Marking tools, marking devices and laser processing units

Abstract

To obtain a marking tool which can save a space needed for making prints on a workpiece.SOLUTION: A marking tool 4 includes: an inkjet printer 8 having a discharge part 5 for discharging an ink and a body 19 which supplies the ink to the discharge part 5; a held part which is detachably held by a holding part 3 of a tool moving device 2 which moves the inkjet printer 8; and a first connector 11 which is connected to a connector of the holding part 3 to receive supply of electric power to the inkjet printer 8 when the inkjet printer 8 is held by the holding part 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a marking tool, a marking device, and a laser processing unit that print characters or the like on a workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a marking device that prints characters or the like on a workpiece that is processed by a laser processing machine, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a marking device that moves a print head that performs printing over the workpiece to the printing location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 035178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the marking device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a dedicated independent axis for moving the print head to the printing location, which means that the installation space for the marking device is dedicated solely to printing on the workpiece, resulting in an increase in the laser processing machine and its installation space.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a marking tool that can reduce the space required for printing on a workpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the marking tool according to the present disclosure includes an inkjet printer having an ejection portion that ejects ink and a main body that supplies ink to the ejection portion; a held portion that is detachably held in a holding portion of a moving device that moves the inkjet printer; and a first connector that connects to the connector of the holding portion when the inkjet printer is held in the holding portion to receive power supply to the inkjet printer; a marking tool mounting section on which the inkjet printer removed from the holder is mounted; a mounting-side connector provided on the marking tool mounting section; and a second connector that is connected to the mounting-side connector when the inkjet printer is mounted on the marking tool mounting section to receive power supply to the inkjet printer; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an effect of providing a marking tool that can reduce the space required for printing on a workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a laser processing unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a laser processing unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of the laser processing unit according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the marking tool is removed from the holder. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a marking tool according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a marking tool placement unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a marking tool placement unit according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which a marking tool is placed thereon; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a coupling method between the second connector and the mounting-side connector in the first embodiment, showing a state before coupling; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a coupling method between the second connector and the mounting connector in the first embodiment, showing a coupled state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A marking tool, a marking device, and a laser processing unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a front view of the laser processing unit according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the laser processing unit according to the embodiment 1. In Fig. 2, each component is shown in a simplified diagram for ease of understanding.

[0011] The laser processing unit includes a marking device and a laser processing machine 1. The marking device includes a tool moving device (moving device) 2, a holding unit 3, a marking tool 4, a printed material placing unit 15, a marking tool placing unit 7, a sorting tool placing unit 16, and a control device 14. In the following description, the axis parallel to the direction from the laser processing machine 1 toward the printed material placing unit 15 is set as the X-axis, the axis parallel to the vertical direction is set as the Y-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is set as the Z-axis.

[0012] The laser processing machine 1 is a device that irradiates a workpiece 6 with a laser beam to perform processing such as drilling and cutting on the workpiece 6.

[0013] The workpiece 6 to be processed by the laser processing machine 1 is placed on the printed material placing section 15. The workpiece 6 is placed on the printed material placing section 15 before processing, and then transported to the laser processing machine 1 and processed. The processed workpiece 6 is returned to the printed material placing section 15 and sorted into a stocker or the like. The workpiece 6 is, for example, a metal plate material.

[0014] 2, the tool movement device 2 is provided with first rails 21 extending along the X-axis direction. In plan view, two first rails 21 are provided, sandwiching the printed material placement unit 15 therebetween. The first rails 21 are supported by a plurality of pillars 23, and are provided above the printed material placement unit 15.

[0015] The tool movement device 2 includes a second rail 22 that extends along the Y-axis direction. The second rail 22 is supported by the first rail 21 and is movable along the first rail 21, i.e., in the direction along the X-axis.

[0016] The tool movement device 2 includes a holding unit 3. The holding unit 3 is supported by a second rail 22 and is movable along the second rail 22, that is, movable in the direction along the Y axis.

[0017] The holder 3 removably holds various tools, including a marking tool 4, at its lower end. The method for holding the various tools by the holder 3 may be any method that allows automatic attachment and detachment without manual intervention, such as electromagnet attraction or mechanical gripping. FIG. 3 is a front view of the laser processing unit according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the marking tool has been removed from the holder. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example in which the marking tool 4 is held at the lower end of the holder 3. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the marking tool 4 has been removed from the lower end of the holder 3 and no other tools are held at the lower end of the holder 3.

[0018] By moving the holding unit 3 in the direction along the Y axis and moving the second rail 22 in the direction along the X axis, various tools such as the marking tool 4 held at the lower end of the holding unit 3 can be moved over the workpiece 6. The holding unit 3 can also be moved in the direction along the Z axis.

[0019] The marking tool 4 is one of the tools held at the lower end of the holding part 3. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the marking tool according to the first embodiment. The marking tool 4 includes an inkjet printer 8, a held part 9, a drive shaft 10, a first connector 11, and a second connector 12.

[0020] The inkjet printer 8 comprises a discharge unit 5 that discharges ink, and a main body 19 that supplies ink to the discharge unit 5. The inkjet printer 8 can print characters, symbols, etc. on a printing material provided opposite the tip of the discharge unit 5 by discharging ink from the discharge unit 5 while moving the discharge unit 5 using a drive shaft 10. In the first embodiment, the workpiece is a non-printed material. The ink discharged by the inkjet printer 8 is monochromatic.

[0021] The marking tool 4 is provided with a held portion 9 that is held by the holding portion 3. The marking tool 4 is attached to the holding portion 3 by holding the held portion 9. A first connector 11 provided on the marking tool 4 is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the holding portion 3 when the marking tool 4 is attached to the holding portion 3. The drive shaft 10 drives the ejection portion 5 of the inkjet printer 8.

[0022] The first connector 11 is connected to the connector of the holding unit 3 to receive power supply to the inkjet printer 8. By receiving power supply through the first connector 11, the inkjet printer 8 is able to eject ink from the ejection unit 5 and print on a printed material.

[0023] The second connector 12 is connected to a connector provided on the marking tool mounting portion 7, which will be described later.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the marking tool mounting portion in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the marking tool mounting portion in the first embodiment, showing a state in which a marking tool is mounted. The marking tool 4 removed from the holding portion 3 is mounted on the marking tool mounting portion 7. The marking tool mounting portion 7 includes a frame member 24 that supports the marking tool 4. The marking tool mounting portion 7 is disposed within a range in which the holding portion 3 can move. This allows the marking tool 4 to be mounted on the marking tool mounting portion 7 by moving the holding portion 3.

[0025] The marking tool mounting portion 7 includes a mounting-side connector 13 attached to a frame material 24. The mounting-side connector 13 is connected to the second connector 12 of the marking tool 4 when the marking tool 4 is mounted on the marking tool mounting portion 7.

[0026] The second connector 12 is connected to the mounting-side connector 13 to receive power supply to the inkjet printer 8. Therefore, even when the marking tool 4 is detached from the holding unit 3 of the tool movement device 2, the inkjet printer 8 can receive power supply through the second connector 12. In the inkjet printer 8, if the ink is not circulated periodically even when printing is not being performed, the ink may solidify and subsequent printing may become impossible. In the first embodiment, because power can be supplied through the second connector 12 even when the marking tool 4 is detached from the holding unit 3, the ink can be circulated even when printing is not being performed, preventing the ink from solidifying.

[0027] Returning to Fig. 2, the marking device is provided with a plurality of marking tool mounting units 7. In the present embodiment 1, as an example, a configuration is shown in which three marking tool mounting units 7 are provided. A marking tool 4 is mounted on each of the three marking tool mounting units 7, and Fig. 2 shows a state in which one of the marking tools 4 is held by the holding unit 3.

[0028] In this way, when multiple marking tools 4 are provided in the marking device, if the color of ink ejected from each marking tool 4 is made different, it is possible to print in multiple colors by switching the marking tools 4 held by the holding unit 3 and printing.

[0029] 6 , by placing the second connector 12 and the mounting connector 13 one above the other when the marking tool 4 is placed on the marking tool mounting portion 7, the second connector 12 and the mounting connector 13 can be connected simply by placing the marking tool 4 on the marking tool mounting portion 7. In this configuration, when the marking tool 4 is placed on the marking tool mounting portion 7, power is supplied to the inkjet printer 8 through both the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. Therefore, for example, the placement of the marking tool 4 on the marking tool mounting portion 7 may be detected and the source of power supply to the inkjet printer 8 may be switched from the first connector 11 to the second connector 12 via a circuit.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 2, a sorting tool is placed on the sorting tool placement unit 16. The sorting tool is, for example, a suction tool 17 and a magnetic tool 18. The tool movement device 2 has the holder 3 hold the sorting tool to transport and sort the workpieces 6. For example, the suction tool 17 held by the holder 3 places the workpieces 6 before processing on the printed material placement unit. In addition, the magnetic tool 18 held by the holder 3 sorts the workpieces 6 after processing.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device in the first embodiment. The control device 14 includes a memory unit 14a, a processing unit 14b, and a communication unit 14c. The memory unit 14a stores a program for controlling the operation of the tool movement device 2. The processing unit 14b reads the program stored in the memory unit 14a and controls the movement of the holder 3 and other components, and transmits control signals to the communication unit to transport and sort the workpieces 6 and print on the workpieces 6. The communication unit 14c transmits the control signals received from the processing unit 14b to the marking tool 4. The control signals for controlling the marking tool 4 are transmitted via wireless communication. The control signals include information indicating the print content. The marking tool 4 stores the information indicating the print content in its own memory unit (not shown) and prints according to the information. The timing for starting printing is determined by a sensor that detects the timing at which the drive shaft 10 operates. This signal is input to the inkjet printer 8 and used as the timing for ejecting ink, so that the print position is not affected by communication time.

[0032] The functions of the processing unit 14b are realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a system LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0033] The functions of the storage unit 14a are realized by memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The memories include recording media on which computer-readable programs are recorded. Such recording media include one or more of nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, flexible memory, optical disks, compact disks, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). The processing unit 14b may include integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0034] In the marking device described above, the tool moving device 2 can perform the function of transporting and sorting the workpieces 6 and the function of printing characters, etc. on the workpieces 6. Therefore, compared to when a device for transporting and sorting the workpieces 6 and a device for printing characters, etc. on the workpieces 6 are provided separately, it is possible to save space for installing the marking device.

[0035] Furthermore, as described above, printing can be performed while switching between a plurality of marking tools 4, so that multicolor printing can be easily performed on the workpiece 6.

[0036] An example has been described in which, when the marking tool 4 is placed on the marking tool placing section 7, the second connector 12 and the placing side connector 13 are stacked vertically, and the second connector 12 and the placing side connector 13 are connected simply by placing the marking tool 4 on the marking tool placing section 7, but this is not limited to this.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a coupling method between the second connector and the mounting-side connector in the first embodiment, illustrating a state before coupling. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a coupling method between the second connector and the mounting-side connector in the first embodiment, illustrating a coupled state. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the marking tool 4 is placed on the marking tool placing portion 7, the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13 may be misaligned, and the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13 may not be coupled simply by placing the marking tool 4 on the marking tool placing portion 7. In such a case, at least one of the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13 may be made movable, and when it is detected that the marking tool 4 has been placed on the marking tool placing portion 7, the second connector 12 or the mounting-side connector 13 may be moved, or both the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13 may be moved, thereby coupling the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13. 9, the mounting-side connector 13 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The power for moving the second connector 12 and the mounting-side connector 13 may be provided by, for example, an actuator or by pressure using an air cylinder.

[0038] A similar configuration may also be employed for connecting the first connector 11 and the connector of the holder 3. In this case, when placing the marking tool 4 on the marking tool placing section 7, the first connector 11 is first disconnected from the connector of the holder 3, and then the second connector 12 is connected to the placing-side connector 13, thereby preventing power from being supplied to the inkjet printer 8 through both the first connector 11 and the second connector 12. Furthermore, even if the power supply to the connector of the holder 3 is shut off by an instruction from the control section 14 when the second connector 12 and the placing-side connector 13 are connected, power can be prevented from being supplied to the inkjet printer 8 through both the first connector 11 and the second connector 12.

[0039] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 laser processing machine, 2 tool moving device, 3 holding section, 4 marking tool, 5 discharge section, 6 workpiece, 7 marking tool placing section, 8 inkjet printer, 9 held section, 10 drive shaft, 11 first connector, 12 second connector, 13 placing side connector, 14 control device, 14a memory section, 14b processing section, 14c communication section, 15 printed material placing section, 16 sorting tool placing section, 17 suction tool, 18 magnet tool, 19 main body, 21 first rail, 22 second rail, 23 pillar, 24 frame material.

Claims

1. an inkjet printer having an ejection unit that ejects ink and a main body that supplies ink to the ejection unit; a held portion that is detachably held by a holding portion of a moving device that moves the inkjet printer; a first connector that is connected to a connector of the holder when the inkjet printer is held in the holder to receive power supply to the inkjet printer; a marking tool placement section on which the inkjet printer removed from the holding section is placed; a mounting side connector provided on the marking tool mounting portion; a second connector that is connected to the mounting-side connector when the inkjet printer is mounted on the marking tool mounting portion to receive power supply to the inkjet printer.

2. 2. The marking tool according to claim 1, wherein the source of power supply to the inkjet printer is switched between the holding part and the placement-side connector when the first connector is connected to the connector of the holding part and the second connector is connected to the placement-side connector.

3. A marking tool according to claim 1 or 2; a print material placement section on which a print material to be printed by the inkjet printer is placed; the moving device, The marking device is characterized in that the holding unit is movable above the print material placement unit.

4. 4. The marking device according to claim 3, further comprising a sorting tool that can be held by the holding portion in place of the marking tool and that can grip the printed material.

5. The marking device according to claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of the marking tools.

6. The marking device according to claim 4; a laser processing machine for laser processing a workpiece, A laser processing unit characterized in that the printed matter is the workpiece.

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