Machining device and pattern formation method

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to appropriately machine an object to be machined.　A control unit 12 of a cutting plotter 1 forms a pattern PT1 through a step for drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on a surface of an object T placed on a table 2, a step for using a tool 8 to form, on either side sandwiching the first reference line Ls1, a cut line CLa and a cut line CLb extending in a direction intersecting the first reference line Ls1 at a prescribed angle, and a step for forming a plurality of combinations of the cut lines CLa, CLb at a prescribed interval c in a direction along the first reference line Ls1.

Description

Processing device and pattern forming method

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus and a pattern forming method.

[0002] A cutting plotter is a processing device that forms cut lines in a workpiece, forms V-grooves in the workpiece, etc. by pressing a cutting tool (blade) against the workpiece and moving it relative to the workpiece. For example, if the workpiece is a label sticker whose adhesive surface is covered with release paper, the cutting plotter forms cut lines on the label sticker on which information such as letters or designs is printed, surrounding the area of ​​the letters or designs.

[0003] The cut line is formed by displacing the cutting tool relative to the workpiece placed on the table in two horizontal directions (X direction and Y direction) along the table surface and one vertical direction (Z direction).

[0004] Some inkjet printing devices have a mechanism for displacing a carriage carrying an inkjet head in the Y direction and a mechanism for displacing the carriage in the X direction. These inkjet printing devices control the Y-direction displacement of the inkjet head and the medium on the table, as well as the X-direction displacement of the medium, which accompanies the Y-direction displacement of the carriage. The inkjet printing device ejects ink droplets from the inkjet head toward the medium, thereby printing information such as characters and designs on the medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-181916

[0006] By mounting a cutting tool (blade) on the carriage instead of the inkjet head, the cutting tool and the workpiece on the table can be displaced relative to each other in the X and Y directions.

[0007] When a cutting tool is displaced in the Y direction to form a cut line, the orientation of the cutting edge must be changed when the tool is displaced to one side in the Y direction and when it is displaced to the other side. If the orientation of the cutting edge differs when the tool is displaced to one side and when it is displaced to the other side, the formed cutting line may be misaligned, potentially affecting the processing of the workpiece. The orientation of the cutting edge is determined by the attachment state of the tool. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to confirm the attachment state of the tool. In addition to these requirements, the present invention also aims to solve the problems that the present invention aims to solve, including the actions and effects derived from the configurations disclosed in the "Description of Embodiments" described below, which are not available in conventional technology.

[0008] The present invention provides: (1) a processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the table's mounting surface; a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relative to the table; and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and processing by the tool, wherein the control unit is capable of forming a first pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, and the formation of the first pattern includes the steps of: drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of an object placed on the table; forming, on both sides of the first reference line, first lines and second lines that extend in a direction intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle, using the tool; and forming multiple combinations of the first lines and the second lines at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line.

[0009] With this configuration, the presence or absence of a problem with the tool attachment can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the first reference line, the first line, and the second line in the formed first pattern. As a result, if there is a problem with the tool attachment, the tool attachment can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0010] (2) A processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the table's mounting surface; a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relative to the table; and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and processing by the tool, wherein the control unit is capable of forming a first pattern and a second pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, and the formation of the first pattern includes the steps of: drawing a linear first reference line on the surface of an object placed on the table; and using the tool to form first and second lines on both sides of the first reference line, the first lines extending in a direction intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle; and the formation of the second pattern includes the steps of drawing a linear second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; and using the tool to form third and fourth lines on both sides of the second reference line.

[0011] With this configuration, in addition to checking the tool attachment state using the first pattern, the presence or absence of a defect in the tool attachment state can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the second reference line and the third and fourth lines in the second pattern. As a result, if there is a defect in the tool attachment state, the tool attachment state can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0012] (3) The control unit is capable of forming a third pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, and the formation of the third pattern includes the steps of: forming, on the surface of the object placed on the table, third reference lines, which are a pair of straight lines parallel to each other, and fourth reference lines, which are a pair of straight lines parallel to each other and intersect the pair of third reference lines at a predetermined angle; and using a reference point within an area surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines as a reference, forming, using the tool, fifth and sixth lines extending parallel to the third reference lines on both sides of the reference point between the pair of third reference lines, and further forming, using the tool, seventh and eighth lines extending parallel to the fourth reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of fourth reference lines.

[0013] With this configuration, in addition to checking the tool attachment state using the first and second patterns, it is possible to check the tool attachment state using the third pattern. Specifically, the presence or absence of a defect in the tool attachment state can be visually checked based on the positional relationship between the pair of parallel third reference lines and the fifth and sixth lines, and the positional relationship between the pair of parallel fourth reference lines and the seventh and eighth lines. As a result, if there is a defect in the tool attachment state, the tool attachment state can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0014] (4) The processing apparatus is configured such that the control unit forms the second pattern, the first pattern, and the third pattern in this order.

[0015] By forming the confirmation patterns in the above order, the attachment state of the tool can be properly confirmed.

[0016] (5) The processing device is configured such that the control unit performs a step of rotating the tool around the axis by a predetermined angle to adjust the orientation of the tool.

[0017] This configuration allows the tool orientation to be changed by the same angle each time, reducing variations in adjustment of the tool attachment state depending on the operator. This is expected to standardize the work required for adjusting the tool attachment state and reduce the work time.

[0018] (6) The control unit forms the first pattern multiple times, and when adjusting the orientation of the tool after forming the first pattern, the control unit sets the predetermined angle to a smaller angle as the number of times the first pattern is formed increases.

[0019] With this configuration, the tool orientation is repeatedly adjusted while gradually narrowing the predetermined angle by which the tool is rotated to check and adjust the tool attachment state, which is expected to optimize the tool attachment state and reduce the time required for optimization.

[0020] The present invention provides (7) a pattern forming method for forming a pattern on an object for confirming the attachment state of a processing tool in a processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the table's mounting surface, and a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relative to the table, the pattern forming method comprising the steps of: drawing a first linear reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; forming first and second lines on both sides of the first reference line using the tool, the first and second lines extending in a direction intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle; and forming multiple combinations of the first and second lines at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line.

[0021] With this configuration, the presence or absence of a problem with the tool attachment can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the first reference line and the first and second lines in the formed first pattern. As a result, if there is a problem with the tool attachment, the tool attachment can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0022] (8) The method for forming a pattern is configured to form the second pattern through the steps of drawing a linear second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table, and forming a third line and a fourth line on both sides of the second reference line.

[0023] With this configuration, in addition to checking the tool attachment state using the first pattern, it is possible to visually check whether there is a problem with the tool attachment state based on the positional relationship between the second reference line and the third and fourth lines in the second pattern. As a result, if there is a problem with the tool attachment state, the tool attachment state can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0024] (9) A method for forming a pattern configured to form a third pattern through the steps of: drawing a pair of third reference lines, which are parallel to each other, and a pair of fourth reference lines, which are parallel to each other, on the surface of the object placed on the table in a positional relationship where they intersect with each other; and using a reference point within an area surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines as a reference, forming a fifth line and a sixth line, which extend parallel to the third reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of third reference lines, using the tool; and further forming a seventh line and an eighth line, which extend parallel to the fourth reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of fourth reference lines, using the tool.

[0025] With this configuration, in addition to checking the tool attachment state using the first and second patterns, it is possible to check the tool attachment state using the third pattern. Specifically, the presence or absence of a defect in the tool attachment state can be visually checked from the positional relationship between the pair of parallel third reference lines and the fifth and sixth lines, and the positional relationship between the pair of parallel fourth reference lines and the seventh and eighth lines. As a result, if there is a defect in the tool attachment state, the tool attachment state can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0026] According to the present invention, the attachment state of the tool can be confirmed.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cutting plotter. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cutting plotter. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cutting plotter. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a fixing unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a pen holder. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a slot of a processing unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a tool. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a tool. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the orientation and inclination of a blade portion. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a cutting plotter. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a pattern. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a pattern. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a pattern. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating adjustment of the blade orientation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing for checking whether or not there is a problem with the blade support state. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a tool according to a modified example. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a pattern for a blade according to a modified example. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a pattern for a blade according to a modified example. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a pattern for a blade according to a modified example.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below using a cutting plotter 1 (processing device) as an example. Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating the cutting plotter 1. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the cutting plotter 1. Figure 1(b) is an enlarged view of the processing unit 4 and its surroundings of the cutting plotter 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the cutting plotter 1 as seen from above. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the cutting plotter 1 taken along line A-A in Figure 2.

[0029] In each drawing, the symbol "Y" refers to the main scanning direction (first direction) of the cutting plotter 1. The symbol "X" refers to the sub-scanning direction (second direction) of the cutting plotter 1. The symbol "Z" refers to the vertical direction (axial direction) based on the installation state of the cutting plotter 1. In the following explanation, the positional relationship of each component of the cutting plotter 1 will be explained using the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in FIG. 1 as necessary. The X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions along the top surface of the table 2 and are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction is the vertical direction based on the installation state of the cutting plotter 1 and is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cutting plotter 1 has a table 2 on which an object T is placed, a support beam 3 (Y bar) arranged horizontally above the table 2 and oriented along the Y direction, a processing unit 4 supported by the support beam 3 and movable in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the support beam 3, a drive mechanism 5 (5A, 5B) that moves the support beam 3 in the X direction, and a drive mechanism 5C that moves the processing unit 4 back and forth in the Y direction along the support beam 3.

[0031] The table 2 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by connecting a table 2A equipped with a control panel 11 and an extension table 2B not equipped with a control panel 11 in the X direction. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which there is one extension table 2B. The total number of extension tables 2B is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The table 2 of the cutting plotter 1 can be expanded in the X direction in accordance with the size of the target object T by increasing the total number of tables 2B to be connected. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the tables 2A and 2B, they will be simply referred to as table 2.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the table 2 (2A, 2B) has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. As shown in Fig. 3, the table 2 has a table base 20 with an open top and a table top 21 that covers the opening of the table base 20. The table base 20 has a bottom wall portion 201 and a peripheral wall portion 202 that surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 201. When the opening of the table base 20 is sealed with the table top 21, an internal space 23 is formed between the table base 20 and the table top 21.

[0033] The upper surface of the tabletop 21 is a placement surface 21a for the object T. The object T is an object to be processed such as cardboard, a medium on which information such as letters or patterns is printed, a medium made of resin such as acrylic, a paper container, a channel material for a signboard, or a dedicated medium for forming a pattern for checking the attachment state of the tool 8 (blade 10).

[0034] The table top 21 has a plurality of suction holes 210 (communication holes) formed over substantially the entire surface of the table surface 21a. The internal space 23 of the table 2 is in communication with the outside via the suction holes 210 formed in the table top 21.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3 , a connector 32 is fixed to the bottom wall 201 of the table base 20. A switching valve 33 is provided in a pipe 31 connected to the connector 32. In FIG. 3 , two connectors 32, 32 are connected to a pipe 35, in which a blower 34 is provided, via one switching valve 33. The object T placed on the table 2 is attracted to the mounting surface 21 a of the table 2 by suction force generated by driving the blower 34, and is held in a state in which movement in the horizontal direction (X direction, Y direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction) is restricted. As shown by hidden lines in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, four connectors 32 are provided on one table 2, and communication between each connector 32 and the blower 34 is switched on / off by operating the switching valve 33. Therefore, the area in the table 2 where negative pressure is generated can be changed depending on the size of the object T placed on the table 2.

[0036] In the cutting plotter 1, the suction force generated on the table 2 restricts the movement of the object T in the horizontal direction (X direction, Y direction) and the vertical line (Z direction), and processing of the object T is performed using a tool held by the processing unit 4 described below.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support beam 3 supporting the machining unit 4 is disposed horizontally above the table 2. The support beam 3 has a length that crosses the table 2 in the Y direction. The machining unit 4 is mounted on the support beam 3. The machining unit 4 is supported on the support beam 3 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the support beam 3. A drive mechanism 5C including a resin belt V and a motor Ma that moves the belt V is attached to the support beam 3, and the machining unit 4 moves back and forth in the Y direction by being driven by the drive mechanism 5C.

[0038] 3, the support beam 3 has a pair of support columns 39, 39. The support columns 39, 39 are located on both sides of the table 2 in the Y direction and cross the sides of the table base 20 below in the Z direction. The lower ends of the support columns 39, 39 are connected to sliders 55, 55 of the drive mechanisms 5 (5A, 5B), respectively.

[0039] In the cutting plotter 1, the support beam 3 is moved in the X direction by drive mechanisms 5A and 5B provided on both sides of the lower side of the table base 20. The drive mechanisms 5A and 5B have the same basic configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the drive mechanism 5A will be described below as a representative.

[0040] The drive mechanism 5A has a holder 51, guide rails 52, rack rails 53, a slider 55, and a motor M. The holder 51 is a columnar member fixed to the lower part of the table base 20. In Fig. 2, the holder 51 is located on the back side of the area indicated by crossed hatching on the table 2. The holder 51 is provided in a range in the X direction extending from one side edge 2a of the table 2A to the other side edge 2b of the table 2B.

[0041] 3, a guide rail 52 and a rack rail 53 are provided at a distance in the Y direction below the holder 51. In this state, the rack rail 53 is positioned so that the side surface with which the gear 57 engages protrudes further toward the center of the table 2 than the holder 51. The rack rail 53 is fixed to the bottom of the holder 51 by bolts (not shown).

[0042] The guide rail 52 is fixed to the lower part of the holder 51 by bolts (not shown). A concave rail member 56 fixed to the upper surface of the slider 55 engages with the guide rail 52 from below in the Z direction. The rail member 56 engages with the guide rail 52 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 52 while being prevented from falling off the guide rail 52.

[0043] The rail member 56 is fixed to the upper surface of a plate-shaped slider 55. The slider 55 is connected to the lower part of the support column 39. The slider 55 has a length in the Y direction that crosses below the holder 51 toward the center of the table 2. The motor M is fixed to the lower surface of the slider 55, and the shaft of the motor M passes upward through the notch 55c. The upper end of the shaft is connected to a gear 57. The gear 57 meshes with the side surface of the rack rail 53.

[0044] In the cutting plotter 1, when the gear 57 rotates due to the output of the motor M, the gear 57 moves in its longitudinal direction (X direction) along the rack rail 53. The motor M to which the gear 57 is connected is fixed to the slider 55 together with the support column 39 of the support beam 3. Therefore, when the motor M is driven, the support beam 3 supported by the support column 39 moves in one direction (the up and down direction in FIG. 2 ) determined according to the rotation direction of the shaft (not shown) of the motor M.

[0045] 3, the cutting plotter 1 is provided with drive mechanisms 5A and 5B on both sides of the table 2 in the Y direction. By synchronously driving these drive mechanisms 5A and 5B, the support beam 3 moves in the X direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1B, the processing unit 4 has a main body 41 supported by the support beam 3. A fixed unit 42 and a holder unit 43 having three slots 44 (44a to 44c) are provided on one side (the control panel 11 side) of the main body 41. The fixed unit 42 and the holder unit 43 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The upper surface 43a of the holder unit 43 is located lower in the Z direction than the fixed unit 42. In the holder unit 43, the slots 44a to 44c are provided closer to the fixed unit 42, and the slots 44a to 44c are aligned in the Y direction.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the fixing unit 42. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the pen holder 6. Fig. 4 shows the pen holder 6 attached to the jig 40. Fig. 5 shows the pen holder 6 as viewed obliquely from below.

[0048] 1(b), the fixing unit 42 has a region on the holder unit 43 side that bulges out in the X direction. A camera housing section 421 is attached to the bottom of this bulging region. A camera unit (not shown) is housed inside the camera housing section 421, facing downward in the Z direction. A support unit 422 that supports the jig 40 is provided next to the camera housing section 421. The jig 40 is a jig for attaching the pen holder 6.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, the jig 40 has an annular mounting portion 401 and a positioning screw 402. The mounting portion 401 is fixed to the front surface of the support unit 422. A holder 403 for the screw 402 is attached to the front surface of the mounting portion 401. A shaft portion (not shown) of the screw 402 passes through the holder 403 and the mounting portion 401. The tip of the shaft portion of the screw 402 can appear and disappear from the inner periphery of the mounting portion 401 in conjunction with the rotation of the screw 402.

[0050] The cylindrical base 61 of the pen holder 6 is inserted from above in the Z direction into the mounting portion 401. In this state, the tip of the shaft of the screw 402 is pressed against the outer periphery of the base 61, thereby fixing the pen holder 6 to the mounting portion 401.

[0051] The pen holder 6 is a jig for holding a writing implement such as a drafting pen, and includes a cylindrical base 61, a support 62 for supporting the pen P, a lock nut 63, and a cap 65.

[0052] In the pen holder 6, the support part 62 that supports the pen P and the base part 61 are rotatable relative to each other about a common axis Xp. In the pen holder 6, when the support part 62 is rotated relative to the base part 61, the pen P supported by the support part 62 is displaced in the direction of the axis Xp, making it possible to adjust the protruding height of the pen tip P1 from the lower end 61a of the base part 61. In the pen holder 6, after adjusting the protruding height of the pen tip P1, the pen P with the adjusted protruding height can be positioned by tightening the lock nut 63.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the slots 44a to 44c of the machining unit 4 are used. As shown in FIG. 1B, unused slots 44a to 44c are aligned in the Y direction in the holder unit 43 of the machining unit 4. As shown in FIG. 6, a tool support unit 7 (e.g., support units 7A and 7B) can be attached and detached to each of the slots 44a to 44c. In FIG. 6, support unit 7A is attached to slot 44a, and support unit 7B, which is attached to slot 44b, is shown in a position spaced apart from the machining unit 4.

[0054] The support unit 7B has insertion legs 72 that are inserted into the slots 44b. The insertion legs 72 extend downward from the lower part of the main body 71. A motor for driving the tool, a tool lifting mechanism, and the like are housed inside the main body 71. By inserting the insertion legs 72 into the slots 44b, the support unit 7B is attached to the holder unit 43, and the drive mechanism inside the main body 71 is connected to a power supply source. The main body 71 has a range in the Z direction that extends to the front side of the insertion legs 72. A tool holder 74 is supported at the bottom of the main body 71 via a support member 73. The tool holder 74 is provided on the front side of the main body 71 and oriented along the Z direction. A tool 8 is attached to the bottom of the tool holder 74.

[0055] In FIG. 6 , a tool 8′ for drilling holes is attached to the support unit 7A. A tool 8 supporting a cutting tool 10 is attached to the support unit 7B. The processing unit 4 has a plurality of slots 44 (44a-44c) to which the tool support units 7 (7A, 7B) can be attached and detached. The support unit 7B holds the tool 8 for holding the cutting tool 10. Therefore, a plurality of tools for different purposes can be installed in the processing unit 4. As a result, as long as a processing method can be performed using any of the tools already installed in the processing unit 4, there is no need to replace the tool each time the processing method changes, thereby reducing the time required for tool replacement. Furthermore, by adjusting the positional accuracy of the tool when initially installing it in the processing unit 4, there is no need to adjust the position of the tool each time the processing method changes, as long as a processing method can be performed using any of the tools already installed in the processing unit 4. Therefore, the processing accuracy of the object T can be ensured even when the processing method is changed.

[0056] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating the tool 8. Fig. 7(a) is a diagram illustrating the tool 8 attached to the tool holder 74 of the support unit 7B, as viewed from the front side. Fig. 7(b) is an enlarged view of the attachment portion 82 and its surroundings in the tool 8. Fig. 7(c) is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the blade holder 83 to the attachment portion 82. Fig. 8(a) is a plan view of the tool 8, as viewed from the blade holder 83 side. Fig. 8(b) is a plan view of the blade 10.

[0057] In Fig. 7(a), only the tool 8 and the tool holder 74 are shown in solid lines, and other parts are shown in virtual lines. Fig. 8(a) corresponds to a view seen from the direction of arrow A-A in Fig. 7(b). Fig. 8(b) schematically shows the shape of the cutting tool 10 when viewed from the same direction as Fig. 8(a).

[0058] 7A and 7B, the tool 8 has a connecting portion 81 for connecting to the support unit 7B. The connecting portion 81 has a basic cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 81 is inserted into the lower portion of the tool holder 74 in the direction of the center line Xc and is connected to a shaft (not shown) inside the tool holder 74 so as not to rotate relative to the tool holder 74. Inside the support unit 7B, a tool drive mechanism 5D (belt V, motor Mb) that rotates the shaft around the center line Xc of the tool holder 74 and a tool lifting mechanism 5E are provided. Therefore, by transmitting the output of the motor Mb to the shaft via the belt V, the tool 8 connected to the tool holder 74 rotates around the center line Xc.

[0059] The mounting portion 82 of the blade 10 is located below the connecting portion 81. The mounting portion 82 extends in a direction away from the connecting portion 81 along the center line Xc. In a side view, the mounting portion 82 is formed with a smaller outer diameter than the connecting portion 81. A mounting surface 821 of the blade 10 is formed on the side of the lower end 82a of the mounting portion 82. In a side view, the mounting surface 821 is a flat surface along the center line Xc. The mounting surface 821 is provided within a range of a predetermined height h821 from the lower end 82a of the mounting portion 82 to the connecting portion 81 side (upper side in FIG. 7B ).

[0060] The plate-shaped base 101 of the blade 10 is placed on the mounting surface 821 and gripped between it and the blade holder 83 (see FIG. 7C). As shown in FIG. 8, the base 101 of the blade 10 is a generally rectangular portion having an area that crosses the center line Xc. Screw holes 101a, 101a are formed in the base 101 on one side of the center line Xc (the right side in FIG. 8B). The screw holes 101a, 101a are spaced apart in the direction of the center line Xc (the up-down direction in the figure). A band-shaped portion 102 is continuous with the other side of the center line Xc (the left side in FIG. 8B). The band-shaped portion 102 extends from one side edge 101b of the base 101 in the direction of the center line Xc in a direction away from the base 101 along the center line Xc.

[0061] The strip-shaped portion 102 has a tapered shape with a width W102 that narrows toward the cutting edge 10a. The strip-shaped portion 102 has a linear blade surface 103 (inclined surface) that intersects with the center line Xc on the side opposite the center line Xc. The cutting edge 10a of the strip-shaped portion 102 is located a distance L102 away from the base 101 in the direction of the center line Xc.

[0062] The blade 10 is a plate-like member having at least the base 101 with the same thickness T10 (see FIG. 7C). The shafts of the nuts Nt, Nt pass through the blade holder 83 and the screw holes 101a, 101a of the base 101 and are screwed into the mounting surface 821. The blade 10 is attached to the mounting part 82 while being held between the blade holder 83 and the mounting surface 821.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the orientation and inclination of the blade 10. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating the orientation of the blade 10 when forming a cut line on the object T. FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the orientation of the blade 10 when the tool 8 is viewed from the center line Xc side, and schematically illustrates the state as viewed from the direction of the arrow A-A in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the blade 10 is inclined with respect to the movement direction of the blade 10 when forming a cut line on the object T (left and right direction in the figure: a straight line marked with 0°). FIG. 9(c) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 when the blade 10 is properly attached to the blade holder 83 of the tool 8. FIG. 9(d) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 when the blade 10 is attached to the attachment portion 82 at an angle (tilted with respect to the center line Xc).

[0064] When forming a cut line in the object T, the blade 10 is positioned with the blade surface 103 of the blade 10 facing the moving direction of the tool 8 (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8(a)). When this state is viewed from the direction of the arrow A-A in FIG. 8, the blade 10 is positioned so as to be oriented along the moving direction of the tool 8 (see FIG. 9(a)). The direction along the moving direction of the tool 8 at this time is the straight line indicated by 0° in the figure.

[0065] In the cutting plotter 1, when forming a cut line in the object T, the blade 10 is moved in one direction. For example, in Fig. 8(a), when forming a cut line from the right to the left, the blade 10 is moved from the right to the left in the figure with the cutting edge 10a inserted inside the object T. Then, in Fig. 8(a), when forming a cut line from the left to the right, the tool 8 is rotated 180° around the center line Xc to orient the cutting surface 103 of the blade 10 to the right in the figure, and then the blade 10 is moved from the left to the right in the figure with the cutting edge 10a inserted inside the object T.

[0066] Therefore, to properly form the cut line, the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 must be positioned on the center line Xc (see FIG. 9C ) and aligned along a straight line along the movement direction of the tool 8 (the 0° line in FIG. 9A ). The tool 8 is rotated around the center line Xc by the tool drive mechanism 5D. Therefore, immediately after replacing the tool 8 or the blade 10, the orientation of the blade 10 may not be aligned along a straight line along the movement direction of the tool 8 due to errors resulting from the replacement process or errors in the manufacturing of replacement parts, such as the blade 10 (see FIG. 9B ). Furthermore, the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 may be positioned offset from the center line Xc (see FIG. 9D ).

[0067] 10 is a functional block diagram of the cutting plotter 1. In the cutting plotter 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the machining of the object T and performs operations such as forming a test pattern to check for any defects in the attachment state of the blade 10. The machining control unit 121 drives the drive mechanisms 5A to 5C, the tool drive mechanism 5D, and the tool lifting mechanism 5E to perform machining operations on the object T and operations to form cut lines.

[0068] The pattern forming unit 122 executes a process for forming check patterns (pattern PT1, pattern PT2, pattern PT3: see FIG. 2 ) for checking whether or not there is a defect in the blade 10 on the surface of the target object T. The angle adjusting unit 123 executes a process for adjusting the orientation of the tool 8 around the center line Xc (angular position around the center line Xc).

[0069] 11 to 14 are diagrams illustrating patterns (patterns PT1, PT2, and PT3). FIG. 11(a) is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for forming pattern PT2 (second pattern). FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for forming pattern PT2. FIG. 11(d) is a schematic diagram illustrating pattern PT2 formed on object T when blade 10 is properly attached. FIGS. 11(e) and 11(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating patterns PT2' and PT2'' formed on object T when blade 10 is improperly attached. FIG. 12(a) is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for forming pattern PT1 (first pattern). FIGS. 12(b) and 12(c) are cross-sectional views illustrating the process for forming pattern PT1. FIG. 13(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating pattern PT1 formed on object T when blade 10 is properly attached. 13(b) and 13(c) are schematic diagrams showing patterns PT1' and PT'' formed on the object T when the blade 10 is improperly attached. In FIGS. 12 and 13, pairs of cut lines CLa and CLb constituting multiple reference patterns are indicated by numbers (1 to n) to distinguish them from one another. FIG. 14(a) is a conceptual diagram showing a method for forming pattern PT3 (third pattern). FIG. 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing pattern PT3 formed on the object T when the blade 10 is properly attached. FIG. 14(c) is a schematic diagram showing an example of pattern PT3' formed on the object T when the blade 10 is improperly attached.

[0070] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating angle units used when adjusting the orientation of the tool 8 (cutting tool 10) around the center line Xc (angular position around the center line Xc). Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process for checking whether or not there is a defect in the cutting tool 10.

[0071] In this embodiment, three test patterns are formed to check the support state of the blade 10 in the tool 8. Specifically, three patterns (pattern PT2, pattern PT1, pattern PT3) are formed, and the presence or absence of a defect in the attachment state of the blade 10 in the attachment portion 82 can be checked from the positional relationship between the reference lines Ls (first reference line Ls1, second reference line Ls2, third reference line Ls3, fourth reference line Ls4) in the formed patterns and the cut lines CL (first line, second line, fifth line, sixth line, seventh line, eighth line) and the cut marks CM (third line, fourth line).

[0072] First, as shown in FIG. 16, the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms a pattern PT2 on the surface of the target T (step S101).

[0073] Specifically, a pen P held in a pen holder 6 is used to draw a linear second reference line Ls2 along the Y direction on the surface of the target object T (see FIG. 11(d)). After drawing the second reference line Ls2, the cutting edge 10a is placed on one side and the other side of the second reference line Ls2 in the X direction to form a pattern PT2 (see FIG. 11(d)) in which linear cut marks CMa (third line) and cut marks CMb (fourth line) are located on both sides of the second reference line Ls2.

[0074] In FIG. 11A, the center of the circular mark Mk is the position where the cutting edge 10a is to be removed, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the blade surface 103. Here, the distance a from the second reference line Ls2 to the center of the circular mark Mk on one side of the second reference line Ls2 (the right side in the figure) is set to the same length as the distance a to the center of the circular mark Mk on the other side (the left side in the figure). Furthermore, the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the target T on one side and the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the target T on the other side are set to the same depth (see FIGS. 11B and 11C). As a result, cut marks CMa and CMb are formed on one and the other sides of the second reference line Ls2.

[0075] If the orientation of the blade 10 supported by the tool 8 is not aligned with the reference direction (the X direction in FIG. 9A), the cut marks CMa and CMb in the formed pattern will be tilted and not perpendicular to the second reference line Ls2. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, if the orientation of the blade 10 is slightly tilted with respect to the reference direction (the X direction), a pattern PT2' (see FIG. 11E) is formed in which the cut marks CMa and CMb are tilted with respect to the second reference line Ls2. Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT2, it is possible to visually check whether the orientation of the blade 10 is appropriate, i.e., whether the blade 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0076] Furthermore, if the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 supported by the tool 8 is not oriented along the reference direction (center line Xc), the cut marks CMa and CMb in the formed pattern will be perpendicular to the second reference line Ls2 but will be misaligned. For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, if the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is deviated from the center line Xc, the cut marks CMa and CMb will be misaligned, resulting in the formation of a pattern PT2'' (see FIG. 11F) in which the cut marks CMa and CMb intersect with the second reference line Ls2. Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT2, it is possible to visually check whether the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is misaligned, i.e., whether the blade 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0077] In this way, in step S102 after the pattern PT2 is formed, it is determined whether or not adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is necessary. As an example, the determination of whether or not adjustment of the attachment state is necessary may be made by capturing an image of the formed pattern PT2 using a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1 and comparing the captured image with previously prepared learning data. In such a case, even the determination of whether or not adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is necessary can be automated.

[0078] If it is determined in step S102 that adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is necessary, the operator of the cutting plotter 1 will correct the attachment state of the blade 10 by referring to the relative positional relationship between the cut marks CMa and CMb in the pattern PT2 and the second reference line Ls2. That is, in the case of Figure 11(e), the orientation of the blade 10 as viewed from the direction of the center line Xc is corrected, and in the case of Figure 11(f), the inclination of the blade 10 is corrected so that the cutting edge 10a is positioned on the center line Xc.

[0079] Then, when the adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is completed, the process returns to step S101 and the pattern PT2 is formed at another position on the object T. Steps S101 to S103 are repeated until it is determined that the adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is no longer necessary based on the formed pattern PT2.

[0080] In step S102, if it is determined that adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 is not necessary (step S102, No), the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms a pattern PT1 on the surface of the target object T (step S104).

[0081] Specifically, a pen P held in a pen holder 6 is used to draw a linear first reference line Ls1 along the Y direction on the surface of the target object T (see FIG. 12A). After drawing the first reference line Ls1, the cutting edge 10a is placed on one side of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction to form a cut line CLa1 (first line) leading to the first reference line Ls1 (see FIG. 12B). Next, the cutting edge 10a is placed on the other side of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction to form a cut line CLb1 (second line) leading to the first reference line Ls1 (see FIG. 12C). This forms a reference pattern having a pair of cut lines CLa and CLb on both sides of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction (a combination of the pair of cut lines CLa and CLb).

[0082] Then, a new reference pattern is formed by shifting the position by a predetermined distance c in the Y direction. Specifically, cutlines CLa2 and CLb2 toward the first reference line Ls1 are further formed on both sides of the first reference line Ls1. After that, movement in the Y direction is repeated a predetermined number of times to form a pattern PT1 (see FIG. 13A) having a predetermined number of cutlines CLan and CLbn (n: any integer) on both sides of the reference line Ls1. Here, the pattern PT1 is a set of multiple reference patterns that are shifted by the predetermined distance c in the Y direction.

[0083] 12A, the center of the circular mark Mk is the position where the cutting edge 10a is to be removed, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the blade surface 103. Here, the distance b to the center of the circular mark Mk on one side (the right side in the figure) of the first reference line Ls1 is set to the same length as the distance b to the center of the circular mark Mk on the other side (the left side in the figure). The distance b is longer than the distance a of the mark Mk shown in the above-mentioned pattern PT2 (b>a).

[0084] The insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the target T on one side is the same as the insertion depth h1 of the cutting edge 10a into the target T on the other side (see FIGS. 12(b) and 12(c)). As a result, cut lines CLa1 to CLan and CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) are formed on one side and the other side of the first reference line Ls1.

[0085] If the blade 10 supported by the tool 8 is not oriented along the reference direction (the X direction in FIG. 9A), the cut lines CLa and CLb in the formed pattern PT1 will be tilted rather than perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, if the blade 10 is slightly tilted with respect to the reference direction (the X direction), the cut lines CLa and CLb will be tilted with respect to the first reference line Ls1 (see FIG. 13B). Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT1, it is possible to visually check whether the blade 10 is misoriented, i.e., whether the blade 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0086] In this way, in step S105 after the pattern PT1 is formed, it is determined whether or not adjustment of the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the blade 10 is necessary. As an example, the determination of whether or not adjustment of the mounting state is necessary may be made by capturing an image of the formed pattern PT1 with a camera provided in the cutting plotter 1 and comparing the captured image with previously prepared learning data. In such a case, even the determination of whether or not adjustment of the mounting state of the blade 10 is necessary can be automated.

[0087] If it is determined in step S105 that the attachment state of the blade 10 needs to be adjusted, the operator of the cutting plotter 1 will refer to the relative positional relationship between the cut lines CLa1 to CLan and CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) in the pattern PT1' and the first reference line Ls1 and will adjust the attachment state of the blade 10. That is, in the case of Figure 13(b), the orientation of the blade 10 as viewed from the center line Xc direction is adjusted.

[0088] In this embodiment, when adjusting the angle of the blade 10, the angle of the blade 10 is adjusted in increments of a predetermined angle. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the angle adjustment of the blade 10. Figure 15(a) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a predetermined angle θa during the first angle adjustment and the adjustment level. Figure 15(b) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a predetermined angle θb during the second angle adjustment and the adjustment level.

[0089] The angle can be adjusted in increments of a predetermined angle θa in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc based on the current orientation of the blade 10. In the case of Figure 15(a), the current orientation of the blade 10 is indicated by a thick line in the figure. Although the cutting edge 10a (not shown) of this blade 10 is positioned on the center line Xc, the orientation of the blade 10 is shifted to the plus side (upper side in the figure) from the expected direction (X direction in the figure).

[0090] In this embodiment, the orientation of the blade 10 can be changed by a predetermined angle θa, in three steps (+1, +2, +3) on one side of the circumferential direction and three steps (-1, -2, -3) on the other side of the circumferential direction, based on the current angle of the blade 10 (the straight line marked with "0" in the figure). For example, when an operator looks at the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 and CLb1 to CLb6 of the pattern PT1' in FIG. 13B, he or she can see that the blade 10 needs to be adjusted so that the ends of the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 on the first reference line Ls1 side are moved downward in the figure, i.e., the blade 10 needs to be rotated around the center line Xc. Therefore, one of the predetermined change levels (-1, -2, -3) on the negative side in FIG. 15A is selected. As a result, the angle adjustment unit 123 (see FIG. 10) drives the tool drive mechanism 5D (see FIG. 10) provided in the support unit 7B to rotate the tool 8 around the center line Xc by an angle determined according to the selected adjustment level. For example, when "-1" in FIG. 15(a) is selected, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle (= θa) determined according to "-1." As a result, the orientation of the blade 10 in FIG. 15(a) rotates counterclockwise (CCW) around the center line Xc, approaching a straight line along the X direction. Incidentally, when "-2" is selected as the adjustment level, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle (= 2 × θa) determined according to "-1."

[0091] As an example, the adjustment level may be determined by capturing an image of the formed pattern PT1 with a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1 and comparing the captured image with previously prepared learning data. In this case, even the adjustment of the angle of the blade 10 can be automated.

[0092] Then, when the adjustment of the angle of the blade 10 is completed (Yes at step S106), the pattern forming unit 122 of the control unit 12 forms the pattern PT1 in another region on the surface of the object T (step S107).

[0093] The distances b and c of the pattern PT1 formed at this time are the same as the distances b and c of the pattern PT1 formed in step S104. Then, it is determined whether or not the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the blade 10 is necessary for the newly formed pattern PT1 (step S108). This determination is the same as step S105 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0094] If it is determined that the attachment state of the blade 10 needs to be adjusted (Yes in step S108), the operator of the cutting plotter 1 will adjust the attachment state of the blade 10 by referring to the relative positional relationship between the first reference line Ls1 and the cut lines CLa1 to CLan and CLb1 to CLbn (n is an arbitrary integer) in the formed pattern PT1. That is, in the cases of (b) and (c) in Figure 13, the orientation of the blade 10 as viewed from the direction of the center line Xc is adjusted.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, when adjusting the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the blade 10, the angle of the blade 10 is adjusted in increments of a predetermined angle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle by which the blade 10 is rotated around the center line Xc is set to decrease as the number of times the mounting state (angle adjustment) of the blade 10 is performed increases.

[0096] For example, if the pattern PT1 formed after the first adjustment (angle adjustment) of the attachment state of the blade 10 is the pattern PT1" shown in Figure 13(c), the adjustment of the orientation of the blade 10 is performed in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc based on the current orientation of the blade 10, in increments of a predetermined angle θb. Here, the angle θb is set to an angle smaller than the above-mentioned θa. If the pattern PT1 obtained in the second adjustment is the pattern PT" shown in Figure 13(c) as a result of selecting the adjustment level "-1" in the first angle adjustment described above (Figure 15(b)), the blade 10 is positioned in the orientation shown by the thick line in the figure. Although the cutting edge 10a of this blade 10 is located on the center line Xc, the orientation of the blade 10 is shifted to the negative side (downward in the figure) from the expected direction (X direction in the figure).

[0097] In this embodiment, the orientation of the blade 10 can be changed by a predetermined angle θb, in three steps (+1, +2, +3) on one side of the circumferential direction and three steps (-1, -2, -3) on the other side of the circumferential direction, based on the current angle of the blade 10 (the straight line marked with "0" in the figure). For example, when an operator looks at the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 and CLb1 to CLb6 of the pattern PT1" in Figure 13(c), he or she can see that the operator needs to adjust the orientation of the blade 10 so as to move the ends of the cut lines CLa1 to CLa6 on the first reference line Ls1 side upward in the figure, i.e., rotate the blade 10 around the center line Xc. Therefore, one of the predetermined change levels (+1, +2, +3) on the positive side in Figure 15(b) is selected. As a result, the angle adjustment unit 123 (see FIG. 10) drives the tool drive mechanism D (see FIG. 10) provided in the support unit 7B to rotate the tool 8 around the center line Xc by an angle determined according to the selected adjustment level. For example, when "+1" in FIG. 15(b) is selected, the tool 8 is rotated by a predetermined angle θb determined according to "+1". As a result, the orientation of the blade 10 in FIG. 15(b) rotates in the clockwise direction (CW direction) around the center line Xc and approaches a straight line along the X direction.

[0098] As an example, the adjustment level may be determined by capturing an image of the formed pattern PT1 using a camera unit provided in the cutting plotter 1 and comparing the captured image with previously prepared learning data. In this case, even the adjustment of the angle of the blade 10 can be automated.

[0099] Then, after the angle adjustment in step S109 is completed, in step S110, the pattern forming unit 122 checks whether the number of times the pattern PT1 has been formed has reached the upper limit. For example, if the upper limit is "4" and the current number of times the pattern PT1 has been formed is "2," the process returns to step S107. This causes the pattern PT1 to be formed again. In step S108, the processes of steps S107 to S109 are repeated until it is determined that angle adjustment is not necessary or until the number of times the pattern PT1 has been formed reaches the upper limit, and the orientation of the blade 10 is repeatedly adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the blade 10 is rotated around the center line Xc.

[0100] Then, when it is determined that angle adjustment is not necessary (step S108, No), or when the number of times the pattern PT1 has been formed reaches the upper limit (step S110, Yes), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0101] Here, the upper limit number of times can be set to any number. As the upper limit number of times increases, the angle by which the blade 10 is rotated around the center line Xc is gradually narrowed while the orientation of the blade 10 is repeatedly adjusted, thereby further optimizing the orientation of the blade 10. On the other hand, the more times the pattern PT1 is formed, the longer the time required to adjust the angle. Therefore, it is preferable to set the upper limit number of times to any number taking into consideration the precision of the blade orientation and the time required for angle adjustment.

[0102] In step S111, the pattern forming unit 122 forms a pattern PT3 on the surface of the target T. Specifically, using the pen P held in the pen holder 6, a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 extending along the Y direction (first direction) is drawn on the surface of the target T. Furthermore, a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 extending along the X direction (second direction) is drawn on the surface of the target T. At this time, the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 are drawn parallel to each other with a distance d between them. The pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 are drawn parallel to each other with a distance d between them and perpendicular to the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3. The third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 are drawn with the same length.

[0103] After drawing the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, the cutting edge 10a is placed at approximately the center C3 of the intersection region surrounded by the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, to form cut lines CL3a (fifth line) and CL3b (sixth line) between the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3, which extend from the intersection region to one side and the other in the Y direction. Subsequently, the cutting edge 10a is placed at approximately the center C3 of the intersection region, to form cut lines CL3c (seventh line) and CL3d (eighth line) between the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, which extend from the intersection region to one side and the other in the X direction.

[0104] In Figure 14(a), the outer periphery of the circular mark Mk is the position (reference point) where the cutting edge 10a is to be cut, and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the blade surface 103. In the pattern PT3 to be formed, the lengths of the cut lines CL3a to CL3d are set to be the same. The depth to which the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is inserted into the target object T is set to be the same for all.

[0105] If the blade 10 supported by the tool 8 is not oriented along the reference direction (the X direction in FIG. 9A), the cut lines CL3a and CL3b in the formed pattern PT3 will not be parallel to the third reference lines Ls3 and Ls4. Furthermore, the cut lines CL3c and CL3d will not be parallel to the fourth reference lines Ls4 and Ls4.

[0106] 9B, for example, if the orientation of the blade 10 is slightly tilted with respect to the reference direction (X direction), the cut lines CL3a and CL3b will be tilted with respect to the third reference lines Ls3 and Ls3, and the cut lines CL3c and CL3d will be tilted with respect to the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, resulting in a pattern PT3' (see FIG. 14C). Therefore, by checking the formed pattern PT3, it is possible to visually check whether the blade 10 is tilted, i.e., whether the blade 10 is properly supported by the tool 8.

[0107] In this way, by using a plurality of types of patterns PT1, PT2, and PT3 to check whether the blade 10 is properly supported by the tool 8, it is expected that the processing accuracy of the cutting plotter 1 will be ensured. Furthermore, since it is possible to determine how to adjust the blade 10 from the positional relationship between the formed cut line or cut trace and the reference lines Ls (first reference line Ls1, second reference line Ls2, third reference line Ls3, and fourth reference line Ls4), it is expected that the work time required to adjust the attachment state of the blade 10 will be reduced.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the blade 10 is oriented along the center line Xc when viewed from the radial direction of the center line Xc. Even if the blade 10A is inclined with respect to the center line Xc, the attachment state can be adjusted using the above patterns (pattern PT2, pattern PT1, pattern PT3).

[0109] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a tool 9 that supports a blade 10A that is inclined with respect to the center line Xc. Figure 17(a) is a diagram of the tool 9 attached to the tool holder 74, viewed from the front side. In Figure 17(a), only the tool 9 is shown in solid lines, and the other parts are shown in virtual lines. Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the tool 9. Figure 17(c) is a front view of the mounting plate 92.

[0110] 18 and 19 are diagrams illustrating a test pattern formed by a blade 10A according to a modified example. (a) of FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10A when the tool 9 to which the blade 10A is attached is viewed from the center line Xc side. (a) of FIG. 18 shows an example of the orientation of the blade 10A when forming a cut line or cut marks on the target object T, where the cutting edge 10a is positioned appropriately. (b) of FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the cut marks CMa and CMb and the orientation of the blade 10A when forming the pattern PT2 with the blade 10A. (c) of FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the cut marks CMa and CMb of the pattern PT2 formed when the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10A is oriented appropriately.

[0111] FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram illustrating the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10A when the tool 9 to which the blade 10A is attached is viewed from the center line Xc side. FIG. 19A illustrates an example in which the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10A is tilted relative to the 90° line along which the cutting edge 10a should be positioned. The 0° line in the figure is a line that runs along the direction of movement of the blade 10A when forming the cut line and cut marks. FIGS. 19B and 19C are schematic diagrams illustrating the relationship between the pattern PT2′ formed when the blade 10A is oriented in the direction shown in FIG. 19A, the cut marks CMa and CMb in this pattern PT2′, and the second reference line Ls2. FIG. 19(d) illustrates the relationship between the pattern PT1 formed when the blade 10A is oriented as shown in FIG. 18(a) and the cut lines CLa and CLb in the pattern PT1 and the first reference line Ls1. FIG. 19(e) illustrates the relationship between the pattern PT1' formed when the blade 10A is oriented as shown in FIG. 19(a) and the cut lines CLa and CLb in the pattern PT1' and the first reference line Ls1. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pattern PT3 formed by the blade 10A. The symbols in FIG. 20 have the same meanings as those in FIG. 14. Similar to the adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10A using the patterns PT1 and PT2 described above, the blade 10A can also be adjusted using the pattern PT3 using the same procedure as in the above embodiment.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 17 , when the tool 9 is attached to the tool holder 74, it is supported rotatably around the center line Xc, which is the central axis of the tool holder 74. A mounting plate 92 is provided below the connecting portion 91 of the tool 9. The mounting plate 92 is a plate-shaped member oriented along the Z direction (vertical direction). As shown in FIG. 17 (b), both side surfaces of the mounting plate 92 in the thickness direction serve as mounting surfaces 92a and 92b for the connecting piece 981 on the blade holder 98 side. As shown in FIG. 17 (c), when viewed from the mounting surface 92a side, the upper edge 921 of the mounting plate 92 on the connecting portion 91 side is formed in a substantially straight line. When the connecting portion 91 of the tool 9 is connected to the support unit 7B side, the upper edge 921 of the mounting plate 92 is oriented along a horizontal line.

[0113] One mounting surface 92a is provided with a plurality of hole sets 94, each consisting of a circular hole 941 and an elongated hole 942. The hole sets 94 are positioning holes used when attaching a connecting piece 981 (see FIG. 17C ) on the blade holder 98 to the mounting surface 92a while setting the inclination of the cutting edge 10a relative to the horizontal at a desired angle. In this embodiment, by changing the hole sets 94 used when attaching the blade holder 98 to the mounting plate 92, the inclination of the cutting edge 10a relative to the center line Xc can be set to a predetermined inclination. Even in the case of a blade 10A supported by such a tool 9, by drawing the above pattern, it is possible to check whether the mounting state of the blade 10 is appropriate.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the case where the pattern PT1 is formed after the pattern PT2 is formed to check the attachment state of the blade is exemplified, but the pattern PT2 may be formed after the pattern PT1 is formed.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given of forming patterns PT1 and PT2 by drawing a first reference line Ls1 and a second reference line Ls2 in the Y direction and forming cut lines and cut marks in the X direction, but patterns PT1 and PT2 may also be formed by drawing reference lines in the X direction and forming cut lines and cut marks in the Y direction.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is placed at positions spaced apart from the first reference line Ls1 on one side and the other side in the X direction, and the tool 8 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1 to form the cut lines CLa and CLb extending toward the first reference line Ls1. Alternatively, the tool 8 may be moved in a direction intersecting the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle to form the cut lines CLa and CLb inclined relative to the first reference line Ls1. Furthermore, the cut lines CLa and CLb may be positioned in a range that crosses the first reference line Ls1 without leaving any gap between them.

[0117] As described above, the cutting plotter 1 (processing device) according to the embodiment has the following configuration: (1) The cutting plotter 1 has a processing tool 8 that is rotatable around a center line Xc that is an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface 21a of the table 2, a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that displaces the tool 8 relative to the table 2, and a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and processing by the tool 8. The control unit 12 is capable of forming a pattern PT1 (first pattern) for checking the attachment state of the tool 8. The formation of the pattern PT1 includes the steps of: drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2; forming, using a tool 8, cut lines CLa (first line) and CLb (second line) on both sides of the first reference line Ls1, which extend in a direction intersecting the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle; and forming multiple combinations of cut lines CLa and CLb at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line Ls1.

[0118] With this configuration, the presence or absence of a problem with the tool attachment can be visually confirmed from the positional relationship between the first reference line Ls1 in the pattern PT1 and the cut line CLa (first line) and the cut line CLb (second line). As a result, if there is a problem with the tool attachment, the tool attachment can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0119] (I) In the above (1), the tool 8 is supported by a tool holder 74 that is rotatable around the center line Xc. The drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) displaces the tool holder 74 relative to the table 2. The control unit 12 has, as a functional block, a pattern forming unit 122 for checking the attachment state of the blade 10 on the tool 8. The pattern forming unit 122 performs the following steps: drawing a first reference line Ls1 along the Y direction on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2; dropping the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 at positions on one side and the other side of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and moving the tool 8 in a direction perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1 to form cut lines CLa and CLb extending toward the first reference line Ls1, thereby forming a reference pattern having cut lines CLa and CLb on both sides of the first reference line Ls1 in the X direction; and forming a plurality of reference patterns at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction to form a pattern PT1.

[0120] When the tool 8 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1 to form the cut lines CLa, CLb, if the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is appropriate, the formed cut lines CLa, CLb will be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1. Therefore, by visually checking the formed pattern PT1 and confirming the positional relationship between the reference line Ls1 and the cut lines CLa, CLb in the pattern PT1, it is possible to visually determine whether there is a problem with the mounting state (support state) of the blade 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8. As a result, if there is a problem with the mounting state of the blade 10, the mounting state of the blade 10 can be adjusted to properly position the blade 10, thereby allowing the object T to be properly machined.

[0121] Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the blade 10 around the center line Xc, the intersection angle of the cut lines CLa, CLb or their extensions with respect to the first reference line Ls1 indicates whether the blade 10 should be moved to one side or the other in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc. This is expected to reduce the work time required to adjust the installation state of the blade 10. In particular, since multiple reference patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction, it is easier to determine whether the cut lines CLa, CLb are inclined with respect to the reference line Ls than when there is only one reference pattern. This is also expected to reduce the work time required to check for defects and subsequently adjust the installation state of the blade 10.

[0122] If the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 deviates from the center line Xc, the positions where the cut lines CLa and CLb are formed will be misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the first reference line Ls1. If the cut lines CLa and CLb are formed at a predetermined interval from the first reference line Ls1, the following visually noticeable trends will occur in the formed pattern PT1 when the cutting edge 10a deviates from the center line Xc: (a) the cut lines CLa and CLb intersect the first reference line Ls1, and (b) the interval between the cut lines CLa and CLb and the first reference line Ls1 will become wider (narrower). This makes it possible to visually identify any imperfections in the installation state of the tool 8 by checking the pattern PT1.

[0123] (2) The cutting plotter 1 includes: a machining tool 8 that is rotatable around a center line Xc, which is an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface 21a of the table 2; a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that displaces the tool 8 relative to the table 2; and a control unit 12 that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and machining by the tool 8. The control unit 12 is capable of forming a pattern PT1 (first pattern) and a pattern PT2 (second pattern) for confirming the attachment state of the tool 8. Formation of the pattern PT1 includes the steps of: drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on the surface of an object placed on the table 2; and using the tool 8, forming cut lines CLa (first line) and CLb (second line) on both sides of the first reference line Ls1, the cut lines extending in directions that intersect with the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle. The formation of pattern PT2 includes the steps of drawing a linear second reference line Ls2 on the surface of an object placed on table 2, and forming cut marks CMa (third line) and CMb (fourth line) on both sides of the second reference line Ls2 using tool 8.

[0124] With this configuration, in addition to checking the attachment state of the tool 8 using the pattern PT1, it is possible to visually check whether there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool 8 from the positional relationship between the second reference line Ls2 and the cut marks CMa and CMb in the pattern PT2. As a result, if there is a problem with the attachment state of the tool 8, the attachment state of the tool 8 can be adjusted to properly attach the tool 8.

[0125] (II) In (2) above, the pattern forming unit 122 forms the pattern PT2 through the following steps: drawing a second reference line Ls2 along the Y direction on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2; and cutting the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 to a predetermined depth at positions spaced apart on one side and the other side of the reference line Ls2 in the X direction, thereby forming cut marks CMa and CMb on both sides of the reference line Ls in the X direction.

[0126] In this case, if the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is set to be perpendicular to the second reference line Ls2, the orientation of the cut marks CMa and CMb relative to the second reference line Ls2 in the pattern PT2 can be used to visually check whether or not there is a problem with the installation of the blade 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8. This allows the blade 10 to be properly positioned by adjusting the installation of the blade 10 if there is a problem, thereby enabling proper machining of the workpiece T. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10, the orientation of the cut marks CMa and CMb relative to the reference line Ls2 can be used to determine which side in the X direction the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 needs to be moved to properly position the cutting edge 10a on the center line Xc. This is expected to reduce the time required to check for a problem and subsequently adjust the installation of the blade 10.

[0127] If the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 is deviated from the center line Xc, the positions where the cut marks CMa and CMb are formed will be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the second reference line Ls2. If the cut marks CMa and CMb are formed at a predetermined interval from the second reference line Ls2, the following visually noticeable trends will occur in the formed pattern PT2 when the cutting edge 10a is deviated from the center line Xc: (a) the cut marks CMa and CMb intersect the second reference line Ls2, and (b) the interval between the cut marks CMa and CMb and the second reference line Ls2 will become wider (narrower). This makes it possible to visually identify any imperfections in the installation state of the tool 8 by checking the pattern PT2.

[0128] (3) The control unit 12 can form a pattern PT3 (third pattern) for checking the attachment state of the tool 8. The formation of pattern PT3 includes the steps of: forming, on the surface of an object placed on table 2, a pair of parallel, straight-line third reference lines Ls3, Ls3, and a pair of parallel, straight-line fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 that intersect the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 at a predetermined angle; and using a reference point C3 within an intersection area (area) surrounded by the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 as a reference, forming cut lines CL3a (fifth line) and CL3b (sixth line) in a direction along the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 on both sides of the reference point C3 using tool 8, and further forming cut lines CL3c (seventh line) and CL3d (eighth line) in a direction along the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 on both sides of the reference point C3 using tool 8.

[0129] With this configuration, in addition to checking the attachment state of the tool 8 using the patterns PT1 and PT2, it is also possible to check the attachment state of the tool 8 using the pattern PT3. Specifically, the presence or absence of a defect in the attachment state of the tool 8 can be visually checked from the positional relationship between a pair of parallel third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the cut lines CL3a, CL3b, and the positional relationship between a pair of parallel fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 and the cut lines CL3c, CL3d. As a result, if there is a defect in the attachment state of the tool 8, the attachment state of the tool 8 can be adjusted to properly attach the tool.

[0130] (III) In (3) above, the pattern forming unit 122 further performs the steps of: drawing a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 that are parallel to each other and extend along the Y direction, and a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 that are parallel to each other and extend along the X direction, on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, in a mutually orthogonal positional relationship; and dropping the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 into an intersection area (area) surrounded by the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and the pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, using the center C3 of the intersection area as a reference, moving the tool 8 parallel to the third reference line Ls3, and forming cut lines CL3a, CL3b extending to one side and the other in the Y direction; and further moving the tool 8 parallel to the fourth reference line Ls4, and forming cut lines CL3c, CL3d extending to one side and the other in the X direction, thereby forming a confirmation pattern PT3.

[0131] With this configuration, the inclination of the cut lines CL3a, CL3b relative to the pair of parallel third reference lines Ls3, Ls3, and the inclination of the cut lines CL3c, CL3d relative to the pair of parallel fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, respectively, can be visually confirmed, thereby making it possible to visually check whether or not there is a problem with the attachment state of the blade 10 in the attachment portion 82.

[0132] (4) In the above (3), the pattern forming unit 122 forms a pattern PT1 (first pattern), a pattern PT2 (second pattern), and a pattern PT3 (third pattern) in this order.

[0133] Pattern PT2 is effective for adjusting the deviation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 from the center line Xc, pattern PT1 is effective for adjusting the circumferential direction of the center line Xc of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10, and pattern PT3 is effective for checking the inclination of the cut line when forming the cut line in the Y direction and the X direction. By forming the check patterns in the above order, if there is a problem with the support state of the blade 10 on the tool 8, the support state can be appropriately adjusted.

[0134] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the cutting plotter 1 has a tool drive mechanism 5D (angle adjustment mechanism) that rotates the tool 8 supported by the tool holder 74 around the center line Xc. The control unit 12 has an angle adjustment unit 123 (adjustment unit) that adjusts the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 attached to the tool 8. The control unit 12 carries out a step of adjusting the orientation of the tool 8 by rotating the tool 8 by a predetermined angle around the center line Xc.

[0135] If an operator manually adjusts the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 by rotating the tool 8 around the center line Xc, there will be large variations in accuracy between operators, and the work time required to adjust the attachment state of the blade 10 will also vary greatly. As described above, by rotating the tool 8 by a predetermined angle, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (the angular position of the tool 8 around the center line Xc) can be changed by the same angle at all times, thereby reducing the variation in the adjustment of the attachment state of the blade 10 between operators. This is expected to level out the work required to adjust the attachment state of the blade 10 and reduce the work time.

[0136] (6) In the above (5), the control unit 12 forms the pattern PT1 multiple times. When adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the tool 8 after the formation of the pattern PT1, the control unit sets the predetermined angle to a smaller angle as the number of times the pattern PT1 is formed increases.

[0137] With this configuration, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the cutting tool 10 is rotated around the center line Xc. At an initial stage, the angle of the tool 8 is roughly adjusted, and then the orientation of the cutting edge 10a is adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the tool 8 is rotated for adjustment. This is expected to optimize the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (angular position of the tool 8) and reduce the time required for optimization.

[0138] (IV) In the above (3) or (4), the pattern forming unit 122 forms the pattern PT1 at least twice between the formation of the pattern PT2 and the formation of the pattern PT3. When adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 supported by the tool 8 after the formation of the pattern PT1, the angle adjusting unit 123 (adjusting unit) sets the predetermined angle by which the tool 8 is rotated for adjustment to a smaller angle as the number of times the pattern PT1 is formed increases.

[0139] With this configuration, the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the cutting tool 10 is repeatedly adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the cutting tool 10 is rotated around the center line Xc. At an initial stage, the angle of the tool 8 is roughly adjusted, and then the orientation of the cutting edge 10a is adjusted while gradually narrowing the angle by which the tool 8 is rotated for adjustment. This is expected to optimize the orientation of the cutting edge 10a (angular position of the tool 8) and reduce the time required for optimization.

[0140] (V) In any one of (1) to (6) and (I) to (IV) above, the tool 8 supports a plate-shaped blade 10 (blade portion). The blade 10 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width in the radial direction of the center line Xc narrows toward the cutting edge 10a on the tip side where the target object T is located. When forming a pattern, the tool 8 positions the blade 10 in a direction that is aligned with the movement direction of the blade 10.

[0141] If the blade 10 is positioned at an angle to the direction of movement (see FIG. 9(b)), the cut line CL that is formed will deviate from the originally intended direction. For example, depending on the degree of deviation, when forming a cut line in a direction perpendicular to the reference line Ls, the formed cut line may not be perpendicular to the reference line Ls. In such cases, the processing accuracy of the object T is affected. By positioning the blade 10 as described above, it is expected that the processing accuracy of the object T will be improved.

[0142] (VI) In (V) above, the blade 10 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width in the radial direction of the center line Xc narrows toward the cutting edge 10a on the tip side where the target object T is located. The blade 10 has a side surface along the center line Xc and an inclined surface inclined relative to the center line Xc. The blade surface 103 of the blade 10 is provided on the inclined surface. When forming the patterns PT1, PT2, and PT3, the tool 8 is positioned with the blade surface 103 facing the direction of movement of the blade 10.

[0143] With this configuration, it is expected that the machining accuracy of the object T will be improved.

[0144] The present invention can also be specified as a pattern forming method for checking the support state of a tool 8. (7) The pattern forming method is carried out to check the attachment state of a cutting plotter 1 (processing device) having a processing tool 8 that is rotatable about a center line Xc, which is an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface 21a of the table 2, and a drive mechanism (drive mechanisms 5A to 5C) that displaces the tool 8 relative to the table 2. The pattern forming method forms a pattern PT1 through the following steps: drawing a linear first reference line Ls1 on the surface of an object T placed on the table 2; forming, on both sides of the first reference line Ls1, cut lines CLa (first line) and CLb (second line) that extend in directions intersecting the first reference line Ls1 at a predetermined angle; and forming multiple combinations of the cut lines CLa and CLb at a predetermined interval c in a direction along the first reference line Ls1.

[0145] With this configuration, the presence or absence of a problem with the mounting condition (support condition) of the blade 10 in the mounting portion 82 can be visually confirmed based on the positional relationship between the reference line Ls and the cut lines CLa and CLb in the formed pattern PT1. As a result, if there is a problem with the mounting condition of the blade 10, the mounting condition of the blade 10 can be adjusted to properly position the blade 10, thereby enabling proper processing of the workpiece. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the blade 10 around the center line Xc, the intersection angle of the extensions of the cut lines CLa and CLb with respect to the reference line Ls1 determines whether the blade 10 should be moved to one side or the other in the circumferential direction around the center line Xc. This is expected to reduce the work time required to adjust the mounting condition of the blade 10. In particular, because multiple reference patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval c in the Y direction, it is easier to determine whether the cut lines CLa and CLb are inclined relative to the reference line Ls than when there is only one reference pattern. This is also expected to reduce the time required to check for defects and subsequently adjust the mounting state of the blade 10.

[0146] (8) In (7) above, the pattern PT2 is formed through the steps of drawing a linear second reference line Ls2 on the surface of the object T placed on the table 2, and forming a cut mark CMa (third line) and a cut mark CMb (fourth line) on both sides of the second reference line Ls2.

[0147] With this configuration, the positional relationship between the second reference line Ls2 and the cut marks CMa and CMb in the formed pattern PT2 allows visual confirmation of the presence or absence of a problem with the mounting (support) state of the blade 10 in the mounting portion 82 of the tool 8. Therefore, if there is a problem with the mounting state of the blade 10, the mounting state of the blade 10 can be adjusted to properly position the blade 10, thereby enabling proper machining of the workpiece. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10, the position of the cut marks CMa and CMb relative to the reference line Ls allows one to understand which side in the X direction the cutting edge 10a of the blade 10 should be moved to properly position the cutting edge 10a on the center line Xc. This is expected to reduce the work time required to adjust the mounting state of the blade 10.

[0148] (9) In the above (7) or (8), the pattern PT3 is formed on the surface of the object placed on the table 2 by forming a pair of parallel, straight third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and a pair of parallel, straight fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 that intersect the pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 at a predetermined angle; The method includes the steps of using a reference point C3 within an intersection region (region) surrounded by a pair of third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 and a pair of fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 as a reference point, forming cut lines CL3a (fifth line) and CL3b (sixth line) in a direction along the third reference lines Ls3, Ls3 on both sides of the reference point C3 using a tool 8, and further forming cut lines CL3c (seventh line) and CL3d (eighth line) in a direction along the fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4 on both sides of the reference point C3 using a tool 8.

[0149] With this configuration, the inclination of the cut lines CL3a, CL3b relative to the pair of parallel third reference lines Ls3, Ls3, and the inclination of the cut lines CL3c, CL3d relative to the pair of parallel fourth reference lines Ls4, Ls4, respectively, can be visually confirmed, thereby making it possible to visually check whether or not there is a problem with the attachment state of the blade 10 in the attachment portion 82.

[0150] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0151] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Cutting plotter (processing device) 10: Blade 10a: Blade tip 11: Control panel 12: Control unit 122: Pattern forming unit 123: Angle adjustment unit 2 (2A, 2B): Table 20: Table base 21: Table top 21a: Placement surface 3: Support beam 4: Processing unit 43: Holder unit 44 (44a to 44c): Slot 5 (5A, 5B, 5C): Drive mechanism 5D: Tool drive mechanism 5E: Tool lifting mechanism 6: Pen holder 7 (7A, 7B): Support unit 71: Main body 72: Insertion leg 73: Support member 74: Tool holder 8, 8', 9: Tool 81: Connection part 82: Mounting part 83: Blade holder P : Pen P1 : Pen tip T : Object PT1 : Pattern (first pattern) PT2 : Pattern (second pattern) PT3 : Pattern (third pattern) Ls (Ls1 to Ls4) : Reference line (first reference line to fourth reference line) CLa : Cut line (first line) CLb : Cut line (second line) CMa : Cut trace (third line) CMb : Cut trace (thirty-fourth line) CL3a : Cut line (fifth line) CL3b : Cut line (sixth line) CL3c : Cut line (seventh line) CL3d : Cut line (eighth line)

Claims

1. A processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the support surface of a table, a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relatively to the table, and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and the processing by the tool, wherein the control unit is capable of forming a first pattern for confirming the attachment state of the tool, and the formation of the first pattern includes the steps of: drawing a straight first reference line on a surface of an object placed on the table; forming, using the tool, first and second lines on both sides of the first reference line, the first and second lines extending in a direction intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle; and forming multiple combinations of the first and second lines at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line.

2. A processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the support surface of a table, a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relatively to the table, and a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism and processing by the tool, wherein the control unit is capable of forming a first pattern and a second pattern for checking the attachment state of the tool, and forming the first pattern includes the steps of: drawing a straight first reference line on the surface of an object placed on the table; and forming, using the tool, first and second lines, respectively, on both sides of the first reference line, the first lines extending in a direction that intersects with the first reference line at a predetermined angle, and forming the second pattern includes the steps of: drawing a straight second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; and forming, using the tool, third and fourth lines, on both sides of the second reference line.

3. A processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is capable of forming a third pattern for checking the attachment state of the tool, and formation of the third pattern includes the steps of: forming, on the surface of the object placed on the table, a third reference line which is a pair of straight lines parallel to each other, and a fourth reference line which is a pair of straight lines parallel to each other and intersects the pair of third reference lines at a predetermined angle; and using a reference point within an area surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines as a reference, forming a fifth line and a sixth line which extend parallel to the third reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of third reference lines using the tool, and further forming a seventh line and an eighth line which extend parallel to the fourth reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of fourth reference lines using the tool.

4. A processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs the formation of the second pattern, the formation of the first pattern, and the formation of the third pattern in this order.

5. A processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit carries out a step of adjusting the orientation of the tool by rotating the tool around the axis line by a predetermined angle at a time.

6. A processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs formation of the first pattern a plurality of times, and when adjusting the orientation of the tool after formation of the first pattern, the control unit sets the predetermined angle to a smaller angle as the number of times the first pattern is formed increases.

7. A pattern forming method for forming a pattern on an object for checking the attachment state of a processing tool in a processing device having a processing tool that is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the mounting surface of a table, and a drive mechanism that displaces the tool relatively to the table, the pattern forming method including the steps of: drawing a first linear reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; forming first and second lines using the tool on both sides of the first reference line, the first and second lines extending in a direction intersecting the first reference line at a predetermined angle; and forming multiple combinations of the first and second lines at predetermined intervals in a direction along the first reference line.

8. A pattern forming method according to claim 7, wherein the second pattern is formed through the steps of: drawing a straight second reference line on the surface of the object placed on the table; and forming a third line and a fourth line on either side of the second reference line.

9. A method for forming a pattern as claimed in claim 7 or 8, comprising the steps of: drawing a pair of third reference lines which are parallel to each other and a pair of fourth reference lines which are parallel to each other on the surface of the object placed on the table in a mutually intersecting positional relationship; forming a fifth line and a sixth line which extend parallel to the third reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of third reference lines using the tool, based on a reference point within an area surrounded by the pair of third reference lines and the pair of fourth reference lines; and further forming a seventh line and an eighth line which extend parallel to the fourth reference line on both sides of the reference point between the pair of fourth reference lines using the tool.

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