Abnormality detection device

The abnormality detection device uses odor component sensing and control to detect and classify laser processing abnormalities, enhancing safety and efficiency by real-time detection and condition adjustment.

JP2025119408APending Publication Date: 2025-08-14KK TOSHIBA
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024014288
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-01
Publication Date
2025-08-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing laser processing technologies lack accurate real-time detection of abnormalities during operations such as welding and cutting.

Method used

An abnormality detection device equipped with a sensor unit to detect odor components generated during processing and a control unit to determine abnormalities based on the detected information, allowing for real-time detection and notification of abnormalities.

Benefits of technology

Enables accurate real-time detection and classification of abnormalities, improving safety and yield by stopping or adjusting processing conditions as needed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025119408000001_ABST
    Figure 2025119408000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an abnormality detection device which can accurately detect abnormality occurring in laser processing at real time.SOLUTION: An abnormality detection device that is a device for detecting abnormality occurring in laser processing includes: a sensor part for detecting odor components occurring in laser processing, and outputting information on the odor components; and a control part for determining whether abnormality occurs on the basis of the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an anomaly detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Known laser processing technologies include laser welding, which welds multiple components together by irradiating them with laser light, and laser cutting, which cuts components by irradiating them with laser light. These laser processing technologies require accurate real-time detection of abnormalities that occur during laser processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-146537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an abnormality detection device that can accurately detect abnormalities that occur during laser processing in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The abnormality detection device according to the embodiment is a device that detects abnormalities that occur during laser processing. The abnormality detection device according to the embodiment includes a sensor unit and a control unit. The sensor unit detects odor components that are generated during laser processing. The sensor unit outputs information about the odor components. The control unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a laser processing system equipped with an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a laser processing system including an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(d) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an abnormality in laser processing. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs showing examples of the detection results of odor components. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a laser processing system including an abnormality detection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows a laser processing system equipped with an abnormality detection device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram that schematically shows a laser processing system that includes an abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a laser processing system 500 according to the embodiment includes an abnormality detection device 100 and a laser processing device 200.

[0009] The laser processing apparatus 200 is an apparatus that performs laser processing. The laser processing apparatus 200 is, for example, a laser welding apparatus that welds multiple members together by irradiating a laser beam. In the example of FIG. 1, the laser processing apparatus 200 is a laser welding apparatus that welds a first member 1 to a second member 2. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the laser processing is laser welding that welds the first member 1 to the second member 2. Note that the laser processing apparatus 200 may also be, for example, a laser cutting apparatus that cuts members by irradiating a laser beam.

[0010] The first member 1 includes, for example, a resin material. The first member 1 includes, for example, plastic or CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics). The second member 2 includes, for example, a metal material. In the example of FIG. 1, the second member 2 has a base 2a and a covering 2b. The base 2a includes, for example, a metal material. The base 2a includes, for example, at least one of aluminum, magnesium, and copper. The covering 2b includes, for example, a resin material. The covering 2b includes, for example, a resin material or a dye for strength reinforcement or insulation.

[0011] The laser processing apparatus 200 has a laser light irradiation section 210, an air supply section 220, and an exhaust section 230. The laser processing apparatus 200 may further have a stage, a chamber, etc., which are not shown.

[0012] The laser light irradiation unit 210 irradiates laser light 212. The laser light irradiation unit 210 may be, for example, a pulsed laser that oscillates a pulsed output at a constant repetition frequency (pulse width), or a CW (Continuous Wave) laser that continuously oscillates a constant output. In the case of a pulsed laser, the pulse width is, for example, several femtoseconds, several picoseconds, or several milliseconds. The wavelength of the laser light 212 is, for example, not less than 300 nm and not more than 5000 nm.

[0013] When laser light 212 is being irradiated from laser light irradiation unit 210, air supply unit 220 sprays an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, or helium onto the processing portion (welded portion). When the inert gas is being sprayed from air supply unit 220, exhaust unit 230 evacuates the periphery of the processing portion (welded portion). By exhausting the periphery of the processing portion (welded portion) with air supply unit 220 while exhausting the periphery of the processing portion (welded portion), it is possible to suppress, for example, oxidation of the processing portion (welded portion).

[0014] The abnormality detection device 100 is a device that detects abnormalities that occur during laser processing by the laser processing device 200. The abnormality detection device 100 has a sensor unit 10, a control unit 20, and a notification unit 30.

[0015] The sensor unit 10 detects odor components generated during laser processing. The odor components are fine particles that can be detected by the sensor unit 10. The odor components are, for example, odor components generated when laser light hits the resin material contained in the coating portion 2b of the first member 1 or the second member 2. The odor components generated when laser light hits the resin material include, for example, at least one of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, hydrocarbons containing an aldehyde group such as furfuryl aldehyde, propionaldehyde, n-butyl aldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, and n-valeraldehyde, compounds containing sulfur, organic acids such as acetic acid and butyric acid, and aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and anthracene.

[0016] The sensor unit 10 is, for example, an odor sensor. The sensor unit 10 can detect odor components, for example, by detecting changes in weight, resistance, dielectric constant, etc., when odor components bind to the sensor unit 10. The sensor unit 10 may be capable of detecting one or more types of odor components, or may be capable of detecting two or more types of odor components.

[0017] In the example of Fig. 1, the sensor unit 10 is connected to the exhaust unit 230. The sensor unit 10 draws in a portion of the gas flowing through the exhaust unit 230 and detects odor components contained in the gas. Note that the sensor unit 10 does not have to be connected to the exhaust unit 230. In this case, the sensor unit 10 draws in gas around the processing point from a suction unit provided near the processing point where the laser light 212 is irradiated, and detects odor components contained in the gas.

[0018] The sensor unit 10 is connected to the control unit 20. The sensor unit 10 outputs information about the detected odor components to the control unit 20. When the sensor unit 10 is an odor sensor, the information about the odor components includes, for example, at least one of information about the intensity of the odor components and information about the waveform of the odor components.

[0019] The control unit 20 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on the information about the odor components input from the sensor unit 10. The control unit 20 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on, for example, at least one of information about the intensity of the odor components and information about the waveform of the odor components. The control unit 20 may determine the type of abnormality based on, for example, information about at least one of the intensity and waveform of the odor components. The determination by the control unit 20 will be described later.

[0020] The control unit 20 is connected to the notification unit 30. When the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the notification unit 30 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred. The notification unit 30 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred, for example, by using at least one of light and sound. That is, the notification unit 30 includes at least one of a lamp and a speaker. The notification unit 30 may also notify the user that an abnormality has occurred by displaying text or a diagram on a screen, for example. The notification unit 30 may be provided as needed and may be omitted.

[0021] When the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 20 may stop the laser processing. When the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 20 may change the processing conditions and continue the laser processing. The processing conditions include, for example, at least one of the output (irradiation intensity) of the laser beam 212, the irradiation time of the laser beam 212, the irradiation speed of the laser beam 212, the pulse width of the laser beam 212, the irradiation position of the laser beam 212, and the wavelength of the laser beam 212.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. 3, when the control unit 20 starts laser processing (step S101), it acquires information about odor components from the sensor unit 10 (step S102). The control unit 20 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on the information about the odor components (step S103). The method for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred will be described later.

[0023] When the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred (step S103: Yes), the notification unit 30 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred (step S104), and either stops the laser processing or changes the processing conditions and continues the laser processing (step S105). Note that step S105 may be performed before step S104. Also, step S105 may be performed simultaneously with step S104. Also, one of step S104 and step S105 may be omitted.

[0024] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not laser processing is stopped (step S106). If laser processing is stopped (step S106: Yes), the control unit 20 ends the flow. If laser processing is not stopped (step S106: No), the control unit 20 returns to step S102 and repeats steps S102 to S106. In other words, the control unit 20 repeats steps S102 to S106 while laser processing continues.

[0025] If the control unit 20 determines that no abnormality has occurred (step S103: No), it skips steps S104 and S105 and performs step S106.

[0026] 4(a) to 4(d) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an abnormality in laser processing. Figure 4(a) shows a state where an abnormality in penetration depth has occurred. FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which an abnormality in the irradiation position deviation toward the first member 1 side has occurred. FIG. 4(c) shows a state in which an abnormality occurs in the irradiation position shift toward the covered portion 2b of the second member 2. FIG. 4(d) shows a state where an abnormality due to the inclusion of foreign matter has occurred.

[0027] 4(a), when an abnormality in the penetration depth occurs, the penetration depth D of the first member 1 becomes larger compared to when no abnormality occurs. Therefore, when an abnormality in the penetration depth occurs, the amount of odor components originating from the first member 1 becomes larger compared to when no abnormality occurs.

[0028] 4(b), when an abnormality occurs in the irradiation position deviation toward the first member 1 side and the laser beam 212 is directly irradiated onto the first member 1, the amount of the first member 1 that melts into the laser beam 212 increases compared to when no abnormality occurs. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the irradiation position deviation toward the first member 1 side, the amount of odor components originating from the first member 1 increases compared to when no abnormality occurs.

[0029] 4(c), when an abnormality occurs in the irradiation position deviation toward the coated portion 2b of the second member 2 and the laser beam 212 is irradiated onto the coated portion 2b of the second member 2, the amount of the coated portion 2b melted into the laser beam 212 increases compared to when no abnormality occurs. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the irradiation position deviation toward the coated portion 2b of the second member 2, the amount of odor components originating from the coated portion 2b increases compared to when no abnormality occurs.

[0030] 4(d), when an abnormality of foreign matter contamination occurs and the laser light 212 is irradiated onto the foreign matter 4, the amount of the foreign matter 4 dissolved increases compared to when no abnormality occurs. Therefore, when an abnormality of foreign matter contamination occurs, the amount of odor components caused by the foreign matter 4 increases compared to when no abnormality occurs. Examples of the foreign matter 4 include a part of the first member 1 attached, a part of the covering portion 2b of the second member 2 attached, or other resin materials attached.

[0031] In this way, the amount and type of odor components differ depending on the type of abnormality that has occurred. Therefore, for example, by determining the amount and type of odor components, the type of abnormality can be determined. If the sensor unit 10 is an odor sensor, differences in the amount of odor components are represented, for example, by differences in the intensity of the odor components. If the sensor unit 10 is an odor sensor, differences in the type of odor components are represented, for example, by differences in the waveform of the odor components.

[0032] 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs showing examples of the detection results of odor components. In FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the vertical axis represents the intensity of the odor component, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0033] FIG. 5(a) shows a peak P1 of odor components when abnormality A occurs, a peak P2 of odor components when abnormality B occurs, and a peak P3 of odor components when abnormality C occurs. Peaks P1 to P3 have different maximum intensities. The maximum intensity of peak P2 is greater than the maximum intensity of peak P3. The maximum intensity of peak P1 is greater than the maximum intensity of peak P2. The maximum intensity of peak P3 exceeds the first threshold TH1 and is less than the second threshold TH2 and the third threshold TH3. The maximum intensity of peak P2 exceeds the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 and is less than the third threshold TH3. The maximum intensity of peak P1 exceeds the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3.

[0034] Thus, the maximum intensity of the odor component peaks varies depending on the type of abnormality that has occurred. Therefore, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality that has occurred, for example, based on the maximum intensity of the odor component peaks. In other words, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality, for example, based on information about the intensity of the odor components.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 5(a), abnormality A is, for example, an abnormality in penetration depth. Abnormality B is, for example, an abnormality in irradiation position deviation. Abnormality C is, for example, an abnormality in the presence of foreign matter.

[0036] FIG. 5(b) shows odor component peak P4 when abnormality A occurs, odor component peak P5 when abnormality B occurs, and odor component peak P6 when abnormality C occurs. Peaks P4 to P6 have different waveforms. The waveform of peak P4 is steep. The waveform of peak P5 is rectangular. The waveform of peak P6 is gentler (broader) than the waveform of peak P4.

[0037] Thus, the waveform of the odor component peaks differs depending on the type of abnormality that has occurred. Therefore, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality that has occurred, for example, based on the waveform of the odor component peaks. In other words, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality, for example, based on information about the waveform of the odor component.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 5(b), abnormality A is, for example, an abnormality in penetration depth. Abnormality B is, for example, an abnormality in irradiation position deviation. Abnormality C is, for example, an abnormality in the presence of foreign matter.

[0039] The control unit 20 may determine the type of abnormality based on, for example, both information about the intensity of the odor component and information about the waveform of the odor component.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality based on information about the intensity of odor components.

[0041] More specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the intensity of the odor component exceeds a first threshold TH1 (step S201). If the intensity of the odor component exceeds the first threshold TH1 (step S201: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether the intensity of the odor component exceeds a second threshold TH2 (step S202). If the intensity of the odor component exceeds the second threshold TH2 (step S202: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether the intensity of the odor component exceeds a third threshold TH3 (step S203).

[0042] If the intensity of the odor component exceeds the third threshold TH3 (step S203: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality A has occurred (step S204). That is, if the intensity of the odor component exceeds the first threshold TH1, the second threshold TH2, and the third threshold TH3 (step S201: Yes, step S202: Yes, and step S203: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality A has occurred.

[0043] If the intensity of the odor component does not exceed the third threshold TH3 (step S203: No), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality B different from abnormality A has occurred (step S205). In other words, if the intensity of the odor component exceeds the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 but does not exceed the third threshold TH3 (step S201: Yes, step S202: Yes, and step S203: No), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality B has occurred.

[0044] If the intensity of the odor component does not exceed the second threshold TH2 (step S202: No), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality C different from abnormalities A and B has occurred (step S206). In other words, if the intensity of the odor component exceeds the first threshold TH1 but does not exceed the second threshold TH2 (step S201: Yes and step S202: No), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality C has occurred.

[0045] If the intensity of the odor component does not exceed the first threshold value TH1 (step S201: No), the control unit 20 determines that no abnormality has occurred (step S207).

[0046] After determining the type of abnormality (after steps S204, S205, and S206), the control unit 20 causes the notification unit 30 to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred (step S208), and either stops the laser processing or changes the processing conditions and continues the laser processing (step S209). The control unit 20 may notify the user of the type of abnormality through the notification unit 30. The control unit 20 may determine whether to stop the laser processing depending on the type of abnormality. The control unit 20 may also determine how to change the processing conditions depending on the type of abnormality. As in the flowchart of FIG. 3, step S209 may be performed before step S208. Alternatively, step S209 may be performed simultaneously with step S208. Alternatively, one of step S208 and step S209 may be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality based on information about the waveform of odor components.

[0048] More specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the waveform of the odor component is the first waveform (step S301). If the waveform of the odor component is the first waveform (step S301: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality A has occurred (step S302).

[0049] If the waveform of the odor component is not the first waveform (step S301: No), the control unit 20 determines whether the waveform of the odor component is the second waveform (step S303). If the waveform of the odor component is the second waveform (step S303: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality B different from abnormality A has occurred (step S304).

[0050] If the waveform of the odor component is not the second waveform (step S303: No), the control unit 20 determines whether the waveform of the odor component is the third waveform (step S305). If the waveform of the odor component is the third waveform (step S305: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality C, which is different from abnormalities A and B, has occurred (step S306).

[0051] If the waveform of the odor component is not the third waveform (step S305: No), the control unit 20 determines that abnormality D, which is different from abnormalities A, B, and C, has occurred (step S307).

[0052] After determining the type of abnormality (after steps S302, S304, S306, and S307), the control unit 20 causes the notification unit 30 to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred (step S308), and either stops the laser processing or changes the processing conditions and continues the laser processing (step S309). The control unit 20 may notify the user of the type of abnormality through the notification unit 30. The control unit 20 may determine whether to stop the laser processing depending on the type of abnormality. The control unit 20 may also determine how to change the processing conditions depending on the type of abnormality. As in the flowchart of FIG. 3, step S309 may be performed before step S308. Step S309 may also be performed simultaneously with step S308. One of step S308 and step S309 may be omitted.

[0053] The following describes the effects of the abnormality detection device according to the first embodiment. Known laser processing technologies include laser welding, which welds multiple components together by irradiating them with laser light, and laser cutting, which cuts components by irradiating them with laser light. These laser processing technologies require accurate real-time detection of abnormalities that occur during laser processing.

[0054] For example, when laser welding a metal material and a resin material, it may be impossible to apply the method for detecting an abnormality when laser welding metal materials together.Furthermore, when laser cutting a member that is a combination of a metal material and a resin material, it may be impossible to apply the method for detecting an abnormality when laser cutting a metal material.

[0055] In contrast, in the abnormality detection device 100, the control unit 20 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on information about odor components detected by the sensor unit 10, thereby enabling accurate detection of abnormalities that occur during laser processing in real time.

[0056] Furthermore, in the abnormality detection device 100, the control unit 20 can easily determine the type of abnormality that occurs during laser processing in real time by determining the type of abnormality based on information about at least one of the intensity and waveform of odor components, thereby enabling appropriate measures to be taken depending on the type of abnormality.

[0057] Furthermore, in the abnormality detection device 100, when the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the notification unit 30 notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormality, so that if an abnormality occurs during laser processing, the user can be notified immediately. Also, for example, by determining the type of abnormality and notifying the user, the user can take appropriate action depending on the type of abnormality.

[0058] Furthermore, in the abnormality detection device 100, when the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 20 stops the laser processing, thereby further improving safety.

[0059] Furthermore, in the abnormality detection device 100, when the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the processing conditions are changed and the laser processing is continued, thereby eliminating the occurrence of the abnormality without stopping the laser processing, and therefore the yield can be improved.

[0060] Furthermore, the abnormality detection device 100 detects odor components that are generated when the laser beam 212 hits the resin material during laser welding, for example, to weld a first member 1 containing a resin material to a second member 2 containing a metal material. By detecting such odor components, the abnormality detection device 100 according to the first embodiment can accurately detect abnormalities that occur during laser welding in real time.

[0061] (Second embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a laser processing system including an abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the laser processing system 500A according to the second embodiment is the same as the laser processing system 500 according to the first embodiment, except that it is equipped with the abnormality detection device 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0062] In the abnormality detection device 100A according to the second embodiment, the sensor unit 10 has a first sensor 11 and a second sensor 12. The first sensor 11 detects a first odor component. The second sensor 12 detects a second odor component. The second odor component is different from the first odor component. In other words, in the abnormality detection device 100A according to the second embodiment, the sensor unit 10 can detect multiple odor components.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the abnormality detection device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 20 can determine the type of abnormality based on the information about the first odor component and the information about the second odor component.

[0064] More specifically, the control unit 20 determines whether the first sensor 11 has detected the first odor component (step S401). If the first sensor 11 has detected the first odor component (step S401: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether the second sensor 12 has detected the second odor component (step S402). If the first sensor 11 has not detected the first odor component (step S401: No), the control unit 20 determines whether the second sensor 12 has detected the second odor component (step S403).

[0065] In step S402, if the second sensor 12 detects the second odor component (step S402: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality A has occurred (step S404). That is, if the first sensor 11 detects the first odor component and the second sensor 12 detects the second odor component (step S401: Yes and step S402: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality A has occurred.

[0066] In step S402, if the second sensor 12 does not detect the second odor component (step S402: No), the control unit 20 determines that abnormality B has occurred (step S405). That is, if the first sensor 11 detects the first odor component and the second sensor 12 does not detect the second odor component (step S401: Yes and step S402: No), the control unit 20 determines that abnormality B has occurred.

[0067] In step S403, if the second sensor 12 detects the second odor component (step S403: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality C has occurred (step S406). That is, if the first sensor 11 does not detect the first odor component and the second sensor 12 detects the second odor component (step S401: No and step S403: Yes), the control unit 20 determines that an abnormality C has occurred.

[0068] In step S403, if the second sensor 12 does not detect the second odor component (step S403: No), the control unit 20 determines that no abnormality has occurred (step S407). That is, if the first sensor 11 does not detect the first odor component and the second sensor 12 does not detect the second odor component (step S401: No and step S403: No), the control unit 20 determines that no abnormality has occurred.

[0069] After determining the type of abnormality (after steps S404, S405, S406, and S407), the control unit 20 causes the notification unit 30 to notify that an abnormality has occurred (step S408), and either stops the laser processing or changes the processing conditions and continues the laser processing (step S409). The control unit 20 may notify the type of abnormality through the notification unit 30. The control unit 20 may determine whether to stop the laser processing depending on the type of abnormality. The control unit 20 may also determine how to change the processing conditions depending on the type of abnormality. Also, as in the flowchart of FIG. 3, step S409 may be performed before step S408. Also, step S409 may be performed simultaneously with step S408. Also, one of step S408 and step S409 may be omitted.

[0070] The following describes the effects of the abnormality detection device 100A according to the second embodiment. The abnormality detection device 100A according to the second embodiment also provides the same effects as the abnormality detection device 100 according to the first embodiment described above. Explanation of the effects similar to those of the abnormality detection device 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

[0071] In the abnormality detection device 100A, the control unit 20 can easily determine the type of abnormality occurring during laser processing in real time by determining the type of abnormality based on information about the first odor component detected by the first sensor 11 and information about the second odor component detected by the second sensor 12. This allows appropriate measures to be taken depending on the type of abnormality.

[0072] In the embodiment, an odor layer that emits a specific odor component when the laser beam 212 is irradiated onto the first member 1, the second member 2, etc. may be provided. By providing such an odor layer, if the sensor unit 10 detects a specific odor component, it can be determined that the laser beam 212 has reached the odor layer. This makes it possible to more accurately determine, for example, an abnormality in penetration depth. It can also be used to determine, for example, the progress of laser processing. The odor layer may include, for example, a resin material mixed with capsules that break down due to heat or friction and emit an odor component, or a resin material mixed with fragrances or essential oils.

[0073] Embodiments may include the following features.

[0074] (Configuration 1) An apparatus for detecting abnormalities occurring during laser processing, a sensor unit that detects odor components generated during laser processing and outputs information about the odor components; a control unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on the information; An abnormality detection device comprising:

[0075] (Configuration 2) 2. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality based on information about at least one of the intensity and waveform of the odor component.

[0076] (Configuration 3) the sensor unit includes a first sensor that detects a first odor component and a second sensor that detects a second odor component different from the first odor component; 3. The abnormality detection device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality based on the information about the first odor component and the information about the second odor component.

[0077] (Configuration 4) Further provided with a notification unit, 4. The abnormality detection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein, when the control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, the notification unit notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred.

[0078] (Configuration 5) 5. The abnormality detection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control unit stops laser processing when it determines that an abnormality has occurred.

[0079] (Configuration 6) 5. The abnormality detection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit changes processing conditions and continues laser processing.

[0080] (Configuration 7) the laser processing is laser welding in which a second member including a metal material is welded to a first member including a resin material, 7. The abnormality detection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the odor component is an odor component that is generated when laser light hits the resin material.

[0081] As described above, according to the embodiment, an abnormality detection device is provided that can accurately detect abnormalities that occur during laser processing in real time.

[0082] While the present invention has been described above by way of example, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. This novel embodiment may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1: First member 2: Second member 2a: base 2b: Covering part 10: Sensor section 11: First sensor 12: Second sensor 20: Control unit 30: Information Department 100, 100A: Abnormality detection device 200: Laser processing equipment 210: Laser light irradiation unit 212: Laser light 220: Air supply section 230: Exhaust section 500, 500A: Laser processing system

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting abnormalities occurring during laser processing, a sensor unit that detects odor components generated during laser processing and outputs information about the odor components; a control unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred based on the information; An abnormality detection device comprising:

2. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality based on information about at least one of the intensity and waveform of the odor component.

3. the sensor unit includes a first sensor that detects a first odor component and a second sensor that detects a second odor component different from the first odor component; The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the type of abnormality based on the information about the first odor component and the information about the second odor component.

4. Further provided with a notification unit, The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the control unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, the notification unit notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred.

5. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops laser processing when it determines that an abnormality has occurred.

6. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when determining that an abnormality has occurred, changes processing conditions and continues laser processing.

7. the laser processing is laser welding in which a first member including a resin material is welded to a second member including a metal material, 7. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein the odor component is an odor component that is generated when laser light is irradiated onto the resin material.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Machining support monitoring method turned artificially intelligent, and machining support monitoring system turned artificially intelligent

    JP2010146537A