Processing device, and method of forming pattern

Abstract

To enable appropriate processing of an object to be processed.SOLUTION: A control part 12 of a cutting plotter 1 enables, in a pattern PT1, drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on a surface of an object T placed on a table 2, forming cut lines CLa and CLb which cross the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle on both sides of the first reference line Ls1, respectively, using a tool 8, and forming a plurality of combinations of the cut lines CLa and CLb with a predetermined space c in a direction along the first reference line Ls1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a method for forming a pattern.

Background Art

[0002] A cutting plotter is a processing apparatus that forms a cut line on a workpiece or forms a V-groove on the workpiece by pressing a cutting tool (blade) against the workpiece and relatively moving it with respect to the workpiece. For example, when a label seal whose adhesive surface is covered with release paper is a workpiece, the cutting plotter forms a cut line around the area of characters or patterns on the label seal on which information such as characters and patterns is printed.

[0003] The formation of the cut line is performed while relatively displacing the cutting tool in two directions (X direction, Y direction) in the horizontal line direction along the table surface and one direction (Z direction) in the vertical line direction with respect to the workpiece placed on the table.

[0004] Here, some inkjet printing apparatuses have a mechanism for displacing a carriage on which an inkjet head is mounted in the Y direction and a mechanism for displacing it in the X direction. In this inkjet printing apparatus, by controlling the displacement of the inkjet head in the Y direction accompanying the displacement of the carriage in the Y direction and the displacement of the medium in the X direction, the inkjet head and the medium on the table are relatively displaced in two directions (X direction, Y direction). At this time, in the inkjet printing apparatus, information such as characters and patterns is printed on the medium by discharging ink droplets from the inkjet head toward the medium (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] By mounting a cutting tool (blade) on the carriage instead of the inkjet head, the cutting tool and the object to be processed on the table can be relatively displaced in the X and Y directions.

[0007] Here, when displacing the cutting tool in the Y direction to form a cut line, it is necessary to align the cutting edges when displacing the tool to one side and the other side in the Y direction. If the cutting edge directions are different when displacing the tool to one side and the other side, the formed cutting line may be misaligned, which may affect the processing of the object to be processed. The cutting edge direction is determined according to the mounting state of the tool. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to check the mounting state of the tool. Note that not limited to such requirements, the actions and effects derived from each configuration disclosed in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, and which are actions and effects not achievable by the prior art, can also be positioned as other objects of this case.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention is (1) a processing tool rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of the table, a drive mechanism for relatively displacing the tool with respect to the table, a processing apparatus having a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool, the control unit is capable of forming a first pattern for checking the mounting state of the tool, the formation of the first pattern a step of drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, Forming, on both sides sandwiching the first reference line, a first line and a second line that intersect the first reference line at a predetermined angle, respectively, using the tool; Forming a plurality of combinations of the first line and the second line at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line; A processing apparatus having such a configuration.

[0009] With this configuration, from the positional relationship between the first reference line and the first line and the second line in the formed first pattern, it is possible to visually confirm the presence or absence of a defect in the mounting state of the tool. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool, the mounting state of the tool can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the mounting state of the tool.

[0010] (2) A processing tool that is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the mounting surface of the table, A drive mechanism that relatively displaces the tool with respect to the table, A processing apparatus having a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool, The control unit can form a first pattern and a second pattern for confirming the mounting state of the tool, The formation of the first pattern is Drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, Forming, on both sides sandwiching the first reference line, a first line and a second line that intersect the first reference line at a predetermined angle, respectively, using the tool, The formation of the second pattern is Drawing a linear second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, A processing apparatus having a configuration including forming a third line and a fourth line on both sides sandwiching the second reference line using the tool.

[0011] With this configuration, in addition to checking the attachment state of the tool according to the first pattern, it is possible to visually check whether there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool from the positional relationship between the second reference line in the second pattern and the third line and the fourth line. Accordingly, when there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool, the attachment state of the tool can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the attachment state of the tool.

[0012] (3) The control unit can form a third pattern for checking the attachment state of the tool. The formation of the third pattern forming a pair of linear third reference lines parallel to each other and a pair of linear fourth reference lines parallel to each other and intersecting the pair of third reference lines at a predetermined angle on the surface of the object placed on the table; using the reference point within the region surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines as a reference, forming a fifth line and a sixth line in the direction along the third reference line on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool, and further forming a seventh line and an eighth line in the direction along the fourth reference line on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool. The processing apparatus has a configuration including these steps.

[0013] With this configuration, in addition to checking the attachment state of the tool according to the first pattern and the second pattern, it is possible to check the attachment state of the tool according to the third pattern. Specifically, it is possible to visually check whether there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool from the positional relationship between a pair of third reference lines parallel to each other and the fifth line and the sixth line, and the positional relationship between a pair of fourth reference lines parallel to each other and the seventh line and the eighth line. Accordingly, when there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool, the attachment state of the tool can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the attachment state of the tool.

[0014] (4) The control unit is configured as a processing apparatus that performs the formation of the second pattern, the formation of the first pattern, and the formation of the third pattern in this order.

[0015] By forming a confirmation pattern in the above order, the mounting state of the tool can be appropriately confirmed.

[0016] (5) The control unit is configured as a processing apparatus that performs a step of rotating the tool by a predetermined angle around the axis to adjust the orientation of the tool.

[0017] With this configuration, the orientation of the tool can always be changed by the same angle, so variations by the operator in adjusting the mounting state of the tool can be suppressed. As a result, leveling of the work required for adjusting the mounting state of the tool and shortening of the work time can be expected.

[0018] (6) The control unit performs the formation of the first pattern a plurality of times, and when the control unit adjusts the orientation of the tool after the formation of the first pattern, it is configured as a processing apparatus that sets the predetermined angle to a smaller angle as the number of times of forming the first pattern increases.

[0019] With this configuration, while gradually narrowing the predetermined angle for rotating the tool for adjusting the confirmation of the mounting state of the tool, the adjustment of the orientation of the tool is repeatedly performed. As a result, optimization of the mounting state of the tool and shortening of the time required for optimization can be expected.

[0020] The present invention is (7) In a processing apparatus having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the mounting surface of the table and a drive mechanism that relatively displaces the tool with respect to the table, a pattern formation method for forming a pattern for confirming the mounting state of the tool on an object, comprising: forming a first pattern ​A step of drawing a straight first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; A step of forming a first line and a second line that intersect the first reference line at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line, using the tool; A step of forming a plurality of combinations of the first line and the second line at a predetermined interval in a direction along the first reference line, and the pattern forming method is configured through these steps.

[0021] With this configuration, from the positional relationship between the first reference line and the first line and the second line in the formed first pattern, it is possible to visually confirm whether there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool, the mounting state of the tool can be adjusted to be appropriate.

[0022] (8) For the second pattern, A step of drawing a straight second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; A step of forming a third line and a fourth line on both sides sandwiching the second reference line, and the pattern forming method is configured through these steps.

[0023] With this configuration, in addition to confirming the mounting state of the tool by the first pattern, from the positional relationship between the second reference line and the third line and the fourth line in the second pattern, it is possible to visually confirm whether there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool, the mounting state of the tool can be adjusted to be appropriate.

[0024] (9) For the third pattern A step of drawing a pair of straight third reference lines parallel to each other and a pair of straight fourth reference lines parallel to each other on the surface of the object placed on the table in a positional relationship where they intersect each other; Based on the reference point within the area enclosed by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines, the fifth line and the sixth line in the direction along the third reference line are formed on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool, and further, the seventh line and the eighth line in the direction along the fourth reference line are formed on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool. The method for forming a pattern is configured to be formed through these steps.

[0025] With this configuration, in addition to checking the attachment state of the tool by the first pattern and the second pattern, the attachment state of the tool by the third pattern can be checked. Specifically, from the positional relationship between the pair of third reference lines parallel to each other and the fifth line and the sixth line, and the positional relationship between the pair of fourth reference lines parallel to each other and the seventh line and the eighth line, the presence or absence of defects in the attachment state of the tool can be visually confirmed. Thereby, when there is a defect in the attachment state of the tool, the attachment state of the tool can be adjusted to be appropriate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, the attachment state of the tool can be confirmed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking the case of the cutting plotter 1 (processing apparatus) as an example. FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining the cutting plotter 1. (a) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cutting plotter 1. (b) of FIG. 1 is an enlarged view around the processing unit 4 of the cutting plotter 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cutting plotter 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section obtained by cutting the cutting plotter 1 along line A-A in FIG. 2.

[0029] In addition, the symbol "Y" in each drawing means the main scanning direction (first direction) in the cutting plotter 1. The symbol "X" means the sub-scanning direction (second direction) in the cutting plotter 1. The symbol "Z" means the vertical line direction (axial direction) based on the installation state of the cutting plotter 1. In the following description, the positional relationship of each component of the cutting plotter 1 will be described using the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in FIG. 1 as necessary. The X direction and the Y direction are horizontal line directions along the upper surface of the table 2 and are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction is the vertical line direction based on the installation state of the cutting plotter 1 and is perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cutting plotter 1 includes a table 2 on which an object T is placed, a support beam 3 (Y bar) horizontally arranged above the table 2 in a direction along the Y direction, a processing unit 4 supported by the support beam 3 and movable in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the support beam 3, a drive mechanism 5 (5A, 5B) for moving the support beam 3 in the X direction, and a drive mechanism 5C for reciprocating the processing unit 4 in the Y direction along the support beam 3.

[0031] The table 2 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by connecting a table 2A with a control panel 11 attached thereto and an extension table 2B without a control panel 11 attached thereto in the X direction. In addition, in FIG. 1, a case where there is one extension table 2B is illustrated. The total number of extension tables 2B is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 1. The table 2 of the cutting plotter 1 can be expanded in the X direction according to the size of the object T by increasing the total number of connected tables 2B. In the following description, when the tables 2A and 2B are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as the table 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, in a top view, the tables 2 (2A, 2B) are rectangular in shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the table 2 has a table base 20 with an open top and a table top 21 that closes the opening of the table base 20. The table base 20 has a bottom wall portion 201 and a peripheral wall portion 202 that surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 201. In the table 2, when the opening of the table base 20 is sealed with the table top 21, an internal space 23 is formed between the table base 20 and the table top 21.

[0033] The upper surface of the table top 21 is the placement surface 21a for the object T. The object T is a corrugated cardboard, a medium printed with information such as characters and patterns, a resin medium such as acrylic, a paper container, a processing object such as a channel material for a signboard, or a dedicated medium for forming a pattern for checking the mounting state of the tool 8 (cutting tool 10).

[0034] A plurality of suction holes 210 (communication holes) are provided almost entirely on the placement surface 21a. The internal space 23 of the table 2 communicates with the outside through the suction holes 210 provided in the table top 21.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, a connector 32 is fixed to the bottom wall portion 201 of the table base 20. A switching valve 33 is provided in the pipe 31 to which the connector 32 is connected. In FIG. 3, two connectors 32, 32 are connected to a pipe 35 provided with a blower 34 via one switching valve 33. The object T placed on the table 2 is attracted to the placement surface 21a of the table 2 by the suction force generated by the drive of the blower 34 and is held in a state where movement in the horizontal directions (X direction, Y direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction) is restricted. In the present embodiment, as shown by the hidden lines in FIG. 2, four connectors 32 are provided on one table 2, and the communication / blocking between each connector 32 and the blower 34 is switched by the operation of the switching valve 33. Therefore, according to the size of the object T placed on the table 2, the region where negative pressure is generated on the table 2 can be changed.

[0036] In the cutting plotter 1, with the suction force generated on the table 2, processing on the object T is performed using a tool held by a processing unit 4 described later while restricting the movement of the object T in the horizontal directions (X direction, Y direction) and the vertical line (Z direction).

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support beam 3 that supports the processing unit 4 is horizontally arranged above the table 2. The support beam 3 has a length that crosses the table 2 in the Y direction. The processing unit 4 is mounted on the support beam 3. In the support beam 3, the processing unit 4 is supported so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the support beam 3. The support beam 3 is provided with a resinous belt V and a drive mechanism 5C including a motor Ma for moving the belt V, and the processing unit 4 moves forward and backward in the Y direction by the drive of the drive mechanism 5C.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the support beam 3 has a pair of support columns 39, 39. The support columns 39, 39 are located on both sides of the table 2 in the Y direction and cross the side of the table base 20 downward in the Z direction. The lower ends of the support columns 39, 39 are respectively connected to the sliders 55, 55 of the drive mechanisms 5 (5A, 5B).

[0039] In the cutting plotter 1, the support beam 3 is moved in the X direction by the drive mechanisms 5A, 5B provided on both sides of the lower part of the table base 20. Here, the drive mechanisms 5A, 5B have the same basic configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the drive mechanism 5A will be described as a representative.

[0040] The drive mechanism 5A includes a holder 51, a guide rail 52, a rack rail 53, a slider 55, and a motor M. The holder 51 is a columnar member fixed to the lower part of the table base 20. In FIG. 2, the holder 51 is located on the back side of the paper of the area indicated by the cross-hatched area in the table 2. The holder 51 is provided in the X-direction range extending from one side edge 2a of the table 2 to the other side edge 2b.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, below the holder 51, the guide rail 52 and the rack rail 53 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. In this state, the rack rail 53 is positioned at a position where the outer peripheral portion with which the gear 57 meshes protrudes toward the center side of the table 2 from the holder 51. The rack rail 53 is fixed to the lower part of the holder 51 by bolts (not shown).

[0042] The guide rail 52 is fixed to the lower part of the holder 51 by bolts (not shown). A concave rail member 56 fixed to the upper surface of the slider 55 engages with the guide rail 52 from the lower side in the Z direction. The rail member 56 engages with the guide rail 52 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 52 while being restricted from falling off the guide rail 52.

[0043] The rail member 56 is fixed to the upper surface of the plate-shaped slider 55. The slider 55 is connected to the lower part of the support column 39 described above. The slider 55 has a length in the Y direction that crosses below the holder 51 and toward the center side of the table 2. The motor M is fixed to the lower surface of the slider 55, and the shaft of the motor M penetrates upward through the notch 55c. The upper end side of the shaft is connected to the gear 57. The gear 57 meshes with the outer periphery of the rack rail 53.

[0044] In the cutting plotter 1, when the gear 57 rotates due to the output rotation of the motor M, the gear 57 moves in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the rack rail 53. The motor M to which the gear 57 is connected is fixed to the slider 55 together with the support column 39 of the support beam 3. Therefore, when the motor M is driven, the support beam 3 supported by the support column 39 moves in one direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2) determined according to the rotation direction of the shaft (not shown) of the motor M.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, in the cutting plotter 1, drive mechanisms 5A and 5B are provided on both sides of the table 2 in the Y direction. By driving these drive mechanisms 5A and 5B synchronously, the support beam 3 is adapted to move in the X direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1(b), the processing unit 4 has a main body portion 41 placed on the support beam 3. On one side (the control panel 11 side) of the main body portion 41, a fixing unit 42 and a holder unit 43 having three slots 44 (44a to 44c) are provided. The fixing unit 42 and the holder unit 43 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The upper surface 43a of the holder unit 43 is located below the fixing unit 42 in the Z direction. In the holder unit 43, the slots 44a to 44c are provided closer to the fixing unit 42, and the slots 44a to 44c are arranged in the Y direction.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the fixing unit 42. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the pen holder 6. In FIG. 4, a state in which the pen holder 6 is attached to the jig 40 is shown. In FIG. 5, a state in which the pen holder 6 is viewed obliquely from below is shown.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1(b), in the fixing unit 42, a region on the holder unit 43 side bulges in the X direction. A camera housing portion 421 is attached to the lower part of this bulging region. Inside the camera housing portion 421, a camera unit (not shown) is housed in a state facing downward in the Z direction. Adjacent to the camera housing portion 421, a support unit 422 for supporting the jig 40 is provided. The jig 40 is a jig for attaching the pen holder 6.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the jig 40 has an annular mounting portion 401 and a positioning screw 402. The mounting portion 401 is fixed to the front surface of the support unit 422. A holder 403 for the screw 402 is attached to the front surface of the mounting portion 401. The shaft portion (not shown) of the screw 402 passes through the holder 403 and the mounting portion 401. In conjunction with the rotation operation of the screw 402, the tip of the shaft portion of the screw 402 can protrude from and retract into the inner circumference of the mounting portion 401.

[0050] The cylindrical base portion 61 of the pen holder 6 is inserted into the mounting portion 401 from the upper side in the Z direction. In this state, by pressing the tip of the shaft portion of the screw 402 against the outer circumference of the base portion 61, the pen holder 6 is fixed to the mounting portion 401.

[0051] The pen holder 6 is a jig for holding writing instruments such as pens for drawing. The pen holder 6 has a cylindrical base portion 61, a support portion 62 for supporting the pen P, a lock nut 63, and a cap 65.

[0052] In the pen holder 6, the support portion 62 for supporting the pen P and the base portion 61 are relatively rotatable about a common axis Xp. In the pen holder 6, when the support portion 62 is rotated relative to the base portion 61, the pen P supported by the support portion 62 is displaced in the direction of the axis Xp, and the protruding height of the pen tip P1 from the lower end 61a of the base portion 61 can be adjusted. In the pen holder 6, after adjusting the protruding height of the pen tip P1, by tightening the lock nut 63, the pen P with the adjusted protruding height can be positioned.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a usage example of the slots 44a to 44c of the processing unit 4. As shown in FIG. 1(b), in the holder unit 43 of the processing unit 4, the unused slots 44a to 44c are arranged in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 6, a tool support unit 7 is detachably attached to each of the slots 44a to 44c. In FIG. 6, a support unit 7A is attached to the slot 44a. A support unit 7B to be attached to the slot 44b is shown at a position separated from the processing unit 4.

[0054] The support unit 7B has an insertion leg 72 to be inserted into the slot 44b. The insertion leg 72 extends downward from the lower part of the main body 71. Inside the main body 71, drive mechanisms such as a motor for driving the tool and a lifting mechanism for the tool are accommodated. The support unit 7 is attached to the holder unit 43 by inserting the insertion leg 72 into the slot 44, and the drive mechanism inside the main body 71 is connected to a power supply. The main body 71 has a range in the Z direction extending to the front side of the insertion leg 72. A tool holder 74 is supported below the main body 71 via a support member 73. The tool holder 74 is provided in the direction along the Z direction on the front side of the main body 71. A tool 8 is attached to the lower part of the tool holder 74.

[0055] In FIG. 6, a hole processing tool 8' is attached to the support unit 7A. A tool 8 for supporting a cutting tool 10 is attached to the support unit 7B. The processing unit 4 has a plurality of slots 44 (44a to 44c) to which the tool support units 7 (7A, 7B) are detachably attached. A tool 8 for holding a cutting tool 10 is held by the support unit 7B. Therefore, a plurality of tools with different uses can be installed in the processing unit 4. As a result, while the processing method can be performed using any of the tools already installed in the processing unit 4, there is no need to replace the tool every time the processing method changes, so the time required for tool replacement can be omitted. Further, by adjusting the positional accuracy of the tool when initially installing it in the processing unit 4, while the processing method can be performed using any of the tools already installed in the processing unit 4, there is no need to adjust the position of the tool every time the processing method changes, so the processing accuracy of the object T can be ensured even when the processing method changes.

[0056] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the tool 8. FIG. 7(a) is a view of the tool 8 attached to the tool holder 74 of the support unit 7B as seen from the front side. FIG. 7(b) is an enlarged view around the attachment portion 82 of the tool 8. FIG. 7(c) is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the tool holder 83 to the attachment portion 82. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view of the tool 8 as seen from the tool holder 83 side. FIG. 8(b) is a plan view of the cutting tool 10.

[0057] In FIG. 7(a), only the parts of the tool 8 and the tool holder 74 are shown by solid lines, and the other parts are shown by virtual lines. FIG. 8(a) corresponds to a view seen from the A-A arrow direction in FIG. 7(b). FIG. 8(b) schematically shows the shape of the cutting tool 10 when seen from the same direction as FIG. 8(a).

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the tool 8 has a connecting portion 81 with the support unit 7B side. The connecting portion 81 has a basic cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 81 is inserted into the lower part of the tool holder 74 from the direction of the center line Xc and is non-rotatably connected to a shaft (not shown) inside the tool holder 74. Inside the support unit 7B, a tool drive mechanism 5D (belt V, motor Mb) for rotating the shaft around the center line Xc of the tool holder 74 and a tool lifting mechanism 5E are provided. Therefore, by transmitting the output rotation of the motor Mb to the shaft via the belt V, the tool 8 connected to the tool holder 74 rotates around the center line Xc.

[0059] At the lower part of the connecting portion 81, the mounting portion 82 of the cutting tool 10 is located. The mounting portion 82 extends in a direction away from the connecting portion 81 along the center line Xc. In a side view, the mounting portion 82 is formed with an outer diameter smaller than that of the connecting portion 81. On the lower end 82a side of the mounting portion 82, a mounting surface 821 for the cutting tool 10 is formed. In a side view, the mounting surface 821 is a flat surface along the center line Xc. The mounting surface 821 is provided in a range of a predetermined height h821 from the lower end 82a of the mounting portion 82 to the connecting portion 81 side (the upper side in Fig. 7(b)).

[0060] On the mounting surface 821, the plate-shaped base portion 101 of the cutting tool 10 is arranged in a state of being gripped between the tool holder 83 (see Fig. 7(c)). As shown in Fig. 8, the base portion 101 of the cutting tool 10 is a substantially rectangular portion having a range crossing the center line Xc. In the base portion 101, screw holes 101a, 101a are formed in a region on one side of the center line Xc (the right side in Fig. 8(b)). The screw holes 101a, 101a are provided at intervals in the center line Xc direction (the vertical direction in the figure). In the region on the other side (the left side in Fig. 8(b)) viewed from the center line Xc, a strip-shaped portion 102 is connected. The strip-shaped portion 102 extends from one side edge 101b of the base portion 101 in the center line Xc direction along the center line Xc in a direction away from the base portion 101.

[0061] The strip-shaped portion 102 has a tapered shape in which the width W102 becomes narrower toward the cutting edge 10a. The strip-shaped portion 102 has a linear cutting surface 103 (inclined surface) on the side opposite to the center line Xc that intersects the center line Xc. The cutting edge 10a of the strip-shaped portion 102 is located at a distance of L102 from the base portion 101 in the center line Xc direction.

[0062] The cutting tool 10 is a plate-shaped member in which at least the portion of the base 101 has the same thickness T10 (see (c) of FIG. 7). The shaft portions of the nuts Nt, Nt pass through the tool holder 83 and the screw holes 101a, 101a of the base 101 and are screwed into the mounting surface 821. The cutting tool 10 is attached to the attachment portion 82 in a state of being gripped between the tool holder 83 and the mounting surface 821.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the orientation and inclination of the cutting tool 10. (a) of FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the orientation of the cutting tool 10 when forming a cut line on the object T. (a) of FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the orientation of the cutting tool 10 when viewed from the center line Xc side of the tool 8, and schematically shows the state when viewed from the A-A arrow direction in (a) of FIG. 8. (b) of FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the cutting tool 10 is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the cutting tool 10 (the horizontal direction in the figure: a straight line marked with 0°) when forming a cut line on the object T. (c) of FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 when the cutting tool 10 is properly attached to the tool holder 83 of the tool 8. (d) of FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 when the cutting tool 10 is attached to the attachment portion 82 in an inclined manner (inclined with respect to the center line Xc).

[0064] When forming a cut line on the object T, the cutting tool 10 is arranged with the cutting surface 103 side of the cutting tool 10 facing the moving direction of the tool 8 (the arrow direction in (a) of FIG. 8). When viewed from the A-A arrow direction in FIG. 8 in this state, the cutting tool 10 is arranged in a direction along the moving direction of the tool 8 (see (a) of FIG. 9). The direction along the moving direction of the tool 8 at this time is a straight line indicated by 0° in the figure.

[0065] In the cutting plotter 1, when forming a cut line on the object T, the cutting tool 10 is moved in one direction. For example, in Fig. 8(a), when forming a cut line from the right side to the left side, the cutting tool 10 is moved from the right side to the left side in the figure with the cutting edge 10a inserted into the object T. Then, in Fig. 8(a), when forming a cut line from the left side to the right side, the tool 8 is rotated 180° around the center line Xc, the cutting surface 103 of the cutting tool 10 is directed to the right side in the figure, and then, with the cutting edge 10a inserted into the object T, the cutting tool 10 is moved from the left side to the right side in the figure.

[0066] Therefore, in order to appropriately form the cut line, it is necessary to position the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 on the center line Xc (see Fig. 9(c)) and arrange the cutting tool 10 along a straight line along the moving direction of the tool 8 (the 0° straight line in Fig. 9(a)). Here, the tool 8 is rotated around the center line Xc by the tool drive mechanism 5D. Therefore, immediately after replacing the tool 8 or immediately after replacing the cutting tool 10, due to errors caused by the replacement work or manufacturing errors of replacement parts, such as the cutting tool 10, the orientation of the cutting tool 10 may not be along the straight line along the moving direction of the tool 8 (see Fig. 9(b)). Furthermore, the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 may be displaced from the center line Xc (see Fig. 9(d)).

[0067] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of the cutting plotter 1. In the cutting plotter 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 12 performs control of the processing of the object T and formation of a test pattern for checking the presence or absence of defects in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10. The processing control unit 121 drives the drive mechanisms 5A to 5C, the tool drive mechanism 5D, and the tool lifting mechanism 5E to perform processing operations on the object T and formation operations of cut lines.

[0068] The pattern forming unit 122 executes a process for forming a confirmation pattern (pattern PT1, pattern PT2, pattern PT3: see FIG. 2) for confirming the presence or absence of defects in the cutting tool 10 on the surface of the object T. The angle adjusting unit 123 executes a process for adjusting the orientation (angular position around the center line Xc) of the tool 8 around the center line Xc.

[0069] FIGS. 11 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the patterns (pattern PT1, PT2, PT3). FIG. 11(a) is a conceptual diagram showing a method for forming the pattern PT2 (second pattern). FIGS. 11(b) and (c) are cross-sectional views for explaining the formation process of the pattern PT2. FIG. 11(d) is a schematic diagram showing the pattern PT2 formed on the object T when the attachment of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate. FIGS. 11(e) and (f) are schematic diagrams showing the patterns PT2' and PT2'' formed on the object T when there is a defect in the attachment of the cutting tool 10. FIG. 12(a) is a conceptual diagram showing a method for forming the pattern PT1 (first pattern). FIGS. 12(b) and (c) are cross-sectional views for explaining the formation process of the pattern PT1. FIG. 13(a) is a schematic diagram showing the pattern PT1 formed on the object T when the attachment of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate. FIGS. 13(b) and (c) are schematic diagrams showing the patterns PT1' and PT1'' formed on the object T when there is a defect in the attachment of the cutting tool 10. In FIGS. 12 and 13, numbers (1 to n) are attached to distinguish a pair of cut lines CLa and CLb that constitute a plurality of reference patterns. FIG. 14(a) is a conceptual diagram showing a method for forming the pattern PT3 (third pattern). FIG. 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing the pattern PT3 formed on the object T when the attachment of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate. FIG. 14(c) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pattern PT3' formed on the object T when the attachment of the cutting tool 10 is inappropriate.

[0070] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the angular unit used when adjusting the orientation (angular position around the center line Xc) of the tool 8 (the cutting tool 10) around the center line Xc. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process when checking the presence or absence of a defect in the cutting tool 10.

[0071] In the present embodiment, in order to check the support state of the cutting tool 10 in the tool 8, three test patterns are formed. Specifically, three patterns (pattern PT2, pattern PT1, pattern PT3) are formed, and from the positional relationship between the reference lines Ls (first reference line Ls1, second reference line Ls2, third reference line Ls3, fourth reference line Ls4) in the formed patterns and the cut lines CL (first line, second line, fifth line, sixth line, seventh line, eighth line) and the cut marks CM (third line, fourth line), it is possible to check the presence or absence of a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82.

[0072] First, as shown in FIG. 16, the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms the pattern PT2 on the surface of the object T (step S101).

[0073] Specifically, using the pen P held by the pen holder 6, a linear second reference line Ls2 along the Y direction is drawn on the surface of the object T (see (d) of FIG. 11). After drawing the second reference line Ls2, the cutting edge 10a is dropped on one side and the other side of the second reference line Ls2 in the X direction, and a pattern PT2 (see (d) of FIG. 11) in which linear cut marks CMa (third line) and cut marks CMb (fourth line) are located on both sides of the second reference line Ls2 is formed.

[0074] In FIG. 11(a), the center of the circular mark MK is the position where the cutting edge 10a is dropped, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the cutting edge surface 103. Here, the distance a from the second reference line Ls2 to the center of the circular mark MK on one side (right side in the figure) of the second reference line Ls2 and the distance a to the center of the circular mark MK on the other side (left side in the figure) are set to the same value. Furthermore, the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the object T on one side and the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the object T on the other side are set to the same depth (see (b) and (c) of FIG. 11). As a result, cut marks CMa and CMb are formed on one side and the other side of the second reference line Ls2.

[0075] Here, when the orientation of the cutting tool 10 supported by the tool 8 is not arranged along the reference direction (the X direction in FIG. 9(a)), in the formed pattern, the cut marks CMa and CMb will be inclined with respect to the second reference line Ls2 and not perpendicular. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is slightly inclined with respect to the reference direction (the X direction), a pattern PT2' (see (e) of FIG. 11) in which the cut marks CMa and CMb are inclined with respect to the second reference line Ls2 is formed. Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT2, it is possible to visually check whether the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate, that is, whether the cutting tool 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0076] Also, when the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 supported by the tool 8 is not arranged along the reference direction (the center line Xc), in the formed pattern, although the cut marks CMa and CMb are perpendicular to the second reference line Ls2, their positions will be displaced. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(d), when the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is deviated from the center line Xc, as a result, the positions of the cut marks CMa and CMb are displaced, and a pattern PT2'' (see (f) of FIG. 11) in which the cut lines CLa, CL1 and the second reference line Ls2 intersect is formed. Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT2, it is possible to visually check whether the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is displaced, that is, whether the cutting tool 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0077] In this way, in step S102 after the formation of the pattern PT2, it is determined whether it is necessary to adjust the mounting state of the cutting tool 10. Incidentally, as an example, the determination of whether adjustment of the mounting state is necessary may be made by a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1, which captures the formed pattern PT2 and makes the determination by comparing the obtained image with learning data prepared in advance. In such a case, the determination of whether adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary can be automated until the end.

[0078] In step S102, when it is determined that adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary, the operator of the cutting plotter 1 corrects the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 with reference to the relative positional relationship between the cut marks CMa and CMb in the pattern PT2 and the second reference line Ls2. That is, in the case of Fig. 11(e), the orientation of the cutting tool 10 as viewed from the direction of the center line Xc is corrected, and in the case of Fig. 11(f), the inclination of the cutting tool 10 is corrected so that the cutting edge 10a is located on the center line Xc.

[0079] When the adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the pattern PT2 is formed at another position on the object T. As a result, steps S101 to S103 are repeated until it is determined that adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is not necessary based on the formed pattern PT2.

[0080] In step S102, when it is determined that adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is not necessary (step S102, No), the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms the pattern PT1 on the surface of the object T (step S104).

[0081] Specifically, a linear first reference line Ls1 along the Y direction is drawn on the surface of the object T using the pen P held by the pen holder 6 (see Fig. 12(a)). After drawing the first reference line Ls1, the cutting edge 10a is dropped to one side of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction to form a cut line CLa1 (first line) toward the first reference line Ls1 (see Fig. 12(b)). Subsequently, lower the cutting edge 10a to the other side of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction to form a cut line CLb1 (second line) toward the first reference line Ls1 (see (c) of FIG. 12). As a result, a reference pattern (a combination of a pair of cut lines CLa and CLb) having a pair of cut lines CLa and CLb is formed on both sides of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction.

[0082] Then, shift the position by a predetermined distance c in the Y direction to form a new reference pattern. Specifically, further form cut lines CLa2 and CLb2 toward the first reference line Ls1 on both sides of the first reference line Ls1. Thereafter, repeat the movement in the Y direction a predetermined number of times to form a pattern PT1 (see (a) of FIG. 13) having a predetermined number of cut lines CLan and CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) on both sides of the reference line Ls. Here, the pattern PT1 is a set of a plurality of reference patterns shifted by a predetermined distance c in the Y direction.

[0083] In (a) of FIG. 12, the center of the circular mark MK is the position where the cutting edge 10a is lowered, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the cutting surface 103. Here, the distance b from the center of the circular mark MK on one side (right side in the figure) of the first reference line Ls1 and the distance b from the center of the circular mark MK on the other side (left side in the figure) are set to the same value. The distance b is longer than the distance a of the mark MK1 shown in the pattern PT2 described above (b > a).

[0084] The insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the object T on one side and the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the object T on the other side are the same (see (b) and (c) of FIG. 12). As a result, cut lines CLa1 to CLan and CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) are formed on one side and the other side of the first reference line Ls1.

[0085] Here, when the orientation of the cutting tool 10 supported by the tool 8 is not arranged along the reference direction (the X direction in Fig. 9(a)), in the formed pattern PT1, the cut lines CLa and CLb will not be orthogonal to the first reference line Ls1 but will be inclined. For example, as shown in Fig. 9(b), when the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is slightly inclined with respect to the reference direction (X direction), the cut lines CLa and CLb will form a pattern PT1' inclined with respect to the first reference line Ls1 (see Fig. 13(b)). Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT1, it is possible to visually check whether the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is misaligned, that is, whether it is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0086] In this way, in step S105 after the formation of the pattern PT1, it is determined whether adjustment (angle adjustment) of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary. Note that, as an example, the determination of whether adjustment of the mounting state is necessary may be made by comparing an image obtained by imaging the formed pattern PT1 with a prepared learning data using a camera provided in the cutting plotter 1. In such a case, the determination of whether adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary can be automated.

[0087] In step S105, when it is determined that adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary, the operator of the cutting plotter 1 will correct the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 with reference to the relative positional relationship between the cut lines CLa1 to CLan, CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) in the pattern PT1' and the first reference line Ls1. That is, in the case of Fig. 13(b), the orientation of the cutting tool 10 as viewed from the center line Xc direction is corrected.

[0088] Here, in this embodiment, when adjusting the angle of the cutting tool 10, the specification is to adjust the angle of the cutting tool 10 by a previously prepared angle. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the angle adjustment of the cutting tool 10. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a predetermined angle θa at the time of the first angle adjustment and the adjustment level. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a predetermined angle θb at the time of the second angle adjustment and the adjustment level.

[0089] The angle can be adjusted in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc based on the current orientation of the cutting tool 10 by a predetermined angle θa each time. In the case of FIG. 15(a), the current orientation of the cutting tool 10 is shown by a thick line in the figure. Although the cutting edge 10a (not shown in the figure) of the cutting tool 10 is located on the center line Xc, the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is shifted from the planned direction (X direction in the figure) to the plus side (upper side in the figure).

[0090] In the present embodiment, based on the current angle of the cutting tool 10 (the straight line marked with "0" in the figure), the orientation of the cutting tool 10 can be changed by a predetermined angle θa in three steps (+1, +2, +3) on one side in the circumferential direction and three steps (-1, -2, -3) on the other side. For example, an operator who views the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 and CLb1 to CLb6 of the pattern PT1' in FIG. 13(b) can see that it is necessary to adjust the orientation of the cutting tool 10 so as to move the ends of the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 on the first reference line Ls1 side downward in the figure, that is, to rotate the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc. Therefore, select any one of the determined negative change levels (-1, -2, -3) in Fig. 15(a). As a result, the angle adjustment unit 123 (see Fig. 10) drives the tool drive mechanism 5D (see Fig. 10) provided in the support unit 7B to rotate the tool 8 by an angle determined according to the selected adjustment level around the center line Xc. For example, when "-1" in Fig. 15(a) is selected, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle (=θa) determined according to "-1". As a result, in Fig. 15(a), the orientation of the cutting edge 10 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (CCW direction) around the center line Xc and approaches a straight line along the X direction. Incidentally, when "-2" is selected as the adjustment level, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle (=2×θa) determined according to "-1".

[0091] Note that, as an example, the determination of the adjustment level may be made by a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1, imaging the formed pattern PT1, and comparing the obtained image with the previously prepared learning data. In such a case, the adjustment of the angle of the cutting edge 10 can be automated.

[0092] And when the adjustment of the angle of the cutting edge 10 is completed (step S106, Yes), the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms the pattern PT1 in another area on the surface of the object T (step S107).

[0093] At this time, each distance b, c of the pattern PT1 formed is the same as each distance b, c of the pattern PT1 formed in step S104. Then, it is determined whether adjustment (angle adjustment) of the mounting state of the cutting edge 10 is necessary for the newly formed pattern PT1 (step S108). This determination is the same as step S105 described above, so the description is omitted here.

[0094] When it is determined that adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is necessary (step S108, Yes), the operator of the cutting plotter 1 corrects the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 with reference to the relative positional relationship between the cut lines CLa1 to CLan, CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) in the formed pattern PT1 and the first reference line Ls1. That is, in the cases of FIGS. 13(b) and (c), the orientation of the cutting tool 10 as viewed from the direction of the center line Xc is corrected.

[0095] Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, when adjusting the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the cutting tool 10, the specification is such that the angle of the cutting tool 10 is adjusted by predetermined angles. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the number of times of adjusting the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the cutting tool 10 increases, the angle for rotating the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc is set to be smaller.

[0096] For example, when the pattern PT1 formed after the first adjustment of the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the cutting tool 10 is the pattern PT1'' shown in FIG. 13(c), the adjustment of the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is performed in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc based on the current orientation of the cutting tool 10 by predetermined angles θb. Here, the angle θb is set to be smaller than the above-described θa. As a result of selecting the adjustment level of "-1" in the first angle adjustment described above (FIG. 15(b)), when the pattern PT1 obtained in the second time is the pattern PT'' shown in FIG. 13(c), the cutting tool 10 is arranged in the orientation indicated by the thick line in the figure. Although the cutting edge 10a (not shown) of the cutting tool 10 is located on the center line Xc, the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is shifted to the minus side (lower side in the figure) from the planned direction (X direction in the figure).

[0097] In the present embodiment, with reference to the current angle of the cutting tool 10 (the straight line marked with "0" in the figure), the orientation of the cutting tool 10 can be changed by three steps (+1, +2, +3) on one side in the circumferential direction and three steps (-1, -2, -3) on the other side, each by a predetermined angle θb. For example, an operator who views the cutting lines CLa1 to CLa6 and CLb1 to CLb6 of the pattern PT1’’ in (c) of FIG. 13 can see that it is necessary to adjust the orientation of the cutting tool 10 so that the ends of the cutting lines CLa1 to CLa6 on the side of the first reference line Ls1 are moved upward in the figure, that is, to rotate it around the center line Xc of the cutting tool 10. Therefore, select any one of the determined change levels (+1, +2, +3) on the positive side in (b) of FIG. 15. As a result, the angle adjustment unit 123 (see FIG. 10) drives the tool drive mechanism D (see FIG. 10) provided in the support unit 7B to rotate the tool 8 around the center line Xc by an angle determined according to the selected adjustment level. For example, when “+1” in (b) of FIG. 15 is selected, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle θb determined according to “+1”. As a result, in (b) of FIG. 15, the orientation of the cutting tool 10 rotates in the clockwise direction (CW direction) around the center line Xc and approaches a straight line along the X direction.

[0098] Note that, as an example, the determination of the adjustment level may be made by a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1, imaging the formed pattern PT1, and comparing the obtained image with the previously prepared learning data. In such a case, the adjustment of the angle of the cutting tool 10 can be automated.

[0099] Then, when the angle adjustment in step S109 is completed, in step S110, the pattern forming unit 122 checks whether the number of times of forming the pattern PT1 has reached the upper limit number of times. For example, when the upper limit number of times is “4” and the current number of times of forming the pattern PT1 is “2”, the process returns to step S107. As a result, since the pattern PT1 is formed again, until it is determined in step S108 that angle adjustment is unnecessary, or until the number of times of forming the pattern PT1 reaches the upper limit number of times, the processes of steps S107 to S109 are repeated, and the angle of rotation of the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc is gradually narrowed, and the adjustment of the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly performed.

[0100] When it is determined that angle adjustment is not necessary (step S108, No), or when the number of times of forming pattern PT1 reaches the upper limit number of times (step S110, Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S111.

[0101] Here, the upper limit number of times can be set to any number of times. The more the upper limit number of times increases, the more the angle for rotating the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc is gradually narrowed while the adjustment of the orientation of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly performed, so that the orientation of the cutting tool 10 can be optimized more. On the other hand, the more the number of times of forming pattern PT1 increases, the more time required for angle adjustment will increase. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper limit number of times is set to any number of times in consideration of the accuracy of the orientation of the cutting tool and the time required for angle adjustment.

[0102] In step S111, the pattern forming unit 122 forms a pattern PT3 on the surface of the object T. Specifically, using the pen P held by the pen holder 6, a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 along the Y direction (the first direction) are drawn on the surface of the object T. Further, a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 along the X direction (the second direction) are drawn on the surface of the object T. At this time, the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 are drawn parallel to each other with a space d therebetween. The pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 are drawn parallel to each other with a space d therebetween and in a positional relationship perpendicular to the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3. The third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 are drawn with the same length.

[0103] After drawing the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, the cutting edge 10a is dropped at approximately the center of the intersection region R surrounded by the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, and cutting lines CL3a (the fifth line) and CL3b (the sixth line) are formed on both sides of the intersection region R in the Y direction, leaving the space between the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3. Subsequently, the cutting edge 10a is dropped at approximately the center of the intersection region R, and cutting lines CL3c (the seventh line) and CL3d (the eighth line) are formed on both sides of the intersection region R in the X direction, leaving the space between the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4.

[0104] In Fig. 14(a), the outer periphery of the circular mark MK is the position (reference point) where the cutting edge 10a is dropped, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the cutting surface 103. In the formed pattern PT3, the lengths of the cutting lines CL3a to CL3d are set to be the same. The insertion depths of the cutting edge 10a of the tool 10 into the object T are all set to be the same.

[0105] Here, when the orientation of the tool 10 supported by the tool 8 is not arranged along the reference direction (the X direction in Fig. 9(a)), in the formed pattern PT3, the cutting lines CL3a and CL3b are not parallel to the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3. Furthermore, the cutting lines CL3c and CL3d are not parallel to the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4.

[0106] Then, for example, as shown in Fig. 9(b), when the orientation of the tool 10 is slightly inclined with respect to the reference direction (the X direction), the cutting lines CL3a and CL3b are inclined with respect to the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3, and the cutting lines CL3c and CL3d are inclined with respect to the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, resulting in a pattern PT3 (see Fig. 14(c)). Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT3, it is possible to visually check whether the tool 10 is inclined, that is, whether it is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0107] In this way, by using a plurality of types of patterns PT1, PT2, and PT3, it is possible to confirm whether the cutting tool 10 is properly supported by the tool 8, so that it is possible to expect to ensure the machining accuracy in the cutting plotter 1. Further, from the positional relationship between the formed cut line and cut trace and the reference lines Ls (first reference line Ls1, second reference line Ls2, third reference line Ls3, fourth reference line Ls4), it is possible to know how to adjust the cutting tool 10, so that it is possible to expect to reduce the working time required for adjusting the mounting state of the cutting tool 10.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the case of the cutting tool 10 arranged in the direction along the center line Xc as viewed from the radial direction of the center line Xc has been exemplified. Even if the cutting tool is the cutting tool 10A having an inclination with respect to the center line Xc, it is possible to adjust the mounting state using the above-described patterns (pattern PT2, pattern PT1, pattern PT3).

[0109] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a tool 9 that supports a cutting tool 10A having an inclination with respect to the center line Xc. FIG. 17(a) is a view of the tool 9 attached to the tool holder 74 as viewed from the front side. In FIG. 17(a), only the portion of the tool 9 is shown by a solid line, and the other portions are shown by virtual lines. FIG. 17(b) is a perspective view of the tool 9. FIG. 17(c) is a front view of the mounting plate 92.

[0110] FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining test patterns formed in the case of the cutting tool 10A according to the modified example. FIG. 18(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the direction of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10A when the tool 9 to which the cutting tool 10A is attached is viewed from the center line Xc side. In FIG. 18(a), an example is shown in which the cutting edge 10a is properly positioned in the direction of the cutting tool 10A when forming a cut line or a cut trace on the object T. FIG. 18(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the cutting marks CMa and CMb when forming the pattern PT2 with the cutting tool 10A and the orientation of the cutting tool 10A. FIG. 18(c) is a diagram for explaining the cutting marks CMa and CMb of the pattern PT2 formed when the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10A is appropriate.

[0111] FIG. 19(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10A when the tool 9 to which the cutting tool 10A is attached is viewed from the center line Xc side. In FIG. 19(a), an example is shown in which the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10A is inclined with respect to the 90° straight line where the cutting edge 10a should be located. In the figure, the 0° straight line is a straight line along the moving direction of the cutting tool 10A when forming the cut line and the cutting marks. FIGS. 19(b) and (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the relationship between the pattern PT2' formed when the orientation of the cutting tool 10A is the orientation shown in FIG. 19(a) when forming the pattern PT2, the cutting marks CMa and CMb in this pattern PT2', and the second reference line Ls2. FIG. 19(d) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pattern PT1 formed when the orientation of the cutting tool 10A is the orientation shown in FIG. 18(a) when forming the pattern PT1, the cut lines CLa and CLb in this pattern PT1, and the first reference line Ls1. FIG. 19(e) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the pattern PT1' formed when the orientation of the cutting tool 10A is the orientation shown in FIG. 19(a) when forming the pattern PT1, the cut lines CLa and CLb in this pattern PT1', and the first reference line Ls1.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 17, when the tool 9 is attached to the tool holder 74, it is rotatably supported around the center line Xc which is the central axis of the tool holder 74. In the tool 9, a mounting plate 92 is provided at the lower part of the connecting portion 91. The mounting plate 92 is a plate-like member arranged in the direction along the Z direction (vertical line direction). As shown in FIG. 17(b), both side surfaces of the mounting plate 92 in the thickness direction serve as the mounting surfaces 92a and 92b of the connecting piece 981 on the cutting tool holder 98 side. As shown in FIG. 17(c), when viewed from the mounting surface 92a side, the upper side 921 of the mounting plate 92 on the connecting portion 91 side is formed in a substantially straight line. When the connecting portion 91 of the tool 9 is connected to the support unit 7B side, the upper side 921 of the mounting plate 92 is arranged in a direction along the horizontal line.

[0113] On one of the mounting surfaces 92a, a plurality of hole sets 94 each consisting of a circular hole 941 and a long hole 942 are provided. The hole set 94 is a positioning hole used when attaching the connecting piece 981 (see FIG. 17(c)) on the cutting tool holder 98 side to the mounting surface 92a while setting the inclination of the cutting edge 10a with respect to the horizontal line at a desired angle. In the present embodiment, by changing the hole set 94 used when attaching the cutting tool holder 98 to the mounting plate 92, the inclination of the cutting edge 10a with respect to the center line Xc is set to a predetermined inclination. Even in the case of the cutting tool 10A that supports the tool 9 as described above, by drawing the above-described pattern, it is possible to confirm whether the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, when confirming the mounting state of the cutting tool, the case where the pattern PT1 is formed following the formation of the pattern PT2 is illustrated. The pattern PT2 may be formed following the formation of the pattern PT1.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the first reference line Ls1 and the second reference line Ls2 are drawn in the Y direction, and the cut line and the cut trace are formed in the X direction to form the patterns PT1 and PT2 as an example. The reference line may be drawn in the X direction, and the cut line and the cut trace may be formed in the Y direction to form the patterns PT1 and PT2.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, when forming the pattern PT1, the cutting edge 10a of the tool 10 is dropped to positions on one side and the other side in the X direction away from the first reference line Ls1, and the tool 8 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1 to form the cut lines CLa and CLb extending toward the first reference line Ls1, respectively, as an example. The tool 8 may be moved in a direction intersecting the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle to form the cut lines CLa and CLb having an inclination with respect to the first reference line Ls1. Furthermore, the cut lines CLa and CLb may be provided in a range crossing the first reference line Ls1 without leaving a gap between them and the first reference line Ls1.

[0117] As described above, the cutting plotter 1 (processing apparatus) according to the embodiment has the following configuration. (1) The cutting plotter 1 includes a processing tool 8 that is rotatable about a center line Xc, which is an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface 21a of the table 2, a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that relatively displaces the tool 8 with respect to the table 2, and a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool 8. The control unit 12 can form a pattern PT1 (first pattern) for confirming the mounting state of the tool 8. The formation of the pattern PT1 includes a step of drawing a straight first reference line Ls1 on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, a step of forming, using the tool 8, a cut line CLa (first line) and a cut line CLb (second line) that intersect the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line Ls1, and a step of forming a plurality of combinations of the cut lines CLa and CLb at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line Ls1.

[0118] With such a configuration, the presence or absence of a problem in the mounting state of the tool can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the first reference line Ls1 in the pattern PT1, the cut line CLa (first line), and the cut line CLb (second line). Accordingly, when there is a problem in the mounting state of the tool, the mounting state of the tool can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the mounting state of the tool.

[0119] (I) In the above (1), The tool 8 is supported by a tool holder 74 that is rotatable about the center line Xc. The drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) relatively displaces the tool holder 74 with respect to the table 2. The control unit 12 has, as a functional block, a pattern forming unit 122 for checking the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 in the tool 8. The pattern forming unit 122 draws a first reference line Ls1 along the Y direction on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, and in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction, drops the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 to positions separated from the first reference line Ls1 on one side and the other side, moves the tool 8 in a direction orthogonal to the first reference line Ls1, and forms cut lines CLa and CLb extending to the first reference line Ls1 side respectively, to form a reference pattern having the cut lines CLa and CLb on both sides of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction, and performs a step of forming a plurality of reference patterns at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction to form a pattern PT1.

[0120] When the tool 8 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the first reference line Ls1 to form the cut lines CLa and CLb, if the direction of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is appropriate, the plurality of formed cut lines CLa and CLb are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first reference line Ls1. Therefore, by visually observing the formed pattern PT1 and checking the positional relationship between the reference line Ls and the cutting lines CLa and CLb in the pattern PT1, it is possible to visually grasp whether there is a defect in the mounting state (support state) of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8. Thus, if there is a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10, the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 can be adjusted to properly arrange the cutting tool 10, so that the object T can be properly processed.

[0121] Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc, it can be determined from the intersection angles of the cutting lines CLa and CLb with respect to the first reference line Ls1 which side (either one side or the other side in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc) to move the cutting tool 10. Thereby, it is possible to expect a reduction in the working time required for adjusting the mounting state of the cutting tool 10. In particular, since a plurality of reference patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction, it is easier to grasp whether the cutting lines CLa and CLb are inclined with respect to the reference line Ls than in the case where there is only one reference pattern. Also by this, it is possible to expect confirmation of the presence or absence of a defect and reduction in the working time required for subsequent adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10.

[0122] If the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 deviates from the center line Xc, the positions where the cutting lines CLa and CLb are formed are displaced in the direction orthogonal to the first reference line Ls1. Here, if the cutting lines CLa and CLb are formed at a predetermined interval from the first reference line Ls1, when the cutting edge 10a deviates from the center line Xc, the following visually recognizable tendencies occur in the formed pattern PT1. (a) The cutting lines CL1a and CL1b intersect the first reference line Ls1. (b) The interval between the cutting lines CL1a and CL1b and the first reference line Ls1 becomes wide (narrow). Thereby, it becomes possible to visually grasp the defect in the mounting state of the tool 8 by checking the pattern PT1.

[0123] (2) The cutting plotter 1 A processing tool 8 that is rotatable about a center line Xc, which is an axis orthogonal to the mounting surface 21a of Table 2, a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that relatively displaces the tool 8 with respect to the table 2, and a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool 8. The control unit 12 can form a pattern PT1 (first pattern) and a pattern PT2 (second pattern) for checking the mounting state of the tool 8. The formation of the pattern PT1 includes a step of drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on the surface of the object placed on the table 2, and a step of forming, on both sides sandwiching the first reference line Ls1, a cut line CLa (first line) and a cut line CLb (second line) that intersect the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle, using the tool 8. The formation of the pattern PT2 includes a step of drawing a linear second reference line Ls2 on the surface of the object placed on the table 2, and a step of forming, on both sides sandwiching the second reference line Ls2, cut marks CMa (third line) and CMb (fourth line) using the tool 8.

[0124] With this configuration, in addition to checking the mounting state of the tool 8 using the pattern PT1, the presence or absence of a defect in the mounting state of the tool 8 can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the second reference line Ls2 and the cut marks CMa and CMb in the pattern PT2. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the tool 8, the mounting state of the tool 8 can be adjusted to be appropriate.

[0125] (II) In the above (2), the pattern forming unit 122 draws a second reference line Ls2 along the Y direction on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, In the X direction, the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is lowered to a predetermined depth at positions separated on one side and the other side of the reference line Ls, and cut marks CMa and CMb are formed on both sides of the reference line Ls in the X direction. Through this step, the pattern PT2 is formed.

[0126] At this time, if the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is set to be orthogonal to the second reference line Ls2, the presence or absence of a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8 can be visually confirmed from the orientations of the cut marks CMa and CMb with respect to the second reference line Ls2 in the pattern PT2. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10, the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 can be adjusted to appropriately arrange the cutting tool 10, so that the object T can be appropriately processed. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10, it can be understood from the arrangement of the cut marks CMa and CMb with respect to the reference line Ls which side in the X direction the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 should be moved to arrange the cutting edge 10a at an appropriate position on the center line Xc. Thereby, it is possible to expect confirmation of the presence or absence of a defect and reduction of the working time required for subsequent adjustment of the mounting state of the cutting tool 10.

[0127] If the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is deviated from the center line Xc, the positions where the cut marks CMa and CMb are formed are displaced in the direction orthogonal to the second reference line Ls2. Here, if the cut marks CMa and CMb are formed at a predetermined interval from the second reference line Ls2, when the cutting edge 10a is deviated from the center line Xc, in the formed pattern PT2, the following visually recognizable tendencies occur. (a) The cut marks CMa and CMb intersect the second reference line Ls2. (b) The interval between the cut marks CMa and CMb and the second reference line Ls2 becomes wider (narrower). Thereby, the defect in the mounting state of the tool 8 can be visually grasped by checking the pattern PT2.

[0128] (3) The control unit 12 can form a pattern PT3 (third pattern) for confirming the mounting state of the tool 8. The formation of pattern PT3 is as follows: forming a pair of linear third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other and a pair of linear fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other and intersecting the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 at a predetermined angle on the surface of the object placed on table 2; using tool 8 to form cut lines CL3a (the fifth line) and CL3b (the sixth line) along the direction of the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 on both sides sandwiching the reference point with the reference point in the intersection region R (area) surrounded by the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 as a reference, and further using tool 8 to form cut lines CL3c (the seventh line) and CL3d (the eighth line) along the direction of the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 on both sides sandwiching the reference point;

[0129] With such a configuration, in addition to checking the mounting state of tool 8 by patterns PT1 and PT2, the mounting state of tool 8 by pattern PT3 can be checked. Specifically, the presence or absence of defects in the mounting state of tool 8 can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other and cut lines CL3a, CL3b, and the positional relationship between the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other and cut lines CL3c, CL3d. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of tool 8, the mounting state of tool 8 can be adjusted to appropriately set the mounting state of the tool.

[0130] (III) In the above (3), the pattern forming unit 122 draws a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other along the Y direction and a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other along the X direction on the surface of the object T placed on table 2 in a perpendicular positional relationship with each other; In the intersection region R (area) surrounded by a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, with the center of the intersection region R as a reference, lower the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10, move the tool 8 parallel to the third reference line Ls3, and form cutting lines CL3a, CL3b extending to one side and the other side in the Y direction. Further, move the tool 8 parallel to the fourth reference line Ls4, and form cutting lines CL3c, CL3d extending to one side and the other side in the X direction respectively, to form a confirmation pattern PT3.

[0131] With such a configuration, the inclination of the cutting lines CL3a, CL3b with respect to a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other, and the inclination of the cutting lines CL3c, CL3d with respect to a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other can be visually confirmed respectively. Thereby, the presence or absence of defects in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 can be visually confirmed.

[0132] (4) In the above (3), The pattern forming unit 122 forms the pattern PT1 (first pattern), the pattern PT2 (second pattern), and the pattern PT3 (third pattern) in this order.

[0133] The pattern PT2 is effective for adjusting the deviation from the center line Xc of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10, the pattern PT1 is effective for adjusting the radial direction of the cutting tool 10 with respect to the center line Xc of the cutting edge 10a, and the pattern PT3 is effective for confirming the inclination of the cutting line when forming the cutting lines in the Y direction and the X direction respectively. By forming the confirmation patterns in the above order, if there is a defect in the support state of the cutting tool 10 in the tool 8, the support state can be appropriately adjusted.

[0134] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), The cutting plotter 1 has a tool drive mechanism 5D (angle adjustment mechanism) that rotates the tool 8 supported by the tool holder 74 around the center line Xc. The control unit 12 has an angle adjustment unit 123 (adjustment unit) that adjusts the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 attached thereto. The control unit 12 performs a step of adjusting the orientation of the tool 8 by rotating the tool 8 by a predetermined angle around the center line Xc.

[0135] When the operator manually rotates the tool 8 around the center line Xc to adjust the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10, there is a large variation by the operator, and the variation in the working time required for adjusting the attachment state of the cutting tool 10 becomes large. With the above configuration, by rotating by a predetermined angle each time, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (the angular position around the center line Xc of the tool 8) can always be changed by the same angle, so that the variation by the operator in adjusting the attachment state of the cutting tool 10 can be suppressed. As a result, leveling of the work required for adjusting the attachment state of the cutting tool 10 and shortening of the working time can be expected.

[0136] (6) In the above (5), The control unit 12 performs the formation of the pattern PT1 a plurality of times. When the control unit adjusts the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the tool 8 after the formation of the pattern PT1, as the number of times of forming the pattern PT1 increases, a predetermined angle is set to a smaller angle.

[0137] With this configuration, while gradually narrowing the angle by which the cutting tool 10 is rotated around the center line Xc, the adjustment of the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly performed. At the initial stage, the angle of the tool 8 is roughly adjusted, and from there, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a is adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the tool 8 is rotated for adjustment. As a result, optimization of the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (the angular position of the tool 8) and shortening of the time required for optimization can be expected.

[0138] (IV) In the above (3) or (4), The pattern forming unit 122 performs the formation of the pattern PT1 at least twice between the formation of the pattern PT2 and the formation of the pattern PT3. When the angle adjustment unit 123 (adjustment unit) adjusts the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 supported by the tool 8 after the formation of the pattern PT1, as the number of times of forming the pattern PT1 increases, a predetermined angle for rotating the tool 8 for adjustment is set to a small angle.

[0139] With such a configuration, while gradually narrowing the angle by which the cutting tool 10 is rotated around the center line Xc, the adjustment of the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly performed. At the initial stage, the angle of the tool 8 is roughly adjusted, and from there, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a is adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle for rotating the tool 8 for adjustment. Thereby, optimization of the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (the angular position of the tool 8) and shortening of the time required for optimization can be expected.

[0140] (V) In any one of the above (1) to (6), (I) to (IV), The tool 8 supports a plate-shaped cutting tool 10 (cutting part). The cutting tool 10 is formed in a tapered shape in which the radial width of the center line Xc becomes narrower as it approaches the cutting edge 10a on the tip side where the object T is located. When forming the pattern, the tool 8 arranges the cutting tool 10 in a direction along the moving direction of the cutting tool 10.

[0141] When the cutting tool 10 is arranged at an angle with respect to the moving direction (see (b) of FIG. 9), the formed cut line CL deviates from the originally planned direction. For example, depending on the degree of deviation, when forming a cut line in a direction perpendicular to the reference line Ls, the formed cut line may not be perpendicular to the reference line Ls. In such a case, the machining accuracy of the object T is affected. By arranging the cutting tool 10 as described above, an improvement in the machining accuracy of the object T can be expected.

[0142] (VI) In the above (V), The cutting tool 10 is formed in a tapered shape in which the radial width of the center line Xc becomes narrower as it approaches the cutting edge 10a on the tip side where the object T is located. The cutting tool 10 has a side surface along the center line Xc and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the center line Xc. The cutting edge surface 103 of the cutting tool 10 is provided on the inclined surface. When forming the patterns PT1, PT2, and PT3, the tool 8 is arranged with the cutting edge surface 103 facing the moving direction side of the cutting tool 10.

[0143] With this configuration, an improvement in the processing accuracy of the object T can be expected.

[0144] The present invention can also be specified as a method for forming a pattern for checking the support state of the tool 8. (7) The method for forming the pattern is a processing tool 8 that is rotatable around a center line Xc, which is an axis orthogonal to the mounting surface 21a of the table 2, and a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that relatively displaces the tool 8 with respect to the table 2, and is carried out in a cutting plotter 1 (processing device) to check the mounting state of the tool 8. The method for forming the pattern is For the pattern PT1, a step of drawing a straight first reference line Ls1 on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, and a step of forming, using the tool 8, cut lines CLa (first line) and CLb (second line) that intersect the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line Ls1, and a step of forming a plurality of combinations of the cut lines CLa and CLb at a predetermined interval c in the direction along the first reference line Ls1.

[0145] With this configuration, from the positional relationship between the reference line Ls and the cut lines CLa and CLb in the formed pattern PT1, the presence or absence of defects in the mounting state (support state) of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 can be visually confirmed. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10, the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 can be adjusted to appropriately arrange the cutting tool 10, so that the processing of the object to be processed can be appropriately performed. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting tool 10 around the center line Xc, it can be determined from the intersection angles of the cutting lines CLa and CLb with respect to the reference line Ls which side (either the one side or the other side in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc) of the cutting tool 10 should be moved. Thereby, it is possible to expect a reduction in the working time required for adjusting the mounting state of the cutting tool 10. In particular, since a plurality of reference patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction, it is easier to grasp whether the cutting lines CLa and CLb are inclined with respect to the reference line Ls than in the case where there is only one reference pattern. Also by this, it is possible to expect a reduction in the working time required for checking for defects and then adjusting the mounting state of the cutting tool 10.

[0146] (8) In the above (7), The pattern PT2 is formed through a step of drawing a linear second reference line Ls2 on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, and a step of forming cut marks CMa (third line) and cut marks CMb (fourth mark) on both sides of the second reference line Ls2.

[0147] With such a configuration, from the positional relationship between the second reference line Ls2 and the cut marks CMa and CMb in the formed pattern PT2, it is possible to visually check whether there are any defects in the mounting state (support state) of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8. Thereby, when there is a defect in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10, the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 can be adjusted so that the cutting tool 10 can be appropriately arranged, and thus the processing of the workpiece can be appropriately performed. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10, from the arrangement of the cut marks CMa and CMb with respect to the reference line Ls, it can be understood which side in the X direction the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 should be moved to in order to arrange the cutting edge 10a at an appropriate position on the center line Xc. Thereby, it is possible to expect a reduction in the working time required for adjusting the mounting state of the cutting tool 10.

[0148] (9) In the above (7) or (8), The pattern PT3 is On the surface of the object placed on Table 2, forming a pair of linear third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other and a pair of linear fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other and intersecting the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 at a predetermined angle. Using the tool 8, forming cut lines CL3a (the fifth line) and CL3b (the sixth line) in the direction along the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 on both sides sandwiching the reference point, with the reference point in the intersection region R (area) surrounded by the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 as the reference. Further, using the tool 8, forming cut lines CL3c (the seventh line) and CL3d (the eighth line) in the direction along the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 on both sides sandwiching the reference point. This includes the step of

[0149] With this configuration, the inclinations of the cut lines CL3a and CL3b with respect to the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 parallel to each other and the inclinations of the cut lines CL3c and CL3d with respect to the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 parallel to each other can be visually confirmed respectively. Thereby, the presence or absence of defects in the mounting state of the cutting tool 10 in the mounting portion 82 can be visually confirmed.

[0150] The present invention is not limited to the aspects of the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0151] 1: Cutting plotter (processing device) 10: Cutting tool 10a: Cutting edge 11: Control panel 12: Control unit 122: Pattern formation unit 123: Angle adjustment unit 2(2A, 2B): Table 20: Table base 21: Table top 21a: Placing surface 3: Support beam 4: Processing unit 43: Holder unit 44(44a~44c): Slot 5(5A, 5B, 5C): Driving mechanism 5D: Tool driving mechanism 5E: Tool lifting mechanism 6: Pen holder 7(7A, 7B): Support unit 71: Main body part 72: Insertion leg 73: Support member 74: Tool holder 8, 8’, 9: Tool 81: Connection part 82: Attachment part 83: Blade holder P: Pen P1: Pen tip T: Object PT1: Pattern (First pattern) PT2: Pattern (Second pattern) PT3: Pattern (Third pattern) Ls(Ls1~Ls4): Reference line (First reference line~Fourth reference line) CLa: Cut line (First line) CLb: Cut line (Second line) CMa: Cut trace (Third line) CMb: Cut trace (Thirty-fourth line) CL3a: Cut line (Fifth line) CL3b: Cut line (Sixth line) CL3c: Cut line (Seventh line) CL3d: Cut line (Eighth line)

Claims

1. A processing tool that is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the placement surface of the table, A drive mechanism that relatively displaces the tool with respect to the table, A processing apparatus having a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool, The control unit is capable of forming a first pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, The formation of the first pattern A step of drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, A step of forming a first line and a second line that intersect the first reference line at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line, respectively, using the tool, A step of forming a plurality of combinations of the first line and the second line at a predetermined interval in a direction along the first reference line, A processing apparatus including the above.

2. A processing tool that is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the placement surface of the table, A drive mechanism that relatively displaces the tool with respect to the table, A processing apparatus having a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool, The control unit is capable of forming a first pattern and a second pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, The formation of the first pattern A step of drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, Including a step of forming a first line and a second line that intersect the first reference line at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line, respectively, using the tool, The formation of the second pattern A step of drawing a linear second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, Including a step of forming a third line and a fourth line on both sides sandwiching the second reference line using the tool,

3. In Claim 2, The control unit is capable of forming a third pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, The formation of the third pattern A step of forming a pair of linear third reference lines parallel to each other and a pair of linear fourth reference lines parallel to each other that intersect the pair of third reference lines at a predetermined angle on the surface of the object placed on the table, Based on the reference point within the region surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines, On both sides sandwiching the reference point, a fifth line and a sixth line in the direction along the third reference line are formed using the tool, and further, on both sides sandwiching the reference point, a seventh line and an eighth line in the direction along the fourth reference line are formed using the tool, the processing apparatus including the step of forming.

4. In claim 3, the control unit implements the formation of the second pattern, the formation of the first pattern, and the formation of the third pattern in this order, the processing apparatus.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, the control unit implements the step of rotating the tool by a predetermined angle around the axis to adjust the orientation of the tool, the processing apparatus.

6. In claim 5, the control unit implements the formation of the first pattern a plurality of times, when the control unit adjusts the orientation of the tool after the formation of the first pattern, as the number of times of forming the first pattern increases, the control unit sets the predetermined angle to a smaller angle, the processing apparatus.

7. A processing tool rotatable around an axis orthogonal to the mounting surface of the table, and a drive mechanism for relatively displacing the tool with respect to the table. In a processing apparatus having the above, a pattern formation method for forming a pattern for confirming the mounting state of the tool on an object, a first pattern is formed by drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, forming a first line and a second line intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle on both sides sandwiching the first reference line using the tool, and forming a plurality of combinations of the first line and the second line at a predetermined interval in the direction along the first reference line, the pattern formation method.

8. In claim 7, a second pattern is formed by drawing a linear second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, and forming a third line and a fourth line on both sides sandwiching the second reference line, the pattern formation method.

9. In claim 7 or claim 8, a third pattern is formed by drawing a pair of linear third reference lines parallel to each other and a pair of linear fourth reference lines parallel to each other on the surface of the object placed on the table in a positional relationship intersecting each other, Based on a reference point within the region surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines, form a fifth line and a sixth line in the direction along the third reference line on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool, and further, form a seventh line and an eighth line in the direction along the fourth reference line on both sides sandwiching the reference point using the tool, and form through the step of forming a pattern.

Images