JP2004136351A - Device for laser beam marking, head unit of laser beam marking device and method for changing specifications in laser beam marking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for a laser beam marking capable of easily executing exchange works accompanied by change of specifications at users' side and a device whose cost for change is inexpensive. <P>SOLUTION: The laser beam marking device 1 is characterized by the feature that while a main body unit 3 is composed of a laser light source which irradiates laser beams, a head unit 10 comprises a first galvanomirror 6 which changes the direction of the laser beam from the laser light source 2, a second galvanomirror 7 which changes the direction of a reflected light which is reflected by the first galvanomirror 6, a first and second galvano driving means 4, 5 which drive and control each rotatable angle of the first and the second galvanomirror 6, 7 and an fθlens 9, and the main body unit 3 and the head unit 10 are combined detachably by a splicing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a laser marking device, a head unit of the laser marking device, and a specification changing method in the laser marking device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, by scanning laser light emitted from a laser light source (laser oscillator) in a two-dimensional direction using two galvanometer mirrors, a wide variety of metals, resins, ceramics, semiconductors, paper, glass, etc. Laser marking devices for marking various kinds of characters, symbols, figures, etc. on the surface of an object to be marked made of the above materials are provided. As illustrated in FIG. 7, such a laser marking apparatus includes a laser oscillator 102 that emits laser light, and two laser beams emitted from the laser oscillator 102 via a beam expander 112. The galvanometer mirror is irradiated, and the two galvanometer mirrors 106 and 107 are used to scan (scan) in one direction and a direction orthogonal to the surface of the object to be marked (workpiece).
[0003]
The scanning unit includes a first galvanometer mirror 106 (X-galvanometer mirror) on which laser light is incident, a second galvanometer mirror 107 (Y-galvanometer mirror) on which reflected light from the X-galvanometer mirror is incident, And an fθ lens 109 which is a converging lens on which the reflected light from the second galvanometer mirror is incident. Then, the X-galvanometer mirror and the Y-galvanometer mirror are driven at a predetermined speed and reflected so that the surface of the object to be marked (work) can be scanned in a two-dimensional direction. According to the configuration, the scanning range (printing area) of the laser beam has a substantially square shape. Although not shown, the first galvano mirror 106, the second galvano mirror 107, the first galvano driving means 104, the second galvano means 105, the beam expander 112, and the fθ lens 109 for driving them are shown as a whole. A cover member that covers the base substrate 115 is disposed.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-210573
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, there are various types of objects to be marked that are marked by a laser marking device, which are of different materials and sizes, so depending on the type of the object to be marked or the printing area There is an increasing need to replace the fθ lens in accordance with the line width and depth of the characters, symbols and figures to be marked, and there is a demand for such replacement easily and quickly on the user side. .
[0006]
However, in the conventional laser marking apparatus, as shown in FIG. 7, the laser light source (that is, the laser oscillator 102), the two galvanometer mirrors 106 and 107, and the fθ lens 109 are attached to one base substrate 115. In such a conventional technique, attention is not paid to the problem when the fθ lens 109 is replaced, and the fθ lens 109 can be easily replaced from the outside. Nothing was provided.
[0007]
That is, in such a laser marking device, an fθ lens having an appropriate characteristic is selected in accordance with the printable area on the print target in the manufacturing process, and the galvano mirror is driven in consideration of the characteristic of the fθ lens. Therefore, the circuit constant (for example, specifically, the resistance value) of the galvano drive circuit for adjusting is adjusted, and a print area based on a predetermined specification is set. For this reason, for example, the structure which can respond to the case where the user desires to change the print area after shipment is not taken.
[0008]
Moreover, in order to change the print area, it is necessary to first replace the convergent lens with optically different characteristics. However, simply changing the lens may not result in a print area as designed, so the fθ lens With the replacement, adjustment relating to the control of the rotation angle of the galvanometer mirror, that is, readjustment of the circuit constant or the like becomes necessary. Specifically, for example, after the fθ lens is replaced, the test circuit is marked with a test pattern to check whether the size and shape of the desired print area are satisfied, and the optimum circuit constant The work is very complicated and requires specialized knowledge and skill.
[0009]
In addition, even an fθ lens designed to have the same characteristics may vary individually from the design value. For example, the scan distance with respect to the rotation angle of the galvano mirror may be changed even when the fθ lens is changed to the same characteristic due to the fθ lens being damaged. However, it is necessary to readjust the rotation angle of the galvanometer mirror.
[0010]
Furthermore, in the conventional laser marking apparatus, the rotation angle of two galvanometer mirrors is adjusted for each fθ lens. However, when such an fθ lens is to be replaced, the fθ lens It is extremely difficult for the user to adjust the rotation angle of each of the two galvanometer mirrors according to the focal length. The laser marking device must be returned to the manufacturer and readjusted, or a laser with a different specification. It was necessary to prepare marking devices individually corresponding to the printing areas. Therefore, when trying to correspond to a plurality of printing areas, a laser marking device corresponding to each printing area is individually required, which may increase the cost.
[0011]
In addition, there exists a thing as shown in patent document 1 as what tries to replace | exchange an f (theta) lens easily. In this technique, the fθ lens is easily replaced on the user side in accordance with the change of the print area. However, this document simply refers to the maximum rotation angle of the galvanometer mirror based on a predetermined fθ lens. It is determined as a fixed value and does not assume a problem that occurs when the fθ lens itself is replaced. In other words, this method cannot solve the above-described problem, and the print area after replacement may not be a desired one, and may not satisfy the print area of the specification.
[0012]
The present invention has been completed based on the circumstances as described above, and provides a laser marking device that allows a user to easily perform a replacement operation accompanying a specification change and that the replacement cost is low. With the goal.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1
A laser light source for emitting laser light;
A galvanometer mirror disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to change the direction of the laser light;
A galvano driving means having a motor for rotating the galvano mirror to control the rotation angle, and a drive circuit for driving the motor;
A focusing lens that converges the laser beam from the galvanometer mirror and irradiates the object to be marked;
A laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, figures, etc. on the object to be marked,
A main unit having the laser light source;
A head unit comprising the converging lens, the galvanometer mirror, and the galvano driving means;
A coupling means for detachably coupling the main body unit and the head unit;
It is characterized in that the head unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates can be replaced with the main unit.
[0014]
[Action and effect of the invention]
<Invention of Claim 1>
According to the laser marking device of the present invention, the head unit whose specification is adjusted corresponding to each of a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates is provided so as to be replaceable with respect to the main body unit. When the converging lens is exchanged in accordance with the change, the scanning unit (scanning part) of the laser marking device does not need to be disassembled, and the entire head unit can be exchanged. As a result, the user can cope with a desired print area and focal length. Moreover, since it has a converging lens in the head unit, and a galvano mirror and a galvano driving means adjusted for the converging lens, each time the converging lens is changed when it is desired to change the print area or focal length, It is not necessary to readjust the rotation angle of the galvanometer mirror. Therefore, the apparatus configuration can be easily replaced without specialized knowledge and skill in the readjustment.
[0015]
Furthermore, a requirement may be further added to claim 1 to adopt the following configuration (configuration example 1).
Configuration Example 1 The coupling means includes a support member on which the head unit is placed and supports the head unit, as a part of the main unit or as a separate component from the main unit, and the support member 2. The laser marking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a position setting unit that sets a relative position between the main body unit and the head unit.
[0016]
With this configuration, the head unit is mounted and mounted on the base member, so that the main unit can be attached and detached, and the workability of the mounting work can be effectively improved. Become.
[0017]
Furthermore, requirements may be further added to claim 1 or configuration example 1 described above to provide the following configuration (configuration example 2).
Configuration Example 2 The support member is configured to be disposed below the laser light source as a part of the main unit or as a separate member from the main unit, and extends in the emission direction of the laser light from the laser light source. And the head unit is placed on the extended portion thereof,
On the other hand, the position setting means has an engaging portion formed or attached to the upper portion of the extending portion, and the engaging portion is formed or attached to the lower portion of the head unit. 2. The laser marking device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the head unit is set with respect to the main body unit by engaging with an engaged portion.
[0018]
With this configuration, the head unit can be attached and detached with a simple configuration, and the replacement operation can be easily performed. That is, the user can adjust the position by placing the head unit on the base member and engaging the engaging portion provided on the placement surface with the engaged portion of the head unit. The position adjustment and attachment / detachment operations can be easily performed.
[0019]
Furthermore, requirements may be further added to Claim 1 or Configuration Example 1 or Configuration Example 2 to provide the following configuration (Configuration Example 3).
Configuration Example 3 Each of the plurality of head units has a unique print area and a unique focal length, and the focal length and the print area can be changed by exchanging the head units. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or any one of Configuration Example 1 and Configuration Example 2.
[0020]
With this configuration, each head unit has a unique print area and focal length, and the user can select and use a head unit corresponding to the desired print area and focal length. The print area and the focal length can be easily changed without making any adjustments, and the convenience is extremely high.
[0021]
Furthermore, requirements may be further added to Claim 1 or Configuration Example 1 to Configuration Example 3 to form the following configuration (Configuration Example 4).
Configuration example 4 The head unit has a head cover member that covers the galvano mirror and the galvano driving means, and both the galvano mirror and the galvano driving means are attached directly or indirectly through other members at the lower part of the head unit. A head base member is provided,
And in this head base member or the head cover member, an exposed portion for exposing the converging lens to the outside is formed,
The head base member or the head cover member is detachably coupled to the main body unit by the coupling means, or any one of Configuration Examples 1 to 3. Laser marking device.
[0022]
In this way, while the main unit and the head unit are separated, the optical component inside the head unit is covered with the cover member, so that dust, dust, and the like can be effectively prevented from entering the head unit. Can be prevented. Moreover, since the head unit is configured to be replaced in a form covered with a cover member, a user who does not have knowledge about the optical component will not accidentally adjust the optical component. The pre-adjusted state is effectively maintained, and as a result, the user can replace the head unit by treating the inside of the head unit as a black box. Note that the head base member and the head cover member may be configured integrally or may be configured separately. In addition, the said exposed part can be comprised by an opening part, a notch part, etc.
[0023]
Furthermore, requirements may be further added to Claim 1 or Configuration Examples 1 to 4 to form the following configuration (Configuration Example 5).
Configuration Example 5 The main unit has a light source cover member that covers the outside of the laser light source, and an irradiation opening for irradiating the laser light from the laser light source to the head unit side on a part of the light source cover member. While provided
In the head unit, an entrance opening for allowing laser light from the irradiation opening to enter is provided in the head cover member,
The main body unit and the head unit are arranged adjacent to each other in a form in which the irradiation opening and the entry opening are opposed to each other. The laser marking device according to any one of the above.
[0024]
With this configuration, the laser light source is preferably output to the head unit side while the laser light source and the optical component on the head unit side can be covered together. More specifically, because the irradiation opening and the entrance opening are arranged adjacent to each other (specifically, the main unit and the head unit are closed or arranged so as to constitute a substantially closed space), While each cover member is configured to allow laser light to pass therethrough, dust, dust and the like do not enter from the laser light passing portions (that is, the irradiation opening portion and the entrance opening portion), and the main unit and the head. The dustproof effect of both units can be further enhanced.
[0025]
Furthermore, requirements may be further added to Claim 1 or Configuration Example 1 to Configuration Example 5 to form the following configuration (Configuration Example 6).
Configuration Example 6 The drive circuit converts a digital signal output from the outside of the head unit into an analog signal, and a motor control for controlling the motor based on the analog signal converted by the D / A conversion circuit 6. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or any one of configuration examples 1 to 5, further comprising a circuit.
[0026]
With this configuration, digital signals are used to exchange signals between the head unit and the outside, while analog signals such as D / A conversion circuits and motor control circuits that have a significant effect on specification adjustment are handled. The elements are configured to be accommodated in the head unit, and the head unit can be configured by only elements that easily affect the specification adjustment.
[0027]
Further, the invention of claim 2 is a head unit used in a laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, figures, etc. on an object to be marked using a laser light source that emits laser light,
A galvanometer mirror disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to change the direction of the laser light;
A galvano drive means comprising a motor for controlling the rotation angle by rotating the galvanometer mirror, and a drive circuit for driving the motor;
The laser beam from the galvanometer mirror is converged and configured as a unit including a converging lens that irradiates the object to be marked.
A feature is that the head unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates is attached to the main body unit by a coupling means that is interchangeably coupled to the main body unit having the laser light source. Have.
[0028]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the head unit is suitably used in a laser marking apparatus in which specification changes can be easily performed. It should be noted that the head unit may be configured in a form in which the configuration requirements described in any one of the configuration examples 1 to 4 are applied to the laser marking device that is the target of the head unit according to claim 2.
[0029]
Furthermore, the invention of claim 3 changes the direction of the laser light emitted from the laser light source using a galvano mirror, and irradiates the object to be marked on the object to be marked through the converging lens. It is a specification changing method for changing the specifications of a laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, figures, etc. on an object to be marked by scanning while
The laser marking device includes: a main unit including the laser light source; a head unit including the converging lens, the galvano mirror, and the galvano driving unit; and a coupling unit that detachably couples the main unit and the head unit. While preparing
It is characterized in that the head unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates can be attached to and detached from the main body unit, and the specifications of the laser marking device are changed by exchanging them.
[0030]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a method by which the user can easily change the specifications of the laser marking device, and the degree of freedom of laser marking (for example, for the object to be marked with different materials, sizes, etc.) This is a preferred method that can effectively increase the degree of freedom. According to this method, complicated readjustment associated with the specification change is not required, and the specification change of the laser marking apparatus can be easily and quickly performed without specialized knowledge or skill. In addition, a laser marking apparatus having the requirements described in any one of the configuration examples 1 to 4 may be configured to perform the specification changing method according to claim 3.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a partial front sectional view of the laser marking device 1 according to the first embodiment and shows an internal configuration of the head unit 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an outline of the laser marking apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laser marking device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a laser light source 2 (FIG. 2) composed of a laser oscillator that emits laser light, and a laser light from the laser light source 2. The first galvanometer mirror 6 (X-galvanometer mirror) that changes the direction of the laser beam to one direction, and the laser beam reflected by the first galvanometer mirror 6 in a direction orthogonal to the reflection direction by the first galvanometer mirror 6 The second galvanometer mirror 7 (Y-galvanometer mirror) to be changed is provided. Furthermore, a first galvano driving means 4 and a second galvano driving means 5 for driving and controlling the respective rotation angles of the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 are provided. Then, an fθ lens 9 is provided as a converging lens that converges the laser light reflected through the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 and irradiates the object to be marked. Hereinafter, each part of the laser marking device 1 configured as described above will be described in detail.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, a light source cover member 3A that covers the laser light source 2 is provided around the laser light source 2 (FIG. 2) so as to cover the entire laser light source 2. A main body unit 3 is configured with a cover member 3A. The light source cover member 3A can be formed, for example, in a box shape or a substantially box shape using a metal material, a resin material, or the like, and the bottom portion is formed in a plate shape, for example, and the laser light source 2 is placed on the bottom portion, or An installed configuration can be adopted. The laser light source 2 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the elongated main body unit 3 is an irradiation direction, and the head unit 10 is provided on the irradiation side.
[0033]
In the head unit 10, a first galvanometer mirror 6 (X-galvanometer mirror) and a first galvano driving means 4 for driving the first galvanometer mirror 6 are held by a holding portion 4A (galvano mount), while the other The second galvanometer mirror 7 (Y-galvanometer mirror) and the second galvanometer driving means 5 for driving the second galvanometer mirror 7 are held by a holding portion 5A (galvano mount). In the following, the galvanometer mirrors are generically referred to as first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7, and the galvano drive means are generically referred to as first and second galvano drive means 4 and 5.
[0034]
The holding portions 4 </ b> A and 5 </ b> A are integrally configured as a mount that is fixed to a plate-like head base member 12 disposed at the lower part of the head unit 10, and the holding portion 5 </ b> A is orthogonal to the plate surface of the head base member 12. The holding portion 4A is formed in a form extending in the upward direction and extending in a direction perpendicular to the holding portion 5A. In addition, the form of the mount shown here is an example to the last, and if it is a form which can hold | maintain a galvano mirror and a galvano drive means in a predetermined position, it will not be limited to this. The first galvano driving means 4 has a configuration including a motor and a driving circuit for driving the first galvano mirror 6, while the second galvano driving means 5 has a configuration including a second galvano mirror 7 and a driving circuit. There is no. The motor and the drive circuit are not shown in FIG. 1, but are configured inside the first and second galvano drive means 4 and 5, respectively, and receive control signals from the outside. The first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 are configured to be displaced.
[0035]
In the block diagram of FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the head unit 10 is schematically shown, and the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 that drive and control the rotation angles of the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 are illustrated. A galvano drive motor 21 is provided as a component of the two galvano drive means 4 and 5. The galvano drive motor 21 is a generic term for both motors that drive the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7, and a drive unit (drive shaft or the like) of these motors is provided for each galvanometer mirror 6. The first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 are displaced by being directly connected to the lens 7 or indirectly via other members. Further, in FIG. 2, a drive circuit 22 for driving and controlling the galvano drive motor 21 is provided, and the drive circuits for driving the respective galvano drive motors are also collectively referred to. The drive circuit 22 may be constituted by a single circuit board so as to control both galvano drive motors, or a circuit board may be provided corresponding to each galvano drive motor. Specifically, the drive circuit 22 is based on a D / A conversion circuit that converts a digital signal output from the outside of the head unit 10 into an analog signal, and an analog signal converted by the D / A conversion circuit. A motor control circuit for controlling the motor can be included, and a servo circuit is configured by the motor control circuit and the motor. A control unit 23 that outputs a control signal for instructing the displacement of the motor as a digital signal to the drive circuit 22 configured as described above is disposed outside the head unit 10, and the control unit 23 is a setting unit. In response to input information from 24 (for example, input of characters, figures, etc. to be marked), a control signal corresponding to the input information is transmitted to the head unit 10.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fθ lens 9 is used as a converging lens that converges the laser light reflected through the first and second galvanometer mirrors 6 and 7 and irradiates the object to be marked. Is fixed to the head base member 12. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, an opening 12B is formed as an exposed portion for exposing the fθ lens 9 to the outside in a part of the head base member 12 disposed at the lower portion of the head unit 10. An fθ lens 9 is disposed in the opening 12B. An opening 15C that opens in the main body base member 15 is formed below the opening 12B. By providing the opening 12B and the opening 15C, the fθ lens 9 is positioned below the main body base member 15. It is configured to be exposed to. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head base member 12 and the main body base member 15 in the vicinity of the fθ lens 9 of FIG.
[0037]
Further, a beam expander 11 that spreads the laser light from the laser light source 2 and makes it parallel light is provided in the optical path between the laser light source 2 and the galvanometer mirror 6, and this beam expander 11 is provided via a mount 11A. The head base member 12 is fixed. By configuring the head unit 10 so as to include the beam expander 11 in this way, for example, when the thickness of a line in the marking is changed, the beam expander 11 is included in the head unit 10. Adjustments that take into account characteristics are made, and a head unit configuration that can cope with such changes in line type with high accuracy is obtained.
[0038]
The head unit 10A is provided with a head cover member 10A that covers the optical component configured as described above, for example, in a box shape or a substantially box shape made of a metal material, a resin material, or the like. The member 10A can be attached to and detached from the head base member 12. Various configurations for attaching the head cover member 10A to the head base member 12 are conceivable. For example, the head cover member 10A may be fixed by a fastening member such as a screw (screw), and an engaging portion is formed on one side and an engaged portion is formed on the other side. And you may fix by the structure (for example, snap fit structure etc.) which mutually engages.
[0039]
The head unit 10 configured as described above is detachably fixed to the main body base member 15 whose head base member 12 is a support member. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, here, in a part of the head base member 12, a plate-like shape in which an attachment portion 12 </ b> A for attaching the head base member 12 to the main body base member 15 protrudes to the side. The mounting portion 12A and the main body base member 15 are fixed by a fastening member 33 such as a screw to fix them, and the head unit 10 is held by the main body base member 15. Note that the fixing configuration shown here is merely an example, and other fastening members may be used, or an engagement configuration that does not use a fastening member may be used.
[0040]
The main body base member 15 functions as the above coupling means, and can be provided as a part of the main body unit 3 or as a separate part from the main body unit 3. Here, the main body base member 15 is configured as a separate component from the main body unit 3 so as to be removable from the main body unit 3, and is formed in the main body unit 3 in the same manner as the holding of the head unit 10. The attachment portion 3B is detachably fixed to the main body base member 15 by a fastening member 35 such as a screw. Note that the fixed configuration may be other engagement configurations as in the head unit. Further, the main body base member 15 is configured to be disposed below the laser light source 2 (FIG. 2), and extends in the same direction as the laser light emission direction from the laser light source 2, The head unit 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 15A (that is, the upper surface of the main body base member 15) on the extending portion 15B.
[0041]
Then, the mounting position or the fixing position of the head unit 10 and the main unit 3 on the main body base member 15 is determined by adjusting the position in advance. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the head unit 10 is removed from the main body base member 15, but as shown in FIG. 4, on the head unit 10 side, at a predetermined position of the extending portion 15 </ b> B in the main body base member 15. A protrusion 31 protruding further upward from the mounting surface 15A is formed, and as shown in FIG. 6A, this is inside the hole 12C formed at a predetermined position (specifically, the attachment portion 12A) of the head unit 10. The head unit 10 is positioned at a predetermined position by being inserted into and engaged with each other. When the position is adjusted by the protrusion 31 and the hole 12C as described above, the protrusion 31, the hole 12C, and the main body base member 15 function as position setting means. The relationship between the protrusions and the holes may be reversed between the main unit 3 and the head unit 10. That is, such a protrusion may be provided on the head unit 10 side. The position adjustment may be performed without providing such a protrusion 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, the position may be adjusted only by fixing with a fastening member 33 such as a screw. In this case, the fastening member 33, the mounting portion 12A (specifically, the hole 12C penetrating the fastening member 33 formed in the mounting portion 12A), and the main body base member 15 (specifically, formed in the main body base member 15). The female screw hole 15D that is screwed with the fastening member 33 functions as a position setting means.
[0042]
The position where the protrusion 31 is inserted and the position where the fastening member is inserted may be different positions or the same position. In the present embodiment, the position where the protrusion 31 is inserted (that is, the hole 12C) is provided at a position different from the position fixed by the fastening member 33, and the screw is fixed after being positioned by the protrusion 31 and the hole 12C. ing. In addition, as a configuration at the same position, for example, the protrusion 31 is formed in a male screw shape to penetrate the attachment portion 12A, and the female screw and the screw are formed on the upper surface of the attachment portion 12A on the penetration side. They can be fastened together. In this case, the protruding portion 31 performs both a function as a coupling means and a function as a position setting means. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, a stepped portion 39 formed in a step shape is provided on the mounting surface 15A, and the side portion of the mounting portion 12A is brought into contact with the side portion of the stepped portion 39. And positioning may be performed. In this case, the step portion 39 and the attachment portion 12A function as position setting means.
[0043]
Further, an irradiation opening (not shown) for irradiating the laser beam from the laser light source 2 (FIG. 2) to the head unit 10 side is provided on the side of the light source cover member 3A provided in the main unit 3. On the other hand, the head unit 10 is provided with an entrance opening (not shown) for allowing laser light from the irradiation opening to enter the side of the head cover member 10A in a form facing the irradiation opening. ing. The entrance opening is provided at a side position of the beam expander 11, and the beam expander 11 is irradiated with laser light that has passed through the entrance opening.
[0044]
Then, in a state in which the main unit 3 and the head unit 10 are coupled, the head unit 10 and the head unit 10 and the head unit 10 and the head unit 10 The laser marking device 1 can be configured in such a manner that the main unit 3 is entirely covered and the dustproof effect, durability, and the like are effectively enhanced.
[0045]
By adopting the above-described configuration, each of the plurality of head units 10 has its own printing area and its own focal length set. By exchanging these head units 10, the focal length and the printing area can be changed. Will be made. Specifically, when changing the print area, the operator removes the main body cover, removes the current head unit from the main body base member, and attaches the head unit including the fθ lens corresponding to the print area to be changed to the main body base. Attach it to the member.
[0046]
As described above, the head unit selected from the scanning unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates can be changed to a desired printing area by appropriately attaching and replacing the head unit. At this time, in the head unit including the fθ lens corresponding to each print area, the rotation angle of the galvano mirror according to the characteristic of the fθ lens, that is, the circuit constant of the galvano driving means, etc. The actual print area with respect to the rotation angle of the galvano is confirmed and adjusted to the desired print area. Accordingly, when it is desired to change the print area, a desired print area can be obtained simply by exchanging the head unit, and various print areas can be dealt with by simple replacement work on the user side. In other words, unlike the conventional case, when the print area is to be exchanged, another product is not purchased or the product is returned to the manufacturer for readjustment to change the specifications. In particular, when marking is performed by changing a plurality of print areas each time, it is not necessary to readjust each time replacement is performed.
[0047]
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the main unit 3 and the head unit 10 are closer to the first embodiment, and the other parts are the same. Since it is configured, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted. In FIG. 5, the main unit 3 and the head unit 10 are arranged adjacent to each other or in a configuration with a slight gap therebetween, and an irradiation opening for irradiating laser light from the main unit 3. And an entry opening for allowing the laser light to enter the head unit 10 are arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the side portions of the main unit 3 and the head unit 10 can be brought into contact with each other. Alternatively, a hollow communication member is provided between the irradiation opening and the entrance opening, and the communication member is attached to or brought into contact with each of the units 3 and 10 so that the main unit 3 and the head unit are connected. It is better to seal in a form in which 10 is communicated. In this case, there is no gap between the main unit 3 and the head unit 10, and the dustproof effect is extremely high.
[0048]
<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In the above embodiment, the head unit 10 is mounted on the main body base member 15, but the coupling form is not limited to this, and the relative position between the head unit 10 and the main body unit 3 is adjusted. Can be combined. For example, the side part of the main unit 3 and the side part of the head unit may be directly coupled by a fastening member such as a screw.
(2) In the above embodiment, the example in which the head base member 10 and the head cover member 10A are configured to be detachable separately has been shown, but these may be configured integrally.
(3) In the above embodiment, an example in which a closed space is configured by the head cover member 10A and the head base member 12 is shown. However, only a part of the space may be opened or only a part of the space may be covered. Alternatively, the head cover member 10A may be omitted. Such a cover configuration is the same on the main unit 3 side.
(4) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the beam expander 11 is disposed inside the head unit 10 is illustrated, but the beam expander 11 may be disposed on the main unit 3 side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial front sectional view showing an example of a laser marking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the laser marking device in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the head unit is removed.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a laser marking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views illustrating some coupling forms of the head base member and the main body base member. FIGS.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional laser marking device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Laser marking device
3 ... Main unit
3A ... Light source cover member
4 ... 1st galvano drive means
5. Second galvano drive means
6 ... 1st galvanometer mirror
7 ... Second galvanometer mirror
9 ... fθ lens (convergence lens)
10 ... Head unit
10A ... Head cover member
15 ... Base member (coupling means)
15B ... Extension part
31... Engaging portion (position setting means)
33 ... Screw member (coupling means, position setting means)

Claims (3)

A laser light source for emitting laser light;
A galvanometer mirror disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to change the direction of the laser light;
A galvano driving means having a motor for rotating the galvano mirror to control the rotation angle, and a drive circuit for driving the motor;
A focusing lens that converges the laser beam from the galvanometer mirror and irradiates the object to be marked;
A laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, figures, etc. on the object to be marked,
A main unit having the laser light source;
A head unit comprising the converging lens, the galvanometer mirror, and the galvano driving means;
A coupling means for detachably coupling the main body unit and the head unit;
A laser marking device, wherein head units corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates can be exchanged with respect to the main unit. A head unit used in a laser marking device that marks a character, symbol, figure, etc. on an object to be marked using a laser light source that emits laser light,
A galvanometer mirror disposed in the optical path of the laser light from the laser light source to change the direction of the laser light;
A galvano drive means comprising a motor for controlling the rotation angle by rotating the galvanometer mirror, and a drive circuit for driving the motor;
The laser beam from the galvanometer mirror is converged and configured as a unit including a converging lens that irradiates the object to be marked.
A head unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses having different convergence rates is attached to the main body unit by a coupling means that is interchangeably coupled to the main body unit having the laser light source. The laser marking device head unit. The direction of the laser light emitted from the laser light source is changed using a galvano mirror, and the object to be marked is scanned by irradiating the object to be marked with the laser light from the galvano mirror through a converging lens. A specification changing method for changing the specifications of a laser marking device for marking characters, symbols, figures, etc. on an object,
The laser marking device includes: a main unit including the laser light source; a head unit including the converging lens, the galvano mirror, and the galvano driving unit; and a coupling unit that detachably couples the main unit and the head unit. While preparing
The head marking unit corresponding to a plurality of types of converging lenses with different convergence rates can be attached to and detached from the main body unit, and the specifications of the laser marking device are changed by replacing them. Modification method.

Images