JP5096614B2 - Laser processing apparatus, laser processing data setting apparatus, laser processing data setting method, laser processing data setting program, computer-readable recording medium, and recorded apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser marking device or the like, a laser processing device that performs processing such as printing by irradiating a processing object with laser light, a laser processing data setting device that sets processing conditions in the laser processing device, a laser processing data setting method, The present invention relates to a laser processing data setting program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a recorded device.

  The laser processing apparatus scans a laser beam within a predetermined region and irradiates the surface of a processing target (work) such as a component or product with a laser beam to perform processing such as printing or marking. An example of the configuration of the laser processing apparatus is shown in FIG. The laser processing apparatus shown in this figure includes a laser control unit 1, a laser output unit 2, and an input unit 3. The excitation light generated by the laser excitation unit 6 of the laser control unit 1 is irradiated to the laser medium 8 constituting the oscillator by the laser oscillation unit 50 of the laser output unit 2 to cause laser oscillation. The laser oscillation light is emitted from the emission end face of the laser medium 8, the beam diameter is enlarged by the beam expander 53, and is guided to the scanning unit 9. The scanning unit 9 reflects the laser beam L and polarizes it in a desired direction, and the laser beam L output from the condensing unit 15 is scanned on the surface of the workpiece W to perform processing such as printing.

  The laser processing apparatus includes a scanning unit 9 as shown in FIG. 2 in order to scan the laser output light on the workpiece. The scanning unit 9 includes X / Y-axis scanners 14a and 14b constituting a pair of galvanometer mirrors, and galvano motors 51a and 51b for rotating the galvanometer mirrors fixed to the rotation shafts. As shown in FIG. 2, the X / Y-axis scanners 14a and 14b are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other, and can scan the laser beam by reflecting it in the X and Y directions. Further, a condensing unit 15 is provided below the scanning unit 9. The condensing part 15 is comprised with the condensing lens for condensing so that a working area may be irradiated with a laser beam, and an f (theta) lens is used.

On the other hand, not only a laser processing apparatus that performs processing in such a two-dimensional plane, but also laser processing that enables three-dimensional processing by adjusting the focal length of laser light in the height direction, that is, the Z-axis direction. Equipment has also been developed. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a laser processing apparatus that can change the focal length by adding a Z-axis scanner as an example of such a three-dimensional laser processing apparatus. The Z-axis scanner includes an incident lens facing the laser oscillation unit side and an exit lens facing the laser exit side, and the lens is slid with a drive motor or the like to relatively change the distance between the lenses. The focal distance, that is, the working distance in the height direction can be adjusted.
JP-A-2005-161343

  In such a laser processing apparatus capable of three-dimensional printing, when setting three-dimensional laser processing data, in general, after inputting data such as characters to be printed in two dimensions, For example, it arrange | positions on a workpiece | work so that it may deform | transform into a column shape or a cone shape.

  However, when two-dimensional print data is converted into a three-dimensional basic figure, if it is directly pasted into a three-dimensional shape such as a cylinder, it may be pasted in an area where laser processing cannot be performed. In the example of FIG. 3, an example in which the character string “Aiueo” is printed on the side surface of the cylindrical workpiece is shown, and the processing pattern is located on the left side of the drawing. In this state, the laser processing apparatus has a low laser printing angle because the laser incident angle is shallow on the side surface of the cylinder. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to manually adjust the print position appropriately. Further, on the three-dimensional display screen, some or all of the machining pattern may not be displayed depending on the viewpoint of observing the workpiece. If the 3D laser processing data is not displayed on the display unit when switching to the 3D display, the user needs to search for the laser processing pattern by adjusting the viewpoint of the 3D display, which is troublesome. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems. One object of the present invention is to set the initial position when converting two-dimensional machining data to three-dimensional machining data in an easy-to-see position or a position with high machining quality, thereby facilitating subsequent setting work. An object of the present invention is to provide a laser processing device, a laser processing data setting device, a laser processing data setting method, a laser processing data setting program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a recorded device.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the laser processing apparatus of the first invention, a desired processing pattern is obtained by irradiating the processing target surface of the processing target disposed in the work area with laser light. A laser processing apparatus capable of processing a laser, and a laser oscillation unit for generating laser light and a lens disposed on the optical axis of the laser light irradiated by the laser oscillation unit are moved along the optical axis The beam expander capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam, the first scanner for scanning the laser beam transmitted through the beam expander in the first direction, and the laser beam scanned by the first scanner A second scanner for scanning in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, a laser beam scanning system, a laser oscillation unit and a laser control unit for controlling the laser beam scanning system, Addition Displayed on the processing pattern input means for inputting the pattern as two-dimensional information, the two-dimensional display means capable of two-dimensionally displaying the image of the processing pattern input by the processing pattern input means, and the two-dimensional display means Machining surface profile for inputting profile information representing a three-dimensional machining target surface as a reference for converting two-dimensional information of the machining pattern into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface Based on the profile information, the processing pattern is formed into a three-dimensional shape so that the processing pattern input by the processing pattern input unit is virtually matched on the processing target surface input by the input unit and the processing surface profile input unit. A processing data generation unit that deforms and generates three-dimensional laser processing data, and a processing pattern that is deformed into a three-dimensional shape, And a three-dimensional display means for displaying three-dimensional in the edit display field showing the printing range defined by the first scanner and the movable range of the second scanner with factory target surface, which is displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means and a adjusting means for adjusting the position of the processed surface, the laser control unit, three-dimensional laser processing data generated by the processed data generation unit, and the arrangement position of the processing target surface which is adjusted by the adjusting means The laser beam scanning system including the laser oscillation unit, the beam expander, the first scanner, and the second scanner can be controlled based on the above.

  Moreover, according to the laser processing apparatus which concerns on 2nd invention, the adjustment means can adjust the position of a process target surface to a Z direction, adding to the XY direction.

  Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the adjusting means can adjust the posture of the processing target surface in each of the X rotation, Y rotation, and Z rotation directions.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the adjusting means can further include means for adjusting the position where the processing pattern is attached to the three-dimensional processing target surface.
Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus of the fifth invention, even if the arrangement position of the processing target surface displayed on the three-dimensional display means is adjusted by the adjustment means, the arrangement position of the processing pattern with respect to the processing target surface is maintained. .

Furthermore, according to the laser machining apparatus in accordance with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the machining surface profile input means can include basic graphic designating means for selecting one from a plurality of basic graphics.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus of the seventh invention, the basic figure designating means can specify the shape of the basic figure by inputting parameters for specifying the shape of the basic figure.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the basic graphic designating means can select either the inner surface or the outer surface of the basic graphic as the surface to be processed.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the processing surface profile input means can input a data file of 3D data created in advance.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing data setting device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the laser beam for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit with respect to the processing target surface of the processing object arranged in the work area. As a scanning system, a beam expander capable of adjusting a focal length of a laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated by the laser oscillation unit along the optical axis, and a beam expander A first scanner for scanning the laser beam transmitted through the first direction in a first direction, and a second scanner for scanning the laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. e Bei the second scanner, and is irradiated with laser light in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, the processed data based on the desired processing pattern A laser processing data setting device for determining a processing pattern input means for inputting a processing pattern as two-dimensional information, and an image of the processing pattern input by the processing pattern input means can be displayed two-dimensionally 3D processing as a reference for converting 2D display means and 2D information of the processing pattern displayed on the 2D display means into 3D laser processing data according to a 3D processing target surface The machining surface profile input means for inputting profile information representing the target surface and the machining pattern input by the machining pattern input means are virtually matched on the machining target surface input by the machining surface profile input means. In addition, machining data for generating a three-dimensional laser machining data by transforming the machining pattern into a three-dimensional shape based on the profile information. A generating unit, a processing pattern which is deformed into a three-dimensional shape, three-dimensional display for displaying three-dimensional in the edit display field showing the printing range defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner with processed surface 3D laser processing data generated by the processing data generation unit and adjusting means, and adjusting means for adjusting the arrangement position of the processing target surface displayed in the edit display field by the 3D display means The laser beam scanning system including the laser oscillation unit, the beam expander, the first scanner, and the second scanner of the laser processing apparatus can be controlled based on the arrangement position of the processing target surface adjusted by the above.

Furthermore, according to the laser processing data setting method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the laser beam for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit on the processing target surface of the processing object arranged in the work area. As a scanning system, a beam expander capable of adjusting a focal length of a laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated by the laser oscillation unit along the optical axis, and a beam expander A first scanner for scanning the laser beam transmitted through the first direction in a first direction, and a second scanner for scanning the laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. e Bei the second scanner, and is irradiated with laser light in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, the processed data based on the desired processing pattern A method of setting a laser processing data for setting, a step of inputting a processing pattern as two-dimensional information, a step of two-dimensionally displaying an image of the input processing pattern on a two-dimensional display means, and 2 Profile information representing a three-dimensional machining target surface, which serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the three-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface. The processing pattern is transformed into a three-dimensional shape based on the profile information so as to virtually match the input processing pattern with the input process target surface, and three-dimensional laser processing data is generated. a step of, a processing pattern which is deformed into a three-dimensional shape, the printing range defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner with processed surface shows And displaying 3-dimensional editing display column, and adjusting the position of the processing target surface which is displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means, three-dimensional laser processing data generated, and adjusted processing object And a step of controlling a laser beam scanning system including a laser oscillation unit, a beam expander, a first scanner, and a second scanner of the laser processing apparatus based on the arrangement position of the surface.

Further, according to the laser processing data setting program according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the laser beam for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit on the processing target surface of the processing object arranged in the work area. As a scanning system, a beam expander capable of adjusting a focal length of a laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated by the laser oscillation unit along the optical axis, and a beam expander A first scanner for scanning the laser beam transmitted through the first direction in a first direction, and a second scanner for scanning the laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. e Bei the second scanner, and is irradiated with laser light in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, processing de based on the desired processing pattern A function for inputting a machining pattern as two-dimensional information, and a function for two-dimensionally displaying an image of the inputted machining pattern on a two-dimensional display means. Profile representing a three-dimensional machining target surface that serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the two-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface The processing pattern is transformed into a three-dimensional shape on the basis of the profile information so that the input processing pattern virtually matches the input processing pattern with the function of inputting information, and the three-dimensional laser processing data and generating a processed pattern which is deformed into a three-dimensional shape, defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner with processed surface And displaying 3-dimensional editing display field showing the characters range, the position of the processing target surface which is displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means, defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner work Based on the function to adjust in the region, the generated three-dimensional laser processing data, and the adjusted position of the processing target surface, the laser oscillation unit, the beam expander, the first scanner, and the second of the laser processing apparatus And a function of controlling a laser beam scanning system including the scanner can be realized by a computer.

Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium or a recorded device storing the program according to the thirteenth invention stores the program. CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, flexible disk, magnetic tape, MO, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, Blu-ray (registered) Trademarks), HD DVD and other magnetic disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories and other media that can store programs. The program includes a program distributed in a download manner through a network line such as the Internet, in addition to a program stored and distributed in the recording medium. Further, the recorded devices include general-purpose or dedicated devices in which the program is implemented in a state where it can be executed in the form of software, firmware, or the like. Furthermore, each process and function included in the program may be executed by computer-executable program software, or each part of the process or hardware may be executed by hardware such as a predetermined gate array (FPGA, ASIC), or program software. And a partial hardware module that realizes a part of hardware elements may be mixed.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, laser processing data is automatically arranged at a position where laser irradiation can be performed and then displayed three-dimensionally. Therefore, the user can visually check the default state without changing the visual field. The processing state can be easily grasped. According to another embodiment, laser processing data can be arranged at a position with high processing accuracy in the default state. According to still another embodiment, laser processing data can be arranged and displayed three-dimensionally at a position with high visibility and processing accuracy at the apex of a cylindrical, conical, or spherical processing target surface. Further, according to another embodiment, the user can change the initial position to a desired position, and can be used conveniently. According to still another embodiment, the initial position of the laser processing data can be aligned to a desired state such as centering, left justification, and right justification. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the laser processing data can be automatically arranged at a position suitable for processing so as not to be arranged in an area where the laser processing data is impossible or defective. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, when the laser processing data cannot be physically arranged, it is hidden and the user can be prompted to perform warning or resetting. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the layout of the laser processing data is automatically set according to the positional relationship between the head portion and the processing target surface. Therefore, particularly when a plurality of processing blocks are set. Thus, appropriate automatic arrangement can be realized easily without the need for setting. Further, according to another embodiment, in a laser processing apparatus capable of processing a three-dimensional processing target surface, an image of the three-dimensional processing target surface can be suitably displayed and confirmed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in the following embodiments, a laser processing apparatus, a laser processing data setting apparatus, a laser processing data setting method, a laser processing data setting program, and a computer-readable recording medium for embodying the technical idea of the present invention The present invention includes a laser processing device, a laser processing data setting device, a laser processing data setting method, a laser processing data setting program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a recorded device. Not specific to anything. Further, the present specification by no means specifies the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, and are merely explanations. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.

  In this specification, the connection between the laser processing apparatus and computers, printers, external storage devices and other peripheral devices for operation, control, input / output, display, and other processing connected thereto is, for example, IEEE 1394, RS- 232x, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, USB, PS2, etc., serial connection, parallel connection, or 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, etc. I do. The connection is not limited to a physical connection using a wire, but may be a wireless connection using radio waves such as IEEE802.1x, OFDM, etc., Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, optical communication, or the like. Further, a memory card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used as a recording medium for storing observation image data or setting data.

  In the following embodiments, a laser marker will be described as an example of a laser processing apparatus embodying the present invention. However, in this specification, the laser processing apparatus can be used in general for laser application equipment regardless of its name. For example, laser processing such as laser oscillators and various laser processing apparatuses, drilling, marking, trimming, scribing, surface treatment, and laser processing, Other laser application fields as a light source, for example, a light source for high-density recording / playback of optical discs such as DVD and Blu-ray (registered trademark), a light source for communication, a printing device, a light source for illumination, a light source for display devices such as a display, It can be suitably used in medical devices and the like.

  In this specification, printing will be described as a representative example of processing. However, as described above, printing is not limited to printing processing, and it can be used in all types of processing using laser light such as melting, peeling, surface oxidation, cutting, and discoloration. it can. In addition, the term “printing” is used in a concept including various kinds of processing described above in addition to marking of characters, symbols, figures and the like. Further, in the present specification, the processing pattern is used to include hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabets and numbers, symbols, pictograms, icons, logos, graphics such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the laser processing apparatus 100. A laser processing apparatus 100 shown in this figure includes a laser control unit 1, a laser output unit 2, and an input unit 3.
(Input unit 3)

The input unit 3 is connected to the laser control unit 1, inputs necessary settings for operating the laser processing apparatus, and transmits them to the laser control unit 1. The setting contents are operating conditions of the laser processing apparatus, specific printing contents, and the like. The input unit 3 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a console. In addition, a display unit 82 for confirming input information input by the input unit 3 and displaying the state of the laser control unit 1 and the like can be separately provided. As the display unit 82, a monitor such as an LCD or a cathode ray tube can be used. If a touch panel method is used, the input unit and the display unit can also be used. Accordingly, the necessary setting of the laser processing apparatus can be performed at the input unit without externally connecting a computer or the like.
(Laser controller 1)

  The laser control unit 1 includes a control unit 4, a memory unit 5, a laser excitation unit 6, and a power source 7. The setting contents input from the input unit 3 are recorded in the memory unit 5. The control unit 4 reads the setting contents from the memory when necessary, and operates the laser excitation unit 6 based on the print signal corresponding to the printing contents to excite the laser medium 8 of the laser output unit 2. The memory unit 5 can use a semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a ROM. Further, the memory unit 5 can be incorporated in the laser control unit 1, or a semiconductor memory card such as a detachable PC card or SD card, or a memory card such as a card-type hard disk can be used. The memory unit 5 composed of a memory card can be easily rewritten by an external device such as a computer. The contents set by the computer are written in the memory card and set in the laser control unit 1 so that the input unit is laser controlled. Settings can be made without connecting to the unit. In particular, a semiconductor memory is fast in reading and writing data and has no mechanical operation part, so it is resistant to vibrations and can prevent data loss accidents due to a crash like a hard disk.

Further, the control unit 4 scans the laser light L oscillated by the laser medium 8 on the print object (work) W so as to perform the set printing, and thus the scanning signal for operating the scanning unit 9 of the laser output unit 2. Is output to the scanning unit 9. The power source 7 applies a predetermined voltage to the laser excitation unit 6 as a constant voltage power source. The print signal for controlling the print operation is a PWM signal corresponding to one pulse of the laser light L that is oscillated by switching on / off of the laser light L according to the HIGH / LOW. Although the laser intensity of the PWM signal is determined based on a duty ratio corresponding to the frequency, the laser intensity may be changed depending on the scanning speed based on the frequency.
(Laser excitation unit 6)

The laser excitation unit 6 includes a laser excitation light source 10 and a laser excitation light source condensing unit 11 that are optically bonded. An example of the inside of the laser excitation unit 6 is shown in the perspective view of FIG. The laser excitation unit 6 shown in this figure has a laser excitation light source 10 and a laser excitation light source condensing unit 11 fixed in a laser excitation unit casing 12. The laser excitation unit casing is made of a metal such as brass having good thermal conductivity, and efficiently radiates the laser excitation light source 10 to the outside. The laser excitation light source 10 is composed of a semiconductor laser, a lamp or the like. In the example of FIG. 4, a laser diode array in which a plurality of semiconductor laser diode elements are arranged in a straight line is used, and laser oscillation from each element is output in a line. Laser oscillation enters the incident surface of the laser excitation light source condensing unit 11 and is output as laser excitation light condensed from the emission surface. The laser excitation light source condensing unit 11 is composed of a focusing lens or the like. Laser excitation light from the laser excitation light source condensing unit 11 is incident on the laser medium 8 of the laser output unit 2 through an optical fiber cable 13 or the like. The laser excitation light source 10, the laser excitation light source condensing unit 11, and the optical fiber cable 13 are optically coupled via a space or an optical fiber.
(Laser output unit 2)

The laser output unit 2 includes a laser oscillation unit 50. The laser oscillation unit 50 that generates the laser light L includes a laser medium 8, an output mirror and a total reflection mirror that are arranged to face each other at a predetermined distance along the optical path of the stimulated emission light emitted from the laser medium 8, and Apertures, Q switches, etc. arranged between The stimulated emission light emitted from the laser medium 8 is amplified by multiple reflection between the output mirror and the total reflection mirror, and the mode is selected by the aperture while being cut off in a short period by the operation of the Q switch, and the output mirror The laser beam L is output through The laser output unit 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a laser medium 8 and a scanning unit 9. The laser medium 8 is excited by the laser excitation light incident from the laser excitation unit 6 via the optical fiber cable 13 and is oscillated. The laser medium 8 employs a so-called end pumping excitation method in which laser excitation light is input from one end surface of the rod shape and is excited, and laser light L is emitted from the other end surface.
(Laser medium 8)

In the above example, a rod-shaped Nd: YVO ₄ solid laser medium is used as the laser medium 8. The wavelength of the semiconductor laser for excitation of the solid-state laser medium was set to 809 nm, which is the center wavelength of the Nd: YVO ₄ absorption spectrum. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other solid-state laser media such as rare earth doped YAG, LiSrF, LiCaF, YLF, NAB, KNP, LNP, NYAB, NPP, GGG, etc. can also be used. Moreover, the wavelength of the laser beam L to be output can be converted into an arbitrary wavelength by combining a wavelength conversion element with the solid laser medium. Moreover, it is applicable also to what is called a fiber laser using a fiber as an oscillator instead of a bulk as a laser medium.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use a wavelength conversion element that does not use a solid laser medium, in other words, does not constitute a resonator that oscillates laser light, and performs only wavelength conversion. In this case, wavelength conversion is performed on the output light of the semiconductor laser. Examples of the wavelength conversion element include KTP (KTiPO ₄ ), organic nonlinear optical materials and other inorganic nonlinear optical materials such as KN (KNbO ₃ ), KAP (KAsPO ₄ ), BBO, LBO, and bulk polarization inversion elements ( LiNbO ₃ (Periodically Polled Lithium Niobate: PPLN), LiTaO ₃ or the like) can be used. Further, a semiconductor laser for an excitation light source of a laser by up-conversion using a fluoride fiber doped with rare earth such as Ho, Er, Tm, Sm, and Nd can be used. Thus, in this embodiment, various types can be appropriately used as a laser generation source.

Furthermore, the laser oscillation unit is not limited to a solid-state laser, and a gas laser using a gas such as CO ₂ , helium-neon, argon, or nitrogen as a medium can also be used. For example, when a carbon dioxide laser is used, the laser oscillation unit is filled with carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) inside the laser oscillation unit and has an electrode built in. The laser oscillation is based on a print signal given from the laser control unit. The carbon dioxide in the unit is excited to cause laser oscillation.
(Scanning system)

  Next, the laser beam scanning system of the laser processing apparatus is shown in FIGS. In these drawings, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the laser beam scanning system of the laser processing apparatus, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 viewed from the reverse direction, and FIG. 7 is a side view. . The laser processing apparatus shown in these drawings is orthogonal to a beam expander 53 having a Z-axis scanner in which the optical path coincides with a laser oscillation unit that generates laser light L, an X-axis scanner 14a, and an X-axis scanner 14a. And a Y-axis scanner 14b arranged as described above. In this laser beam scanning system, the laser beam L emitted from the laser oscillation unit is scanned two-dimensionally in the work area WS by the X-axis scanner 14a and the Y-axis scanner 14b, and further in the height direction by the Z-axis scanner 14c. The working distance, that is, the focal length can be adjusted, and printing can be performed in a three-dimensional manner. In the figure, the fθ lens, which is a condensing lens, is not shown.

  In general, in a laser processing apparatus, an fθ lens is disposed between the second mirror and the work area in order to focus the laser light reflected by the second mirror (Y-axis scanner) so as to irradiate the work area. A condensing lens called is arranged. The fθ lens performs correction in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the focal position is extended as it gets closer to the end of the work area WS and is corrected to be positioned on the processing surface of the work W.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when it is desired to form a beam having a spot diameter smaller than about 50 μm, it is preferable to arrange an fθ lens. On the other hand, when a beam diameter larger than the small spot diameter described above and having a spot diameter of about 100 μm (usually used spot diameter) is adopted, the Z-axis assembly provided in the beam expander on the Z-axis scanner side is used. By moving the optical lens in the Z-axis direction, correction in the Z-axis direction that should be performed by the fθ lens can be performed as correction control. Thereby, when the spot diameter is large, the fθ lens can be omitted. In the example of FIG. 8 described above, correction in the Z-axis direction to be performed by the fθ lens can be performed by correction control of the Z-axis scanner.

Each scanner has a galvano mirror which is a total reflection mirror as a reflecting surface for reflecting light, a galvano motor for rotating with the galvano mirror fixed to the rotating shaft, and a position where the rotating shaft rotates. A position detector for outputting as a signal is provided. The scanner is connected to a scanner driving unit that drives the scanner. The scanner driving unit is connected to the scanner control unit, receives a control signal for controlling the scanner from the scanner control unit, and drives the scanner based on the control signal. For example, the scanner driving unit adjusts the driving current for driving the scanner based on the control signal. The scanner driving unit includes an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a temporal change in the rotation angle of each scanner with respect to the control signal. The adjustment mechanism is constituted by a semiconductor component such as a variable resistor that adjusts each parameter of the scanner driving unit.
(Z-axis scanner 14c)

  The Z-axis scanner 14c constitutes a beam expander 53 that adjusts the spot diameter of the laser light L and thereby adjusts the focal length. That is, by changing the relative distance between the entrance lens and the exit lens by the beam expander, the beam diameter of the laser beam can be enlarged / reduced, and the focal position can also be changed. The beam expander 53 is arranged in front of the galvanometer mirror as shown in FIG. 5 and adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light L output from the laser oscillating unit, in order to effectively collect light on a small spot. At the same time, the focal position of the laser beam L can be adjusted. A method for adjusting the working distance by the Z-axis scanner 14c will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 are side views of the laser beam scanning system. FIG. 9 shows a case where the focal length of the laser beam L is increased, and FIG. 10 shows a case where the focal length is reduced. FIG. 11 shows a front view and a sectional view of the Z-axis scanner 14c. As shown in these figures, the Z-axis scanner 14c includes an incident lens 16 facing the laser oscillating unit and an exit lens 18 facing the laser emitting side, and the distance between these lenses changes relatively. It is possible. 9 to 11, the exit lens 18 is fixed, and the entrance lens 16 can be slid along the optical axis direction by a drive motor or the like. FIG. 11 omits the illustration of the exit lens 18 and shows the drive mechanism of the entrance lens 16. In this example, the movable element can be slid in the axial direction by a coil and a magnet, and the incident lens 16 is fixed to the movable element. However, the incident lens side can be fixed and the exit lens side can be moved, or both the entrance lens and the exit lens can be moved.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the distance between the entrance lens 16 and the exit lens 18 is made closer, the focal position becomes farther and the focal distance (working distance) becomes larger. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 10, when the distance between the incident lens 16 and the outgoing lens 18 is increased, the focal position approaches and the focal length becomes smaller.
(Distance pointer)

  In addition, in order to adjust the focal position at the center of the work area of the laser marker that can be three-dimensionally processed, a guide pattern indicating the irradiation position when the laser beam is scanned into the work area WS can be displayed. The laser beam scanning system of the laser marker shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 serves as a distance pointer and guide light optics for aligning the guide light source 60 and the guide light G from the guide light source 60 with the optical axis of the laser light scanning system. A half mirror 62 is provided as one form of the system, and a pointer light source 64 for irradiating pointer light P as a pointer light adjustment system, and a pointer scanner as a third mirror formed on the back surface of the Y-axis scanner 14b. The mirror 14d and the fixed mirror 66 that further reflects the pointer light P from the pointer light source 64 reflected by the pointer scanner mirror 14d and irradiates it toward the focal position. The distance pointer is adjusted by irradiating the pointer light P indicating the focal position of the laser light from the pointer light source 64 and irradiating the pointer light P almost at the center of the guide pattern displayed by the guide light G. The focal position of the laser beam is indicated.

In the above example, the laser beam scanning system is provided with a mechanism capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam, thereby enabling three-dimensional processing. However, by controlling the stage height so that the position of the stage on which the workpiece is placed can be adjusted in the vertical direction, the height of the stage is adjusted so that the focal point of the laser beam is connected to the work surface of the workpiece. Dimensional processing can also be performed. Also, by making the stage movable in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, the corresponding scanner of the laser beam scanning system can be omitted. These configurations can be suitably used not only in a form in which the workpiece is conveyed on the line but also in a form in which the work is placed on the stage and processed.
(System configuration of laser marker)

  Next, FIG. 12 shows a system configuration of a laser marker capable of three-dimensional printing. The laser processing system shown in this figure is connected to a marking head 150, a controller 1A that is connected to the marking head 150 and controls the marking head 150, and the controller 1A so that data communication is possible. A laser processing data setting device 180 that sets a print pattern as three-dimensional laser processing data; In the example of FIG. 12, the laser processing data setting device 180 installs a laser processing data setting program in a computer to realize a laser processing data setting function. The laser processing data setting device can use a programmable logic controller (PLC) connected with a touch panel, other dedicated hardware, etc. in addition to a computer. The laser processing data setting device can also function as a control device that controls the operation of the laser processing device. For example, a function as a laser processing data setting device and a function as a controller of a marking head including a laser output unit may be integrated into one computer. Further, the laser processing data setting device is constituted by a member different from the laser processing device, and can also be integrated into the laser processing device, for example, a laser processing data setting circuit incorporated in the laser processing device.

  Furthermore, various external devices 190 can be connected to the controller 1A as necessary. For example, an image recognition device such as an image sensor for confirming the type and position of a workpiece conveyed on the line, a distance measuring device such as a displacement meter for obtaining information on the distance between the workpiece and the marking head 150, and a device according to a predetermined sequence It is possible to install a PLC that controls the above, a PD sensor that detects the passage of a workpiece, and other various sensors, and to be connected so that data communication is possible.

Laser processing data, which is setting information for printing planar print data in a three-dimensional form, is set by a laser processing data setting device 180. FIG. 13 shows a block diagram as an example of the laser processing data setting device 180. The laser processing data setting device 180 shown in this figure includes an input unit 3 for inputting various settings, a processing data generation unit 80K that generates laser processing data based on information input from the input unit 3, and a processing target A calculation unit 80 constituting an initial position setting means 80L for determining an initial position for arranging laser processing data on the surface, a display unit 82 for displaying setting contents and laser processing data after calculation, and various setting data And a storage unit 5A for storing. Further, the storage unit 5A includes a reference table 5a that holds a plurality of combinations of processing parameters in association with each other. The display unit 82 is a processing image display unit 83 that can display an image of the processing target surface in three dimensions, and an image of the marking head when the processing image display unit 83 displays the processing target surface image in three dimensions. Is provided. The input unit 3 is a machining surface profile input unit 3A for inputting profile information indicating the three-dimensional shape of the print surface of the workpiece as a machining condition setting unit 3C for inputting machining conditions for machining with a desired machining pattern. The processing pattern input means 3B for inputting the print pattern information and the processing block setting means 3F capable of setting a processing pattern for each processing block by setting a plurality of processing blocks in the work area are realized. The storage unit 5A corresponds to the memory unit 5 in FIG. 1 and is a member that stores information such as profile information and print pattern information set by the input unit 3, and includes a storage medium such as a fixed storage device, a semiconductor memory, and the like. Available. In addition to providing a dedicated display, the display unit 82 may use a computer monitor connected to the system.
(Calculation unit 80)

  The calculation unit 80 functions as a processing data generation unit 80K for generating processing data for performing actual processing based on the processing conditions set by the processing condition setting unit 3C. If necessary, it is possible to realize a coordinate conversion means for converting the print pattern information from planar to three-dimensional spatial coordinate data so as to virtually match the print pattern with the print surface. The calculation unit 80 is configured by an IC such as an FPGA or LSI.

In the example of FIG. 13, the laser processing data setting device is configured by dedicated hardware, but these members can also be executed by software. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12, a laser processing data setting program can be installed in a general-purpose computer so as to function as a laser processing data setting device. In the example of FIG. 13, the laser processing data setting device and the laser processing device are separate devices, but they can also be integrated. For example, a laser processing data setting function can be added to the laser processing apparatus itself.
(Laser processing data setting program)

  Next, a procedure for generating a machining pattern based on the character information input from the machining condition setting unit 3C using the laser machining data setting program will be described based on the user interface screens shown in FIGS. In the examples of user interface screens of these programs, it goes without saying that the layout, shape, display method, size, color scheme, pattern, etc. of each input field and button can be changed as appropriate. By changing the design, the layout can be made easier to display, easier to evaluate and judge, and easy to operate. For example, the detailed setting screen can be displayed as a separate window, or a plurality of screens can be displayed within the same display screen. On the user interface screens of these programs, ON / OFF operations for numerically provided buttons and input fields, designation of numerical values and command inputs, etc. are performed by the input unit 3 connected to the computer in which the program is incorporated. . In this specification, “pressing” includes not only physically touching and operating buttons, but also clicking or selecting with an input unit and pseudo-pressing. Input / output devices constituting the input unit or the like are connected to a computer by wire or wirelessly, or are fixed to the computer or the like. Examples of general input units include various pointing devices such as a mouse, keyboard, slide pad, track point, tablet, joystick, console, jog dial, digitizer, light pen, numeric keypad, touch pad, and accu point. These input / output devices are not limited to program operations, but can also be used for hardware operations such as laser processing equipment. Furthermore, a touch screen or a touch panel is used for the display itself of the display unit 82 that displays the interface screen, so that the user can directly input or operate the screen by hand, or voice input or other existing input is possible. Means can be used, or these can be used in combination.

  The laser processing data setting program can edit three-dimensional laser processing data. However, considering users who are not good at editing 3D data, a “2D editing mode” is available, which allows only setting on a plane and cannot be edited on 3D. It may be possible to switch to a possible “3D editing mode”. When such a plurality of editing modes are provided, an editing mode display field 270 indicating the current editing mode and an editing mode switching button 272 for switching the editing mode are provided. In the example of FIG. 14, the “2D editing mode” is set when the laser processing data setting program is started, and the editing mode display field 270 provided at the upper right of the screen indicates that the current editing mode is “2D editing in progress”. I am letting. By setting the two-dimensional editing mode, which is relatively easy to operate, as the default editing mode at the time of activation, even a user who is not good at editing three-dimensional laser processing data can operate without confusion. Further, the editing mode at the time of activation can be configured to be changeable by the user, and it can also be set so that a user who has mastered the operation can edit the three-dimensional laser processing data without switching the editing mode.

  The edit mode switching button 272 provided on the right side of the edit mode display field 270 displays “3D” characters indicating that switching to the 3D edit mode is possible. When the edit mode switch button 272 is pressed from this state, the mode is switched to “3D edit mode” and the display in the edit mode display field 270 is changed to “3D editing in progress” (FIG. 15 and the like). Further, the edit mode switching button 272 displays “2D” characters indicating that switching from the 3D editing mode to the 2D editing mode is possible. In this way, by providing a 2D editing mode in which 3D display and editing are restricted, it is possible to avoid 3D editing, which has a high threshold according to the user's ability and preference, so that only 2D editing can be performed, and operation difficulty can be reduced. . In other words, even a user who is not accustomed to advanced operations such as 3D CAD can switch to an environment that can be operated as easily as 2D CAD, thereby reducing the difficulty of operation and learning. It is also possible to shift to 3D editing depending on the degree. As described above, the laser processing data setting program can cope with a wide range of users while enabling high-level operations and suppressing complicated and sophisticated operations.

  The 2D editing mode shown in FIG. 14 and the 3D editing mode shown in FIG. 15 are substantially equal in appearance. In the 2D editing mode of FIG. 14, the “shape setting” tab 204i for setting a three-dimensional shape is grayed out and cannot be selected. By pressing the edit mode switching button 272 from the screen of FIG. 14 and switching to the 3D editing mode shown in FIG. 15, the “shape setting” tab 204i can be selected. In this way, by changing the items that can be set with almost no change in the user interface of the program between the 2D editing mode and the 3D editing mode, the transition from the 2D editing mode to the 3D editing mode or vice versa can be easily performed. It can be done smoothly.

  As described above, since this laser machining data setting program uses almost the same interface as the 2D editing mode even in the 3D editing mode, the setting and editing work of the 3D laser machining data is also performed using the 2D laser machining data. It can be done in almost the same way as the setting of. Also in the 3D editing mode, first, the character size and shape of the print pattern are designated from the same user interface as in the 2D editing mode. Next, three-dimensional shape information necessary for the three-dimensional laser processing data is added to the setting of the two-dimensional print pattern. At this time, the user can set the actual print data while switching between the two-dimensional display viewed from the front in the printing direction, that is, the laser light irradiation direction, and the three-dimensional display viewed from an arbitrary direction. This provides a simple user interface that allows a user who has only experienced two-dimensional print data creation to easily create three-dimensional laser processing data.

An example of the processing condition setting unit 3C will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 show an example of a user interface screen of the laser processing data setting program. An edit display field 202 for displaying an image of a processing pattern to be printed on the work is shown on the left side of the screen, and a specific example is shown on the right side. A printing pattern input field 204 for specifying various data as processing conditions is provided. In the print pattern input field 204, a “basic setting” tab 204h, a “shape setting” tab 204i, and a “detailed setting” tab 204j can be switched as tabs for selecting setting items. In the example of FIG. 14, a “basic setting” tab 204h is selected, and a processing type designation field 204a, a character data designation field 204d, a character input field 204b, and a detailed setting field 204c are provided. The processing type designation field 204a designates whether the operation as a printing pattern including a character string, a symbol, a logo, a pattern, an image such as a figure, or a processing machine is performed as a processing pattern type. In the example of FIG. 14, a character string, a logo / diagram, and a processing machine operation are selected from the processing type designation field 204a by radio buttons. The character data designation field 204d designates the type of character data. Here, any one of a character, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and an RSS / composite code (CC) is selected from a pull-down menu. Further, according to the type of the selected character data, a more detailed type is selected in the type designation field 204q. For example, if you select a character, select a font type. If you select a barcode, select CODE39, ITF, 2 of 5, NW7, JAN, Code 28, etc. (Registered trademark) , two-dimensional code types such as micro QR code, DataMatrix, RSS / composite code, RSS-14, RSS-14 CC-A, RSS Stacked, RSS Stacked CC-A, RSS Limited, Specify RSS code type such as RSS Limited CC-A or RSS composite code type. In the character input field 204b, character information to be printed is input. The inputted character is printed as it is as a character string when a character is selected in the character data designation field 204d. On the other hand, when a symbol is designated, a processing pattern in which a character string input according to the type of the selected symbol is encoded is generated. The machining pattern may be generated by the machining data setting unit in addition to the machining condition setting unit 3C. In this example, the calculation unit 80 performs. The detailed setting column 204c switches the tabs and designates details of printing conditions such as a “printing data” tab 204e, a “size / position” tab 204f, and a “printing conditions” tab 204g.

In the example of FIG. 14, a QR code (registered trademark) is designated in the character data designation field 204d, and the cell size, print line width, error correction rate, version, etc. are designated numerically on the “print data” tab 204e. In addition, automatic mode, black and white reversal, password, etc. can be specified as necessary.
(Processing block setting means)

  As described above, the print pattern information relating to one print block is set. A plurality of print blocks can be set. That is, a plurality of printing blocks can be set in the processing area, and printing can be performed under different printing conditions. In addition to setting a plurality of printing blocks for one work or a processing (printing) target surface, it is also possible to set each of a plurality of printing blocks for a plurality of works existing in the processing area.

  The machining block is set by machining block setting means. In the example of FIG. 14, a block number selection field 216 is provided above the print pattern input field 204 as one form of the processing block setting unit. The block number selection field 216 is provided with a number display field for displaying a block number, and a “>” button, a “>>” button, a “<” button, and a “<<” button as number designation means. When the “>” button is pressed, the block number is incremented by 1, and a new print block can be set. Similarly, when changing the setting of a set printing block, the user can select the block number by operating the “>” button and call the setting of the corresponding printing block. If the “>>” button is pressed, the program jumps to the last block number. If the “<” button is further pressed, the block number is returned by one, and if the “<<” button is pressed, the program jumps to the first block number. Furthermore, a block number can be designated by directly inputting a numerical value in the numerical value display field of the block number selection field 216. In this way, a print block is selected in the block number selection field 216, and print pattern information is designated for each print block. In this example, the block number can be set from 0 to 255.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which three print blocks are set. The QR code (registered trademark) set in FIG. 14 is displayed as the block number 000, the bar code is displayed as the block number 001, and the character string is displayed as the block number 002. In the example of FIG. 15, a barcode is designated in the character data designation field 204d, and the barcode height, narrow width, print line width, thin / thickness ratio, etc. are designated numerically on the “print data” tab 204e. In addition, the presence / absence of check digit, black / white inversion, etc. can be designated as necessary.

  In addition, regarding the arrangement of the print blocks, adjustment of the arrangement position (centering with respect to the central axis, right alignment, left alignment, etc.), the stacking order when a plurality of print blocks overlap, and the layout such as alignment can be set. For example, FIG. 16 shows an example in which each print block is moved to the center position in the horizontal direction of the screen. Similarly, alignment can be performed at the center in the vertical direction. In this way, the arrangement of the plurality of print blocks can be automatically adjusted.

Furthermore, the arrangement of each print block can be specified by coordinates or the like. In the example of FIG. 16, for the character string of block number 002, the X and Y coordinates of the block coordinates are designated by numerical values from the “size / position” tab 204f. From this screen, the character height, character width, character spacing, etc. can be specified as the character size. Further, as the block shape, horizontal writing, vertical writing, cylinder inner circumference, outer circumference, etc. at the time of three-dimensional printing are designated.
(Print block setting list)

The print block set in this way can display a list of setting items as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 15, by selecting “Block List” from the “Edit” menu, the block list screen 217 of FIG. 17 is displayed in a separate window. From this list screen, set print blocks can be deleted, or new print blocks can be added by copying. Alternatively, a desired print block may be selected and the setting items may be adjusted.
(Work profile information)

The example of FIG. 14 shows an example of printing on a planar workpiece. In this laser processing data setting program, the processing target surface is not limited to a planar shape, and a three-dimensional processing target surface can be set. Profile information relating to the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece surface to be machined is set from the machining surface profile input means 3A in FIG. The following method can be considered as a method for specifying the profile information.
(1) A method of drawing and specifying a workpiece from a program that can input a three-dimensional shape

The shape of the workpiece is drawn and specified from the program. For example, drawing tools such as planes and straight lines such as existing three-dimensional CAD, three-dimensional modeling tools, and drawing software are prepared, and a user directly draws a three-dimensional shape. This method can be easily used by a user accustomed to drawing a three-dimensional shape, but has a problem that a threshold is high for a user who is not good at such drawing.
(2) Method for allowing the user to input parameters for specifying the shape of the workpiece in an interactive format

Like the wizard method, it is a method for specifying a shape by allowing a user to specify necessary information interactively. This method has the advantage that it is easy to use because knowledge about three-dimensional drawing is not required. For example, the shape of the workpiece is designated, and parameters for specifying the shape are designated. Specifically, the shape of the workpiece is presented as an option in advance, and an input parameter setting item for specifying the shape is further presented and input according to the selected shape. For example, if the surface to be processed is an inclined surface, the coordinate position of the reference point, the direction of the normal vector, and the like are designated. In the case of a cylinder, the coordinate position of the reference point, the cylinder radius, the direction of the cylinder center axis, and the like are designated. Or if it is spherical, the coordinate position of the central point, the radius of the sphere, etc. are designated.
(3) A method of inputting and converting a 3D data file created in advance into the shape of the workpiece

A work data file created in advance by another program such as three-dimensional CAD is converted and used. In this method, since already created data can be used, work shape designation work can be greatly saved. Various general-purpose formats such as DXF, IGES, STEP, STL, and GKS can be used as the readable data file format. It is also possible to directly input a special format of a specific application such as DWG for conversion.
(4) A method for acquiring the shape of a workpiece by actually reading it with an image recognition device such as an image sensor.

  The workpiece is read by an image sensor or the like, and data is automatically acquired by a method such as image recognition.

  Among the above, in this embodiment, the methods (2) and (3) are adopted. Specifically, a means for selecting from basic figures prepared in advance and a means for inputting a file in which a 3D shape is recorded can be used. This state will be described with reference to FIGS. When the tab for selecting the setting item of the print pattern input field 204 is switched from the “basic setting” tab 204h to the “shape setting” tab 204i on the screen of FIG. 14, the screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the profile designation field 205 is displayed. . In the profile designation field 205 in FIG. 18, one of a basic figure, ZMAP, and processing machine operation is selected with a radio button.

In the method of selecting from the basic figure, the shape of the basic figure prepared in advance is selected. Basic figures include planes, cylinders, spheres, cones, and the like. In the example of FIG. 18, as a default screen, a basic figure is selected in the profile designation field 205, and “plane” is selected in the shape selection field 206 provided below the default screen. Here, when a cylinder is selected as shown in FIG. 19, the display in the edit display field 202 is switched from a planar shape to a cylindrical shape. That is, since the XY coordinate plan view of the QR code (registered trademark) printed on the cylindrical workpiece is displayed, the width is narrowed toward the right side of the QR code (registered trademark) and displayed.
(3D display)

  In addition, the processing target surface can be displayed three-dimensionally. In this example, the display format of the edit display field 202 can be switched between two-dimensional display and three-dimensional display. When a display switching button (3D) 207 provided on the screen of FIG. 19 is pressed, the edit display field 202 is switched to three-dimensional display as shown in FIG. 20, and the 3D shape of the processing target surface can be confirmed three-dimensionally. When the display switching button (2D) 207 is pressed from the screen of FIG. 20, the screen is switched to the screen of FIG. Thus, every time the display switching button 207 is pressed, the 2D display and the 3D display are switched, and the display of the display switching button 207 is switched to 2D and 3D indicating the other display form accordingly. Also in the 3D display screen of FIG. 20, the region of the processing pattern is displayed surrounded by a frame K as in the 2D display screen of FIG. 19.

In the example of FIG. 20, the display switching button 207 for 2D display and 3D display is provided on the floating toolbar. The floating toolbar can be moved to any position. Further, the display / non-display of the floating toolbar may be switched, or the floating toolbar may be incorporated into a normal toolbar.
(Default position for print start position)

  A default position when the two-dimensional print data is transformed into a three-dimensional shape such as a columnar shape or pasted on a three-dimensional workpiece is preset by the initial position setting means 80L. The initial position setting unit 80L determines an initial position at which the laser processing data is arranged on the processing target surface when the three-dimensional laser processing data is displayed on the processing image display unit. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the start angle θ is set to −90 °. Here, the start angle is defined as clockwise with respect to a YZ plane shown in FIG. Thereby, it can be arranged with excellent visibility and printing accuracy.

  The above describes the default position for a conical workpiece, but a default reference position can be set for each basic figure for generating three-dimensional laser processing data. FIG. 21 shows initial positions when a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, and a spherical shape are selected as the basic figure of the workpiece. These basic figures are figures that can be selected in the above-described shape selection field 206 in FIG. The coordinate axes are based on XYZ coordinates with the plane in the work area as the XY plane and the height direction as the Z axis. FIG. 21A shows a cylindrical shape with a radius R, and the reference positions of the laser processing data are X = 0, Y = 0, and θ = 90 °. Further, when the basic figure having a conical shape (radius = R) shown in FIG. 21B is selected, the reference positions of the laser processing data are X = 0, Y = 0, and θ = 90 °. Similarly, when the sphere (radius = R) shown in FIG. 21C is selected as the basic figure, the reference positions are X = 0, Y = 0, and θ = 90 °. As described above, by setting the default start angle θ to 90 °, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the laser processing data is arranged at a place where it is easily printed and the visibility of the laser processing data is further improved.

  When a new print block is created, the print start position of the print block coincides with the origin of the laser beam from the marking head as shown in FIG. For this reason, the default position at the time of new creation can be set to the best position with respect to the marking head.

  By setting the position of the apex of the cylinder or the like as the default position for starting printing in this way, it is easy to print from the marking head of the laser marker located above the workpiece, and a high-precision printing result can be obtained by default. Further, the top of the cylinder has high visibility of the printed content, and the relative position between the marking head and the workpiece can be easily grasped. In particular, when flat print data is deformed into a three-dimensional shape, there is a risk of losing sight of the deformed position. By setting a position with high visibility as the default position, such a situation can be avoided and operability is improved. Good print settings. In particular, in the setting that the non-printable area is not displayed as will be described later, when the laser processing data is applied to the non-printable area at the default position, there is a problem that the laser processing data is not displayed in the initial state. For this reason, by setting the position with high printing accuracy in the initial state, there is a high possibility that laser processing data can be displayed, and a layout having excellent visibility and processing accuracy can be set as a default.

  In addition to setting the default reference position according to the basic shape, the initial position can be uniformly determined for the basic shape. Such an example is shown in FIGS. FIG. 23 shows a right-aligned layout in which laser processing data is arranged right-justified with respect to the basic shape. 24 shows a left-justified layout that is arranged left-justified with respect to the basic shape, and FIG. 25 shows a centering layout that is arranged in the center of the basic shape. For example, when printing character strings having different lengths, left-justification and numerical data are right-justified so that the user can easily read. In this manner, an appropriate layout pattern can be selected according to the printing purpose and application.

  Further, the initial position can be laid out in consideration of the non-printable area. For example, right-justified, left-justified, and centrally arranged in the workable area with the workable area excluded from the work area and the workable area excluding the area that cannot be printed or the area that may cause printing failure. Etc. can be performed. As a result, it is possible to avoid the possibility of the initial position being unprintable or defective printing, and a reliable printing result can be obtained. Or, if the laser processing data is larger than the processable area, the automatic placement is stopped, the laser processing data is not displayed in the processing image display section, the non-printable area is shown in red, or the automatic placement is impossible. This message may be displayed to prompt resetting.

  Alternatively, the initial position can be designated by the user. As shown in FIG. 26, (a) after the laser processing data is converted into the designated basic shape, (b) the user adjusts the initial position, and (c) determines the initial position. 80L stores and sets the initial position after (d) as the stored state. The adjustment of the initial position can be designated by a numerical value, or can be designated by the user by dragging the mouse from the three-dimensional display screen. In addition, the user setting of the initial position can be uniformly applied to all basic shapes in addition to being stored for each basic shape. It is also possible to store a plurality of initial positions and switch between them depending on the application. With this method, the user can designate an appropriate initial position for each application, so that flexible and appropriate arrangement can be realized. Such setting data can be called up and used by saving it with a name.

Alternatively, the initial position can be determined according to the irradiation angle of the laser beam. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, when laser light is irradiated from a single marking head to a plurality of workpieces or a plurality of print target surfaces, depending on the positional relationship or angle between the marking head and the print target surface. Printable area is different. In such a case, instead of setting the initial position uniformly on each print target surface, it is possible to achieve a layout with improved printing accuracy and visibility by setting an appropriate initial position according to the printable area. Become.
(Adjustment of print start position)

  Further, from such a default initial position, the user can appropriately adjust the initial position so that the laser processing data is arranged at a desired position. FIG. 28 shows an example of such manual adjustment of the print start position. FIG. 28A shows an example in which laser processing data is centered and arranged in a cylindrical shape as a default position, and FIG. 28B shows an example in which the print start position is moved to the right side in FIG. Show. Such adjustment of the arrangement position of the laser print data is performed by operating an arrangement parameter along the surface of the basic figure. As the arrangement parameter, for example, the user designates the print start angle in the arrangement parameter setting field 208 provided in the “3D setting tab” 204i in FIG. Furthermore, the coordinate position of the print block can also be specified as an offset amount in the XYZ coordinates. By changing the arrangement position of the print data from these, the irradiation angle of the laser beam is changed, so that the print data may be arranged in an area where the printing accuracy is not good. For this reason, the user can adjust to the position where the printing result is the best by adjusting the arrangement position arbitrarily.

Note that the start angle θ specified in the arrangement parameter setting field 208 is maintained even if the position, posture, angle, etc. of the workpiece, such as the offset amount in the XYZ coordinates, is changed. In particular, by specifying the start angle θ as −90 ° as a default print start position, visibility and print quality can be maintained.
(3D viewer 260)

  In the above example, the edit display field 202 is switched to either 2D display or 3D display. However, there are cases where it is desired to display two-dimensional display and three-dimensional display of the same workpiece side by side. In order to meet such a demand, a three-dimensional viewer 260 that opens in a separate window is prepared. FIG. 29 shows an example in which a three-dimensional viewer 260 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 19 above, a three-dimensional screen call button for opening the three-dimensional viewer 260 is provided on the floating toolbar. When the two-screen display button 207C constituting the three-dimensional screen call button is pressed in the state where the two-dimensional display is performed in the edit display field 202 as shown in FIG. 19, the three-dimensional viewer 260 is displayed in a separate window as shown in FIG. Is displayed. The three-dimensional viewer 260 can be dragged and placed at an arbitrary position. You can also change the window size. Further, as will be described later, operations such as changing the posture and angle of the work W displayed on the three-dimensional viewer 260, rotating, and changing the magnification can be made possible.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the state where the three-dimensional display is performed in the edit display field 202, it is not necessary to open the three-dimensional display screen, so the two-screen display button 207C of the floating toolbar for calling the three-dimensional viewer 260 is grayed out. Therefore, it cannot be selected, and erroneous operation is prevented. However, when it is desired to display the two-dimensional display on a separate screen, a separate two-dimensional viewer field can be displayed. Note that these displays are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the layout, size, positional relationship, and the like of each column can be arbitrarily changed. For example, each field including the setting field may be displayed in a separate window. As described above, the edit display column 202, the three-dimensional viewer 260, and the like can be used as the processing image display unit 83 that displays the 3D shape image of the processing target surface on the display unit 82.
(3D display when setting the work area)

  When the work area (printing area) is set to a three-dimensional shape work and the print area including the work shape is displayed three-dimensionally, in this embodiment, the print area is set to the work as follows. It is configured so that it can be visually confirmed that it is in an appropriate printable position.

  First, for the workpiece, when the laser beam is emitted from the emission position of the marking head of the laser marker, the angle formed by the laser beam and the print target surface is within a predetermined angle range (a predetermined angle range in which it can be determined that printing can be appropriately performed). In some cases, printing is possible, but there is a possibility that the print quality may be deteriorated (when the angle is equal to or less than the predetermined angle), and color classification is performed on the print target surface. Specifically, the angle range in which it can be determined that printing can be appropriately performed is not colored, and printing is possible, but the angle range in which print quality may be degraded is colored red. As a result, it is possible to visually check from the three-dimensional display screen whether the set print area is set to an appropriate range or which part of the print area is red (angle range where print quality may be degraded). Can be determined.

  Also, when looking at the print area set on the workpiece from the laser emission position of the marking head, if the work surface of the workpiece (print area setting area) is located on the back side, it is determined that printing is impossible and the workpiece is set. The print area (print contents) is not displayed on the 3D display screen. As a result, the user can quickly grasp the state (positional relationship, etc.) of the print area that he / she has set for the workpiece and can easily correct the position of the print area.

  In addition, the method is not limited to the means for displaying on the three-dimensional display screen, and a method for visually observing “an angle range in which an optimum printing state can be provided”, “an angle range in which printing quality is deteriorated”, “an area that cannot be printed”, or the like is appropriately used. Can be adopted. For example, text on the user interface screen indicating that it corresponds to “angle range that can provide an optimal printing state”, “printing quality degradation angle range”, “non-printable area”, etc. A dialog box or the like can also be used. It is also possible to display only one of the items. For example, for a user who only needs to be able to print regardless of print quality, it is sufficient to provide only information on the “non-printable area”.

  In this way, in the 3D printing, printing may be impossible or impossible depending on the shape of the workpiece and the positional relationship between the workpiece and the marking head. A sufficient area may arise. Therefore, a printable area can be calculated based on these factors in advance, and when laser processing data is set in the non-printable area, a warning can be issued to the user to prompt the user to reset it. . Such a calculation can be performed by the calculation unit 80. The processing unit 80 is unable to irradiate a laser beam in the work area and cannot be processed, or a processing defect area detecting means for detecting a processing defect area where the processing is defective, and processing for adjusting the processing conditions in the processing defect area so that the processing conditions can be processed. Highlight processing means for performing a highlight process for displaying the processing defect area detected by the condition adjustment means and the processing defect area detection means in a mode different from the processable area, and a processing pattern in the processing condition setting unit When setting is performed, it is possible to realize a function such as a setting warning means for generating a warning by detecting that some kind of processing is performed in an area including a processing defect area.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the angle that distinguishes between “the angle range in which an optimum print state can be provided” and “the print quality degradation angle range” is the configuration in which the default initial value is used on the apparatus side, and the angle An input item may be set on the user interface so that the user can reset the input. Specifically, machining is limited depending on the angle at which the laser beam is applied to the workpiece surface, and machining becomes more difficult as the angle θ between the laser beam and the normal of the printing surface approaches 90 °. As a result, the machining accuracy decreases. The upper limit of θ (the processing limit angle) is called a critical angle, and is normally 60 °. This numerical value can be fixed and can be adjusted by the user.
(Non-printable area)

In the edit display field 202, it is also possible to display an area that cannot be printed due to a cause such as an angle or a shadow in the processing target surface. In the example of FIG. 20, it is possible to print in the vicinity of the side surface of the cylinder, but the defective printing area where the printing angle is shallow and printing is poor is shown in red.
In addition, since it is located on the back side when viewed from the laser irradiation point, it is impossible to physically irradiate the laser beam and printing is impossible, that is, when the work is viewed from directly above the XY plane, the work target surface of the work is on the back side. The area to be positioned is set as a non-printable area. When the set processing pattern is applied to a non-printable area and printing is impossible, the processing pattern is not displayed in the edit display field 202, and the user can be prompted to reset. For example, if the print pattern wraps around the set print target surface, the processing pattern is hidden and printing is possible, but it is out of the angular range (print defective area) where optimum printing is possible Is displayed in red. In this way, instead of simply classifying the printable and impossible types, the print quality degradation is displayed step by step in a plurality of categories such as a print failure area and a non-printable area as a range where optimum printing is not possible. Thus, detailed information can be presented to the user, and more appropriate layout and arrangement can be studied. In the example of FIGS. 42 and 43, since a part of the processing pattern covers the unprintable area, the barcode that is the processing pattern is not displayed in the edit display column 202. Therefore, the printing position is adjusted so that the processed pattern is positioned in the printable area. For example, by adjusting the print start angle in the in-screen layout setting field 208 in the “3D setting tab” 204i in FIG. 42 and changing the default value from −90 ° to −120 °, as shown in FIG. The processing pattern barcode is displayed. In this way, settings such as the print start position and range, the narrow width of the barcode, and the print line (bar) width are adjusted so that printing can be performed correctly. Note that the processing pattern display ON / OFF and threshold value in the edit display field 202 can be arbitrarily set.
(Change of viewpoint of 3D display screen)

On the 3D display screen, the viewpoint can be arbitrarily changed. FIGS. 30 to 37 show examples in which the print surface for printing the QR code (registered trademark) shown in FIG. 19 on a cylindrical workpiece is displayed on the 3D display screen from various viewpoints. When the display switching button (3D) 207 of the floating toolbar is pressed from the 2D display screen of FIG. 19, the screen is switched to the 3D display screen of FIG. By operating the scroll bar 209 from this 3D display screen, the viewpoint of the 3D display screen can be freely changed as shown in FIGS. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the work area as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 31 shows an example in which the work area is rotated from the state of FIG. 30 and the workpiece is displayed from the back side. In order to change the viewpoint, in addition to using a scroll bar, the work may be rotated by dragging an arbitrary point on the 3D display screen with a mouse.

  Further, when the “scroll bar movement / rotation switching” provided in the floating toolbar is pressed, the use of the scroll bar is switched from the rotation of the workpiece to the movement of the screen. When the horizontal scroll bar is operated from the screen of FIG. 30, the field of view can be translated left and right while maintaining the display angle of the three-dimensional display, as shown in FIGS. When the vertical scroll bar is operated, the field of view can be moved in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Thus, by using the scroll bar by switching between screen movement and rotation, even a user unfamiliar with 3D display operation can change the field of view relatively easily.

Further, the 3D display screen can be switched to display from a specified viewpoint. In the example of FIG. 30, a “display position” change field 207B is provided in the floating toolbar, and the viewpoint can be changed to a specified display such as an XY plane. For example, FIG. 35 shows an example in which the print surface is displayed on the XY plane, and a plan view corresponding to the 2D display screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. FIG. 36 shows a display example on the YZ plane, and FIG. 37 shows a display example on the ZX plane. In addition, the viewpoint of display can be changed from each screen by operating a scroll bar. As described above, even in the three-dimensional display, it is possible to quickly switch to a display screen viewed from a specified direction, which is useful for display change, restoration, confirmation, and the like.
(Display of laser emission direction)

Furthermore, the display of the laser emission direction can also be displayed on the 3D display screen. In the example of FIG. 30, the marking head of the laser marker is displayed as an icon-like image MK in the edit display field 202, and the locus of the laser light LK emitted from the marking head is displayed in a straight line. As a result, the direction of printing can be indicated, so that the relationship with the non-printable area can be easily understood. The marking head image MK can be switched between display and non-display. FIG. 38 shows an example of a setting screen 210 for displaying / hiding the marking head image MK as a setting screen for performing various settings. In this way, display / non-display can be easily switched by turning ON / OFF the check box in the “display laser marker” column. As described above, the marking head image MK functions as the head image display means 84 that three-dimensionally displays the position with the marking head when displaying the three-dimensional image of the processing target surface on the processing image display unit 83.
(Display of coordinate axes)

  Further, by displaying the coordinate axis of the work area, it is possible to easily confirm the coordinate position. In the example of FIG. 30 and the like, the XYZ coordinate axes of the work area are displayed. By displaying these coordinate axes in different colors, the XYZ coordinate axes can be easily distinguished even when the display is rotated. In the example of FIG. 30 and the like, the marking head is positioned on the origin of the XY coordinates so that the Z axis coincides with the locus of the laser beam of the marking head. As a result, the positional relationship of the marking head in the coordinate space can be imaged easily by the user.

Moreover, ON / OFF of the display of a coordinate axis can also be switched. The setting / non-display of the coordinate axes can be easily switched by turning ON / OFF the check box in the “display axis” column from the setting screen of FIG. In this example, the display / non-display of the XYZ coordinate axes is set in a lump, but the display may be individually switched on / off for the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. In addition to the XYZ coordinate axes, an arbitrary reference line can be displayed. For example, when printing is performed on the side surface of a cylindrical workpiece, a reference line can be displayed on the side surface along the longitudinal direction in order to clarify the reference position. One or a plurality of reference lines can be set at an arbitrary position, and a vector direction, coordinates, and the like are designated.
(Marking head icon)

  The marking head in the figure is displayed in an icon shape imitating the shape of the marking head. The shape and color follow the actual marking head. However, the color on the back side of the marking head is preferably displayed in a color different from that on the front side. In FIG. 31 described above, the back surface of the marking head image MK is white, and is colored in a color different from the gray color on the top surface of the marking head image MK shown in FIG. Accordingly, even if the viewpoint of the 3D display screen is changed and the print surface is rotated to display from the back side, the user can easily grasp that the back side is observed. In the example of FIG. 31, the color is white, but it is needless to say that the color may be different. Further, each display color may be arbitrarily designated and changed by the user. FIG. 39 shows a screen example for changing the color scheme of the 3D display screen. In addition to the color scheme, a display pattern such as a solid line, a broken line, etc., such as a line pattern or a solid hatching pattern, can be changed. FIG. 40 shows an example of a display change screen on the 2D display screen, and FIG. 41 shows an example of a color arrangement change screen on the 2D display screen. From these screens, the user can set a desired color, pattern, display / non-display, and the like.

  Thus, the image of the marking head of the laser marker is displayed together with the processing target surface in a three-dimensional manner, so that the user can visually grasp the positional relationship between the two. For this reason, an image of setting contents can be easily confirmed, and setting errors can be reduced. In this example, the display of the marking head image is also updated in accordance with the movement of the processing surface and the change of the viewpoint. In the example of FIG. 31 and the like, the display magnification such as enlargement / reduction can be changed in 2D display, but the magnification is fixed in 3D display. The items that can be changed are limited in consideration of a user who is unfamiliar with the operation for 3D display. However, it is needless to say that the image of the workpiece can be enlarged / reduced even in 3D display, and the marking head image can be enlarged / reduced accordingly. Note that the size of the marking head image may be fixed regardless of the enlargement / reduction of the workpiece. Since the display of the marking head is intended to confirm the positional relationship, the size of the marking head can be fixed so that the position of the marking head is not lost during the reduced display.

Further, since the above example describes the printing in a state where the workpiece is stationary, in the 3D display, the work area is mainly displayed. However, as will be described later, it is also possible to use a printable laser marker for a moving workpiece, and in such moving printing, it is possible to display 3D in a wider range than the work area for stationary printing. . That is, in the case of moving printing, since the printable area can be substantially widened, the print setting can be easily confirmed by displaying the entire wide printable area in 3D. In particular, when a long work is transported in the longitudinal direction, the whole work is easily grasped by displaying the whole work on one screen. Needless to say, the entire screen can be displayed by scrolling the screen as necessary.
(Layout of printing blocks)

Furthermore, the laser processing data setting program has a function of adjusting the arrangement of the processing target surface. In the example of FIG. 45, if the “block shape / placement” tab 211 in the detail setting column 204c is selected while the “shape setting” tab 204i is selected, the coordinates, rotation angle, and block shape details of the reference position of the print block are displayed. Can be specified. Thereby, arrangement | positioning of a process target surface can be changed arbitrarily. In addition, for details of the block shape, when a cylinder processing target surface is specified as shown in FIG. 45, it is possible to specify the cylinder radius and whether the print surface is the inner surface or the outer surface of the cylinder in the “block shape” column 212. .
(Laser processing data setting procedure)

  A procedure for setting a printing condition from the processing condition setting unit 3C and generating a processing pattern by the processing data generation unit 80K using the above laser processing data setting program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S21 of FIG. 46, a processing pattern is set. Here, a character string is input from the processing condition setting unit 3C, and the type of symbol to be encoded is specified. In the example of FIG. 14, a character string is selected in the processing type designation field 204a, “012345” is entered as a character string from the character input field 204b, and a symbol is entered from the “character data type” field in the character data designation field 204. “Barcode” is specified as the type of “CODE”, and “CODE39” is specified as the detailed type of the barcode. Based on the information specified in this way, the calculation unit 80 generates a machining pattern. Here, since a barcode is selected instead of a character string, a barcode is generated and an image of the barcode is displayed in the edit display column 202.

  In this example, the arithmetic unit 80 automatically generates a symbol as a processing pattern based on the character information input from the processing condition setting unit 3C. However, it is also possible to input a symbol directly. For example, it is possible to adopt means such as selecting and inputting image data of already created symbols in the processing condition setting unit, or pasting symbols created by other programs from the processing condition setting unit.

  In step S22, profile information is input from the machining condition setting unit 3C. In the example of FIG. 14, the tab of the print pattern input field 204 is switched from the “basic setting” tab 204h to the “shape setting” tab 204i, and the basic figure is selected from the profile designation field 205 of FIG. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 19, the display of the edit display column 202 is switched from a planar shape to a cylindrical shape. Further, when the display format of the edit display field 202 is switched to 3D display, the 3D shape of the processing target surface can be confirmed three-dimensionally as shown in FIG.

  In this manner, the print pattern information is designated in step S21, and the plan view of this machining pattern is displayed in the edit display column 202. Then, in step S22, the profile information is designated and converted into a three-dimensional machining pattern for editing. By confirming in the display column 202, a change in the machining pattern can be visually confirmed. The order of step S21 and step S22 may be interchanged. That is, the print pattern information can be specified after the shape of the surface to be processed is specified first.

  As described above, after the three-dimensional spatial coordinate data is obtained as the processing data, adjustment work is performed as necessary. For example, adjustment of the layout and fine adjustment in the height direction (z direction) can be mentioned. For fine adjustment, means such as slide adjustment with a bar provided on the program and rotation of a mouse wheel can be used.

  After the final laser processing data is generated by the above procedure and the setting operation is completed, the obtained laser processing data is transferred from the laser processing data setting program to the controller 1A of the laser processing apparatus shown in FIG. To execute the transfer, a “transfer / read” button 215 provided at the lower left of the screen of the laser processing data setting program is pressed.

  The laser processing apparatus performs printing processing based on the laser processing data. Further, test printing may be performed prior to the start of actual processing. Thereby, it can be confirmed in advance whether or not printing of a desired printing pattern can be obtained. Further, the laser processing data can be reset based on the test print result.

In the above example, an example in which one print pattern is designated for one work has been described. However, a plurality of print patterns can be designated for one work by repeating the same procedure. Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which only one workpiece is displayed on one screen of the laser processing data setting program, and a plurality of workpieces can be displayed on one screen and a print pattern can be designated for each workpiece.
(Setting method for moving printing)

Further, the laser processing apparatus can be configured to perform printing not only for a stationary work but also for a moving work by calculating an appropriate condition in the machining data generation unit 80K. As an example, a printing setting method for moving a planar workpiece will be described with reference to FIG. In the two-dimensional moving printing, a moving workpiece is printed on a two-dimensional printing target surface. In the case of such printing, (1) the printing content to be printed is determined, (2) the plane moving processing conditions are set, (3) printing is started, and (4) the XY coordinates of the printing content are further set. In addition, coordinates corresponding to the amount of movement of the workpiece are added. In the example of FIG. 47A, the character string “ABC” is designated as the print content. Further, the processing conditions for plane movement include a moving direction, a moving condition, a printing range, and the like. Hereinafter, the plane moving processing conditions will be sequentially described.
(Direction of movement)

The moving direction of the workpiece is designated as the moving direction which is one of the plane moving machining conditions. In this example, since the workpiece to be printed moves from left to right, this moving direction is designated from the moving machining condition setting unit. FIG. 48 shows a machining line condition setting screen 240 as an example of the moving machining condition setting unit. In this figure, the “movement / printing direction” tab 241 is selected to set the XY movement direction and / or the Z movement direction of the workpiece. In this example, the marking head of the laser processing apparatus is shown in a plan view and a side view, and the direction of the workpiece line and the moving direction are designated for the marking head. By selecting from such visual display examples, the user can easily grasp the mutual positional relationship, and can easily set and reduce setting errors. In the example of FIG. 47, when the printing direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the marking head, the upper or lower direction is selected according to the moving direction of the workpiece. After selection, “ABC”, which is the print content, is displayed side by side in the vertical direction.
(Movement conditions)

The movement condition designates movement at a predetermined speed (open control without feedback) or feedback control by an encoder. Here, it is selected whether the workpiece is moved at a constant speed or controlled by an encoder.
(Print range)

  The printable range is determined by the movable range of the scanner provided corresponding to the X direction and the Y direction, and the maximum printable range is displayed in the edit display column 202 shown in FIGS. This part is set to correspond to this. The user can automatically set a print range by setting a print target character or the like in the edit display field 202.

  When these plane movement processing conditions are designated, the XY coordinate position after the start of printing and the ON / OFF of the laser beam at each coordinate position can be calculated. The XY coordinates can be calculated by adding the workpiece movement amount to the coordinates in the movement direction of the workpiece to the XY coordinates corresponding to the characters of the print contents. In the example of FIG. 47, since the workpiece moves in the X direction, the movement speed of the workpiece is added only for the X coordinate, and the Y coordinate is maintained.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the example in which the plane moves, and three-dimensional moving printing such as a rotating body can also be performed. In this case, as in the above-described plane movement printing, (1) the printing contents to be printed are determined, (2) the processing conditions for rotational movement are set, (3) printing is started, and (4) the printing contents are further determined. A coordinate corresponding to the movement amount of the work is added to the XY coordinate.
(Defocus amount setting)

  The machining data generation unit described above generates machining data based on the machining conditions set by the machining condition setting unit so that the basic setting conditions coincide with the three-dimensional machining target surface. However, it is also possible to set the defocus amount so that it does not coincide with the processing target surface.

  In order to intentionally set a specific defocus amount for the print surface, the defocus amount is designated with respect to a basic setting condition in which the print surface is focused. FIG. 49 shows an example of a processing parameter setting screen for performing such setting. In FIG. 49, a defocus setting field 204o for specifying a defocus value is provided in the processing parameter setting field 204n, and the user inputs a desired value. For example, if a positive value is input as the defocus value, the focal position is set at a position away from the laser processing apparatus by a value set from the printing surface. Conversely, if a negative value is input, the focal position is set closer to the laser processing apparatus by a value set further than the printing surface.

  Further, as setting items when setting the machining conditions, machining parameters such as a spot diameter as a defocus amount of the laser beam, a workpiece material, and the like can be set. At this time, by automatically changing other machining conditions in accordance with the change of one designated machining parameter, the user can easily create a condition by changing only a specific set item. In the screen of the laser processing data setting program shown in FIG. 49, a working distance, a spot diameter as a laser beam defocus amount, and a workpiece to be processed are set in the lower part of the “detail setting” tab 204j on the right side of the screen. ing. Since the working distance is determined by the laser processing apparatus, it is usually set automatically. The defocus amount designates an offset amount from the focal position (working distance) of the laser beam. The spot diameter is specified as a ratio based on the spot diameter at the focal position. Furthermore, the workpiece to be machined is adjusted to the power density of the laser beam suitable for machining the selected workpiece by selecting the material and machining purpose of the workpiece to be machined from the options. In this example, black printing on iron, black printing on stainless steel, ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, phenolic resin work materials, and processing purposes such as resin welding and surface roughening are listed. Select the radio button according to the purpose.

  These setting items are related to each other. That is, by adjusting the defocus amount, the power density of the laser beam can be adjusted, but the spot diameter also changes at the same time. Further, when the material of the workpiece and the processing purpose are selected, the power density of the laser light that matches the purpose is selected, so that the spot diameter as the defocus amount of the laser light changes. For this reason, when it is desired to adjust the power density of the laser beam while maintaining the spot diameter constant, conventionally, not only setting the spot diameter but also searching for a combination of processing parameters that does not change the spot diameter. It was necessary to adjust other setting items such as the light output value and scanning speed. This work involves repeated trial and error of adjusting each item value while observing the result of actually scanning the workpiece with laser light and finding the optimum combination of machining parameters, which is extremely complicated and laborious. It takes.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a combination of other machining parameter values to be changed in advance corresponding to one machining parameter is registered in the reference table 5a, and when adjusting one machining parameter, the reference table By extracting a combination of other relevant processing parameters with reference to 5a and automatically setting this value, it is possible to change only necessary setting items. Specifically, when any one of the spot diameter as the laser beam defocus amount and the workpiece to be processed is set from the screen of FIG. 49, corresponding values are automatically input to the other setting items. Even if the defocus amount is changed from this state, other processing parameters (for example, laser output and scanning speed) are automatically adjusted so that the spot diameter and the workpiece to be processed are maintained constant. Thereby, since the user can change only a desired item rapidly, it can adjust to a desired process result very easily.
(Continuous change in defocus amount)

  Furthermore, the processing parameters can be continuously changed during laser processing. Thereby, it can process into a processing pattern as shown in FIG. FIG. 50A is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the inclined surface KS is formed in the engraving process of the workpiece surface, and FIG. 50B is a plan view in which a handwritten logo LG is printed on the workpiece surface. . Such processing can be realized by setting the spot diameter as a defocus amount of the laser beam to be continuously changed. At this time, the machining data generation unit also continuously adjusts other machining parameters so as to follow the continuous change of the spot diameter in the same manner as described above, and the automatic adjustment is performed so that only the designated setting items are continuously changed. The As a result, the setting items that do not need to be changed, such as the processing position and size, are processed so that the previous values are maintained, and processing conditions that change only the setting items desired by the user can be easily set.

  FIG. 51 shows an example of a setting screen for setting such a continuous change in laser processing. In the example of FIG. 51, when the check box in the “perform continuous change” column is turned ON, the screen is switched to the continuous change setting screen. Here, the range where the continuous change is performed is designated by the coordinate position. When the check box of a setting item to be changed is turned ON, a range input field is displayed, and a numerical value can be designated. In the example of FIG. 51, the defocus amount check box is selected, and the defocus amount at the start position and the defocus amount at the end position are designated. The designated defocus amount is automatically set so as to continuously change evenly within the designated range. It is also possible to specify only the start value or the end value, and specify the increment / decrement of change and the rate of change. When the defocus amount is set, the numerical value corresponding to the spot diameter column is also referred to from the reference table 5a and automatically input to the input column. In this way, when any setting item is specified, the corresponding value is automatically input to the other setting items, so the user is not aware of the correlation between the processing parameters of each setting item. It is possible to change to desired processing conditions by setting only necessary items.

  In the example of FIG. 51, “RSS & CC (RSS / composite code)” is selected in the character data designation field 204d, and the composite code is displayed in the edit display field 202 and the three-dimensional viewer 260. In “RSS & CC”, an RSS code or a composite code in which a micro PDF code is added above the RSS code can be set. In this example, “RSS-14 CC-A” is selected as the composite code in the type designation field 204q. In order to facilitate the input of delimiters, other control codes, special character codes, external characters, etc. necessary for inputting additional information in the character input field 204b, a second floating toolbar 296 having these input buttons is provided. It can also be provided. As a result, the user can easily perform a special code input operation.

As described above, the setting items such as the material of the workpiece to be machined, the machining content, the finishing state, and the machining time can be easily changed in a short time by freely changing the beam diameter of the laser beam.
(Save / Load settings)

  Furthermore, the processing parameters of the processing conditions once set can be saved as setting data and recalled when necessary. For example, by selecting “Save As” from the File menu and saving the setting information with an arbitrary name, the saved setting data can be recalled when performing the same processing on the same workpiece in the future. As a result, the time and labor required for the setup change can be greatly simplified. Moreover, by registering frequently used settings in advance, even if a beginner can use them, machining conditions can be easily set. Also, by making adjustments based on the setting conditions of registered / stored data, the labor of setting can be greatly saved. As described above, enabling the reuse of the setting information can greatly contribute to labor saving of the setting work.

  Laser processing apparatus, laser processing data setting apparatus, laser processing data setting method, laser processing data setting program, computer-readable recording medium and recorded equipment of the present invention include, for example, marking, drilling, trimming, scribing, surface treatment, etc. In the process of performing laser irradiation on the surface of a solid having a three-dimensional shape, it can be widely applied to the setting of the three-dimensional shape. Although an example of a laser marker capable of three-dimensional printing has been described, the present invention can be suitably applied to a laser marker capable of two-dimensional printing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the laser processing apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a transparent perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the X * Y-axis scanner in a scanning part. It is an image figure which shows the example which prints a character string on the side surface of a column-shaped workpiece | work. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the laser excitation part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the marking head containing the laser beam scanning system of a laser processing apparatus. It is the perspective view which looked at FIG. 5 from the back direction. It is the side view which looked at FIG. 5 from the side. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state from which the focus position of the laser beam of a laser processing apparatus changes in a work position. It is a side view which shows the laser beam scanning system in the case of lengthening a focal distance. It is a side view which shows the laser beam scanning system in the case of shortening a focal distance. It is the front view and sectional drawing which show a Z-axis scanner. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the laser marker which can be three-dimensionally printed. It is a block diagram which shows a laser processing data setting apparatus. It is an image figure which shows an example of the user interface screen of a laser processing data setting program. It is an image figure which shows an example of the process block setting means which sets a some printing block. It is an image figure which shows a mode that the layout of a printing block is adjusted. It is an image figure which shows the setting list of a printing block. It is an image figure which shows the state switched to "3D setting" in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the state which selected the cylinder in FIG. It is an image figure which shows the state which switched the edit display column from FIG. 19 to three-dimensional display. It is an image figure which shows an initial position at the time of selecting cylindrical shape, cone shape, and spherical shape as a basic figure of a workpiece | work. It is an image figure which shows the default printing start position of the newly created printing block. It is an image figure which shows the state which set the initial position so that laser processing data may be arrange | positioned right-justified. It is an image figure which shows the state which set the initial position so that laser processing data may be arrange | positioned left-justified. It is an image figure which shows the state which set the initial position so that laser processing data may be arrange | positioned in the center. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure which a user designates an initial position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which determines an initial position according to the irradiation angle of a laser beam. It is an image figure which shows the example which adjusts a printing start position manually. It is an image figure which shows the state which displayed the three-dimensional image of the process target surface with the three-dimensional viewer. It is the image figure which displayed the 3D display screen from diagonally upward. It is the image figure which displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 from the back side. It is the image figure which moved and displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 to the left. It is the image figure which moved and displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 to the right. It is the image figure which moved and displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. It is the image figure which displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 on XY plane. It is the image figure which displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 on the YZ plane. It is the image figure which displayed the 3D display screen of FIG. 30 on the ZX plane. It is an image figure which shows various setting screens. It is an image figure which shows the setting screen which sets the color scheme in a 3D display screen. It is an image figure which shows the setting screen which sets the display in a 2D display screen. It is an image figure which shows the setting screen which sets the color scheme in a 2D display screen. It is an image figure which shows the area which cannot be printed in a 3D display screen. FIG. 43 is an image diagram illustrating a state in which the print start angle is adjusted in FIG. 42. It is an image figure which shows the display setting screen of 3D display screen. It is an image figure which shows the state which changed the arrangement | positioning of the workpiece | work from FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets a printing condition and produces | generates a process pattern. 47A and 47B are schematic diagrams for explaining setting of conditions relating to two-dimensional moving printing. FIG. 47A is a perspective view and FIG. 47B is a plan view. It is an image figure which shows the example of a screen which sets a moving direction in a moving process condition setting part. It is an image figure which shows an example of the setting screen of a process parameter. FIG. 50A is a cross-sectional view in which an inclined surface is formed in the engraving process of the workpiece surface, and FIG. 50B is a plan view in which a handwritten logo is printed on the workpiece surface. It is an image figure which shows an example of the setting screen of a defocus setting amount.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Laser processing apparatus 1 ... Laser control part; 1A ... Controller; 2 ... Laser output part 3 ... Input part; 3A ... Process surface profile input means; 3B ... Process pattern input means 3C ... Process condition setting part 3F ... Process block setting Means 4 ... Control unit; 5 ... Memory unit; 5A ... Storage unit; 5a ... Reference table 6 ... Laser excitation unit; 7 ... Power source; 8 ... Laser medium; 9 ... Scanning unit 10 ... Laser excitation light source; 11 ... Laser excitation light source Condensing unit 12 ... Laser excitation unit casing; 13 ... Optical fiber cable 14 ... Scanner; 14a ... X-axis scanner; 14b ... Y-axis scanner 14c ... Z-axis scanner; 14d ... Scanner mirror for pointer 15 ... Condensing unit; Incident lens; 18 ... Exit lens 50 ... Laser oscillator; 51, 51a, 51b ... Galvano motor 52 ... Scanner drive circuit; 53 ... B Expander 60 ... Guide light source; 62 ... Half mirror; 64 ... Pointer light source; 66 ... Fixed mirror 80 ... Calculation unit; 80K ... Processing data generation unit 80L ... Initial position setting means 82 ... Display unit;
83 ... Processing image display unit 84 ... Head image display means 150 ... Marking head 180 ... Laser processing data setting device 190 ... External device 202 ... Editing display field 204 ... Print pattern input field 204a ... Processing type designation field 204b ... Character input field 204c ... Detail setting field 204d ... Character data designation field 204e ... "Print data" tab 204f ... "Size / position" tab 204g ... "Print condition" tab 204h ... "Basic setting" tab 204i ... "Shape setting" tab 204j ... "Details""Setting" tab 204k ... Machining parameter setting field 204l ... Machining parameter setting field 204m ... Defocus setting field 204n ... Machining parameter setting field 204o ... Defocus setting field 204q ... Type designation field 205 ... Profile designation field 206 ... Shape selection field 207 ... Display switching button 207B ... "Table "Display position" change column 207C ... Two-screen display button 208 ... Arrangement parameter setting column 209 ... Scroll bar 210 ... Marking head image display / non-display setting screen 211 ... "Block shape / arrangement" tab 212 ... "Block shape" column 215 ... "Transfer / Read" button 216 ... Block number selection field 217 ... Block list screen 240 ... Processing line condition setting screen 241 ... "Movement / printing direction" tab 260 ... 3D viewer 270 ... Edit mode display field 272 ... Edit mode switching Button 296 ... second floating toolbar L, L ', LB ... laser light;
G: Guide light; P: Pointer light W, W1, W2: Workpiece;
WS ... Working area; F ... Condensing lens K ... Frame MK ... Marking head image LK ... Laser beam KS ... Inclined surface LG ... Logo

Claims (13)

A laser processing apparatus capable of processing a processing target surface of a processing target disposed in a work area by irradiating a laser beam and processing it into a desired processing pattern,
A laser oscillation unit for generating laser light ;
A beam expander capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam by moving a lens disposed on the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated by the laser oscillating unit along the optical axis, and transmits the beam expander. A first scanner for scanning the laser beam in the first direction and a second scanner for scanning the laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. A laser beam scanning system comprising: a second scanner;
A laser control unit for controlling the laser oscillation unit and the laser beam scanning system;
Machining pattern input means for inputting the machining pattern as two-dimensional information;
Two-dimensional display means capable of two-dimensionally displaying an image of the machining pattern input by the machining pattern input means;
Profile representing a three-dimensional machining target surface, which serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the two-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface Machining surface profile input means for inputting information;
Based on the profile information, the processing pattern is formed into a three-dimensional shape so that the processing pattern input by the processing pattern input unit virtually matches the processing target surface input by the processing surface profile input unit. A deformation data generation unit that deforms and generates three-dimensional laser processing data;
Three-dimensional display means for three-dimensionally displaying the processing pattern deformed into the three-dimensional shape in an edit display field indicating a print range defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner together with the processing target surface. When,
Adjusting means for adjusting the position of the processing target surface displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means;
With
The laser control unit, based on the three-dimensional laser processing data generated by the processing data generation unit and the arrangement position of the processing target surface adjusted by the adjustment unit, the laser oscillation unit, the beam expander, A laser processing apparatus configured to control a laser beam scanning system including a first scanner and a second scanner. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The laser processing apparatus, wherein the adjusting means is capable of adjusting the position of the processing target surface in the XY direction and adjusting in the Z direction. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The laser processing apparatus, wherein the adjusting means is capable of adjusting the posture of the processing target surface in each of X rotation, Y rotation, and Z rotation directions. A laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting unit further includes a unit that adjusts an arrangement position where the processing pattern is attached to the three-dimensional processing target surface. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 4,
  2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement position of the machining pattern with respect to the machining target surface is maintained even when the arrangement position of the machining target surface displayed on the three-dimensional display unit is adjusted by the adjusting unit. A laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The machined surface profile input means includes a basic figure designating means for selecting one of a plurality of basic figures. It is a laser processing apparatus of Claim 6 , Comprising:
The laser processing apparatus characterized in that the basic figure designating means can specify the shape of the basic figure by inputting a parameter for specifying the shape of the basic figure. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 ,
2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the basic graphic designating means can select either the inner surface or the outer surface of the basic graphic as a surface to be processed. A laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The machining surface profile input means can input a data file of 3D data created in advance. As a laser beam scanning system for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit on the processing target surface of the workpiece arranged in the work area, the laser beam light emitted by the laser oscillation unit A beam expander capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the axis along the optical axis;
A first scanner for scanning the laser light transmitted through the beam expander in a first direction;
A second scanner for scanning a laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction;
Bei give a, is irradiated with a laser beam in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, in a laser processing data setting apparatus for setting the processing data based on the desired processing pattern There,
Machining pattern input means for inputting the machining pattern as two-dimensional information;
Two-dimensional display means capable of two-dimensionally displaying an image of the machining pattern input by the machining pattern input means;
Profile representing a three-dimensional machining target surface, which serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the two-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface Machining surface profile input means for inputting information;
Based on the profile information, the processing pattern is formed into a three-dimensional shape so that the processing pattern input by the processing pattern input unit virtually matches the processing target surface input by the processing surface profile input unit. A deformation data generation unit that deforms and generates three-dimensional laser processing data;
Three-dimensional display means for three-dimensionally displaying the processing pattern deformed into the three-dimensional shape in an edit display field indicating a print range defined by the movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner together with the processing target surface. When,
Adjusting means for adjusting the position of the processing target surface displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means;
With
Based on the three-dimensional laser processing data generated by the processing data generation unit and the arrangement position of the processing target surface adjusted by the adjusting unit, the laser oscillation unit, the beam expander, and the first scanner of the laser processing apparatus And a laser processing data setting device configured to control a laser beam scanning system including the second scanner. As a laser beam scanning system for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit on the processing target surface of the workpiece arranged in the work area, the laser beam light emitted by the laser oscillation unit A beam expander capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the axis along the optical axis;
A first scanner for scanning the laser light transmitted through the beam expander in a first direction;
A second scanner for scanning a laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction;
Bei give a, is irradiated with a laser beam in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, in a laser processing data setting method for setting a machining data based on the desired processing pattern There,
Inputting a machining pattern as two-dimensional information;
Displaying the image of the input processing pattern in a two-dimensional manner on a two-dimensional display means;
Profile representing a three-dimensional machining target surface, which serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the two-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface Inputting information,
Based on the profile information, the processing pattern is transformed into a three-dimensional shape so as to virtually match the input processing pattern on the input processing target surface, and three-dimensional laser processing data is generated. Process,
A step of three-dimensionally displaying the processing pattern transformed into the three-dimensional shape in an edit display field indicating a printing range defined by a movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner together with the processing target surface;
Adjusting the position of the processing target surface displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means;
Based on the generated three-dimensional laser processing data and the adjusted arrangement position of the processing target surface, a laser beam including a laser oscillation unit, a beam expander, a first scanner, and a second scanner of a laser processing apparatus Controlling the scanning system;
A laser processing data setting method comprising: As a laser beam scanning system for scanning the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation unit on the processing target surface of the workpiece arranged in the work area, the laser beam light emitted by the laser oscillation unit A beam expander capable of adjusting the focal length of the laser beam by moving a lens arranged on the axis along the optical axis;
A first scanner for scanning the laser light transmitted through the beam expander in a first direction;
A second scanner for scanning a laser beam scanned by the first scanner in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction;
Bei give a, is irradiated with a laser beam in the laser beam scanning system, the processable laser processing apparatus in a desired processing pattern, in a laser processing data setting program for setting the processing data based on the desired processing pattern There,
A function of inputting a machining pattern as two-dimensional information;
A function for two-dimensionally displaying an image of the input processing pattern on a two-dimensional display means;
Profile representing a three-dimensional machining target surface, which serves as a reference for converting the two-dimensional information of the machining pattern displayed on the two-dimensional display means into three-dimensional laser machining data according to the three-dimensional machining target surface The ability to enter information,
Based on the profile information, the processing pattern is transformed into a three-dimensional shape so as to virtually match the input processing pattern on the input processing target surface, and three-dimensional laser processing data is generated. Function and
A function of three-dimensionally displaying the processing pattern transformed into the three-dimensional shape in an edit display field indicating a printing range defined by a movable range of the first scanner and the second scanner together with the processing target surface;
A function of adjusting the arrangement position of the processing target surface displayed in the edit display field by the three-dimensional display means;
Based on the generated three-dimensional laser processing data and the adjusted arrangement position of the processing target surface, a laser beam including a laser oscillation unit, a beam expander, a first scanner, and a second scanner of a laser processing apparatus A function to control the scanning system;
A laser processing data setting program characterized by causing a computer to realize the above. A computer-readable recording medium or a recorded device storing the program according to claim 12 .