JP7310500B2 - Laser processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a laser processing apparatus in which movement of a galvanometer scanner during laser marking is temporarily stopped.

Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for the above laser processing apparatus. For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 below includes a laser light source that emits a laser beam, a galvano scanner that changes the direction of the laser beam to irradiate a point irradiated with the laser beam on a work, characters to be printed, a control means for generating a plurality of coordinate data including end points, which are starting points and ending points, of line segment elements constituting figures, symbols, etc., sequentially outputting the coordinate data, and supplying the coordinate data to the galvanometer scanner; By driving the galvanometer scanner so as to sequentially move the irradiation point of the laser beam from the current position to the target position corresponding to the plurality of coordinate data output by the control means, the characters, symbols, figures, etc. In a laser marking device that prints on a workpiece, in order to accommodate mechanical vibration (ringing) of the galvanometer scanner, each end point is provided with a wait time associated with each, and after outputting the coordinate data of the end point The apparatus is characterized in that it is configured to output the next coordinate data after the wait time elapses, and is provided with change means capable of individually changing the wait time for each of the end points.

Further, in the laser marking device, the end point is a printing start point that is an end point of a non-printing section in which the laser light source is turned off and the irradiation point is moved, or the laser light source is turned on to move the irradiation point. Identifying means for identifying whether it is a print stop point that is the end point of a printing section to be moved or a vertex that is a point of contact between two or more line segment elements when they are continuously printed. , wherein the changing means changes the wait time as described in (a) to (c) below according to the result of identification by the identifying means.
(a) When the end point is the print start point, it is changed based on the length of the non-print section.
(b) When the end point is the print stop point, the change is made based on the length of the line element whose end point is the end point.
(c) When the end point is the vertex, the change is based on the angle formed by the two line segments sandwiching the vertex.

According to the description of Patent Document 1 below, the laser marking device changes the wait time based on the length of the non-printing section when the end point is the print start point, and uses it as the end point when it is the print stop point. It is configured to change based on the length of the line segment element to be used, and further, to change based on the vertex angle when it is a vertex.

JP-A-2004-148322

However, when the scanning speed of the laser light by the galvano scanner, that is, the driving speed of the galvano scanner is set to be slow by the user or the like, if a wait time is provided based on the length of the non-printing section, it takes longer than the wait time to elapse. In some cases, the mechanical vibration (ringing) of the galvanometer scanner subsides relatively quickly. In such a case, the laser light irradiation point does not move until the wait time elapses, although the print quality does not deteriorate.

Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and laser processing that can eliminate waste for the waiting time when the scanning position of the laser beam moved by the galvano scanner during laser marking temporarily stops. Provide equipment.

The present specification is a laser processing apparatus that performs laser marking on a workpiece by scanning a laser beam irradiated onto the workpiece, comprising a laser oscillator that oscillates the laser beam, a galvanometer scanner that scans the laser beam, and a controller for controlling the laser oscillator and the galvanometer scanner, wherein the controller moves the scanning position of the laser beam in an OFF state in which oscillation of the laser beam by the laser oscillator is stopped. Maximum speed of the scanning position in the non-printing section is set, and the waiting time of the scanning position at the start point of the printing section where the scanning position is moved in the ON state in which the laser beam is oscillated by the laser oscillator, which is the section following the non-printing section, is set to the slow maximum speed. When the moving speed of the scanning position in the non-printing section reaches the maximum speed, the scanning position in the printing section is set to the start point until the set waiting time elapses after reaching the start point. Disclosed is a laser processing apparatus characterized by stopping at

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, the laser processing apparatus can save waste in the standby time during which the scanning position of the laser beam moved by the galvanometer scanner during laser marking is temporarily stopped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the figure by which the schematic structure of the laser processing apparatus of this embodiment was represented. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the same laser processing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a non-printing section, a printing section, and the like; It is a figure in which the data table was represented. It is a flow chart of each process which the same laser processing device performs. It is a figure explaining the example of a change, such as a non-printing area and a printing area.

Hereinafter, a laser processing apparatus of the present disclosure will be described based on specific embodiments with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 and 2 used for the following explanation, a part of the basic configuration is omitted, and the dimensional ratios and the like of the drawn parts are not necessarily accurate.

[1. Schematic configuration of laser processing device]
First, based on FIG.1 and FIG.2, schematic structure of the laser processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. A laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is composed of a print information creating section 2 and a laser processing section 3 . The print information creation unit 2 is composed of a personal computer or the like.

The laser processing unit 3 two-dimensionally scans the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7 with the processing laser beam R to perform laser marking (printing) processing. The laser processing unit 3 has a laser controller 6 .

The laser controller 6 is composed of a computer, and is connected to the print information creating section 2 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The laser controller 6 drives and controls the laser processing section 3 based on the print data, control parameters, various instruction information and the like transmitted from the print information creation section 2 . Here, the printing data are XY coordinate data indicating the shape of the processing pattern drawn by the processing laser beam R in laser processing, and processing condition data indicating processing conditions, which are conditions for laser processing, corresponding to the XY coordinate data. data attached. In the following description, directions shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 are used.

A schematic configuration of the laser processing unit 3 will be described. The laser processing unit 3 includes a laser oscillation unit 12, a guide light unit 15, a dichroic mirror 101, a galvanometer scanner 18, an fθ lens 19, and the like, and is covered with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing cover (not shown).

The laser oscillation unit 12 is composed of a laser oscillator 21 and the like. The laser oscillator 21 is composed of a CO2 laser, a YAG laser, or the like, and oscillates and emits processing laser light R. As shown in FIG. The diameter of the processing laser beam R is adjusted (eg, enlarged) by a beam expander (not shown).

The guide light section 15 is composed of a visible semiconductor laser 28 or the like. The visible semiconductor laser 28 emits visible laser light Q, which is visible coherent light, such as red laser light. The visible laser beam Q is collimated by a lens group (not shown), and is scanned two-dimensionally to produce, for example, an image of a printing pattern to be laser marked (printed) by the processing laser beam R, and the image thereof. A surrounding rectangular image, a predetermined shape image, or the like is projected onto the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7 in a locus (time afterimage). In other words, the visible laser beam Q does not have the capability of laser marking (printing) processing.

The dichroic mirror 101 allows almost all of the incident processing laser beam R to pass therethrough. In the dichroic mirror 101, the visible laser beam Q is incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees at a substantially central position through which the processing laser beam R is transmitted, and is reflected onto the optical path of the processing laser beam R at a reflection angle of 45 degrees. be. The reflectance of the dichroic mirror 101 has wavelength dependence. Specifically, the dichroic mirror 101 is surface-treated to have a multilayer structure of dielectric layers and metal layers, and has a high reflectance with respect to the wavelength of the visible laser light Q, and other wavelengths. It is constructed to transmit most (99%) of light.

The galvanometer scanner 18 two-dimensionally scans the processing laser beam R and the visible laser beam Q that have passed through the dichroic mirror 101 . In the galvano scanner 18, a galvano X-axis motor 31 and a galvano Y-axis motor 32 are mounted so that their motor shafts are orthogonal to each other, and a first galvano mirror 18X and a second galvano mirror 18X are mounted at the tip of each motor shaft. The galvanomirrors 18Y face each other inside. By rotating the first galvanomirror 18X and the second galvanomirror 18Y by controlling the rotation of the motors 31 and 32, the processing laser beam R and the visible laser beam Q are two-dimensionally scanned. The two-dimensional scanning directions are the X direction and the Y direction. Scanning in the X direction is performed by rotating the first galvanomirror 18X. Scanning in the Y direction is performed by rotating the second galvanomirror 18Y. A processing laser beam R with excellent directivity is incident on the first galvanomirror 18X. On the other hand, the processing laser beam R reflected by the rotating first galvanometer mirror 18X is incident on the second galvanometer mirror 18Y. Therefore, the second galvanometer mirror 18Y is larger and heavier than the first galvanometer mirror 18X.

The f.theta. Accordingly, the machining laser beam R and the visible laser beam Q are two-dimensionally scanned in the X and Y directions on the machining surface 8 of the workpiece 7 by controlling the rotation of the motors 31 and 32 .

Next, the circuit configurations of the print information generating section 2 and the laser processing section 3 that constitute the laser processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the circuit configuration of the laser processing unit 3 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the laser processing unit 3 includes a laser controller 6, a galvano controller 35, a galvano driver 36, a laser driver 37, a semiconductor laser driver 38, and the like. A laser controller 6 controls the entire laser processing unit 3 . The laser controller 6 is electrically connected to a galvanometer controller 35, a laser driver 37, a semiconductor laser driver 38, and the like. The laser controller 6 is also connected to an external print information generator 2 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The laser controller 6 is configured to be able to receive each piece of information (eg, print data, control parameters for the laser processing unit 3, various instruction information from the user, etc.) transmitted from the print information creation unit 2 .

The laser controller 6 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and the like. The CPU 41 is an arithmetic device and a control device for controlling the laser processing unit 3 as a whole. The CPU 41, RAM 42, and ROM 43 are interconnected by a bus line (not shown) to exchange data with each other.

The RAM 42 is for temporarily storing various calculation results calculated by the CPU 41, printing pattern (XY coordinate) data, and the like.

The ROM 43 stores various programs, for example, a program for calculating the XY coordinate data of the print pattern based on the print data transmitted from the print information generating unit 2 and storing it in the RAM 42. ing. In addition to the programs described above, the various programs include, for example, various delay values, the thickness, depth and number of print patterns corresponding to the print data input from the print information creation unit 2, the laser oscillator 21 There is a program or the like for storing in the RAM 42 various control parameters indicating laser output, laser pulse width of the processing laser beam R, scanning speed of the processing laser beam R by the galvanometer scanner 18, and the like. Further, the ROM 43 stores data such as the start point, end point, focal point, curvature, etc. of each character composed of a straight line and an elliptical arc for each type of font.

The CPU 41 performs various calculations and controls based on various programs stored in the ROM 43 .

The CPU 41 stores XY coordinate data of the print pattern calculated based on the print data input from the print information generation unit 2 and galvano scanning speed information indicating the scanning speed of the processing laser beam R by the galvano scanner 18 and the like. Output to the controller 35 . In addition, the CPU 41 outputs to the laser driver 37 laser drive information indicating the laser output of the laser oscillator 21 and the laser pulse width of the processing laser beam R set based on the print data input from the print information creation unit 2 . do.

The CPU 41 outputs to the semiconductor laser driver 38 an ON signal instructing the start of lighting of the visible semiconductor laser 28 or an OFF signal instructing the extinguishing of the visible semiconductor laser 28 .

The galvano controller 35 controls the driving angles and rotations of the galvano X-axis motor 31 and the galvano Y-axis motor 32 based on each information input from the laser controller 6 (for example, XY coordinate data of the printing pattern, galvano scanning speed information, etc.). It calculates speed and the like, and outputs motor drive information indicating the drive angle and rotation speed to the galvano driver 36 . The galvano driver 36 drives and controls the galvano X-axis motor 31 and the galvano Y-axis motor 32 based on the motor driving information input from the galvano controller 35, and two-dimensionally scans the processing laser beam R and the visible laser beam Q. .

The laser driver 37 drives the laser oscillator 21 based on the laser output of the laser oscillator 21 input from the laser controller 6 and the laser driving information indicating the laser pulse width of the processing laser beam R and the like. The semiconductor laser driver 38 turns on or extinguishes the visible semiconductor laser 28 based on the ON signal or OFF signal input from the laser controller 6 .

Next, the circuit configuration of the print information creating section 2 will be described. The print information creation section 2 includes a control section 51, an input operation section 55, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 56, a CD-ROM drive 58, and the like. An input operation unit 55, a liquid crystal display 56, a CD-ROM drive 58, and the like are connected to the control unit 51 via an input/output interface (not shown).

The input operation unit 55 includes a mouse and a keyboard (not shown) and the like, and is used, for example, when the user inputs various instruction information.

The CD-ROM drive 58 reads various data, various application software, etc. from the CD-ROM 57 .

The control unit 51 controls the entire print information creation unit 2, and includes a CPU 61, a RAM 62, a ROM 63, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD") 66, and the like. The CPU 61 is an arithmetic device and a control device that controls the print information creation section 2 as a whole. The CPU 61, RAM 62, and ROM 63 are interconnected by a bus line (not shown) and exchange data with each other. Furthermore, the CPU 61 and the HDD 66 are connected via an input/output interface (not shown) and exchange data with each other.

The RAM 62 is for temporarily storing various calculation results and the like calculated by the CPU 61 . The ROM 63 stores various programs and the like.

The HDD 66 stores various application software programs, various data files, and the like.

[2. Standby time]
Next, the waiting time will be explained. The waiting time means that the position of the processing laser beam R two-dimensionally scanned by the galvanometer scanner 18 during laser marking (printing) (hereinafter referred to as “scanning position of the processing laser beam R” or “scanning position”) is This is the time during which the X-axis motor 31 and galvano Y-axis motor 32 are stopped temporarily. Therefore, the scanning position oscillates little by little until the mechanical vibration (ringing) of the galvanometer scanner 18 subsides even during the waiting time. As will be described later, laser marking (printing) includes a state in which the scanning position is irradiated with the processing laser beam R, and a state in which the scanning position is not irradiated with the processing laser beam R.

The standby time will be specifically described below. The scanning position during laser marking (printing) moves between non-printing sections J1 and J2 and printing sections P1 and P2 on the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7, as shown in FIG. . The non-printing sections J1 and J2 are sections in which the scanning position SC of the processing laser beam R moves in an OFF state in which the laser oscillator 21 stops oscillating the processing laser beam R. FIG. Therefore, in the non-printing sections J1 and J2, even if the scanning position SC moves on the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7, the processing laser beam R is not applied to the scanning position SC. On the other hand, the printing sections P1 and P2 are sections following the non-printing sections J1 and J2, and in the ON state in which the laser oscillator 21 oscillates the processing laser beam R, the scanning position of the processing laser beam R is This is the section where the SC moves. Therefore, in the printing sections P1 and P2, the processing laser beam R is irradiated at the scanning position SC that moves on the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7 .

Note that the sections (non-printing sections J1, J2 and printing sections P1, P2) in which the scanning position SC of the processing laser beam R moves include an acceleration section, a constant speed section, and a deceleration section (if the movement distance is short, an acceleration section and deceleration section) exist. Arrows representing the non-printing sections J1 and J2 and the printing sections P1 and P2 indicate the directions in which the scanning position SC moves. Also, dotted arrow lines representing the non-printing sections J1 and J2 indicate the off state of the laser oscillator 21 . On the other hand, the solid lines of arrows representing the printing sections P1 and P2 indicate the ON state of the laser oscillator 21 .

Standby times are set at the start points ST1 and ST2 of the print sections P1 and P2, which are the connection points between the non-print sections J1 and J2 and the print sections P1 and P2. Therefore, when the scanning position SC moves through the non-printing sections J1 and J2 and reaches the start points ST1 and ST2 of the printing sections P1 and P2, the movement temporarily stops until the waiting time elapses. Hereinafter, the waiting time is expressed as "waiting time of scanning position SC".

The waiting time of the scanning position SC is set based on the maximum speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2.

For example, as in the data table 68 shown in FIG. 4, when the maximum speed of the scanning position SC is 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 (mm/ms), the waiting time of the scanning position SC is 300, 500. , 700, 900, 1000 (μs). That is, when the maximum speed of the scanning position SC is between 1000 and 3000 (mm/ms), the standby time of the scanning position SC is set shorter as the maximum speed of the scanning position SC is lower. Such a setting is based on consideration of the time required for the mechanical vibration (ringing) of the galvanometer scanner 18 to subside. On the other hand, when the maximum speed of the scanning position SC is 3000 (mm/ms) or more, the standby time of the scanning position SC is set to a constant 1000 (μs).

However, the maximum speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 is set to a numerical value common to each of the non-printing sections J1 and J2 by operating the input operation section 55 by the user. The set maximum speed is the speed in the constant speed section among the acceleration section, constant speed section, and deceleration section of the non-printing sections J1 and J2. Further, the waiting time of the scanning position SC is set when the moving speed of the scanning position SC does not reach the set maximum speed in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 connected to the start points ST1 and ST2 of the printing sections P1 and P2. , the distance between the non-printing sections J1 and J2 is short and there is no constant speed section. will be spoiled. Therefore, the standby time of the scanning position SC may differ between the start point ST1 of the print section P1 and the start point ST2 of the print section P2.

The data table 68 is stored in the ROM 63 of the control section 51. FIG. Further, in the following description, when the non-printing sections J1 and J2, the printing sections P1 and P2, and the start points ST1 and ST2 are collectively described without distinction, the non-printing sections J, the printing sections P, and It is written as a starting point ST.

[3. control flow]
The control program represented by the flowchart in FIG. 5 is stored in the ROM 63 of the control unit 51 of the print information creation unit 2, and when laser marking (printing) is performed by the processing laser beam R, the waiting time of the scanning position SC is executed by the CPU 61 of the control unit 51 of the print information creation unit 2 to set the . The control program shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5 will be described below with reference to the specific example shown in FIG.

In the control program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, first, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 10, print object setting processing is performed. In this process, XY coordinate data representing the shape of the processing pattern drawn by the processing laser beam R is set as a print object. Thereby, a non-printing section J and a printing section P are provided. Note that this setting is performed by the user operating the input operation unit 55 .

In the maximum speed setting process (S12), the maximum speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J is set. In this setting, as described above, the numerical value common to the non-printing sections J1 and J2 is set as the maximum speed of the scanning position SC. Note that this setting is also performed by the user operating the input operation unit 55 .

In the standby time assumption process (S14), the standby time of the scanning position SC is assumed. In this assumption, in the data table 68, the waiting time of the scanning position SC associated with the maximum speed of the scanning position SC is tentatively determined as the waiting time of the scanning position SC. For example, when the user sets the maximum speed of the scanning position SC to 3000 (mm/s) in the above setting process (S12), 1000 (μs) is tentatively determined as the standby time of the scanning position SC.

In S16, it is determined whether or not the non-printing section J is included in the print object set in the setting process (S10). If the print object does not include the non-print section J (S16: NO), the process of S28, which will be described later, is performed. On the other hand, if the print object includes the non-print section J (S16: YES), the determination process of S18 is performed. In S18, it is determined whether or not the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J reaches the maximum speed of the scanning position SC set by the user in the setting process (S12).

When the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J reaches the maximum speed (S18: YES), the first waiting time setting process (S20) is performed. In this process, the standby time of the scanning position SC tentatively determined in the assumption process (S14) is set as the standby time of the scanning position SC with respect to the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J.

On the other hand, when the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the maximum speed (S18: NO), the second waiting time setting process (S22) is performed. In this process, a time shorter than the standby time of the scanning position SC tentatively determined in the above assumption process (S14) is set as the standby time of the scanning position SC with respect to the start point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J. be done. For example, in the data table 68, the standby time associated with the maximum speed of the actual scanning position SC in the non-printing section J is set. Specifically, when the maximum speed of the actual scanning position SC in the non-printing section J is 1000 (mm/s), 300 (μm) associated with the maximum speed of 1000 (mm/s) in the data table 68 ) is set as the waiting time.

In the laser ON setting process (S24), the laser oscillator 21 is turned on from the off state at the start point ST of the printing section P for which the waiting time of the scanning position SC has been set in the above setting processes (S20, 22). The timing (hereinafter referred to as "ON timing of the laser oscillator 21") is set so as to be before the standby time of the scanning position SC elapses after the scanning position SC reaches the start point ST.

In S26, it is determined whether or not the processes of S18 to S24 have been performed for all the non-printing sections J included in the print object set in the setting process (S10). If the processes from S18 to S24 have not been performed for all the non-printing sections J included in the print object (S26: NO), the above-described processes after S18 are repeatedly performed. Thereby, the standby time of the scanning position SC and the ON timing of the laser oscillator 21 are set for the start points ST of all the print sections P included in the print object.

On the other hand, if the processes of S18 to S24 have been performed for all non-printing sections J included in the print object (S26: YES), print data generation processing (S28) is performed. In this process, print data to be sent to the laser controller 6 is generated. The print data includes the waiting time of the scanning position SC and the ON timing of the laser oscillator 21, which are set for the start points ST of all the print sections P. FIG. After that, the control program represented by the flow chart of FIG. 5 ends.

When the laser controller 6 receives the print data generated in the print data generation process (S28) from the print information generation unit 2, the waiting time of the scanning position SC and the ON timing of the laser oscillator 21 included in the print data are adjusted. Based on this, the scanning position SC is moved by the galvanometer scanner 18, and the laser oscillator 21 is turned on from the off state.

[4. summary]
As described in detail above, in the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the waiting time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P is The lower the maximum speed of the scanning position SC, the shorter it is set (S14, S20, S22). Further, when the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J reaches the maximum speed, the scanning position SC in the printing section P following the non-printing section J is set after reaching the starting point ST. It stops at the start point ST until the standby time of the scanning position SC has elapsed.

Therefore, if the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J reaches the maximum speed, the waiting time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J is It is constant regardless of the length of the distance. As a result, the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment saves the waiting time of the scanning position SC as compared with the conventional technology (the waiting time of the scanning position SC set based on the distance of the non-printing section J). is possible.

Further, in the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, scanning at the start point ST of the printing section P is performed based on the maximum speed and standby time of the scanning position SC, which are associated in the data table 68 stored in the ROM 63. A standby time for the position SC is set (S14, S20). Therefore, the set waiting time of the scanning position SC is highly accurate.

Further, in the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, scanning at the start point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J is performed in response to the fact that the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the maximum speed. The waiting time of the position SC is set shorter than the time set based on the maximum speed of the scanning position SC (S14, S22). In other words, if the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the maximum speed, the standby time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J can be set by the user through an input operation. It is set according to the actual maximum speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J, not the maximum speed of the scanning position SC set by the operation of the unit 55 . Therefore, when the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the set maximum speed, the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment waits for the standby time set based on the set maximum speed. It is possible to reduce wasteful waiting time for the scanning position SC more than in the case.

However, if the standby time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J is set shorter than the time set based on the set maximum speed of the scanning position SC, It does not have to follow the maximum speed of the actual scanning position SC in the non-printing section J.

Further, in the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, after the scanning position SC reaches the starting point ST of the printing section P, the laser oscillator 21 is turned off before the waiting time of the scanning position SC elapses. is turned on (S24). Therefore, even if the time required for the laser oscillator 21 to turn on from the off state is relatively longer than the response time of the galvano-scanner 18, the scanning position SC is moved from the starting point ST by the galvano-scanner 18 in the printing section P. It is possible to irradiate the scanning position SC with the processing laser beam R from the laser oscillator 21 at the timing.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the ROM 63 is an example of a "storage unit". The processing laser beam R is an example of "laser beam". The X direction is an example of the "first direction". The Y direction is an example of the "second direction".

[5. others]
It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the S18 process, it may be determined whether or not the moving distances L1 and L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 are longer than a predetermined distance. Here, the predetermined distance means the distance necessary for the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J to reach the maximum speed of the scanning position SC set by the user in the setting process (S12). Therefore, when the moving distances L1 and L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 are longer than the predetermined distance (S18: YES), the first waiting time setting process (S20) is performed. On the other hand, when the moving distances L1 and L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 are shorter than the predetermined distance (S18: NO), the second standby time setting process (S22) is performed.

Even in this modified example, if the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the maximum speed, the waiting time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J is , is set according to the actual maximum speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J, not the maximum speed of the scanning position SC set by the operation of the input operation unit 55 by the user. Therefore, when the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J does not reach the set maximum speed, the laser processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment waits for the standby time set based on the set maximum speed. It is possible to reduce wasteful waiting time for the scanning position SC more than in the case.

However, as in the present embodiment, the waiting time of the scanning position SC at the start point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J is longer than the set maximum speed of the scanning position SC. If it is set short, it does not have to match the maximum speed of the actual scanning position SC in the non-printing section J.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, the moving distances L1 and L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing sections J1 and J2 are the lengths of the non-printing sections J1 and J2.

Furthermore, for example, the moving distance L1 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J1 is decomposed into an X-direction distance LX1 and a Y-direction distance LY1, and the longer of the X-direction distance LX1 and the Y-direction distance LY1 is The waiting time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST1 of the printing section P1 following the non-printing section J1 may be set as the determination target in the process of S18.

In such a modification, when the standby time of the scanning position SC is set, the direction of the first galvanometer mirror 18X or the second galvanometer mirror 18Y of the galvanometer scanner 18, whichever has the greater mechanical vibration (ringing), is set. Focusing on this, the determination target in the process of S18 in the modified example is set shorter than the moving distance L1. Therefore, the moving speed of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J1 does not reach the maximum speed, and the standby time of the scanning position SC at the starting point ST of the printing section P following the non-printing section J reaches the maximum speed of the scanning position SC. (S14, S22). This point also applies to the moving distance L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J2. As a result, it is possible to shorten the printing time while suppressing deterioration in printing quality.

Note that the X-direction distance LX1 is an example of the first-direction distance. The Y-direction distance LY1 is an example of the second-direction distance.

Further, when the X-direction distance LX1 and the Y-direction distance LY1 are the same, the Y-direction distance related to the second galvanometer mirror 18Y, which is heavier, of the first galvanometer mirror 18X and the second galvanometer mirror 18Y of the galvanometer scanner 18 The Y-direction distance LY1 may be a determination target in the process of S18 in the modified example.

In such a modified example as well, when the standby time for the scanning position SC is set, the second galvano mirror 18X and the second galvano mirror 18Y of the galvanometer scanner 18, which has greater mechanical vibration (ringing), Focusing on the Y direction of the mirror 18Y, the determination target in the process of S18 in the modified example is made shorter than the moving distance L1. This point also applies to the moving distance L2 of the scanning position SC in the non-printing section J2. Even in this way, it is possible to shorten the printing time while suppressing the deterioration of the printing quality.

Also, a plurality of first scanning lines SL1 as shown in FIG. 6 may be set as the print object. Such setting is performed, for example, when a two-dimensional barcode is laser marked (printed) on the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7 . The plurality of first scanning lines SL1 are set so as to be parallel to the X direction and arranged at predetermined intervals t on the Y direction side perpendicular to the X direction. Further, in the plurality of first scanning lines SL1, the scanning position SC alternately moves between the dot printing printing section P and the non-printing section J as it goes from the upstream side to the downstream side in the X direction. set.

A downstream end point DE (print section P) in the X direction of one first scanning line SL1 among the plurality of first scanning lines SL1, and another scanning position SC moving next to the one first scanning line SL1. A second scanning line SL2 is set between the first scanning line SL1 and the upstream end point UE (print section P) in the X direction. In each second scanning line SL2, in the OFF state in which the laser oscillator 21 stops oscillating the processing laser beam R, the scanning position SC of the processing laser beam R is located on the downstream side in the X direction of one first scanning line SL1. It is set to move from the end point DE (printing section P) to the end point UE (printing section P) on the upstream side in the X direction of the other first scanning line SL1. That is, the section occupied by the second scanning line SL2 constitutes one non-printing section JR, and is subject to determination in the process of S18 in the above embodiment. The non-printing section JR of the second scanning line SL2 is much longer than each non-printing section J of the first scanning line SL1.

In such a case, the standby time of the scanning position SC is set to be longer at the end point UE (printing section P) on the upstream side in the X direction of each first scanning line SL1 (S18: YES, S20). A shorter time is set in each printing section P (for example, the downstream end point DE in the X direction) other than UE (printing section P) (S18: NO, S22). Therefore, it is possible to shorten the printing time while suppressing deterioration of printing quality. In particular, when a two-dimensional barcode is laser marked (printed) on the processing surface 8 of the workpiece 7, a large number of non-printing sections J are provided on the first scanning line SL1, and each non-printing section Since the distance J is further shortened, such an effect (shortening the printing time while suppressing the deterioration of the printing quality) is enhanced.

The plurality of first scanning lines SL1 is an example of "a plurality of scanning lines". The X direction is an example of the "predetermined direction". The non-printing section JR of the second scanning line SL2 is defined as "from the downstream end point of one of the plurality of scanning lines in the predetermined direction to another scanning line whose scanning position moves next to the one scanning line. This is an example of "a section up to an end point on the upstream side in a predetermined direction".

1: laser processing device, 7: workpiece, 18: galvanometer scanner, 18X: first galvanometer mirror, 18Y: second galvanometer mirror, 21: laser oscillator, 51: control unit, 63: ROM, 68: data table, DE: downstream end point, J: non-printing section, JR: non-printing section, L1, L2: moving distance of scanning position, LX1: X-direction distance, LY1: Y-direction distance, P: printing section, R: processing laser light, SC: scanning position of laser light, SL1: first scanning line, ST: starting point, t: predetermined interval, UE: end point on the upstream side

Claims (7)

A laser processing apparatus that performs laser marking on a workpiece by scanning a laser beam irradiated on the workpiece,
a laser oscillator that oscillates the laser light;
a galvanometer scanner that scans the laser light;
A control unit that controls the laser oscillator and the galvanometer scanner,
The control unit
setting a maximum speed of the scanning position in a non-printing section in which the scanning position of the laser beam is moved in an OFF state in which oscillation of the laser beam by the laser oscillator is stopped;
The standby time of the scanning position at the start point of a printing section, which is a section following the non-printing section and in which the scanning position is moved in the ON state in which the laser beam is oscillated by the laser oscillator, is the maximum speed. set shorter for slower
When the moving speed of the scanning position in the non-printing section reaches the maximum speed, the scanning position in the printing section is moved from reaching the starting point until the set waiting time elapses. stopping at the starting point,
The control unit
are parallel to a predetermined direction and arranged at a predetermined interval on the side perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and the printing section and the non-printing section are arranged as the scanning position goes from the upstream side to the downstream side in the predetermined direction. setting a plurality of scanning lines that alternately move between the print section and
From a downstream end point in the predetermined direction on one of the plurality of scanning lines to an upstream end point in the predetermined direction on another scanning line on which the scanning position moves next to the one scanning line is defined as the non-printing section in which the maximum speed is set . A storage unit that stores a data table that is associated so that the waiting time is shorter as the maximum speed is lower,
2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets the standby time based on the data table. The control unit may set the standby time shorter than the time set based on the maximum speed in response to the movement speed of the scanning position in the non-printing section not reaching the maximum speed. 3. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laser processing apparatus is characterized by: The control unit may set the waiting time to be shorter than the time set based on the maximum speed in response to a movement distance of the scanning position being shorter than a predetermined distance in the non-printing section. 3. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The galvanometer scanner is
a first galvanomirror for moving the scanning position in a first direction;
a second galvanomirror for moving the scanning position in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
5. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the controller sets the standby time with respect to a longer direction of a first direction distance and a second direction distance that constitute the moving distance. According to the fact that the first directional distance and the second directional distance are the same, the controller controls the waiting time for a direction related to the heavier galvanomirror out of the first galvanomirror and the second galvanomirror. 6. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein is set. 3. The control unit switches the laser oscillator from the OFF state to the ON state after the scanning position reaches the starting point and before the waiting time elapses. Item 7. The laser processing apparatus according to any one of items 6 .

Images