laser processing machine

Abstract

To properly fix a workpiece in a necessary situation while inexpensively fixing the workpiece.SOLUTION: A laser processing machine 10 comprises: a dust chamber 60 which collects dust following laser processing; a dust collection duct 61 which suctions the air in the dust chamber 60; a processing table 80 which is arranged in a prescribed section in a pallet 50; a suction table 81 which is provided so as to surround a space below the processing table 80; a suction duct 85 which suctions the air in the suction table 81; a switching device 70 which switches the flow of the air suctioned by a dust collector 90 between the dust collection duct 61 and the suction duct 85; and a control device 100 which controls the dust collector 90. The control device 100 has as the switchable operation modes for controlling the dust collector 90: a first operation mode of starting the operation of the dust collector 90 in an interlocked manner with the start of laser processing; and a second operation mode of starting the operation of the dust collector in an interlocked manner with an instruction of a worker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Laser processing machines, which use a laser beam to perform cutting on plate-shaped workpieces such as sheet metal, are known. Laser processing machines cut the workpiece using thermal energy by irradiating the workpiece with a laser beam. Laser processing machines cut parts of desired shapes from the workpiece by moving a processing head that irradiates the laser beam.

[0003] When performing micromachining to cut out tiny parts from a thin workpiece, the cut-out tiny parts can fall off. Therefore, when performing micromachining, a table with a mesh structure with small gaps is used, and the workpiece is placed on this table for laser processing.

[0004] When performing laser processing, if the gas pressure of the assist gas injected during processing causes the workpiece to flutter or shift in position, it can lead to processing defects. A method is known in which air is sucked from below the table to fix the workpiece (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-203244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in order to suck the workpiece on the table, a separate suction means must be installed, which increases costs when its control function is included. Also, as the thickness of the workpiece becomes thinner, the position of the workpiece may shift due to various factors, not just during the workpiece machining. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A laser processing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pallet for placing a workpiece thereon, a processing head disposed above the pallet and irradiating a laser beam toward the workpiece to perform laser processing, a dust collection chamber disposed to surround the space below the pallet and collecting dust generated during laser processing, a dust collection duct connected to the dust collection chamber and using the air flow drawn in by the dust collection device to suck in air from within the dust collection chamber, a processing table formed smaller than the pallet and disposed in a predetermined section within the pallet and on which the workpiece is placed, a suction table disposed to surround the space below the processing table, a suction duct connected to the suction table and using the air flow drawn in by the dust collection device to suck in air from within the suction table, a switching device connected to the dust collection duct and switching the air flow drawn in by the dust collection device between the dust collection duct and the suction duct, and a control device for controlling the dust collection device. The control device has switchable operating modes for controlling the dust collector, including a first operating mode in which the dust collector starts operating in conjunction with the start of laser processing, and a second operating mode in which the dust collector starts operating in conjunction with instructions from the operator.

[0008] According to one aspect of the laser processing machine of the present invention, air in the dust collection chamber is sucked through the dust collection duct by the air flow drawn in by the dust collection device. The air flow drawn in by the dust collection device can be switched from the dust collection duct to the suction duct by a switching device. By switching the air flow to the suction duct, air in the suction table can be sucked in. Since suction can be limited to the range of the processing table located in a specified section of the pallet, a workpiece can be fixed to the processing table. Since the dust collection device that sucks in air in the dust collection chamber is used to suck in the suction table, there is no need to provide a separate suction means dedicated to sucking in the suction table.

[0009] Furthermore, by the control device switching the operation mode to the second operation mode, the dust collecting device can be operated at any timing regardless of the operating state of the laser processing machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, by using a dust collector, it is possible to fix a workpiece inexpensively and to fix the workpiece when necessary regardless of the operating state of the laser processing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the main configuration of a laser processing machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of a laser processing machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a laser processing machine equipped with a suction table and a processing table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the state of a pallet mounted on the laser processing machine shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state of a pallet mounted on the laser processing machine shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating setting buttons for setting the operation mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operating states of the dust collector corresponding to the operating states of the laser processing machine and the operating modes for controlling the dust collector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The laser processing machine according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the main configuration of the laser processing machine according to this embodiment.

[0013] First, an overview of the laser processing machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The laser processing machine 10 includes a pallet 50 on which a workpiece W is placed, a processing head 30 that is disposed above the pallet 50 and that performs laser processing by irradiating a laser beam toward the workpiece W, a dust collection chamber 60 that is disposed so as to surround the space below the pallet 50 and that collects dust resulting from laser processing, a dust collection duct 61 that is connected to the dust collection chamber 60 and that sucks air from within the dust collection chamber 60 by the flow of air drawn in by a dust collection device 90, and a dust collection duct 61 that is formed smaller than the pallet 50 and that is disposed in a predetermined section within the pallet 50. The apparatus comprises a processing table 80 on which the workpiece W is placed, a suction table 81 arranged to surround the space below the processing table 80, a suction duct 85 connected to the suction table 81 and which sucks air from inside the suction table 81 with the flow of air drawn in by the dust collector 90, a switching device 70 connected to the dust collection duct 61 and the suction duct 85 and which switches the flow of air drawn in by the dust collector 90 between the dust collection duct 61 and the suction duct 85, and a control device 100 which controls the dust collector 90.

[0014] The control device 100 has switchable operating modes for controlling the dust collecting device 90, namely, a first operating mode in which the operation of the dust collecting device 90 is started in conjunction with the start of laser processing, and a second operating mode in which the operation of the dust collecting device 90 is started in conjunction with instructions from the operator.

[0015] 2 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of a laser processing machine. Next, the basic structure of the laser processing machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In this specification, directions are defined as the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, which are orthogonal to the horizontal direction, and the up-down direction, which is orthogonal to the horizontal direction. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction are parallel to the in-plane direction of the workpiece W placed on the pallet 50, and the up-down direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece W placed on the pallet 50.

[0016] The laser processing machine 10 is a processing machine that cuts the workpiece W by irradiating the workpiece W with a laser beam using thermal energy. The laser processing machine 10 includes a main body 11, a head driving mechanism 15, a processing head 30, a pallet 50, a control device 100, and a laser oscillator 110.

[0017] The main body 11 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and is placed on an installation surface such as a floor. Side frames 12 extending in the left-right direction are disposed on the front and rear edges of the main body 11. The side frames 12 on the front and rear edges are disposed parallel to each other.

[0018] The head driving mechanism 15 moves the processing head 30 in the front-rear and left-right directions. The head driving mechanism 15 includes an X-axis carriage 16 and a Y-axis carriage 17.

[0019] The X-axis carriage 16 has a gate-like shape. The X-axis carriage 16 is supported by a pair of side frames 12 and is configured to be movable along the side frames 12. The X-axis carriage 16 is driven by an X-axis drive unit (not shown) provided on the side frames 12 and moves in the left-right direction.

[0020] The Y-axis carriage 17 is supported by the X-axis carriage 16 and is configured to be movable along the X-axis carriage 16. The Y-axis carriage 17 is driven by a Y-axis drive unit (not shown) provided on the X-axis carriage 16 and moves in the front-to-rear direction.

[0021] The processing head 30 irradiates a laser beam from above the workpiece W to perform laser processing on the workpiece W. A laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator 110 is transmitted to the processing head 30 via a process fiber (not shown). The laser beam is irradiated onto the workpiece W from a nozzle provided at the tip of the processing head 30.

[0022] The machining head 30 is disposed on a Y-axis carriage 17. By driving the X-axis drive unit and the Y-axis drive unit to move the X-axis carriage 16 and the Y-axis carriage 17, the machining head 30 can be moved left and right and forward and backward, respectively. In addition, the head drive mechanism 15 is equipped with a Z-axis drive unit (not shown), and the machining head 30 is driven by the Z-axis drive unit to move up and down.

[0023] The processing head 30 can perform laser processing within a predetermined processing range by moving it left and right and forward and backward using the head drive mechanism 15. The laser processing machine 10 of this embodiment is designed for small-sized workpieces W, and the processing range is set to a range that can process a workpiece W of up to 4' x 4' (1219 mm x 1219 mm) in size.

[0024] The pallet 50 is supported horizontally by a pair of side frames 12. A workpiece W is placed on the pallet 50. The pallet 50 has a square shape and can accommodate workpieces W of the same size as the processing area or smaller. The structure of the pallet 50 and the associated laser processing machine 10 will be described later.

[0025] The pallet 50 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction via guide members (not shown) fixed to the side frames 12. The guide members slidably support rails provided on the pallet 50, thereby guiding the linear movement of the pallet 50.

[0026] A handle (not shown) is provided on the left end of the pallet 50, which the worker grasps in order to move the pallet 50. The worker can move the pallet 50 between the regular position and the pulled-out position by grasping the handle and moving the pallet 50 left and right.

[0027] When the pallet 50 is in the normal position, it is housed in the main body 11 (as shown in FIG. 2). At this time, almost the entire area of ​​the pallet 50 is included in the processing range of the processing head 30. When the pallet 50 in the normal position is pulled out to the left, the pallet 50 moves to the pulled-out position. When the pallet 50 is in the pulled-out position, a portion of the pallet 50 is pulled out from the main body 11.

[0028] The control device 100 is configured with a box-shaped housing, a circuit board housed inside the housing, etc. The control device 100 is disposed at the lower right end of the main body 11 and is fixed to the main body 11.

[0029] The control device 100 is configured by a computer having a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. The various functions of the control device 100 are realized by having the hardware processor execute programs stored in the memory.

[0030] 1, the control device 100 controls the head drive mechanism 15 and the laser oscillator 110 in accordance with a processing program to perform laser processing on the workpiece W. The control device 100 also starts or stops the operation of the dust collection device 90 in accordance with the operating state of the laser processing machine 10 and instructions from the operator.

[0031] An operation unit 105 is connected to the control device 100. The operation unit 105 is a device through which an operator performs input operations. For example, the operation unit 105 is mainly composed of a display and a touch panel that allows an operator to perform input operations according to information displayed on the display. By operating the operation unit 105, the operator can input various instructions to the laser processing machine 10, including operation settings of the laser processing machine 10. In addition, the operator can grasp various information related to the laser processing machine 10 from the information displayed on the operation unit 105.

[0032] The laser oscillator 110 generates a laser beam and supplies the laser beam to the processing head 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the laser oscillator 110 is composed of a box-shaped housing and electronic and electrical components housed inside the housing. The laser oscillator 110 is disposed at the upper right end of the main body 11 and is fixed to the main body 11.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a laser processing machine equipped with a suction table and a processing table. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the state of a pallet mounted on the laser processing machine shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state of a pallet mounted on the laser processing machine shown in Fig. 3. Below, the structure of the pallet 50 and the structure of the laser processing machine 10 related to the pallet 50 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 in addition to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the pallet 50 includes a frame 51 and a plurality of skids 52.

[0035] The frame body 51 is a frame member having a square shape when viewed from above the pallet 50. A partition plate 51a extending in the left-right direction is provided at the center of the frame body 51 in the front-rear direction.

[0036] The multiple skids 52 are attached to the frame 51 and are work support members that support the workpieces W. Each skid 52 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the front-to-rear direction, and the multiple skids 52 are arranged at intervals in the left-to-right direction. The multiple skids 52 are respectively arranged in a front region of the pallet 50 located in front of the partition plate 51a, and in a rear region of the pallet 50 located behind the partition plate 51a. Both ends of the skids 52 are supported by the frame members that constitute the frame 51 and the partition plate 51a. Each skid 52 can be attached to and detached from the frame 51.

[0037] The skid 52 is made of a metal material such as steel, for example, mild steel. The skid 52 is arranged in an upright position along the vertical direction. The upper edge of the skid 52 is provided with multiple protrusions that each protrude upward. The multiple protrusions are provided at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. Each protrusion is formed vertically long along the vertical direction, and has a mountain shape that narrows in width as it goes upward. The workpiece W is supported at the upper edge of the skid 52, i.e., at the apex of each protrusion.

[0038] The multiple skids 52 are arranged at large intervals in the left-right direction, and are therefore primarily used when placing large workpieces W having large parts to be cut out.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a processing table 80 can be installed on the pallet 50 to place a small workpiece W, such as a thin plate, on which fine processing is performed. The processing table 80 is formed to be smaller than the pallet 50 and is placed in a predetermined compartment within the pallet 50. For example, by removing the skid 52 attached to the front area of ​​the pallet 50, it is possible to ensure a predetermined compartment for installing the processing table 80. The processing table 80 is detachably installed on a suction table 81, which will be described later.

[0040] The processing table 80 has a constant height in the vertical direction, and the workpiece W can be placed on its upper surface. The processing table 80 has a mesh structure with spacing smaller than the spacing between the skids 52 arranged on the pallet 50, and each has a plurality of through-holes that penetrate in the vertical direction. The mesh structure may be a honeycomb shape with a hexagonal cross section in the horizontal direction, or a lattice shape with a quadrangular cross section in the horizontal direction.

[0041] 1, 2, and 3, the laser processing machine 10 further includes a dust collection chamber 60, a dust collection duct 61, a suction table 81, a suction duct 85, a switching device 70, and a dust collection device 90. Note that the dust collection device 90 is not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0042] The dust collection chamber 60 is provided to surround the space below the pallet 50 when it is in the normal position, and is a space for collecting dust generated around the pallet 50 during laser processing. This dust includes fumes and spatter (molten metal). The dust generated during laser processing is guided into the dust collection chamber 60 by the assist gas sprayed from the processing head 30 and the flow of air drawn into the dust collection duct 61.

[0043] The dust collection duct 61 sucks in air from within the dust collection chamber 60. One end of the dust collection duct 61 is connected to the dust collection chamber 60, and the other end of the dust collection duct 61 is connected to the switching device 70. The dust collection duct 61 sucks in air from within the dust collection chamber 60 by the flow of air drawn in by the dust collection device 90. By sucking in the air from within the dust collection chamber 60, dust generated during laser processing can be collected.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the suction table 81 is a table used when placing the processing table 80 on the pallet 50, and is configured to be detachable from the pallet 50. The suction table 81 is a rectangular box with an open top. The suction table 81 is formed to be the same size as the processing table 80, and the processing table 80 can be detachably placed above the suction table 81. By attaching the processing table 80 to the suction table 81, the two are integrated, and the space below the processing table 80 is surrounded by the suction table 81.

[0045] The suction duct 85 sucks air from inside the suction table 81. One end of the suction duct 85 is connected to the suction table 81, and the other end of the suction duct 85 is connected to the switching device 70. The suction duct 85 sucks air from inside the suction table 81 by the flow of air drawn in by the dust collector 90. By sucking the air from inside the suction table 81, negative pressure is created on the underside of the processing table 80. The negative pressure causes the workpiece W placed on the upper surface of the processing table 80 to be sucked in, and the workpiece W can be fixed to the processing table 80.

[0046] The processing table 80 and the suction table 81 can be installed on the pallet 50 by pulling the pallet 50 out from its normal position and then placing it in the pulled-out position. The worker removes the skid 52 located in the front area of ​​the pallet 50 to open the front area of ​​the pallet 50. This allows the processing table 80 and the suction table 81 to be installed on the pallet 50.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the suction duct 85 is composed of a first duct portion 85a and a second duct portion 85b, and can be divided into two elements. A communication portion 53 that communicates between the inside and outside of the frame body 51 is provided in the frame body 51 of the pallet 50. The first duct portion 85a connects the connection joint 83 of the suction table 81 and the communication portion 53. The second duct portion 85b connects the communication portion 53 and the switching device 70. The first duct portion 85a and the second duct portion 85b are connected to each other via the communication portion 53 of the pallet 50.

[0048] Since the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the suction table 81 is the contact surface that comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the processing table 80, a sealing member may be provided to fill the gap between the suction table 81 and the processing table 80. An example of the sealing member is a sponge. Furthermore, a protrusion or a notch may be formed on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the suction table 81 to position the processing table 80 when it is installed. Furthermore, the processing table 80 and the suction table 81 do not need to be separate bodies, and may be an integrated structure.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the switching device 70 is connected to the dust collection duct 61 and the suction duct 85. The switching device 70 is connected to a collecting duct 75 that leads to the dust collector 90. The dust collector 90 is equipped with an exhaust fan that is rotated by a power mechanism such as a motor. When the exhaust fan rotates, negative pressure is created inside the dust collector 90, and air inside the collecting duct 75 is drawn into the dust collector 90.

[0050] The switching device 70 is a rectangular box. The air sucked by the dust collection duct 61 and the air sucked by the suction duct 85 flows through the switching device 70 to the collecting duct 75. The switching device 70 switches the flow of air drawn into the dust collector 90 between the dust collection duct 61 and the suction duct 85.

[0051] A method for controlling the dust collecting device 90 by the control device 100, which is one of the features of this embodiment, will be described below with reference to Figures 1, 6, and 7. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating setting buttons for setting operation modes. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating operation states of the dust collecting device corresponding to operation states of the laser processing machine and operation modes for controlling the dust collecting device.

[0052] The dust collector 90 provided in the laser processing machine 10 has the function of collecting dust generated by laser processing by sucking in air from the dust collection chamber 60 when a workpiece W is placed on the skid 52 and laser processing is performed. On the other hand, when a thin workpiece W is processed using the processing table 80, the air flow drawn in by the dust collector 90 is switched to the suction duct 85 side. At this time, the dust collector 90 has the function of fixing the workpiece W to the processing table 80 by sucking in air from the suction table 81. In other words, the dust collector 90 is used for two purposes: a dust collection function and a function of fixing the workpiece W to the processing table 80.

[0053] In order to accommodate different uses of the dust collecting device 90, the control device 100 has two operation modes for controlling the dust collecting device 90. The control device 100 can be used by switching between the two operation modes.

[0054] The first operation mode is a mode in which the dust collector 90 operates in conjunction with the laser processing operation by the laser processing machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "automatic operation mode"). When this automatic operation mode is selected, the control device 100 starts the operation of the dust collector 90 when it determines that laser processing has started, even without an instruction from the operator. This automatic operation mode is an operation mode selected to operate the dust collector 90 as a dust collection function. The automatic operation mode is set as the initial operation mode.

[0055] On the other hand, the second operation mode is a mode in which the dust collecting device 90 is operated in conjunction with instructions (input operations) from the operator (hereinafter referred to as the "manual operation mode"). When the manual operation mode is selected, the control device 100 determines that the operator has instructed the dust collecting device 90 to start operating, and starts operating the dust collecting device 90. Therefore, when the manual operation mode is selected, the control device 100 starts operating the dust collecting device 90 even before laser processing begins. This manual operation mode is an operation mode selected to operate the dust collecting device 90 as a function of fixing the workpiece W to the processing table 80.

[0056] Among the operation settings for configuring the operation of the laser processing machine 10, there is a setting item used when using the processing table 80. When the operator selects that setting item, setting buttons 106 for setting the operation mode, as shown in FIG. 6, are displayed on the operation unit 105. The setting buttons 106 include an ON button 106a for selecting the manual operation mode, and an OFF button 106b for not selecting the manual operation mode, i.e., for selecting the automatic operation mode. Since the initial setting for the operation mode is the automatic operation mode, the setting button 106 also defaults to a state in which the OFF button 106b is selected. The control device 100 switches the operation mode according to the content selected by the setting buttons 106.

[0057] When the ON button 106a is operated to select the manual operation mode, the control device 100 determines that the operator has instructed the dust collector 90 to start operating. The control device 100 then starts operating the dust collector 90 at the timing when the ON button 106a is operated. If laser processing is started while the dust collector 90 is operating, the control device 100 ends the operation of the dust collector 90 at the timing when the laser processing ends. The control device 100 determines the timing to end the laser processing based on a processing end code specified in the processing program. Examples of the processing end code that can be used include a code such as G50 that instructs a return to the origin, or a code such as M30 that instructs the program to end.

[0058] On the other hand, if the ON button 106a is not operated and the automatic operation mode remains selected, the control device 100 starts the operation of the dust collector 90 at the timing when laser processing starts. The control device 100 determines the timing when laser processing starts based on a processing start code defined in the processing program. The processing start code may be, for example, a code such as M103 that commands the lowering of the processing head 30. Then, as in the manual operation mode, the control device 100 ends the operation of the dust collector 90 at the timing when laser processing ends.

[0059] The relationship between the operating state of the laser processing machine 10 and the operating state of the dust collecting device 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The circle shown in Fig. 7 indicates the state in which the dust collecting device 90 is operating. First, the flow of operation of the laser processing machine 10 when laser processing of the workpiece W is performed using the processing table 80 will be described.

[0060] The operator mounts the processing table 80 and the suction table 81 on the pallet 50 and then places the workpiece W on the processing table 80. Next, the operator selects the ON button 106a of the setting buttons 106. When the ON button 106a of the setting buttons 106, i.e., the manual operation mode, is selected, the control device 100 starts operating the dust collector 90 even during standby before starting laser processing. When the dust collector 90 starts operating, the workpiece W on the processing table 80 is sucked in and fixed to the processing table 80. Since the workpiece W can be fixed when it is placed on the processing table 80, it is possible to prevent the workpiece W from shifting before laser processing begins. This makes it possible to prevent laser processing from starting with the workpiece W shifted.

[0061] Next, when laser processing starts, the control device 100 continues the operation of the dust collector 90, and stops the operation of the dust collector 90 in conjunction with the end of laser processing. As a result, the fixation of the workpiece W is released after the end of laser processing, so that the parts cut out from the workpiece W can be easily removed. Furthermore, since the operation of the dust collector 90 is not continued in a situation where fixation of the workpiece W is not necessary, the dust collector 90 can be operated economically.

[0062] Furthermore, in the manual operation mode, once the dust collector 90 starts operating, it continues to operate during laser processing. Therefore, even if a reason for temporarily interrupting the processing operation occurs during the operation of the laser processing machine 10, the control device 100 continues the operation of the dust collector 90. Reasons for temporarily interrupting the processing operation include a program stop specified in the processing program to stop the processing operation and wait, or the occurrence of an alarm. Therefore, the workpiece W can continue to be fixed to the processing table 80 even between the time the processing operation is interrupted and the time the processing operation is resumed. This makes it possible to prevent the workpiece W from shifting while the processing operation is interrupted, and to prevent the processing operation from being resumed with the workpiece W shifted.

[0063] The purpose of continuing the operation of the dust collector 90 even when the machining operation is interrupted is to prevent the workpiece W from shifting in position, with the resumption of the machining operation in mind. Therefore, in the case of an interruption that does not plan to resume the machining operation afterwards, such as an emergency stop, it is preferable to stop the operation of the dust collector 90. Also, in the case of an alarm being generated due to the dust collector 90, it is also preferable to stop the operation of the dust collector 90.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device 100 operate the dust collector 90 while performing adjustment operations of the laser processing machine 10, such as laser beam centering adjustment, focus adjustment, and tool diameter correction, i.e., so-called utility operations. The control device 100 also preferably continues operating the dust collector 90 after the utility operations. This keeps the workpiece W fixed to the processing table 80 during and after the utility operations. This makes it possible to prevent laser processing from being started with the workpiece W still misaligned after the utility operations.

[0065] Next, the flow of operation of the laser processing machine 10 when a workpiece W is placed on the skid 52 and laser processing is performed will be described. When a workpiece W is placed on the skid 52 and laser processing is performed, the ON button 106a is not operated and the OFF button 106b remains selected. Therefore, the operation mode of the control device 100 remains in automatic operation mode. The control device 100 stops the operation of the dust collector 90 while in a standby state for laser processing and starts the operation of the dust collector 90 in conjunction with the start of laser processing. When laser processing starts, the control device 100 continues the operation of the dust collector 90 and stops the operation of the dust collector 90 in conjunction with the end of laser processing. By operating the dust collector 90 in conjunction with the start and end of laser processing, the dust collector 90 is operated only in the area where dust collection is required. This allows the dust collector 90 to be operated economically.

[0066] In the automatic operation mode, if an event occurs that requires the laser processing operation to be temporarily interrupted while the laser processing machine 10 is performing laser processing, the control device 100 preferably temporarily stops the operation of the dust collector 90. Also, the control device 100 preferably operates the dust collector 90 while a utility operation is being performed, but stops the operation of the dust collector 90 after the utility operation is completed. This prevents the dust collector 90 from operating when it is not needed, allowing the dust collector 90 to be operated efficiently.

[0067] As described above, according to the laser processing machine 10 of this embodiment, air in the dust collection chamber 60 is sucked through the dust collection duct 61 by the air flow drawn in by the dust collection device 90. The air flow drawn in by the dust collection device 90 can be switched from the dust collection duct 61 to the suction duct 85 by the switching device 70. By switching the air flow to the suction duct 85, air in the suction table 81 arranged in the pallet 50 can be sucked. As a result, the processing table 80 arranged in a predetermined section in the pallet 50 can be sucked in in a limited manner. This provides the suction force necessary to suck the workpiece W, thereby enabling the workpiece W to be securely fixed to the processing table 80. Furthermore, because the air flow drawn in by the dust collection chamber 60 is used, there is no need to provide a separate suction means dedicated to sucking the suction table 81. As a result, the workpiece W can be fixed with an inexpensive configuration.

[0068] In addition, by switching the operation mode to the second operation mode by the control device 100, the dust collecting device 90 can be operated at any timing. This allows the dust collecting device 90 to operate even when the laser processing machine 10 is not performing laser processing, so the workpiece W can be effectively fixed to the processing table 80.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, when the manual operation mode is selected, the control device 100 continues to operate the dust collector 90 until the laser processing is completed. However, the control device 100 may be configured to stop the operation of the dust collector 90 when the OFF button 106b is switched to while the processing operation is temporarily suspended. This makes it possible to respond to requests such as removing only one part during processing.

[0070] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10 Laser processing machine 11 Main body 12 Side frame 15 Head drive mechanism 16 X-axis carriage 17 Y-axis carriage 30 Processing head 50 pallets 51 Frame 51a Partition 52 Skid 53 Communication part 60 Dust collection chamber 61 Dust collection duct 70 Switching Device 75 Collecting duct 80 Processing table 81 Suction Table 83 Connection joint 85 Suction duct 85a First duct section 85b Second duct section 90 Dust collector 100 control device 105 Operation section 106 Settings button 106a ON button 106b OFF button 110 Laser Oscillator double work

Claims

1. a pallet for placing the workpiece; a processing head disposed above the pallet and configured to perform laser processing by irradiating a laser beam toward the workpiece; a dust collection chamber that is provided to surround the space below the pallet and collects dust generated by the laser processing; a dust collection duct connected to the dust collection chamber and configured to suck air from the dust collection chamber by the airflow drawn in by the dust collection device; a processing table formed to be smaller than the pallet, arranged in a predetermined section within the pallet, and on which the workpiece is placed; a suction table provided to surround a space below the processing table; a suction duct connected to the suction table, which sucks air from within the suction table by the flow of air drawn in by the dust collecting device; a switching device connected to the dust collection duct and the suction duct, and switching the flow of air drawn by the dust collector between the dust collection duct and the suction duct; a control device for controlling the dust collecting device, The control device A switchable operation mode for controlling the dust collecting device includes: a first operation mode in which the operation of the dust collecting device is started in conjunction with the start of the laser processing; a second operation mode in which the operation of the dust collecting device is started in conjunction with an instruction from an operator; A laser processing machine having:

2. The control device When the operation mode is the first operation mode, the operation of the dust collector is stopped in conjunction with the end of the laser processing.

2. The laser processing machine according to claim 1.

3. The control device When the operation mode is the first operation mode, if the laser processing operation is temporarily interrupted during the operation of the laser processing machine, the operation of the dust collecting device is also temporarily stopped.

3. The laser processing machine according to claim 2.

4. The control device When the operation mode is the first operation mode, the dust collecting device is operated during the execution of the adjustment operation of the laser processing machine, and the operation of the dust collecting device is stopped in conjunction with the end of the adjustment operation.

4. The laser processing machine according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The control device When the operation mode is the second operation mode, the operation of the dust collector is stopped in conjunction with the end of the laser processing.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 1.

6. The control device When the operation mode is the second operation mode, even if the laser processing is temporarily interrupted during the operation of the laser processing machine, the operation of the dust collecting device is continued.

6. The laser processing machine according to claim 5.

7. The control device When the operation mode is the second operation mode, the dust collector is operated during the execution of the adjustment operation of the laser processing machine, and the operation of the dust collector is continued even after the adjustment operation is completed.

7. The laser processing machine according to claim 5 or 6.

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