JP2000237874A - Thermal working device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve working efficiency by resetting automatically when an alarm is sounded and working has stopped, making the working continue without manual aid, and enabling an unmanned operation. SOLUTION: A thermal working device has a torch 6 performing thermal working to a work W, a sensor detecting the tilt of the torch 6, a resetting member returning the tilted torch 6 to the perpendicular state and a moving mechanism moving the torch 6 in the up-and-down, to the left and right, and in the forward and backward directions. When the torch 6 during working is collided with the work W and tilted and the working stops the working is continued by the torch 6 returned to the perpendicular state, by elevating the torch 6 according to a collision state with the work W.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermal processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a thermal processing apparatus capable of automatically returning when a processing is stopped due to an alarm and continuing the processing without human intervention to enable unmanned operation. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a thermal processing apparatus such as a plasma processing machine or a laser processing machine is provided with a torch for irradiating a workpiece to be processed with a plasma beam, a laser beam, or the like.

For example, in a plasma processing machine, a torch 30 (FIG. 6) is attached to a vertically movable slider 33, and the torch 30 is movable with the slider 33 in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. I have.

[0004] A processing table 34 is provided below the torch 30.

With this configuration, at the time of processing the work W,
The work W is carried into the processing table 34 and the torch 30
Is positioned at a predetermined position.

In this state, by irradiating the work W with a plasma beam from the torch 30, the work W
To be processed.

[0007]

However, when the contour of a small product S is cut from the original work W (FIG. 6),
The product S may jump up.

At this time, the torch 30 being processed collides with the bouncing product S, and tilts against the restoring force of the spring 32.

As a result, the sensor 31 is turned on, for example, an alarm signal is transmitted to the NC (not shown), and the machine stops machining.

However, conventionally, in order to continue the machining, it is necessary for the operator himself to perform an obstacle removing action such as removing the jumped-up product S and to perform an NC operation or the like to continue the machining. Was.

As a result, the overall processing time is prolonged, leading to a reduction in processing efficiency.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal processing apparatus in which, when an alarm is generated and the processing is stopped, the processing is automatically restored, so that the processing can be continued without human intervention to enable unmanned operation. The purpose is to improve efficiency.

[0013]

According to the present invention, to solve the above-mentioned problems, as shown in FIGS.
A torch 6 for thermally processing the work W (FIG. 1);
A sensor for detecting the tilt of the torch, a return member for returning the tilted torch 6 vertically, and a moving mechanism for moving the torch 6 up and down, left and right, and back and forth. When the machining is stopped by colliding with the product S (shown on the right side in FIG. 4), the torch 6 is tilted.
The torch 6 is moved in the direction opposite to the traveling direction until the torch 6 returns to the vertical position (the second diagram on the right side in FIG. 4).
(FIG. 4), and (B) which continues the processing of the next product S by the torch 6 which has returned to the vertical position.
A torch 6 for thermally processing the work W (FIG. 1);
A sensor for detecting the inclination of the torch 6, a return member for returning the inclined torch 6 to a vertical position, and a moving mechanism for moving the torch 6 up, down, left and right, and back and forth. When the machining is stopped by colliding with the torch (the first diagram on the right side of FIG. 5), the torch 6 is raised until the inclined torch 6 returns to the vertical position (the second diagram on the right side of FIG. 5). The processing of the same work W is continued by the torch 6 returning to the step (1).

In this case, for example, the sensor is constituted by a collision detection limit switch LS (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the return member is constituted by a spring 21 (FIGS. 2 and 3). A moving beam 2 (FIG. 1) and a carriage 4 moving left and right on the beam 2
And a slider 13 that moves vertically on the carriage 4 and is provided with the torch 6.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, in the thermal processing apparatus, when the processing is stopped due to the occurrence of an alarm, the processing automatically resumes, so that the processing is continued without manual operation and the unmanned operation is performed. And the processing efficiency can be improved.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings according to embodiments. FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

The thermal processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a plasma processing machine.

The plasma processing machine 1 has a torch 6 to be described later, and the torch 6 irradiates a work W gripped by a clamp 10 on a processing table 11 with a plasma beam, thereby producing a product from the work W. Plasma processing such as cutting S (FIG. 4) is performed.

The plasma processing machine 1 has a beam 2, which is slidably coupled via guide rails 8 on a frame 9 extending on both sides in the X-axis direction (front-back direction toward the page). A ball screw 7 is screwed into the beam 2, and the ball screw 7 is connected to the X-axis motor Mx.

The beam 2 is provided with a ball screw 3 connected to a Y-axis motor My (FIG. 1A), and the ball screw 3 is connected to the carriage 4 via a nut 17 (FIG. 2).
The carriage 4 is slidingly connected to a guide rail 18 on the beam 2 (FIG. 2).

On the carriage 4, a guide rail 1 is provided.
4, the slider 13 is slidably coupled to the slider 13.
Is screwed into a ball screw 5 via a nut 24, and the ball screw 5 is connected to a Z-axis motor Mz fixed to the carriage 4 via a bracket 15.

The slider 13 is provided with the torch 6 for irradiating the work W with a plasma beam, as described above.

With this configuration, the torch 6 is
By driving the X-axis motor Mx, the Y-axis motor My, and the Z-axis motor Mz under the control of FIG. 1B, positioning is performed in a three-dimensional direction.

The torch 6 is detachably attached to a holder 16 (FIG. 2), and the holder 16 is provided on a front projection 13A of the slider 13.

An opening 13A1 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the holder 16 is formed in the front protruding portion 13A of the slider 13, and the holder 16 is provided with the opening 13A1.
And its flange portion is seated on an annular support 19 described later (FIG. 3).

The annular support 19 is provided on the periphery of the opening 13A1. A convex portion 22 is formed in the annular support 19 in the circumferential direction. It is engaged with the formed circumferential recess 23.

Further, a limit switch LS for collision detection and a return spring 21
Is attached.

When the projection 22 and the recess 23 are engaged with each other (FIG. 3A), the collision detection limit switch LS contacts the annular support 19 and is in an off state, for example. The return spring 21 is inserted between the holder 16 and the spring seat 20 to press the holder 16.

However, when the torch 6 being processed collides with the workpiece W (FIGS. 4 and 5), the torch 6 tilts against the restoring force of the return spring 21 (FIG. 3).
(B)), the engagement between the protrusion 22 and the recess 23 is partially released, and the collision detection limit switch LS is turned on (step 103 in FIG. 4 and step 203 in FIG. 5).

As a result, the alarm signal AL is transmitted from the collision detection limit switch LS to the NC 12 (FIGS. 1B and 3B), so that the X-axis motor Mx
The driving (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and the like are stopped, and the machining is stopped (step 104 in FIG. 4 and step 204 in FIG. 5).

N for controlling such a plasma processing machine 1
The details of C12 are shown in FIG.
CPU 12A, memories 12B and 12C, X-axis amplifier 12D, Y-axis amplifier 12E, Z-axis amplifier 12F,
The input unit 12G is configured.

The memories 12B and 12C store processing programs and operation software (corresponding to, for example, FIGS. 4 and 5) via the input unit 12G.

The CPU 12A of the NC 12 (see FIG. 1)
(B)) By decoding a machining program or the like, a predetermined voltage is applied to the X-axis motor Mx via, for example, the X-axis amplifier 12D, and the X-axis motor Mx is driven.
Is moved in the X-axis direction or the like to control the plasma processing machine 1.

Then, as described above, the torch 6 during processing collides with the workpiece W and tilts (FIG. 3B), and the alarm signal AL is transmitted from the collision detection limit switch LS to the NC 12 to stop the processing. If it is done, the CPU 12
A drives the Z-axis motor Mz via the Z-axis amplifier 12F, raises the torch 6 based on the state of collision with the workpiece W, and continues machining with the torch 6 returning to the vertical.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

(1) Operation when the torch 6 collides with the bouncing product S (FIG. 4).

In this case, first, at step 10 in FIG.
In step 1, processing is started, and in step 102,
The torch 6 collides with the jumped product S, and step 10
In 3, the collision detection limit switch LS is turned on, and in step 104, the machining is stopped.

That is, on the processing table 11 (FIG. 1)
(A)) The workpiece W gripped by the clamp 10 is irradiated with a plasma beam from the torch 6 to cut and cut a large number of products S from the workpiece W.

Then, when the torch 6 being processed collides with the product S jumped up from the workpiece W (the first diagram on the right side in FIG. 4), the torch 6 tilts against the restoring force of the return spring 21 ( 3B), the collision detection limit switch LS is turned on, an alarm signal AL is transmitted to the NC 12 (FIG. 1B), and the plasma processing machine 1 stops processing.

Next, in step 105 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the same operation is repeated. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES), in step 106, the torch 6 is moved in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. Then, at step 107, it is determined whether or not the collision detection limit switch LS has been turned off. If the collision detection limit switch LS has not been turned off (NO), the same operation is repeated. If it has been turned off (YES), the next step 1
Proceed to 08 and stop the torch 6.

That is, after stopping the machining (step 104 in FIG. 4), the NC 12 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed by using a built-in clock. Drives the Y-axis motor My via the Y-axis amplifier 12E (FIGS. 1 (B) and 1 (A)), whereby the torch 6 is moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which it has proceeded. It is moved (second diagram on the right side of FIG. 4).

The NC 12 (FIG. 1B) keeps the torch 6 until the collision detection limit switch LS is turned off.
In the opposite direction, and the collision detection limit switch L
When S is turned off (YE of step 107 in FIG. 4)
S), the driving of the Y-axis motor My is stopped, and the torch 6 that has been moving in the opposite direction (the second diagram on the right side in FIG. 4) is stopped.

As a result, the torch 6 separates from the product S that has jumped up, and returns vertically due to the restoring force of the return spring 21 (FIG. 3A).

Next, in step 109 of FIG. 4, the torch 6 which has returned to the vertical position is raised, and in step 110, processing of the next product S is continued.

That is, the NC 12 (FIG. 1B) drives the Z-axis motor Mz via the Z-axis amplifier 12F (FIG. 1).
(B), FIG. 1 (A)), whereby the slider 13 is raised on the carriage 4 (FIG. 2), so that the torch 6 which has returned to the vertical is raised together with the slider 13, and the next multi-cavity product is obtained. Processing is continued for S.

(2) Operation when the torch 6 collides with the surface of the work W (FIG. 5).

In this case, first, at step 20 in FIG.
In step 1, processing is started, and in step 202,
The torch 6 collides with the surface of the workpiece W, the limit switch LS for collision detection is turned on in step 203, and the processing is stopped in step 204.

That is, on the processing table 11 (FIG. 1)
(A)) The workpiece W gripped by the clamp 10 is irradiated with a plasma beam from the torch 6 to perform plasma processing on the workpiece W.

However, when the work W has irregularities and the torch 6 being processed collides with the surface of the work W (FIG. 5).
, The torch 6 is tilted against the restoring force of the return spring 21 (FIG. 3B), the collision detection limit switch LS is turned on, and the control goes to the NC 12 (FIG. 1).
(B)) The alarm signal AL is transmitted, and the plasma processing machine 1 stops processing.

Next, in step 205 of FIG.
The torch 6 is raised, and in step 206, it is determined whether or not the collision detection limit switch LS is turned off.
If the switch is not turned off (NO), the same operation is repeated. If the switch is turned off (YES), the process proceeds to the next step 207 to stop the torch 6.

That is, the NC 12 (FIG. 1B) stops the machining (step 204 in FIG. 5), and then the Z-axis amplifier 1
The Z-axis motor Mz is driven via 2F (FIGS. 1B and 1A), and the torch 6 colliding with the surface of the work W is raised (the second diagram on the right side in FIG. 5).

Then, the NC 12 (FIG. 1B) keeps the torch 6 until the collision detection limit switch LS is turned off.
Is raised and the collision detection limit switch LS is turned off (YES in step 206 in FIG. 5), the drive of the Z-axis motor Mz is stopped, and the torch that has been raised (the second diagram on the right side in FIG. 5). 6 is stopped.

As a result, the torch 6 returns vertically (FIG. 3 (A)) by the restoring force of the return spring 21 while it is being raised (the second diagram on the right side in FIG. 5).

Next, in step 208 of FIG. 5, the initial values are reset, and in step 209, the machining of the same workpiece W is continued.

That is, the NC 12 (FIG. 1B) resets the height position and the like of the torch 6 returned to the vertical position from the work W, and uses the torch 6 returned to the vertical position for the same work W. Continue processing.

(3) An operation obtained by combining the operations (2) and (1) (FIGS. 5 and 4).

In this case, at first, the torch 6 being processed collides with the surface of the work W and is tilted to stop the processing (the first diagram on the right side of FIG. 5), and the processing is continued based on FIG. Is
Since the torch 6 being processed collides with the product S jumped up from the workpiece W and tilts to stop the processing (the first diagram on the right side of FIG. 4), the processing is continued based on FIG.

That is, although an alarm is first generated and processing is continued based on FIG. 5, if an alarm is generated again, processing can be continued based on FIG.

Similarly, an alarm is first generated and processing is continued based on FIG. 4. If an alarm is generated again, processing can be continued based on FIG.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the thermal processing apparatus, when an alarm is generated and the processing is stopped, the processing automatically resumes, so that the processing can be continued without human intervention. This has the technical effect of enabling unmanned operation and improving processing efficiency.

[0061]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a torch 6 constituting the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plasma processing machine 2 Beam 3, 5, 7 Ball screw 4 Carriage 6 Torch 8, 14, 18 Guide rail 9 Frame 10 Clamp 11 Processing table 12 NC 13 Slider 15 Bracket 16 Holder 17, 24 Nut 19 Ring support 20 Spring seat 21 spring for return 22 convex part 23 concave part

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A torch for thermally processing a workpiece, a sensor for detecting the inclination of the torch, a return member for returning the torch to a vertical position, and a moving mechanism for moving the torch up, down, left, right, and front and rear. When the torch being processed collides with a product bouncing off the workpiece and tilts to stop the processing, the torch is moved in the direction opposite to the traveling direction until the tilted torch returns to vertical, and the torch returns to vertical. The thermal processing apparatus characterized in that the processing is continued for the next product by the torch that has returned to the vertical by raising the torch. 2. A torch for thermally processing a workpiece, a sensor for detecting a tilt of the torch, a return member for returning the tilted torch to a vertical position, and a moving mechanism for moving the torch up and down, left and right, and back and forth. When the torch being processed collides with the surface of the work and tilts to stop the processing, the torch is raised until the tilted torch returns to vertical, so that the processing of the same work is continued by the returned torch. A thermal processing apparatus characterized in that: 3. The sensor is constituted by a collision detection limit switch, the return member is constituted by a spring, and the moving mechanism is constituted by a beam moving in the front-back direction, a carriage moving in the left-right direction on the beam, and the carriage. The thermal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal processing apparatus comprises a slider which moves vertically on the slider and is provided with a torch. 4. After continuing processing of the next product by the torch that has returned to the vertical position, if the torch being processed collides with the surface of the workpiece to stop the processing, the tilted torch is turned off. The thermal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the torch is raised until it returns to a vertical position, and processing of the same workpiece is continued by the torch that has returned to a vertical position. 5. After continuing processing on the same work with the torch that has returned to the vertical, when the torch that is processing the same work collides with a product jumping from the work and tilts to stop the processing, Move the torch in the direction opposite to the traveling direction until the inclined torch returns to vertical,
The thermal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the torch that has returned to the vertical position is raised to continue processing the next product using the torch that has returned to the vertical position.