JPH09327780A - Method and device for setting operational condition of laser beam machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily realize the setting operation to shift the operational condition of a laser beam machine on the display screen. SOLUTION: The man-machine interface which is a contact point of a laser beam machine with an operator is structured in the display mode easy to be intuitively understood even by a beginner, a plurality of keys in which different function from each other is allotted are collectively or selectively displayed on the display screen of a display 45, and the input of the key appropriate for each operation stage among the keys is selectively permitted. More specifically, when an operator touches a title key 49 indicated on the display screen of the display 45, a sub-key 51 related to the title key 49 is selectively read based on the key hierarchical information, and the read sub-key 51 is displayed on the display screen of the display 45, and the operation input of the sub-key is selectively permitted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser processing machine that obtains a desired product by subjecting a work to laser processing such as cutting and boring, and in particular, different functions are assigned to the laser processing machines. A plurality of keys are collectively displayed or selectively displayed on the display screen of the display, and among the plurality of keys, a key input suitable for each operation step is selectively permitted, so that the laser processing machine can be operated. The present invention relates to an operation state setting method and an operation state setting device for a laser processing machine, which can easily realize a setting operation for displacing the operation state on the display screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional laser beam machine, for example,
A form in which the desired product is obtained by moving the work table on which the work is placed in the front-back direction and moving the laser processing head in the left-right direction to perform the desired processing such as cutting and drilling on the work. Are known.

In such a laser processing machine, generally, while the operation state is set to be displaced to an arbitrary state, a command to displace the operation state of the laser processing machine to the set state is issued, and There is provided an NC control device which monitors the operation state and informs the operator by blinking a lamp or the like. The NC control device is provided with a plurality of keys on the operation panel, to which different functions are assigned. An operator selectively operates and inputs the plurality of keys to set the operation state of the laser processing machine to an arbitrary state.

As the plurality of keys, for example, a numeric keypad to which an arithmetic numeral input function is assigned, an alphabet key to which an alphabet input function is assigned, and a function for executing an NC machining program describing a machining procedure for a certain product are provided. "Automatic" mode selection key assigned, "manual" mode selection key assigned the function of moving movable members such as work table and laser processing head to any position by manual input, editing function of NC machining program The assigned "Edit" mode selection key,
The "MDi" mode selection key and the movable member, to which the NC data is input by manually inputting the numeric keypad or the alphabet keys, and the function of moving the movable member along a predetermined route in accordance with the input NC data, are assigned. "Origin return" mode selection key, which is assigned the function of moving to the origin position, this "Origin return" or "Manual"
Used when the mode selection key is selected and input,
For example, "+ X", "+ Y", "+ Z", "-" to which a function for instructing the moving direction and moving distance of the movable member is assigned.
Used when a movement key such as X, -Y, or -Z, or an "Auto" or "MDi" mode selection key is selected and input, and instructs execution of a predetermined operation in the selected mode. Used when, for example, a “start” key to which a function is assigned, and an “automatic” or “manual” mode selection key are selected and input, and a function to instruct an operation stop in the selected mode is assigned. There are various keys such as the "stop" key.

Here, when the operator selects and inputs the "automatic" mode selection key, by continuously selecting and inputting the "start" key, the NC processing program describing the processing procedure for a certain product is executed. ,
The movable member can be moved in a procedure according to this NC machining program.

When the operator selects and inputs the "manual" mode selection key, the depressing key, such as "+ X", corresponding to the direction in which the movable member is to be moved is continuously depressed to continue the depressing operation. The X-axis drive motor rotates for a period of time during which the movable member is moved, and the movable member can be moved by a distance corresponding to the rotation time.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional operation state setting method for the laser processing machine,
In the initial stage, which is the first key input, when an inexperienced operator selects and inputs an arbitrary key from among multiple keys, this key input is regarded as invalid and an error is displayed, or In the sub-stage after the key input in the initial stage, if any key is selected and input by the operator, the key input may be considered invalid like the above and an error may be displayed. However, there is an inherent problem to be solved that it is difficult for a skilled operator to smoothly perform the setting operation.

[0008] Generally speaking, among the plurality of keys arranged on the operation panel of the NC controller, generally, there are "automatic" or "manual" mode selection keys, etc., which are allowed to be input in the initial stage. Heading key and "Start" key or "+" that can be input in the secondary stage
The attributes are roughly classified into secondary keys such as a move key such as "X". This means that even if the secondary key is selected and input in the initial stage or the heading key is selected and input in the secondary stage, these key inputs are regarded as invalid, which is the case as described above. Is caused.

In order to avoid the occurrence of this situation, the operator should be familiar with all the types of keys for which operation input is permitted at each operation stage, and perform key input in an accurate procedure corresponding to desired setting contents. It is required to be executed, and therefore, it takes considerable skill to smoothly perform the setting operation of the operating state of the laser processing machine.

In view of such circumstances, there has been a long-awaited desire among the parties concerned to develop a new technique by which even an inexperienced operator can easily set the operating state of the laser processing machine.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a man-machine interface, which is a contact point between a laser beam machine and an operator, is constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for a beginner. , Multiple keys to which different functions are assigned respectively are displayed collectively or selectively on the display screen of the display, and among these multiple keys, the appropriate key input is selected for each operation step. Setting operation that displaces the operating state of the laser processing machine
An object of the present invention is to provide an operating state setting method for a laser processing machine and an operating state setting device that can be easily realized on a display screen of a display.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is provided with a plurality of keys to which different functions are respectively assigned, and a desired key among the plurality of keys is provided. Is a method for setting an operating state of the laser processing machine so that the operating state of the laser processing machine is set so as to be displaced to a state in accordance with the key input when the operation input of the plurality of keys is permitted in the initial stage. Key information that is hierarchically associated with the heading key to be displayed and the sub-key to which the heading key is allowed to be operated in the sub-step after the operation input is stored in advance, and the heading key of the display means is stored. When the operator touches the index key displayed on the display screen of the display means and the operator touches the index key, it is considered that the index key has been operated and the index It reads the secondary key associated with over selective based on the key hierarchy information, and summarized in that to display the secondary key which is read on the display screen of the display unit.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, first, a plurality of keys are used as a heading key for which an operation input is permitted in the initial stage, and an operation input is allowed in a sub-stage after the heading key is operated. Key hierarchy information hierarchically associated with the subsidiary key is stored in advance. Next, the above-mentioned heading key is displayed on the display screen of the display means. When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the heading key has been operated and the subsidiary key associated with the heading key is based on the key hierarchy information. Then, the read secondary key is selectively read out, and the read secondary key is displayed on the display screen of the display means. In this way, the man-machine interface, which serves as the contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display format that is easy to understand even for beginners. The next key is displayed on the display screen of the display means, and among the plurality of keys, the input of a key suitable for each operation stage is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input that is not suitable at a certain operation stage is prohibited. Therefore, even if an inexperienced operator sets the operating state of the laser processing machine, it is possible to prevent the wrong key input, and as a result, the operability is excellent. It is possible to realize the setting of the operating state in the laser processing machine.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, when the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the subsidiary key is operated and input,
The gist is to set the operating state of the laser processing machine so as to be displaced in accordance with the key input relating to the combination of the index key and the subsidiary key.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the subsidiary key is operated, and the heading key and the subsidiary key are recognized. The operation state of the laser processing machine is set so that the laser processing machine is displaced to a state according to the key input relating to the combination with the next key.

Further, the invention of claim 3 is provided with a plurality of keys to which different functions are respectively assigned, and when a desired key among the plurality of keys is operated, the key input is followed. A method for setting an operating state of a laser processing machine for displacing the operating state of a laser processing machine, comprising: Key hierarchy information that is hierarchically associated with a subsidiary key that allows operation input in a subsidiary stage after input is stored in advance, and both the index key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display means. When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the heading key is operated and input,
The subsidiary key associated with the heading key is selectively read out based on the key hierarchy information, and the read subsidiary key is selected from the subsidiary keys displayed on the display screen of the display means. The gist is to selectively allow the operation input of.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, first, a plurality of keys are used as heading keys for which an operation input is permitted in the initial stage, and operation inputs are permitted as a sub-stage after the heading keys are operated. Key hierarchy information hierarchically associated with the subsidiary key is stored in advance. Next, both the index key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display means. Then, when the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the heading key is operated and input, and the subsidiary key associated with the heading key is based on the key hierarchy information. Then, the operation input of the read subsidiary key is selectively permitted from the subsidiary keys displayed on the display screen of the display means. In this way, the man-machine interface, which is the contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for beginners, while both the index key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display means. In addition, the key input suitable for each operation step among the plurality of keys is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input that is not suitable at a certain operation step is prohibited. Similarly to the invention described in 1, even when an inexperienced operator sets and operates the operating state of the laser processing machine,
The erroneous key input is prevented in advance, and as a result, it is possible to realize the setting of the operating state in the laser processing machine, which has extremely excellent operability.

Further, the invention of claim 4 is provided with a plurality of keys to which different functions are assigned respectively, and when a desired key among the plurality of keys is operated and input,
What is claimed is: 1. An operating state setting device for a laser processing machine that sets an operating state of a laser processing machine so as to be displaced to a state in accordance with the key input, wherein the plurality of keys are a heading key for which an operation input is permitted at an initial stage, Key hierarchy information storage means for storing key hierarchy information in which the heading key is hierarchically associated with a subsidiary key for which an operation input is permitted in a subsidiary stage after operation input, and the heading key on the display screen of the display means. When the operator touches the heading key display control means for performing display control and the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the heading key display control means, it is considered that the heading key is operated and input. , A heading key input capturing means for capturing the heading key input,
Subsidiary key reading means for selectively reading a subsidiary key associated with the heading key fetched by the heading key input fetching means on the basis of the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storage means; And a subsidiary key display control means for controlling to display the subsidiary key read by the subsidiary key reading means on the display screen of the display means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, first, the headline key display control means displays, on the display screen of the display means, a headline key of the plurality of keys, which allows an operation input in the initial stage. When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means, the heading key input capturing means considers that the heading key is operated and captures the heading key input. In response to this, the subsidiary key reading means selectively reads the subsidiary key associated with the fetched heading key based on the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storage means. Then, the subsidiary key display control means executes control to display the read subsidiary key on the display screen of the display means. In this way, the man-machine interface, which serves as the contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display format that is easy to understand even for beginners. While displaying the next key on the display screen of the display means,
Among the plurality of keys, the key input suitable for each operation step is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input which is not suitable at a certain operation step is prohibited. Even when setting the operating state of the machine, it is possible to prevent incorrect key input, and as a result, it is possible to set the operating state of the laser processing machine, which is extremely easy to operate. it can.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, when the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the subsidiary key display control means, the subsidiary key is operated and input. It is considered that the subsidiary key input capturing means for capturing the subsidiary key input, the heading key captured by the heading key input capturing means and the subsidiary captured by the subsidiary key input capturing means. The gist further comprises setting means for setting the operation state of the laser processing machine so that the laser processing machine is displaced to a state according to the key input according to the combination with the key.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the subsidiary key display control means according to the fourth aspect, the subsidiary key input is received. The plug-in means considers that this subsidiary key has been operated and captures this subsidiary key input. In response,
The setting means is configured to displace the heading key input by the heading key input capturing means according to claim 4 and the state in accordance with the key input relating to the combination of the subsidiary key captured by the subsidiary key input capturing means. Set the operating status of the laser processing machine.

The invention of claim 6 is provided with a plurality of keys to which different functions are respectively assigned, and when a desired key of the plurality of keys is operated and input,
What is claimed is: 1. An operating state setting device for a laser processing machine that sets an operating state of a laser processing machine so as to be displaced to a state in accordance with the key input, wherein the plurality of keys are a heading key for which an operation input is permitted at an initial stage, Key hierarchy information storing means for storing key hierarchy information hierarchically associated with a subkey in which the heading key is operationally permitted in a substage after operation input, and both the heading key and the subkey Is displayed on the display screen of the display means, and when the operator touches the headline key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the display control means, the headline key is operated and input. It is assumed that the headline key input is taken into account, and the headline key input capturing means and the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storing means A subsidiary key reading means for reading a subsidiary key associated with the heading key fetched by the key input fetching means, and a subsidiary for permitting operation input of the subsidiary key read by the subsidiary key reading means. The gist is that it comprises a key input acceptance means.

According to the invention of claim 6, first, the display control means displays both the index key and the subsidiary key on the display screen of the display means. When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means, the heading key input capturing means considers that the heading key is operated and captures the heading key input. In response to this, the subsidiary key reading means selectively reads the subsidiary key associated with the fetched heading key based on the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storage means. Then, the subsidiary key input acceptance means allows the operation input of the read subsidiary key. In this way, the man-machine interface, which is the contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for beginners, while both the index key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display means. In addition, the key input suitable for each operation step among the plurality of keys is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input that is not suitable at a certain operation step is prohibited. Similarly to the invention described in 4, even when an inexperienced operator sets and operates the operation state of the laser processing machine, it is possible to prevent erroneous key input, and as a result, operability is extremely high. It is possible to realize the setting of the operating state in the excellent laser processing machine.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of an operating state setting method for a laser beam machine and an operating state setting apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a peripheral portion of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display when an operation state according to the present invention is set, and FIG. 3 is an operation of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow chart, FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining the operation state setting procedure according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the laser processing machine according to the present invention.

First, the outline of the overall configuration of the laser processing machine according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the laser processing machine 1 includes, for example, a box-shaped bed 3 extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The bed 3 is equipped with
A plurality of guide rails 5 extending in the X-axis direction are laid in parallel with each other. An X-axis drive motor 25 shown in FIG. 1 and a ball screw (not shown)
A work table 7 that is movable in the X-axis direction is provided via a driving member such as a nut member. A flat work W to be processed is placed on the work table 7. A plurality of work clamp devices 9 are provided at an appropriate interval on one side of the work table 7, that is, in the X-axis direction on the right side in FIG. 5, and the work W is clamped by a predetermined clamping force. It is configured to be able to be gripped by the user.

A gate type frame 11 straddling the bed 3
Is erected. The portal frame 11 includes an upper frame 11U and a pair of side frames 11R and 11L. On the front side of the upper frame 11U of the portal frame 11, a plurality of guide rails 13 extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) are laid in parallel with each other, and the guide rails 13 are shown in FIG. A Y-axis carriage 15 that is movable in the Y-axis direction is provided via a Y-axis drive motor 27 and drive members such as ball screws and nut members (not shown).

The Y-axis carriage 15 is provided with a bend mirror for guiding the laser beam initially radiated in the Y-axis direction to the processing point. Immediately below the bend mirror is a Z-axis drive motor 28 shown in FIG. , Or a laser processing head 17 that is movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) via a drive member such as a fluid cylinder. A bend mirror and a condenser lens are provided in the laser processing head 17, and a laser nozzle 19 is provided integrally with the head 17 at the tip of the laser processing head 17. Further, on the upper part of the side frame 11R of the gate-shaped frame 11, the operation state of the laser processing machine 1 is displaced to an arbitrary state via the bracket 23, while the laser processing machine 1 is set to the set state. The NC control device 21 is attached to perform a command for displacing the operating state of (1), monitor the operating state, and notify the operator by blinking a lamp or the like.

With the above structure, the work table 7 is moved in the X-axis direction while the Y-axis carriage 15 is moved in the Y-axis direction in accordance with the NC data sent from the NC control device 21, so that the work W and the laser machining head are moved. X between 17
The laser beam oscillated from a laser oscillator (not shown) passes through a bend mirror and a condenser lens by performing positioning on the Y plane and performing focus adjustment by moving the laser processing head 17 in the Z-axis direction. Irradiation is performed on the work W via the substrate 19, so that the work W is subjected to a desired laser processing such as cutting and drilling.

Continuing the description with reference to FIG. 1, each of the X-axis drive motor 25, the Y-axis drive motor 27, and the Z-axis drive motor 28 described above is connected to an I / O 29. / O29 via the parallel transmission cable 31, X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis drive motor 25,2.
While inputting data representing the operating state of the laser processing machine 1 such as the rotational position information of 7, 28, etc., the programmable state machine controls the operating state of the laser processing machine 1 in sequence by referring to the input data representing the operating state. A logic controller (hereinafter, referred to as a PLC) 33 is connected. The PLC 33 is, for example, a CPU 37 built in a terminal device such as a personal computer via a bidirectional communication interface 35 such as RS232C.
It is connected to the.

This terminal device corresponds to the NC control device 2 described above.
1 has a function of setting the operation state of the laser beam machine 1 by key input, and a personal computer board is added to a conventional NC control device, or a personal computer is used instead of the conventional NC control device. It can be configured by adding an NC board having an NC function. In any case, a man-machine interface function, which is a contact point between the laser processing machine 1 and an operator,
For example, an operating system with excellent operability such as Windows manufactured by Microsoft Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "
Called OS. ) To achieve the operation state setting function of the laser beam machine having excellent operability as in the present invention.

The CPU 37 has a ROM 39 for storing various processing programs and an R for storing various processing data.
From the AM 41 and a plurality of image data stored in advance in a storage medium such as the RAM 41, the CPU 37
And draws image data corresponding to the command in the storage area of the video RAM (hereinafter referred to as VRA).
Say M. ) 43 and a display 45 for displaying the image data read from the VRAM 43 on its display screen. This display 45
It is provided so as to cover the surface of the display screen, and when the operator touches an arbitrary position on the display screen with a finger or a light pen, the position coordinates are detected and the position coordinate data is stored in the CPU.
A touch screen 47 for outputting to 37 is connected.

Next, the plurality of keys displayed on the display screen of the display 45 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Different functions are assigned to the plurality of keys, respectively. The operator selectively inputs the plurality of keys to set the operation state of the laser processing machine 1 to be displaced to an arbitrary state.

The plurality of keys have large attributes in the heading key 49 which is permitted to be input in the initial stage and the subsidiary key 51 which is permitted to be inputted in the subsidiary stage after the heading key 49 is operated. Be separated. Moreover, the heading key 49 and the subsidiary key 51 are the same as the heading key 49.
On the other hand, one or more secondary keys 51 are hierarchically associated so as to be subordinate to each other, and key hierarchy information related to this association is stored in advance in the storage medium such as the RAM 41 described above. As will be described later, this key hierarchy information is referred to when a certain heading key 49 is operated and input in the initial stage and when the subsidiary key 51 which is permitted to be input in the subsequent sub-stage is read out.

As a plurality of keys, for example, in addition to a numeric keypad (not shown) to which an arithmetic numeral input function is assigned and an alphabet key (not shown) to which an alphabet input function is assigned, as shown in FIG. "Automatic" mode selection key, which is assigned the function to execute the NC machining program that describes the machining procedure, and the function to move the movable members such as the work table and the laser machining head to arbitrary positions by manual input operation. N by manually inputting the "manual" mode selection key, the "editing" mode selection key to which the NC machining program editing function is assigned, or the numeric keypad or alphabet keys.
"MDi" mode selection key assigned the function of moving the movable member along a predetermined path in accordance with the input NC data, and "origin assigned the function of moving the movable member to the origin position". return"
A mode selection key, which is used when the "return to origin" or "manual" mode selection key is selected and input, is assigned a function of instructing the moving direction and moving distance of the movable member, for example, "+ X"" + Y ”“ + Z ”“ -X ”
Move keys such as "-Y" and "-Z", "Automatic" or "MD"
i) A "start" key, which is used when the "mode selection key" is selected and input, and which is assigned a function to instruct execution of a predetermined operation in the selected mode, and "automatic" or "manual" mode selection There are various keys such as a "stop" key that is used when a key is selected and input, and is assigned a function of instructing operation stop in the selected mode.

Here, if these plural keys are classified according to their attributes, as shown in FIG. 2, in the group of the heading keys 49, there are "automatic" mode selection key, "manual" mode selection key, and "edit". The mode selection keys such as the mode selection key, the "MDi" mode selection key, and the "home return" mode selection key belong to the group of the secondary key 51, and "+ X""+Y""+Z""-"X""-Y""-
A movement key such as "Z", a "start" key, and a "stop" key belong.

Further, referring to the key hierarchy information relating to the association between the heading key 49 and the subsidiary key 51, the "automatic" mode selection key serving as the heading key 49 includes the "start" key serving as the subsidiary key 51. , And the "Stop" key are subordinate, and similarly, "+ X", "+ Y", "+ Z" are added to the "Manual" mode selection keys.
The movement keys such as "-X", "-Y", and "-Z" and the "stop" key are subordinate, and none of the keys are subordinate to the "edit" mode selection key. The "start" key and "stop" key are subordinate to the mode selection key, and the "home return" mode selection key is
The movement keys such as “+ X”, “+ Y”, “+ Z”, “−X”, “−Y”, and “−Z”, and the “stop” key are subordinate.

Therefore, for example, when the "automatic" mode selection key as the heading key 49 is operated and input in the initial stage, the operation stage shifts to the subsidiary stage, and in this subsidiary stage, the key hierarchy information is changed. Based on this, the "start" key and the "stop" key as the subsidiary keys 51 are read out, and these keys are displayed or input is permitted.

Next, a schematic operation of the operation state setting device of the laser beam machine described above will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1 and along the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 37 preliminarily stores in the RAM 4
An image, which is stored in the storage device 1 or the like and has the index key 49 arranged at an appropriate position, is drawn in the storage area of the VRAM 43. Then, the images of all the index keys 49 are displayed on the display screen of the display 45.
(Step S1). Next, the CPU 37 causes the heading key 4
It is determined whether 9 has been operated (step S).
3). The input determination in step S3 is repeatedly executed until one of the index keys 49 is operated and input.

As a result of the input determination in step S3, when the operator touches an image of one of the index keys 49 with a finger, it is considered that the index key 49 has been operated, and the CPU 37 inputs the index key 49. Is executed, and a process of reading the subsidiary key 51 associated with the type of the index key 49 is executed based on the type of the index key 49 that has been imported and the key hierarchy information stored in advance in a storage device such as the RAM 41. To do.
Further, the CPU 37 uses the read subsidiary key 51 stored in advance in a storage device such as the RAM 41.
Is drawn in the storage area of the VRAM 43. Then, on the display screen of the display 45, an image of the subsidiary key 51 subordinate to the operationally input index key 49 is displayed. (Step S
5). Next, the CPU 37 determines whether or not the subsidiary key 51 has been operated (step S7). Step S
The input determination in 7 is repeatedly executed until one of the subsidiary keys 51 is operated.

As a result of the input determination in step S7, when the operator touches the image of any of the subsidiary keys 51 with a finger, it is considered that the subsidiary key 51 has been operated, and the CPU 37 causes the subsidiary key 51 to operate. The input state of 51 is set, and the operation state of the laser processing machine is set and set so as to be displaced in accordance with the key input relating to the combination of the type of the heading key 49 that has been fetched and the type of the sub key 51 that has been fetched this time. The operating state of the laser beam machine is displaced to the above-described state, and all the processes are finished (step S9).

In the above operation flowchart,
When the "edit" mode selection key is operated and input as the heading key 49, none of the keys is dependent on the "edit" mode selection key, and therefore the processing relating to the subsidiary key 51 in steps S5 to S7 is omitted. To be done.

Next, regarding the operation state setting procedure of the laser processing machine according to the present invention, there are cases where the "automatic" mode selection key is operated and input at the initial stage and the "manual" mode selection key is operated and input. This will be described by way of example with reference to the actual display screens shown in FIGS.

First, a case where the "automatic" mode selection key is operated and input in the initial stage will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the initial stage in which no key input has been made yet, as shown in screen 1 in FIG. , All heading keys 49 are listed. At this time, the operator
When the image of the “automatic” mode selection key is touched with a finger (see screen 2), it is considered that the “automatic” mode selection key has been operated and input, and on the display screen of the display 45, as shown in screen 3, A "start" key and a "stop" key that are subordinate to the "automatic" mode selection key are displayed. At this time, the display of the "automatic" mode selection key is continued. When the operator further touches the image of the “start” key with the finger on the screen 3, it is considered that the “start” key has been operated and the state related to the combination of the “automatic” mode selection key and the “start” key is displayed. The operation state of the laser processing machine 1 is set to be displaced, an NC processing program describing a processing procedure for a certain product is executed, and the operation state of the laser processing machine 1 is displaced according to the procedure according to the NC processing program. You can Specifically, for example, the work table 7 is moved in the X-axis direction while the Y-axis carriage 15 is moved in the Y-axis direction according to the NC data sent from the NC control device 21, and the work W and the laser processing head are moved. X between 17
By performing positioning on the Y plane and moving the laser processing head 17 in the Z-axis direction to perform focus adjustment, the laser beam oscillated from the laser oscillator passes through the bend mirror and the condenser lens and passes through the laser nozzle 19. Then, the work W is irradiated toward the work W, and the work W is subjected to desired laser processing such as cutting and boring.

On the other hand, a case where the "manual" mode selection key is operated and input in the initial stage will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the initial stage in which no key input has been made yet, as shown in screen 4 in FIG. , All heading keys 49 are listed. At this time, the operator
When the image of the “manual” mode selection key is touched with a finger (see screen 5), it is considered that the “manual” mode selection key has been operated and input, and on the display screen of the display 45, as shown in screen 6, Movement keys such as "+ X", "+ Y", "+ Z", "-X", "-Y", and "-Z" subordinate to the "manual" mode selection key, and a "stop" key are displayed. When the operator further touches the image of the “+ X” key with the finger on the screen 6, it is considered that the “+ X” key has been operated and the state related to the combination of the “manual” mode selection key and the “+ X” key is displayed. The setting of the operating state of the laser processing machine 1 is completed so as to be displaced, and the X-axis drive motor 25 rotates for the duration of the touch, and the work table 7 can be moved by the distance corresponding to this rotation time. .

As described above, according to the operation state setting device of the laser processing machine of the present invention, the man-machine interface which is a contact point between the laser processing machine 1 and the operator is provided.
While being constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for a beginner, the heading key 49 or the subsidiary key 51 suitable for each operation step is displayed on the display screen of the display 45 from among the plurality of keys, and among the plurality of keys, , The key input suitable for each operation step is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input which is not suitable at a certain operation step is prohibited, so that an inexperienced operator can change the operation state of the laser processing machine. Even if the setting operation is performed, erroneous key input is prevented, and as a result, the laser processing machine 1 having extremely excellent operability is provided.
It is possible to realize the setting of the operating state in.

The present invention is not limited to the examples of the above-described embodiment, but can be modified by appropriate modifications.
It can be implemented in other aspects.

That is, for example, in the present embodiment, the mode of the key operation is set to the two stages of the initial stage and the subsidiary stage, but the subsidiary stage here is only one stage. The present invention is not limited to this, and includes a mode in which this is configured in two or more steps. Therefore, even when the present invention is applied to an enormous number of keys, the number of heading keys displayed in the initial stage can be reduced to a number considering the operability by setting the key hierarchy to an appropriate depth. Can be aggregated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mode is shown in which the keys that are allowed to be input are displayed while the keys that are not allowed to be input are displayed at a certain stage, but the present invention is not limited to this. Keys that are not allowed can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished from the keys that are allowed to be input, such as being displayed in a light color.

Further, in the present invention, even when the terminal device connected to the PLC is placed in a place far away from the laser processing machine such as the centralized monitoring room, the LAN in the facility is provided.
Via a network such as or a public telephone line,
The operating state of the laser processing machine can be set by remote control while visually recognizing the image displayed on the display screen of the display of the terminal device.

Lastly, in the present embodiment, a mode in which, among the plurality of keys, a key suitable for each operation stage is updated and displayed on the display screen is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a plurality of window screens can be simultaneously displayed in parallel by using, for example, a multi-window display function of Windows as an OS without updating the display screen for each operation stage.
It can also be displayed on one display screen. By doing so, the history of the key input selected for each operation stage can be confirmed at a glance, and as a result, it contributes to further improvement in operability.

[0053]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the man-machine interface, which is the contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for a beginner. On the other hand, among the plurality of keys, a heading key or a secondary key suitable for each operation step is displayed on the display screen of the display means, and the input of a key suitable for each operation step among the plurality of keys is selectively performed. Allowed, in other words, prohibited unsuitable key input at a certain operation stage.Therefore, even when an inexperienced operator sets the operation state of the laser processing machine, incorrect key input is performed. This is prevented in advance, and as a result, it is possible to set the operating state in the laser processing machine, which is extremely easy to operate.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the subsidiary key has been operated, and the heading key is used. It is possible to set the operation state of the laser processing machine so that the laser processing machine is displaced to a state according to the key input related to the combination with the subsidiary key.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the invention, a man-machine, which serves as a contact point between the laser processing machine and the operator,
While constructing the interface in a display format that is easy to understand even for beginners, both the heading key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display means, and among the plurality of keys, a key suitable for each operation step is selected. Since the input is selectively permitted, in other words, the inappropriate key input is prohibited at a certain operation stage, and therefore, like the invention according to claim 1, an inexperienced operator can operate the laser processing machine. Even when the operation state is set and set, erroneous key input is prevented in advance, and as a result, it is possible to set the operation state in the laser processing machine with extremely excellent operability.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the man-machine interface, which is a contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display form which is easy to understand even for a beginner, and at the same time, it is possible to use a plurality of keys. , A heading key or a sub-key suitable for each operation step is displayed on the display screen of the display means, and a key suitable for each operation step among the plurality of keys is selectively permitted. Since unsuitable key input is prohibited at the operation stage, even if an inexperienced operator sets the operation state of the laser processing machine, it is possible to prevent incorrect key input. As a result, it is possible to realize the setting of the operating state in the laser processing machine which has extremely excellent operability.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, first,
When the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the subsidiary key display control means according to claim 4, the subsidiary key input capturing means operates the subsidiary key. This secondary key input is captured.
In response to this, the setting means follows the key input relating to the combination of the heading key fetched by the heading key input fetching means and the subsidiary key fetched by the subsidiary key input fetching means according to claim 4. The operating state of the laser processing machine can be set so as to be displaced into the state.

According to the invention of claim 6, the man-machine interface, which is a contact point between the laser beam machine and the operator, is constructed in a display form that is easy to understand even for a beginner, while the heading key and the sub-keys are constructed. Both of them are displayed on the display screen of the display means, and among the plurality of keys, the input of a key suitable for each operation stage is selectively allowed, in other words, the key input which is not suitable at a certain operation stage is prohibited. Therefore, similar to the invention described in claim 4, therefore, even if an inexperienced operator sets and operates the operating state of the laser processing machine, erroneous key input may occur. Is prevented by
As a result, there is an extremely excellent effect that it is possible to set the operating state in the laser processing machine having extremely excellent operability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a periphery of a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display when an operation state is set according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation state setting procedure according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation state setting procedure according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a laser beam machine according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 laser processing machine 3 bed 5 guide rail 7 work table 9 work clamp device 11 portal frame 13 guide rail 15 Y-axis carriage 17 laser processing head 19 laser nozzle 21 NC controller 23 bracket 25 X-axis drive motor 27 Y-axis drive motor 28 Z-axis drive motor 29 I / O 31 Parallel transmission cable 33 Programmable logic controller (PL
C) 35 two-way communication interface 37 CPU 39 ROM 41 RAM 43 VRAM 45 display 47 touch screen 49 heading key 51 secondary key W work

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A laser processing machine comprising a plurality of keys to which different functions are assigned respectively, and when a desired key among the plurality of keys is operated and input, the laser processing machine is displaced to a state in accordance with the key input. A method for setting an operation state of a laser processing machine, wherein the plurality of keys are operated by a heading key which allows an operation input in an initial stage and a sub-step after the heading key is operated and input. Key hierarchy information that is hierarchically associated with an auxiliary key that can be input is stored in advance, the index key is displayed on the display screen of the display unit, and the index key displayed on the display screen of the display unit is displayed. When the operator touches the heading key, it is considered that the heading key has been operated and the subsidiary key associated with the heading key is selected based on the key hierarchy information. A method for setting an operating state of a laser processing machine, which selectively reads out and displays the read secondary key on a display screen of the display means. 2. When the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display means, it is considered that the subsidiary key has been operated, and the combination of the heading key and the subsidiary key is considered. The operating state setting method of the laser processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating state of the laser processing machine is set so as to be displaced to a state according to the key input according to. 3. A laser processing machine comprising a plurality of keys to which different functions are assigned respectively, and when a desired key among the plurality of keys is operated and input, the laser processing machine is displaced to a state according to the key input. A method for setting an operation state of a laser processing machine, wherein the plurality of keys are operated by a heading key which allows an operation input in an initial stage and a sub-step after the heading key is operated and input. Key hierarchy information that is hierarchically associated with a subsidiary key that can be input is stored in advance, and both the heading key and the subsidiary key are displayed on the display screen of the display unit. When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen, it is considered that the heading key has been operated and the sub-key associated with the heading key is set to the key. -Selectively reading based on hierarchical information, and selectively allowing operation input of the read subsidiary key from the subsidiary keys displayed on the display screen of the display means And the operating state setting method of the laser processing machine. 4. A laser processing machine comprising a plurality of keys to which different functions are assigned respectively, and when a desired key among the plurality of keys is operated and input, the laser processing machine is displaced to a state according to the key input. An operation state setting device for a laser beam machine, wherein the plurality of keys are operated by a heading key for which an operation input is permitted in an initial stage, and the heading key is operated in a sub-stage after the operation input. Key hierarchy information storage means for storing key hierarchy information hierarchically associated with a sub-key that is allowed to be input, heading key display control means for performing control to display the heading key on the display screen of the display means, When the operator touches the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the heading key display control means, it is considered that the heading key is operated and input. And a heading key input capturing means for capturing the heading key input, and associated with the heading key captured by the heading key input capturing means on the basis of the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storing means. Subsidiary key reading means for selectively reading the subsidiary key, and subsidiary key display control means for controlling to display the subsidiary key read by the subsidiary key on the display screen of the display means. An operating state setting device for a laser processing machine, comprising: 5. When the operator touches the subsidiary key displayed on the display screen of the display unit by the subsidiary key display control unit, it is considered that the subsidiary key is operated and the subsidiary key is operated. A secondary key input capturing means for capturing a key input, and a key relating to the combination of the header key captured by the header key input capturing means and the subsidiary key captured by the secondary key input capturing means The operation state setting device for a laser processing machine according to claim 4, further comprising: setting means for setting an operation state of the laser processing machine so as to be displaced to a state according to an input. 6. A laser processing machine comprising a plurality of keys to which different functions are assigned respectively, and when a desired one of the plurality of keys is operated and input, the laser processing machine is displaced to a state in accordance with the key input. An operation state setting device for a laser beam machine, wherein the plurality of keys are operated by a heading key for which an operation input is permitted in an initial stage, and the heading key is operated in a sub-stage after the operation input. Key hierarchy information storage means for storing key hierarchy information that is hierarchically associated with a subsidiary key that can be input, and control for displaying both the heading key and the subsidiary key on the display screen of the display means. When the operator touches the display control means to be performed and the heading key displayed on the display screen of the display means by the display control means, it is considered that the heading key is operated and input. The heading key input capturing means for capturing the heading key input is associated with the heading key captured by the heading key input capturing means on the basis of the key hierarchy information stored in the key hierarchy storage means. A secondary key reading means for reading the secondary key, and a secondary key input accepting means for permitting an operation input of the secondary key read by the secondary key reading means. A laser processing machine operating state setting device.