Processing control device and processing control program

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to mitigate the burden on a user who, whenever a processing machine is used, selectively executes a switching program corresponding to the type of the processing machine.　A laser processing control device according to the present disclosure controls a processing system for using a processing machine to process a workpiece, the laser processing control device having a registration unit, a storage unit, and a switching unit. The registration unit is configured to be able to register, by means of a manipulation by a user, a switching program for switching the state of the processing machine between an initial state in which a prescribed operation for processing the workpiece cannot be executed and a preparation completed state in which the prescribed operation can be executed. The storage unit stores the registered switching program. The switching unit reads out and executes the switching program from the storage unit in accordance with the usage of the processing machine.

Description

Machining control device and machining control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machining control device that controls a machining system that performs machining.

[0002] Among processing systems, there is one that performs laser processing on a workpiece such as a steel plate by irradiating a laser output from a laser oscillator through a processing nozzle or the like onto the workpiece.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-30031

[0004] A laser oscillator cannot output laser light in its initial state after simply turning on the power. Therefore, a predetermined startup process must be executed to switch the laser oscillator from its initial state to a ready state in which it can output laser light. However, this startup process may differ depending on the model of the laser oscillator. Furthermore, the shutdown process that returns the laser oscillator from the ready state to its initial state may also differ depending on the model of the laser oscillator.

[0005] For this reason, it was necessary to introduce a PLC (programmable logic controller) or the like into the laser processing control device, and for the user to use the PLC to selectively execute a switching program such as a start-up program or a shut-down program corresponding to the model of laser oscillator each time the use of the laser oscillator was started or stopped by using a ladder or the like. Furthermore, similar problems can occur with various processing equipment other than laser oscillators.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to reduce the burden on users of selectively executing a switching program corresponding to the model of processing equipment each time the processing equipment is used.

[0007] The processing control device of the present disclosure is a processing control device that controls a processing system that processes a workpiece using processing equipment, and has: a registration unit configured to allow a user to register, by operation, a switching program for switching the state of the processing equipment between an initial state in which a predetermined operation for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined operation can be performed; a memory unit that stores the registered switching program; and a switching unit that reads out and executes the switching program from the memory unit depending on the use of the processing equipment.

[0008] The processing control program of the present disclosure is a processing control program that causes a computer to function as a processing control device that controls a processing system that processes a workpiece using processing equipment, and causes the computer to further function as: a registration unit configured to allow a user to register a switching program for switching the state of the processing equipment between an initial state in which a predetermined operation for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a ready state in which the predetermined operation can be performed; a memory unit that stores the registered switching program; and a switching unit that reads out and executes the switching program from the memory unit depending on the use of the processing equipment.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user of selectively executing a switching program corresponding to the model of the processing device each time the processing device is used.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a laser processing control device of a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a start-up process of a comparative example; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a start-up process of the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a shut-down process of the comparative example; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a shut-down process of the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a laser processing control device of a second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a start-up process of a comparative example; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a start-up process of the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a shut-down process of the comparative example; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a shut-down process of the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a laser processing control device of a third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a start-up process of a fourth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a shut-down process.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in FIG. 1, a laser processing control device 70 controls a laser processing system 90. The laser processing system 90 includes a robot arm 91, a processing nozzle 92, and a laser oscillator 95. The arm 91 movably holds the processing nozzle 92. The laser oscillator 95 is connected to the processing nozzle 92 and inputs a laser beam into the processing nozzle 92. The processing nozzle 92 performs laser processing by irradiating a workpiece (not shown) with the laser beam input from the laser oscillator 95. Specifically, the laser oscillator 95 in this embodiment is a model A laser oscillator 95. Note that model A may also be read as a "first model."

[0013] The laser oscillator 95 cannot output laser light in the initial state after simply being powered on. Hereinafter, the state of the laser oscillator 95 in which it cannot output laser light will be referred to as the "initial state," and the state of the laser oscillator 95 in which it can output laser light will be referred to as the "ready state." Specifically, for example, the initial state is a state in which cooling water is not flowing (a state in which the chiller is not started) and the laser oscillator 95 is in a power-saving state (a state in which the LD power supply is not energized), so the laser oscillator 95 cannot output laser light. The ready state is a state in which cooling water is flowing, the temperature inside the chamber is stabilized, the power-saving state is canceled, and laser oscillation is occurring, so the laser oscillator 95 can output laser light.

[0014] Hereinafter, the period before the laser output from the laser oscillator 95 to the processing nozzle 92 is started will be referred to as "before the laser oscillator 95 is used," and the period after the laser output from the laser oscillator 95 to the processing nozzle 92 is finished will be referred to as "after the laser oscillator 95 is used." Before the laser oscillator 95 is used, a predetermined "start-up process" must be performed to switch the laser oscillator from the initial state to the ready state. After the laser oscillator 95 is used, a predetermined "shut-down process" must be performed to return the laser oscillator 95 from the ready state to the initial state.

[0015] In this embodiment, the laser processing control device 70 is a robot control device that is mainly composed of a single computer and a laser processing control program loaded into the computer. However, instead of this, the laser processing control device 70 may be mainly composed of multiple computers and laser processing control programs consisting of the respective programs loaded into the computers. The computer includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc. The laser processing control program works in cooperation with the computer to cause the computer to function as the laser processing control device 70.

[0016] The laser processing control device 70 has a program command unit 23 and a control unit 30. The program command unit 23 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The program command unit 23 is configured to allow a user to input a processing program P, etc. Specifically, the program command unit 23 is configured to allow a user to input a processing program P using a predetermined programming language, such as NC language, C language, C++, Python, etc.

[0017] The control unit 30 is mainly composed of a computer CPU, RAM, etc. The control unit 30 controls the laser processing system 90 by executing the processing program P input to the program command unit 23. In this way, the control unit 30 causes the laser processing system 90 to perform laser processing.

[0018] As described above, the laser oscillator 95 cannot output a laser beam in the initial state after it has just been powered on. For this reason, the laser processing control device 70 further includes an automatic switching unit 75 for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 between the initial state and the ready state. The automatic switching unit 75 includes a registration unit 24, a model selection unit 25, a storage unit 40, and a switching unit 50.

[0019] The registration unit 24 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to register, by user operation, switching programs P1 and P2 that switch the state of the laser oscillator 95 for each model A, B, C, etc. of the laser oscillator 95. The switching programs P1 and P2 include a "start-up program P1" for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95 from an initial state to a ready state, and a "shut-down program P2" for returning the state of the laser oscillator 95 from the ready state to the initial state. The user can input the model of the laser oscillator 95 and the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 by operating the registration unit 24, and thereby register the corresponding switching programs P1 and P2 in association with the model of the laser oscillator 95.

[0020] Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, the laser processing system 90 includes the laser oscillator 95 of model A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user inputs at least the model A and the corresponding start-up program P1a and shut-down program P2a by operating the registration unit 24. The registration unit 24 is configured to allow input of the switching programs P1 and P2 in the above-mentioned predetermined programming language, that is, in a programming language that can be used when inputting the processing program P to the program command unit 23.

[0021] The storage unit 40 is mainly composed of a computer portion including a nonvolatile memory, etc. The storage unit 40 stores the model of the laser oscillator 95 and the corresponding switching programs P1, P2 input by the user through the registration unit 24. Furthermore, the storage unit 40 may pre-store a predetermined model and all or part of the corresponding switching programs P1, P2 when the laser processing control device 70 is new, i.e., at the time of shipment from a factory, etc. In other words, the storage unit 40 may not only store a desired model and the corresponding switching programs P1, P2 through the user's operation of the registration unit 24, but may also pre-store a predetermined model and at least part of the corresponding switching programs P1, P2 through the operation of an operator at a factory, etc. In this case, the storage unit 40 already stores at least part of the switching programs P1, P2 corresponding to the predetermined model of the laser oscillator 95 before the user operates the registration unit 24 to register the switching programs P1, P2. This reduces the user's effort to register at least a portion of the switching programs P1 and P2 corresponding to the predetermined model.

[0022] The model selection unit 25 is mainly composed of a computer, its display, keyboard, mouse, etc. The model selection unit 25 is configured so that the user can select the model of the laser oscillator 95. Specifically, in this embodiment, the user operates the model selection unit 25 to select model A.

[0023] The switching unit 50 is mainly composed of a portion of a computer including a CPU, RAM, etc. The switching unit 50 reads and executes the switching programs P1, P2 for the selected model from the storage unit 40 in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 based on the execution of the machining program P. That is, in this embodiment, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the switching programs P1, P2 for model A. Specifically, the switching unit 50 executes the start-up program P1a for model A before the start of laser processing, i.e., before the use of the laser oscillator 95 for model A. Then, the switching unit 50 executes the shut-down program P2a for model A after the end of laser processing, i.e., after the use of the laser oscillator 95 for model A.

[0024] Next, the startup process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. If the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, a PLC (programmable logic controller) must be installed in the laser processing control device 70, as in the comparative example shown in Figure 2. Then, the user must use the PLC to selectively execute a startup program corresponding to model A using a programming language such as ladder before each start of laser processing.

[0025] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the automatic switching unit 75 is provided, and the startup program P1a for model A is registered and stored in the storage unit 40 by the user operating the registration unit 24. Then, model A is selected by the user operating the model selection unit 25. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 , before the start of laser processing based on the processing program P, the switching unit 50 automatically reads and executes the startup program P1a for model A from the storage unit 40 in response to a startup request D1 from the control unit 30. This automatically executes the startup process for model A.

[0026] Specifically, in the start-up process for model A, the laser processing control device 70 first transmits a laser request Da1 to the laser oscillator 95, requesting permission to control the laser processing control device 70. Upon receiving this request, the laser oscillator 95 permits control, provided that certain requirements are met, and transmits a laser allocation completion signal Ca2 to the laser processing control device 70. Upon receiving this request, the laser processing control device 70 transmits a laser ON request Da3 to the laser oscillator 95. Upon receiving this request, the laser oscillator 95 changes itself from its initial state to a ready state and transmits a laser ON signal Ca4 to the laser oscillator 95. Upon receiving this request, the laser processing control device 70 transmits an analog control ON request Da5 to the laser oscillator 95, requesting permission to perform analog control by itself. Upon receiving this request, the laser oscillator 95 permits analog control, provided that certain requirements are met, and transmits an analog control ON signal Ca6 to the laser processing control device 70, as well as a laser readiness completion signal Ca7 to the laser processing control device 70.

[0027] This completes the start-up process for the laser oscillator 95 of model A. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a start-up program corresponding to model A each time before starting laser processing.

[0028] After the start-up process is completed, the switching unit 50 transmits a start-up completion notification C1 to the control unit 30. As a result, the control unit 30 starts using the model A laser oscillator 95 and starts laser processing.

[0029] Next, the shutdown process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. If the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, a PLC must be installed in the laser processing control device 70, as in the comparative example shown in Figure 4. Then, the user must use the PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a shutdown program corresponding to model A after each laser processing operation.

[0030] 5, after laser processing based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the shutdown program P2a for the model A from the storage unit 40 in response to a shutdown request D2 from the control unit 30. This automatically executes the shutdown process for the model A.

[0031] Specifically, in the shutdown process for model A, the laser processing control device 70 first turns off the analog control ON request Da5. Based on this, the laser oscillator 95 turns off the laser ready signal Ca7, disables analog control, and turns off the analog control ON signal Ca6. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser ON request Da3. Based on this, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser ON signal Ca4. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser request Da1. Based on this, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the laser allocated signal Ca2.

[0032] This completes the shutdown process for the laser oscillator 95 of model A. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a shutdown program corresponding to model A every time laser processing is completed.

[0033] After the shutdown process is completed, the switching unit 50 transmits a shutdown completion notification C2 to the control unit 30. In response to this, the control unit 30 starts the next process based on the machining program P.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, before laser processing based on the processing program P is performed, the start-up program P1a for the model A is automatically executed, and after laser processing based on the processing program P is performed, the shut-down program P2a for the model A is automatically executed.

[0035] In addition to before and after laser processing based on the processing program P, the switching unit 50 also reads and executes the switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 in the following cases, for example: When laser processing is interrupted due to an emergency stop or when laser processing is interrupted by a command other than a command based on the processing program, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the shutdown program P2a corresponding to the selected model A from the storage unit 40. Then, when laser processing is resumed after the interruption of laser processing, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the startup program P1a corresponding to the selected model A from the storage unit 40.

[0036] On the other hand, even in any of the above-described situations in which the start-up program P1a should be executed, the switching unit 50 skips execution of the start-up program P1 when laser processing is disabled because an operation that should disable laser processing has been performed. The laser processing is disabled when, for example, the laser processing system 90 is in a teaching mode in which the user teaches the laser processing system 90 how to operate.

[0037] The configuration and effects of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0038] The registration unit 24 is configured to allow the user to register switching programs P1 and P2 for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95, and the switching unit 50 reads and executes the registered switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95. Therefore, there is no need to provide a PLC for switching the state of the laser oscillator 95.

[0039] Specifically, before using the laser oscillator 95 of model A, the switching unit 50 reads out the start-up program P1a corresponding to model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute the start-up program corresponding to model A every time before using the laser oscillator 95.

[0040] Furthermore, after using the laser oscillator 95, the switching unit 50 reads out the shutdown program P2a corresponding to the model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute the shutdown program corresponding to the model A every time after using the laser oscillator 95.

[0041] The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to register switching programs P1 and P2 for each model A, B, C, etc. of the laser oscillator 95, and the switching unit 50 reads out and executes the switching program P1 or P2 corresponding to the model selected by the user through the model selection unit 25 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, it is possible to deal with cases where a plurality of models A, B, C, etc. of the laser oscillator 95 to be used are considered.

[0042] The switching unit 50 reads out and executes the switching programs P1 and P2 from the storage unit 40 in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 based on the execution of the machining program P. Therefore, the start-up program P1 and the shut-down program P2 can be executed efficiently and at appropriate timing in synchronization with the machining program P.

[0043] The registration unit 24 is configured to be able to input the switching programs P1 and P2 using a programming language that can input the machining program P to the program command unit 23. Therefore, even if a user cannot use a programming language for PLC such as ladder, the user can cope with the situation.

[0044] When laser processing is interrupted, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the shutdown program P2 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, when laser processing is interrupted, the laser oscillator 95 can be quickly shut down.

[0045] When laser processing is resumed after being interrupted, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the start-up program P1 from the storage unit 40. Therefore, when laser processing is resumed, the laser oscillator 95 can be started up quickly.

[0046] When laser processing is disabled because an operation that should disable laser processing has been performed, the switching unit 50 skips execution of the startup program P1. As a result, the laser processing system 90 cannot irradiate the laser even by mistake, thereby ensuring greater safety.

[0047] Specifically, the time when laser processing is disabled includes the time when a teaching mode is selected in which the user teaches the operation to the laser processing system 90. Therefore, safety in the teaching mode can be further ensured.

[0048] In this embodiment, the computer and the laser processing control program work together to cause the computer to function as the program command unit 23 and the control unit 30, and also as the automatic switching unit 75. In other words, the computer functions as the laser processing control device 70 of this embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment can be realized using a computer.

[0049] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. The following embodiment will be described based on the first embodiment, focusing on differences from the first embodiment, and descriptions of points that are the same as or similar to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0050] 6, in this embodiment, a laser processing system 90 includes a laser oscillator 95 of model B instead of the laser oscillator 95 of model A shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user selects model B by operating the model selection unit 25. Note that model B may also be read as a "second model."

[0051] Next, the startup process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. If the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, a PLC must be installed, as in the comparative example shown in Figure 7. Then, the user must use the PLC to selectively execute a startup program corresponding to model B using a programming language such as ladder before each start of laser processing.

[0052] 8, before the start of laser processing based on the processing program P, the switching unit 50 automatically reads and executes the startup program P1b for the model B from the storage unit 40 in response to a startup request D1 from the control unit 30. This causes the startup process for the model B to be executed automatically.

[0053] Specifically, in the start-up process for model B, the laser oscillator 95 first transmits a power-on signal Cb1 to the laser processing control device 70, indicating that the power is on. Upon receiving this signal, the laser processing control device 70 transmits a standby request Db2 to the laser oscillator 95. Upon receiving this signal, the laser oscillator 95 changes itself from its initial state to a ready state and transmits a laser ready OK signal Cb3 and a standby OK signal Cb4 to the laser processing control device 70. Upon receiving this signal, the laser processing control device 70 transmits an analog control request Db5 to the laser oscillator 95, requesting permission to control the laser oscillator 95. Upon receiving this signal, the laser oscillator 95 permits control, provided that certain requirements are met, and transmits a laser ON signal Cb6 to the laser processing control device 70.

[0054] This completes the start-up process for the laser oscillator 95 of model B. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a start-up program corresponding to model B before starting laser processing.

[0055] Next, the shutdown process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. If the laser processing control device 70 does not have the automatic switching unit 75, a PLC must be installed, as in the comparative example shown in Figure 9. Then, the user must use the PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a shutdown program corresponding to model B after each laser processing operation.

[0056] 10, after laser processing based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the shutdown program P2b for the model B from the storage unit 40 in response to a shutdown request D2 from the control unit 30. This causes the shutdown process for the model B to be executed automatically.

[0057] Specifically, in the shutdown process for model B, the laser processing control device 70 first turns off the analog control request Db5. Based on this, the laser oscillator 95 turns off the laser ON signal Cb6. Thereafter, the laser processing control device 70 turns off the standby request Db2. Based on this, the laser oscillator 95 sequentially turns off the standby OK signal Cb4, the laser ready OK signal Cb3, and the power ON signal Cb1. In this way, in this embodiment, a different shutdown process is performed than in the first embodiment.

[0058] This completes the shutdown process for the laser oscillator 95 of model B. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC with a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a shutdown program corresponding to model B every time laser processing is completed.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the laser oscillator 95 is model B, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0060] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 . In this embodiment, a laser processing system 90 includes a model B laser oscillator 95 shown in the second embodiment in addition to the model A laser oscillator 95 shown in the first embodiment. A processing nozzle 92 is configured to be able to selectively input and irradiate a laser from either the model A laser oscillator 95 or the model B laser oscillator 95. While the figure shows two laser oscillators 95, 95 connected to one processing nozzle 92, separate processing nozzles 92, 92 may be provided for each laser oscillator 95, 95.

[0061] That is, the laser processing control device 70 of this embodiment selectively uses either a model A laser oscillator 95 or a model B laser oscillator 95 depending on the application, etc. For this reason, the model selection unit 25 is configured to be able to select a plurality of models as the model of the laser oscillator 95 to be used. Specifically, in this embodiment, the user operates the model selection unit 25 to select model A as one model of the laser oscillator 95 to be used and model B as the other model of the laser oscillator 95 to be used.

[0062] In this case, before using the laser oscillator 95 of model A based on the execution of the machining program P, the switching unit 50 reads out the start-up program P1a for model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it, and after using the laser oscillator 95 of model A, it reads out the shut-down program P2a for model A from the storage unit 40 and executes it. Then, before using the laser oscillator 95 of model B based on the execution of the machining program P, the switching unit 50 reads out the start-up program P1b for model B from the storage unit 40 and executes it, and after using the laser oscillator 95 of model B, it reads out the shut-down program P2b for model B from the storage unit 40 and executes it.

[0063] As described above, according to this embodiment, the switching unit 50 reads and executes the switching programs P1a and P2a corresponding to the model A from the storage unit 40 in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 of model A based on the execution of the machining program P. The switching unit 50 also reads and executes the switching programs P1b and P2b corresponding to the model B from the storage unit 40 in accordance with the use of the laser oscillator 95 of model B based on the execution of the machining program P. This makes it possible to accommodate cases where multiple laser oscillators 95 are to be switched for use.

[0064] 12 and 13, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a coating system that coats a workpiece is provided instead of the laser processing system, and a coating control device 70d that controls the coating system is provided instead of the laser processing control device 70.

[0065] The coating system includes a coating device 95d of model α. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user selects model α by operating the model selection unit.

[0066] Next, the startup process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Before starting application based on the processing program P, the switching unit 50 automatically reads and executes the startup program P1d for model α from the storage unit in response to a startup request D1 from the control unit 30. This automatically executes the startup process for model α.

[0067] Specifically, in the start-up process for model α, the coating control device 70d first transmits a valve control ON request Dd1 to the coating device 95d, requesting permission to control the valve of the coating device 95d. Upon receiving this request, the coating device 95d permits valve control, provided that certain requirements are met, and transmits a valve control ON signal Cd2 to the coating control device 70d. Upon receiving this request, the coating control device 70d transmits a sealant filling request Dd3 to the coating device 95d. Upon receiving this request, the coating device 95d fills the sealant and transmits a sealant filling completion signal Cd4 to the coating control device 70d. Upon receiving this request, the coating control device 70d transmits a preparatory pressure request Dd5 to the coating device 95d. Upon receiving this request, the coating device 95d increases its internal pressure and transmits a preparatory pressure completion signal Cd6 to the coating control device 70d.

[0068] This completes the startup process for the coating device 95d of model α. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC and a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a startup program corresponding to model α before starting coating. After the startup process is complete, the switching unit 50 sends a startup completion notification C1 to the control unit 30.

[0069] Next, the shutdown process performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. After coating based on the processing program P is completed, the switching unit 50 automatically reads out and executes the shutdown program P2d for model α from the storage unit in response to a shutdown request D2 from the control unit 30. This automatically executes the shutdown process for model α.

[0070] Specifically, in the shutdown process for model α, the coating control device 70d first turns OFF the preparatory pressure request Dd5. Based on this, the coating device 95d reduces its internal pressure and turns OFF the preparatory pressure completion signal Cd6. Then, the coating control device 70d turns OFF the valve control ON request Dd1. Based on this, the coating device 95d cancels the permission for valve control and turns OFF the valve control ON signal Cd2.

[0071] This completes the shutdown process for the coating device 95d of model α. Therefore, the user does not need to use a PLC and a programming language such as ladder to selectively execute a shutdown program corresponding to model α after each coating operation. After the shutdown process is complete, the switching unit 50 sends a shutdown completion notification C2 to the control unit 30.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the processing system is a coating system and the processing equipment is the coating device 95d, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0073] Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment can be modified, for example, as follows: Only one of the start-up program P1 and the shut-down program P2 may be registered by operating the registration unit 24, and the processing corresponding to the other program may be performed by a PLC, as in the comparative example.

[0074] Instead of the user operating the model selection unit 25 to select the model of the laser oscillator 95, the switching unit 50 may automatically recognize the model of the laser oscillator 95 connected to the processing nozzle 92 from the connection status, etc., and execute the switching programs P1, P2 corresponding to the recognized model. With this configuration, even the effort required for the user to select the model of the laser oscillator 95 by operating the model selection unit 25 can be reduced.

[0075] The processing system is a laser processing system in the first to third embodiments, and a coating system in the fourth embodiment, but may be a system that performs or includes other processing. Examples of other processing include processing other than laser processing, such as cutting, pressing, pulling, heating, and pressurizing, which removes a part of the workpiece, cuts it, breaks it, deforms it, or changes its properties, and processing other than coating, which adds an additive to the workpiece.

[0076] 24 Registration section 25 Model selection section 30 Control section 40 Memory section 50 Switching section 70 Laser processing control device 70d Coating control device 90 Laser processing system 95 Laser oscillator 95d Coating device P Processing program P1 Start-up program P2 Shut-down program S1 Initial state S2 Ready state

Claims

1. A processing control device that controls a processing system that processes a workpiece using a processing device, a registration unit configured to be able to register, by a user's operation, a switching program for switching the state of the processing equipment between an initial state in which a predetermined operation for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a preparation complete state in which the predetermined operation can be performed; a storage unit that stores the registered switching program; a switching unit that reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes it in response to a use of the processing device; A processing control device having the above configuration.

2. the processing device is a laser oscillator, the processing system is a laser processing system that performs laser processing on the workpiece using a laser output from the laser oscillator, The initial state is a state in which a laser cannot be output, The ready state is a state in which a laser can be output. The machining control device according to claim 1 .

3. the switching program includes a start-up program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the initial state to the ready state, The switching unit reads out and executes the start-up program from the storage unit before the processing device is used. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the switching program includes a shutdown program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the ready state to the initial state, the switching unit reads out the shutdown program from the storage unit and executes it after the processing equipment is used. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the switching program includes a start-up program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the initial state to the ready state, and a shut-down program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the ready state to the initial state, the switching unit reads out and executes the start-up program from the storage unit before use of the processing equipment, and reads out and executes the shut-down program from the storage unit after use of the processing equipment. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the registration unit is configured to be able to register the switching program for each model of the processing device, a model selection unit configured to allow a user to select a model of the processing device; The switching unit reads out from the storage unit the switching program corresponding to the model selected by the model selection unit and executes it. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A program command unit configured to allow a user to input a machining program, and a control unit that controls the machining system based on the input machining program, The switching unit reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes it in response to a use of the processing device based on the execution of the processing program. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The registration unit is configured to be able to input the switching program in a program language that can be used when inputting the machining program to the program command unit. The machining control device according to claim 7.

9. the storage unit stores the switching program corresponding to a first model and the switching program corresponding to a second model different from the first model, By executing the processing program, the first model of the processing device and the second model of the processing device are used, the switching unit reads out the switching program corresponding to the first model from the storage unit in response to use of the processing equipment of the first model based on the execution of the processing program, and executes the switching program corresponding to the second model from the storage unit in response to use of the processing equipment of the second model based on the execution of the processing program. The machining control device according to claim 7.

10. the switching program includes a shutdown program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the ready state to the initial state, The switching unit reads out the shutdown program from the storage unit and executes it when processing is interrupted or completed. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the switching program includes a start-up program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the initial state to the ready state, The switching unit reads out and executes the start-up program from the storage unit when restarting machining after the machining is interrupted. The machining control device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the switching program includes a start-up program for switching a state of the processing equipment from the initial state to the ready state, 3. The machining control device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit skips execution of the start-up program when a machining invalidation state occurs in which an operation that should invalidate machining has been performed.

13. The machining control device according to claim 12 , wherein the machining invalid time includes a time when the machining system is in a teaching mode in which a user teaches the machining system an operation.

14. 3. The processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores at least a portion of the switching program corresponding to a specified model of the processing equipment before the switching program is registered by a user operating the registration unit.

15. A machining control program that causes a computer to function as a machining control device that controls a machining system that processes a workpiece using a machining device, The computer further comprises: A registration unit configured to allow a user to register a switching program for switching the state of the processing device between an initial state in which a predetermined operation for processing the workpiece cannot be performed and a preparation complete state in which the predetermined operation can be performed; a storage unit that stores the registered switching program; a switching unit that reads out the switching program from the storage unit and executes it in response to a use of the processing device; A processing control program that functions as a