Machining control device and machining control program

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to reduce the burden of a user in selectively executing a switching program corresponding to the type of a processing machine every time the processing machine is used. A laser processing control device according to the present disclosure is a device for controlling a processing system for processing a workpiece using a processing machine, and includes a registration unit, a storage unit, and a switching unit. The registration unit is configured so as to be able to register a switching program for switching the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a predetermined operation for processing a workpiece cannot be executed, and a ready-to-finish state in which the predetermined operation cannot be executed, by means of an operation by a user. The preparation completion state is a state in which the predetermined operation can be executed. The storage unit stores the registered switching program. The switching unit reads and executes the switching program from the storage unit in accordance with the use of the processing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machining control device for controlling a machining system that performs machining. Background Art

[0002] For example, there is a system that performs laser processing on a workpiece such as a steel plate by irradiating the workpiece with laser light output from a laser oscillator from a processing nozzle or the like.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-30031 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The laser oscillator cannot output laser light in the initial state where the power is only turned on. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a predetermined startup process to switch the laser oscillator from the initial state to the ready state where it can output laser light. However, the startup process sometimes differs depending on the model of the laser oscillator. In addition, the shutdown process for returning the laser oscillator from the ready state to the initial state sometimes also differs depending on the model of the laser oscillator.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) etc. into the laser processing control device in advance, and the user uses the PLC to selectively execute the switching program such as the startup program and the shutdown program corresponding to the model of the laser oscillator by using a ladder diagram etc. each time the user starts and ends the use of the laser oscillator. In addition, the same problem may also occur in the case of various processing machines other than the laser oscillator.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the burden on the user to selectively execute a switching program corresponding to the model of the processing machine each time the processing machine is used.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The processing control device disclosed in the present invention is a processing control device for controlling a processing system for processing a workpiece using a processing machine, and the processing control device has:

[0012] a registering unit configured to register a switching program through an operation performed by a user, the switching program being used to switch the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a predetermined action for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined action can be performed;

[0013] a storage unit storing the registered switching program; and

[0014] A switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes the switching program according to the use of the processing machine.

[0015] The processing control program disclosed herein is a processing control program that causes a computer to function as a processing control device that controls a processing system that processes a workpiece using a processing machine, and causes the computer to also function as:

[0016] a registration unit configured to enable a user to register a switching program for switching the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a predetermined action for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined action can be performed;

[0017] a storage unit storing the registered switching program; and

[0018] A switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes the switching program according to the use of the processing machine.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user to selectively execute a switching program corresponding to the model of the processing machine every time the processing machine is used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a laser processing control device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the startup process of the comparative example.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the startup process of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a closing process of a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the closing process of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the structure of a laser processing control device according to a second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the startup process of the comparative example.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the startup process of this embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a closing process of a comparative example.

[0030] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the closing process of this embodiment.

[0031] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the structure of a laser processing control device according to a third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the startup processing of the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing the closing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments at all, and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0035] [First embodiment]

[0036] First, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 The first embodiment is described below. Figure 1 As shown, the laser processing control device 70 controls the laser processing system 90. The laser processing system 90 includes a robot arm 91, a processing nozzle 92, and a laser oscillator 95. The arm 91 holds the processing nozzle 92 movably. The laser oscillator 95 is connected to the processing nozzle 92, and a laser is input to the processing nozzle 92. The processing nozzle 92 performs laser processing by irradiating the laser input from the laser oscillator 95 to a workpiece (not shown). Specifically, the laser oscillator 95 of this embodiment is a laser oscillator 95 of model A. In addition, model A may also be renamed as "first model".

[0037] The laser oscillator 95 cannot output laser in the initial state where only the power is turned on. Hereinafter, the state of the laser oscillator 95 that cannot output laser is referred to as the "initial state", and the state of the laser oscillator 95 that can output laser is referred to as the "preparation completion state". Specifically, for example, the initial state is a state where the cooling water is not flowing (a state where the freezer is not started) and is also a power saving state (a state where the LD power supply is not powered on), so the laser oscillator 95 cannot output laser. The preparation completion state is a state where the laser oscillator 95 can output laser because the temperature in the warehouse is stabilized by the flow of cooling water and the power saving state is released, so laser oscillation occurs.

[0038] Hereinafter, the period before the laser oscillator 95 starts to output laser light to the processing nozzle 92 is referred to as "before the laser oscillator 95 is used", and the period after the laser oscillator 95 ends to output laser light to the processing nozzle 92 is referred to as "after the laser oscillator 95 is used". Before the laser oscillator 95 is used, it is necessary to perform a predetermined "startup process" to switch the laser oscillator from the initial state to the ready state. Then, after the laser oscillator 95 is used, it is necessary to perform a predetermined "shutdown process" to restore the laser oscillator 95 from the ready state to the initial state.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the laser processing control device 70 is a robot control device, and is mainly composed of a computer and a laser processing control program read by the computer. However, it can also be mainly composed of multiple computers and laser processing control programs formed by various programs read by these computers. The computer has a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc. The laser processing control program cooperates with the computer to make the computer function as the laser processing control device 70.

[0040] The laser processing control device 70 includes a program instruction unit 23 and a control unit 30. The program instruction unit 23 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The program instruction unit 23 is configured to be able to input a processing program P and the like through an operation performed by a user. Specifically, the program instruction unit 23 is configured to be able to input the processing program P in a predetermined programming language such as NC language, C language, C++, Python, etc.

[0041] The control unit 30 is mainly composed of a CPU, RAM, etc. of a computer. The control unit 30 controls the laser processing system 90 by executing the processing program P input to the program instruction unit 23. Thus, the control unit 30 causes the laser processing system 90 to perform laser processing.

[0042] As described above, the laser oscillator 95 cannot output laser light in the initial state where the power is simply turned on. Therefore, the laser processing control device 70 further includes an automatic switching unit 75 for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 between the initial state and the ready state. The automatic switching unit 75 includes a registration unit 24, a model selection unit 25, a storage unit 40, and a switching unit 50.

[0043] The registration unit 24 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to register the switching programs P1 and P2 for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 according to each model A, B, C, etc. of the laser oscillator 95 through operations performed by the user. The switching programs P1 and P2 include a "startup program P1" for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 from the initial state to the ready state and a "shutdown program P2" for restoring the state of the laser oscillator 95 from the ready state to the initial state. The user can input the model of the laser oscillator 95 and the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding thereto by operating the registration unit 24, thereby being able to register the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 in association with the model of the laser oscillator 95.

[0044] Specifically, in the present embodiment, as described above, the laser processing system 90 includes the laser oscillator 95 of model A. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user inputs at least the model A and the corresponding startup program P1a and shutdown program P2a by operating the registration unit 24. The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to input the switching programs P1 and P2 in the predetermined programming language, that is, the programming language that can be used when inputting the processing program P to the program instruction unit 23.

[0045] The storage unit 40 is mainly composed of a part including a nonvolatile memory in a computer. The storage unit 40 stores the model of the laser oscillator 95 input by the user through the operation of the registration unit 24, and the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2. In addition, the storage unit 40 may store in advance the specified model and all or part of the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 when the laser processing control device 70 is a new product, that is, when it is shipped from the factory. In other words, the storage unit 40 not only stores the desired model and the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 by the user operating the registration unit 24, but also stores in advance the specified model and at least part of the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 by the operation of the operator of the factory. In this case, before the switching programs P1 and P2 are registered by the user operating the registration unit 24, the storage unit 40 has already stored at least part of the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding to the specified model of the laser oscillator 95. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the user's effort and time in registering at least a portion of the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding to the predetermined model.

[0046] The model selection unit 25 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The model selection unit 25 is configured to be able to select the model of the laser oscillator 95 through operation by the user. Specifically, in this embodiment, the user selects model A through operation of the model selection unit 25.

[0047] The switching unit 50 is mainly composed of parts including a CPU, a RAM, etc. in a computer. The switching unit 50 reads out and executes the selected type of switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 according to the use of the laser oscillator 95 based on the execution of the processing program P. That is, in this embodiment, the switching programs P1 and P2 of the model A are read out and executed. Specifically, before the laser processing starts, that is, before the laser oscillator 95 of the model A is used, the switching unit 50 executes the startup program P1a of the model A. Then, after the laser processing is completed, that is, after the laser oscillator 95 of the model A is used, the switching unit 50 executes the shutdown program P2a of the model A.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 The startup process performed in this embodiment is described below. Assume that the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75. Figure 2 As in the comparative example shown, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is introduced in advance into the laser processing control device 70. Then, the user needs to selectively execute a startup program corresponding to model A using the PLC in a programming language such as a ladder diagram before starting laser processing each time.

[0049] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the automatic switching unit 75 is provided, and the startup program P1a of the model A is registered and stored in the storage unit 40 by the user operating the registration unit 24. Then, the user operates the model selection unit 25 to select the model A. Figure 3 As shown, before laser processing based on the processing program P starts, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the startup program P1a of the model A from the storage unit 40 in response to the startup request D1 from the control unit 30. Thus, the startup process of the model A is automatically executed.

[0050] Specifically, in the startup process of model A, first, the laser processing control device 70 sends a laser request Da1 for requesting permission for the laser processing control device 70 to perform control. When receiving the laser request Da1, the laser oscillator 95 permits control on the condition that a predetermined necessary condition is satisfied, and sends a laser allocation completion signal Ca2 to the laser processing control device 70. When receiving the laser allocation completion signal Ca2, the laser processing control device 70 sends a laser ON request Da3 to the laser oscillator 95. When receiving the laser ON request Da3, the laser oscillator 95 changes itself from the initial state to the ready state, and sends a laser ON signal Ca4 to the laser oscillator 95. When receiving the laser ON signal Ca4, the laser processing control device 70 sends a simulation control ON request Da5 to the laser oscillator 95 for requesting permission for the laser processing control device 70 to perform simulation control. When receiving the simulation control on request Da5 , the laser oscillator 95 permits simulation control on condition that a predetermined requirement is satisfied, and sends a simulation control on signal Ca6 to the laser processing control device 70 , and sends a laser preparation completion signal Ca7 to the laser processing control device 70 .

[0051] According to the above, the startup process of the laser oscillator 95 of model A is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC to selectively execute a startup program corresponding to model A using a programming language such as a ladder diagram before starting laser processing every time.

[0052] After the startup process is completed, the switching unit 50 transmits a startup completion notification C1 to the control unit 30. As a result, the control unit 30 starts laser processing using the laser oscillator 95 of model A.

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The shutdown process performed in this embodiment is described below. Assuming that the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, it is necessary to Figure 4 As in the case of the comparative example shown, a PLC is introduced in advance into the laser processing control device 70. Then, the user needs to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to the model A using the PLC in a programming language such as a ladder diagram every time the laser processing is completed.

[0054] In contrast, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, after the laser processing based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the closing program P2a of the model A from the storage unit 40 in response to the closing request D2 from the control unit 30. Thus, the closing process of the model A is automatically executed.

[0055] Specifically, in the shutdown process of model A, first, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the analog control start request Da5. Accordingly, the laser oscillator 95 turns off the laser preparation completion signal Ca7 and does not allow analog control, thereby turning off the analog control start signal Ca6. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser start request Da3. Accordingly, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser start signal Ca4. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser request Da1. Accordingly, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser allocation completion signal Ca2.

[0056] According to the above, the shutdown process of the laser oscillator 95 of model A is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to model A using a programming language such as a ladder diagram every time the laser processing is completed.

[0057] After the closing process is completed, the switching unit 50 transmits a closing completion notification C2 to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 starts the next process based on the machining program P as a result.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, before laser processing based on the processing program P is performed, the startup program P1a of the model A is automatically performed, and after laser processing based on the processing program P is performed, the shutdown program P2a of the model A is automatically performed.

[0059] In addition, in addition to before and after the laser processing based on the processing program P is performed, the switching unit 50 also reads out the switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 and executes them in the following cases. That is, when the laser processing is interrupted by an emergency stop or when the laser processing is interrupted by an instruction other than an instruction based on the processing program, the switching unit 50 reads out the shutdown program P2a corresponding to the selected model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it. Then, when the laser processing is restarted after the laser processing is interrupted, the switching unit 50 reads out the startup program P1a corresponding to the selected model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it.

[0060] On the other hand, regardless of the conditions in which the startup program P1a shown above should be executed, the switching unit 50 skips the execution of the startup program P1 when the laser processing is invalidated, which is an operation that should invalidate the laser processing. The laser processing invalidation includes, for example, the teaching mode in which the user teaches the laser processing system 90 an operation.

[0061] Next, the structure and effects of this embodiment are summarized.

[0062] The registering unit 24 is configured to register the switching programs P1 and P2 for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 through an operation performed by the user, and the switching unit 50 reads and executes the registered switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 according to the use of the laser oscillator 95. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a PLC for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95.

[0063] Specifically, before using the laser oscillator 95 of model A, the switching unit 50 reads out and executes the startup program P1a corresponding to model A from the storage unit 40. Therefore, the user does not need to selectively execute the startup program corresponding to model A using a PLC using a programming language such as a ladder diagram before using the laser oscillator 95 each time.

[0064] After using the laser oscillator 95 , the switching unit 50 reads out and executes the shutdown program P2a corresponding to the model A from the storage unit 40 . Therefore, the user does not need to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to the model A using a PLC with a programming language such as a ladder diagram every time the laser oscillator 95 is used.

[0065] The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to register the switching programs P1 and P2 for each model A, B, C, ... of the laser oscillator 95, and the switching unit 50 reads out and executes the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding to the model selected by the user by operating the model selection unit 25 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of models A, B, C, ... of the laser oscillator 95 to be used, it can also be handled.

[0066] The switching unit 50 reads out and executes the switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 according to the use of the laser oscillator 95 based on the execution of the machining program P. Therefore, the startup program P1 and the shutdown program P2 can be executed synchronously with the machining program P at appropriate timing efficiently.

[0067] The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to input the switching programs P1 and P2 in a programming language that can input the machining program P to the program instruction unit 23. Therefore, the user can cope with the situation even when the user cannot use a programming language for PLC such as a ladder diagram.

[0068] When the laser processing is interrupted, the switching unit 50 reads out and executes the shutdown program P2 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, when the laser processing is interrupted, the laser oscillator 95 can be quickly shut down.

[0069] When laser processing is resumed after laser processing is interrupted, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the startup program P1 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, when laser processing is resumed, the laser oscillator 95 can be quickly started.

[0070] The switching unit 50 skips the execution of the startup program P1 when the laser processing is disabled, which is an operation to disable the laser processing. Therefore, the laser processing system 90 cannot irradiate the laser even if an error occurs, thereby further ensuring safety.

[0071] Specifically, the laser processing is disabled when the user selects the teaching mode in which the user teaches the laser processing system 90 to operate. Therefore, the safety in the teaching mode can be further ensured.

[0072] In this embodiment, the computer functions as the program instruction unit 23 and the control unit 30 through the cooperation between the computer and the laser processing control program, and also functions as the automatic switching unit 75. In other words, the computer functions as the laser processing control device 70 of this embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment can be realized by using a computer.

[0073] [Second embodiment]

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 6 to Figure 10 The following embodiment is described based on the first embodiment and mainly focuses on the points different from the first embodiment, and the description of the same or similar points as the first embodiment is appropriately omitted.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the laser processing system 90 includes a laser oscillator 95 of model B, instead of the laser oscillator 95 of model A shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user selects model B by operating the model selection unit 25. In addition, model B may also be referred to as "second model".

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 The startup process performed in this embodiment is described below. Assume that the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75. Figure 7 Then, the user needs to use the PLC to selectively execute the startup program corresponding to model B in a programming language such as a ladder diagram before starting laser processing each time.

[0077] In contrast, in this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, before laser processing based on the processing program P starts, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the startup program P1b of the model B from the storage unit 40 in response to the startup request D1 from the control unit 30. Thus, the startup process of the model B is automatically executed.

[0078] Specifically, in the startup process of model B, first, the laser oscillator 95 sends a power-on signal Cb1 indicating that the power is on to the laser processing control device 70. When the laser processing control device 70 receives the power-on signal Cb1, it sends a standby request Db2 to the laser oscillator 95. When the laser oscillator 95 receives the standby request Db2, it changes itself from the initial state to the preparation completion state, and sends a laser preparation OK signal Cb3 and a standby OK signal Cb4 to the laser processing control device 70. When the laser processing control device 70 receives these signals, it sends a simulation control request Db5 to the laser oscillator 95 requesting permission to control by the laser processing control device 70 itself. When the laser oscillator 95 receives the simulation control request Db5, it permits control on the condition that the prescribed necessary conditions are satisfied, and sends a laser start signal Cb6 to the laser processing control device 70.

[0079] According to the above, the startup process of the laser oscillator 95 of model B is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to selectively execute the startup program corresponding to model B using a PLC with a programming language such as a ladder diagram before starting laser processing every time.

[0080] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.10 The shutdown process performed in this embodiment is described below. Assuming that the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, it is necessary to Fig. 9 Then, the user needs to use the PLC to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to model B using a programming language such as a ladder diagram every time the laser processing is completed.

[0081] In contrast, in this embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown, after the laser processing based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the closing program P2b of the model B from the storage unit 40 in response to the closing request D2 from the control unit 30. Thus, the closing process of the model B is automatically executed.

[0082] Specifically, in the shutdown process of model B, first, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the analog control request Db5. Accordingly, the laser oscillator 95 turns off the laser on signal Cb6. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the standby request Db2. Accordingly, the laser oscillator 95 turns off the standby OK signal Cb4, the laser preparation OK signal Cb3, and the power on signal Cb1 in sequence. In this way, in this embodiment, a shutdown process different from that in the first embodiment is implemented.

[0083] According to the above, the shutdown process of the laser oscillator 95 of model B is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to model B using a PLC with a programming language such as a ladder diagram every time the laser processing is completed.

[0084] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the laser oscillator 95 is of type B, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0085] [Third embodiment]

[0086] Next, refer to Fig.11 The third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the laser processing system 90 includes the laser oscillator 95 of model B shown in the second embodiment in addition to the laser oscillator 95 of model A shown in the first embodiment. Moreover, the processing nozzle 92 is configured to selectively input and irradiate the laser light from either the laser oscillator 95 of model A or the laser oscillator 95 of model B. In addition, in the figure, one processing nozzle 92 is connected to two laser oscillators 95, 95, but separate processing nozzles 92, 92 may be provided for each laser oscillator 95, 95.

[0087] That is, the laser processing control device 70 of the present embodiment uses the laser oscillator 95 of model A and the laser oscillator 95 of model B separately according to the purpose, etc. Therefore, the model selection unit 25 is configured to be able to select a plurality of models as the models of the laser oscillator 95 to be used. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the user selects model A as one model of the laser oscillator 95 to be used, and selects model B as the other model of the laser oscillator 95 to be used by operating the model selection unit 25.

[0088] In this case, the switching unit 50 reads the startup program P1a of the model A from the storage unit 40 and executes the program before the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model A based on the execution of the processing program P, and reads the shutdown program P2a of the model A from the storage unit 40 and executes the program after the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model A. Then, the switching unit 50 reads the startup program P1b of the model B from the storage unit 40 and executes the program before the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model B based on the execution of the processing program P, and reads the shutdown program P2b of the model B from the storage unit 40 and executes the program after the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model B.

[0089] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the switching unit 50 reads out the switching programs P1a and P2a corresponding to the model A from the storage unit 40 and executes them in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model A based on the execution of the machining program P. Then, the switching unit 50 reads out the switching programs P1b and P2b corresponding to the model B from the storage unit 40 and executes them in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 of the model B based on the execution of the machining program P. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where a plurality of laser oscillators 95 are to be used in a switchable manner.

[0090] [Fourth embodiment]

[0091] Next, refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 In this embodiment, a coating system for coating a workpiece is provided instead of the laser processing system, and a coating control device 70 d for controlling the coating system is provided instead of the laser processing control device 70 .

[0092] The coating system includes a coating device 95d of model α. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user selects model α by operating the model selection unit.

[0093] Next, refer to Fig.12 The startup process performed in this embodiment will be described. Before starting coating based on the processing program P, the switching unit 50 automatically reads and executes the startup program P1d of the model α from the storage unit in response to the startup request D1 from the control unit 30. Thus, the startup process of the model α is automatically executed.

[0094] Specifically, in the startup process of model α, first, the coating control device 70d sends a valve control opening request Dd1 to the coating device 95d requesting permission for the coating control device 70d itself to control the valve of the coating device 95d. When the coating device 95d receives the valve control opening request Dd1, it permits valve control on the condition that the prescribed necessary conditions are met, and sends a valve control opening signal Cd2 to the coating control device 70d. When the coating control device 70d receives the valve control opening signal Cd2, it sends a sealing material filling request Dd3 to the coating device 95d. When the coating device 95d receives the sealing material filling request Dd3, it fills the sealing material and sends a sealing material filling completion signal Cd4 to the coating control device 70d. When the coating control device 70d receives the sealing material filling completion signal Cd4, it sends a preparation pressure request Dd5 to the coating device 95d. When receiving the preparation pressure request Dd5, the coating device 95d increases the internal pressure and transmits a preparation pressure completion signal Cd6 to the coating control device 70d.

[0095] According to the above, the startup process of the coating device 95d of model α is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to use PLC to selectively execute the startup program corresponding to model α in a programming language such as a ladder diagram before each coating. After the startup process is completed, the switching unit 50 sends a startup completion notification C1 to the control unit 30.

[0096] Next, refer to Fig.13 After coating based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the closing program P2d of the model α from the storage unit in response to the closing request D2 from the control unit 30. Thus, the closing process of the model α is automatically executed.

[0097] Specifically, in the shutdown process of model α, first, the coating control device 70d turns off the preparation pressure request Dd5. Accordingly, the coating device 95d reduces the internal pressure and turns off the preparation pressure completion signal Cd6. Thereafter, the coating control device 70d turns off the valve control opening request Dd1. Accordingly, the coating device 95d cancels the permission for valve control and turns off the valve control opening signal Cd2.

[0098] According to the above, the closing process of the coating device 95d of model α is completed. Therefore, the user does not need to use PLC to selectively execute the closing program corresponding to model α in a programming language such as a ladder diagram after each coating. After the closing process is completed, the switching unit 50 sends a closing completion notification C2 to the control unit 30.

[0099] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the processing system is a coating system and the processing equipment is the coating device 95d, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0100] [Other embodiments]

[0101] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows, for example: Only one of the startup program P1 and the shutdown program P2 may be registered in advance by operating the registration unit 24, and the processing corresponding to the other may be performed by the PLC in the same manner as in the comparative example.

[0102] Instead of the user operating the model selection unit 25 to select the model of the laser oscillator 95, the switching unit 50 may automatically identify the model of the laser oscillator 95 connected to the processing nozzle 92 based on the connection status, etc., and execute the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding to the identified model. According to this structure, the user's labor and time for selecting the model of the laser oscillator 95 by operating the model selection unit 25 can also be reduced.

[0103] The processing system is a laser processing system in the first to third embodiments and a coating system in the fourth embodiment, but may also be a system that performs or includes other processing. Other processing includes cutting, pressing, stretching, heating, pressing, etc., other than laser processing, such as removing a part of the workpiece, cutting, breaking the workpiece, deforming the workpiece, or modifying the workpiece, and processing other than coating, such as adding an additive to the workpiece.

[0104] Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 24: Registration unit; 25: Model selection unit; 30: Control unit; 40: Storage unit; 50: Switching unit; 70: Laser processing control device; 70d: Coating control device; 90: Laser processing system; 95: Laser oscillator; 95d: Coating device; P: Processing program; P1: Startup program; P2: Shutdown program; S1: Initial state; S2: Preparation completion state.

Claims

1. A processing control device for controlling a processing system for processing a workpiece using a processing machine, the processing control device comprising: a registering unit configured to register a switching program through an operation performed by a user, the switching program being used to switch the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a predetermined action for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined action can be performed; a storage unit storing the registered switching program; and A switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes the switching program according to the use of the processing machine.

2. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing machine is a laser oscillator, The processing system is a laser processing system that performs laser processing on the workpiece using laser light output from the laser oscillator. The initial state is a state where laser cannot be output. The preparation completed state is a state in which laser light can be output.

3. The processing control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching program includes a startup program for switching the state of the processing machine from the initial state to the ready state. Before using the processing machine, the switching unit reads out the startup program from the storage unit and executes the startup program.

4. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The switching program includes a shutdown program for switching the state of the processing machine from the ready state to the initial state. After the processing machine is used, the switching unit reads out the shutdown program from the storage unit and executes the program.

5. The processing control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching program includes a startup program and a shutdown program, wherein the startup program is used to switch the state of the processing machine from the initial state to the ready state, and the shutdown program is used to switch the state of the processing machine from the ready state to the initial state. Before the processing machine is used, the switching unit reads out the startup program from the storage unit and executes the startup program, and after the processing machine is used, the switching unit reads out the shutdown program from the storage unit and executes the startup program.

6. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The registration unit is configured to register the switching program for each model of the processing machine. The processing control device includes a model selection unit configured to allow a user to select a model of the processing machine. The switching unit reads out from the storage unit and executes the switching program corresponding to the model selected by the model selection unit.

7. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The processing control device includes: a program instruction unit configured to be able to input a processing program through an operation performed by a user; and a control unit that controls the processing system based on the input processing program. The switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes the switching program according to use of the processing machine based on execution of the processing program.

8. The processing control device according to claim 7, wherein: The registration unit is configured to be able to input the switching program in a programming language that can be used when inputting the machining program to the program instruction unit.

9. The processing control device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The storage unit stores the switching program corresponding to a first model and the switching program corresponding to a second model, wherein the second model is different from the first model. using the processing machine of the first model and the processing machine of the second model according to the execution of the processing program, The switching unit reads out and executes the switching program corresponding to the first model from the storage unit according to the use of the processing machine of the first model based on the execution of the processing program, and reads out and executes the switching program corresponding to the second model from the storage unit according to the use of the processing machine of the second model based on the execution of the processing program.

10. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The switching program includes a shutdown program for switching the state of the processing machine from the ready state to the initial state. When machining is interrupted or completed, the switching unit reads out the shutdown program from the storage unit and executes it.

11. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The switching program includes a startup program for switching the state of the processing machine from the initial state to the ready state. When machining is resumed after machining is interrupted, the switching unit reads out the startup program from the storage unit and executes the startup program.

12. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The switching program includes a startup program for switching the state of the processing machine from the initial state to the ready state. The switching unit skips execution of the startup program when machining is invalidated in which an operation to invalidate machining is performed.

13. The processing control device according to claim 12, wherein: The processing is invalid when it includes a teaching mode in which the user teaches the processing system an operation.

14. The processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: In a state before the switching program is registered by operating the registration unit by a user, the storage unit stores at least a part of the switching program corresponding to a predetermined model of the processing machine.

15. A processing control program causing a computer to function as a processing control device for controlling a processing system for processing a workpiece using a processing machine, the processing control program causing the computer to further function as: a registration unit configured to enable a user to register a switching program for switching the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a predetermined action for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined action can be performed; a storage unit storing the registered switching program; and A switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes the switching program according to the use of the processing machine.

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