Method for designing conveyance plate for dross conveyance and method for manufacturing dross conveyance conveyor

Abstract

This method for designing a conveyance plate for dross conveyance comprises: a step for acquiring a basic warping amount when defining, as a model plate, a basic model of a conveyance plate for conveying dross generated by radiating a laser from a laser processing device onto a workpiece, and defining, as the basic warping amount, a warping amount of the model plate caused by a first laser being radiated onto the model plate; and a step for designing the conveyance plate on the basis of the model plate such that a first warping amount becomes smaller than the basic warping amount when defining, as the first warping amount, the warping amount of the conveyance plate caused by the first laser being radiated onto the conveyance plate under substantially the same conditions as when the first laser is radiated onto the model plate.

Description

Design method of conveying plate for dross conveyance and manufacturing method of dross conveying conveyor

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross and a method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor.

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

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

[0004] Microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 3-19091 (Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 4-108984)

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross that reduces the amount of thermal deformation or compressive plastic strain in the transport plate, and a method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross includes: a step of acquiring a basic deflection amount when a basic model of a transport plate that transports dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser from a laser processing device is defined as a model plate; and a step of designing the transport plate based on the model plate so that the first deflection amount is smaller than the basic deflection amount when a first deflection amount is defined as a first deflection amount when a first deflection amount is defined as a first deflection amount.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a dross transporting conveyor includes the steps of: defining a basic model of a transporting plate that transports dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser from a laser processing device as a model plate; defining the amount of deflection of the model plate caused by irradiating the model plate with a first laser as a basic deflection amount; acquiring the basic deflection amount; defining the amount of deflection of the transporting plate caused by irradiating the model plate with the first laser under substantially the same conditions as when the model plate is irradiated with the first laser as a first deflection amount; designing the transporting plate based on the model plate so that the first deflection amount is smaller than the basic deflection amount; manufacturing the designed transporting plate; and manufacturing a conveyor device having a transport body combined with a group of transporting plates including the transporting plate, and a drive device that moves the transport body along a circular orbit.

[0008] The present invention can provide a method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross that reduces the amount of thermal deformation or compressive plastic strain in the transport plate, and a method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a workpiece is machined by a laser irradiated from a laser head of a laser irradiation device. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a laser processing device in a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a model plate. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a first laser is irradiated onto the model plate. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the model plate is deflected due to compressive plastic strain. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a base deflection amount is actually measured. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a first laser is irradiated onto multiple locations on the model plate. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first laser is irradiated onto the transport plate. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the transport plate is deflected due to compressive plastic strain. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing how a first laser is irradiated onto multiple locations on a transport plate. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a model plate. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing how a first laser is irradiated onto a first portion of a model plate and a second portion of a model plate. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing how a first laser is irradiated onto a first portion of a first model plate and a second portion of a second model plate. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing how a model plate is deflected due to irradiation of a first portion of a model plate with the first laser. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view showing how a model plate is deflected due to irradiation of a second portion of a model plate with the first laser. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing how a basic deflection amount is determined based on at least data indicating a first deflection of the model plate and data indicating a second deflection of the model plate. Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. Fig. 20 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the transport plate is bent due to irradiation of the third portion of the transport plate with the first laser.FIG. 21 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the transport plate is bent due to irradiation of a fourth portion of the transport plate with the first laser. FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a state in which a basic deflection amount is determined based on at least data indicating a first deflection of the model plate and data indicating a second deflection of the model plate. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a model plate. FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of a model plate. FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first deflection amount is determined based on at least data indicating a third deflection of the transport plate. FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first deflection amount is determined based on at least data indicating a third deflection of the transport plate and data indicating a fourth deflection of the transport plate. FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate. FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a manufactured dross transport conveyor. FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a transport body. FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a group of transport plates including a transport plate and a second transport plate are movable along a circular track. FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of hinged transport plates are movable along a circular track. FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a transport body. FIG. 42 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the conveyor device is incorporated into the laser processing device.FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor in the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, a method for designing a conveying plate for conveying dross and a method for manufacturing a dross conveyor according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, parts and components having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of parts and components designated by the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0011] (Definition of Terms) As illustrated in Fig. 8, the transport plate 3 has a transport surface 3u. In this specification, the transport surface of the transport plate means a surface that supports the dross during dross transport. More specifically, the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3 is a surface that faces generally upward during dross transport by the transport plate 3.

[0012] 3, the model plate 9 has a conveying surface 9u. In this specification, the conveying surface of the model plate means a surface that is expected to support the dross when the dross is assumed to be conveyed by the model plate.

[0013] 8, the transport plate 3 has a back surface 3n. In this specification, the back surface of the transport plate means the surface opposite to the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3. More specifically, the back surface 3n of the transport plate 3 is a surface that faces generally downward when the transport plate 3 transports dross.

[0014] 3 , the model plate 9 has a back surface 9n. In this specification, the back surface of the model plate means the surface opposite to the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9. More specifically, assuming that the dross is conveyed by the model plate 9, the back surface 9n of the model plate 9 is a surface that faces generally downward when the model plate 9 conveys the dross.

[0015] (Definition of Direction) In this specification, the extension direction of the transport plate 3 is defined as a first direction DR1, as illustrated in Fig. 8. Also, the extension direction of the model plate 9 is defined as a first direction DR1, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0016] In this specification, the moving direction of the transport plate 3 during dross transport is defined as the second direction DR2. Also, assuming that the dross is transported by the model plate 9, the moving direction of the model plate 9 during dross transport is defined as the second direction DR2.

[0017] As illustrated in Figure 8, in this specification, the direction from the back surface 3n of the transport plate 3 toward the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3 is defined as the third direction DR3. Also, as illustrated in Figure 3, the direction from the back surface 9n of the model plate 9 toward the transport surface 9u of the model plate 9 is defined as the third direction DR3. In this specification, the direction from the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3 toward the back surface 3n of the transport plate 3 is defined as the fourth direction DR4. Also, the direction from the transport surface 9u of the model plate 9 toward the back surface 9n of the model plate 9 is defined as the fourth direction DR4. The fourth direction DR4 is the opposite direction to the third direction DR3.

[0018] First Embodiment A method for designing a transport plate for transporting dross in a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 36 . FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a workpiece W is machined by a laser LB irradiated from a laser head 61 of a laser irradiation device 60. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a laser processing device in a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a model plate 9. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the model plate 9. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the model plate 9 is deflected due to compressive plastic strain. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a basic deflection amount B is actually measured. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a first laser LB1 is irradiated onto multiple locations on the model plate 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a designed transport plate 3. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the transport plate 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the bending of the conveying plate 3 due to compressive plastic strain. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the first laser LB1 being irradiated to multiple locations on the conveying plate 3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for designing a conveying plate for dross conveyance in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a model plate 9. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the first laser LB1 being irradiated to a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 and a second portion P2 of the model plate 9. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the first laser LB1 being irradiated to a first portion P1 of the first model plate 9-1 and a second portion P2 of the second model plate 9-2. FIG. 16 is a schematic front view showing the bending of the model plate 9 due to the first laser LB1 being irradiated to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the model plate 9 is bent due to irradiation of the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1.FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the basic deflection amount B is determined based on at least data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1 of the model plate 9 and data DT2 indicating the second deflection A2 of the model plate 9. FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a designed transport plate 3. FIG. 20 is a schematic front view schematically illustrating how the transport plate 3 is deflected due to the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the third portion P3 of the transport plate 3. FIG. 21 is a schematic front view schematically illustrating how the transport plate 3 is deflected due to the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the fourth portion P4 of the transport plate 3. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the basic deflection amount B is determined based on at least data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1 of the model plate 9 and data DT2 indicating the second deflection A2 of the model plate 9. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the model plate 9. FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating another example of the model plate 9. Fig. 25 is a diagram schematically showing how the first deflection amount C is determined based on at least data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 of the transporting plate 3. Fig. 26 is a diagram schematically showing how the first deflection amount C is determined based on at least data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 of the transporting plate 3 and data DT4 indicating the fourth deflection E4 of the transporting plate 3. Each of Figs. 27 to 36 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a designed transporting plate 3.

[0019] 1, the dross conveying conveyor 12 includes a group of conveying plates 13. The group of conveying plates 13 conveys dross D generated by irradiating a workpiece W (e.g., a plate-shaped workpiece) with a laser LB. In addition to the dross D, the group of conveying plates 13 may also convey cut-off pieces CF generated by irradiating the workpiece W with the laser LB.

[0020] In this specification, dross refers to an irregularly shaped mass (in other words, a randomly shaped mass) formed by solidification of a material (more specifically, a metal material) melted by laser irradiation.

[0021] The group of transport plates 13 includes a first transport plate 13-1 extending in the first direction DR1 and a second transport plate 13-2 extending in the first direction DR1. Each of the group of transport plates 13 is an elongated plate with the first direction DR1 as its longitudinal direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the second transport plate 13-2 is disposed adjacent to the first transport plate 13-1.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the laser beam LB passing through the workpiece W reaches the dross transport conveyor 12. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the laser beam LB reaches the transport plate 13, the transport plate 13 is thermally deformed. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the laser beam LB reaches each of the transport plates 13, causing the multiple transport plates 13 to bend irregularly in the third direction DR3 (more specifically, due to thermal deformation). The transport plates 13 are designed to prevent excessive bending and are sufficiently resistant to thermal deformation. In particular, the transport plate 13 shaped as shown in FIG. 2 has high bending rigidity and is less likely to bend. However, if the output of the laser beam LB is increased or the energy density of the laser beam LB is increased, excessive thermal deformation may occur even in the transport plate 13 shaped as shown in FIG. 2 . Furthermore, excessive thermal deformation of the transport plate 13 may hinder smooth movement of the group of transport plates 13.

[0023] In the design method of a transport plate for transporting dross in the first embodiment, the transport plate 3 (see, for example, FIG. 8) is designed so as to reduce the amount of thermal deformation or the amount of compressive plastic strain caused by thermal deformation. A plurality of the designed transport plates 3 are manufactured, and the manufactured plurality of transport plates are combined with other members to manufacture a transport body CA (see FIG. 37) in the conveyor device 20.

[0024] In this specification, a basic model of a transport plate that transports dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser beam from a laser processing device is defined as a model plate. An example of a model plate 9, which is a basic model of a transport plate, is shown in FIG. 3 . The model plate 9 may be modeled after a transport plate employed in a previously manufactured dross transport conveyor. Alternatively, the model plate 9 may be a newly designed basic plate.

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a case is assumed in which a first laser LB1 is irradiated onto a model plate 9. In order to distinguish between the laser LB (see Fig. 1) irradiated onto the workpiece W and the laser irradiated onto the model plate 9 or the transport plate 3 without irradiating the workpiece W, the latter will be referred to as the "first laser LB1." In addition, in this specification, the laser virtually irradiated onto the model plate 9 or the transport plate 3 in the simulation will also be referred to as the "first laser LB1."

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 4 , when the model plate 9 is irradiated with the first laser LB1, the temperature of the model plate 9 rises and the model plate 9 undergoes thermal deformation. Furthermore, if the local thermal deformation of the model plate 9 is large, compressive stress exceeding the yield stress acts locally on the model plate 9. When the temperature of the model plate 9 subsequently drops to room temperature (e.g., approximately 20°C), compressive plastic strain occurs in the area where the compressive stress exceeding the yield stress acts. Due to this compressive plastic strain, the model plate 9 bends in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4 (see FIG. 5 ). Note that in FIG. 5 , the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 is exaggerated compared to the actual amount of deflection, and in FIG. 10 , the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 is exaggerated compared to the actual amount of deflection. In other drawings, the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 or the transport plate 3 is also exaggerated compared to the actual amount of deflection.

[0027] In this specification, the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by irradiation of the model plate 9 with a first laser LB1 (for example, a first laser emitted from the laser processing device 6, or a first laser emitted from a device simulating the laser processing device 6) (for example, the amount of deflection during thermal deformation, or the amount of deflection caused by compressive plastic strain) is defined as the basic deflection amount B.

[0028] In the design method for a transport plate for transporting dross according to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned basic deflection amount B is acquired by simulation or experiment in a first step ST1. The first step ST1 is a deflection amount acquisition step.

[0029] The deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) may include (1) actually irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 (see FIG. 4 ); and (2) actually measuring the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 (see FIG. 6 ). In this case, a basic deflection amount B is acquired based on the actually measured amount of deflection of the model plate 9. The actually measured amount of deflection of the model plate 9 may be set as the basic deflection amount B. Note that the basic deflection amount B may be an average value of multiple actual measurements. For example, actually irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 and actually measuring the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 may be performed for multiple model plates 9. In this case, the average of multiple measured values ​​of the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 may be set as the basic deflection amount B.

[0030] Furthermore, irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 may include (1) actually irradiating a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 (see FIG. 7 ), and (2) actually irradiating a second portion P2 of the model plate 9 different from the first portion P1 with the first laser LB1 (see FIG. 7 ). In this case, the deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) may include actually measuring the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating multiple portions including the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 with the first laser LB1. Furthermore, the actual measured value of the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating multiple portions including the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 with the first laser LB1 may be set as the basic deflection amount B.

[0031] 7, the second portion P2 is closer to the first direction DR1 than the first portion P1. A line connecting the center of the second portion P2 and the center of the first portion P1 is substantially parallel to the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the second portion P2 is spaced apart from the first portion P1.

[0032] 7 , irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 includes actually irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 at two locations on the model plate 9. Irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 may also include actually irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 at three or more locations on the model plate 9.

[0033] The amount of deflection of the model plate 9 may be measured manually using a measuring tool (e.g., a ruler), as illustrated in Fig. 6 . Alternatively, the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 may be measured using a deflection measuring device that measures the amount of deflection mechanically or optically. Any known measuring means can be used to measure the amount of deflection of the model plate 9. Since measuring the amount of deflection of a plate is itself a common technique, a detailed description of the measurement of the amount of deflection will be omitted in this specification.

[0034] Alternatively, the deflection amount acquisition step (first step ST1) may include acquiring the basic deflection amount B through a simulation using a computer. For example, the deflection amount acquisition step (first step ST1) may include deriving, through a simulation, the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by virtually irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1. Using the irradiation of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9 as an initial condition, the heat distribution of the model plate 9, the stress distribution of the model plate 9, the strain distribution of the model plate 9, and the basic deflection amount B of the model plate 9 may be derived by a computer. The heat distribution of the model plate 9, the stress distribution of the model plate 9, the strain distribution of the model plate 9, and the basic deflection amount B of the model plate 9 may be acquired by running finite element analysis software on a computer.

[0035] In the simulation, the first laser LB1 may be virtually irradiated onto multiple locations on the model plate 9. As in the example illustrated in Fig. 7 , irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 in the simulation may include (1) virtually irradiating a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1, and (2) virtually irradiating a second portion P2 of the model plate 9 different from the first portion P1 with the first laser LB1. Furthermore, a simulated value of the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by virtually irradiating multiple portions including the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 with the first laser LB1 may be set as the basic amount of deflection B.

[0036] In a second step ST2, the transport plate 3 is designed based on the model plate 9. The second step ST2 is a design process. Fig. 8 shows an example of the transport plate 3 designed by executing the design process (in other words, the transport plate 3 designed based on the model plate 9).

[0037] 9, when the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the transport plate 3, the temperature of the transport plate 3 rises and the transport plate 3 is thermally deformed. When the temperature of the transport plate 3 subsequently drops to room temperature (e.g., about 20 degrees Celsius), the transport plate 3 either returns to its original shape or undergoes compressive plastic strain. If compressive plastic strain occurs, the transport plate 3 bends in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4 (see FIG. 10).

[0038] In this specification, the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 caused by irradiating the transport plate 3 with the first laser LB1 under substantially the same conditions as when the model plate 9 is irradiated with the first laser LB1 (for example, the amount of deflection due to thermal deformation or the amount of deflection due to compressive plastic strain) is defined as the first deflection amount C. Note that, "substantially the same conditions" means that the output of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the transport plate 3 is substantially the same as the output of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the model plate 9, the energy density of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the transport plate 3 is substantially the same as the energy density of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the model plate 9, the irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the transport plate 3 is a position that substantially corresponds to the irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9, and the irradiation time of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the transport plate 3 is substantially the same as the irradiation time of the first laser LB1 irradiated to the model plate 9.

[0039] Furthermore, when the first laser LB1 is irradiated at a plurality of positions on the model plate 9 (in other words, when the first laser LB1 is irradiated at a plurality of locations on the model plate 9), the phrase "the irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the transport plate 3 substantially corresponds to the irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9" means that the plurality of irradiation positions of the first laser LB1 on the transport plate 3 are positions that substantially correspond to the plurality of irradiation positions of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 11 , the first irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the transport plate 3 (more specifically, the third portion P3 of the transport plate 3) substantially corresponds to the first irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9 (more specifically, the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 in Fig. 7 ). Also, in the example shown in Figure 11, the second irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the transporting plate 3 (more specifically, the fourth part P4 of the transporting plate 3) substantially corresponds to the second irradiation position of the first laser LB1 on the model plate 9 (more specifically, the second part P2 of the model plate 9 in Figure 7).

[0040] In the design process (second step ST2), the transport plate 3 is designed based on the model plate 9 so that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the base deflection amount B.

[0041] 8 , the design process (more specifically, the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) includes designing the transport plate 3 by adding a protective member 38 that covers at least a portion of the transport surface 9u of the model plate 9 to the model plate 9. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the transport plate 3 designed by the design process has a base 30 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9, and the protective member 38 attached to the base 30.

[0042] In the past, the design of a transport plate in a dross transport conveyor was based solely on structural strength, without taking into account thermal deformation caused by laser irradiation. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the transport plate 3 for transporting dross is designed to reduce the amount of thermal deformation or compressive plastic strain in the transport plate 3. More specifically, by covering at least a portion of the transport surface 9u of the model plate 9 with a protective member 38, the first deflection C of the transport plate 3, including the base 30, becomes smaller than the basic deflection B described above. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9 , when the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the transport plate 3, the protective member 38 suppresses heat input to the base 30, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9. Thus, the first deflection C of the transport plate 3, including the base 30, becomes smaller than the basic deflection B described above.

[0043] (Optional Additional Configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the design method for the transport plate for transporting dross in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] (Irradiation of first laser LB1 onto first portion P1 of model plate 9) In the example described in Figures 4 and 5, the deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) includes acquiring data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1 of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (e.g., the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9).

[0045] In this case, the deflection amount acquisition step (first step ST1) includes determining a basic deflection amount B that reflects at least data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1. The above-mentioned first deflection amount C (see FIG. 10) is a deflection amount that reflects at least a third deflection E3 (see FIG. 10) of the transport plate 3 that occurs due to the first laser LB1 being irradiated to a third portion P3 (see FIG. 9) of the transport plate 3 that positionally corresponds to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9.

[0046] When the first laser LB1 is actually irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9, the irradiation of the first laser LB1 onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 may be performed in a state where the model plate 9 is attached to the dross transport conveyor 12. Alternatively, the irradiation of the first laser LB1 onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 may be performed in a state where the model plate 9 is not attached to the dross transport conveyor 12.

[0047] (Thermal Deformation and Compressive Plastic Strain) Immediately after the model plate 9 is irradiated with the first laser LB1, the deflection of the model plate 9 is dominated by the deflection caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion). On the other hand, when the model plate 9 irradiated with the first laser LB1 returns to room temperature, the deflection of the model plate 9 is dominated by the deflection caused by compressive plastic strain. The direction of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by compressive plastic strain is different from the direction of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by thermal deformation.

[0048] In the first embodiment, when the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion) of the model plate 9 is used as the basic deflection amount B, the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion) of the transport plate 3 is used as the first deflection amount C. In other words, when the basic deflection amount B is the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion) of the model plate 9, the first deflection amount C is the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion) of the transport plate 3.

[0049] If the basic deflection amount B is the deflection amount of the model plate 9 caused by thermal deformation (more specifically, thermal expansion) of the model plate 9, in the deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1), the deflection amount of the model plate 9 immediately after the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the model plate 9 is acquired as the basic deflection amount B by simulation or experiment.

[0050] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, when the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 is used as the above-mentioned basic deflection amount B, the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 caused by compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3 is used as the above-mentioned first deflection amount C. In other words, when the basic deflection amount B is the amount of deflection of the model plate 9 caused by compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9, the first deflection amount C is the amount of deflection of the transport plate 3 caused by compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3.

[0051] If the basic deflection amount B is the deflection amount of the model plate 9 caused by compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9, in the deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1), the deflection amount of the model plate 9 irradiated with the first laser LB1 after cooling (for example, the deflection amount of the model plate 9 after the model plate 9 irradiated with the first laser LB1 returns to room temperature) is acquired as the basic deflection amount B through simulation or experiment.

[0052] (Irradiation of the first laser LB1 onto the second portion P2 of the model plate 9) In the example shown in Figure 13, the bending direction of the model plate 9 when the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 is different from the bending direction of the model plate 9 when the first laser LB1 is irradiated onto the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 (i.e., a portion different from the first portion P1).

[0053] For example, when the first laser beam LB1 is irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9, the model plate 9 bends in the fourth direction DR4 due to thermal expansion. Also, when the first laser beam LB1 is irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9, the model plate 9 bends in the third direction DR3 due to compressive plastic strain (in other words, the model plate 9 bends in the third direction DR3 after cooling).

[0054] On the other hand, when the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 is irradiated with the first laser beam LB1, the model plate 9 bends in the third direction DR3 due to thermal expansion. Also, when the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 is irradiated with the first laser beam LB1, the model plate 9 bends in the fourth direction DR4 due to compressive plastic strain (in other words, the model plate 9 bends in the fourth direction DR4 after cooling).

[0055] Therefore, in the first embodiment, irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 may include irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 and irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the second portion P2 is closer to the second direction DR2 than the first portion P1. In addition, in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the line connecting the center of the second portion P2 and the center of the first portion P1 is substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 13 , the second portion P2 is spaced apart from the first portion P1.

[0056] When the basic deflection amount B is actually measured, irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 includes actually irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 and actually irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1. On the other hand, when the basic deflection amount B is derived by simulation, irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 includes virtually irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 and virtually irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1.

[0057] 14 , the deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) includes: (1) irradiating one of the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 and the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with a first laser beam LB1; (2) moving a laser head HD that irradiates with the first laser beam LB1 relative to the model plate 9; and (3) irradiating the other of the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 and the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser beam LB1. The laser head HD may be moved relative to the model plate 9 by actively moving the laser head HD or by actively moving the model plate 9. The active movement of the model plate 9 may be performed by driving a dross transport conveyor 12 to which the model plate 9 is attached.

[0058] The deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) may include sequentially irradiating a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 and a second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with a first laser LB1, and acquiring the deflection amount of the model plate 9 caused by compressive plastic strain generated in the model plate 9 by irradiation with the first laser LB1 as a basic deflection amount B.

[0059] 14, irradiation with the first laser LB1 is performed on one model plate 9. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 15, irradiating the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 may include irradiating a first portion P1 of a first model plate 9-1 with the first laser LB1, and irradiating a second portion P2 of a second model plate 9-2 that can be considered to be substantially identical to the first model plate 9-1 with the first laser LB1.

[0060] In this specification, when multiple model plates that can be considered to be substantially identical are used to obtain the basic deflection amount B, the multiple model plates (9-1, 9-2) are collectively referred to as "model plates." Therefore, in this specification, irradiating the first portion P1 of the first model plate 9-1 with the first laser LB1 is considered to be one aspect of irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1, and irradiating the second portion P2 of the second model plate 9-2 with the first laser LB1 is considered to be one aspect of irradiating the second portion P2 of the "said" model plate 9 with the first laser LB1.

[0061] The deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) may include: (1) acquiring data DT1 indicating a first deflection A1 (see Figure 16) of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (e.g., a flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9); (2) acquiring data DT2 indicating a second deflection A2 (see Figure 17) of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto a second portion P2 of the model plate 9 (e.g., a convex conveying surface MU1 of the model plate 9); and (3) determining a basic deflection amount B reflecting at least the data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1 and the data DT2 indicating the second deflection (see Figure 18).

[0062] In this case, the first deflection amount C to be compared with the base deflection amount B is a deflection amount that reflects at least a third deflection E3 (see FIG. 20) of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 irradiating a third portion P3 (see FIG. 19) of the transport plate 3 that positionally corresponds to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9, and a fourth deflection E4 (see FIG. 21) of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 irradiating a fourth portion P4 (see FIG. 19) of the transport plate 3 that positionally corresponds to the second portion P2 of the model plate 9. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the fourth portion P4 is closer to the second direction DR2 than the third portion P3. In addition, in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the direction along the fourth direction DR4), the straight line connecting the center of the fourth portion P4 and the center of the third portion P3 is approximately parallel to the second direction DR2. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the fourth portion P4 is a portion spaced apart from the third portion P3.

[0063] The deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) may include: (1) acquiring data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 as first data DA1 (see Figure 16); (2) acquiring data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 as second data DA2 (see Figure 17); and (3) determining a basic deflection amount B reflecting at least the first data DA1 and the second data DA2 (see Figure 22).

[0064] In this case, the above-mentioned first deflection amount C to be compared with the basic deflection amount B is a deflection amount that reflects at least data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the third part P3 (see Figure 19) of the transport plate 3, which positionally corresponds to the first part P1 of the model plate 9, and data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the fourth part P4 (see Figure 19) of the transport plate 3, which positionally corresponds to the second part P2 of the model plate 9.

[0065] 22, determining the basic deflection amount B that reflects at least the first data DA1 and the second data DA2 may include adding the first data DA1 and the second data DA2. Determining the basic deflection amount B that reflects at least the first data DA1 and the second data DA2 may be performed using a computer 81 or may be performed manually.

[0066] In this specification, the amount of deflection in the third direction DR3 is defined as a "positive amount of deflection," and the amount of deflection in the fourth direction DR4 is defined as a "negative amount of deflection." In other words, the amount of deflection in the third direction DR3 is represented by a positive value, and the amount of deflection in the fourth direction DR4 is represented by a negative value. Therefore, the value obtained by adding the first data DA1 and the second data DA2 may be smaller than the value indicated by the first data DA1 (or the value indicated by the second data DA2). As an example, in FIG. 16, the first data DA1 indicates plus 0.49 mm. As an example, in FIG. 17, the second data DA2 indicates minus 0.33 mm. Furthermore, the basic deflection amount B is the value obtained by adding plus 0.49 mm and minus 0.33 mm, i.e., 0.16 mm.

[0067] 16 , the first data DA1 is deflection data (more specifically, deflection data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1). Alternatively, the first data DA1 may be compressive plastic strain distribution data (more specifically, distribution data of compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1). The compressive plastic strain distribution data as the first data DA1 can be derived by a computer-based simulation.

[0068] 17 , the second data DA2 is deflection data (more specifically, deflection data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1). Alternatively, the second data DA2 may be compressive plastic strain distribution data (more specifically, distribution data of compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1). The compressive plastic strain distribution data as the second data DA2 can be derived by computer-based simulation.

[0069] Additionally, the deflection amount acquisition step (first step ST1) may include acquiring, as third data, data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first laser LB1 on another portion of the model plate 9 (in other words, a portion different from the first portion P1 and the second portion P2). In this case, the basic deflection amount B reflects at least the first data DA1, the second data DA2, and the third data.

[0070] 13 , the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 is a portion that is more likely to bend than other portions of the model plate 9. Therefore, in the deflection amount acquisition step (first step ST1), the basic deflection amount B may be determined based only on data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 that occurs due to the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (e.g., the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9).

[0071] 22 , the first data DA1 is data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1, and the second data DA2 is data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1. Alternatively, the first data DA1 may be data corresponding to thermal expansion of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 (e.g., deflection data caused by thermal expansion). Furthermore, the second data DA2 may be data corresponding to thermal expansion of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the second portion P2 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1 (e.g., deflection data caused by thermal expansion).

[0072] (Model Plate 9) In the example shown in Fig. 13, the second portion P2 is the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9 (more specifically, the longitudinal central portion of the front end portion 9f). The second portion P2 may be the convex conveying surface MU1 of the model plate 9. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the first portion P1 is the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 (more specifically, the longitudinal central portion of the middle portion 9m). The first portion P1 may be the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9.

[0073] A first example of the shape of the model plate 9 (see FIG. 23) and a second example of the shape of the model plate 9 (see FIG. 24) will be described.

[0074] 23 or 24 , the model plate 9 has a front end 9 f, a rear end 9 e, and an intermediate portion 9 m connecting the front end 9 f and the rear end 9 e. The front end 9 f of the model plate 9 is the end on the front side in the movement direction (in other words, the end on the side of the second direction DR2), and the rear end 9 e of the model plate 9 is the end on the rear side in the movement direction (in other words, the end on the opposite side from the second direction DR2).

[0075] 23 or 24 , the model plate 9 has a conveying surface 9u and a back surface 9n. The conveying surface 9u is a surface that is expected to support the dross when the dross is assumed to be conveyed by the model plate 9. The back surface 9n is a surface of the model plate 9 opposite to the conveying surface 9u.

[0076] 23 or 24, the model plate 9 has a left end 9a and a right end 9b. In the example shown in Fig. 23 or 24, the left end 9a of the model plate 9 is the left end when the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9 is viewed in the direction from the rear end 9e to the front end 9f, and the right end 9b of the model plate 9 is the right end when the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9 is viewed in the direction from the rear end 9e to the front end 9f.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 23, the front end 9f of the model plate 9 has a convexly curved portion 91f that extends in the first direction DR1 and is convex in the third direction DR3. The front end 9f of the model plate 9 also has a convex conveying surface MU1 that extends in the first direction DR1. The convex conveying surface MU1 is the surface of the convexly curved portion 91f on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in Figure 23, the convex conveying surface MU1 is a surface that is convex in the third direction DR3 (more specifically, a curved surface that is convex in the third direction DR3) and constitutes a part of the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 23, the rear end portion 9e of the model plate 9 has an upright portion 93e that extends in the first direction DR1 and protrudes in the third direction DR3.

[0079] 23 , the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9 connects the front end portion 9f and the rear end portion 9e. In the example shown in FIG. 23 , the front end of the intermediate portion 9m is connected to the front end portion 9f (more specifically, the convex curved portion 91f) via a first bent portion 94 extending in the first direction DR1. The rear end of the intermediate portion 9m is connected to the rear end portion 9e (more specifically, the upright portion 93e) via a second bent portion 95 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0080] 23, the intermediate portion 9m has a flat plate portion 96m. The intermediate portion 9m also has a flat conveying surface MF1 extending in the first direction DR1. The flat conveying surface MF1 is the surface of the flat plate portion 96m on the third direction DR3 side. The flat conveying surface MF1 constitutes a part of the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9.

[0081] The shapes of the front end 9f of the model plate 9, the rear end 9e of the model plate 9, and the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 23. For example, the shape of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9 may be a substantially arc-shaped or a substantially circular shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 may have a substantially arc-shaped, a substantially V-shaped, or a substantially U-shaped shape when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 24, the front end 9f of the model plate 9 has a plurality of front receiving portions 92f that receive rods (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the rods are inserted). The front end 9f of the model plate 9 also has a convex conveying surface MU1 that extends in the first direction DR1. The convex conveying surface MU1 is the surface of the front end 9f of the model plate 9 on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in Figure 24, the convex conveying surface MU1 is a surface that is convex in the third direction DR3 (more specifically, a curved surface that is convex in the third direction DR3) and constitutes a part of the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9.

[0083] 24, the rear end 9e of the model plate 9 has a plurality of rear receiving portions 94e for receiving other rods (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which other rods are inserted). The rear end 9e of the model plate 9 also has a second convex conveying surface MU2 extending in the first direction DR1. The second convex conveying surface MU2 is the surface of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9 on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the second convex conveying surface MU2 is a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3 and constitutes a part of the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 24, the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9 connects the front end 9f and the rear end 9e. In the example shown in Figure 24, the intermediate portion 9m has a flat plate portion 96m. The intermediate portion 9m also has a flat conveying surface MF1 extending in the first direction DR1. The flat conveying surface MF1 is the surface of the flat plate portion 96m on the third direction DR3 side. The flat conveying surface MF1 constitutes a part of the conveying surface 9u of the model plate 9.

[0085] The shape of the model plate 9 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS.

[0086] The length of the model plate 9 (more specifically, the length of the model plate 9 in the direction along the first direction DR1) is, for example, not less than 1 m and not more than 3 m.

[0087] The width of the model plate 9 (more specifically, the width of the model plate 9 in the direction along the second direction DR2) is, for example, not less than 40 mm and not more than 200 mm.

[0088] The thickness of the model plate 9 (for example, the thickness of the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9) is, for example, 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less.

[0089] 23, the thickness of the front end 9f of the model plate 9 is approximately constant, the thickness of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9 is approximately constant, and the thickness of the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 is approximately constant. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the thickness of the model plate 9 is approximately constant overall.

[0090] The model plate 9 is made of metal, for example, steel, more specifically, a hot-rolled mild steel plate, a cold-rolled steel plate, or a cold-rolled stainless steel plate.

[0091] (Design Process) The design process (second step ST2) may include checking the deflection characteristics of the transport plate 3.

[0092] In the examples shown in Figures 16 and 18, the above-mentioned deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) includes (1) acquiring data DT1 (e.g., deflection data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9) indicating a first deflection A1 of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto a first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (more specifically, an intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9, or a flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9), and (2) determining a basic deflection amount B that reflects at least the data DT1 indicating the first deflection A1.

[0093] As illustrated in Figures 19, 20, and 25, the design process (second step ST2) may include: (1) acquiring data DT3 (e.g., deflection data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3) indicating a third deflection E3 of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto a third portion P3 of the transport plate 3 (see Figure 19), which positionally corresponds to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (see Figure 20); (2) determining a first deflection amount C reflecting at least the data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 (see Figure 25); and (3) confirming that the condition that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the basic deflection amount B is satisfied.

[0094] Note that the data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 may be obtained by actually measuring the third deflection E3 of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 actually irradiating the transport plate 3. Alternatively, the data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 may be obtained by simulation using a computer. Determining the first deflection amount C reflecting at least the data DT3 indicating the third deflection E3 (e.g., deflection data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3) may be performed using the computer 81 or manually. Furthermore, confirming that the condition that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the base deflection amount B is satisfied may be performed using the computer 81 or manually.

[0095] In the examples shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 22, the above-mentioned deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) includes the steps of: (1) acquiring, as first data DA1, data DT1 (more specifically, data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1) indicating a first deflection A1 of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (more specifically, the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9 or the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9) with the first laser LB1 (see FIG. 16); and (2) acquiring, as first data DA1, data DT1 (more specifically, data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by irradiating the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 with the first laser LB1). The method includes (1) acquiring data DT2 (more specifically, data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the second portion P2 of the model plate 9) indicating the second deflection A2 of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the second portion P2 of the plate 9 (more specifically, the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9 or the convex conveying surface MU1 of the model plate 9) as second data DA2 (see Figure 17), and (2) determining a basic deflection amount B reflecting at least the first data DA1 and the second data DA2 (see Figure 22).

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 19, 20, 21, and 26, the design process (second step ST2) includes: (1) acquiring data DT3 indicating a third deflection E3 of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated to a third portion P3 of the transport plate 3 positionally corresponding to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9 (see Figure 19) with the first laser LB1 (more specifically, data corresponding to compressive plastic strain of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated to the third portion P3 of the transport plate 3 positionally corresponding to the first portion P1 of the model plate 9) as third data DA3 (see Figure 20); and (2) acquiring data DT3 indicating a third deflection E3 of the transport plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated to a third portion P3 of the transport plate 3 positionally corresponding to the first portion P2 of the model plate 9 as third data DA3 (see Figure 20). The method may include (1) acquiring data DT4 indicating a fourth deflection E4 of the transporting plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the fourth portion P4 of the transporting plate 3 (see FIG. 19) of the model plate 9 as fourth data DA4 (more specifically, data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the transporting plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the fourth portion P4 of the transporting plate 3 that positionally corresponds to the second portion P2 of the model plate 9) (see FIG. 21); (2) determining a first deflection amount C that reflects at least the third data DA3 and the fourth data DA4 (see FIG. 26); and (3) confirming that the condition that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the basic deflection amount B is satisfied.

[0097] The third data DA3 and the fourth data DA4 may be obtained based on an experiment including actually irradiating the transport plate 3 with the first laser LB1, or may be obtained by a simulation using a computer. The first deflection amount C reflecting at least the third data DA3 and the fourth data DA4 may be determined using the computer 81 or manually. Furthermore, confirmation that the condition that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the basic deflection amount B is satisfied may be performed using the computer 81 or manually.

[0098] In addition, in the design process (second step ST2), if the transport plate 3 is designed so that the condition that the first deflection amount C is smaller than the basic deflection amount B is clearly met, checking the deflection characteristics of the transport plate 3 may be omitted.

[0099] In the examples shown in Figures 13, 16, and 17, the direction of bending of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 (Figure 16: third direction DR3) is opposite to the direction of bending of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9 (Figure 17: fourth direction DR4). In this case, the design process (second step ST2) may include designing the transporting plate 3 based on the model plate 9 so that the difference between the absolute value of the magnitude of the deflection of the transporting plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the first front end 3f of the transporting plate 3 and the absolute value of the magnitude of the deflection of the transporting plate 3 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the first intermediate portion 3m of the transporting plate 3 is smaller than the difference between the absolute value of the magnitude of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the front end 9f of the model plate 9 and the absolute value of the magnitude of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9.

[0100] 27 or 28 , the design process (second step ST2) includes designing the transport plate 3 by adding a protective member 38 to a model plate 9 (see FIG. 23 or 24 ), the protective member 38 covering at least a portion of the transport surface 9u of the model plate 9. In the example shown in FIG. 27 or 28 , the transport plate 3 designed in the design process has a base 30 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9, and the protective member 38. The protective member 38 is arranged in contact with the base 30. More specifically, the protective member 38 is attached to the base 30.

[0101] At least a portion of the surface of the base 30 on the third direction DR3 side, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9, is covered by the protective member 38, thereby suppressing heat input to the base 30 (i.e., heat input caused by laser irradiation). This suppresses thermal deformation of the base 30 caused by irradiation with the first laser LB1 (or laser LB). Furthermore, compressive plastic strain in the base 30 is suppressed.

[0102] 27 or 28 , the protective member 38 has a first plate portion 381, a second plate portion 382, ​​and a bent portion 383. The bent portion 383 is disposed between the first plate portion 381 and the second plate portion 382 and extends in the first direction DR1.

[0103] When the protective member 38 has two plate portions and a bent portion 383 disposed between the two plate portions, the moment of inertia of the protective member 38 is increased. Therefore, the protective member 38 is less likely to bend. In addition, the plate thickness of the protective member 38 can be made relatively thin.

[0104] 27 or 28 , the first plate portion 381 may be disposed in contact with the base 30. The second plate portion 382 may be disposed so as to rise in a direction away from the base 30. In the example shown in FIG. 27 or 28 , the protective member 38 has a substantially L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0105] 29, the bent portion may be omitted from the protective member 38. More specifically, the protective member 38 may have a flat plate shape.

[0106] The surface of the protective member 38 on the third direction DR3 side may be configured with a surface 38r of a laser reflecting layer (e.g., a copper layer, a silver layer, or an aluminum layer). The laser reflectivity of the surface 38r of the laser reflecting layer for a laser having a wavelength of 1060 nm or more and 1080 nm or less is, for example, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more.

[0107] The protective member 38 (for example, the first plate portion 381) may be configured to bend in a direction away from the base 30 in response to irradiation of the laser LB onto the protective member 38. Furthermore, the protective member 38 may be configured to bend in a direction away from the base 30, thereby forming an air layer between the base 30 and the protective member 38.

[0108] The shape of the protective member 38 is not limited to a substantially L-shape or a flat plate shape. For example, the protective member 38 may have a substantially C-shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially V-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0109] 30 , the protective member 38 may include a first protective member 38 a and a heat insulating material 38 b. In the example shown in FIG. 30 , the heat insulating material 38 b is disposed between the first protective member 38 a and the base 30. Alternatively, an air layer may exist between the first protective member 38 a and the base 30.

[0110] 27 to 30 , the protective member 38 extends in the first direction DR1. The length of the protective member 38 in the direction along the first direction DR1 may be 0.5 m or more, 0.8 m or more, or 1 m or more. Furthermore, the length of the protective member 38 in the direction along the first direction DR1 may be 2 m or less.

[0111] 27 to 30 , the base 30 has a first front end 3f having a shape corresponding to the shape of the front end 9f of the model plate 9, a first intermediate portion 3m having a shape corresponding to the shape of the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9, and a first rear end 3e having a shape corresponding to the shape of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9. The first front end 3f also has a convex conveying surface RU1 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex conveying surface MU1 of the model plate 9. Furthermore, the first intermediate portion 3m has a flat conveying surface RF1 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9.

[0112] In the examples shown in Figures 13, 16, and 17, the magnitude AM1 (see Figure 16) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 is greater than the magnitude AM2 (see Figure 17) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9.

[0113] In this case, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the conveying plate 3 based on the model plate 9) preferably includes designing the conveying plate 3 by adding a protective member 38 (more specifically, a protective member 38 that mainly covers the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate) to the model plate 9.

[0114] In other words, as illustrated in Figures 27 to 30, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the conveying plate 3 based on the model plate 9) preferably includes arranging a protective member 38 (more specifically, a protective member 38 that mainly covers the flat conveying surface RF1 of the base 30) on the base 30 so as to reduce deflection of the first intermediate portion 3m of the base 30.

[0115] 31 or 32 , the design process (second step ST2) includes designing the transport plate 3 by changing the shape of the model plate 9 itself. In the example shown in Fig. 31 or 32 , the transport plate 3 designed in the design process has a first front end 3f having a shape corresponding to the shape of the front end 9f of the model plate 9, a first rear end 3e having a shape corresponding to the shape of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9, and a first intermediate portion 3m connecting the first front end 3f and the first rear end 3e.

[0116] In the examples shown in Figures 13, 16, and 17, the magnitude AM1 (see Figure 16) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 is greater than the magnitude AM2 (see Figure 17) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9.

[0117] In this case, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) preferably includes designing the transport plate 3 by mainly changing the shape of the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9. For example, the design process may include designing the transport plate 3 by changing the shape of the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9 from a flat plate shape to a convex plate shape that protrudes in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4.

[0118] The design process may also include designing the transport plate 3 by forming a first recess Q1 in the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9, the first recess Q1 being recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extending in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 31 , the first recess Q1 has a substantially arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 32 , the first recess Q1 has a substantially U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the first recess Q1 may have a substantially V-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0119] In other words, the design process (i.e., the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) may include forming a first recess Q1 recessed in the fourth direction DR4 and extending in the first direction DR1 in the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3 so as to reduce deflection of the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3. The first recess Q1 has, for example, a substantially arc shape, a substantially V-shape, or a substantially U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0120] As illustrated in Figure 31, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) may include providing, in the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3, a first recess Q1 extending in the first direction DR1, a first flat portion 36m extending in the first direction DR1, and a bend BB1 connecting the first recess Q1 and the first flat portion 36m.

[0121] 33 or 34 , the design process (second step ST2) includes designing the transport plate 3 by covering at least a portion of the surface of the model plate 9 with a temperature-rise suppression surface 4. In the example shown in Fig. 33 or 34 , the transport plate 3 designed in the design process has a base 30 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9, and a temperature-rise suppression surface 4. The temperature-rise suppression surface 4 covers at least a portion of the base 30 and suppresses a temperature rise of the base 30 caused by laser energy.

[0122] 33 or 34 , the temperature-rise suppression surface 4 includes the surface of the laser reflecting layer 4r. More specifically, at least a portion of the surface of the base 30 in the third direction DR3 is covered with the laser reflecting layer 4r.

[0123] At least a portion of the surface of the base 30 on the third direction DR3 side, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the model plate 9, is covered with the laser reflecting layer 4r, thereby suppressing heat input to the base 30 (i.e., heat input caused by laser irradiation). This suppresses thermal deformation of the base 30 caused by laser irradiation. Furthermore, compressive plastic strain in the base 30 is suppressed.

[0124] The laser reflectivity of the laser reflective layer 4r for a laser having a wavelength of 1060 nm or more and 1080 nm or less is, for example, 70% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more. The laser reflective layer 4r is, for example, a copper layer, a silver layer, or an aluminum layer.

[0125] The laser reflecting layer 4r includes, for example, a plated layer such as a copper plated layer, a silver plated layer, or an aluminum plated layer. Alternatively, the laser reflecting layer 4r may include a laser reflecting plate (for example, a copper or copper alloy plate, or an aluminum or aluminum alloy plate) attached to the base 30.

[0126] 35 , the temperature rise suppression surface 4 includes a surface of a thermally conductive layer 4c that covers at least a portion of the surface of the base 30 facing the fourth direction DR4. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive layer 4c is higher than the thermal conductivity of the base 30.

[0127] The thermally conductive layer 4c quickly diffuses heat from the region of the transport plate 3 that is irradiated with the laser to other regions of the transport plate 3. Furthermore, the surface of the thermally conductive layer 4c quickly dissipates heat from the transport plate 3 to the air surrounding the transport plate 3. This prevents the base 30 from being thermally deformed by the laser irradiation. Furthermore, the base 30 is prevented from being subjected to compressive plastic strain.

[0128] The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive layer 4c is, for example, 150 W / m·K or more, 200 W / m·K or more, or 300 W / m·K or more. The thermally conductive layer 4c is, for example, a copper layer, a silver layer, or an aluminum layer.

[0129] 36 , the temperature rise suppression surface 4 includes a surface of the heat dissipation member 40 that is arranged in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the base 30 on the fourth direction DR4 side. In the example shown in FIG. 36 , the heat dissipation member 40 is attached to the base 30.

[0130] 36 , the heat dissipation member 40 includes a heat sink 41. The heat sink 41 may have a plurality of heat dissipation pieces 42 (e.g., a plurality of heat dissipation pins 42 p or a plurality of heat dissipation fins). The heat sink 41 is made of, for example, aluminum, copper, or ceramics.

[0131] The heat dissipation member 40 receives heat from the region of the transport plate 3 that is irradiated with the laser, and dissipates the received heat into the air surrounding the heat dissipation member 40. This prevents the base 30 from being thermally deformed by the laser irradiation. In addition, the base 30 is prevented from being subjected to compressive plastic strain.

[0132] 33 to 36, the base 30 has a first front end 3f having a shape corresponding to the shape of the front end 9f of the model plate 9, a first intermediate portion 3m having a shape corresponding to the shape of the intermediate portion 9m of the model plate 9, and a first rear end 3e having a shape corresponding to the shape of the rear end 9e of the model plate 9. The first front end 3f also has a convex conveying surface RU1 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex conveying surface MU1 of the model plate 9. Furthermore, the first intermediate portion 3m has a flat conveying surface RF1 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the flat conveying surface MF1 of the model plate 9.

[0133] In the examples shown in Figures 13, 16, and 17, the magnitude AM1 (see Figure 16) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 is greater than the magnitude AM2 (see Figure 17) of the deflection of the model plate 9 caused by the first laser LB1 being irradiated onto the front end portion 9f of the model plate 9.

[0134] In this case, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) preferably includes designing the transport plate 3 by adding to the model plate 9 a temperature rise suppression surface 4 that mainly covers the middle portion 9m of the model plate 9 (more specifically, a temperature rise suppression surface 4 that mainly covers the flat portion 96m of the model plate 9).

[0135] In other words, as illustrated in Figures 33 to 36, the design process (in other words, the process of designing the transport plate 3 based on the model plate 9) preferably includes arranging a temperature rise suppression surface 4 on the base 30 that mainly covers the first intermediate portion 3m so as to reduce deflection of the first intermediate portion 3m of the base 30.

[0136] At least two of the first example design described above, the second example design described above, and the third example design described above may be combined.

[0137] 27, a laser reflecting layer 4r may be disposed on at least a part of the surface on the third direction DR3 side of the protective member 38. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 31, at least a part of the surface on the fourth direction DR4 side of the transport plate 3 may be formed of a thermally conductive layer 4c (e.g., a copper layer, a silver layer, or an aluminum layer).

[0138] 27 to 36, the designed transport plate 3 has a first front end 3 f, a first rear end 3 e, and a first intermediate portion 3 m connecting the first front end 3 f and the first rear end 3 e. Note that the first front end 3 f of the transport plate 3 is the end on the front side in the movement direction (in other words, the end on the side of the second direction DR2), and the first rear end 3 e of the transport plate 3 is the end on the rear side in the movement direction (in other words, the end on the opposite side from the second direction DR2).

[0139] 27 , the transport plate 3 has a transport surface 3u and a back surface 3n. The transport surface 3u is a surface that supports the dross during transport. The back surface 3n is a surface of the transport plate 3 opposite to the transport surface 3u.

[0140] 27 , the transport plate 3 has a left end 3 a and a right end 3 b. The left end 3 a of the transport plate 3 is the left end when the transport surface 3 u of the transport plate 3 is viewed in the direction from the first rear end 3 e to the first front end 3 f, and the right end 3 b of the transport plate 3 is the right end when the transport surface 3 u of the transport plate 3 is viewed in the direction from the first rear end 3 e to the first front end 3 f.

[0141] 27 , the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 has a convexly curved portion 31f that extends in the first direction DR1 and is convex in the third direction. The first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 also has a convex transport surface RU1 that extends in the first direction DR1. The convex transport surface RU1 is the surface of the convexly curved portion 31f on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in FIG. 27 , the convex transport surface RU1 is a surface that is convex in the third direction DR3 (more specifically, a curved surface that is convex in the third direction DR3) and constitutes a part of the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3.

[0142] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the first rear end portion 3e of the model plate 9 has a first standing portion 33e that extends in the first direction DR1 and protrudes in the third direction DR3.

[0143] 27, the front end of the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3 is connected to the first front end portion 3f (more specifically, the convex curved portion 31f) via a first bent portion 34 extending in the first direction DR1. The rear end of the first intermediate portion 3m is connected to the first rear end portion 3e (more specifically, the first upright portion 33e) via a second bent portion 35 extending in the first direction DR1.

[0144] 27, the first intermediate portion 3m has a first flat plate portion 36m. The first intermediate portion 3m also has a flat conveying surface RF1 extending in the first direction DR1. The flat conveying surface RF1 is the surface of the first flat plate portion 36m on the third direction DR3 side. The flat conveying surface RF1 constitutes a part of the conveying surface 3u of the conveying plate 3.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 28, the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 has a plurality of front receiving portions 32f that receive rods (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the rods are inserted). The first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 also has a convex transport surface RU1 that extends in the first direction DR1. The convex transport surface RU1 is the surface of the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in Figure 28, the convex transport surface RU1 is a surface that is convex in the third direction DR3 (more specifically, a curved surface that is convex in the third direction DR3) and constitutes a part of the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3.

[0146] 28 , the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 has a plurality of rear receiving portions 34e for receiving other rods (more specifically, a plurality of through-hole portions into which the other rods are inserted). The first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 also has a second convex transport surface RU2 extending in the first direction DR1. The second convex transport surface RU2 is the surface of the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 on the third direction DR3 side. In the example shown in FIG. 28 , the second convex transport surface RU2 is a curved surface that is convex in the third direction DR3 and constitutes a part of the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3.

[0147] 28, the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3 has a first flat plate portion 36m. The first intermediate portion 3m also has a flat transport surface RF1 extending in the first direction DR1. The flat transport surface RF1 is the surface of the first flat plate portion 36m on the third direction DR3 side. The flat transport surface RF1 constitutes a part of the transport surface 3u of the transport plate 3.

[0148] 31 and 32, the first intermediate portion 3m has a first recess Q1. The presence of the first recess Q1 reduces the area of ​​the flat conveying surface RF1. In the example shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the first recess Q1 is recessed in the fourth direction DR4. The first recess Q1 also extends in the first direction DR1.

[0149] 27 to 30 , the transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a protective member 38 attached to the base 30. The base 30 has the first front end 3 f, the first intermediate portion 3 m, and the first rear end 3 e. The base 30 is made of steel, for example (more specifically, hot-rolled mild steel plate, cold-rolled steel plate, or cold-rolled stainless steel plate). The protective member 38 has already been described, so a repeated description of the protective member 38 will be omitted. The protective member 38 is made of steel, for example (more specifically, hot-rolled mild steel plate, cold-rolled steel plate, or cold-rolled stainless steel plate).

[0150] 33 and 34 , the transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a laser reflecting layer 4r that is disposed on the base 30 so as to cover at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the third direction DR3 side. Since the base 30 and the laser reflecting layer 4r have already been described, repeated description of their configurations will be omitted.

[0151] 35 , the transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a thermally conductive layer 4c that is disposed on the base 30 so as to cover at least a portion of the surface of the base 30 on the fourth direction DR4 side. Because the base 30 and the thermally conductive layer 4c have already been described, repeated description of their configurations will be omitted.

[0152] 36 , the transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a heat dissipation member 40 that is arranged in contact with at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the fourth direction DR4 side. Because the base 30 and the heat dissipation member 40 have already been described, repeated description of their configurations will be omitted.

[0153] The length of the transport plate 3 (more specifically, the length of the transport plate 3 in the direction along the first direction DR1) is, for example, not less than 1 m and not more than 3 m.

[0154] The width of the transport plate 3 (more specifically, the width of the transport plate 3 in the direction along the second direction DR2) is, for example, not less than 40 mm and not more than 200 mm.

[0155] The thickness of the transport plate 3 (for example, the thickness of the first intermediate portion 3m of the transport plate 3) is, for example, 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less.

[0156] 27, the thickness of the first front end 3f of the base 30 is substantially constant, and the thickness of the first rear end 3e of the base 30 is substantially constant. Also, the thickness of the first intermediate portion 3m of the base 30 is substantially constant. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the thickness of the base 30 as a whole is substantially constant.

[0157] Second Embodiment A method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 43. FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a manufactured dross transport conveyor 2. FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a transport body CA. FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view showing a group of transport plates including a transport plate 3 and a second transport plate 3-2 moving along a circular orbit OB. FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view showing a plurality of hinged transport plates (3, 3-2, 3-3) moving along a circular orbit OB. FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a transport body CA. FIG. 42 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conveyor device 20 incorporated into a laser processing device 6. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a dross transport conveyor according to the second embodiment.

[0158] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment. Conversely, all matters described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0159] The manufacturing method for a dross transport conveyor in the second embodiment includes the "deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1)" and the "design process (second step ST2)" described in the first embodiment. The deflection amount acquisition process (first step ST1) and the design process (second step ST2) have already been described, so repeated explanations of these processes will be omitted.

[0160] In the third step ST3, the transport plate 3 designed by executing the design step (second step ST2) is manufactured. The third step ST3 is a transport plate manufacturing step. The designed transport plate 3 has already been described in the first embodiment, so a repeated description of the designed transport plate 3 will be omitted. The transport plate manufacturing step (third step ST3) may include, for example, cutting a steel plate and / or bending the steel plate to obtain the shape of the designed transport plate 3.

[0161] 27 to 30 , when the designed transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a protective member 38, the transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) includes attaching the protective member 38 to the base 30. The protective member 38 is attached to the base 30 by, for example, welding or via a fixing member such as a bolt. The transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) may include arranging a laser reflecting layer on at least a part of the surface of the protective member 38 on the third direction DR3 side.

[0162] 33 and 34 , when the designed transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a laser reflecting layer 4r, the transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) includes arranging the laser reflecting layer 4r on at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the third direction DR3 side. The transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) may include plating the laser reflecting layer 4r on at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the third direction DR3 side.

[0163] 35 , when the designed transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a thermally conductive layer 4c, the transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) includes arranging the thermally conductive layer 4c on at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the fourth direction DR4 side. The transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) may include plating the thermally conductive layer 4c on at least a part of the surface of the base 30 on the fourth direction DR4 side.

[0164] 36 , when the designed transport plate 3 has a base 30 and a heat dissipation member 40, the transport plate manufacturing process (third step ST3) includes attaching the heat dissipation member 40 to the base 30. The heat dissipation member 40 is attached to the base 30 by, for example, welding or via a fixing member such as a bolt.

[0165] In the fourth step ST4, the conveyor device 20 is manufactured. The fourth step ST4 is a conveyor device manufacturing process. In the conveyor device manufacturing process (fourth step ST4), a conveyor device 20 (in other words, a dross transport conveyor 2) is manufactured, which has a transport body CA formed by combining a group of transport plates including the above-mentioned transport plate 3. In the example shown in Figure 37, the conveyor device 20 has the transport body CA and a drive device 29 that moves the transport body CA along a circular orbit.

[0166] In the example shown in Figure 37, the group of transport plates includes the above-mentioned transport plate 3, a second transport plate 3-2, and a third transport plate 3-3. The transport body CA also includes a group of transport plates (3, 3-2, 3-3) and an endless member 21 (more specifically, an endless chain 22) to which the group of transport plates are attached. The shape and structure of the second transport plate 3-2 may be substantially identical to the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. Alternatively, the shape and structure of the second transport plate 3-2 may differ in detail from the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. The shape and structure of the third transport plate 3-3 may be substantially identical to the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. Alternatively, the shape and structure of the third transport plate 3-3 may differ in detail from the shape and structure of the transport plate 3.

[0167] 38, the conveyor device manufacturing process (fourth step ST4) includes attaching the conveying plate 3 to the endless member 21 (more specifically, the endless chain 22) so that the first front end 3f of the conveying plate 3 overlaps with the rear end 3e-2 of the second conveying plate 3-2 and so that the first rear end 3e of the conveying plate 3 overlaps with the front end 3f-3 of the third conveying plate 3-3. In the example shown in FIG. 38, the conveying plate 3 is attached to the endless member 21 (more specifically, the endless chain 22) via bolts BT.

[0168] In the example shown in Figure 38, in a transport body CA in which a group of transport plates are combined, the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 covers the rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2, and the front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3 covers the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3.

[0169] In the example shown in FIG. 37, the conveyor device 20A manufactured by carrying out the conveyor device manufacturing process (fourth step ST4) includes a carrier CA, a plurality of sprockets 28, and a drive device 29.

[0170] The carrier CA has a group of carrier plates including a carrier plate 3, a second carrier plate 3-2, and a third carrier plate 3-3, and a first endless chain 22a and a second endless chain 22b that support the group of carrier plates. In the example shown in Figure 37, each of the group of carrier plates is attached to the first endless chain 22a and the second endless chain 22b.

[0171] 39 , the first endless chain 22a and the second endless chain 22b are driven directly or indirectly by a driving device 29. More specifically, the first endless chain 22a is driven directly or indirectly by the driving device 29 to travel along a first orbital path OB1, and the second endless chain 22b is driven directly or indirectly by the driving device 29 to travel along a second orbital path OB2 that is parallel to the first orbital path OB1. A gap G1 between the first orbital path OB1 and the second orbital path OB2 (in other words, the distance between the first orbital path OB1 and the second orbital path OB2 in the direction along the first direction DR1) is, for example, not less than 1 m and not more than 3 m.

[0172] 39 , the plurality of sprockets 28 include a first sprocket 28 a, a second sprocket 28 b, a third sprocket 28 c, and a fourth sprocket 28 d. The first endless chain 22 a is engaged with at least the first sprocket 28 a and the second sprocket 28 b (more specifically, the first endless chain 22 a is looped around at least the first sprocket 28 a and the second sprocket 28 b). The second endless chain 22 b is engaged with at least the third sprocket 28 c and the fourth sprocket 28 d (more specifically, the second endless chain 22 b is looped around at least the third sprocket 28 c and the fourth sprocket 28 d).

[0173] In the example shown in Figure 39, the first endless chain 22a is driven by a drive device 29 via at least a first sprocket 28a, and the second endless chain 22b is driven by a drive device 29 via at least a third sprocket 28c.

[0174] The group of transport plates moves along an orbital path OB. As illustrated in Fig. 39, the orbital path OB of the group of transport plates is parallel to the first orbital path OB1 of the first endless chain 22a and parallel to the second orbital path OB2 of the second endless chain 22b.

[0175] The conveyor apparatus 20B shown in Figures 40 and 41 differs from the conveyor apparatus 20A shown in Figures 37 to 39 in that each of the group of transport plates is hingedly connected to the other transport plates.

[0176] In the example shown in Figure 40, the group of transport plates includes the above-mentioned transport plate 3, a second transport plate 3-2, and a third transport plate 3-3. The transport body CA also includes a group of transport plates (3, 3-2, 3-3) and an endless member 21 (more specifically, an endless chain 22) to which the group of transport plates are attached. The shape and structure of the second transport plate 3-2 may be substantially identical to the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. Alternatively, the shape and structure of the second transport plate 3-2 may differ in detail from the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. The shape and structure of the third transport plate 3-3 may be substantially identical to the shape and structure of the transport plate 3. Alternatively, the shape and structure of the third transport plate 3-3 may differ in detail from the shape and structure of the transport plate 3.

[0177] As illustrated in Figure 41, the manufacturing process of the conveyor device (fourth step ST4) includes hinge-connecting the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 to the rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2, and hinge-connecting the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 to the front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3.

[0178] 41, the first rod RD1 is positioned so as to pass through both the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 and the rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2, thereby hinge-connecting the first front end 3f of the transport plate 3 and the rear end 3e-2 of the second transport plate 3-2. Also, the second rod RD2 is positioned so as to pass through both the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 and the front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3, thereby hinge-connecting the first rear end 3e of the transport plate 3 and the front end 3f-3 of the third transport plate 3-3.

[0179] As illustrated in Figure 40, the manufacturing process of the conveyor device (fourth step ST4) may include attaching the conveying plate 3, the second conveying plate 3-2, and the third conveying plate 3-3 to an endless member 21 (more specifically, an endless chain 22).

[0180] In the example shown in FIG. 40, the conveyor device 20B manufactured by carrying out the conveyor device manufacturing process (fourth step ST4) includes a carrier CA, a plurality of sprockets 28, and a drive device 29.

[0181] The carrier CA has a group of carrier plates including a carrier plate 3, a second carrier plate 3-2, and a third carrier plate 3-3, and a first endless chain 22a and a second endless chain 22b that support the group of carrier plates. In the example shown in Figure 40, the group of carrier plates is attached to the first endless chain 22a and the second endless chain 22b.

[0182] The first endless chain 22a, the second endless chain 22b, the plurality of sprockets 28, and the drive unit 29 have already been described, so a repeated description of these components will be omitted.

[0183] 42 , the conveyor device manufacturing process (fourth step ST4) may include incorporating the conveyor device 20 into the laser processing device 6 so that a group of transport plates including the transport plate 3, the second transport plate 3-2, and the third transport plate 3-3 crosses the area directly below the laser head 61 of the laser processing device 6. In this case, the workpiece W (e.g., a plate-shaped workpiece) is processed by the laser LB irradiated from the laser head 61, and a portion of the laser LB passing through the workpiece W reaches the transport plate 3.

[0184] The amount of thermal deformation of the model plate 9 caused by laser irradiation is not particularly large. However, if compressive plastic strain caused by thermal deformation accumulates in the model plate 9, smooth movement of the model plate 9 may be hindered. In contrast, in the first or second embodiment, the transport plate 3 is designed to reduce the amount of thermal deformation or compressive plastic strain caused by laser irradiation. Therefore, even if part of the laser beam LB passing through the workpiece W reaches the transport plate 3, the smooth movement of the transport plate 3 is not hindered. In particular, when the conveyor device 20 in the second embodiment is incorporated into a laser processing device 6 with a high laser output, the conveyor device 20 makes a significant contribution to smooth dross transport.

[0185] In this specification, a plane that passes through the lowest end of the workpiece W supported by the workpiece support member 63 of the laser processing device 6 and is parallel to the horizontal plane is defined as a workpiece support plane PL1 (see FIG. 42).

[0186] In the first or second embodiment, the transport plate 3 is designed to reduce the amount of thermal deformation or compressive plastic strain caused by laser irradiation. Therefore, the distance L1 between the workpiece support surface PL1 and the orbit OB of the first group of transport plates can be further reduced. The distance L1 between the workpiece support surface PL1 and the orbit OB of the first group of transport plates is, for example, 1 m or less, 0.9 m or less, or 0.8 m or less. The small distance L1 allows the height dimension of the laser processing device 6 to be reduced.

[0187] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, optional additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate.

[0188] 2...Dross transport conveyor, 3...Transport plate, 3-2...Second transport plate, 3-3...Third transport plate, 3a...Left end of transport plate, 3b...Right end of transport plate, 3e...First rear end, 3e-2...Rear end, 3f...First front end, 3f-3...Front end, 3m...First intermediate portion, 3n...Back surface of transport plate, 3u...Transport surface of transport plate, 4...Temperature rise suppression surface, 4c...Heat conduction layer, 4r...Laser reflection layer, 6...Laser processing device, 9...Model plate, 9-1...First model plate, 9-2...Second model plate, 9a...Left end of model plate, 9b...Model plate Right end, 9e...rear end of model plate, 9f...front end of model plate, 9m...middle part of model plate, 9n...back surface of model plate, 9u...transport surface of model plate, 12...dross transport conveyor, 13...transport plate, 13-1...first transport plate, 13-2...second transport plate, 20, 20A, 20B...conveyor device, 21...endless member, 22...endless chain, 22a...first endless chain, 22b...second endless chain, 28...sprocket, 28a...first sprocket, 28b...second sprocket, 28c...third sprocket, 28d...fourth sprocket socket, 29...drive device, 30...base, 31f...convex curved portion, 32f...front receiving portion, 33e...first standing portion, 34...first bent portion, 34e...rear receiving portion, 35...second bent portion, 36m...first flat plate portion, 38...protective member, 38a...first protective member, 38b...heat insulating material, 38r...surface of laser reflecting layer, 40...heat dissipation member, 41...heat sink, 42...heat dissipation piece, 42p...heat dissipation pin, 60...laser irradiation device, 61...laser head, 63...workpiece support member, 81...computer, 91f...convex curved portion, 92f...front receiving portion, 93e...standing portion, 94...first bent portion, 94e...rear receiving portion, 95...second bent portion, 96m...flat plate portion, 381...first plate portion, 382...second plate portion, 383...bent portion, A1...first deflection, A2...second deflection, B...basic deflection amount, BB1...bent portion, BT...bolt, C...first deflection amount, CA...conveyor, CF...cut-off piece, D...dross, DA1...first data, DA2...second data, DA3...third data, DA4...fourth data, DR1...first direction, DR2...second direction, DR3...third direction, DR4...fourth direction, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4...data, E3...third deflection, E4...fourth deflection, G1...spacing, HD...laser head, LB...laser,LB1...first laser, MF1...flat conveying surface, MU1...convex conveying surface, MU2...second convex conveying surface, OB...circulating orbit, OB1...first circular orbit, OB2...second circular orbit, PL1...workpiece supporting surface, Q1...first recess, RD1...first rod, RD2...second rod, RF1...flat conveying surface, RU1...convex conveying surface, RU2...second convex conveying surface, W...workpiece,

Claims

1. Define a basic model of a transfer plate that conveys dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser from a laser processing apparatus as a model plate. When defining the amount of deflection of the model plate caused by irradiating the model plate with a first laser as a basic deflection amount, a step of obtaining the basic deflection amount; When defining the amount of deflection of the transfer plate caused by irradiating the transfer plate with the first laser under substantially the same conditions as when the model plate is irradiated with the first laser as a first deflection amount, a step of designing the transfer plate based on the model plate so that the first deflection amount is smaller than the basic deflection amount. A method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer, comprising:

2. The basic deflection amount is the amount of deflection of the model plate due to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate, and the first deflection amount is the amount of deflection of the transfer plate due to the compressive plastic strain of the transfer plate. The method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer according to claim 1.

3. The step of obtaining the basic deflection amount includes actually irradiating the model plate with the first laser and actually measuring the amount of deflection of the model plate caused by irradiating the model plate with the first laser. The method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The step of obtaining the basic deflection amount includes obtaining the basic deflection amount by simulation using a computer. The method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The step of obtaining the base deflection amount includes: obtaining data indicating a first deflection of the model plate caused by irradiating a first portion of the model plate with the first laser; determining the base deflection amount in which at least the data indicating the first deflection is reflected; The step of designing the transport plate based on the model plate includes: obtaining data indicating a third deflection of the transport plate caused by irradiating a third portion of the transport plate corresponding positionally to the first portion of the model plate with the first laser; determining the first deflection amount in which at least the data indicating the third deflection is reflected; confirming that the condition that the first deflection amount is smaller than the base deflection amount is satisfied. A method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Irradiating the model plate with the first laser includes: irradiating a first portion of the model plate with the first laser; irradiating a second portion of the model plate with the first laser. A method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The step of obtaining the base deflection amount includes: obtaining, as first data, data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate caused by irradiating a first portion of the model plate with the first laser; obtaining, as second data, data corresponding to the compressive plastic strain of the model plate caused by irradiating a second portion of the model plate with the first laser; determining the base deflection amount in which at least the first data and the second data are reflected. A method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The second portion is the front end portion of the model plate, and the first portion is the middle portion of the model plate. A method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The step of designing the transport plate based on the model plate includes: - Obtaining, as third data, data indicating the third deflection of the transport plate caused by irradiating the third part of the transport plate that is positionally corresponding to the first part of the model plate with the first laser; - Obtaining, as fourth data, data indicating the fourth deflection of the transport plate caused by irradiating the fourth part of the transport plate that is positionally corresponding to the second part of the model plate with the first laser; - Determining the first deflection amount reflecting at least the third data and the fourth data; - Confirming that the condition that the first deflection amount is smaller than the basic deflection amount is satisfied. The method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The basic deflection amount is the deflection amount of the model plate caused by the thermal expansion of the model plate, and the first deflection amount is the deflection amount of the transport plate caused by the thermal expansion of the transport plate. The method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to claim 1.

11. The step of obtaining the basic deflection amount includes: - Obtaining, as first data, data corresponding to the thermal expansion of the model plate caused by irradiating the first part of the model plate with the first laser; - Obtaining, as second data, data corresponding to the thermal expansion of the model plate caused by irradiating the second part of the model plate with the first laser; - Determining the basic deflection amount reflecting at least the first data and the second data. The method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to claim 1.

12. The step of designing the transport plate based on the model plate includes designing the transport plate by adding a protective member covering at least a part of the transport surface of the model plate to the model plate. The method for designing a transport plate for dross transport according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The step of designing the transfer plate based on the model plate includes designing the transfer plate by changing the shape of the model plate itself. A method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The step of designing the transfer plate based on the model plate includes designing the transfer plate by covering at least a part of the surface of the model plate with a temperature rise suppression surface. A method for designing a transfer plate for dross transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. When a basic model of a transfer plate for transferring dross generated by irradiating a workpiece with a laser from a laser processing apparatus is defined as a model plate, and the amount of deflection of the model plate caused by irradiating the model plate with a first laser is defined as a basic deflection amount, a step of obtaining the basic deflection amount; When the amount of deflection of the transfer plate caused by irradiating the transfer plate with the first laser under substantially the same conditions as when the model plate is irradiated with the first laser is defined as a first deflection amount, designing the transfer plate based on the model plate so that the first deflection amount is smaller than the basic deflection amount; a step of manufacturing the designed transfer plate; and a step of manufacturing a conveyor device having a conveyor body in which a group of transfer plates including the transfer plate are combined. A method for manufacturing a dross transfer conveyor.

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