JP7533203B2 - Information processing device, order determination method, and order determination program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an order determination method, and an order determination program.

Laser processing machines that cut a workpiece are known in the art. Laser processing machines cut a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with laser light and moving a laser head relative to the workpiece. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forming a punched hole in a part of the workpiece.

JP 2018-183793 A

In the technology for forming a punch hole in a part of a workpiece, slag is generated when the punch hole is formed. In the laser processing machine, the slag is removed by dropping (discharging) the slag between the support plates that support the workpiece. In the laser processing machine, it is difficult to drop the slag when the slag is larger than the gap between the support plates, so the slag is chopped. For example, the laser processing machine chops the slag in intersecting directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal directions) to drop it between the support plates. In the conventional technology, the cutting is performed sequentially from the end side of the slag in each of the vertical and horizontal directions to form a strip-shaped strip portion. In addition, in the laser processing machine, the workpiece is melted by irradiating the workpiece with laser light, and an assist gas may be sprayed to cause the molten material to drop below the workpiece. In the laser processing machine, when the slag is chopped in a state where the assist gas is sprayed, the strip portion may sag significantly due to the spray of the assist gas. The amount of sagging of the strip portion increases as the strip portion becomes longer. In addition, in a laser processing machine, the height of the laser head is adjusted according to (following) the height of the workpiece. Therefore, if the laser processing machine cuts the strips with a larger droop, the difference in height between the current cut point and the adjacent part to be cut will be large, and the laser head (laser head nozzle) that emits the laser light is more likely to come into contact with the adjacent part.

The present invention provides an information processing device, an order determination method, and an order determination program that can prevent the nozzle that emits the laser light from coming into contact with the adjacent portion that is to be cut by reducing the amount of drooping of the strip portion.

An information processing device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a calculation unit that calculates a parallelogram including a slug formed on a plate-shaped workpiece, the parallelogram having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side that are longer than the first side and the second side and are parallel to a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and a calculation unit that calculates a parallelogram including two or more first cutting lines that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction and a line parallel to the second direction that is included in the parallelogram when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, the calculation unit calculating a parallelogram including two or more first cutting lines that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction and a line parallel to the second direction that is included in the parallelogram when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the second direction. The device includes a setting unit that sets three or more second cutting lines to be included in the slug when dividing the slug by a line in the first direction, and a determination unit that determines a cutting order in which, after cutting all the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side is cut, and the remaining second cutting lines are cut in sequence from the side of the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and then cut in sequence from the side of the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side.

A cutting order determination method according to an aspect of the present invention includes calculating a parallelogram including a slug formed on a plate-shaped workpiece, having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side parallel to a second direction that intersect with the first direction and have a length equal to or greater than the first and second sides; calculating two or more first cutting lines that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and a line parallel to the second direction that intersects with the first direction, among the cutting lines that indicate the cutting positions when the slug is chopped; The method includes: setting three or more second cutting lines to be included in the slug when dividing the slug in the first direction by the row line; cutting all the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, and then cutting a specific second cutting line, which is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side, and determining a cutting order in which the remaining second cutting lines are cut in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and then cut in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side.

A cutting order determination program according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: calculating a parallelogram including a slug formed on a plate-shaped workpiece, the parallelogram having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side parallel to a second direction that intersect with the first direction and have a length equal to or greater than the first and second sides; and calculating two or more first cutting lines that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, among the cutting lines that indicate the cutting locations when the slug is chopped; The method executes the following: setting three or more second cutting lines that are included in the slug when it is divided in the first direction by a line parallel to the direction; cutting all the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, and then cutting a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side, and cutting the remaining second cutting lines sequentially from next to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and sequentially cutting from next to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side.

According to the information processing device, sequence determination method, and sequence determination program according to the aspects of the present invention, when shredding a slug, the first cutting line is cut, and then the second cutting lines existing at both ends within the slug are not cut first, thereby suppressing sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of assist gas, and preventing the nozzle irradiating the laser light from coming into contact with the adjacent portion that is to be cut.

In the information processing device of the above aspect, the determination unit may cut the outer periphery of the slug after cutting all the second cutting lines. According to this aspect, all the slug can be discharged downward through the gap between the support plates supporting the workpiece. In the information processing device of the above aspect, the calculation unit may calculate a parallelogram in which each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side is in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug. According to this aspect, a parallelogram having a smaller area than that which contains the slug is calculated, so that the amount of calculation required for setting the cutting line can be reduced. In the information processing device of the above aspect, the plate-shaped workpiece may be rectangular, and the first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first cutting line, and the second cutting line may be parallel to any side of the rectangular plate-shaped workpiece. According to this aspect, the cutting line is set based on a rectangle that contains the slug and is parallel to each side of the workpiece, so that the cutting process can be efficiently performed by the laser processing machine. In the information processing device of the above aspect, the determining unit may set the second cutting line set closer to the center of the slug as the specific second cutting line. According to this aspect, the second cutting line set closer to the center of the slug is set as the specific second cutting line and is determined to be cut before the other second cutting lines, so that the sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of the assist gas can be more effectively suppressed, and the nozzle irradiating the laser light can be more effectively suppressed from contacting the adjacent portion to be cut. In the information processing device of the above aspect, the setting unit may set the division in the second direction by the first cutting line and the division in the first direction by the second cutting line to the same size or different sizes so that they each fit within a predetermined size. According to this aspect, the division in the first direction and the division in the second direction are set to fit within a predetermined size, so that the discharge of the slag through the gap between the support plates supporting the workpiece can be reliably achieved. In the information processing device of the above aspect, the setting unit may set two or more first cutting lines that equally divide the workpiece in the second direction with a maximum value equal to or less than a predetermined size. According to this aspect, since the cutting process is equally divided by the maximum value of the predetermined size or less, an increase in the number of steps of cutting by the laser processing machine can be suppressed. In addition, in the information processing device of the above aspect, the setting unit may set three or more second cutting lines that equally divide the first direction by the maximum value of the predetermined size or less and an even number. According to this aspect, since the cutting process is equally divided by the maximum value of the predetermined size or less and an even number, a specific second cutting line can be arranged closer to the center, and an increase in the number of steps of cutting by the laser processing machine can be suppressed. In addition, in the information processing device of the above aspect, the setting unit may set three or more second cutting lines based on a calculated value obtained by multiplying the predetermined size by an even number and a division number that is preset in correspondence with the length of the first side or the second side. According to this aspect, since the second cutting lines are set based on information in which the division number is predetermined in correspondence with the predetermined size and the length of the first side, etc., the amount of calculation required for setting the second cutting lines can be further suppressed. In addition, in the information processing device of the above aspect, when all of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug, the setting unit may set a portion included in the slug when dividing the parallelogram into equal parts by a line parallel to the second direction as one of the second cutting lines, and set other second cutting lines according to a predetermined size. According to this aspect, since the second cutting line that can be the specific second cutting line is set closer to the center or the middle of the slug, it is possible to further suppress the sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of the assist gas, and it is possible to further suppress the nozzle that irradiates the laser light from contacting the adjacent part that is to be cut. In addition, in the information processing device of the above aspect, when all of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are not in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug, the setting unit may set a portion included in the slug among the lines that pass through the center coordinates in the first direction in the slug and are parallel to the second direction as one of the second cutting lines, and set other second cutting lines according to a predetermined size. According to this aspect, the second cutting line that can become the specific second cutting line is set closer to the center or in the middle of the slug, so that sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of the assist gas can be further suppressed, and the nozzle that irradiates the laser light can be further suppressed from contacting the adjacent portion that is to be cut.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser processing system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laser processing machine according to a first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of cutting a plate-shaped workpiece according to the first embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of cutting a plate-shaped workpiece according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a setting unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a setting unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a process performed by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a cutting order determination process according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of the amount of sagging of strip portions when shredding slugs according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of sagging of strip portions when shredding slag according to the prior art. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a calculation unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a setting unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a setting unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by a determination unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a laser processing system including an information processing device according to a second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a second cutting line according to the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a second cutting line according to the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a second cutting line according to the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a second cutting line according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a cutting order determination process according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a cutting order determination process according to the second embodiment.

The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the drawings, the scale may be appropriately changed, such as by enlarging, reducing, or emphasizing parts in order to explain the embodiments. In addition, in the drawings, the directions in the drawings may be explained using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, the vertical direction is the Z direction, and the horizontal directions are the X direction and the Y direction. In addition, in each direction (e.g., the X direction), the direction of the arrow is referred to as the + side (e.g., the +X side), and the side opposite the direction of the arrow is referred to as the - side (e.g., the -X side).

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser processing system including an information processing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the laser processing system 1 has a design device 10, an information processing device 20, and a laser processing machine 30. The design device 10 is used to design a part to be manufactured from a plate-shaped workpiece W. The design device 10 is, for example, a computer system in which a three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) is implemented. The design device 10 includes a main body in which a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a working memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) are provided. A large-capacity storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard are connected to the main body. A design program such as CAD is stored in, for example, a large-capacity storage device, and the main body reads out the design program from the large-capacity storage device and executes various processes. The design program may be a general-purpose product available on the market, or may be a product dedicated to the laser processing system 1. The design device 10 is capable of outputting to the outside design data of a part manufactured by the laser processing system 1, the design data being expressed in Extensible Markup Language (XML), which corresponds to two-dimensional information obtained by expanding a three-dimensional shape onto a plane.

The information processing device 20 has a design data acquisition unit 201, a calculation unit 202, a setting unit 203, a determination unit 204, a processing data generation unit 205, a processing data output unit 206, and a storage unit 207. The information processing device 20 is, for example, a CAM, and generates processing data based on design data. Note that the design device 10 and the information processing device 20 may be configured as an integrated CAD/CAM. The design data acquisition unit 201 acquires and inputs the design data. Specifically, the design data acquisition unit 201 acquires and inputs the design data output by the design device 10.

The calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram that includes the slag formed on the plate-shaped workpiece W. Specifically, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram that includes the slag formed on the plate-shaped workpiece W, has a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction, and a third side and a fourth side that are longer than the first side and the second side and are parallel to the second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the calculation unit 202 checks whether there is a slag larger than a predetermined dimension based on the design data acquired and input by the design data acquisition unit 201. The predetermined dimension is a size that can be dropped (discharged) below the plate-shaped workpiece W in cutting processing by the laser processing machine 30, and is a size that can be dropped (discharged) through the gap between the support plates 52 described later. If the slag is larger than the predetermined dimension, the laser processing machine 30 will perform shredding so that it can be dropped (discharged) below the plate-shaped workpiece W. Then, when a slug larger than a predetermined dimension exists, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram that contains the slug and has a first side and a second side that can be the short side and a third side and a fourth side that can be the long side. Including the slug means that the slug is included in the parallelogram, but also includes the case where the parallelogram and the slug completely coincide with each other.

The calculation unit 202 may calculate a parallelogram in which the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are each tangent to at least a portion of the outer periphery of the slag. For example, the calculation unit 202 may calculate a parallelogram that is smaller (has a smaller area) among the parallelograms that include the slag. In addition, the plate-shaped workpiece W may be rectangular, and the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side may be parallel to any side of the rectangular plate-shaped workpiece W. For example, the calculation unit 202 may calculate a parallelogram that is parallel to any side of the rectangular plate-shaped workpiece W, i.e., a rectangle or a square. In other words, the calculation unit 202 calculates a square, rectangle, or parallelogram that includes the slag and has a smaller area.

The setting unit 203 sets cutting lines indicating the cutting locations when shredding the slag. Specifically, the setting unit 203 sets, among the cutting lines indicating the cutting locations when shredding the slag, two or more first cutting lines included in the slag when dividing the parallelogram in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and three or more second cutting lines included in the slag when dividing the parallelogram in the first direction by a line parallel to the second direction. For example, the setting unit 203 divides the square, rectangle, or parallelogram calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction (a first side that can be a short side, and a line parallel to the second side). At this time, the setting unit 203 sets a line parallel to the first direction included in the slag as the first cutting line. The number of first cutting lines is two or more. Here, the setting unit 203 sets the division in the second direction to a size that fits within a predetermined size. The predetermined size is a size that allows the slug to fall below the plate-shaped workpiece W after shredding, and is determined in advance. The setting unit 203 also divides the square, rectangle, or parallelogram calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the first direction by a line parallel to the second direction (a line parallel to the third side, which may be the long side, and the fourth side). At this time, the setting unit 203 sets a line parallel to the second direction contained in the slug as the second cutting line. There are three or more second cutting lines. Here, the setting unit 203 sets the division in the first direction to a size that fits within the predetermined size. Note that the setting unit 203 sets the division in the second direction by the first cutting line and the division in the first direction by the second cutting line so that they each fit within a predetermined size, but the first and second directions may be the same size or different sizes. The first cutting line and the second cutting line may be parallel to any side of the rectangular plate-shaped workpiece W.

The setting unit 203 may also set two or more first cutting lines that divide equally in the second direction by a maximum value that is equal to or less than a predetermined size. That is, the setting unit 203 sets a first cutting line that divides equally by a maximum value that is equal to or less than a predetermined size based on a predetermined size in order to reduce the labor required for processing and cutting by the laser processing machine 30. The setting unit 203 may also set three or more second cutting lines that divide equally in the first direction by a maximum value that is equal to or less than a predetermined size and an even number. That is, the setting unit 203 sets a second cutting line that divides equally in the first direction by a maximum value that is equal to or less than a predetermined size and an even number in order to reduce the labor required for processing and cutting by the laser processing machine 30. The reason for setting three or more second cutting lines here is that when three second cutting lines are set, there is a possibility that sagging will occur due to the strip-shaped strip portion. The reason for dividing the slug into equal parts at an even number is that cutting from closer to the center of the slug (preferably the center of the slug) shortens the strips and better prevents the strips from sagging, and one of the second cutting lines is set at the center of the slug.

The setting unit 203 also sets three or more second cutting lines based on a division number preset in accordance with a calculation value obtained by multiplying the predetermined size by an even number and the length of the first side or the second side. Here, the predetermined size is, for example, 25 mm, and the length of the first side or the second side is 120 mm. For example, the setting unit 203 sets three or more second cutting lines with a preset division number of "6" based on the calculation value "50, 100, 150, 200..." obtained by multiplying the predetermined size "25 mm" by an even number and the length of the first side or the second side "120 mm". When the predetermined size is 25 mm, examples of the preset division numbers are as follows:
50 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 100 (calculated value): 4 divisions 100 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 150 (calculated value): 6 divisions 150 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 200 (calculated value): 8 divisions Furthermore, when the specified size is 30 mm, examples of the preset number of divisions are as follows:
60 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 120 (calculated value): divided into 4 parts 120 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 180 (calculated value): divided into 6 parts 180 (calculated value) < length of the first side or the second side < 240 (calculated value): divided into 8 parts

The determination unit 204 determines the cutting order for shredding the slag. Specifically, the determination unit 204 determines the cutting order in which all the first cutting lines are cut in an arbitrary order, and then a specific second cutting line, which is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side, is cut, and the remaining second cutting lines are cut in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and then cut in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side. Then, the determination unit 204 determines the cutting order for cutting the outer periphery of the slag after cutting all the second cutting lines. For example, the determination unit 204 determines the cutting order for cutting all the first cutting lines set by the setting unit 203 in an arbitrary order. Note that the cutting order of the first cutting lines may be arbitrary, but it is preferable to cut in order from the first cutting lines set at the ends because it is more efficient.

Then, the determination unit 204 sets the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side, i.e., one of the second cutting lines excluding the two second cutting lines in the slug that are close to the outer periphery of the slug, to be cut as the specific second cutting line. Here, it is preferable that the determination unit 204 sets the second cutting line set closer to the center of the slug as the specific second cutting line and cuts the specific second cutting line. As described above, cutting from the more central side of the slug can better suppress the sagging of the strip portion, so the determination unit 204 sets the second cutting line set closer to the center of the slug as the specific second cutting line. Next, the determination unit 204 sets the remaining second cutting lines to be cut sequentially from next to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, i.e., toward the outer periphery of the slug. Also, the determination unit 204 sets the remaining second cutting lines to be cut sequentially from next to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side, i.e., toward the outer periphery of the slug. Here, it is more efficient and preferable for the determination unit 204 to set the second cutting lines to be cut sequentially in one direction (e.g., toward the third side) from next to the specific second cutting line, and then to be cut sequentially in the other direction (e.g., toward the fourth side). After that, the determination unit 204 sets the periphery of the slug to be cut.

The processing data generating unit 205 generates processing data including the cutting order when shredding the slag. Specifically, the processing data generating unit 205 generates processing data including the cutting order for shredding the slag determined by the determining unit 204, as well as the cutting order for cutting a process other than the slag to be shredded, the output of the laser light according to the processing conditions, the relative speed between the plate-shaped workpiece W and the laser head 31, the amount of assist gas supplied, etc.

The processing data output unit 206 outputs the generated processing data. Specifically, the processing data output unit 206 outputs the processing data generated by the processing data generation unit 205 to the outside (e.g., the laser processing machine 30). The memory unit 207 stores (temporarily stores) the design data output by the design device 10, the processing data generated by the processing data generation unit 205, various data required for processing by each unit, etc.

The laser processing machine 30 has a control unit 301, a laser light source 302, a laser oscillator 303, a head drive unit 304, an assist gas supply unit 305, and a memory unit 306. The control unit 301 controls the laser processing machine 30 and controls the operation of the laser head 31 (see FIG. 3), the laser light source 302, the laser oscillator 303, the head drive unit 304, and the assist gas supply unit 305. The memory unit 306 is a memory device such as a main memory device or an auxiliary memory device. The memory unit 306 stores, for example, processing data generated and output by the information processing device 20. The control unit 301 reads out the processing data stored in the memory unit 306 and operates the laser head 31, the head drive unit 304, and the assist gas supply unit 305, which will be described later, according to the read processing data. As a result, the laser processing machine 30 performs cutting processing on the plate-shaped workpiece W. The processing data includes, for example, the output of the laser light according to processing conditions such as the material and thickness of the plate-shaped workpiece W, the movement path of the laser light along the desired dimensions for cutting (including the cutting order), the relative speed between the plate-shaped workpiece W and the laser head 31, the amount of assist gas supplied, etc.

The laser light source 302 is, for example, a carbon dioxide gas laser light source or a solid laser light source, and is connected to the laser head 31. The laser oscillator 303 outputs a laser light to be irradiated onto the plate-shaped workpiece W. The head drive unit 304 has a gantry that can be moved in the X direction, a slider that can be moved in the Y direction relative to the gantry, and a lifting unit that can be moved in the Z direction relative to the slider, and moves the laser head 31 in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction by driving the respective drive sources of the gantry, the slider, and the lifting unit. The assist gas supply unit 305 has a gas supply source and a gas supply pipe (not shown), and supplies the assist gas generated by the gas supply source into the nozzle 33 (see FIG. 3) of the laser head 31 through the gas supply pipe. For example, a gas cylinder or a gas supply line of a factory or the like is used as the gas supply source. For example, nitrogen gas, air, a mixture of air and oxygen, etc. are used as the assist gas.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 20 is realized, for example, by a hardware configuration similar to that of a general-purpose computer. The information processing device 20 realizes a function of determining the cutting order of slugs based on design data by executing a predetermined program (e.g., an order determination program).

The information processing device 20 has a CPU 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM 23, an input device 24, an output device 25, a communication device 26, and a storage device 27. The above-mentioned components are connected by a bus. The CPU 21 is a processor that executes various processes, and deploys an order determination program stored in the storage device 27 etc. in the RAM 23 and executes it, controls each component to perform input/output, and processes data. The CPU 21 may be composed of one or more processors. The ROM 22 stores a start program that reads a startup program from the storage device 27 to the RAM 23. The RAM 23 stores various data as a working area for the CPU 21.

The input device 24 is, for example, an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, which accepts information input by operation as a signal and outputs it to the CPU 21. The output device 25 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, which displays and outputs various information based on signals from the CPU 21. The communication device 26 transmits and receives information to and from external devices via a network. The storage device 27 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The storage device 27 stores programs (e.g., a sequence determination program) executed by the information processing device 20, and an operating system.

The program executed by the information processing device 20 (e.g., the order determination program) is provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, CD-R, or DVD as a file in an installable or executable format. The program executed by the information processing device 20 may also be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the information processing device 20 may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program executed by the information processing device 20 may also be provided by being pre-installed in ROM 22, etc.

The order determination program that realizes the function of determining the cutting order of the slugs based on the design data includes at least a calculation module that functions as the calculation unit 202, a setting module that functions as the setting unit 203, and a determination module that functions as the determination unit 204. In the information processing device 20, the CPU 21 as a processor reads out and executes the order determination program from the storage device 27 or the like, so that each module is loaded onto the RAM 23, and the CPU 21 functions as the calculation unit 202, the setting unit 203, and the determination unit 204. Note that each function may be realized in part or in whole by hardware other than a processor.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a laser processing machine according to the first embodiment. The laser processing machine 30 emits a laser beam L to cut and process a plate-shaped workpiece W. The laser processing machine 30 has a processing pallet 50 that supports the plate-shaped workpiece W. The processing pallet 50 places the plate-shaped workpiece W on it and places the workpiece W in the processing area in the laser processing machine 30. The processing pallet 50 may be movable in the X direction or the like with the plate-shaped workpiece W placed on it, for example, by a driving device not shown. The processing pallet 50 has a support plate 52. The support plates 52 are arranged in a row on the processing pallet 50 and support the lower surface (-Z side surface) Wb of the plate-shaped workpiece W. Each support plate 52 has a plurality of upper ends 52a formed in a sawtooth shape, and is formed so that the heights of the upper ends 52a are the same.

A plate-shaped workpiece W is placed on the multiple upper ends 52a. Since the upper ends 52a are formed in a sawtooth shape, the contact area between the upper ends 52a and the plate-shaped workpiece W is small. The upper ends 52a are not limited to being sawtooth, and may be, for example, pinholder-shaped or wavy. The plate-shaped workpiece W is cut and processed while placed on the support plate 52, and the shredded slag falls into the slag discharge section 60 through the gap between the multiple support plates 52 and is removed from the plate-shaped workpiece W. In this embodiment, it is optional whether or not to use the processing pallet 50. For example, instead of the processing pallet 50, a pinholder-shaped workpiece placement section or the like may be provided in the processing area in the laser processing machine 30.

The laser processing machine 30 includes a laser head 31. The laser head 31 irradiates the plate-shaped workpiece W with laser light L from the upper surface Wa side to cut the plate-shaped workpiece W. The laser head 31 includes a head body 32 and a nozzle 33. The head body 32 is disposed above the plate-shaped workpiece W placed in the processing area in the laser processing machine 30, and is moved by the head drive unit 304 in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The head body 32 may move relative to the plate-shaped workpiece W by being driven by the head drive unit 304. In addition, the head body 32 is not limited to moving relative to the plate-shaped workpiece W, and may be configured such that the plate-shaped workpiece W moves relative to the head body 32, or may be configured such that both the head body 32 and the plate-shaped workpiece W move.

The nozzle 33 is attached to the -Z side (downward side) of the head body 32. The nozzle 33 is directed in the -Z direction (downward) and emits the laser light L from the head body 32 in the -Z direction. The nozzle 33 is also connected to the assist gas supply unit 305 via a gas supply pipe or the like. The nozzle 33 supplies assist gas G from the assist gas supply unit 305 to the plate-shaped workpiece W toward the area where the laser light L is irradiated.

The laser head 31 is connected to the laser light source 302 via an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber 34. For example, a carbon dioxide gas laser light source or a solid laser light source is used as the laser light source 302. The laser head 31 is equipped with an irradiation optical system (not shown), and the laser light L from the laser oscillator 303 is converged by the irradiation optical system and emitted from the nozzle 33. The laser head 31 irradiates the laser light L so as to form a spot LS of a predetermined diameter on the plate-shaped workpiece W. The diameter of the spot LS can be adjusted, for example, by moving a part of the optical element of the irradiation optical system.

Next, the shredding of the slag according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14. FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of cutting processing of a plate-shaped workpiece according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the state before the cutting line in the slag is set, and FIG. 5 shows the state after the cutting line in the slag is set. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the plate-shaped workpiece W includes a product Wp, and slag Wc and slag We inside the product Wp. All rectangles and circles on the plate-shaped workpiece W that are not shown as slag Wc are slag We. Here, the slag Wc is a slag that is larger than the predetermined dimension to be shredded, and the slag We is a slag that is not to be shredded. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, by setting the first cutting line and the second cutting line in the slag Wc, it is possible to drop the slag Wd (a slag smaller than the slag Wc and a slag of a size that fits within a predetermined size in each intersecting direction) into the slag discharge section 60.

6 to 14, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, one slug in a plate-shaped workpiece W is taken as an example for explanation. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing by the calculation unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram (rectangle) Sq that includes a slug Wc that is larger than a predetermined dimension. At this time, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram Sq having a first side E1 and a second side E2 parallel to the first direction D1, and a third side E3 and a fourth side E4 that have lengths equal to or greater than the first side E1 and the second side E2 and are parallel to the second direction D2 that intersects (is perpendicular to) the first direction D1. The calculation unit 202 also calculates a parallelogram Sq in which each of the first side E1, the second side E2, the third side E3, and the fourth side E4 is in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc. In Figure 7, the parallelogram (rectangle) Sq is represented by a dashed line.

8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing by the setting unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the setting unit 203 sets two or more first cutting lines C1 included in the slug Wc when dividing the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the second direction D2 at a predetermined size S or less by a line PD1 parallel to the first direction D1. In FIG. 8, the line PD1 parallel to the first direction D1 included in the parallelogram Sq but not included in the slug Wc is represented by a dashed line, and the first cutting line C1 included in the slug Wc is represented by a solid line. Here, it is preferable that the setting unit 203 sets two or more first cutting lines C1 that divide equally in the second direction D2 at a maximum value equal to or less than the predetermined size S. As shown in FIG. 9, the setting unit 203 sets three or more second cutting lines C2 that are included in the slug Wc when dividing the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the first direction D1 by a line PD2 parallel to the second direction D2 at a predetermined size S or less. In FIG. 9, the line PD2 parallel to the second direction D2 that is included in the parallelogram Sq but not included in the slug Wc is represented by a dashed line, and the second cutting line C2 that is included in the slug Wc is represented by a solid line. Here, it is preferable that the setting unit 203 sets three or more second cutting lines C2 that divide equally in the first direction D1 with a maximum value that is equal to or less than the predetermined size S and an even number.

Figures 10 to 14 are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by the determination unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the determination unit 204 determines the cutting order in shredding the slag Wc to cut all of the first cutting lines C1 in an arbitrary order. Figure 10 shows that the first cutting lines C1 are cut in the order of (1) to (15) from the first side E1 side toward the second side E2 side.

As shown in FIG. 11, the determination unit 204 excludes the second cutting line C2 closest to the third side E3 and the second cutting line C2 closest to the fourth side E4 from the candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2. In FIG. 11, the second cutting lines C2 that are not candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 are represented by dashed lines, and the second cutting lines C2 that are candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 are represented by solid lines. As shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 204 determines one of the second cutting lines C2 represented by solid lines in FIG. 11 as the specific second cutting line SC2. It is preferable that the determination unit 204 determines the second cutting line C2 set closer to the center of the slug Wc as the specific second cutting line SC2. The cutting order of the specific second cutting line SC2 is (16). In FIG. 12, the specific second cutting line SC2 is represented by solid lines, and the remaining second cutting lines C2 are represented by dashed lines.

13, the determination unit 204 determines to cut the remaining second cutting lines C2 sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side E3. The determination unit 204 also determines to cut the remaining second cutting lines C2 sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the fourth side E4. In FIG. 13, the second cutting lines C2 are cut in the order of (17) to (21) from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side E3, and further, the second cutting lines C2 are cut in the order of (22) to (26) from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the fourth side E4. Note that the order of cutting the second cutting lines C2 from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the fourth side E4 may be performed before the order of cutting the second cutting lines C2 from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side E3. As shown in FIG. 14, the determination unit 204 determines that the outer periphery Wf of the slag Wc is to be cut. The cutting order of the outer periphery Wf of the slag Wc is (27). Note that in FIG. 14, the slag that has fallen into the slag discharge unit 60 at the stage of cutting the outer periphery Wf of the slag Wc is represented by a dashed line.

15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the design data acquisition unit 201 acquires design data (step S101). For example, the design data acquisition unit 201 acquires design data generated and output by the design device 10 via the communication device 26 or the like. The calculation unit 202 determines whether a slug Wc larger than a predetermined dimension is present (step S102). For example, the calculation unit 202 determines whether a slug Wc larger than a predetermined dimension is present in the plate-shaped workpiece W based on the design data acquired by the design data acquisition unit 201. At this time, if the calculation unit 202 determines that a slug Wc larger than a predetermined dimension is present (step S102: YES), a cutting order determination process is executed (step S103). Details of the cutting order determination process in step S103 will be described later. On the other hand, if the calculation unit 202 determines that a slug Wc larger than a predetermined dimension is not present, the process in step S104 is executed.

The processing data generating unit 205 generates processing data (step S104). For example, when the cutting order determination process in step S103 is executed, the processing data generating unit 205 generates processing data including the cutting order when shredding the slag Wc, as well as the cutting order and processing conditions for a cutting process other than the slag Wc to be shredded, the output of the laser light according to the relative speed between the plate-shaped workpiece W and the laser head 31, the supply amount of assist gas, etc. Note that, when the cutting order determination process in step S103 is not executed, the processing data generating unit 205 generates processing data that does not include the cutting order when shredding the slag Wc. The processing data output unit 206 outputs the processing data (step S104). For example, the processing data output unit 206 outputs the processing data generated by the processing data generating unit 205 to the laser processing machine 30 or the like via the communication device 26 or the like. The laser processing machine 30 performs cutting processing based on the processing data.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the cutting order determination process according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 16 shows details of the cutting order determination process in step S103. As shown in Figure 16, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram Sq that contains the slug Wc (step S201). For example, for a slug Wc larger than a predetermined dimension, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram (rectangle) Sq that contains the slug Wc, in which each of the first side E1, the second side E2, the third side E3, and the fourth side E4 is in contact with at least a portion of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc (see Figures 6 and 7).

The setting unit 203 sets a first cutting line C1 and a second cutting line C2 (step S202). For example, the setting unit 203 sets two or more first cutting lines C1 included in the slug Wc when the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 is equally divided in the second direction D2 with a maximum value less than or equal to the predetermined size S by a line PD1 parallel to the first direction D1 (see FIG. 8). The setting unit 203 also sets three or more second cutting lines C2 included in the slug Wc when the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 is equally divided in the first direction D1 with a maximum value less than or equal to the predetermined size S and an even number by a line PD2 parallel to the second direction D2 (see FIG. 9).

The determination unit 204 determines the cutting order (step S203). For example, the determination unit 204 determines to cut all the first cutting lines C1 in an arbitrary order (see FIG. 10). Then, the determination unit 204 excludes the second cutting line C2 closest to the third side E3 and the second cutting line C2 closest to the fourth side E4 from the candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 (see FIG. 11). Next, the determination unit 204 determines the second cutting line C2, which is one of the second cutting lines C2 that are candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 and is set closer to the center in the slug Wc, as the specific second cutting line SC2, as the cutting line to be cut after the first cutting line C1 is cut (see FIG. 12). After that, the determination unit 204 determines to cut the remaining second cutting lines C2 sequentially from next to the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side E3 and the fourth side E4 (see FIG. 13). Then, the determination unit 204 determines to cut the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc (see FIG. 14).

As described above, the information processing device 20 determines the cutting order in which the first cutting line C1 is cut in the shredding of the slag Wc, and then the second cutting lines C2 at both ends of the slag Wc are not cut first, thereby suppressing the sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of the assist gas G and suppressing the nozzle 33 irradiating the laser light L from contacting the adjacent portion to be cut. In addition, the information processing device 20 calculates a parallelogram Sq having a smaller area than the slag Wc, so that the amount of calculation required for setting the cutting line can be reduced. In addition, the information processing device 20 sets the cutting line based on a rectangle Sq that contains the slag Wc and is parallel to each side of the plate-shaped workpiece W, so that the cutting process by the laser processing machine 30 can be performed in a direction parallel to each side of the plate-shaped workpiece W, and efficient cutting can be performed. In addition, the information processing device 20 determines that the second cutting line C2 set closer to the center of the slug Wc is to be cut before the other second cutting lines C2 as the specific second cutting line SC2, so that the sagging of the strip portion due to the injection of the assist gas G can be more effectively suppressed, and the nozzle 33 irradiating the laser light L can be more effectively suppressed from contacting the adjacent portion to be cut. In addition, the information processing device 20 sets the first cutting line C1 that divides the slug Wc equally at a maximum value equal to or less than a predetermined size S, so that the increase in the cutting process by the laser processing machine 30 can be suppressed. In addition, the information processing device 20 sets the second cutting line C2 that divides the slug Wc equally at a maximum value equal to or less than a predetermined size S and an even number, so that the specific second cutting line SC2 can be arranged closer to the center, and the increase in the cutting process by the laser processing machine 30 can be suppressed. In addition, the information processing device 20 sets the second cutting line C2 based on information in which the number of divisions is predetermined according to the length of the first side E1, etc., so that the amount of calculation required for setting the second cutting line C2 can be more effectively suppressed.

Next, the amount of sagging of the strip portion in shredding the slag will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of sagging of the strip portion in shredding the slag according to the first embodiment. Figure 17(A) is a top view, and Figure 17(B) is a side view. In Figure 17, the laser head 31 has completed cutting the portion corresponding to the first cutting line C1 and the portion corresponding to the specific second cutting line SC2, and is currently cutting the portion corresponding to the second cutting line C2. In addition, the length of the strip portion Wg is L1 when the cutting of the portion corresponding to the specific second cutting line SC2 is completed. In this situation, the laser head 31 moves and the laser light L is emitted, and the assist gas G is supplied. At this time, the supply of the assist gas G causes the strip portion Wg to sag (the amount of sagging "M1"). As described above, the laser head 31 cuts the slug Wc (strip portion Wg) in a state where it has been lowered by the amount "M1" that the slug Wc sags. However, in this embodiment, the specific second cutting line SC2 is not set on the end side of the slug Wc, so that when the laser head 31 moves, it does not come into contact with the adjacent portion that is to be cut.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of sagging of the strip portion in shredding slag according to the conventional technology. Figure 18 (A) is a top view, and Figure 18 (B) is a side view. In Figure 18, the laser head 31 has completed cutting the portion corresponding to the first cutting line C1 and the portion corresponding to the second cutting line C2 located on the end side of the slag Wc, and is currently cutting the remaining portion corresponding to the second cutting line C2. In addition, when the cutting of the portion corresponding to the second cutting line C2 located on the end side of the slag Wc is completed, the length of the strip portion Wg is L2 (> L1). In this situation, the laser head 31 moves and the laser light L is emitted, cutting of the remaining portion corresponding to the second cutting line C2 is proceeded, and assist gas G is supplied. At this time, sagging of the strip portion Wg (sagging amount "M2" (> M1)) occurs due to the supply of assist gas G. In addition, the laser head 31 performs cutting when the slug Wc (strip portion Wg) is lowered by the amount of sagging "M2". In the conventional technology, the second cutting line C2, which is the first to be cut, is set on the end side of the slug Wc, so when the laser head 31 moves, there is a possibility that it will come into contact with the adjacent portion that is to be cut next.

Next, with reference to Figs. 19 to 27, the shredding of a slag (trapezoidal slag as shown in Fig. 5, etc.) different from the slag described in Figs. 6 to 14 will be described. Figs. 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing by the calculation unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the calculation unit 202 calculates a parallelogram (rectangle) Sq that contains a slag Wc that is larger than a predetermined dimension. As described above, the parallelogram Sq has a first side E1 and a second side E2 that are parallel to the first direction D1, and a third side E3 and a fourth side E4 that are parallel to the second direction D2 that has a length equal to or greater than the first side E1 and the second side E2 and intersects (is perpendicular to) the first direction D1. In Fig. 20, the parallelogram (rectangle) Sq is represented by a dashed line.

21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing by the setting unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the setting unit 203 sets two or more first cutting lines C1 included in the slug Wc when dividing the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the second direction D2 at a predetermined size S or less by a line PD1 parallel to the first direction D1. In FIG. 21, the line PD1 parallel to the first direction D1 included in the parallelogram Sq but not included in the slug Wc is represented by a dashed line, and the first cutting line C1 included in the slug Wc is represented by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 22, the setting unit 203 sets three or more second cutting lines C2 included in the slug Wc when dividing the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202 in the first direction D1 at a predetermined size S or less by a line PD2 parallel to the second direction D2. In FIG. 22, a line PD2 that is parallel to the second direction D2 and is included in the parallelogram Sq but not included in the slug Wc is represented by a dashed line, and a second cutting line C2 that is included in the slug Wc is represented by a solid line.

FIGS. 23 to 27 are diagrams illustrating an example of processing by the determination unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the determination unit 204 determines the cutting order in shredding the slag Wc to cut all of the first cutting lines C1 in an arbitrary order. FIG. 23 shows that the first cutting lines C1 are cut in the order of (1) to (15) from the first side E1 toward the second side E2.

As shown in FIG. 24, the determination unit 204 excludes the second cutting line C2 closest to the third side E3 and the second cutting line C2 closest to the fourth side E4 from the candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2. In FIG. 24, the second cutting lines C2 that are not candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 are represented by dashed lines, and the second cutting lines C2 that are candidates for the specific second cutting line SC2 are represented by solid lines. As shown in FIG. 25, the determination unit 204 determines one of the second cutting lines C2 represented by solid lines in FIG. 24 as the specific second cutting line SC2. The cutting order of the specific second cutting line SC2 is (16). In FIG. 24, the specific second cutting line SC2 is represented by solid lines, and the remaining second cutting lines C2 are represented by dashed lines.

As shown in FIG. 26, the determination unit 204 determines to cut the remaining second cutting lines C2 in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side E3. The determination unit 204 also determines to cut the remaining second cutting lines C2 in sequence from adjacent to the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the fourth side E4. In FIG. 26, the second cutting lines C2 are cut in the order of (17) to (21) from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the third side, and further, the second cutting lines C2 are cut in the order of (22) to (26) from the specific second cutting line SC2 toward the fourth side E4. As shown in FIG. 27, the determination unit 204 determines to cut the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc. The cutting order of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc is (27). In FIG. 27, the slag that has fallen into the slag discharge section 60 at the stage of cutting the outer periphery Wf of the slag Wc is shown by a dashed line.

[Second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components may be omitted. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser processing system including an information processing device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 28, the laser processing system 1a has a design device 10, an information processing device 20a, and a laser processing machine 30.

The information processing device 20a includes a design data acquisition unit 201, a calculation unit 202, a setting unit 203a, a determination unit 204, a processing data generation unit 205, a processing data output unit 206, and a storage unit 207. When the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug, the setting unit 203a sets a point included in the slug as one of the second cutting lines when equally dividing a parallelogram by a line parallel to the second direction, and sets other second cutting lines according to a predetermined size. When the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all not in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug, the setting unit 203a sets a point included in the slug among lines that pass through the center coordinate of the slug in the first direction and are parallel to the second direction as one of the second cutting lines, and sets other second cutting lines according to a predetermined size.

In the second embodiment, the main objective is to set one of the second cutting lines so that it passes through the center (centre) of the slug. To achieve this setting, the setting unit 203a executes different processing depending on whether all of the sides of the parallelogram are in contact with at least a portion of the periphery of the slug or not. Below, the setting processing of the second cutting line under each condition will be explained using Figures 29 to 32. In Figures 29 to 32, for ease of understanding, one slug on a plate-shaped workpiece W will be used as an example for explanation.

29 to 32 are diagrams for explaining an example of setting the second cutting line according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the setting of the second cutting line in the case where all of the sides of the parallelogram are in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery of the slug is explained. As shown in FIG. 29, the setting unit 203a sets a location included in the slug Wc as one of the second cutting lines C2 when equally dividing the parallelogram Sq by a line parallel to the second direction D2. Since the setting unit 203a recognizes the positions (coordinate values) of each side of the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202, it is possible to calculate a line that equally divides the parallelogram Sq in the second direction D2. Then, as shown in FIG. 30, the setting unit 203a sets other second cutting lines C2 that divide the parallelogram Sq at a predetermined size S or less from the previously set second cutting line C2 toward the third side E3 side and the fourth side E4 side. The processing by the determination unit 204 is the same as that of the first embodiment. From this, the determination unit 204 may determine the second cutting line C2, which is set closer to the center of the slug Wc, as the specific second cutting line SC2, so the second cutting line C2 previously set by the setting unit 203a may become the specific second cutting line SC2.

31 and 32, the setting of the second cutting line C2 in the case where all of the sides of the parallelogram Sq are not in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc is described. As shown in FIG. 20, the setting unit 203a calculates the coordinate P of the center of the slug Wc in the first direction D1 based on the position (coordinate value) of the slug Wc. Then, the setting unit 203a sets a point included in the slug Wc among the lines that pass through the calculated coordinate P and are parallel to the second direction D2 as one of the second cutting lines C2. Since the setting unit 203a recognizes the position of the outer periphery of the slug Wc based on the design data generated and output by the design device 10, it is possible to calculate the coordinate P of the center of the slug Wc in the first direction D1. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the setting unit 203a sets other second cutting lines C2 that divide the slug Wc at a predetermined size S or less from the previously set second cutting line C2 toward the third side E3 side and the fourth side E4 side. The processing by the determination unit 204 is the same as in the first embodiment. From this, the determination unit 204 may determine the second cutting line C2 set closer to the center of the slug Wc as the specific second cutting line SC2, so the second cutting line C2 previously set by the setting unit 203a may become the specific second cutting line SC2.

Figures 33 and 34 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of the cutting order determination process according to the second embodiment. The flowcharts shown in Figures 33 and 34 show details of the process in step S202. The rest of the cutting order determination process is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

33, the setting unit 203a determines whether all the sides of the parallelogram Sq are in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc (step S301). For example, the setting unit 203a determines whether all the sides of the first side E1, the second side E2, the third side E3, and the fourth side E4 are in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc based on the position (coordinate value) of the parallelogram Sq calculated by the calculation unit 202. At this time, when all the sides of the parallelogram Sq are in contact with at least a part of the outer periphery Wf of the slug Wc (step S301: YES), the setting unit 203a sets the part included in the slug Wc when equally dividing the parallelogram Sq by a line parallel to the second direction D2 as one of the second cutting lines C2 (step S302). For example, when all sides of the parallelogram Sq are in contact with at least a part of the periphery Wf of the slug Wc, the setting unit 203a sets a location included in the slug Wc when equally dividing the parallelogram Sq by a line parallel to the second direction D2 based on the parallelogram Sq as one of the second cutting lines C2 (see FIG. 29). Then, the setting unit 203a sets another second cutting line C2 (step S303). For example, the setting unit 203a sets another second cutting line C2 that divides the slug Wc at a predetermined size S or less from the second cutting line C2 previously set in step S302 toward the third side E3 and the fourth side E4 (see FIG. 30). Note that it is preferable that the setting unit 203a sets the second cutting line C2 that divides the slug Wc at a maximum value equal to or less than the predetermined size S.

34, when all sides of the parallelogram Sq do not touch at least a part of the periphery Wf of the slug Wc (step S301: NO), the setting unit 203a sets a point included in the slug Wc among the lines that pass through the coordinates of the center of the first direction D1 in the slug Wc and are parallel to the second direction D2 as one of the second cutting lines C2 (step S401). For example, when all sides of the parallelogram Sq do not touch at least a part of the periphery Wf of the slug Wc, the setting unit 203a calculates the coordinate P of the center of the slug Wc in the first direction D1 based on the position (coordinate value) of the slug Wc without using the parallelogram Sq as a reference. Then, the setting unit 203a sets a point included in the slug Wc among the lines that pass through the calculated coordinate P and are parallel to the second direction D2 as one of the second cutting lines C2 (see FIG. 31). Next, the setting unit 203a sets another second cutting line C2 (step S402). For example, the setting unit 203a sets another second cutting line C2 that divides the area at a predetermined size S or less from the second cutting line C2 previously set in step S401 toward the third side E3 and the fourth side E4 (see FIG. 32). Note that it is preferable that the setting unit 203a sets the second cutting line C2 that divides the area at a maximum value equal to or less than the predetermined size S.

As described above, the information processing device 20a sets the second cutting line C2, which can become the specific second cutting line SC2, closer to the center or in the middle of the slug Wc, so that sagging of the strip portion Wg due to the injection of the assist gas G can be further suppressed, and the nozzle 33 that irradiates the laser light L can be further suppressed from contacting the adjacent portion that is to be cut.

In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 20 includes, for example, a computer system. The information processing device 20 reads out an order determination program stored in the storage unit 207 or the like, and executes various processes according to the order determination program. The order determination program, for example, causes the computer to calculate a parallelogram that includes the slag formed on the plate-shaped workpiece and has first and second sides parallel to the first direction, and third and fourth sides that are longer than or equal to the first and second sides and are parallel to a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and calculates two or more first cut lines that are included in the slag when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, among the cut lines that indicate the cutting positions when the slag is chopped, and calculates two or more first cut lines that are included in the slag when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and calculates a parallelogram that is parallel to the second direction by dividing the parallelogram in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction. The program executes the following steps: set three or more second cutting lines that are included in the slug when the slug is divided in the first direction by a line parallel to the direction; cut all the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, cut a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side, cut the remaining second cutting lines sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and cut sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side. This order determination program may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, the function of determining the cutting order in the information processing device 20 may not be provided in the information processing device 20. For example, the program may be implemented by a device different from the information processing device 20, and the information processing device 20 may be configured to incorporate the determined cutting order into the processing data after acquiring the determined cutting order from the device.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, forms with such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. One or more of the requirements described in the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, the requirements described in the above-mentioned embodiment may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the execution order of each process shown in this embodiment can be realized in any order as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Furthermore, even if the operations in the above-mentioned embodiment are described using "first," "next," "followed," etc. for convenience, it is not necessary to perform them in this order. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all documents cited in the above-mentioned embodiment are incorporated by reference and made part of the description in this text.

1 Laser processing system 10 Design device 20 Information processing device 30 Laser processing machine 201 Design data acquisition unit 202 Calculation unit 203 Setting unit 204 Determination unit 205 Processing data generation unit 206 Processing data output unit 207 Memory unit W Work (plate-shaped work)

Claims (13)

A calculation unit that calculates a parallelogram including a slug formed on a plate-shaped workpiece, the parallelogram having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side having lengths equal to or longer than the first side and the second side and parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction;
A setting unit sets, among cutting lines indicating cutting locations when chopping the slug, two or more first cutting lines included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and three or more second cutting lines included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the first direction by a line parallel to the second direction;
a determination unit that determines a cutting order in which, after all of the first cutting lines are cut in an arbitrary order, a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side is cut, and the remaining second cutting lines are sequentially cut from a side adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and sequentially cut from a side adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side;
An information processing device comprising: The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit cuts the outer periphery of the slug after cutting all of the second cutting lines. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the parallelogram in which each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side is tangent to at least a portion of the periphery of the slug. The plate-shaped workpiece is rectangular,
4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first cutting line, and the second cutting line are parallel to any side of the rectangular plate-shaped workpiece. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines the second cutting line set closer to the center of the slug as the specific second cutting line. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting unit sets the division in the second direction by the first cutting line and the division in the first direction by the second cutting line to the same size or different sizes so that each fits within a predetermined size. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets two or more of the first cutting lines that divide the image equally in the second direction at a maximum value equal to or less than the predetermined size. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the setting unit sets three or more second cutting lines that divide the image equally in the first direction with a maximum value that is equal to or smaller than the predetermined size and an even number. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the setting unit sets three or more of the second cutting lines based on a calculated value obtained by multiplying the predetermined size by an even number and a number of divisions that is preset in accordance with the length of the first side or the second side. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the setting unit, when the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all in contact with at least a portion of the outer periphery of the slug, sets a location included within the slug as one of the second cutting lines when the parallelogram is equally divided by a line parallel to the second direction, and sets other second cutting lines according to the predetermined size. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the setting unit sets a portion of a line that passes through the center coordinate of the slug in the first direction and is parallel to the second direction and is included within the slug as one of the second cutting lines when none of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are in contact with at least a portion of the outer periphery of the slug, and sets other second cutting lines according to the predetermined size. Calculating a parallelogram including the slug formed on the plate-shaped workpiece, the parallelogram having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side having lengths equal to or greater than the first side and the second side, the third side and the fourth side parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Among the cutting lines indicating the cutting locations when chopping the slug, two or more first cutting lines are set that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and three or more second cutting lines are set that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the first direction by a line parallel to the second direction;
determining a cutting order in which, after cutting all of the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side is cut, and the remaining second cutting lines are sequentially cut from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and sequentially cut from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side;
The method for determining an order includes: On the computer,
Calculating a parallelogram including the slug formed on the plate-shaped workpiece, the parallelogram having a first side and a second side parallel to a first direction, and a third side and a fourth side having lengths equal to or greater than the first side and the second side, the third side and the fourth side parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Among the cutting lines indicating the cutting locations when chopping the slug, two or more first cutting lines are set that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the second direction by a line parallel to the first direction, and three or more second cutting lines are set that are included in the slug when the parallelogram is divided in the first direction by a line parallel to the second direction;
determining a cutting order in which, after cutting all of the first cutting lines in an arbitrary order, a specific second cutting line that is one of the second cutting lines excluding the second cutting line closest to the third side and the second cutting line closest to the fourth side is cut, the remaining second cutting lines are cut sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the third side, and the remaining second cutting lines are cut sequentially from adjacent to the specific second cutting line toward the fourth side;
A program that determines the order in which the above steps are executed.

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