JP2003220485A - Laser marking system and method for regulation of guide image projection position thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laser marking system, which can realize the regulation of a projection position of a guide image and accurate and stable printing position regulation, and to provide a method for regulating a projection position of the guide image thereof. <P>SOLUTION: Reference mark printing coordinate data for printing a first reference mark 42 in a point O are given to a galvanoscanner 20 to print the first reference mark 42. As soon as reference guide image projecting coordinate data for projecting a reference image 44 on the point O are given to the galvanoscanner 20, the reference image 44 is projected on a position deviated from the point O. Upon the regulation of the galvanoscanner 20 to move the reference image 44 to a position within '○', a control means 24 calculates the deviation level of the rotatable angle of individual galvanomirrors 21X, 21Y between after and before the movement of the reference image 44 based on detection signals from an angle detection means 25, and a correction coefficient corresponding to the deviation level is written in a memory means 28. In a guide image projection mode to be executed after that, guide image coordinate data, which have been corrected based on the correction coefficient, are given to the galvanoscanner 20 before the operation of the galvanoscanner 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser marking apparatus having a function of projecting a guide image according to a pattern to be printed on a work by a guide light and a method for adjusting the projection position of the guide image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A laser marking device has, for example, a pair of galvano mirrors arranged in the optical path of a printing laser light emitted from a printing laser light source, and characters, symbols, figures, etc. to be printed on these galvano mirrors. By rotating based on the coordinate data according to the print pattern consisting of two-dimensionally scanning the irradiation point of the printing laser light on the work,
The printing pattern is printed.

In this type, a guide image of the print pattern can be projected onto the work by using a visible guide laser beam so that the print position on the work can be adjusted before the start of printing. There is. Specifically, the guide laser light source that emits the guide laser light is arranged from the side of the optical path of the printing laser light emitted from the printing laser light source toward this optical path, and these laser light Half mirrors are placed at the intersections of. And
The direction of this guide laser light is changed through a half mirror to match the optical axis of the printing laser light, and the guide laser light passes through the same optical path as the printing laser light and is incident on the galvano mirror. Has been done. Then, the galvanometer mirror is rotated based on the same coordinate data as in the printing operation to scan the irradiation point of the guide laser light on the work, and the guide image of the print pattern is projected on the work. Become.

This makes it possible to confirm the error between the projected position of the guide image on the work and the desired position.
Therefore, the print position can be adjusted before printing starts. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately prepare the sample work, and the print position can be adjusted relatively easily, as compared with the case where the sample work is actually printed and the print position is adjusted. .

[0005]

By the way, in order to perform accurate print position adjustment, it is necessary to match the projection position of the guide image with the print position of the print pattern on the work. The reason why the optical axes of the guide laser beam and the printing laser beam are made to coincide with each other in the above-described configuration is that if they coincide, the irradiation position of both lasers on the work is rotated by rotating the galvanometer mirror based on the same coordinate data. It is considered that it is considered that the projection position of the guide image can be easily matched with the printing position of the printing pattern by this.

In reality, however, it is difficult to make the optical axes of the two laser beams completely coincide with each other, and even if they can be coincident with each other, the projection position of the guide image is entirely from the print position of the print pattern. It may shift. One of the causes is the difference in the wavelength of the laser light. That is, since the printing laser light (infrared light) and the guide laser light (visible light, specifically, red light) originally have different wavelengths, the refractive index and the like in the optical system are different. Then, these laser lights reach the work through the optical system such as a galvanometer mirror and a converging lens arranged between the works for adjusting the laser spot diameter on the work, in addition to the half mirror. Therefore, even if the optical axes of the two laser beams are made to coincide with each other and the galvanometer mirror is also rotated in the same manner, the optical axes of the two laser beams may be displaced due to the difference in refractive index when passing through the converging lens. Due to this, a positional deviation occurs between the printing position of the printing pattern by the printing laser light and the projection position of the guide image by the guiding laser light.

The deviation of the irradiation position may be so small that it does not substantially affect the printing position adjustment. However, for example, on the user side, the distance from the laser emission port to the workpiece may be changed, and accordingly, another converging lens having different characteristics may be replaced,
As a result, the deviation of the irradiation positions of the two laser beams may become noticeable.

If such a positional deviation of the projection position of the guide image with respect to the printing position of the printing pattern still occurs, accurate printing position adjustment cannot be performed, and even if the positional deviation is taken into consideration, the printing position adjustment is performed. However, there was a problem in that the work had to rely on the sensory judgment of each worker and the stable print position adjustment could not always be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to make it possible to adjust a positional deviation of a projection position of a guide image with respect to a printing position of a pattern to be printed, thereby performing an accurate and stable printing position adjustment. A laser marking device and a method for adjusting the projection position of the guide image thereof are provided.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a guide image projection position adjusting method for a laser marking device according to a first aspect of the present invention prints by operating a galvano scanner based on printing coordinate data. The galvano scanner is operated based on a printing operation mode in which marking is performed by irradiating a required position of the work with a printing laser light from a laser light source for the work, and guide image coordinate data having a predetermined relationship with the printing coordinate data. By making visible the guide light from the guide light source having a wavelength different from that of the printing laser light on the work, the guide image corresponding to the pattern to be printed on the work in the printing operation mode is formed on the work. In the laser marking device that can execute the guide image projection mode to draw on the surface,
After executing the printing operation mode to print a reference mark for offset adjustment on the work, execute the guide image projection mode to project a reference image for offset adjustment having a predetermined relationship with the reference mark, Performing an offset amount adjusting step of adjusting the operation of the galvano scanner so that the reference image has a predetermined regular positional relationship with respect to the reference mark, and in the guide image projection mode executed thereafter, The feature is that the guide image coordinate data is corrected corresponding to the adjustment amount adjusted in the offset amount adjusting step.

In the laser marking device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the galvano scanner is operated based on the printing coordinate data to irradiate the printing laser light from the printing laser light source to the required position of the work for marking. By operating the galvano scanner based on the printing operation mode to be performed and the guide image coordinate data having a predetermined relationship with the printing coordinate data, the light can be visually recognized from the guide light source having a wavelength different from the printing laser light. A guide image projection mode for projecting a guide light onto the work to draw a guide image corresponding to a pattern to be printed on the work on the work surface in the printing operation mode. For printing the reference mark for printing the offset adjustment reference mark on the workpiece in the printing operation mode Reference mark coordinate generation means for generating mark data, reference image coordinate generation means for generating reference guide image projection coordinate data for projecting a reference image for offset adjustment on the work in the guide image projection mode, The galvanometer is arranged so that the reference image projected on the work in the guide image projection mode has a predetermined regular positional relationship with respect to the reference mark printed on the work by executing the printing operation mode in advance. Adjustment means for adjusting the operation of the scanner, and adjustment for measuring the adjustment amount of the galvano scanner when the projection position of the reference image is adjusted to the regular positional relationship with respect to the print position of the reference mark by the adjusting means. An amount measuring means and a storage means for storing a value according to the adjustment amount measured by the adjustment amount measuring means as a correction coefficient, In serial guide image projection mode has characterized in that for correcting the guide image coordinate data based on the correction coefficient stored in the storage means.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the laser marking apparatus of claim 2, the reference image for offset adjustment is constituted by one point.

The invention of claim 4 is the invention of claim 2 or claim 3.
In the laser marking device according to, the reference mark for offset adjustment has a shape having a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference image, and the normal positional relationship is that the reference image is within the frame of the reference mark. It has a feature in that it fits in.

In the present invention, the "regular positional relationship" means
On the workpiece, the projection position of the guide image projected by executing the guide image projection mode substantially coincides with the printing position of the pattern printed by executing the printing operation mode, to the extent that there is no problem in adjusting the printing position. It refers to the positional relationship. In other words, in order to print the pattern to be printed by the operator at a desired position on the work, first, the guide image projection mode is executed to set the guide image corresponding to the pattern at the desired position on the work. Adjust the position so that it is projected (for example, move the work), then
The positional relationship is such that a pattern printed by executing the printing operation mode is substantially printed at the desired position on the work.

[0015]

<Advantages and Effects of the Invention><Inventions of Claims 1 and 2> In the laser marking device, in the printing operation mode, the galvano scanner is driven based on the printing coordinate data to scan the printing laser light on the work. The pattern to be printed is printed by irradiating as described above. On the other hand, in the guide image projection mode for adjusting the print position, the galvano scanner is driven based on the guide image coordinate data having a predetermined relationship with the print coordinate data to form a guide image corresponding to the pattern. Draw on the surface. Here, there is a case where the guide image in the guide image projection mode is not projected to a position having a regular positional relationship with the print position of the pattern in the print operation mode, resulting in misalignment.

Therefore, according to the first and second aspects, first, the printing operation mode is executed to print the offset adjustment reference mark on the work. Then, the guide image projection mode is executed to project a reference image for offset adjustment having a predetermined relationship with the reference mark. Then, the reference image is projected at a position that has a normal positional relationship with the print position of the reference mark. Therefore, the operation of the galvano scanner is adjusted so that they are in a predetermined regular positional relationship while confirming their positions in order to correct the deviation. Then, in the subsequent guide image projection mode, the galvano scanner is operated based on the guide image coordinate data corrected corresponding to the adjustment amount.

As a result, in the subsequent guide image projection mode, the galvano scanner is operated so as to eliminate the above-mentioned positional deviation, which enables accurate and stable print position adjustment. As a means for measuring the positional deviation between the print position of the pattern and the corresponding projected position of the guide image, for example, a camera for picking up an image of the work is provided and the reference mark is obtained by processing the image captured by the camera. A configuration that measures the positional deviation from the guide image is also conceivable. However, such a configuration requires a camera and various devices for image processing separately,
The cost of the laser marking device itself increases, and the processing load on the control unit increases, which is not practical. On the other hand, in the present invention, the reference image is moved so as to have a normal positional relationship with respect to the reference mark by giving predetermined coordinate data to the galvano scanner, and the adjustment amount of the galvano scanner at that time is adjusted to the above-mentioned position. The configuration is such that the measurement corresponds to the deviation. Here, the galvano scanning type laser marking device is usually provided with a rotation angle detecting means for detecting the current rotation angle of the galvano mirror, and based on a detection signal from this rotation angle detecting means. It is possible to measure the adjustment amount. That is,
The present invention can be realized while making full use of the existing configuration of the laser marking device, and has a particular effect in terms of cost and processing load of the control unit as compared with the above-described configuration by image processing.

<Invention of Claim 3> According to the configuration of Claim 3, a reference image constituted by one point, that is, a spot-like guide light is applied to the reference mark at the time of alignment with the reference work. Therefore, it is adjusted to a predetermined position so as to have a regular positional relationship. Since it is the spot-shaped guide light, it is possible to more accurately and easily perform delicate alignment with a predetermined position as compared with a reference image formed of a complicated figure or the like.

<Invention of Claim 4> In FIG. 1, a reference mark 1 is printed on a work W by irradiating a printing laser beam at one point, and a reference mark 1 is also projected on the work by irradiating a guide light at one point. The reference image 2 is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the reference image 2 is similar in size to the reference mark 1. This is for the following reason. That is, the laser marking device is usually provided with a converging lens in the optical path of the printing laser light reflected by the galvano scanner and reaching the work. This converging lens mainly plays a role of converging the laser light for printing to increase the energy density of the irradiation point on the work in order to enable printing on the work. Here, as described above, since the printing laser light and the guide light have different wavelengths, the refractive index in the optical system is different. Therefore, the guide light is not converged by the converging lens as much as the printing laser light, and the spot diameter of the guide light on the work becomes larger than the spot diameter of the printing laser light. Therefore, the reference image 2 projected by the guide light is similar in size to the reference mark 1 printed by the printing laser light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, when trying to match the reference image 2 with the reference mark 1, the reference mark 1 is hidden by the similarly large reference image 2 and the visibility deteriorates.

Therefore, in the present invention, the reference mark for offset adjustment has a shape having a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference image, and the positional relationship when the reference image is set within the frame of the reference mark. When the projection position of the guide image in the guide image projection mode does not substantially deviate from the normal positional relationship, that is, the print position of the pattern in the printing operation mode, to the extent that there is no hindrance in the print position adjustment. And the positional relationship between the two. Specifically, for example, FIG. 1 (C)
As shown in, the shape of the reference mark is a circle ("reference mark 3") having a diameter slightly larger than the outer shape of the reference image 2 formed by one point. By doing so, it becomes possible to visually recognize the circular portion of the reference mark 3 and align the reference image 2 so that the reference image 2 fits within the circle (see FIG. 3D). The work of adjusting 2 so as to have the regular positional relationship becomes relatively easy. From the above,
The reference mark is shaped so as to have a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference image, and is aligned so that the reference image fits within a predetermined position within the frame of the reference mark (for example, a position where the centers of the reference marks match). Thus, the work of adjusting the operation of the galvano scanner so that the reference image has a normal positional relationship with respect to the reference mark becomes accurate and easy.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 2, the printing laser light L1 and the guide laser light L2 are shown only on the optical axis for the sake of simplicity. Also, in FIG. 3, the point O
Are galvano-mirrors 21X for X-axis and Y-axis, which will be described later.
21Y is the irradiation position of the laser light L1 for printing when the rotation angle of 0Y is 0 degree, and the printing area E indicates an area of a predetermined range on the surface of the work W arranged so that the point O comes to the center. There is.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a printing laser light source 10, which emits a printing laser light L.
The direction of 1 is changed by the galvano scanner 20 and irradiated on the surface of the work W. The galvano scanner 20
A pair of galvano mirrors 21X and 21Y and drive motors 23X and 23Y that rotatably support the galvano mirrors 21X and 21Y are provided. Of these, the drive motor 23X is supported and fixed by a galvano mount (not shown) so that its rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the XY plane on the printing area, and one of the galvano mirrors (hereinafter referred to as "X-axis") is attached to the tip of the rotation axis. Galvano mirror 21X ") is attached. The printing laser light L1 from the printing laser light source 10 is designed to enter the rotation axis of the reflecting surface of the X-axis galvanometer mirror 21X from a direction substantially parallel to the XY plane.

Next, the drive motor 23Y has a rotation axis X.
It is supported and fixed by a galvano mount (not shown) so as to be substantially parallel to the Y plane and substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the drive motor 23X, and the other galvano mirror (hereinafter referred to as "Y axis galvano mirror" is attached to the tip of the rotation axis. 21Y ") is attached. The X-axis galvanometer mirror 2 is attached to the reflecting surface of the Y-axis galvanometer mirror 21Y.
The printing laser beam L1 reflected by 1X is designed to enter. Then, between the galvano scanner 20 and the work W, a converging lens 22 formed of, for example, an fθ lens.
Is provided to converge the printing laser beam L1 reflected by the Y-axis galvanometer mirror 21Y to form an irradiation point having a predetermined spot diameter on the work W.

With such a configuration, the drive motor 23
When the X-axis galvanometer mirror 21X is rotated by X, the irradiation point moves on the work W in a predetermined direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 2) and the drive motor 23Y rotates the Y-axis galvanometer mirror 21Y. Then, the irradiation point moves in the direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

Next, reference numeral 30 denotes a guide laser light source (corresponding to the "guide light source" of the present invention) for emitting the visible guide laser light L2 (corresponding to the "guide light" of the present invention). The laser light L1 for printing emitted from the laser light source 10 for printing is arranged from the side of the optical path to the optical path of this laser light L1. Also, both laser lights L1,
At a position where L2 intersects, a half mirror 27 for changing the direction of the guide laser beam L2 and aligning it with the optical axis of the printing laser beam L1 is arranged. As a result, the guide laser beam L2 also reaches the galvano scanner 20 side through the same optical path as the printing laser beam L1. Although the visible guiding laser beam L2 is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any visible light having a power capable of projecting a guide image on a work may be, for example, light from an LED or the like. May be. Further, reference numeral 25 indicates the X axis and Y.
An angle detecting means for detecting the angles of the galvano mirrors 21X, 21Y of the axes, and a detection signal corresponding to these angles is given to the control means 24 described below at any time.

The printing laser light source 10, the guide laser light source 30 and the galvano scanner 20 are controlled by the control means 24. A setting means 26 such as a console is connected to the control means 24, and characters to be printed,
When a print pattern including symbols, figures, etc. (hereinafter, “characters”) is set by the setting means 26, the control means 24
CPU (not shown) generates a plurality of coordinate data corresponding to the position on the work W and stores it in a memory (not shown). Then, when "print start" is set by the setting means 26, the control means 24 sequentially applies the coordinate data stored in the memory as print coordinate data to the drive motors 23X and 23Y of the galvano scanner 20, and ON / OFF control of the laser light source 10 for printing is performed (corresponding to the "printing operation mode" of the present invention). As a result, the galvano scanner 20 is driven so that the laser light L1 for printing becomes the work W.
The print pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the work W by being irradiated so as to scan above.

On the other hand, when the "projection start" is set, the control means 24 also uses the coordinate data stored in the memory as the guide image coordinate data to drive the motors 23X and 23Y.
And the ON / OFF control of the guide laser light source 30 (corresponding to the “guide image projection mode” of the present invention). As a result, the galvano scanner 20 is driven in the same manner as in the printing operation mode, so that the guide laser beam L2 is emitted so as to scan the work W, and the guide image of the print pattern is printed at the print position of the print pattern. Almost matches (corresponds to the "regular positional relationship" of the present invention)
Will be projected to the position. The guide image is
It does not need to project the same characters as the print pattern. For example, a simplified print pattern (for example, a print pattern "ABC" can be changed to "○○○" or "AB").
C "may be a rectangle surrounding the whole C).

Now, as described in the above-mentioned conventional description,
Since the printing laser light L1 and the guiding laser light L2 have different wavelengths, the refractive index and the like at the converging lens 22 are different. This is one cause. Even if the optical axes of the laser beams L1 and L2 directed to the galvano scanner 20 side are made coincident and the galvano scanner 20 is rotated based on the same coordinate data, the projection position of the guide image is printed. The pattern may be displaced from the print position as a whole. In the laser marking device of the present embodiment, when used within a predetermined range, the deviation of the projection position of the guide image with respect to the printing position of the print pattern is a minute deviation that does not substantially affect the printing position adjustment. Met. However, for example, when the distance from the laser emission port (not shown) of the laser marking device to the work W (hereinafter referred to as “work distance”) is changed, or when another converging lens 22 having different characteristics is changed according to the change of the work distance. In addition, the deviation of the projection position of the guide image became remarkable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, the guide image 40 (“H” shown by the solid line in the figure) in the guide image projection mode is the print pattern 4 in the print operation.
The direction of one vertex of the square print area with respect to the print position of 1 (“H” shown by the dotted line in the figure) (the direction of the upper left corner in the figure)
It will be projected at a position shifted to. With this, even if the projection position of the guide image 40 is adjusted to be projected at the center position on the workpiece W, the print position of the print pattern 41 is not adjusted to the center position, and accurate print position adjustment cannot be performed. .

Therefore, the operation of the control means 24 and the like in order to eliminate such positional deviation will be described below. First, when the setting means 26 sets "start of projection position adjustment", the control means 24 functions as the "reference mark coordinate generation means" of the present invention. In this embodiment, for example, a slightly larger "○" (hereinafter, "first reference mark 42") than the outer shape of the spot light of the printing laser beam L1 on the work W is placed on a predetermined printing area E on the work W. The reference mark printing coordinate data for printing at the point O is generated and given to the galvano scanner 20, and the printing laser light source 10 is turned on. In the present embodiment, the galvano scanner 20 is provided with coordinate data for printing another second reference mark 43 “◯” in the upper left corner of the print area E. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The reference marks 42 and 43 are printed respectively.

Next, the control means 24 functions as the "reference image coordinate generation means" of the present invention. In this embodiment, for example, 1
Coordinate data for projecting a reference guide image for projecting a guide image of one point (corresponding to the “reference image 44” below) to the point O is generated and given to the galvano scanner 20, and the guide laser light source 30 is turned on. . The coordinate data of the first and second reference marks 42 and 43 and the reference image 44 may be set by the operator by the setting means 26 or may be stored in advance in the memory.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the reference image 4
4 is also projected at a position deviated from the point O. Therefore, next, the galvano scanner 20 is driven so as to move the reference image 44 to the position within the reference mark 43 “◯”. More specifically, while confirming the projection position of the reference image 44 on the work W, the operator uses the setting means 26 to make a key input in the up, down, left, and right directions (↑ ↓ ← →) or to associate it with a position on the print area E. Input the XY coordinate values. Then, the control means 24 functions as the "adjustment means" of the present invention, and supplies the galvano scanner 20 side with coordinate data corresponding to the input contents of the setting means 26 to move the projection position of the reference image 44.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the reference image 44 is within the first reference mark 42 "○" printed at the point O, the setting means 26 once inputs the input of the adjustment completion ( This corresponds to the "offset adjusting step" in claim 1).
Further, at this time, the control means 24, based on the detection signal from the angle detection means 25, the rotation angle deviation amount (corresponding to the "adjustment amount" of the present invention) of each of the galvano mirrors 21X and 21Y before and after the movement of the reference image 44. ) Is calculated and written as a correction coefficient in the storage unit 28. In this embodiment,
It is assumed that the print area E is moved by + a in the X direction and moved by -b in the Y direction. At this time, each galvano mirror 21X is based on the detection signals from the angle detecting means 25 before and after the movement.
, 21Y rotation angle deviation amount is calculated and is converted corresponding to the position deviation on the print area (+ a, −
It is stored in the storage means 28 as b).

Further, in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 (C) (D)
The reference image 44 is displayed on the second reference mark 4 in the upper left corner as shown in FIG.
Move to the inside of “3” of 3 and input the adjustment completion again.
At this time, the control means 24 controls the galvano mirrors 21 before and after the movement based on the detection signal from the angle detection means 25.
The rotation angle deviation amounts (θ1x, θ1y) of X and 21Y are measured. Further, in the above memory, the maximum rotation angle (θ2x, θ when the irradiation point of the printing laser beam L1 is scanned in the printing area E)
2y) is memorized. Then, the rotation angle deviation amount (θ
1x, θ1y) is divided by the maximum rotation angle (θ2x, θ2y), and the guide laser light L2 with respect to the movement amount of the irradiation point of the printing laser light L1 per unit rotation angle of each Galvano mirror 21X, 21Y. The ratio of the movement amount of the irradiation point of is calculated. Actually, there may be a difference in the movement amount of both the laser beams L1 and L2 with respect to the unit rotation angle of the galvano mirror as well as the position shift of the guide image. The magnification of the movement amount is calculated.

Next, when the projection start is set, the control means 24 causes the coordinate data (X, Y) stored in the memory.
For example,

<Equation 1> X ′ = (θ1x / θ2x) * X + a Y ′ = (θ1y / θ2y) * Yb The correction is performed based on the formula, and the corrected coordinate data (X ′, Y ′). ) Is applied to the galvano scanner 20 as the guide image coordinate data to perform the guide image projection mode. Then, the guide image 40 (“H”) is displayed on the X
The image can be projected at a position that is moved by + a in the direction and moved by -b in the Y direction, that is, a position that substantially coincides with the position where the print pattern 41 ("H") is printed.

Moreover, once the above-mentioned projection position adjustment is performed,
Even if other print patterns are printed, the above <Numerical formula 1> is always applied.
The galvano scanner 20 is driven based on the guide image coordinate data corrected based on the calculation formula, and the guide image is projected at a position where the deviation of the projection position is eliminated. Therefore, accurate and stable print position adjustment can be performed for various print patterns unless the use settings are changed. Further, in this embodiment, the corrected guide image coordinate data (X ′, Y ′) is the variation in the movement amount of both laser lights L1 and L2 (θ1x / θ2x, θ1y / θ) due to the deviation of the projection position.
It is possible to project the guide image at a more accurate position because it is corrected by taking into account 2y).

Further, in this embodiment, the reference image 44 is constituted by one point (corresponding to the constitution of claim 2), and the first reference mark 42 can surround the outer edge of the reference image 44. It is configured such that the projection position of the guide image 40 can be matched with the print position of the print pattern 41 by moving the reference image 44 so as to be within the “◯” of the reference mark 42 (claim 4). Corresponding to the configuration). Therefore, the alignment is relatively easy as compared with the case where the reference image and the reference mark are composed of the same characters or the like.

Unlike the present embodiment, the reference image may be the same character as the reference mark. However, if the reference marks 42 and 43 are formed by "○" having a size capable of enclosing the outer edge of the reference image 44 as in this embodiment, the printed portion of the reference mark is hidden by the reflected light of the guide laser beam L2. It is possible to reduce the inconvenience that it is difficult to align the position. Further, the reference image does not have to be configured by one point, and the reference mark does not have to be “◯”. The reference mark and the reference image according to claim 3 have, for example, FIG. ~
Various items such as those shown in (l) are included. In the figure, the reference projected image in the above-mentioned “regular positional relationship” is shaded and the reference mark is shown by a solid line. Specifically, the reference mark may have any shape as long as it has a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference image. For example, FIG.
The shape does not have to cover the entire circumference of the reference image as in (c) and (f).

If the mutual alignment is easy to see, it is also necessary to match the shape of the reference mark with the outer shape of the reference image, as shown in (d), (e), (g) to (k) of FIG. Absent. That is, the shape of the frame portion of the reference mark is a shape that can surround the reference image and has a part that protrudes outward (or a portion close to the outer edge of the reference image and a portion that is separated from the outer edge of the reference image. The shape including the part) may be used. With this configuration, the protruding portion protrudes from the reference image and can be easily visually recognized, and the alignment can be performed while reliably grasping the print position of the reference mark.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 (l), the reference image has a shape having a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference mark, and the reference mark fits within the frame of the reference image. It is also possible to have a “normal positional relationship”.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
Other than the following, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the print coordinate data and the guide image coordinate data are the same coordinate data before the projection position adjustment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is based on a character set by the setting unit 26. And each of the coordinate data is generated as separate coordinate data and stored in the memory, and is read out from the memory when the “projection start” is set, and the galvano scanner 20
It may be configured to be sequentially given to. After adjusting the projection position, the coordinate data may be stored in the memory as coordinate data corrected based on the correction coefficient when the coordinate data for the guide image is generated.

(2) In the above embodiment, the adjustment amount of the galvano scanner 20 in the "offset adjusting step" is stored in the storage means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an operator may use each galvano mirror 21X in the adjusting step. , 2
The degree to which 1Y is adjusted is stored as a coordinate value, and the coordinate value for the guide image is corrected by the control means 24 by inputting the coordinate value in the setting means 26 in the guide image projection mode. The configuration may be used, or the configuration may be such that the operator adjusts the position of the guide image by the setting means 26 in consideration of the coordinate values every time the guide image projection mode is set.

(3) In the above embodiment, the coordinate data relating to the reference mark and the reference image is separately generated in the offset amount adjusting step. However, after the normal print pattern is simply printed on the work in the print operation mode, The guide image projection mode may be executed to project the guide image corresponding to the print pattern, and the positional relationship between the two may be adjusted to a regular positional relationship.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a function and effect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall schematic diagram of a laser marking device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a projection position of a reference image on a work.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing various combinations of reference marks and reference images.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Laser light source for printing 20 ... Galvo scanner 24 ... Control means 25 ... Angle detection means 28 ... Storage means 30 ... Laser light source for guide 40 ... Guide image 41 ... Print pattern 42 ... First reference mark 44 ... Reference image L1 ... Laser light for printing L2 ... laser light for guide W ... work

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printing operation mode in which a galvano scanner is operated based on printing coordinate data to irradiate a desired position of a work with a printing laser beam from a printing laser light source to perform marking, and the printing coordinates. By operating the galvano scanner based on the guide image coordinate data having a predetermined relationship with the data, a visible guide light from a guide light source having a wavelength different from the printing laser light is projected onto the work. In a laser marking apparatus capable of executing a guide image projection mode in which a guide image corresponding to a pattern to be printed on the work is drawn on the surface of the work in the print operation mode, the print operation mode is executed on the work. After printing the reference mark for offset adjustment, the guide image projection mode is executed to execute the reference mark. An offset amount adjusting step of projecting a reference image for offset adjustment having a predetermined relationship with and adjusting the operation of the galvano scanner so that the reference image has a predetermined regular positional relationship with respect to the reference mark. In the guide image projection mode executed thereafter, the guide image coordinate data is corrected in accordance with the adjustment amount adjusted in the offset amount adjusting step. Projection position adjustment method. 2. A printing operation mode in which a galvano scanner is operated on the basis of printing coordinate data to irradiate a desired position of a workpiece with printing laser light from a printing laser light source to perform marking, and the printing coordinates. By operating the galvano scanner based on the guide image coordinate data having a predetermined relationship with the data, a visible guide light from a guide light source having a wavelength different from the printing laser light is projected onto the work. In a printing operation mode capable of executing a guide image projection mode in which a guide image corresponding to a pattern to be printed on the work is drawn on the work surface, an offset adjustment is performed on the work in the printing operation mode. Reference mark coordinate generation means for generating reference mark printing coordinate data for printing reference marks for use A reference image coordinate generation means for generating reference guide image projection coordinate data for projecting a reference image for offset adjustment onto the work in the guide image projection mode; and a projection onto the work in the guide image projection mode. Adjusting means for adjusting the operation of the galvano scanner so that the reference image has a predetermined normal positional relationship with respect to the reference mark printed on the work by executing the printing operation mode in advance. Adjustment amount measuring means for measuring the adjustment amount of the galvano scanner when the projection position of the reference image is adjusted to the regular positional relationship with respect to the printing position of the reference mark by the adjusting means, and the adjustment amount measuring means And a storage unit that stores a value according to the measured adjustment amount as a correction coefficient. Laser marking apparatus characterized by correcting the guide image coordinate data based on the correction coefficient stored in means. 3. The laser marking device according to claim 2, wherein the reference image for offset adjustment is composed of one point. 4. The reference mark for offset adjustment comprises:
Forming a shape having a frame having a size capable of enclosing the reference image,
The laser marking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the regular positional relationship is a relationship in which the reference image fits within a frame of the reference mark.