Laser processing machine system

Abstract

To suppress reduction in production speed of products in a laser beam machining system, in other words, reduction in an operation rate of the laser beam machining system.SOLUTION: A laser beam machining system 100 includes: a plurality of laser beam machining devices 10; a plurality of cooling devices 20; a monitoring terminal 30 monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of laser beam machining devices 10 and the plurality of cooling devices 20; and a flow passage 40 to which the plurality of laser beam machining devices 10 and the plurality of cooling devices 20 are commonly connected. The plurality of cooling devices 20 supply coolant for cooling the plurality of laser beam machining devices 10 to the flow passage 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laser processing machine system. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a laser processing machine system that includes a plurality of laser processing machines and manages each laser processing machine.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when the output of a laser oscillator decreases during operation of a laser processing machine, a self-diagnosis program is executed, thereby minimizing the machine downtime caused by the output decrease of the laser oscillator.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, information indicating the state of a laser device is collected for each preset event, thereby predicting the service life of consumable parts and predicting troubles of the laser device in advance. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-71578 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-80112 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] By the way, if the laser oscillator and processing head of a laser processing machine are continuously used, heat generation increases the temperature of the internal light source and optical components, which causes processing defects due to product deterioration and degradation of beam quality. For this reason, the laser processing machine system is provided with a cooling device for cooling the laser oscillator, processing head and the like of the laser processing machine. The cooling device circulates cooling water through a flow path provided for cooling the laser processing machine, thereby keeping the temperature of the laser oscillator, the processing head and the like constant.

[0007] In laser processing machine systems, typically one cooling unit is provided for each laser processing machine. Therefore, if a cooling unit stops working, the corresponding laser processing machine must also be stopped. This reduces the production speed of products by the laser processing machine system, or in other words, the operating rate of the laser processing machine system.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a laser processing machine system that suppresses a decrease in the production speed of products, in other words, a decrease in the operating rate of the laser processing machine system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the laser processing machine system according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of laser processing machines, a plurality of cooling devices, a monitoring terminal for monitoring and controlling the operation of the plurality of laser processing machines and the plurality of cooling devices, and a flow path to which the plurality of laser processing machines and the plurality of cooling devices are commonly connected, wherein the plurality of cooling devices supply cooling water to the flow path for cooling the plurality of laser processing machines. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the production speed of products, in other words, a decrease in the operating rate of the laser processing machine system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the laser processing machine system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a laser device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the laser processing machine system. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the first processing stage. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the second processing stage. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the third process. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the operation of the laser processing machine system during the opening operation of the switch. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the operation of the laser processing machine system during the closing operation of the switch. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0013] (Configuration and operation of the inspection system) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the laser processing machine system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the laser processing machine system 100 comprises a plurality of laser processing machines 10 (10a to 10e), a plurality of cooling devices 20 (20a to 20e), and a monitoring terminal 30. The laser processing machine system 100 also has a flow path 40 for circulating the cooling water discharged from each cooling device 20. The laser processing machines 10 (10a to 10e) and the cooling devices 20 (20a to 20e) are connected to the flow path 40.

[0014] First, the configuration of the laser processing machine 10 (10a to 10e) will be explained. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the laser processing machine 10. As shown in Figure 2, the laser processing machine 10 has a laser processing head 11, an optical fiber 12, a manipulator 13, and a robot control unit 14.

[0015] A laser processing machine 10 is connected to an optical fiber 12, and laser light generated by a laser oscillator 15 is guided to a laser processing head 11 via the optical fiber 12. The laser processing head 11 irradiates a workpiece W with the laser light guided by the optical fiber 12. The manipulator 13 has the laser processing head 11 attached to a distal end thereof, and moves the laser processing head 11. A robot control unit 14 controls the operation of the manipulator 13. Note that electric power for laser oscillation is supplied to the laser oscillator 15 from a power source not shown in the drawings.

[0016] The laser processing machine 10 is used for performing cutting, welding, drilling and the like on a workpiece W by operating a manipulator 13 to which a laser processing head 11 is attached, and irradiating the workpiece W with laser light output from the laser processing machine 10 along a desired trajectory.

[0017] A part of the optical fiber 12 is disposed inside the laser oscillator 15, the laser processing head 11, the remaining part of the optical fiber 12, and the manipulator 13 are disposed inside a processing chamber 17 separated from the laser oscillator 15, and the robot control unit 14 is disposed inside a control room 18 separated from the laser oscillator 15 and the processing chamber 17. However, a control unit 16 of the laser processing machine 10 is disposed inside the control room 18. Note that the control room 18 is optically shielded from the laser oscillator 15 and the processing chamber 17 so that part of the laser light does not enter the control room due to reflection or the like.

[0018] Although not shown in the drawings, the laser oscillator 15 includes a plurality of laser modules, a beam combiner, and a condensing optical unit. One end of the optical fiber 12 is connected to the condensing optical unit, and the condensing optical unit guides laser light to the laser processing head 11 shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] The laser module is composed of a plurality of laser diodes or laser arrays that emit laser beams of different wavelengths, and wavelength-synthesized laser light in the laser module is emitted from each of the laser modules respectively.

[0020] The beam coupler combines laser beams emitted from multiple laser modules into a single laser beam and outputs it to the focusing optical unit. Specifically, it brings the optical axes of each laser beam close together or coincides with them, and couples them so that their optical axes are parallel to each other. The wavelength range of the laser beam is, for example, between 900 nm and 1 μm.

[0021] The focusing optical unit reduces the beam diameter of the incident laser light by a predetermined magnification using a focusing lens (not shown) located inside, and then directs the beam into the optical fiber 12. The focusing optical unit also has a connector (not shown), to which one end of the optical fiber 12 is connected.

[0022] By configuring the laser oscillator 15 in this way, a high-power laser processing machine 10 with a laser light output exceeding several kW can be obtained.

[0023] The control unit 16 controls the laser oscillation of the laser module. Specifically, it controls the laser oscillation by supplying control signals such as output voltage and on-time to a power supply (not shown) connected to each laser module.

[0024] The control unit 16 also has a sensor 19. A channel connected to the channel 40 is formed inside the laser processing machine 10. The channel formed inside the laser processing machine 10 is designed to cool various parts of the laser processing machine 10, such as the laser processing head 11, laser oscillator 15, and control unit 16, with the incoming cooling water. The sensor 19 detects the flow rate and temperature of the cooling water in the channel inside the laser processing machine 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit 16 is configured to communicate with the monitoring terminal 30. The control unit 16 transmits status information, including the operating status of the laser processing machine 10 and the detection results of the sensors 19, to the monitoring terminal 30. The control unit 16 also operates various parts of the laser processing machine 10 based on the information received from the monitoring terminal 30.

[0026] The cooling device 20 has a cooling mechanism such as a chiller (cooling water circulation device). The cooling device 20 cools the cooling water circulating in the flow path 40 using the cooling mechanism and discharges the cooled cooling water into the flow path 40. The cooling device 20 also has a sensor 21 that detects the flow rate and temperature of the cooling water discharged into the flow path 40.

[0027] Furthermore, the cooling device 20 is configured to communicate with the monitoring terminal 30. The cooling device 20 transmits status information, including its own operating status and the detection results of the sensor 21, to the monitoring terminal 30. The cooling device 20 also operates its various components based on the information received from the monitoring terminal 30. Specifically, the cooling device 20 controls the flow rate and temperature of the cooling water it discharges based on the information received from the monitoring terminal 30.

[0028] As described above, the laser processing machine system 100 has a flow path 40 for circulating cooling water. Specifically, the flow path 40 has flow paths 40a to 40e in a first direction A1 that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e, respectively. In addition, the flow path 40 has flow paths 41a to 41d in a second direction A2 that intersects with the first direction A1 and connects the flow paths 40a, 40c, and 40e in the first direction A1 with the flow paths 40b and 40e in the first direction A1 that are adjacent to or near these flow paths. In other words, the flow paths 41a to 41d in the second direction A2 are flow paths that cross and connect the flow paths 40a to 40e in the first direction A1 that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e, respectively.

[0029] Here, the flow paths 40a to 40e in the first direction A1 and the flow paths 41a to 41d in the second direction A2 are formed with switches 50a to 50e and 51a to 51d for opening and closing the flow paths in each direction. Each of the switches 50a to 50e and 51a to 51d comprises an on-off valve and an on-off control unit (not shown). The on-off valve is, for example, a ball valve, and opens and closes the corresponding flow path. The on-off control unit is configured to communicate with the monitoring terminal 30 and opens and closes the on-off valve in response to signals received from the monitoring terminal 30.

[0030] In the second direction A2, switch 51a is installed in the flow path 41a connecting the flow path 40a and flow path 40b in the first direction A1, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the flow path 40a and flow path 40b. In the second direction A2, switch 51b is installed in the flow path 41b connecting the flow path 40b and flow path 40c in the first direction A1, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the flow path 40b and flow path 40c. In the second direction A2, switch 51c is installed in the flow path 41c connecting the flow path 40c and flow path 40d in the first direction A1, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the flow path 40c and flow path 40d. In the second direction A2, the switch 51d is installed in the flow path 41d that connects the flow path 40d and flow path 40e in the first direction A1, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the flow path 40d and flow path 40e.

[0031] Furthermore, switch 50a is located in the flow path 40a in the first direction A1, on the side of the cooling device 20a beyond the connection point between the flow path 40a in the first direction A1 and the 41a in the second direction A2, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect between the cooling device 20a and the flow path 40a. Switch 50b is located in the flow path 40b in the first direction A1, on the side of the cooling device 20b beyond the connection point between the flow path 40b in the first direction A1 and the 41a (41b) in the second direction A2, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect between the cooling device 20b and the flow path 40b. Switch 50c is located in the flow path 40c in the first direction A1, on the side of the cooling device 20c beyond the connection point between the flow path 40c in the first direction A1 and the 41b (41c) in the second direction A2, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect between the cooling device 20c and the flow path 40c. Switch 50d is located in the flow path 40d in the first direction A1, on the side of the cooling device 20d beyond the connection point between the flow path 40d in the first direction A1 and the 41c (41d) in the second direction A2, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the cooling device 20d and the flow path 40d. Switch 50e is located in the flow path 40e in the first direction A1, on the side of the cooling device 20e beyond the connection point between the flow path 40e in the first direction A1 and the 41d in the second direction A2, and controls the on / off valve to connect and disconnect the cooling device 20e and the flow path 40e.

[0032] As described above, the monitoring terminal 30 is configured to communicate with the laser processing machine 10 (control unit 16), the cooling device 20, and the switches 50a-50e, 51a-51d, and controls the operation of the laser processing machines 10a-10e, the cooling devices 20a-20e, and the switches 50a-50e, 51a-51d. Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 controls the operation (operation or shutdown) of the laser processing machine 10 and the cooling device 20, as well as the open / closed state of the switches 50a-50e, 51a-51d, based on status information received from the laser processing machine 10 and the cooling device 20.

[0033] The monitoring terminal 30 is also equipped with a display device 31. The display device 31 displays various statuses of the laser processing machine system 100. For example, the display device 31 displays the operating status of the laser processing machine 10 and the cooling device 20, as well as the detection results of each sensor.

[0034] As will be explained in more detail later, if no abnormalities occur in the cooling device 20 or the flow path 40 in the laser processing machine system 100, the switches 50a to 50e located on each of the flow paths 40a to 40e in the first direction A1 that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e respectively will be in an open state, and the switches 51a to 51d located on each of the flow paths 41a to 41d in the second direction A2 that cross and connect the flow paths 40a to 40e in the first direction A1 that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e respectively will be in a closed state. In other words, the cooling devices 20a to 20e will be cooling the laser processing machines 10a to 10e respectively via the flow paths 40a to 40e in the first direction A1 that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e respectively. In contrast, if any of the cooling devices 20a to 20e fail, or if a part of the flow path 40 is damaged, or if any other abnormality occurs in the cooling device 20 or the flow path 40, cooling water may not be supplied from the cooling device 20 to the corresponding laser processing machine 10. In this embodiment, even if an abnormality occurs in the cooling device 20 or the flow path 40, the monitoring terminal 30 can control the switches 50a to 50d and 51a to 51d to allow the laser processing machine 10 to continue operating.

[0035] (Operation of the laser processing machine system) -Overall operation of the laser processing machine system- Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the laser processing machine system. First, the monitoring terminal 30 receives status information from each laser processing machine 10 and each cooling device 20 (step S1). The status information includes information such as the operating status of the device itself and the detection results of sensors installed within it. Specifically, the status information transmitted by the laser processing machine 10 includes its operating status (operating and stopped) and the detection results of the sensor 19 (flow rate and temperature of the cooling water in its flow path). The status information transmitted by the cooling device 20 also includes its operating status (operating and stopped) and the detection results of the sensor 21 (flow rate and temperature of the cooling water in its flow path). In addition, the status information transmitted by the cooling device 20 may include warning information. Warning information is transmitted when it is time for the cooling device 20 to undergo regular maintenance.

[0036] Next, the monitoring terminal 30 determines whether the cooling device 20 is stopped (whether the first abnormality has occurred) (step S2). Specifically, if the status information includes information indicating that the cooling device 20 is stopped, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 is stopped. If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 is stopped (Yes in step S2), it executes the first process described later (step S2a).

[0037] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 is not stopped (No in step S2), it determines whether the cooling device 20 has sent warning information (whether a second abnormality has occurred) (step S3). Specifically, if the status information contains warning information, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 has sent warning information. If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 has sent warning information (Yes in step S3), it executes the second process described later (step S3a).

[0038] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the cooling device 20 has not transmitted warning information (No. in step S3), it determines whether the flow rate of the cooling water in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is below a predetermined value (whether or not a third abnormality has occurred) (step S4). Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 determines whether or not the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is below a predetermined value based on the detection result of the sensor 19 included in the status information. For example, if the flow rate of the cooling water is specified as 35 L / min around the laser oscillator 15 and 2 L / min around the laser processing head 11, the monitoring terminal 30 determines whether or not the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is below a predetermined value when the flow rate of the cooling water falls below 90% of these values.

[0039] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S4), it executes the third process described later (step S4a). If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is not less than a predetermined value (is greater than or equal to a predetermined value) (No in step S4), it terminates the process.

[0040] -Regarding the first process- Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the first process. The first process is the process that the laser processing machine system 100 executes when the cooling device 20 stops (when the first abnormality occurs). In the initial state of the first, second, and third processes described below, the switches 50a to 50e located on each of the first direction A1 flow paths 40a to 40e that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e are open, and the switches 51a to 51d located on each of the second direction A2 flow paths 41a to 41d that cross and connect the first direction A1 flow paths 40a to 40e that connect the laser processing machines 10a to 10e and the cooling devices 20a to 20e are closed. In other words, the cooling devices 20a to 20e supply cooling water to the laser processing machines 10a to 10e via the flow paths 40a to 40e.

[0041] First, in the first process, the monitoring terminal 30 stops the operation of the laser processing machine corresponding to the stopped cooling device 20 (step S11). Then, the monitoring terminal 30 selects a cooling device 20 that can share a flow path with the laser processing machine corresponding to the stopped cooling device 20 (step S12). This "cooling device 20 that can share a flow path" refers to a cooling device 20 that is currently operating with a discharge flow rate below a predetermined value (for example, 60% or less of the maximum flow rate).

[0042] The monitoring terminal 30 selects a predetermined number of cooling devices from the selected cooling devices 20 that are close to the stopped cooling device 20 (step S13). In this embodiment, the monitoring terminal 30 selects three cooling devices 20 that are close to the stopped cooling device 20 via the flow path 40. For example, in Figure 1, if cooling device 20b stops, the monitoring terminal 30 selects cooling devices 20a, 20c, and 20d.

[0043] The monitoring terminal 30 controls the switches 51a to 51d in the second direction A2 and opens the switches 51a to 51d (step S14). Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 opens the switches 51a to 51d so that the flow path between the selected cooling device 20 and the stopped cooling device 20 is connected (shared). For example, in Figure 1, if cooling device 20b is stopped and cooling devices 20a, 20c, and 20d are selected, the monitoring terminal 30 opens the switches 51a, 51b, and 51c in the second direction A2. The operation of switches 51a to 51d (the closing operation of the switches) at this time will be described later. As a result of the process in step S14, even if, for example, the cooling device 20b stops, the monitoring terminal 30 controls the system and opens switches 51a to 51d so that the flow paths between the selected cooling device 20 and the stopped cooling device 20 are connected (shared). This allows cooling water to be supplied to the laser processing machine 10b from the cooling devices 20a, 20c, and 20d, which are the cooling devices 20 selected to replace the stopped cooling device 20b, thereby preventing the laser processing machine 10b from malfunctioning and stopping (suppressing a decrease in operating rate).

[0044] Then, the monitoring terminal 30 restarts the operation of the laser processing machine 10 corresponding to the stopped cooling device 20 (step S15). Subsequently, the monitoring terminal 30 displays on the display device 31 that the cooling device 20 has stopped (that a first abnormality has occurred) and prompts the operator to respond to the first abnormality (step S16). Specifically, the operator restores the stopped cooling device 20 and restarts the operation of the stopped cooling device 20 (supply of cooling water to the flow path 40).

[0045] Then, the monitoring terminal 30 closes the switches 51a to 51e (step S17). Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 closes the switches 51a to 51d in the second direction A2 to block the flow path between the selected cooling device 20 and the stopped cooling device 20. The operation of switches 51a to 51d at this time (opening operation of the switches) will be described later.

[0046] In the first process, if the cooling device 20 stops operating due to a malfunction or other reason, the monitoring terminal 30 controls the switches 51a to 51d so that cooling water is supplied to the laser processing machine 10 corresponding to the stopped cooling device 20, and the flow path is shared (connected) with other cooling devices 20. This prevents malfunctions in the laser processing machine 10.

[0047] In step S13, although it was exemplified that the predetermined number of cooling devices 20 selected by the monitoring terminal 30 is three, it is not limited to this, and one or more is sufficient. Also, if the monitoring terminal 30 is unable to select a predetermined number or more of cooling devices 20 in step S13, steps S14 and S17 (opening and closing operations of switches 51a to 51d) may be omitted. In this case, step S15 (restarting the operation of the stopped laser processing machine 10) is executed after step S16 (response to the first abnormality by the worker).

[0048] Furthermore, while this first process describes the operation when one cooling device 20 fails, the laser processing machine system according to this embodiment can also handle cases where multiple cooling devices 20 fail. In this case, it can be handled by increasing the predetermined number of cooling devices 20 selected in step S13. For example, if two cooling devices 20 fail, six cooling devices can be selected.

[0049] -Regarding the second process- Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the second process. The second process is performed by the laser processing machine system when the cooling device 20 transmits warning information (when a second abnormality occurs). Compared to the first process (Figure 4), step S11 is omitted in the second process, and instead of steps S15 and S16, step S21 is performed after step 14.

[0050] In step S21, the display device 31 displays a message indicating that the cooling device 20 has sent a warning (that a second abnormality has occurred), prompting the operator to respond to the second abnormality. Specifically, the operator performs maintenance on the cooling device 20 that sent the warning.

[0051] The second process is the operation of the laser processing machine system 100 when it receives warning information (information indicating that it is time for periodic maintenance) from the cooling device 20. Even if warning information is transmitted from the cooling device 20, the supply of cooling water from that cooling device 20 to the corresponding laser processing machine 10 will not be abruptly stopped. Furthermore, in the second process, even if the operation of the cooling device 20 is stopped for periodic maintenance, the flow path is shared with other cooling devices 20 so that cooling water can be supplied to the laser processing machine 10 from other cooling devices 20. For this reason, in the second process, which is the process when warning information (second abnormality) is received from the cooling device 20, it is possible to continue operating the laser processing machine 10 without stopping it.

[0052] The predetermined number of cooling devices 20 selected by the monitoring terminal 30 may differ between step S13 of the second process and step S13 of the first process. For example, the monitoring terminal 30 may select one or more cooling devices 20 in step S13 of the second process.

[0053] -Regarding the third process- Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system in the third process. The third process is performed by the laser processing machine system when the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 is below a predetermined value. Compared to the first process (Figure 4), step S11 is omitted in the third process, steps S31 and S32 are performed before step S12, and step S33 is performed after step 14 instead of steps S15 and S16.

[0054] In step S31, the monitoring terminal 30 determines whether the flow rate of the cooling device 20 corresponding to the laser processing machine 10, whose flow rate is below a predetermined value, can be increased (step S31). For example, if the flow rate currently discharged by the cooling device 20 is below a predetermined value (for example, 60% or less of the maximum flow rate), it is determined that the flow rate of the cooling device 20 can be increased.

[0055] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that it can increase the flow rate of the cooling device 20 corresponding to the laser processing machine 10 (Yes in step S31), it increases the flow rate of the cooling device 20 (step S32). On the other hand, if the monitoring terminal 30 determines that it cannot increase the flow rate of the cooling device 20 corresponding to the laser processing machine 10 (No in step S31), it executes step S12.

[0056] In step S33, the display device 31 displays a message indicating that the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 has decreased and fallen below a predetermined value (indicating that a third abnormality has occurred), prompting the operator to respond to the third abnormality. Specifically, the operator checks whether there is any damage in the flow path 40, whether the cooling water in the flow path 40 is contaminated, etc., and then restores the system.

[0057] The third process is the operation of the laser processing machine system 100 when the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 decreases and falls below a predetermined value (when the third abnormality occurs). Even if the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 falls below a predetermined value, the flow rate in the flow path within the laser processing machine 10 can be increased by the corresponding cooling device 20 or other cooling devices 20, making it possible to continue operating the laser processing machine 10 without stopping.

[0058] -Regarding the opening operation of the switch- Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the laser processing machine system during the opening of a switch. The operation in Figure 7 occurs in step S14 of Figures 4 to 6 (step S14 is the operation of opening a switch, which is connected to the flow path of cooling device 20 selected to replace the malfunctioning cooling device 20b. Here, cooling water is supplied from cooling device 20a to the laser processing machine 10b via the switch to replace the faulty cooling device 20b, thereby preventing the laser processing machine 10b from stopping (suppressing a decrease in operating rate)). Here, we will explain the operation of opening switch 51a on the second direction A2 between the laser processing machines 10a and 10b when a malfunction occurs in cooling device 20b. In this case, it is cooling device 20a, which is the cooling device 20 selected to replace the malfunctioning cooling device 20b. Furthermore, we will explain using the case where the on-off valves of switches 50a and 50b on the first direction A1 and switch 51a on the second direction A2 are electrically operated ball valves as an example. This allows the ball valve to open to any predetermined maximum angle (for example, up to 90°). First, the monitoring terminal 30 controls a switch 51a located on the second-direction A2 flow path 41a connecting the first-direction A1 flow path 40a connecting the laser processing machine 10a and the cooling device 20a, and the first-direction A1 flow path 40b connecting the laser processing machine 10b and the cooling device 20b, and opens the switch 51a (on-off valve) by 1° (step S41). Then, the monitoring terminal 30 receives status information from the laser processing machine 10a connected to the cooling device 20a that was selected to replace the cooling device 20b that had malfunctioned, and determines whether the first condition is met (step S42). Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the first condition is met if the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is less than a predetermined value, or if the switch 51a is at a predetermined maximum angle. For example, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate inside the laser processing machine 10a is below a predetermined value if it is less than 98% of the specified value, and that the first condition is met. The monitoring terminal 30 also determines that the first condition is met if the on / off valve of the switch 51a is at a predetermined maximum angle (for example, 90°).

[0059] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the first condition is not met (No. in step S42), it executes step S41 again (opening the switch 51a by another 1°) to open the switch 51a connected to the flow path 40b in the first direction A1 that connects the laser processing machine 10b and the cooling device 20b. In this case, the loop of NO in S42 (executed when it is determined that the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is not below a predetermined value (is above a predetermined value)) continues until the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a falls below a predetermined value or the switch 51a reaches a predetermined maximum angle, and the switch 51a is gradually opened in sequence.

[0060] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the first condition is met (Yes in step S42), it controls the switch 50a located in the flow path 40a in the first direction A1 connecting the laser processing machine 10a and the cooling device 20a, and opens the switch 50a (on-off valve) by 1° (step S43). This increases the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the cooling device 20a into the flow path 40a connecting the laser processing machine 10a and the laser processing machine 10b. The monitoring terminal 30 then receives status information from the laser processing machine 10a and determines whether the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value (step S44). For example, if the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is 98% or more of the specified value, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value.

[0061] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is not above a predetermined value (below a predetermined value) (No in step S44), it executes step S43 again (opening the switch 50a by another 1°). In this case, the loop of NO in S44 (determining that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is not above a predetermined value (below a predetermined value) and executing the process) continues until the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a reaches above a predetermined value, and the switch 50a is opened gradually in sequence. Even if the opening and closing angle of the switch 50a reaches the predetermined maximum angle, if the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is not above a predetermined value in S44, although not shown, the cooling water may be supplied to the laser processing machine 10b from cooling devices 20a, 20c, and 20d, which are cooling devices 20 selected to substitute for the cooling device 20b that has malfunctioned, by opening other switches 51b, 51c, etc. This makes it possible to prevent the laser processing machine 10b from stopping (suppressing a decrease in operating rate).

[0062] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value (Yes in step S44), it receives status information from the laser processing machine 10b and determines whether the flow rate inside the laser processing machine 10b is above a predetermined value (step S45). For example, if the flow rate inside the laser processing machine 10b is above a specified value, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate inside the laser processing machine 10b is above a predetermined value.

[0063] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is not above a predetermined value (below a predetermined value) (No in step S45), it returns to step S41. If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is above a predetermined value (Yes in step S45), it closes the switch 50b of the cooling device 20b where the malfunction occurred (step S46). Although not shown in the diagram, if the flow rates of the laser processing machines 10a and 10b are not above a predetermined value after the switch 50b is closed in S46, other switches 51b, 51c, etc. may be opened to supply cooling water to the laser processing machine 10b from cooling devices 20a, 20c, 20d, which are cooling devices 20 selected to replace the malfunctioning cooling device 20b. This makes it possible to prevent the laser processing machines 10a and 10b from stopping (suppress the decrease in operating rate).

[0064] Through the above operation, the flow paths 40a and 40b are connected (shared) via the flow path 41a, and cooling water is supplied from the cooling device 20a to the laser processing machines 10a and 10b.

[0065] -Regarding the closing operation of the switch- Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the laser processing machine system during the closing operation of the switch. The operation in Figure 8 is performed in step S17 of Figures 4 to 6. Here, we will explain the operation when closing the switch 51a between the laser processing machines 10a and 10b in the event of a malfunction in the cooling device 20b. Furthermore, we will explain using the case where the on-off valves of the switches 50a, 50b, and 51a are electrically operated ball valves as an example.

[0066] First, the monitoring terminal 30 controls the switch 51a, opening and closing the switch 51a (on-off valve) by 1° (step S51). Then, the monitoring terminal 30 receives sensor information and determines whether the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value (step S52). For example, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value if the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10a is 102% or more of the specified value.

[0067] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is above a predetermined value (Yes in step S52), it executes step S53. On the other hand, if the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10a is not above a predetermined value (it is below a predetermined value) (No in step S52), it executes step S54.

[0068] The monitoring terminal 30 determines whether the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value (step S53). For example, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value if the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10b is less than 98% of the predetermined value.

[0069] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value (Yes in step S53), it controls the switches 50a and 50b, closing switch 50a (on-off valve) by 1° and opening switch 50b (on-off valve) by 1° (step S55). This increases the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the cooling device 20b into the flow path 40. On the other hand, if the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is not below a predetermined value (above a predetermined value) (No in step S53), it controls switch 50a, closing switch 50a (on-off valve) by 1° (step S56). This decreases the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the cooling device 20a into the flow path 40.

[0070] Furthermore, in step S54, the monitoring terminal 30 determines whether the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value, similar to step S53. For example, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value if the flow rate in the laser processing machine 10b is less than 98% of the specified value.

[0071] If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is less than a predetermined value (Yes in step S54), it controls the switch 50b and opens the switch 50b (on-off valve) by 1° (step S57). On the other hand, if the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the flow rate of the laser processing machine 10b is not less than a predetermined value (greater than or equal to a predetermined value) (No in step S54), it executes step S58 (Is the switch 51a closed? (In other words, is the switch 51a completely closed? Or is it closed to less than a predetermined angle?)). After steps S55 to S57, the process returns to step S52.

[0072] The monitoring terminal 30 determines whether the switch 51a is closed or not (step S58). Specifically, the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the switch 51a is closed if the angle of the switch 51a is less than a predetermined angle (for example, less than 1°). If the monitoring terminal 30 determines that the switch 51a is closed (Yes in step S58), it terminates the process; if it determines that the switch 51a is not closed (No in step S58), it returns to step S51.

[0073] As a result of the above operations, the switch 51a connecting the flow path between the cooling devices 20a and 20b is closed, and the flow path between the cooling devices 20a and 20b is blocked.

[0074] With the above configuration, the laser processing machine system 100 comprises a plurality of laser processing machines 10, a plurality of cooling devices 20, a monitoring terminal 30 for monitoring and controlling the operation of the plurality of laser processing machines 10 and the plurality of cooling devices 20, and a common flow path 40 to which the plurality of laser processing machines 10 and the plurality of cooling devices 20 are connected. The plurality of cooling devices 20 supply cooling water to the flow path 40 for cooling the plurality of laser processing machines 10. In other words, the plurality of laser processing machines 10 and the plurality of cooling devices 20 are commonly connected to the flow path 40 for supplying cooling water to the plurality of laser processing machines 10. As a result, even if it becomes necessary to stop the operation of some of the plurality of cooling devices 20, cooling water is supplied to the plurality of laser processing machines 10 from the other cooling devices 20 via the flow path 40, so that the time during which the plurality of laser processing machines 10 are stopped can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the production speed of products in the laser processing machine system 100, in other words, a decrease in the operating rate of the laser processing machine system can be suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, the monitoring terminal 30 stops the corresponding laser processing machine 10b (second laser processing machine) if the cooling device 20b (second cooling device) stops. In addition, the monitoring terminal 30 opens the switch 51a (switch) provided in the flow path 41a (third flow path) that crosses the flow path 40a (first flow path) connecting the laser processing machine 10a (first laser processing machine) and the cooling device 20a (first cooling device), and the flow path 40b (second flow path) connecting the laser processing machine 10b and the cooling device 20a. As a result, cooling water is supplied from the cooling device 20a to the laser processing machine 10b, thereby preventing malfunction or shutdown of the laser processing machine 10b.

[0076] Furthermore, the monitoring terminal 30 opens the switch 51a when the cooling device 20b transmits warning information (information indicating that it is time for periodic maintenance). As a result, even if the operation of the cooling device 20b is stopped for periodic maintenance, cooling water is supplied from the cooling device 20a to the laser processing machine 10b, allowing the laser processing machine 10b to continue operating without being stopped.

[0077] Furthermore, the monitoring terminal 30 opens the switch 51a if the detection result of the sensor 19 of the laser processing machine 10b is below a predetermined value. As a result, even if the flow rate in the flow path inside the laser processing machine 10b falls below a predetermined value, the cooling device 20a or cooling device 20b can increase the flow rate in the flow path inside the laser processing machine 10b, allowing the laser processing machine 10b to continue operating without stopping.

[0078] The monitoring terminal 30 may also store the received status information (such as the operating status and warning information of the laser processing machine 10 and the cooling device 20) and display the maintenance schedule for each cooling device 20 on the display device 31.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the on-off valves of the switches 50a to 50e and 51a to 51d are electrically operated ball valves was described as an example, but the on-off valves are not limited to electrically operated ball valves, and may be electrically operated gate valves (electric shut-off valves), etc. Also, in the above embodiment, the flow rate of cooling water discharged from each cooling device 20 was controlled by the opening degree of the on-off valves (gate valves) of the switches 50a to 50e, but it may also be controlled by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of cooling water discharged from the cooling device 20 itself. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] The laser processing machine system of this disclosure is useful because it can suppress a decrease in the production speed of products, in other words, a decrease in the operating rate of the laser processing machine system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 100 Laser Processing Machine System 10 (10a~10e) Laser processing machine 19,21 sensors 20(20a~20e) Cooling device 30 monitoring terminals 31 Display device 40, 40a~40e, 41a~41d flow path 50a~50e, 51a~51d Switches

Claims

1. Multiple laser processing machines, Multiple cooling devices, A monitoring terminal for monitoring and controlling the operation of the plurality of laser processing machines and the plurality of cooling devices, The system comprises a flow path to which the multiple laser processing machines and the multiple cooling devices are commonly connected. A laser processing machine system characterized in that the plurality of cooling devices supply cooling water to the flow path for cooling the plurality of laser processing machines.

2. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 1, The aforementioned plurality of laser processing machines include a first laser processing machine and a second laser processing machine, The aforementioned plurality of cooling devices include a first cooling device and a second cooling device, The aforementioned flow path is A first flow path connecting the first laser processing machine and the first cooling device, A second flow path connecting the second laser processing machine and the second cooling device, It includes a third channel connecting the first channel and the second channel, A laser processing machine system characterized in that the third flow path is provided with a switch for connecting and disconnecting the first flow path and the second flow path.

3. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 2, The laser processing machine system is characterized in that, when the second cooling device stops, the monitoring terminal stops the second laser processing machine and opens the switch.

4. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 2, The laser processing machine system is characterized in that the monitoring terminal opens the switch when the second cooling device transmits warning information.

5. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 2, The second laser processing machine has a sensor that detects the flow rate of cooling water flowing into it, The laser processing machine system is characterized in that the monitoring terminal opens the switch when the detection result of the sensor is below a predetermined value.

6. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 1, The laser processing machine system is characterized in that the monitoring terminal has a display device that shows the operating status of each of the multiple laser processing machines and the multiple cooling devices.

7. In the laser processing machine system according to claim 6, The laser processing machine system is characterized in that the monitoring terminal displays the maintenance schedule for each of the plurality of cooling devices on the display device.

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