JP6958405B2 - Laser processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention includes a laser light source, a transmission member that transmits the laser light emitted from the laser light source, and a head portion that scans the laser light transmitted from the laser light source via the transmission member onto the object to be processed. The present invention relates to a laser processing apparatus in which a transmission member is detachably connected to a head portion.

In the conventional laser processing device, since the device main body having the power supply and the laser light source and the head portion are integrally configured, the device becomes large and is restricted in the installation location and the usage environment.
Therefore, the inventor of the present application has considered a configuration in which the device main body and the head portion are separated and the device main body and the head portion are connected by an optical fiber cable (transmission member). If this configuration is implemented, the head portion can be installed in a place away from the main body of the device, so that it is not easily restricted by the installation place and the usage environment.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-76103

In the subsequent research, the inventor of the present application considered a configuration in which the optical fiber cable is detachably connected to the head portion to facilitate replacement and handling of the optical fiber cable.
However, if the optical fiber cable is accidentally disconnected from the head portion while the laser light source is emitting the laser light, the laser light may be irradiated to an unexpected place.
In this way, the laser processing device having a structure in which the optical path of the laser light is divided in the middle needs to be configured so that the laser light is not emitted from the laser light source in the event of an unexpected situation. .. As an example of a laser processing apparatus having such a configuration, the laser processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this laser processing device, the laser irradiation unit is detachably attached to the laser emitting unit. Further, a proximity sensor for detecting that the laser irradiation unit is not connected is provided in the laser irradiation unit, and the control unit emits laser light from the laser emission unit based on the detection signal from the proximity sensor. It is configured to stop.
However, the conventional laser processing apparatus described above may not be able to stop the emission of the laser beam when the proximity sensor fails. Further, even if the control unit stops functioning due to an external factor such as a surge current or thermal runaway, there is a possibility that the emission of the laser beam cannot be stopped.

Therefore, the present invention has been created in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser processing apparatus having improved safety.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the laser processing apparatus of the present invention includes a print command output unit that outputs a print command and a laser light source that emits laser light by inputting a print command output from the print command output unit. , The power supply of the laser light source, the power supply unit that supplies the power supply to the laser light source, the transmission member that is connected to the laser light source at one end and transmits the laser light emitted from the laser light source, and the other end of the transmission member. If the head portion is detachably connected and scans the laser beam transmitted from the laser light source via the transmission member onto the object to be processed, and the other end of the transmission member and the head portion are poorly connected. An emission control device for preventing the laser light source from emitting the laser beam is provided.
Further, the laser processing apparatus of the present invention is formed in the head portion, and is provided in at least one of the opening portion into which the laser light emitted from the transmission member is incident and the facing portion of the head portion and the transmission member. , A sealing member for sealing the periphery of the opening when the head portion and the transmission member are connected. The emission control device is provided on the head unit or the transmission member, and is provided on the head unit or the transmission member at a position different from that of the first detection unit and the first detection unit that detects the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member. It includes a second detection unit that detects the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member. Further, the first detection unit and the second detection unit are located inside the seal member when the head unit and the transmission member are connected and are opposite to each other with the opening sandwiched between them, and the seal member is closer to the seal member than the opening. They are located closer to each other. Further, the emission control device stops the emission of the laser light from the laser light source when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects a poor connection between the head unit and the transmission member.
The laser processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by the above contents.

Even when the first detection unit fails and the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member cannot be detected, the second detection unit can detect the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member. Then, when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects a poor connection between the head unit and the transmission member, the emission control device stops the emission of the laser light from the laser light source.
That is, even when one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit cannot detect the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member, it is possible to stop the emission of the laser light by the laser light source.
Further, since a sealing member for sealing the periphery of the opening when the head portion and the transmission member are connected is provided, foreign matter such as dust and moisture can be prevented from entering the opening. It is also possible to prevent the function from being deteriorated and the head portion from malfunctioning.

By implementing the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to provide a laser processing apparatus with enhanced safety.

It is explanatory drawing of the laser processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a rear perspective view of the laser head which constitutes the laser processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the front perspective view of an optical isolator. It is explanatory drawing which shows by omitting a part of the vertical cross section of a laser head and an optical isolator in a state where an optical isolator is not connected to a laser head. It is explanatory drawing which shows by omitting a part of the vertical cross section of a laser head and an optical isolator in a state where an optical isolator is connected to a laser head. It is an enlarged view which shows the vertical cross section of the front part of the 1st detection switch and an optical isolator by omitting a part, (a) shows the state which the optical isolator is not connected to a laser head, and (b) is the optical isolator. Indicates the state of being connected to the laser head. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main electric composition for shutting off a power source.

[Construction of laser processing equipment]
The configuration of the laser processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, in FIG. 1, the direction in which the laser head 3 exists (the direction in which the laser beam is emitted) as viewed from the optical isolator 4 is defined as the front, and the direction 180 degrees opposite thereof is defined as the rear. Further, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is defined as the vertical direction, and the direction horizontally orthogonal to the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction.
As shown in FIG. 1, the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a laser controller 2, a laser head 3, an optical fiber cable F, and an optical isolator 4. The laser module 20 (FIG. 6) is housed in the housing 10 of the laser controller 2 so that it can be taken in and out. A laser module 20 is connected to one end of the optical fiber cable F, and an optical isolator 4 is connected to the other end. The optical fiber cable F is inserted into the housing 10 from the exhaust port cover 17 provided on the back panel 16, and the insertion portion is fixed to the peripheral edge of the exhaust port cover 17 by the fixing member 6. The optical fiber cable F transmits the laser light emitted from the laser module 20 to the laser head 3. The laser head 3 scans the laser beam transmitted from the laser module 20 via the optical fiber cable F onto the object to be processed to process the object to be processed. For example, the laser head 3 prints on an object to be processed. In the present embodiment, the optical fiber cable F has a length of several m (for example, 2 m) in order to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the laser controller 2 and the laser head 3. The laser module 20 is an example of the laser light source of the present invention, and the optical fiber cable F and the optical isolator 4 are examples of the transmission member of the present invention.

The optical isolator 4 is for preventing the laser light reflected in the optical path, the so-called return light, from the laser light emitted from the laser module 20 from returning to the laser module 20. The optical isolator 4 includes an optical isolator main body 41 (FIG. 3) and a cover 42 (FIG. 1) that covers the periphery of the optical isolator main body 41. A fixing plate 43 for fixing the optical isolator 4 to the back panel 32 of the laser head 3 is provided at the front end of the cover 42. Bolts B are inserted into the four corners of the fixing plate 43, and the optical isolator 4 is fixed to the back surface of the laser head 3 by fastening each bolt B to the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. In this embodiment, the fixing plate 43 is formed in a plate shape and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front surface.

The laser controller 2 and the laser head 3 are electrically connected by a signal cable S, and the laser controller 2 is powered by a CPU 61 (FIG. 6) that controls the laser head 3 via the signal cable S and a laser module 20. A power supply 23 (FIG. 6) and the like for supplying the laser are provided. The back panel 16 of the laser controller 2 is provided with a cable connector 28 for connecting the signal cable S, and the back panel 32 of the laser head 3 is provided with a cable connector 33 for connecting the signal cable S. Has been done. The laser controller 2 is electrically connected to a PC (not shown) that controls the laser controller 2. The laser head 3 is provided with a galvano scanner (not shown) that scans the laser light onto the object to be processed, and the laser light scanned by the galvano scanner is an fθ lens provided on the lower surface of the laser head 3. The light is focused on the object to be processed by 31. A handle 34 used for lifting the laser head 3 is attached to the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. The laser head 3 is an example of the head portion of the present invention.

[Laser head and optical isolator connection structure]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the back panel 32 of the laser head 3, the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are formed with openings at different positions from each other. The first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are formed at predetermined depths from the panel surface of the back panel 32 toward the front. A first detection switch SW1 (FIGS. 3 to 6) for detecting the connection state of the laser head 3 and the optical isolator 4 is arranged inside the first hole 37 (a position recessed from the opening surface of the first hole 37). Has been done. A second detection switch SW2 (FIG. 6) for detecting the connection state of the laser head 3 and the optical isolator 4 is arranged inside the second hole 38 (a position recessed from the opening surface of the second hole 38). .. As shown in FIG. 5, the first detection switch SW1 is provided on the back side of the back panel 32. The first detection switch SW1 is a push-on type switch including a movable contact piece 51, a contact 52, and a terminal 53, and the tip of the movable contact piece 51 projects into the first hole 37. Although not shown, the second detection switch SW2 has the same structure as the first detection switch SW1.
As described above, since the first detection switch SW1 is provided inside the first hole 37 and the second detection switch SW2 is provided inside the second hole 38, the first detection switch SW1 or the second detection switch is provided. There is no risk that the SW2 will collide with something and be damaged. Moreover, since it is difficult for foreign matter such as dust to enter the inside of the first hole 37 and the second hole 38, foreign matter such as dust is caught between the movable contact piece 51 and the back panel 32, and the first detection switch is used. There is no risk of the SW1 or the second detection switch SW2 malfunctioning. In this embodiment, the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are each formed to have a circular vertical cross section. The first detection switch SW1 is an example of the first detection unit of the present invention, and the second detection switch SW2 is an example of the second detection unit of the present invention.

A first protruding portion 47 that can be inserted into the first hole 37 projects forward from a portion of the front surface of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 that faces the first hole 37 in the front-rear direction, and the second hole. A second protruding portion 48 that can be inserted into the second hole 38 projects forward from a portion that faces the 38 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 47 and the second protruding portion 48 are each formed in a rod shape (pin shape) having a circular vertical cross section.
As shown in FIGS. 4 (b) and 5 (b), when the fixing plate 43 is connected to the back panel 32 of the laser head 3, the first protruding portion 47 is inserted into the first hole 37, and the inserted first portion 47 is inserted. The movable contact piece 51 is pressed by the 1 protruding portion 47 to come into contact with the contact 52, and the first detection switch SW1 is turned on. Further, the second protruding portion 48 is inserted into the second hole 38, and the second detection switch SW2 is turned on. In this embodiment, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are turned on when the optical isolator 4 is securely fixed to the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. In other words, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 do not turn on in an incompletely connected state such that the front surface of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 floats from the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. ing.

The state in which the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are turned on represents a state in which the optical isolator 4 and the laser head are connected. On the contrary, when both the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are not turned on, it means that the optical isolator 4 and the laser head 3 are not connected. Further, the state in which one of the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 is not turned on indicates that the optical isolator 4 and the laser head 3 are incompletely connected.
In the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when a connection failure such as a non-connected state or an incomplete connection state of the optical isolator 4 and the laser head is detected by the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2, The emission of the laser beam from the laser module 20 is stopped. The electrical configuration for stopping the emission of laser light when a connection failure is detected will be described later.

The back panel 32 is formed with an opening 36 for incident laser light emitted from the optical isolator 4. The first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are arranged in the left-right direction with the incident port 36 interposed therebetween. An O-ring 35 is attached around the incident port 36 and outside the first hole 37 and the second hole 38. In this embodiment, the O-ring 35 is formed in an elliptical shape and is fitted into a ring-shaped groove 35a (FIG. 5) formed in the back panel 32. Further, the first detection switch SW1 provided inside the first hole 37 and the second detection switch SW2 provided inside the second hole 38 are inside the O-ring 35 and form an incident port 36. The positions are opposite to each other on the sandwiching surface, and are arranged at positions closer to the O-ring 35 than the incident port 36.
By the way, when one of the left and right ends of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 connected to the laser head 3 is floating and a gap is formed in the floating portion, it is more than the center of the connecting portion. The closer to the floating end, the larger the gap. Therefore, in the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in order to detect such a state, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are provided inside the O-ring 35 as far as possible from each other. There is. As a result, the detection switch closer to the floating end is easily turned off, so that it is easy to detect a poor connection state in which the above-mentioned gap is formed. It is conceivable that one of the left and right ends of the fixing plate 43 floats because the bolt B is forgotten to be tightened or the bolt B is loosely tightened.
Further, by providing the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 at locations as far as possible from each other inside the O-ring 35, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 collide with something. It can be made hard to break at the same time due to the same cause. The O-ring 35 is an example of the sealing member of the present invention.

Further, the peripheral surface of the O-ring 35 comes into close contact with the front surface of the fixing plate 43 when the optical isolator 4 is fixed to the back surface of the laser head 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 from the outside of the device, so that the movable contact piece 51 and the contact 52 are rusted and easily damaged, or the first detection switch SW1 and the first detection switch SW1 and the contact 52 are easily damaged. There is no risk of the second detection switch SW2 failing. Further, since foreign matter such as dust can be surely prevented from entering the first hole 37 and the second hole 38, dust or the like may be caught between the movable contact piece 51 and the back panel 32. There is no possibility that the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 will malfunction.
Further, since it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust and moisture from entering the incident port 36, it is possible to prevent the function of the laser head 3 from deteriorating and the laser head 3 from malfunctioning. Further, when the optical isolator 4 is connected to the laser head 3, the O-ring 35 is also brought into close contact with the periphery of the exit port 44 of the optical isolator 4. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and moisture can be prevented from entering through the outlet 44, so that the function of the optical isolator 4 can be prevented from deteriorating.

Positioning pins 39 and 39 for positioning project rearward from the back panel 32 on the outside of the O-ring 35 and in the vicinity of the first hole 37 and the second hole 38. Further, on the front surface of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4, positioning holes 46, 46 for positioning into which the positioning pins 39 can be inserted are formed at positions facing the positioning pins 39. Further, the back panel 32 of the laser head 3 is formed with bolt holes B1 for fastening each bolt B inserted through the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4. The fixing plate 43 is formed with an insertion hole 45 for inserting a screw for fixing the fixing plate 43 to the cover 42.

[Main electrical configuration for shutting off the power supply]
As shown in FIG. 6, a connection state detection unit 22 is provided in which the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are electrically connected. The connection state detection unit 22 is provided on the laser head 3. The laser controller 2 includes a laser module 20, a power supply 23, a control unit 60, a power supply cutoff control unit 80, a safety board 70, an emergency stop switch 71, an interlock switch 72, a power supply switch 73, and a power supply. A cutoff signal output unit 21 and detection circuits E1 and E2 are provided.
The power cutoff control unit 80 includes an NPN type transistor Tr1, a PNP type transistor Tr2, and an electromagnetic relay RS1. The electromagnetic relay RS1 is a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) having a coil, a flywheel diode for protecting the coil, a fixed contact, and a movable contact that operates by exciting the coil. An operating power supply of 5.0 V DC is supplied to the electromagnetic relay RS1. The collector of the transistor Tr1 is electrically connected to the output of the coil of the electromagnetic relay RS1. The first detection switch SW1 is supplied with a DC 3.3V power supply via the pull-up resistor R1. The first detection switch SW1 is electrically connected to the base of the transistor Tr1 of the power cutoff control unit 80. The electromagnetic relay RS1 is an example of the switch of the present invention.

The control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, an FPGA 62, and a pull-up resistor R3. The CPU 61 controls the laser controller 2, the laser head 3, and the transistor Tr2. One end of the second detection switch SW2 is grounded via a pull-down resistor R2, and the other end is electrically connected to the base of the transistor Tr2. The collector of the transistor Tr2 is electrically connected to the output of FPGA (abbreviation of field-programmable gate array: FPGA is a registered trademark) 62. The FPGA 62 is a logic circuit that can be programmed by a user from the outside. A DC 3.3V power supply is supplied to the collector of the transistor Tr2 via a pull-up resistor R3. As described above, the first detection switch SW1 is connected to a DC 3.3V power supply, and the second detection switch SW2 is grounded. That is, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are connected to different power supply systems. The control unit 60 is an example of the print command output unit of the present invention.
The electromagnetic relay RS2 is mounted on the safety board 70. The electromagnetic relay RS2 is a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) having a coil, a fixed contact, and a movable contact that operates by exciting the coil. The electromagnetic relay RS2 is electrically connected between the power supply 23 and the power supply cutoff signal output unit 21. An emergency stop switch 71, an interlock switch 72, and a power switch 73 are electrically connected to the power cutoff signal output unit 21. The interlock switch 72 is a switch that detects the opening / closing of the door provided in the enclosure when laser machining is performed in the enclosure, and supplies power to the laser module 20 of the power supply 23 when the opening of the door is detected. It is a switch to stop.

The power cutoff signal output unit 21, the emergency stop switch 71, the interlock switch 72, the power switch 73, and the electromagnetic relay RS1 are connected in series, whereby the first detection switch SW1 and the emergency stop switch 71 are connected. , A closed-loop monitoring circuit that monitors the operation of any of the interlock switch 72 and the power switch 73 is configured. The power switch 73 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic relay RS1 by the detection circuits E1 and E2, and the electromagnetic relay RS1 is electrically connected to the power cutoff signal output unit 21. That is, the electromagnetic relay RS1 is connected in series to the detection circuits E1 and E2 that detect the on and off of the power switch 73.
The power cutoff signal output unit 21, the safety board 70, the emergency stop switch 71, the interlock switch 72, and the power switch 73 are examples of the power supply unit of the present invention. Further, the first detection switch SW1, the second detection switch SW2, and the electromagnetic relay RS1 are examples of the emission control device of the present invention. Further, the electromagnetic relay RS2 is an example of the blocking unit of the present invention.

[Operation of electrical configuration]
If the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3 while the laser processing device 1 is driving and the laser module 20 emits laser light, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are moved, respectively. Turn off. When the first detection switch SW1 is turned off, the transistor Tr1 is turned off and the electromagnetic relay RS1 is turned off, so that the detection circuits E1 and E2 are in a non-conducting state. That is, the state is the same as when the power switch 73 is turned off. The non-conducting state of the detection circuits E1 and E2 is detected by the power supply cutoff signal output unit 21, the power supply cutoff signal output unit 21 outputs the power supply cutoff signal to the electromagnetic relay RS2, and the electromagnetic relay RS2 opens. As a result, the power supply from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20 is cut off, and the laser module 20 stops emitting the laser beam. Since the electromagnetic relay RS1 is a mechanical switch (mechanical switch) that naturally opens its contacts when it is in a non-energized state, it operates reliably in a short time. Therefore, since the power supply from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20 can be reliably cut off, the laser module 20 can reliably stop the emission of the laser beam.
When the emergency stop switch 71 is operated, the power switch 73 is turned off, or the interlock switch 72 is activated, the detection circuits E1 and E2 are similarly non-conducting and electromagnetic. The relay RS2 opens, and the laser module 20 stops emitting laser light.

Further, when the second detection switch SW2 is turned off, the transistor Tr2 is turned off, and the OFF of the transistor Tr2 is detected by the FPGA 62. Then, the FPGA 62 makes an interrupt request (irq) to the CPU 61 to notify that the transistor Tr2 is turned off, that is, the second detection switch SW2 is turned off. Upon receiving this interrupt request, the CPU 61 determines that the second detection switch SW2 has been turned off, and outputs a signal to the FPGA 62 to stop the printing command output to the laser module 20. As a result, the FPGA 62 stops the output of the print command to the laser module 20, and the laser module 20 stops the emission of the laser light.
As described above, when the laser processing apparatus 1 is driven and the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3 while the laser module 20 is emitting laser light, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW1 and the second The detection switches SW2 are turned off. Then, the electromagnetic relay RS1 is opened to cut off the power supply from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20, or the printing command from the FPGA 62 to the laser module 20 is stopped. In other words, when both the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are on and the electromagnetic relay RS1 is in the closed state, power is supplied from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20, and the laser module 20 lasers. It is ready to emit light.

That is, either the power supply from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20 is cut off or the printing command from the FPGA 62 to the laser module 20 is stopped. In other words, either hard control that cuts off the power supply by the opening operation of the electromagnetic relay RS1 and stops the laser light emission or soft control that the laser light emission is stopped by the judgment of the CPU 61 is executed. can do.
Therefore, even if the electromagnetic relay RS1 does not operate for some reason, the emission of the laser beam can be stopped by the control of the CPU 61. Further, even when the CPU 61 stops functioning due to an external factor such as a surge current or thermal runaway, the emission of the laser beam can be stopped by the opening operation of the electromagnetic relay RS1.

[Effect of Embodiment]
(1) If the laser processing apparatus 1 described above is carried out, one of the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 does not operate for some reason when the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3. Even if there is, since the other switch operates, it is possible to reliably stop the emission of the laser beam.
Moreover, even if one of the electromagnetic relay RS1 and the CPU 61 does not operate for some reason, the other operates, so that the emission of the laser beam can be reliably stopped.
Therefore, by implementing the laser processing apparatus 1 described above, it is possible to provide a laser processing apparatus with improved safety.
(2) Further, in the back panel 32 of the laser head 3, an O-ring 35 is provided around the laser beam incident port 36 to seal the periphery of the incident port 36 when the optical isolator 4 is connected. ing.
Therefore, since it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust and moisture from entering the incident port 36, it is possible to prevent the function of the laser head 3 from deteriorating and the laser head 3 from malfunctioning.

(3) Further, the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are arranged inside the O-ring 35.
Therefore, if the laser processing device 1 is implemented, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 from the outside of the device, so that the movable contact piece 51 and the contact 52 are rusted and easily damaged. There is no risk of the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 failing.
(4) Further, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are located inside the O-ring 35 and facing each other with the incident port 36 in between, and are closer to the O-ring 35 than the incident port 36. It is arranged at each of the positions.
Therefore, if the laser processing apparatus 1 is implemented, it becomes easy to detect a poor connection of the optical isolator 4 to the laser head 3. For example, it is possible to detect a state in which one of the left and right ends of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 is floating and the optical isolator 4 is not completely fixed to the laser head 3.
Further, by providing the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 at locations as far as possible from each other inside the O-ring 35, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 collide with something. It can be made hard to break at the same time due to the same cause.
(5) Further, a first hole 37 and a second hole 38 are formed in the back panel 32 of the laser head 3, respectively, and the first detection switch SW1 is located inside the first hole 37 and the second detection switch. SW2s are arranged inside the second hole 38, respectively.
Therefore, if the laser machining apparatus 1 is implemented, there is no possibility that the first detection switch SW1 or the second detection switch SW2 collides with something and is damaged. Moreover, since it is difficult for foreign matter such as dust to enter the inside of the first hole 37 and the second hole 38, foreign matter such as dust is caught between the movable contact piece 51 and the back panel 32, and the first detection switch is used. There is no risk of the SW1 or the second detection switch SW2 malfunctioning.

(6) Further, in the laser processing device 1, the electromagnetic relay RS1 is operated by electrically connecting the detection circuits E1 and E2 to which the power switch 73 and the power cutoff signal output unit 21 are electrically connected.
Therefore, if the laser processing device 1 is implemented, the electromagnetic relay RS1 can be arranged by using a part of the circuit in which the power switch 73 and the power cutoff signal output unit 21 are electrically connected. Since it is not necessary to newly install a new circuit for arranging the RS1, the circuit configuration can be simplified.
(7) Further, the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 are electrically connected to different power supply systems.
Therefore, if the laser machining apparatus 1 is implemented, even if an abnormality occurs in one power supply system and detection by one of the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2 cannot be performed, the other power supply system cannot be detected. Since the detection can be performed by the other connected detection switch, the emission of the laser beam can be reliably stopped.

<Other Embodiments>
(1) It is also possible to provide an optical path blocking device that blocks the optical path of the laser light emitted by the laser module 20 when the power blocking signal output by the power blocking signal output unit 21 (FIG. 6) is input. For example, the optical path blocking device includes a shutter that blocks the optical path and an actuator that rotates the shutter. The shutter is rotatably attached to the rotation shaft of the actuator, and changes to a posture of blocking the optical path when power is not supplied to the actuator from the power supply 23 (FIG. 6). When power is supplied to the actuator, the rotation of the rotation shaft of the actuator changes the posture of blocking the optical path and the posture of not blocking the optical path. For example, the laser head 3 reflects a reflection mirror that reflects the laser light incident from the incident port 36, a half mirror that reflects the laser light reflected by the reflection mirror, and a laser light reflected by the half mirror. The shutter is arranged between the incident port 36 and the reflection mirror when the galvano scanner that scans the object to be processed is provided. Further, a switch that opens when a power cutoff signal is input, a drive power supply unit that supplies drive power to the actuator, and a power supply 23 that supplies drive power to the drive power supply unit are electrically connected. Then, when the switch is opened, the supply of the drive power to the actuator is stopped, and the attitude of the shutter is changed to the attitude of blocking the optical path.

As the actuator, a stepping motor, a rotary solenoid, or the like can be used.
If the laser processing device provided with the above-mentioned optical path blocking device is implemented, the power supply from the power supply 23 to the laser module 20 is not stopped by the power blocking signal, or the printing command from the FPGA 62 to the laser module 20 is stopped. Even if this is not done, the shutter can block the optical path of the laser beam.
Therefore, if the above laser processing apparatus is implemented, it is possible to provide a laser processing apparatus with improved safety.

(2) As the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2, a sensor that outputs a detection signal whose signal level changes according to the connection state of the laser head 3 and the optical isolator 4 can also be used. Then, the power cutoff control unit 80 is provided with an operating circuit in which the electromagnetic relay RS1 is opened when the signal level of the detection signal reaches a predetermined level, and the control unit 60 is provided with a predetermined signal level of the detection signal. The output of the print command to the laser module 20 is stopped when the signal level of is reached.
For example, as the sensor, a reflective optical sensor can be used. For example, an optical sensor is arranged inside the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element each face the opening, and the first of the front surfaces of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 is provided. Reflecting portions are provided at locations facing the holes 37 and the second holes 38, respectively. Then, the amount of light received by the light receiving element changes according to the distance between the light emitting element and the reflecting portion, that is, the distance between the fixed plate of the optical isolator 4 and the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. Then, when the amount of light received by each light receiving element, that is, the output voltage of each optical sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined voltage, it is determined that the optical isolator 4 has been removed from the laser head 3 or is about to be removed. Then, the electromagnetic relay RS1 is opened to stop the printing command to the laser module 20.

Further, as the sensor, an analog output type magnetic sensor can also be used. For example, as the magnetic sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall element), or the like can be used. For example, a magnetic detection unit is provided inside the first hole 37 and the second hole 38, respectively, and the first protrusion 47 and the second protrusion 48 are each composed of magnets. Then, the magnetic intensity detected by the magnetic detection unit changes according to the distance between the magnetic detection unit and the magnet, that is, the distance between the fixed plate of the optical isolator 4 and the back panel 32 of the laser head 3. Constitute. Then, when the magnetic strength detected by each magnetic detection unit, that is, the output voltage of each magnetic sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the optical isolator 4 is removed from or is about to be removed from the laser head 3. It is determined that the laser module 20 is present, and the electromagnetic relay RS1 is opened to stop the printing command to the laser module 20.
If a laser processing device provided with each of the above sensors is implemented, a poor connection state in which the optical isolator 4 is about to come off from the laser head 3 is detected, and the laser module 20 is controlled to stop emitting laser light. can do.
Further, the predetermined signal level (predetermined voltage), that is, the threshold value can be set when the laser processing apparatus 1 is manufactured, or can be set and changed by the user after the manufacturing. can.

(3) As the first detection switch SW1 and the second detection switch SW2, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor whose output signal level changes to a high level or a low level can also be used.
(4) The first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are formed inside the O-ring 35 at positions facing each other vertically with respect to the incident port 36, and the first protrusion 47 and the second protrusion 47 and the second protrusion are formed. The portion 48 may be arranged at a position facing the first hole 37 and the second hole 38. If a laser processing apparatus having this configuration is implemented, it is possible to stop the emission of the laser beam when one of the upper and lower ends of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4 is about to come off.
Further, the first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are formed inside the O-ring 35 at positions facing each other diagonally with respect to the incident port 36, and the first protruding portion 47 and the second protruding portion 47 and the second protrusion are formed. The portion 48 may be arranged at a position facing the first hole 37 and the second hole 38.
Further, safety measures can be strengthened by providing three or more holes and three or more protrusions facing each hole.

(5) The first hole 37 and the second hole 38 are formed in front of the fixing plate 43 of the optical isolator 4, respectively, and the first protruding portion 47 and the second protruding portion 48 are projected on the back panel 32 of the laser head 3, respectively. It can also be formed.
(6) It is made of an elastic material, and a sheet-shaped sealing member can be used instead of the O-ring 35. Further, the elastic material may be applied or adhered in a layered manner to the region of the back panel 32 where the O-ring 35 should be arranged, and the elastic layer made of the elastic material may be replaced with the O-ring 35.
(7) In the electrical configuration shown in FIG. 6, the connection order of the emergency stop switch 71, the interlock switch 72, and the power switch 73 can be changed. When the emergency stop switch 71 is connected to the connection position of the power switch 73 shown in FIG. 6, the electromagnetic relay RS1 is connected to the detection circuits E1 and E2 that electrically connect the emergency stop switch 71 and the power cutoff signal output unit 21. It can also be electrically connected. When the interlock switch 72 is connected to the connection position of the power switch 73 shown in FIG. 6, an electromagnetic relay is connected to the detection circuits E1 and E2 that electrically connect the interlock switch 72 and the power cutoff signal output unit 21. The RS1 can also be electrically connected.

(8) It is also possible to cut off the power supply by all hardware control without using the software control of stopping the emission of the laser beam at the discretion of the CPU 61. For example, a switch such as an electromagnetic relay that opens when the second detection switch SW2 is turned off is connected in series with the electromagnetic relay RS1. When this configuration is implemented, when the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3, even if one switch does not operate for some reason, the other switch operates to cause the power supply 23. The power supply to the laser module 20 can be cut off.

(9) Instead of using the hard control of shutting off the power supply and stopping the laser beam emission by the opening operation of the electromagnetic relay RS1, the laser beam emission is stopped by all software control. It can also be configured. For example, a first determination unit such as a CPU that determines that the first detection switch SW1 has been turned off and a second determination unit such as a CPU that determines that the second detection switch SW2 has been turned off are provided. Then, when the determination result of at least one of the first determination unit and the second determination unit is the determination result that the optical isolator 4 has been removed from the laser head 3, the output of the print command to the laser module 20 is stopped. Configure to do. For example, the outputs of the first and second determination units and the input of the AND circuit are electrically connected. Further, the first determination unit and the second determination unit output "1" when the optical isolator 4 is not removed from the laser head 3, and "0" when the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3. Is configured to be output respectively. Then, when the output of the AND circuit is "0", the output of the print command to the laser module 20 is stopped. By implementing this configuration, when the optical isolator 4 is removed from the laser head 3, even if one of the determination units does not operate for some reason, the other determination unit operates, so that the laser module operates. The output of the print command to 20 can be stopped.

1 Laser processing device 2 Laser controller 3 Laser head 4 Optical isolator 6 Fixing member 10 Housing 17 Exhaust port cover 20 Laser module 23 Power supply 35 O ring 36 Incident port 37 First hole 38 Second hole 39 Positioning pin 41 Optical isolator body 42 Cover 44 Exit 46 Positioning hole 47 First protrusion 48 Second protrusion F Optical fiber cable

Claims (4)

A print command output unit that outputs print commands and
A laser light source that emits laser light by inputting the print command output from the print command output unit, and
The power supply of the laser light source and
A power supply unit that supplies the power supply to the laser light source, and
A transmission member having one end connected to the laser light source and transmitting the laser light emitted from the laser light source.
A head portion that is detachably connected to the other end of the transmission member and scans the laser beam transmitted from the laser light source via the transmission member onto the object to be processed.
A laser processing device including an emission control device that prevents the laser light source from emitting the laser beam when the other end of the transmission member and the head portion have a poor connection.
An opening formed in the head portion and incident with a laser beam emitted from the transmission member, and an opening
A seal member provided on at least one of the head portion and the opposing portion of the transmission member and for sealing the periphery of the opening when the head portion and the transmission member are connected is provided. Ori,
The emission control device is
A first detection unit provided on the head unit or the transmission member and detecting a connection state between the head unit and the transmission member, and a first detection unit.
The head unit or the transmission member is provided at a position different from that of the first detection unit, and includes a second detection unit that detects the connection state of the head unit and the transmission member.
The first detection unit and the second detection unit are located inside the seal member when the head unit and the transmission member are connected, and are opposite to each other with the opening in between, and the opening. It is arranged at a position closer to the seal member than the portion.
Further, the emission control device stops the emission of the laser light by the laser light source when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects a connection failure between the head unit and the transmission member. A laser processing device characterized in that it is used. A first hole and a second hole are provided in one of the head portion and the opposing portion of the transmission member.
On the other side of the opposite portions, a first protruding portion that can be inserted into the first hole and a second protruding portion that can be inserted into the second hole are provided.
The first detection unit is arranged inside the first hole, and is arranged inside the first hole.
The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection unit is arranged inside the second hole. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit are connected to different power supply systems. An optical path blocking device that blocks the optical path of the laser light emitted by the laser light source when at least one of the first detection unit and the second detection unit detects a connection failure between the head unit and the transmission member. the laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in Rukoto provided.

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