Laser Marking Device

Abstract

To carry out appropriate printing on a workpiece moved on a three-dimensional moving path.SOLUTION: A laser marking device L comprises: a laser beam output unit 3 that outputs a laser beam; a laser beam scanning unit 4 that scans the laser beam on a surface of a workpiece W; a printing data generation unit 103 that generates printing data Dp; a marking control unit 104 that executes marking on the workpiece W located in an irradiation area R1; and a printing pattern correction unit 105 that corrects a printing pattern Pp received through an input interface Iu on the basis of moving path information regarding a moving path of the workpiece W moved accompanied by a change in attitude in a three-dimensional space. The printing data generation unit 103 generates the printing data Dp on the basis of the printing data Pp corrected by the printing pattern correction unit 105.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a laser marking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Known printing methods for laser marking devices include moving printing, in which printing is performed on a workpiece that is moving, and stationary printing, in which printing is performed on a workpiece that is stationary.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laser marking device capable of moving printing. The laser marking device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is designed to print on a workpiece moving on a plane, for example, along a horizontal plane, and can obtain the angle between the longitudinal direction of the marking head and the direction of movement of the workpiece, and correct the print pattern based on the obtained angle and the movement speed of the workpiece.

[0004] Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 discloses a laser marking device (laser processing device) capable of performing static printing. The laser marking device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is designed to print on, for example, a cylindrical workpiece, and is capable of arranging a print pattern on a cylindrical print block and printing while adjusting the focus along the cylinder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-175103 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-044001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, instead of using a cylindrical member as the printing target, there are cases where printing is performed on a film or the like that is transported by a cylindrical roller. In this case, the workpiece such as the film is not necessarily printed in a state where it is in close contact with the roller. For example, printing on various parts is expected, such as the parts before and after being wound onto the roller, and the parts in close contact with the roller.

[0007] Furthermore, it is necessary to consider various shapes for each part of the workpiece, such as the part that is in close contact with the roller being cylindrical, while the parts before and after being wound around the roller being flat and inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0008] In response to this assumption, conventional moving printing such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the work moves along an approximately horizontal plane, and is therefore inconvenient for use with work that moves along a three-dimensional movement path, such as a cylindrical shape or a plane inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0009] On the other hand, conventional static printing such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2 is based on the premise of printing on a component having a three-dimensional shape itself, and is therefore inconvenient for use on workpieces that move due to the movement of such components.

[0010] The technology disclosed herein has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to perform more appropriate printing on a workpiece moving along a three-dimensional movement path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a laser marking device including a laser light output unit that generates and outputs laser light based on excitation light, a laser light scanning unit that scans the laser light output from the laser light output unit over the surface of a workpiece, a print data generation unit that generates print data, and a marking control unit that controls the laser light output unit and the laser light scanning unit based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit to perform marking using laser light on a workpiece placed on a print surface.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the laser marking device comprises a printing pattern receiving means for receiving input of a printing pattern to be marked, and a printing pattern correction unit for correcting the printing pattern received by the printing pattern receiving means based on movement path information regarding the movement path of a workpiece that moves with changes in posture within three-dimensional space, and the printing data generation unit generates printing data based on the printing pattern corrected by the printing pattern correction unit.

[0013] Here, the workpiece to be machined by the laser marking device is not limited to a workpiece moving along a moving path, but may also be a workpiece that is stationary along the moving path.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the print pattern correction unit performs correction based on movement path information when generating print data. This movement path information corresponds to the movement path of the workpiece as it moves while changing its posture in three-dimensional space, i.e., information about the three-dimensional movement path. Therefore, by performing correction based on the movement path information, more appropriate printing can be performed on the workpiece as it moves along the three-dimensional movement path.

[0015] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the marking control unit may have a function of acquiring movement information of the workpiece, and the marking control unit may control the laser light scanning unit based on the movement speed specified by the movement information of the workpiece so that the scanning lines constituting the printing data generated by the printing data generation unit follow the posture change accompanying the movement of the workpiece.

[0016] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the laser marking device may include a display means for displaying a setting plane defined by a Cartesian coordinate system and associated with the scanning range of the laser light scanning unit, and the printing pattern receiving means may receive input of a printing pattern arranged on the setting plane displayed by the display means.

[0017] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the work may be a sheet-shaped flexible work, and the movement path information may consist of movement path information regarding the movement path of the flexible work when a transport support unit that sequentially supports different positions of the flexible work and changes the posture of the flexible work along the movement path of the flexible work is present within the scanning range of the laser light scanning unit.

[0018] Furthermore, according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the laser marking device may include a route information receiving means for receiving input of the movement route information, and the printing pattern correction unit may correct the printing pattern based on the movement route information received by the route information receiving means.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, the laser marking device can accept input of movement path information from, for example, an external device. Generally, the movement path of a workpiece takes various forms depending on the shape of the workpiece, the workpiece processing equipment, etc. Therefore, by configuring the device to be able to accept input of movement path information, it is possible to perform correction appropriate for each form of movement path.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the laser marking device may include a housing that houses the laser light output unit and the laser light scanning unit, the workpiece being composed of a sheet-like film that is wrapped around a conveying roller and conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction by the rotation of the conveying roller, and the printing surface may be composed of at least one of, in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction, a first conveying surface that extends at an angle toward the conveying roller, a second conveying surface that contacts the conveying roller and is curved so as to protrude in a direction approaching or moving away from the housing, and a third conveying surface that extends at an angle so as to move away from the conveying roller, and the movement path information may include information about the conveying roller.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the printing surface is composed of at least one of a first conveying surface, a second conveying surface, and a third conveying surface. In this case, the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece movement path is characterized by information related to the conveying rollers, such as the shape of the conveying rollers and the relative positional relationship between the conveying rollers and the housing. Therefore, using information related to the conveying rollers as movement path information is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to the three-dimensional movement path.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the movement path information may include a diameter of the transport roller.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, the laser marking device refers to the diameter of the transport roller as the movement path information. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0024] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the movement path information may include an inclination angle formed by at least one of the first and third transport surfaces with respect to the transport direction.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, the laser marking device refers to the tilt angle of at least one of the first and third conveying surfaces as the movement path information. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the movement path information may include a distance between the housing and the transport roller in an irradiation direction from the housing toward the workpiece.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, the laser marking device refers to the distance between the housing and the conveying roller as the movement path information. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0028] Furthermore, according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing may be formed with an exit window that transmits the laser light scanned by the laser light scanning unit, and the movement path information may include an offset amount of the conveying roller in the conveying direction relative to a center line passing through the center of the exit window.

[0029] According to the tenth solution, the laser marking device refers to the offset amount of the conveying roller relative to the exit window as the movement path information. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0030] Furthermore, according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the print pattern correction unit may correct the correspondence between the scanning position of the laser light by the laser light scanning unit and the control parameters of the laser light scanning unit based on the movement path information, and the marking control unit may control the laser light scanning unit based on the corrected correspondence so that the print pattern to be marked is marked on the printing surface.

[0031] According to the eleventh aspect, the laser marking device corrects the correspondence between the scanning position of the laser beam and the control parameters of the laser beam scanning unit, thereby performing correction based on the movement path information. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing corresponding to a three-dimensional movement path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] As described above, according to the present disclosure, more appropriate printing can be performed on a workpiece moving along a three-dimensional movement path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a laser marking system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a laser marking device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the replacement of the printing device and the marker head. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the marker head and the workpiece. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a print pattern when the print surface extends parallel to a horizontal plane. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a print pattern when the print surface extends at an angle to the horizontal plane. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram for explaining correction by the print pattern correction unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for updating the second table. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for updating the third table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the actual S angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input interface for travel route information. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a scanning procedure using the third table. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input interface for a print pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input interface for a print pattern. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of another movement route. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is for illustrative purposes only.

[0035] That is, in this embodiment, printing processing (hereinafter referred to as "marking" or simply "processing") will be described as a representative example of marking using laser light, but the present disclosure can be applied to markings other than characters, such as graphic markings.

[0036] <Overall structure> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a laser marking system S, and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a laser marking device L in the laser marking system S. Also, Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the replacement of a printing device 1001 and a marker head 1, and Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the marker head 1 and a workpiece W.

[0037] The laser marking system S illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a laser marking device L, an external device 400 connected thereto, and processing equipment 500 to which the laser marking device L is attached and which transports a workpiece W. Of these, the laser marking device L illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is configured to irradiate a predetermined irradiation area R1 with laser light, thereby performing marking on the workpiece W in accordance with a predetermined printing pattern Pp.

[0038] The irradiation area R1 referred to here is an area set on the surface of the workpiece W, and corresponds to a printing surface that is pre-assigned to a setting plane R2, which will be described later. The irradiation area R1 as a printing surface can take various forms depending on the relative positional relationship between the laser marking device L and the workpiece W, the specifications of the laser marking device L, the movement path of the workpiece W, etc. The irradiation area R1 according to this embodiment is configured as a rectangular area as shown in FIG. 1. The setting plane R2 referred to here corresponds to a virtual plane that extends along an XY plane (detailed definition of which will be described later) defined based on the housing 10, and that can be displayed on the display unit 301.

[0039] For example, the irradiation area R1 of a workpiece W moving along a two-dimensional plane, particularly along the horizontal direction, is a plane extending flatly along the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the irradiation area R1 of a workpiece W moving in a three-dimensional space, particularly in a space inclined or curved with respect to the horizontal direction, can be a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane or a curved surface curved with respect to the horizontal plane. The irradiation area R1 according to this embodiment takes the form of a two-dimensional plane inclined in the height direction, as shown in, for example, Figures 1 and 3. In other words, the workpiece W according to this embodiment is configured to move within a three-dimensional space.

[0040] In addition, the printing pattern Pp in the following description includes not only character patterns to be marked on the workpiece W, but also graphic patterns to be marked on the workpiece W, such as ":", "x", barcodes, and QR codes (registered trademarks).

[0041] In particular, the laser marking device L according to this embodiment can emit laser light having a wavelength of around 350 nm as laser light for processing the workpiece W. This wavelength is included in the ultraviolet wavelength range. Therefore, in the following description, the laser light for processing the workpiece W may be referred to as "UV laser light" to distinguish it from other laser light such as near-infrared light. Note that laser light other than ultraviolet light, such as infrared light, may also be used to process the workpiece W.

[0042] The following describes a case where the workpiece W to be marked is made of a sheet-like film and the film contains a UV reactive layer X that chemically reacts with UV laser light. The workpiece W may be, for example, a sheet-like flexible workpiece.

[0043] However, in the present disclosure, the workpiece W that can be used as a marking target is not limited to a workpiece W formed of a sheet-like film containing a UV-reactive layer X. Films that chemically react with laser light having wavelengths other than ultraviolet light may also be used, and workpieces W made of various materials, such as plastic films, films containing aluminum layers, films containing aluminum-evaporated layers, and films containing paper layers, may also be used as marking targets. The workpiece W may also have a three-layer structure consisting of a surface layer, a UV-reactive layer, and a sealant layer. In a three-layer structure, the UV-reactive layer is sandwiched between the surface layer and the sealant layer. The surface layer may be made of, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or oriented polypropylene (OPP). The UV-reactive layer may be made of, for example, a layer containing titanium oxide. The sealant layer may be made of, for example, a polyolefin film capable of heat-melting adhesion. In addition, other layers may be added to form a four-layer or five-layer structure.

[0044] Furthermore, the laser marking device L according to this embodiment is configured to perform so-called two-dimensional printing by two-dimensionally scanning the laser light, but because this laser marking device L is configured to have a deeper focal depth than conventional products, it can also perform so-called three-dimensional printing. Therefore, this laser marking device L can even mark a workpiece W that is transported along a three-dimensional movement path.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laser marking device L according to this embodiment includes a marker head 1, a marker controller 100, an electric cable 200, and an operation terminal 300.

[0046] Of these, the marker controller 100 is configured as a controller for controlling the marker head 1 and can accept settings related to the print pattern Pp.

[0047] On the other hand, the marker head 1 is controlled by the marker controller 100 to emit UV laser light toward the irradiation area R1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the marker head 1 and the marker controller 100 are separate entities and connected by an electric cable 200. This electric cable 200 includes at least an electric wiring that transmits power from the inside of the marker controller 100 (specifically, a power supply unit not shown) to the outside. Specifically, the electric cable 200 according to this embodiment is configured by bundling together electric wiring for transmitting power and signal wiring for transmitting and receiving analog signals, digital signals, etc.

[0049] The marker head 1 according to this embodiment is installed on processing equipment 500 for processing a workpiece W (particularly a flexible workpiece) made of a sheet-like film. As shown in Fig. 3, this processing equipment 500 includes a support member 501 that supports the marker head 1 and a conveying roller 502 around which the workpiece W is wound.

[0050] Of these, the support member 501 can mount the laser marking device L, particularly the housing 10 of the marker head 1, at a predetermined mounting position, as shown in Fig. 3. Although Figs. 1 and 3 show an example of the support member 501 configured to suspend the housing 10 from above, the housing 10 may also be supported from another direction, such as the side.

[0051] Hereinafter, the front-to-back direction of the housing 10 will be referred to as the X direction, the left-to-right direction as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction. Specifically, the depth of the paper in FIG. 3 in the X direction will be referred to as the +X direction, and the front side of the paper in FIG. 3 will be referred to as the -X direction. Similarly, the left side of the paper in FIG. 3 in the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y direction, and the right side of the paper in FIG. 3 will be referred to as the -Y direction. Similarly, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 3 in the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z direction, and the lower side of the paper in FIG. 3 will be referred to as the +Z direction. Hereinafter, the XY direction defined with respect to the housing 10 will sometimes be referred to as the "horizontal direction," and the XY plane based on the housing 10 will sometimes be referred to as the "horizontal plane."

[0052] On the other hand, the transport roller 502 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the short dimension direction of the workpiece W (the front-to-rear direction described below). In this case, the workpiece W is transported in the long dimension direction along a predetermined movement path by the rotation of the transport roller 502. Hereinafter, the movement direction of the workpiece W as viewed along the Cartesian coordinate system will be referred to as the "transport direction," and will be denoted by the symbol "At." The transport direction At in this embodiment coincides with the -Y direction.

[0053] 4, the processing equipment 500 further includes a first driven roller 503l and a second driven roller 503r that are driven when the workpiece W is transported by the transport roller 502 (only the second driven roller 503r is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). The transport roller 502, the first driven roller 503l, and the second driven roller 503r sequentially support different positions (each part) of the workpiece W, which is a flexible workpiece, along the transport direction, thereby configuring a "transport support part" that changes the posture of the workpiece W along the movement path of the workpiece W.

[0054] The first driven roller 503l is disposed upstream of the conveying roller 502 in the conveying direction At (+Y side in the Y direction), and is disposed below the conveying roller 502 in the height direction (+Z side in the Z direction). The sheet-like workpiece W comes into contact with the lower surface of the first driven roller 503l.

[0055] The second driven roller 503r is disposed on the opposite side (-Y side in the Y direction) of the first driven roller 503l across the conveying roller 502, and is disposed below the conveying roller 502 in the height direction (+Z side in the Z direction). The sheet-like workpiece W comes into contact with the upper surface of the second driven roller 503r.

[0056] In this case, the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface is composed of at least one of the following, in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction (the +Y side in the Y direction): a first conveying surface R11 extending at an angle toward the conveying roller 502; a second conveying surface R12 that contacts the conveying roller 502 and is curved so as to protrude in a direction approaching or moving away from the housing 10; and a third conveying surface R13 that extends at an angle so as to move away from the conveying roller 502.

[0057] In this embodiment, the printing surface is composed of all of the first conveying surface R11, the second conveying surface R12, and the third conveying surface R13, but the printing surface may be composed of one or two of the first conveying surface R11, the second conveying surface R12, and the third conveying surface R13, depending on the layout and specifications of the marker head 1 and the layout of the processing equipment 500, etc.

[0058] The first conveying surface R11 is, for example, an inclined surface that extends toward the -Z side as it approaches the -Y side. The second conveying surface R12 is, for example, a curved surface that protrudes in a direction approaching the housing 10, i.e., toward the -Z side. The third conveying surface R13 is, for example, an inclined surface that extends toward the +Z side as it approaches the -Y side. Both the first conveying surface R11 and the third conveying surface R13 are inclined with respect to the setting plane R2 that extends along the XY plane.

[0059] Here, the processing equipment 500 of this embodiment is shared between the marker head 1 of this embodiment and a printing device 1001 that prints using a method other than laser light marking, as shown in the upper and lower figures of Figure 3.

[0060] That is, the marker head 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that it can be attached in place of the printing device 1001 to the support member 501 of the processing equipment 500 configured to attach the printing device 1001.

[0061] An example of a printing device 1001 that can replace the marker head 1 is a thermal transfer overprinter (TTO), but other printing devices 1001 can also be used.

[0062] The printing device 1001 that can replace the marker head 1 may be, for example, one that includes a housing 1010 that is approximately rectangular and has a printing surface 1010d that exposes a printing portion 1006 that contacts the printing area on the workpiece W, and a connection surface 1010u that is different from the printing surface 1010d and can be connected to the support member 501.

[0063] 3, the marker head 1 is supported by a support member 501 connectable to the connection surface 1010u, similar to the printing device 1001. The marker head 1 thus supported marks the workpiece W by irradiating UV laser light toward an irradiation area R1 set corresponding to the printing area (the area in contact with the printing unit 1006 in the printing device 1001).

[0064] On the other hand, the operation terminal 300 has, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and is connected to the marker controller 100 by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to send and receive electrical signals.

[0065] In this embodiment, the operation terminal 300 is configured as a personal computer such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the operation terminal 300 may be configured as a dedicated terminal that can be connected to the laser marking device L, such as a touch panel console. The operation terminal 300 can also be integrated into the marker controller 100, for example.

[0066] The operation terminal 300 sets various printing conditions such as character size, and also functions as a terminal for showing the user information related to marking on the workpiece W. This operation terminal 300 includes a display unit 301 for displaying information to the user, an operation unit 302 for accepting operation input by the user, and a storage device 303 for storing various information.

[0067] The display unit 301 can display a setting plane R2 that is defined by Cartesian coordinates and that corresponds to the scanning range of the laser light scanning unit 4. This display unit 301 is an example of a "display means" in this embodiment. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, an input interface Iu that accepts input of characters to be marked (print pattern Pp) is arranged on the setting plane R2 displayed by the display unit 301. Although details will be described later, this input interface Iu is made up of user interfaces such as a frame that indicates the range of the setting plane R2 and a graphic that indicates the position of the print pattern Pp on the setting plane R2, and can accept input of the print pattern Pp based on operation input to the operation unit 302 and display the contents of the accepted print pattern Pp on the setting plane R2. The input interface Iu is an example of a "print pattern accepting means" in this embodiment.

[0068] The input interface Iu can also accept input of movement path information Ip relating to the movement path of a workpiece that moves with changes in posture within three-dimensional space, and also serves as an example of the "path information accepting means" according to this embodiment. Details of the input interface Iu as the printing pattern accepting means and path information accepting means will be described later.

[0069] Specifically, the display unit 301 can be configured with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL panel. When the operation terminal 300 is incorporated into the marker controller 100 or a touch panel console is used, a display screen provided on the marker controller 100 or the console can serve as the display unit.

[0070] The operation unit 302 can be configured with a keyboard and a pointing device. Pointing devices include a mouse, a joystick, etc. When the operation terminal 300 is incorporated into the marker controller 100 or a touch panel console is used, switches, buttons, etc. provided on the marker controller 100 or the console can serve as the operation unit.

[0071] The operation terminal 300 configured as described above can set printing conditions for marking based on operation input by the user. These printing conditions include details of the print pattern Pp, as well as the target output of the laser beam (laser power) and the scanning speed of the laser beam on the workpiece W (scan speed).

[0072] The printing conditions set by operation terminal 300 are output to marker controller 100 and stored in memory unit 102 in marker controller 100. If necessary, storage device 303 in operation terminal 300 may store the printing conditions.

[0073] The external device 400 is connected to the marker controller 100 as needed. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, a conveying speed sensor 401 and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 402 are provided as the external device 400.

[0074] The conveying speed sensor 401 is configured by, for example, a rotary encoder, and can detect the conveying speed of the workpiece W. The conveying speed sensor 401 outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating the detection result to the marker controller 100. The marker controller 100 controls two-dimensional scanning of the laser light, etc., based on the detection signal input from the conveying speed sensor 401.

[0075] The PLC 402 is configured by, for example, a microprocessor, and can input control signals to the marker controller 100. The PLC 402 is used to control the laser marking system S in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

[0076] In addition to the above-mentioned equipment and devices, the laser marking device L can be connected wirelessly or with a cable to devices for operation and control, computers for performing various other processes, memory devices, peripheral devices, etc.

[0077] <Marker head 1> As shown in FIG. 2, the marker head 1 includes, as its main components, an excitation light generation unit 2, a laser light output unit 3, and a laser light scanning unit 4. The excitation light generation unit 2 generates excitation light for exciting UV laser light based on power supplied from the marker controller 100 via an electric cable 200. The laser light output unit 3 generates UV laser light based on the excitation light generated by the excitation light generation unit 2 and outputs the UV laser light. The laser light scanning unit 4 deflects the UV laser light output from the laser light output unit 3, thereby scanning the UV laser light over the surface of the workpiece W.

[0078] The marker head 1 also includes a housing 10 that houses the aforementioned components, namely, the excitation light generation unit 2, the laser light output unit 3, and the laser light scanning unit 4. An exit window 6 that transmits the UV laser light scanned by the laser light scanning unit 4 is formed in this housing 10. Although details are omitted, this housing 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and has an exit surface 10d on which the exit window 6 is formed, and an attachment surface 10u that is different from the exit surface 10d and can be connected to a support member 501. The attachment surface 10u is connected to the support member 501 via an attachment 7.

[0079] The exit window 6 has an exit hole that penetrates the exit surface 10d of the housing 10, and a cover glass that is fitted into this exit hole. Although details are omitted, the cover glass can be formed in a rectangular shape that corresponds to the shape of the irradiation area R1, for example, a rectangular shape that is approximately similar to the irradiation area R1 and smaller than the irradiation area R1.

[0080] Also provided within the housing 10 is a defocusing lens 5 that is interposed between the laser light scanning unit 4 and the exit window 6 and that defocuses the UV laser light. This defocusing lens 5 can be configured, for example, by a biconcave lens, and is disposed coaxially with the exit window 6.

[0081] Hereinafter, the central axis of the defocus lens 5 and the exit window 6 will be collectively referred to as the "laser emission axis" and will be denoted by the symbol Al (see FIG. 3). This laser emission axis Al extends substantially parallel to the Z direction.

[0082] (Excitation light generation unit 2) The excitation light generating unit 2 is configured to receive power from the marker controller 100 via an electric cable 200 and generate excitation light according to the power. The excitation light generating unit 2 according to this embodiment has an excitation light source (not shown) configured, for example, by a laser diode (LD). Note that it is not essential to house the excitation light generating unit 2, particularly the excitation light source, in the housing 10, and they may be housed in the marker controller 100.

[0083] (Laser light output unit 3) The laser light output unit 3 has a solid-state laser crystal 31 that generates a fundamental wave based on the excitation light, and a nonlinear optical crystal 32 that generates a UV laser light based on the fundamental wave generated by the solid-state laser crystal 31.

[0084] In this embodiment, rod-shaped Nd:YVO4 (yttrium vanadate) is used as the laser medium constituting the solid-state laser crystal 31. Laser pumping light is incident on one end face of the rod-shaped solid-state laser crystal 31, and laser light having a fundamental wavelength (so-called fundamental wave) is emitted from the other end face (so-called one-directional pumping method using end pumping). In this embodiment, the fundamental wavelength is set to 1064 nm. On the other hand, the wavelength of the pumping light is set near the center wavelength of the absorption spectrum of Nd:YVO4 to promote stimulated emission. However, this is not limiting, and other laser media such as rare-earth doped YAG, YLF, GdVO4, etc. can also be used.

[0085] In addition, the nonlinear optical crystal 32 of this embodiment is configured by combining a first wavelength conversion element (not shown) that generates a second harmonic having a wavelength higher than the wavelength of the fundamental wave (fundamental wavelength), and a second wavelength conversion element (not shown) that generates a third harmonic having a wavelength higher than the second harmonic.

[0086] The second harmonic is a wave having a frequency double that of the fundamental wave. In this embodiment, the wavelength of the second harmonic is set to 532 nm. The second harmonic is a wave having a frequency triple that of the fundamental wave. In this embodiment, the wavelength of the third harmonic is set to 355 nm, which is set to fall within the ultraviolet range.

[0087] In this embodiment, LBO (LiBO) is used as the first wavelength conversion element and the second wavelength conversion element. However, the first wavelength conversion element and / or the second wavelength conversion element are not limited to LBO (LiBO), and various organic nonlinear optical materials, inorganic nonlinear optical materials, etc. can be used as the first wavelength conversion element and / or the second wavelength conversion element.

[0088] The laser light scanning unit 4 is configured using a so-called two-axis (X-axis and Y-axis) galvanometer scanner, and has a first scanner 41 as a Y scanner and a second scanner 42 as an X scanner. In this embodiment, the second scanner 42 is arranged on the upstream side of the optical path of the UV laser light, and the first scanner 41 is arranged on the downstream side of the optical path of the UV laser light.

[0089] The first scanner 41 has a first mirror 41a that reflects the UV laser light generated by the laser light output unit 3. The deflection direction of the UV laser light by the first scanner 41 coincides with the Y direction as viewed in the same Cartesian coordinate system as the setting plane R2. The first scanner 41 adjusts the rotation angle θy of the first mirror 41a (hereinafter also referred to as the "Y angle"), thereby scanning the irradiation position of the UV laser light on the surface of the workpiece W in the Y direction.

[0090] The second scanner 42 has a second mirror 42a that reflects the UV laser light reflected by the first mirror 41a. The deflection direction of the UV laser light by the second scanner 42 coincides with the X direction as viewed in the same Cartesian coordinate system as the setting plane R2. The second scanner 42 adjusts the rotation angle θx of the second mirror 42a (hereinafter also referred to as the "X angle"), thereby scanning the irradiation position of the UV laser light on the surface of the workpiece W in the X direction.

[0091] The laser beam scanning unit 4 drives the first mirror 41a and the second mirror 42a in accordance with pre-created printing data to polarize the UV laser beam generated by the laser beam output unit 3 so that the UV laser beam is irradiated toward the irradiation area R1. The UV laser beam thus deflected passes through the defocus lens 5 and the exit window 6 and is irradiated onto the irradiation area R1.

[0092] <Marker Controller 100> As shown in Figure 2, the marker controller 100 includes an acceptance unit 101 that accepts the setting of printing conditions, a memory unit 102 that stores the printing conditions, a printing pattern correction unit 105 that corrects the printing pattern Pp included in the printing conditions, a printing data generation unit 103 that generates printing data Dp based on the corrected printing pattern Pp, and a marking control unit 104 that controls the marker head 1 based on the printing data Dp.

[0093] One or more of these elements may be provided in the operation terminal 300 or the marker head 1. For example, the print data generation unit 103 may be implemented in the operation terminal 300, or the marking control unit 104 may be provided in the marker head 1.

[0094] (Reception Section 101) The receiving unit 101 is configured to receive printing conditions set via the operation terminal 300 and to output the received printing conditions to the storage unit 102 and / or the print data generating unit 103.

[0095] Specifically, the reception unit 101 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the operation terminal 300, and displays a setting plane R2 on the display unit 301 as a display means, and also places an input interface Iu as a printing pattern reception means on the setting plane R2.

[0096] The reception unit 101 reflects the content input through the input interface Iu in each printing condition, and can output the reflected printing conditions to at least one of the memory unit 102, the printing data generation unit 103, the marking control unit 104, and the printing pattern correction unit 105.

[0097] The receiving unit 101 also places an input interface Iu as a path information receiving means on the display unit 301. The movement path information Ip received by the input interface Iu includes information about the movement path of the workpiece W moving in three-dimensional space, as described above. This movement path information Ip may be composed of movement path information about the movement path of the workpiece W as a flexible workpiece when the transport support unit is present within the scanning range of the laser light scanning unit 4, for example.

[0098] For example, when a processing facility 500 such as that shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 is used, the movement path information Ip includes information about the conveying rollers 502. Specifically, the movement path information Ip according to this embodiment includes the diameter D of the conveying rollers 502 as information about the conveying rollers 502 (see Figure 4). In addition, the movement path information Ip may include the diameter D1 of the first driven roller 503l, the diameter D2 of the second driven roller 503r, etc. (see Figure 8).

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the movement path information Ip may include, as information regarding the conveying roller 502, the distance Dz between the housing 10, particularly the lower end of the housing 10, and the conveying roller 502 in the irradiation direction (+Z direction) from the housing 10 toward the workpiece W.

[0100] 4, the movement path information Ip may include, as information about the conveying roller 502, an offset amount Lo of the conveying roller 502 in the conveying direction relative to the center line (laser emission axis Al in FIG. 3) that passes through the center of the exit window 6.

[0101] Furthermore, when the irradiation area R1 includes a first conveying surface R11, a third conveying surface R13, etc., the movement path information Ip includes the inclination angle of at least one of the first conveying surface R11 and the third conveying surface R13 with respect to the set plane R2 or the conveying direction. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the movement path information Ip includes, as one element thereof, a first inclination angle θ1 of the first conveying surface R11 with respect to the set plane R2 and a second inclination angle θ2 of the third conveying surface R13 with respect to the set plane R2.

[0102] (Storage unit 102) The memory unit 102 is configured to temporarily or continuously store the printing conditions accepted by the accepting unit 101, and to output the stored printing conditions to the printing data generating unit 103, the marking control unit 104, the display unit 301, etc., as necessary.

[0103] Specifically, the memory unit 102 according to this embodiment is configured with, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory, and can temporarily or continuously store data indicating print settings.

[0104] Incidentally, in order to irradiate a desired position on the workpiece W with UV laser light, it is necessary to establish a correspondence relationship between the rotation angle (Y angle θy) of the first mirror 41a and the Y coordinate on the set plane R2 and thus the irradiation area R1, as well as between the rotation angle (X angle θx) of the second mirror 42a and the X coordinate on the set plane R2 and thus the irradiation area R1. Hereinafter, the X angle θx and the Y angle θy will be collectively referred to as the "scanner angle (S angle)." As is well known, the X coordinate and the Y coordinate will be collectively referred to as the "XY coordinate."

[0105] Generally, such correspondence can be calculated in advance based on the optical design, but individual differences can occur between laser marking devices L due to variations in the products, etc. For example, even if the same X and Y coordinates are set as the irradiation position, the S angle that realizes that irradiation position may vary depending on individual differences. Hereinafter, the S angle based on a pre-calculation will be referred to as the "theoretical S angle," and the S angle that takes into account the influence of individual differences will be referred to as the "actual S angle."

[0106] Therefore, the storage unit 102 according to this embodiment is configured to store a first table 102a, which is a lookup table (LUT) that stores the correspondence between X and Y coordinates and S angles calculated in advance based on the optical design, that is, the correspondence between X and Y coordinates and theoretical S angles, and a second table 102b, which is a lookup table that stores the correspondence between the theoretical S angles and actual S angles. By comparing the first table 102a and the second table 102b, the actual S angle for irradiating laser light onto predetermined X and Y coordinates can be determined.

[0107] In particular, in this embodiment, the storage unit 102 is configured to store a first table 102a for a horizontal plane passing through each Z coordinate from the bottom end of the housing 10 to a predetermined distance (work distance) at which the laser output is maintained. This configuration contributes to determining a third table 102c, which will be described later.

[0108] Furthermore, if the movement path of the workpiece W is inclined or curved with respect to the set plane R2, a deviation will occur between the irradiation position set on the set plane R2 and the actual irradiation position on the printing surface (irradiation area R1). This deviation will be corrected by the print pattern correction unit 105.

[0109] Although this will overlap with the explanation given below, print pattern correction unit 105 according to this embodiment determines the correspondence between the actual S angle and the XY coordinate system when irradiation area R1 is aligned with the XY plane, in other words, a two-dimensional coordinate system viewed along irradiation area R1. Memory unit 102 is configured to store the correspondence determined by print pattern correction unit 105 as third table 102c, which is a lookup table different from first table 102a and second table 102b.

[0110] Hereinafter, the two-dimensional coordinate system viewed along the irradiation area R1, or in other words, the two-dimensional coordinate system along the surface of the workpiece W, will be referred to as the "real XY coordinate system," and the two-dimensional coordinates viewed in that two-dimensional coordinate system will be referred to as the "real XY coordinates." The base of the real XY coordinate system will be different for each point on the surface of the workpiece W. In contrast, the two-dimensional coordinate system based on the marker head 1, that is, the XY coordinate system along the horizontal plane, will be referred to as the "horizontal coordinate system," and the XY coordinates viewed in that XY coordinate system will sometimes be referred to as the "horizontal coordinates."

[0111] By referring to the first table 102a and the second table 102b, the correspondence between the X and Y positions in the horizontal coordinate system and the actual S angle can be read in. By further referring to the third table 102c, the correspondence between the X and Y positions in the actual X and Y coordinate system and the actual S angle can be determined.

[0112] (Printing pattern correction unit 105) Fig. 5A is a diagram illustrating a print pattern Pp' when the print surface extends parallel to a horizontal plane, Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating a print pattern Pp when the print surface extends at an angle to the horizontal plane, and Fig. 5C is a diagram for explaining correction by print pattern correction unit 105.

[0113] The print pattern correction unit 105 is configured to correct the print pattern Pp based on the movement path information Ip received by the input interface Iu. Here, the print pattern correction unit 105 may directly correct the print pattern Pp, or may indirectly and consequentially correct the print pattern Pp by correcting the correspondence between the XY coordinates and the theoretical S-angle or actual S-angle (determining the actual two-dimensional coordinate targets and the theoretical S-angle or actual S-angle). The print pattern correction unit 105 according to this embodiment is configured to employ the latter correction method.

[0114] That is, as shown in Figure 5A, if the irradiation area R1' as the printing surface extends flatly along a horizontal plane, the print pattern Pp' accepted by the input interface Iu will be marked on the irradiation area R1' of the workpiece W' without any special processing. In this case, the print pattern Pp displayed on the setting plane R2 and the print pattern Pp' that is actually marked will match.

[0115] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, if the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface extends at an angle to the horizontal plane, unless special processing is performed, the printing pattern Pp accepted by the input interface Iu will differ from the actual printing pattern Pp actually marked in the irradiation area R1.

[0116] In the case of Figure 5A, the actual XY coordinate system and the horizontal coordinate system coincide. On the other hand, in the case of Figure 5B, the actual XY coordinate system and the horizontal coordinate system differ, so when the desired print pattern Pp is realized in the actual XY coordinate system, the print pattern Pp viewed along the horizontal coordinate system, i.e., the setting plane R2, will be distorted from the desired print pattern Pp, as shown in the upper right corner of Figure 5B.

[0117] On the other hand, by appropriately distorting (correcting) the print pattern Pp seen on the setting plane R2, the desired print pattern Pp will be marked in the actual XY coordinate system.

[0118] Therefore, print pattern correction unit 105 according to this embodiment determines the correspondence relationship between the actual XY coordinates and the actual S angle, and stores this correspondence relationship in storage unit 102 as third table 102c.

[0119] By determining the actual S angle so as to obtain the desired printing pattern Pp in the actual XY coordinate system, the printing pattern Pp received by the input interface Iu can be matched with the actual printing pattern Pp that is actually marked in the irradiation area R1.

[0120] When the laser light scanning unit 4 is controlled by the actual S angle determined so as to produce the desired print pattern Pp in the real XY coordinate system, the print pattern Pp viewed in the horizontal coordinate system will be corrected and distorted from the desired print pattern Pp, as shown in the upper right corner of the page in Figure 5B.

[0121] In this way, print pattern correction unit 105 corrects the correspondence between the scanning position of the laser light by laser light scanning unit 4 and the control parameter (actual S angle) of said laser light scanning unit 4 based on movement path information Ip. Specifically, print pattern correction unit 105 corrects the correspondence from the correspondence with the scanning position as seen in the horizontal coordinate system to the correspondence with the scanning position as seen in the actual XY coordinate system. As a result, the print pattern Pp is indirectly and consequentially corrected from the form as seen in the horizontal coordinate system.

[0122] 5C, if the irradiation area R1' extends flatly along a horizontal plane and individual differences between devices are ignored, the first table 102a and the third table 102c will be approximately the same. In this case, the actual S angle θ1' for irradiating the laser light onto the bottom end P1' of the letter "A" in the print pattern Pp' can be determined by referring to the first table 102a.

[0123] 5C, when the irradiation area R1 extends in a curved manner relative to the horizontal plane, the first table 102a and the third table 102c will differ depending on the movement path information Ip of the workpiece W. In this case, in the letter "A" as the print pattern Pp, the actual S angle θ1 for irradiating the laser beam to the same bottom end P1 as the bottom end P1' will differ from the actual S angle θ1' obtained by referring to the first table 102a. In this case, the actual S angle θ1 can be determined by referring to the third table 102c.

[0124] (Print data generation unit 103) The print data generation unit 103 generates print data Dp based on the print pattern Pp received by the user interface Iu as a character input means, in association with the set plane R2 defined by the Cartesian coordinates.

[0125] Specifically, the print data generation unit 103 according to this embodiment generates print data Dp consisting of one or more scan lines arranged in a row, based on a print pattern Pp inputted and accepted by the user interface Iu.

[0126] The term "scanning line" used here refers to the trajectory of the UV laser light irradiation position on the surface of the workpiece W (particularly the surface within the irradiation area R1). These scanning lines are set in accordance with the print pattern Pp, and the shape of the scanning lines changes depending on the print pattern Pp, while the number of scanning lines changes depending on the shape and thickness of the characters in the print pattern Pp. The print data Dp according to this embodiment includes data indicating the number of scanning lines and the shape of each scanning line.

[0127] More specifically, the print data generation unit 103 according to this embodiment is configured to generate print data Dp based on the print pattern Pp corrected directly or indirectly by the print pattern correction unit 105 after input is received by the user interface Iu.

[0128] When the print pattern Pp is indirectly corrected via the third table 102c, as in this embodiment, the content of the print data Dp is the same whether the print pattern Pp is corrected or not. In other words, when the third table 102c is used, the shape of each scanning line is the shape seen in the actual XY coordinate system, that is, the XY coordinate system when the irradiation area R1 is aligned with the XY plane, but the shape of the scanning line itself is the same as when it is not corrected. The same is true for the number of scanning lines.

[0129] The shape of each scanning line can be determined by the spot position of the laser light (the irradiation position of the laser light) as viewed in a horizontal coordinate system or an actual XY coordinate system. The print data generation unit 103 determines the irradiation position of the laser light as viewed in the actual XY coordinate system for each scanning line, and creates print data Dp using coordinate data indicating the irradiation position.

[0130] The print data Dp generated by the print data generation unit 103 is stored in the storage unit 102 or is directly input to the marking control unit 104 .

[0131] (Marking control unit 104) The marking control unit 104 is configured to control the laser light output unit 3 and the laser light scanning unit 4 based on the printing data Dp generated by the printing data generation unit 103, thereby performing marking using UV laser light on the workpiece W placed on the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface.

[0132] For example, when print data Dp consisting of multiple scanning lines is generated, the marking control unit 104 reads the number and shape of each scanning line that make up the print data Df, and then scans the multiple scanning lines one by one on the printing surface in a predetermined scanning order (the order in which each scanning line is scanned).

[0133] Here, the marking control unit 104 controls the laser light scanning unit 4 based on the corrected correspondence relationship (third table 103c) between the scanning position (irradiation position) of the laser light and the control parameter (actual S angle) of the laser light scanning unit so that the printing pattern Pp to be marked is marked on the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface.

[0134] Specifically, the marking control unit 104 according to this embodiment determines the actual S angle corresponding to the irradiation position of the laser beam based on the shape of each scanning line by referring to the third table 103c. The marking control unit 104 controls the laser beam scanning unit 4 to realize the determined actual S angle, thereby performing a desired marking.

[0135] <Main processing and user interface of the laser marking device L> Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for updating the second table 102b. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for updating the third table 102c. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the actual S angle. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input interface Iu for movement path information Ip. The flows shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are performed in advance prior to marking the workpiece W by the laser marking device L.

[0136] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a scanning procedure using the third table 102c. FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating an input interface Iu for the print pattern Pp. The flow shown in FIG. 10 is executed when marking a workpiece W by the laser marking device L.

[0137] Below, the procedure for updating the second table 102b and the third table 102c, the procedure for scanning using the third table 102c, and specific examples of user interfaces related to each procedure will be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

[0138] (Preparation of first table 102a) The first table 102a is determined by optical design and is stored in advance in the storage unit 102 or the like.

[0139] (Preparation of second table 102b) To prepare the second table 102b, the marker controller 100 executes the flow shown in Fig. 6. First, in step S11 of Fig. 6, the marker controller 100 reads the first table 102a. In the following step S12, the marker controller 100 creates the second table 102b.

[0140] In the following step S13, the marker controller 100 causes the marker head 1 to emit laser light and print a predetermined test pattern on a jig prepared in advance. A workpiece W that extends flatly along the XY plane is selected as the jig.

[0141] In the following step S14, the marker controller 100 determines whether the test pattern printed on the jig is appropriate. If the determination is NO, the process returns to step S12, whereas if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0142] In step S15, the marker controller 100 compares, for each irradiation position of the laser light on the test pattern, the XY coordinates of the irradiation position with the actual S angle used when irradiating the laser light thereon.

[0143] Then, the marker controller 100 refers to the first table 102a to obtain the theoretical S angle corresponding to the XY coordinates that were previously compared. The marker controller 100 updates the second table 102b by sequentially storing the correspondence between the obtained theoretical S angle and the actual S angle that was previously compared. This process can be performed using any inspection device, such as a projector or an image inspection device.

[0144] When the process shown in step S15 is completed, the marker controller 100 stores the updated second table 102b in the storage unit 102, and ends the flow shown in FIG.

[0145] (Preparation of the third table 102c) To prepare the third table 102c, the marker controller 100 executes the flow shown in Fig. 7. First, in step S21, the marker controller 100 places on the display unit 301 an input interface Iu that accepts input of the movement path information Ip.

[0146] In FIG. 8, a first interface I1 is an interface that receives input of the offset amount Lo, the distance Dz, and the diameter D of the transport roller 502 in the movement path information Ip.

[0147] In addition, the second interface I2 is an input field for inputting the diameter D1 of the first driven roller 503l, the third interface I3 is an input field for inputting the amount of deviation (z1) between the central axis of the conveying roller 502 and the central axis of the first driven roller 503l in the Z direction (height direction), and the fourth interface I4 is an input field for inputting the amount of deviation (y1) between the central axis of the conveying roller 502 and the central axis of the first driven roller 503l in the Y direction.

[0148] In addition, the fifth interface I5 is an input field for inputting the diameter D2 of the second driven roller 503r, the sixth interface I6 is an input field for inputting the amount of deviation (z2) between the center axis of the conveying roller 502 and the center axis of the second driven roller 503r in the Z direction (height direction), and the seventh interface I7 is an input field for inputting the amount of deviation (y2) between the center axis of the conveying roller 502 and the center axis of the second driven roller 503r in the Y direction.

[0149] The eighth interface I8 is a button for returning to the setting screen before the travel route information Ip was input, and the ninth interface I9 is ​​a button for confirming the input of the travel route information Ip.

[0150] The first interface I1 to the ninth interface I9 constitute an input interface (route information receiving means) Iu in this embodiment, and are all configured to receive input via the operation unit 302.

[0151] In the following step S22, the print pattern correction unit 105 sets a movement path for the workpiece W based on the movement path information Ip input in step S21, and generates grid points Cc at equal intervals (intervals dl) on the movement path.

[0152] In Figure 8, the dashed lines indicated as Z=0, Z=1, ... indicate the horizontal coordinate system (the usual XY coordinate system) at each Z position. Hereinafter, a coordinate system that combines the Z coordinate and horizontal coordinate system (the usual XYZ coordinate system) will also be referred to as a "Cartesian coordinate system." A simple cubic lattice can be set at equal intervals in the Cartesian coordinate system. Hereinafter, each lattice point that constitutes a simple cubic lattice will be referred to as a "simple lattice point," and will be denoted by the symbol "Cl."

[0153] 8, each grid point Cc arranged on the movement path corresponds to a grid point as seen in the XY coordinate system when the movement path and therefore the irradiation area R1 are aligned with the XY plane, that is, in the real XY coordinate system. Hereinafter, to distinguish from the simple grid points Cl, each grid point Cc generated on the movement path may be referred to as a "deformed grid point."

[0154] The real XY coordinates can be set by numbering each deformed lattice point Cc. For example, the Nth deformed lattice point Cc from the left along the left-right direction of the paper in Fig. 8 and the Mth deformed lattice point Cc from the front along the depth direction of the paper can be considered to be located at real XY coordinates of (X, Y) = (N, M) when viewed in the real XY coordinate system. Furthermore, as shown enlarged in Fig. 8, each deformed lattice point Cc is surrounded by a simple cubic lattice consisting of eight simple lattice points Cl.

[0155] In the following step S23, the print pattern correction unit 105 calculates the theoretical S angle for irradiating the laser light onto the modified lattice point Cc based on the orthogonal coordinates of each of the eight simple lattice points Cl surrounding the modified lattice point Cc. Specifically, the print pattern correction unit 105 references the first table 102a to obtain the theoretical S angle corresponding to the orthogonal coordinate (horizontal coordinate + Z coordinate) of each of the eight simple lattice points Cl.

[0156] The print pattern correction unit 105 then calculates a weighted average of the theoretical S-angles corresponding to each of the eight simple lattice points Cl, and regards the calculation result as the theoretical S-angle corresponding to one modified lattice point Cc. The print pattern correction unit 105 calculates the theoretical S-angle for each modified lattice point Cc.

[0157] In the following step S24, the print pattern correction unit 105 calculates the actual S angle from the theoretical S angle calculated in step S23 by referring to the second table 102b to take into account variations due to individual differences between devices, etc. The print pattern correction unit 105 calculates the actual S angle for each deformed lattice point Cc.

[0158] In the following step S25, the print pattern correction unit 105 assigns actual XY coordinates to each deformed lattice point Cc as described above. The print pattern correction unit 105 determines the third table 102c by associating the actual XY coordinates with the actual S angle calculated in step S24 for each deformed lattice point Cc.

[0159] When the process shown in step S25 is completed, print pattern correction unit 105 stores updated third table 102c in storage unit 102, and the flow shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0160] (Marking procedure for work W) When marking the workpiece W, the marker controller 100 executes the flow shown in Fig. 10. First, in step S31 of Fig. 10, the marker controller 100 displays a setting plane R2 on the display unit 301 and places an input interface Iu on the setting plane R2 to accept input of a print pattern Pp. The marker controller 100 accepts input of the print pattern Pp via the input interface Iu. At that time, the marker controller 100 also accepts other settings that make up the print data Dp, such as character thickness.

[0161] In step S31, the display unit 301 displays a display screen such as that shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the tenth interface I 10 is a switching tab for displaying an input screen on which the setting plane R2 is arranged to accept input of the print content (print pattern Pp). 11is a switching tab for enlarging and displaying the setting plane R2 to accept position adjustment of the print pattern Pp, and the 12th interface I 12 is a switching tab for displaying an input screen in which input fields for inputting detailed settings of the print pattern Pp are arranged. 10 corresponds to the selected state, and Figure 12 shows the 11th interface I 11 corresponds to the selected state.

[0162] Also, the 13th interface I displayed in the upper right corner of the screen in Figure 11 13 is a user interface that displays an identification number (block No.) assigned to a print block that is made up of a group of multiple print patterns Pp, and that allows switching between print patterns Pp via that identification number.

[0163] Also, the 14th interface I displayed on the left side of the screen in Figure 11 14 is a button for stopping the operation of the laser marking device L, and the 15th interface I 15 is a button for transitioning to the input screen for setting items that should be determined earlier than the print pattern Pp, and the 16th interface I 16 is a button for saving the contents of the print pattern Pp in the storage unit 102 or the like.

[0164] In addition, the 17th interface I displayed from the center to the right of the screen in Figure 11 17 is an input field that accepts input of the print content (print pattern Pp), and constitutes the input interface Iu in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the "manufacturing date" is input, but for food-related work, for example, it may be possible to input a date such as the expiration date.

[0165] Also, the 17th Interface I 17 On the left side of the screen, the 18th interface I is configured by the setting plane R2. 18 This 18th interface I18 functions as a display field that displays the layout of the print pattern Pp, and constitutes the input interface Iu in this embodiment.

[0166] Also, in FIG. 11, the 18th interface I 18 At the bottom of the screen, there is a 19th interface I that accepts input of the character size of the print pattern Pp. 19 and the 20th interface I that accepts input of the character width of the print pattern Pp. 20 and a 21st interface I that accepts input of the thickness of the characters that make up the print pattern Pp. 21 is displayed.

[0167] On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows the 18th interface I, which is displayed in an enlarged scale compared to the state shown in FIG. 11. 18 The 18th interface I in Figure 12 is displayed. 18 The 22nd interface I indicates the print pattern Pp that is the target of position adjustment. 22 and the 23rd interface I, which shows the crosshairs that serve as a guide for position adjustment. 23 The 22nd interface I 22 constitutes the input interface Iu in this embodiment.

[0168] Also, in FIG. 12, the 18th interface I 18 On the right side of the screen, there is a 24th interface I for moving the printing block within the setting plane R2. 24 and the 25th interface I for adjusting the width of the entire print block. 25 and the 26th interface I for adjusting the height of the entire printing block. 26 is displayed.

[0169] 10th Interface I 10 ~26th Interface I 26 are configured to receive input via the operation unit 302.

[0170] In the following step S32, the print data generation unit 103 generates print data Dp associated with the setting plane R2 based on the print pattern Pp accepted in step S31.

[0171] Here, the print data generation unit 103 determines the irradiation position of the laser light as viewed in the real XY coordinate system for each scanning line, and generates print data Dp as a collection of coordinate data indicating the irradiation position. By determining the irradiation position of the laser light as viewed in the real XY coordinate system rather than the horizontal coordinate system, the print pattern Pp as viewed in the horizontal coordinate system is ultimately corrected.

[0172] In the following step S33, the marking control unit 104 reads the coordinate data generated in step S32 and adds the influence of the moving speed of the workpiece W to the coordinate data.

[0173] Here, when the workpiece W is moving along the movement path, the marking control unit 104 shifts the irradiation position of the laser light in the conveying direction At based on the conveying speed indicated by the detection signal of the conveying speed sensor 401 (encoder, etc.). The shift amount of the irradiation position is determined depending on the speed of the conveying and the angle between the laser emission axis Al and the irradiation position. Note that when the workpiece W is stationary on the movement path, the movement speed is considered to be zero. In this case, the coordinate data remains unchanged.

[0174] Furthermore, if the workpiece W is a film, a registration mark detection sensor 403 may be provided to detect a registration mark affixed to the film. The detection signal from the registration mark detection sensor 403 enables the marking control unit 104 to recognize the appropriate printing timing for the moving film. Specifically, printing is performed when a predetermined time (print delay) according to the transport speed has elapsed after the registration mark (print trigger) is detected by the registration mark detection sensor 403.

[0175] In this way, when printing on a moving workpiece W, the marking control unit 104 may have a function of acquiring movement information of the workpiece. In this case, the marking control unit 104 may control the laser light scanning unit 4 based on the movement speed specified by the movement information of the workpiece so that the scanning lines constituting the print data generated by the print data generation unit 103 follow the movement of the workpiece.

[0176] Furthermore, if the thickness of the characters constituting the print pattern increases, a thick line printing process may be performed. The thick line printing process is a process for generating thick line print data having multiple scanning lines arranged in a direction in which the line elements of the character to be marked increase in thickness. The marking control unit 104 may control the laser light scanning unit 4 to scan the laser light along outer scanning lines that are farther away from the center line of the line elements of the character corresponding to the thick line print data, prior to inner scanning lines that are closer to the center line of the line elements of the character corresponding to the thick line print data. The above-mentioned moving printing can also be performed on such thick line characters.

[0177] In the following step S34, the marking control unit 104 refers to the third table 102c stored in the storage unit 102 to determine the actual S angle corresponding to each piece of coordinate data.

[0178] In the following step S35, the marking control unit 104 controls the laser light output unit 3 to output UV laser light, and at the same time controls the laser light scanning unit 4 based on the actual S angle determined in step S34. This allows the marking control unit 104 to scan the UV laser light along the desired scanning line and to apply marking to the surface of the workpiece W (particularly, the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface).

[0179] In the following step S36, the marking control unit 104 determines whether or not all the scanning lines have been marked. If the determination is NO, the process returns to step S33, whereas if the determination is YES, the flow shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0180] <Measures for dealing with three-dimensional movement routes> As described above, according to this embodiment, the print pattern correction unit 105 performs correction based on the movement path information Ip when generating the print data Dp (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C). This movement path information Ip corresponds to the movement path of the workpiece W moving in three-dimensional space, i.e., information about the three-dimensional movement path. Therefore, by performing correction based on the movement path information Ip, it becomes possible to perform more appropriate printing on the workpiece W moving along the three-dimensional movement path.

[0181] 8, the laser marking device L can accept input of movement path information Ip from, for example, an external device. In general, the movement path of the workpiece W takes various forms depending on the shape of the workpiece W, the processing equipment for the workpiece W, etc. Therefore, by configuring the device to be able to accept input of movement path information Ip, it is possible to perform corrections appropriate for each form of the movement path.

[0182] 4, the irradiation area R1 as the printing surface is composed of at least one of the first conveying surface R11, the second conveying surface R12, and the third conveying surface R13. In this case, the three-dimensional shape of the movement path of the workpiece W is characterized by information related to the conveying rollers 502, such as the shape of the conveying rollers 502 and the relative positional relationship between the conveying rollers 502 and the housing 10. Therefore, using information related to the conveying rollers 502 as the movement path information Ip is advantageous in realizing printing corresponding to the three-dimensional movement path.

[0183] 4, the laser marking device L refers to the diameter of the conveying roller 502 as the movement path information Ip. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0184] 4, the laser marking device L refers to the inclination angle (first inclination angle θ1 and / or second inclination angle θ2) of at least one of the first conveying surface R11 and the third conveying surface R13 as the movement path information Ip. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0185] 4, the laser marking device L refers to the distance Dz between the housing 10 and the conveying roller 502 as the movement path information Ip. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing corresponding to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0186] 4, the laser marking device L refers to the offset amount Lo of the conveying roller 502 relative to the exit window as the movement path information Ip. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing corresponding to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0187] According to the eighth aspect, the laser marking device L performs correction based on the movement path information Ip by correcting the correspondence between the scanning position of the laser light and the control parameters of the laser light scanning unit 4. This configuration is advantageous in realizing printing that corresponds to a three-dimensional movement path.

[0188] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the input interface Iu serving as the path information receiving means is configured to receive input of the movement path information Ip, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. The marker controller 100 may acquire the movement path information Ip by reading design data such as CAD data, or may measure the surface shape of the workpiece W with a laser beam and set the movement path information Ip based on the measurement results.

[0189] Furthermore, the present disclosure may be applied to marking a workpiece W while it is moving along a movement path (so-called moving printing), or to marking a workpiece W that is stationary midway along its movement path (so-called stationary printing).

[0190] The present disclosure can also be applied to a laser marking device L equipped with a mechanism capable of adjusting the focal length of a laser beam (a so-called Z scanner).

[0191] Furthermore, the movement path to which the present disclosure is applicable is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. Like the second transfer area R12 in the above embodiment, it may have two or more regions protruding in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. Furthermore, the protruding shape is not limited to the arc-shaped cross section of the second transfer area R12. The movement path may have a shape that protrudes in an angular manner.

[0192] As another specific example of a movement path, the present disclosure can be applied to a workpiece W2 being transported along a movement path with a U-shaped cross section defined by a first conveying roller 1501, a second conveying roller 1502, a third conveying roller 1503, and a fourth conveying roller 1504, as shown in FIG. 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] S Laser Marking System L Laser marking device 1 marker head 2. Excitation light generation unit 3 Laser light output section 4 Laser beam scanning unit 10. Cabinet 100 Marker Controller 102 Storage section 103 Print data generation unit 104 Marking control section 105 Print pattern correction unit 300 Operation terminal 301 Display section (display means) 500 Processing equipment 502 Conveyor roller At conveying direction Dp print data Dz Distance between the housing and the transport roller Pp Print Pattern IP travel route information Iu input interface (printing pattern reception means, route information reception means) Lo Offset amount of the transport roller R1 Irradiation area (printing surface) R11 First transfer area (first transfer surface) R12 Second conveying area (second conveying surface) R13 Third conveying area (third conveying surface) R2 setting plane θ1 1st inclination angle θ2 2nd inclination angle

Claims

1. a laser light output unit that generates and outputs laser light based on the excitation light; a laser beam scanning unit that scans the laser beam output from the laser beam output unit on the surface of the workpiece being transported by the transport support unit; a print data generation unit that generates print data; a marking control unit that controls the laser light output unit and the laser light scanning unit based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit to perform marking using a laser light on the workpiece placed on a print surface; A laser marking device comprising: a print pattern receiving means for receiving an input of a print pattern to be marked; a storage unit that stores movement path information regarding the workpiece movement path that involves changes in posture within a three-dimensional space and regarding the transport support unit; a print pattern correction unit that corrects the print pattern accepted by the print pattern acceptance means based on the movement path information stored in the storage unit, The print data generation unit Generate print data based on the print pattern corrected by the print pattern correction unit A laser marking device characterized by:

2. 2. The laser marking device according to claim 1, The marking control unit has a function of acquiring movement information of a workpiece, The marking control unit controls the laser light scanning unit based on the movement speed specified by the movement information of the workpiece so that the scanning lines constituting the print data generated by the print data generation unit follow the posture change accompanying the movement of the workpiece. A laser marking device characterized by:

3. 3. The laser marking device according to claim 1 or 2, a display means for displaying a set plane defined by an orthogonal coordinate system and associated with a scanning range of the laser beam scanning unit; The print pattern receiving means receives input of a print pattern arranged on the setting plane displayed by the display means. A laser marking device characterized by:

4. 4. The laser marking device according to claim 1, The workpiece is a sheet-like flexible workpiece, The movement path information is movement path information regarding the movement path of the flexible workpiece when a transport support unit that sequentially supports different positions of the flexible workpiece and changes the posture of the flexible workpiece along the movement path of the flexible workpiece is present within the scanning range of the laser light scanning unit. A laser marking device characterized by:

5. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a route information receiving means for receiving input of the travel route information; The print pattern correction unit corrects the print pattern based on the movement path information received by the path information receiving means. A laser marking device characterized by:

6. 6. The laser marking device according to claim 1, a housing that houses the laser light output unit and the laser light scanning unit, the workpiece is configured by a sheet-like film that is wound around a conveying roller and conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction by the rotation of the conveying roller; The printing surface is, in order from the upstream side in the transport direction, a first conveying surface extending at an angle toward the conveying roller; a second conveying surface that contacts the conveying roller and is curved so as to protrude in a direction toward or away from the housing; a third conveying surface extending while inclined so as to be separated from the conveying roller; The movement path information includes information about the transport rollers. A laser marking device characterized by:

7. 7. The laser marking device according to claim 6, The movement path information includes the diameter of the conveying roller. A laser marking device characterized by:

8. 8. The laser marking device according to claim 6 or 7, The movement path information includes an inclination angle of at least one of the first and third transport surfaces with respect to the transport direction. A laser marking device characterized by:

9. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The movement path information includes a distance between the housing and the transport roller in an irradiation direction from the housing toward the workpiece. A laser marking device characterized by:

10. The laser marking device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, an exit window that transmits the laser light scanned by the laser light scanning unit is formed in the housing; The movement path information includes an offset amount of the conveying roller in the conveying direction with respect to a center line passing through the center of the exit window. A laser marking device characterized by:

11. 11. The laser marking device according to claim 1, The print pattern correction unit correcting a correspondence between a scanning position of the laser beam by the laser beam scanning unit and a control parameter of the laser beam scanning unit based on the movement path information; The marking control unit includes: The laser beam scanning unit is controlled based on the corrected correspondence relationship so that the print pattern to be marked is marked on the print surface. A laser marking device characterized by:

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