Equipment for cutting die-cutting templates according to user-defined requirements and its operation method

Abstract

An apparatus for cutting an uncut die-cutting steel template according to a user-defined requirement, the apparatus comprising: a feed block (23) for moving the die-cutting steel template along a linear guide path in a first direction (x); and a cutting unit (40) disposed within a cutting area at a segment of the path, wherein the cutting unit (40) comprises: a laser unit (50) disposed at the cutting area on a first side of the guide die-cutting steel template (10); and a beam receiving unit (70) disposed on the die-cutting steel template. On the opposite side of the die-cutting template (10), the laser unit (50) includes an optical head (51) connected to a laser source (124) to emit a laser beam toward the predetermined cutting point on the die-cutting steel die-cutting template (10) and to move along a second direction (y) perpendicular to the first direction. The device also includes means for coordinating and controlling the movement of the optical head (51) and the die-cutting steel die-cutting template (10) along their respective linear paths, wherein the guidance of the guide path is interrupted in a narrow cutting area defined by the movement line around the optical head (51). A method for cutting the die-cutting steel die-cutting template using this device is also included.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting uncut die-cutting steel templates according to user-defined requirements. The apparatus includes a feed block for moving the die-cutting steel template along a linear guide path in a first direction and a cutting unit arranged in a section of the guide path in a cutting zone.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for cutting a die-cutting steel template using the device. Background Technology

[0003] US 10,427,248 B2 relates to techniques for manufacturing various types of packaging using cardboard. This patent extensively uses the term "packaging," which encompasses cardboard or cartons, parcels, cardboard boxes, brochures, leaflets, plastic boxes, etc. Furthermore, the term "cardboard" is widely used and encompasses materials used in the manufacture of packaging, pre-processed cardboard and / or plastic and / or paper-based materials. The term "cardboard" is also widely used to encompass cardboard, display boards, corrugated cardboard, various paper-based materials, folding box cardboard, cartons, blank cardboard, blister cards, and reinforced or laminated plastic sheets.

[0004] To keep this instruction manual concise and clear, this broad explanation will also be used. It is explained that the techniques for manufacturing such cardboard boxes require pretreatment, including creasing, cutting, embossing, perforation, or a combination of these operations.

[0005] The preferred method for performing this operation is to use a steel blade template mold, which, after being properly processed and shaped, is inserted into and embedded in a plywood mold base, such that a pre-designed outline of the product is pre-cut in the mold base with a laser, and then a steel blade mold previously shaped to the same outline is inserted into and fixed in these slots.

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for processing a strip of mold material with pre-formed edges so as to insert it into a pre-formed slot in such a mold base plate.

[0007] Laser cutting lines in plywood substrates cannot be continuous, otherwise the interior of the board would break off. Therefore, laser cutting terminates at a certain distance, creating narrow bridges that connect the two sides of the slot and make the board a single rigid body. At such bridges, a die-cutting template must be cut to allow it to be inserted into the remaining slot. The cutting depth must allow the cutting edge of the die-cutting template to expand from the plywood surface to the desired height. This height depends on the thickness of the cardboard being cut and processed, as well as the properties of the pressing tool used on the plywood with the die-cutting template inserted. The typical height of the cutting edge above the board surface is approximately 6 to 15 mm.

[0008] DE 10 2007 011 516 A1 relates to the processing of die-cutting steel blade templates, among which... Figure 1 The enlarged illustration shows how to embed a narrow die-cutting steel template with a sharp upper edge into a slot, and Figure 2 The illustration shows a narrow slit formed in the edge, located where the cardboard should not be cut during die-cutting. This publication uses form milling for the cut. Because different types of cuts may be required, this publication recommends using a tool with four milling discs.

[0009] The state-of-the-art die-cutting steel template processing machine is computer-controlled and includes a controlled feed assembly that moves the coiled steel strip along a straight path with the pre-hardened edge at the top. Along this path, a first processing station is set up where milling or grinding operations are performed in the edge area, and a second processing station is set up where the desired cuts are made in the bottom and / or body of the steel strip by a die-cutting tool. Then, a bending station is set up where the previously processed and cut steel strip is bent into the desired shape. Finally, the steel strip is cut by a final tool and the pre-made die-cutting steel template is removed.

[0010] Such machines are available on the market. For example, the COILMATE PRO, manufactured by ELCEDE GmbH in Kirchheim / Trek, Germany, can be purchased at: https: / / elcede.de / produkte / tooling. Similar machines are available from different manufacturers: Proform srl Caravaggio in Italy, with a product called a mold-making machine, can be viewed at https: / / www.serviform.com / machines?id=2.

[0011] In such machines, the machining precision of the die-cutting steel template must be very high, with tolerances less than 100 micrometers. If the task changes (the pattern and / or the width or edge profile of the steel strip changes), the tooling set used must be replaced, a time-consuming operation, and the cost of manufacturing new tools is high. On the other hand, the tooling set, especially the cutting tools used in such machines, wears out after prolonged use and needs replacement, resulting in costs and labor input. Due to limitations in the mechanical technology used for cutting and creating slots, it is impossible to create gaps narrower than approximately 0.2 mm; however, in certain areas, particularly in manufacturing the edge areas of the die-cutting steel template, such narrow gaps are required.

[0012] In other technological fields, laser cutting is a well-established technology for cutting materials and thin metal sheets. When cutting is to be performed along a predetermined contour, an optical head emitting a laser beam moves along the expected cutting contour (moving in a plane spaced apart from the sheet material) so that the focus of the laser beam remains on the sheet material to be cut. Typically, pressurized gas is blown in parallel with the laser beam to help remove molten particles. The pressure of the gas and the beam exerts a force perpendicular to the plane of the sheet material in front of the optical head, and the back side of the sheet material needs to be supported by a support plate to prevent bending or deformation. Because the laser beam can damage the support plate, openings corresponding to the expected cut shape must be made in such support plates. Since cutting tasks often change, support plates frequently need to be replaced, which involves additional workload and cost. Cutting is mostly performed with the laser beam vertically and guided downwards, as propagating the laser beam towards the floor does not pose a danger. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for processing die-cutting steel blade templates that are precise, do not require replacement after prolonged use, and can be reprogrammed to adapt the control process if the technical task changes, without requiring replacement of the components used. Ultimately, it can provide cutting and engraving of special shapes and sizes that are impossible or difficult to achieve using machining techniques.

[0014] According to the present invention, the object of the invention is achieved by means of the apparatus and method as defined in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pair of die-cutting steel templates ready for use is shown; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the mold plate into which the die-cutting steel blade template is inserted; Figure 3 a and 3b show examples of different cuts and indentations made in the die-cutting steel die template; Figure 4 a to 4d show the different edge profiles of the die-cutting steel blade template; Figure 5 A simplified isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The top view of the equipment shown; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The device shown is a side view taken from the first side; Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The device shown is a side view taken from the opposite direction; Figure 9 This is a partial isometric sectional view of the laser unit and the beam receiving unit; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A sectional view of the unit shown; Figure 11 It is an enlarged top view of the details of the beam shielding structure; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the reflective beam path and airflow path; Figure 13 This is an enlarged sectional view of the cut area; Figure 14 It is a general functional block diagram of the equipment; and Figure 15 A graph showing the laser power and cutting speed during laser processing of a rectangular slit in a die-cutting steel template. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To better understand the objectives and application areas of this invention, Figures 1 to 4 Details of some existing technological tools and methods for manufacturing cardboard boxes are shown. Figure 1 Double-section die-cutting steel blade templates 10a and 10b are shown. These templates are inserted into the fitting sleeve of a die plate 11 during use. The die plate is preferably made of plywood and... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the die plate 11 has an elongated sleeve or slot shaped to fit the die-cutting steel blade templates 10a and 10b. To give the die plate 11 a monolithic body, corresponding narrow bridges are formed at discrete intervals along the sleeve, interconnecting the outer plate portion 12 and the inner plate portion 13. Between the bridges, the sleeve is preferably manufactured into a through-slot using a CO2 laser, a fast and precise technique. The die-cutting steel blade templates 10a and 10b are made of steel strip, with their upper edge 15 region hardened. The die-cutting steel blade templates 10a and 10b can only be inserted into the fitted sleeve if appropriate cuts 14 are made at discrete locations of the fitted bridge positions and dimensions. The remaining height of the die-cutting steel blade template above the cuts 14 determines the effective cutting height of the tool thus obtained.

[0017] Depending on the user's task, the required cut 14 may have different shapes. Figure 3a shows several examples of the possible styles of cut 14. When a die plate 11 with the die-cutting steel template 10 is placed in a press and a cardboard sheet and a die plate are placed underneath, the cardboard is completely cut where the edge 15 of the die-cutting steel template extends fully beyond its height. However, when manufacturing boxes, the cardboard does not need to be completely cut everywhere, because at subsequent fold lines, the cardboard only needs to be crimped or thinned. At such locations, the edge of the die-cutting steel template must be shortened according to different profiles and extents. Figure 3 b shows several examples of how the edge 15 of a die-cutting steel template can be formed by machining shallow recesses 16 in a mold with a tool. These shallow recesses can also have different contours and sizes.

[0018] at last, Figure 4 Examples a through d illustrate different contours of the edge 15 of the die-cutting steel template 10. Users select the appropriate shape based on the material, thickness, and desired properties of the box being manufactured.

[0019] The main objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a die-cutting steel template 10 having the desired cuts 14 and recesses 16. This work is based on a steel strip 15 with the desired hardened edges.

[0020] The equipment must be able to guide the steel strip along a straight path, passing in front of the operating area in which the desired cuts and recesses are made, and preferably the equipment may have a bending station in which the previously cut die-cutting steel template is bent into the desired shape (if bending is required once or multiple times). Finally, the equipment may have a cutting unit in which the finished product is separated and sent to its destination.

[0021] The equipment must operate in an automated manner with high precision and high speed, where the tolerance range can be less than 100 micrometers.

[0022] Now for reference Figures 5 to 8 These figures show a simplified view of a device 1 according to the invention, which is manufactured to be mounted on a base plate 20 supported on a bracket (not shown). The function of device 1 is to shape the die-cutting steel template 10 such that, when it is inserted into the die plate 11, it takes the following actions... Figure 2The final shape is shown. The initial, uncut die-cutting template strip is not shown in the figure. The unprocessed die-cutting template is fed from this strip between a pair of linear guide rods 21 and 22 in device 1. The distance between guide rods 21 and 22 can be adjusted to accommodate the actual thickness of the die-cutting template 10, but the guide rods 21 and 22 do not clamp the die-cutting template 10 between them, nor do they impede its linear movement. The height of guide rods 21 and 22 is less than the height of the die-cutting template 10 placed between them, such that edge 15 is at the top, and the upper part of the die-cutting template 10 extends beyond a predetermined range between guide rods 21 and 22. Guide rods 21 and 22 guide the die-cutting template 10 until it reaches the bending block, and their length breaks only at the cutting area.

[0023] The task of the first functional block of device 1 is to guide and feed the die-cutting steel template 10 in the longitudinal direction, which will be referred to as the x-direction. The feed block 23 has a precision threaded shaft 24, which is rotated by a feed motor 25 under strict control of the processor, and this causes the sliding door 26 to move precisely guided by a pair of slots 27, 28 machined in the base plate 20 (see...). Figure 6 (Top view). At the upper part of the die-cutting steel blade template 10 extending from the guide rods 21, 22, a pair of electrically controlled grippers 29, 30 are mounted on the sliding door 26. When the grippers 29, 30 are energized, they clamp the upper part of the die-cutting steel blade template 10 in the middle. When the motor 25 is precisely driven, the die-cutting steel blade template 10 will slide forward or backward between the two guide rods 21, 22 as the sliding door 26 moves in the x-direction.

[0024] The next block after the feed block 23 is the cutting unit 40, which includes two main parts arranged on both sides of the die-cutting steel blade template 10: a laser unit 50 and a beam receiving unit 70. The laser unit 50 precisely moves the laser beam along the plane yz according to a control program, where the z-direction is a horizontal movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x. Figure 6 The double arrow z in the top view is shown, while the direction y is the vertical direction, as shown in the image. Figure 7 The side view is shown. The task of the beam receiving unit 70 is to receive the laser beam after the cutting operation and to prevent the high-power laser beam from causing any harmful effects on the environment and to prevent reflected laser beams from acting on the die-cutting steel blade template 10. It should be noted that laser cutting operations are mostly performed with the laser beam direction vertical, which reduces the risk of accidents. However, in the current cutting task, the laser beam direction is horizontal, so stricter safety measures are required. Operating windows are provided in the guide rods 21 and 22 at the position where the laser head can move. The structure of the laser unit 51 and the beam receiving unit 70 will be explained in detail in the following description.

[0025] Following the path of the die-cutting template 10 along the x-direction, a bending block 90 is arranged at a certain distance from the cutting unit 40. The task of this bending block is to bend the die-cutting template 10 at the corner areas of the cardboard to be manufactured, according to user requirements and plans. The required geometric data is pre-fed and stored in the central processing unit of device 1. The design of the bending block 90 is known, and it includes a column 91, which is an upright cylinder mounted on a support 92, which includes a stepper motor. The previously cut die-cutting template 10 passes through the body of the column 91, which rotates to the desired angle, thereby bending the die-cutting template 10 to the desired angle.

[0026] The final station of the equipment is the cutting unit 100, which is arranged away from the bending block 90 along the straight line of the die-cutting steel template 10. As the bent die-cutting steel template 10 moves further forward in the direction x, once the end of the processed (cutting and bending) die-cutting steel template 10 approaches the area of ​​the cutting unit 10, it moves upward from the previously sunken position and engages with the upper area of ​​the cutting unit. The upper area includes a conventional cutting tool with convex and concave mold portions and separates the previously formed die-cutting steel template 10, thereby removing and collecting the die-cutting steel template.

[0027] After the cutting is completed, the die-cutting steel blade template 10 is moved back to the area of ​​the cutting unit 40 so that the next segment of the die-cutting steel blade template 10 can be processed.

[0028] Now for reference Figures 9 to 13 These figures illustrate the different parts of the laser cutting unit 40. Figure 10 In the cross-sectional view, the die-cutting steel blade template 10 can be considered as a narrow vertical line, and the figure shows the cutting unit along the transverse direction z, where the portion to the right of the plane of the die-cutting steel blade template 10 belongs to the cutting unit 50, while the portion to the left of the plane belongs to the beam receiving unit 70. For better illustration, the scale in the figure is slightly distorted. The actual cutting operation is performed by an optics 51 connected to a fiber laser source (not shown) via a glass fiber optic cable 52. These are commercially available products, and a preferred product for the fiber laser is the 2kW model from IPG Photonics Corporation of Santa Clara, California, USA, while a preferred model for the optics 51 is the model with the following commercial name: 2D Laser Automatic Cutting Machine from the same company. The optics 51 has a narrow central front opening surrounded by the mouth of an annular channel 63 through which gas is blown along the beam direction to help remove molten metal particles generated by the laser power. The optics 51 is equipped with a conduit 53 that is detachably connected to a pressurized and controllable gas source, which can be nitrogen or even compressed air.

[0029] The remainder of the laser unit 50 is used for the controlled and precise movement of the optical head 51 along the directions y and z. Vertical movement is controlled by a motor 54 and a vertical driver 55 connected thereto. A motor 56 controls the horizontal displacement in the z direction, its threaded shaft 57 being connected to a pair of spindles 58 and 59 via a gear transmission, causing them to move. The spindles are connected to the body of the laser unit 50, on which the optical head 51 is fixed. The laser unit 50 is mounted on the base plate 20 of the device 1. Under the control of the motor 54, the optical head 50 moves along the vertical direction y across the entire height of the die-cutting template 10. From a safety perspective, movement in the lateral direction z is necessary, and when the optical head 51 is not in operation, it should move away from the plane of the die-cutting template 10 and out of the working area. The displacement range in the lateral direction z is much smaller than the displacement range in the longitudinal direction y.

[0030] In front of the optical head 51, a frame 60 is arranged around the path of the die-cutting steel blade template 10. An operation window 61 is provided in the frame, which covers the area through which the die-cutting steel blade template 10 can be cut. Figure 3 Enlarged top view and Figure 12 The cross-sectional elevation view shows the structure of the area of ​​the operating window 61. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rod 21, located behind the die-cutting template 10 along the laser beam direction, serves as a rear support for the die-cutting template 10 during the laser cutting step. In this area, the rear guide rod 21 becomes higher and thicker to cover the entire vertical range of the path of the optical head 51, and the operating window 61 is provided as a narrow vertical gap passing through this portion of the rear guide rod 21. Due to the thrust generated by the high-pressure gas blown in through the channel 63 in the optical head 51, a rear support is needed to resist the forces acting on the die-cutting template 10. This wider and higher portion of the rear guide rod 21 can also be implemented as a separate rectangular support plate, which is fixed behind the path of the die-cutting template 10 in the operating area. Figure 13 As shown, the front guide rod 22 is made of two separate parts 22a and 22b within the operating area, and the distance between the corresponding inner ends of the two inner guide rods 22a and 22b is wider than the width of the operating window 61, because space needs to be provided to remove the previously cut portion, and the gap formed between the two inner ends of the inner guide rods 22a and 22b allows sufficient space for the discharge of the cut piece.

[0031] It should be noted that, Figure 12 At this scale, the design of guide rods 21 and 22 explained here is invisible because they are too small for this scale. The width of the operating window 61 is in the range of a few millimeters, while the distance between the two parts of the inner guide rods 22a and 22b can be 20 mm or more.

[0032] The aforementioned design around the optical window 61 is possible because the optical head 51 moves only along the vertical direction y, unlike the optical head in a conventional laser cutting device, which moves along a wider area because it must cover the entire area to be cut. In this invention, movement along the direction x is achieved by the controlled pulling of the die-cutting steel template 10, ensuring that the optical head 51 can only move along the vertical line.

[0033] Further away from the die-cutting steel template 10, a beam receiving unit 70 is arranged in a plane that defines a generally enclosed internal space. The beam receiving unit 70 has a front frame 71 that surrounds the operating window 61 adjacent to the frame 60, and a second frame 72 arranged behind it and attached to the front frame 71. This second frame's function is to hold the beam shielding structure 73 (in...) Figure 11 (Shown separately), the beam shielding structure is arranged across the operating window 61 and includes a surface of a honeycomb tunnel 74 made of, for example, a thin sheet metal material (preferably aluminum), the function of which is to prevent reflected laser beams from reaching the operating area. Its operation will be combined with... Figure 12 To explain.

[0034] The beam receiving unit 70 is mounted on a base plate 75 and includes a pair of parallel, interconnected enclosing plates 76, 77 with inclined planes. The inclined angle of the enclosing plate 75 can be between approximately 45° and 80°, the value of which is not critical, and is approximately 75° in the exemplary embodiment. The function of the enclosing plates 76, 77 is to absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the laser beam incident upon them and to prevent reflected beams from reaching the operating area. The enclosing plates 76, 77 are preferably also made of aluminum, as aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity. They are relatively thick, each with a width of 15 mm or more, and have continuous grooves in the inner surface of the outer enclosing plate 77 forming a cooling channel 78, which communicates at both ends with corresponding pipes 79, 80 extending from the outer plate 77 for connection to a water supply pipe and a drain pipe. The two sides of the beam receiving unit 70 are enclosed by corresponding plates (not shown in the figure). It is worth mentioning that the inclined inner surface of the inner enclosing plate 76 is roughened, for example, by sandblasting, so that the scattered reflected beams are removed from the rough surface.

[0035] An opening is formed in the base plate 75 in the space between the beam shielding structure 73 and the operation window inside the beam receiving unit 70, and the opening passes through the base plate 20 below. The opening communicates with a pipe 81, to which a vacuum pump and a filter (not shown) can be connected. The task of the pipe is to remove airflow and fine metal particles generated during laser cutting operations from the internal space of the beam receiving unit 70.

[0036] refer to Figure 12The diagram shows the laser beam path (solid line) and gas path (dashed line) at a distorted scale to visualize important details. In the magnified view of the optical head 51, a lens 62 is arranged that focuses the laser beam onto the plane of the target die-cutting steel template 10, and the high energy concentrated at this focal point melts and cuts the material of the die-cutting plate 10 at the adjusted focal point. The laser beam is deflected after propagating through the punched holes of the die-cutting steel template 10 and after passing the focal point, and its energy density is significantly reduced when it reaches the front surface of the beam shielding structure 73. Most of the beam will pass through the internal channels of the hexagonal openings, and only a small portion of the beam will irradiate the thin leading edges of these openings. Due to the low energy density, the energy falling on such edges does not cause much harm. Most of the beam will reach the inclined, rough inner wall of the inner closure plate 76, and... Figure 12 The image shows this position at a magnified scale, and the beam will be reflected in any direction, so the reflected beam cannot pass through the hexagonal tunnel to reach the die-cutting steel template 10.

[0037] During operation, the optical head 51 and the die-cutting steel blade template 10 move simultaneously or alternately according to the actual cutting task, therefore Figure 12 The situation shown exists only for a very short time. The energy of the beam will heat the wall of the inner enclosure 76, and the heat will be carried away due to its good thermal conductivity and the fluid flowing through the cooling channel 78. The large surfaces of the enclosures 76 and 77 will keep the temperature inside the beam receiving unit 70 within acceptable limits.

[0038] Gas is introduced from a pump (not shown) through pipe 53 and will pass through an annular channel 63 (as shown in the image). Figure 12 (As shown in the enlarged view) the flow is directed towards the die-cutting steel template 10, and its pressure removes small particles of molten metal. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the gas will flow through the space behind the die-cutting steel template 10 to the pipe 81 under the suction of the vacuum pump.

[0039] The design of the beam receiving unit 70 provides sufficient protection to prevent laser beam leakage, and the inclined design of the enclosed plates 76, 77 with rough inner surfaces and honeycomb beam shielding structures 73 not only prevents leakage, but also protects both the die-cutting steel blade template 10 and the optical head 51 from any damage caused by stray reflected beams.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 14 This figure shows a general functional block diagram of device 1. The operation of this device is fully automated and controlled by a computer 110, which has a controller 111 or processor programmed according to the actual cutting task. Remote control or programming is also possible via a user interface 112. The overall task is to manufacture the die-cutting steel blade template 10 according to the requirements of the actual cutting task. Figure 14As shown, this is represented as steel blade template processing operation 113. As explained above, this function can be achieved through four coordinated tasks: steel blade template feeding 114, laser processing 115, steel blade template bending 116, and final cutting 117.

[0041] The steel die template feed 114 includes a feed unit 118, a movement control 119 along the x-axis, and an x-axis driver 120. The task of laser processing 115 is to cut the die-cutting steel die template 10 according to the desired design. To perform this task, the optical head 51 must be moved, and the laser beam must be controlled by turning it on and off and controlling its intensity. These are independent tasks jointly addressed by the optical head control 121, and can be further subdivided into y-axis movement control 122, z-axis movement control 123, on / off state control of the laser source 124, control of the processing gas 125, and laser beam power control 126. This control also includes elements that perform such control, such as the y-axis driver 130 and the z-axis driver 131.

[0042] The steel blade template bending 116 has a bending unit 127, which includes a rotational operation 128 driven by a bending control 128. The actual procedure includes the desired bending position and angle.

[0043] The final cut 117 uses edge cutting 132 and pneumatic ejection control 133, which ejects the cut final die-cut steel template to a collection position not shown.

[0044] As previously described, the operation of the previously explained device 1 (i.e., the method according to the invention) requires simultaneous control of the listed parts and blocks. The actual work begins with preparing the control program according to the desired final shape of the die-cutting steel template 10. Device 1 can receive uncut die-cutting steel templates with a height ranging from approximately 20 mm to 100 mm and a thickness ranging from approximately 0.2 mm to 1 mm. Since the distance between the inner guide rods 21 and the outer guide rods 22 is adjustable to correspond to the actual thickness of the selected die-cutting steel template, they can perform their guiding function throughout the entire size range of the die-cutting steel template 10.

[0045] The movement of the feed die-cutting template 10 along the x-direction is coordinated with the movement of the optical head 51 along the y-direction to conform to the desired cutting plan. In this way, compared to the movement control of a conventional laser cutting machine, these movements are divided into x-control and y-control acting on the movement of the die-cutting template, and the optical head 51 can only move along the y-direction. When the laser beam is off for a period exceeding any technically determined instantaneous stop time, the optical head 51 moves along the z-direction. Then, the optical head 51 moves backward away from the area of ​​the die-cutting template 10, and at this remote position, prevents the laser source from being turned on.

[0046] During the cutting operation, the optical head 51 should be moved to the starting position where the required cutting is to be performed, and the die-cutting steel blade template 10 should be moved to the corresponding position so that the starting position of the cutting is relative to the adjusted position of the optical head 51.

[0047] At the start of the cutting operation, the instantaneous power of the laser source should be adjusted to ensure that the cutting lines produced in the die-cutting template 10 are as uniform as possible. This requires coordinating the relative movement speed between the die-cutting template 10 and the optical head 51, as well as the power of the laser source. Different power is required for indentation at the upper edge of the template and for cutting recesses within the template. The shapes of these recesses are mainly as follows... Figure 15 As shown in the diagram, a rectangular cut 14 is shown in an enlarged view, drawn side-by-side twice. The first illustration shows three main stages of movement of the optical head 51 and the die-cutting steel template 10. In section A, only the optical head 51 moves upwards, while the die-cutting steel template 10 remains in its instantaneous position. Then, in section B, the optical head 51 remains in its position, while the die-cutting steel template 10 moves in the x-direction until it reaches the end of the horizontal section B, where it stops. Now, in section C, the optical head 51 moves downwards while the die 51 remains stationary, and the cutting is completed when the bottom edge of the die-cutting steel template 10 is reached, allowing the equipment to be moved to the next cutting station and task.

[0048] The adjacent illustrations of cut 14 include the letters a to p, which identify different portions of the perimeter of cut 14. This labeling is necessary because the graphic above the illustration of cut 14 shows the relative velocity between the optical head 51 and the numbered points of the die-cutting steel template 10, where solid lines represent the percentage value of instantaneous laser power and dashed lines represent the relative velocity.

[0049] To achieve a uniform cut profile, both the power of the laser beam and the speed of the optical head 51 should be adjusted and controlled. At lower speeds at the start of operation—that is, at the beginning of the cutting operation or in corner areas where speed and direction change—the focused laser beam remains on the segment for a longer time than at higher speeds. Therefore, the longer the irradiation time, the less laser power is required to provide the cut; conversely, the faster the speed, the higher the power required. Figure 15 The diagram illustrates this effect. In segment A, the head moves vertically along the y-direction, while when segment B begins, the vertical movement stops, and the die-cutting steel template 10 moves along the x-direction. At the end of segment B, the die-cutting steel template 10 stops, and the optical head 51 begins to move downward along the y-direction. When the cut 14 is formed, the optical head 51 moves along the z-axis away from the plane of the die-cutting steel template 10.

[0050] If an indentation operation is required above the cut 14 in the edge area, the optical head 51 moves upward until it reaches the edge area, and if the die-cutting steel template 10 has previously moved forward from the cutting area, the feed block 23 will reverse the movement along the x direction, and the die-cutting steel template 10 will return to the section where a new cut is required.

[0051] Although the device in the exemplary embodiment has been shown to have a bending unit and a final cutting unit, these units are not always necessary, as a die-cutting steel template without any bending may also be required, and in this case, the final cutting may also be achieved by laser cutting.

[0052] When it is necessary to change the thickness, edge profile, and / or height of the uncut die-cutting template, the device 1 according to the invention eliminates the need to replace built-in tools, including the elimination of the need for separate tools to indent and cut the underside of the die-cutting template in edge areas, as was previously required with the device. Furthermore, the cost of replacing various tools after prolonged use is eliminated. The spatial adjustment range of the optical head 51 covers all dimensions of the uncut die-cutting template. The distance between guide rods 21 and 22 can be adjusted to receive uncut die-cutting templates of any thickness. These properties make the device under test faster and easier to use. As explained above, the optical head 51 moves only along a vertical line, eliminating the need for a specific internal support plate. Utilizing special control over laser cutting and the use of laser technology, narrow recesses (called notches) narrower than approximately 0.2 mm can also be created, which is impossible with mechanical tools. Laser technology offers the advantage of creating cuts of any shape without the need for special tools.

[0053] So far, the cutting of the die-cutting steel template 10 at the desired location has been explained. Another possibility of using the controlled laser unit 50 is that, in addition to the precisely defined cutting operation, it can also be used to mark the side surface of the die-cutting steel template 10, much like engraving. In this case, the optical head 51 must be adjusted to a lower laser power, and the coordinated movement of the optical head 51 and the x and y coordinates of the die-cutting steel template 10 must correspond to the desired mark.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims. Reference Numbers and Symbol List

[0055] 1 Equipment 10 (10a, 10b) Die-cutting steel blade template 11 Mold Plate 12, 13 outer panel / inner panel 14. Incision 15 Edge 16. Depression 20 base plate Guide rods 21 and 22 23 Feed block 24-axis 25 motors 26 Sliding Doors 27, 28 slots 29, 30 grippers 40 cutting units 50 laser units 51 Optical Head 52 Fiber Optic Cable 53 Pipelines 54 motors 55 Vertical Drive 56 motors 57 axis Spindle 58, 59 60 frames 61 Operation Window 62 Lenses 63 Gas Channel 70 beam receiving unit 71 Front Frame 72 Another framework 73 Beam shielding structure 74 Tunnel 75 base plate 76, 77 Enclosure Panels 78 Cooling Channels Pipes 79 and 80 81 Pipeline 90 Bending Block 91 pillars 92 stents 100 cutting units 110 Computer 11. Controller (Processor) 112 User Interface 113 Steel Knife Template Machining 114 Steel Knife Template Feed 115 Laser processing 116 Steel knife template bending 117 Final Cut 118 feed units 119 x-axis control 120 x-axis driver 121 Optical head control 122 y-axis movement 123 z-axis movement 124 Laser Source Control 125 Gas Source 126 Power Control 127 Bending Units 128 Rotation Operation 129 Bending Control 130 Y-axis driver 131 Z-axis driver 132 Edge Cutting 133 Pneumatic Cutting and Ejection

Claims

1. A device for cutting uncut die-cutting steel templates according to user-defined requirements, comprising: Feed block (23) for moving the die-cutting steel blade template along the linear guide path in the first direction (x); And a cutting unit (40), disposed in a cutting area of ​​a certain segment of the path, characterized in that the cutting unit (40) includes a laser unit (50) disposed in the first side cutting area of ​​the guide die-cutting steel blade template (10) and a beam receiving unit (70) disposed on the other opposite side of the guide die-cutting steel blade template (10), wherein the laser unit (50) includes an optical head (51) connected to a laser source (124) for emitting a laser beam to a selected point on the die-cutting steel blade template (10), the focal point of which is located at the operating position; and includes a method for controlling the optical head (51) along a path perpendicular to the path. The device for moving a second path in the first direction at an operating position, wherein the guide path is interrupted at the cutting area to form an operating window (61) around the movement path of the optical head (51), wherein the relative movement between the die-cutting steel blade template (10) and the optical head (51) is defined by a combination control of the movement of the feed block (23) along the first path and the optical head (51) along the second path, and when the optical head (51) is not emitting a laser beam, the optical head (51) can move away from the operating position along a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plane of the die-cutting steel blade template (10) is a vertical plane, the first direction (x) is a horizontal direction, the second direction (y) is a vertical direction, and the third direction (z) lies within the horizontal plane.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide path is defined by a pair of guide rods (21, 22) disposed on both sides of the die-cutting steel blade template (10), the distance between the guide rods (21) being adjustable to accommodate the thickness of the die-cutting steel blade template (10), and the guide rods (21, 22) being interrupted before and after the operation window (61).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rear support plate is provided in the operating area behind the die-cutting steel blade template (10), and the support plate is cut with a narrow operating window (61) along the second route.

5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a pressurized gas source (125) connected to a conduit (123) on the optical head (51) for blowing compressed gas around the emitted laser beam, and the beam receiving unit (70) comprising an airflow path flowing through the operating window (61) to a conduit (81) disposed therein and to a vacuum pump, and the interior of the beam receiving unit (70) being closed in the portion outside the airflow path.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the beam receiving unit (70) includes a closed plate (76) for receiving the laser beam, the inner surface of the closed plate being inclined relative to the direction of the laser beam and roughened so that the incident laser beam is deflected and scattered mainly in a direction away from the die-cutting steel template (10), absorbing and carrying away the heat generated by the incident laser beam.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, Another sealing plate is provided and connected behind the sealing plate (76), and a cooling channel (78) is defined between the sealing plates (76, 77), in which cooling fluid can circulate, and the cooling plates (76, 77) are made of thermally conductive material.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a beam shielding structure (73) is disposed opposite the operation window (61) and spaced apart from the plane of the die-cutting steel template (10), the beam shielding structure comprising a plurality of adjacent channels (74) whose axes extend parallel to each other and are parallel to the path of the laser beam.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a bending block (90) disposed behind the cutting unit for bending the previously cut die-cutting steel blade template (10); and a cutting unit (100) disposed behind the bending block (90) for separating the previously cut and bent die-cutting steel blade template (10).

10. A method for cutting a die-cutting steel template (10) according to a user-defined requirement, using the apparatus for cutting a die-cutting steel template (10) according to a user-defined requirement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an optical head (51) is moved along a second path opposite to a predetermined cutting start point (q) on the die-cutting steel template (10), and the optical head (51) is moved to a position where its focus falls on the plane of the die-cutting steel template (10), and a laser beam is provided to the optical head (51) such that the die-cutting steel template (10) moves along a first path, and the movement along the first path and the second path is coordinated and controlled such that the laser beam moves along the predetermined cutting line.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the moving speed along the first route and / or the second route and the power of the laser beam are controlled such that when the moving speed and / or direction changes, both increase or decrease simultaneously.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the laser beam is diverged after passing the focal point, and the laser beam is emitted simultaneously to allow gas to pass through the cutting area to carry away molten metal particles.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the laser beam is directed through the die-cutting steel template (10) such that it is partially absorbed by the cooling of the sealing plates (66, 67) and mainly reflected to a position outside the die-cutting steel template (10).

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein after the cutting step, the optical head (51) is moved away from the cutting area in a direction (z) perpendicular to the plane of the die-cutting steel template (10).

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the cutting comprises indenting the edge of the die-cutting steel template (10).

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