JP4189524B2 - Laser processing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a laser beam machine, and more particularly to a safety device thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a safety device for a laser beam machine, for example, one disclosed in JP-A-7-112289 is known.
[0003]
In this laser processing machine, a laser processing machine main body is installed adjacent to a work table on which a workpiece is placed, and is supported in a cantilevered manner by the processing machine main body. It is configured to be able to rotate and turn as it moves. In order to prevent the worker from coming into contact with the laser beam, a safety cabin as a safety device is provided so as to cover the processing head moving area above the work table and the upper part of the laser processing machine main body. .
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the conventional laser beam machine, the safety cabin is provided on the assumption that the focal length of the laser beam for machining is short, that is, the machining head and the workpiece are close to each other. However, in laser processing for performing specific processing on a workpiece, a long focal lens having a long focal length may be used. In such a case, since the distance between the machining head and the workpiece becomes long, if the safety cabin is provided so as to cover the machining head and the upper part of the laser machining machine main body in the same manner as the conventional laser machining machine, the safety cabin becomes larger. There is a problem that it ends up.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser processing machine having a small safety cover for preventing an operator from coming into contact with laser light. Yes.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a laser processing machine according to the present invention includes a safety cover and a positioning mechanism that positions the safety cover at a predetermined position in a laser processing machine that processes a workpiece by irradiating a laser beam from a processing head. And an interlock mechanism that permits irradiation of the laser beam when the safety cover is located at the predetermined position, and the laser beam irradiated from the processing head is between the processing head and the workpiece. A safety cover is movably provided so as to surround at least a part of the optical path. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a laser light contact accident and to provide a safety cover so as to be positioned between the workpiece and the processing head. That's it. Also, with this configuration, for example, when the periphery of the workpiece is covered with a shielding wall, the work area for the workpiece can be secured by removing the safety cover and removing the workpiece from the laser beam irradiation port. The workability is also improved. Further, with such a configuration, the safety cover can be easily positioned, so that workability is improved. Further, since the laser beam is not irradiated unless the safety cover is located at a predetermined position, it is possible to further ensure safety.
[0009]
In this case, the positioning mechanism positions the safety cover so as to be movable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the safety cover should be positioned, and the interlock mechanism causes the safety cover to be within a predetermined range from the predetermined position. When positioned, the laser beam may be allowed to be irradiated (Claim 2 ). With this configuration, when an external force is applied to the safety device from at least the direction opposite to the positioning direction and the safety cover moves beyond a certain level, the interlock mechanism operates to stop laser light irradiation. When an operator leans against the safety cover from a certain direction, a situation in which the safety cover is deformed can be avoided to ensure the safety of the worker.
[0010]
In these cases, the safety cover may be provided so as to be movable using a caster (Claim 3 ). With such a configuration, the safety cover can be freely moved on the floor by the casters, so that there is no possibility of tripping over the rail as in the case of providing a safety cover moving rail, for example, and the workability is further improved.
[0011]
Further, in the above case, the safety cover becomes and movable with casters, the positioning mechanism, the safety cover may be one in which to position the two-dimensional directions in the horizontal plane (claims 4 ). With this configuration, the caster can appropriately position the safety cover that can be moved in the two-dimensional direction on the floor, and the safety cover can escape even if an operator leans against any side of the safety cover, and the laser beam can be emitted. Since irradiation is stopped, safety can be further improved.
[0012]
In this case, the safety cover is formed so as to extend in a direction along the optical path of the laser beam when positioned at the predetermined position, and is arranged on a support body supporting the safety cover and a leg portion of the support body. A part of the safety device is configured together with the caster provided, and the positioning mechanism is disposed so as to protrude sideways to the safety device, and the end surface and one side surface of the tip portion are respectively in plan view. A positioning rod formed on a plane substantially perpendicular to and substantially parallel to the extending direction of the safety cover, and a bent portion that is bent at a substantially right angle in a plan view, and the bent portion is positioned when the safety cover is located at the predetermined position. A positioning plate disposed on a side surface of the laser beam machine so that two sandwiched surfaces are in contact with an end surface of the tip end portion of the positioning rod and one side surface, and the interlock mechanism has a plan view. smell The positioning rod has two end surfaces that are substantially parallel to and intersect each other on the end surface and one side surface of the positioning rod, and are positioned on the upper surface of the positioning rod so that the two sides are located outside the distal end portion of the positioning rod. an actuating plate which is disposed, are respectively arranged behind the two surfaces sandwiching the bent portion of the positioning plate, the actuating plate in plan view, the position in the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the two sides respectively detected A pair of sensors for outputting a detection signal when the detected positions are positions corresponding to the case where the safety cover is located within a predetermined range from the predetermined position, and the detection signals from both of the pair of sensors. And a control device that permits the irradiation of the laser beam when the laser beam is received (claim 5 ). With this configuration, a laser processing machine that is easy to position and safe even if an operator leans against the side surface of the safety cover can be realized with a simple configuration.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
1 is a front view showing a configuration of a laser beam machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of a safety device of the laser beam machine in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the safety device in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a positioning mechanism and an interlock mechanism of the laser beam machine in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a side view, and FIG. 6 is a plan view. 2 and 3, the laser processing machine main body is represented by a virtual line.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, a laser beam machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a laser beam machine body 2 and a safety device 3. The laser processing machine main body 2 guides the laser beam generated by the laser oscillator control unit (see FIG. 7) to the laser processing machine main body 2 by the guide tube 13 (only a part thereof is shown in FIG. 1), and the processing head 7 It is comprised so that it may radiate | emit from. A long-focus lens is disposed in the processing head 7, and substantially parallel laser light generated by the laser oscillator control unit is condensed by the long-focus lens, converted into convergent light, and irradiated onto the workpiece 6. . Reference numeral 8 denotes an optical path of the convergent laser beam. In the present embodiment, the processing head 7 is configured to be movable within a predetermined range only in the X-axis direction (paper surface thickness direction in FIG. 1) by a moving mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, a window 55 for allowing the laser beam emitted from the machining head 7 to pass is provided on the side surface of the laser beam machine body 2 from which the laser beam is emitted.
[0016]
Returning to FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a furnace, and a work 6 is placed on a work table 5 in the furnace 4. In the present embodiment, the work table 6 is configured to be rotatable around the central axis of a vertical rotation shaft disposed at the center thereof. An opening 4a for allowing the laser beam to pass through is provided on a side surface of the furnace 4 where the laser beam is incident. The opening 4a also serves as a loading / unloading port when the workpiece 6 is replaced. The furnace 4 is for holding the workpiece 6 at a predetermined temperature and shielding the surroundings from laser light applied to the workpiece 6 during laser processing.
[0017]
In the present embodiment, since a long focus lens is used, the optical path 8 of the laser beam from the processing head 7 to the workpiece 6 is long, and a human can pass between the laser processing machine main body 2 and the furnace 4. There is a space. Therefore, the safety device 2 is provided to prevent the operator from contacting the laser beam.
[0018]
The safety device 2 includes a safety cover 9, a support 10 that supports the safety cover 9, and a caster 11 that can move the support 10. A positioning mechanism 12 and an interlock mechanism described later are constructed between the safety device 3 and the laser processing machine main body 2.
[0019]
Next, the safety device, the positioning mechanism, and the interlock mechanism will be described in detail.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the safety cover 9 is formed in a double cylinder structure in which an inner cylinder is fitted into an outer cylinder having a rectangular cross section, and the outer cylinder is fixed to the support 10. .
Accordingly, the inner cylinder can be extended and retracted by inserting and removing from the outer cylinder. Thereby, this safety device 3 can be used also for the laser processing machine 1 having a different interval from the furnace 4 by extending and retracting the safety cover 9 in accordance with the interval.
[0021]
Further, the safety cover 9 is fixed horizontally, and is formed in a cross-sectional shape capable of enclosing all the optical paths 8 of the laser beams when the processing head 7 moves within the movable range.
[0022]
The support 10 is constituted by a frame formed by reinforcing four vertical frames with horizontal frames, and casters 11 are disposed at the lower ends of the four vertical frames. As a result, the safety device 3 can move in any direction on the floor.
[0023]
2 to 6, a positioning bar (positioning rod) 14 is disposed on the safety device 3 as a safety device side portion of the positioning mechanism 12. The positioning bar 14 is made of a straight pipe having a square cross section, and is formed such that the tip end surface 14a is a plane perpendicular to the axis of the positioning bar 14, and the front corner is chamfered 14c. This is because, when a positioning rod 14 comes into contact with a positioning plate 16 described later, the corner of the bent portion of the positioning plate 16 escapes. The positioning rod 14 is slidably attached to the pair of brackets 52 by a pair of pressing members 51 so that its axis is parallel to the center axis 101 of the safety cover 9. The pair of brackets 52 are fixed to the horizontal frame of the safety device 3. Therefore, the front end surface 14 a of the positioning bar 14 is perpendicular to the central axis 101 of the safety cover 9, and the front side surface 14 b of the positioning bar 14 is parallel to the central axis 101. A lever 15 protrudes from the upper surface of the positioning bar 14. Therefore, by operating the lever 15, the positioning bar 14 can be advanced and retracted by a stroke substantially corresponding to the distance between the pair of pressing members 51.
[0024]
On the other hand, a positioning plate 16 is disposed in the laser processing machine main body 2 as the laser processing machine main body side portion of the positioning mechanism 12.
[0025]
The positioning plate 16 is disposed so as to be bent at a right angle in a plan view. That is, the positioning plate 16 has an L-shaped cross section and is formed to extend straight in the longitudinal direction. The first and second inner surfaces 16a and 16b sandwiching the bent portion are surfaces perpendicular to the Y axis (axis perpendicular to the moving direction of the machining head 7 and horizontal) and surfaces perpendicular to the X axis, respectively. And is fixed to the laser processing machine main body 2 via the connecting member 18 and the bracket 19.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the safety cover 9 has a reference position (predetermined position) where the center axis 101 is positioned so as to coincide with the reference optical path of the laser light emitted from the machining head 7. It is set to be. Here, the reference optical path is an optical path of laser light when it is assumed that the machining head 7 emits laser light in the Y-axis direction at the center position of the movable range. Further, the position where the positioning bar 14 is fully advanced is the reference position. When the safety cover 9 and the positioning bar 14 are both at the reference position, the positioning plate 16 has its first and second inner surfaces 16a and 16b on the front end surface 14a and the front side surface 14b of the positioning bar 14, respectively. It arrange | positions in the position which contact | abuts.
[0027]
Next, the operating plate 23 is disposed at the tip of the positioning rod 14 as a part of the interlock mechanism 41 on the safety device side.
[0028]
The operation plate 23 is formed in a square shape with four corners chamfered. The actuating plate 23 has the right side 23a and the front side 23b parallel to the front end surface 14a and the front side surface 14b of the positioning rod 14 and positioned outside the front end portion of the positioning rod 14, respectively. Thus, the upper surface of the positioning rod 14 is fixed. Although the upper end of the positioning plate 16 is shown to be the same height as the upper surface of the positioning rod 14 in the figure, it is actually formed slightly lower and the operating plate 23 does not hit the upper end of the positioning plate 16 It is like that.
[0029]
On the other hand, a pair of position sensors 21 and 22 are disposed in the laser processing machine main body 2 as the laser processing machine main body side portion of the interlock mechanism 41.
[0030]
The first position sensor 21 is disposed at the lower end portion of the positioning plate 16 opposite to the first inner surface 16a so that the upper end of the actuator 21a contacts the right side 23a of the operating plate 23. The actuator 21a is configured to be swingable in a direction perpendicular to the first inner surface 16a, that is, in the Y-axis direction. The first position sensor 21 is in an OFF state when the actuator 21a is in a vertical position. When the actuator 21a swings from that state to a position indicated by a virtual line L1 in FIG. 4, the first position sensor 21 is switched to an ON state. Then, in a state where the distal end surface 14a of the positioning rod 14 is in contact with the first inner surface 16a of the positioning plate 16, the positioning rod 14 swings to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. Accordingly, assuming that the safety cover 9 reaches the reference position (assuming that the positioning rod 14 is at the reference position) and paying attention to the movement in the Y-axis direction, the safety cover 9 has its reference in the Y-axis direction. When the position approaches a certain distance d1, the first position sensor 21 is turned on, and the ON state is maintained until the safety cover 9 reaches the reference position. In other words, even if the safety cover 9 is separated from the reference position by the distance d1 in the Y-axis direction, the first position sensor 21 is maintained in the ON state.
[0031]
The second position sensor 22 is disposed at the lower end portion of the positioning plate 16 opposite to the second inner surface 16b so that the upper end of the actuator 22a contacts the front side 23b of the operating plate 23. The actuator 22a is configured to be swingable in a direction perpendicular to the second inner surface 16b, that is, in the X-axis direction. The second position sensor 22 is in an OFF state when the actuator 22a is in a vertical position. When the actuator 22a swings from that state to a position indicated by a virtual line L2 in FIG. 5, the second position sensor 22 is switched to an ON state. When the front side surface 14b of the positioning rod 14 is in contact with the second inner surface 16b of the positioning plate 16, it swings to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. Accordingly, assuming that the safety cover 9 reaches the reference position (assuming that the positioning rod 14 is at the reference position) and paying attention to the movement in the X-axis direction, the safety cover 9 has its reference in the X-axis direction. When the position approaches a distance d2 before, the second position sensor 22 is turned on, and the ON state is maintained until the safety cover 9 reaches the reference position. In other words, even if the safety cover 9 is separated from the reference position by the distance d2 in the X-axis direction, the second position sensor 22 is maintained in the ON state.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, the swing angles of the actuators 21a and 22a at which the first and second position sensors 21 and 22 are switched from OFF to ON are both about 15 degrees, and the distances d1 and d2 are both It is set to about 15mm.
[0033]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the laser beam machine according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a diagram illustrating a normal configuration example, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a modification.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the laser processing machine has a laser oscillator control unit (control device) 32, and the laser oscillator control unit 32 generates laser light. On the other hand, the outputs of the first and second sensors 21 and 22 are input to the arithmetic device 31, and the arithmetic device (control device) 31 has both the first and second sensors 21 and 22 turned on. Then, a permission signal for permitting generation of laser light is output. Then, when the permission signal is input from the arithmetic device 31, the laser oscillator control unit 32 stops the generation of the laser light.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 7B, the arithmetic unit 31 in FIG. 7A may be omitted. In this case, for example, a pair of semiconductor switches are provided in the laser light generation circuit of the laser oscillator control unit 32, the output of the first position sensor 21 is supplied to the control unit of one semiconductor switch, and the control unit of the other semiconductor switch The outputs of the two position sensors 22 are input, and each semiconductor switch is turned on when each position sensor is turned on. Then, the laser beam generation circuit operates only when both the first and second position sensors 21 and 22 are turned on, and the laser oscillator control unit 32 generates the laser beam.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the laser beam machine configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of laser processing.
[0037]
1 to 8, first, the safety device 3 is removed from around the furnace 4. As a result, a work area is secured, the processed workpiece 6 is taken out from the opening 4a of the furnace 4, and the workpiece 6 to be processed is placed on the work table 5. This completes the workpiece setting (step S1).
[0038]
Next, the safety device 3 is set (step S2). In this case, the positioning bar 14 of the safety device 3 is appropriately retracted by operating the lever 15, and in this state, the front side surface 14 b abuts on the second inner surface 16 b of the positioning plate 16 of the laser processing machine body 2. Let Thereby, the position of the safety cover 9 in the X-axis direction is positioned at the reference position. Further, the second position sensor 22 is turned on by being pushed by the front side 23b of the operating plate 23. The reason why the positioning bar 14 is retracted appropriately is to prevent the actuator 21a of the first position sensor 21 from being caught by the front side 23b of the operating plate 23. Thereafter, the positioning bar 14 is advanced to the reference position, and the tip end surface 14 a is brought into contact with the first inner surface 16 a of the positioning plate 16. Thereby, the position of the safety cover 9 in the Y-axis direction is positioned at the reference position. Further, the first position sensor 21 is turned on by being pushed by the right side 23a of the operating plate 23. As a result, the safety cover 9 is positioned at the reference position, and the safety device 3 is set. Further, the arithmetic unit 31 outputs a permission signal to the laser oscillator control unit 32.
[0039]
Next, the operator turns on a laser irradiation activation button (not shown) of the laser processing machine 1 (step S2).
[0040]
Next, the laser oscillator control unit 32 determines whether a permission signal is input from the arithmetic device 31. Thereby, it is confirmed whether or not the safety device 3 is mounted (step S4). In this case, since the permission signal is input from the arithmetic unit 31, the process proceeds to step S5, and the laser oscillator control unit 32 generates laser light. Then, the generated laser beam is irradiated onto the workpiece 6 from the machining head 7, and the workpiece 6 is machined (step S5).
[0041]
Next, a case where an external force is applied to the safety cover 9 during laser processing will be described. For example, assume that the worker leans against the side surface of the safety cover 9. Then, the safety device 3 can be freely moved on the floor by the casters 11, and the positioning rod 14 is regulated by the positioning plate 16 in the positioning direction but not in the opposite direction. Move in the direction that was hung. When the amount of movement exceeds a certain limit, one or both of the first and second position sensors 21 and 22 are turned off. Thereby, the arithmetic unit 31 stops outputting the permission signal. Then, in step S4, the laser oscillator control unit 32 stops the generation of the laser beam and then issues a warning (step S6). This warning is performed, for example, by blinking a patrol light (not shown) and simultaneously emitting an alarm sound from a speaker (not shown). Thereby, the safety of the leaning worker is ensured.
[0042]
Thereafter, when the safety device 3 is reset, the laser beam irradiation is resumed (steps S2 to S5).
[0043]
Note that the laser beam is not stopped unless the safety device 3 moves beyond a certain level because the laser beam irradiation operation is stopped when the laser beam irradiation is stopped by the slight movement of the safety device 3. Because it becomes unstable.
[0044]
In the above description, the contact-type position sensors 21 and 22 are used as the sensors. However, any sensor that can detect the position of the positioning bar 14 may be used. For example, a non-contact ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, etc. May be used.
[0045]
In addition, the safety cover 9 is positioned in the X and Y biaxial directions, but may be in other directions as long as it is a two-dimensional direction in the horizontal plane.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention is implemented in the form as described above, and has the following effects.
(1) A contact accident to the laser beam can be prevented, and a safety cover is provided so as to be positioned between the workpiece and the processing head, so that even a long focus lens can be small.
(2) If the safety cover is movably provided, a work area for the work can be secured and the workability thereof is improved.
(3) If the positioning mechanism for positioning the safety cover at a predetermined position and the interlock mechanism for allowing the laser beam to be irradiated when the safety cover is positioned at the predetermined position, the workability is improved and the workability is further improved. Safety can be ensured.
(4) The positioning mechanism positions the safety cover so as to be movable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the safety cover should be positioned, and the interlock mechanism causes the laser beam when the safety cover is located within a predetermined range from a predetermined position. If the irradiation is permitted, the worker's safety can be ensured.
(5) If the safety cover is provided so as to be movable using casters, there is no possibility of tripping over the rail as in the case of providing the safety cover moving rail, and the workability is further improved.
(6) If the safety cover is movably provided using a caster and the positioning mechanism is for positioning the safety cover in a two-dimensional direction in a horizontal plane, an operator is leaning against any side of the safety cover. Even safety can be ensured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a laser beam machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of a safety device of the laser beam machine in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the safety device of FIG.
4 is a front view showing a positioning mechanism and an interlock mechanism of the laser beam machine in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a side view showing a positioning mechanism and an interlock mechanism of the laser beam machine in FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a plan view showing a positioning mechanism and an interlock mechanism of the laser beam machine in FIG. 1. FIG.
7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the laser beam machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a normal configuration example, and (b) is a diagram showing a modification. FIG. .
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of laser processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser processing machine 2 Laser processing machine body 3 Safety device 4 Furnace 4a Opening 5 Work table 6 Work 7 Processing head 8 Optical path 9 Safety cover
10 Support
11 Casters
12 Positioning mechanism
13 Guide tube
14 Positioning bar
14a Tip surface
14b Front side
15 Lever
16 Positioning plate
16a first inner surface
16b Second inner surface
18 Connecting member
19 Bracket
21 First position sensor
21a Actuator
22 Second position sensor
22a Actuator
23 Actuator
23a right side
23b front side
31 Arithmetic unit
32 Laser oscillator controller
41 Interlock mechanism
51 Holding member
53 volts
52 Bracket
55 windows
101 Center axes d1, d2 Distance L1, L2 Virtual line

Claims (5)

In a laser processing machine that processes a workpiece by irradiating a laser beam from a processing head,
A safety cover, a positioning mechanism that positions the safety cover at a predetermined position, and an interlock mechanism that permits irradiation of the laser light when the safety cover is positioned at the predetermined position;
A laser processing machine, wherein a safety cover is movably provided between the processing head and the work so as to surround at least a part of an optical path of laser light emitted from the processing head. The positioning mechanism positions the safety cover so as to be movable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the safety cover is to be positioned, and the interlock mechanism is configured so that the safety cover is positioned within a predetermined range from the predetermined position. laser processing machine according to claim 1, wherein as to allow the laser light irradiation. The laser processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the safety cover is movably provided using a caster. 4. The laser beam machine according to claim 3 , wherein the safety cover is movably provided using a caster, and the positioning mechanism positions the safety cover in a two-dimensional direction in a horizontal plane. The safety cover is formed to extend in a direction along the optical path of the laser beam when positioned at the predetermined position, and is disposed on a support body that supports the safety cover and a leg portion of the support body. A part of the safety device is configured together with the caster, and the positioning mechanism is disposed so as to protrude laterally from the safety device, and the end surface and one side surface of the distal end portion are respectively in the safety device in plan view. Positioning rods formed on a plane substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the cover and a plane substantially parallel to the cover, and two surfaces that are bent at a substantially right angle in plan view and sandwich the bent portion when the safety cover is located at the predetermined position Includes a positioning plate disposed on a side surface of the laser processing machine so as to abut on an end surface of the tip end portion of the positioning rod and one side surface. Place The end face and one side face of the end of the locating rod have two sides that are substantially parallel to each other and intersect each other, and are disposed on the upper surface of the positioning rod so that the two sides are located outside the tip of the positioning rod an actuating plate which is, being respectively arranged behind the two surfaces sandwiching the bent portion of the positioning plate, the actuating plate in plan view, the position in the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the two sides respectively detected, the When the detected position is a position corresponding to the case where the safety cover is located within a predetermined range from the predetermined position, a pair of sensors that output a detection signal and the detection signal from both of the pair of sensors are received. 5. A laser processing machine according to claim 4 , further comprising a control device that permits irradiation of the laser beam.

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