Laser cutting machine

Abstract

To provide a laser cutting device which facilitates quality determination of laser cutting when a laser head is moved.SOLUTION: A laser cutting machine 1 includes a laser head 3, a collection part 4, a collection hopper 5, a suction device 6, a light detection part 11, and a control part 12. The laser head 3 is movable in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The collection part 4 is arranged below the laser head 3, is movable in the first direction X together with the laser head 3, and collects dust generated by cutting a workpiece W. In the collection hopper 5, the dust is moved from the collection part 4. The suction device 6 is connected to the collection hopper 5, and sucks the dust moved to the collection hopper 5 from the collection part 4. The light detection part 11 is arranged in the collection part 4, and detects light when the workpiece W is cut. The control part 12 determines whether the cutting is normally performed, on the basis of the detection of the light detection part 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laser cutting machine.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a press line, instead of blanking by a press machine, a laser blanking device that performs blanking by a laser cutting machine has been used.

[0003] In the laser cutting machine shown in Patent Document 1, the laser head is fixed, and the workpiece is moved on a plane, whereby laser processing is performed on the workpiece. Further, a CCD camera is disposed below the workpiece, and the quality of laser cutting is determined from the captured image of the CCD camera.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration shown in the above Patent Document 1, since the position of the laser head is fixed, it is easy to image the laser cutting portion and determine the quality of laser cutting. However, in the case of a laser cutting machine having a configuration in which the laser head moves, since the laser cutting portion moves, it is difficult to image and it is difficult to determine the quality of laser cutting.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laser cutting machine capable of easily determining the quality of laser cutting when the laser cutting portion moves. ​​​​​The laser cutting machine according to the first disclosure is a laser cutting machine that cuts a workpiece with a laser, and comprises a laser head, a collection unit, a collection hopper, a suction unit, a photodetector, and a control unit. The laser head is movable in a first direction parallel to the workpiece transport direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The collection unit is located below the laser head and is movable together with the laser head in the first direction, and collects dust generated by cutting the workpiece. The dust moves from the collection unit to the collection hopper. The suction unit is connected to the collection hopper and sucks up the dust that has moved from the collection unit to the collection hopper. The photodetector is located in the collection unit and detects the light generated when cutting the workpiece. Based on the detection by the photodetector, it is determined whether or not the cutting is being performed normally. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a laser cutting machine that can easily determine the quality of laser cutting when the laser head is moving. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view of the laser cutting machine in the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] An enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the laser head of the laser cutting machine according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the laser head of a laser cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the dust collection section and drive mechanism of a laser cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the dust collection unit, drive mechanism, and dust collection hopper of a laser cutting machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of a laser cutting machine in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Enlarged view of the vicinity of the detection unit in Figure 6. [Figure 8]A flowchart illustrating the control method of a laser cutting machine in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A partial cross-sectional view of a dust collection box in a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A laser cutting machine according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Overview of Laser Cutting Machine 1) Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the laser cutting machine 1 according to an embodiment. The laser cutting machine 1 shown in Figure 1 can be used in a laser blanking line to cut out a desired shape from, for example, a steel plate (workpiece). The laser blanking line is equipped with an uncoiler, a leveler, the laser cutting machine 1, a cleaning device, and a piler, etc.

[0012] The steel sheets are wound into coils and transported from the uncoiler to a leveler to correct their curl. The straightened steel sheets are then transported to a laser cutting machine and cut into the desired shape. Next, the steel sheets cut into the desired shape are transported to a washing device and other equipment for cleaning, and then stacked by a piler.

[0013] The first direction, which includes the upstream and downstream directions of the conveyance of the workpiece W, is shown as X. The second direction, which is the width direction perpendicular and horizontal to the first direction X, is shown as Y. The third direction, which is the vertical direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y, is shown as Z. Within the second direction Y, the left direction is shown as Y1 and the right direction is shown as Y2, both facing the downstream side of the conveyance direction in the first direction X.

[0014] The laser cutting machine 1 comprises a machine room 2, a laser head 3 (see Figure 2), a collection unit 4, a collection hopper 5, a suction device 6 (an example of a suction unit), a scrap material separation and recovery unit 7 (see Figure 6), a fan panel 8, an airflow adjustment member 9 (see Figure 5), a head surrounding collection unit 10, a light detection unit 11, and a control unit 12.

[0015] Cutting of the workpiece W is performed inside the machine room 2. In FIG. 1, the machine room 2 is shown by a two-dot chain line for explaining the internal configuration. The laser head 3 outputs a laser and cuts the workpiece W. The collection unit 4 collects dust such as dust, fume, or end materials generated by laser cutting. The collected dust is flushed by the airflow in the collection unit 4 toward the second opening 445 on the side of the collection hopper 5. The dust, fume, or end materials collected by the collection unit 4 move from the collection unit 4 to the collection hopper 5. The suction device 6 sucks the dust, fume, or end materials that have moved to the collection unit 4 through the collection hopper 5. The end material separation and recovery unit 7 shown in FIG. 6 described later separates and recovers the end materials from the dust or fume that has moved to the collection hopper 5. The fan panel 8 generates an airflow for moving the dust or fume generated on the upper surface of the workpiece W to the collection hopper 5. The air volume adjustment member 9 adjusts the air volume flowing from the fan panel 8 into the collection hopper 5. The head surrounding collection unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 described later collects the dust or fume generated around the laser head 3. The light detection unit 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) is arranged in the collection unit 4 and detects the light generated during the cutting of the workpiece W. The control unit 12 determines whether the cutting of the workpiece W is normal based on the detection of the light detection unit 11.

[0016] (Machine room 2) The machine room 2 shields the space where the workpiece W is cut from the external space so that the laser does not leak outside.

[0017] The workpiece W that has passed through the leveler is conveyed into the machine room 2 by a conveying mechanism not shown in the figure. Laser cutting is performed inside the machine room 2. The machine room 2 houses the laser head 3, the collection unit 4, the fan panel 8, etc. The workpiece cut into a desired shape by the laser is conveyed out of the machine room 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the machine room 2 has a first side surface 21 where a collection hopper 5 to be described later is arranged, and a second side surface 22 that faces the first side surface 21 and where a fan panel 8 is arranged. A workpiece W is conveyed between the first side surface 21 and the second side surface 22.

[0019] (Laser head 3) FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the laser head 3. FIG. 3 is a view of the vicinity of the laser head 3 as viewed along the leftward Y1 direction. In FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to show the laser head 3, a portion on the rightward Y2 side of the side surface 104 of a hood 101 to be described later is omitted.

[0020] The laser head 3, for example, emits high-power fiber laser light toward the workpiece W. The laser head 3 is located above the workpiece W and is movable in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Also, a height following mechanism in the Z-axis direction is arranged to keep the cutting height (the distance between the workpiece and the nozzle) constant in accordance with the bending of the workpiece W. As shown in FIG. 3, the laser head 3 has a downward laser emission portion 35 and emits laser light downward from the laser emission portion 35. A drive mechanism 30 for moving the laser head 3 in the first direction X and the second direction Y is arranged in the machine room 2 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drive mechanism 30 includes a first carriage 31, a second carriage 32, and a pair of rails 33. The first carriage 31 is elongated along the second direction Y. The second carriage 32 is supported on the first carriage 31 so as to be movable in the second direction Y. The second carriage 32 supports the laser head 3. Each of the pair of rails 33 is positioned on the upper surface of the first carriage 31 along the second direction Y. Multiple blocks provided on the second carriage 32 are fitted into the pair of rails 33. A linear motor (not shown) can be used as an actuator to drive the second carriage 32 relative to the first carriage 31. For example, permanent magnets can be placed along the rails 33, and the second carriage 32 can be equipped with a coil. By passing electricity through the coil, the second carriage 32 can be moved along the rails 33.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the first carriage 31 is supported so as to be movable along a first direction X by a pair of left and right frames 23 fixed to the machine room 2. Rails (not shown) are arranged on the pair of left and right frames 23 along the first direction X, and blocks provided on the first carriage 31 are fitted into the rails. A linear motor can also be used as an actuator for the first carriage 31 to move relative to the frames.

[0023] (Collection section 4) Figure 4 is a perspective view of the collection unit 4 and drive mechanism 30 from the right (Y2) side. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the collection unit 4, drive mechanism 30, and collection hopper 5 from the left (Y1) side. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laser cutting machine 1 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0024] The collection unit 4 is positioned below the laser head 3, sandwiching the workpiece W being transported. As shown in Figure 4, the collection unit 4 has a box section 41 and an airflow generating section 42. In Figure 5, the airflow generating section 42 is omitted.

[0025] The box section 41 is positioned below the laser head 3. The box section 41 collects dust, fumes, or scraps generated during laser cutting. The box section 41 is elongated along the Y direction. As shown in Figure 6, the box section 41 is connected to the first carriage 31 by support members 45 and 46 and is configured to move together with the laser head 3 in the first direction X.

[0026] (Box section 41) As shown in Figure 4, the box section 41 has a first box 43 and a second box 44. The first box 43 is formed along the second direction Y. The first box 43 is provided across the transport width of the workpiece W, and the first box 43 is formed to be longer than the movement range of the laser head 3 in the second direction Y.

[0027] The first box 43 has a roughly rectangular shape. The first box 43 has a side surface 431 (see Figure 2), a side surface 432 (see Figure 2), a side surface 433 (see Figure 5) (an example of a first or second side surface), a side surface 434 (see Figure 4) (an example of a first or second side surface), a bottom surface 435 (see Figure 2), and a top surface 436 (see Figure 2).

[0028] Side 431 is positioned upstream in the first direction X, as shown in Figure 2. Side 432 is positioned downstream of side 431, opposite to side 431. Sides 431 and 432 are positioned perpendicular to the first direction X. Sides 431 and 432 are spaced the same distance apart from the bottom end to near the top end. Sides 431 and 432 have a narrower gap near the top end. Rollers for conveying workpieces can be placed outside near the top end of side 431 and side 432. Side 433 is positioned to the left in the Y1 direction, as shown in Figure 5, and connects the left Y1 ends of side 431 and side 432. Side 433 is positioned perpendicular to the second direction Y. Side 434 is positioned to the right in the Y2 direction, as shown in Figure 4, and connects the right Y2 ends of side 431 and side 432. Side 434 is positioned perpendicular to the second direction Y. The lower end of side 434 is located above the lower ends of side 431 and side 432. The first box 43 has a communication opening 43a (see Figure 6) on the lower side of side 434 and communicates with the internal space of the second box 44.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the bottom surface 435 connects the lower ends of sides 431, 432, and 433. As shown in Figure 6, the bottom surface 435 is formed in a stepped shape with multiple steps that slope downward toward the right in direction Y2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the top surface 436 connects the upper ends of sides 431, 432, 433, and 434.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, a slit-shaped first opening 437 is formed in the ceiling surface 436. The first opening 437 is formed to extend beyond the range of movement of the laser head 3 in the second direction Y. Dust, fumes, or scraps generated by laser cutting fall into the first box 43 through the first opening 437 and are collected.

[0031] The second box 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the second direction Y, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The second box 44 is positioned toward the collection hopper 5 from the left end of side surface 431, the left end of side surface 432, the left end of bottom surface 435, and the bottom end of side surface 433.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the second box 44 has a side 441, a side 442, a bottom surface 443, and a top surface 444. Side 441 is located on the upstream side in the first direction X. Side 442 is located downstream of side 431, opposite side 441. Sides 441 and 442 are arranged along the vertical direction. Although side 441 and 442 are arranged such that the distance between them increases as you move to the right in the direction Y2, this is not the only arrangement. For example, side 441 and 442 may be arranged parallel to each other, or the distance between them may decrease as you move to the right in the direction Y2.

[0033] The base 443 connects the lower end of side 441 and the lower end of side 442. The base 443 is positioned horizontally, but is not limited to this; it may also be inclined downwards as it moves to the right in direction Y2.

[0034] The ceiling surface 444 connects the upper end of side surface 441, the upper end of side surface 442, and the lower end of side surface 434 of the first box 43. The ceiling surface 444 is positioned so that its main surface is horizontal, but it is not limited to this and may be inclined downward as it moves to the right in direction Y2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the second box 44 has an open end 446 in which a second opening 445 is formed that opens toward the collection hopper 5. The open end 446 is formed by the right Y2 side of the side surface 441, the right Y2 side of the side surface 442, the right Y2 side of the bottom surface 443, and the right Y2 side of the top surface 444. The second opening 445 is enclosed by the right Y2 side of the side surface 441, the right Y2 side of the side surface 442, the right Y2 side of the bottom surface 443, and the right Y2 side of the top surface 444. The second opening 445 is formed perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the box section 41 is supported on the first carriage 31 by support members 45 and 46. The support members 45 and 46 extend downward from the first carriage 31. Support member 45 is fixed to the side surface 433 of the first box 43. Support member 46 is fixed to the side surface 434 of the first box. The box section 41 is movable in a first direction X together with the first carriage 31. Note that support members 45 and 46 are omitted in Figures 1, 4 and 5.

[0037] (Airflow generating section 42) As shown in Figure 6, the airflow generating unit 42 generates an airflow within the box section 41 toward the second opening 445. The airflow generating unit 42 has a plurality of air blow nozzles 421. The plurality of air blow nozzles 421 are arranged on the bottom surface 435 of the first box 43.

[0038] Multiple stepped surfaces 438 are provided on the bottom surface 435, forming a step. The height of the bottom surface 435 gradually decreases towards the collection hopper 5. The stepped surfaces 438 are perpendicular to the second direction Y and parallel to the first direction X. Air blow nozzles 421 are located on each of the multiple stepped surfaces 438. In the figure, parts of the air blow nozzles 421 and the stepped surfaces 438 are labeled with reference numerals.

[0039] The air blow nozzle 421 blows air into the first box 43. The air blow nozzle 421 blows air along the second direction Y so as to be directed toward the second opening 445. This generates an airflow (see arrow A) on the bottom surface 435 of the first box 43 toward the second opening 445, and this airflow flows into the second box 44 and is ejected from the second opening 445 (see arrow B). This airflow causes dust, fumes, or scraps collected in the first box 43 to be blown out through the second box 44 and toward the collection hopper 5 from the second opening 445. In addition, the generation of airflow on the bottom surface of the first box 43 induces a Venturi effect, generating a suction airflow into the first box 43 at the first opening 437 (see arrow C). This prevents dust or fumes from leaking out from the first opening 437.

[0040] (Collection hopper 5, suction device 6) The collection hopper 5 collects dust, fumes, or scraps blown out from the second opening 445. The collection hopper 5 has a collection port 51, as shown in Figure 5. The collection port 51 is formed to extend beyond the range of movement of the box portion 41 in the first direction X. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the collection port 51 is formed along the first direction X such that the opening end 446 can be inserted into the collection port 51 within the range of movement of the box portion 41, which moves together with the laser head 3. The collection port 51 is formed in a long rectangular shape in the first direction X.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the collection port 51 has a first region 51a and a second region 51b. The first region 51a is the region into which the opening end 446 can be inserted. Dust, fumes, or scraps are blown into the inside of the collection hopper 5 through the first region 51a from the second opening 445.

[0042] The second region 51b is the upper part of the collection port 51 above the first region 51a. The airflow adjustment member 9, which will be described later, is located in the second region 51b.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the collection hopper 5 is positioned to protrude from the collection port 51 toward the outside of the machine room 2. The collection hopper 5 is formed such that its length in the first direction X and its height in the third direction decrease as it moves toward the outer end from the collection port 51. The outer end of the collection hopper 5 is connected to the duct hose 61 of the suction device 6, as shown in Figure 1. The suction device 6 sucks up and collects the dust or fumes blown into the collection hopper 5.

[0044] (Scrap material separation and recovery section 7) As shown in Figure 6, the scrap material separation and recovery unit 7 includes a separation plate 71 and a recovery trolley 72. The separation plate 71 is positioned opposite the first region 51a of the collection opening 51. The separation plate 71 is inclined such that its upper end is closer to the first region 51a than its lower end. A hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of the collection hopper 5 between the lower end of the separation plate 71 and the collection opening 51. The recovery trolley 72 is positioned below this hole.

[0045] Of the dust, fumes, or scraps blown from the box section 41 toward the collection port 51, the dust and fumes are light and are sucked up by the suction device 6 beyond the separation plate 71 as shown by arrow E, but the scraps (shown as WE in the figure) hit the separation plate 71 and fall through the hole below into the collection trolley 72 (see arrow D). The worker can move the collection trolley 72 to collect the scraps. Furthermore, since the collection trolley 72 is located outside the machine room 2, the worker can collect the scraps without entering the inside of the machine room 2.

[0046] (Fan panel 8, airflow adjustment component 9) As shown in Figure 1, the fan panel 8 is located on the second side 22 of the machine room 2. The fan panel 8 is positioned along the first direction X. The fan panel 8 generates an airflow directed to the right Y2. As shown in Figure 6, the fan panel 8 faces the second region 51b of the collection port 51 described above. In the first direction X, the fan panel 8 is positioned over a range that extends beyond the range in which the laser head 3 can move.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the airflow adjustment member 9 is positioned to cover the second region 51b of the collection port 51 of the collection hopper 5. The region of the collection port 51 where the airflow adjustment member 9 is not located is the first region 51a. The airflow adjustment member 9 has multiple through holes, allowing the airflow to be adjusted. For example, a mesh-like material or perforated metal can be used as the airflow adjustment member 9.

[0048] During the piercing process at the start of cutting, dust and fumes are generated from the surface of the workpiece W because the workpiece W has not yet been penetrated by the laser beam. These dust and fumes generated on the surface of the workpiece W are moved to the collection hopper 5 via the airflow generated by the fan panel 8 through the airflow adjustment member 9. By arranging the airflow adjustment member 9 to create resistance, suction force in the first region 51a can be ensured.

[0049] (Head surrounding collection section 10) The head periphery collection unit 10 collects dust or fumes generated from the surface of the workpiece W in the vicinity of the laser head 3.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the head periphery collection unit 10 has a hood 101 and a duct 102. The hood 101 surrounds the sides and top of the laser emission unit 35 of the laser head 3. A sputter sheet can be used as the hood 101. The hood 101 has a side surface 104 and a top surface 103. The side surface 104 is arranged to surround the laser emission unit 35 in the horizontal direction. The laser head 3 is positioned through the top surface 103. The top surface 103 is positioned above the laser emission unit 35. A through hole is formed in the top surface 103, and one end 102a of the duct 102 is connected to the through hole. The other end 102b of the duct 102 is connected to the top surface 444 of the second box 44, as shown in Figure 5. The duct 102 is connected near the open end 446 of the second box 44. Duct 102 is connected to the second box 44 from above.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, an airflow generated by the airflow generation unit 42 is present in the second box 44. This airflow induces the Venturi effect, creating an airflow within the duct 102 from the hood 101 towards the second box 44 (see arrow F). This allows dust and fumes generated near the laser head 3 during laser cutting to be transported to the second box 44 via the duct 102 and blown out of the second box 44 to the collection hopper 5 through the second opening 445.

[0052] (Photodetector 11) The light detection unit 11 is located in the collection unit 4 and detects the light emitted from the molten metal discharged from the back surface of the workpiece W (steel plate) generated by laser cutting. The light detection unit 11 includes, for example, a photodiode. The light detection unit 11 transmits the detected light emission amount data to the control unit 12.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the light detection unit 11 is located on the side surface 433. The side surface 433 is the surface on the opposite side of the first box 43 from the second opening 445, that is, the surface located upstream of the airflow (arrow A) from the air blow nozzle 421. The light detection unit 11 is located near the ceiling surface 436. The light detection unit 11 is positioned facing to the right Y2 and detects light emission along the ceiling surface 436 (see the dashed line L in Figure 6).

[0054] Figure 7 shows the vicinity of the photodetector 11 in Figure 6. The side surface 433 has a recess 433a. The recess 433a is formed by a part of the side surface 433 protruding to the left in the Y1 direction. The photodetector 11 is positioned in the recess 433a. If the side surface of the side surface 433 other than the recess 433a is shown as 433b, the photodetector 11 is positioned to the left in the Y1 direction from the side surface portion 433b. This prevents molten metal from directly coming into contact with the photodetector 11 even when the laser head 3 moves to the left in the Y1 direction to perform laser cutting. The photodetector 11 is provided on the side surface 433 that intersects with the second direction Y, and since it detects light along the second direction Y, it is possible to detect light emission due to laser cutting even when the laser head 3 moves along the second direction Y.

[0055] (Control Unit 12) The control unit 12 receives the detection value from the light detection unit 11. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 12 is connected to the light detection unit 11 by wire or wireless and receives signals from the light detection unit 11.

[0056] The control unit 12 includes a processor and memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Alternatively, the processor may be a different processor from the CPU. The processor performs a process to determine whether or not laser cutting is being performed normally, according to a program stored in memory. The memory includes non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory may also include auxiliary storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The memory stores pre-set threshold values.

[0057] The control unit 12 determines that laser cutting is being performed normally if the detected value of the light emission amount from the light detection unit 11 is above a threshold. On the other hand, if the detected value of the light emission amount from the light detection unit 11 is below the threshold, the control unit 12 determines that the laser cutting is abnormal. In this case, the control unit 12 can notify the operator that the laser cutting is faulty using images or sounds.

[0058] The threshold value may be changed depending on the type of workpiece W and the process. For example, in the case of a thin workpiece, less light is emitted from the underside of the workpiece W, so the threshold value for the amount of light emitted may be reduced.

[0059] (Control method) Next, the control method for the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control method for the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0060] First, in step S1, the control unit 12 acquires a detected value from the light detection unit 11.

[0061] Next, in step S2, the control unit 12 compares the stored threshold value with the detected value obtained from the photodetector 11 and determines whether the detected value is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0062] If the detected value is above the threshold, in step S3, the control unit 12 determines that the laser cutting is being performed normally and terminates the control.

[0063] On the other hand, if the detected value is below the threshold, in step S4, the control unit 12 determines that the laser cutting is abnormal.

[0064] Next, in step S5, the control unit 12 notifies the operator that the laser cutting is abnormal, and the control ends. The control unit 12 may stop the laser cutting if it determines that the laser cutting is abnormal.

[0065] (Features, etc.) (1) The laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment is a laser cutting machine that cuts a workpiece W with a laser, and comprises a laser head 3, a collection unit 4, a collection hopper 5, a suction device 6, a photodetector 11, and a control unit 12. The laser head 3 is movable in a first direction X parallel to the transport direction of the workpiece W and in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The collection unit 4 is located below the laser head 3 and is movable together with the laser head 3 in the first direction X, and collects dust generated by cutting the workpiece W. The dust moves from the collection unit 4 to the collection hopper 5. The suction device 6 is connected to the collection hopper 5 and sucks up the dust that has moved from the collection unit 4 to the collection hopper 5. The photodetector 11 is located in the collection unit 4 and detects the light generated when the workpiece W is cut. The control unit 12 determines whether the cutting is being performed normally based on the detection by the photodetector 11.

[0066] As described above, the optical detection unit 11 for detecting whether laser cutting is being performed correctly is located in the collection unit 4, which moves together with the laser head 3. Therefore, even in a laser cutting machine 1 with a configuration in which the laser head 3 moves, the optical detection unit 11 moves together with the laser head 3 in the first direction X, making it easy to detect the light emitted by laser cutting and to easily determine whether the laser cutting is being performed correctly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the optical detection unit 11 is located below the workpiece W, it is possible to detect the light emitted from the molten metal discharged from the back surface of the steel plate generated by laser cutting, and it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the laser cutting is being performed correctly.

[0067] (2) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the collection unit 4 has a box portion 41 that includes a ceiling surface 436 facing the laser head 3 and having a first opening 437 formed along the second direction Y, and an open end 446 having a second opening 445 that opens toward the collection hopper 5. The light detection unit 11 is located inside the box portion 41.

[0068] This makes it possible to detect light emission inside the box section 41 located below the workpiece W.

[0069] (3) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the box section 41 has a side surface 433 that intersects with the second direction Y. The light detection unit 11 is located on the side surface 433.

[0070] This makes it possible to detect light emission from laser cutting even when the laser head 3 is moving along the second direction Y while laser cutting is performed.

[0071] (4) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the side surface 433 has a recess 433a formed facing outward from the box portion 41. The light detection unit 11 is located in the recess 433a.

[0072] This prevents the molten metal generated during laser cutting from coming into contact with the light detection unit 11.

[0073] (5) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the collection unit 4 further includes an airflow generating unit 42 that generates an airflow towards the open end 446 within the box unit 41.

[0074] As a result, the intake airflow from the first opening 437 is generated by the Venturi effect caused by the airflow, rather than by negative pressure. Dust (powder, fumes, or scraps) generated by cutting is collected in the box section 41 through the first opening 437, and the collected dust is moved from the box section 41 to the collection hopper 5 by the airflow generating unit 42 and sucked up by the suction device 6. Here, the dust is blown away by the airflow generating unit 42 and moved from the box section 41 to the collection hopper 5, and the collection hopper 5 is not directly connected to the box section 41. Therefore, the box section 41 can be easily moved at high speed together with the laser head 3, and high-speed cutting can be accommodated. In addition, since the dust that has moved from the box section 41 to the collection hopper 5 is sucked up by the suction device 6, the dust can be removed without stopping the device. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether or not laser cutting is being performed normally even with the laser head 3 operating at high speed in this way.

[0075] (6) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the light detection unit 11 is located on the side surface 433 of the box section 41 on the upstream side of the airflow.

[0076] By positioning the light detection unit 11 on the side 433, that is, on the upstream side of the airflow, it is possible to prevent instability in detection due to the influence of dust, fumes, scraps, etc.

[0077] (7) In the laser cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, the airflow generating unit 42 is located on the bottom surface 435 of the box section 41. The light detection unit 11 is located near the top surface 436 of the box section 41.

[0078] This prevents instability in detection caused by the influence of dust, fumes, scraps, etc.

[0079] (Other embodiments) Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] (A) In the above embodiment, the laser cutting machine 1 is equipped with only one laser head 3, but it may be equipped with two or more. Two laser heads 3 may be arranged side by side along the first direction X. If multiple laser heads 3 are provided, each laser head 3 may be equipped with a first carriage 31, a second carriage 32, and a pair of rails 33.

[0081] (B) In the above embodiment, the light detection unit 11 is described as including a photodiode, but it is not limited to a photodiode. An imaging means such as a CCD camera may be provided, and light emission may be detected by performing image analysis.

[0082] In this embodiment, since the light detection unit 11 moves together with the collection unit 4, it is preferable to use a photodiode when considering vibrations.

[0083] (C) In the above embodiment, the light detection unit 11 is located on the side surface 433, but it is not limited to this. Figure 9 shows a configuration in which the light detection unit 11 is located on the side surface 434. In Figure 9, the light detection unit 11 is located near the ceiling surface 436. In this case, similar to the above embodiment, a recess 434a may be formed on the side surface 434, and the light detection unit 11 may be provided in the recess 434a. Note that the light detection unit 11 does not need to be provided in the recesses 433a and 434a as long as molten metal does not come into direct contact with it.

[0084] (D) In the above embodiment, the side surface 433 or side surface 434 on which the light detection unit 11 is located is arranged along the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this, and may be an inclined surface, for example, and the light detection unit 11 may be located on the inclined surface. Alternatively, the first box 43 may not have a side surface 434, and the ceiling surface 444 of the first box 43 may be located from the right Y2 side end of the ceiling surface 436 to the opening end 446, in which case the light detection unit 11 may be located on the ceiling surface 444.

[0085] (E) In the above embodiment and (C), the light detection unit 11 is positioned on the side surface 433 or side surface 434 of the box portion 41 that intersects with the second direction Y. However, it is not limited to the position of side surface 433 or side surface 434, as long as it can detect the emission of light due to laser cutting of the workpiece W.

[0086] (F) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the open end 446 is inserted inside the collection port 51. However, the open end 446 does not need to be inserted into the collection port 51 if the dust, fumes, or scraps blown out from the open end 446 reach the collection port 51 without falling. In other words, a gap may be provided between the second opening 445 formed in the open end 446 and the collection port 51.

[0087] (G) In the above embodiment, the laser cutting machine 1 is equipped with a fan panel 8 and an airflow adjustment member 9 to collect dust and fumes generated from the surface of the workpiece W. However, the fan panel 8 and airflow adjustment member 9 are not required. In this case, a vent can be provided on the side of the machine room, and the suction force of the suction device 6 can draw air into the machine room 2 from the vent, creating an airflow that passes over the surface of the workpiece W. If the airflow adjustment member 9 is not provided, the second region 51b may be closed.

[0088] (H) In the above embodiment, the air blow nozzles 421 are arranged on all stepped surfaces 438, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, they may be provided every two surfaces, or the arrangement can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (I) In the above embodiment, the airflow generating unit 42 has an air blow nozzle 421, but it is not limited to an air blow nozzle; for example, it may be a fan or the like, as long as it can generate airflow.

[0090] (J) In the above embodiment, a linear motor is used for the drive mechanism 30 of the laser head 3, but it is not limited to this, and a ball screw or the like may be used if high speed is not required. [Industrial applicability]

[0091] The laser cutting machine of this disclosure has the effect of making it possible to easily determine the quality of laser cutting when the laser head is moving, and can be used in laser blanking lines and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Laser cutting machine 2: Machine Room 3: Laser head 4: Collection section 5: Collection hopper 6:Suction device 11: Light detection unit 12: Control Unit

Claims

1. A laser cutting machine in which a workpiece is cut by a laser, A laser head that can move in a first direction parallel to the transport direction of the workpiece and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A collection unit is positioned below the laser head and is movable together with the laser head in the first direction, and collects dust generated by cutting the workpiece. A collection hopper from which the dust moves from the collection unit, A suction unit connected to the collection hopper, which sucks up the dust that has moved from the collection unit to the collection hopper, The collection unit is equipped with a light detection unit that detects light generated during the cutting of the workpiece, The system includes a control unit that determines whether or not the cutting has been performed correctly based on the detection of the light detection unit, The collection unit has a box portion having a side surface that intersects with the second direction, The aforementioned side surface has a recess formed toward the outside of the box portion, The light detection unit is located in the recess inside the box portion. Laser cutting machine.

2. A laser cutting machine in which a workpiece is cut by a laser, A laser head that can move in a first direction parallel to the transport direction of the workpiece and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A collection unit is positioned below the laser head and is movable together with the laser head in the first direction, and collects dust generated by cutting the workpiece. A collection hopper from which the dust moves from the collection unit, A suction unit connected to the collection hopper, which sucks up the dust that has moved from the collection unit to the collection hopper, The collection unit is equipped with a light detection unit that detects light generated during the cutting of the workpiece, The system includes a control unit that determines whether or not the cutting has been performed correctly based on the detection of the light detection unit, The collection unit has a box section and further includes an airflow generating section that generates an airflow within the box section from one end to the other end. The light detection unit is positioned on the surface of the box portion on the upstream side of the airflow. Laser cutting machine.

3. A laser cutting machine in which a workpiece is cut by a laser, A laser head that can move in a first direction parallel to the transport direction of the workpiece and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A collection unit is positioned below the laser head and is movable together with the laser head in the first direction, and collects dust generated by cutting the workpiece. A collection hopper from which the dust moves from the collection unit, A suction unit connected to the collection hopper, which sucks up the dust that has moved from the collection unit to the collection hopper, The collection unit is equipped with a light detection unit that detects light generated during the cutting of the workpiece, The system includes a control unit that determines whether or not the cutting has been performed correctly based on the detection of the light detection unit, The collection unit comprises a box section having a bottom surface and a top surface, and an airflow generating section that generates an airflow within the box section from one end to the other end. The airflow generating unit is located on the bottom surface of the box section. The light detection unit is located near the ceiling surface of the box section. Laser cutting machine.

4. The box portion includes a ceiling surface facing the laser head and having a first opening along the second direction, and an open end having a second opening that opens toward the collection hopper. The laser cutting machine according to claim 1.

5. The box portion has a first side surface and a second side surface that are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction. The light detection unit is located on the first side or the second side, The laser cutting machine according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The collection unit further includes an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow towards the open end within the box portion. The laser cutting machine according to claim 4.

7. The light detection unit is positioned on the surface of the box portion on the upstream side of the airflow. The laser cutting machine according to claim 6.

8. The airflow generating unit is located on the bottom surface of the box section. The light detection unit is located near the ceiling surface of the box section. The laser cutting machine according to claim 6.

9. The light detection unit includes a photodiode, A laser cutting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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