Laser processing machine

Abstract

To provide a laser processing machine capable of performing preparation of pipe processing efficiently.SOLUTION: A laser processing machine 1 comprises: a processing head 20 that radiates a laser beam; a head movement mechanism 21 that moves the processing head 20 in at least two dimensions; and a head rotation mechanism 22 that rotates the processing head 20 around a V axis Av parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. The region in which the processing head 20 can perform processing includes a flat-plate processing region Ra in which flat plates are processed, and a pipe processing region Rb in which pipes are processed. The pipe processing region Rb is provided at a position adjacent to the flat-plate processing region Ra, independently of the flat-plate processing region Ra. The pipe processing region Rb is switched from the flat-plate processing region Ra by rotating the processing head 20 with the head rotation mechanism 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser processing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a laser processing machine that processes a workpiece using the thermal energy of a laser beam. The laser processing is, for example, laser cutting. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laser processing machine that has a flat plate processing table and a pipe processing table, and switches the tables when processing a pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-91180 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the laser processing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the processing area for pipe processing and the processing area for plate processing overlap each other, which poses a problem that the setup for pipe processing requires complicated work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of one or more embodiments is a laser processing machine including a processing head that irradiates a laser beam, a head moving mechanism that moves the processing head at least two-dimensionally, and a head rotation mechanism that rotates the processing head around a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. Areas that can be processed by the processing head include a flat plate processing area for processing flat plates and a pipe processing area for processing pipes. The pipe processing area is provided independently of the flat plate processing area at a position adjacent to the flat plate processing area, and is switched from the flat plate processing area by rotating the processing head by the head rotation mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The laser processing machine according to one or more embodiments can efficiently carry out setup for pipe processing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic structure of a laser processing machine according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the processing head. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the processing machine body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pipe processing unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the deployed position of the pipe tray. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the pipe support is moved. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flat table installed in the processing machine body. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flat table inside the processing machine body removed from the carriage. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flat table placed on a dolly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the flat plate processing area and the pipe processing area. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a procedure for switching between 3D machining and flat plate machining. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure for switching between 3D machining and pipe machining. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the laser processing machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the definitions of directions are left-right, front-back, and up-down. The left-right and front-back directions correspond to two directions that are orthogonal to each other on a horizontal plane, and the up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic structure of a laser processing machine 1 according to this embodiment. The laser processing machine 1 according to this embodiment is a laser cutting machine that cuts a workpiece by irradiating a laser beam onto the workpiece. The laser processing machine 1 can perform three-dimensional (3D) processing on a three-dimensional workpiece having a three-dimensional shape, and two-dimensional (2D) processing on a flat plate such as a metal plate and a pipe such as a steel pipe. The pipe refers to a rod-shaped workpiece, and may be a hollow material or a solid material. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe perpendicular to the axial direction may be circular or non-circular such as a polygon.

[0010] The laser processing machine 1 includes a processing machine main body 10 and a flat table 80 (see FIG. 7) which will be described later.

[0011] The processing machine body 10 is mainly composed of a body frame 15, a processing head 20, a positioner 30, a pipe processing unit 40, a pair of guide rails 70, and a control device 100.

[0012] The main body frame 15 is composed of a plurality of frame members assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to surround a machining space where machining is performed. The main body frame 15 is installed on the floor and fixed using fastening parts such as bolts. Inside the main body frame 15, a machining head 20, a positioner 30, a pipe machining unit 40, a pair of guide rails 70, a control device 100, etc. are arranged. Panels provided on parts of the left and right sides and on the rear surface also constitute the main body frame 15. A partition (not shown) for shielding the machining space and a door (not shown) for entering and exiting the machining space are provided around the main body frame 15.

[0013] The processing head 20 irradiates a laser beam onto a workpiece. The processing machine body 10 is equipped with a head moving mechanism 21 provided on the body frame 15. The head moving mechanism 21 allows the processing head 20 to move in two dimensions, including at least the front-rear and left-right directions. The processing head 20 of this embodiment can move in three dimensions, including the up-down direction in addition to the front-rear and left-right directions. Note that the structure of the head moving mechanism 21 is depicted in a simplified manner in FIG. 1.

[0014] 2 is a side view illustrating the processing head 20. The processing machine body 10 further includes a head rotation mechanism 22. The head rotation mechanism 22 allows the processing head 20 to rotate about a V-axis Av, which is a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated from the processing head 20. The V-axis Av is present at a position offset in the horizontal direction from the central axis Ac of the processing head 20, i.e., the optical axis of the laser beam. Therefore, by rotating the processing head 20 about the V-axis Av, the processing head 20 rotates so as to draw a circular orbit on the horizontal plane.

[0015] The rotation angle of the machining head 20 when it is positioned at the frontmost position among the machining heads 20 rotating around the V-axis Av is set to 0 degrees. When the machining head 20 rotates from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, the machining head 20 is positioned at the rearmost position. Even if the head moving mechanism 21 does not move the machining head 20 backward, the machining head 20 can be rotated by the head rotating mechanism 22 to reach the rear position. This rotation of the machining head 20 allows the machining area that the machining head 20 can machine to be expanded to the rear area. Details of the machining area will be described later.

[0016] 3 is a perspective view showing the main part of the processing machine body 10. The positioner 30 is a device that supports a three-dimensional workpiece to be processed in 3D, and in this embodiment, is configured to be able to change the position of the three-dimensional workpiece. The positioner 30 is installed on the floor and is located approximately in the center of the processing machine body 10.

[0017] The positioner 30 is composed of a positioner table 31 and a table driving mechanism 32 .

[0018] The positioner table 31 is formed in a disk shape, and a three-dimensional workpiece is placed on the positioner table 31. The positioner table 31 is provided with a fixture (not shown) for fixing the three-dimensional workpiece.

[0019] The table driving mechanism 32 is a mechanism that rotates the positioner table 31 around an arbitrary axis. The table driving mechanism 32 rotates the positioner table 31 around a CS axis Acs, which is a rotation axis that passes through the center of the positioner table 31 and extends in the up-down direction. The table driving mechanism 32 also rotates the positioner table 31 around a CR axis Acr, which is a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the CS axis Acs and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0020] By changing the position of the three-dimensional workpiece by the positioner 30 and moving the machining head 20 in three dimensions, a laser beam can be irradiated onto any part of the three-dimensional workpiece supported by the positioner table 31 .

[0021] The positioner 30 may be structured to rotate the positioner table 31 around only one axis, the CS axis Acs, instead of two axes including the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr. In addition, the positioner 30 may be structured to rotate the positioner table 31 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr, in addition to the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr. The positioner 30 may also be structured such that the positioner table 31 does not rotate.

[0022] The pipe processing unit 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pipe processing unit 40. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the deployed position of the pipe tray 41. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the pipe support 42 is moved. The pipe processing unit 40 is a unit for processing pipes. For ease of explanation, a pair of guide rails 70 are omitted in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0023] The pipe processing unit 40 is a device that rotatably supports a pipe to be processed. The pipe processing unit 40 supports the pipe so that the axial direction of the pipe is aligned in the left-right direction. The pipe processing unit 40 is located behind the positioner 30 in the processing space, and is attached to the main body frame 15.

[0024] The pipe processing unit 40 is composed of a pipe tray 41, left and right pipe supports 42, and a pipe rotation mechanism 45. As shown in Fig. 4, the pipe tray 41 and the left and right pipe supports 42 are attached to the rear panel 16 of the main body frame 15 via a base panel 46. The pipe rotation mechanism 45 is attached to the right frame member 15a that constitutes the main body frame 15.

[0025] The pipe tray 41 is a tray that receives products cut by pipe processing, scraps, etc. The rear end (tray base end) of the pipe tray 41 is attached to the base panel 46 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The pipe tray 41 can swing up and down by rotating around the hinge mechanism that has a rotation shaft (not shown) extending in the left-right direction. The pipe tray 41 can be switched between a stored position and an extended position by swinging up and down. The switching between the stored position and the extended position can be performed manually, but it may also be configured to switch automatically.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the storage position, the pipe tray 41 stands upright along the rear panel 16. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the deployed position, the pipe tray 41 faces horizontally so as to form a right angle with the rear panel 16. When the pipe tray 41 in the deployed position is raised upward, the front end (tray tip) of the pipe tray 41 swings upward so as to draw an arc, thereby allowing the pipe tray 41 to be switched to the storage position. Conversely, when the pipe tray 41 in the storage position is lowered downward, the front end of the pipe tray 41 swings downward so as to draw an arc, thereby allowing the pipe tray 41 to be switched to the deployed position.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, a shaft 48 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the base panel 46, and a stopper 47 formed from a horizontally long panel is rotatably attached to the shaft 48. A slit 41a is provided on the left side surface of the pipe tray 41. When the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position, the stopper 47 is adjacent to the slit 41a. By rotating the stopper 47 and inserting it into the slit 41a, the rocking of the pipe tray 41 is restricted. This allows the pipe tray 41 to be held in the storage position.

[0028] The left and right pipe supports 42 support the pipes. The left and right pipe supports 42 are attached to a base panel 46 via guide members and can move in the left and right direction. The left and right pipe supports 42 can be moved manually, but may also be configured to move automatically.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the home positions of the left and right pipe supports 42 are set to the end positions in the left-right direction, that is, the left end positions in this embodiment. Only when the left and right pipe supports 42 are located in the home positions can the pipe tray 41 be switched from the stored position in Fig. 3 to the deployed position in Fig. 5. Similarly, only when the left and right pipe supports 42 are located in the home positions can the pipe tray 41 be switched from the deployed position in Fig. 5 to the stored position in Fig. 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, when the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position, if the left and right pipe supports 42 are moved rightward from the home position, they interfere with the pipe tray 41 and cannot be moved. Therefore, when moving the left and right pipe supports 42 from the home position, it is necessary to switch the pipe tray 41 to the deployed position as shown in FIG. 5. Then, when the pipe tray 41 is switched to the deployed position, the left and right pipe supports 42 can be moved rightward as shown in FIG. 6. This allows the left and right pipe supports 42 to be positioned at any position, and the left and right pipe supports 42 can support the pipe at a position suitable for the length of the pipe to be processed.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, each pipe support 42 includes a pair of upper support members 43 that press the upper side of the pipe, and a pair of lower support members 44 that support the lower side of the pipe.

[0032] The pair of upper support members 43 are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction. Each upper support member 43 is a link member bent into an L shape. A roller is attached to the tip of the upper support member 43 to allow the pipe to rotate. The base end of the upper support member 43 is attached to a shaft body and can swing around the shaft body.

[0033] The pair of upper support members 43 are configured such that the movement of one upper support member 43 is linked to the movement of the other upper member 43. Therefore, the pair of upper support members 43 oscillate synchronously in directions approaching each other and in directions separating from each other.

[0034] The pair of lower support members 44 have the same configuration as the pair of upper support members 43, except that the pair of lower support members 44 are set to be smaller in size than the pair of upper support members 43.

[0035] The pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44 each come into contact with the outer periphery of the pipe, thereby enabling the pipe to be held in a well-balanced manner. Furthermore, the spacing between the pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44, as well as the spacing between the pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44, can be adjusted according to the outer diameter of the pipe, enabling pipes of various sizes to be held.

[0036] The pipe rotation mechanism 45 rotates the pipe around axis A Aa, which is a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The pipe rotation mechanism 45 includes a chuck that holds the axial end of the pipe so that axis A Aa coincides with the central axis of the pipe.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, the laser processing machine 1 is provided with a pair of guide rails 70 for installing a flat table 80 (see Fig. 7). The pair of guide rails 70 are fixed to the floor. The pair of guide rails 70 are disposed on both sides of the positioner 30, and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction. Each guide rail 70 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0038] The control device 100 controls the operation of the laser processing machine 1. The control device 100 is configured by a computer having a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. By having the hardware processor execute a program stored in the memory, it is possible to perform 2D processing including plate processing and pipe processing, and 3D processing.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, a table detection switch 110 is provided on the rear panel 16. The table detection switch 110 is, for example, a proximity sensor, and detects that a flat table 80 (see Fig. 7), which will be described later, is in a flat plate processing position for performing flat plate processing. When the flat table 80 is not in the flat plate processing position, the signal output from the table detection switch 110 is in an OFF state. When the flat table 80 is in the flat plate processing position, the signal output from the table detection switch 110 is in an ON state. The signal from the table detection switch 110 is input to the control device 100.

[0040] In addition, a tray detection switch (not shown) is provided near the stopper 47. The tray detection switch detects whether the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position or the deployed position by detecting whether the stopper 47 is in the position where it has entered the slit 41a. The tray detection switch is, for example, a proximity sensor. When the stopper 47 has entered the slit 41a, that is, when the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position, the signal output from the tray detection switch is in the ON state. When the stopper 47 has not entered the slit 41a, that is, when the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position, the signal output from the tray detection switch is in the OFF state. The signal from the tray detection switch is input to the control device 100.

[0041] The flat table 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flat table 80 installed in the processing machine body. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the flat table 80 in the processing machine body removed from the carriage. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flat table 80 placed on the carriage.

[0042] 7, the plate table 80 is a table that supports a plate to be processed. The plate table 80 is selectively installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70. That is, when performing plate processing, the plate table 80 is installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70, and when performing pipe processing or 3D processing, the plate table 80 is not installed.

[0043] The flat table 80 includes a table base 81, a plurality of work support plates 82, a plurality of legs 83, a plurality of casters 84, and a duct 86 (see FIG. 9).

[0044] The table base 81 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top. A plurality of work support plates 82 are disposed on the upper portion of the table base 81. The plurality of work support plates 82 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction. Each work support plate 82 extends in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of protrusions are provided on its upper edge at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The flat plate is supported by the plurality of protrusions provided on the plurality of work support plates 82.

[0045] The multiple legs 83 are arranged on the underside of the table base 81 and support the table base 81 at a constant height. In this embodiment, the four legs 83 are arranged corresponding to the four corners of the table base 81. The multiple casters 84 are provided on the lower end of each leg 83. In this embodiment, the four casters 84 are arranged corresponding to the four legs 83. The four casters 84 allow the flat table 80 to be moved manually.

[0046] The distance between the left leg 83 and the right leg 83 corresponds to the distance between the pair of guide rails 70. This allows the plate table 80 to be placed on the pair of guide rails 70 and to be moved along the pair of guide rails 70. In addition, any one of the four casters 84 is provided with a fixing knob 85 for restricting the movement of the plate table 80. By operating this fixing knob 85, the movement of the plate table 80 can be restricted and the plate table 80 can be fixed at the plate processing position.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 9, the duct 86 is disposed on the rear side of the table base 81. When the flat plate table 80 is in the flat plate processing position (see Fig. 7), the rear end of the duct 86 is connected to a duct connection portion provided on the rear panel 16. Air in the internal space of the table base 81 is sucked in through the duct 86. This makes it possible to forcibly exhaust unwanted materials such as fumes generated by laser processing.

[0048] When the duct 86 is connected to the duct connection portion of the rear panel 16, the duct 86 is detected by a table detection switch 110 shown in Fig. 4. The table detection switch 110 can detect whether the flat table 80 is in the flat plate processing position based on the presence or absence of the duct 86.

[0049] 8, the flat plate table 80 is provided with a dolly 90 for mounting the flat plate table 80. The dolly 90 can be connected to the front side of the processing machine body 10. The dolly 90 is used when carrying the flat plate table 80 into the processing machine body 10 and when carrying the flat plate table 80 out of the processing machine body 10.

[0050] The cart 90 includes a rectangular cart frame 91 and casters 92 attached to each of the four corners of the underside of the cart frame 91. An operator can manually move the cart 90 on the floor.

[0051] In the carriage frame 91, a pair of frame members extending in the front-rear direction function as rail portions 91a for supporting the flat table 80 and for guiding the travel of the flat table 80. The pair of rail portions 91a are spaced apart in the left-right direction at the same interval as the pair of guide rails 70 provided inside the processing machine body 10.

[0052] When the carriage 90 is connected to the front side of the processing machine body 10, the left rail portion 91a is connected to the left guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10, and the right rail portion 91a is connected to the right guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10. By moving the carriage 90 along the continuous rail portion 91a and guide rail 70, the flat table 80 can be moved between inside and outside the processing machine body 10.

[0053] Even when the plate table 80 moves into the processing machine body 10, the positioner 30 fits under the table base 81, so that the positioner 30 and the table base 81 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, the plate table 80 can be installed in the processing machine body 10 without moving the positioner 30. The plate table 80 moves on a pair of guide rails 70 and is positioned at the plate processing position.

[0054] When the plate processing is completed, the plate table 80 is moved from inside the processing machine body 10 to outside the processing machine body 10 and placed on the carriage 90. When the plate table 80 is fixed to the carriage 90 by the fixing knob 85 and the connection of the carriage 90 to the processing machine body 10 is released, the plate table 80 can be moved together with the carriage 90 as shown in FIG.

[0055] According to the laser processing machine 1 configured as above, with the flat plate table 80 removed from the processing machine body 10, it is possible to perform 3D processing using the positioner 30 and pipe processing using the pipe processing unit 40. Also, with the flat plate table 80 installed on the processing machine body 10, it is possible to perform flat plate processing using the flat plate table 80, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0056] When the flat plate table 80 is in the flat plate processing position and the pipe tray 41 is lowered from the storage position, the front end of the pipe tray 41 interferes with the table base 81. This makes it impossible to switch the pipe tray 41 to the deployed position. Similarly, when the flat plate table 80 is moved into the processing machine body 10 with the pipe tray 41 in the deployed position, the table base 81 interferes with the front end of the pipe tray 41. This makes it impossible to set the flat plate table 80 at the flat plate processing position. This type of mechanical interference makes it impossible for the flat plate processing setup and the pipe processing setup to coexist.

[0057] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the flat plate processing area and the pipe processing area. In 2D processing including flat plate processing and pipe processing, the processing head 20 moves in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The area in which the processing head 20 can process includes a flat plate processing area Ra where flat plate processing is performed and a pipe processing area Rb where pipe processing is performed. When performing flat plate processing, the processing head 20 moves within the flat plate processing area Ra. When performing pipe processing, the processing head 20 moves within the pipe processing area Rb.

[0058] The plate processing area Ra is located approximately in the center of the processing machine body 10 in top view, and corresponds to the position of the table base 81 of the plate table 80 installed at the plate processing position. In addition, the plate processing area Ra corresponds to the movable range in the front-rear and left-right directions in which the processing head 20 can be moved by the head moving mechanism 21 when the rotation angle of the processing head 20 on the V axis is set to 0 degrees.

[0059] The pipe processing area Rb is located behind the flat plate processing area Ra in a top view and corresponds to the pipe tray 41 in the deployed position. The pipe processing area Rb is provided adjacent to the flat plate processing area Ra in a top view and independent of the flat plate processing area Ra. As described above, since the movable range of the head moving mechanism 21 is limited, the rearward movement of the processing head 20 is limited to the rear side of the flat plate processing area Ra.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 2, when the machining head 20 is rotated 180 degrees around the V-axis Av and reversed, the machining head 20 can move backward by twice the rotation radius of the machining head 20 around the V-axis Av. That is, by reversing the machining head 20, the machining area of ​​the machining head 20 can be expanded, and the pipe machining area Rb can be set behind the flat plate machining area Ra. This allows the pipe machining area Rb to be provided so as not to overlap with the flat plate machining area Ra.

[0061] The procedure for switching between processing modes in the laser processing machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the procedure for switching between 3D processing and flat plate processing will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for switching between 3D processing and flat plate processing. In 3D processing, the positioner 30 is used, so the flat plate table 80 is removed from the processing machine body 10 and placed outside the processing machine body 10 on a cart 90 (see FIG. 9). In addition, the pipe tray 41 of the pipe processing unit 40 is in the storage position, and the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position.

[0062] In step S10, the worker carries the flat plate table 80 into the processing machine body 10. Specifically, the worker moves the carriage 90 on which the flat plate table 80 is placed to the front side of the processing machine body 10 (see FIG. 9). Then, the worker moves the carriage 90 backward and connects the carriage 90 to the front side of the processing machine body 10. As a result, the left rail portion 91a is connected to the left guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10, and the right rail portion 91a is connected to the right guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10. The worker can move the flat plate table 80 into the processing machine body 10 via the continuous rail portion 91a and guide rail 70 (see FIG. 8).

[0063] In step S11, the operator fixes the flat plate table 80 to the flat plate processing position using the fixing knob 85 (see FIG. 7). At this time, the operator may remove the carriage 90 from the processing machine body 10.

[0064] When the plate table 80 is not at the plate processing position, i.e., when the table detection switch 110 is off (step S12: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S13 that the plate table 80 is in an unlocked state. On the other hand, when the plate table 80 is at the plate processing position, i.e., when the table detection switch 110 is on (step S12: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S14 that the plate table 80 is in a locked state.

[0065] In step S15, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for flat plate processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region that defines the vertical stroke amount of the processing head 20 to that for flat plate processing (2D processing). In addition, the control device 100 switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from enabled to disabled.

[0066] When the operator places a plate on the plate table 80, he or she instructs the operation panel provided on the processing machine body 10 to start plate processing. In step S16, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of plate processing. If an instruction to start plate processing is given even though the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in an unlocked state, the control device 100 issues an alarm (step S17). Then, when processing of the plate is completed, the control device 100 ends automatic operation (step S18).

[0067] In step S19, the operator operates the fixing knob 85 to release the flat table 80. The operator connects the carriage 90 to the front side of the processing machine body 10 (see FIG. 8). This enables the operator to move the flat table 80 forward.

[0068] When the plate table 80 is in the plate processing position, the table detection switch 110 is on (step S20: on), and therefore, in step S21, the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in a locked state. On the other hand, when the plate table 80 is not in the plate processing position, that is, when the table detection switch 110 is off (step S20: off), in step S22, the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in an unlocked state.

[0069] In step S23, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for 3D processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for 3D processing. In addition, the control device 100 switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from disabled to enabled.

[0070] The worker carries the flat table 80 out of the processing machine body 10 (step S24), moves the flat table 80 to the carriage 90, and fixes the flat table 80 to the carriage 90 with the fixing knob 85. This allows the worker to move the flat table 80 together with the carriage 90.

[0071] When the operator places the three-dimensional workpiece on the positioner 30, he / she instructs the operation panel provided on the processing machine body 10 to start 3D processing. In step S25, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of 3D processing. When the processing of the three-dimensional workpiece is completed, the control device 100 ends the automatic operation (step S26).

[0072] By following the above series of steps, it is possible to switch from 3D machining to flat plate machining and from flat plate machining to 3D machining.

[0073] Next, the procedure for switching between 3D machining and pipe machining will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the procedure for switching between 3D machining and pipe machining. Since the positioner 30 is used in 3D machining, the flat table 80 is removed from the processing machine body 10 and placed on a cart 90 outside the processing machine body 10 (see Fig. 9). In addition, the pipe tray 41 of the pipe processing unit 40 is in the storage position, and the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position (see Fig. 9).

[0074] In step S30, the worker removes the stopper 47 (see FIG. 4) from the slit 41a and then lowers the pipe tray 41. This switches the pipe tray 41 from the stored position to the deployed position (see FIG. 5).

[0075] If the stopper 47 is not removed from the slit 41a, that is, if the tray detection switch is on (step S31: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S32 that the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position. On the other hand, if the stopper 47 is removed from the slit 41a, that is, if the tray detection switch is off (step S31: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S33 that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position.

[0076] In step S34, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for pipe processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for pipe processing (2D processing). The control device 100 also switches the A-axis Aa from disabled to enabled.

[0077] The worker moves the pair of pipe supports 42 to the right, thereby positioning the pair of pipe supports 42 at an appropriate position according to the length of the pipe. The worker also supports the pipe with the pair of pipe supports 42 and fixes the pipe to the pipe rotation mechanism 45. The worker then issues an instruction to start pipe processing to the operation panel provided on the processing machine body 10.

[0078] In step S35, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of pipe processing. If the control device 100 is instructed to start pipe processing even though it recognizes that the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position, the control device 100 issues an alarm (step S36). Then, when processing of the pipe is completed, the control device 100 ends the automatic operation in step S37.

[0079] After removing the remaining material from the pair of pipe supports 42 and the pipe rotation mechanism 45, the worker moves the pair of pipe supports 42 to the home position (see FIG. 5). Then, in step S38, the worker lifts the pipe tray 41 to switch the pipe tray 41 from the deployed position to the stored position (see FIG. 4). Then, the worker inserts the stopper 47 into the slit 41a to fix the pipe tray 41 at the stored position.

[0080] When the stopper 47 is not inserted into the slit 41a, that is, when the tray detection switch is off (step S39: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S40 that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position. On the other hand, when the stopper 47 is inserted into the slit 41a, that is, when the tray detection switch is on (step S39: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S41 that the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position.

[0081] In step S42, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for 3D processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for 3D processing. The control device 100 also switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from disabled to enabled, and switches the A axis Aa from enabled to disabled.

[0082] When the operator places the three-dimensional workpiece on the positioner 30, he / she instructs the operation panel provided on the processing machine body 10 to start 3D processing. In step S43, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of 3D processing. Note that if the control device 100 recognizes that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployment position but instructs the start of 3D processing, it issues an alarm (step S44).

[0083] Then, when machining into a three-dimensional workpiece is completed, in step S45, the control device 100 ends the automatic operation.

[0084] By following the above series of steps, it is possible to switch from 3D machining to pipe machining and from pipe machining to 3D machining.

[0085] As described above, the laser processing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a processing head 20 that irradiates a laser beam, a head moving mechanism 21 that moves the processing head 20 at least two-dimensionally, and a head rotating mechanism 22 that rotates the processing head 20 around a V-axis Av parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. The areas that can be processed by the processing head 20 include a flat plate processing area Ra for processing flat plates and a pipe processing area Rb for processing pipes. The pipe processing area Rb is provided in a position adjacent to the flat plate processing area Ra and independent of the flat plate processing area Ra. The pipe processing area Rb can be switched from the flat plate processing area Ra by rotating the processing head 20 by the head rotating mechanism 22.

[0086] According to this configuration, the machining area can be expanded by rotating the machining head 20 with the head rotation mechanism 22. This allows the pipe machining area Rb to be provided at a position that does not overlap with the flat plate machining area Ra. This allows the pipe machining setup to be performed efficiently.

[0087] In this embodiment, the laser processing machine 1 further includes a pipe processing unit 40 and a pair of guide rails 70. The pipe processing unit 40 can be switched between an expanded position and a stored position, and supports a pipe in the pipe processing region Rb when in the expanded position. The pair of guide rails 70 are table guide members for installing a plate table 80 that supports a plate in the plate processing region Ra. The plate table 80 is selectively installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70.

[0088] According to this configuration, the laser processing machine 1 can permanently install the pipe processing unit 40. Then, by switching the pipe processing unit 40 from the stored position to the deployed position, the setup for pipe processing can be easily performed. In addition, since the flat table 80 is installed selectively, it does not interfere with the setup for pipe processing.

[0089] In this embodiment, the flat table 80 mounted on the pair of guide rails 70 mechanically interferes with the pipe processing unit 40 in the deployed position.

[0090] According to this configuration, due to mechanical constraints, the setup for pipe processing and the setup for plate processing cannot be performed simultaneously, which prevents the operator from performing the wrong setup work.

[0091] In this embodiment, the pipe processing unit 40 is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the pipe, and has a pair of pipe supports 42 that support the pipe, and a pipe tray 41 that swings between an extended position and a stored position. The base end of the pipe tray 41 is rotatably connected, and the tip of the tray swings in an arc. As a result, the pipe tray 41 is horizontally oriented and located below the pipe in the extended position, and is upright in the stored position.

[0092] According to this configuration, the storage position and the deployment position can be switched simply by vertically moving the pipe tray 41. This makes it easy to set up for pipe processing.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pair of pipe supports 42 are disposed at home positions located to the sides of the pipe tray 41. When the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position, the pair of pipe supports 42 are movable in the axial direction of the pipes.

[0094] According to this configuration, the movement of the pair of pipe supports 42 can be restricted when the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position.

[0095] In this embodiment, the pipe tray 41 is capable of swinging from the deployed position to the stored position when the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position.

[0096] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the pipe tray 41 from switching to the storage position even when the pair of pipe supports 42 are not in the home position.

[0097] In this embodiment, the pipe processing unit 40 further has a stopper 47 for fixing the pipe tray 41 in the storage position.

[0098] According to this configuration, the pipe tray 41 can be held in the stored position.

[0099] In this embodiment, the laser processing machine 1 further includes a control device 100 that controls the head moving mechanism 21 and the head rotating mechanism 22. The control device 100 switches control parameters depending on whether the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position or the deployed position.

[0100] According to this configuration, the control parameters can be automatically switched, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

[0101] In this embodiment, the loading direction of the flat table 80 is the rear direction, and the pipe processing area Rb is located at the rear side of the loading direction of the flat table 80. However, the position of the pipe processing area Rb may remain the same, and the loading direction of the flat table 80 may be the rightward or leftward direction. Also, in this embodiment, the loading and unloading of the flat table 80 is performed manually, but it may be configured to be performed automatically.

[0102] Although the present embodiment has been described, the description and drawings forming a part of this embodiment should not be understood as limiting this embodiment. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Laser processing machine 10 Processing machine body 15 Main frame 15a Frame member 16 Rear Panel 20 Processing head 21 Head movement mechanism 22 Head rotation mechanism 30 Positioner 31 Positioner Table 32 Table drive mechanism 40 Pipe Processing Unit 41 Pipe Tray 41a Slit 42 Pipe Support 45 Pipe rotation mechanism 46 Base Panel 47 Stopper 70 Guide rail (table guide part) 80 Flat Table 81 Table Base 82 Work support plate 83 Legs 84 Caster 85 Fixing knob 86 Duct 100 Control device 110 Table detection switch Av V axis Acr CR axis Acs CS axis Aa A axis Ra flat plate processing area Rb Pipe processing area

Claims

1. A processing head that irradiates a laser beam; a head moving mechanism that moves the processing head in at least two dimensions; a head rotation mechanism that rotates the processing head around a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam, The area that the processing head can process is: a plate processing area for processing a plate; a pipe processing area for processing a pipe; The pipe processing area includes: The head rotating mechanism rotates the processing head to switch from the flat plate processing area to the flat plate processing area. Laser processing machine.

2. a pipe processing unit switchable between a deployed position and a stored position, the pipe processing unit supporting the pipe in the pipe processing area when in the deployed position; a table guide unit for installing a plate table that supports the plate in the plate processing area, The flat table is selectively installed relative to the table guide portion.

2. The laser processing machine according to claim 1.

3. The flat table installed in the table guide portion does not mechanically interfere with the pipe processing unit in the deployed position.

3. The laser processing machine according to claim 2.

4. The pipe processing unit includes: A pair of pipe supports configured to be movable in an axial direction of the pipe and supporting the pipe; a pipe tray that swings between the deployed position and the stored position, The pipe tray is The base end of the tray is rotatably connected, and the tip of the tray swings in an arc, facing horizontally and positioned below the pipe in the deployed position, and standing upright in the stored position.

3. The laser processing machine according to claim 2.

5. The pair of pipe supports include: Located at a home position located to the side of the pipe tray, When the pipe tray is in the deployed position, it is movable in the axial direction of the pipes.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 4.

6. The pipe tray is When the pair of pipe supports are in the home position, the pair of pipe supports are capable of swinging from the deployed position to the stored position.

6. The laser processing machine according to claim 5.

7. The pipe processing unit includes: The pipe tray further includes a stopper for fixing the pipe tray in the storage position.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 4.

8. a control device for controlling the head moving mechanism and the head rotating mechanism, The control device includes: A control parameter is switched depending on whether the pipe tray is in the stored position or the deployed position.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 4.

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