Dross transport conveyor, laser processing device, and workpiece processing method

Abstract

The dross transport conveyor includes a group of transport plates including a first transport plate extending in a first direction and a second transport plate disposed adjacent to the first transport plate and extending in the first direction, for transporting dross generated by irradiating a work with a laser. The first transport plate includes a first front end, a first rear end, and a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end and the first rear end.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dross transport conveyor, a laser processing device, and a workpiece processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A laser processing machine equipped with a chip conveyor is known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a chip conveyor for a laser processing machine. The chip conveyor described in Patent Document 1 has a number of plates that form a conveyor belt. Each plate is connected to the other plates by a joint so that the plates can be freely folded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 3-19091 (Utility Model Application No. 4-108984) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dross transport conveyor, a laser processing device, and a workpiece processing method that can suppress thermal deformation of the transport plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In some embodiments, the dross transport conveyor includes a group of transport plates including a first transport plate extending in a first direction and a second transport plate disposed adjacent to the first transport plate and extending in the first direction, for transporting dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser. The first transport plate includes a first front end, a first rear end, and a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end and the first rear end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the laser processing apparatus includes a laser irradiation device including a laser head that irradiates a laser toward a workpiece, a moving device that moves the laser head relative to a workpiece support member that supports the workpiece, a control device that controls the laser irradiation device and the moving device, and a dross transport conveyor. The dross transport conveyor includes a group of transport plates that includes a first transport plate extending in a first direction and a second transport plate disposed adjacent to the first transport plate and extending in the first direction, and transports dross generated by irradiating the workpiece with the laser. The first transport plate includes a first front end, a first rear end, and a first intermediate portion that has a first recess extending in the first direction and connects the first front end and the first rear end.

[0008] In some embodiments, a workpiece machining method includes the steps of machining the workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a laser, and transporting dross generated by irradiating the workpiece with the laser using a group of transport plates including a first transport plate extending in a first direction and a second transport plate disposed adjacent to the first transport plate and extending in the first direction. The first transport plate has a first front end, a first rear end, and a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end and the first rear end. The step of machining the workpiece is performed in a state in which thermal deflection of the first transport plate is suppressed by the direction in which the first intermediate portion is thermally deflected by irradiating the first recess with the laser being opposite to the direction in which the first front end is thermally deflected by irradiating the first front end with the laser. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention makes it possible to provide a dross transporting conveyor, a laser processing device, and a workpiece processing method that can suppress thermal deformation of the transport plate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a laser processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the first transport plate. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of the first transport plate. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a transport plate in a comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first recess is thermally deflected in a fourth direction due to irradiation of the first recess with a laser. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first front end portion is thermally deflected in a third direction due to irradiation of the first front end portion with a laser. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a group of transport plates including a first transport plate and a second transport plate that are movable along an orbit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the dross transporting conveyor in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic view of a part of the first group of transport plates. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the first transport plate is attached to the first endless chain and the second endless chain. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing a turning portion of the dross transporting conveyor in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate and the second transport plate. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate and the second transport plate. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of the first transport plate and the second transport plate. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate and the second transport plate. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the first transport plate. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of one group of transport plates. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the orbit of the first group of transport plates includes an upward incline. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic side view showing the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a work supporting member. [Diagram 30]FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a laser processing apparatus in a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the machined workpiece is removed from the workpiece supporting member. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a laser processing apparatus in a second modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which a control device is capable of controlling a plurality of control target devices. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic side view showing the laser processing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a laser processing apparatus including a cooling device. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a laser processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the second embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic view of a part of the first group of transport plates. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view showing a group of transport plates including a first transport plate and a second transport plate that are movable along an orbit. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus in the second embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic view of a part of the first group of transport plates. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of one group of transport plates. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of a workpiece machining method in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the dross transport conveyor 2, the laser processing device 1, and the workpiece processing method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts and members having the same functions, and repeated descriptions of the parts and members with the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0012] (Definition of terms) As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the group of conveying plates 3 has a conveying surface 3u. In this specification, the conveying surface means a surface that supports dross directly or indirectly via another member when the dross is conveyed. More specifically, the conveying surface 3u is a surface that faces generally upward when the dross is conveyed. For example, the first conveying surface 3u-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 supports dross directly or indirectly via another member when the dross is conveyed by the first conveying plate 3-1. The first conveying surface 3u-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 faces generally upward when the dross is conveyed by the first conveying plate 3-1. In addition, the second conveying surface 3u-2 of the second conveying plate 3-2 supports dross directly or indirectly via another member when the dross is conveyed by the second conveying plate 3-2. The second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 faces generally upward when the second transport plate 3-2 transports the dross.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the group of transport plates 3 has a back surface 3n. In this specification, the back surface means the surface of each transport plate opposite to the transport surface 3u. More specifically, the back surface 3n is a surface that generally faces downward when transporting dross. For example, the first back surface 3n-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is a surface that is located below the first transport surface 3u-1 when transporting dross by the first transport plate 3-1. The first back surface 3n-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 generally faces downward when transporting dross by the first transport plate 3-1. In addition, the second back surface 3n-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is a surface that is located below the second transport surface 3u-2 when transporting dross by the second transport plate 3-2. More specifically, the second back surface 3n-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 generally faces downward when transporting dross by the second transport plate 3-2.

[0014] In this specification, the area that can be reached by the laser emitted from the laser irradiation device 60 is defined as the "processing area RG1" (see FIG. 1). The workpiece W placed in the processing area RG1 is processed by the laser (more specifically, cut or drilled). Dross generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser is received by a group of conveying plates 3 in the processing area RG1.

[0015] (Direction definition) In this specification, the extension direction of the first transport plate 3-1 (or the extension direction of each transport plate 3) is defined as the first direction DR1. In this specification, the movement direction of the first group of transport plates 3 (or the movement direction of each transport plate 3) is defined as the second direction DR2. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in this specification, the direction from the inside of the orbit OB of the first group of transport plates 3 (see the part hatched with dots in FIG. 9) to the outside of the orbit OB is defined as the third direction DR3, and the direction opposite to the third direction DR3 is defined as the fourth direction DR4. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third direction DR3 is the direction from the first back surface 3n-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 to the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. Also, the third direction DR3 is the direction from the second back surface 3n-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 to the second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2. 2, the fourth direction DR4 is a direction from the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 toward the first back surface 3n-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. Also, the fourth direction DR4 is a direction from the second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 toward the second back surface 3n-2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0016] (First embodiment) A dross transport conveyor 2A and a laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 35. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a transport plate 3' in a comparative example. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first recess Q1 is thermally deflected in the fourth direction DR4 due to irradiation of the first recess Q1 with a laser LB. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first front end 3f-1 is thermally deflected in the third direction DR3 due to irradiation of the first front end 3f-1 with a laser LB. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a group of conveying plates 3 including the first conveying plate 3-1 and the second conveying plate 3-2 moving along the circular orbit OB. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a dross conveying conveyor 2A in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a group of conveying plates 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the first conveying plate 3-1 is attached to the first endless chain 21a and the second endless chain 22a. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged turning part of the dross conveying conveyor 2A in the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first conveying plate 3-1 and the second conveying plate 3-2. FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a part of the laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2. Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment. Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2.FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a part of the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2. FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the first transport plate 3-1. FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the first group of transport plates 3. FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the orbit OB of the first group of transport plates 3 includes an ascending slope CL. FIG. 27 is a schematic side view showing the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the work support member 90. FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 31 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the machined workpiece Wb is removed from the work support member 90. FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing a laser processing apparatus 1A in a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state in which the control device 8 can control a plurality of control target devices. FIG. 34 is a schematic side view showing a laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment. FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus including the cooling device 95.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dross transport conveyor 2A in the first embodiment includes a group of transport plates 3.

[0018] The first group of transport plates 3 transports dross D generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB. In addition to the dross D, the first group of transport plates 3 may transport cut-off pieces CF generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB.

[0019] In this specification, dross refers to an irregularly shaped mass (in other words, a randomly shaped mass) formed by solidification of a melted material (more specifically, a metal material) by irradiating it with a laser.

[0020] The group of transport plates 3 includes a first transport plate 3-1 extending in the first direction DR1 and a second transport plate 3-2 extending in the first direction DR1. Each of the group of transport plates 3 is an elongated plate whose longitudinal direction is the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second transport plate 3-2 is disposed adjacent to the first transport plate 3-1.

[0021] The first transport plate 3-1 has a front end (hereinafter referred to as the "first front end 3f-1"), a rear end (hereinafter referred to as the "first rear end 3e-1"), and an intermediate portion (hereinafter referred to as the "first intermediate portion 3m-1"). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first front end 3f-1 is the end on the front side in the moving direction (in other words, the end on the second direction DR2 side), and the first rear end 3e-1 is the end on the rear side in the moving direction (in other words, the end on the opposite side to the second direction DR2).

[0022] The first intermediate portion 3m-1 connects the first front end portion 3f-1 and the first rear end portion 3e-1. In Fig. 3, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 is hatched with dots to make it easier to understand.

[0023] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 has a first recess Q1. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the first recess Q1 extends in a first direction DR1.

[0024] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the laser LB passing through the workpiece W reaches the dross conveyor 2A. A part of the energy of the laser LB is converted into thermal energy, and the first conveyor plate 3-1 is heated by the thermal energy. Due to the temperature rise, the first conveyor plate 3-1 is thermally deformed and bent in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4.

[0025] In the comparative example, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the transport plate 3' (see FIG. 5) is entirely flat. In this case, the thermal deformation of the transport plate 3' caused by the temperature rise is large compared to the case where the first intermediate portion 3m-1 has the first recess Q1. In particular, the thermal deformation of the transport plate 3' may be excessive under the following conditions: (1) the output of the laser LB is high (or the energy density of the laser LB is high), (2) the length of the transport plate 3' in the direction along the first direction DR1 is long, (3) the area of ​​the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (in other words, the area of ​​the flat portion) is large, (4) the distance between the workpiece and the dross transport conveyor is short, etc. In addition, the excessive thermal deformation of the transport plate 3' may hinder the smooth movement of a group of transport plates including the transport plate 3'.

[0026] In the dross conveying conveyor 2A in the first embodiment, the first recess Q1 prevents the first conveying plate 3-1 from being excessively bent in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4 due to the laser irradiation. Therefore, the group of conveying plates 3 including the first conveying plate 3-1 can be moved smoothly.

[0027] 1, the laser processing device 1A in the first embodiment includes the above-mentioned dross transport conveyor 2A, a laser irradiation device 60 including a laser head 61 that irradiates a laser LB toward a workpiece W, a moving device 7 that moves the laser head 61 relative to a workpiece support member 90 that supports the workpiece W, and a control device 8 that controls the laser irradiation device 60 and the moving device 7. Note that one computer may function as the control device 8, or multiple computers may function as the control device 8 in cooperation with each other.

[0028] The laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment has the same effects as the dross transport conveyor 2A in the first embodiment.

[0029] (Optional configuration) Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 35, we will explain optional additional configurations that can be adopted in the dross transporting conveyor 2A and the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment (or the dross transporting conveyor 2B and the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment described later).

[0030] (First recess Q1) In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first recess Q1 is a recess recessed in the fourth direction DR4. In other words, the first recess Q1 is a recess recessed in a direction from the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 toward the first back surface 3n-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first recess Q1 is located closer to the fourth direction DR4 than the first front end 3f-1. Also, the first recess Q1 is located closer to the fourth direction DR4 than the first rear end 3e-1. The first recess Q1 has a transport surface that transports the dross and a back surface that is arranged on the opposite side to the transport surface.

[0031] The conveying surface of the first recess Q1 is a concave conveying surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the concave conveying surface SD1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the concave conveying surface SD1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or another shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0032] The back surface of the first recess Q1 is a protruding surface SN1 that protrudes in the fourth direction DR4. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the protruding surface SN1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the protruding surface SN1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or another shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0033] As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the first recess Q1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is irradiated with a laser LB, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (or the first transport plate 3-1) thermally bends in the fourth direction DR4. Note that in Fig. 6, the amount of bending of the first transport plate 3-1 is exaggerated compared to the actual amount of bending.

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 7, when the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is irradiated with a laser LB, the first front end 3f-1 (or the first transport plate 3-1) thermally bends in the third direction DR3. Note that in Fig. 7, the amount of bending of the first transport plate 3-1 is exaggerated compared to the actual amount of bending.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the direction in which the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is thermally deflected by irradiating the first front end 3f-1 with the laser LB is opposite to the direction in which the first intermediate portion 3m-1 is thermally deflected by irradiating the first recess Q1 with the laser LB. Therefore, when the first transport plate 3-1 moves in the second direction DR2 so as to cross the laser LB, at least a part of the deflection caused by the laser irradiation of the first front end 3f-1 is canceled by the deflection caused by the laser irradiation of the first intermediate portion 3m-1. In this way, the amount of deflection of the first transport plate 3-1 as a whole is reduced, and the change in the relative position between the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is suppressed. As a result, the group of transport plates 3 including the first transport plate 3-1 can be moved smoothly.

[0036] (Dross transport conveyor 2A) In the example shown in Fig. 1, a part of the dross transport conveyor 2A is disposed directly below the laser irradiation device 60. In addition, one group of transport plates 3 of the dross transport conveyor 2A is configured to be movable across the processing area RG1 (more specifically, the area directly below the laser irradiation device 60).

[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first group of transporting plates 3 transports dross from the processing region RG1 to the discharge region RG2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the first group of transporting plates 3 turns over in the discharge region RG2 (more specifically, turns 180 degrees around the horizontal axis). As a result, the dross D transported by the first group of transporting plates 3 is discharged from the first group of transporting plates 3 to the container 13 in the discharge region RG2. When the first group of transporting plates 3 transports cut-off pieces CF (see FIG. 2), the cut-off pieces CF are also discharged from the first group of transporting plates 3 to the container 13 in the discharge region RG2.

[0038] 8, the dross transport conveyor 2A includes a first endless member 21, a second endless member 22, and a drive device 29. The first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22 support a group of transport plates 3. More specifically, the group of transport plates 3 is attached to the first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22.

[0039] The first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22 are driven directly or indirectly by a driving device 29. More specifically, the first endless member 21 is driven directly or indirectly by the driving device 29 to move along a first orbit B1 (see FIG. 9), and the second endless member 22 is driven directly or indirectly by the driving device 29 to move along a second orbit B2 (see FIG. 9) parallel to the first orbit B1. A gap G1 between the first orbit B1 and the second orbit B2 (in other words, the distance between the first orbit B1 and the second orbit B2 in the direction along the first direction DR1) is, for example, 1 m or more and 3 m or less.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first endless member 21 is a first endless chain 21a, and the second endless member 22 is a second endless chain 22a. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the dross transport conveyor 2 has a plurality of sprockets 28 including a first sprocket 28a, a second sprocket 28b, a third sprocket 28c, and a fourth sprocket 28d. The first endless chain 21a is engaged with at least the first sprocket 28a and the second sprocket 28b (more specifically, the first endless chain 21a is looped around at least the first sprocket 28a and the second sprocket 28b). The second endless chain 22a is engaged with at least the third sprocket 28c and the fourth sprocket 28d (more specifically, the second endless chain 22a is looped around at least the third sprocket 28c and the fourth sprocket 28d).

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first endless chain 21a is driven by a drive device 29 via at least a first sprocket 28a, and the second endless chain 22a is driven by a drive device 29 via at least a third sprocket 28c.

[0042] The first group of conveying plates 3 moves along an orbit OB. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the orbit OB of the first group of conveying plates 3 is parallel to the first orbit B1 of the first endless chain 21a and parallel to the second orbit B2 of the second endless chain 22a.

[0043] (1st group transport plate 3) 2, each of the group of transport plates 3 transports a part of the multiple pieces of dross D generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB, and is heated by the laser LB. For example, each of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2 transports a part of the multiple pieces of dross D generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB, and is heated by the laser LB. Each of the group of transport plates 3 may be composed of one part, or may be composed of an assembly of multiple parts.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the dross transport conveyor 2A has a group of transport plates 3 including a first transport plate 3-1, a second transport plate 3-2, and a third transport plate 3-3. Each of the group of transport plates 3 extends along a first direction DR1. The number of transport plates 3 included in the group of transport plates 3 is, for example, 20 or more, 50 or more, or 80 or more. In this specification, the number of transport plates 3 included in the group of transport plates 3 is defined as "N". "N" is, for example, a natural number greater than or equal to 20.

[0045] When "K" is defined as any natural number between 1 and "N-1," the K+1th transport plate is positioned adjacent to the Kth transport plate. Also, the first transport plate 3-1 is positioned adjacent to the Nth transport plate. In this way, the group of transport plates 3 is arranged in a ring shape as a whole. For example, the second transport plate 3-2 is positioned adjacent to the first transport plate 3-1 and also adjacent to the third transport plate 3-3.

[0046] Each of the group of transport plates 3 has a front end 3f, a rear end 3e, and an intermediate portion 3m connecting the front end 3f and the rear end 3e. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the front end 3f of each transport plate 3 is an end on the front side in the moving direction (in other words, an end on the second direction DR2 side), and the rear end 3e of each transport plate 3 is an end on the rear side in the moving direction (in other words, an end on the opposite side to the second direction DR2).

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 2, the front end 3f of each transport plate 3 is arranged so as to overlap with the rear end 3e of another adjacent transport plate 3 when viewed in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in a direction along the fourth direction DR4), and the rear end 3e of each transport plate 3 is arranged so as to overlap with the front end 3f of another adjacent transport plate when viewed in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in a direction along the fourth direction DR4).

[0048] For example, the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is disposed so as to overlap with the rear end 3e-N of the other transport plate 3-N in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4). More specifically, the rear end 3e-N of the other transport plate 3-N is covered by the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1.

[0049] For example, the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is disposed so as to overlap the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4). More specifically, the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is covered by the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0050] For example, the second rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is disposed so as to overlap with the third front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3 in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4). More specifically, the second rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is covered by the third front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3.

[0051] As illustrated in Fig. 11, each of the group of transport plates 3 has a left end 3a and a right end 3b. In the example illustrated in Fig. 11, the left end 3a of each transport plate 3 is the left end when the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3 is viewed in the direction from the rear end 3e to the front end 3f, and the right end 3b of each transport plate 3 is the right end when the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3 is viewed in the direction from the rear end 3e to the front end 3f.

[0052] The first conveying plate 3-1 has a first front end 3f-1, a first rear end 3e-1, a first intermediate portion 3m-1 connecting the first front end 3f-1 and the first rear end 3e-1, a left end 3a-1, and a right end 3b-1.

[0053] The second conveying plate 3-2 has a second front end 3f-2, a second rear end 3e-2, a second intermediate portion 3m-2 connecting the second front end 3f-2 and the second rear end 3e-2, a left end 3a-2, and a right end 3b-2.

[0054] The third conveying plate 3-3 has a third front end portion 3f-3, a third rear end portion 3e-3, a third intermediate portion 3m-3 connecting the third front end portion 3f-3 and the third rear end portion 3e-3, a left end portion 3a-3, and a right end portion 3b-3.

[0055] The length of each of the first group of transport plates 3 (more specifically, the length in the direction along the first direction DR1) is, for example, 1 m or more and 3 m or less. The length L1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is, for example, 1 m or more and 3 m or less, and the length of the second transport plate 3-2 is, for example, 1 m or more and 3 m or less.

[0056] The width of each of the first group of transport plates 3 (more specifically, the width of each of the first group of transport plates 3 in the direction along the second direction DR2) is, for example, 40 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The width W1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is, for example, 40 mm or more and 200 mm or less, and the width W2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is, for example, 40 mm or more and 200 mm or less.

[0057] The plate thickness of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is, for example, 5 mm or less or 3 mm or less. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the plate thickness of the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is approximately constant, and the plate thickness of the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is approximately constant. In addition, the plate thickness of the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is approximately constant. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the plate thickness of the first transport plate 3-1 as a whole is approximately constant.

[0058] Each of the group of transport plates 3 is made of metal. Each of the group of transport plates 3 is made of steel, for example, and more specifically, made of a hot-rolled mild steel plate, a cold-rolled steel plate, or a cold-rolled stainless steel plate.

[0059] The left end 3a of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is attached to a first endless member 21 (more specifically, a first endless chain 21a). Also, the right end 3b of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is attached to a second endless member 22 (more specifically, a second endless chain 22a).

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a hole h1 into which a bolt can be inserted is formed at the left end 3a-1 of the first transport plate 3-1, and a hole h2 into which a bolt can be inserted is formed at the right end 3b-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the left end 3a-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is attached to the first endless chain 21a via a bolt BT, and the right end 3b-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is attached to the second endless chain 22a via a bolt BT. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the first transport plate 3-1 is not connected to other adjacent transport plates. Therefore, when the first transport plate 3-1 is damaged, it is easy to replace the first transport plate 3-1 with a new first transport plate.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the front end 3f of each of the first group of transport plates 3 has a convex curved portion CP extending in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the front end 3f of each of the first group of transport plates 3 has an approximately arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the front end 3f of each of the first group of transport plates 3 may have an approximately V-shape, an approximately U-shape, or other shapes in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Note that the inverted V-shape becomes a V-shape when the viewing direction is changed, so in this specification, the approximately inverted V-shape is included in the approximately V-shape. Similarly, the inverted U-shape becomes a U-shape when the viewing direction is changed, so in this specification, the approximately inverted U-shape is included in the approximately U-shape.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the rear end 3e of each of the first group of transport plates 3 has a standing portion TP protruding in the third direction DR3. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the standing portion TP scrapes out the dross D below the convex curved portion CP of the following transport plate when each transport plate 3 turns. For example, the standing portion TP of the first transport plate 3-1 scrapes out the dross D below the convex curved portion CP2 of the second transport plate 3-2 when the first transport plate 3-1 turns. In the first embodiment, the shape of the rear end 3e of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 13. For example, the shape of the rear end 3e of each of the first group of transport plates 3 may be an approximately arc shape or an approximately circular shape when viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0063] Below, several examples of the transport plate 3 are described, but the transport plate 3 is not limited to the several examples described below. In addition, among the multiple transport plates 3, the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2 are described as representatives, but it goes without saying that the same configuration as the first transport plate 3-1 can be applied to the other transport plates.

[0064] (First example of transport plate 3) 14 and 15, the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a convex curved portion CP1 that is convex in the third direction DR3 and extends in the first direction DR1. When the first front end 3f-1 has the convex curved portion CP1, the section modulus in the third direction DR3 is large, so that the deflection of the first transport plate 3-1 caused by laser irradiation is suppressed compared to when the entire first front end 3f-1 is a flat portion.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the first conveying plate 3-1 has a convex curved portion CP1 (more specifically, a convex curved portion CP1 that is convex in the third direction DR3) and a first recess Q1 (more specifically, a concave curved portion QP1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4). The convex curved portion CP1 has, for example, a substantially arc shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. Also, the concave curved portion QP1 has, for example, a substantially arc shape when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the boundary C1 between the convex curved portion CP1 and the first recess Q1 (more specifically, the concave curved portion QP1) is the boundary between the first front end portion 3f-1 and the first intermediate portion 3m-1. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the convex curved portion CP1 and the first recess Q1 (more specifically, the concave curved portion QP1) are directly connected. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the first flat plate portion FP1-1 may be interposed between the convex curved portion CP1 and the first recess Q1 (more specifically, the concave curved portion QP1). In the example shown in FIG. 16, the front edge of the first flat plate portion FP1-1 is connected to the convex curved portion CP1, and the rear edge of the first flat plate portion FP1-1 is connected to the first recess Q1 via the bent portion BC1.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a first standing portion TP1 that protrudes in the third direction DR3. The first standing portion TP1 extends in the first direction DR1. When the first rear end 3e-1 has the first standing portion TP1, the section modulus in the third direction DR3 is increased, so that the first standing portion TP1 suppresses the deflection of the first transport plate 3-1 caused by the laser irradiation. Alternatively, the shape of the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 may be substantially arc-shaped or substantially circular when viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1.

[0068] In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the first rear end portion 3e-1 (more specifically, the first standing portion TP1) of the first transport plate 3-1 are connected via a first bent portion BA1. The first bent portion BA1 extends in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in Figure 14, the first bent portion BA1 is the boundary between the first intermediate portion 3m-1 and the first rear end portion 3e-1.

[0069] In the example shown in Fig. 15, the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a convex transport surface SU1 that is convex in the third direction DR3. The convex transport surface SU1 constitutes a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. The convex transport surface SU1 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the convex conveying surface SU1 has a substantially arc shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the convex conveying surface SU1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or other shapes when viewed in the first direction DR1. Also, the convex conveying surface SU1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the convex conveying surface SU1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or other shapes when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when a laser beam LB is irradiated onto the convex curved portion CP1 (or the convex transport surface SU1) of the first transport plate 3-1, the first front end portion 3f-1 (or the first transport plate 3-1) thermally bends in the third direction DR3.

[0072] 15, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (more specifically, the first recess Q1) of the first transport plate 3-1 has a concave transport surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. The concave transport surface SD1 constitutes a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. The concave transport surface SD1 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the concave conveying surface SD1 has a substantially arc shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the concave conveying surface SD1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or other shapes when viewed in the first direction DR1. Also, the concave conveying surface SD1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the concave conveying surface SD1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or other shapes when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when a laser beam LB is irradiated onto the first recess Q1 (or the recessed transport surface SD1) of the first transport plate 3-1, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (or the first transport plate 3-1) thermally bends in the fourth direction DR4.

[0075] The direction in which the first front end 3f-1 is thermally deflected by irradiating the convex curved portion CP1 (or the convex transport surface SU1) of the first transport plate 3-1 with the laser LB is opposite to the direction in which the first intermediate portion 3m-1 is thermally deflected by irradiating the first recess Q1 (or the concave transport surface SD1) with the laser LB. In the first transport plate 3-1, the thermal deformation of the first front end 3f-1 and the thermal deformation of the first intermediate portion 3m-1 are relatively canceled out, thereby suppressing deformation of the first transport plate 3-1 as a whole.

[0076] In the example shown in Fig. 14, in plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the entire first recess Q1 (or the entire concave transport surface SD1) is disposed between the rear end 3e-N of the other transport plate 3-N arranged adjacent to the first transport plate 3-1 and the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. As illustrated in Fig. 14, in plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the entire first recess Q1 (or the entire concave transport surface SD1) may be disposed between the rear end edge E1 of the other transport plate 3-N arranged adjacent to the first transport plate 3-1 and the front tip edge E2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0077] In the example shown in FIG. 14, when viewed in the first direction DR1, a substantial S-shape is formed by the first front end portion 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the first recessed portion Q1 of the first transport plate 3-1.

[0078] The direction in which the S-shaped portion is thermally deflected by irradiating a part of the S-shaped portion with the laser LB is opposite to the direction in which the S-shaped portion is thermally deflected by irradiating another part of the S-shaped portion with the laser LB. The thermal deformation of one part of the S-shaped portion of the first transport plate 3-1 and the thermal deformation of the other part of the S-shaped portion are relatively canceled out, thereby suppressing deformation of the first transport plate 3-1 as a whole.

[0079] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a first recess Q1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 also has a flat portion FP1 in addition to the first recess Q1. As shown in Fig. 15, the flat portion FP1 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0080] When the first intermediate portion 3m-1 has the first recess Q1 in addition to the flat portion FP1, the area of ​​the flat portion FP1 can be made smaller than when the entire first intermediate portion 3m-1 is flat, and therefore the thermal deformation caused by the irradiation of the laser LB to the flat portion FP1 can be made relatively small.

[0081] 14 and 15, the first recess Q1 and the flat plate portion FP1 are connected via a bent portion BB1. The bent portion BB1 extends in the first direction DR1. When the bent portion BB1 is disposed between the first recess Q1 and the flat plate portion FP1, the bent portion BB1 suppresses the bending of the first conveying plate 3-1 caused by the laser irradiation.

[0082] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the front end edge E2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is disposed opposite the flat plate portion FP1. In the example shown in Fig. 14, a labyrinth passage is formed including a gap between the front end edge E2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the flat plate portion FP1 of the first transport plate 3-1, and a gap between the second front end portion 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the first rear end portion 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1, so that dross is prevented from falling off the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a convex curved portion CP2 that is convex in the third direction DR3 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0084] 15, the second transport plate 3-2 has a second recess Q2 recessed in the fourth direction DR4 in addition to the convex curved portion CP2. More specifically, the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has the convex curved portion CP2 that is convex in the third direction DR3 and extends in the first direction DR1, and the second middle portion 3m-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has the second recess Q2 (more specifically, the concave curved portion QP2) that is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the second rear end portion 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a second standing portion TP2 that protrudes in the third direction DR3 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the second intermediate portion 3m-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the second rear end portion 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 are connected via a second bent portion BA2 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0087] 15, the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a convex transport surface SU2 that is convex in the third direction DR3 and extends in the first direction DR1. The convex transport surface SU2 constitutes a part of the second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0088] 15, the second intermediate portion 3m-2 (more specifically, the second recess Q2) of the second transport plate 3-2 has a recessed transport surface SD2 that is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1. The recessed transport surface SD2 constitutes a part of the second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0089] As illustrated in Figure 14, in a planar view (in other words, when viewed in a direction along the fourth direction DR4), the entire second recess Q2 (or the entire concave conveying surface SD2) may be positioned between the rear end edge E3 of the first conveying plate 3-1 and the front end edge E4 of the third conveying plate 3-3.

[0090] In the example shown in FIG. 14, when viewed in the first direction DR1, a substantial S-shape is formed by the second front end portion 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the second recessed portion Q2 of the second transport plate 3-2.

[0091] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the second intermediate portion 3m-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a flat portion FP2 in addition to the second recess Q2. The flat portion FP2 extends in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the second recess Q2 and the flat portion FP2 are connected via a bent portion BB2 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0092] (Second example of transport plate 3) 17 and 18, the shape of the recesses in the middle portion of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is different from the example shown in Fig. 14 and 15. In the second example of the transport plate 3, the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 are similar to the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 in the first example of the transport plate 3. Therefore, repeated explanations of the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 will be omitted.

[0093] 17, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a first recess Q1. The first recess Q1 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0094] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the first recess Q1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In contrast, in the example shown in Fig. 17, the first recess Q1 has a substantially V shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Also, when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1, the first recess Q1 has a substantially V shape.

[0095] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (more specifically, the first recess Q1) of the first transport plate 3-1 has a concave transport surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. The concave transport surface SD1 extends in the first direction DR1. The concave transport surface SD1 constitutes a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the concave transport surface SD1 has an approximately V-arc shape when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1. Furthermore, the concave transport surface SD1 has an approximately V-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0096] 18, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a flat portion FP1 in addition to the first recess Q1. The flat portion FP1 extends in the first direction DR1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 may have a first flat portion FP1-1 and a second flat portion FP1-2.

[0097] In the example shown in Fig. 18, the flat portion FP1 (more specifically, the first flat portion FP1-1) and the front edge of the first recess Q1 are connected via a bent portion BC1. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 18, the rear edge of the first recess Q1 and the flat portion FP1 (more specifically, the second flat portion FP1-2) are connected via a bent portion BB1.

[0098] In the example shown in Fig. 18, the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a convex curved portion CP2 (more specifically, a convex curved portion CP2 that is convex in the third direction DR3). Also, the second middle portion 3m-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a second recess Q2. The second recess Q2 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0099] The shape of the second recess Q2 is similar to the shape of the first recess Q1, and therefore, a repeated description of the shape of the second recess Q2 will be omitted.

[0100] (Third example of transport plate 3) 19 and 20, the shape of the recesses in the middle portion of each of the first group of transport plates 3 is different from the example shown in Fig. 14 and 15. In the third example of the transport plate 3, the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 are similar to the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 in the first example of the transport plate 3. Therefore, repeated explanations of the shapes of the front end and rear end of each of the first group of transport plates 3 will be omitted.

[0101] 19, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a first recess Q1. The first recess Q1 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0102] 19, in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1, the first recess Q1 has a substantially U-shape. Also, when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1, the first recess Q1 has a substantially U-shape.

[0103] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (more specifically, the first recess Q1) of the first transport plate 3-1 has a concave transport surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. The concave transport surface SD1 extends in the first direction DR1. The concave transport surface SD1 constitutes a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the concave transport surface SD1 has an approximately U-shaped arc shape when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1. Furthermore, the concave transport surface SD1 has an approximately U-shaped shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0104] 20, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 has a flat portion FP1 in addition to the first recess Q1. The flat portion FP1 extends in the first direction DR1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 may have a first flat portion FP1-1 and a second flat portion FP1-2.

[0105] In the example shown in Fig. 20, the flat plate portion FP1 (more specifically, the first flat plate portion FP1-1) and the front edge of the first recess Q1 are connected via a bent portion BC1. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 20, the rear edge of the first recess Q1 and the flat plate portion FP1 (more specifically, the second flat plate portion FP1-2) are connected via a bent portion BB1.

[0106] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a convex curved portion CP2 (more specifically, a convex curved portion CP2 that is convex in the third direction DR3). The convex curved portion CP2 extends in the first direction DR1. In addition, the second intermediate portion 3m-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a second recess Q2. The second recess Q2 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0107] The shape of the second recess Q2 is similar to the shape of the first recess Q1, and therefore, a repeated description of the shape of the second recess Q2 will be omitted.

[0108] (Fourth example of transport plate 3) In the examples shown in Figs. 14, 16, 17, and 19, the number of first recesses Q1 in the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 is one. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 21, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 may have two or more first recesses Q1. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 has a first recess Q1-1 and another first recess Q1-2 disposed on the second direction DR2 side of the first recess Q1. The first recess Q1-1 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1. The other first recess Q1-2 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0109] 21, each of the first recesses Q1 has a generally arc shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. Alternatively, each of the first recesses Q1 may have a generally V-shape or a generally U-shape when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0110] The embodiment in which the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 has, in addition to the first recess Q1-1, another first recess Q1-2 can be adopted in any of the first, second and third examples of the conveying plate 3 described above, or the fifth example of the conveying plate 3 described below.

[0111] (5th example of transport plate 3) In the example shown in FIG. 22, at least a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is formed by the surface of the laser reflection layer 4-1. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the first transport plate 3-1 has a first base member 35-1 and a laser reflection layer 4-1 that covers at least a part of the first base member 35-1. The laser reflection layer 4-1 is formed of a material with high laser reflectivity (e.g., copper). The first base member 35-1 is formed of, for example, steel, more specifically, a hot-rolled mild steel plate, a cold-rolled steel plate, or a cold-rolled stainless steel plate.

[0112] The laser reflectance of the laser reflecting layer 4-1 is higher than that of the first base member 35-1 of the first conveying plate 3-1. In the first embodiment (or the second embodiment described later), the wavelength of the laser LB emitted from the laser irradiation device 60 is, for example, 1060 nm or more and 1080 nm or less. The laser reflectance of the laser reflecting layer 4-1 for a laser having a wavelength of 1060 nm or more and 1080 nm or less is, for example, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.

[0113] 22, a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (e.g., the transport surface of the flat plate portion FP1) is formed by the surface of the laser reflecting layer 4-1. Also, another part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (e.g., the convex transport surface SU1 and / or the concave transport surface SD1) is formed by a surface having a lower laser reflectance than the laser reflectance of the laser reflecting layer 4-1 (e.g., the surface 35u of the first base member 35-1).

[0114] Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the entire first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 may be formed by the surface of the laser reflecting layer 4-1. In Fig. 23, the laser reflecting layers (4-1, 4-2) are hatched with dots to make them easier to understand.

[0115] 22, the laser reflecting layer 4-1 (for example, a copper layer constituting at least a part of the first transport surface 3u-1) effectively reflects the laser LB emitted from the laser irradiation device 60. In this way, heat input to the first transport plate 3-1 is suppressed, and thermal deformation and bending of the first transport plate 3-1 are suppressed.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 22, at least a part of the second transport surface 3u-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 is formed by the surface of the laser reflection layer 4-2. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the second transport plate 3-2 has a second base member 35-2 and a laser reflection layer 4-2 that covers at least a part of the second base member 35-2. The laser reflection layer 4-2 is formed of a material with high laser reflectivity (e.g., copper). The second base member 35-2 is formed of, for example, steel, more specifically, a hot-rolled mild steel plate, a cold-rolled steel plate, or a cold-rolled stainless steel plate.

[0117] The aspect in which at least a part of the transport surface 3u of each transport plate 3 is formed by the surface of the laser reflecting layer 4 can be adopted in any of the first, second, third and fourth examples of the transport plate 3.

[0118] (Size of first recess Q1) It is preferable that the length of the first recess Q1 in the second direction DR2 relative to the length of the first front end 3f-1 in the second direction DR2 is set so that, when the first conveying plate 3-1 moves in the second direction DR2 across the laser LB emitted from the laser irradiation device 60, the deflection caused by the laser irradiation of the first front end 3f-1 and the deflection caused by the laser irradiation of the first intermediate portion 3m-1 substantially cancel each other out.

[0119] 24, in plan view (in other words, viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the size of the first recess Q1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (in other words, the length of the first recess Q1 in the second direction DR2) is, for example, 1 / 3 to 3 times, or 1 / 2 to 2 times, the size of the convex curved portion CP1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (in other words, the length of the convex curved portion CP1 in the second direction DR2). Also, in plan view (in other words, viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the size of the concave transport surface SD1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (in other words, the length of the concave transport surface SD1 in the second direction DR2) is, for example, 1 / 3 to 3 times, or 1 / 2 to 2 times, the size of the convex transport surface SU1 of the first transport plate 3-1 (in other words, the length of the convex transport surface SU1 in the second direction DR2). In Fig. 24, in order to make it easier to understand the concave conveying surface SD1, the concave conveying surface SD1 is hatched with oblique lines, and in order to make it easier to understand the convex conveying surface SU1, the convex conveying surface SU1 is hatched with dots.

[0120] 25, the depth L2 of the concave conveying surface SD1 (more specifically, the distance in the direction along the third direction DR3 between the point E5 of the concave conveying surface SD1 located closest to the third direction DR3 and the deepest part E6 of the concave conveying surface SD1) is greater than the plate thickness T1 of the first recess Q1. The depth L2 of the concave conveying surface SD1 is, for example, 2 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 6 mm or more.

[0121] In the example shown in Fig. 25, the dross transport conveyor 2A has another transport plate 3-N disposed adjacent to the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. The first transport plate 3-1 can tilt relative to the other transport plate 3-N about a first axis (hereinafter referred to as "front tilt axis AX1"). The first transport plate 3-1 can also tilt relative to the second transport plate 3-2 about a second axis (hereinafter referred to as "rear tilt axis AX2").

[0122] 25, a plane including both the front tilt axis AX1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the rear tilt axis AX2 of the first transport plate 3-1 is defined as a first plane PL1. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the deepest part E6 of the concave transport surface SD1 is located on the fourth direction DR4 side from the first plane PL1.

[0123] The distance L3 between the deepest part E6 of the concave transfer surface SD1 and the first plane PL1 is, for example, 2 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 6 mm or more.

[0124] In the example shown in FIG. 25, the end E7 of the first recess Q1 on the fourth direction DR4 side is located closest to the fourth direction DR4 side in the entire first transport plate 3-1.

[0125] (Uphill slope of orbital OB) As illustrated in Fig. 26, the orbital path OB of the group of transport plates 3 may include an upward incline CL that increases in height from the processing area RG1 toward the discharge area RG2. When the orbital path OB includes an upward incline CL, it is easy to arrange a container 13 that receives the dross D from the dross transport conveyor 2A, or a second transport conveyor 15 that receives the dross D from the dross transport conveyor 2A (see Fig. 32, if necessary) in the discharge area RG2.

[0126] (Laser processing device 1A) 1, the laser processing apparatus 1A includes a dross transport conveyor 2A, a laser irradiation device 60, a moving device 7, and a control device 8. Additionally, the laser processing apparatus 1A may include a workpiece support member 90.

[0127] Since the dross transporting conveyor 2A has already been explained, repeated explanation of the dross transporting conveyor 2A will be omitted.

[0128] 27, the laser irradiation device 60 has a laser head 61, and the laser head 61 has an exit port OP for emitting a laser. The laser irradiation device 60 may include a laser light source 63 and an optical component 65 (e.g., an optical fiber, etc.) that transmits a laser from the laser light source 63 to the laser head 61.

[0129] The moving device 7 moves the laser head 61 relative to the workpiece supporting member 90. In addition, the moving device 7 moves the laser head 61 relative to the workpiece W supported by the workpiece supporting member 90. In addition, the workpiece W supported by the workpiece supporting member 90 is, for example, a plate material.

[0130] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the moving device 7 has a moving body (71a; 73a) that supports the laser head 61, and a driving device (71b; 73b) that moves the moving body (71a; 73a).

[0131] 27, the moving device 7 has a first moving device 71. The first moving device 71 has a first moving body 71a that supports the laser head 61, and a first driving device 71b (e.g., a first motor) that moves the first moving body 71a.

[0132] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the first moving body 71a functions as a Z saddle, and the first driving device 71b functions as a Z-axis driving unit. The first driving device 71b moves the first moving body 71a in a direction parallel to the vertical direction (in other words, in the Z-axis direction). More specifically, the first driving device 71b can move the first moving body 71a downward so that the first moving body 71a approaches the work support member 90. Also, the first driving device 71b can move the first moving body 71a upward so that the first moving body 71a moves away from the work support member 90.

[0133] 27, the moving device 7 has a second moving device 73. The second moving device 73 has a second moving body 73a and a second driving device 73b (e.g., a second motor) that moves the second moving body 73a. The second moving body 73a supports the first moving body 71a so that the first moving body 71a can move in a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0134] 27, the second moving body 73a functions as a Y saddle, and the second driving device 73b functions as a Y-axis driving unit. The second driving device 73b moves the second moving body 73a in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane (more specifically, in the Y-axis direction).

[0135] 28, the moving device 7 includes a third moving device 75. The third moving device 75 includes a third moving body 75a and a third driving device 75b (e.g., a third motor) that moves the third moving body 75a. The third moving body 75a supports the second moving body 73a so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0136] 28, the third moving body 75a functions as an X saddle, and the third driving device 75b functions as an X-axis driving unit. The third driving device 75b moves the third moving body 75a in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane (more specifically, in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and Y-axis).

[0137] As illustrated in Fig. 27, the third movable body 75a may be configured by a gate-shaped structure. In the example illustrated in Fig. 28, the third movable body 75a is movable across the processing region RG1 in a plan view. The third movable body 75a is supported by the base 70 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0138] 29, the work support member 90 includes a pin holder for supporting a workpiece W, which is a plate material. The pin holder has a plurality of tips 92 for supporting a workpiece W, which is a plate material.

[0139] 29, the workpiece support member 90 has a plurality of plate members 91 arranged to stand on a horizontal plane (for example, the XY plane in FIG. 29). Each of the plurality of plate members 91 has a sawtooth edge portion EG.

[0140] The workpiece support member 90 may have 10 or more plate members 91 arranged to stand on a horizontal plane, or may have 20 or more plate members 91 arranged to stand on a horizontal plane. Each plate member 91 is made of, for example, metal.

[0141] In the example shown in Fig. 29, the work support member 90 is a movable pallet PT. The pallet PT has a plurality of plate members 91 and a frame body 93 to which the plurality of plate members 91 are attached. The bottom of the frame body 93 defines a bottom opening. Dross D generated by irradiating the work W with the laser LB falls toward the dross transport conveyor 2A through the space between the two adjacent plate members 91 and the bottom opening defined by the frame body 93.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the laser machining apparatus 1A may include a transfer device 11 that transfers the work support member 90. The transfer device 11 transfers the work support member 90 from the machining area RG1 to the removal area RG3. Thereafter, the machined work Wb (more specifically, the machined plate material) is removed from the work support member 90 arranged in the removal area RG3. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the removal may be performed using a suction cup 121 capable of adsorbing the machined work Wb, or may be performed using a fork capable of scooping up the machined work Wb. Alternatively, the removal may be performed by a robot or an operator.

[0143] 31, the laser processing apparatus 1A has a work transfer device 12 (e.g., a robot hand) that transfers a work before processing and a processed work Wb. The work transfer device 12 may be a plate material transfer device 12a that transfers a workpiece that is a plate material. The plate material transfer device 12a may have a plurality of suction cups 121 that adsorb the workpiece that is a plate material, or a fork that supports the workpiece that is a plate material from below.

[0144] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the laser processing apparatus 1A has a container 13 that receives the dross D from the dross transporting conveyor 2A. The container 13 is disposed directly below the dross transporting conveyor 2A in the discharge area RG2.

[0145] The laser processing apparatus 1A may have a second transport conveyor 15 that receives the dross D from the dross transport conveyor 2A. In the example shown in FIG. 32, the dross transport surface of the second transport conveyor 15 is disposed directly below the dross transport conveyor 2A in the discharge area RG2. In the example shown in FIG. 32, the second transport conveyor 15 transports the dross received from the dross transport conveyor 2A to the container 13.

[0146] In the example shown in Fig. 33, the control device 8 controls the laser irradiation device 60 and the moving device 7 (e.g., the first driving device 71b, the second driving device 73b, and the third driving device 75b). The control device 8 may also control the transfer device 11 (see Fig. 30) that transfers the work support member 90, and / or the work transfer device 12 (see Fig. 31) that transfers the work W. The control device 8 may also control the drive device 29 of the dross transport conveyor 2A.

[0147] 34, the control device 8 transmits an emission command R1 to the laser irradiation device 60 (for example, the laser light source 63) to emit a laser beam LB from the laser head 61. More specifically, the control device 8 transmits an emission command R1 to the laser irradiation device 60 (for example, the laser light source 63), and the laser irradiation device 60 that receives the emission command R1 emits a laser beam LB from the laser head 61 (more specifically, from the emission port of the laser head 61).

[0148] 34, the control device 8 moves the laser head 61 by transmitting a movement command S to the moving device 7. More specifically, the control device 8 transmits the movement command S to the moving device 7, and the moving device 7 receiving the movement command S moves the laser head 61.

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 34, the control device 8 includes a hardware processor 80 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "processor 80"), a memory 82, a communication circuit 84, and an input device 86 (for example, a display 862 with a touch panel). The processor 80, the memory 82, the communication circuit 84, and the input device 86 are connected to each other via a bus 88. Data required for machining the workpiece W (for example, workpiece data 826 including shape data of the workpiece W and machining position data of the workpiece W) may be input to the control device 8 via the input device 86, or may be input to the control device 8 from another computer via the communication circuit 84. The input device 86 is not limited to the display 862 with a touch panel. For example, the control device 8 may include an input device 86 such as a button, a switch, a lever, a pointing device, a keyboard, or the like, and a display that displays the data input to the input device 86 or other information.

[0150] The memory 82 stores data such as work data 826, and programs such as a machining program 822. The memory 82 is a storage medium readable by the processor 80 of the control device 8. The memory 82 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or another type of memory.

[0151] The processor 80 of the control device 8 executes the machining program 822 stored in the memory 82, whereby the control device 8 generates a control command. The communication circuit 84 transmits the control command to the devices to be controlled (more specifically, the laser irradiation device 60, the moving device 7, the transport device 11, the workpiece transport device 12, the driving device 29, etc.). In this way, the processor 80 executes the machining program 822, whereby the control device 8 can control the laser irradiation device 60, the moving device 7, the transport device 11, the workpiece transport device 12, the driving device 29, etc.

[0152] The control device 8 may control the moving speed of the first group of transport plates 3 in conjunction with the control of at least one of the laser irradiation device 60 and the moving device .

[0153] For example, the control device 8 may control the drive device 29 so that the first group of transport plates 3 moves at a first speed (a speed other than zero) when the laser irradiation device 60 stops emitting the laser LB, and control the drive device 29 so that the first group of transport plates 3 moves at a second speed faster than the first speed when the laser irradiation device 60 emits the laser LB.

[0154] For example, the control device 8 may control the drive device 29 so that the moving speed of the first group of conveying plates 3 is changed depending on the output of the laser LB emitted by the laser irradiation device 60 or the type of processing performed by the laser irradiation device 60 (for example, whether it is a drilling process or cutting).

[0155] (Cooling device 95) As illustrated in FIG. 35, the laser processing apparatus 1A may have a cooling device 95 that forcibly cools the group of transport plates 3.

[0156] For example, the laser processing apparatus 1A may include an air-cooling type cooling device 95a that blows air onto the group of transport plates 3. In the example shown in Fig. 35, the cooling device 95a has an air injection device 96 that blows air onto the back surface 3n of each of the group of transport plates 3. Alternatively, or additionally, the cooling device 95a may have an air injection device that blows air onto the transport surface 3u of each of the group of transport plates 3.

[0157] Alternatively, or additionally, the laser processing apparatus 1A may include a liquid-cooling type cooling device 95b that cools the group of transport plates 3 with liquid. In the example shown in FIG. 35, the cooling device 95b has a liquid tank 97 (e.g., a water tank) that is arranged so that the orbit of the group of transport plates 3 crosses it. The group of transport plates 3 is cooled by passing through a liquid (e.g., water) in the liquid tank 97. Furthermore, the liquid attached to the surfaces of the group of transport plates 3 is vaporized by laser irradiation (heat of vaporization), thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the transport plates 3.

[0158] Second Embodiment A dross transport conveyor 2B and a laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 36 to 42. Fig. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment. Fig. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment. Fig. 38 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the group of transport plates 3. Fig. 39 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the group of transport plates 3 including the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2 can move along the orbit OB. Fig. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment. Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the group of transport plates 3. Fig. 42 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the group of transport plates 3.

[0159] The dross transporting conveyor 2B of the second embodiment differs from the dross transporting conveyor 2A of the first embodiment in that each of the group of transporting plates 3 is hinged to the other transporting plates.

[0160] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment. Conversely, all matters described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0161] In the example shown in Fig. 36 and Fig. 37, the dross conveying conveyor 2B in the second embodiment includes a group of conveying plates 3 for conveying dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser, and the group of conveying plates 3 includes a first conveying plate 3-1 extending in a first direction DR1 and a second conveying plate 3-2 adjacent to the first conveying plate 3-1 and extending in the first direction DR1. As illustrated in Fig. 38, the first conveying plate 3-1 includes a first front end 3f-1, a first rear end 3e-1, and a first intermediate portion 3m-1 connecting the first front end 3f-1 and the first rear end 3e-1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 has a first recess Q1 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 36, the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment includes the above-mentioned dross transport conveyor 2B, a laser irradiation device 60 including a laser head 61 that irradiates a laser toward the workpiece W, a moving device 7 that moves the laser head 61 relative to a workpiece support member 90 that supports the workpiece W, and a control device 8 that controls the laser irradiation device 60 and the moving device 7.

[0163] Therefore, the dross transporting conveyor 2B and the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment have the same effects as the dross transporting conveyor 2A and the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment.

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 38, the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 are hinged together. In the example illustrated in FIG. 38, a rod (hereinafter referred to as "second rod RD2") is arranged so as to pass through both the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2, thereby hinge-connecting the first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2. Also, a rod (hereinafter referred to as "third rod RD3") is arranged so as to pass through both the second rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the third front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3, thereby hinge-connecting the second rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 and the third front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3.

[0165] (Optional configuration) Next, with reference to Figs. 1 to 42, an optional additional configuration that can be adopted in the dross transporting conveyor 2B and the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment will be described.

[0166] (First recess Q1) 37, the first recess Q1 is a recess recessed in the fourth direction DR4. The first recess Q1 has a transport surface that transports the dross and a back surface that is disposed on the opposite side to the transport surface.

[0167] The conveying surface of the first recess Q1 is a concave conveying surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. In the example shown in Fig. 37, the concave conveying surface SD1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the concave conveying surface SD1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or another shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0168] The back surface of the first recess Q1 is a protruding surface SN1 that protrudes in the fourth direction DR4. In the example shown in Fig. 37, the protruding surface SN1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the protruding surface SN1 may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape, or another shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0169] (Dross transport conveyor 2B) In the example shown in Fig. 36, a part of the dross transporting conveyor 2B is disposed directly below the laser irradiation device 60. In addition, one group of transport plates 3 of the dross transporting conveyor 2B is configured to be movable across the processing area RG1 (more specifically, the area directly below the laser irradiation device 60).

[0170] In the example shown in FIG. 36, the first group of transporting plates 3 transport dross from the processing area RG1 to the discharge area RG2. In the example shown in FIG. 36, each of the first group of transporting plates 3 is inverted in the discharge area RG2 (more specifically, turns 180 degrees around the horizontal axis). As a result, the dross D transported by the first group of transporting plates 3 is discharged from the first group of transporting plates 3 in the discharge area RG2. Note that, when the first group of transporting plates 3 transports cut-off pieces CF (see FIG. 37), the cut-off pieces CF are also discharged from the first group of transporting plates 3 in the discharge area RG2.

[0171] 39, the dross transport conveyor 2B includes a first endless member 21 (more specifically, a first endless chain 21a), a second endless member 22 (more specifically, a second endless chain 22a), and a drive device 29. The first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22 support a group of transport plates 3. More specifically, the group of transport plates 3 is attached to the first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22.

[0172] The first endless member 21 and the second endless member 22 are driven directly or indirectly by a driving device 29. The first endless member 21, the second endless member 22, and the driving device 29 have been described in the first embodiment, so repeated description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0173] (1st group transport plate 3) The first group of transport plates 3 moves along an orbit OB. As illustrated in Fig. 39, the orbit OB of the first group of transport plates 3 is parallel to the first orbit B1 of the first endless chain 21a and parallel to the second orbit B2 of the second endless chain 22a. In the example illustrated in Fig. 36, the first group of transport plates 3 are arranged in a continuous manner to form a ring-shaped transport body.

[0174] The length of each of the group of transport plates 3 is, for example, 1 m or more and 3 m or less. The width of each of the group of transport plates 3 is, for example, 40 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The plate thickness of each of the group of transport plates 3 (more specifically, the plate thickness of the middle portion 3m of each of the group of transport plates 3) is, for example, 5 mm or less or 3 mm or less. Each of the group of transport plates 3 is made of metal. Each of the group of transport plates 3 is made of, for example, steel, more specifically, hot-rolled mild steel plate, cold-rolled steel plate, or cold-rolled stainless steel plate.

[0175] In the example shown in Fig. 38, the first transport plate 3-1 has a first front end 3f-1, a first rear end 3e-1, and a first intermediate portion 3m-1 connecting the first front end 3f-1 and the first rear end 3e-1. The first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is formed with a plurality of first front receiving portions 30f-1 (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the first rod RD1 is inserted) for receiving the first rod RD1. The first rear end 3e-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 is formed with a plurality of first rear receiving portions 30e-1 (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the second rod RD2 is inserted) for receiving the second rod RD2.

[0176] In the example shown in Fig. 38, the second transport plate 3-2 has a second front end 3f-2, a second rear end 3e-2, and a second intermediate portion 3m-2 connecting the second front end 3f-2 and the second rear end 3e-2. The second front end 3f-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a plurality of second front receiving portions 30f-2 (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the second rod RD2 is inserted) for receiving the second rod RD2. The second rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2 has a plurality of second rear receiving portions 30e-2 (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the third rod RD3 is inserted) for receiving the third rod RD3.

[0177] (First transport plate 3-1) In the example shown in FIG. 37, the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a convex transport surface SU1 that is convex in the third direction DR3. The convex transport surface SU1 constitutes a part of the first transport surface 3u-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the convex transport surface SU1 is the upper surface of the first front receiving portion 30f-1. The convex transport surface SU1 extends in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the convex transport surface SU1 has a substantially arc shape when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1. In addition, the convex transport surface SU1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0178] When the laser beam LB is irradiated onto the convex transport surface SU1 of the first transport plate 3-1, the first front end portion 3f-1 (or the first transport plate 3-1) thermally bends in the third direction DR3.

[0179] 37, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (more specifically, the first recess Q1) of the first transport plate 3-1 has a concave transport surface SD1 that is concave in the fourth direction DR4. The concave transport surface SD1 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0180] When the concave transfer surface SD1 of the first transfer plate 3-1 is irradiated with the laser beam LB, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 (or the first transfer plate 3-1) thermally bends in the fourth direction DR4.

[0181] Since the direction in which the first front end 3f-1 thermally bends when the laser LB is irradiated onto the convex conveying surface SU1 of the first conveying plate 3-1 is opposite to the direction in which the first intermediate portion 3m-1 thermally bends when the laser LB is irradiated onto the first recess Q1 (or the concave conveying surface SD1), thermal deformation of the first conveying plate 3-1 as a whole is suppressed.

[0182] 37 and 38, in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1, the first recess Q1, the concave conveying surface SD1, and the protruding surface SN1 each have a substantially arc shape. Also, when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1, the first recess Q1, the concave conveying surface SD1, and the protruding surface SN1 each have a substantially arc shape.

[0183] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 40 and 41, in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1, each of the first recess Q1, the concave conveying surface SD1, and the protruding surface SN1 may have a substantially U-shape. Also, when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1, each of the first recess Q1, the concave conveying surface SD1, and the protruding surface SN1 may have a substantially U-shape. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 40 and 41, when viewed in a direction along the first direction DR1, each of the first recess Q1, the concave conveying surface SD1, and the protruding surface SN1 may have a substantially V-shape.

[0184] In the example shown in Fig. 40, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 of the first transport plate 3-1 has a first recess Q1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 also has a flat portion FP1 separate from the first recess Q1. The first recess Q1 and the flat portion FP1 are connected via a bent portion BC1. As shown in Fig. 41, each of the first recess Q1, the flat portion FP1, and the bent portion BC1 extends in the first direction DR1.

[0185] As illustrated in Fig. 41, the first intermediate portion 3m-1 may have a first plate portion FP1-1, a second plate portion FP1-2, and a first recess Q1 disposed between the first plate portion FP1-1 and the second plate portion FP1-2. In the example illustrated in Fig. 41, the first plate portion FP1-1 is connected to the first front end portion 3f-1, and the second plate portion FP1-2 is connected to the first rear end portion 3e-1.

[0186] In the example shown in FIG. 41, the second transport plate 3-2 and the third transport plate 3-3 each have a similar shape to the first transport plate 3-1.

[0187] (Size of first recess Q1) 42, the depth L2 of the concave conveying surface SD1 (more specifically, the distance in the direction along the third direction DR3 between the point E5 of the concave conveying surface SD1 located closest to the third direction DR3 and the deepest part E6 of the concave conveying surface SD1) is greater than the plate thickness T1 of the first recess Q1. The depth L2 of the concave conveying surface SD1 is, for example, 2 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 6 mm or more.

[0188] In the example shown in Fig. 42, the dross transport conveyor 2B has another transport plate 3-N arranged adjacent to the first front end 3f-1 of the first transport plate 3-1. The first transport plate 3-1 can tilt relatively to the other transport plate 3-N about a front tilt axis AX1. The first transport plate 3-1 can also tilt relatively to the second transport plate 3-2 about a rear tilt axis AX2.

[0189] As illustrated in Fig. 42, a plane including both the front tilt axis AX1 of the first transport plate 3-1 and the rear tilt axis AX2 of the first transport plate 3-1 is defined as a first plane PL1. In the example illustrated in Fig. 25, the deepest part E6 of the concave transport surface SD1 is located on the fourth direction DR4 side from the first plane PL1.

[0190] The distance L3 between the deepest part E6 of the concave transfer surface SD1 and the first plane PL1 is, for example, 2 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 6 mm or more.

[0191] In the example shown in FIG. 42, the end E7 of the first recess Q1 on the fourth direction DR4 side is located closest to the fourth direction DR4 side in the entire first transport plate 3-1.

[0192] (Laser processing equipment 1B) 36, the laser processing apparatus 1B includes a dross transport conveyor 2B, a laser irradiation device 60, a moving device 7, and a control device 8. Additionally, the laser processing apparatus 1B may include a workpiece support member 90. The laser irradiation device 60, the moving device 7, the control device 8, and the workpiece support member 90 have been described in the first embodiment, and therefore repeated description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0193] (Third embodiment) A workpiece machining method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 43. Figure 43 is a flow chart showing an example of a workpiece machining method according to the third embodiment.

[0194] The workpiece processing method in the third embodiment may be performed using the laser processing apparatus 1A in the first embodiment, or may be performed using the laser processing apparatus 1B in the second embodiment, or may be performed using some other laser processing apparatus.

[0195] In the first step ST1, the workpiece W is machined. The first step ST1 is a workpiece machining process. In the workpiece machining process, the workpiece W is machined by irradiating the workpiece W with a laser LB. More specifically, the workpiece W is machined by irradiating the workpiece W with a laser LB from a laser head 61 of a laser irradiation device 60. The wavelength of the laser LB emitted from the laser head 61 of the laser irradiation device 60 is, for example, 1060 nm or more and 1080 nm or less.

[0196] The workpiece W to be processed in the workpiece processing step (first step ST1) is, for example, a plate material. The workpiece processing step may include laser cutting the workpiece W by moving a laser head 61 that emits a laser beam LB. The workpiece processing step may also include laser drilling the workpiece W by emitting a laser beam LB from a laser head 61 that is temporarily stationary. The workpiece W is processed by the laser beam LB, so that a product (for example, a plate product) is formed from the workpiece W.

[0197] In the workpiece machining process (first step ST1), the workpiece W is irradiated with a laser LB, thereby generating dross D from the workpiece W. Additionally, the workpiece W may be irradiated with a laser LB, thereby generating cut pieces CF from the workpiece W. The generated dross D and / or the cut pieces CF fall downward in the machining area RG1. The dross D and / or the cut pieces CF falling downward are received by the dross transport conveyor 2.

[0198] In the workpiece machining process (first step ST1), the laser LB passing through the workpiece W reaches the dross transport conveyor 2. The laser LB reaching the dross transport conveyor 2 heats up a group of transport plates 3 including the first transport plate 3-1 and the second transport plate 3-2. The first transport plate 3-1, the second transport plate 3-2, etc. are deformed due to thermal expansion.

[0199] In the second step ST2, the dross D is transported. The second step ST2 is a dross transporting process. In the dross transporting process, the dross D generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB is transported using a group of transport plates 3 including a first transport plate 3-1 extending in a first direction DR1 and a second transport plate 3-2 arranged adjacent to the first transport plate 3-1 and extending in the first direction DR1. More specifically, the group of transport plates 3 transports the dross D from the processing region RG1 to the discharge region RG2.

[0200] As illustrated in FIG. 15, FIG. 18, FIG. 20, FIG. 23, FIG. 38, or FIG. 41, the first transport plate 3-1 has a first front end 3f-1, a first rear end 3e-1, and a first intermediate portion 3m-1 connecting the first front end 3f-1 and the first rear end 3e-1. The first intermediate portion 3m-1 has a first recess Q1 extending in the first direction DR1. The second transport plate 3-2 has a second front end 3f-2, a second rear end 3e-2, and a second intermediate portion 3m-2 connecting the second front end 3f-2 and the second rear end 3e-2. The second intermediate portion 3m-2 has a second recess Q2 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0201] The second step ST2 (dross transport step) is performed in parallel with the first step ST1 (workpiece machining step). More specifically, while the dross transport conveyor 2 is driven (in other words, while a group of transport plates 3 is moving along the circular orbit OB), the laser LB is irradiated onto the workpiece W from the laser irradiation device 60. By irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB, dross D and / or cut pieces CF are intermittently or continuously generated, and the generated dross D and / or cut pieces CF are sequentially transported by the dross transport conveyor 2.

[0202] In the example shown in Fig. 14, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 19, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 37, or Fig. 40, the workpiece machining process (the process of machining the workpiece W) is performed in a state in which thermal bending of the first transport plate 3-1 is suppressed because the direction in which the first intermediate portion 3m-1 is thermally bent by irradiating the first recess Q1 with the laser LB is opposite to the direction in which the first front end 3f-1 is thermally bent by irradiating the first front end 3f-1 with the laser LB (see the direction of thermal bending shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 if necessary). Therefore, although the first transport plate 3-1 is thermally deformed by the laser irradiation, large thermal deformation that leads to thermoplastic deformation is suppressed.

[0203] 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 37, or 40, the workpiece machining process (the process of machining the workpiece W) is performed in a state in which thermal bending of the second transport plate 3-2 is suppressed because the direction in which the second intermediate portion 3m-2 is thermally bent by irradiating the second recess Q2 with the laser LB is opposite to the direction in which the second front end 3f-2 is thermally bent by irradiating the second front end 3f-2 with the laser LB. Therefore, although the second transport plate 3-2 is thermally deformed by the laser irradiation, large thermal deformation that leads to thermoplastic deformation is suppressed.

[0204] In the third step ST3, the first group of transport plates 3 is cooled. The third step ST3 is a cooling step. The cooling step (third step ST3) is performed, for example, by natural cooling. More specifically, the cooling step is performed by leaving the first group of transport plates 3 at room temperature after the processing of the workpieces W is completed.

[0205] Additionally, the cooling step may include forcibly cooling the group of transport plates 3 using at least one of an air-cooling type cooling device 95a and a liquid-cooling type cooling device 95b. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the cooling step may include an air-cooling type cooling device 95a blowing air onto the group of transport plates 3. Alternatively, or additionally, the cooling step may include passing the group of transport plates 3 through a liquid (e.g., water) in a liquid bath 97. The cooling step may also include a liquid-cooling type cooling device 95b blowing liquid (e.g., water) onto the group of transport plates 3.

[0206] Forced cooling of a group of transport plates 3 using at least one of an air-cooled cooling device 95a and a liquid-cooled cooling device 95b may be performed in parallel with the workpiece machining process (first step ST1) and the dross transport process (second step ST2).

[0207] In the workpiece machining method of the third embodiment, the thermoplastic deformation of the first transport plate 3-1 is suppressed, so that the first transport plate 3-1 returns to its original shape before the thermal deformation after being cooled in the cooling process. In addition, in the workpiece machining method of the third embodiment, the thermoplastic deformation of the second transport plate 3-2 is suppressed, so that the second transport plate 3-2 returns to its original shape before the thermal deformation after being cooled in the cooling process. By repeatedly executing the above-mentioned first step ST1 to third step ST3, some plastic deformation may occur in each of the group of transport plates 3, but plastic deformation to the extent that the operation of the dross transport conveyor 2 is impaired is avoided.

[0208] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In addition, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or other modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, any additional configuration in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 1, 1A, 1B... laser processing device, 2, 2A, 2B... dross transport conveyor, 3... transport plate, 3'... transport plate, 3-1... first transport plate, 3-2... second transport plate, 3-3... third transport plate, 3-N... transport plate, 3a, 3a-1, 3a-2, 3a-3... left end, 3b, 3b-1, 3b-2, 3b-3... right end, 3e... rear end, 3e-1... first rear end, 3e-2... second rear end, 3e-3... third rear end, 3e-N... rear end of transport plate 3-N, 3f... front end, 3f-1... first front end, 3f-2... second front end, 3f-3... third front end, 3m... Intermediate portion, 3m-1...first intermediate portion, 3m-2...second intermediate portion, 3m-3...third intermediate portion, 3n...reverse side, 3n-1...first reverse side, 3n-2...second reverse side, 3u...transport surface, 3u-1...first transport surface, 3u-2...second transport surface, 4, 4-1, 4-2...laser reflecting layer, 7...moving device, 8...control device, 11...transport device, 12...workpiece transport device, 12a...plate material transport device, 13...container, 15...second transport conveyor, 21...first endless member, 21a...first endless chain, 22...second endless member, 22a...second endless chain, 28...sprocket, 28a...first sprocket, 28b...second Sprocket, 28c...third sprocket, 28d...fourth sprocket, 29...driving device, 30e-1...first rear receiving portion, 30e-2...second rear receiving portion, 30f-1...first front receiving portion, 30f-2...second front receiving portion, 35-1...first base member, 35-2...second base member, 35u...surface of first base member, 60...laser irradiation device, 61...laser head, 63...laser light source, 65...optical component, 70...base, 71...first moving device, 71a...first moving body, 71b...first driving device, 73...second moving device, 73a...second moving body, 73b...second driving device, 75...first 3 moving device, 75a...third moving body, 75b...third driving device, 80...hardware processor, 82...memory, 84...communication circuit, 86...input device, 88...bus, 90...work support member, 91...plate member, 92...top, 93...frame, 95, 95a, 95b...cooling device, 96...air injection device, 97...liquid tank, 121...suction cup, 822...machining program, 826...work data, 862...touch panel display, AX1...forward tilt axis, AX2...backward tilt axis, B1...first orbit, B2...second orbit, BA1...first bending portion, BA2...second bending portion, BB1, BB2,BC1...bend, BT...bolt, C1...boundary, CF...cut-off piece, CL...upward slope, CP, CP1, CP2...convex curved portion, D...dross, DR1...first direction, DR2...second direction, DR3...third direction, DR4...fourth direction, E1...rear end edge of transport plate 3-N, E2...front leading edge of second transport plate, E3...rear end edge of first transport plate, E4...front leading edge of third transport plate, E5...point located furthest to the third direction side of the concave transport surface, E6...deepest part of the concave transport surface, E7...edge of first recess on the fourth direction side, EG...edge portion, FP1...flat portion, FP1-1...first flat portion, FP1-2...second flat portion, FP2...flat portion, G1...gap between first and second orbits, L1...length of first transport plate, L2... Depth of the concave conveying surface, L3...distance between the deepest part of the concave conveying surface and the first plane, LB...laser, OB...circulating orbit, OP...injection port, PL1...first plane, PT...pallet, Q1, Q1-1, Q1-2...first recess, Q2...second recess, QP1, QP2...concave curved portion, R1...injection command, RD1...first rod, RD2...second rod, RD3...third rod, RG1...machining area, RG2...ejection area, RG3...removal area, S...movement command, SD1, SD2...concave conveying surface, SN1...protruding surface, SU1, SU2...convex conveying surface, T1...plate thickness of the first recess, TP...standing portion, TP1...first standing portion, TP2...second standing portion, W...workpiece, Wb...machined workpiece, W1...width of the first conveying plate, W2...width of the second conveying plate, h1, h2...hole portion,

Claims

1. The laser cutting apparatus includes a group of conveying plates including a first conveying plate extending in a first direction and a second conveying plate disposed adjacent to the first conveying plate and extending in the first direction, and conveys dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser, The first transport plate is a first front end; a first rear end portion; a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end portion and the first rear end portion; Equipped with Dross transport conveyor.

2. A direction in which the first front end portion is thermally deflected by irradiating the first front end portion with the laser is opposite to a direction in which the first intermediate portion is thermally deflected by irradiating the first recess portion with the laser.

2. The dross transport conveyor of claim 1.

3. In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the first recess has a substantially arc shape, a substantially V shape, or a substantially U shape.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first rear end of the first transport plate is disposed so as to overlap with the second front end of the second transport plate.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first rear end of the first conveying plate and the second front end of the second conveying plate are hinged together.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When a direction from the back surface of the first transport plate toward the transport surface of the first transport plate is defined as a third direction and a direction opposite to the third direction is defined as a fourth direction, the first recess is recessed in the fourth direction, the first front end portion has a convex conveying surface that is convex in the third direction; The first intermediate portion has a concave conveying surface that is concave in the fourth direction.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The depth of the concave conveying surface is greater than the thickness of the first concave portion.

7. The dross transport conveyor of claim 6.

8. The first front end has a convex curve extending in the first direction.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

9. When viewed in the first direction, the first front end portion and the first recessed portion form a substantially S-shape.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The first intermediate portion has a flat portion separate from the first recess.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The first recess and the flat plate portion are connected via a bent portion extending in the first direction.

11. The dross transport conveyor of claim 10.

12. At least a part of the transport surface of the first transport plate is formed by the surface of a laser reflecting layer.

3. A dross transport conveyor according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a laser irradiation device including a laser head that irradiates a laser toward a workpiece; a moving device that moves the laser head relative to a workpiece support member that supports the workpiece; a control device that controls the laser irradiation device and the moving device; Dross conveyor and Equipped with The dross transport conveyor is a group of conveying plates including a first conveying plate extending in a first direction and a second conveying plate disposed adjacent to the first conveying plate and extending in the first direction, for conveying dross generated by irradiating the workpiece with the laser; The first transport plate is a first front end; a first rear end portion; a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end portion and the first rear end portion; Equipped with Laser processing equipment.

14. A cooling device is provided to forcibly cool the group of conveying plates. The laser processing device according to claim 13.

15. A step of processing a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a laser; a step of transporting dross generated by irradiating the workpiece with the laser using a group of transport plates including a first transport plate extending in a first direction and a second transport plate disposed adjacent to the first transport plate and extending in the first direction; Equipped with The first transport plate is a first front end; a first rear end portion; a first intermediate portion having a first recess extending in the first direction and connecting the first front end portion and the first rear end portion; Equipped with The step of machining the workpiece includes: a state in which thermal deflection of the first transport plate is suppressed by the direction in which the first intermediate portion is thermally deflected by irradiating the first recess with the laser being opposite to the direction in which the first front end portion is thermally deflected by irradiating the first front end portion with the laser; It is executed by Workpiece processing method.

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