A laser cutting workstation with automatic material removal function

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laser processing equipment technology, specifically disclosing a laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function, including a material rack, a laser cutting machine, an unloading bracket slidably connected to the material rack, and an unloading frame movably mounted on the unloading bracket. The unloading frame is equipped with an unloading suction cup and a pressure bar. The unloading frame has a first descending stroke, during which the pressure bar contacts the residual material before the unloading suction cup and presses it onto the material table, and the unloading suction cup subsequently contacts and adsorbs the workpiece to be cut. When the unloading frame rises, the pressure bar maintains pressure on the residual material for a certain period of time, causing the micro-connection point between the workpiece and the residual material to break during relative displacement. This solution achieves automatic separation of the workpiece and the residual material without the need for an additional breaking mechanism, avoiding manual intervention and improving unloading efficiency and operational continuity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser processing equipment technology, and in particular to a laser cutting workstation with an automatic unloading function. Background Technology

[0002] During laser cutting, once the workpiece contour is completely severed, there is no longer a physical connection between the workpiece and the remaining material. For workpieces that are small, thin, or have an unstable center of gravity, the severed workpiece may shift, flip, or even tilt due to the force of the auxiliary gas, vibration of the sheet metal, or the heat from subsequent cutting. In severe cases, it may fall into the support gap of the cutting platform, which not only interferes with the execution of subsequent cutting paths but also increases the risk of collision between the cutting head and the workpiece.

[0003] To limit the movement of the workpiece relative to the parent material residue during cutting, existing CNC layout and cutting processes typically retain narrow, incompletely cut connecting parts at local locations along the workpiece contour. This allows the workpiece to remain temporarily connected to the parent material residue after the contour is cut. These narrow connecting parts are commonly referred to as micro-connections, micro-bridges, or micro-links. Micro-connections are not intended for permanent connection but rather for temporary holding of the workpiece during the cutting and transfer of the entire sheet material. Once cutting is complete, external force is used to break the micro-connections, separating the workpiece from the parent material residue.

[0004] Therefore, retaining micro-connections can effectively improve the positional stability of some workpieces during the cutting process, but it also ensures that the workpiece remains connected to the parent material skeleton after cutting. The unloading mechanism must first break the micro-connections before it can individually remove the corresponding workpiece. Since the number, position, and connection strength of micro-connections usually vary with the workpiece contour, sheet thickness, material properties, and cutting parameters, the required separation force differs for different workpieces, which adds additional challenges to automated unloading.

[0005] A typical laser cutting workstation includes a material storage unit, a loading robot, a laser cutting machine, an unloading robot, an unloading support frame, and a sorting and conveying mechanism. The typical workflow is as follows: the material storage unit delivers the sheet material to the picking position; the loading robot uses a vacuum suction cup to pick up the entire sheet and places it on the cutting table of the laser cutting machine; the laser cutting machine cuts the inner holes, edges, and outer contours of the workpiece sequentially according to the layout program. After the entire sheet is cut, the exchange table carrying the cut sheet is moved out of the cutting area, or the sheet handling mechanism transfers the cut sheet to the unloading area.

[0006] The unloading robot moves its end effector to above the target workpiece based on the workpiece coordinates and dimensions recorded in the layout program. The end effector typically has multiple vacuum suction cups; these cups create negative pressure upon contact with the target workpiece surface, allowing the robot to lift the workpiece and transfer it to the unloading rack, conveyor line, or sorting station. After the workpiece is removed from the parent material, the remaining parent material skeleton is removed from the unloading area via a whole-plate gripping mechanism, forklift mechanism, or conveyor mechanism. Existing automated sorting equipment can also control the opening and closing of suction cups based on the workpiece layout information, placing workpieces of different shapes and sizes onto corresponding pallets or stacking positions.

[0007] When the target workpiece is connected to the parent material residue via micro-connections, the most direct approach in existing technologies is for the operator to manually bend the workpiece back and forth after the entire plate is cut, or to use hammering, prying, or other methods to break the micro-connections. The separated workpieces are then collected and sorted manually or by a robotic unloading arm. This method relies on manual verification of the workpiece position and micro-connection status for each piece, which not only involves numerous steps and high labor intensity, but also makes it difficult to match with the automatic unloading cycle of a laser cutting workstation. This can easily lead to waiting times between the cutting and sorting processes, affecting the continuous operating efficiency of the workstation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function to solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: a laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function, comprising: a material rack; a laser cutting machine disposed on the material rack; an unloading support slidably connected to the material rack, wherein the unloading support is provided with an unloading drive device for driving it to reciprocate along the material rack; an unloading frame movably disposed on the unloading support and connected to a lifting drive component for driving its lifting and lowering, wherein the unloading frame is provided with an unloading suction cup and a pressure bar, the unloading suction cup being connected to a negative pressure source, and the pressure bar being movably connected to the lower part of the unloading frame; the unloading frame having a first descending stroke, wherein in the first descending stroke, the pressure bar contacts the residual material before the unloading suction cup and presses the residual material onto the material table of the laser cutting machine, and the unloading suction cup subsequently contacts and adsorbs the workpiece to be cut; when the unloading frame rises, the pressure bar maintains the pressure on the residual material for a certain period of time, so that the micro-connection point between the workpiece to be cut and the residual material is broken in the relative displacement.

[0010] Optionally, in the initial state, the bottom height of the pressure strip is lower than the bottom height of the feeding suction cup.

[0011] Optionally, a third spring is connected between the pressure bar and the feeding frame. When the feeding frame performs the first downward stroke, after the pressure bar contacts the residual material of the parent material, the third spring undergoes elastic deformation. When the feeding frame rises, the third spring releases elastic potential energy, so that the pressure bar maintains pressure on the residual material of the parent material within a certain stroke.

[0012] Optionally, a feeding chamber is formed inside the feeding frame, and a plurality of feeding suction ports are opened at the bottom of the feeding chamber. A feeding suction pipe is slidably connected to each feeding suction port. The feeding suction cup is disposed at the bottom of the feeding suction pipe. A second spring is connected between the feeding suction pipe and the feeding frame. The negative pressure source is a second vacuum pump disposed on the feeding frame, and the suction end of the second vacuum pump is connected to the feeding chamber.

[0013] Optionally, a second sealing ring is provided inside the feeding suction port, and the inner wall of the second sealing ring is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the feeding suction tube.

[0014] Optionally, a plurality of waste material suction tubes are slidably connected to the feeding frame, and a waste material suction cup is provided at the bottom of each waste material suction tube. A fourth spring is connected between the waste material suction tube and the feeding frame. In the natural state, the bottom height of the waste material suction cup is higher than the bottom height of the feeding suction cup.

[0015] Optionally, a connecting pipe is provided in the discharge chamber, and the connecting pipe is connected to the residual material suction pipe through a flexible hose. A connecting port communicating with the discharge chamber is opened on the side wall of the connecting pipe, and a baffle is slidably connected to the connecting pipe. In the initial state, the baffle covers the connecting port to block the communication between the negative pressure source and the residual material suction pipe.

[0016] Optionally, a fixed tube is connected to the feeding frame, and a pressure rod is slidably connected inside the fixed tube. The lower end of the pressure rod is connected to the pressure strip. A magnetic ring is provided inside the fixed tube. The pressure rod is made of a material that can magnetically attract the magnetic ring. A top contact rod is slidably connected to the magnetic ring. A connecting rod is connected to the top of the top contact rod. The connecting rod extends into the feeding chamber and is connected to the baffle. The feeding frame also has a second descent stroke that is greater than the first descent stroke. In the second descent stroke, the pressure rod pushes the top contact rod, which drives the baffle away from the communication port through the connecting rod, so that the negative pressure source is connected to the residual material suction pipe.

[0017] Optionally, a limiting bracket is connected to the feeding chamber, and a closing rod corresponding to the feeding suction pipe is provided on the limiting bracket; during the second descent stroke, the feeding suction pipe slides upward relative to the feeding frame until the upper end of the feeding suction pipe engages with the closing rod, and the closing rod closes the communication channel between the feeding suction pipe and the feeding chamber.

[0018] Optionally, when the second vacuum pump evacuates the waste material suction tube through the communication port, the waste material suction tube is subjected to an axial negative pressure holding force formed by the internal and external pressure difference. The negative pressure holding force is used to hold the waste material suction tube in the position after it has moved up relative to the unloading frame.

[0019] Optionally, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic ring on the pressure rod is less than the reset force of the fourth spring. When the magnetic attraction force and the negative pressure holding force work together, they can overcome the reset force of the fourth spring, keeping the residual material suction tube and the baffle in the residual material suction position. After the second vacuum pump stops pumping, the negative pressure holding force disappears, the fourth spring drives the residual material suction tube to reset, and the baffle returns to its initial state of covering the communication port.

[0020] Optionally, the unloading bracket is provided with a second hydraulic cylinder, the output axis of the second hydraulic cylinder extends downward and is connected to the unloading frame, and the second hydraulic cylinder constitutes the lifting drive component.

[0021] Optionally, one end of the material rack forms an upper truss and the other end forms an lower truss. The laser cutting machine is located in the working area between the upper truss and the lower truss. The lowering bracket is set corresponding to the lowering truss. A second lead screw is rotatably connected to the material rack. The second lead screw is threadedly engaged with the lowering bracket. A second motor is provided on the material rack. The output shaft of the second motor is drivenly connected to the second lead screw. The second lead screw and the second motor constitute the lowering drive device.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes a feeding bracket, which is arranged corresponding to the feeding truss. A first lead screw is rotatably connected to the feeding bracket. The first lead screw is threadedly engaged with the feeding bracket and is not threadedly engaged with the unloading bracket. A first motor is provided on the feeding bracket. The output shaft of the first motor is drivenly connected to the first lead screw to drive the feeding bracket to reciprocate along the feeding truss.

[0023] Optionally, the bottom of the feeding bracket is provided with a feeding frame, and the feeding bracket is provided with a first hydraulic cylinder. The output axis of the first hydraulic cylinder extends downward and is connected to the feeding frame for driving the feeding frame to rise and fall. A feeding chamber is formed inside the feeding frame. Multiple feeding suction ports are spaced apart at the bottom of the feeding chamber. A feeding suction pipe is slidably connected in each feeding suction port. A feeding suction cup is provided at the bottom of the feeding suction pipe. A first spring is connected between the feeding suction pipe and the feeding frame. A first sealing ring is provided in the feeding suction port. The inner wall of the first sealing ring is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the feeding suction pipe. A first vacuum pump is provided on the feeding frame. The suction end of the first vacuum pump is connected to the feeding chamber.

[0024] Optionally, the magnetic ring is an electromagnet, and the adsorption and release of the pressure rod are achieved by controlling the on and off of the electromagnet.

[0025] Optionally, a guide key and guide groove are provided between the fixed tube and the pressure rod to restrict the rotation of the pressure rod relative to the fixed tube.

[0026] Optionally, the pressure strip is made of an elastic material.

[0027] Optionally, the number of pressure strips is multiple, each corresponding to a different area of ​​the remaining material of the parent material for pressing.

[0028] Optionally, the number of the feeding suction cups is set to correspond to the number of the cutting workpieces, so as to simultaneously adsorb multiple cutting workpieces.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses at least the following beneficial effects: This invention simultaneously sets up a feeding suction cup and a pressure bar on the feeding frame, and utilizes the height difference between the bottom of the pressure bar and the bottom of the feeding suction cup. During the first downward stroke of the feeding frame, the pressure bar contacts the remaining material of the parent material before the feeding suction cup and presses it onto the feeding platform. The feeding suction cup then contacts and adsorbs the workpiece to be cut. When the feeding frame rises, since the pressure bar is movably connected to the feeding frame through a third spring, the spring releases elastic potential energy, allowing the pressure bar to continue to press the remaining material of the parent material for a certain period of time. Meanwhile, the feeding suction cup has risen with the feeding frame and drives the workpiece to be cut upward. This creates a definite relative displacement between the workpiece to be cut and the remaining parent material, causing the micro-connection point between the two to directly bear the tensile and shearing forces during this relative displacement and actively disconnect. This structure utilizes the lifting action of the unloading frame itself to automatically break the micro-connection points, eliminating the need for additional hammering, bending, or prying mechanisms and avoiding manual intervention. At the same time, the continuous pressure of the pressure bar on the residual material effectively prevents the residual material frame from being lifted along with the workpiece, ensuring a stable and reliable unloading process. This achieves automatic separation of the cut workpiece from the residual material, improving the unloading continuity and operating efficiency of the laser cutting workstation. Attached Figure Description

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the laser cutting workstation proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding bracket and feeding frame in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding bracket and feeding frame in this invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the switching structure between the feed adsorption pathway and the residual material adsorption pathway in this invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the pressure bar and the feeding suction cup when the feeding frame performs its first descent stroke in this invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle opening the communication port to conduct the residual material adsorption passage in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the residual material suction cup adsorbing and transferring residual material from the parent material in this invention.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1. Material rack; 2. Loading truss; 3. Unloading truss; 4. Laser cutting machine; 5. Loading support; 6. Unloading support; 7. Loading frame; 8. Loading chamber; 9. Loading suction port; 10. Loading suction pipe; 11. Loading suction cup; 12. First sealing ring; 13. First spring; 14. First vacuum pump; 15. First hydraulic cylinder; 16. Unloading frame; 17. Unloading chamber; 18. Unloading suction port; 19. Unloading suction pipe; 20. Unloading suction cup; 21. Second sealing ring; 2 2. Second spring; 23. Second vacuum pump; 24. Second hydraulic cylinder; 25. Fixed pipe; 26. Pressure rod; 27. Pressure bar; 28. Third spring; 29. ​​Residual material suction pipe; 30. Residual material suction cup; 31. Fourth spring; 32. Connecting pipe; 33. Flexible hose; 34. Connecting port; 35. Stop bar; 36. Limiting bracket; 37. Sealing rod; 38. Magnetic ring; 39. Top contact rod; 40. Connecting rod; 41. First lead screw; 42. Second lead screw; 43. First motor; 44. Second motor. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function, including a material rack 1, a laser cutting machine 4, a loading support 5, and a unloading support 6. One end of the material rack 1 forms a loading truss 2, and the other end forms a unloading truss 3. The laser cutting machine 4 is located at the bottom of the material rack 1 and within the working area between the loading truss 2 and the unloading truss 3. The loading support 5 is configured corresponding to the loading truss 2 and is used to feed the sheet material to be cut into the laser cutting machine 4. The unloading support 6 is configured corresponding to the unloading truss 3 and is used to automatically separate and transfer the cut workpiece from the parent material residue, and then transfer the parent material residue remaining on the laser cutting machine 4. By integrating loading, cutting, workpiece unloading, and residue unloading within the same material rack 1, the repeated handling of sheet material and workpiece between different devices can be reduced, allowing the separation and unloading process after laser cutting to be carried out continuously.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, a first lead screw 41 and a second lead screw 42 are rotatably connected to the material rack 1. The first lead screw 41 is threadedly engaged with the loading bracket 5, and the second lead screw 42 is threadedly engaged with the unloading bracket 6. The first lead screw 41 is not threadedly engaged with the unloading bracket 6, and the second lead screw 42 is not threadedly engaged with the loading bracket 5. The material rack 1 is equipped with a first motor 43 and a second motor 44. The output shaft of the first motor 43 is driven by the first lead screw 41 to drive the loading bracket 5 to reciprocate along the loading truss 2. The output shaft of the second motor 44 is driven by the second lead screw 42 to drive the unloading bracket 6 to reciprocate along the unloading truss 3. The loading bracket 5 and the unloading bracket 6 are driven by independent lead screws, so that they can move according to the loading and unloading cycles respectively, avoiding positional interference caused by sharing the same transmission component, and also facilitating the control of the start and stop of the loading bracket 5 and the unloading bracket 6 according to the working state of the laser cutting machine 4.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 As shown, a feeding frame 7 is provided at the bottom of the feeding bracket 5. A first hydraulic cylinder 15 is provided on the feeding bracket 5, and the output shaft of the first hydraulic cylinder 15 extends downward and is connected to the feeding frame 7 to drive the feeding frame 7 to rise and fall. A feeding chamber 8 is formed inside the feeding frame 7, and multiple feeding suction ports 9 are spaced apart at the bottom of the feeding chamber 8. A feeding suction pipe 10 is slidably connected in each feeding suction port 9, and a feeding suction cup 11 is provided at the bottom of the feeding suction pipe 10. A first sealing ring 12 is provided in the feeding suction port 9, and the inner wall of the first sealing ring 12 is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the feeding suction pipe 10, so that the feeding chamber 8 can still maintain negative pressure when the feeding suction pipe 10 slides relative to the feeding frame 7. By setting multiple feeding suction cups 11 on the slidable feeding suction pipe 10, each feeding suction cup 11 can independently adjust the contact height according to the local height difference of the board surface, avoiding the problem that some suction cups cannot adhere due to slight warping of the board.

[0038] A first spring 13 connects the feeding suction pipe 10 to the feeding frame 7. A first vacuum pump 14 is installed on the feeding frame 7, and the suction end of the first vacuum pump 14 is connected to the feeding chamber 8. When the first hydraulic cylinder 15 drives the feeding frame 7 to descend, the feeding suction cup 11 first contacts the material to be cut. As the feeding frame 7 continues to descend, the corresponding feeding suction pipe 10 slides upward and causes the first spring 13 to elastically deform. After the first vacuum pump 14 evacuates the feeding chamber 8, the negative pressure acts on the feeding suction cup 11 through each feeding suction pipe 10, causing multiple feeding suction cups 11 to simultaneously adsorb the material. After the feeding frame 7 is raised, the first spring 13 applies a reset action to the feeding suction pipe 10, causing each feeding suction cup 11 to return to its initial height. This elastic floating adsorption structure can distribute the weight of the material and compensate for the height error of the adsorption surface, improving the adsorption stability during the handling of the entire material.

[0039] Reference Figure 3As shown, a feeding frame 16 is provided at the bottom of the feeding support 6. A second hydraulic cylinder 24 is provided on the feeding support 6, and the output shaft of the second hydraulic cylinder 24 extends downward and is connected to the feeding frame 16. A feeding chamber 17 is formed inside the feeding frame 16, and multiple feeding suction ports 18 are opened at the bottom of the feeding chamber 17. A feeding suction pipe 19 is slidably connected in each feeding suction port 18, and a feeding suction cup 20 is provided at the bottom of the feeding suction pipe 19. A second sealing ring 21 is provided in the feeding suction port 18, and the inner wall of the second sealing ring 21 is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the feeding suction pipe 19. A second spring 22 is connected between the feeding suction pipe 19 and the feeding frame 16. A second vacuum pump 23 is provided on the feeding frame 16, and the suction end of the second vacuum pump 23 is connected to the feeding chamber 17, so that the feeding chamber 17 can provide negative pressure to the feeding suction cup 20 through the feeding suction pipe 19. The feeding suction tube 19 can slide relative to the feeding frame 16, so that multiple feeding suction cups 20 can respectively adhere to different parts of different workpieces, reducing the risk of adsorption failure caused by heat deformation during cutting.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple scrap suction tubes 29 are slidably connected to the unloading frame 16, and each scrap suction tube 29 has a scrap suction cup 30 at its bottom. A fourth spring 31 connects the scrap suction tube 29 to the unloading frame 16. In its natural state, the bottom height of the scrap suction cup 30 is higher than the bottom height of the unloading suction cup 20, so that when the unloading frame 16 performs its first downward stroke, the unloading suction cup 20 can contact and adsorb the workpiece to be cut, while the scrap suction cup 30 has not yet contacted the parent material scrap. A connecting pipe 32 is provided in the unloading chamber 17, and the connecting pipe 32 is connected to the scrap suction tube 29 through a flexible hose 33. A connecting port 34 communicating with the unloading chamber 17 is opened on the side wall of the connecting pipe 32, and a baffle 35 is slidably connected to the connecting pipe 32, which initially covers the connecting port 34. Since the connecting port 34 is closed by the baffle 35, the negative pressure generated by the second vacuum pump 23 cannot be transmitted to the residual material suction pipe 29. Therefore, only the unloading suction cup 20 works during the workpiece unloading stage, while the residual material suction cup 30 remains in a non-adsorption state to prevent the residual material suction cup 30 from simultaneously adsorbing the residual material of the parent material and hindering the separation of the workpiece.

[0041] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a fixed tube 25 is connected to the unloading frame 16. A pressure rod 26 is slidably connected inside the fixed tube 25, and the lower end of the pressure rod 26 extends downward to the bottom of the unloading frame 16 and is connected to a pressure strip 27. A third spring 28 is connected between the pressure strip 27 and the unloading frame 16. In the initial state, the bottom height of the pressure strip 27 is lower than the bottom height of the unloading suction cup 20. Therefore, when the second hydraulic cylinder 24 drives the unloading frame 16 to perform the first downward stroke, the pressure strip 27 first contacts the residual material of the parent material around the workpiece and presses the residual material onto the material table of the laser cutting machine 4. As the unloading frame 16 continues to descend, the pressure rod 26 slides upward relative to the fixed tube 25 and causes the third spring 28 to elastically deform until the unloading suction cup 20 contacts the workpiece. This height difference causes the residual material pressing action to be completed earlier than the workpiece adsorption action, thereby stabilizing the residual material before the workpiece is subjected to upward pulling force and preventing the residual material skeleton from being lifted up with the workpiece at the same time.

[0042] After the suction cup 20 contacts the workpiece, the second vacuum pump 23 evacuates the suction chamber 17, causing the suction cup 20 to adhere to the workpiece. Subsequently, the second hydraulic cylinder 24 drives the suction frame 16 to rise, and the suction cup 20 moves the workpiece upwards along with the suction frame 16. Meanwhile, the pressure bar 27 maintains pressure on the remaining material within a certain stroke as the third spring 28 releases its elastic potential energy. This causes the workpiece to shift upwards relative to the temporarily stationary remaining material, causing the micro-connection between them to be subjected to tensile and shearing forces and eventually break. Once the pressure bar 27 rises further with the suction frame 16 and detaches from the remaining material, the suction bracket 6 can transfer the separated workpiece to the discharge position. This structure utilizes the lifting stroke of the suction frame 16 itself and the delayed release of the third spring 28 to achieve automatic unloading, eliminating the need for additional knocking or prying mechanisms.

[0043] It should be noted that the height difference between the bottom of the pressure strip 27 and the bottom of the unloading suction cup 20 can be adjusted according to the connection strength of the micro-connection points and the thickness of the workpiece. In one alternative, the pressure strip 27 can also be made of an elastic material, such as polyurethane or rubber, to enhance the holding effect on the residual material and avoid scratching the surface of the sheet. In another alternative, the number of pressure strips 27 can be set to multiple according to the contour shape of the residual material, each corresponding to a different area of ​​the residual material for holding, thereby improving the stability of the residual material holding.

[0044] Reference Figure 8As shown, a magnetic ring 38 is installed inside the fixed tube 25, and the pressure rod 26 is made of a metal material that can magnetically attract the magnetic ring 38. A top contact rod 39 is slidably connected to the magnetic ring 38. The bottom of the top contact rod 39 protrudes downward from the magnetic ring 38, and a connecting rod 40 is connected to the top of the top contact rod 39. The connecting rod 40 extends into the unloading chamber 17 and connects to the baffle 35. After the workpiece is transferred, the second hydraulic cylinder 24 drives the unloading frame 16 to perform a second downward stroke that is greater than the first downward stroke. After the pressure bar 27 contacts the remaining material, the pressure rod 26 moves further upward relative to the fixed tube 25 and pushes the top contact rod 39. When the top contact rod 39 moves upward, it drives the baffle 35 away from the connecting port 34 through the connecting rod 40, so that the unloading chamber 17, the connecting port 34, the connecting pipe 32, the hose 33, and the remaining material suction pipe 29 are connected in sequence. This triggering method establishes a mechanical correspondence between the opening of the baffle 35 and the second descent depth of the unloading frame 16, so that the residual material adsorption channel can only be opened when the unloading frame 16 descends to the predetermined depth, reducing the possibility of confusion between the workpiece adsorption state and the residual material adsorption state.

[0045] A limiting bracket 36 is connected inside the unloading chamber 17, and a closing rod 37 corresponding to the unloading suction pipe 19 is provided on the limiting bracket 36. When the unloading frame 16 performs the second downward stroke, the unloading suction cup 20 first contacts the material table of the laser cutting machine 4. The unloading frame 16 continues to descend, causing the unloading suction pipe 19 to slide upward relative to the unloading frame 16 until the upper end of the unloading suction pipe 19 engages with the closing rod 37, which closes the communication channel between the unloading suction pipe 19 and the unloading chamber 17. At the same time, the baffle 35 opens the communication port 34, and the negative pressure generated by the second vacuum pump 23 switches from the unloading adsorption channel to the residual material adsorption channel, causing the residual material suction cup 30 to adsorb, while the unloading suction cup 20 stops adsorbing. By using the relative displacement of the unloading suction pipe 19 itself to close the unloading adsorption channel, the mechanical switching between the two types of suction cups can be achieved without the need for a separate solenoid valve, which simplifies the control process.

[0046] Reference Figure 9As shown, after the residual material suction cup 30 contacts the residual material of the parent material, the feeding frame 16 continues to descend, causing the residual material suction tube 29 to slide upward relative to the feeding frame 16, and the fourth spring 31 generates elastic potential energy accordingly. The second vacuum pump 23 evacuates air from the residual material suction tube 29 through the already opened communication port 34, and the residual material suction cup 30 adsorbs the residual material of the parent material. In addition to the adsorption force formed between the residual material suction cup 30 and the residual material of the parent material, the residual material suction tube 29 is also subjected to an axial negative pressure holding force formed by the internal and external pressure difference. This negative pressure holding force is used to hold the residual material suction tube 29 in the position after it has moved upward relative to the feeding frame 16. At the same time, the magnetic ring 38 generates a magnetic adsorption force on the pressure rod 26, keeping the pressure rod 26 in the position of pushing the top contact rod 39. Thus, the magnetic adsorption force is used to maintain the open state of the baffle 35, and the negative pressure holding force acting on the residual material suction tube 29 is used to resist the reset action of the fourth spring 31. Together, they ensure that the residual material adsorption passage remains open after the feeding frame 16 leaves the laser cutting machine 4, thereby ensuring that the residual material of the parent material can be stably transferred.

[0047] In this embodiment, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic ring 38 on the pressure rod 26 is less than the reset force generated by the fourth spring 31 during the reset process. When the magnetic attraction force and the negative pressure holding force acting on the residual material suction tube 29 work together, they can overcome the reset effect of the fourth spring 31, keeping the residual material suction tube 29, pressure rod 26, top contact rod 39, connecting rod 40, and stop bar 35 in the position required for residual material adsorption. This force matching relationship gives the mechanism two stable states: when the second vacuum pump 23 is pumping air, the negative pressure holding force and the magnetic attraction force jointly maintain the residual material adsorption state; after the second vacuum pump 23 stops pumping air, the negative pressure holding force acting on the residual material suction tube 29 disappears, and the fourth spring 31 can overcome the individual adsorption effect of the magnetic ring 38 and drive the mechanism to reset. This can prevent the adsorption passage from being accidentally closed during the residual material transfer process, and can also automatically restore the initial state by using the spring after the residual material is released.

[0048] Reference Figure 10As shown, when the material suction cup 30 adsorbs the residual material from the parent material, the negative pressure generated by the second vacuum pump 23 creates an adsorption force between the material suction cup 30 and the residual material, and also exerts a negative pressure holding effect on the material suction tube 29, keeping the material suction tube 29 in its position relative to the displaced frame 16, and keeping the fourth spring 31 in an elastic deformation state. Simultaneously, the magnetic ring 38 magnetically attracts the pressure rod 26, keeping it in the position of contacting the top contact rod 39. The top contact rod 39, through the connecting rod 40, keeps the stop bar 35 in the open communication port 34 position, thereby maintaining the adsorption state of the material suction cup 30. After the material transfer is completed, the second vacuum pump 23 stops pumping, the negative pressure holding effect on the material suction tube 29 disappears, and the material suction tube 29 resets under the action of the fourth spring 31. After the corresponding holding state is released, the pressure rod 26, the top contact rod 39, the connecting rod 40, and the stop bar 35 return to their initial positions, and the stop bar 35 re-covers the communication port 34, closing the material adsorption passage.

[0049] In one alternative, the magnetic ring 38 can be replaced by an electromagnet. The attraction and release of the pressure rod 26 are achieved by controlling the on / off state of the electromagnet, thus enabling the opening and closing control of the stop bar 35 without the need for a mechanical return spring. In another alternative, a guide key and guide groove can be provided between the fixed tube 25 and the pressure rod 26 to limit the rotation of the pressure rod 26 relative to the fixed tube 25, ensuring accurate linkage between the top contact rod 39 and the connecting rod 40.

[0050] The working principle of this invention is as follows: In operation, the first motor 43 drives the first lead screw 41 to rotate, moving the loading bracket 5 above the material to be cut. The first hydraulic cylinder 15 drives the loading frame 7 to descend, and multiple loading suction cups 11 adhere to the material under the floating compensation of the first spring 13. After the first vacuum pump 14 starts, the loading frame 7 picks up the material and transfers it to the laser cutting machine 4. After the material is placed, the first vacuum pump 14 stops pumping air, the loading suction cups 11 release the material, and the loading bracket 5 returns to the loading position. During this process, each loading suction cup 11 can adapt to the height difference of the material surface, preventing the entire material from tilting or falling during transportation due to individual suction cups not adhering properly.

[0051] After laser cutting is completed, the second motor 44 drives the second lead screw 42 to rotate, moving the unloading bracket 6 above the laser cutting machine 4. The second hydraulic cylinder 24 first drives the unloading frame 16 to perform the first downward stroke, the pressure bar 27 presses down the residual material, and the unloading suction cup 20 adsorbs the workpiece to be cut. When the unloading frame 16 rises, the pressure bar 27 delays detaching from the residual material, causing relative displacement between the workpiece and the residual material and breaking the micro-connection point. After the unloading bracket 6 delivers the workpiece to the workpiece collection or sorting position, it returns to above the laser cutting machine 4, and then the second hydraulic cylinder 24 drives the unloading frame 16 to perform the second downward stroke, closing the unloading suction passage and opening the residual material suction passage, and the residual material suction cup 30 adsorbs and transfers the residual material. By using the same unloading bracket 6 and unloading frame 16 to sequentially complete the automatic unloading, workpiece transfer, and residual material transfer, the setting of a separate residual material robot can be reduced, and the integration level and continuous operation capability of the laser cutting workstation can be improved.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0053] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function, comprising a material rack (1) and a laser cutting machine (4), characterized in that, Also includes: The feeding bracket (6) is slidably connected to the material rack (1); the feeding bracket (6) is connected to a feeding drive device for driving it to reciprocate along the material rack (1); The feeding frame (16) is movably mounted on the feeding bracket (6) and connected to a lifting drive component that drives its lifting. The feeding frame (16) is provided with a feeding suction cup (20) and a pressure strip (27). The feeding suction cup (20) is connected to a negative pressure source, and the pressure strip (27) is movably connected to the bottom of the feeding frame (16). The feeding frame (16) has a first descent stroke. During the first descent stroke, the pressure bar (27) contacts the mother material residue before the feeding suction cup (20) and presses the mother material residue onto the material table of the laser cutting machine (4). The feeding suction cup (20) then contacts and adsorbs the workpiece to be cut. When the feeding frame (16) rises, the pressure bar (27) maintains pressure on the mother material residue within a certain stroke, so that the micro-connection between the cutting workpiece and the mother material residue is broken in the relative displacement.

2. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the initial state, the bottom height of the pressure strip (27) is lower than the bottom height of the feeding suction cup (20).

3. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third spring (28) is connected between the pressure strip (27) and the feeding frame (16). When the feeding frame (16) performs the first downward stroke, after the pressure strip (27) contacts the residual material of the parent material, the third spring (28) generates elastic deformation. When the feeding frame (16) rises, the third spring (28) releases elastic potential energy, so that the pressure strip (27) maintains pressure on the residual material of the parent material within a certain stroke.

4. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding frame (16) forms a feeding chamber (17) inside. The bottom of the feeding chamber (17) is provided with a plurality of feeding suction ports (18). Each feeding suction port (18) is slidably connected to a feeding suction pipe (19). The feeding suction cup (20) is set at the bottom of the feeding suction pipe (19). A second spring (22) is connected between the feeding suction pipe (19) and the feeding frame (16). The negative pressure source is a second vacuum pump (23) set on the feeding frame (16). The suction end of the second vacuum pump (23) is connected to the feeding chamber (17).

5. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second sealing ring (21) is provided inside the feeding suction port (18), and the inner wall of the second sealing ring (21) is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the feeding suction pipe (19).

6. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple waste material suction tubes (29) are slidably connected to the feeding frame (16). Each waste material suction tube (29) has a waste material suction cup (30) at its bottom. A fourth spring (31) is connected between the waste material suction tube (29) and the feeding frame (16). In its natural state, the bottom height of the waste material suction cup (30) is higher than the bottom height of the feeding suction cup (20).

7. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The discharge chamber (17) is provided with a connecting pipe (32), which is connected to the waste material suction pipe (29) through a hose (33). The side wall of the connecting pipe (32) is provided with a connecting port (34) that is connected to the discharge chamber (17). A baffle (35) is slidably connected to the connecting pipe (32). The baffle (35) covers the connecting port (34) in the initial state to block the connection between the negative pressure source and the waste material suction pipe (29).

8. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 7, characterized in that, A fixed tube (25) is connected to the feeding frame (16), and a pressure rod (26) is slidably connected inside the fixed tube (25). The lower end of the pressure rod (26) is connected to the pressure strip (27). A magnetic ring (38) is provided inside the fixed tube (25). The pressure rod (26) is made of a material that can magnetically attract the magnetic ring (38). A top contact rod (39) is slidably connected to the magnetic ring (38). A connecting rod (40) is connected to the top of the top contact rod (39). The connecting rod (40) extends into the feeding chamber (17) and is connected to the baffle (35). The feeding frame (16) also has a second descent stroke that is greater than the first descent stroke. In the second descent stroke, the pressure rod (26) pushes the top contact rod (39), and through the connecting rod (40), drives the baffle (35) away from the communication port (34), so that the negative pressure source is connected to the residual material suction pipe (29).

9. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 8, characterized in that, The feeding chamber (17) is connected to a limiting bracket (36), and the limiting bracket (36) is provided with a closing rod (37) corresponding to the feeding suction pipe (19). During the second descent stroke, the feeding suction pipe (19) slides upward relative to the feeding frame (16) until the upper end of the feeding suction pipe (19) cooperates with the closing rod (37), and the closing rod (37) closes the communication channel between the feeding suction pipe (19) and the feeding chamber (17).

10. The laser cutting workstation with automatic unloading function according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the second vacuum pump (23) pumps air through the connecting port (34) to the residual material suction tube (29), the residual material suction tube (29) is subjected to an axial negative pressure holding force formed by the internal and external pressure difference. The negative pressure holding force is used to hold the residual material suction tube (29) in the position after it has moved up relative to the unloading frame (16).

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