WO2022190426A1

WO2022190426A1 - Laser marker

Info

Publication number: WO2022190426A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/034606
Authority: WO
Inventors: 克充芦原; 直毅吉武; 和美土道; 達典阪本; 忠正横井; 晃宏岸田
Original assignee: オムロン株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-09
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2022-09-15
Also published as: JP2022137694A

Abstract

In response to a print area defined by print data being larger than a printable area, a laser marker (100) divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas, and for each of the plurality of sub-areas determines a relative positional relationship between an output unit (20) and a workpiece (1). For each of the plurality of sub-areas, when the relative positional relationship that was determined for said sub-area has been achieved, the output unit (20) emits a laser beam corresponding to said sub-area.

Description

laser marker

The present disclosure relates to laser markers.

A laser marker that uses laser light to mark characters, figures, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as "printing") on the surface of an object to be processed (work) has been known (see Japanese Patent No. 6769146).

Japanese Patent No. 6769146

In such a laser marker, the printable area is limited to the emission area where the laser beam can be emitted, but there is a demand for printing in an area wider than the printable area.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laser marker capable of printing an area wider than the printable area.

The laser marker according to this disclosure comprises: a reception unit that receives print data; an oscillator that oscillates laser light; an emission unit that emits laser light oscillated by the oscillator; A division unit that divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas according to the size of the print area specified by the print data, and relative a determining unit that determines the relative positional relationship between the emitting unit and the workpiece so that the laser beam corresponding to the sub-region can be irradiated without changing the position. Each of the plurality of sub-areas fits within the printable area. For each of the plurality of sub-regions, the emitting unit emits laser light according to the sub-region when the relative positional relationship corresponding to the sub-region determined by the determining unit is satisfied.

As a result, an area wider than the printable area can be printed.

In the above disclosure, the dividing unit preferably divides the print area at the point where the print interval is the largest.

As a result, the print area is divided at positions that do not overlap with the print, so there is no seam in the print result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the printed result from deteriorating.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker is preferably a stationary type in which the emitting section is stationary.

As a result, it is possible to provide a stationary laser marker that can print an area wider than the printable area.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker preferably further includes an instruction unit that issues an instruction to an external device that changes the relative position between the emission unit and the workpiece so that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit is satisfied.

This will satisfy the determined relative positional relationship. Moreover, since the user does not need to set the relative positional relationship between the marking head and the workpiece in the external device, the user's labor can be saved.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker is preferably of a handy type in which the emitting part is not left stationary and the emitting part is held by the user during processing.

As a result, it is possible to provide a handy type laser marker that can print an area wider than the printable area.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker preferably further includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the workpiece, and a determination unit that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit is satisfied. The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time. The determination unit determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on the print result corresponding to the first sub-region captured in the image captured by the imaging unit.

Thereby, it can be confirmed that the emitting part and the work are in a relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region.

In the above disclosure, preferably, when the output unit starts printing the first sub-region, the determining unit determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied by the imaging unit. Judgment is made based on the characteristic portion of the workpiece that appears in the captured image.

Thereby, it is possible to confirm that the emitting part and the work are in a relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker preferably further includes a sensor that detects the amount of movement of the emission section, and a determination section that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination section is satisfied. The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time. The determination unit determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on the amount of movement of the emission unit from the position corresponding to the first sub-region detected by the sensor. .

In the above disclosure, the laser marker preferably further includes an imaging section that captures an image of the workpiece. The determination unit determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied when the output unit starts printing the first sub-region, based on the characteristic portion of the workpiece captured in the image captured by the imaging unit. Based on

In the above disclosure, preferably the imaging area by the imaging unit is larger than the printable area.

This makes it easier for the imaging unit to capture the characteristic part of the workpiece and the printing result corresponding to the previous sub-area.

In the above disclosure, the laser marker preferably further includes a notification unit. The notification unit notifies at least one of the satisfaction of the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit, the completion of printing based on the print area, and the completion of printing for each of the plurality of sub-areas. do.

This allows the user to confirm at least one of the following: that the emitting section and the workpiece are in the relative positional relationship determined by the determining section; that printing based on the printing area is completed; and that printing of each sub-area is completed. can know

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a laser marker capable of printing an area wider than the printable area.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a controller of the laser marker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a laser marker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of input of print data by a user; It is a figure which shows an example of division|segmentation of the printing|printed_region by a laser marker. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of division of a printing area by a laser marker; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of a laser marker according to Embodiment 2; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a laser marker according to Embodiment 2; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a laser marker according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second step in registering a teaching image; FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the determination method. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of a laser marker according to Embodiment 3; 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of a laser marker according to Embodiment 3; 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of a laser marker according to Embodiment 3;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[Application example]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of a scene to which the present invention is applied will be described. A scene to which the present invention is applied is a scene in which the laser marker 100 is used to print an area wider than the printable area.

The printable area is an area in which printing can be performed by the laser marker 100 emitting laser light. The printable area is limited to the area where laser light can be emitted. Therefore, when the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area, the laser marker 100 first divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas. Next, laser marker 100 determines the relative positional relationship between marking head 20 and workpiece 1 for each of the plurality of sub-regions. The laser marker 100 may determine one relative position as the relative positional relationship between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1, or may determine a range of allowable relative positions. Finally, the laser marker 100 emits laser light according to each sub-region when the determined relative positional relationship is satisfied for each of the plurality of sub-regions.

As a result, since the position of the printable area changes for each sub-area, it is possible to print in an area wider than the printable area.

[Embodiment 1]
There are two types of laser markers: a stationary type and a handy type. The stationary type is a type in which the marking head is stationary. On the other hand, the handy type is a type in which the marking head is not fixed, and the user must hold the marking head during processing. In Embodiment 1, a stationary type laser marker will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The laser marker 100 according to Embodiment 1 is of a stationary type. Laser marker 100 includes controller 10 , marking head 20 and cable 30 .

The controller 10 includes an oscillator 11 that oscillates laser light and a controller 12 . Oscillator 11 includes a laser light source. Although the type of laser light source is not particularly limited, for example, a fiber laser can be used as the laser light source. The laser light source may be a solid-state laser such as a YAG laser, or a gas laser such as a CO2 laser. The laser light from the laser light source may be pulsed light or continuous (CW) light.

The control unit 12 comprehensively controls the laser marker 100 . The control unit 12 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The CPU provides functions necessary for the laser marker 100 by executing programs stored in advance.

The marking head 20 is connected to the controller 10 by a cable 30. For example, the cable 30 includes an optical fiber cable for transmitting light from the oscillator 11 to the marking head 20, a signal cable for transmitting a control signal from the controller 12 to the marking head 20, and power to the marking head 20. A power cable or the like for supplying may be included.

The marking head 20 corresponds to an "emission part" that emits laser light oscillated by the oscillator 11. The marking head 20 includes a scanning mechanism 21 for scanning laser light oscillated by the oscillator 11 . The scanning mechanism 21 includes a mirror 22 and a driver 23 that drives the mirror 22 . A laser beam oscillated by the oscillator 11 is reflected by the mirror 22 to irradiate the surface of the workpiece 1 placed on the stage 301 . A work 1 is an object to be printed. A region 1a indicates a printable region in which printing can be performed by emitting laser light.

The driving section 23 drives the mirror 22 in response to the control signal from the control section 12 . As a result, the laser beam 2 is scanned so as to reciprocate over the region 1a. Scanning mechanism 21 can be realized by, for example, a galvanomirror. The scanning direction of the laser light by the scanning mechanism 21 may be one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or both.

The laser marker 100 is connected to the setting device 200 by a cable 203. Cable 203 is a signal cable for transmitting control signals between control unit 12 and setting device 200 . The setting device 200 includes an input section for inputting print data and processing conditions, and an output section for outputting input information and information received from the control section 12 . As an example, the input section includes a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, and the like, and the output section includes a display and the like. The control unit 12 receives print data and processing conditions input to the setting device 200 . Also, the control unit 12 transmits information to be displayed on the display to the setting device 200 .

Furthermore, the laser marker 100 is connected to the external device 300 by a cable 303. Cable 303 is a signal cable for transmitting control signals between control unit 12 and external device 300 . The external device 300 changes the relative positions of the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 . Specifically, the external device 300 drives the stage 301 according to instructions from the control unit 12 . Stage 301 is a uniaxial stage that can move in a first direction (for example, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1).

In Embodiment 1, the position of the marking head 20 is fixed. On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, the position of work 1 changes as stage 301 is driven. The stage 301 is driven according to instructions from the laser marker 100 . Therefore, the laser marker 100 according to Embodiment 1 can change the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 by driving the stage 301 .

Therefore, when the print area specified by the received print data is larger than the printable area, the laser marker 100 prints an area larger than the printable area as follows.

First, the laser marker 100 divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas so that each of the plurality of sub-areas fits within the printable area. Next, the laser marker 100 moves the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 so that the laser beam corresponding to each sub-area can be irradiated without changing the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 for each of the plurality of sub-areas. Determine the relative positional relationship with Specifically, the laser marker 100 determines the position of the workpiece 1 .

Finally, for each of the plurality of sub-regions, the laser marker 100 emits laser light according to the sub-region when the determined relative positional relationship corresponding to the sub-region is satisfied. Specifically, the laser marker 100 emits a laser beam corresponding to each of a plurality of sub-regions when the position of the workpiece 1 is changed to the determined position. As a result, since the position of the area 1a (printable area) changes for each sub-area, it is possible to print an area wider than the printable area.

On the other hand, when the print area does not exceed the printable area, the laser marker 100 prints when the work 1 is positioned at a predetermined position (hereinafter also referred to as "initial position").

Although the controller 10 and the marking head 20 are separate in the example shown in FIG. 1, the controller 10 and the marking head 20 may be housed in one housing. Also, the arrangement of each part is merely an example, and is not limited to that shown in FIG. Also, part or all of the functions provided by the CPU executing the program may be implemented using a dedicated hardware circuit. Also, the stage 301 may be a biaxial stage that is movable in the second direction in addition to the first direction.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the laser marker according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The control section 12 of the laser marker 100 shown in FIG.

The communication processing unit 121 communicates with the setting device 200. Also, the communication processing unit 121 corresponds to a “receiving unit” that receives print data. The communication processing unit 121 receives print data and processing conditions input to the setting device 200 and transmits the received information to the oscillator control unit 126 and the marking head control unit 127 . Further, the communication processing unit 121 instructs the setting device 200 to output various information.

The division unit 122 divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas according to the fact that the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area that can be printed by emitting laser light. The dividing unit 122 divides the print area so that each of the plurality of sub-areas fits within the printable area.

The plurality of sub-areas includes a first sub-area to be printed for the first time (hereinafter also referred to as "first sub-area") and a second sub-area to be printed for the second time (hereinafter referred to as "2 sub-areas"). (also referred to as "second subregion").

The division unit 122 transmits the print data for each sub-region to the oscillator control unit 126 and the marking head control unit 127.

For each of the plurality of sub-regions, the determining unit 123 controls the marking head so that the laser beam corresponding to the sub-region can be irradiated without changing the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 (see FIG. 1). A relative positional relationship between 20 and workpiece 1 is determined. Specifically, since the position of the marking head 20 is fixed in the first embodiment, the determination unit 123 determines the position of the workpiece 1 .

The instruction unit 124 instructs the external device 300 to drive the stage 301 (see FIG. 1) so that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied. In addition, the instruction unit 124 calculates the printing start timing of each sub-region based on the driving speed of the stage 301 and transmits the calculated timing to the oscillator control unit 126 and the marking head control unit 127 .

As an example, the instruction unit 124 instructs the external device 300 to drive the stage 301 so that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied. Next, the instruction unit 124 calculates the timing for starting printing of the first sub-region, and transmits the calculated timing to the oscillator control unit 126 and the marking head control unit 127 . After that, in response to receiving notification from the marking head control unit 127 that the printing of the first sub-region has been completed, the instruction unit 124 adjusts the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region so that the relative positional relationship is satisfied. , instructs the external device 300 to drive the stage 301 . Next, the instruction unit 124 calculates the timing for starting printing of the second sub-region, and transmits the calculated timing to the oscillator control unit 126 and the marking head control unit 127 . After that, the instruction unit 124 repeats the same processing until printing of all sub-regions is completed.

The communication processing unit 125 performs communication processing with the external device 300 . The communication processing unit 125 transmits the instruction for the external device 300 received from the instruction unit 124 to the external device 300 .

The oscillator control unit 126 controls the operation of the oscillator 11. The oscillator control unit 126 controls the intensity, repetition frequency, etc. of the oscillating laser light based on the processing conditions received by the communication processing unit 121 . Further, the oscillator control section 126 controls oscillation of laser light based on the print data received by the communication processing section 121 . When the print area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas, the oscillator control unit 126 operates the laser based on the print data for each sub-area received from the division unit 122 and the print start timing received from the instruction unit 124. Controls light oscillation.

The marking head control unit 127 controls the operation of the drive unit 23 based on the print data received by the communication processing unit 121. When the print area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas, the marking head control unit 127, based on the print data for each sub-area received from the division unit 122 and the print start timing received from the instruction unit 124, It controls the drive unit 23 . Moreover, the marking head control unit 127 notifies the instruction unit 124 that the printing is completed each time the printing of the sub-region is completed.

With this configuration of the control unit 12, when the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area, the marking head 20 determines the relative position corresponding to the sub-area determined by the determination unit 123. When the relationship is satisfied, laser light can be emitted depending on the sub-region.

An example of laser marker processing according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of laser marker processing according to the first embodiment.

In step S301, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the communication processing unit 121) receives print data.

Here, an example of input of print data by the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of input of print data by a user. A display 201 corresponds to the output unit of the setting device 200 shown in FIG. An input screen 204 for inputting the print data M is displayed on the display 201 . A scroll bar 205 is provided on the input screen 204 , and the user can input print data M larger than the display area 206 by operating the scroll bar 205 .

When the input of the print data M to the input screen 204 is completed, the print data M is transmitted from the setting device 200 to the laser marker 100 and accepted by the laser marker 100 . In detail, the laser marker 100 has the shape and relative positional relationship of each printing element (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, and “F” in the example of FIG. 4). accept.

Again referring to FIG. 3, in step S302, the laser marker 100 determines whether the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area. If the print area is larger than the printable area (YES in step S302), laser marker 100 shifts the process to step S303. On the other hand, if the print area does not exceed the printable area (NO in step S302), laser marker 100 proceeds to step S310.

In step S303, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the division unit 122) divides the print area into N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) sub-areas. The laser marker 100 divides the printing area into N sub-areas so that each of the sub-areas fits within the printable area.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of dividing the printing area by the laser marker will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of division of a printing area by a laser marker.

Line X shown in FIG. 5 indicates the printable area. A print area R specified by the print data is larger than the printable area. In such a case, the laser marker 100 divides the printing area R at locations that do not overlap the printing. As an example, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the dividing unit 122) divides the printing area R at the location L where the printing interval is the maximum. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laser marker 100 divides the printing area R between "C" and "D". As a result, the print area R is divided into two sub-areas S (sub-area S1, sub-area S2) each of which fits within the printable area.

In the following, sub-region S1 will be referred to as "first sub-region" and sub-region S2 will be referred to as "second sub-region". The sub-region S1 is the sub-region closest to the origin R1 of the print region R. Note that the origin R1 is not limited to the upper left of the print area R.

Again, referring to FIG. 3, in step S304, laser marker 100 (more specifically, determination unit 123) determines the relative positions of marking head 20 and workpiece 1 without changing the relative positions of each of the plurality of sub-regions. The relative positional relationship between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 is determined so that the laser beam corresponding to the sub-region can be irradiated.

In Embodiment 1, since the position of the marking head 20 is fixed, the laser marker 100 determines only the position of the workpiece 1 in step S304.

First, the laser marker 100 determines the position of the workpiece 1 to the initial position described above for the first sub-region. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laser marker 100 determines the position of the workpiece 1 to the initial position described above for the sub-region S1.

Next, for each of the second and subsequent sub-regions, the laser marker 100 determines the target based on the relative positional relationship between the printing element in the target sub-region and the printing element in the preceding sub-region. A position of the workpiece 1 corresponding to the sub-region is determined. The second and subsequent sub-areas are sub-areas to be printed for the second and subsequent times. Hereinafter, the sub-areas to be printed for the second and subsequent times are also referred to as "second and subsequent sub-areas". As an example, the laser marker 100 determines the position of the workpiece 1 corresponding to the second sub-region based on the relative positional relationship between the printing elements in the first sub-region and the printing elements in the second sub-region. decide. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laser marker 100 determines the position of the workpiece 1 corresponding to the sub-region S2 based on the relative positional relationship between "C" and "D".

In step S305, the laser marker 100 sets a variable n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) to 1.

In step S306, the laser marker 100 (specifically, the instruction unit 124) causes the external device 300 to change the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 so that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the n-th sub-region is satisfied. give instructions to

In step S307, the laser marker 100 prints the n-th sub-region when the relative positional relationship corresponding to the n-th sub-region is satisfied.

In step S308, the laser marker 100 determines whether or not the variable n is greater than or equal to N. If variable n is less than N (NO in step S308), laser marker 100 shifts the process to step S309. On the other hand, if variable n is greater than or equal to N (YES in step S308), laser marker 100 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S309, the laser marker 100 increments the variable n by 1 and returns the process to step S306.

In step S310, the laser marker 100 determines whether or not the marking head 20 and the work 1 are in a relative positional relationship that allows printing to start. The laser marker 100 determines that the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship that allows printing to start when the workpiece 1 is positioned at a predetermined position (for example, the initial position described above).

When the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship that allows printing to start (YES in step S310), the laser marker 100 performs printing (step S311) and ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

Thus, laser marker 100 according to Embodiment 1 first divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas when the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area. Next, laser marker 100 determines the relative positional relationship between marking head 20 and workpiece 1 for each of the plurality of sub-regions. Finally, the laser marker 100 emits laser light according to each sub-region when the determined relative positional relationship is satisfied for each of the plurality of sub-regions. As a result, since the position of the printable area changes for each sub-area, it is possible to print an area wider than the printable area.

Also, according to the first embodiment, since the print area is divided at positions that do not overlap with the print, there is no seam in the print result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the printed result from deteriorating.

Further, according to Embodiment 1, an instruction is issued to the external device 300 that changes the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 so that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied. This eliminates the need for the user to set the relative positional relationship between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 in the external device 300, thereby saving the user time and effort.

[Modification 1 of Embodiment 1]
In the first embodiment described above, the laser marker 100 divides the printing area at the point where the printing interval is the maximum, but the dividing point is not limited to this. The division point may be a point where each of the sub-areas fits within the printable area and does not overlap with the printing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of division of a printing area by a laser marker.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the division unit 122) divides the area that does not overlap with the print and is within the printable area and has the maximum sub-area S1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the laser marker 100 divides the printing area R between "D" and "E". As a result, the print area R is divided into two sub-areas S (sub-area S1, sub-area S2) each of which fits within the printable area.

[Modification 2 of Embodiment 1]
When the printing elements are arranged at equal intervals, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the dividing section 122) prints in any of the locations where each of the sub-regions fits within the printable region and does not overlap with the printing. You can divide the area.

[Modification 3 of Embodiment 1]
The laser marker 100 (more specifically, the dividing unit 122) divides the printing area such that the printing interval between the plurality of sub-regions is wider than the printing interval between the plurality of printing elements included in each of the plurality of sub-regions. You may In this case also, the laser marker 100 divides the print area so that each of the sub-areas fits within the printable area.

As an example, when the print data M shown in FIG. 4 is divided in such a manner, the resulting division result is as shown in FIG. That is, the printing intervals of “A”, “B” and “C” included in the sub-region S1 and the printing intervals of “D”, “E” and “F” included in the sub-region S2 are shorter than “C” and “D”. ” is divided so that the printing interval between ” is widened.

[Modification 4 of Embodiment 1]
In the case of print data in which the joints of the printed result are not noticeable, or in the case of the user not being concerned about the joints of the printed result, the laser marker 100 (more specifically, the dividing section 122) can print each of the sub-regions. The print area may be divided at locations that fit within the area, and may be divided at locations that overlap with the print.

[Modification 5 of Embodiment 1]
In Embodiment 1 described above, the position of the marking head 20 is fixed, and by changing the position of the work 1 by driving the stage 301, the relative position between the marking head 20 and the work 1 can be changed. was Alternatively, the position of the workpiece 1 may be fixed, and the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 may be changed by changing the position of the marking head 20 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. FIG. The laser marker 100A differs from the laser marker 100 described above in that the position of the marking head 20 can be changed.

The laser marker 100A is a stationary type in which the position of the marking head 20 can be changed. The marking head 20 is attached to the stage 302, and the position of the marking head 20 changes as the stage 302 is driven. Stage 302 is a uniaxial stage that is movable in a first direction (eg, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7).

The laser marker 100A is connected to an external device 300A by a cable 303A. Cable 303A is a signal cable for transmitting control signals between control unit 12A and external device 300A. 300 A of external devices change the relative position of the marking head 20 and the workpiece|work 1 by driving the stage 302 according to the instruction|indication from 12 A of control parts.

In the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the position of the workpiece 1 is fixed. On the other hand, in the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the position of the marking head 20 changes as the stage 302 is driven. The stage 302 is driven according to instructions from the laser marker 100 . Therefore, the laser marker 100A can change the relative position between the marking head 20 and the workpiece 1 by driving the stage 302. FIG. Therefore, by using the laser marker 100A, it is possible to print an area wider than the printable area.

Note that the stage 302 may be a two-axis stage that can move in the second direction in addition to the first direction. Laser marker 100A may also be connected to external device 300 shown in FIG. In that case, laser marker 100A may change the relative position between marking head 20 and workpiece 1 by driving stage 301 and stage 302 .

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, a stationary type laser marker is used to print an area wider than the printable area. In Embodiment 2, a case will be described in which a handy type laser marker is used to print an area wider than the printable area. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same points as the first embodiment will not be repeated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 2. FIG. A laser marker 100B according to Embodiment 2 is of a handy type. In Embodiment 2, the relative position between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 is changed by changing the position of the marking head 20B by the user.

The laser marker 100B includes a controller 10, a marking head 20B, and a cable 30. Laser marker 100B is connected to setting device 200 by cable 203 . Controller 10,

cables

30 and 203, and setting device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The marking head 20B includes an input unit 24, a notification unit 25, an imaging unit 26, and a shield plate 27 in addition to the scanning mechanism 21.

The scanning mechanism 21 irradiates the surface of the workpiece 1 with laser light by scanning the laser light oscillated by the oscillator 11 . The scanning mechanism 21 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The input unit 24 accepts input of an instruction to start emitting laser light. The input unit 24 also receives input of an instruction to stop emitting the laser light. For example, any one of a button, a lever, and a touch panel can be adopted as the input unit 24 .

The notification unit 25 notifies the user of various states. As an example, the notification unit 25 notifies that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 (see FIG. 9) is satisfied. As another example, the notification unit 25 may notify that printing based on the print area has been completed. As another example, the notification unit 25 may notify that printing has been completed for each of the plurality of sub-regions. At least one of an indicator and a speaker is employed in the notification unit 25 .

The imaging unit 26 images the workpiece 1 . The imaging unit 26 includes a camera and lighting. The imaging area of the imaging unit 26 is set larger than the printable area.

The shielding plate 27 shields the laser beam in order to protect the user from the laser beam emitted from the marking head 20B and the laser beam reflected by the workpiece 1.

It should be noted that the marking head 20B does not have to be provided with the shielding plate 27. In that case, the user wears a protective mask and protective clothing to perform the printing work. Moreover, when the marking head 20B does not include the shielding plate 27, the imaging unit 26 may include at least a camera and may not include illumination.

Although the controller 10 and the marking head 20B are separate in the example shown in FIG. 8, the controller 10 and the marking head 20B may be housed in one housing as in the first embodiment. Also, the arrangement of each component is merely an example, and is not limited to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the laser marker according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. A controller 12B of the laser marker 100B shown in FIG.

The communication processing unit 121, division unit 122, determination unit 123, oscillator control unit 126, and marking head control unit 127 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The determination unit 128 determines whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied. The case where the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied means that the marking head 20B (see FIG. 8) and the workpiece 1 (see FIG. 8) are in the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123. That is. With the laser marker 100A described above, the position of the marking head 20 could be moved to a predetermined position by controlling the drive of the stage 302 (see FIG. 7). However, since the laser marker 100B is a handy type, the position of the marking head 20B is changed by the user. Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied, the determination unit 128 is provided in the laser marker 100B.

The determination unit 128 first instructs the imaging unit 26 to perform imaging when performing determination. Next, the determination unit 128 receives the captured image from the imaging unit 26 and determines whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied based on the received captured image.

The notification control unit 129 instructs the notification unit 25 to perform notification. Upon receiving the notification from the determination unit 128 indicating that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 has been satisfied, the notification control unit 129 instructs the notification unit 25 to perform notification to that effect. Further, in response to receiving a notification that printing has been completed from the marking head control unit 127, the notification control unit 129 instructs the notification unit 25 to notify that effect.

An example of laser marker processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of laser marker processing according to the second embodiment.

In step S1001, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the communication processing unit 121) receives print data. The processing of step S1001 is the same as that of step S301 shown in FIG.

In step S1002, the laser marker 100B determines whether the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area. If the print area is larger than the printable area (YES in step S1002), laser marker 100B moves the process to step S1003. On the other hand, if the print area does not exceed the printable area (NO in step S1002), laser marker 100B proceeds to step S1020.

In step S1003, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the division unit 122) divides the print area into N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) sub-areas. The processing of step S1003 is the same as that of step S303 shown in FIG. As an example, when receiving the print data M shown in FIG. 4 in step S1001, the laser marker 100B divides the print area into sub-areas S1 and S2 shown in FIG.

In step S1004, the laser marker 100B registers the teaching image. A teaching image is an image of a characteristic portion of the work 1 obtained by imaging the work 1 before printing. The characteristic portion of the work 1 is a portion that serves as a reference when the laser marker 100B determines the irradiation position of the laser beam. 1 original pattern or the like may be used.

The registration of teaching images includes the following two steps. The first step is to cause the imaging unit 26 to image the workpiece 1 before printing. The second step is to register the image (teaching image) of the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 obtained in the first step together with the relative positional relationship with the printing elements in the first sub-region.

Here, the second step in registering the teaching image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the second step in registering the teaching image. A second step in registering the teaching image is performed by the user using the setting device 200 .

The display 201 corresponds to the output section of the setting device 200. The display 201 displays a registration screen 207 for registering an image of a characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 or the like.

The registration screen 207 displays an image (teaching image T) of the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 obtained in step 1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the teaching image T is an image of an L-shaped mark. Furthermore, the registration screen 207 displays a line X indicating a printable area and print data Y corresponding to the first sub-area.

The user can register the teaching image T by arranging the print data Y at a desired position and pressing the registration button 208 . Also, the user places the print data Y at a desired position and presses the registration button 208 to register the relative positional relationship between the characteristic portion of the work 1 and the print element in the first sub-region. be able to. Since the laser marker 100B performs printing based on the registered information, it is possible to print at a position within the workpiece 1 desired by the user.

10 and 11 again, in step S1005, laser marker 100B (more specifically, determination unit 123) does not change the relative position between marking head 20B and workpiece 1 for each of the plurality of sub-regions. The relative positional relationship between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 is determined so that the laser beam corresponding to the sub-region can be irradiated to the sub-region.

First, the laser marker 100B, for the first sub-region, based on the relative positional relationship between the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 and the printing elements in the first sub-region registered in step S1004, the marking head 20B and the A relative positional relationship with the workpiece 1 is determined. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laser marker 100B, for the sub-region S1, based on the relative positional relationship between the characteristic portion of the work 1 and the printing elements in the sub-region S1, the marking head 20B and the work 1 Determine the relative positional relationship of

Next, for each of the second and subsequent sub-regions, the laser marker 100 determines the target based on the relative positional relationship between the printing element in the target sub-region and the printing element in the preceding sub-region. A relative positional relationship between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 corresponding to the sub-region is determined.

As an example, the laser marker 100 uses the marking head 20B and A relative positional relationship with the workpiece 1 is determined. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the laser marker 100 determines the relative positional relationship between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 corresponding to the sub-region S2 based on the relative positional relationship between "C" and "D". to decide.

In step S1006, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the imaging unit 26) images the workpiece 1.

In step S1007, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the determination unit 128) determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied based on the captured image of the workpiece 1 acquired in step S1006. judge.

Specifically, the laser marker 100B determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied based on the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 appearing in the captured image of the workpiece 1 acquired in step S1006. . The feature portion of the work 1 that appears in the captured image of the work 1 is the feature portion of the work 1 specified by the teaching image registered in step S1004. The imaging area of the imaging unit 26 is set larger than the printable area. Therefore, it is easy for the imaging unit 26 to capture the characteristic portion of the workpiece.

Laser marker 100B repeats steps S1006 and S1007 until it can be determined that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied, and determines that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied. If so (YES in step S1007), the process proceeds to step S1008.

In step S1008, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied.

In step S1009, when the input unit 24 receives an instruction to start emitting laser light, the laser marker 100B performs printing on the first sub-region.

In step S1010, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies that the printing of the first sub-region has been completed in response to the completion of printing of the first sub-region. Triggered by the notification, the user moves the marking head 20B to a position corresponding to the next sub-region.

In step S1011, the laser marker 100B sets a variable m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 2) to 2.

In step S1012, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the imaging unit 26) images the work 1.

In step S1013, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the determination unit 128) determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied based on the captured image of the workpiece 1 acquired in step S1012. judge.

Specifically, the laser marker 100B determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied, corresponding to the (m−1)-th sub-region shown in the captured image of the workpiece 1 acquired in step S1012. Determined based on the print result. Here, a method of determining whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the determination method. As an example, FIG. 13 shows a scene of determining whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied.

The captured image I of the workpiece 1 captured in step S1012 is displayed on the display 201 of the setting device 200. A line X shown in FIG. 13 indicates the printable area. The imaging area of the imaging unit 26 is set larger than the printable area. Therefore, it is easy for the imaging unit 26 to capture the print result corresponding to the previous sub-region. As shown in FIG. 13, the captured image I shows a part of the print result K corresponding to the first sub-region.

The laser marker 100B determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on a portion of the printed result K corresponding to the first sub-region shown in the captured image I. Note that the print result K used for determining whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied may be at least a part of the print result corresponding to the (m-1)-th sub-region. All print results corresponding to the (m−1)th sub-region may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 again, laser marker 100B repeats steps S1012 and S1013 until it can be determined that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied. If it is determined that the corresponding relative positional relationship is satisfied (YES in step S1013), the process proceeds to step S1014.

In step S1014, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied.

In step S1015, the laser marker 100B performs printing on the m-th sub-region when the input unit 24 receives an instruction to start emitting laser light.

In step S1016, the laser marker 100B determines whether or not the variable m is greater than or equal to N in response to completion of printing of the m-th sub-region. If variable m is less than N (NO in step S1016), laser marker 100B shifts the process to step S1017. On the other hand, if variable m is greater than or equal to N (YES in step S1016), laser marker 100B shifts the process to step S1019.

In step S1017, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies that the printing of the m-th sub-region has been completed. Triggered by the notification, the user moves the marking head 20B to a position corresponding to the next sub-region.

In step S1018, the laser marker 100B increments the variable m by 1 and returns the process to step S1012.

In step S1019, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies that the printing of the m-th sub-region has been completed.

In step S1020, the laser marker 100B registers the teaching image. The process of step S1020 includes two steps, similar to the process of step S1004. The first step is the same as the processing in step S1004, and is a step of causing the imaging unit 26 to image the workpiece 1 before printing. On the other hand, the second step is a step of registering the image (teaching image) of the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 obtained in the first step together with the relative positional relationship with the printing elements in the printing area.

In step S1021, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the determination unit 123) determines the relative positional relationship between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1. Specifically, the laser marker 100B determines the relative positional relationship between the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 based on the relative positional relationship between the characteristic portions of the workpiece 1 and the printing elements within the printing area registered in step S1020. do.

In step S1022, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the imaging unit 26) images the workpiece 1.

In step S1023, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the determination unit 128) determines whether the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship that allows printing to start. Determined based on

Specifically, the laser marker 100B determines whether or not the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship that enables printing to be started, based on the characteristic portion of the workpiece 1 captured in the captured image of the workpiece 1 obtained in step S1022. to judge. The feature portion of work 1 that appears in the captured image of work 1 is the feature portion of work 1 specified by the teaching image registered in step S1020.

The laser marker 100B repeats steps S1022 and S1023 until it is determined that the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship where printing can be started, and the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are at relative positions where printing can be started. If it is determined that they are related (YES in step S1023), the process proceeds to step S1024.

In step S1024, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) confirms that the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship that allows printing to start, that is, the relative positional relationship determined by the determining unit 123 is satisfied. report that it has been

In step S1025, the laser marker 100B performs printing on the printing area when the input unit 24 receives an instruction to start emitting laser light.

In step S1026, the laser marker 100B (more specifically, the notification unit 25) notifies completion of printing in the entire printing area in response to completion of printing in the entire printing area. After step S1026, laser marker 100B ends the series of processes shown in FIGS.

Thus, laser marker 100B according to Embodiment 2 first divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas when the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area. Next, laser marker 100B determines the relative positional relationship between marking head 20B and workpiece 1 for each of the plurality of sub-regions. Finally, the laser marker 100B emits laser light according to each sub-region when the determined relative positional relationship is satisfied for each of the plurality of sub-regions. As a result, since the position of the printable area changes for each sub-area, it is possible to print an area wider than the printable area.

Also, according to the second embodiment, since the print area is divided at positions that do not overlap with the print, there is no seam in the print result. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the printed result from deteriorating.

Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to print at a position desired by the user in the workpiece 1 by registering the teaching image. Note that if printing can be made anywhere within the work 1, registration of the teaching image in steps S1004 and S1020 is unnecessary. In that case, printing is started from the position where the marking head 20B is positioned at the timing when the user operates the input unit 24 .

Further, according to the second embodiment, it is confirmed that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied, that is, the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123. Since the information is notified, the convenience for the user is improved. Note that the laser marker 100B does not need to report that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied.

In addition, according to the second embodiment, the user's convenience is improved because the completion of printing is notified each time the printing of the sub-region is completed. Note that the laser marker 100B does not need to notify completion of printing.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the user's convenience is improved because the completion of printing is notified when the printing of all the printing areas is completed. Note that the laser marker 100B does not need to notify completion of printing.

[Embodiment 3]
In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a hand-held laser marker is used to print an area wider than the printable area. The laser marker according to the second embodiment captures images captured by the imaging unit 26 as to whether or not the marking head 20B and the workpiece 1 are in a relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region for the second and subsequent sub-regions. Judgment was made based on the print result corresponding to the previous sub-region.

On the other hand, the laser marker according to Embodiment 3 includes a sensor that detects the amount of movement of the marking head. The laser marker according to Embodiment 3 determines whether or not the marking head 20 and the workpiece are in a relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region based on the movement amount of the marking head detected by the sensor. . In the following, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of the same points as the second embodiment will not be repeated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a laser marker according to Embodiment 3. FIG. The laser marker 100C according to Embodiment 3 is of a handy type, like the laser marker 100B described above. In Embodiment 3, the relative position between the marking head 20C and the workpiece 1 is changed by changing the position of the marking head 20C by the user.

The difference between the laser marker 100C and the laser marker 100B described above is that the sensor 28 is provided. A sensor 28 detects the amount of movement of the marking head 20C. The sensor 28 can employ, for example, an optical encoder or a ball-type sensor. As an example, a ball-type sensor uses a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the ball in the X-axis direction and a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the ball in the Y-axis direction to read the amount of rotation of the ball. , to detect the amount of movement of the marking head 20C. As another example, a ball-type sensor detects the amount of movement of the marking head 20C by optically reading a pattern provided on the ball.

The optical encoder can detect even rotation with a single sensor. On the other hand, the ball-type sensor cannot detect rotation with a single sensor. Therefore, when a ball-type sensor is used as the sensor 28, it is preferable to provide one sensor in front P of the marking head 20C and one sensor in the rear Q of the marking head 20C so that the rotation can be detected.

When an optical encoder is used as the sensor 28, the sensor may be provided either in front P of the marking head 20C or in rear Q of the marking head 20C. Also, the ball-type sensor can detect a position even on a mirror surface or a surface without unevenness. Therefore, when the work surface of the work 1 is a mirror surface or when the work surface of the work 1 does not have unevenness, it is preferable to adopt a ball type sensor as the sensor 28 .

It should be noted that the position of the sensor 28 shown in FIG. 14 is merely an example. The position of the sensor 28 should just be a position which can detect the moving amount|distance of the marking head 20C.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the controller of the laser marker according to Embodiment 3. FIG. A controller 12C of the laser marker 100C shown in FIG.

The communication processing unit 121, division unit 122, determination unit 123, oscillator control unit 126, marking head control unit 127, and notification control unit 129 are the same as those in the second embodiment.

The determination unit 128 determines whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied. As in the second embodiment, the determination unit 128 determines whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied for the first sub-region based on the captured image of the workpiece 1 captured by the imaging unit 26. judge. In response to this, the determination unit 128 determines whether or not the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit 123 is satisfied for the m-th sub-region (m is an integer equal to or greater than 2). The determination is made based on the amount of movement of the head 20C from the position corresponding to the (m−1)th sub-region.

An example of laser marker processing according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of laser marker processing according to the third embodiment.

At steps S1601 to S1611, the laser marker 100C performs the same processing as steps S1001 to S1011 shown in FIG.

In step S1612, the laser marker 100C checks whether the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied from the position corresponding to the (m−1)-th sub-region of the marking head 20C detected by the sensor 28. is determined based on the amount of movement of

As an example, when the value of m is 2, the laser marker 100C (more specifically, the determination unit 128) moves the marking head 20C from the position corresponding to the first sub-region detected by the sensor 28. is used to determine whether the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied.

The laser marker 100C repeats step S1612 until it can be determined that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied, and when it is determined that the relative positional relationship corresponding to the m-th sub-region is satisfied (step YES at S1612), the process proceeds to step S1613.

At steps S1613 to S1616, the laser marker 100C performs the same processing as steps S1014 to S1017 shown in FIG.

In step S1617, the laser marker 100C increments the variable m by 1 and returns the process to step S1612.

At steps S1618 to S1625, the laser marker 100C performs the same processing as steps S1019 to S1026 shown in FIG.

Accordingly, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

The embodiment and modifications have been described above. Note that the above-described embodiments and modifications may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[Appendix]
The embodiments described above include the following technical ideas.

[Configuration 1]
a reception unit (200) that receives print data;
an oscillator (11) that oscillates laser light;
emitting portions (20, 20B, 20C) for emitting the laser beams oscillated by the oscillator (11);
a division unit (122) that divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas according to the fact that the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area that can be printed by emitting the laser light;
For each of the plurality of sub-regions, it is possible to irradiate the laser light according to the sub-region without changing the relative position between the emitting part (20, 20B, 20C) and the work (1) that is the object to be printed. and a determination unit (1239) that determines the relative positional relationship between the output units (20, 20B, 20C) and the workpiece (1),
each of the plurality of sub-regions fits within the printable region;
For each of the plurality of sub-regions, when the relative positional relationship corresponding to the sub-region determined by the determining unit (123) is satisfied, the emitting unit (20) performs the A laser marker that emits a laser beam.

[Configuration 2]
The laser marker according to Configuration 1, wherein the dividing section (122) divides the printing area at a point where the printing interval is the maximum.

[Configuration 3]
The laser marker according to

Configuration

1 or 2, wherein the laser marker (100, 100A) is a stationary type in which the emitting section (20) is stationary.

[Configuration 4]
The laser marker (100, 100A) includes an external device ( 300, 300A), further comprising an instruction unit (124) that issues an instruction to the laser marker according to configuration 3.

[Configuration 5]
Configuration 1, wherein the laser marker (100B, 100C) is a handy type in which the emitting parts (20B, 20C) are not left stationary and the emitting parts (20B, 20C) are held by a user during processing. Or the laser marker according to configuration 2.

[Configuration 6]
The laser marker (100B) is
an imaging unit (26) for imaging the workpiece (1);
A determination unit (128) that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit (123) is satisfied,
The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time,
The determination unit (128) determines whether the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on the print result corresponding to the first sub-region captured in the image captured by the imaging unit (26). The laser marker according to configuration 5, which determines whether or not.

[Configuration 7]
The determining section (128) determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied when the emitting section (20B) starts printing the first sub-region. A laser marker according to configuration 6, wherein determination is made based on characteristic portions of the workpiece (1) appearing in an image captured by an imaging unit (26).

[Configuration 8]
The laser marker (100C) is
a sensor (28) for detecting the amount of movement of the emitting section;
A determination unit (128) that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit (123) is satisfied,
The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time,
The determining section (128) determines the second sub-region based on the amount of movement of the emitting section (20C) from the position corresponding to the first sub-region detected by the sensor (28). 6. A laser marker according to configuration 5, wherein the laser marker determines whether the corresponding relative positional relationship is satisfied.

[Configuration 9]
The laser marker (100C) further includes an imaging section (26) for imaging the workpiece (1),
The determining section (128) determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied when the emitting section (20C) starts printing the first sub-region. The laser marker according to configuration 8, wherein determination is made based on characteristic portions of the workpiece (1) appearing in an image captured by an imaging unit (26).

[Configuration 10]
The laser marker according to configuration 6, configuration 7, or configuration 9, wherein the imaging area by the imaging unit (26) is larger than the printable area.

[Configuration 11]
The laser markers (100B, 100C) further include a notification unit (25),
The notifying section (25) notifies that the relative positional relationship determined by the determining section (123) is satisfied, that printing based on the printing area is completed, and that printing is completed for each of the plurality of sub-areas. The laser marker according to any one of claims 5 to 10, which notifies at least one of completions.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all changes within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

1 workpiece, 1a area, 2 laser light, 10 controller, 11 oscillator, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C control section, 20, 20B, 20C marking head, 21 scanning mechanism, 22 mirror, 23 drive section, 24 input section, 25 Reporting unit, 26 imaging unit, 27 shielding plate, 28 sensor, 30, 203, 303, 303A cable, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C laser marker, 121, 125 communication processing unit, 122 division unit, 123 determination unit, 124 instruction unit , 126 oscillator control unit, 127 marking head control unit, 128 determination unit, 129 notification control unit, 200 setting device, 201 display, 204 input screen, 207 registration screen, 208 registration button, 300, 300A external device, 301, 302 stage , I: Captured image, K: Printing result, L: Location, M, Y: Printing data, R: Printing area, S, S1, S2: Sub-area, T: Teaching image, X: Line.

Claims

a reception unit that receives print data;
an oscillator that oscillates laser light;
an emission section that emits the laser light oscillated by the oscillator;
a division unit that divides the print area into a plurality of sub-areas according to the fact that the print area specified by the print data is larger than the printable area that can be printed by emitting the laser light;
For each of the plurality of sub-regions, the emitting unit and the work are arranged so that the laser beam corresponding to the sub-region can be irradiated without changing the relative position between the emitting unit and the work as a printing target. and a determination unit that determines the relative positional relationship with
each of the plurality of sub-regions fits within the printable region;
For each of the plurality of sub-regions, the emission unit emits the laser light according to the sub-region when the relative positional relationship corresponding to the sub-region determined by the determination unit is satisfied. laser marker.
The laser marker according to claim 1, wherein the dividing section divides the printing area at a point where the printing interval is the maximum.
The laser marker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laser marker is of a stationary type in which the emitting section is stationary.
4. The laser marker according to claim 3, further comprising an instruction unit that issues an instruction to an external device that changes the relative position between the emitting unit and the workpiece so that the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit is satisfied. The described laser marker.
The laser marker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laser marker is of a handy type in which the emitting part is not stationary and the emitting part is held by a user during processing.
The laser marker is
an imaging unit that images the workpiece;
a determination unit that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit is satisfied;
The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time,
The determination unit determines whether or not the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on the print result corresponding to the first sub-region captured in the image captured by the imaging unit. The laser marker according to claim 5.
The determination unit determines whether or not a relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied in the image captured by the imaging unit when the output unit starts printing the first sub-region. 7. The laser marker according to claim 6, wherein determination is made based on characteristic portions of the workpiece that are photographed.
The laser marker is
a sensor that detects the amount of movement of the output unit;
a determination unit that determines whether the relative positional relationship determined by the determination unit is satisfied;
The plurality of sub-regions includes at least a first sub-region to be printed for the first time and a second sub-region to be printed for the second time,
The determination unit determines whether the relative positional relationship corresponding to the second sub-region is satisfied based on the amount of movement of the emission unit from the position corresponding to the first sub-region detected by the sensor. The laser marker according to claim 5, which determines whether or not.
The laser marker further includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the workpiece,
The determination unit determines whether or not a relative positional relationship corresponding to the first sub-region is satisfied in the image captured by the imaging unit when the output unit starts printing the first sub-region. 9. The laser marker according to claim 8, wherein determination is made based on characteristic portions of the workpiece that are photographed.
The laser marker according to claim 6, claim 7, or claim 9, wherein the imaging area by the imaging unit is larger than the printable area.
The laser marker further comprises a notification unit,
The notifying unit is configured to at least confirm that the relative positional relationship determined by the determining unit is satisfied, that printing based on the printing area is completed, and that printing is completed for each of the plurality of sub-areas. The laser marker according to any one of claims 5 to 10, which reports one.