JP2007007699A - Laser marking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laser marking device where the search for the optimum printing conditions is facilitated. <P>SOLUTION: A storage is stored with test conditional information composed of laser output value and scanning velocity, and test coordinates information regarding each test printing position Pn in which the distance from the optical axis center C of a convergent lens 13 is made almost equal (test radius R2). Then, test printing data are created based on the test conditional information and test coordinates information, and, by printing based on the created test printing data, the test marks MT of different printing conditions (the laser output value and scanning velocity) are formed at each test printing position Pn in which the distance from the optical axis center C is made almost equal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser marking device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a laser marking apparatus that prints marking information (hereinafter simply referred to as “mark”) such as characters, symbols, and figures by scanning a surface of a workpiece with laser light is known. In order to print a desired mark, the laser marking apparatus sets optimum printing conditions (for example, laser output value, laser beam scanning speed, pulse width, etc.) according to the material of the workpiece. Therefore, whenever the material of the workpiece is changed, the changed printing conditions (test printing conditions) are printed (test marking), and the shape of the mark printed under the test printing conditions (test mark) is confirmed. It was necessary to repeatedly search for optimum printing conditions.

Therefore, in such a laser marking device, a proposal has been conventionally made to facilitate the search for optimum printing conditions (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the control unit of the laser marking apparatus calculates any one of the printing conditions (for example, pulse width) based on the other parameters (for example, scanning speed and output), thereby performing test printing. The number of parameters set in the conditions is reduced to facilitate the search for the optimum printing conditions.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-28586

  However, in the laser marking apparatus described above, in order to form and converge the laser beam on the processing surface into a predetermined beam diameter, generally, the laser beam having a distorted beam diameter is corrected by a deflecting means such as a galvanometer mirror. A converging lens (for example, an fθ lens) is used. Therefore, the following problems were invited.

  That is, in the laser marking device described above, the transmittance of the fθ lens with respect to the laser light is different between the center and the end of the fθ lens. Therefore, when the scanning position of the laser beam with respect to the fθ lens is changed, an error is generated between the set output of the laser beam and the intensity of the converged laser beam. As a result, the test marking described above has a problem that variations in printing results occur at each test marking scanning position, making it difficult to search for optimum printing conditions.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser marking device that facilitates the search for optimum printing conditions.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deflecting unit that deflects laser light emitted from a laser light source, a converging lens that converges the laser light deflected by the deflecting unit on a printing surface, the laser light source, and the deflecting unit. Scanning control means for driving and controlling the converged laser light on the printing surface, and marking information such as characters, symbols, and figures is printed on the printing surface by the laser light scanned by the scanning control means. The laser marking device includes a printing condition setting mode for performing test printing based on a plurality of test printing conditions including at least one of a laser output value of the laser light source and a scanning speed of the laser light, and the scanning control When the means is in the printing condition setting mode, the laser beam based on the plurality of test printing conditions is respectively centered on the optical axis of the convergent lens. And gist to carry out test print by scanning a region of the printing surface to be et approximately equidistant.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, marking is performed by scanning the laser beam based on the test printing condition in a region that is substantially equidistant from the center of the optical axis of the converging lens, that is, a region in which the transmittance of the converging lens is substantially equal. Information (hereinafter simply referred to as “test mark”) can be printed. Therefore, when the test mark is printed, it is possible to avoid variations in laser intensity due to the converging lens. As a result, the reproducibility of the test mark printing result (for example, the mark shape and the sharpness) can be improved, and the search for the optimum printing condition can be facilitated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking apparatus according to the first aspect, condition input means for inputting the plurality of test print conditions consisting of at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed; Storage means for storing the plurality of test print conditions input from the condition input means, and the scanning control means sets the plurality of test print conditions stored in the storage means in the print condition setting mode. The gist of the invention is to scan the laser beam based on a region that is approximately equidistant from the center of the optical axis of the converging lens.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reproducibility of the test print conditions can be further improved by the amount that the test print conditions are stored in the storage means. Therefore, it is possible to more easily search for the optimum printing conditions.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking device according to the first or second aspect, printing is performed based on the optimum printing condition set based on the printing result in the printing condition setting mode and the optimum printing condition. The marking unit includes a storage unit that stores the marking information, and the scanning control unit scans a laser beam based on the plurality of test printing conditions in the printing condition setting mode, and stores the markings in the storage unit, respectively. The gist is to test print information.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the marking information to be printed under the optimum printing condition can be used as the test mark, and the printing condition in accordance with the printing under the optimum printing condition can be set.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking device according to the second or third aspect, the reference value is set to a predetermined quantity based on at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed reference value. A condition generation unit configured to generate the test print condition including the changed value, wherein the condition input unit inputs the test print condition including the reference value, and the storage unit includes the test corresponding to the reference value. Laser light based on the plurality of test printing conditions stored in the storage means when the printing control means stores the test printing conditions generated by the condition generation means and the scanning control means is in the printing condition setting mode. The gist of scanning is to scan a region approximately equidistant from the center of the optical axis of the converging lens.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on at least one of the laser output value and the reference value of the scanning speed, the test print condition relating to the value obtained by changing the reference value is generated, and the generated test print condition When printing the test mark, it is possible to avoid variations in laser intensity due to the converging lens. Therefore, only by inputting the reference value, the test mark in the condition range including the reference value can be printed without an error in the laser intensity, and the search for the optimum printing condition can be facilitated.

  The gist of the invention described in claim 5 is that, in the laser marking device according to claim 4, the condition input means inputs information relating to the quantity for changing the reference value.

According to the invention described in claim 5, the reference value can be changed by the quantity input from the condition input means. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the test print condition range can be expanded,
Searching for optimum printing conditions can be made easier.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking device according to the second or third aspect, the minimum value is predetermined based on at least the maximum value and the minimum value of either the laser output value or the scanning speed. Condition generating means for generating either the test print condition consisting of a value obtained by adding up to the maximum value by the quantity and the test print condition comprising a value obtained by subtracting the maximum value from the maximum value to the minimum value. The condition input means inputs information on the maximum value and the minimum value in the test print condition, and the storage means includes the test print condition consisting of the maximum value and the test print condition consisting of the minimum value. Storing the test print conditions generated by the condition generation means, and storing the test print conditions when the scan control means is in the print condition setting mode. The laser light based on the plurality of test print conditions, and subject matter to be scanned in a region to be a substantially equal distances from the center of the optical axis of each of the converging lens.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the test print condition including a value between the maximum value and the minimum value is generated based on at least the maximum value and the minimum value of either the laser output value or the scanning speed. When printing a test mark for each test printing condition, it is possible to avoid variations in laser intensity due to the converging lens. Therefore, only by inputting the maximum and minimum values, test marks in the condition range including the maximum and minimum values can be printed without error in laser intensity, making it easier to search for the optimum printing conditions. Can do.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the condition input means includes information on one of the quantity to be added to the minimum value and the quantity to be subtracted from the maximum value. The gist is input.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, either the minimum value or the maximum value can be changed by the quantity input from the condition input means. Accordingly, the degree of freedom of the condition range of the test print condition can be expanded, and the search for the optimum print condition can be made easier.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the plurality of test print conditions include condition identification information that enables the test print conditions to be identified. In the printing condition setting mode, the scanning control means prints the condition identification information of the corresponding test printing conditions in the vicinity of the marking information that has been test printed based on the plurality of test printing conditions. The gist is to do.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the corresponding condition identification information can be printed in the vicinity of the test mark. Therefore, the test print condition corresponding to the test mark can be identified by the condition identification information near the test mark. As a result, it is possible to easily determine the test printing condition corresponding to the test mark, and it is possible to further easily search for the optimum condition for printing.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the laser marking apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the scanning control means is based on the plurality of test print conditions when in the print condition setting mode. The gist is that a condition mark corresponding to at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed of the corresponding test printing condition is printed in the vicinity of the marking information subjected to test printing.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a condition mark corresponding to at least one of the corresponding laser output value and scanning speed can be printed in the vicinity of the test mark. Therefore, the contents of the test printing condition corresponding to the test mark can be known from the condition mark near the test mark. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm the test printing condition corresponding to the test mark, and it is possible to further easily search for the optimum condition for printing.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the laser marking device according to claim 9, wherein the condition mark is at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the corresponding laser output value and scanning speed can be printed in the vicinity of the test mark. Therefore, the contents of the test printing condition corresponding to the test mark can be known more easily. As a result, the confirmation of the test printing condition corresponding to the test mark can be further facilitated.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of the laser marking device 10.

  In FIG. 1, a laser marking device 10 is provided with a laser light source 11. The laser light source 11 is, for example, a carbon dioxide laser as a gas gas laser, a YAG laser as a solid laser, a semiconductor laser, a fiber laser, or the like. The laser light source 11 emits an intensity-modulated laser beam L to the printing surface Wa of the workpiece W transported to a transport line TR such as a belt conveyor disposed below the laser light source 11. Yes. When a predetermined driving signal (laser light source driving signal SL: see FIG. 2) for emitting the laser light L to the laser light source 11 is input, the laser light L having a laser output value corresponding to the laser light source driving signal SL. Is emitted from the laser light source 11.

In the middle of the optical path of the laser light L, a pair of galvanometer mirrors 12X and 12Y as a deflecting unit and a converging lens 13 are disposed in order from the laser light source 11 side.
The pair of galvanometer mirrors 12X and 12Y are mirrors that are rotatably connected to the corresponding galvanometer motors MX and MY, respectively, so that the respective pivot axes are located in the optical path of the laser beam L. It is arranged. The galvano mirror 12X is arranged so that its rotation axis is orthogonal to the printing surface Wa, and the galvano mirror 12Y is arranged so that its rotation axis is parallel to the printing surface Wa. ing. When a predetermined drive signal (galvano mirror drive signal SG: see FIG. 2) is input to each galvano motor MX, MY, each galvano mirror 12X, 12Y rotates according to the galvano mirror drive signal SG. When each galvanometer mirror 12X, 12Y rotates, the laser beam L from the laser light source 11 is scanned on the printing surface Wa by the deflection reflection of each rotating galvanometer mirror 12X, 12Y.

  In the present embodiment, the scanning directions of the galvanometer mirrors 12X and 12Y are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, and the normal direction of the print surface Wa is referred to as the Z direction. The workpiece W is transported in the Y direction.

  The converging lens 13 is a lens that converges the laser light L from the galvano mirror 12Y to a position on the printing surface Wa, and is, for example, an fθ lens. When the laser light L from the galvanometer mirror 12Y is incident on the converging lens 13, the beam diameter of the laser light L distorted by the deflection of the galvanometer mirrors 12X and 12Y is corrected and converged to a predetermined beam diameter. Laser light L is scanned on the printing surface Wa. When the laser beam L is scanned, the workpiece W at the scanned position is melted and sublimated, and marking information such as characters, symbols, and figures along the scanning locus of the laser beam L (for example, characters and character strings, A symbol, a symbol string, a figure, a figure group, or a combination thereof: hereinafter simply referred to as “mark M”) is printed on the printing surface Wa.

  In the present embodiment, the position on the printing surface Wa where the laser beam L is converged is the irradiation point BS, and the area scanned by the irradiation point BS, that is, the area where the mark M is printed is the printing area. S.

  Below the workpiece W (conveyance line TR), a sensor 14 that can detect the position of the workpiece W to be conveyed is disposed. The sensor 14 outputs a signal (processing object detection signal SD: refer to FIG. 2) for starting the printing of the mark M at the timing when the processing object W to be conveyed enters the anti-Z direction of the convergent lens 13. It is supposed to be.

Next, the electrical configuration of the laser marking device 10 will be described below. FIG. 2 is an electric block circuit diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the laser marking device 10.
The laser marking device 10 includes a controller unit 20 and a head unit 21. The controller unit 20 and the head unit 21 are connected via line drivers 20A and 21A. The controller unit 20 includes a control device 22 as a scanning control means including a CPU, an input / output device 23 such as a console, a storage device 24 as a storage means including a nonvolatile memory, and the line driver 20A. Yes. The head unit 21 includes a laser light source drive circuit 25, a motor drive circuit 26, a print trigger generation circuit 27, and the line driver 21A.

  The control device 22 drives and controls the laser light source 11 and the galvano mirrors 12X and 12Y based on various data input from the input / output device 23, and prints the mark M on the print surface Wa of the workpiece W. Execute the printing process to be performed.

  More specifically, the control device 22 searches for an optimum printing condition for the workpiece W (hereinafter simply referred to as “optimum condition information CO” as the optimum printing condition) (hereinafter simply referred to as test printing). And “printing” (hereinafter simply referred to as “normal marking”) based on the optimum condition information CO. The printing condition (optimum condition information CO) in the present embodiment is a condition consisting of both the laser output value and the scanning speed, but may be a condition consisting of only one of them, and other parameters are added. May be. For example, the pulse width and oscillation frequency of the laser light source 11 may be added, and the time for compensating the scanning delay of the galvanometer mirrors 12X and 12Y with respect to a singular point (scanning start point, scanning end point, etc. of the laser light L), You may add the conveyance speed etc. of the workpiece W in the conveyance line TR.

  The input / output device 23 includes an input unit 23a as a condition input unit for inputting various data, and a display unit 23b for displaying various types of input data, and print condition setting for executing test marking. A test marking mode as a mode and a normal marking mode for executing normal marking can be selected.

  The input / output device 23 inputs information on the shape of the mark M (hereinafter simply referred to as “test mark MT”) to be printed in the test marking mode, the thickness of the line, and the like to the control device 22 as test mark information It of a predetermined format. It is supposed to be. As shown in FIG. 6, the test mark MT of the present embodiment is a quadrangular figure “□”, which is the same mark as the normal mark, but is not limited thereto.

  The input / output device 23 relates to information (position information) regarding the position on the print surface Wa of the mark M (hereinafter simply referred to as “normal mark MO”) to be printed in the normal marking mode, and the shape, line thickness, and the like. Information is input to the control device 22 as normal mark information Im in a predetermined format.

Further, the input / output device 23 is configured to input the optimum condition information CO as a condition identification number relative to condition identification information INC (see FIG. 3) described later.
The storage device 24 stores a plurality of different test condition information CT, optimum condition information CO, a plurality of different test coordinate information PT, a plurality of different test print data ST, and normal print data SO.

  The test condition information CT is information relating to printing conditions (laser output value and scanning speed) used for test marking, and as shown in FIG. 3, laser output information IL relating to laser output value and scanning speed information relating to scanning speed. This is information including IS and condition identification information INC indicating an identification number (condition identification number) associated with the laser output information IL and the scanning speed information IS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the test condition information CT of the present embodiment is associated with condition identification information INC indicating the condition identification numbers “A1”, “A2”,. Then, the scanning speed corresponding to the scanning speed information IS and the laser output value corresponding to the laser output information IL are gradually increased in the order of “A1”, “A2”,..., “A10”, respectively. Is set. These laser output values and scanning speed ranges are set in advance based on tests or the like, and even when the constituent material of the workpiece W is changed, the test mark MT is set according to at least one of the printing conditions. It is preferable to set the printable range.

  The optimum condition information CO is information relating to optimum conditions for use in normal marking, and is any one of the test condition information CT. The condition identification information INC ( (Condition identification number). For example, when the condition used for normal marking is the test condition information CT corresponding to the condition identification number “A5”, the optimum condition information CO is defined by the condition identification information INC corresponding to the condition identification number “A5”. The

  The test coordinate information PT is information relating to the position of the test mark MT on the print surface Wa (hereinafter simply referred to as “test print position Pn”). The test coordinate information PT is information relatively defined with respect to the optical axis center C of the convergent lens 13, and as shown in FIG. 5, the distance related to the distance from the optical axis center C of the convergent lens 13 Information IR, angle information Iθ relating to a clockwise angle around the optical axis center C, coordinate identification information INP indicating an identification number (coordinate identification number) associated with the distance information IR and angle information Iθ, and the like It is the information which consists of.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, each test coordinate information PT is information associated with the coordinate identification information INP indicating the coordinate identification numbers “P1”, “P2”,..., “P10”. The distance information IR is all the same information relative to the test diameter R2 described later.

  That is, the test print position Pn corresponding to each test coordinate information PT is on the same circle Cn having a diameter (test diameter R2) smaller than the lens diameter R1 of the converging lens 13 around the optical axis center C. , The position divided by the number of the test condition information CT, that is, the position divided by 10 is set. In other words, the test print position Pn corresponding to each test coordinate information PT is located at each vertex of a regular decagon centered on the optical axis center C.

Accordingly, at each test print position Pn on the same circle Cn, the laser light L from the galvano mirror 12Y is scanned in a region where the transmittance of the converging lens 13 is approximately equal. Therefore, at each test print position Pn, the intensity of the laser beam L at the irradiation point BS avoids variation due to the transmittance of the converging lens 13 and correlates only with the corresponding laser output information IL and scanning speed information IS. It becomes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the test print data ST is data relating to the scanning speed vector of the laser beam L (irradiation point BS) for printing the test mark MT, and is controlled when the test marking mode is selected. Data generated by the device 22 based on the test mark information It, the test condition information CT, and the test coordinate information PT.

  More specifically, each test print data ST is data associated with the condition identification information INC (condition identification number) of the corresponding test condition information CT, and the center position of the corresponding test mark MT is the same circle Cn. This is data generated so as to be the upper test print position Pn.

  For example, the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” is generated based on the test condition information CT of the condition identification number “A1” and the test coordinate information PT of the coordinate identification number “P1”, and the test mark data This is data relating to the scanning speed vector component of the laser beam L (irradiation point BS) generated so that the center position of MT is the test print position Pn of the coordinate identification number “P1”. Similarly, the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification numbers “A1” to “A10” is generated so that the center position of the corresponding test mark MT is the corresponding test print position Pn on the same circle Cn. This is data relating to the scanning speed vector component of the laser beam L (irradiation point BS).

The test print data ST of the present embodiment is added with laser output information IL (laser output value) and on / off information for defining on / off of the laser light source 11.
The normal print data SO is data relating to the scanning speed vector of the laser beam (irradiation point BS) for printing the normal mark MO. When the normal marking mode is selected, the normal mark information is obtained by the control device 22. Im and data generated based on the optimum condition information CO. That is, the normal print data SO is data relating to the scanning speed vector component of the laser beam L generated so that the position of the normal mark MO is opposed to the position information of the normal mark information Im.

Incidentally, the normal print data SO of the present embodiment is added with laser output information IL (laser output value) and on / off information defining on / off of the laser light source 11.
When the test marking mode is selected, the control device 22 generates each test print data ST based on the test mark information It, the test condition information CT, and the test coordinate information PT, and generates each test print data ST. Is stored in the storage device 24. When each test print data ST is stored, the control device 22 sets the order of the condition identification numbers “A1”, “with respect to each stored test print data ST based on a trigger signal STG from a print trigger generation circuit 27 described later. .., “A10” are sequentially output to the line driver 20A. And the control apparatus 22 makes each head print 21 output each test print data ST sequentially via line driver 20A, 21A.

  On the other hand, when the normal marking mode is selected, the control device 22 generates normal print data SO based on the normal mark information Im and the optimum condition information CO, and stores the generated normal print data SO in the storage device 24. Then, the control device 22 causes the head unit 21 to output the stored normal print data SO with reference to a trigger signal STG from a print trigger generation circuit 27 described later.

The laser light source driving circuit 25 receives the test print data ST (or normal print data SO) from the controller unit 20, and based on the on / off information and the laser output information IL, the laser light of the corresponding laser output value. A signal for outputting L (laser light source drive signal SL) is generated. Further, the laser light source driving circuit 25 outputs the generated laser light source driving signal SL to the laser light source 11.

  Upon receiving the test print data ST (or normal print data SO) from the controller unit 20, the motor drive circuit 26 corresponds to the scan speed information IS on the scan path corresponding to the test mark MT (or normal mark MO). A signal (the galvano mirror drive signal SG) for scanning with the laser beam L at the scanning speed is generated. Further, the motor drive circuit 26 outputs the generated galvanometer mirror drive signal SG to the corresponding galvanometer motors MX and MY.

  The print trigger generation circuit 27 receives the processing object detection signal SD from the sensor 14 and generates a signal (trigger signal STG) for starting the printing process of the test print data ST (or normal print data SO). The generated trigger signal STG is output to the controller unit 20 via the line drivers 20A and 21A.

Next, test marking and normal marking using the laser marking device 10 described above will be described below.
First, when the test marking mode is selected by the input / output device 23, test mark information It is output from the input / output device 23 to the control device 22. Then, the control device 22 uses the condition identification numbers “A1”, “A2”,..., “A10” based on the input test mark information It and the test condition information CT and test coordinate information PT stored in advance. The test print data ST corresponding to "is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. Then, the control device 22 waits for the timing to output each test print data ST to the head unit 21.

  When the workpiece W for test marking to be conveyed enters directly under the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and stores each test print data ST. Are sequentially output to the head unit 21 in the order of condition identification numbers “A1”, “A2”,..., “A10”. When the test print data ST is output, the control device 22 first drives and controls the laser light source 11 via the laser light source drive circuit 25 of the head unit 21 to emit a laser beam having a laser output value corresponding to the condition identification number “A1”. Output. Further, the control device 22 drives and controls the galvano motors MX and MY via the motor drive circuit 26 of the head unit 21, and the test print corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” is applied to the laser light L converged by the converging lens 13. The area Pn is scanned at a corresponding scanning speed. As a result, the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” is printed in the area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  Thereafter, similarly, the control device 22 assigns the test mark MT corresponding to each condition identification number to the corresponding coordinate identification number “P2” in the order of condition identification numbers “A2”, “A3”,. ”,“ P3 ”,...,“ P10 ”, and the test marking is completed.

  Thereby, when printing each test mark MT, it is possible to avoid an error in the intensity of the laser beam L due to the transmittance of the converging lens 13. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the optimum conditions for the workpiece W based on the shape and sharpness of the test mark MT printed at each test print position Pn on the same circle Cn, and to facilitate the selection. be able to.

Subsequently, when the test marking is finished, the optimum printing condition for the workpiece W is selected based on the shape and sharpness of the test mark MT printed at each test printing position Pn on the same circle Cn, and the selected printing is performed. A condition identification number corresponding to the condition is input from the input / output device 23. For example, when the test mark MT printed at the test print position Pn of the coordinate identification number “P5” is optimal, “A5” is input from the input / output device 23. As a result, the test condition information CT corresponding to the condition identification number “5” is defined as the optimum condition information CO.

  When the normal marking mode is selected by the input / output device 23, the normal mark information Im is output from the input / output device 23 to the control device 22. Then, the control device 22 generates the normal print data SO with reference to the test condition information CT corresponding to the condition identification number “5”, and stores the generated normal print data SO in the storage device 24. Then, the control device 22 waits for the timing to output the normal print data SO to the head unit 21.

  When the workpiece W for normal marking to be conveyed enters immediately below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and sends the normal print data SO to the head unit. To 21. When the normal print data SO is output, the control device 22 drives and controls the laser light source 11 via the laser light source drive circuit 25 of the head unit 21 and outputs a laser beam having a laser output value corresponding to the condition identification number “A5”. Let Further, the control device 22 drives and controls the galvano motors MX and MY via the motor drive circuit 26 of the head unit 21 and prints the laser light L converged by the converging lens 13 corresponding to the position information of the normal mark information Im. A position on the surface Wa is scanned at a corresponding scanning speed. As a result, the normal mark MO can be printed on the workpiece W under optimum printing conditions.

Next, the effect of 1st Embodiment comprised as mentioned above is described below.
(1) According to the first embodiment, the test condition information CT including the laser output value and the scanning speed and the distance from the optical axis center C of the converging lens 13 are approximately equal distances (test diameter R2) in the storage device 24. The test coordinate information PT related to the test print position Pn is stored. Then, test print data ST is generated based on the test condition information CT and the test coordinate information PT, and the test print data ST is printed at each test print position Pn that is approximately equidistant from the optical axis center C by printing based on the test print data ST. Test marks MT having different printing conditions (laser output value and scanning speed) were formed.

  Therefore, when the test mark MT is printed, an error in the intensity of the laser light L due to the transmittance of the converging lens 13 can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to accurately grasp the optimum condition for the workpiece W based on the shape and definition of the test mark MT printed at each test print position Pn, and the selection thereof can be facilitated.

  (2) Furthermore, since the test print data ST is generated based on the information stored in the storage device 24, the printing of the condition corresponding to the condition identification number can be appropriately executed. Therefore, the reproducibility of the test mark MT can be improved, and the setting time of the printing conditions can be reduced to improve the operability of the laser marking device 10. As a result, the optimum conditions for the workpiece W can be easily searched.

(3) According to the first embodiment, since the reproducibility of the test mark MT printed by the test marking can be improved, it is not necessary to print the same printing condition multiple times. Therefore, the consumption of the workpiece W for test marking can be reduced.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the test coordinate information PT of the first embodiment is changed. Therefore, in the following, the changes will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 7, the storage device 24 stores one type of test coordinate information PT related to the test print position Pn. Like the test coordinate information PT shown in the first embodiment, the test coordinate information PT is information including distance information IR, angle information Iθ, and coordinate identification information INP. In this embodiment, the test coordinate information PT is a coordinate identification number shown in FIG. Information corresponding to “P1” is stored.

Now, when the test marking mode is selected by the input / output device 23, the test mark information It is output from the input / output device 23 to the control device 22.
When the workpiece W to be conveyed enters just below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and performs test printing corresponding to the condition identification number “A1”. Data ST is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. That is, the control device 22 generates test print data ST for printing the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” in the area of the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  When the test print data ST is generated, the control device 22 stores the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” in the storage device 24, and outputs the stored test print data ST to the head unit 21. As a result, the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” is printed in the area of the test print position Pn corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  Subsequently, when the subsequent workpiece W enters directly below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds again to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and performs a test corresponding to the condition identification number “A2”. Print data ST is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. Then, the test print data ST corresponding to the stored condition identification number “A2” is output to the head unit 21, and the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A2” is set to the coordinate identification number “ Printing is performed in an area corresponding to “P1”.

  Thereafter, similarly, every time the control device 22 receives the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27, the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification numbers “A3”, “A4”,. And the test mark MT corresponding to each condition identification number is printed in the area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” of the different workpiece W.

(1) According to the second embodiment, an optimum condition for the workpiece W can be accurately grasped with a simple configuration including one test coordinate information PT.
(2) Moreover, since the test print data ST is generated and the test mark MT is printed for each workpiece W, the printed test mark MT can be sequentially confirmed. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the capacity of the test print data ST stored in the storage device 24 and the number of prints of the test mark MT.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, reference value information CB, pitch information CP, and step information CS are added to the storage device 24 of the second embodiment, and test condition information CT is generated based on these information. . Therefore, in the following, the changes will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 8, the input / output device 23 is configured to input the condition setting information Ic to the control device 22 as a condition generating means.
The condition setting information Ic is information regarding at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed among the printing conditions used in the test marking mode, and the quantity to be changed based on the “reference value”. Information on (pitch) and information on the number of times (number of steps) to be changed based on the “reference value”.

  The control device 22 receives the condition setting information Ic from the input / output device 23 and generates test condition information CT corresponding to the “reference value”, “pitch”, and “number of steps”.

  For example, in the case of the condition setting information Ic in which the “reference value” of the laser output value is 10 (J), the pitch is +10 (J), and the number of steps is 10, the control device 22 has 10 (J ) Is generated at 10 (J) intervals, and the test condition information CT is generated based on 10 laser output values.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 22 sets the condition identification number corresponding to the “reference value” to “A1”, and as the number of steps increases, the corresponding condition identification number becomes “ Each test condition information CT is generated so as to be “A2”, “A3”,..., “A10”. In addition, when the condition setting information Ic does not include information on any one of the “reference value” of the laser output value and the scanning speed, the controller 22 outputs the laser output information IL of each test condition information CT. Alternatively, the scanning speed information IS is made to correspond to a preset setting value. In the present embodiment, since the condition setting information Ic is composed only of information relating to the “reference value” of the laser output value, the scanning speed of each test condition information CT is set to 500 mm / s as the setting value of the scanning speed information IS. It is supposed to be in seconds.

  In addition, the control device 22, based on the condition setting information Ic input from the input / output device 23, the reference value information CB corresponding to the “reference value”, the pitch information CP corresponding to the pitch, and the number of steps. Step information CS corresponding to is stored in the storage device 24.

  Now, when the test marking mode is selected by the input / output device 23, the test mark information It and the condition setting information Ic are output from the input / output device 23 to the control device 22. In the condition setting information Ic of this embodiment, the “reference value” of the laser output value is 10 (J), the pitch is +10 (J), and the number of steps is 10.

  Then, the control device 22 generates reference value information CB, pitch information CP, and step information CS based on the condition setting information Ic, and stores the generated reference value information CB, pitch information CP, and step information CS in the storage device 24. Store. When each information is stored, the control device 22 refers to the stored reference value information CB, pitch information CP, and step information CS, and generates each corresponding test condition information CT.

  When the workpiece W to be conveyed enters just below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and receives the condition identification number “A1” (the laser output value is Test print data ST corresponding to “reference value” 10 (J)) is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. In other words, the control device 22 generates and stores test print data ST for printing the test mark MT including the laser output value of “reference value” at the position corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  When the test print data ST is stored, the control device 22 outputs the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” from the storage device 24 to the head unit 21 and performs the test corresponding to the condition identification number “A1”. The mark MT is printed in an area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

Subsequently, when the subsequent workpiece W enters directly below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds again to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27, and receives the condition identification number “A2” (laser output value). The test print data ST corresponding to 20 (J)) is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. Then, the control device 22 outputs the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A2” stored in the storage device 24 to the head unit 21, and adds the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A2” To be printed in an area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” of the workpiece W to be processed.

  Thereafter, similarly, every time the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 is received, the control device 22 generates test print data ST that sequentially increases the laser output value by 10 (J), and corresponds to each condition identification number. The test mark MT to be printed is printed in the area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” of the different workpiece W.

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to generate a plurality of test print data ST in which the reference value is changed with a simple configuration in which the reference value, the pitch, and the number of steps are input. As a result, the operability for setting the test conditions can be improved, and the optimum conditions for the workpiece W can be grasped more easily.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the fourth embodiment, the maximum value information CMX, the minimum value information CMN, and the step information CS are added to the storage device 24 of the second embodiment, and the test condition information CT is generated based on these information. is there. Therefore, in the following, the changes will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 10, the input / output device 23 is configured to input the condition setting information Ic to the control device 22 as a condition generation unit.
The condition setting information Ic includes at least information on “minimum value” and “maximum value” of one of the laser output value and the scanning speed, among the printing conditions used in the test marking mode, This is information on the number of divisions (number of steps) for equally dividing the “maximum value”.

  The control device 22 receives the condition setting information Ic from the input / output device 23 and generates test condition information CT corresponding to the “minimum value”, “maximum value”, and “number of steps”. For example, in the case of the condition setting information Ic in which the “minimum value” of the laser output value is 20 (J), the “maximum value” is 80 (J), and the number of steps is 2, the control device 22 is the “minimum value”. 20 (J), 80 (J) which is the “maximum value”, and two laser output values (40 (J) and 60 (J) which are equally spaced between the “minimum value” and the “minimum value”) )), Test condition information CT is generated.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the control device 22 sets the condition identification number corresponding to the “minimum value” to “A1”, and as the number of steps increases, the corresponding condition identification number becomes “ Each test condition information CT is generated so as to be “A2”, “A3”, and “A4”. In addition, when the condition setting information Ic does not include information on “minimum value” and “maximum value” of either one of the laser output value and the scanning speed, the control device 22 sets each test condition information CT. The laser output information IL or the scanning speed information IS is made to correspond to a preset set value. In the present embodiment, since the condition setting information Ic is configured only by information relating to the “minimum value” and “maximum value” of the laser output values, the scanning speed of each test condition information CT is set in the scanning speed information IS. The value is set to 500 mm / second.

  Further, the control device 22, based on the condition setting information Ic input from the input / output device 23, the minimum value information CMN corresponding to the “minimum value” and the maximum value information CMX corresponding to the “maximum value”. The step information CS corresponding to the number of steps is stored in the storage device 24.

  Now, when the test marking mode is selected by the input / output device 23, the test mark information It and the condition setting information Ic are output from the input / output device 23 to the control device 22. In the condition setting information Ic of this embodiment, the “minimum value” of the laser output value is 20 (J), the “maximum value” is 80 (J), and the number of steps is 2.

  Then, the control device 22 generates minimum value information CMN, maximum value information CMX, and step information CS based on the condition setting information Ic, and stores the generated minimum value information CMN, maximum value information CMX, and step information CS as a storage device. 24. When each information is stored, the control device 22 refers to the stored minimum value information CMN, maximum value information CMX, and step information CS, and generates corresponding test condition information CT.

  When the workpiece W to be conveyed enters just below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27 and receives the condition identification number “A1” (the laser output value is Test print data ST corresponding to “minimum value” 20 (J)) is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. In other words, the control device 22 generates and stores test print data ST for printing the test mark MT including the laser output value of “minimum value” at the position corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  When the test print data ST is stored, the control device 22 outputs the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A1” from the storage device 24 to the head unit 21 and performs the test corresponding to the condition identification number “A1”. The mark MT is printed in an area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1”.

  Subsequently, when the subsequent workpiece W enters directly below the converging lens 13, the control device 22 responds again to the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27, and receives the condition identification number “A2” (laser output value). , 40 (J)) is generated, and the generated test print data ST is stored in the storage device 24. Then, the control device 22 outputs the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification number “A2” stored in the storage device 24 to the head unit 21, and adds the test mark MT corresponding to the condition identification number “A2” To be printed in an area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” of the workpiece W to be processed.

  Thereafter, similarly, every time the control device 22 receives the trigger signal STG from the print trigger generation circuit 27, the control device 22 sequentially generates test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification numbers “A3” and “A4”. Is printed in an area corresponding to the coordinate identification number “P1” of a different workpiece W.

According to the fourth embodiment, a plurality of test print data ST including the maximum value and the minimum value can be generated with a simple configuration in which the maximum value, the minimum value, and the number of steps are input. As a result, the operability for setting the test conditions can be improved, and the optimum conditions for the workpiece W can be grasped more easily.
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the test print data ST in the first embodiment is changed. Therefore, in the following, the changes will be described in detail.

The test print data ST in this embodiment includes a test mark MT, condition identification information INC (condition identification number), laser light L (irradiation point BS) for printing “laser output value” and “scanning speed” as the condition mark. ) For the scanning speed vector. The test print data ST is data generated by the control device 22 based on the test mark information It, the test condition information CT, and the test coordinate information PT when the test marking mode is selected.

  More specifically, each test print data ST is data generated so that the center position of the corresponding test mark MT becomes the test print position Pn, and is printed as “condition identification number”, “laser output value”. ”And“ scanning speed ”is generated so that the position of the index MC is located in the vicinity of the corresponding test mark MT in the Y direction.

  The control device 22 sequentially outputs the test print data ST corresponding to the condition identification numbers “A1”, “A2”,..., “A10”, and sets the test marks MT corresponding to the condition identification numbers respectively. The corresponding coordinate identification numbers “P1”, “P2”,..., “P10” are sequentially printed. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, every time each test mark MT is printed on the printing surface Wa, the corresponding “condition identification number”, “laser output value”, and “scan” are displayed in the vicinity of each test mark MT. An index MC consisting of “speed” is printed.

  According to the fifth embodiment, since the index MC composed of the corresponding “condition identification number”, “laser output value”, and “scanning speed” is printed in the vicinity of each test mark MT. Conditions can be easily confirmed. As a result, the optimum conditions for the workpiece W can be grasped more easily.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, the test print position Pn is embodied at each apex of a regular decagon centered on the optical axis center C. Not limited to this, each vertex of an N-gon (N group integer) formed by points equidistant from the optical axis center C may be used. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, in a region Sn between a circumscribed circle C1 and an inscribed circle C2 of a regular N-gon (N is an integer: N = 3 in FIG. 13) centered on the optical axis center C. It may be a position, and it is sufficient that the intensity of the laser beam converged at each test print position Pn is a position relative to the laser output value of the corresponding test condition information CT.

  In the above embodiment, the test coordinate information PT is configured by the distance information IR and the angle information Iθ. Information indicating a position that is substantially equidistant from the optical axis center C may be used. Therefore, the test coordinate information PT may be information indicating the optical axis center C.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, based on the second embodiment, the test mark MT corresponding to each test condition information CT generated by the control device 22 is printed on different print surfaces Wa. Not only this but based on 1st Embodiment, you may make it the structure which prints the test mark MT corresponding to each test condition information CT which the control apparatus 22 produced | generated on the same printing surface Wa.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the condition setting information Ic has information related to the number of steps. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that information relating to a predetermined number of steps is stored in the storage device 24 in advance.

In the fourth embodiment, the “minimum value” and the “maximum value” are divided by the number of steps. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which division is performed at a predetermined pitch.
In the fifth embodiment, the condition mark is embodied as “laser output value” and “scanning speed”. It may be a mark such as a set symbol or figure.

The schematic perspective view which shows the laser marking apparatus of this embodiment. The electric block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of the laser marking apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Similarly, explanatory drawing explaining test condition information. Similarly, explanatory drawing explaining test condition information. Similarly, explanatory drawing explaining test coordinate information. Similarly, explanatory drawing explaining test coordinate information. The electric block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of the laser marking apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The electric block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of the laser marking apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the test condition information of 3rd Embodiment. The electric block circuit diagram which shows the electric constitution of the laser marking apparatus of 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the test condition information of 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the test mark of 5th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the test printing position of the example of a change.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Laser marking apparatus, 11 ... Laser light source, 12X, 12Y ... Galvano mirror which comprises deflection means, 13 ... Converging lens, 22 ... Control apparatus as scanning control means and condition generation means, 23a ... Input as condition input means , 24 ... Storage device as storage means, C ... Optical axis center, INC ... Condition identification information, M ... Mark as marking information such as character / symbol / graphic, L ... Laser light, Sn ... Area, Wa ... Print surface.

Claims (10)

Deflection means for deflecting laser light emitted from a laser light source, a converging lens for converging the laser light deflected by the deflection means on a printing surface, and driving and controlling the laser light source and the deflection means, thereby the converged laser A laser marking device that scans light on the printing surface, and prints marking information such as characters, symbols, and figures on the printing surface by the laser light scanned by the scanning control unit;
A printing condition setting mode for performing test printing based on a plurality of test printing conditions comprising at least one of a laser output value of the laser light source and a scanning speed of the laser light;
In the printing condition setting mode, the scanning control means scans the laser light based on the plurality of test printing conditions to the area of the printing surface that is substantially equidistant from the optical axis center of the convergent lens. A laser marking device that performs test printing. The laser marking device according to claim 1,
Condition input means for inputting the plurality of test printing conditions consisting of at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed;
Storage means for storing the plurality of test printing conditions input from the condition input means,
In the printing condition setting mode, the scanning control means scans laser light based on the plurality of test printing conditions stored in the storage means to areas that are approximately equidistant from the optical axis center of the converging lens, respectively. A laser marking device characterized in that: In the laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2,
An optimum printing condition set based on a printing result in the printing condition setting mode, and storage means for storing the marking information to be printed based on the optimum printing condition,
The scanning control means scans the laser beam based on the plurality of test printing conditions in the printing condition setting mode, and performs test printing of the marking information stored in the storage means, respectively. Marking device. In the laser marking device according to claim 2 or 3,
Based on at least one of the laser output value and the reference value of the scanning speed, comprising a condition generating means for generating the test print condition comprising a value obtained by changing the reference value by a predetermined quantity,
The condition input means inputs the test print condition consisting of the reference value,
The storage means stores the test print condition corresponding to the reference value and the test print condition generated by the condition generation means,
In the printing condition setting mode, the scanning control unit scans laser light based on the plurality of test printing conditions stored in the storage unit to regions that are approximately equidistant from the optical axis center of the converging lens, respectively. A laser marking device characterized in that: The laser marking device according to claim 4,
The said condition input means inputs the information regarding the said quantity which changes the said reference value, The laser marking apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the laser marking device according to claim 2 or 3,
Based on at least the maximum value and the minimum value of either one of the laser output value and the scanning speed, the test print condition and the maximum value, which are values obtained by adding the minimum value to the maximum value by a predetermined quantity, are determined in advance. A condition generating means for generating any one of the test print conditions consisting of a value obtained by subtracting the minimum value to the minimum value;
The condition input means inputs information on the maximum value and the minimum value in the test printing conditions,
The storage means stores the test print condition consisting of the maximum value, the test print condition consisting of the minimum value, and the test print condition generated by the condition generation means,
In the printing condition setting mode, the scanning control unit scans laser light based on the plurality of test printing conditions stored in the storage unit to regions that are approximately equidistant from the optical axis center of the converging lens, respectively. A laser marking device characterized in that: The laser marking device according to claim 6, wherein
The said condition input means inputs the information regarding any one of the said quantity added to the said minimum value, and the said quantity subtracted from the said maximum value, The laser marking apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the laser marking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Each of the plurality of test printing conditions has condition identification information that enables the test printing conditions to be identified,
The scanning control means prints the condition identification information of the corresponding test print conditions in the vicinity of the marking information test-printed based on the plurality of test print conditions in the print condition setting mode. A laser marking device characterized by the above. In the laser marking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the print condition setting mode, the scan control unit is configured to detect the laser output value of the corresponding test print condition and the scan speed in the vicinity of the marking information test-printed based on the plurality of test print conditions. A laser marking device that prints a condition mark corresponding to at least one of them. The laser marking device according to claim 9, wherein
The laser marking apparatus, wherein the condition mark is at least one of the laser output value and the scanning speed.

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