MACHINE FOR PROCESSING PIPES AND PROFILES, EQUIPPED WITH A SYSTEM FOR SCANNING THE CROSS-SECTIONAL PROFILE OF THE PIPE OR PROFILE.

Abstract

A machine (M) for machining pipes and profiles (T) is described, which includes: a work head (12) and a scanning system for scanning the cross-sectional profile of the pipe or profile (T). The scanning system comprises a pair of laser scanning modules (20), each with a laser emitter (22) capable of emitting a beam of light (L) to illuminate at least part of the pipe or profile (T) being machined, and a camera (24) capable of capturing an image of the aforementioned part of the pipe or profile (T) illuminated by the beam of light (L). In addition to the laser emitters forming part of the laser scanning modules (20), the scanning system includes an additional laser emitter (42) configured to emit an additional beam of light (L') onto the pipe or profile (T), this additional beam of light (L') is directed to illuminate a section of the inner surface of the pipe or profile (T). [FIGURE 6]

Description

1 TARIFF TO SCANNING THE CROSS-SECTIONAL PROFILE OF A PIPE OR PROFILE. MACHINE FOR PROCESSING PIPES AND PROFILES WITH A SYSTEM Technical Field of the Invention The present invention applies to the general processing of pipes and profiles. with a machine specifically designed for pipe or profile cross-sections. pipe equipped with a scanning system to scan its profile and 10 for laser processing (e.g. laser cutting) of profiles It is related to a machine. In the following description and requirements, the terms “pipe” and “profile” are used. terms along the longitudinal axis (machining tolerances) (including) having a uniform cross-section and its cross-section closed (e.g., circular, rectangular, or square, etc.) or open 15 All long objects that have any shape (e.g., L, C, U, etc.) It is used for products. Previous Technique In machines that process pipes and profiles with lasers, 20 are being processed. to determine the cross-sectional geometry of the pipe or profile The use of screening systems is well known. Specifically, a scan consisting of a pair of laser scanning modules. These systems are known; these modules are briefly called LSM (Laser Scanning). Also called modules, each one is a 25-inch pipe being processed. or a laser emitter that can project a beam of light onto a profile and the beam of light emitted by the associated laser emitter illuminated part of the pipe or profile being processed with a camera capable of capturing an image of the pipe or reconstruct all or at least part of the profile cross-section 30 to create the camera of each laser scanning module a processing unit capable of processing images received by It includes. Thanks to the use of such scanning systems, the actual profile of the cross-section of the pipe or profile being processed 2 It is possible to learn at any time, this profile, production tolerances depending on the design profile, it may differ to a greater or lesser extent. It can show, for example, the part to be processed. the actual profile of the cross-section of the pipe or profile being processed It is possible to average it according to 5. In the patent number EP3233366 published in the applicant's name, this type a scanning system involving laser scanning of pipes and profiles An example of a machine for processing is known. According to this known solution, the machine processes the pipe or profile to be processed. A laser capable of emitting a laser beam focused on a surface works in 10 the cross-sectional profile of the pipe or profile being processed with the head It includes a scanning system that can scan, where the scanning system, to illuminate a section of the pipe or profile being processed in a vertical plane (in other words, the machine's (located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the power supply axis) and a light 15 at least one laser that has a laser emitter capable of emitting a beam scanning module and pipe or profile illuminated by light beam It includes a camera capable of capturing an image of the section. The work its head, in the transverse direction, in other words, the feed of the machine in the direction located in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and preferably in the vertical direction 20 It is mounted in such a way that it can move. At least one laser The scanning module works, at least in the direction of transverse movement. It is assembled in one piece, including the head. This type of scanning system, laser scanning module(s) in the transverse direction In addition to its sliding capability, the pipe or 25 being processed The profile can be rotated around its longitudinal axis. By taking advantage of its properties, pipes of any shape and size or redesign the geometry of the outer profile of the profile's cross-section It makes it possible to create one. However, this type of scanning system, It cannot measure the thickness of the pipe or profile and is generally 30. It also cannot determine the internal geometry of the pipe or profile (internal (in profiles with concealed surfaces). 3 Brief Description of the Invention The purpose of the present invention is to create a machine for processing pipes and profiles. The machine, especially for laser processing of pipes and profiles. The goal is to provide a machine for (e.g., laser cutting), this machine, via a scanning system that operates during processing (or 5 More generally, the pipe located in the processing position on the machine. or working on a profile, that is, a pipe or profile machine on the pipe or profile when arranged along the feed axis (operating) by means of a scanning system, the transverse examination of the pipe or profile not only to determine the geometry of the external profile of the cross-section, 10 also the internal geometry of the pipe and profile, i.e., the pipe or To be able to determine the geometry of the hidden inner surfaces of the profile, In particular, it is able to measure the thickness of pipes or profiles. For these and other purposes, the piping defined in the attached independent claim 1. and by means of a profile processing machine, exactly 15 according to the present invention. This is carried out as follows. Advantageous applications of the present invention, in dependent claims It has been stated that the subject of these requests is the following explanation: It should be understood as an integral part. In summary, the present invention is a continuation of the previous technique mentioned above. in a machine with a described scanning system, laser scanning laser that forms part of the module(s) In addition to its emitter(s), an additional laser emitter. It is based on the idea of ​​providing the additional laser mentioned here. Spreader, pipe or profile working on the machine 25 while in position, at least one of the inner surfaces of the pipe or profile an additional beam of light directed to illuminate the part It is designed to spread over a pipe or profile. This additional light beam is directed towards the pipe or profile. thanks to, the scanning system, camera (or more generally 30 through the image capture device(s) of the pipe or profile an additional image can be obtained, which can then be used with the scanning system. a suitable processing unit associated with the inside of the pipe or profile to determine at least part of its geometry, especially 4 It allows measuring the thickness of a pipe or profile. Thus the machine, on the line, in other words, during operation or More generally, the operation of the pipe or profile on the machine. in any situation where it is located inside the pipe or profile at least a partial reconstruction of its geometry, 5 especially contactless measurement of pipe or profile thickness This can be accomplished; for this, the scanning system already exists. In addition to the supplied components, only a laser emitter. Adding it is sufficient. The pipe or profile thickness that can be achieved with this system is 10 the measurements, the type of material from which the pipe or profile is made, whether or not there are burrs or defects on it, or on the pipe or The fact that it is not dependent on light reflections from the profile surface is also a plus. This is another advantage. Therefore, the pipe or profile being processed... Extremely robust, precise and 15 for contactless measurement of thickness. It is a reliable system. Preferably, an additional laser emitter, laser scanning module, or It is assembled with its modules to form a single piece. For example, The working head moves in the transverse direction, in other words, the feed of the machine if it can move in a horizontal direction perpendicular to its axis and is at least 20 a laser scanning module, in translational motion in the transverse direction Work in a way that establishes a drive connection with the working head. If it is attached to his head, the additional laser emitter also provides transverse translation. It will establish a drive connection with the working head during its movement. Advantageously, the additional laser emitter, the aforementioned emitter 25 vertically located on the beam of light emitted by The plane is arranged so that it passes through the feed axis of the machine. (and therefore, during the work or, more generally, in the pipe) or the profile while the machine is in the working position, pipe or the longitudinal axis of the profile, because in this case the pipe or profile is 30 longitudinal axis aligned with the machine's feed axis (arranged in this way) or, more generally, this emitter vertically located on the beam of light emitted by the plane should be parallel to the machine's feed axis It is arranged. Brief description of the figures Other features and advantages of the present invention are shown in the attached drawings. by reference, only a non-limiting example 5 from the following detailed explanation given in this regard It will be understood from these drawings: - FIGURE 1, a scan according to an application of the present invention. equipped with a system for processing pipes and profiles. a machine, especially one that laser-cuts pipes and profiles 10 A perspective showing a machine for cutting. It is appearance; - Figure 2 is a front view of the machine in Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a side view of the machine in Figure 1; - Figures 4 and 5 show a perspective view and a front view, respectively. This is the appearance of a pipe or profile processed on the machine shown in FIGURE 1. schematic diagram of the scanning system components arrangement. It shows as; and - FIGURE 6 shows the internal geometry of a pipe being processed. Specifically for measuring its thickness, the 20 shown in FIGURE 1. This is a perspective view showing the machine's scanning system. Detailed explanation In the following explanation and claims, the term “longitudinal” means: 25 that coincide with the feed axis (or working axis) of the machine or is used to indicate a direction parallel to it, The term "transverse" refers to a plane perpendicular to the machine's feed axis. It is used to indicate a direction on a surface. Firstly, referring to FIGURE 1, according to the invention, pipes and profiles A machine for processing generally has an M to 30 designation. This is shown. In the example proposed here, the machine (M) pipe and for cutting profiles, especially laser cutting It is a designed machine, but the invention involves pipes and welds, for example. to perform other types of operations on profiles 6 This can be applied to designed machines in the same way. Furthermore, The following description explains how the machine is used for laser cutting of pipes. Its usage will be discussed, but the machine is also mentioned in the profiles. It is clear that it can be used. Pipes or Profiles have cross-sections of different shapes and sizes, for example, 5 circular cross-section pipes, square cross-section pipes, rectangular Sectional pipes, C profiles, T profiles, IPE profiles, HEA They may have profiles, etc. The machine (M) consists of a base (10), a laser nozzle, as is commonly known. (18) by means of a focused laser beam emitted through 10 machining operations (in this case cutting) on ​​a pipe (T) a study designed to perform (operations) By grasping the head (12) and the tube (T) at the rear end, a feed to feed along the axis (or working axis) (x) a structured feeding device (14) and the processed pipe (T) 15 Cross-section of the pipe (T) aligned with its longitudinal axis at least part of your profile (especially the top part) It includes a scanning system configured for scanning. (As shown in the figure) In the application shown, the machine (M) also has a working head (12) placed on the front and by the feeding device (14) 20 guiding the pipe (T) that is advanced toward the working head (12) It includes a guide device (16) designed for this purpose. However, the guide device (16) may not be available. Referring also to Figures 2 through 5, the scanning system, to illuminate a section of the pipe (T) being processed 25 a laser emitter arranged to emit a beam of light (L) (22) and at least one containing a camera / image capture device (24) This camera contains a laser scanning module (20) and a laser emitter (22) illuminated by the light beam (L) emitted by, subject to processing 30 to obtain an image of a portion of the held tube (T) It is arranged. Preferably, as in the practice shown here, The scanning system, a vertical plane passing through the feed axis (x) according to which are located on one side and on the opposite side respectively, and also Two laser scanners positioned on the feed axis (x) 7 It includes module (20). However, more than two laser scanning modules module (20) can be found and also these laser scanning modules Its location may differ from what is shown here. Preferably, the working head (12) is vertically transverse to the base (10). in the plane (hereinafter also referred to as the "transverse plane") 5 (to be mentioned), that is, in the vertical plane perpendicular to the feed axis (x) It can be moved. In particular, the working head (12) at least horizontally (indicated by y in the drawings and hereafter transversely) (also referred to as direction) it can be moved in the transverse plane, preferably both horizontally (y) and vertically (z) (10 in drawings) (represented by z) can be moved. In this context, for example, The working head (12) can move in the vertical direction (z) a head carrying structure (26) mounted on a sled (28) It is carried by. In contrast, the sled (28) is carried in the horizontal direction (y) It is mounted so that it can move back and forth. 15 Therefore, the working head (12) is advantageously transverse. in the plane with two degrees of freedom, in other words, vertical one degree of freedom of translation in the direction (z) and one in the horizontal direction (y) It can be moved with translational degrees of freedom. Furthermore, as indicated in the application shown, the working head is 20 (12) preferably (but not necessarily) head carrying on the structure (26), around the transverse oscillation axis (t) (or According to an unshown application, two oscillations perpendicular to each other. It is mounted in such a way that it can oscillate (around its axis). The working head (12) is 25 in a direction parallel to the feed axis (x) It can also be made to move. Feeding device (14), preferably only the feeding axis of the pipe (T). not the translational motion (forward motion) it makes along (x), also its rotational movement around this axis It is designed to control. A pipe laser cut 30 in the machine, the working head (12) freedom of movement degrees (translation along the horizontal direction (y) and vertical direction (z)) with translation along its length, probably the oscillation axis rotation around and / or translation in the direction of the feed axis (x) 8 degrees of freedom of movement of the pipe (T) (feed axis (x)) (translation and rotation around the feed axis (x)) The combination of degrees of freedom of any wall (T) of the pipe It makes it possible to cut along a cutting line. According to the application proposed here, two laser scanning modules (20) 5 is mounted on a support structure (30) and this support structure (30) is fixed onto the slide (28). Thus, laser scanning modules (20), together with the slide (28) and thus the operation Its head (12) moves horizontally (y). Another According to the application (not shown in the figure), laser scanning 10 Support structure on which the modules are mounted (30), laser scanning modules in both horizontal (y) and vertical (z) directions Driven to move together with the working head (12) in such a way that a connection is established to the head support structure or general a slide (28) on which the working head (12) is mounted 15 It is fixed onto it. In the application shown in the figure, the support structure (30) generally It has a C-shaped structure, generally referred to as C-shaped. It has a configuration, in which the sled (28) a fixed crossbar (32) and the opposite 20 of the crossbar (32) a pair of longitudinally extending side arms fixed to its ends (34) is located. The free ends of the side arms (34) are connected to the first The connecting flanges (36) are securely connected. Similar second connection flanges (38), of the relevant laser scanning module (20) support arm (40) (preferably the same as the relevant side arm (34) 25 lying in line and with a laser emitter (22) and camera / image The receiving device (24) is firmly attached to one end of which it is mounted. Thus, each laser scanning module (20) is connected to the respective support arm. (40) second connecting flange (38) of the relevant side arm (34) first by attaching to the connection flange (36) for example with screws 30 It can be easily mounted on the structure (30). Looking at FIGURES 4 and 5, each laser emitter (22), for example A beam of light having a specific aperture angle (α) equal to 20° (L) is configured to form. Preferably, each laser 9 The emitter (22), in a known manner, emits the entire beam of light. equal over the opening or at least over a large part of it It is equipped with an optical system that will allow it to spread in some way. Ideally, each laser emitter (22) should have the optical of the laser emitter. 5 such that the axis (o1) (indicated by o1) lies in the transverse plane. is assembled. Also, as shown in FIGURE 5, each laser The optical axis (o1) of the emitter is at a certain angle relative to the horizontal plane. (angle of inclination of the optical axis of the laser emitter to the horizontal plane (β)) It is inclined with. Preferably, the laser scanning modules (20) laser The optical axes (o1) of the emitters lie in the same plane. Furthermore, 10 even better, laser emitters of laser scanning modules (20) The vertical plane in which the optical axes (o1) are located, the working head (12) optical of the laser beam emitted from the laser nozzle (18) It passes through the axis (oL). In this way, the scanning system works laser emitted by the laser nozzle (18) of its head (12) 15 The pipe at the cross-section point where the beam acts during processing It scans the (T) profile precisely. This is, of course, possible. It provides the highest level of accuracy. Each camera / image capture device (24), preferably the camera's optical axis (o2) (In Figures 3 and 4, the camera's optical axis o2 20 (as shown) the laser of the same laser scanning module (20) The emitter will be in the same plane as the optical axis (o1) of the laser with the light beam (L) emitted by the emitter (22) image of the surface of the pipe (T) being processed, illuminated 25 in order to obtain it, it will be inclined according to the laser emitter (22). They are mounted in this way. Cameras / image capture devices (24), a suitable data transmission line (not shown in the figure, but) (in any case, it is a known type) through which the process is being carried out the entire cross-section (T) of the pipe or at least one To reconstruct the geometry of that section, each camera took 30 a processor capable of processing the images obtained by unit (not shown in the figure and yet a known type) It connects. According to the invention, the scanning system also includes (FIGURE 6), inside the pipe (T). in a way that will illuminate at least part of its surface to emit a directed beam of light (L) It is structured and includes an additional laser emitter (42). Preferably, additional laser emitter (42), integrated with laser scanning modules (20) In particular, the horizontal (y) translation will be 5 in its movements as well as its possible movements in the vertical (z) direction It is assembled. For example, the additional laser emitter (42) can be placed on the support structure (30) or It can be mounted directly onto the slide (28). Alternatively, As shown in FIGURE 6, the additional laser emitter (42) head carriage 10 structure (26) or in general working head (12) It can be mounted on a slide (28) on which it is mounted. Mounting Regardless of the solution, an additional laser emitter (42) is mandatory. However, advantageously, the additional light beam it emits (L') is in a vertical plane that is not parallel to the transverse vertical plane, 15 that is, located in a vertical plane that is not perpendicular to the feed axis (x). It is arranged in such a way as to receive it. Preferably, an additional laser, as in the application shown in the picture. emitter (42), vertical on which the additional light beam (L') is located. The plane will pass through the feed axis (x) and therefore 20 during the work through the longitudinal axis (T) of the pipe arranged to pass through, or more generally, additional light the feed axis of the vertical plane on which the bundle (L') is located It is arranged in parallel with (x). Pipe or profile being processed by additional laser emitter (42) 25 Thanks to the additional light beam (L') directed onto (T), scanning The system consists of two laser scanning modules (20) cameras / image acquisition devices (24) (or from these cameras / image capture devices (24) through at least one of the inner (T) of the pipe or profile. can obtain an image of at least part of its surface, 30 The processing unit associated with the scanning system processes this image as a basis. By taking this measurement, for example, it can measure the thickness of the pipe. Thus, the machine, on the line, that is, during the processing of the pipe or profile (T), or more generally, the pipe or profile (T) on the machine 11 in the working position (i.e. the pipe or profile (T)) the machine is aligned with the feed axis (x), especially the feed (when grasped by the device (14), only the pipe (T) not only scanning of the cross-sectional profile, but also additional laser Thanks to the simple addition of the diffuser (42), the pipe or 5 It can also perform contactless measurement of profile (T) thickness. The present invention is illustrated here with a possible application. It has been explained. As defined in the attached requests, here There are other applications that share the essence of the same invention as the one described. It seems that this can be considered. 10 Explanations of the Figures Figure 1: General perspective view of the machine that is the subject of the invention. Figure 2: Front view of the machine that is the subject of the invention. Figure 3: Side view of the machine that is the subject of the invention. 15 Figure 4: Regarding the scanning system of the machine subject to the invention. It is a perspective view. Figure 5: Front view of the scanning system of the machine subject to the invention. It is the appearance. Figure 6: Scanning 20 including the additional laser emitter of the machine subject to the invention. This is a perspective view of the system. Explanations of References in Figures M: Machine T: Pipe or profile 25 L: Beam of light L': Additional light beam x: Feed axis y: Horizontal direction z: Vertical direction 30 o1: Optical axis of the laser emitter o2: Optical axis of the camera oL: Optical axis of the emitted laser beam α: Aperture angle 12 β: Inclination of the optical axis of the laser emitter relative to the horizontal plane. angle t: Axis of transverse oscillation 10: Base 12: Working head 5 14: Feeding device 16: Guide device 18: Laser nozzle 20: Laser scanning module 22: Laser emitter 10 24: Camera / image capture device 26: Head support structure 28: Sled 30: Support structure 32: Crossbar 15 34: Side arm 36: First connecting flange 38: Second connecting flange 40: Support arm 42: Additional laser emitter 20

Claims

13 REQUESTS 1. - A laser beam focused onto a pipe or profile (T). a working head (12) structured to spread and the scanning system, a 5 of the pipe or profile (T) being processed to emit a beam of light (L) to illuminate the section an adapted laser emitter (22) and the aforementioned light beam (L) pipe or profile (T) illuminated by the mentioned an image capture system adapted to capture the image of the section 10 - pipe or profile (T) working position on the machine After being brought in, the machine is transversely along the feed axis (x). Includes a scanning system for scanning cross-sectional profiles, The machine (M) is for processing pipes and profiles (T), and its feature is; the scanning system, at least one of the aforementioned laser scanning modules 15 (20) In addition to the laser emitter which forms a part of it, an additional The inclusion of an additional laser emitter (42) is the aforementioned additional laser an additional light on the pipe or profile (T) of the emitter (42). Configuring it to emit the beam (L') of additional light mentioned The inner surface of the bundle (L'), pipe or profile (T) must be at least 20 characterized by being directed in a way that illuminates a part of it. It is done.

2. It is a machine according to claim 1, and its characteristic is; the aforementioned scanning. associated with the system and by the image acquisition device (24), 25 at least one of the mentioned laser scanning modules (20) in addition to the mentioned one pipe or profile (T) illuminated by light beam (L') by taking an image of at least part of the inner surface of the pipe or to determine the thickness of the profile (T) It includes a structured processing unit. 30 3. The machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, and its characteristics are: the additional laser emitter (42), the additional light mentioned the vertical plane on which the bundle (L') is located 14 It is arranged so that it is parallel to the feed axis (x).

4. The machine is as described in Claim 3, and its feature is the aforementioned additional laser. on the additional light beam (L') mentioned above of the emitter (42). 5 from the mentioned feed axis (x) of the vertical plane in which it is located It is arranged in such a way that it will pass.

5. Is a machine according to any of the previous requirements, Its feature is that the working head (12) runs along the pipe or profile (T). in a horizontal direction (y), in other words, the mentioned feed 10 in a direction perpendicular to the axis (x) and / or in a vertical direction (z) it must be mounted in a sliding manner and at least one of the aforementioned laser scanning module (20), to the working head (12), mentioned along the transverse horizontal direction (y) and / or the aforementioned vertical direction (z) The working head (12) is driven by the translational movement that occurs. It is about connecting in a way that will provide a connection.

6. Is a machine according to any of the previous requirements, The feature of the scanning system is the mentioned feed axis (x) 20 on opposite sides with respect to a vertical plane passing through it at least one regulated first laser scanning module (20) and one It includes a second laser scanning module (20).

7. It is a machine according to any of the previous requirements, feature; laser scanning modules (20), the relevant laser 25 The same light beams (L) produced by emitters (22) It is arranged so that it lies in the transverse and vertical planes.

8. It is a machine according to claim 7, and its characteristic is; working head (12) the optical axis of the focused laser beam emitted by 30 (oL) is located in the aforementioned transverse vertical plane.

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