Laser processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a laser processing device which can perform relatively high-speed laser processing on plates through laser processing and can adjust the distance of a laser processing area in the conveying direction according to the size of falling waste materials. A laser processing device (100) is provided with a first conveyor (1) and a second conveyor (2) which are arranged in series, and a laser head (H) which is arranged above a laser processing region (R), which is a space between the first conveyor (1) and the second conveyor (2), and which performs laser processing on a plate material (X). The first conveyor (1) is provided with a first endless belt (10), a first guide roller (11), a first anti-loosening roller (12), a first supporting plate (B1) and a first linear motion mechanism (14), the second conveyor (2) is provided with a second endless belt (20), a second guide roller (21), a second anti-loosening roller (22), a second supporting plate (B2) and a second linear motion mechanism (24), and the first linear motion mechanism (14) and the second linear motion mechanism (24) can be driven independently. By moving the first support plate (B1) and the second support plate (B2) in the same direction and at the same speed, the laser processing region follows the movement of the laser head in the conveyance direction, and by not moving the first support plate (B1) and the second support plate (B2) in the same direction and at the same speed, the distance of the laser processing region (R) in the conveyance direction is variable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser processing apparatus that, while conveying a sheet material along a predetermined conveying direction, processes the sheet material using a laser irradiated from a laser head to form a processed part, and then conveys the processed part along the aforementioned conveying direction. Background Technology

[0002] In stamping, long strips of sheet metal rolled into coils are usually unrolled and cut into blanks of a certain size as raw materials.

[0003] A method for cutting sheet metal using a laser blanking device has been developed. This device, by using a laser and controlling its movement through a program, can precisely cut the sheet metal into the desired shape and has the advantage of minimizing burr formation.

[0004] As such a laser blanking device, for example, a laser blanking device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1), which cuts a blank with a laser irradiated from a laser nozzle (laser head) while conveying a flat sheet material to form a blank. The device includes a laser nozzle, an annular conveyor belt for conveying the sheet material, a pair of upstream and downstream support rollers disposed below the laser nozzle, and an introductory roller disposed below the upstream and downstream support rollers. The upstream, downstream, and introductory rollers are used to guide the annular conveyor belt and can change their positions independently.

[0005] Furthermore, a laser blanking device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2), which includes: a first annular belt on the front side and a second annular belt on the rear side, a first front upper inner guide roller, a first front lower inner guide roller, a first rear upper inner guide roller, a first rear middle inner guide roller, a first rear lower inner guide roller, a first guide portion, a second front upper inner guide roller, a second front middle inner guide roller, a second front lower inner guide roller, a second rear upper inner guide roller, a second rear lower inner guide roller and a second guide portion, and a laser nozzle (laser head) disposed above the space between the first annular belt and the second annular belt. The first rear upper inner guide roller, the first rear middle inner guide roller, the second front upper inner guide roller, and the second front middle inner guide roller are integrated into a shifting part that slides in a manner that follows the forward and backward movement of the laser nozzle, located directly below the laser nozzle. The first rear lower inner guide roller and the second front lower inner guide roller are integrated into a driven shifting part that can slide along a Y-axis driven shifting guide rail provided on both sides of the first and second annular belts and extending in the forward and backward direction, and move in the opposite direction to the movement of the shifting part as it slides.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents:

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5916170

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6792728 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, the purpose of the laser blanking device described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is to cut the sheet metal into blanks in a straight line, so the space below the laser head (hereinafter also referred to as the "laser processing area") is designed to be relatively narrow.

[0012] Therefore, for example, when using a laser blanking device for positioning, drilling, hollowing, or other processing, sometimes waste material of a specified shape separated from the sheet material cannot fall from the laser processing area.

[0013] On the other hand, if the distance between the laser processing area and the conveying direction is set large enough, some of the sheet material may bend, resulting in a decrease in laser processing accuracy.

[0014] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a laser processing apparatus that can perform relatively high-speed laser processing on sheet metal and can adjust the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction according to the size of the falling waste material.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors, after in-depth research, discovered that by setting up a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a laser head, the laser processing area can follow the movement of the laser head in the conveying direction, and the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction can be variable, thus solving the above-mentioned problems and completing the present invention.

[0017] This invention relates to a laser processing apparatus that, while conveying a sheet material along a predetermined conveying direction, processes the sheet material using a laser irradiated from a laser head to form a processed part, and then conveys the processed part along the conveying direction. The laser processing apparatus comprises: a first conveyor and a second conveyor arranged in series; and a laser head disposed above the space between the first and second conveyors, i.e., the laser processing area, for laser processing the sheet material. The first conveyor includes at least: a first annular belt for conveying the sheet material; a first guide roller for guiding the first annular belt and contacting its inner surface, having a first front guide roller disposed on an upstream side and a first rear guide roller disposed on a downstream side; a first anti-slackening roller for preventing the first annular belt from slackening; a first support plate for supporting the first rear guide roller and the first anti-slackening roller; and a first linear motion mechanism for reciprocating the first support plate along the conveying direction. The conveyor includes at least: a second annular belt for conveying the workpiece; a second guide roller for guiding the second annular belt and contacting its inner surface, having a second front guide roller disposed on the upstream side and a second rear guide roller disposed on the downstream side; a second anti-slackening roller for preventing the second annular belt from slackening; a second support plate for supporting the second front guide roller and the second anti-slackening roller; and a second linear motion mechanism for reciprocating the second support plate along the conveying direction. The first front guide roller and the second rear guide roller are fixed to an outer frame. The first linear motion mechanism and the second linear motion mechanism can be driven independently. By moving the first support plate and the second support plate in the same direction and at the same speed, the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction remains constant and follows the movement of the laser head in the conveying direction. By not moving the first support plate and the second support plate in the same direction and at the same speed, the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction becomes variable.

[0018] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the first linear motion mechanism is composed of a first base, a first synchronous belt and a first motor. The first base is equipped with a first support plate, the first synchronous belt is equipped with the first base, and the first motor is used to make the first synchronous belt reciprocate along the conveying direction. The second linear motion mechanism is composed of a second base, a second synchronous belt and a second motor. The second base is equipped with a second support plate, the second synchronous belt is equipped with the second base, and the second motor is used to make the second synchronous belt reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0019] At this point, in the laser processing apparatus, preferably, the laser processing apparatus further includes an LM guide rail for guiding the first support plate and the second support plate. The first base is installed on the lower front side of the first support plate, and the second base is installed on the lower rear side of the second support plate. The LM guide rail is composed of a slider and a guide rail section. The sliders are respectively installed on the lower rear side of the first support plate and the lower front side of the second support plate, and the guide rail section is used to guide the two sliders.

[0020] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the laser processing apparatus further comprises: a first cover portion covering a first annular belt guided downward from a first rear guide roller; and a second cover portion covering a second annular belt guided downward from a second front guide roller.

[0021] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the laser processing apparatus further comprises: an X-axis guide rail for reciprocating movement of the laser head along the width direction; a Y-axis guide rail for reciprocating movement of the X-axis guide rail along the conveying direction; and a recovery box disposed below the laser processing area.

[0022] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the first conveyor further comprises: a first tension adjusting roller for adjusting the tension of the first annular belt; and a first serpentine adjusting roller for suppressing serpentine movement of the first annular belt; and the second conveyor further comprises: a second tension adjusting roller for adjusting the tension of the second annular belt; and a second serpentine adjusting roller for suppressing serpentine movement of the second annular belt.

[0023] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the first guide roller further comprises: a first front lower guide roller that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt and is disposed below the first front guide roller; and a first rear lower guide roller disposed below the first rear guide roller, the first front lower guide roller and the first rear lower guide roller being fixed on the outer frame, and a first anti-slackening roller contacting the outer surface of the first annular belt between the first rear guide roller and the first rear lower guide roller; the second guide roller further comprises: a second front lower guide roller that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt and is disposed below the second front guide roller; and a second rear lower guide roller disposed below the second rear guide roller, the second front lower guide roller and the second rear lower guide roller being fixed on the outer frame, and a second anti-slackening roller contacting the outer surface of the second annular belt between the second front guide roller and the second front lower guide roller.

[0024] At this time, in the laser processing device, preferably, the first rear guide roller, the second front guide roller, the first anti-slackening roller, and the second anti-slackening roller are all arranged in pairs in the vertical direction.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, since it is equipped with a first conveyor, a second conveyor and a laser head, it is possible to perform laser processing on the conveyed sheet metal and further convey the processed part of the desired shape to the downstream side.

[0027] This enables continuous laser processing of sheet materials.

[0028] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, since laser processing is carried out in the space between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, i.e., the laser processing area, it is possible to prevent the first conveyor and the second conveyor from being damaged by the laser irradiated from the laser head.

[0029] Furthermore, by moving the first support plate and the second support plate in the same direction and at the same speed (hereinafter referred to as "steady movement"), and by making the laser processing area follow the movement of the laser head in the conveying direction, damage to the first and second conveyors can be prevented, and the conveying speed of the sheet material can be increased due to the increased range of motion of the laser head.

[0030] As a result, laser processing can be performed at relatively high speeds, depending on the laser processing device.

[0031] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, by, for example, preventing the first support plate and the second support plate from moving in the same direction and at the same speed (hereinafter referred to as "non-steady movement"), the distance of the laser processing area in the transport direction can be made variable.

[0032] Therefore, by adjusting the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction according to the size of the waste, the waste can be made to fall from the laser processing area during laser processing.

[0033] Furthermore, when laser processing is performed while the laser head moves along the conveying direction, the spatter generated during processing may flow to the side opposite to the conveying direction and concentrate on the first conveyor, making cleaning difficult. However, by increasing the distance between the laser processing area and the conveying direction, the scattered spatter will cool and solidify and fall off before adhering to the first conveyor, thus suppressing its adhesion to the first conveyor.

[0034] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area in the transport direction, maintenance is also easier.

[0035] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, by using the first synchronous belt as the first linear motion mechanism, the first support plate can be moved back and forth with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0036] Similarly, by using the second synchronous belt as the second linear motion mechanism, the second support plate can be reciprocated with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0037] Furthermore, the maintenance of the first and second linear motion mechanisms has become easier.

[0038] Furthermore, by further incorporating LM guide rails into the laser processing device, the reciprocating movement of the first support plate via the first linear motion mechanism and the reciprocating movement of the second support plate via the second linear motion mechanism can be made smoother.

[0039] Furthermore, since both sliders are guided by the same guide rail, the first support plate and the second support plate can reciprocate on the same line, and the device itself can be made compact.

[0040] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, by further comprising a first cover portion covering the first annular belt and a second cover portion covering the second annular belt, it is possible to prevent spatter from flying off during laser processing from adhering to the annular belt. It should be noted that spatter adhering to the annular belt may damage the sheet metal or the workpiece being processed.

[0041] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, by providing an X-axis guide rail and a Y-axis guide rail for reciprocating movement of the laser head, the laser head can be moved in various directions with a simple structure.

[0042] Furthermore, the laser processing equipment is equipped with a recycling bin to recover the spatter and waste generated during laser processing.

[0043] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, when the first conveyor further includes a first tension adjusting roller and a first serpentine adjusting roller, the conveying of the sheet material is not only highly accurate but also stable.

[0044] Similarly, when the second conveyor is further equipped with a second tension adjusting roller and a second serpentine adjusting roller, the conveying of the workpiece is not only highly accurate but also stable.

[0045] In the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, by making the first anti-slackening roller supported on the first support plate contact the outer surface of the first annular belt between the first rear guide roller and the first rear lower guide roller, and by making the second anti-slackening roller supported on the second support plate contact the outer surface of the second annular belt between the second front guide roller and the second front lower guide roller, sufficient space can be ensured between the first anti-slackening roller and the second anti-slackening roller.

[0046] At this time, by arranging the first rear guide roller, the second front guide roller, the first anti-slackening roller, and the second anti-slackening roller in pairs in the vertical direction, sufficient space can be ensured in the vertical direction.

[0047] As a result, the scattered splashes are able to cool and solidify sufficiently.

[0048] In this way, by ensuring sufficient space, it is possible to prevent floating debris from adhering to the first or second annular belt, or falling waste from colliding with the first or second annular belt.

[0049] In addition, when a recycling bin is installed below the laser processing area, a sufficiently large recycling bin can be installed. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown.

[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view of the laser processing apparatus shown from direction AA.

[0053] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A perspective view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing device in a constant moving state.

[0054] Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A schematic side view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing apparatus shown, in a state of non-steady movement.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the transport section of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown.

[0057] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A perspective view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing device in a constant moving state.

[0058] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A schematic side view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing apparatus shown, in a state of non-steady movement.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the transport section of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 10 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown.

[0061] Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 10 A schematic side view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing apparatus shown, in a state of non-steady movement. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to label the same elements in the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships, such as top, bottom, left, and right, are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Additionally, the scale of the drawings is not limited to the scale illustrated.

[0063] In this manual, when the term "conveyor direction" is used, it refers to the direction in which the sheet metal or workpiece is conveyed. It should be noted that the conveyor direction of the sheet metal is the same as the conveyor direction of the workpiece.

[0064] In addition, "reciprocating movement along the conveying direction" refers to movement that includes both outward movement in the positive direction of conveying, i.e., downstream, and return movement in the negative direction of conveying, i.e., upstream.

[0065] In addition, "front" refers to the upstream side relative to the conveying direction, and "rear" refers to the downstream side relative to the conveying direction of the sheet material.

[0066] Furthermore, "steady movement" refers to the first support plate and the second support plate moving in the same direction and at the same speed, while "non-steady movement" refers to the first support plate and the second support plate not moving in the same direction and at the same speed, such as the first support plate and the second support plate moving in opposite directions, the first support plate and the second support plate moving at different speeds, or only one of them moving.

[0067] In addition, when referred to simply as "both sides", it means the two sides in the width direction (left and right direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet material.

[0068] The laser processing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for laser processing sheet metal to form a workpiece of a desired shape.

[0069] It should be noted that this laser processing refers to the processing of cutting sheet metal. That is to say, it includes not only cutting processes that generate waste, such as positioning perforations and hollowing out, and cutting processes that simply cut the sheet metal into blanks in a straight line, but also processing that uses lasers to form patterns on the surface of the sheet metal.

[0070] Here, we do not make any special restrictions on the overall shape of the board, but it is usually a long strip of board rolled into a coil shape.

[0071] The material of the sheet can be cut with a laser without any special restrictions. Examples include metals such as iron, aluminum, and titanium; alloys such as steel (including high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel); resins such as acrylic; wood; and composite materials of these materials.

[0072] Furthermore, when the sheet material is metal or alloy, from the perspective of suppressing deflection and ensuring laser cutting, the thickness of the sheet material is preferably 0.1 mm to 20 mm, and from the perspective of versatility, it is more preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0073] Furthermore, no special restrictions are placed on the method of recycling processed parts after laser cutting and conveying.

[0074] (First Implementation)

[0075] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The description of the sheet metal and the machined parts is omitted.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment includes a conveying section 100a for conveying a sheet metal or a workpiece, and a laser section 100b mounted above the conveying section 100a in a manner that spans the conveying section 100a.

[0077] Therefore, in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the plate is transported by the conveying unit 100a, laser irradiation (laser processing) is performed by the laser unit 100b, and the processed part is transported by the conveying unit 100a.

[0078] The laser processing device 100 continuously laser processes the sheet material X, resulting in high cutting efficiency and excellent productivity.

[0079] Figure 2 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The description of the laser components other than the laser head is omitted.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the conveying unit 100a includes: a first conveyor 1 and a second conveyor 2 arranged in series, a laser head H disposed above the laser processing area R in the space between the first conveyor 1 and the second conveyor 2, an LM guide rail 5 for guiding the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2, and a first cover 3a, a second cover 3b and a recovery box 3c disposed below the laser processing area R.

[0081] In the conveying section 100a, the sheet material X is placed on the upper surface of the first conveyor 1 for conveying, and the laser-processed part X1 is placed on the upper surface of the second conveyor 2 for conveying.

[0082] Furthermore, in the transport section 100a, laser processing is performed by the laser head H within the laser processing area R.

[0083] At this time, in the laser processing apparatus 100, as described later, the laser processing area R can follow the movement of the laser head H in the transport direction during laser processing.

[0084] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the generated waste, the waste can be made to fall into the recycling bin 3c.

[0085] In the conveying section 100a, two first conveyors 1 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0086] Therefore, when the width of the sheet material X is small, it is possible to drive only one of the first conveyors 1 for laser processing, or the first conveyors 1 on the left and right sides can be used to laser process different sheets of X respectively.

[0087] Furthermore, when the width of the sheet material X is large, it is preferable to use the first conveyors 1 on both the left and right sides simultaneously.

[0088] Here, since the first conveyors 1 on the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one first conveyor 1 as an example to explain its structure.

[0089] The first conveyor 1 includes at least: a first annular belt 10; a first guide roller 11 for guiding the first annular belt 10; a first anti-slack roller 12 for preventing the first annular belt 10 from slack; a first drive roller 13 for driving the first annular belt 10; a first tension adjusting roller 16 for adjusting the tension of the first annular belt 10; a first serpentine adjusting roller 17 for suppressing serpentine movement of the first annular belt 10; a first support plate B1 for supporting a predetermined roller; and a first linear motion mechanism 14 for reciprocating the first support plate B1 along the conveying direction.

[0090] The first annular belt 10 is a conveyor belt that is circular in side view for conveying plate X. The material is not particularly limited and known materials can be used appropriately.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first annular belt 10, a groove (not shown) is preferably provided on the surface (outer surface) of the side that contacts the plate X.

[0092] The first guide roller 11 is a roller used to guide the first annular belt 10.

[0093] The first guide roller 11 has: a first front guide roller 11a that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 10 and is disposed on the upstream side; a first rear guide roller 11b that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 10 and is disposed on the downstream side; a first front lower guide roller 11c that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 10 and is disposed below the first front guide roller 11a; and a first rear lower guide roller 11d that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 10 and is disposed below the first rear guide roller 11b.

[0094] Therefore, in the first conveyor 1, the first annular belt 10 is guided sequentially by the first front guide roller 11a, the first rear guide roller 11b, the first rear lower guide roller 11d, and the first front lower guide roller 11c.

[0095] In the first guide roller 11, the first rear guide roller 11b is arranged in pairs in the vertical direction. That is, there are two first rear guide rollers 11b arranged consecutively in the vertical direction.

[0096] At this time, the first rear guide roller 11b disposed on the lower side is preferably disposed in a position further forward than directly below the upper first rear guide roller 11b, relative to the first rear guide roller 11b disposed on the upper side. In this case, since the first annular belt 10 guided by them will move forward as if escaping, it is possible to suppress the attachment of floating splashes to the first annular belt 10.

[0097] In the first guide roller 11, the first front guide roller 11a, the first rear lower guide roller 11d, and the first front lower guide roller 11c are all in a state where they can rotate on their own, and their ends are supported by the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 10 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0098] It should be noted that the outer frame F is located outside each of the side-by-side conveyors and between the side-by-side conveyors.

[0099] On the other hand, a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b are supported at both ends by a first support plate B1, which will be described later, in a state where they can rotate on their own.

[0100] The first anti-slackening roller 12 is used to move together with the first rear guide roller 11b to prevent the first annular belt 10 from slackening.

[0101] The first anti-slack roller 12 contacts the outer surface of the first annular belt 10 between a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b and first rear lower guide rollers 11d, and is positioned further forward (inside the first annular belt 10) than the first rear guide rollers 11b and first rear lower guide rollers 11b.

[0102] Therefore, the first annular belt 10 is guided by the first anti-slackening roller 12 between a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b and first rear lower guide rollers 11d.

[0103] The first anti-slackening rollers 12 are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction. That is, there are two first anti-slackening rollers 12 arranged consecutively in the vertical direction. It should be noted that the first anti-slackening roller 12 arranged on the lower side is located directly below the first anti-slackening roller 12 arranged on the upper side.

[0104] A pair of first anti-slackening rollers 12 are supported at both ends by a first support plate B1 (described later) in a state where they can rotate on their own.

[0105] The first drive roller 13 is used to drive the first annular belt 10. It should be noted that this driving method can appropriately adopt known methods such as motor drive.

[0106] The first drive roller 13 is configured to contact the inner surface of the first annular belt 10 between the first lower front guide roller 11c and the first front guide roller 11a.

[0107] Furthermore, the first drive roller 13, in a state where it can rotate on its own, is supported at both ends by the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 10 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0108] The first tension adjusting roller 16 is used to further adjust the tension of the first annular belt 10, which is prevented from slackening by the first anti-slackening roller 12. The first tension adjusting roller 16 can move in the vertical direction, and the tension of the first annular belt 10 is adjusted by this movement.

[0109] The first tension adjusting roller 16 is configured to contact the outer surface of the first annular belt 10 between the first front lower guide roller 11c and the first drive roller 13.

[0110] In addition, the first tension adjusting roller 16 is able to rotate on its own, with both ends mounted and supported on the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 10 so that it can move up and down.

[0111] The first serpentine adjustment roller 17 is used to suppress serpentination of the first annular belt 10. The first serpentine adjustment roller 17 can be tilted axially, and if serpentination occurs in the first annular belt 10, the serpentination can be eliminated by tilting the axial direction of the first serpentine adjustment roller 17.

[0112] The first serpentine adjusting roller 17 is configured to contact the outer surface of the first annular belt 10 between the first drive roller 13 and the first front guide roller 11a.

[0113] In addition, the first serpentine adjusting roller 17 is able to rotate on its own, and its two ends are mounted and supported on the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 10 so as to change the axial direction.

[0114] Therefore, the first annular belt 10 is guided sequentially by the first tension adjusting roller 16, the first drive roller 13, and the first snake adjusting roller 17 between the first lower front guide roller 11c and the first front guide roller 11a.

[0115] Thus, since the first tension adjusting roller 16, the first drive roller 13 and the first snake adjusting roller 17 are arranged between the first front lower guide roller 11c and the first front guide roller 11a located in front, it is easy to maintain and has the advantage of not hindering the movement of the pair of first rear guide rollers 11b and the pair of first anti-slack rollers 12 that move together with the first support plate B1.

[0116] The first support plate B1 is located on both sides of the first conveyor 1.

[0117] Here, these first support plates B1 have a symmetrical structure with each other, so we will take one of the first support plates B1 as an example to explain its structure.

[0118] The first support plate B1 is inverted L-shaped when viewed from the side, and is composed of a plate-shaped first upper and lower plate portion B1a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped first front and rear plate portion B1b extending from the upper part of the first upper and lower plate portion B1a to the rear.

[0119] Furthermore, the first front and rear plate portion B1b supports a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b on its rear side so that it can rotate on its own, and the first upper and lower plate portion B1a supports the first anti-slack roller 12 so that it can rotate on its own.

[0120] In the first support plates B1 on both sides, a first linear motion mechanism 14 is installed on the lower front part, that is, the lower part of the first upper and lower plate parts B1a.

[0121] The first support plate B1 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the first linear motion mechanism 14. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 100, a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b and a pair of first anti-slack rollers 12 supported on the first support plate B1 can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the first linear motion mechanism 14.

[0122] In the first support plate B1, for example, when the first rear guide roller 11b moves rearward, the tension of the first annular belt 10 increases, but since the first anti-slack roller 12 also moves rearward at the same time, the first annular belt 10 can be prevented from being overstretched.

[0123] Conversely, when the first rear guide roller 11b moves forward, the tension of the first annular belt 10 decreases, but since the first anti-slackening roller 12 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the first annular belt 10 from slackening.

[0124] In other words, thanks to the first anti-slack roller 12, even if the first support plate B1 moves, the length of the first annular belt 10 can remain constant.

[0125] The first linear motion mechanism 14 is provided to enable the first support plate B1 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0126] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shows a sectional view of the laser processing apparatus along line AA. It should be noted that, for convenience, [the image is shown in section AA]. Figure 3 The position of the first support plate B1 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0127] like Figure 3 As shown, the first linear motion mechanism 14 consists of a first base 14a installed on the lower front side of the first support plate B1, a first synchronous belt 14b on which the first base 14a is installed and fixed, and a first motor 14c for driving the first synchronous belt 14b.

[0128] In the first linear motion mechanism 14, the first base 14a can be reciprocated along the conveying direction by the first synchronous belt 14b driven by the first motor 14c. That is, the first support plate B1 mounted on the first base 14a can be reciprocated along the conveying direction by the first linear motion mechanism 14.

[0129] In this way, the first linear motion mechanism 14 can move the first support plate B1 back and forth with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0130] In addition, the first linear motion mechanism 14 further has a pair of auxiliary guide rails 15 extending along the conveying direction on both sides of the first synchronous belt 14b.

[0131] Furthermore, the first base 14a is mounted on a pair of auxiliary guide rails 15. That is, the first base 14a is fixedly mounted on the first synchronous belt 14b and simultaneously mounted on the auxiliary guide rails 15 on both sides.

[0132] Thus, the first base 14a reciprocates via the first synchronous belt 14b and is guided along the auxiliary guide rail 15.

[0133] As a result, in the first conveyor 1, the swaying of the first support body B1 during reciprocating movement can be suppressed, so that the first support plate B1 can reciprocate smoothly.

[0134] Back Figure 2 In the laser processing apparatus 100, similar to the first conveyor 1, two second conveyors 2 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0135] Therefore, when the width of the workpiece X1 is small, it can be transported by only one of the second conveyors 2, or different workpieces X1 can be transported by the second conveyors 2 on the left and right sides respectively.

[0136] Furthermore, when the width of the workpiece X1 is large, it is preferable to use the second conveyors 2 on both the left and right sides simultaneously.

[0137] Here, since the second conveyors 2 on the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one second conveyor 2 as an example to describe its structure.

[0138] The second conveyor 2 includes at least: a second annular belt 20; a second guide roller 21 for guiding the second annular belt 20; a second anti-slack roller 22 for preventing the second annular belt 20 from slack; a second drive roller 23 for driving the second annular belt 20; a second tension adjusting roller 26 for adjusting the tension of the second annular belt 20; a second serpentine adjusting roller 27 for suppressing serpentine movement of the second annular belt 20; a second support plate B2 for supporting a predetermined roller; and a second linear motion mechanism 24 for reciprocating the second support plate B2 along the conveying direction.

[0139] The second annular belt 20, like the first annular belt 10, is a conveyor belt that is circular in side view for conveying the workpiece X1. The material is not particularly limited and known materials can be used appropriately.

[0140] Furthermore, like the first annular belt 10, the second annular belt 20 preferably has a groove (not shown) on the surface (outer surface) of the side that contacts the workpiece X1.

[0141] The second guide roller 21 is used to guide the second annular belt 20.

[0142] The second guide roller 21 includes: a second front guide roller 21a that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 20 and is disposed on the upstream side; a second rear guide roller 21b that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 20 and is disposed on the downstream side; a second front lower guide roller 21c that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 20 and is disposed below the second front guide roller 21a; and a second rear lower guide roller 21d that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 10 and is disposed below the second rear guide roller 21b.

[0143] Therefore, in the second conveyor 2, the second annular belt 20 is guided in the order of the second front guide roller 21a, the second rear guide roller 21b, the second rear lower guide roller 21d, and the second front lower guide roller 21c.

[0144] In the second guide roller 21, the second front guide rollers 21a are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction. That is, like the first rear guide roller 11b described above, two second front guide rollers 21a are arranged continuously in the vertical direction.

[0145] At this time, the second front guide roller 21a disposed on the lower side is preferably disposed further rearward than the upper second front guide roller 21a. In this case, since the second annular belt 20 guided by them will move rearward as if escaping, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of floating splashes to the second annular belt 20.

[0146] In the second guide roller 21, the second rear guide roller 21b, the second rear lower guide roller 21d, and the second front lower guide roller 21c are all capable of rotating on their own, and their ends are supported by the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 20 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0147] On the other hand, a pair of second front guide rollers 21a are supported at both ends by the second support plate B2, which will be described later, in a state where they can rotate on their own.

[0148] The second anti-slackening roller 22 is used to move together with the second front guide roller 21a to prevent the second annular belt 20 from slackening.

[0149] The second anti-slack roller 22 contacts the outer surface of the second annular belt 20 between a pair of second front guide rollers 21a and second front lower guide rollers 21c, and is positioned further back (inner side of the second annular belt 20) than the second front guide rollers 21a and second front lower guide rollers 21c.

[0150] Therefore, the second annular belt 20 is guided by the second anti-slackening roller 22 between a pair of second front guide rollers 21a and second front lower guide rollers 21c.

[0151] The second anti-slackening rollers 22 are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction. That is, like the first anti-slackening roller 12 described above, two second anti-slackening rollers 22 are arranged consecutively in the vertical direction. It should be noted that the second anti-slackening roller 22 arranged on the lower side is located directly below the upper second anti-slackening roller 22.

[0152] A pair of second anti-slack rollers 22 are supported at both ends by a second support plate B1, which will be described later, in a state where they can rotate on their own.

[0153] As described above, in the laser processing apparatus 100, the first rear guide roller 11b, the second front guide roller 21a, the first anti-slack roller 12, and the second anti-slack roller 22 are all arranged in pairs in the vertical direction. This ensures sufficient vertical space below the laser processing area R, allowing any generated spatter to cool, solidify, and fall off, thus preventing it from adhering to the first annular belt 10 or the second annular belt 20.

[0154] In addition, it can suppress the falling waste from colliding with the first annular belt 10 or the second annular belt 20.

[0155] Furthermore, when a recovery box 33 is installed below the laser processing area R, a sufficiently large recovery box 33 can be installed.

[0156] The second drive roller 23 is used to drive the second annular belt 20. It should be noted that this driving method can appropriately adopt known methods such as motor drive.

[0157] The second drive roller 23 is configured to contact the inner surface of the second annular belt 20 between the second rear lower guide roller 21d and the second rear guide roller 21b.

[0158] Furthermore, the second drive roller 23, in a state where it can rotate on its own, is supported at both ends by the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 20 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0159] The second tension adjusting roller 26 is used to further adjust the tension of the second annular belt 20, which is prevented from slackening by the second anti-slackening roller 22. The second tension adjusting roller 26 can move in the vertical direction, and the tension of the second annular belt 20 is adjusted by this movement.

[0160] The second tension adjusting roller 26 is configured to contact the outer surface of the second annular belt 20 between the second rear lower guide roller 21d and the second drive roller 23.

[0161] In addition, the second tension adjusting roller 26 is able to rotate on its own, with both ends mounted and supported on the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 20 so that it can move up and down.

[0162] The second serpentine adjusting roller 27 is used to suppress serpentination of the second annular belt 20. The second serpentine adjusting roller 27 can be tilted axially, and if serpentination occurs in the second annular belt 20, the serpentination can be eliminated by tilting the axial direction of the second serpentine adjusting roller 27.

[0163] The second serpentine adjusting roller 27 is configured to contact the outer surface of the second annular belt 20 between the second drive roller 23 and the second rear guide roller 21b.

[0164] In addition, the second serpentine adjusting roller 27, in a state where it can rotate on its own, has its two ends mounted and supported on the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 20, so as to be able to change the axial direction.

[0165] Therefore, the second annular belt 20 is guided between the second rear lower guide roller 21d and the second rear guide roller 21b in the order of the second tension adjusting roller 26, the second drive roller 23, and the second snake adjusting roller 27.

[0166] Thus, since the second tension adjusting roller 26, the second drive roller 23, and the second snake adjusting roller 27 are arranged between the second rear lower guide roller 21d and the second rear guide roller 21b located at the rear, maintenance is convenient, and it has the advantage of not hindering the movement of the pair of second front guide rollers 21a and the pair of second anti-slack rollers 22 that move together with the second support plate B2.

[0167] The second support plate B2 is located on both sides of the second conveyor 2.

[0168] Here, these second support plates B2 have a symmetrical structure with each other, so we will take one of the second support plates B2 as an example to explain its structure.

[0169] The second support plate B2 is inverted L-shaped in side view and is composed of a plate-shaped second upper and lower plate portion B2a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped second front and rear plate portion B2b extending forward from the upper part of the second upper and lower plate portion B2a.

[0170] Furthermore, as described above, the second front and rear plate portion B2b supports a pair of second front guide rollers 21a on its front side so that it can rotate on its own, and the second upper and lower plate portions B2a support the second anti-slack rollers 22 so that it can rotate on its own.

[0171] In the second support plates B2 on both sides, a second linear motion mechanism 24 is installed on the lower rear side, that is, the lower part of the second upper and lower plate parts B2a.

[0172] The second support plate B2 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the second linear motion mechanism 24. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 100, a pair of second front guide rollers 21a and a pair of second anti-slackening rollers 22 supported on the second support plate B2 can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the second linear motion mechanism 24.

[0173] In the second support plate B2, for example, when the second front guide roller 21a moves backward, the tension of the second annular belt 20 will decrease, but since the second anti-slackening roller 22 also moves backward at the same time, the second annular belt 20 can be prevented from slackening.

[0174] Conversely, when the second front guide roller 21a moves forward, the tension of the second annular belt 20 increases, but since the second anti-slack roller 22 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the second annular belt 20 from being overstretched.

[0175] In other words, thanks to the second anti-slack roller 22, even if the second support plate B2 moves, the length of the second annular belt 20 can remain constant.

[0176] The second linear motion mechanism 24 is provided to enable the second support plate B2 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0177] The second linear motion mechanism 24 consists of a second base 24a installed on the lower rear side of the second support plate B2, a second synchronous belt 24b on which the second base 24a is installed and fixed, and a second motor 24c for driving the second synchronous belt 24b.

[0178] In the second linear motion mechanism 24, the second base 24a can be reciprocated along the conveying direction by the second synchronous belt 24b driven by the second motor 24c. That is, the second support plate B2 mounted on the second base 24a can be reciprocated along the conveying direction by the second linear motion mechanism 24.

[0179] In this way, the second linear motion mechanism 24 can reciprocate the second support plate B2 with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0180] In addition, the second linear motion mechanism 24 further has a pair of auxiliary guide rails 25 extending along the conveying direction on both sides of the second synchronous belt 24b.

[0181] Furthermore, the second base 24a is mounted on a pair of auxiliary guide rails 25. That is, the second base 24a is fixedly mounted on the second synchronous belt 24b and simultaneously mounted on the auxiliary guide rails 25 on both sides.

[0182] Thus, the second base 24a reciprocates via the second synchronous belt 24b and is guided along the auxiliary guide rail 25.

[0183] As a result, in the second conveyor 2, the swaying of the second support body B2 during reciprocating movement can be suppressed, and the second support plate B2 can be made to reciprocate smoothly.

[0184] The LM guide rail 5 is located approximately in the center of the laser processing device 100 and is used to guide the reciprocating movement of the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2.

[0185] Specifically, the LM guide rail 5 consists of sliders 5a respectively installed on the lower rear side of the first support plate B1 (i.e., the lower rear side of the first front and rear plate B1b) and the lower front side of the second support plate B2 (i.e., the lower rear side of the second front and rear plate B2b), and a guide rail section 5b on which the two sliders 5a are installed and extends along the conveying direction.

[0186] Therefore, the first support plate B1 is supported by the first linear motion mechanism 14 at the lower part of the first upper and lower plate section B1a, and by the LM guide rail 5 at the lower rear side of the first front and rear plate section B1b.

[0187] Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement via the first linear motion mechanism 14, the first support plate B1 is guided by the auxiliary guide rail 15 of the first linear motion mechanism 14 and the guide rail portion 5b of the LM guide rail 5.

[0188] Similarly, the second support plate B2 is supported by the second linear motion mechanism 24 at the lower part of the second upper and lower plate section B2a, and by the LM guide rail 5 at the lower front side of the second front and rear plate section B2b.

[0189] Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement via the second linear motion mechanism 24, the second support plate B2 is guided by the auxiliary guide rail 25 of the second linear motion mechanism 24 and the guide rail portion 5b of the LM guide rail 5.

[0190] Through these means, in the laser processing apparatus 100, the reciprocating movement of the first support plate B1 via the first linear motion mechanism 14 and the reciprocating movement of the second support plate B2 via the second linear motion mechanism 24 can be made smoother.

[0191] Here, in the LM guide rail 5, two sliders 5a reciprocate along a guide rail portion 5b. That is, the sliders 5a, which are respectively mounted on the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2, are guided by a common guide rail portion 5b.

[0192] As a result, the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2 will reciprocate along the same line, thus suppressing the difference between the height level of the first annular band 10 and the height level of the second annular band 20 near the laser processing area R when the first support plate B1 and / or the second support plate B2 reciprocate.

[0193] Furthermore, the laser processing device 100 itself can be made compact by using only one guide rail section 5b.

[0194] Back Figure 1 In the laser processing apparatus 100, the laser unit 100b has an X-axis guide rail 41 for reciprocating the laser head H along the width direction, and a Y-axis guide rail 42 for reciprocating the X-axis guide rail 41 along the conveying direction.

[0195] The laser head H is positioned above the laser processing area R, and can emit laser light downwards.

[0196] Here, no particular limitation is made on the type of laser. For example, solid-state lasers, liquid lasers, gas lasers, semiconductor lasers, free-electron lasers, metal vapor lasers, chemical lasers, etc. can be used.

[0197] In the laser processing apparatus 100, the Y-axis guide rail 42 extends along the conveying direction and is disposed on the outer frame F on both sides of the annular belt (first annular belt 10 and second annular belt 20).

[0198] In addition, the X-axis guide rail 41 extends along the width direction and is configured to be supported by the Y-axis guide rails 42 on both sides.

[0199] In addition, the laser head H is mounted on the X-axis guide rail 41.

[0200] Therefore, in the laser processing device 100, by flexibly utilizing the reciprocating movement of the laser head H relative to the X-axis guide rail 41 and the reciprocating movement of the X-axis guide rail 41 relative to the Y-axis guide rail 42, the laser head H can move relative to the conveyed plate material X in various directions such as the conveying direction, width direction, oblique direction, and curved direction.

[0201] Therefore, the laser unit 100b is able to perform laser processing on the plate X with complex shapes while conveying the plate X.

[0202] Back Figure 2 In the conveying section 100a, the first cover section 3a and the second cover section 3b are disposed opposite to each other in the space below the laser processing area R.

[0203] The first cover 3a is used to cover the first annular belt 10 guided downward from the first rear guide roller 11b, and the second cover 3b is used to cover the second annular belt 20 guided downward from the second front guide roller 21a.

[0204] This prevents splatter from flying off during laser processing from adhering to the first annular belt 10 and the second annular belt 20.

[0205] The two sides of the first cover 3a are installed at the rear end of the first front and rear plate B1b of the first support plate B1, and the two sides of the second cover 3b are installed at the front end of the second front and rear plate B2b of the second support plate B2.

[0206] Therefore, the first cover 3a will reciprocate along the conveying direction together with a pair of first rear guide rollers 11b and a pair of first anti-slackening rollers 12 via the first support plate B1, and the second cover 3b will reciprocate along the conveying direction together with a pair of second rear guide rollers 21a and a pair of second anti-slackening rollers 22 via the second support plate B2.

[0207] Here, the materials of the first cover 3a and the second cover 3b are not particularly limited, but are preferably metals with excellent heat resistance and high thermal conductivity (e.g., pure copper), and more preferably metals different from the material of the sheet metal used for laser processing. In this case, it is possible to prevent spatter from adhering to the surface to the greatest extent possible, and to allow it to fall off.

[0208] In addition, the opposing surfaces of the first cover portion 3a and the second cover portion 3b can be treated by lamination or other processes to suppress the adhesion of splashes.

[0209] The recycling bin 3c is located in the space below the laser processing area R, between the first cover 3a and the second cover 3b. It should be noted that the recycling bin 3c is not mounted on the first support plate B1 or the second support plate B2, and therefore will not reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0210] In the laser processing apparatus 100, waste materials and splatter that have cooled, solidified, and fallen are efficiently recovered through the recovery box 3c.

[0211] It should be noted that in the recycling bin 3c, the dimension in the width direction corresponds to the width direction of the laser processing area R, while the dimension in the conveying direction is the dimension that corresponds to it even when the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction is extended to the maximum.

[0212] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing apparatus in a steady-state moving state. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The description of the sheet metal and processed parts is omitted.

[0213] like Figure 4 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 100 can move the laser processing area R along the conveying direction without changing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction by moving the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2 in the same direction and at the same speed (steady movement).

[0214] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The lower laser processing device 100 is in a state in which the laser processing area R of the upper laser processing device 100 is moved backward (downstream).

[0215] Thus, in the laser processing apparatus 100, by making the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2 move normally and making the laser processing area R follow the movement of the laser head H in the conveying direction, the laser processing can always be carried out in the laser processing area R.

[0216] This prevents the first conveyor 1 and the second conveyor 2 from being damaged by the laser irradiated from the laser head H.

[0217] Furthermore, due to the increased range of motion of the laser head H, relatively high-speed laser processing can be achieved by increasing the conveying speed of the sheet material X.

[0218] Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic side view of the laser processing apparatus in a non-steady-state movement of the first and second support plates. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The description of the sheet metal, machined parts, and laser part is omitted.

[0219] like Figure 5As shown, the laser processing apparatus 100 can increase the distance of the laser processing area R in the transport direction by moving the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2 in opposite directions (non-steady movement).

[0220] It should be noted that, Figure 5 The laser processing device 100 described in the middle of the paper is in a state where the first support plate B1 of the laser processing device 100 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) and the second support plate B2 moves backward (downstream side). The laser processing device 100 described on the lower side of the paper is in a state where the first support plate B1 of the laser processing device 100 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) to the maximum extent and the second support plate B2 moves backward (downstream side) to the maximum extent.

[0221] Thus, in the laser processing apparatus 100, by causing the first support plate B1 and the second support plate B2 to move unsteadily, the distance L of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction can be made variable.

[0222] Therefore, by adjusting the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the waste, the waste can be made to fall from the laser processing area during laser processing.

[0223] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction, the scattered spatter will solidify and fall before adhering to the first conveyor 1 or the second conveyor 2, thus suppressing its adhesion to the first conveyor 1 or the second conveyor 2.

[0224] Furthermore, by significantly increasing the distance L of the laser processing area R in the transport direction, maintenance becomes much easier.

[0225] Here, the maximum variable width of the distance L between the laser processing area R and the conveying direction is preferably 10 mm to 1000 mm.

[0226] If the distance L of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction is less than 10 mm, compared with the case where the distance L is within the above range, the spatter scattered during laser processing may reach the annular belt and damage it; if the distance L of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction exceeds 1000 mm, compared with the case where the distance L is within the above range, when the plate thickness is thin (e.g., less than 0.1 mm), the plate may flex in the laser processing area R, resulting in a decrease in laser processing accuracy.

[0227] (Second Implementation)

[0228] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the transport section of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention. It should be noted that... Figure 6The description of the sheet metal, machined parts, and laser part is omitted.

[0229] like Figure 6 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment includes a conveying section 101a for conveying a sheet metal or a workpiece, and a laser section mounted above the conveying section 101a in a manner that spans the conveying section 101a.

[0230] Therefore, in the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the plate is conveyed by the conveying section 101a, laser irradiation (laser processing) is performed by the laser section, and the processed part is conveyed by the conveying section 101a.

[0231] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown. It should be noted that... Figure 7 Descriptions of the laser components other than the laser head are omitted.

[0232] like Figure 7 As shown, in the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the conveying unit 101a includes: a first conveyor 6 and a second conveyor 7 arranged in series, a laser head H disposed above the laser processing area R in the space between the first conveyor 6 and the second conveyor 7, an LM guide rail 51 for guiding the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7, and a first cover 31a, a second cover 31b and a recycling bin (not shown) disposed below the laser processing area R.

[0233] In the conveying section 101a, the sheet material X is placed on the upper surface of the first conveyor 6 for conveying, while the processed part X1, on which the sheet material X has been laser-processed, is placed on the upper surface of the second conveyor 7 for conveying.

[0234] Furthermore, in the transport section 101a, the laser head H performs laser processing in the laser processing area R.

[0235] At this time, in the laser processing apparatus 100, as described later, the laser processing area R can follow the movement of the laser head H in the transport direction during laser processing.

[0236] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the generated waste, the waste can be made to fall into the recycling bin.

[0237] In the conveying section 101a, similar to the first conveyor 1 of the laser processing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment, two first conveyors 6 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see [link]). Figure 6 ).

[0238] Since the first conveyors 6 on both the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one first conveyor 6 as an example to explain its structure.

[0239] The first conveyor 6 includes at least: a first annular belt 60; a first guide roller 61 for guiding the first annular belt 60; a first anti-slack roller 62 for preventing the first annular belt 60 from slack; a first support plate B6 for supporting the specified roller; and a first linear motion mechanism 64 for reciprocating the first support plate B6 along the conveying direction.

[0240] It should be noted that in the first conveyor 6, the first annular belt 60 is the same as the first annular belt 10 of the first conveyor 1 in the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0241] also, Figure 7 The first conveyor 6 shown does not have a first tension adjusting roller and a first serpentine adjusting roller, but these can be appropriately set in any position.

[0242] The first guide roller 61 is a roller used to guide the first annular belt 60.

[0243] The first guide roller 61 includes: a first front guide roller 61a that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 60 and is disposed on the upstream side; a first rear guide roller 61b that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 60 and is disposed on the downstream side; a first rear lower guide roller 61d that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 60 and is disposed below the first rear guide roller 61b; and a first intermediate guide roller 61c that contacts the outer surface of the first annular belt 60 and is disposed approximately at the center of the first conveyor 6.

[0244] Therefore, in the first conveyor 6, the first annular belt 60 is guided in the order of the first front guide roller 61a, the first rear guide roller 61b, the first rear lower guide roller 61d, and the first intermediate guide roller 61c.

[0245] In the first guide roller 61, both the first front guide roller 61a and the first intermediate guide roller 61c are capable of rotating on their own, and their ends are supported by the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 60 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0246] In addition, the first front guide roller 61a has a drive device, which also functions as a drive roller, and is used to drive the first annular belt 60.

[0247] On the other hand, both the first rear guide roller 61b and the first rear lower guide roller 61d are supported at both ends by the first support plate B6 while they are able to rotate on their own.

[0248] The first anti-slackening roller 62 is used to move together with the first rear guide roller 61b to prevent the first annular belt 60 from slackening.

[0249] The first anti-slackening roller 62 contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 60 between the first rear lower guide roller 61d and the first intermediate guide roller 61c, and is positioned further forward than the first intermediate guide roller 61c.

[0250] Therefore, the first annular belt 60 is guided by the first anti-slackening roller 62 between the first rear lower guide roller 61d and the first intermediate guide roller 61c.

[0251] The first anti-slack roller 62 is supported at both ends by the first support plate B6 while it is able to rotate on its own.

[0252] The first support plate B6 is located on both sides of the first conveyor 6.

[0253] Here, these first support plates B6 have a symmetrical structure, so we will take one of the first support plates B6 as an example to explain its structure.

[0254] The first support plate B6 is L-shaped in side view and is composed of a plate-shaped first upper and lower plate portion B6a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped first front and rear plate portion B6b extending forward from the lower part of the first upper and lower plate portion B6a.

[0255] Furthermore, the first front and rear plate portion B6b supports the first anti-slack roller 62 on its front side so that it can rotate on its own, the intersection of the first front and rear plate portion B6b and the first upper and lower plate portion B6a supports the first lower rear guide roller 61d so that it can rotate on its own, and the first upper and lower plate portion B6a supports the first rear guide roller 61b on its upper side so that it can rotate on its own.

[0256] In the first support plates B6 on both sides, a first linear motion mechanism 64 is installed on the lower front side, that is, on the lower part of the first front and rear plate parts B6b.

[0257] The first support plate B6 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the first linear motion mechanism 64. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 101, the first rear guide roller 61b, the first rear lower guide roller 61d, and the first anti-slackening roller 62, which are supported on the first support plate B6, can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the first linear motion mechanism 64.

[0258] In the first support plate B6, for example, when the first rear guide roller 61b moves rearward, the tension of the first annular belt 60 increases, but since the first anti-slack roller 62 also moves rearward at the same time, the first annular belt 60 can be prevented from being overstretched.

[0259] Conversely, when the first rear guide roller 61b moves forward, the tension of the first annular belt 60 decreases, but since the first anti-slackening roller 62 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the first annular belt 60 from slackening.

[0260] In other words, thanks to the first anti-slack roller 62, even if the first support plate B6 moves, the length of the first annular belt 60 can remain constant.

[0261] The first linear motion mechanism 64 is provided to enable the first support plate B6 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0262] The first linear motion mechanism 64 consists of a first rack 64a mounted on the lower part of the first support plate B6, a first pinion meshing with the first rack 64a, and a first motor 64b for driving the first pinion to rotate (see [link]). Figure 9 It should be noted that the first pinion is connected to... Figure 9 The first motor 64b is on the inside of the paper.

[0263] In the first linear motion mechanism 64, the first pinion gear driven by the first motor 64b enables the first rack 64a to reciprocate along the conveying direction. In other words, the first linear motion mechanism 64 enables the first support plate B6 mounted on the first rack 64a to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0264] In this way, the first linear motion mechanism 64 can reciprocate the first support plate B6 with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0265] It should be noted that in the first linear motion mechanism 64, the first rack 64a is connected to the first front and rear plate portions B6b of the first support plate B6, and the first motor 64b is fixed on the outer frame F.

[0266] In the conveying section 101a, similar to the second conveyor 2 of the laser processing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment, two second conveyors 7 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0267] Since the second conveyors 7 on both the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one second conveyor 7 as an example to explain its structure.

[0268] The second conveyor 7 includes at least: a second annular belt 70; a second guide roller 71 for guiding the second annular belt 70; a second anti-slack roller 72 for preventing the second annular belt 70 from slackening; a second support plate B7 for supporting the specified roller; and a second linear motion mechanism 74 for reciprocating the second support plate B7 along the conveying direction.

[0269] It should be noted that in the second conveyor 7, the second annular belt 70 is the same as the second annular belt 20 of the second conveyor 2 in the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0270] also, Figure 7 The second conveyor 7 shown does not have a second tension adjusting roller and a second serpentine adjusting roller, but these can be appropriately set in any position.

[0271] The second guide roller 71 is used to guide the second annular belt 70.

[0272] The second guide roller 71 includes: a second front guide roller 71a that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 70 and is disposed on the upstream side; a second rear guide roller 71b that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 70 and is disposed on the downstream side; a second front lower guide roller 71c that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 70 and is disposed below the second front guide roller 71a; and a second intermediate guide roller 71d that contacts the outer surface of the second annular belt 70 and is disposed approximately at the center of the second conveyor 7.

[0273] Therefore, in the second conveyor 7, the second annular belt 70 is guided in the order of the second front guide roller 71a, the second rear guide roller 71b, the second intermediate guide roller 71d, and the second front lower guide roller 71c.

[0274] In the second guide roller 71, both the second rear guide roller 71b and the second intermediate guide roller 71d are capable of rotating on their own, and their ends are supported by the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 70 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0275] In addition, the second rear guide roller 71b has a drive device and also functions as a drive roller for driving the second annular belt 70.

[0276] On the other hand, both the second front guide roller 71a and the first front lower guide roller 71c are supported at both ends by the second support plate B7 while they are able to rotate on their own.

[0277] The second anti-slackening roller 72 is used to move together with the second front guide roller 71a to prevent the second annular belt 70 from slackening.

[0278] The second anti-slack roller 72 contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 70 between the second intermediate guide roller 71d and the second front lower guide roller 71c, and is positioned further back than the second intermediate guide roller 71d.

[0279] Therefore, the second annular belt 70 is guided by the second anti-slackening roller 72 between the second intermediate guide roller 71d and the first front lower guide roller 71c.

[0280] The second anti-slack roller 72 is supported at both ends by the second support plate B7 while it is able to rotate on its own.

[0281] The second support plate B7 is located on both sides of the second conveyor 7.

[0282] Here, these second support plates B7 have a symmetrical structure, so we will take one of the second support plates B7 as an example to explain its structure.

[0283] The second support plate B7 is L-shaped in side view and is composed of a plate-shaped second upper and lower plate portion B7a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped second front and rear plate portion B7b extending rearward from the lower part of the second upper and lower plate portion B7a.

[0284] Furthermore, the second front and rear plate portion B7b supports the second anti-slack roller 72 on its rear side so that it can rotate on its own, the intersection of the second front and rear plate portion B7b and the second upper and lower plate portion B7a supports the second front lower guide roller 71c so that it can rotate on its own, and the second upper and lower plate portion B7a supports the second front guide roller 71a on its upper side so that it can rotate on its own.

[0285] In the second support plates B7 on both sides, a second linear motion mechanism 74 is installed in the lower rear part, that is, in the lower part of the second front and rear plate parts B7b.

[0286] The second support plate B7 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the second linear motion mechanism 74. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 101, the second front guide roller 71a, the second front lower guide roller 71c, and the second anti-slackening roller 72, which are supported on the second support plate B7, can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the second linear motion mechanism 74.

[0287] In the second support plate B7, for example, when the second front guide roller 71a moves backward, the tension of the second annular belt 70 decreases, but since the second anti-slackening roller 72 also moves backward at the same time, the second annular belt 70 can be prevented from slackening.

[0288] Conversely, when the second front guide roller 71a moves forward, the tension of the second annular belt 70 increases, but since the second anti-slack roller 72 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the second annular belt 70 from being overstretched.

[0289] In other words, thanks to the second anti-slack roller 72, even if the second support plate B7 moves, the length of the second annular belt 70 can remain constant.

[0290] The second linear motion mechanism 74 is provided to enable the second support plate B7 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0291] The second linear motion mechanism 74 consists of a second rack 74a mounted on the lower part of the second support plate B7, a second pinion meshing with the second rack 74a, and a second motor 74b for driving the second pinion to rotate (see [link]). Figure 9 It should be noted that the second pinion is connected to... Figure 9 The second motor 64b is located on the inside of the paper.

[0292] In the second linear motion mechanism 74, the second pinion is driven by the second motor 74b, which enables the second rack 74a to reciprocate along the conveying direction. In other words, the second linear motion mechanism 74 enables the second support plate B7 mounted on the second rack 74a to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0293] In this way, the second linear motion mechanism 74 can reciprocate the second support plate B7 with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0294] It should be noted that in the second linear motion mechanism 74, the second rack 74a is connected to the second front and rear plate portions B7b of the second support plate B7, and the second motor 74b is fixed on the outer frame F.

[0295] The LM guide rail 51 is located approximately at the lower center of the laser processing device 101 and is used to guide the reciprocating movement of the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7.

[0296] Specifically, the LM guide rail 51 consists of sliders 51a respectively installed on the lower rear side of the first support plate B6 and the lower front side of the second support plate B7, and a guide rail portion 51b on which the two sliders 51a are installed and extends along the conveying direction.

[0297] Therefore, the first support plate B6 is supported by the first linear motion mechanism 64 on the lower front side of the first front and rear plate portion B6b, and by the LM guide rail 51 on the lower rear side of the first front and rear plate portion B6b.

[0298] Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement via the first linear motion mechanism 64, the first support plate B6 will be guided by the guide rail portion 51b of the LM guide rail 51.

[0299] Similarly, the second support plate B7 is supported by the second linear motion mechanism 74 on the lower rear side of the second front and rear plate section B7b, and by the LM guide rail 51 on the lower front side of the second front and rear plate section B7b.

[0300] Furthermore, during the reciprocating movement via the second linear motion mechanism 74, the second support plate B7 will be guided by the guide rail portion 51b of the LM guide rail 51.

[0301] Through these means, in the laser processing apparatus 101, the reciprocating movement of the first support plate B6 via the first linear motion mechanism 64 and the reciprocating movement of the second support plate B7 via the second linear motion mechanism 74 can be made smoother.

[0302] Here, in the LM guide rail 51, two sliders 51a reciprocate along a guide rail portion 51b. That is, the sliders 51a, which are respectively mounted on the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7, are guided by a common guide rail portion 51b.

[0303] As a result, the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7 will reciprocate along the same line, thus suppressing the difference between the height level of the first annular band 60 and the height level of the second annular band 70 near the laser processing area R when the first support plate B6 and / or the second support plate B7 reciprocate.

[0304] Furthermore, the laser processing apparatus 100 itself can be made compact by using only one guide rail section 51b.

[0305] In the laser processing apparatus 101, the structure of the laser unit is the same as that of the laser unit 100b in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0306] Furthermore, the first cover portion 31a and the second cover portion 31b are the same as the first cover portion 3a and the second cover portion 3b in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0307] also, Figure 7 The laser processing apparatus 101 shown does not have a recycling bin, but it can be appropriately placed in any location.

[0308] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 6 The diagram shows a perspective view of the first and second support plates of the laser processing apparatus in a steady-state moving state. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The description of the sheet metal and processed parts is omitted.

[0309] like Figure 8 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 101 can move the laser processing area R along the conveying direction without changing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction by moving the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7 in the same direction and at the same speed (steady movement).

[0310] It should be noted that, Figure 8 The lower laser processing device 101 is in a state where the laser processing area R of the upper laser processing device 101 moves backward (downstream).

[0311] Thus, in the laser processing apparatus 101, by making the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7 move normally and making the laser processing area R follow the movement of the laser head H in the conveying direction, the laser processing can always be carried out in the laser processing area R.

[0312] This prevents the first conveyor 6 and the second conveyor 7 from being damaged by the laser irradiated from the laser head H.

[0313] Furthermore, due to the increased range of motion of the laser head H, relatively high-speed laser processing can be achieved by increasing the conveying speed of the sheet material X.

[0314] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 6 The diagram shows a schematic side view of the laser processing apparatus in a non-steady-state movement of the first and second support plates. It should be noted that... Figure 9 The description of the sheet metal, machined parts, and laser part is omitted.

[0315] like Figure 9 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 101 can increase the distance of the laser processing area R in the transport direction by moving the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7 in opposite directions (non-steady movement).

[0316] It should be noted that, Figure 9 The laser processing device 101 described in the middle of the paper is in the state where the first support plate B6 of the laser processing device 101 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) and the second support plate B7 moves backward (downstream side). The laser processing device 101 described on the lower side of the paper is in the state where the first support plate B6 of the laser processing device 101 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) to the maximum extent and the second support plate B7 moves backward (downstream side) to the maximum extent.

[0317] Thus, in the laser processing apparatus 101, by causing the first support plate B6 and the second support plate B7 to move unsteadily, the distance L of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction can be made variable.

[0318] Therefore, by adjusting the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the waste, the waste can be made to fall from the laser processing area during laser processing.

[0319] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction, the scattered spatter will solidify and fall before adhering to the first conveyor 6 or the second conveyor 7, thus suppressing its adhesion to the first conveyor 6 or the second conveyor 7.

[0320] Furthermore, by significantly increasing the distance L of the laser processing area R in the transport direction, maintenance becomes easier. It should be noted that the maximum variable width of the distance L of the laser processing area R in the transport direction is preferably within the range described above.

[0321] (Third Implementation)

[0322] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the transport section of the laser processing apparatus of the present invention. It should be noted that... Figure 10 The description of the sheet metal, machined parts, and laser part is omitted.

[0323] like Figure 10 As shown, the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment includes a conveying section 102a for conveying a sheet metal or a workpiece, and a laser section mounted above the conveying section 102a in a manner that spans the conveying section 102a.

[0324] Therefore, in the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment, the plate is transported by the conveying section 102a, laser irradiation (laser processing) is performed by the laser section, and the processed part is transported by the conveying section 102a.

[0325] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 10 A schematic side view of the conveyor section of the laser processing apparatus shown. It should be noted that... Figure 11 Descriptions of the laser components other than the laser head are omitted.

[0326] like Figure 11 As shown, in the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment, the conveying unit 102a includes: a first conveyor 8 and a second conveyor 9 arranged in series, a laser head H disposed above the laser processing area R in the space between the first conveyor 8 and the second conveyor 9, and a first cover 32a, a second cover 32b and a recovery box 32c disposed below the laser processing area R.

[0327] In the conveying section 102a, the sheet material X is placed on the upper surface of the first conveyor 8 for conveying, while the processed part X1, on which the sheet material X has been laser-processed, is placed on the upper surface of the second conveyor 9 for conveying.

[0328] Furthermore, in the transport section 102a, the laser head H performs laser processing in the laser processing area R.

[0329] At this time, in the laser processing apparatus 100, as described later, the laser processing area R can follow the movement of the laser head H in the transport direction during laser processing.

[0330] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the generated waste, the waste can be made to fall into the recycling bin.

[0331] In the conveying section 102a, similar to the first conveyor 1 of the laser processing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment, two first conveyors 8 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see [link]). Figure 10 ).

[0332] Since the first conveyors 8 on the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one first conveyor 8 as an example to explain its structure.

[0333] The first conveyor 8 includes at least: a first annular belt 80; a first guide roller 81 for guiding the first annular belt 80; a first anti-slack roller 82 for preventing the first annular belt 80 from slack; a first support plate B8 for supporting the specified roller; and a first linear motion mechanism 84 for reciprocating the first support plate B8 along the conveying direction.

[0334] It should be noted that in the first conveyor 8, the first annular belt 80 is the same as the first annular belt 10 of the first conveyor 1 in the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0335] also, Figure 11 The first conveyor 8 shown does not have a first tension adjusting roller and a first serpentine adjusting roller, but these can be appropriately set in any position.

[0336] The first guide roller 81 is a roller used to guide the first annular belt 80.

[0337] The first guide roller 81 includes: a first front guide roller 81a that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 80 and is disposed on the upstream side; a first rear guide roller 81b that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 80 and is disposed on the downstream side; a first front lower guide roller 81c that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 80 and is disposed below the first front guide roller 81a; a first rear lower guide roller 81d that contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 80 and is disposed below the first rear guide roller 81b; a first intermediate front guide roller 81e that contacts the outer surface of the first annular belt 80 and is disposed on the approximately central front side of the first conveyor 8; and a first intermediate rear guide roller 81f that is disposed on the approximately central rear side of the first conveyor 8.

[0338] Therefore, in the first conveyor 8, the first annular belt 80 is guided in the order of the first front guide roller 81a, the first rear guide roller 81b, the first rear lower guide roller 81d, the first intermediate rear guide roller 81f, the first intermediate front guide roller 81e, and the first front lower guide roller 81c.

[0339] In the first guide roller 81, the first front guide roller 81a, the first intermediate rear guide roller 81f, the first intermediate front guide roller 81e, and the first front lower guide roller 81c are all in a self-rotating state, supported at both ends by the outer frame F located on both sides of the first annular belt 80 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0340] In addition, the first front lower guide roller 81c has a driving device and also functions as a driving roller, used to drive the first annular belt 80.

[0341] On the other hand, both the first rear guide roller 81b and the first rear lower guide roller 81d are supported at both ends by the first support plate B8 while they are able to rotate on their own.

[0342] The first anti-slackening roller 82 is used to move together with the first rear guide roller 81b to prevent the first annular belt 80 from slackening.

[0343] The first anti-slack roller 82 contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt 80 between the first rear lower guide roller 81d and the first intermediate rear guide roller 81f, and is positioned further forward than the first intermediate rear guide roller 81f.

[0344] Therefore, the first annular belt 80 is guided by the first anti-slackening roller 82 between the first rear lower guide roller 81d and the first intermediate rear guide roller 81f.

[0345] The first anti-slack roller 82 is supported at both ends by the first support plate B8 while it is able to rotate on its own.

[0346] The first support plate B8 is located on both sides of the first conveyor 8.

[0347] Here, these first support plates B8 have a symmetrical structure, so we will take one of the first support plates B8 as an example to explain its structure.

[0348] The first support plate B8 is L-shaped in side view and is composed of a plate-shaped first upper and lower plate portion B8a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped first front and rear plate portion B8b extending forward from the lower part of the first upper and lower plate portion B8a.

[0349] Furthermore, the first front and rear plate portion B8b supports the first anti-slack roller 82 on its front side so that it can rotate on its own, the intersection of the first front and rear plate portion B8b and the first upper and lower plate portion B8a supports the first lower rear guide roller 81d so that it can rotate on its own, and the first upper and lower plate portion B8a supports the first rear guide roller 81b on its upper side so that it can rotate on its own.

[0350] In the first support plates B8 on both sides, a first linear motion mechanism 84 is installed at the lower part of the intersection of the first upper and lower plate portions 8a and the first front and rear plate portions B8b.

[0351] The first support plate B8 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the first linear motion mechanism 84. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 102, the first rear guide roller 81b, the first rear lower guide roller 81d, and the first anti-slackening roller 82, which are supported on the first support plate B8, can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the first linear motion mechanism 84.

[0352] In the first support plate B8, for example, when the first rear guide roller 81b moves rearward, the tension of the first annular belt 80 increases, but since the first anti-slack roller 82 also moves rearward at the same time, the first annular belt 80 can be prevented from being overstretched.

[0353] Conversely, when the first rear guide roller 81b moves forward, the tension of the first annular belt 80 decreases, but since the first anti-slackening roller 82 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the first annular belt 80 from slackening.

[0354] In other words, thanks to the first anti-slack roller 82, even if the first support plate B8 moves, the length of the first annular belt 80 can remain constant.

[0355] The first linear motion mechanism 84 is provided to enable the first support plate B8 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0356] The first linear motion mechanism 84 consists of a first central slider 84a mounted on the lower part of the first support plate B8, a first central guide rail 84b for guiding the first central slider 84a and extending along the conveying direction, and a first servo motor 84c for driving the first central slider 84a (see [link]). Figure 10 ).

[0357] In the first linear motion mechanism 84, the first central slider 84a is driven by the first servo motor 84c, enabling the first central slider 84a to reciprocate along the conveying direction. In other words, the first linear motion mechanism 84 enables the first support plate B8 mounted on the first central slider 84a to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0358] In this way, the first linear motion mechanism 84 can reciprocate the first support plate B8 with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0359] It should be noted that in the first linear motion mechanism 84, the first central slider 84a and the first servo motor 84c are connected to the first front and rear plate portions B8b of the first support plate B8, and the first central guide rail portion 84b is fixed on the outer frame F.

[0360] In the conveying section 101a, similar to the second conveyor 2 of the laser processing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment, two second conveyors 9 are arranged side by side in the width direction (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0361] Since the second conveyors 9 on both the left and right sides have the same structure, we will take one second conveyor 9 as an example to explain its structure.

[0362] The second conveyor 9 includes at least: a second annular belt 90; a second guide roller 91 for guiding the second annular belt 90; a second anti-slack roller 92 for preventing the second annular belt 90 from slackening; a second support plate B9 for supporting the specified roller; and a second linear motion mechanism 94 for reciprocating the second support plate B9 along the conveying direction.

[0363] It should be noted that in the second conveyor 9, the second annular belt 90 is the same as the second annular belt 20 of the second conveyor 2 in the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0364] also, Figure 11 The second conveyor 9 shown does not have a second tension adjusting roller and a second serpentine adjusting roller, but these can be appropriately set in any position.

[0365] The second guide roller 91 is used to guide the second annular belt 90.

[0366] The second guide roller 91 includes: a second front guide roller 91a that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 90 and is disposed on the upstream side; a second rear guide roller 91b that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 90 and is disposed on the downstream side; a second front lower guide roller 91c that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 90 and is disposed below the second front guide roller 91a; a second rear lower guide roller 91d that contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 90 and is disposed below the second rear guide roller 91b; a second intermediate front guide roller 91e that contacts the outer surface of the second annular belt 90 and is disposed on the approximately central front side of the second conveyor 9; and a second intermediate rear guide roller 91f that is disposed on the approximately central rear side of the second conveyor 9.

[0367] Therefore, in the second conveyor 9, the second annular belt 90 is guided in the order of the second front guide roller 91a, the second rear guide roller 91b, the second rear lower guide roller 91d, the second intermediate rear guide roller 91f, the second intermediate front guide roller 91e, and the second front lower guide roller 91c.

[0368] In the second guide roller 91, the second rear guide roller 91b, the second intermediate front guide roller 91e, the second intermediate rear guide roller 91f, and the second rear lower guide roller 91d are all in a self-rotating state, supported at both ends by the outer frame F located on both sides of the second annular belt 90 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0369] In addition, the second rear lower guide roller 91d has a drive device and also functions as a drive roller, used to drive the second annular belt 90.

[0370] On the other hand, the second front guide roller 91a and the second front lower guide roller 91c are both supported at both ends by the second support plate B9 in a state where they can rotate on their own.

[0371] The second anti-slackening roller 92 is used to move together with the second front guide roller 91a to prevent the second annular belt 90 from slackening.

[0372] The second anti-slack roller 92 contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt 90 between the second front lower guide roller 91c and the second intermediate front guide roller 91e, and is positioned further back than the second intermediate front guide roller 91e.

[0373] Therefore, the second annular belt 90 is guided by the second anti-slackening roller 92 between the second intermediate front guide roller 91e and the second front lower guide roller 91c.

[0374] The second anti-slack roller 92 is supported at both ends by the second support plate B9 while it is able to rotate on its own.

[0375] The second support plate B9 is located on both sides of the second conveyor 9.

[0376] Here, these second support plates B9 have a symmetrical structure, so we will take one of the second support plates B9 as an example to explain its structure.

[0377] The second support plate B9 is L-shaped in side view and is composed of a plate-shaped second upper and lower plate portion B9a extending in the vertical direction and a plate-shaped second front and rear plate portion B9b extending rearward from the lower part of the second upper and lower plate portion B9a.

[0378] Furthermore, the second front and rear plate portion B9b supports the second anti-slack roller 92 on its rear side so that it can rotate on its own, the intersection of the second front and rear plate portion B9b and the second upper and lower plate portion B9a supports the second front lower guide roller 91c so that it can rotate on its own, and the second upper and lower plate portion B9a supports the second front guide roller 91a on its upper side so that it can rotate on its own.

[0379] In the second support plates B9 on both sides, at the intersection of the second upper and lower plate portions 9a and the second front and rear plate portions B9b, a second linear motion mechanism 94 is installed.

[0380] The second support plate B9 can reciprocate along the conveying direction via the second linear motion mechanism 94. That is, in the laser processing apparatus 102, the second front guide roller 91a, the second front lower guide roller 91c, and the second anti-slack roller 92, which are supported on the second support plate B9, can reciprocate along the conveying direction as a whole via the second linear motion mechanism 94.

[0381] In the second support plate B9, for example, when the second front guide roller 91a moves backward, the tension of the second annular belt 90 will decrease, but since the second anti-slackening roller 92 also moves backward at the same time, the second annular belt 90 can be prevented from slackening.

[0382] Conversely, when the second front guide roller 91a moves forward, the tension of the second annular belt 90 increases, but since the second anti-slack roller 92 also moves forward at the same time, it can prevent the second annular belt 90 from being overstretched.

[0383] In other words, thanks to the second anti-slack roller 92, even if the second support plate B9 moves, the length of the second annular belt 90 can remain constant.

[0384] The second linear motion mechanism 94 is provided to enable the second support plate B9 to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0385] The second linear motion mechanism 94 consists of a second central slider 94a mounted on the lower part of the second support plate B9, a second central guide rail 94b for guiding the second central slider 94a and extending along the conveying direction, and a second servo motor 94c for driving the second central slider 94a (see [link]). Figure 10 ).

[0386] In the second linear motion mechanism 94, the second central slider 94a is driven by the second servo motor 94c, enabling the second central slider 94a to reciprocate along the conveying direction. In other words, the second linear motion mechanism 94 enables the second support plate B9 mounted on the second central slider 94a to reciprocate along the conveying direction.

[0387] In this way, the second linear motion mechanism 94 can reciprocate the second support plate B9 with sufficient precision through a simple structure.

[0388] It should be noted that in the second linear motion mechanism 94, the second central slider 94a and the second servo motor 94c are connected to the second front and rear plate portions B9b of the second support plate B9, and the second central guide rail portion 94b is fixed on the outer frame F.

[0389] Here, in the laser processing apparatus 102, the first central guide rail 84b and the second central guide rail 94b are integrated and share a common guide rail. That is, the first central slider 84a and the second central slider 94a reciprocate along a single guide rail.

[0390] As a result, the first support plate B8 and the second support plate B9 will reciprocate along the same line, thus suppressing the difference between the height level of the first annular band 80 and the height level of the second annular band 90 near the laser processing area R when the first support plate B8 and / or the second support plate B9 reciprocate.

[0391] Furthermore, the laser processing device 100 itself can be made compact by using only one guide rail.

[0392] In the laser processing apparatus 102, the structure of the laser unit is the same as that of the laser unit 100b in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0393] Furthermore, the first cover portion 32a and the second cover portion 32b are the same as the first cover portion 3a and the second cover portion 3b in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0394] Furthermore, the recycling bin 32c is the same as the recycling unit 3c in the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0395] The laser processing apparatus 102 can move the laser processing area R along the conveying direction without changing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction by constantly moving the first support plate B8 and the second support plate B9.

[0396] Furthermore, by making the laser processing area R follow the movement of the laser head H in the conveying direction, laser processing can always be carried out in the laser processing area R.

[0397] This prevents the first conveyor 8 and the second conveyor 9 from being damaged by the laser irradiated from the laser head H.

[0398] Furthermore, due to the increased range of motion of the laser head H, relatively high-speed laser processing can be achieved by increasing the conveying speed of the sheet material X.

[0399] Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 10 The diagram shows a schematic side view of the laser processing apparatus in a non-steady-state movement of the first and second support plates. It should be noted that... Figure 12 The description of the sheet metal, machined parts, and laser part is omitted.

[0400] like Figure 12As shown, the laser processing apparatus 102 can change the distance of the laser processing area R in the transport direction by moving the first support plate B8 and the second support plate B9 in opposite directions (non-steady movement).

[0401] It should be noted that, Figure 12 The laser processing device 102 described in the middle of the paper is in the state where the first support plate B8 of the laser processing device 102 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) and the second support plate B9 moves backward (downstream side). The laser processing device 102 described on the lower side of the paper is in the state where the first support plate B8 of the laser processing device 102 described on the upper side of the paper moves forward (upstream side) to the maximum extent and the second support plate B9 moves backward (downstream side) to the maximum extent.

[0402] Thus, in the laser processing apparatus 102, by causing the first support plate B8 and the second support plate B9 to move unsteadily, the distance L of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction can be made variable.

[0403] Therefore, by adjusting the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction according to the size of the waste, the waste can be made to fall from the laser processing area during laser processing.

[0404] Furthermore, by increasing the distance of the laser processing area R in the conveying direction, the scattered spatter will solidify and fall before adhering to the first conveyor 8 or the second conveyor 9, thus preventing it from adhering to the first conveyor 8 or the second conveyor 9.

[0405] Furthermore, by significantly increasing the distance L of the laser processing area R in the transport direction, maintenance becomes easier. It should be noted that the maximum variable width of the distance L of the laser processing area R in the transport direction is preferably within the range described above.

[0406] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0407] In the laser processing apparatuses 100, 101, and 102 of this embodiment, two units of the first annular belt are arranged side by side, but there may also be only one unit, or three or more units arranged side by side. The same applies to the second annular belt.

[0408] In the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the first conveyor 1 has a first annular belt 10, a first guide roller 11, a first anti-slack roller 12, a first drive roller 13, a first tension adjusting roller 16, a first serpentine adjusting roller 17, a first support plate B1, and a first linear motion mechanism 14, but may further have rollers that guide the first annular belt 10.

[0409] Furthermore, the positions of the first drive roller 13, the first tension adjusting roller 16, and the first serpentine adjusting roller 17 are not particularly limited.

[0410] It should be noted that the same applies to the second conveyor 2.

[0411] Furthermore, the same applies to the conveyors in the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment and the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment.

[0412] In the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the linear motion mechanism adopts a synchronous belt; in the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the linear motion mechanism adopts a rack and pinion; and in the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment, the linear motion mechanism adopts a servo motor, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0413] For example, ball screws, linear motors, etc. can also be used.

[0414] In addition, a speed reducer or gearbox can be installed on the servo motor.

[0415] In the laser processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the first support plate B1 is composed of a first upper and lower plate portion B1a and a first front and rear plate portion B1b, but the shape of the support plate is not limited to this.

[0416] It should be noted that the same applies to the second support plate B2.

[0417] Furthermore, the same applies to the support plates in the laser processing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment and the laser processing apparatus 102 of the third embodiment.

[0418] In the laser processing apparatus 100, 101, and 102 of this embodiment, in order to suppress the exposure of smoke and dust (gaseous splashes) generated during laser processing from both sides below the laser processing area R, it is preferable to provide brush rollers, curtains, guide plates, etc. on both sides of this space.

[0419] In addition, it is preferable to install a dust collector on the hood for collecting smoke and dust.

[0420] Industrial availability

[0421] The laser processing apparatus of the present invention can be used as a device that, while conveying a long strip of sheet material, processes the sheet material using a laser irradiated from a laser head to form a processed part, and then conveys the processed part.

[0422] According to the laser processing apparatus of the present invention, relatively high-speed laser processing can be performed on sheet metal, and the distance of the laser processing area in the conveying direction can be adjusted according to the size of the falling waste material.

[0423] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0424] 1, 6, 8: First conveyor

[0425] 10, 60, 80: First annular zone

[0426] 100, 101, 102: Laser processing equipment

[0427] 100a, 101a, 102a: Conveying section

[0428] 100b: Laser section

[0429] 11, 61, 81: First guide rollers

[0430] 11a, 61a, 81a: First front guide roller

[0431] 11b, 61b, 81b: First rear guide roller

[0432] 11c, 81c: First front lower guide roller

[0433] 11d, 61d, 81d: First rear lower guide roller

[0434] 12, 62, 82: First anti-slack roller

[0435] 13: First drive roller

[0436] 14, 64, 84: First linear motion mechanism

[0437] 14a: First base

[0438] 14b: First synchronous belt

[0439] 14c: First motor

[0440] 15, 25: Auxiliary guide rails

[0441] 16: First tension adjusting roller

[0442] 17: First serpentine adjusting roller

[0443] 2, 7, 9: Second conveyor

[0444] 20, 70, 90: Second annular zone

[0445] 21, 71, 91: Second guide rollers

[0446] 21a, 71a, 91a: Second front guide roller

[0447] 21b, 71b, 91b: Second rear guide roller

[0448] 21c, 71c, 91c: Second front lower guide roller

[0449] 21d, 91d: Second rear lower guide roller

[0450] 22, 72, 92: Second anti-slack rollers

[0451] 23: Second drive roller

[0452] 24, 74, 94: Second linear motion mechanism

[0453] 24a: Second base

[0454] 24b: Second synchronous belt

[0455] 24c: Second motor

[0456] 26: Second tension adjusting roller

[0457] 27: Second serpentine adjusting roller

[0458] 3a, 31a, 32a: First cover section

[0459] 3b, 31b, 32b: Second cover section

[0460] 3C, 32C: Recycling bins

[0461] 41: X-axis guide rail

[0462] 42: Y-axis guide rail

[0463] 5, 51: LM guide rail

[0464] 5a, 51a: Slider

[0465] 5b, 51b: Guide rail section

[0466] 61c: First intermediate guide roller

[0467] 64a: First rack

[0468] 64b: First motor

[0469] 71d: Second intermediate guide roller

[0470] 74a: Second rack

[0471] 74b: Second motor

[0472] 81e: First intermediate front guide roller

[0473] 81f: First intermediate rear guide roller

[0474] 84a: First central slider

[0475] 84b: First Central Guide Rail Section

[0476] 84c: First servo motor

[0477] 91e: Second intermediate front guide roller

[0478] 91f: Second intermediate rear guide roller

[0479] 94a: Second central slider

[0480] 94b: Second Central Guide Rail Section

[0481] 94c: Second servo motor

[0482] B1, B6, B8: First support plate

[0483] B1a, B6a, B8a: First upper and lower plate sections

[0484] B1b, B6b, B8b: First front and rear plate sections

[0485] B2, B7, B9: Second support plate

[0486] B2a, B7a, B9a: Second upper and lower plate sections

[0487] B2b, B7b, B9b: Second front and rear plate sections

[0488] F: Outer frame

[0489] H: Laser head

[0490] R: Laser processing area

[0491] X: Board material

[0492] X1: Machined part.

Claims

1. A laser processing apparatus, which, while conveying a sheet metal along a predetermined conveying direction, processes the sheet metal using a laser irradiated from a laser head to form a processed part, and then conveys the processed part along the conveying direction, wherein... The laser processing apparatus includes: The first and second conveyors are configured in series; and A laser head, positioned above the laser processing area in the space between the first and second conveyors, is used to perform laser processing on the sheet material. The first conveyor has at least: A first annular belt is used to transport the sheet material; A first guide roller, which guides the first annular belt and contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt, has a first front guide roller disposed on the upstream side and a first rear guide roller disposed on the downstream side. The first anti-slackening roller is used to prevent the first annular belt from slackening. A first support plate supports the first rear guide roller and the first anti-slackening roller; and A first linear motion mechanism is used to reciprocate the first support plate along the conveying direction. The second conveyor has at least: The second annular belt is used to transport the workpiece; The second guide roller, which guides the second annular belt and contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt, has a second front guide roller disposed on the upstream side and a second rear guide roller disposed on the downstream side; The second anti-slackening roller is used to prevent the second annular belt from slackening. A second support plate supports the second front guide roller and the second anti-slackening roller; and The second linear motion mechanism is used to reciprocate the second support plate along the conveying direction. The first front guide roller and the second rear guide roller are fixed to the outer frame. The first linear motion mechanism and the second linear motion mechanism can be driven independently. By moving the first support plate and the second support plate in the same direction and at the same speed, the distance between the laser processing area and the laser head in the conveying direction remains constant, and the laser head moves along the same direction. The distance between the laser processing area and the conveying direction can be varied by preventing the first support plate and the second support plate from moving in the same direction and at the same speed.

2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first linear motion mechanism comprises a first base, a first synchronous belt, and a first motor. The first base is equipped with the first support plate, the first synchronous belt is mounted on the first base, and the first motor is used to reciprocate the first synchronous belt along the conveying direction. The second linear motion mechanism consists of a second base, a second synchronous belt, and a second motor. The second base is equipped with the second support plate, the second synchronous belt is equipped with the second base, and the second motor is used to make the second synchronous belt reciprocate along the conveying direction.

3. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The laser processing apparatus further includes an LM guide rail for guiding the first support plate and the second support plate. The first base is installed on the lower front side of the first support plate. The second base is installed on the lower rear side of the second support plate. The LM guide rail consists of sliders and a guide rail section. The sliders are respectively installed on the lower rear side of the first support plate and the lower front side of the second support plate. The guide rail section is used to guide the two sliders.

4. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The laser processing apparatus further comprises: A first cover portion, which covers a first annular belt guided downward from the first rear guide roller; and The second cover covers the second annular belt that is guided from below toward the second front guide roller.

5. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The laser processing apparatus further comprises: The X-axis guide rail is used to move the laser head back and forth along the width direction; A Y-axis guide rail is used to reciprocate the X-axis guide rail along the conveying direction; and A recycling bin is located below the laser processing area.

6. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first conveyor further comprises: A first tension adjusting roller, used to adjust the tension of the first annular belt; and A first serpentine adjustment roller is used to suppress the serpentine movement of the first annular belt. The second conveyor further comprises: A second tension adjusting roller, used to adjust the tension of the second annular belt; and The second serpentine adjustment roller is used to suppress the serpentine movement of the second annular belt.

7. The laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first guide roller further has: A first front lower guide roller, which contacts the inner surface of the first annular belt, is disposed below the first front guide roller; and The first rear lower guide roller is disposed below the first rear guide roller. The first front lower guide roller and the first rear lower guide roller are fixed to the outer frame. The first anti-slackening roller contacts the outer surface of the first annular belt between the first rear guide roller and the first rear lower guide roller. The second guide roller further has: The second front lower guide roller, which contacts the inner surface of the second annular belt, is disposed below the second front guide roller; and The second rear lower guide roller is positioned below the second rear guide roller. The second front lower guide roller and the second rear lower guide roller are fixed on the outer frame. The second anti-slackening roller is in contact with the outer surface of the second annular belt between the second front guide roller and the second front lower guide roller.

8. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The first rear guide roller, the second front guide roller, the first anti-slackening roller, and the second anti-slackening roller are all arranged in pairs in the vertical direction.

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