An automatic laser cutting device for precision investment casting

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic laser cutting device for precision investment casting, which comprises a rack, a laser cutting head and a laser cutting device controller, wherein the rack is provided with an XYZ executing mechanism and a 3D vision assembly; the XYZ executing mechanism comprises a z-direction sliding assembly, an x-direction sliding assembly and a y-direction sliding assembly which are slidably connected to a mounting rack; the laser cutting head is connected to the y-direction sliding assembly and is arranged below the 3D vision assembly; and the laser cutting device controller is in communication connection with the XYZ executing mechanism and the 3D vision assembly. According to the 3D vision assembly recognition result, the laser cutting device controller can automatically generate a straight line and a circular arc cutting category, and the vision can guide the XYZ executing mechanism to drive the laser cutting head to perform laser cutting on the connecting parts of each casting according to the corresponding cutting motion category track, so that the automatic cutting of the group tree structure of different products is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of investment casting mold cutting technology, specifically to an automated laser cutting device for investment casting. Background Technology

[0002] Investment casting (lost-wax casting) typically includes several steps: mold making, wax pattern pressing, wax pattern repair and tree assembly, shell making, dewaxing, high-temperature baking, pouring and cooling, shell removal, and post-processing. In the tree assembly step, multiple wax patterns are welded to a shared wax gate bar to form a tree-like module. After shell making, dewaxing, baking, pouring, solidification, and shell removal, a casting tree connected to the same mold head is obtained. The post-processing step requires cutting each casting from the mold head, followed by cleaning, gate grinding, heat treatment, finishing, and inspection before storage.

[0003] Currently, the tree structure of different products in the post-processing cutting process (such as the position, quantity, orientation and connection of castings on the sprue bar) is different. Manual cutting relies on the operator's experience to find the cutting position one by one. It cannot automatically identify the tree structure or automatically generate the cutting path, making it difficult to achieve automation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems mentioned in the background art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated laser cutting device for investment casting, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: An automated laser cutting device for investment casting precision casting includes: A frame, the frame including a base frame, the base frame having a mounting bracket on top; The XYZ actuator includes a z-direction sliding component, an x-direction sliding component, and a y-direction sliding component that are slidably connected to each other on the mounting frame. A laser cutting assembly, comprising a laser cutting head slidably connected to a sliding assembly in the y-direction; A 3D vision component is mounted on a mounting frame, and the laser cutting head is positioned below the 3D vision component. The control system includes a laser cutting equipment controller, which is communicatively connected to the XYZ actuator and the 3D vision component.

[0006] Preferably, there are two z-direction sliding components, each including a first rodless cylinder and a first sliding body. One end face of the first sliding body is connected to the first rodless cylinder. The first sliding plate is slidably connected to the surface of the first sliding body under the drive of the first rodless cylinder. The input ends of both first rodless cylinders are electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller. The laser cutting equipment controller synchronously controls the two first rodless cylinders to synchronously drive the first sliding plate to slide on the first sliding body. The x-direction sliding component is located between the two first sliding plates. A first limit switch is provided on one side of the first sliding body, and a first limit member is provided on the same side of the first sliding plate.

[0007] Preferably, the x-direction sliding assembly includes a second rodless cylinder and a second sliding body. One end face of the second sliding body is connected to the second rodless cylinder. The second sliding plate is slidably connected to the surface of the second sliding body under the drive of the second rodless cylinder. The y-direction sliding assembly is installed on the second sliding plate. The input end of the second rodless cylinder is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller. A second limit switch is provided on one side of the second sliding body, and a second limit member is provided on the same side of the second sliding plate.

[0008] Preferably, the y-direction sliding assembly includes a third rodless cylinder and a third sliding body. One end face of the third sliding body is connected to the third rodless cylinder. The third sliding plate is slidably connected to the surface of the third sliding body under the drive of the third rodless cylinder. A laser cutting head is provided on the front side of the third sliding plate. The input end of the third rodless cylinder is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller. A third limit switch is provided on one side of the third sliding body, and a third limit member is provided on the same side of the third sliding plate.

[0009] Preferably, the input terminals of the first rodless cylinder, the second rodless cylinder, and the third rodless cylinder are electrically connected to the output terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller, and the input terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller is electrically connected to the output terminals of the first limit switch, the second limit switch, and the third limit switch.

[0010] Preferably, the laser cutting assembly includes a laser generator, which is connected to the laser cutting head via an optical fiber. The control system further includes a laser generator controller electrically connected to the laser generator, and the laser generator controller is communicatively connected to the laser cutting equipment controller.

[0011] Preferably, the laser cutting assembly further includes a focusing lens, which is embedded in a lens mount. The lens mount is connected to a sliding assembly in the y-direction via a connecting bracket, and the focusing lens is located below the laser cutting head.

[0012] Preferably, the 3D vision recognition component is a CCD industrial camera. The CCD camera is used to automatically identify the product body and tree structure, and automatically generate straight and arc cutting paths, which can adapt to module cutting of different products and different tree structures.

[0013] Preferably, the base frame is provided with an inclined plate, and the feeding end of the inclined plate is located below the cutting position of the laser cutting head.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom of the base frame is provided with a product conveyor belt, the discharge end of the inclined plate is located above the product conveyor belt, and the discharge port of the product conveyor belt is provided with a casting collection frame.

[0015] Preferably, the laser cutting device further includes a cooling box, which is connected to the laser cutting head and the laser generator via a circulating cooling pipeline.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention, by setting up a 3D vision component, an XYZ actuator, and a laser cutting equipment controller, records the product in the cutting area through the 3D vision component, automatically identifies the module number, the spatial position and orientation of each casting in the module, and other characteristic information, captures the subtle features of the module surface in real time, automatically collects and uploads the material feeding quantity, automatically compares the differences between the design drawing and the actual image, adjusts the cutting motion trajectory of the laser cutting head, eliminates cutting errors caused by module placement deviation and thermal deformation, and transmits the adjusted laser cutting head cutting motion trajectory to the laser cutting equipment controller via communication after adjustment. The laser cutting equipment controller calls the corresponding cutting process parameters according to the product number, and automatically generates straight line and arc cutting categories based on the recognition results of the 3D vision component. The vision-guided XYZ actuator drives the laser cutting head to perform laser cutting on the connection parts of each casting one by one according to the trajectory of the corresponding cutting motion category. This enables the grouping structure of different products to be automatically cut in the same laser cutting device. Moreover, new products do not require manual teaching and programming, realizing rapid changeover without teaching. In addition, this device can be directly embedded into the existing investment casting post-processing process route, only replacing the cutting process, without changing the connection relationship between the preceding and following processes, resulting in low production line transformation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the XYZ mechanism in this embodiment.

[0020] In the diagram: Frame 1, Base frame 101, Mounting bracket 102, XYZ actuator 2, Z-direction sliding assembly 201, First rodless cylinder 2011, First sliding body 2012, First sliding plate 2013, First limit switch 2014, First limit member 2015, X-direction sliding assembly 202, Second rodless cylinder 2021, Second sliding body 2022, Second sliding plate 2023, Second limit switch 2024, Second limit member 2025, Y-direction sliding assembly 203, Third rodless cylinder; 2031, Third sliding body; 2032, Third sliding plate; 2033, Third limit switch; 2034, Third limit component; 2035, Laser cutting assembly; 3, Laser cutting head; 301, Laser generator; 302, Focusing lens; 303, 3D vision assembly; 4, Control system; 5, Laser cutting equipment controller; 501, Laser generator controller; 502, Lens mount; 6, Connecting bracket; 7, Inclined plate; 8, Product conveyor belt; 9, Casting collection frame; 10, Cooling box; 11. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an automated laser cutting device for investment casting, including a frame 1, an XYZ actuator 2, a laser cutting assembly 3, a 3D vision assembly 4, and a control system 5. The frame 1 includes a base frame 101, with a mounting frame 102 on top of the base frame 101. The XYZ actuator 2 includes two synchronously operating z-direction sliding assemblies 201 mounted on the mounting frame 102. The z-direction sliding assemblies 201 are slidably connected to the x-direction sliding assembly 202 in a front-to-back motion, and the x-direction sliding assembly 202 is slidably connected to the y-direction sliding assembly 203 in a left-to-right motion. The laser cutting assembly 3 includes a laser cutting head 301 and a laser generator 302. The laser cutting head 301 is slidably connected to the y-direction sliding assembly 203. The laser generator 302 is externally mounted on the frame 1 and is connected to the laser cutting head 301 via an optical fiber. The 3D vision assembly 4 is mounted on the mounting bracket 102, and the cutting station of the laser cutting head 301 is located below the 3D vision assembly 4. The control system 5 includes a laser cutting equipment controller 501 and a laser generator controller 502. The laser cutting equipment controller 501 is communicatively connected to the XYZ actuator 2, the 3D vision assembly 4, and the laser generator controller 502. The output terminal of the laser generator controller 502 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the laser generator 302.

[0023] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the z-direction sliding assembly 201 includes a first rodless cylinder 2011 and a first sliding body 2012. One end face of the first sliding body 2012 is connected to the first rodless cylinder 2011. The first slide plate 2013 is slidably connected to the surface of the first sliding body 2012 under the drive of the first rodless cylinder 2011. The input ends of the two first rodless cylinders 2011 are electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller 501. The laser cutting equipment controller 501 synchronously controls the two first rodless cylinders 2011 to synchronously drive the first slide plate 2013 to slide on the first sliding body 2012. The x-direction sliding assembly 202 is disposed between the two first slide plates 2013. A first limit switch 2014 is provided on one side of the first rodless cylinder 2011, and a first limit member 2015 is provided on the same side of the first slide plate 2013.

[0024] Specifically, under the synchronous driving of the two first rodless cylinders 2011, the corresponding first slide plates 2013 slide on the surface of the first sliding body 2012, thereby enabling the x-direction sliding component 202 installed between the two first slide plates 2013 to slide in the z-axis direction (i.e., the front-back direction) of the mounting bracket 102. The first slide plates 2013 drive the first limiting member 2015 through the first limit switch 2014 to realize the sliding position detection feedback of the x-direction sliding component 202.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the x-direction sliding assembly 202 includes a second rodless cylinder 2021 and a second sliding body 2022. One end face of the second sliding body 2022 is connected to the second rodless cylinder 2021. The second slide plate 2023 is slidably connected to the surface of the second sliding body 2022 under the drive of the second rodless cylinder 2021. The y-direction sliding assembly 203 is installed on the second slide plate 2023. The input end of the second rodless cylinder 2021 is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller 501. A second limit switch 2024 is provided on one side of the second rodless cylinder 2021, and a second limit member 2025 is provided on the same side of the second slide plate 2023.

[0026] Specifically, the second slide plate 2023 on the surface of the second sliding body 2022 is driven by the second rodless cylinder 2021 to slide in the x-axis direction (left and right) of the mounting bracket 102 under the sliding action of the second slide plate 2023 on the surface of the second sliding body 2022. The second slide plate 2023 drives the second limit member 2025 to pass through the second limit switch 2024 to realize the sliding position detection feedback of the y-direction sliding component 203.

[0027] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the y-direction sliding assembly 203 includes a third rodless cylinder 2031 and a third sliding body 2032. One end face of the third sliding body 2032 is connected to the third rodless cylinder 2031. The third sliding plate 2033 is slidably connected to the surface of the third sliding body 2032 under the drive of the third rodless cylinder 2031. A laser cutting head 301 is provided on the front side of the third sliding plate 2033. The input end of the third rodless cylinder 2031 is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller 501. A third limit switch 2034 is provided on one side of the third rodless cylinder 2031. A third limit member 2035 is provided on the same side of the third sliding plate 2033.

[0028] Specifically, the third slide plate 2033 on the surface of the third rodless cylinder 2031 slides on the surface of the third sliding body 2032, thereby enabling the laser cutting head 301 mounted on the third slide plate 2033 to slide in the y-axis direction (up and down) of the mounting bracket 102, thus achieving height adjustment of the laser cutting head 301. The second slide plate 2023 drives the second limiting member 2025 through the second limiting switch 2024 to achieve sliding position detection and feedback of the y-direction sliding component 203.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the input terminals of the first rodless cylinder 2011, the second rodless cylinder 2021, and the third rodless cylinder 2031 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller 501, and the input terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller 501 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first limit switch 2014, the second limit switch 2024, and the third limit switch 2034.

[0030] Specifically, the first limit switch 2014, the second limit switch 2024, and the third limit switch 2034 respectively correspond to the position tracking of the first slide plate 2013 with the first limit member 2015 installed, the second slide plate 2023 with the second limit member 2025 installed, and the third slide plate 2033 with the third limit member 2035 installed, thereby enabling the laser cutting equipment controller 501 to adjust the three-dimensional cutting position of the laser cutting head 301 by controlling the first rodless cylinder 2011, the second rodless cylinder 2021, and the third rodless cylinder 2031.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the laser cutting assembly 3 also includes a focusing lens 303, which is embedded in the lens mount 6. The lens mount 6 is connected to the y-direction sliding assembly 203 via a connecting bracket 7. The focusing lens 303 is located below the laser cutting head 301.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the 3D vision recognition component 4 is a CCD industrial camera. The CCD camera is used to automatically identify the product body and tree structure, and automatically generate straight and arc cutting paths, which can adapt to the module cutting of different products and different tree structures.

[0033] Specifically, the CCD camera automatically identifies features such as module number, number and size of mold heads on the module, captures subtle features on the module surface in real time, automatically compares the differences between the design drawing and the actual image, adjusts the cutting motion trajectory of the laser cutting head 301, eliminates cutting errors caused by module placement deviation and thermal deformation, and after adjustment, communicates with the laser cutting equipment controller 501 to forward the adjusted laser cutting head 301 cutting motion trajectory signal to the XYZ actuator 2. The XYZ actuator 2 controls the laser cutting head 301 to perform linear and circular motion according to the adjusted laser cutting head 301 cutting motion trajectory signal.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the base frame 101 is provided with an inclined plate 8, and the feeding end of the inclined plate 8 is located below the cutting position of the laser cutting head 301.

[0035] Specifically, by setting the inclined plate 8, the cut casting can fall along the inclined plate 8 to the bottom of the frame 101.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the base frame 101 is provided with a product conveyor belt 9, the discharge end of the inclined plate 8 is located above the product conveyor belt 9, and the discharge port of the product conveyor belt 9 is provided with a casting collection frame 10.

[0037] Specifically, by setting up the product conveyor belt 9 and the casting collection frame 10, the castings falling to the bottom of the base frame 101 can be conveyed to the discharge port, and then collected by the casting collection frame 10. The collected castings are then processed in the next step, achieving a seamless connection between the investment casting process and the precision casting process.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the laser cutting device also includes a cooling box 11, which is connected to the laser cutting head 301 and the laser generator 302 via a circulating cooling pipeline.

[0039] Specifically, during the cutting process, both the laser cutting head 301 and the laser generator 302 will generate heat. In order to ensure the generation and transmission of light, they cannot be cooled directly by the cooling medium. The cooling medium absorbs the heat indirectly and then flows back, thereby cooling the laser cutting head 301 and the laser generator 302.

[0040] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: Before cutting, the module to be cut is manually or mechanically grasped and moved to the cutting position of the laser cutting head 301. Cooling medium is added to the cooling box 11. At the same time, the CCD camera and 3D vision component 4 are activated to record the product in the cutting area. The module number, spatial position and orientation of each casting in the module are automatically identified. The module surface features are captured in real time. The quantity of material loaded is automatically collected and uploaded. The differences between the design drawing and the actual image are automatically compared. The cutting motion trajectory of the laser cutting head 301 is adjusted to eliminate cutting errors caused by module placement deviation and thermal deformation. After adjustment, the adjusted cutting motion trajectory of the laser cutting head 301 is transmitted to the laser cutting equipment controller 501 through communication. The laser cutting equipment controller 501 calls the corresponding product number. The cutting process parameters are automatically generated based on the recognition results of the 3D vision component 4, and the linear and arc cutting motion categories are automatically generated. The vision guides the XYZ actuator 2 to drive the laser cutting head 301 to cut the connecting parts of the casting according to the trajectory of the corresponding cutting motion category. At the same time, the cooling medium in the cooling box 11 is sent to the laser cutting head 301 and the laser generator 302 through the circulating cooling pipe to absorb heat and reflux. This allows the laser cutting head 301 and the laser generator 302 to be cooled down by the cooling medium in the circulating cooling pipe during the laser cutting operation. The cut casting falls along the inclined plate 8 to the product conveyor belt 9. The product conveyor belt 9 sends the casting to the discharge port, where it is collected by the casting collection frame 10. The collected castings are then sent to the subsequent processing steps in the processing technology, achieving seamless connection of the investment casting process.

[0041] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. An automated laser cutting device for investment casting, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) includes a base frame (101) and a mounting bracket (102) is provided on the top of the base frame (101). XYZ actuator (2), the XYZ actuator (2) includes a z-direction sliding component (201), an x-direction sliding component (202) and a y-direction sliding component (203) that are slidably connected to each other on the mounting bracket (102); A laser cutting assembly (3) includes a laser cutting head (301) which is slidably connected to a sliding assembly (203) in the y direction. A 3D vision component (4) is mounted on a mounting bracket (102), and a laser cutting head (301) is located below the 3D vision component (4). The control system (5) includes a laser cutting equipment controller (501), which is communicatively connected to the XYZ actuator (2) and the 3D vision component (4).

2. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two z-direction sliding components (201) are provided, and each of the two z-direction sliding components (201) includes a first rodless cylinder (2011) and a first sliding body (2012). One end face of the first sliding body (2012) is connected to the first rodless cylinder (2011). The first sliding plate (2013) is slidably connected to the surface of the first sliding body (2012) under the drive of the first rodless cylinder (2011). The input ends of the two first rodless cylinders (2011) are connected to the laser cutting... The output of the laser cutting equipment controller (501) is electrically connected. The laser cutting equipment controller (501) synchronously controls two first rodless cylinders (2011) to synchronously drive the first slide plate (2013) to slide on the first sliding body (2012). The x-direction sliding component (202) is located between the two first slide plates (2013). A first limit switch (2014) is provided on one side of the first sliding body (2012), and a first limit member (2015) is provided on the same side of the first slide plate (2013).

3. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 2, characterized in that, The x-direction sliding assembly (202) includes a second rodless cylinder (2021) and a second sliding body (2022). One end face of the second sliding body (2022) is connected to the second rodless cylinder (2021). The second sliding plate (2023) is slidably connected to the surface of the second sliding body (2022) under the drive of the second rodless cylinder (2021). The y-direction sliding assembly (203) is installed on the second sliding plate (2023). The input end of the second rodless cylinder (2021) is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller (501). A second limit switch (2024) is provided on one side of the second sliding body (2022), and a second limit member (2025) is provided on the same side of the second sliding plate (2023).

4. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 3, characterized in that, The y-direction sliding assembly (203) includes a third rodless cylinder (2031) and a third sliding body (2032). One end face of the third sliding body (2032) is connected to the third rodless cylinder (2031). The third sliding plate (2033) is slidably connected to the surface of the third sliding body (2032) under the drive of the third rodless cylinder (2031). A laser cutting head (301) is provided on the front side of the third sliding plate (2033). The input end of the third rodless cylinder (2031) is electrically connected to the output end of the laser cutting equipment controller (501). A third limit switch (2033) is provided on one side of the third sliding body (2032), and a third limit member (2035) is provided on the same side of the third sliding plate (2033).

5. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 4, characterized in that, The input terminals of the first rodless cylinder (2011), the second rodless cylinder (2021), and the third rodless cylinder (2031) are electrically connected to the output terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller (501), and the input terminal of the laser cutting equipment controller (501) is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first limit switch (2014), the second limit switch (2024), and the third limit switch (2033).

6. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser cutting assembly (3) includes a laser generator (302), which is connected to the laser cutting head (301) via an optical fiber. The control system (5) also includes a laser generator controller (502) electrically connected to the laser generator (302), which is communicatively connected to the laser cutting equipment controller (501).

7. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser cutting assembly (3) also includes a focusing lens (303), which is embedded in the lens mount (6). The lens mount (6) is connected to the y-direction sliding assembly (203) through the connecting bracket (7). The focusing lens (303) is located below the laser cutting head (301).

8. The automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D vision recognition component (4) is a CCD industrial camera.

9. An automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base frame (101) is provided with an inclined plate (8), the feeding end of the inclined plate (8) is located below the laser cutting head (301), the bottom of the base frame (101) is provided with a product conveyor belt (9), the discharge end of the inclined plate (8) is located above the product conveyor belt (9), and the discharge port of the product conveyor belt (9) is provided with a casting collection frame (10).

10. An automated laser cutting device for investment casting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser cutting device also includes a cooling box (11), which is connected to the laser cutting head (301) and the laser generator (302) through a circulating cooling pipeline.

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