Control device and control method for controlling a laser oscillator

Abstract

The present application provides a control device and a control method for controlling a laser oscillator, which can be applied to various types of systems. The control device includes an analog signal input unit that receives an output control signal for controlling a laser output of the laser oscillator or a mode control signal for controlling an operation mode of the laser oscillator as an analog signal, a digital signal input unit that receives the output control signal or the mode control signal as a digital signal, and a control unit that sends a laser command for controlling the laser output to the laser oscillator and sends an operation command for causing the laser oscillator to operate in an operation mode corresponding to the mode control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit, based on the output control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device and a control method for controlling a laser oscillator. Background Technology

[0002] Control devices for controlling laser oscillators are known (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-053357). Previously, there have been attempts to apply control devices for laser oscillators to various types of systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of this disclosure, the control device for controlling a laser oscillator includes: an analog signal input unit that receives an output control signal for controlling the laser output of the laser oscillator or a mode control signal for controlling the operating mode of the laser oscillator, and uses it as an analog signal; a digital signal input unit that receives the output control signal or the mode control signal, and uses it as a digital signal; and a control unit that, based on the output control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit, sends a laser command for controlling the laser output to the laser oscillator, and sends an operation command for causing the laser oscillator to operate in an operating mode corresponding to the mode control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit to the laser oscillator.

[0004] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method of controlling a laser oscillator using the aforementioned control device involves inputting an output control signal or a mode control signal to one selected from an analog signal input unit and a digital signal input unit, and the control unit sending a laser command or an operation command to the laser oscillator to control the operation of the laser oscillator.

[0005] According to this disclosure, the control device for the laser oscillator is connected to various types of host controllers, enabling communication via various signals (analog signals, digital signals), and allowing the host controller to control the operation of the laser oscillator. Therefore, the control device can be applied to various types of laser systems, thus providing flexibility for diverse applications. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a laser device according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the control of the operating mode of a laser oscillator.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a laser system according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a laser system according to another embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a laser system according to another implementation method.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a control device according to another embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a control device according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described below, the same elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted. First, refer to... Figure 1 The laser device 10 according to one embodiment will be described. The laser device 10 includes a laser oscillator 12 and a control device 20 for controlling the laser oscillator 12.

[0014] The laser oscillator 12 generates and outputs laser light. Specifically, the laser oscillator 12 includes: a laser power supply 14, a resonator section 16, a cooling device 18, and a sensor 19. As an example, the laser oscillator 12 is a fiber laser oscillator, and the resonator section 16 has multiple laser diode modules (not shown) that generate and output laser light. As another example, the laser oscillator 12 is a gas laser oscillator, and the resonator section 16 has a discharge tube for circulating a laser medium (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, etc.) internally, a main electrode disposed in the discharge tube, and auxiliary electrodes (both not shown).

[0015] The laser power supply 14 supplies power for laser generation to the resonator section 16. A cooling device 18 is provided in the resonator section 16 to cool it. For example, the cooling device 18 includes a refrigerant circulation path that circulates the refrigerant internally, and a fan (or refrigerant circulation device, not shown) that circulates the refrigerant within the refrigerant circulation path.

[0016] Sensor 19 includes, for example, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of components of laser oscillator 12 (resonator section 16, refrigerant in cooling device 18, etc.), a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation path of cooling device 18, and a sensor for measuring the laser output O of laser oscillator 12. L A laser output sensor used for measurement.

[0017] The control device 20 includes: a control unit 22, digital signal input units 24, 26 and 28, an analog signal input unit 30, a digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter) 32, an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) 34, IC chips 36 and 38, a substrate 40, a laser command output unit 42, an operation command output unit 44, and a housing 45.

[0018] Digital signal input unit 24 receives laser output O for controlling laser oscillator 12. L Output control signal S O This is used as a digital signal. Laser output O L The output control signal S represents the laser power or intensity of the laser output by the laser oscillator 12. O Includes laser output O L Information.

[0019] The digital signal input unit 24 is configured to receive the output control signal S as a first type of digital signal. O The first type of digital signal is, for example, a digital signal (period on the order of μsec) from optical communication (such as FANUC serial servo bus communication, FSSB communication, etc.). However, the digital signal input unit 24 can also accept any kind of digital signal.

[0020] Digital signal input unit 24 is connected to D / A converter 32 via communication line 46. The output control signal S received by digital signal input unit 24 is... O The signal is input to the D / A converter 32 via communication line 46. The D / A converter 32 converts the output control signal S received by the digital signal input section 24 into a digital signal input signal. O It is converted into an analog signal and output.

[0021] D / A converter 32 is connected to A / D converter 34 via communication line 48. The output control signal S output by D / A converter 32 is... O The signal is input to the A / D converter 34 via communication line 48. The A / D converter 34 converts the output control signal S from the D / A converter 32 into a digital signal. O The signal is converted into a first type of digital signal (e.g., an optical communication digital signal) and output. The A / D converter 34 is connected to the control unit 22 via the communication line 50, and the output control signal S output by the A / D converter 34 is... O It is provided to the control unit 22 via communication line 50.

[0022] The digital signal input unit 26 is provided separately from the digital signal input unit 24, and receives the mode control signal S as a digital signal for controlling the operation mode OM of the laser oscillator 12. M The digital signal input unit 26 is configured to receive the mode control signal S as a second type of digital signal. M The second type of digital signal is, for example, a digital input / output (DI / DO) signal. However, the digital signal input section 26 can also accept any kind of digital signal.

[0023] The digital signal input unit 26 is connected to the IC chip 36 via the communication line 52. The digital signal input unit 26 receives the mode control signal S. M The signal is input to IC chip 36 via communication line 52. IC chip 36 receives the output control signal S, which is a second type of digital signal, from digital signal input section 26. O It is transformed into other types of digital signals and output.

[0024] Other types of digital signals can be, for example, the first type of digital signal mentioned above (i.e., optical communication digital signal). The IC chip 36 is connected to the control unit 22 via the communication line 54, and the IC chip 36 outputs a mode control signal S. M (For example, the first type of digital signal) is input to the control unit 22 via the communication line 54.

[0025] Digital signal input unit 28 is provided separately from digital signal input units 24 and 26, and receives output control signal S as a digital signal. O and mode control signal S M At least one of them. The digital signal input unit 28 is configured to receive the output control signal S as a third type of digital signal. O and mode control signal S M At least one of them.

[0026] The third type of digital signal is, for example, a digital signal conforming to the Ethernet or EtherCAT standard (period on the order of msec). However, the digital signal input unit 28 can also accept any type of digital signal. The digital signal input unit 28 is connected to the control unit 22 via the communication line 56, and the output control signal S received by the digital signal input unit 28 is... O and mode control signal S M At least one of them is input to the control unit 22 via communication line 56.

[0027] Analog signal input unit 30 receives output control signal S O Or mode control signal S M The analog signal input unit 30 is connected to the A / D converter 34 via the communication line 57. The analog signal input unit 30 receives the output control signal S. O Or mode control signal S M The signal is input to the A / D converter 34 via communication line 57. The A / D converter 34 converts the output control signal S from the analog signal input section 30 into a digital signal input signal. O Or mode control signal S M It is converted into a digital signal (e.g., a first type of digital signal) and output to the control unit 22 via the communication line 50.

[0028] The control unit 22 is, for example, a computer (computer numerical control device: CNC, etc.) having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.) and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) to control the operation of the components of the laser oscillator 12 (i.e., the laser power supply 14, the resonator unit 16, the cooling device 18, and the sensor 19).

[0029] The control unit 22 receives the output control signal S from the digital signal input unit 24 or 28, or the analog signal input unit 30. O The laser output O used to control the laser oscillator 12 L laser command C L Send to laser oscillator 12. Laser command C L Includes output control signal S O Corresponding laser output O L The control unit 22 is connected to the D / A converter 32 via communication line 58, and outputs control signal S. O Laser command C is generated as a digital signal (e.g., the first type of digital signal). L And output it to the D / A converter 32.

[0030] The D / A converter 32 converts the laser command C output by the control unit 22 into a digital signal. L The digital signal is converted into an analog signal and output to the laser command output unit 42 via communication line 60. The laser command output unit 42 receives the laser command C input from the D / A converter 32. L The laser power supply 14 outputs to the laser oscillator 12. The laser power supply 14 will then synchronize with the laser command C. L The corresponding power supply is supplied to the resonator section 16 of the laser oscillator 12, and the resonator section 16 generates and outputs a signal corresponding to the laser command C. L Corresponding laser output O L The laser.

[0031] On the other hand, the control unit 22 will control the laser oscillator 12 to operate in accordance with the mode control signal S received by the digital signal input unit 26 or 28, or the analog signal input unit 30. M The corresponding operating mode OM is used to execute the operation command C. O Send to the laser oscillator 12. See below for reference. Figure 2 An example of controlling the operating mode OM is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 2 In the example shown, the laser oscillator 12 has the following operating modes OM: a first operating mode OM1, a second operating mode OM2, a third operating mode OM3, and a fourth operating mode OM4. In the first operating mode OM1, for example, the control unit 22 sends a power-on command C to the laser power supply 14.O1 Set to "0" (or, disconnect), stop powering the laser power supply 14, and send the cooling start command C to the cooling device 18. O2 Set to "0" (or, disconnect) to stop the operation of cooling device 18 (specifically, the fan or refrigerant circulation device).

[0033] In the second operating mode OM2, for example, the control unit 22 will send a power-on command C to the laser power supply 14. O1 Maintaining the value at "0", on the other hand, the cooling start command C for cooling device 18 will be activated. O2 Set to "1" (or, turn on) to start the cooling device 18 (fan or refrigerant circulation device). Additionally, the control unit 22 sends a sensor start command C to the sensor 19. O3 Set to "1" (or turn on) to enable the sensor 19 to acquire measurement values ​​(temperature, flow rate, laser output, etc.) and start issuing various alarms (temperature abnormality alarm, flow rate abnormality alarm, laser output abnormality alarm, etc.) based on the measurement values.

[0034] In the third operating mode OM3, for example, the control unit 22 will issue a cooling start command C to the cooling device 18. O2 Maintain the value as "1" and issue the power-on command C for laser power supply 14. O1 Set to "1" (or, turn on) to perform the operation of energizing the laser power supply 14, allowing the laser power supply 14 to supply power to the resonator section 16.

[0035] As an example, when the laser oscillator 12 is a fiber laser oscillator, during the third operating mode OM3, the control unit 22 sends the aforementioned laser command C to the laser power supply 14. L At that time, the laser power supply 14 supplies laser command C to the laser diode module of the resonator section 16. L The corresponding power causes the laser diode module to generate laser output O. L The laser.

[0036] As another example, when the laser oscillator 12 is a gas laser oscillator, during the third operating mode OM3, the control unit 22 sends a laser command C to the laser power supply 14. L At that time, the laser power supply 14 supplies laser command C to the main electrode of the resonator section 16. L The corresponding electrical current generates a main discharge within the discharge tube of the resonator section 16, thereby generating laser output O. L The laser.

[0037] In the fourth operating mode OM4, for example, the control unit 22 will send a power-on command C to the laser power supply 14.O1 And the cooling start command C for cooling device 18 O2 Maintaining it at "1", and using energy-saving instruction C to reduce the power consumption of laser power supply 14. O4 Set to "1" (or turn on). As an example, when the laser oscillator 12 is a fiber laser oscillator, the control unit 22 maintains the laser power supply 14 powered on in this fourth operating mode OM4, while stopping the power supply from the laser power supply 14 to the laser diode module of the resonator unit 16.

[0038] As another example, when the laser oscillator 12 is a gas laser oscillator, the control unit 22 maintains the laser power supply 14 powered on in the fourth operating mode OM4, and stops the power supply from the laser power supply 14 to the main electrode of the resonator section 16 so as to extinguish the main discharge. On the other hand, it supplies power from the laser power supply 14 to the auxiliary electrode of the resonator section 16 so as to perform basic discharge of the discharge tube of the resonator section 16.

[0039] The fourth operating mode OM4 is a so-called power-saving standby mode. In this mode, the power consumption of the laser power supply 14 (i.e., the resonator section 16) is less than in the third operating mode OM3, but greater than in the second operating mode OM2. During this fourth operating mode OM4, the laser power supply 14 does not supply laser command C to the resonator section 16. L The corresponding electrical action. The aforementioned power-on command C. O1 Cooling start command C O2 Sensor start command C O3 and energy conservation directive C O4 The operation command C constitutes the operation of the laser oscillator 12 in each operating mode OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4. O .

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, when the control unit 22 is activated (i.e., when the power to the control unit 22 is turned on), the control unit 22 switches the operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to the first operating mode OM1. Here, in this embodiment, the mode control signal S M Includes the first mode control signal S M1 Mode 2 control signal S M2 and the third mode control signal S M3 .

[0041] Mode 1 control signal S M1 This is a signal used to transfer the operating mode OM from the first operating mode OM1 to the second operating mode OM2. Additionally, the second mode control signal S... M2This is a signal used to transfer the operating mode OM from the second operating mode OM2 to the third operating mode OM3. Additionally, the third mode control signal S... M3 These are signals used to transition the operating mode OM from the third operating mode OM3 to the fourth operating mode OM4. These mode control signals S M1 S M2 and S M3 For example, a binary signal of "0" or "1" (i.e., on or off).

[0042] The control unit 22 is configured to receive only the first mode control signal S during the period when the laser oscillator 12 is operated in the first operating mode OM1. M1 During the first operating mode OM1, the first mode control signal S M1 When it is "1", such as Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 22 causes the operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to switch from the first operating mode OM1 to the second operating mode OM2.

[0043] During the operation of the laser oscillator 12 in the second operating mode OM2, the control unit 22 is able to receive the second mode control signal S. M2 During the second operating mode OM2, the second mode control signal S M2 When the value is "1", the control unit 22 causes the operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to shift from the second operating mode OM2 to the third operating mode OM2. On the other hand, during the second operating mode OM2, the first mode control signal S... M1 When it becomes “0”, the control unit 22 causes the operation mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to switch from the second operation mode OM2 to the first operation mode OM1.

[0044] During the operation of the laser oscillator 12 in the third operating mode OM3, the control unit 22 is able to receive the third mode control signal S. M3 During the third operating mode OM3, the third mode control signal S M3 When the value is "1", the control unit 22 causes the operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to shift from the third operating mode OM3 to the fourth operating mode OM4. On the other hand, during the third operating mode OM3, when the first mode control signal S... M1 Or the second mode control signal S M2 When the value is "0", the control unit 22 causes the operation mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to switch from the third operation mode OM3 to the second operation mode OM2.

[0045] During the fourth operating mode OM4, the third mode control signal S M3When the value is "0", the control unit 22 switches the operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 from the fourth operating mode OM4 to the third operating mode OM3. On the other hand, during the fourth operating mode OM4, the first mode control signal S... M1 Or the second mode control signal S M2 When the value is "0", the control unit 22 causes the operation mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 to switch from the fourth operation mode OM4 to the second operation mode OM2.

[0046] As described above, the control unit 22 determines the mode control signal S based on the mode control signal S. M This is used to control the laser oscillator 12, causing its operating mode OM to switch to one of the following modes: OM1, OM2, OM3, or OM4. An operating command C is then output to instruct the laser oscillator 12 to operate in one of these modes. O (Power-on command C) O1 Cooling start command C O2 Sensor start command C O3 Energy Conservation Directive C O4 ).

[0047] Refer again Figure 1 The control unit 22 is connected to the IC chip 38 via the communication line 62, and outputs operation commands C to the IC chip 38. O (Power-on command C) O1 Cooling start command C O2 Sensor start command C O3 Energy Conservation Directive C O4 IC chip 38 receives the operation command C from control unit 22. O After being converted into a signal (e.g., an analog signal) that can be input to the components of the laser oscillator 12 (i.e., the laser power supply 14, the cooling device 18, or the sensor 19), it is output to the operation command output unit 44 via the communication line 64.

[0048] The operation command output unit 44 outputs the operation command C from the IC chip 38. O The component sent to the laser oscillator 12 causes it to perform an action corresponding to the operating mode OM. For example, in the case of the third operating mode OM3, the operating command output unit 44 sends a power-on command C. O1 Sending a power-on command to laser power supply 14 and issuing a cooling start command C O2 Sending the signal to the cooling device 18 (fan or refrigerant circulation device) to activate the cooling device 18.

[0049] Furthermore, when the laser command C is pre-defined in the computer program stored in the memory of the control unit 22... L and operation command C O At this time, the control unit 22 does not need to receive the output control signal S from an external device (e.g., the host controller described later). O and mode control signal S M The laser oscillator 12 can be controlled according to the computer program as described above.

[0050] In this embodiment, the D / A converter 32, A / D converter 34, IC chips 36 and 38 are mounted on the substrate 40. The housing 45 is a hollow box-shaped component, and the substrate 40 and the control unit 22 are housed inside the housing 45. For example, the digital signal input units 24, 26 and 28, the analog signal input unit 30, the laser command output unit 42, and the operation command output unit 44 are disposed in the housing 45 facing outwards.

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 3 A laser system 70 according to one embodiment will be described. The laser system 70 includes a host controller 72 and a laser device 10. The host controller 72 is a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), operation unit (keyboard, mouse, touch sensor, etc.), and display device (liquid crystal display, organic EL display, etc.).

[0052] The host controller 72 is, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC). The host controller 72 is connected to the analog signal input section 30 of the control device 20 via an analog communication cable 74, and on the other hand, it is connected to the digital signal input section 28 of the control device 20 via a digital communication cable 76. The digital communication cable 76 is a communication cable capable of transmitting a second type of digital signal (e.g., DI / DO signal).

[0053] The host controller 72 will output control signal S O As an analog signal, it is input to the analog signal input unit 30 via the analog communication cable 74. The control unit 22 receives the output control signal S from the host controller 72. O , laser command C L The laser power supply 14 sent to the laser oscillator 12 causes the resonator section 16 to output a signal with the laser command C. L Corresponding laser output O L The laser.

[0054] In addition, the host controller 72 will send the mode control signal S MThe second type of digital signal is input to the digital signal input unit 26 via the digital communication cable 76. The control unit 22 receives the mode control signal S from the host controller 72. M The operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 is controlled to be the first operating mode OM1, the second operating mode OM2, the third operating mode OM3, or the fourth operating mode OM4.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 4 Another embodiment of the laser system 80 will be described. The laser system 80 includes: a host controller 82, a robot 84, a teaching pendant 86, and a laser device 10. The host controller 82 is a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), an operation unit (keyboard, mouse, touch sensor, etc.), and a display device (liquid crystal display, organic EL display, etc.).

[0056] In this embodiment, the host controller 82 is a robot controller that controls the movements of the robot 84. The robot 84 is a vertical (or horizontal) articulated robot, or a parallel link robot, etc., and has a robot arm (not shown) and a laser processing head 88 mounted on the robot arm.

[0057] The robot 84 positions the laser processing head 88 to any position and orientation by moving its robot arm. The laser processing head 88 is optically connected to the resonator section 16 of the laser oscillator 12 via the light guide path 90. The laser processing head 88 includes an optical system (not shown) such as a nozzle with an exit port and a focusing lens disposed inside the nozzle.

[0058] As an example, the light guide 90 is made of optical fiber, which extends from the resonator section 16, is laid along the components of the robot 84 (robot arm, etc.), and connects to the laser processing head 88. As another example, the light guide 90 can also be made of a hollow passage and a reflector. The laser output from the resonator section 16 of the laser oscillator 12 propagates within the light guide 90 and is incident on the laser processing head 88, exiting from the outlet provided at the nozzle of the laser processing head 88.

[0059] The host controller 82 causes the robot 84 to move, positioning the laser processing head 88 to a predetermined position and posture, and irradiating the workpiece (not shown) with laser light emitted from the laser processing head 88. In this way, the laser system 80 performs laser processing (laser cutting, laser welding, etc.) on the workpiece.

[0060] The teaching pendant 86 is a device for teaching the robot 84, and includes a display device (LCD, OLED, etc.) and an operating unit (keyboard, mouse, touch sensor, etc.). The operator can operate the operating unit of the teaching pendant 86 to make the robot 84 perform micro-motions via the host controller 82, and teach the robot 84 to perform actions for laser processing.

[0061] The host controller 82 is connected to the digital signal input section 28 of the control device 20 via a digital communication cable 89. The digital communication cable 89 is a communication cable capable of transmitting a third type of digital signal (e.g., Ethernet or EtherCAT digital signal).

[0062] In other words, when the third type of digital signal is a Ethernet or EtherCAT standard digital signal, the digital communication cable 89 is a communication cable capable of communication at a period on the order of msec. The host controller 82 outputs control signal S through the digital communication cable 89. O and mode control signal S M The third type of digital signal is output to the digital signal input unit 28.

[0063] The control unit 22 controls the output control signal S from the host controller 82. O Laser command C L The laser power supply 14 is sent to the resonator section 16 to output laser output O. L The laser, and according to the mode control signal S from the host controller 72. M The operating mode OM of the laser oscillator 12 is controlled to be the first operating mode OM1, the second operating mode OM2, the third operating mode OM3, or the fourth operating mode OM4.

[0064] In this way, the host controller 82 controls the robot 84 and indirectly controls the laser oscillator 12 via the control unit 22 to perform laser processing. The measured values ​​(temperature, flow rate, laser output, etc.) obtained by the sensor 19 of the laser oscillator 12 during laser processing are fed back to the host controller 82. The host controller 82 displays the measured values ​​obtained from the sensor 19 on the display device of the host controller 82 or the teaching pendant 86.

[0065] Furthermore, the host controller 82 receives various alarms (abnormal temperature alarm, abnormal flow alarm, abnormal laser output alarm, etc.) issued by the control unit 22 during laser processing and displays these alarms on the host controller 82 or the display device of the teaching pendant 86. Based on the displayed measurement values ​​and alarms, the operator can monitor the status of the laser oscillator 12 during laser processing.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 5 Another embodiment of the laser system 100 will be described. The laser system 100 differs from the laser system 80 described above in the following structure. That is, in the laser system 100, the host controller 82 is connected to the digital signal input section 28 of the control device 20 via a digital communication cable 89, and is connected to the digital signal input section 24 of the control device 20 via a digital communication cable 102.

[0067] Digital communication cable 102 is a communication cable (e.g., optical communication cable) capable of transmitting a first type of digital signal (e.g., optical communication digital signal). That is, when the first type of digital signal is an optical communication (FSSB, etc.) digital signal, digital communication cable 102 is a communication cable capable of high-speed optical communication with a period on the order of μsec.

[0068] The host controller 82 will output control signal S O As a first type of digital signal, it is input to the digital signal input unit 24 via the digital communication cable 102, while the mode control signal S is input to the digital signal input unit 24. M As a third type of digital signal, it is input to the digital signal input unit 28 via digital communication cable 89.

[0069] According to this embodiment, even if the output control signal S O It is a high-frequency signal. The host controller 82 can also output the control signal S through the digital communication cable 102, which is capable of high-speed optical communication. O The first type of digital signal (i.e., optical communication (FSSB) digital signal) is input to the digital signal input unit 24. Therefore, the laser output O of the laser oscillator 12 can be... L Perform high-speed control.

[0070] As described above, the control device 20 is connected to various types of host controllers 72 and 82 (i.e., PLCs, robot controllers, etc.), enabling communication via various signals (analog signals, first to third types of digital signals, etc.), and allowing the host controllers 72 and 82 to control the operation of the laser oscillator 12. Therefore, the control device 20 can be applied to various types of laser systems 70, 80, and 100, thus providing flexibility for various applications.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the control device 20, signal processing between the signal input units 24, 26, 28 and 30 and the control unit 22, as well as signal processing between the control unit 22 and the command output units 42 and 44, can be performed by the D / A converter 32, A / D converter 34, IC chip 36 and 38 mounted on a substrate 40.

[0072] According to this structure, by unitizing the substrate 40, D / A converter 32, A / D converter 34, IC chip 36, and 38, commonality of components can be achieved among multiple control devices 20, and mass production of the unit becomes easier. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the control device 20 can be reduced.

[0073] According to the method of controlling the laser oscillator 12 using such a control device 20, the operator selects the output control signal S from the digital signal input units 24 and 28 and the analog signal input unit 30, depending on the host controller 72 or 82 used. O One of the input sections is connected to the host controller 72 or 82 via communication cables 102, 89, or 74. Furthermore, the operator selects the appropriate input mode control signal S from digital signal input sections 26 and 28 and analog signal input section 30. M One of the inputs is connected to the host controller 72 or 82 via communication cables 76, 89 or 74.

[0074] Furthermore, the host controller 72 or 82 will output control signal S. O The mode control signal S is input to the selected digital signal input unit 24 or 28, or analog signal input unit 30. M The signal is input to the selected digital signal input unit 26 or 28, or analog signal input unit 30. Furthermore, the control unit 22 determines the output control signal S based on the input signal. O and mode control signal S M , laser command C L and operation command C O Send to laser oscillator 12 to control the laser generation action and operating mode OM of laser oscillator 12.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 6 Another embodiment of the control device 20' will now be described. The control device 20' differs from the control device 20 described above in that it also includes a D / A converter 104, an A / D converter 106, and a substrate 108. The input side of the D / A converter 104 is connected to the digital signal input unit 24 via a communication line 110, while the output side of the D / A converter 104 is connected to the A / D converter 34 via a communication line 112.

[0076] Furthermore, the input side of the A / D converter 106 is connected to the analog signal input unit 30 via communication line 114, while the output side of the A / D converter 106 is connected to the control unit 22 via communication line 116. The D / A converter 104 and the A / D converter 106 are mounted on the substrate 108. The substrate 108 is separate from the substrate 40 and housed inside the housing 45.

[0077] The digital signal input unit 24 receives the output control signal S as a first type of digital signal (e.g., an optical communication digital signal). O The signal is input to the D / A converter 104 via communication line 110. The D / A converter 104 converts the output control signal S received by the digital signal input section 24 into a digital signal input signal. O The signal is converted into an analog signal and output to the A / D converter 34 via communication line 112.

[0078] On the other hand, the analog signal input unit 30 receives the output control signal S, which is an analog signal. O (or mode control signal S) M The signal is input to the A / D converter 106 via communication line 114. The A / D converter 106 converts the output control signal S received by the analog signal input section 30 into a digital signal. O (or mode control signal S) M The signal is converted into a digital signal and output to the control unit 22 via communication line 116. According to this embodiment, by using D / A converters 32 and 104 and A / D converters 34 and 106, which are only one input / output system, a control device 20' with the same function as the control device 20 can be constructed.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 7 Another embodiment of the control device 20” will be described. The control device 20” differs from the control device 20 described above in that the control unit 22 is located outside the housing 45. In this embodiment, a digital signal input unit 28 is provided in the control unit 22, and the aforementioned digital communication cable 89 can be connected to this digital signal input unit 28. According to this embodiment, since the control unit 22 is located outside the housing 45, changes to the settings or maintenance of the control unit 22 are easier.

[0080] Alternatively, in the aforementioned laser system 80 (or 100), the host controller 82 and the control device 20 can be communicatively connected via a communication network such as a LAN or the Internet. In this case, one end of the digital communication cable 89 (and 102) is connected to a router (not shown), and the other end is connected to the digital signal input unit 28 (and 24), allowing the host controller 82 to be communicatively connected to the router via the communication network.

[0081] Furthermore, the host controller 82 can be located at the first site (management building, etc.), while the robot 84, laser processing head 88, and laser device 10 can be located at the second site (factory, etc.). The host controller 82 and the robot 84 can be communicatively connected via a communication network. In this case, the host controller 82 can remotely control the robot 84 and the laser device 10.

[0082] Furthermore, in the aforementioned laser system 100, the digital communication cable 89 is omitted, and the host controller 82 can be configured to output the control signal S. O and mode control signal S M As a first type of digital signal, it is input to the digital signal input unit 24 via the digital communication cable 102.

[0083] Furthermore, in the control device 20 or 20", the digital signal input unit 24 is directly connected to the control unit 22 via other communication lines, and the digital signal input unit 24 receives the output control signal S. O It can be directly input to the control unit 22 via other communication lines without going through the D / A converter 32 and the A / D converter 34.

[0084] Similarly, in the control device 20', the digital signal input unit 24 receives the output control signal S. O The input can be directly fed to the control unit 22 without going through the D / A converter 104 and the A / D converter 34. In addition, in the control device 20', the A / D converter 34 can be mounted on the substrate 108 and the A / D converter 106 can be mounted on the substrate 40.

[0085] Furthermore, in the laser device 10 described above, the case where the laser oscillator 12 is located outside the housing 45 has been described. However, it is not limited to this; the laser oscillator 12 may also be housed inside the housing 45. In this case, the laser command output unit 42 and the operation command output unit 44 can be omitted, and the communication lines 60 and 64 can be directly connected to the laser oscillator 12 (laser power supply 14, cooling device 18, sensor 19, etc.).

[0086] Furthermore, signal input units 24, 26, 28, or 30 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with host controllers 72 and 82, or command output units 42 or 44 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with laser oscillator 12. Additionally, the communication lines 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62, 64, 110, 112, 114, or 116 can be wired or wireless. As described above, this disclosure has been explained through embodiments, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A control device that controls a laser oscillator according to control information from a host controller for controlling the laser output and operating mode of the laser oscillator, characterized in that, The control device includes: An analog signal input unit is communicatively connected to the host controller, and receives from the host controller an output control signal for controlling the laser output or a mode control signal for controlling the operating mode as an analog signal; A digital signal input unit, communicatively connected to the host controller, receives the output control signal or the mode control signal from the host controller as a digital signal; and The control unit sends laser commands for controlling the laser output to the laser oscillator based on the output control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit, and sends operation commands for causing the laser oscillator to operate in the operation mode corresponding to the mode control signal received by the analog signal input unit or the digital signal input unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device also includes an A / D converter, which converts the analog signal received by the analog signal input unit into a digital signal and provides it to the control unit.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit outputs the laser command as a digital signal. The control device also includes a D / A converter, which converts the digital signal output by the control unit into an analog signal to be provided to the laser oscillator.

4. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit outputs the laser command as a digital signal. The control device also includes: An A / D converter converts the analog signal received by the analog signal input unit into a digital signal and provides it to the control unit; A D / A converter converts the digital signal output by the control unit into an analog signal to provide to the laser oscillator; as well as A substrate on which the A / D converter and the D / A converter are mounted.

5. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device also includes: A D / A converter that converts the digital signal received by the digital signal input section into an analog signal for output; and An A / D converter converts the analog signal output from the D / A converter into a digital signal and provides it to the control unit.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control device also includes a base plate on which the D / A converter and the A / D converter are mounted.

7. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control device also includes: A first substrate, on which the D / A converter is mounted; and The second substrate is on which the A / D converter is mounted.

8. A method for controlling a laser oscillator using the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The output control signal or the mode control signal is input to an input unit selected from the analog signal input unit and the digital signal input unit. The control unit sends the laser command or the operation command to the laser oscillator to control the operation of the laser oscillator.

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