position of the laser cutting head; If the first trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to each cutting point within the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as both the start and end point of the first trajectory segment; if the first trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the initial point to both ends of the first trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the start point of the first trajectory segment, while the other cutting point is selected as the end point of the first trajectory segment. If the second trajectory segment is a closed trajectory, the motion cost from the end of the first trajectory segment to each cutting point within the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as both the start and end point of the second trajectory segment; if the second trajectory segment is an open trajectory, the motion cost from the end of the first trajectory segment to the two cutting points at both ends of the second trajectory segment is calculated, and the cutting point corresponding to the minimum motion cost is selected as the start point of the second trajectory segment, while the other cutting point is selected as the end point of the second trajectory segment. Based on the type of each subsequent trajectory segment, the starting point and ending point of each trajectory segment are determined using this method. The ending point of the previous sequential trajectory segment is connected to the starting point of the next sequential trajectory segment to form the cutting trajectory of the laser cutting head. The cutting trajectory of another laser cutting head is obtained through the above method.

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