Processing machine and processing method

Abstract

This processing machine is provided with: a processing machine body configured to be relatively movable with respect to a workpiece; a torch fixed to the processing machine body, and generating a heat source between a tip end and a processing portion of the workpiece; and an ejector for ejecting, toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch, an ejection substance for removing dross accumulated in a predetermined region along with thermal processing. The torch is disposed at an inclination with reference to a movement direction of the processing machine body with respect to the workpiece during thermal processing, such that the tip end is positioned forward with respect to the base end. The ejection port of the ejector is positioned in front of the tip end of the torch with reference to a first surface side of the workpiece and the movement direction. The ejector ejects the ejection substance forward in the movement direction. The processing machine forms a groove on the first surface of the workpiece by performing thermal processing while moving the processing machine body.

Description

Processing machine and processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing machine and a processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece.

[0002] Thermal processing such as plasma cutting is used to form grooves in or cut a workpiece. In thermal processing, a heat source such as plasma is generated between the tip of a torch and the workpiece to be cut, thereby cutting the workpiece.

[0003] In this type of thermal processing, the metal cut from the workpiece becomes molten metal called dross and accumulates on the front or back of the workpiece. The dross that accumulates on the workpiece quickly cools and adheres to the workpiece. Removing the dross that has adhered to the workpiece after thermal processing is time-consuming and reduces productivity. In addition, the adhesion of dross to the workpiece may prevent stable continuation of thermal processing.

[0004] Regarding the problem of dross accumulation, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a configuration in which a dross adhesion inhibitor is sprayed toward the intended cutting portion on the surface of the workpiece on the plasma torch side before the start of plasma cutting work.

[0005] Publication No. 7-26054

[0006] However, although spraying a dross adhesion inhibitor before thermal processing can be expected to make it difficult for dross to adhere to the workpiece, the dross still accumulates on the front or back surface of the workpiece. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the problem of dross removal during thermal processing.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing machine and a processing method that can prevent dross from accumulating on a workpiece during thermal processing.

[0008] A processing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, and comprises: a processing machine body configured to be movable relative to the workpiece; a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and the processing location of the workpiece; and an ejector that ejects an ejection body toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the specified area as a result of the thermal processing, wherein the torch is positioned at an angle so that its tip is positioned forward of its base end based on the direction of movement of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece during the thermal processing, and the ejector outlet is positioned on the side of the first surface of the workpiece and forward of the tip of the torch based on the direction of movement, and the ejector ejects the ejection body forward in the direction of movement, and the processing machine performs the thermal processing while moving the processing machine body to form a groove on the first surface of the workpiece.

[0009] A processing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, and includes a processing machine body, a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and the processing location of the workpiece, and an ejector that ejects an ejection body toward a predetermined area defined based on the processing location of the workpiece on a surface different from the first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and intersecting an imaginary straight line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing location of the workpiece, to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

[0010] Another aspect of the processing method of the present disclosure is a processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, which includes holding a torch that generates a heat source between its tip and the processing location of the workpiece toward the processing location of the workpiece, and performing the thermal processing on the processing location of the workpiece by generating the heat source, while ejecting an ejection body toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the specified area as a result of the thermal processing, and performing the thermal processing while moving the torch relative to the workpiece to form a groove on the first surface of the workpiece, and ejecting the ejection body from forward of the tip of the torch toward the movement direction of the torch relative to the first surface of the workpiece and based on the movement direction of the torch relative to the workpiece.

[0011] Another aspect of the processing method of the present disclosure is a processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, which includes holding a torch that generates a heat source between its tip and the processing location of the workpiece toward the processing location of the workpiece, and performing the thermal processing on the processing location of the workpiece by generating the heat source, and ejecting an ejection body toward a predetermined area that is determined based on the processing location of the workpiece on a surface that is different from a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and that intersects with an imaginary line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing location of the workpiece, in order to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on a workpiece during thermal processing.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view of the processing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of a torch in the processing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of a processing location in the processing machine shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment, viewed from the direction of movement of the processing machine main body relative to a workpiece. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the processing machine shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0014] First Embodiment A processing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing machine 1 is a work machine that performs thermal processing, i.e., groove machining, to form a groove G2 on the back side of a welded portion B of a workpiece W. Grooving is generally referred to as gouging. A groove G1 having various shapes, such as a V-shape, an X-shape, a U-shape, or a J-shape, is pre-formed in the workpiece W. After welding the groove G1 of the workpiece W from the front side, groove machining is performed on the back side of the workpiece W to form a groove G2 deeper than the original groove G1. This removes defects in the weld bead from the front side and prevents welding defects from occurring when welding from the back side. Note that the groove G1 may not be pre-formed in the workpiece W. Grooving can also be performed on such a workpiece W. In other words, the thermal processing of the workpiece W in the present disclosure is not limited to thermal processing of the groove G1 but also includes thermal processing of areas where no groove G1 exists.

[0016] 1 shows a state in which a workpiece W to be welded is placed horizontally, and a processing machine 1 is placed on a first surface S1 of the workpiece W. Therefore, in the following description, the side farther from the first surface S1 of the workpiece W is the upper side of the processing machine 1, and the side closer to the first surface S1 is the lower side. Furthermore, the first surface S1 of the workpiece W refers to the surface that the processing machine 1 abuts, i.e., the surface facing a torch 21 described below. The welded portion B of the workpiece W, i.e., the surface on which the weld bead is formed, is a second surface S2 opposite the first surface S1.

[0017] In this embodiment, the processing machine 1 includes a processing machine main body 2 and a carriage 3. The carriage 3 includes a carriage main body 4 and wheels 5 supported by the carriage main body 4. The carriage main body 4 includes a fixing surface 6 to which the processing machine main body 2 is fixed. The carriage main body 4 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 7. The upper surface of the housing 7 forms the fixing surface 6. The wheels 5 contact a first surface S1 of the workpiece W.

[0018] The carriage 3 is equipped with a motor 8 for moving the carriage body 4 over the first surface S1 of the workpiece W. The motor 8 is installed inside the housing 7. Power is supplied to the motor 8 from the outside via a power cable 40. Alternatively, a battery may be mounted on the carriage 3.

[0019] In this embodiment, the rail R is fixed to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W along a weld line. The method for fixing the rail R is not particularly limited. For example, the rail R may be fixed to the workpiece W by welding, by a magnet, or by a vacuum pad. The rail R is a rail with a circular cross section. For example, the rail R is a pipe rail. The carriage body 4 includes a rail holder 9 that holds the rail R. The housing 7 has a recess 10 on its lower surface, i.e., the surface opposite the fixing surface 6, through which the rail R is inserted. The recess 10 has an arc-shaped cross section. The rail holder 9 is arranged around the recess 10.

[0020] The rail holder 9 includes a pair of rollers that sandwich the rail R from both sides. The pair of rollers includes a drive roller 11 driven by the motor 8 and a driven roller 12 disposed opposite the drive roller 11. The bogie body 4 has a link 13 that transmits the driving force of the motor 8 to the drive roller 11 to rotate the drive roller 11. The link 13 includes, for example, a gear box. However, the configuration of the rail holder 9 is not limited to this. For example, the rail holder 9 may include an auxiliary roller in addition to the pair of rollers.

[0021] As described above, in this embodiment, the carriage 3 moves along the rail R by rotating the drive-side roller 11 by the driving force of the motor 8 while the rail R is sandwiched between the pair of rollers 11, 12. As a result, the carriage 3 moves relative to the workpiece W in the direction of the weld line of the workpiece W. At this time, the wheels 5 rotate while in contact with the workpiece W. Because the carriage 3 is held on the rail R by the rail holder 9, the carriage 3 can be moved along the rail R and thermal processing can be performed on the workpiece W by the processing machine main body 2 mounted on the carriage 3 not only when the surface of the workpiece W faces upward, but also when it faces sideways or downward. Furthermore, the workpiece W may have not only a flat surface but also a curved surface.

[0022] A case 52 having a movement controller 51 mounted thereon is fixed to a part of the fixed surface 6 of the carriage body 4. The carriage 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the case 52 and has an operation panel 53 for operating the carriage 3. The movement controller 51 includes a processing circuit and controls the motor 8.

[0023] The processing machine body 2 is detachably fixed to the fixing surface 6. The fixing surface 6 has fixing holes 6a. The processing machine body 2 is fixed to the fixing surface 6 by fixing screws 54 inserted into the fixing holes 6a. By loosening the fixing screws 54, the processing machine body 2 can be removed from the fixing surface 6 of the carriage body 4.

[0024] Another work machine can be fixed to the fixing surface 6 instead of the processing machine main body 2. This allows the carriage 3 to be shared among multiple work machines including the processing machine main body 2 configured as the processing machine 1. The other work machines may include, for example, a welding machine that performs welding while moving a welding torch, an inspection machine that performs inspections before and after welding or processing, and a processing machine that performs processing other than groove processing. For example, after cutting the groove G2 with the processing machine 1, the processing machine main body 2 may be removed from the fixing surface 6, an inspection machine may be fixed to the fixing surface 6, and the carriage 3 may be moved along the rail R to inspect the groove G2 formed by the processing machine 1. The processing machine main body 2 can be replaced with the inspection machine while the carriage 3 is holding the rail R.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a side view of the processing machine shown in Fig. 1. The processing machine 1 is equipped with a torch 21 that performs thermal processing on a workpiece W. In this embodiment, the torch 21 is a plasma torch that generates a plasma arc, which serves as a heat source, between a tip 21a of the torch 21 and a processing location A2 of the workpiece W.

[0026] The processing machine body 2 is equipped with a driver 41 for driving the torch 21. The driver 41 converts power supplied from a power source into a predetermined voltage or current and supplies it to an electrode in the torch 21, generating a plasma arc serving as a heat source between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W. The power source may be a battery mounted on the processing machine body 2, or power may be supplied to the processing machine body 2 from an external power source via a power cable. Furthermore, the power source for the carriage 3 and the power source for the processing machine body 2 may be a common power source. The driver 41 is equipped with a processing circuit including an inverter and the like. Furthermore, the processing machine body 2 is equipped with an operation panel 42. The driver 41 drives the torch 21 based on the operation of the operation panel 42.

[0027] The processing machine body 2 is equipped with a holder 22 that holds the torch 21 on the carriage 3. The torch 21 is positioned at an angle with respect to the direction F of movement of the processing machine body 2 relative to the workpiece W during thermal processing, so that the tip 21a is positioned forward relative to the base end 21b. The holder 22 maintains the inclined position of the torch 21. The angle θ of inclination of the central axis C1 of the torch 21 relative to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 30 degrees.

[0028] The processing machine body 2 includes a first body 31 fixed to the fixing surface 6 and a second body 32 extending forward from the first body 31. The second body 32 is configured to be movable in the width direction relative to the first body 31. The holder 22 includes an arm 23 supported by the second body 32 and a clamp 24 supported by the arm 23 and holding the torch 21. The holder 22 is configured to be able to change the tilt angle θ and torch height of the torch 21. The torch height is defined as the height of the tip 21a of the torch 21 relative to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W.

[0029] With this configuration, the processing machine 1 in this embodiment performs thermal processing to form a groove G2 on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W by generating a plasma arc between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W while moving the processing machine main body 2 to which the torch 21 is fixed relative to the workpiece W.

[0030] In this embodiment, the processing machine 1 is equipped with a sprayer 60 that sprays the ejection body E. The sprayer 60 sprays the ejection body E toward the first surface S1 of the workpiece W facing the torch 21. The sprayer 60 is directed toward a predetermined area A1 on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W that is determined based on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W. The ejection port 60a of the sprayer 60 is located on the first surface S1 side of the workpiece W and forward of the tip 21a of the torch 21 with respect to the movement direction F. The sprayer 60 is arranged so that the ejection port 60a at the tip is located forward of the base end. This allows the sprayer 60 to eject the ejection body E forward in the movement direction F. The ejection port 60a is also arranged at a position where the distance from the first surface S1 of the workpiece W is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the ejection port 60a is arranged so that the ejection direction of the ejection body E is horizontal or at an angle close to horizontal with respect to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W.

[0031] The ejector 60 is fixed to the processing machine body 2. In this embodiment, the ejector 60 is held by the holder 22. The ejector 60 has a pair of nozzles 61 arranged on both the left and right sides of the torch 21. The pair of nozzles 61 are arranged so that the distance between them is wider than the groove width or the groove G2 formed by the torch 21. The nozzles 61 are connected to a supply pipe 62 that supplies the ejection material. The supply pipe 62 is fixed to the clamp 24 of the holder 22.

[0032] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the holder that holds the torch 21 and the holder that holds the ejector 60 are common or integrated. Therefore, even if the position of the torch 21 is adjusted by, for example, moving the second body 32 in the width direction relative to the first body 31, the positional relationship between the torch 21 and the ejector 60 can be maintained. Note that the holder that holds the torch 21 and the holder that holds the ejector 60 may be configured independently of each other.

[0033] The ejection port 60a of the ejector 60 has a shape that is long in a direction parallel to the surface of the workpiece W, i.e., in the width direction of the groove. For example, the ejection port 60a has an oval or elliptical shape that is long in the left-right direction. For example, the nozzle 61 may be formed from a circular pipe, and the tip of the nozzle 61 may be formed as the ejection port 60a by pressing the tip in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the ejection port 60a having an oval or elliptical shape that is long in the width direction of the groove may be attached to the tip of the nozzle 61 formed from a circular pipe.

[0034] The ejected body E ejected from the ejector 60 is, for example, a predetermined gas. The predetermined gas includes, for example, an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. By using an inert gas, it is possible to prevent the workpiece W from being oxidized when the ejected body E is sprayed onto the workpiece W. Note that the predetermined gas is not limited to an inert gas, and may be other gases such as oxygen or air, in order to achieve the purpose of dross removal. Furthermore, the ejected body E is not limited to a gas, and may be a liquid or solid. For example, the ejected body E may be an abrasive such as water or sand, or dry ice, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing machine 1 is equipped with a profiling roller 63. The profiling roller 63 is supported by the processing machine body 2. The processing machine body 2 includes a third body 33 extending rearward from the first body 31 and a fourth body 34 extending downward from the third body 33. The profiling roller 63 is supported at the lower end of the fourth body 34. The profiling roller 63 is disposed so that its widthwise center position coincides with the widthwise center position of the torch 21. The profiling roller 63 causes the processing machine body 2 to profiling the groove G2 formed behind the torch 21 with respect to the movement direction F. For this reason, the height of the profiling roller 63 is set to a height such that it is located within the groove G2 of the workpiece W. In other words, the lowest end of the profiling roller 63 is located lower than the lowest end of the wheels 5.

[0036] By providing the processing machine 1 with the copy roller 63, the processing machine 1 can be made to reliably copy the groove G2 that has actually been formed. This allows the processing machine 1 to move more stably over the workpiece W. This further promotes automation of groove processing.

[0037] Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the torch in the processing machine shown in Fig. 1. Components other than the torch 21, clamp 24, and ejector 60 in the processing machine 1 are not shown in Fig. 3. As described above, the torch 21 is disposed at an angle so that the tip 21a is positioned forward relative to the base end 21b. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the processing location A2 of the workpiece W is located forward of the tip 21a of the torch 21. In other words, a plasma arc is formed between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the groove position of the workpiece W forward of the tip 21a of the torch 21.

[0038] In this state, the processing machine 1 including the torch 21 moves in the movement direction F relative to the workpiece W. The plasma arc melts a portion of the workpiece W at the processing location A2, turning it into dross. The dross is blown forward by the plasma arc. The blown-off dross accumulates, or attempts to accumulate, in front of the processing location A2 and on both sides of the groove on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W. In this manner, the area where the dross accumulates, or attempts to accumulate, is set as a predetermined area A1. For example, the predetermined area A1 is set to an area including the edge of the groove G1, i.e., the edge of the groove G2 after formation. The ejector 60 ejects the ejected object E toward the predetermined area A1 thus set. That is, the ejected object E is ejected from in front of the tip 21 a of the torch 21 on the first surface S1 side of the workpiece W and in front of the movement direction F of the torch 21 relative to the workpiece W, based on the movement direction F.

[0039] By ejecting the ejection body E from the ejector 60 toward the predetermined area A1, dross that has arrived near the predetermined area A1 is blown forward. Furthermore, even if dross accumulates in the predetermined area A1, it is blown away by the ejection body E before it cools and adheres to the workpiece W at that position. In this way, by ejecting the ejection body E toward the first surface S1 of the workpiece W while performing thermal processing on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W during groove processing.

[0040] Preventing dross from accumulating on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W during groove machining can stabilize the quality of the groove machining and promote automation of the groove machining. If dross accumulates on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W, particularly on the edge of the groove G1, during groove machining, the torch 21 may come into contact with the dross, potentially damaging the torch 21 or resulting in poor plasma arc generation. Furthermore, the plasma arc that should normally be generated between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the machining location A2 of the workpiece W may instead be generated between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the dross. This is generally referred to as a double arc. If a double arc occurs, the plasma arc between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the machining location A2 of the workpiece W may be weakened or cut off. This may result in poor groove machining.

[0041] Furthermore, if dross accumulates on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W, particularly on the edge of the formed groove G2, the accumulated dross may interfere with the profiling roller 63. If the movement resistance of the processing machine 1 increases due to the interference between the profiling roller 63 and the dross, it may become difficult to move the processing machine 1. As a result, it may become impossible for the processing machine 1 to continue groove machining while moving.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned problem associated with the accumulation of dross on the first surface S1 of the workpiece W. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the quality of the groove machining performed by the processing machine 1. Furthermore, it is possible to promote automation of groove machining by the processing machine 1.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60 is located on the first surface S1 side of the workpiece W and forward of the tip 21a of the torch 21 with respect to the movement direction F, and the ejector 60 is configured to eject the ejection body E forward in the movement direction F. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the nozzle 61 of the ejector 60 itself and the plasma arc, interference between the ejection body E ejected from the ejection port 60a and the plasma arc, or interference between the dross blown away by the ejection body E and the plasma arc. Therefore, the dross can be removed without affecting groove machining.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60 has a shape that is long in a direction parallel to the surface of the workpiece W. This makes it possible to increase the ejection speed of the ejection body E ejected from the ejection port 60a. In addition, the ejection body E can be ejected over a wide range in the width direction.

[0045] The ejection port 60a is preferably located before the predetermined area A1 with respect to the movement direction F. This prevents interference between the nozzle 61 of the ejector 60 and the dross. In this embodiment, the ejector 60 includes a pair of nozzles 61 arranged on both the left and right sides of the torch 21. This allows the ejection body E to efficiently blow away the dross that has accumulated on both the left and right sides of the groove G2 on the first surface S1.

[0046] [Modifications of First Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the ejector 60 includes a pair of left and right nozzles 61, but the configuration of the ejector 60 is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as it is possible to eject the ejection body E toward a predetermined area A1 that is determined based on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W. For example, in the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which one nozzle 61 is arranged on each side, but instead, two or more nozzles may be arranged on each side. The nozzles may be arranged in parallel in the width direction or in the height direction.

[0047] Alternatively, one or more nozzles may be arranged above the torch 21. In this case, the nozzle 60a may be located forward of the tip 21a of the torch 21 with respect to the direction of movement F, and may be configured to eject the ejection body E forward in the direction of movement F. Alternatively, multiple nozzles may be arranged in an arc shape above the torch 21, concentrically with the torch 21. Alternatively, a nozzle formed in an arc shape may be arranged above the torch 21.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the nozzles 60a at the tips of the pair of left and right nozzles 61 are arranged to face forward in the movement direction F, but this is not limiting. For example, each nozzle 60a may be arranged to face diagonally forward in the movement direction F. That is, the direction in which each nozzle 60a faces may be a direction obtained by adding a widthwise or heightwise component to the forward component of the movement direction F. Furthermore, when two or more nozzles are arranged per side, the two or more nozzles may extend radially, or the two or more nozzles may be oriented radially.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the processing machine 1 is provided with the profiling roller 63 is exemplified, but the profiling roller 63 may be omitted. Furthermore, the processing machine body 2 may not be detachable from the carriage 3. In other words, the configuration for dross removal in the first embodiment may also be adopted in a processing machine 1 dedicated to groove processing.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, an example has been given in which the carriage 3 is controlled by the movement controller 51 and the torch 21 is driven by the driver 41, but this is not limiting. For example, the movement controller 51 and the driver 41 may be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the driver 41 may control the driving of the torch 21 based on a command signal sent from the movement controller 51. For example, the driving of the torch 21 may be switched on or off based on the traveling position of the carriage 3.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the operation panel 53 of the carriage 3 is provided on the carriage 3, and the operation panel 42 of the processing machine main body 2 is provided on the processing machine main body 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the carriage 3 or the processing machine main body 2 may be provided with a common operation panel for operating the carriage 3 and the torch 21. Furthermore, a remote control terminal for remotely controlling the carriage 3 or the processing machine main body 2, or the carriage 3 or the processing machine main body 2, may be provided separately from the main body of the processing machine 1. The remote control terminal is connected to the main body of the processing machine 1 by wire or wirelessly. If connected wirelessly, the remote control terminal may be a communication terminal such as a smartphone capable of communicating via a network such as the Internet.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, a processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 4, the same components as those of the processing machine 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The processing machine 1B according to this embodiment is a work machine that performs thermal processing such as drilling or cutting a workpiece W. Generally, drilling is called piercing.

[0054] In this embodiment, the processing machine 1B has a processing machine main body 2B configured as a carriage. That is, the processing machine main body 2B includes a carriage main body 4 and wheels 5 supported by the carriage main body 4. The processing machine main body 2B shares a housing with the carriage main body 4. The wheels 5 are installed on predetermined rails R.

[0055] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the processing machine 1B includes a torch 21 that performs thermal processing on the workpiece W. The torch 21 is a plasma torch that generates a plasma arc that serves as a heat source between a tip 21 a of the torch 21 and a processing location A2 of the workpiece W.

[0056] The processing machine body 2 includes a holder 22 that holds the torch 21 therein. The torch 21 is positioned perpendicular to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W placed on the workpiece placement table 70, with the tip 21a facing the first surface S1. In other words, the torch 21 is positioned so that an imaginary line extending from the tip 21a of the torch 21 toward the processing location A2 of the workpiece W intersects with the first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite the first surface S1. This imaginary line can be considered an extension of the central axis C1 of the torch 21. In this embodiment, the imaginary line is perpendicular to the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. The holder 22 includes a first body 25, a second body 26, and a clamp 24. The first body 25 is supported by the carriage body 4 and extends in the vertical direction. The second body 26 is supported by the first body 25 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction F, i.e., in the width direction of the rail R. The clamp 24 is supported by the second body 26 and holds the torch 21.

[0057] The second body 26 may be movable in the up and down direction relative to the first body 25. Furthermore, the clamp 24 may be movable in the width direction of the rail R relative to the second body 26. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the tip of the clamp 24.

[0058] The carriage body 4 is equipped with a motor 8 for moving the carriage body 4 on the rails R. The motor 8 is installed inside the carriage body 4. Power is supplied to the motor 8 from the outside via a power cable 40. Alternatively, a battery may be mounted on the carriage body 4. The wheels 5 are rotated by the power output from the motor 8, and the processing machine body 2B moves in a direction along the rails R.

[0059] The processing machine main body 2B is provided with, within the carriage main body 4, a movement controller 51 that controls the motor 8 and a driver 41 that drives the torch 21. The movement controller 51 and the driver 41 may be configured as a single processing circuit. A control panel 52B for operating the processing machine 1B is disposed on the top surface of the carriage main body 4. Based on operation input to the control panel 52B, the movement controller 51 controls the movement of the processing machine main body 2B, and the driver 41 controls the drive of the torch 21.

[0060] In this embodiment, the processing machine 1B performs thermal processing to drill a hole in the workpiece W by generating a plasma arc between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W while the processing machine body 2 is stopped. Moreover, the processing machine 1B performs thermal processing to cut the workpiece W by generating a plasma arc between the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W while moving the processing machine body 2 relative to the workpiece W. When cutting is to be started from the inside of the workpiece W, drilling is performed while the processing machine body 2 is stopped, and then the cutting is performed by moving the processing machine body 2 from that position.

[0061] In this embodiment, the processing machine 1B also includes a sprayer 60B. The sprayer 60B is supported by the processing machine body 2. The sprayer 60B includes a nozzle 61 and a holder 64 that holds the nozzle 61. The holder 64 is fixed to the carriage body 4. In this embodiment, the spray outlet 60a of the sprayer 60B is positioned so as to spray the ejection body E on the second surface S2 side of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the spray outlet 60a is positioned at a position where the distance from the second surface S2 of the workpiece W is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the spray outlet 60a is positioned so that the ejection direction of the ejection body E is horizontal or at an angle close to horizontal with respect to the second surface S2 of the workpiece W.

[0062] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the processing location in the processing machine shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a view of the vicinity of the processing location A2 as viewed from the second surface S2 side of the workpiece W. In FIG. 5, components other than the torch 21 and the nozzle 61 of the ejector 60B in the processing machine 1B are omitted. As described above, the torch 21 is disposed perpendicular to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the processing location A2 of the workpiece W is a region that extends concentrically around the tip 21a of the torch 21 in a plan view. That is, a plasma arc is formed between the workpiece W directly below the tip 21a of the torch 21 and the tip 21a of the torch 21.

[0063] The plasma arc melts the workpiece W at the processing location A2, turning it into dross. In the thermal processing of this embodiment, the plasma arc penetrates the workpiece W at the processing location A2, and the resulting dross accumulates or attempts to accumulate around the processing location A2 on the second surface S2 of the workpiece W. In the case of cutting processing, the processing machine 1B including the torch 21 moves in the movement direction F relative to the workpiece W. As a result, the processing location A2 moves in the movement direction F in conjunction with the movement of the torch 21, and a notch G3 is formed in the portion of the workpiece W that the processing location A2 passes through.

[0064] At this time, the resulting dross accumulates or attempts to accumulate on one or both sides of the notch G3 on the second surface S2 of the workpiece W. In this manner, the area where the dross accumulates or attempts to accumulate is set as the predetermined area A1. In this embodiment, since the torch 21 is not tilted as in the first embodiment, the predetermined area A1 is set to an area including one or both sides of the edge of the notch G3 formed in the processing location A2. Similarly, in the case of only drilling, the predetermined area A1 is set around the processing location A2.

[0065] The ejector 60B ejects the ejection body E toward the predetermined area A1 set in this manner. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B is arranged so that an imaginary straight line extending from the tip 21a of the torch 21 toward the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, i.e., an extension of the central axis C1 of the torch 21, intersects with the ejection direction of the ejection body E, i.e., an extension of the central axis of the ejection port 60a. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B is arranged so that the movement direction F of the processing machine body 2 relative to the workpiece W during cutting intersects with the ejection direction of the ejection body E, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface S1 or the second surface S2. In this embodiment, the movement direction F and the ejection direction of the ejection body E are perpendicular to each other.

[0066] By ejecting the ejection body E from the ejector 60B toward the predetermined area A1, dross generated near the predetermined area A1 is blown off to the side. Furthermore, even if dross accumulates in the predetermined area A1, it is blown off by the ejection body E before it cools and adheres to the workpiece W at that position. In this way, by ejecting the ejection body E toward the second surface S2 of the workpiece W while performing thermal processing on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on the second surface S2 of the workpiece W during drilling or cutting.

[0067] In this embodiment, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B is positioned so that the direction of movement F of the machine body 2 relative to the workpiece W during cutting intersects with the ejection direction of the ejected body E. Therefore, even if dross accumulates on both sides of the edge of the notch G3, the dross on both sides can be efficiently blown away at once, even if the ejection range of the ejected body E is narrow horizontally. Note that in this embodiment, the ejected ejected body E or the blown away dross may intersect with the plasma arc on the second surface S2 side of the workpiece W. However, this does not cause a problem because the portion of the plasma arc on the second surface S2 side of the workpiece W does not affect the cutting or drilling of the workpiece W.

[0068] [Modification of Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment described above, the ejection nozzle 60a of the ejector 60B is arranged so that the direction of movement F of the machine body 2 relative to the workpiece W during cutting intersects with the ejection direction of the ejection body E, but this is not limiting. For example, as in the first embodiment, the ejection nozzle 60a of the ejector 60B may be arranged so as to eject the ejection body E in a direction along the movement direction F. Note that even if the ejection nozzle 60a of the ejector 60B does not intersect with the movement direction F and the ejection direction of the ejection body E, it is possible to blow away the dross accumulated on both sides of the edge of the slit G3. In this case, the ejector 60B may be provided with multiple ejection nozzles 60a or the ejection nozzle 60a may have a wide shape, thereby more efficiently blowing away the dross accumulated on both sides of the edge of the slit G3.

[0069] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the ejector 60B has one nozzle 61, but the number of nozzles 61 may be two or more. The arrangement of the nozzle 61 and the ejection port 60a is not particularly limited as long as the ejection body E can be ejected toward the predetermined area A1.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, an example was given of a configuration in which the processing machine main body 2B has the function of a cart, but as in embodiment 1, the cart and the processing machine main body 2B may be configured separately, and the processing machine main body 2B may be detachable from the cart.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which the processing machine main body 2B moves on the rail R by the driving force of the wheels 5, but as in the first embodiment, the processing machine main body 2B may also be configured to move along the rail R by the driving force of the driving side rollers 11 that constitute the rail holder 9 that holds the rail R.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, an example was given in which the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B is arranged on the second surface S2 side opposite the first surface S1 of the workpiece W facing the torch 21, but as long as the ejector 60B is arranged on a surface different from the first surface S1 of the workpiece W and on a surface that intersects with an imaginary straight line extending from the tip 21a of the torch 21 toward the workpiece W, a configuration similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment 2 can be applied.

[0073] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a modification of the second embodiment, viewed from the direction of movement of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the processing machine shown in Fig. 6. In this modification, the same components as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In Figs. 6 and 7, the processing machine body 2B is not shown, but it may have the same configuration as that in the second embodiment, for example.

[0074] In the processing machine 1C of this modified example, the torch 21 is positioned to cut the end of the workpiece W at an angle in order to form a groove at the end of the workpiece W. For this reason, the torch 21 is held in the holder 22 so as to be inclined with respect to the first surface S1 of the workpiece W in a direction intersecting the movement direction F of the processing machine body 2B relative to the workpiece W. In other words, the torch 21 is positioned so that the above-mentioned imaginary straight line, which is an extension of the central axis C1, intersects with the first surface S1 of the workpiece W and the side surface S3 that intersects with the first surface S1.

[0075] In this modified example, the ejector 60C is also held by the holder 22. The ejection port 60a of the ejector 60C is arranged on the side surface S3 side. Furthermore, in this modified example, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60C is located rearward of the tip 21a of the torch 21 with respect to the movement direction F, and the ejector 60C is configured to eject the ejection body E forward in the movement direction F.

[0076] In this modification, a plasma arc is also formed between the workpiece W on an extension of the central axis C1 of the torch 21 and the tip 21a of the torch 21. The formed plasma arc melts the workpiece W at the processing location A2, turning it into dross. In the thermal processing of this modification, the plasma arc penetrates the workpiece W at the processing location A2, and the generated dross accumulates or attempts to accumulate around or below the processing location A2 on the side surface S3 of the workpiece W.

[0077] In this modified example, the portion of the workpiece above the edge of the notch G3 becomes unnecessary after thermal processing, or the portion itself ceases to exist due to melting by the plasma arc. Therefore, the predetermined area A1 is set to an area including the lower side of the edge of the notch G3 formed at the processing location A2. The ejector 60C ejects the ejected body E toward the predetermined area A1 thus set. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B is positioned so that its central axis is located below an imaginary line extending from the tip 21a of the torch 21 toward the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, i.e., below an extension of the central axis C1 of the torch 21.

[0078] The predetermined area A1 may be set to an area including both the upper and lower sides of the edge of the notch G3 formed in the processing location A2. In this case, the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60B may be positioned so that its central axis intersects with an imaginary line extending from the tip 21a of the torch 21 toward the processing location A2 of the workpiece W.

[0079] By ejecting the ejection body E from the ejector 60C toward the predetermined area A1, dross generated near the predetermined area A1 is blown off to the side. Furthermore, even if dross accumulates in the predetermined area A1, it is blown off by the ejection body E before it cools and adheres to the workpiece W at that position. In this way, by ejecting the ejection body E toward the side surface S3 of the workpiece W while performing thermal processing on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on the side surface S3 of the workpiece W during drilling or cutting.

[0080] In this modification, the ejection direction of the ejector 60C is aligned with the movement direction F of the processing machine body 2B, but the ejection direction of the ejector 60C may be vertical. Also, the ejection direction of the ejector 60C may be an oblique direction including a component along the movement direction and a vertical component.

[0081] [Other Embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements, changes, and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] For example, in the above embodiment, plasma processing in which a plasma arc is generated between the tip 21 a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W is exemplified as thermal processing, but various processing methods in which a heat source is generated between the tip 21 a of the torch 21 and the processing location A2 of the workpiece W and processing is performed using the heat source can be adopted. In other words, the contents of the present disclosure are applicable to processing machines that employ processing methods that generate dross during processing. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to processing machines that perform thermal processing by irradiating a gas, laser, electron beam, or the like from the torch 21 instead of plasma processing, and similar effects can be achieved.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ejectors 60, 60B are held by the processing machine main body 2, 2B, but the ejectors 60, 60B may be configured separately from the processing machine main body 2, 2B. In this case, the position of the ejectors 60, 60B themselves or the position of the ejection port 60a of the ejectors 60, 60B moves in accordance with the movement of the processing machine main body 2, 2B so as to maintain the positional relationship between the ejection port 60a and the predetermined area A1. In other words, the ejectors 60, 60B and the processing machine main body 2, 2B may be controlled in a coordinated manner.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing machine main body 2, 2B moves along the rail R relative to the workpiece W, but this is not limiting. For example, the processing machine main body 2, 2B may be connected to a base and configured as a robot equipped with an arm having multiple joints. In this case, the holder 22 may be fixed to the tip of the arm, and a robot controller that controls the robot may control the position of the torch 21 fixed to the holder 22 by operating the arm.

[0085] Further, the workpiece W may be configured to move relative to the processing machine main body 2, 2B. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a processing machine according to a modified example of the present disclosure. In Fig. 8, the same components as those of the processing machines 1, 1B according to the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The processing machine 1D according to this modified example is a work machine that performs thermal processing such as drilling or cutting on the workpiece W, similar to the second embodiment.

[0086] In this modified example, the workpiece W is placed on a workpiece carriage 71. The workpiece carriage 71 is configured to be movable on rails R. Note that instead of a movement mechanism that is movable on rails R, the workpiece carriage 71 can employ various movement mechanisms that are movable in the movement direction Q.

[0087] On the other hand, the processing machine main body 2D is fixed to a fixed object such as the ground. The processing machine main body 2D includes a first support 27 fixed to the fixed object, a second support 28 supported by the first support 27, and a clamp 24 supported by the second support 28. The first support 27 includes an extension body 27a extending in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction Q of the workpiece carriage 71, and legs 27b fixed to a fixed object at both ends of the extension body 27a. The extension body 27a has a length longer than the width of the workpiece carriage 71. The workpiece carriage 71 is arranged to be able to pass between the two legs 27b.

[0088] The second support 28 is configured to be movable on the extension 27a of the first support 27 in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction Q. The clamp 24 holds the torch 21. The clamp 24 is configured to be movable in the height direction relative to the second support 28.

[0089] As the workpiece W is transported in the movement direction Q by the workpiece carriage 71 relative to the processing machine body 2D fixed to a fixed object, the torch 21 held by the processing machine body 2C moves in the movement direction F relative to the workpiece W.

[0090] The ejector 60D in this modification is fixed to a fixed object such as the ground. The ejector 60D includes a base 65 fixed to the fixed object, a holder 64 supported by the base 65, and a nozzle 61 held by the holder 64. The positional relationship between the torch 21 and the ejection port 60a of the ejector 60C and the ejection direction of the ejection body E are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0091] Even in the case of the ejector 60D of this modified example, the dross can be prevented from accumulating on the workpiece W by ejecting the ejection body E toward a predetermined area A1 on the second surface S2 of the workpiece W facing the torch 21, which is determined based on the processing location A2 of the workpiece W, to remove the dross.

[0092] In this modified example, an example of performing drilling and cutting as thermal processing has been shown, but in the case of groove processing, a configuration in which the workpiece W moves relative to the processing machine body can also be adopted. In this case, the ejector may be held in the processing machine body or held separately from the processing machine body. For example, the ejector may be suspended from above the building in which the processing machine is installed.

[0093] [Summary of the present disclosure] [Item 1] A processing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, and includes a processing machine body configured to be movable relative to the workpiece, a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and a processing location on the workpiece, and an ejector that ejects an ejection body toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing, the torch is positioned at an angle so that its tip is located forward of its base end with respect to the direction of movement of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece during the thermal processing, and the ejector outlet is located on the side of the first surface of the workpiece and forward of the tip of the torch with respect to the direction of movement, the ejector ejects the ejection body forward in the direction of movement, and the processing machine performs the thermal processing while moving the processing machine body to form a groove on the first surface of the workpiece.

[0094] According to the above configuration, by ejecting the ejection body toward a predetermined area from the ejector, dross that has flown near the predetermined area is blown away during thermal processing that generates dross on the first surface side of the workpiece. Furthermore, even if dross accumulates in the predetermined area, it is blown away by the ejection body before it cools and adheres to the workpiece at that location. In this way, by ejecting the ejection body toward the first surface of the workpiece while performing thermal processing on the processing location of the workpiece, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on the first surface of the workpiece W during groove processing.

[0095] Furthermore, by positioning the nozzle as described above and ejecting the ejection material forward in the direction of movement from that position, the nozzle itself, the ejection material ejected from the nozzle, and the dross blown away by the ejection material can be prevented from interfering with the plasma arc, thereby enabling dross to be removed without affecting thermal processing.

[0096] [Item 2] In the processing machine of Item 1, the ejector may include a pair of nozzles arranged on both the left and right sides of the torch. This allows the ejection body to efficiently blow away the dross.

[0097] [Item 3] The processing machine of Item 1 may include a profiling roller supported by the processing machine body and configured to align the processing machine body with a groove formed behind the torch relative to the direction of movement. This allows the processing machine to reliably align with the groove formed by thermal processing. This allows the processing machine to move more stably over the workpiece. This further facilitates automation of groove processing.

[0098] [Item 4] A processing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, and includes a processing machine body, a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and a processing location on the workpiece, and an ejector that ejects an ejection body toward a predetermined area that is determined based on the processing location of the workpiece on a surface that is different from a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and that intersects with an imaginary line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing location of the workpiece, to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

[0099] According to the above configuration, by ejecting the ejection body toward a predetermined area from the ejector, dross that has arrived near the predetermined area is blown away during thermal processing, which generates dross on a surface other than the first surface of the workpiece. Even if dross accumulates in the predetermined area, it is blown away by the ejection body before it cools and adheres to the workpiece at that location. In this way, by ejecting the ejection body toward a surface other than the first surface of the workpiece while performing thermal processing on the workpiece's processing location, it is possible to prevent dross from accumulating on a surface other than the first surface of the workpiece W during groove processing.

[0100] [Item 5] In the processing machine of Item 4, the ejector nozzle may be disposed on a surface side different from the first surface of the workpiece and such that the ejection direction of the ejection body intersects with an imaginary line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing location of the workpiece. This allows dross on both sides of the cut groove or around the cut hole on the surface side different from the first surface of the workpiece to be blown away at once. Therefore, dross can be efficiently removed.

[0101] [Item 6] In the processing machine of Item 4 or 5, the processing machine body may be configured to be movable relative to the workpiece, and the ejection port of the ejector may be arranged so that the direction of movement of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece during the thermal processing intersects with the ejection direction of the ejecting body. This makes it possible to efficiently blow away dross generated on the second surface side of the workpiece.

[0102] [Item 7] In the processing machine of any one of Items 4 to 6, the torch may be disposed so that the imaginary straight line intersects with the first surface of the workpiece and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the nozzle of the ejector may be directed toward the second surface.

[0103] [Item 8] In the processing machine of any one of Items 4 to 7, the torch may be disposed so that the imaginary straight line intersects with the first surface and a side surface of the workpiece that intersects with the first surface, and the nozzle of the ejector may be directed toward the side surface.

[0104] [Item 9] In the processing machine of any one of Items 1 to 8, the ejector nozzle may have a shape that is elongated in a direction parallel to the surface of the workpiece. This makes it possible to increase the ejection speed of the ejected material ejected from the ejection nozzle. Also, the ejected material can be ejected over a wide range in the width direction.

[0105] [Item 10] A processing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: holding a torch, which generates a heat source between its tip and a processing location on the workpiece, toward the processing location on the workpiece; performing the thermal processing on the processing location on the workpiece by generating the heat source; ejecting an ejection material toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing; performing the thermal processing while moving the torch relative to the workpiece, thereby forming a groove on the first surface of the workpiece; and ejecting the ejection material from a position forward of the tip of the torch toward the first surface of the workpiece and forward in the movement direction, based on the direction of movement of the torch relative to the workpiece.

[0106] [Item 11] A processing method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: holding a torch, which generates a heat source between its tip and a processing location on the workpiece, toward the processing location on the workpiece; and performing the thermal processing on the processing location on the workpiece by generating the heat source; ejecting an ejection body toward a predetermined area, which is determined based on the processing location of the workpiece, on a surface that is different from a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and that intersects with an imaginary line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing location on the workpiece, to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

[0107] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D Processing machine 2, 2B, 2D Processing machine body 21 Torch 60, 60B, 60C, 60D Sprayer 60a Spray outlet 61 Nozzle 63 Copy roller A1 Predetermined area A2 Processing location E Spray body F Movement direction G2 Groove S1 First surface S2 Second surface W Workpiece

Claims

1. A processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: a processing machine body configured to be movable relative to the workpiece; a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and a processing location of the workpiece; and an ejector that ejects an ejection body toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the specified area as a result of the thermal processing, wherein the torch is positioned at an angle so that its tip is located forward of its base end with respect to the movement direction of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece during the thermal processing, and the ejector's nozzle is located on the side of the first surface of the workpiece and forward of the tip of the torch with respect to the movement direction, and the ejector ejects the ejection body forward in the movement direction, and the processing machine forms a groove on the first surface of the workpiece by performing the thermal processing while moving the processing machine body.

2. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises a pair of nozzles, one on the left and one on the right sides of the torch.

3. A processing machine as described in claim 1, further comprising a profiling roller supported by said processing machine body and adapted to cause said processing machine body to profiling a groove formed behind said torch with respect to said moving direction.

4. A processing machine for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: a processing machine body; a torch fixed to the processing machine body and generating a heat source between its tip and a processing point of the workpiece; and an ejector which ejects an ejection body toward a predetermined area determined based on the processing point of the workpiece on a surface other than a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and which intersects with an imaginary straight line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing point of the workpiece, for removing dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

5. A processing machine as described in claim 4, wherein the nozzle of the ejector is positioned on a surface side different from the first surface of the workpiece and so that an imaginary straight line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing point of the workpiece intersects with the ejection direction of the ejection body.

6. The processing machine according to claim 4, wherein the processing machine body is configured to be movable relative to the workpiece, and the nozzle of the ejector is positioned so that the direction of movement of the processing machine body relative to the workpiece during the thermal processing intersects with the ejection direction of the ejection body.

7. The processing machine according to claim 4, wherein the torch is positioned so that the imaginary straight line intersects with the first surface of the workpiece and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the nozzle of the ejector is positioned on the second surface side.

8. The processing machine according to claim 4, wherein the torch is positioned so that the imaginary straight line intersects with the first surface of the workpiece and a side surface that intersects with the first surface, and the nozzle of the ejector is positioned on the side surface.

9. A processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nozzle of the ejector has a shape that is elongated in a direction parallel to the surface of the workpiece.

10. A processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: holding a torch that generates a heat source between its tip and the processing point of the workpiece, facing the processing point of the workpiece; performing the thermal processing on the processing point of the workpiece by generating the heat source, while ejecting an ejection material toward a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch to remove dross that accumulates in the specified area as a result of the thermal processing; forming a groove on the first surface of the workpiece by performing the thermal processing while moving the torch relative to the workpiece; and ejecting the ejection material from forward of the tip of the torch toward the first surface side of the workpiece and forward in the direction of movement of the torch relative to the workpiece, based on the direction of movement of the torch relative to the workpiece.

11. A processing method for performing thermal processing on a workpiece, comprising: holding a torch that generates a heat source between its tip and the processing point of the workpiece, toward the processing point of the workpiece; and, while performing the thermal processing on the processing point of the workpiece by generating the heat source, ejecting an ejection body toward a predetermined area that is determined based on the processing point of the workpiece on a surface other than a first surface of the workpiece facing the torch and that intersects with an imaginary straight line extending from the tip of the torch toward the processing point of the workpiece, to remove dross that accumulates in the predetermined area as a result of the thermal processing.

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