Capacitive sensor and laser cutting head
The two-stage capacitive sensing structure solves the problem of vulnerability of traditional sensors, and realizes stable distance control and efficient processing during laser cutting.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422364785.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-26
AI Technical Summary
During laser cutting, traditional follower sensors are easily damaged by workpiece collision, increasing production costs and affecting processing efficiency.
A two-stage capacitive sensing structure is adopted, including a fixed seat, an installation assembly and a first insulating plate to form a first-stage capacitive sensing structure to induce the surrounding workpiece; a cutting nozzle and a ceramic ring form a second-stage capacitive sensing structure to induce the distance between the cutting nozzle and the workpiece, and realize follow-up cutting.
Effectively avoid the sensor being damaged by the workpiece, reduce after-sales maintenance costs, ensure the constant distance between the cutting nozzle and the workpiece, and improve processing efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN223185781U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of laser cutting, in particular to a capacitance sensor and a laser cutting head. Background Art
[0002] With the rapid development of modern industrial technology, laser cutting technology, characterized by high precision, high efficiency, and high flexibility, has been widely used in the manufacturing industry. However, during the laser cutting process, maintaining a constant distance between the workpiece and the cutting nozzle is crucial. Controlling this distance directly affects cutting quality and efficiency. To achieve this control, tracking sensors are widely used in laser cutting equipment.
[0003] During the laser cutting process, traditional tracking sensors detect the distance to the workpiece and adjust the cutting head height in real time to maintain a constant standoff. However, during high-speed, high-precision cutting, the irregular shape and rapid movement of the workpiece often put the sensor at risk of collision, particularly in the lower half of the sensor. If the sensor is damaged by a collision, it must be removed to replace the damaged component, increasing production costs and impacting efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present application provides a capacitive sensor and a laser cutting head, which can reduce the risk of being hit during the laser cutting process and avoid affecting the cost and efficiency of production and processing.
[0005] This embodiment adopts the following technical solutions:
[0006] A capacitive sensor, comprising:
[0007] Top cover;
[0008] a first insulating plate connected to the top cover;
[0009] a fixing seat connected to the first insulating plate and provided with a first conductive contact, wherein the first conductive contact passes through the first insulating plate;
[0010] a ceramic ring connected to the fixing seat, wherein the ceramic ring is provided with a second conductive contact;
[0011] A mounting assembly for mounting the ceramic ring on the fixing seat; and
[0012] a cutting nozzle connected to the ceramic ring;
[0013] The fixing seat, the mounting assembly and the cutting nozzle are all made of conductive materials, and the top cover, the first insulating plate, the fixing seat, the ceramic ring, the mounting assembly and the cutting nozzle are all hollow structures.
[0014] Furthermore, in the capacitive sensor, the mounting assembly includes a mounting seat and a first locking ring, the mounting seat is connected to the fixed seat, the first locking ring includes a first locking portion and a first pressing portion connected to each other, the first locking portion is threadedly connected to the mounting seat, the ceramic ring is arranged between the mounting seat and the first pressing portion, and the first pressing portion is used to axially press the ceramic ring to the mounting seat.
[0015] Furthermore, in the capacitive sensor, the mounting assembly also includes a second locking ring, the second locking ring includes a second locking portion and a second pressing portion, the second locking portion is threadedly connected to the fixing seat, the mounting seat is arranged between the fixing seat and the second pressing portion, and the second pressing portion is used to axially press the mounting seat to the fixing seat.
[0016] Furthermore, the capacitive sensor further includes a positioning pin, the fixing seat and the mounting seat both have pin holes, and the positioning pin is inserted into the pin holes of the fixing seat and the mounting seat.
[0017] Furthermore, in the capacitive sensor, a coaxial first positioning groove and a second positioning groove are provided on the mounting seat, the fixing seat is arranged in the first positioning groove, and the ceramic ring is arranged in the second positioning groove.
[0018] Furthermore, the capacitive sensor also includes a water-cooling seat and a second insulating plate, the second insulating plate is connected to the top cover, one end of the water-cooling seat is connected to the second insulating plate, and the other end of the water-cooling seat is connected to the first insulating plate. A water-cooling cavity is provided in the water-cooling seat, and the water-cooling cavity is connected to an external water cooling device.
[0019] Furthermore, the capacitive sensor further includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier, wherein the first amplifier is electrically connected to the first conductive contact, and the second amplifier is electrically connected to the second conductive contact.
[0020] Furthermore, in the capacitive sensor, a receiving cavity is provided in the water cooling seat, and the first amplifier and / or the second amplifier is arranged in the receiving cavity.
[0021] Furthermore, in the capacitive sensor, a spring pin is provided in the fixing seat, one end of the spring pin contacts the second conductive contact, and the other end of the spring pin is electrically connected to the second amplifier.
[0022] A laser cutting head comprises a cutting head body and the above-mentioned capacitance sensor, wherein the capacitance sensor is connected to the cutting head body.
[0023] Compared with the existing technology, the capacitive sensor and laser cutting head provided in this application can form a first-level capacitive sensing structure through a fixed seat, a mounting assembly and a first insulating plate, the outer side of which can sense the approaching workpiece, effectively preventing the sensor from being damaged by the workpiece during cutting; and, the cutting nozzle and the ceramic ring can also form a second-level capacitive sensing structure to sense the workpiece being cut under the cutting nozzle, confirm the distance from the cutting nozzle to the workpiece and adjust the height accordingly, so as to achieve the purpose of follow-up cutting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a specific embodiment of the capacitive sensor provided in this application.
[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the capacitive sensor shown.
[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the capacitive sensor shown.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a specific embodiment of the laser cutting head provided in this application.
[0028] Among them, 1. Capacitive sensor; 10. Top cover; 11. First connector; 12. Second connector; 20. First insulating plate; 30. Fixing seat; 31. First conductive contact; 40. Ceramic ring; 41. Second conductive contact; 50. Mounting assembly; 51. Mounting seat; 52. First locking ring; 53. Second locking ring; 60. Cutting nozzle; 70. Positioning pin; 80. Water-cooling seat; 81. Water-cooling cavity; 82. Water-cooling connector; 83. Accommodating cavity; 90. Second insulating plate; 100. First amplifier; 110. Second amplifier; 120. Spring pin; 101. First-level capacitive sensing area; 102. Second-level capacitive sensing area; 2. Cutting head body; 3. Workpiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this application more clear and explicit, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application. Without further description, the elements, structures, and features of one embodiment may also be beneficially combined with other embodiments.
[0030] It should be noted that when a metastructure is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another metastructure, it can be directly on the other metastructure or indirectly on the other metastructure. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical features being referred to.
[0031] The orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element structure referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation.
[0032] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The capacitive sensor provided in this application includes a top cover 10, a first insulating plate 20, a fixing seat 30, a ceramic ring 40, a mounting assembly 50 and a cutting nozzle 60. The top cover 10, the first insulating plate 20, the fixing seat 30, the ceramic ring 40 and the cutting nozzle 60 are connected in sequence, and the mounting assembly 50 is used to install the ceramic ring 40 on the fixing seat 30.
[0033] The top cover 10 is used to connect to the laser cutting head, allowing the capacitive sensor to be mounted on the bottom of the laser cutting head. The top cover 10, first insulating plate 20, mounting base 30, ceramic ring 40, mounting assembly 50, and cutting nozzle 60 all have a hollow structure and are coaxially arranged. This allows the laser light emitted by the laser cutting head to pass through the top cover 10, first insulating plate 20, mounting base 30, ceramic ring 40, and finally exit the cutting nozzle 60.
[0034] The first insulating plate 20 is made of an insulating material, while the mounting base 30 and mounting assembly 50 are both made of conductive materials. The mounting base 30 is provided with a first conductive contact 31 that passes through the first insulating plate 20. This first conductive contact 31 connects to the control system and transmits signals. The mounting base 30 and mounting assembly 50 are both conductive and in close contact with each other, forming a conductive assembly. This conductive assembly, together with the first insulating plate 20, forms a first-stage capacitive sensing structure. Its outer surface can sense approaching metal objects, effectively preventing damage to the sensor during cutting.
[0035] The ceramic ring 40 is made of ceramic and is equipped with a second conductive contact 41, which connects to the control system. The lower half of the ceramic ring 40 can be provided with a metal outer wall, and the cutting nozzle 60 is made of a conductive material. The cutting nozzle 60 is in close contact with the metal outer wall of the ceramic ring 40, thus forming a conductive assembly. This conductive assembly and the ceramic ring 40 together form a second-level capacitive sensing structure that can sense the workpiece below the cutting nozzle 60 and determine the real-time distance, allowing the control system's height adjustment module to make real-time adjustments to ensure a constant distance between the cutting nozzle 60 and the workpiece.
[0036] Therefore, the capacitive sensor provided in this application includes a two-stage capacitive sensing structure. During the laser cutting process, the first stage of the capacitive sensing structure is used to sense the workpiece that is lifted up around the capacitive sensor, reducing the risk of damage to the capacitive sensor and reducing after-sales maintenance costs. The second stage of the capacitive sensing structure is used to sense the workpiece being cut below to determine the distance between the cutting nozzle 60 and the workpiece, thereby achieving the purpose of follow-up cutting.
[0037] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 50 includes a mounting seat 51 and a first locking ring 52. The mounting seat 51 is connected to the fixing seat 30. The first locking ring 52 includes a first locking portion and a first pressing portion that are connected to each other. The first locking portion is threadedly connected to the mounting seat 51. The ceramic ring 40 is arranged between the mounting seat 51 and the first pressing portion. The first pressing portion is used to axially press the ceramic ring 40 to the mounting seat 51.
[0038] The mounting seat 51 is used to install and position the ceramic ring 40. The first locking ring 52 serves to lock the ceramic ring 40 and install it on the mounting seat 51. It also realizes a detachable connection with the mounting seat 51 through a threaded connection, so that the ceramic ring 40 can be installed / removed at any time, which is convenient for later maintenance.
[0039] During the specific implementation process, the ceramic ring 40 may include a first main body and a first force-bearing part, the first main body and the first force-bearing part are connected to each other, and the diameter of the first force-bearing part is larger than the diameter of the first main body, so that the first locking ring 52 passes through the first main body and presses the first force-bearing part through the first clamping part, so that the first force-bearing part receives a clamping force axially toward the mounting seat 51, thereby realizing a fastened connection between the ceramic ring 40 and the mounting seat 51.
[0040] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 50 also includes a second locking ring 53, the second locking ring 53 includes a second locking portion and a second pressing portion, the second locking portion is threadedly connected to the fixing seat 30, the mounting seat 51 is arranged between the fixing seat 30 and the second pressing portion, and the second pressing portion is used to axially press the mounting seat 51 to the fixing seat 30.
[0041] The second locking ring 53 serves to lock the mounting base 51 to the fixing base 30 and realizes a detachable connection with the fixing base 30 through a threaded connection, so that the mounting base 51 can be installed / removed at any time, which is convenient for later maintenance.
[0042] During the specific implementation process, the mounting seat 51 may include a second main body and a second force-bearing part, the second main body and the second force-bearing part are connected to each other, and the diameter of the second force-bearing part is larger than the diameter of the second main body, so that the second locking ring 53 passes through the second main body and presses the second force-bearing part through the second clamping part, so that the second force-bearing part receives a clamping force axially toward the fixing seat 30, thereby realizing a fastened connection between the mounting seat 51 and the fixing seat 30.
[0043] In order to facilitate installation, a coaxial first positioning groove and a second positioning groove are formed on the mounting seat 51 . The fixing seat 30 is disposed in the first positioning groove, and the ceramic ring 40 is disposed in the second positioning groove.
[0044] During the installation process, first, the first positioning groove of the mounting seat 51 can be aligned with the bottom of the fixing seat 30, and the positioning is achieved through the cooperation of the first mounting groove and the bottom of the fixing seat 30, and then the mounting seat 51 is locked and installed on the fixing seat 30 through the second locking ring 53; then, the top of the ceramic ring 40 is aligned with the second mounting groove of the mounting seat 51, and the positioning is achieved through the cooperation of the top of the ceramic ring 40 and the second mounting groove, and then the ceramic ring 40 is locked and installed on the mounting seat 51 through the first locking ring 52.
[0045] Of course, in other embodiments, the first mounting groove may also be opened at the bottom of the fixing seat 30, so that the upper end of the mounting seat 51 matches the shape of the first mounting groove; the second mounting groove may also be opened at the top of the ceramic ring 40, so that the lower end of the mounting seat 51 matches the shape of the second mounting groove.
[0046] In addition, the capacitive sensor may also include a positioning pin 70. Both the fixing seat 30 and the mounting seat 51 have pin holes. The positioning pin 70 is inserted into the pin holes of the fixing seat 30 and the pin holes of the mounting seat 51 to further play a positioning role and ensure that the positions of the fixing seat 30 and the mounting seat 51 will not be offset.
[0047] In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor also includes a water-cooling seat 80 and a second insulating plate 90, the second insulating plate 90 is connected to the top cover 10, one end of the water-cooling seat 80 is connected to the second insulating plate 90, and the other end of the water-cooling seat 80 is connected to the first insulating plate 20, and a water-cooling cavity 81 is provided in the water-cooling seat 80, and the water-cooling cavity 81 is connected to an external water cooling device.
[0048] The water cooling base 80 cools the capacitive sensor, ensuring it can be used in high-power laser cutting and maintaining its proper function. Furthermore, two water cooling connectors 82 are provided on the water cooling base 80 to facilitate the input and output of coolant. The first insulating plate 20 and the second insulating plate 90 separate the upper and lower ends of the water cooling base 80 from the top cover 10 and the fixing base 30, respectively.
[0049] A gap is provided where the water-cooling base 80 and the top cover 10 meet to prevent electrical conduction between them; a sealing ring is placed between the gaps to ensure the sensor is sealed. Similarly, sealing rings are also placed where the water-cooling base 80 and the fixing base 30 meet, and where the fixing base 30 and the mounting base 51 meet, ensuring the entire sensor is sealed.
[0050] In some embodiments, the capacitance sensor further includes a first amplifier 100 and a second amplifier 110 . The first amplifier 100 is electrically connected to the first conductive contact 31 , and the second amplifier 110 is electrically connected to the second conductive contact 41 .
[0051] The first amplifier 100 can process the signal transmitted by the first conductive contact 31, and then connect to the control system through wired or wireless means, and then transmit the amplified signal to the control system so that the control system can determine whether there is a workpiece 3 approaching the side of the capacitive sensor based on the amplified signal.
[0052] The second amplifier 110 can process the signal transmitted by the second conductive contact 41, and then connect to the control system through wired or wireless means, and then transmit the amplified signal to the control system so that the control system can determine the distance from the cutting nozzle 60 to the workpiece 3 based on the amplified signal, and then control the distance through the height adjustment module to achieve the purpose of follow-up cutting.
[0053] The first amplifier 100 and the second amplifier 110 may be provided on other components of the capacitive sensor, or on a laser cutting head, or may be provided independently.
[0054] In some embodiments, a receiving cavity 83 is defined in the water cooling seat 80 , and the first amplifier 100 and / or the second amplifier 110 is disposed in the receiving cavity 83 .
[0055] Furthermore, a channel for wires to pass through may be provided in the water cooling base 80 so that the first amplifier 100 and / or the second amplifier 110 can be connected to the first conductive contact 31 and / or the second conductive contact 41 and to an external control system via wires.
[0056] During specific implementation, the first amplifier 100 can be disposed on the laser cutting head, and the second amplifier 110 can be disposed in the accommodating cavity 83 so as to fully utilize the space.
[0057] Furthermore, the top cover 10 may be provided with a first connector 11 and a second connector 12. The first connector 11 is electrically connected to the first conductive contact 31 and the first amplifier 100 via a signal transmission line. The signal from the first conductive contact 31 is transmitted to the first amplifier 100 via the first connector 11, and then amplified by the first amplifier 100 and sent to the control system via the signal transmission line.
[0058] The second conductive contact 41 is electrically connected to the second amplifier 110 in the accommodating cavity 83 through the signal transmission line. The signal of the second conductive contact 41 is sent to the second amplifier 110 through the signal transmission line. The second amplifier 110 is then connected to the second connector 12 through the signal transmission line. The second connector 12 is then connected to the control system through the signal transmission line. After amplification by the second amplifier 110, the signal is sent to the control system through the second connector 12 and the signal transmission line.
[0059] In some embodiments, a spring pin 120 may be disposed in the fixing base 30 . One end of the spring pin 120 contacts the second conductive contact 41 , and the other end of the spring pin 120 is electrically connected to the second amplifier 110 .
[0060] During the installation and removal process of the ceramic ring 40 , the second conductive contact 41 and the second amplifier 110 can be quickly connected through the spring pin 120 , thereby improving installation efficiency and facilitating subsequent maintenance.
[0061] See also Figure 4 The present application also provides a laser cutting head, which includes a cutting head body 2 and the above-mentioned capacitive sensor 1. The cutting head body 2 can emit laser to cut the workpiece 3; the capacitive sensor 1 is set at the bottom end of the cutting head body 2, and can perform distance sensing during the laser cutting process to achieve follow-up control of the laser cutting.
[0062] Capacitive sensor 1 comprises a two-stage capacitive sensing structure, forming a first-stage capacitive sensing area 101 and a second-stage capacitive sensing area 102. During laser cutting, first-stage capacitive sensing area 101 senses any raised workpiece 3 around sensor 1, reducing the risk of damage and after-sales maintenance costs. Second-stage capacitive sensing area 102 senses the workpiece 3 below, confirming the distance between cutting nozzle 60 and the workpiece 3 and enabling laser-guided cutting.
[0063] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or changes based on the technical solution and application concept of this application, and all these changes or substitutions should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to this application.
Claims
1. A capacitive sensor, characterized in that: include: Top cover; a first insulating plate connected to the top cover; a fixing seat connected to the first insulating plate and provided with a first conductive contact, wherein the first conductive contact passes through the first insulating plate; a ceramic ring connected to the fixing seat, wherein the ceramic ring is provided with a second conductive contact; A mounting assembly, used for mounting the ceramic ring on the fixing seat; as well as a cutting nozzle connected to the ceramic ring; The fixing seat, the mounting assembly and the cutting nozzle are all made of conductive materials, and the top cover, the first insulating plate, the fixing seat, the ceramic ring, the mounting assembly and the cutting nozzle are all hollow structures.
2. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting assembly includes a mounting seat and a first locking ring, the mounting seat is connected to the fixed seat, the first locking ring includes a first locking portion and a first pressing portion that are connected to each other, the first locking portion is threadedly connected to the mounting seat, the ceramic ring is arranged between the mounting seat and the first pressing portion, and the first pressing portion is used to axially press the ceramic ring to the mounting seat.
3. The capacitive sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting assembly also includes a second locking ring, which includes a second locking portion and a second pressing portion. The second locking portion is threadedly connected to the fixing seat. The mounting seat is arranged between the fixing seat and the second pressing portion. The second pressing portion is used to axially press the mounting seat against the fixing seat.
4. The capacitive sensor according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a positioning pin, and the fixing seat and the mounting seat are both provided with a pin hole, and the positioning pin is inserted into the pin hole of the fixing seat and the pin hole of the mounting seat.
5. The capacitive sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting seat is provided with a coaxial first positioning groove and a second positioning groove. The fixing seat is arranged in the first positioning groove, and the ceramic ring is arranged in the second positioning groove.
6. The capacitive sensor according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a water-cooling seat and a second insulating plate, the second insulating plate is connected to the top cover, one end of the water-cooling seat is connected to the second insulating plate, and the other end of the water-cooling seat is connected to the first insulating plate. A water-cooling cavity is provided in the water-cooling seat, and the water-cooling cavity is connected to an external water cooling device.
7. The capacitive sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that The device further includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier, wherein the first amplifier is electrically connected to the first conductive contact, and the second amplifier is electrically connected to the second conductive contact.
8. The capacitive sensor according to claim 7, wherein: A receiving cavity is provided in the water cooling seat, and the first amplifier and / or the second amplifier is arranged in the receiving cavity.
9. The capacitive sensor according to claim 7, wherein: A spring pin is provided in the fixing seat, one end of the spring pin contacts the second conductive contact, and the other end of the spring pin is electrically connected to the second amplifier.
10. A laser cutting head, characterized in that: The invention comprises a cutting head body and a capacitive sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capacitive sensor is connected to the cutting head body.