阅读说明：本技术 激光刻印装置以及激光刻印方法 (Laser engraving device and laser engraving method ) 是由 朝冈康明 小仓和宪 杉野刚大 于 2021-03-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及激光刻印装置以及激光刻印方法,激光刻印装置具备：向铸型的表面喷吹气体的喷吹部、向铸型的表面照射激光而刻印标识符的头部、以及在喷吹部喷吹气体的过程中使头部刻印标识符的控制部。(The present invention relates to a laser engraving apparatus and a laser engraving method, the laser engraving apparatus including: the mold includes a blowing section for blowing gas onto a surface of the mold, a head section for marking the mold with the identifier by irradiating the mold with laser light, and a control section for marking the head section with the identifier while the blowing section is blowing gas.)

1. A laser marking device is characterized by comprising:

a blowing section for blowing gas onto the surface of the mold;

a head portion for irradiating a surface of the mold with laser light to imprint an identifier; and

and a control unit that imprints the identifier on the head portion while the blowing unit blows the gas.

2. A laser engraving apparatus according to claim 1,

the blowing section has a nozzle for blowing gas toward the surface of the mold,

the nozzle and the head move integrally.

3. A laser engraving apparatus according to claim 2,

the nozzle is disposed at the head.

4. The laser marking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a housing dividing a working space for imprinting the identifier; and

a dust collector connected with the working space.

5. The laser marking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking apparatus comprises a laser beam source,

the casting mold is further provided with a positioning part for fixing the casting mold at a predetermined working position.

6. The laser marking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the laser marking apparatus comprises a laser beam source,

the robot is further provided with a manipulator for changing the longitudinal position, the lateral position, and the height position of the head.

7. The laser marking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the laser marking apparatus comprises a laser beam source,

further comprising a measuring portion for measuring a distance between the head portion and a surface of the mold,

the control unit adjusts at least one of a height position of the head and a focal length of the laser light based on the distance measured by the measurement unit.

8. The laser marking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the laser marking apparatus comprises a laser beam source,

the molding machine further comprises a scattering portion for scattering a liquid onto the surface of the mold after the head portion is marked with the identifier.

9. A laser scribing method, comprising:

a blowing step of blowing gas to the surface of the mold; and

and an engraving step of irradiating the surface of the mold with laser light during the blowing of the gas to imprint the identifier.

10. A laser engraving method according to claim 9,

the blowing step and the engraving step are executed by a laser engraving device including a head portion for irradiating a surface of the mold with laser light to imprint an identifier; and a nozzle which moves integrally with the head and blows a gas onto the surface of the mold.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a laser imprint apparatus and a laser imprint method.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a laser marking method for marking an identifier on a mold by irradiating the mold with a laser beam. In this method, the green sand of the mold is cured with a resin before the laser light is irradiated to the mold. Thus, the shape of the mark engraved by laser irradiation is stabilized.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 63-299842

Disclosure of Invention

However, when an identifier is imprinted on a mold using a laser beam, steam or residue may be generated from the mold by irradiation of the laser beam. The generated vapor or debris may block the laser light. When the surface of the mold is not sufficiently irradiated with the laser beam, the engraved identifier may be unclear. The present disclosure provides a laser engraving apparatus capable of suppressing the influence of steam or residue generated from a mold by irradiation of laser light on an engraving operation.

A laser imprint apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a blowing section for blowing gas onto the surface of the mold; a head portion for irradiating a surface of the mold with laser light to imprint the identifier; and a control unit for marking the head with an identifier while the blowing unit is blowing the gas.

In the laser engraving apparatus, gas is blown onto the surface of the mold. During the gas blowing process, the surface of the mold is irradiated with laser light. Steam or residue generated from the mold by the irradiation of the laser beam is removed from the surface of the mold by blowing a gas onto the surface of the mold by the blowing section. Thus, the laser beam is irradiated to the surface of the mold while maintaining the set output of the laser beam without being blocked by the steam or the residue generated from the mold. Thus, the laser engraving apparatus can suppress the influence of the steam or the residue generated from the mold by the irradiation of the laser beam on the engraving operation. In one embodiment, the blowing section may have a nozzle for blowing gas toward the surface of the mold, and the nozzle and the head may be moved integrally. In this case, even when the head moves, the gas is appropriately blown onto the surface of the mold. In one embodiment, the nozzle may be provided in the head. In this case, the structure can be simplified as compared with a case where the driving mechanisms are provided in the head and the nozzle, respectively.

In one embodiment, the present invention may further include: a housing that divides a work space for imprinting an identifier; and a dust collector connected to the working space. In this case, the steam or the residue removed from the surface of the mold by the blowing section is collected by the dust collector. Thus, the laser beam is irradiated onto the surface of the mold while maintaining the set output of the laser beam without being blocked by the generated steam or the generated residue. Thus, the laser marking device can further suppress the influence of the steam or the residue generated from the mold by the irradiation of the laser beam on the marking operation.

In one embodiment, the laser lithography apparatus may further include a positioning portion that fixes the mold at a predetermined working position. In this case, the mold is fixed at a predetermined working position by the positioning portion and then the identifier is imprinted. Thus, the laser marking device can suppress the position deviation of the identifier or the occurrence of marking defects due to the position deviation of the mold.

In one embodiment, the laser printing apparatus may further include a robot that changes a longitudinal position, a lateral position, and a height position of the head. The laser marking device can change the longitudinal position, the transverse position and the height position of the head part through a mechanical arm.

In one embodiment, the molding machine may further include a measuring unit that measures a distance between the head and the surface of the mold, and the control unit may adjust at least one of a height position of the head and a focal length of the laser light based on the distance measured by the measuring unit. In this case, the control unit adjusts the distance between the head and the surface of the mold to a set value based on the distance measured by the measuring unit. Thus, the laser engraving device can engrave the identifier clearly on the mold even when the height position of the surface of the mold is different.

In one embodiment, the laser lithography apparatus may further include a scattering portion that scatters the liquid onto the surface of the mold after the head portion has been marked with the identifier. In this case, the moisture evaporated due to the irradiation of the laser light is compensated by the dispersion of the liquid. Thus, the laser marking device can reduce the influence of the marking operation on the quality of the casting mould.

The laser engraving method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a blowing step of blowing gas to the surface of the mold; and an engraving step of irradiating the surface of the mold with laser light during the gas blowing process to imprint the identifier.

In the laser engraving method, a gas is blown onto the surface of a mold. During the gas blowing process, the surface of the mold is irradiated with laser light. Steam or residue generated from the mold is removed from the surface of the mold by blowing gas onto the surface of the mold through the blowing section. Thus, the laser beam is irradiated to the surface of the mold while maintaining the set output of the laser beam without being blocked by the steam or the residue generated from the mold. Thus, the laser engraving method can suppress the influence of the steam or the residue generated from the mold by the irradiation of the laser on the engraving work. In one embodiment, the blowing step and the engraving step may be performed by a laser engraving device including a head portion for irradiating a surface of the mold with laser light to imprint the identifier; and a nozzle moving integrally with the head and blowing gas onto the surface of the mold. In this case, even when the head moves, the gas is appropriately blown onto the surface of the mold.

According to the present disclosure, a laser engraving apparatus is provided that can suppress the influence of steam or residue generated from a mold by irradiation of laser light on an engraving operation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a casting system provided in a laser marking apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the laser marking apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a dust collector.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a laser imprint apparatus provided with a positioning portion.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a robot.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus provided with a measuring section.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a scattering portion.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the laser marking apparatus including the scattering portion.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the laser imprint apparatus.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the laser marking apparatus including a dust collector.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are not necessarily consistent with the description. The terms "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are terms based on the illustrated state, and are terms for convenience of explanation. The X direction and the Y direction shown in the figure represent the horizontal direction, and the Z direction represents the vertical direction.

[ one example of casting System ]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a casting system provided in a laser marking apparatus according to an embodiment. The casting system 1 shown in fig. 1 is a system for manufacturing a casting. The casting system 1 includes a molding machine 2, a transfer line 3, a laser engraving device 4, a casting machine 5, and a line control unit 6.

The molding machine 2 is an apparatus for manufacturing a mold M. An example of the mold M is a sand mold formed of green sand. The green sand contains silica sand, bentonite, and prescribed additives. The molding machine 2 forms a mold M from green sand containing moisture as a material. The molding machine 2 forms a mold M using a molding box F. The molding machine 2 is communicably connected to the string control unit 6. Upon receiving the molding start signal from the line control unit 6, the molding machine 2 starts the production of the mold M in the molding zone. The molding machine 2 injects sand (green sand) into a molding box F in which a pattern is placed, and pressurizes and solidifies the sand in the molding box F. The molding machine 2 takes out the solidified sand from the mold to form the mold M. The molding machine 2 transmits a molding end signal to the line control unit 6. The molding completion signal is a signal indicating that the molding machine 2 can mold the mold M in a normal operation.

The conveying line 3 is a device for conveying the molds. The transfer line 3 receives the mold M from the molding machine 2 and transfers the mold M toward the casting machine 5. The transfer line 3 includes, for example, a roller conveyor, a rail, a carriage that travels on the rail on which the molds M and the molding boxes F are placed, a pusher device disposed on the molding machine 2 side, a buffer device disposed on the casting machine 5 side, and the like. The roller conveyor or track extends linearly from the molding machine 2 toward the casting machine 5. The roller conveyor or the rail is not limited to the case of extending linearly, and may extend in a stepped manner, for example. The roller conveyor or track may also extend in a stroke between the molding machine 2 and the casting machine 5. The transfer line 3 sequentially transfers a plurality of molds M and flasks F arranged at equal intervals on a drum conveyor or a track from the molding machine 2 to the casting machine 5. The conveyor line 3 is intermittently driven to convey the mold M and the molding box F by a predetermined number of boxes at a time. The predetermined number of tanks may be 1 tank or a plurality of tanks. The line control section 6 is communicably connected to the transfer line 3. The conveyor line 3 conveys the plurality of molds M and the plurality of molds F by a predetermined number of boxes when receiving the box conveying signal from the line control unit 6. When the conveyance of a predetermined number of boxes is completed, the conveyance line 3 transmits a box conveyance completion signal to the line control unit 6. The conveying line 3 may send a box conveying end signal to the line control unit 6 when positioning of the molds M and the molds F to be conveyed is completed.

The laser engraving device 4 is provided on the conveyor line 3, and engraves the casting mold M on the conveyor line 3 by laser. The laser marking device 4 can be communicably connected to the line control section 6. The laser marking device 4, the conveyor line 3, and the line control unit 6 constitute a laser marking system in cooperation with each other. The laser marking device 4 will be described in detail later.

The casting machine 5 is a device for pouring molten metal into the mold M. The casting machine 5 is communicably connected to the line control section 6. When receiving the box conveyance end signal from the wire control unit 6, the pouring machine 5 pours the molten metal into the mold M located in the pouring area, with the mold M as the pouring target. The casting machine 5 receives the mold information from the line control unit 6 and performs casting under conditions based on the mold information. The cast mold M after casting is conveyed by the conveyor line 3 to a zone where a subsequent process is performed.

A core placement W may be provided between the molding machine 2 and the casting machine 5. At the core placement site W, the worker stays and places the core on the mold M. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to automatically place the core into the mold M.

The line control unit 6 is a controller that controls the casting system 1 in a unified manner. The line control unit 6 is configured as, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The line control Unit 6 may be configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit); memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory); input/output devices such as a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, and a display; a computer system including a communication device such as a network card. The line control unit 6 realizes the function of the line control unit 6 by operating each hardware under the control of a processor based on a computer program stored in a memory.

[ details of the laser engraving apparatus ]

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a laser marking apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 2, the laser engraving device 4 includes a head 10, a blowing unit 20, and a control unit 30.

The head 10 irradiates the surface of the mold M with laser light L to imprint an identifier on the mold. The identifier is a character, a number, a symbol, or the like, which is attached to the object, and the imprint means an operation of attaching a character, a number, a symbol, or the like to the mold. The surface of the mold M is exposed to the outside of the mold M, and includes not only the uppermost surface but also a surface defining the product shape (a surface to which the product shape is transferred). Hereinafter, a case of performing imprinting at the planned imprinting position P on the surface of the mold M will be described as an example.

The head 10 is a member for focusing the laser beam L on the planned imprint position P. The head 10 is connected to a light source (not shown) for generating laser light. As an example, the head 10 includes a galvano mirror (not shown) and a focusing lens (not shown), and adjusts the irradiation position and the focal length of the laser light L. The head 10 focuses the focal length of the laser beam L on the predetermined mark position P on the surface of the mold M to mark the mark. The planned imprint position P is set within a predetermined range of the mold M. The head 10 is accommodated in a working space S defined inside the housing 11. The head 10 is supported by a frame member 12 disposed in the working space S.

The housing 11 has a carrying-in port 22 and a carrying-out port 23 communicating with the working space S. The housing 11 is provided in the conveyor line 3 so as to carry the mold M into and out of the work space S through the carrying-in port 22 and the carrying-out port 23. For example, when the line 3 is linear, the carry-in port 22 and the carry-out port 23 are formed in the housing 11 so as to face each other. The housing 11 is provided on the line 3 such that the facing direction of the carry-in port 22 and the carry-out port 23 coincides with the extending direction of the line 3.

The blowing section 20 blows a gas G toward the surface of the mold M. The blowing unit 20 is a device that blows out the gas G, and is, for example, a blower, a compressor, a blower, or the like. When the blowing section 20 is a compressor or a blower, the blowing section 20 has a blowing nozzle 21 (an example of a nozzle) for blowing the gas G toward the surface of the mold M. As an example, the blow nozzle 21 is provided in the head 10. The blow nozzle 21 may be supported by the frame member 12. When the blowing unit 20 is a blower, the blowing unit 20 may be supported by the head 10 or the frame member 12.

The control section 30 controls the head section 10. Control is the determination of position and motion. For example, the control unit 30 is configured as a PLC. The control unit 30 may be configured as the computer system. The control unit 30 may be disposed outside the housing 11 or may be disposed inside the housing 11.

The control unit 30 mainly controls the output, irradiation position, focal length, and the like of the laser light L. The control unit 30 controls the laser light source, the galvano mirror, and the focusing lens to control the output, the irradiation position, and the focal length of the laser light L. The head section 10 stamps an identifier onto the predetermined stamp position P based on the control of the control section 30. Moisture and the like contained in the mold M are evaporated by irradiation with the laser light L.

The control unit 30 may control the operation of the blowing unit 20. In this case, the control unit 30 outputs a start signal, an end signal, a signal indicating the target pressure, and the like to the blowing unit 20. The blowing unit 20 operates based on a signal received from the control unit 30. The control unit 30 imprints the identifier on the head unit 10 while the blowing unit 20 is blowing the gas G. The control unit 30 operates the head unit 10 after the blowing unit 20 starts the blowing operation or simultaneously with the start of the blowing operation, and marks the identifier on the head unit 10 with respect to the mold M.

[ other examples of the structures of the laser engraving apparatus ]

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a dust collector. As shown in fig. 3, the laser engraving device 4A further includes a dust collector 42 connected to the working space S. The dust collector 42 is provided in the housing 11 that defines the working space S. The dust collector 42 sucks the internal gas of the working space S, collects steam or residue generated from the mold M by the imprint, collects dust, and the like, and purifies the internal gas of the working space S. The other configuration of the laser marking device 4A is the same as that of the laser marking device 4 shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a laser imprint apparatus provided with a positioning portion. As shown in fig. 4, the laser engraving device 4B further includes a positioning unit 50 for fixing the mold M at a predetermined working position.

The positioning part 50 mechanically fixes the mold M at a predetermined working position. As an example, the positioning portion 50 has a pin 51. The pin 51 is a wedge member that advances and retreats in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the mold M. The pin 51 has a shape tapering towards the front end. The molding box F is provided with a hole 52 for engaging the pin 51. The diameter of the hole 52 is slightly larger than the diameter of the pin 51. The bore 52 has an inner surface that tapers in diameter toward the bottom. When the mold M is carried into a predetermined working position, the pin 51 is inserted into the hole 52. Positioning unit 50 receives the carry-in completion signal from wire control unit 6, and inserts pin 51 into hole 52. The positioning unit 50 may insert the pin 51 into the hole 52 in response to an instruction from the line control unit 6 or an instruction from the control unit 30 that receives the carry-in completion signal. The carry-in end signal is a signal indicating the end of carrying in the mold M. The pin 51 engages with the inner surface of the hole 52, whereby the mold M on the conveyor line 3 is accurately fixed at a predetermined working position. The other configuration of the laser marking device 4B is the same as that of the laser marking device 4 shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a robot. As shown in fig. 5, the laser marking device 4C further includes a robot 60 that changes the longitudinal position (X direction), the lateral position (Y direction), and the height position (Z direction) of the head 10. The robot 60 is a three-axis orthogonal robot that moves the head 10 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.

The robot 60 is provided to the frame member 12, for example. The robot 60 includes an X-axis drive unit 61, a Y-axis drive unit 62, and a Z-axis drive unit 63. The X-axis driving unit 61 moves the head 10 in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis drive section 62 moves the head 10 in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis drive section 61 and the Y-axis drive section 62 move the head 10 in a horizontal plane parallel to the surface of the mold M. The X-axis drive section 61 and the Y-axis drive section 62 can change the horizontal position of the head 10 according to the position of the planned engraving position P. The Z-axis drive unit 63 moves the head 10 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis drive unit 63 moves the head 10 in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of the mold M. The Z-axis drive section 63 can change the height position of the head 10 in accordance with the position of the planned imprint position P. The robot 60 is connected to the control unit 30. The robot 60 receives an operation command from the control unit 30, and adjusts the position of the head 10 based on the operation command.

The robot 60 may include an additional axis such as a circumferential direction around an axis extending in the vertical direction from the planned imprint position P, by changing the inclination of the head 10. In this case, the robot 60 can adjust the inclination of the head 10 so that the laser light L emitted from the head 10 is perpendicular to the surface of the mold M. The other configuration of the laser marking device 4C is the same as that of the laser marking device 4 shown in fig. 2. The blow nozzle 21 moves integrally with the head 10. The integral movement means that the blowing nozzle 21 and the head 10 are moved in the same direction without changing the relative positions. When the outlet nozzle 21 is supported by the frame member 12, the outlet nozzle 21 may be moved by a drive mechanism different from the robot 60.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a measuring section. As shown in fig. 6, the laser engraving device 4D further includes a measurement unit 70 that measures the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M, and the control unit 30 adjusts the focal length of the laser light L based on the distance measured by the measurement unit 70.

The measuring section 70 measures the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The measurement unit 70 is, for example, a laser range finder. The measuring unit 70 is provided in the frame member 12. The measuring unit 70 irradiates the surface of the mold M with the measuring light D. The measuring unit 70 measures the height position of the surface of the mold M based on the phase difference or time difference between the measuring light D and the reflected light reflected from the surface of the mold M. The measuring unit 70 may measure the height position of the surface of the mold M by triangulation. The distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M can be calculated based on the difference between the height position of the head 10 and the height position of the surface of the mold M. As shown in fig. 6, with the head 10 fixed to the frame member 12, the height position of the head 10 is measured and stored in advance. The measuring section 70 calculates a difference between the height position of the head section 10 stored in advance and the measured height position of the surface of the mold M, and calculates the distance between the head section 10 and the surface of the mold M.

The height position of the surface of the mold M varies depending on the operating conditions of the molding machine 2 during molding, the properties of green sand, and wear of the rails and rollers. Therefore, a difference is also generated in the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The control section 30 adjusts the focal length of the laser light L based on the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The control unit 30 controls the galvano mirror and the focusing lens so that the focal point of the laser light L is positioned on the surface of the mold M.

When the height position of the head 10 is adjusted by the robot 60 shown in fig. 5, the control unit 30 may adjust the height position of the head 10 so that the focal point of the laser light L is positioned on the surface of the mold M. The measurement unit 70 obtains the height position of the head 10 from the control unit 30. The height position of the head 10 is a position where the head 10 is moved by the Z-axis drive unit 63. The measuring section 70 calculates a difference between the height position of the head section 10 and the measured height position of the surface of the mold M, and calculates a distance between the head section 10 and the surface of the mold M. In this case, the control unit 30 adjusts at least one of the height position of the head 10 and the focal length of the laser light L based on the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M.

The distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M may be calculated based on the difference between the height position of the surface of the mold M as a reference and the height position of the surface of the other mold M. In this case, the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M as a reference is measured in advance, and the focal length of the laser light L is adjusted. The measuring unit 70 calculates a difference between the height position of the surface of the mold M stored in advance as a reference and the height position of the surface of the other mold M measured, and adjusts the height position of the head 10 or the focal length of the laser light L based on the difference so that the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M becomes an appropriate distance.

The measurement unit 70 may be provided in the head 10. In this case, the measuring unit 70 can directly measure the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The measurement unit 70 is not limited to the laser range finder, and may be an ultrasonic range finder. The measurement unit 70 may measure the distance using a probe. The measurement unit 70 may measure the distance by image recognition. A plurality of measurement units 70 may be provided. The other configuration of the laser marking device 4D is the same as that of the laser marking device 4 shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a laser marking apparatus including a scattering portion. As shown in fig. 7, the laser marking device 4E further includes a scattering portion 80 for scattering the liquid R onto the surface of the mold M after the head portion 10 marks the identifier on the mold M.

The scattering portion 80 scatters the liquid R toward the surface of the mold M. The diffuser 80 is a device for blowing the liquid R, and includes, for example, a pump (not shown), a valve (not shown), a tank (not shown) for the liquid R, and the like. The scattering portion 80 has a scattering nozzle 81 that scatters the liquid R toward the surface of the mold M. As an example, the distribution nozzle 81 is provided to the head 10. The dispensing nozzle 81 may also be supported by the frame member 12. The distribution portion 80, for example, by driving a pump, opens a valve to distribute the liquid R from the distribution nozzle 81 to the mold M. The spreading portion 80 stops the spreading of the liquid R by closing the valve.

As an example, the liquid R is water or an additive or the like. The additive is, for example, a surface stabilizer or a coating agent. The surface stabilizer includes sugar alcohol and the like. The surface stabilizer improves the water retention of the green sand, and the like. As an example, the coating agent comprises silicon. The coating agent forms a film on the surface of the casting mold M to prevent the sand sticking of the casting mold M. The moisture evaporated by the irradiation of the laser light L is compensated by the liquid being dispersed by the dispersing section 80.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the laser marking apparatus 4E provided with the scattering portion. As shown in fig. 8, the distribution nozzle 81 may be provided to the frame member 12. In the example of fig. 8, the transfer line 3 transfers the mold M in the right direction of the drawing. The spray nozzle 81 is provided on the downstream side of the head 10, and sprays the liquid R to the mold M irradiated with the laser light L from the head 10. The other configuration of the laser marking device 4E is the same as that of the laser marking device 4 shown in fig. 2.

[ operation of laser engraving System ]

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the laser imprint system. The laser marking system includes a conveyor line 3, a line control unit 6, and a laser marking device. Hereinafter, a case where the laser marking apparatus has all the functions of the above-described laser marking apparatuses 4 and 4A to 4E will be described as an example.

The flowchart shown in fig. 9 is started based on, for example, a start instruction by an operator. When the system is started, the operator or the control unit 30 starts the operation of the dust collector 42 (step S10). The dust collector 42 starts dust collection of the working space S.

Next, the line control unit 6 operates the conveyor line 3 to carry the mold M into the working space S of the laser engraving device (step S20). For example, when the mold M is conveyed to a predetermined position, the line control unit 6 transmits a carry-in completion signal to the control unit 30. The line control unit 6 may detect that the mold M is conveyed to the predetermined position by a sensor or the like, or may determine that the mold M is conveyed to the predetermined position based on the predetermined number of conveyed cases.

Next, the positioning unit 50 fixes the mold M conveyed to the working space S at a predetermined working position (step S22). The control unit 30 may operate the positioning unit 50 after receiving the loading end signal. The positioning portion 50 engages the pin 51 with the hole 52 of the molding box F. The pin 51 engages with the inner surface of the hole 52, whereby the mold M is accurately fixed at a predetermined working position.

Next, the measuring unit 70 measures the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M (step S24). The measuring unit 70 measures the height position of the surface of the mold M based on the phase difference or time difference between the measurement light D and the reflected light reflected from the surface of the mold M, or by triangulation or the like. The distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M can be calculated from the difference between the height position of the head 10 and the height position of the surface of the mold M. The measuring unit 70 may operate according to the completion of the positioning of the mold M. The control unit 30 adjusts the focal length of the laser beam L based on the distance measured by the measurement unit 70.

Next, the robot 60 changes the position of the head 10 (step S26). The robot arm 60 changes the longitudinal position, the lateral position, and the height position of the head 10 according to the position of the imprint position P. For example, the robot 60 changes the longitudinal position and the lateral position of the head 10 so as to limit the planned engraving position P of the surface of the mold M to the laser irradiation range by the driving of the galvano mirror of the head 10. Then, the robot 60 adjusts the height position of the head 10 based on the result of the measuring section 70 so that the focal point of the laser light L is positioned on the surface of the mold M.

Next, the blowing section 20 blows the gas G toward the surface of the mold M (step S28). The blowing unit 20 starts blowing the gas G and continues blowing the gas G.

Next, the control unit 30 imprints an identifier on the head 10 during the blowing process of the blowing unit 20 (step S30). The head 10 drives a galvano mirror to imprint an identifier on the surface of the mold M. At this time, moisture and the like contained in the mold M are changed into vapor by irradiation of the laser beam L. The steam or residue generated from the mold M by the irradiation of the laser beam L is removed from the surface of the mold M by blowing a gas onto the surface of the mold M by the blowing section 20. The laser beam L is irradiated to the surface of the mold M while maintaining a set output of the laser beam without being blocked by steam or residue generated from the mold M. The generated steam or the residue is collected by the dust collector 42.

Next, the head 10 stops irradiating the mold M with the laser light L, and stops imprinting the mark (step S32). Next, the blowing unit 20 stops blowing the gas G (step S34). The blowing unit 20 stops blowing of the gas G, for example, in response to the marking of the identifier being stopped. The robot 60 returns the height position of the head 10 first, and then returns the longitudinal position and the lateral position to the positions before the movement (step S36). The robot 60 may return the position of the head 10 to a predetermined origin.

Next, the positioning portion 50 releases the fixation of the mold M (step S38). The engagement between the hole 52 of the molding box F and the pin 51 is released, and the mold M can be conveyed. Finally, the line control unit 6 operates the conveyor line 3 to carry the mold M out of the laser imprint apparatus (step S40). The flowchart shown in fig. 9 is ended in the above.

When the imprint system continuously performs the imprint operation, the new mold M is carried in accordance with the carrying-out of the mold M (step S20). Thereafter, the steps from step S20 to step S40 are repeatedly executed. When the imprint system is stopped, the dust collector 42 stops operating in response to the stop of the system.

[ summary of embodiments ]

According to the laser engraving apparatuses 4, 4A to 4E and the laser engraving method, the gas G is blown onto the surface of the mold M. During the blowing of the gas G, the laser light L is irradiated on the surface of the mold M. The gas G is blown onto the surface of the mold M by the blowing section 20 to remove the steam or residue generated from the mold M by the irradiation of the laser beam L. Thus, the laser light L is irradiated to the surface of the mold M while maintaining the set output of the laser light L without being blocked by the steam or the residue generated from the mold M. The laser engraving apparatus 4 and the laser engraving method can suppress the influence of the vapor or the residue generated from the mold M by the irradiation of the laser L on the engraving work.

According to the laser engraving device 4A, the steam or the residue removed from the surface of the mold M by the blowing section 20 is collected by the dust collector 42. Thus, the laser light L is irradiated onto the surface of the mold M while maintaining the set output of the laser light L without being blocked by the generated steam or residue. The laser engraving device 4A can further suppress the influence of the steam or the residue generated from the mold M by the irradiation of the laser light L on the engraving operation, as compared with a laser engraving device not having the dust collector 42.

According to the laser engraving device 4B, the mold M being conveyed is fixed at a predetermined working position by the positioning unit 50 and then engraved. The laser engraving device 4B can suppress the positional deviation of the mark or the occurrence of an engraving failure due to the positional deviation of the mold M, as compared with a laser engraving device not having the positioning part 50.

According to the laser imprint apparatus 4C, the longitudinal position, the lateral position, and the height position of the head 10 can be changed by the robot arm 60. According to the laser engraving device 4D, the control unit 30 adjusts the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M to a set value based on the distance measured by the measuring unit 70. The laser engraving device 4D can clearly engrave the identifier on the mold M even when the height position of the surface of the mold M differs as compared with a laser engraving device without the measuring section 70.

According to the laser imprint apparatus 4E, moisture evaporated due to imprint is compensated by spreading the liquid by the spreading portion 80. The laser engraving device 4E can reduce the influence of the engraving operation on the quality of the mold M.

[ modified examples ]

While various exemplary embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made.

For example, the laser engraving apparatus including the dust collector is not limited to the example shown in fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the laser marking apparatus including a dust collector. The laser engraving apparatus 4A shown in fig. 10 is different from the laser engraving apparatus 4A shown in fig. 3 in that it includes the auxiliary device 43 and the dust collector 42 is disposed to face the auxiliary device 43, and is otherwise the same. The dust collector 42 and the auxiliary device 43 are provided in the housing 11 that defines the working space S. The auxiliary device 43 generates an air flow toward the dust container 42. The air flow generated between the auxiliary device 43 and the dust collector 42 transports the steam or the residue generated from the mold M by the imprinting to the dust collector 42, so that the dust collecting effect of the dust collector 42 is improved.

The laser engraving device 4 is not limited to the method of engraving a mold formed of sand. The laser engraving device 4 can also perform engraving on an auto-hardening mold, a thermosetting mold, or a gas-curing mold. The laser engraving device 4 can not only engrave a mold but also engrave a core. The mold described in the present disclosure includes the above mold, a self-hardening mold, a thermosetting mold, a gas-curable mold, and a core.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, an example using a flask molding machine that alternately molds upper and lower molds in upper and lower molds is shown as the molding machine 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, for example, the present invention can be applied to a flaskless mold molding machine in which after upper and lower molds are simultaneously molded, the upper and lower molds are clamped, and then the upper and lower molds are taken out from an upper and lower molding boxes and are carried out from the molding machine 2 only in a state of the upper and lower molds.

The positioning portion 50 may include an engagement mechanism different from the pin 51 engaged with the hole 52 provided on the side of the molding box F. The positioning portion 50 may include a bush (or a pin) that engages with a pin (or a bush) provided upright on the upper surface of the molding box F. In this case, the positioning portion 50 may be configured to move the bush (or pin) downward from above the molding box F.

The robot 60 is not limited to the orthogonal robot. The robot 60 may be, for example, a multi-joint robot, a parallel link robot, or a SCARA robot.

A scattering device for scattering the liquid R with respect to the mold M to be conveyed may be provided on the conveyor line 3. The distribution device is disposed, for example, between the laser engraving device 4 and the casting machine 5.

As is clear from the description of an example of the operation of the laser imprint apparatus shown in fig. 9, the following can be made: the laser engraving device of the present disclosure can have all the functions of the laser engraving devices 4, 4A to 4E. The laser engraving device of the present disclosure can have a function arbitrarily selected from the laser engraving devices 4 and 4A to 4E.

Description of the symbols:

3 … conveyor line; 4 … laser engraving means; 10 … a head; 11 … a housing; 20 … a blowing part; 30 … control section; 42 … dust collector; 50 … location portion; 60 … robot arm; 70 … a measuring part; 80 … a spreading portion; g … gas; an L … laser; m … casting mould; r … liquid; s … work space.