A thermal cutting machine and a method for controlling a thermal cutting machine.

Abstract

Using a thermal cutting machine, letters and other characters are clearly printed onto the material. [Solution] The thermal cutting machine comprises a table, a cutting nozzle, a spray nozzle, a printer head, an actuator, and a controller. The controller acquires multiple cutting locations in the material. The controller acquires multiple printing locations in the material. The controller moves the spray nozzle to each of the multiple printing locations and sprays paint onto the material with the spray nozzle to form multiple print bases for each of the multiple printing locations. The controller moves the printer head to each of the multiple print bases and prints on each of the multiple print bases with the printer head. The controller moves the thermal cutting nozzle to each of the multiple cutting locations and cuts each of the multiple cutting locations with the thermal cutting nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal cutting machine and a method for controlling the thermal cutting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Some thermal cutting machines such as plasma cutting machines, laser cutting machines, and gas cutting machines have a function of printing on materials. For example, the plasma cutting machine of Non-Patent Document 1 prints characters on a material by an inkjet printer.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a thermal cutting machine. The thermal cutting machine includes a thermal cutting nozzle, a spray nozzle, and a printer head. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of cutting locations in a material, obtaining a plurality of printing locations in the material, moving the spray nozzle to each of the plurality of printing locations and spraying paint onto the material with the spray nozzle to form a plurality of print bases for each of the plurality of printing locations, moving the printer head to each of the plurality of print bases and printing on each of the plurality of print bases with the printer head, and moving the thermal cutting nozzle to each of the plurality of cutting locations and cutting each of the plurality of cutting locations with the thermal cutting nozzle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, multiple printable bases are formed on the material, and the printer head prints on each of the multiple printable bases. Therefore, compared to printing directly on the material, it is possible to print characters and other elements more clearly on the material. Furthermore, since the printable bases are formed by spraying paint onto the material, it takes time for the paint to dry. However, according to this disclosure, after forming a printable base for each of the multiple printing areas, the printer head prints on each of the multiple printable bases. This allows for more efficient printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a plasma cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the movable head. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the movable head in standby mode. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the control system for a thermal cutting machine. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the process of cutting materials using a thermal cutting machine. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a material showing multiple printing areas. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the movable head used in the height checking process. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the movable head in the process of forming the print base. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of materials showing multiple printable substrates. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the movable head in the printing process. [Figure 11] This is a top view of the material showing the printed area on the print base. [Figure 12] This is a front view of the movable head in the non-sputtering liquid coating process. [Figure 13] This is a front view of the movable head in the cutting process. [Figure 14] This is a top view showing the pieces cut from the material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thermal cutting machine 1 according to an embodiment. The thermal cutting machine 1 comprises a table 2, a movable head 3, and an actuator 4. A material 100, such as a steel plate, is placed on the table 2. The table 2 supports the material 100 to be cut. The movable head 3 is positioned above the table 2. The thermal cutting machine 1 according to this embodiment is a plasma cutting machine and cuts the material 100 by a plasma arc.

[0010] The actuator 4 supports the movable head 3 so that it can move horizontally and vertically relative to the table 2. As shown in Figure 1, the actuator 4 includes a first linear guide 11, a first carriage 12, a second linear guide 13, and a second carriage 14. The first linear guide 11 is located to the side of the table 2. The first linear guide 11 extends in the X-axis direction. The second linear guide 13 is located above the table 2. The second linear guide 13 extends in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the X and Y axes are coordinates along the top surface of the table 2. The X and Y axes are orthogonal to each other and extend horizontally. The Z axis is orthogonal to the top surface of the table 2 and extends vertically.

[0011] The first carriage 12 is movable in the X-axis direction along the first linear guide 11. The second linear guide 13 is supported by the first carriage 12. The second carriage 14 is movable in the Y-axis direction along the second linear guide 13. The movable head 3 is mounted on the second carriage 14. The second carriage 14 supports the movable head 3 so that it can move in the Z-axis direction.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure around the movable head 3. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the structure around the movable head 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thermal cutting machine 1 includes a thermal cutting nozzle 21, a spray nozzle 22, and a printer head 23. The thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 are attached to the movable head 3. The thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 can move together with the movable head 3 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions on the table 2.

[0013] The thermal cutting nozzle 21 is attached to the movable head 3. The thermal cutting nozzle 21 cuts the material 100 disposed on the table 2 by ejecting a plasma arc. The spray nozzle 22 forms a printing base on the material 100 by spraying paint onto the material 100. The printing base will be described later. The printer head 23 prints on the printing base formed on the material 100. The printer head 23 is of an inkjet type and prints by spraying ink onto the material 100.

[0014] The paint of the spray nozzle 22 is water-soluble. By using a water-soluble paint, combustion of the paint due to heat during thermal cutting is suppressed. The paint of the spray nozzle 22 is white. The ink of the printer head 23 is black. However, the color of the paint of the spray nozzle 22 and the color of the ink of the printer head 23 may be changed. The paint of the spray nozzle 22 is, for example, a pigment. The ink of the printer head 23 is, for example, a dye. However, the paint of the spray nozzle 22 may be a dye. The ink of the printer head 23 may be a pigment.

[0015] The movable head 3 includes a first head 15 and a second head 16. The first head 15 is supported by the second carriage 14 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. The thermal cutting nozzle 21 is attached to the first head 15. The first head 15 supports the thermal cutting nozzle 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the second carriage 14 includes a third linear guide 17. The third linear guide 17 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first head 15 is movable in the Z-axis direction along the third linear guide 17. When the first head 15 moves in the Z-axis direction along the third linear guide 17, the thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 move in the Z-axis direction.

[0016] The second head 16 is supported so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first head 15. The spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 are attached to the second head 16. The second head 16 supports the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23. Specifically, the second head 16 includes a fourth linear guide 18. The fourth linear guide 18 extends in the Z-axis direction. The second head 16 is movable in the Z-axis direction along the fourth linear guide 18. When the second head 16 moves in the Z-axis direction along the fourth linear guide 18, the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 move in the Z-axis direction with respect to the thermal cutting nozzle 21.

[0017] The thermal cutter 1 includes a protection plate 24 and a non-sputtering nozzle 25. The protection plate 24 is attached to the thermal cutting nozzle 21. The non-sputtering nozzle 25 sprays a non-sputtering liquid onto the material 100. The non-sputtering liquid prevents the sputtering material from adhering to the material 100. The non-sputtering nozzle 25 is attached to the protection plate 24. The thermal cutter 1 includes a displacement meter 26. The displacement meter 26 is attached to the printer head 23. The displacement meter 26 is, for example, a laser displacement meter. The displacement meter 26 measures the distance from the printer head 23 to the material 100.

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control system of the thermal cutting machine 1. As shown in Figure 4, the thermal cutting machine 1 includes a first motor 31, a second motor 32, a third motor 33, and a fourth motor 34. The first motor 31 moves the first carriage 12 along the first linear guide 11. The second motor 32 moves the second carriage 14 along the second linear guide 13. The third motor 33 moves the first head 15 in the Z-axis direction relative to the second carriage 14. The fourth motor 34 moves the second head 16 in the Z-axis direction relative to the first head 15.

[0019] When the first to third motors 31-33 are driven, the actuator 4 moves the thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 to any position in the horizontal (X, Y axis direction) and vertical (Z axis direction) directions relative to the material 100 on the table 2. When the fourth motor 34 is driven, the actuator 4 moves the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 in the vertical (Z axis direction) direction relative to the thermal cutting nozzle 21.

[0020] The thermal cutting machine 1 is equipped with a power supply 27. The power supply 27 is electrically connected to the thermal cutting nozzle 21. The power supply 27 includes, for example, a rectifier, an inverter, and a transformer. The power supply 27 supplies power to the thermal cutting nozzle 21 to generate a plasma arc.

[0021] The thermal cutting machine 1 is equipped with an input device 28. The input device 28 includes, for example, a plurality of input keys and a display. The input device 28 may also include a touchscreen. The operator uses the input device 28 to input data such as processing conditions for the material 100. Processing conditions include the size, thickness, material, position and shape of the cutting area of ​​the material 100. The input device 28 outputs a signal indicating the input data.

[0022] The thermal cutting machine 1 is equipped with a controller 35. The controller 35 is programmed to control the thermal cutting machine 1 based on acquired data. The controller 35 includes a storage device 36 and a processor 37. The storage device 36 includes non-volatile memory such as ROM and volatile memory such as RAM. The storage device 36 may also include an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 36 is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The storage device 36 stores computer commands and data for controlling the thermal cutting machine 1.

[0023] The processor 37 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 37 performs processing to control the thermal cutting machine 1 according to the program. The controller 35 moves the thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 by controlling the first to fourth motors 31-34. The controller 35 generates a plasma arc in the thermal cutting nozzle 21 by controlling the power supply 27. The controller 35 cuts the material 100 by moving the thermal cutting nozzle 21 while maintaining the plasma arc in the thermal cutting nozzle 21. The process of cutting the material 100 by the thermal cutting machine 1 will be described below.

[0024] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the cutting process of material 100 by the thermal cutting machine 1. Before the start of the cutting process, the movable head 3 is in the standby position shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, in step S101, the controller 35 acquires multiple cutting locations in the material 100. The multiple cutting locations indicate the position and shape of multiple pieces to be cut from the material 100. As shown in Figure 6, the multiple cutting locations include the first to third cutting locations A1-A3.

[0025] In step S102, the controller 35 acquires multiple printing locations on the material 100. The multiple printing locations include the positions to be printed on the material 100, and the marks and characters to be printed. As shown in Figure 6, the multiple printing locations include the first to third printing locations B1-B3.

[0026] The controller 35 obtains multiple cutting locations and multiple printing locations from, for example, the input device 28. Alternatively, the controller 35 may obtain multiple cutting locations and multiple printing locations from an external computer or recording medium. In the drawings, only some of the multiple cutting locations and multiple printing locations are labeled with reference numerals, and the reference numerals for the other cutting locations and printing locations are omitted.

[0027] In step S103, the controller 35 determines multiple base areas. The controller 35 determines multiple base areas corresponding to each of the multiple printing areas. The controller 35 determines each of the multiple base areas according to the number or size of the marks and characters to be printed.

[0028] In step S104, the controller 35 performs a height check. The controller 35 lowers the thermal cutting nozzle 21 until it contacts the surface of the material 100, as shown in Figure 7. This allows the controller 35 to obtain the height position of the material 100 in the thermal cutting machine 1.

[0029] In step 105, the controller 35 forms a print base on the material 100. The controller 35 moves the spray nozzle 22 to each of the multiple printing areas. As shown in Figure 8, the controller 35 raises the thermal cutting nozzle 21 from the surface of the material 100 and lowers the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 relative to the thermal cutting nozzle 21. The controller 35 forms a print base for each of the multiple printing areas by spraying paint onto the material 100 with the spray nozzle 22.

[0030] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the controller 35 moves the spray nozzle 22 to the first printing area B1. The controller 35 sprays paint onto the first printing area B1 to form the first print base C1. After forming the first print base C1, the controller 35 moves the spray nozzle 22 to the second printing area B2. The controller 35 sprays paint onto the second printing area B2 to form the second print base C2. After forming the second print base C2, the controller 35 moves the spray nozzle 22 to the third printing area B3. The controller 35 sprays paint onto the third printing area B3 to form the third print base C3. In this way, the controller 35 sequentially moves the spray nozzle 22 to multiple printing areas and sprays paint onto each of the multiple printing areas to form multiple print bases on the material 100. In the drawings, only some of the printed backgrounds are labeled with symbols, while the symbols for the other printed backgrounds are omitted.

[0031] After forming a print base for all of the multiple printing areas, the controller 35 prints on the material 100 with the printer head 23 in step S106. As shown in Figure 10, the controller 35 positions the printer head 23 at a height close to the material 100. The controller 35 may maintain the printer head 23 at the same height as when the multiple print bases were formed. Alternatively, the controller 35 may move the printer head 23 to a different height than when the multiple print bases were formed. The controller 35 moves the printer head 23 to each of the multiple print bases and prints on each of the multiple print bases with the printer head 23.

[0032] For example, the controller 35 moves the printer head 23 to the first print base C1 and prints on the first print base C1. After printing on the first print base C1, the controller 35 moves the printer head 23 to the second print base C2 and prints on the second print base C2. After printing on the second print base C2, the controller 35 moves the printer head 23 to the third print base and prints on the third print base. In this way, the controller 35 sequentially moves the printer head 23 to multiple print bases and prints on each of the multiple print bases. As shown in Figure 11, the printer head 23 prints a two-dimensional code and characters on each of the multiple print bases C1-C3. The printer head 23 may also print a barcode on each of the multiple print bases.

[0033] After printing on all of the multiple printing areas, in step 107, the controller 35 applies the non-spatter liquid to the material 100. As shown in Figure 12, the controller 35 raises the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 relative to the thermal cutting nozzle 21. The controller 35 moves the thermal cutting nozzle 21 to each of the multiple cutting areas and applies the non-spatter liquid to each of the multiple cutting areas using the non-spatter nozzle 25.

[0034] After applying non-spattering liquid to all of the multiple cutting areas, in step 108, the controller 35 cuts the cutting areas. As shown in Figure 13, the controller 35 lowers the thermal cutting nozzle 21 toward the material 100. The controller 35 pierces the material 100 with the thermal cutting nozzle 21 and then cuts each of the multiple cutting areas from the material 100. As a result, multiple pieces P1-P3 are cut out from the material 100, as shown in Figure 14.

[0035] In the thermal cutting machine 1 according to this embodiment described above, multiple printable bases are formed on the material 100, and the printer head 23 prints on each of the multiple printable bases. Therefore, compared to the case where printing is done directly on the material 100, characters and the like can be printed more clearly on the material 100.

[0036] Furthermore, since the print base is formed by spraying paint onto material 100, it takes time for the paint to dry. However, according to the thermal cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, after forming a print base for each of the multiple printing areas, the printer head 23 prints on each of the multiple print bases. This allows for efficient printing.

[0037] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0038] The configuration of the thermal cutting machine 1 may be changed. For example, the thermal cutting machine 1 is not limited to a plasma cutting machine, but may be another cutting machine such as a laser cutting machine or a gas cutting machine. In a laser cutting machine, the thermal cutting nozzle may emit a laser. In a gas cutting machine, the thermal cutting nozzle may be a torch. The configuration of the movable head 3 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be changed. The configuration of the actuator 4 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be changed.

[0039] The configuration of the thermal cutting nozzle 21, the spray nozzle 22, and the printer head 23 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. For example, in the above embodiment, the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 move together. However, the spray nozzle 22 and the printer head 23 may move independently of each other. The printer head 23 is not limited to inkjet printers, but may also be of other printing methods such as laser printers.

[0040] The processing performed by the controller 35 described above is not limited to that of the embodiment described above and may be modified. The controller 35 may measure the elapsed time after each of the multiple print bases has been formed. Based on the elapsed time, the controller 35 may determine when to start printing on each of the multiple print bases. For example, the controller 35 may start printing on each of the multiple print bases after the time required for the print base to dry has elapsed. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] According to this disclosure, a thermal cutting machine can be used to clearly print characters and other symbols onto a material. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 2: Table, 3: Movable head, 4: Actuator, 15: First head, 16: Second head, 21: Thermal cutting nozzle, 22: Spray nozzle, 23: Printer head, 35: Controller

Claims

1. A table and, A thermal cutting nozzle that is movable on the table and cuts materials placed on the table, A spray nozzle that is movable on the table and sprays paint onto the material, A printer head that is movable on the table and prints on the material, An actuator moves the thermal cutting nozzle, the spray nozzle, and the printer head on the table. Controller and Equipped with, The aforementioned controller, Multiple cutting locations are obtained in the aforementioned material, Multiple printing locations in the aforementioned material are obtained, The spray nozzle is moved to each of the plurality of printing areas, and the paint is sprayed onto the material with the spray nozzle, thereby forming a plurality of print bases for each of the plurality of printing areas. The printer head is moved to each of the plurality of print bases, and the printer head prints on each of the plurality of print bases, The thermal cutting nozzle is moved to each of the plurality of cutting locations, and each of the plurality of cutting locations is cut by the thermal cutting nozzle. Thermal cutting machine.

2. The table further comprises a movable head that can move horizontally and vertically, The thermal cutting nozzle, the spray nozzle, and the printer head are attached to the movable head. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned movable head is First head and, A second head that is movable vertically relative to the first head, Includes, The thermal cutting nozzle is attached to the first head, The spray nozzle and / or the printer head is attached to the second head. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned paint is water-soluble. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned printer head is an inkjet type. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 1.

6. The printer head prints a barcode or a two-dimensional code on the material. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned controller, The elapsed time after each of the aforementioned multiple print bases has been formed is measured. Based on the elapsed time, the start of printing on each of the multiple print bases is determined. The thermal cutting machine according to claim 1.

8. A method for controlling a thermal cutting machine including a thermal cutting nozzle, a spray nozzle, and a printer head, To obtain multiple cutting locations in the aforementioned material, To obtain multiple printed areas in the aforementioned material, The spray nozzle is moved to each of the multiple printing areas, and the paint is sprayed onto the material with the spray nozzle, thereby forming multiple print bases for each of the multiple printing areas. The printer head is moved to each of the plurality of print bases, and the printer head prints on each of the plurality of print bases, The thermal cutting nozzle is moved to each of the plurality of cutting locations, and each of the plurality of cutting locations is cut by the thermal cutting nozzle. A method for providing this.

9. The aforementioned paint is water-soluble. The method according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned printer head is an inkjet type. The method according to claim 8.

11. The printer head prints a barcode or a two-dimensional code on the material. The method according to claim 8.

12. The elapsed time after each of the aforementioned multiple print bases has been formed is measured, Based on the elapsed time, determine the start of printing on each of the multiple print bases. The method according to claim 8, comprising:

Images