Laser processing machine

Abstract

A laser processing machine (1) comprises: a processing head (20) that irradiates a laser beam; a head movement mechanism (21) that moves the processing head (20) in at least two dimensions; and a head rotation mechanism (22) that rotates the processing head (20) around a V axis (Av) parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. The region in which the processing head (20) can perform processing includes a flat-plate processing region (Ra) in which flat plates are processed, and a pipe processing region (Rb) in which pipes are processed. The pipe processing region (Rb) is provided at a position adjacent to the flat-plate processing region (Ra), independently of the flat-plate processing region (Ra). The pipe processing region (Rb) is switched from the flat-plate processing region (Ra) by rotating the processing head (20) with the head rotation mechanism (22).

Description

laser processing machine

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

[0002] Laser processing machines are known that process workpieces using the thermal energy of a laser beam. Examples of laser processing include laser cutting. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laser processing machine that includes a flat plate processing table and a pipe processing table, and switches between the tables when processing a pipe.

[0003] JP 2012-91180 A

[0004] According to the laser processing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the processing area for pipe processing and the processing area for flat plate processing overlap, which poses a problem in that the setup for pipe processing requires complicated work.

[0005] One aspect of one or more embodiments is a laser processing machine including a processing head that irradiates a laser beam, a head moving mechanism that moves the processing head at least two-dimensionally, and a head rotation mechanism that rotates the processing head around a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. Areas that can be processed by the processing head include a flat plate processing area for processing flat plates and a pipe processing area for processing pipes. The pipe processing area is provided adjacent to the flat plate processing area and independent of the flat plate processing area, and can be switched from the flat plate processing area by rotating the processing head using the head rotation mechanism.

[0006] A laser processing machine according to one or more embodiments can efficiently perform setup for pipe processing.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the structure of a laser processing machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the processing head. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a main portion of the processing machine body. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a pipe processing unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the deployed position of a pipe tray. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a pipe support is moved. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a flat plate table installed in the processing machine body. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a flat plate table in the processing machine body removed from the carriage. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a flat plate table placed on the carriage. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the relationship between a flat plate processing area and a pipe processing area. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a procedure for switching between 3D processing and flat plate processing. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a procedure for switching between 3D processing and pipe processing.

[0008] The laser processing machine according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, directions are defined as left-right, front-rear, and up-down. The left-right and front-rear directions correspond to two directions that intersect at right angles on a horizontal plane, and the up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction. In the drawings, the right direction, left direction, up direction, down direction, front direction, and rear direction are indicated by RT, LT, UP, DN, FR, and RR, respectively.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating the structure of a laser processing machine 1 according to this embodiment. The laser processing machine 1 according to this embodiment is a laser cutting machine that cuts a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a laser beam. The laser processing machine 1 can perform three-dimensional (3D) processing on a three-dimensional workpiece, which is a workpiece having a three-dimensional shape, and two-dimensional (2D) processing on flat plates such as sheet metal and pipes such as steel pipes. Note that the pipe refers to a rod-shaped workpiece and may be a hollow or solid material. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the pipe perpendicular to the axial direction may be circular or non-circular, such as a polygon.

[0010] The laser processing machine 1 includes a processing machine main body 10 and a flat table 80 (see FIG. 7) which will be described later.

[0011] The processing machine body 10 is mainly composed of a body frame 15 , a processing head 20 , a positioner 30 , a pipe processing unit 40 , a pair of guide rails 70 , and a control device 100 .

[0012] The main body frame 15 is composed of multiple frame members assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to surround the machining space where machining is performed. The main body frame 15 is installed on the floor and fixed using fastening parts such as bolts. Inside the main body frame 15, a machining head 20, a positioner 30, a pipe machining unit 40, a pair of guide rails 70, a control device 100, etc. are arranged. Panels provided on parts of the left and right sides and on the rear also constitute the main body frame 15. A partition (not shown) for shielding the machining space and a door (not shown) for accessing and exiting the machining space are provided around the main body frame 15.

[0013] The machining head 20 irradiates a laser beam onto a workpiece. The processing machine body 10 is equipped with a head moving mechanism 21 provided on the body frame 15. The head moving mechanism 21 allows the machining head 20 to move in two dimensions, including at least the front-rear and left-right directions. The machining head 20 of this embodiment can move in three dimensions, including the up-down direction in addition to the front-rear and left-right directions. Note that the structure of the head moving mechanism 21 is depicted in a simplified form in FIG. 1 .

[0014] 2 is a side view illustrating the machining head 20. The processing machine body 10 further includes a head rotation mechanism 22. The head rotation mechanism 22 allows the machining head 20 to rotate about a V-axis Av, which is a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam emitted from the machining head 20. The V-axis Av is located at a position offset in the horizontal direction from the central axis Ac of the machining head 20, i.e., the optical axis of the laser beam. Therefore, when the machining head 20 rotates about the V-axis Av, the machining head 20 rotates in a circular orbit relative to the horizontal plane.

[0015] When the machining head 20 rotates around the V-axis Av, the rotation angle of the machining head 20 is 0 degrees when it is positioned at the frontmost position. When the machining head 20 rotates from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, the machining head 20 is positioned at the rearmost position. Even without moving the machining head 20 rearward using the head moving mechanism 21, the machining head 20 can be made to reach the rear position by rotating the machining head 20 using the head rotation mechanism 22. This rotation of the machining head 20 allows the machining area that the machining head 20 can machine to be expanded to the rear area. Details of the machining area will be described later.

[0016] 3 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the processing machine body 10. The positioner 30 is a device that supports a three-dimensional workpiece to be 3D processed, and in this embodiment, is configured to be able to change the position of the three-dimensional workpiece. The positioner 30 is installed on the floor and is located approximately in the center of the processing machine body 10.

[0017] The positioner 30 is composed of a positioner table 31 and a table driving mechanism 32 .

[0018] The positioner table 31 is formed in a disk shape, and a three-dimensional workpiece is placed on the positioner table 31. The positioner table 31 is provided with a fixture (not shown) for fixing the three-dimensional workpiece.

[0019] The table drive mechanism 32 is a mechanism that rotates the positioner table 31 around an arbitrary axis. The table drive mechanism 32 rotates the positioner table 31 around a CS axis Acs, which is a rotation axis that passes through the center of the positioner table 31 and extends in the up-down direction. The table drive mechanism 32 also rotates the positioner table 31 around a CR axis Acr, which is a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the CS axis Acs and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0020] By changing the position of the three-dimensional workpiece by the positioner 30 and moving the machining head 20 in three dimensions, it is possible to irradiate any part of the three-dimensional workpiece supported by the positioner table 31 with a laser beam.

[0021] The positioner 30 may be configured to rotate the positioner table 31 around only one axis, the CS axis Acs, instead of two axes including the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr. In addition, the positioner 30 may be configured to rotate the positioner table 31 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr, in addition to the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr. Furthermore, the positioner 30 may be configured so that the positioner table 31 does not rotate.

[0022] The pipe processing unit 40 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pipe processing unit 40. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the deployed position of the pipe tray 41. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the pipe support 42 is moved. The pipe processing unit 40 is a unit for processing pipes. For ease of explanation, the pair of guide rails 70 are omitted from Figures 5 and 6.

[0023] The pipe processing unit 40 is a device that rotatably supports a pipe to be processed. The pipe processing unit 40 supports the pipe so that its axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction. The pipe processing unit 40 is located behind the positioner 30 in the processing space and is attached to the main frame 15.

[0024] The pipe processing unit 40 is composed of a pipe tray 41, left and right pipe supports 42, and a pipe rotation mechanism 45. As shown in Figure 4, the pipe tray 41 and the left and right pipe supports 42 are attached to the rear panel 16 of the main body frame 15 via a base panel 46. The pipe rotation mechanism 45 is attached to the right frame member 15a that constitutes the main body frame 15.

[0025] The pipe tray 41 is a tray that receives products cut by pipe processing, scraps, etc. The rear end (tray base end) of the pipe tray 41 is attached to the base panel 46 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The pipe tray 41 can swing up and down by rotating around the hinge mechanism, which has a rotation shaft (not shown) extending in the left-right direction. The pipe tray 41 can be switched between a storage position and an extended position by swinging up and down. Switching between the storage position and the extended position can be performed manually, but it may also be configured to switch automatically.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the storage position, the pipe tray 41 stands upright along the rear panel 16. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the deployed position, the pipe tray 41 faces horizontally so as to form a right angle with the rear panel 16. When the pipe tray 41 in the deployed position is raised upward, the front end (tray tip) of the pipe tray 41 swings upward so as to describe an arc, thereby switching the pipe tray 41 to the storage position. Conversely, when the pipe tray 41 in the storage position is lowered downward, the front end of the pipe tray 41 swings downward so as to describe an arc, thereby switching the pipe tray 41 to the deployed position.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, a shaft 48 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the base panel 46, and a stopper 47 formed from a horizontally long panel is rotatably attached to the shaft 48. A slit 41a is provided on the left side surface of the pipe tray 41. When the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position, the stopper 47 is adjacent to the slit 41a. By rotating the stopper 47 and inserting it into the slit 41a, the oscillation of the pipe tray 41 is restricted. This allows the pipe tray 41 to be held in the storage position.

[0028] The left and right pipe supports 42 support the pipes. The left and right pipe supports 42 are attached to a base panel 46 via guide members and can move left and right. The left and right pipe supports 42 can be moved manually, but they may also be configured to move automatically.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the home positions of the left and right pipe supports 42 are set to the end positions in the left-right direction, that is, the left end positions in this embodiment. Only when the left and right pipe supports 42 are located in their home positions can the pipe tray 41 be switched from the stored position in Fig. 3 to the extended position in Fig. 5. Similarly, only when the left and right pipe supports 42 are located in their home positions can the pipe tray 41 be switched from the extended position in Fig. 5 to the stored position in Fig. 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, when the pipe tray 41 is in the retracted position, if the left and right pipe supports 42 are moved rightward from the home position, they interfere with the pipe tray 41 and cannot be moved. Therefore, to move the left and right pipe supports 42 from the home position, the pipe tray 41 must be switched to the extended position as shown in Figure 5. Once the pipe tray 41 is switched to the extended position, the left and right pipe supports 42 can be moved rightward as shown in Figure 6. This allows the left and right pipe supports 42 to be positioned as desired, and the left and right pipe supports 42 can support the pipe at a position appropriate for the length of the pipe to be processed.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, each pipe support 42 includes a pair of upper support members 43 that press the upper side of the pipe, and a pair of lower support members 44 that support the lower side of the pipe.

[0032] The pair of upper support members 43 are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction. Each upper support member 43 is a link member bent into an L-shape. A roller is attached to the tip of each upper support member 43 to allow the pipe to rotate. The base end of each upper support member 43 is attached to a shaft and can swing around the shaft.

[0033] The pair of upper support members 43 are configured so that the movement of one upper support member 43 is linked to the movement of the other upper member 43. Therefore, the pair of upper support members 43 oscillate in a direction toward each other and in a direction away from each other in synchronization with each other.

[0034] The pair of lower support members 44 have the same configuration as the pair of upper support members 43 except that they are set to be smaller in size than the pair of upper support members 43 .

[0035] The pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44 each abut against the outer periphery of the pipe, thereby holding the pipe in a well-balanced manner. Furthermore, the spacing between the pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44, as well as the spacing between the pair of upper support members 43 and the pair of lower support members 44, can be adjusted according to the outer diameter of the pipe, making it possible to hold pipes of various sizes.

[0036] The pipe rotation mechanism 45 rotates the pipe around the A-axis Aa, which is a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The pipe rotation mechanism 45 includes a chuck that holds the axial end of the pipe so that the A-axis Aa coincides with the central axis of the pipe.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the laser processing machine 1 is equipped with a pair of guide rails 70 for installing a flat table 80 (see Figure 7). The pair of guide rails 70 is fixed to the floor. The pair of guide rails 70 is arranged on both sides of the positioner 30 and is spaced a predetermined distance apart in the left-right direction. Each guide rail 70 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0038] The control device 100 controls the operation of the laser processing machine 1. The control device 100 is configured by a computer having a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the hardware processor via a bus. By having the hardware processor execute programs stored in the memory, 2D machining, including plate machining and pipe machining, and 3D machining can be performed.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, a table detection switch 110 is provided on the rear panel 16. The table detection switch 110 is, for example, a proximity sensor, and detects whether the flat table 80 (see Figure 7), which will be described later, is in a plate processing position for plate processing. When the flat table 80 is not in the plate processing position, the signal output from the table detection switch 110 is in an OFF state. When the flat table 80 is in the plate processing position, the signal output from the table detection switch 110 is in an ON state. The signal from the table detection switch 110 is input to the control device 100.

[0040] In addition, a tray detection switch (not shown) is provided near the stopper 47. The tray detection switch detects whether the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position or the extended position by detecting whether the stopper 47 is in the position where it has entered the slit 41a. The tray detection switch is, for example, a proximity sensor. When the stopper 47 has entered the slit 41a, i.e., when the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position, the signal output from the tray detection switch is in the ON state. When the stopper 47 has not entered the slit 41a, i.e., when the pipe tray 41 is in the extended position, the signal output from the tray detection switch is in the OFF state. The signal from the tray detection switch is input to the control device 100.

[0041] The flat table 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the flat table 80 installed in the processing machine body. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the flat table 80 inside the processing machine body removed from the carriage. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the flat table 80 placed on the carriage.

[0042] 7, the plate table 80 is a table that supports a plate to be processed. The plate table 80 is selectively installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70. That is, when performing plate processing, the plate table 80 is installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70, and when performing pipe processing or 3D processing, the plate table 80 is not installed.

[0043] The flat table 80 includes a table base 81, a plurality of workpiece support plates 82, a plurality of legs 83, a plurality of casters 84, and a duct 86 (see FIG. 9).

[0044] The table base 81 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top. A plurality of work support plates 82 are arranged on top of the table base 81. The plurality of work support plates 82 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction. Each work support plate 82 extends in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of protrusions are provided on its upper edge at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The flat plate is supported by the plurality of protrusions provided on the plurality of work support plates 82.

[0045] The plurality of legs 83 are arranged on the underside of the table base 81 and support the table base 81 at a constant height. In this embodiment, four legs 83 are arranged corresponding to the four corners of the table base 81. A plurality of casters 84 are provided at the bottom end of each leg 83. In this embodiment, four casters 84 are arranged corresponding to the four legs 83. The flat table 80 can be moved manually using the four casters 84.

[0046] The distance between the left leg 83 and the right leg 83 corresponds to the distance between the pair of guide rails 70. This allows the plate table 80 to be placed on the pair of guide rails 70 and to be moved along the pair of guide rails 70. In addition, any of the four casters 84 is provided with a locking knob 85 for restricting the movement of the plate table 80. By operating this locking knob 85, the movement of the plate table 80 can be restricted and the plate table 80 can be fixed at the plate processing position.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, the duct 86 is disposed on the rear side of the table base 81. When the plate table 80 is in the plate processing position (see Figure 7), the rear end of the duct 86 is connected to a duct connection portion provided on the rear panel 16. Air in the internal space of the table base 81 is sucked through the duct 86. This makes it possible to forcibly exhaust unwanted substances such as fumes generated by laser processing.

[0048] When the duct 86 is connected to the duct connection portion of the rear panel 16, the duct 86 is detected by a table detection switch 110 shown in Figure 4. The table detection switch 110 can detect whether the plate table 80 is in the plate processing position based on the presence or absence of the duct 86.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the flat table 80 is provided with a carriage 90 for carrying the flat table 80. The carriage 90 can be connected to the front side of the processing machine body 10. The carriage 90 is used when carrying the flat table 80 into the processing machine body 10 or when carrying the flat table 80 out of the processing machine body 10.

[0050] The cart 90 includes a rectangular cart frame 91 and casters 92 attached to the four corners of the underside of the cart frame 91. An operator can manually move the cart 90 on the floor.

[0051] In the carriage frame 91, a pair of frame members extending in the front-rear direction function as rail portions 91a that support the flat table 80 and guide the travel of the flat table 80. The pair of rail portions 91a are spaced apart in the left-right direction at the same interval as the pair of guide rails 70 provided inside the processing machine body 10.

[0052] When the carriage 90 is connected to the front side of the processing machine body 10, the left rail portion 91a connects to the left guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10, and the right rail portion 91a connects to the right guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10. By moving the carriage 90 along the continuous rail portion 91a and guide rail 70, the flat table 80 can be moved between inside and outside the processing machine body 10.

[0053] Even when the plate table 80 moves into the processing machine body 10, the positioner 30 fits under the table base 81, so that the positioner 30 and the table base 81 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, the plate table 80 can be installed in the processing machine body 10 without moving the positioner 30. The plate table 80 moves on a pair of guide rails 70 and is positioned at the plate processing position.

[0054] When the plate processing is completed, the plate table 80 is moved from inside the processing machine body 10 to outside the processing machine body 10 and placed on the carriage 90. When the plate table 80 is fixed to the carriage 90 with the fixing knob 85 and the carriage 90 is released from the processing machine body 10, the plate table 80 can be moved together with the carriage 90, as shown in FIG.

[0055] With the laser processing machine 1 configured as described above, it is possible to perform 3D processing using the positioner 30 and pipe processing using the pipe processing unit 40 with the flat plate table 80 removed from the processing machine body 10. Also, as shown in Figure 7, it is possible to perform flat plate processing using the flat plate table 80 with the flat plate table 80 installed in the processing machine body 10.

[0056] If the pipe tray 41, which is in the storage position, is lowered while the flat plate table 80 is in the flat plate processing position, the front end of the pipe tray 41 will interfere with the table base 81. This makes it impossible to switch the pipe tray 41 to the extended position. Similarly, if the flat plate table 80 is moved into the processing machine body 10 while the pipe tray 41 is in the extended position, the table base 81 will interfere with the front end of the pipe tray 41. This makes it impossible to set the flat plate table 80 at the flat plate processing position. This mechanical interference prevents the setup for flat plate processing and the setup for pipe processing from coexisting.

[0057] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the flat plate machining area and the pipe machining area. In 2D machining including flat plate machining and pipe machining, the machining head 20 moves in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The area that the machining head 20 can machine includes a flat plate machining area Ra where flat plate machining is performed and a pipe machining area Rb where pipe machining is performed. When performing flat plate machining, the machining head 20 moves within the flat plate machining area Ra. When performing pipe machining, the machining head 20 moves within the pipe machining area Rb.

[0058] The plate processing area Ra is located approximately in the center of the processing machine body 10 when viewed from above, and corresponds to the position of the table base 81 of the plate table 80 installed at the plate processing position. In addition, the plate processing area Ra corresponds to the range of movement in the front-rear and left-right directions within which the processing head 20 can be moved by the head moving mechanism 21 when the rotation angle of the processing head 20 on the V axis is set to 0 degrees.

[0059] The pipe processing region Rb is located rearward of the flat plate processing region Ra in a top view and corresponds to the pipe tray 41 in the deployed position. This pipe processing region Rb is provided adjacent to the flat plate processing region Ra in a top view and independent of the flat plate processing region Ra. As described above, since there is a limit to the movable range of the head moving mechanism 21, the rearward movement of the processing head 20 is limited to the rear edge of the flat plate processing region Ra.

[0060] 2, when the machining head 20 is rotated 180 degrees around the V-axis Av and reversed, the machining head 20 can move rearward by twice the value of the rotation radius of the machining head 20 around the V-axis Av. In other words, by reversing the machining head 20, the machining area of ​​the machining head 20 can be expanded, and the pipe machining area Rb can be set rearward of the flat plate machining area Ra. This allows the pipe machining area Rb to be set at a position that does not overlap with the flat plate machining area Ra.

[0061] The procedure for switching between machining modes in the laser machining machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the procedure for switching between 3D machining and flat plate machining will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for switching between 3D machining and flat plate machining. In 3D machining, the positioner 30 is used, so the flat plate table 80 is removed from the machining machine body 10 and placed on a carriage 90 outside the machining machine body 10 (see FIG. 9). In addition, the pipe tray 41 of the pipe machining unit 40 is in the storage position, and the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position.

[0062] In step S10, the worker carries the flat table 80 into the processing machine body 10. Specifically, the worker moves the carriage 90 on which the flat table 80 is placed to the front side of the processing machine body 10 (see FIG. 9). Then, the worker moves the carriage 90 rearward and connects the carriage 90 to the front side of the processing machine body 10. As a result, the left rail portion 91a is connected to the left guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10, and the right rail portion 91a is connected to the right guide rail 70 inside the processing machine body 10. The worker can move the flat table 80 into the processing machine body 10 via the continuous rail portion 91a and guide rail 70 (see FIG. 8).

[0063] In step S11, the operator fixes the plate table 80 to the plate processing position using the fixing knob 85 (see FIG. 7). At this time, the operator may remove the carriage 90 from the processing machine body 10.

[0064] If the plate table 80 is not in the plate processing position, i.e., if the table detection switch 110 is off (step S12: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S13 that the plate table 80 is unlocked. On the other hand, if the plate table 80 is in the plate processing position, i.e., if the table detection switch 110 is on (step S12: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S14 that the plate table 80 is locked.

[0065] In step S15, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for flat plate machining. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region that defines the vertical stroke amount of the processing head 20 to that for flat plate machining (2D machining). The control device 100 also switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from enabled to disabled.

[0066] When the operator places a plate on the plate table 80, he or she instructs the operation panel provided on the processing machine main body 10 to start plate processing. In step S16, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of plate processing. If the start of plate processing is instructed even though the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in an unlocked state, the control device 100 issues an alarm (step S17). Then, when processing of the plate is completed, the control device 100 ends automatic operation (step S18).

[0067] In step S19, the operator operates the locking knob 85 to release the flat table 80. The operator then connects the carriage 90 to the front side of the processing machine body 10 (see FIG. 8 ). This allows the operator to move the flat table 80 forward.

[0068] When the plate table 80 is in the plate processing position, the table detection switch 110 is on (step S20: on), and therefore, in step S21, the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in a locked state. On the other hand, when the plate table 80 is not in the plate processing position, that is, when the table detection switch 110 is off (step S20: off), in step S22, the control device 100 recognizes that the plate table 80 is in an unlocked state.

[0069] In step S23, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for 3D processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for 3D processing. The control device 100 also switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from disabled to enabled.

[0070] The worker carries the flat plate table 80 out of the processing machine body 10 (step S24), moves the flat plate table 80 to the carriage 90, and fixes the flat plate table 80 to the carriage 90 with the fixing knob 85. This allows the worker to move the flat plate table 80 together with the carriage 90.

[0071] When the operator places the three-dimensional workpiece on the positioner 30, he or she instructs the start of 3D machining on the operation panel provided on the processing machine main body 10. In step S25, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of 3D machining. When machining of the three-dimensional workpiece is completed, the control device 100 ends automatic operation (step S26).

[0072] By following the above series of steps, it is possible to switch from 3D machining to flat plate machining and from flat plate machining to 3D machining.

[0073] Next, the procedure for switching between 3D machining and pipe machining will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the procedure for switching between 3D machining and pipe machining. Since the positioner 30 is used in 3D machining, the flat table 80 is removed from the processing machine body 10 and placed on a carriage 90 outside the processing machine body 10 (see Figure 9). In addition, the pipe tray 41 of the pipe processing unit 40 is in the storage position, and the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position (see Figure 9).

[0074] In step S30, the worker removes the stopper 47 (see FIG. 4) from the slit 41a and then lowers the pipe tray 41. This switches the pipe tray 41 from the stored position to the deployed position (see FIG. 5).

[0075] If the stopper 47 is not removed from the slit 41a, i.e., if the tray detection switch is on (step S31: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S32 that the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position. On the other hand, if the stopper 47 is removed from the slit 41a, i.e., if the tray detection switch is off (step S31: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S33 that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position.

[0076] In step S34, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine body 10 to parameters for pipe machining. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for pipe machining (2D machining). The control device 100 also switches the A-axis Aa from disabled to enabled.

[0077] The operator moves the pair of pipe supports 42 to the right to position the pair of pipe supports 42 appropriately according to the length of the pipe. The pair of pipe supports 42 also support the pipe and fix it to the pipe rotation mechanism 45. The operator then issues a command to start pipe processing to the operation panel provided on the processing machine main body 10.

[0078] In step S35, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of pipe processing. If an instruction to start pipe processing is given even though the control device 100 recognizes that the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position, the control device 100 issues an alarm (step S36). Then, when processing of the pipe is completed, the control device 100 ends automatic operation in step S37.

[0079] After removing the remaining material from the pair of pipe supports 42 and the pipe rotation mechanism 45, the worker moves the pair of pipe supports 42 to the home position (see FIG. 5). Then, in step S38, the worker lifts the pipe tray 41 to switch the pipe tray 41 from the deployed position to the stored position (see FIG. 4). Then, the worker inserts the stopper 47 into the slit 41a to fix the pipe tray 41 in the stored position.

[0080] If the stopper 47 is not inserted into the slit 41a, i.e., if the tray detection switch is off (step S39: off), the control device 100 recognizes in step S40 that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position. On the other hand, if the stopper 47 is inserted into the slit 41a, i.e., if the tray detection switch is on (step S39: on), the control device 100 recognizes in step S41 that the pipe tray 41 is in the stored position.

[0081] In step S42, the control device 100 changes the parameters for controlling the processing machine main body 10 to parameters for 3D processing. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the interlock region to that for 3D processing. The control device 100 also switches the CS axis Acs and the CR axis Acr from disabled to enabled, and switches the A axis Aa from enabled to disabled.

[0082] When the operator places a three-dimensional workpiece on the positioner 30, he or she issues a command to start 3D machining on the operation panel provided on the processing machine main body 10. In step S43, the control device 100 starts automatic operation of 3D machining. Note that if the control device 100 issues a command to start 3D machining even though it recognizes that the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position, it issues an alarm (step S44).

[0083] Then, when the machining of the three-dimensional workpiece is completed, the control device 100 ends the automatic operation in step S45.

[0084] By following the above series of steps, it is possible to switch from 3D machining to pipe machining and from pipe machining to 3D machining.

[0085] As described above, the laser processing machine 1 of this embodiment includes a processing head 20 that irradiates a laser beam, a head moving mechanism 21 that moves the processing head 20 at least two-dimensionally, and a head rotation mechanism 22 that rotates the processing head 20 about a V-axis Av that is parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam. The processing areas that can be processed by the processing head 20 include a flat plate processing area Ra for processing flat plates and a pipe processing area Rb for processing pipes. The pipe processing area Rb is provided adjacent to the flat plate processing area Ra and independent of the flat plate processing area Ra. The pipe processing area Rb can be switched from the flat plate processing area Ra by rotating the processing head 20 with the head rotation mechanism 22.

[0086] According to this configuration, the machining area can be expanded by rotating the machining head 20 with the head rotation mechanism 22. This allows the pipe machining area Rb to be provided in a position that does not overlap with the flat plate machining area Ra. This allows for efficient setup of the pipe machining.

[0087] In this embodiment, the laser processing machine 1 further includes a pipe processing unit 40 and a pair of guide rails 70. The pipe processing unit 40 is switchable between an extended position and a retracted position, and supports a pipe in the pipe processing region Rb when in the extended position. The pair of guide rails 70 are table guide members for installing a plate table 80 that supports a plate in the plate processing region Ra. The plate table 80 is selectively installed relative to the pair of guide rails 70.

[0088] With this configuration, the laser processing machine 1 can permanently install the pipe processing unit 40. Then, by switching the pipe processing unit 40 from the stored position to the deployed position, pipe processing setup can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the flat table 80 is installed selectively, it does not interfere with pipe processing setup.

[0089] In this embodiment, the flat table 80 installed on the pair of guide rails 70 mechanically interferes with the pipe processing unit 40 in the deployed position.

[0090] With this configuration, due to mechanical limitations, the setup for pipe processing and the setup for plate processing cannot be performed simultaneously, which prevents the operator from making the wrong setup operations.

[0091] In this embodiment, the pipe processing unit 40 is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the pipes and includes a pair of pipe supports 42 that support the pipes, and a pipe tray 41 that swings between an extended position and a stored position. The base end of the pipe tray 41 is rotatably connected, and the front end of the tray swings in an arc. As a result, the pipe tray 41 is oriented horizontally and positioned below the pipes in the extended position, and is upright in the stored position.

[0092] According to this configuration, the pipe tray 41 can be switched between the stored position and the deployed position simply by moving it up and down, which simplifies the setup for pipe processing.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pair of pipe supports 42 are arranged at home positions located on the sides of the pipe tray 41. When the pipe tray 41 is in the deployed position, the pair of pipe supports 42 are movable in the axial direction of the pipes.

[0094] According to this configuration, the movement of the pair of pipe supports 42 can be restricted when the pipe tray 41 is in the storage position.

[0095] In this embodiment, the pipe tray 41 can swing from the deployed position to the stored position when the pair of pipe supports 42 are in the home position.

[0096] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the pipe tray 41 from switching to the storage position even when the pair of pipe supports 42 are not in the home position.

[0097] In this embodiment, the pipe processing unit 40 further includes a stopper 47 for fixing the pipe tray 41 in the storage position.

[0098] According to this configuration, the pipe tray 41 can be held in the storage position.

[0099] In this embodiment, the laser processing machine 1 further includes a control device 100 that controls the head moving mechanism 21 and the head rotating mechanism 22. The control device 100 switches control parameters depending on whether the pipe tray 41 is in the retracted position or the deployed position.

[0100] According to this configuration, the control parameters can be automatically switched, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

[0101] In this embodiment, the carry-in direction of the flat table 80 is rearward, and the pipe processing region Rb is located at the rear side of the carry-in direction of the flat table 80. However, the position of the pipe processing region Rb may remain the same, and the carry-in direction of the flat table 80 may be set to the right or left. Also, in this embodiment, the carry-in and carry-out of the flat table 80 is performed manually, but it may be configured so that the carry-in and carry-out are performed automatically.

[0102] Although the present embodiment has been described, the description and drawings forming a part of this embodiment should not be understood as limiting this embodiment, and various alternative embodiments, implementations and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this embodiment.

[0103] The disclosure of this application is related to the subject matter described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-188258, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 2, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A laser processing machine comprising: a processing head that irradiates a laser beam; a head moving mechanism that moves the processing head in at least two dimensions; and a head rotation mechanism that rotates the processing head around a rotation axis parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam, wherein areas that can be processed by the processing head include a flat plate processing area for processing flat plates and a pipe processing area for processing pipes, wherein the pipe processing area is provided independently of the flat plate processing area at a position adjacent to the flat plate processing area, and can be switched from the flat plate processing area by rotating the processing head with the head rotation mechanism.

2. A laser processing machine as described in claim 1, further comprising: a pipe processing unit which is switchable between an extended position and a stored position and which supports the pipe in the pipe processing area when in the extended position; and a table guide section for setting up a flat plate table which supports the flat plate in the flat plate processing area, wherein the flat plate table is selectively set up relative to the table guide section.

3. The laser processing machine according to claim 2, wherein the flat table installed on the table guide portion mechanically interferes with the pipe processing unit in the deployed position.

4. A laser processing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pipe processing unit comprises a pair of pipe supports configured to be movable in the axial direction of the pipe and supporting the pipe, and a pipe tray which swings between the deployed position and the stored position, the base end of the pipe tray being rotatably connected and the tip of the tray swinging in an arc so as to face horizontally and be positioned below the pipe in the deployed position and to be upright in the stored position.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 4, wherein the pair of pipe supports are arranged at home positions located to the sides of the pipe tray, and are movable in the axial direction of the pipes when the pipe tray is in the deployed position.

6. The laser processing machine according to claim 5, wherein the pipe tray is capable of swinging from the deployed position to the stored position when the pair of pipe supports are in the home position.

7. The laser processing machine according to claim 4, wherein the pipe processing unit further has a stopper for fixing the pipe tray in the stored position.

8. The laser processing machine according to claim 4, further comprising a control device for controlling the head moving mechanism and the head rotating mechanism, wherein the control device switches control parameters depending on whether the pipe tray is in the stored position or the deployed position.

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