Double-light-path switching type laser cutting head and double-laser cutting workstation
By integrating two lasers and achieving coaxial output through the design of a dual-path switching laser cutting head, the problem that a single laser cutting head cannot cut layered materials is solved, reducing equipment costs and improving cutting accuracy and workstation flexibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521803784.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing laser cutting heads can only connect to one laser, which cannot meet the cutting needs of laminated materials such as carbon fiber composites and titanium alloy laminates. Two cutting workstations are required, which increases the complexity and cost of the system.
Design a dual-path switching laser cutting head, which includes a movable or rotatable reflective mirror and two fiber optic connectors, capable of switching between different laser paths, integrating two lasers, and achieving coaxial output.
It simplifies the structure of the laser cutting head, reduces equipment costs, improves cutting accuracy and workstation flexibility, and enables the cutting of composite materials within a single workstation.
Smart Images
Figure CN223588555U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of laser cutting equipment, and relates to a dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head and a dual-laser cutting workstation. Background Technology
[0002] Laser cutting is a technology that uses a high-power-density laser beam to irradiate materials, causing the irradiated materials to melt, vaporize, ablate, or reach their ignition point, and then uses a high-speed airflow to blow away the molten material, thereby achieving the cutting process.
[0003] Currently, laser cutting of certain special laminated materials requires the use of two different lasers sequentially to complete the cutting operation. For example, when laser cutting a laminate of carbon fiber composite material and titanium alloy, the two materials have significant differences in melting point, laser absorption rate, and reflectivity. Therefore, a single laser beam cannot meet the cutting requirements of this laminate, and two different types of lasers must be used. For instance, a pulsed laser is used to cut the carbon fiber composite layer, and a high-power continuous laser is used to cut the titanium alloy layer. If only a single pulsed laser is used, it cannot effectively cut the metal layer; if only a single high-power continuous laser is used, the cut edges of the carbon fiber composite layer will be severely charred and carbonized.
[0004] Existing laser cutting heads have only one fiber optic connector, which can only connect to one laser. Therefore, a single laser cutting head can only emit one type of laser. If it is necessary to cut a stacked structure made of two different materials, two laser cutting heads are required, which in turn requires the construction of two cutting workstations, significantly increasing the complexity and cost of the system. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head and a dual-laser cutting workstation.
[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: a dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head, comprising:
[0007] A cutting head body, wherein a first fiber optic connector, a second fiber optic connector and a laser outlet are provided on the cutting head body;
[0008] A reflective lens is movably or rotatably disposed within the cutting head body, and the travel positions of the reflective lens include a first working position and a second working position.
[0009] When the reflective lens is in the first working position, a first preset optical path is formed in the body of the cutting head. The two ends of the first preset optical path are the first fiber optic connector and the laser outlet, respectively. The first preset optical path passes through the second working position.
[0010] When the reflective lens is in the second working position, a second preset optical path is formed in the body of the cutting head. The two ends of the second preset optical path are the second fiber optic connector and the laser outlet, respectively. The second preset optical path is deflected by the reflective lens in the second working position.
[0011] Preferably, the first preset optical path and the second preset optical path have an overlapping portion, and the end of the overlapping portion is the laser outlet.
[0012] Preferably, when the reflector is in the second working position, the contact point between the second preset optical path and the reflector is the reflection point; the second preset optical path includes a reflection path, the two ends of the reflection path are the reflection point and the laser exit, respectively, and the reflection path and a portion of the first preset optical path form the overlapping part.
[0013] Preferably, the second preset optical path further includes an incident path, which is located between the second fiber optic connector and the reflection point; when the reflector is in the second working position, the angle between the incident path and the normal of the reflector is equal to the angle between the reflection path and the normal of the reflector.
[0014] Preferably, the first preset optical path is set as a straight path, and the incident path of the second preset optical path is perpendicular to the reflection path.
[0015] Preferably, the first preset optical path intersects with the second working position, the intersection point coincides with the reflection point, and the portion of the first preset optical path whose two ends are the intersection point and the laser exit respectively forms the overlapping portion with the reflection path.
[0016] Preferably, the reflective lens is movably disposed within the cutting head body, and the cutting head body is provided with a slidable drive rod, one end of which is connected to the reflective lens and the other end extends into the cutting head body.
[0017] Preferably, it also includes a linear drive element, the linear drive element being provided with a drive base, and the other end of the drive rod being connected to the drive base.
[0018] Preferably, the reflective lens is hinged to the cutting head body via a hinge axis; it also includes a rotary drive element connected to the hinge axis.
[0019] A dual-laser cutting workstation includes the aforementioned dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head, and also includes two lasers, which are respectively connected to a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector of the cutting head body via optical fibers.
[0020] One of the lasers is configured to generate a first laser, which propagates along a first preset optical path; the other laser is configured to generate a second laser, which propagates along a second preset optical path.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0022] 1. The laser cutting head integrates two fiber optic connectors, which can be connected to two lasers respectively; the cutting head body can selectively form a first preset optical path or a second preset optical path by switching the position of the reflective mirror, so that the laser cutting head can selectively emit one of the two lasers.
[0023] 2. The two optical paths completely overlap near the laser exit, meaning the latter part of the first preset optical path coincides with the latter part of the second preset optical path. Therefore, when the first and second lasers propagate along the overlapping path, their optical axes are completely aligned, resulting in identical emission angles for both lasers. Furthermore, the coaxial output of the two lasers ensures that their processing positions are consistent, guaranteeing cutting accuracy.
[0024] 3. The cutting head in the workstation can be adapted to two lasers and can switch laser processing modes as needed. Therefore, it can integrate two lasers with complementary characteristics into one workstation, providing an ideal solution for processing complex multilayer composite materials, reducing the construction cost of the laser cutting workstation, and simplifying the control logic of two different laser cutting operations. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-laser cutting workstation of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the formation of a first preset optical path inside the laser cutting head when the reflective lens of this invention is in the first working position.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the formation of a second preset optical path inside the laser cutting head when the reflective lens of this invention is in the second working position.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the linear drive element of this utility model driving the reflective lens to the first position.
[0029] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the linear drive element of this utility model driving the reflective lens to the second position.
[0030] In the figure, 100 is the cutting head body; 110 is the first fiber optic connector; 120 is the second fiber optic connector; 130 is the laser outlet; 200 is the reflecting mirror; 300 is the first preset optical path; 400 is the second preset optical path; 410 is the incident path; 420 is the reflection path; 500 is the linear drive element; 510 is the drive base; 520 is the drive rod; and 600 is the laser. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a dual-path switching laser cutting head includes:
[0033] The cutting head body 100 is provided with a first fiber optic connector 110, a second fiber optic connector 120 and a laser outlet 130.
[0034] The reflective lens 200 is movably or rotatably disposed within the cutting head body 100. The travel positions of the reflective lens 200 include a first working position and a second working position.
[0035] When the reflector 200 is in the first working position, a first preset optical path 300 is formed inside the cutting head body 100. The two ends of the first preset optical path 300 are the first fiber optic connector 110 and the laser outlet 130, respectively. The first preset optical path 300 passes through the second working position.
[0036] When the reflector 200 is in the second working position, a second preset optical path 400 is formed inside the cutting head body 100. The two ends of the second preset optical path 400 are the second fiber optic connector 120 and the laser outlet 130, respectively. The second preset optical path 400 forms a direction change through the reflector 200 in the second working position.
[0037] The first fiber optic connector 110 and the second fiber optic connector 120 are two independent fiber optic interfaces, used to connect two different lasers 600 (e.g., lasers 600 with different powers or wavelengths), respectively. Each fiber optic connector corresponds to an independent laser input channel (fiber). The laser outlet 130 is the final laser output position, typically equipped with a focusing lens group to focus the laser onto the material surface for cutting. The reflecting mirror 200 is configured as a movable or rotatable structure, having a first working position and a second working position. By switching the working position of the reflecting mirror 200, a first preset optical path 300 or a second preset optical path 400 can be selectively formed.
[0038] Two lasers 600 are connected to the first fiber optic connector 110 and the second fiber optic connector 120 respectively via optical fibers. One laser 600 generates a first laser, and the other laser 600 generates a second laser. The power and wavelength of the first laser and the second laser can be selected according to actual needs. The first laser corresponds to the first preset optical path 300, and the second laser corresponds to the second preset optical path 400.
[0039] The working principle of a laser cutting head is as follows:
[0040] When the first laser is needed for cutting, the reflector 200 moves to the first working position. At this time, there is no obstruction in the second working position, thus forming the first preset optical path 300. Then, the corresponding laser 600 is activated to generate the first laser. The first laser propagates along the first preset optical path 300, enters from the first fiber optic connector 110, passes through the second working position and is directed to the laser outlet 130 (nozzle), and finally exits from the laser outlet 130.
[0041] When a second laser is needed for cutting, the laser 600 corresponding to the first laser is turned off. Then, the reflector 200 is moved to the second working position. At this time, the first preset optical path 300 is blocked, and a second preset optical path 400 is formed. The corresponding laser 600 is then activated to generate the second laser. The second laser propagates along the second preset optical path 400, enters through the second fiber optic connector 120, and is directed towards the reflector 200 at the second working position. After being reflected by the reflector 200, the second laser beam heads towards the laser exit 130. Through this reflection method, even when the first and second lasers enter from two different positions, they both ultimately exit through the laser exit 130.
[0042] By adjusting the position of the reflector 200, it is possible to flexibly switch between two lasers, achieving the function of switching between different lasers on the same cutting head. When laser cutting some special laminated materials, the cutting operation can be completed with a single laser cutting head. For example, when laser cutting a laminate formed of carbon fiber composite material and titanium alloy, the first laser can be set to a pulsed laser to cut the carbon fiber composite material layer; the second laser can be set to a high-power continuous laser to cut the titanium alloy layer. The adjustment process only requires controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding laser 600 and adjusting the position of the reflector 200, which is very convenient and flexible, and the structure is simple and ingenious, significantly reducing equipment costs.
[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, based on the above implementation method, the first preset optical path 300 and the second preset optical path 400 have an overlapping portion, and the end of the overlapping portion is the laser outlet 130.
[0044] The lasers output from the two lasers 600 need to achieve coaxial output after passing through their respective optical paths. That is to say, the first laser and the second laser, after passing through their respective optical paths, are ultimately emitted coaxially from the same laser outlet 130.
[0045] The two optical paths completely overlap near the laser exit 130, meaning the latter part of the first preset optical path 300 coincides with the latter part of the second preset optical path 400. Therefore, when the first and second lasers propagate along the overlapping path, their optical axes are completely aligned, resulting in identical emission angles for both lasers. Furthermore, the coaxial output of the two lasers ensures that their processing positions are consistent, guaranteeing cutting accuracy.
[0046] Based on the above implementation, when the reflector 200 is in the second working position, the contact point between the second preset optical path 400 and the reflector 200 is the reflection point; the second preset optical path 400 includes a reflection path 420, the two ends of the reflection path 420 are the reflection point and the laser exit 130, respectively, and the reflection path 420 overlaps with a portion of the first preset optical path 300.
[0047] The second fiber optic connector 120 is aligned with the second working position. When the reflector 200 moves to the second working position, the second laser can directly strike the reflector 200. After being reflected by the reflector 200, the second laser beam is directed towards the laser outlet 130. The path formed by the second laser beam after reflection by the reflector 200 is a reflection path 420, which coincides with the first preset optical path 300. In other words, for a short distance before the laser outlet 130, the two optical paths are completely identical, and the two laser beams ultimately emitted from the laser outlet 130 are coaxially output.
[0048] Based on the above implementation, the second preset optical path 400 further includes an incident path 410, which is located between the second fiber optic connector 120 and the reflection point; when the reflector 200 is in the second working position, the angle between the incident path 410 and the normal of the reflector 200 is equal to the angle between the reflection path 420 and the normal of the reflector 200.
[0049] The setting angle of the reflector 200 needs to be specially designed in combination with the angle between the incident path 410 and the reflection path 420. According to the optical reflection law, the angle of incidence (the angle between the incident path 410 and the normal of the reflector 200) is consistent with the angle of reflection (the angle between the normal of the reflector 200). This design enables the second laser to accurately enter the overlapping part, ensuring that the laser output direction is consistent and the processing position is accurate.
[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, based on the above implementation method, the first preset optical path 300 is configured as a straight path, and the incident path 410 and reflection path 420 of the second preset optical path 400 are perpendicular. While achieving optical path switching and coaxial output functions, this significantly simplifies the optical path design and reduces system complexity. Furthermore, the vertical bend design of the second preset optical path 400 can offset the input direction of the second laser (second fiber optic connector 120) from the input direction of the first laser (first fiber optic connector 110), optimizing the structural layout.
[0051] Based on the above implementation, the first preset optical path 300 and the second working position have an intersection point, the intersection point coincides with the reflection point, and the part of the first preset optical path 300 with the intersection point and the laser exit 130 at its two ends respectively forms an overlapping part with the reflection path 420.
[0052] The intersection point and the reflection point coincide, meaning that the intersection point of the plane containing the first preset optical path 300 and the reflecting mirror 200 is exactly the position where the second laser is reflected. That is, the reflection point of the second laser is located on the first preset optical path 300, ensuring that the second laser coincides with the latter part of the first preset optical path 300 after reflection (reflection path 420). The overlapping part constitutes a common channel for the two laser outputs, so the first laser and the second laser have completely consistent optical axis directions when outputting.
[0053] Example 1:
[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the reflective lens 200 is movably disposed within the cutting head body 100, and the cutting head body 100 is provided with a slidable drive rod 520, one end of which is connected to the reflective lens 200 and the other end extends out of the cutting head body 100.
[0055] Based on the above embodiments, a linear drive element 500 is also included. The linear drive element 500 is provided with a drive base 510, and the other end of the drive rod 520 is connected to the drive base 510.
[0056] In Embodiment 1, the linear drive element 500 drives the reflective lens 200 to switch between the first working position and the second working position through the drive base 510 and the drive rod 520. This mechanical drive method can achieve precise, stable and repeatable position switching of the reflective lens 200, thereby completing the switching between the first preset optical path 300 and the second preset optical path 400.
[0057] Example 2:
[0058] The reflector 200 is hinged to the cutting head body 100 via a hinge axis; it also includes a rotary drive element connected to the hinge axis.
[0059] In Embodiment 2, the rotation drive element can drive the reflective lens 200 to rotate around the axis via the hinge shaft, switching between the first working position and the second working position, thereby realizing flexible switching between the two optical paths.
[0060] Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 represent two different optical path switching mechanisms for adjusting the position of the reflector 200. The main difference lies in the movement of the reflector 200. In Embodiment 1, the reflector 200 moves along a straight path to achieve position adjustment; in Embodiment 2, the reflector 200 rotates, changing its angle and position.
[0061] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a dual-laser cutting workstation includes a dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head and two lasers 600. The two lasers 600 are connected to the first fiber optic connector 110 and the second fiber optic connector 120 of the cutting head body 100 via optical fibers, respectively.
[0062] One laser 600 is configured to generate a first laser, which propagates along a first preset optical path 300; the other laser 600 is configured to generate a second laser, which propagates along a second preset optical path 400.
[0063] Two independent lasers 600 output a first laser and a second laser, respectively, the first and second lasers depending on the characteristics of the target material being processed (especially multilayer materials). In addition, the workstation includes control equipment for controlling the position of the reflector 200 and the opening and closing of the two lasers 600.
[0064] In actual operation, the appropriate first and second lasers are selected based on the material properties of the stacked plates to be cut. When cutting is required by the first laser, the reflector 200 is first moved to the first working position, thereby forming a first preset optical path 300 within the cutting head body 100. Then, the laser 600 corresponding to the first laser is turned on, while the laser 600 corresponding to the second laser is kept off. At this point, the workstation is in the first laser processing mode, and the first laser propagates along the first preset optical path 300, finally exiting from the laser outlet 130. After the first laser cutting is completed, the laser 600 corresponding to the first laser is turned off, and then the reflector 200 is driven to move to the second working position, forming a second preset optical path 400 within the cutting head body 100. Then, the laser 600 corresponding to the second laser is turned on, and the workstation is in the second laser processing mode. The second laser propagates along the second preset optical path 400, finally exiting from the laser outlet 130.
[0065] In the existing technology, a workstation includes a cutting head and a laser generating element. One cutting head can only be matched with one laser generating element, so only one type of laser can be provided. If laser cutting is to be performed on a stacked structure formed by two different materials, two workstations need to be configured for processing, which significantly increases equipment costs and reduces work efficiency.
[0066] The cutting head body 100 in this workstation can be adapted to two lasers 600 and can switch laser processing modes as needed. Therefore, it can integrate two complementary lasers 600 into one workstation, providing an ideal solution for processing complex multilayer composite materials, reducing the construction cost of laser cutting workstations, and simplifying the control logic of two different laser cutting operations.
[0067] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0068] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0069] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0070] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the protection scope claimed by this utility model.
Claims
1. A dual-path switching laser cutting head, characterized in that, include: The cutting head body (100) is provided with a first fiber optic connector (110), a second fiber optic connector (120) and a laser outlet (130); A reflective lens (200) is movably or rotatably disposed within the cutting head body (100), and the travel positions of the reflective lens (200) include a first working position and a second working position; When the reflective lens (200) is in the first working position, a first preset optical path (300) is formed in the cutting head body (100). The two ends of the first preset optical path (300) are the first optical fiber connector (110) and the laser outlet (130), respectively. The first preset optical path (300) passes through the second working position. When the reflective lens (200) is in the second working position, a second preset optical path (400) is formed inside the cutting head body (100). The two ends of the second preset optical path (400) are the second fiber optic connector (120) and the laser outlet (130), respectively. The second preset optical path (400) forms a direction change through the reflective lens (200) in the second working position.
2. The dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first preset optical path (300) and the second preset optical path (400) have an overlapping portion, and the end of the overlapping portion is the laser outlet (130).
3. The dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 2, characterized in that: When the reflective lens (200) is in the second working position, the contact point between the second preset optical path (400) and the reflective lens (200) is the reflection point; The second preset optical path (400) includes a reflection path (420), the two ends of which are the reflection point and the laser exit (130), respectively. The reflection path (420) and a portion of the first preset optical path (300) form the overlapping part.
4. The dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The second preset optical path (400) further includes an incident path (410), which is located between the second fiber optic connector (120) and the reflection point; when the reflector (200) is in the second working position, the angle between the incident path (410) and the normal of the reflector (200) is equal to the angle between the reflection path (420) and the normal of the reflector (200).
5. A dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first preset optical path (300) is set as a straight path, and the incident path (410) of the second preset optical path (400) is perpendicular to the reflection path (420).
6. A dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first preset optical path (300) intersects with the second working position, and the intersection coincides with the reflection point. The portion of the first preset optical path (300) with the intersection and the laser exit (130) at its two ends respectively forms the overlapping portion with the reflection path (420).
7. A dual-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The reflective lens (200) is movably disposed within the cutting head body (100). The cutting head body (100) is provided with a slidable drive rod (520), one end of which is connected to the reflective lens (200) and the other end extends out of the cutting head body (100).
8. A dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a linear drive element (500), which is provided with a drive seat (510), and the other end of the drive rod (520) is connected to the drive seat (510).
9. A dual-optical-path switching laser cutting head as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The reflective mirror (200) is hinged to the cutting head body (100) via a hinge shaft; it also includes a rotation drive element connected to the hinge shaft.
10. A dual-laser cutting workstation, characterized in that, The dual-path switching laser cutting head as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 further includes two lasers (600), which are connected to the first fiber optic connector (110) and the second fiber optic connector (120) of the cutting head body (100) via optical fibers, respectively. One of the lasers (600) is configured to generate a first laser, which propagates along a first preset optical path (300); the other laser (600) is configured to generate a second laser, which propagates along a second preset optical path (400).