A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine and method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of laser cutting, and discloses a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine and method, the three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine comprising a laser cutting machine box, a five-axis module is arranged in the laser cutting machine box, the five-axis module comprising a multi-axis mechanical arm, a mechanical arm end seat and a power supply box, the multi-axis mechanical arm is fixedly installed in the laser cutting machine box, the mechanical arm end seat is arranged at the end of the multi-axis mechanical arm, and the mechanical arm end seat comprises a laser head module; the mechanical arm end seat further comprises a control and regulation holder module, the control and regulation holder module is arranged on one side of the laser head module, the control and regulation holder module and the center line of the laser head module coincide with each other, and the control and regulation holder module is driven by a control system to reciprocate along the center line direction; the control and regulation holder module is integrated on the mechanical arm end seat, and a scanning module, a curing lamp, an air knife jet plate and an array glue spraying arm are arranged on the control and regulation holder module, so that integrated and collaborative operation of cutting, marking, curing and scanning is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser cutting, and more specifically, to a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine and method. Background Technology

[0002] Foamed components used in automotive interiors, seats, and dashboard coverings are characterized by complex shapes, varied curvatures, and heat-sensitive materials, demanding high precision and kerf quality in cutting. While traditional 3D five-axis laser cutting machines can achieve complex spatial trajectories through multi-axis linkage, they generally lack real-time monitoring of the kerf and workpiece status during the cutting process. They cannot adaptively adjust cutting parameters based on the real-time deformation, shrinkage, and carbonization of the foamed components under laser heat, leading to unstable kerf quality, large thermal damage areas, and high scrap rates.

[0003] Furthermore, existing equipment struggles to effectively cool the cutting area during the cutting process and lacks the ability to compare the three-dimensional state of the workpiece before and after cutting. Therefore, we propose a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine and method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine and method, solving the technical problem of lacking the ability to compare and scan the three-dimensional state of the workpiece before and after cutting in related technologies.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine, including a laser cutting machine housing, a five-axis module disposed in the laser cutting machine housing, the five-axis module including a multi-axis robotic arm, a robotic arm end mount and a power supply box, the multi-axis robotic arm being fixedly installed in the laser cutting machine housing, the robotic arm end mount being disposed at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm, and the robotic arm end mount including a laser head module; The end effector of the robotic arm also includes a control gimbal module, which is located on one side of the laser head module, and the center lines of the control gimbal module and the laser head module coincide. The control gimbal module is driven by the control system to swing back and forth along the center line. A scanning module and a curing lamp are fixedly installed at the center of the control gimbal module. Air knife spray plates are fixedly installed on both sides of the scanning module. The spray direction of the air knife spray plate is the same as the cutting direction of the laser head module. The gas sprayed by the air knife spray plate is in the shape of a flat air curtain. The end point of the air curtain hits both sides of the cutting point of the foam part. An array of glue-spraying arms is arranged on the outer side of the air knife spray plate. The air inlet end of the air knife spray plate and the glue inlet end of the glue-spraying arms are both connected to the power supply box. The power supply box supplies compressed gas to the air knife spray plate and fluorescent glue to the glue-spraying arms. The fluorescent glue is sprayed onto the foamed part with the air curtain and cured by the curing lamp. The scanning module scans the part to judge the changes in the foamed part in real time, so that the laser head module can adjust the subsequent cutting parameters.

[0006] Furthermore, the power supply box is fixed to the side wall of the multi-axis robotic arm. The power supply box contains a liquid supply module and an air supply module. The liquid supply module is connected to multiple glue spraying arms, and the air supply module is connected to two air knife spraying plates.

[0007] Furthermore, each spray arm has a control valve connected to its inlet end and a spray nozzle installed at its outlet end. All control valves are controlled by the system, which controls the spray arms at different positions to spray fluorescent adhesive based on the three-dimensional data of the foaming component scanned by the scanning module.

[0008] Furthermore, the end of the air curtain is divided into a front cutting section, a middle cutting section, and a rear cutting section along the cutting direction. The end of the air curtain blows behind the cutting point to help scan the changes in the foamed part after cutting. The end of the air curtain blows in front of the cutting point to help scan the three-dimensional data of the uncut foamed part, which is used by the system to judge and adjust the laser head module. When the air curtain does not carry fluorescent adhesive, it cools the three parts before, in the middle, and after the cutting point.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer wall of the curing lamp is provided with a light control ring, and a gear ring is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the light control ring. A transmission gear is installed below the gear ring, and the transmission gear meshes with the gear ring. A drive motor module is fixedly connected to the transmission end of the transmission gear.

[0010] Furthermore, the side wall of the curing lamp is provided with a force cap, and a controllable push rod is provided on the side of the end of the curing lamp facing the force cap. The controllable push rod is movably connected to the force cap. The curing lamp is pushed to swing left and right by the controllable push rod so as to adjust the irradiation direction of the curing lamp according to the position of the fluorescent adhesive spray.

[0011] Furthermore, the transmission gear is a long gear, and the oscillation of the gear ring does not affect the meshing transmission between the two.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer wall of the curing lamp is also equipped with a limiting plate, and the inner wall of the limiting plate is fixedly equipped with support arms on both the left and right sides. The two walls of the curing lamp are fixedly equipped with positioning caps, which are aligned with the support arms. The end of the support arm is spherical, and the spherical head moves and rests in the positioning cap.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive motor module is also configured to regulate the focusing range of the curing lamp light.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for using a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine, comprising the following steps: S1. Control the multi-axis robotic arm to move the end of the robotic arm to the area to be cut of the foamed part, adjust the gimbal module to swing in a controlled manner, and the scanning module pre-scans the surface of the foamed part to obtain three-dimensional contour data. S2. Based on the three-dimensional contour data, control the power supply box to supply compressed gas to the air knife spray plate to form an air curtain, and control the spraying arm at the target position to spray fluorescent adhesive liquid, so that the fluorescent adhesive liquid is evenly sprayed on the surface of the foamed part along with the air curtain. S3. Control the curing lamp to illuminate and cure the fluorescent adhesive sprayed area. The scanning module scans the cured marked area to obtain real-time status data of the foamed part. S4. The laser head module performs laser cutting on the foamed parts and adjusts the cutting parameters in real time based on real-time status data. During the cutting process, the glue spraying arm is stopped, and the air knife spraying plate sprays compressed gas separately to cool the cutting area with an air curtain.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention integrates a control gimbal module into the end effector of a robotic arm, and coordinates a scanning module, curing lamp, air knife spray plate, and array of glue spraying arms on the control gimbal module, thereby achieving integrated collaborative operation of cutting, marking, curing, and scanning. The flat air curtain sprayed by the air knife spray plate can not only assist in cooling and blowing away molten slag, but also selectively carry fluorescent adhesive to form a mark on the surface of the foamed part. After curing by the curing lamp, it is identified by the scanning module, thereby realizing real-time three-dimensional scanning and comparative analysis of the state of the foamed part before and after cutting. The control system adjusts the cutting parameters of the laser head module in real time based on the scanning results, which significantly improves the cutting accuracy and cut quality, and reduces the heat-affected zone and scrap rate. Under the coordinated adjustment of the controllable push rod and drive motor module, the curing lamp can adjust the irradiation direction and focusing range, which can adapt to the curing requirements of fluorescent adhesive in different spatial positions, further improving the adaptability and reliability of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-axis robotic arm structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control gimbal module structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control valve structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the curing lamp structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the curing lamp structure from the left side of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission gear structure from the left side of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 11. Laser cutting machine housing; 2. Five-axis module; 21. Multi-axis robotic arm; 22. Robotic arm end effector; 221. Laser head module; 222. Control gimbal module; 23. Power supply box; 25. Scanning module; 26. Curing lamp; 261. Gear ring; 262. Limiting plate; 263. Support arm; 264. Positioning cap; 27. Air knife spray plate; 28. Glue spraying arm; 29. ​​Spray nozzle; 31. Control valve; 32. Drive motor module; 33. Transmission gear; 34. Controllable push rod; 35. Force cap. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of this specification. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the examples. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0019] Example 1 like Figures 1-7 As shown, a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine includes a laser cutting machine housing 11, in which a five-axis module 2 is installed for laser cutting automotive foam parts according to a preset program. The five-axis module 2 includes a multi-axis robotic arm 21, a robotic arm end effector 22, and a power supply box 23. The multi-axis robotic arm 21 is fixedly installed in the laser cutting machine housing 11, and the robotic arm end effector 22 is located at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm 21. The robotic arm end effector 22 includes a laser head module 221 and a control gimbal module 222.

[0020] The control gimbal module 222 is located on one side of the laser head module 221, and the centerline of the control gimbal module 222 coincides with that of the laser head module 221. The control gimbal module 222 is configured to reciprocate along the centerline direction driven by the control system. This reciprocating oscillation function allows the various functional components mounted on the control gimbal module 222 to make fine-tuning angles according to the cutting trajectory and the workpiece surface shape, ensuring that the jetting and scanning directions always maintain the optimal relative position with the workpiece surface.

[0021] A scanning module 25 and a curing lamp 26 are fixedly installed at the center of the control gimbal module 222. Air knife spray plates 27 are fixedly installed on both sides of the scanning module 25. The spray direction of the air knife spray plates 27 is the same as the cutting direction of the laser head module 221, and the gas sprayed from the air knife spray plates 27 forms a flat air curtain. The end point of the air curtain impacts both sides of the cutting point of the foamed part, forming a covering effect on the cutting area.

[0022] An array of adhesive spraying arms 28 are arranged on the outer side of the air knife spraying plate 27. Both the air inlet of the air knife spraying plate 27 and the adhesive inlet of the adhesive spraying arms 28 are connected to the power supply box 23. The power supply box 23 supplies compressed gas to the air knife spraying plate 27 and fluorescent adhesive to the adhesive spraying arms 28. The fluorescent adhesive is sprayed onto the foamed part with the air curtain and cured by the curing lamp 26. The scanning module 25 then scans the part to monitor changes in the foamed part in real time, allowing the laser head module 221 to adjust subsequent cutting parameters.

[0023] The power supply box 23 is fixed to the side wall of the multi-axis robotic arm 21. The power supply box 23 is equipped with a liquid supply module and an air supply module. The liquid supply module is connected to multiple glue spraying arms 28, and the air supply module is connected to two air knife spraying plates 27, thereby providing an independent and stable energy supply for glue spraying and air knife spraying.

[0024] Each spray arm 28 has a control valve 31 connected to its inlet end, and a spray nozzle 29 installed at its outlet end. All control valves 31 are controlled by the system. Based on the three-dimensional data of the foamed part scanned by the scanning module 25, the system controls the spray arms 28 at different positions to spray fluorescent adhesive, so that the fluorescent adhesive is precisely sprayed onto the corresponding positions of the foamed part along with the air curtain.

[0025] The air curtain is divided into three sections along the cutting direction: the front section, the middle section, and the rear section. In actual operation, the air curtain is positioned behind the cutting point, allowing the scanning module 25 to scan the cut morphology, shrinkage, and carbonization changes of the foamed part after cutting. When positioned in front of the cutting point, the air curtain is used by the scanning module 25 to scan the three-dimensional data of the uncut foamed part, providing the system with information such as material thickness and surface curvature, thereby adjusting the power, speed, and focus position of the laser head module 221. Furthermore, when fluorescent marking is not required, the air curtain does not carry fluorescent adhesive. In this case, the air curtain acts as a cooling element, continuously cooling the three sections before, during, and after the cutting point, effectively suppressing the expansion of the heat-affected zone.

[0026] The curing lamp 26 has a light control ring on its outer wall, and a gear ring 261 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the light control ring. A transmission gear 33 is located below the gear ring 261, and the transmission gear 33 meshes with the gear ring 261. The transmission gear 33 is a long gear, so even if the gear ring 261 shifts during oscillation, it does not affect the meshing transmission between the two. A drive motor module 32 is fixedly connected to the transmission end of the transmission gear 33. A force cap 35 is located on the side wall of the curing lamp 26, and a controllable push rod 34 is located on the side of the curing lamp 26 facing the force cap 35. The controllable push rod 34 is movably connected to the force cap 35. By pushing the curing lamp 26 left and right with the controllable push rod 34, the irradiation direction of the curing lamp 26 can be adjusted according to the actual position of the fluorescent adhesive spray, ensuring that the curing light accurately covers the marked area.

[0027] The outer wall of the curing lamp 26 is also provided with a limiting plate 262, and support arms 263 are fixedly installed on both the left and right sides of the inner wall of the limiting plate 262. Positioning caps 264 are fixedly installed on both walls of the curing lamp 26. The positioning caps 264 are aligned with the support arms 263, and the ends of the support arms 263 are spherical, with the spherical heads movably resting on the positioning caps 264. This structure provides stable support and reliable limiting for the left and right swing of the curing lamp 26, preventing deviation or shaking during the swing process. Simultaneously, the drive motor module 32 is also configured to control the focusing range of the light from the curing lamp 26. By driving the transmission gear 33 to rotate the gear ring 261, it adjusts the angle of the light control ring, changing the degree of light convergence and divergence to adapt to the curing needs of different distances and areas.

[0028] During operation, the multi-axis robotic arm 21 moves the end effector 22 according to a preset program, and the laser head module 221 performs laser cutting on the automotive foam part. Simultaneously, the power supply box 23 supplies compressed gas to the air knife spray plate 27, forming a flat air curtain. When scanning and marking are required, the control system, based on the real-time 3D data of the foam part acquired by the scanning module 25, controls the corresponding control valve 31 to open, and the adhesive spraying arm 28 sprays fluorescent adhesive through the spray nozzle 29. The fluorescent adhesive is evenly sprayed onto the target area on the surface of the foam part along with the air curtain. Under the coordinated adjustment of the controllable push rod 34 and the drive motor module 32, the curing lamp 26 illuminates and cures the fluorescent adhesive sprayed area, forming a stable fluorescent mark. The scanning module 25 scans the cured marked area to acquire high-precision 3D data of the foam part before or after cutting. After comparing and analyzing the data, the control system adjusts the cutting parameters of the laser head module 221 in real time, such as power, speed, and focal position, to achieve closed-loop control and adaptive optimization of the cutting process.

[0029] By highly integrating functions such as scanning, marking, curing, air curtain cooling, and dust removal into the end effector 22 of the robotic arm, real-time monitoring of the cutting status of foamed parts and active adjustment of cutting parameters are achieved, effectively improving cutting quality, cut consistency, and production efficiency.

[0030] Example 2 A method for using a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine includes the following steps: S1. Control the multi-axis robotic arm 21 to move the end mount 22 of the robotic arm to the area to be cut of the foamed part, adjust the gimbal module 222 to swing in a controlled manner, and the scanning module 25 pre-scans the surface of the foamed part to obtain three-dimensional contour data. S2. Based on the three-dimensional contour data, control the power supply box 23 to supply compressed gas to the air knife spray plate 27 to form an air curtain, and control the spraying arm 28 at the target position to spray fluorescent adhesive liquid, so that the fluorescent adhesive liquid is evenly sprayed on the surface of the foamed part along with the air curtain. S3. Control the curing lamp 26 to illuminate and cure the fluorescent adhesive spray area, and the scanning module 25 scans the cured marking area to obtain the real-time status data of the foamed part. S4, the laser head module 221 performs laser cutting on the foamed part and adjusts the cutting parameters in real time according to the real-time status data; During the cutting process, the glue spraying arm 28 is stopped from spraying glue, and the air knife spraying plate 27 sprays compressed gas separately to cool the cutting area with an air curtain.

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms based on the guidance of the present embodiments, all of which are within the protection scope of the present embodiments.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine, comprising a laser cutting machine housing (11), wherein a five-axis module (2) is provided in the laser cutting machine housing (11), the five-axis module (2) comprising a multi-axis robotic arm (21), a robotic arm end mount (22) and a power supply box (23), wherein the multi-axis robotic arm (21) is fixedly installed in the laser cutting machine housing (11), the robotic arm end mount (22) is disposed at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm (21), and the robotic arm end mount (22) comprises a laser head module (221); characterized in that The end effector (22) of the robotic arm also includes a gimbal module (222), which is located on one side of the laser head module (221), and the center lines of the gimbal module (222) and the laser head module (221) coincide. The gimbal module (222) is driven by the control system to swing back and forth along the center line. The center of the control gimbal module (222) is fixedly equipped with a scanning module (25) and a curing lamp (26). Both sides of the scanning module (25) are fixedly provided with air knife spray plates (27). The spraying direction of the air knife spray plate (27) is the same as the cutting direction of the laser head module (221). The gas sprayed by the air knife spray plate (27) is in the shape of a flat air curtain. The end point of the air curtain hits both sides of the cutting point of the foam part. An array of glue-spraying arms (28) are arranged on the outer side of the air knife spray plate (27). The air inlet end of the air knife spray plate (27) and the glue inlet end of the glue-spraying arm (28) are both connected to the power supply box (23). The power supply box (23) supplies compressed gas to the air knife spray plate (27) and supplies fluorescent glue to the glue-spraying arm (28). The fluorescent glue is sprayed onto the foamed part with the air curtain and cured by the curing lamp (26). The scanning module (25) scans the part to judge the changes in the foamed part in real time so that the laser head module (221) can adjust the subsequent cutting parameters.

2. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply box (23) is fixed to the side wall of the multi-axis robotic arm (21). The power supply box (23) is equipped with a liquid supply module and an air supply module. The liquid supply module is connected to multiple glue spraying arms (28) respectively, and the air supply module is connected to two air knife spraying plates (27) respectively.

3. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the glue spraying arms (28) has a control valve (31) connected to its liquid inlet end, and each of the glue spraying arms (28) has a spray nozzle (29) installed at its liquid outlet end. All of the control valves (31) are controlled by the system. Based on the three-dimensional data of the foaming part scanned by the scanning module (25), the glue spraying arms (28) at different positions are controlled to spray fluorescent glue.

4. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the air curtain is divided into a front cutting section, a middle cutting section, and a rear cutting section along the cutting direction. The end of the air curtain is blown behind the cutting point to cooperate with scanning the changes of the foamed part after cutting. The end of the air curtain is blown in front of the cutting point to cooperate with scanning the three-dimensional data of the uncut foamed part, so that the system can judge and adjust the laser head module (221). When the air curtain does not carry fluorescent adhesive, it cools down the three parts before, in the middle and after the cutting point.

5. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The curing lamp (26) has a light control ring on its outer wall. A gear ring (261) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the light control ring. A transmission gear (33) is installed below the gear ring (261). The transmission gear (33) meshes with the gear ring (261). A drive motor module (32) is fixedly connected to the transmission end of the transmission gear (33).

6. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 5, wherein, The side wall of the curing lamp (26) is provided with a force cap (35). A controllable push rod (34) is provided on the side of the end of the curing lamp (26) facing the force cap (35). The controllable push rod (34) is movably connected to the force cap (35). The curing lamp (26) is pushed to swing left and right by the controllable push rod (34) so ​​as to adjust the irradiation direction of the curing lamp (26) according to the position of the fluorescent adhesive spray.

7. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission gear (33) is a long gear, and the oscillation of the gear ring (261) does not affect the meshing transmission between the two.

8. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the curing lamp (26) is also provided with a limiting plate (262). The inner wall of the limiting plate (262) is fixedly provided with support arms (263) on both the left and right sides. The two walls of the curing lamp (26) are fixedly provided with positioning caps (264). The positioning caps (264) are aligned with the support arms (263), and the end of the support arm (263) is set as a ball, with the ball head moving and pressing against the positioning cap (264).

9. A three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive motor module (32) is also configured to control the focusing range of the curing lamp (26).

10. A method of using a three-dimensional five-axis laser cutting machine as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Control the multi-axis robotic arm (21) to move the end of the robotic arm (22) to the area to be cut of the foamed part. The control gimbal module (222) swings under control. The scanning module (25) pre-scans the surface of the foamed part to obtain three-dimensional contour data. S2. Based on the three-dimensional contour data, control the power supply box (23) to supply compressed gas to the air knife spray plate (27) to form an air curtain, and control the glue spraying arm (28) at the target position to spray fluorescent glue liquid, so that the fluorescent glue liquid is evenly sprayed on the surface of the foamed part along with the air curtain. S3. Control the curing lamp (26) to be aimed at the fluorescent adhesive spraying area for light curing, and the scanning module (25) scans the marked area after curing to obtain the real-time status data of the foamed part; S4. The laser head module (221) performs laser cutting on the foamed part and adjusts the cutting parameters in real time according to the real-time status data. During the cutting process, the glue spraying arm (28) is controlled to stop spraying glue, and the air knife spraying plate (27) sprays compressed gas separately to cool the cutting area with an air curtain.

Images