JP7685466B2 - Laser marker device and control device for laser marker device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a laser marker device that uses a laser to print on a printing object, and in particular to a laser marker device that prints on a printing object surface that is three-dimensional and moving relatively, and a control device for the laser marker device.

A laser marker device is a device that uses the high energy of focused laser light to melt, burn, or peel off the surface of an object to mark information such as characters such as dates and lot numbers, or two-dimensional codes and figures. Note that processing objects using laser light is also within the scope of the laser marker device of the present invention. However, the following description will be given as a laser marker device with a printing function.

Such a laser marker device has a well-known configuration, as described, for example, in JP 2011-50978 A (Patent Document 1). A laser marker device generally adjusts the beam diameter of a laser beam from a laser oscillator using a beam diameter adjustment unit, scans the laser beam in a two-dimensional direction using a galvanometer to form the shape to be printed, guides the scanned laser beam to a condenser lens, and uses the condenser lens to focus the laser beam thinly to increase the energy density and print.

JP 2011-50978 A

However, such laser marker devices print by focusing laser light vertically onto the flat surface of the object (product or part). Therefore, if the object is moved while the laser light is irradiated perpendicularly to the surface, the printing area is not limited.

However, when the printing surface of the printing object is three-dimensional (for example, arc-shaped or curved), the printing area is limited, which is an issue. For example, an example where the cross section of the printing object is circular is described with reference to Figure 14.

In FIG. 14, the laser marker device is composed of a laser oscillator 50, a beam diameter adjustment unit 60 that adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light from the laser oscillator 50, a laser light scanning unit 70 that scans the laser light from the beam diameter adjustment unit 60 in the X and Y directions corresponding to a two-dimensional plane, and a focusing lens unit 80 that focuses the laser light from the laser light scanning unit 70. This type of laser marker device has a well-known configuration.

The laser light (Lb) focused by the focusing lens unit 80 is irradiated almost perpendicularly to the printing surface of the printing object (Wk) and is focused on the printing surface of the printing object (Wk). Therefore, the energy density is increased in this area, enabling good printing.

However, as shown in FIG. 14, when the cross-sectional shape of the printing object (Wk) is curved, in this example, circular, the area where the laser light (Lb) is irradiated with high energy density is limited to the printing area (Pa) that includes the part where the laser light is irradiated vertically. The printing area (Pa) is roughly determined by the focal adjustment range in the direction of the printing object (Z-axis direction) and the range of the focal depth.

If the laser light leaves the printing area (Pa), it is not irradiated perpendicularly to the surface to be printed and is not focused, so the energy density on the surface to be printed cannot be increased and good printing cannot be achieved. Thus, conventional laser marker devices have the problem that the printing area cannot be expanded if the surface to be printed has a three-dimensional shape.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new laser marker device and a control device for the laser marker device that can expand the printing area for a moving object with a three-dimensional printing surface.

The present invention is a laser marker device that includes a laser oscillator for generating laser light, a laser light scanning unit for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, a focusing lens unit for focusing the laser light emitted from the laser light scanning unit on the surface of the object to be marked, and a control unit for controlling the laser oscillator and the laser light scanning unit, and is characterized in that a tracking mirror unit is provided that reflects the laser light emitted from the focusing lens unit and irradiates it on the moving object to be marked, and the control unit adjusts the emission angle from the tracking mirror unit in response to the relative movement of the object to be marked and the laser light so that the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is incident on the surface of the object to be marked at a predetermined angle.

According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the printing area for a printing object having a three-dimensional printing surface.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser marker device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an operation at a time t0. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the laser marker device shown in FIG. 1 at time t1. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the laser marker device shown in FIG. 1 at time t2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between a printing object and an incident angle of laser light. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table in which the emission angle at the tracking mirror unit with respect to the distance between the printing object and the tracking mirror unit is stored. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table in which the beam diameter in the beam diameter adjustment unit relative to the distance between the printing object and the tracking mirror unit is stored. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a process flow of the laser marker device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a laser marker device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and its operation at time t4. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the laser marker device shown in FIG. 8 at time t5. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a laser marker device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and its operation at time t4. 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of a laser marker device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the tracking mirror unit in FIG. 11 . FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a printing object printed by the laser marker device in FIG. 11 . 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a conventional laser marker device.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and application examples within the technical concept of the present invention are also included within its scope.

Figures 1 to 3 show the configuration and operation of a laser marker device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 1 to 3 show the change in the printing area over time.

In FIG. 1, the laser marker device 10 is composed of a laser oscillator 11, a beam diameter adjustment unit 12 that adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light from the laser oscillator 11, a laser light scanning unit 13 that scans the laser light from the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 in the X and Y directions corresponding to a two-dimensional plane, and a focusing lens unit 14 that focuses the laser light from the laser light scanning unit 13. This embodiment is characterized by the provision of a tracking mirror unit 15 after the focusing lens unit 15.

The laser marker device 10 also includes a control unit 16 and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) unit 17. The control unit 16 can control the laser oscillation unit 11, the beam diameter adjustment unit 12, the laser light scanning unit 13, and the tracking mirror unit 15. The GUI unit 17 has a setting function for performing various settings, and is an input device composed of a liquid crystal display such as a touch panel.

The beam diameter adjustment unit 12 has the function of adjusting the beam diameter of the laser light, and can use a mechanism that adjusts the distance between multiple known lenses using an electric motor, or a variable focus lens mechanism that can electrically adjust the refractive index, etc.

The laser light scanning unit 13 scans the laser light used for printing in the X and Y directions corresponding to a two-dimensional plane, and a known galvanometer can be used. The galvanometer has the function of reflecting the incident laser light according to the shape to be printed, and is composed of a reflecting mirror and an electric motor that drives it.

The tracking mirror unit 15 is a feature of this embodiment, and has the function of adjusting the angle of incidence of the laser light on the surface of the object to be printed (Wk1) so that it approaches the vertical direction in response to the movement of the object to be printed (Wk1). The tracking mirror unit 15 is composed of a reflecting mirror and an electric motor that controls it, similar to a galvanometer.

The printing object (Wk1) is placed on and moved by a transport mechanism 18 such as a belt conveyor, and moves in the direction of the thick black arrow in FIG. 1. The moving speed of the printing object (Wk1) can be determined by the transport mechanism 18, and the moving speed is determined to be a speed at which the printing operation described below can be performed.

The relationship between the printing object (Wk1) and the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit 15 can be expressed as "relative movement" since either the printing object (Wk1) or the laser light can move. In this embodiment, the printing object (Wk1) moves.

Here, the cross-sectional shape of the printing object (Wk1) is a curved surface, which in this example is a circle. Therefore, the printing object surface is an arc shape. The position of the tracking mirror unit 15 relative to the transport mechanism 18 is the emission position (Lo) of the laser light from the tracking mirror unit 15.

A printing object detection unit 19 is provided as part of the transport mechanism 18, which detects when the printing object (Wk1) reaches the printing area and transmits this information to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 has the function of controlling the laser oscillation unit 11, the beam diameter adjustment unit 12, the laser light scanning unit 13, and the tracking mirror unit 15 in response to the detection signal from the printing object detection unit 19 to execute the printing operation.

The printing operation in the above configuration will now be explained. However, since the present embodiment is characterized by the provision of a tracking mirror unit 15, the following explanation will focus on the operation of the tracking mirror unit 15.

Figure 1 shows the printing state at time t0. At this time t0, when the printing object detection unit 19 detects the arrival of the printing object (Wk1), the control unit 16 causes the laser light to be incident on the tracking mirror unit 15 via the laser oscillation unit 11 to the focusing lens unit 14. At this time, there is a gap (+L) between the printing object (Wk1) and the tracking mirror unit 15, so the printing object (Wk1) is moving upstream of the position where the tracking mirror unit 15 is located.

In this state, the tracking mirror unit 15 emits laser light (Lb) toward the printing object (Wk1). Note that the laser light (Lb) is a reflected laser light coming from the focusing lens unit 14.

The tracking mirror unit 15 adjusts the emission angle by the control of the control unit 16 so that the laser light (Lb) focused by the focusing lens unit 14 is incident almost perpendicularly on the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1). In other words, the tracking mirror unit 15 is controlled so that the laser light (Lb) tracks the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1) in response to the movement of the printing object (Wk1).

In addition, as the printing object (Wk1) moves, the distance between the printing object surface and the tracking mirror unit 15 changes, resulting in a phenomenon in which the focus of the laser light (Lb) is not focused on the printing object surface. For this reason, the beam diameter of the laser light is adjusted by the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 so that the energy density of the laser light (Lb) irradiated to the printing object surface of the moving printing object (Wk1) is maintained approximately constant.

More preferably, the beam diameter of the laser light (Lb) is adjusted by the control unit 16 in the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 so that the laser light (Lb) is focused on the surface to be printed. In this way, the focus is adjusted on the surface to be printed of the object to be printed (Wk), so the energy density is increased in this area, allowing for good printing.

Next, we will explain the state when the printing object (Wk1) moves over time. Figure 2 shows the printing state at time t1 after time has passed. At this time t1, the printing object (Wk1) has arrived in front of the tracking mirror unit 15.

Similar to the control shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16 causes the laser light to be incident on the tracking mirror unit 15 via the laser oscillation unit 11 to the focusing lens unit 14. At this time, the printing target (Wk1) and the tracking mirror unit 15 are positioned directly opposite each other.

In this state, the tracking mirror unit 15 emits laser light (Lb) toward the printing object (Wk1). The tracking mirror unit 15 adjusts the emission angle by the control of the control unit 16 so that the laser light (Lb) focused by the focusing lens unit 14 is incident almost perpendicularly on the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1). The tracking mirror unit 15 is controlled so that the laser light (Lb) tracks the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1) in response to the movement of the printing object (Wk1) as described above.

The beam diameter of the laser light (Lb) is adjusted by the control unit 16 in the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 so that the laser light (Lb) is focused on the surface to be printed. In this way, the focus is adjusted on the surface to be printed of the object to be printed (Wk), so the energy density is increased in this area, allowing for good printing.

Next, we will explain the state when time has passed and the printing object (Wk1) has moved. Figure 3 shows the printing state at time t2 after time has passed. At this time t2, the printing object (Wk1) has moved in a direction away from the tracking mirror unit 15.

Similar to the control shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16 causes the laser light to be incident on the tracking mirror unit 15 via the laser oscillator unit 11 to the focusing lens unit 14. At this time, since there is a gap (-L) between the printing object (Wk1) and the tracking mirror unit 15, the printing object (Wk1) is moving downstream of the position where the tracking mirror unit 15 is located.

In this state, the tracking mirror unit 15 emits the laser light (Lb) toward the printing object (Wk1). The tracking mirror unit 15 adjusts the emission angle by the control of the control unit 16 so that the laser light (Lb) focused by the focusing lens unit 14 is incident almost perpendicularly on the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1).

It has been found that acceptable printing is possible if the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit 15 is incident symmetrically at an angle of 30° on the perpendicular line (PL) of the printing target surface (Wp) extended from the emission point (P/reflection point) of the tracking mirror unit 15 as shown in Figure 4, as viewed from the optical axis (La) of the laser light.

In addition, as the printing object (Wk1) moves, the distance between the printing object surface and the tracking mirror unit 15 changes, resulting in a phenomenon in which the focus of the laser light (Lb) is not focused on the printing object surface. For this reason, the beam diameter of the laser light (Lb) is adjusted by the control unit 16 in the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 so that the laser light (Lb) is focused on the printing object surface. In this way, the focus is adjusted on the printing object surface of the printing object (Wk1), so the energy density in this area increases, allowing for good printing.

By performing the printing operation shown in Figures 1 to 3 described above, the printing area (Pa) on the three-dimensional printing surface of the printing object (Wk1) can be expanded significantly compared to conventional printing areas. When the printing operation is completed, the printing operation shown in Figures 1 to 3 is performed again as indicated by the dashed arrow to start the printing operation on the next printing object (Wk2) as shown in Figure 3.

Next, the emission angle of the laser light (Lb) emitted from the tracking mirror unit 15 will be explained. As described above, the tracking mirror unit 15 controls the emission angle of the laser light (Lb) so as to track the moving printing object (Wk1). This emission angle can be determined according to the distance from the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15 to the printing object surface. Note that in this case, it is assumed that the laser light (Lb) is perpendicularly incident on the printing object surface.

Figure 5 shows a table that describes the relationship between the emission angle and the distance to the printing surface of the object to be printed, starting from the position of the tracking mirror unit 15.

"L" indicates the distance from the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15 to the moving printing object. Note that the distance (L) is defined as the length in the direction in which the conveying means 18 along which the printing object (Wk1) moves extends.

In addition, "θ" indicates the emission angle of the optical axis of the laser light (Lb) relative to the moving printing object (Wk1), starting from the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15. The emission angle (θ) is defined as the angle of the direction in which the laser light (Lb) travels relative to the extension direction of the conveying means 18 along which the printing object moves.

Therefore, since the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15 and the printing object (Wk1) directly facing it are used as the reference, the distance (L) to the printing object is "L0 = 0" and the exit angle (θ) is "θ0 = 90°". As the printing object (Wk1) moves away from the tracking mirror unit 15, the exit angle (θ) takes a smaller value.

In other words, when the distance (L) has the relationship "L+4>L+3>L+2>L+1", the emission angle (θ) has the relationship "θ+4<θ+3<θ+2<θ+1". Similarly, when the distance (L) has the relationship "L-4>L-3>L-2>L-1", the emission angle (θ) has the relationship "θ-4<θ-3<θ-2<θ-1". These relationships can be determined in advance through experiments or simulations and stored in the table.

In addition, since the movement speed of the transport mechanism 18 is known, the distance (L) between the printing object (Wk1) and the tracking mirror unit 15 can be calculated by multiplying the movement speed by the elapsed time from when the printing object (Wk1) passed by the detection unit 19 and subtracting it from the distance between the detection unit 19 and the tracking mirror unit 15.

In addition, the focal length changes as the printing object (Wk1) moves. In other words, the focal length becomes shorter as the object approaches the tracking mirror unit 15, and measures must be taken to address this. To adjust the focal length, the beam diameter is adjusted by the beam diameter adjustment unit 12. Increasing the beam diameter shortens the focal length, and decreasing the beam diameter lengthens the focal length.

Figure 6 shows a table that describes the relationship between the beam diameter and the focal distance from the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15 to the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1).

"L" indicates the distance from the position (Lo) of the tracking mirror unit 15 to the moving print object. As mentioned above, the distance (L) is defined as the length in the direction in which the transport mechanism 18 along which the print object (Wk1) moves extends.

In addition, "D" indicates the diameter of the beam diameter of the laser light (Lb) adjusted by the beam diameter adjustment unit 12. The beam diameter (D) is the beam diameter required for the laser light (Lb) to focus on the printing surface of the moving printing object (Wk1).

Therefore, since the position of the tracking mirror unit 15 and the printing object (Wk1) directly facing it are used as the reference, the distance (L) to the printing object is "L0 = 0" and the beam diameter (D) is a predetermined beam diameter "D0". And, as the printing object (Wk1) moves away from the tracking mirror unit 15, the beam diameter (D) becomes smaller.

In other words, when the distance (L) has the relationship "L+4>L+3>L+2>L+1", the beam diameter (D) has the relationship "D+4<D+3<D+2<D+1". Similarly, when the distance (L) has the relationship "L-4>L-3>L-2>L-1", the beam diameter (D) has the relationship "D-4<D-3<D-2<D-1". These relationships can also be determined in advance through experiments or simulations and stored in the table. The distance (L) is determined by the method described above.

In essence, the beam diameter of the laser light (Lb) is adjusted so that the energy density of the laser light irradiated onto the printing surface of the relatively moving printing object is maintained approximately constant.

In this way, the emission angle (θ) of the tracking mirror unit 15 and the beam diameter (D) for adjusting the focal length are stored in a table, so the control unit 16 reads out the emission angle (θ) from the table in FIG. 5 and the beam diameter (D) from the table in FIG. 6 in response to the movement of the printing object (Wk1), and uses this to control the tracking mirror unit 15 and the beam diameter adjustment unit 12. By adopting such a configuration, the printing area (Pa) on the three-dimensional printing surface of the printing object (Wk1) can be greatly expanded compared to conventional printing areas.

In the above explanation, the exit angle (θ) and beam diameter (D) are found by table search, which can increase the calculation speed. However, this is not the only option, and it is also possible to find the exit angle (θ) and beam diameter (D) by arithmetic calculations using a similar concept.

In addition, the object to be printed (Wk1) is photographed to obtain an image, and while tracking this image, the distance from the surface to be printed (the target) to the tracking mirror unit 15 and the emission angle of the laser light (Lb) from the tracking mirror unit 15 can be obtained from the image of the surface to be printed (the target). As mentioned above, the beam diameter can be adjusted based on the distance.

In addition, by measuring the laser power in real time using a power meter and measuring the spot diameter on the printing object (Wk1) according to the emission angle using a camera or the like, the energy density can be calculated and the beam diameter adjustment unit can be controlled to keep this constant.

Furthermore, the farther the object (Wk1) is from the tracking mirror unit 15, the more the laser light will be incident on the object to be printed (Wk1) at an oblique angle, resulting in a larger spot diameter of the laser light, and there is a risk that the energy density required for printing may not be ensured. For this reason, the output of the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator unit 11 is controlled to ensure the energy density required for printing. In this case, it is preferable for the control unit 16 to control the energy density to an approximately constant level so that printing is possible, and for example, the output of the laser light may be controlled in response to the distance, similar to the relationship shown in Figure 6.

Next, the process flow for performing the printing operation executed by the control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. This process flow can be executed by operating the input panel of the GUI unit 17.

"Step S10" to "Step S15" are control steps for generating print data in the control unit 16 based on the setting information input by the GUI unit 17.

First, in step S10, the user inputs the print pattern and print position on the input panel of the GUI unit 17. Next, in step S11, the printing conditions are set. The printing conditions include the output of the laser light, the repetition frequency and print resolution if a pulsed laser is used as the light source, and the scanning speed of the galvanometer that is the laser light scanning unit 13.

Next, in "Step S12", shape recognition of the printing object (Wk1) is performed. This process can be performed by capturing an image of the printing object with a camera. Once the shape of the printing object (Wk1) has been recognized, the printing pattern is corrected accordingly in "Step S13". Furthermore, printing data is generated in "Step S14", and then printing coordinates are generated in "Step S15" in order to perform scanning.

When "Step S10" to "Step S15" are completed, the control unit 16 starts the actual printing operation.

In "Step S16", the printing operation is performed based on the printing conditions set in the control steps described above. Then, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in "Step S17", the emission angle (θ) of the tracking mirror unit 15 is controlled, and further in "Step S18", the beam diameter (D) of the beam diameter adjustment unit 12 is controlled. Through these control steps, printing on one printing object (Wk1) is completed in "Step S19". When this printing is completed, the process returns to "Step S16" again, and as shown in Figure 3, the printing operation on the next printing object (Wk2) is started.

In this way, in this embodiment, a tracking mirror unit is provided that reflects the laser light emitted from the focusing lens unit and irradiates it onto the moving object to be printed, and the emission angle of the tracking mirror unit is adjusted in response to the movement of the object to be printed so that the angle of incidence of the laser light emitted by the tracking mirror unit in response to the movement of the object to be printed on the surface of the object to be printed approaches the vertical direction.

This configuration makes it possible to expand the printing area for a moving printing object with a three-dimensional printing surface.

Next, a second embodiment will be described in which the above-mentioned tracking mirror unit 15 is used to perform time-division printing on the printing surfaces of multiple printing objects (Wk). The second embodiment is an example of time-division printing on three printing objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3). Note that the adjustment of the emission angle (θ) and beam diameter (D) of the laser light (Lb) is the same as in the previously described embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 8, at time t4, the tracking mirror unit 15 executes printing on the print objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3). Here, the movement speed of the print objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3) is set to a speed at which the print operation described below can be executed.

Specifically, first, printing is performed on the required printing area (Pa1) of the printing object (Wk1) with laser light (Lb-1). When this printing is completed, as shown by the dashed arrow, printing is then performed on the required printing area (Pa2) of the preceding printing object (Wk2) with laser light (Lb-2). When this printing is completed, printing is then performed on the required printing area (Pa3) of the next preceding printing object (Wk3) with laser light (Lb-3). By performing the printing operation in this manner, the first printing is performed on each of the printing objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3).

Next, as time passes and it becomes time t5, as shown in FIG. 9, the print objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3) are moved and changed positions by the transport mechanism 18. Therefore, printing is performed on the print object (Wk1) with the laser light (Lb-1) in the print area adjacent to the print area (Pa1). This print area is below the print area (Pa1).

When this printing is completed, as shown by the dashed arrow, the laser light (Lb-2) is used to print on the preceding object to be printed (Wk2) in a printing area adjacent to the printing area (Pa2). This printing area is to the left of the printing area (Pa2). When this printing is completed, the laser light (Lb-3) is used to print on the next preceding object to be printed (Wk3) in a printing area adjacent to the printing area (Pa3). This printing area is above the printing area (Pa3).

By performing this printing operation, a second printing is performed on each of the multiple printing objects (Wk1), (Wk2), and (Wk3).

Therefore, this embodiment also makes it possible to expand the printing area for moving printing objects with three-dimensional printing surfaces. Moreover, printing can be performed on multiple printing objects (three in this embodiment), making it possible to improve printing efficiency.

Next, a third embodiment will be described in which the above-mentioned tracking mirror unit 15 is used to print on a moving print target (Wk) having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Note that the printing method in the first and second embodiments can also be applied to this third embodiment.

In FIG. 10, in the case of the printing method of the first embodiment, printing is first performed on the right side surface (Wsr) of the printing object (Wk4). Next, when the printing object (Wk4) moves and reaches the position of the printing object (Wk5), printing is performed on the bottom surface (Wsb). When the printing object (Wk5) moves further and reaches the position of the printing object (Wk6), printing is performed on the left side surface (Wsl). In this manner, printing can be performed on the left and right sides and bottom surface of the printing object.

In the case of the printing method of the second embodiment, printing is first performed on the right side surface (Wsr) of the printing object (Wk4), then on the bottom surface (Wsb) of the printing object (Wk5), and then on the left side surface of the printing object (Wk6). In this manner, printing can be performed in a time-division manner on the left and right sides and bottom surface of the printing object.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in which two tracking mirror units 15 are used to perform two-dimensional printing on the printing target (Wk). This embodiment will be described based on the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the printing object (Wk1) moves from the position shown by the dashed line (near the detection unit) to the position shown by the solid line, and then moves again to the position shown by the dashed line. Accordingly, the laser light (Lb) is also emitted so as to track the printing object (Wk1).

The laser light (Lb) emitted from the focusing lens unit 14 is controlled in the X direction by the first tracking mirror unit 15-1, and the laser light (Lb) emitted from the first tracking mirror unit 15-1 is controlled in the Y direction by the second tracking mirror unit 15-2, and is irradiated onto the printing area of the printing object (Wk1). This makes it possible to perform two-dimensional printing on the printing surface of the printing object (Wk1). Of course, it is also possible to control the laser light (lb) in the Y direction by the first tracking mirror unit 15-1, and control the laser light (lb) in the X direction by the second tracking mirror unit 15-2.

In addition, in FIG. 11, the first tracking mirror unit 15-1 and the second tracking mirror unit 15-2 are configured separately, but FIG. 12 shows them in an integrated configuration.

In FIG. 12, a thin, cubic mirror body 20 is provided with a reflector 21 that extends axially along its surface. This mirror body 20 can rotate in the X direction around a rotation axis (O1) and in the Y direction around a rotation axis (O2) perpendicular to the rotation axis (O1). By rotating in these directions, it is possible to perform operations such as the first tracking mirror unit 15-1 and the second tracking mirror unit 15-2. The mirror body 20 can be driven by an electric motor.

Figure 13 shows an example of the result of printing in two dimensions on a cylindrical printing object (Wk1) using the laser marker device 10 shown in Figure 11. In this way, even if the object is cylindrical, it is possible to perform good printing on the printing surface (Pt) that follows the circumferential surface.

As described above, the present invention is a laser marker device that includes a laser oscillator for generating laser light, a laser light scanning unit for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, a focusing lens unit for focusing the laser light emitted from the laser light scanning unit on the surface of the object to be printed, and a control unit for controlling the laser oscillator and the laser light scanning unit, and is characterized in that it is provided with a tracking mirror unit that reflects the laser light emitted from the focusing lens unit and irradiates it on the object to be printed that moves relatively, and the control unit adjusts the emission angle from the tracking mirror unit in response to the movement of the object to be printed so that the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is incident on the surface of the object to be printed at a predetermined angle.

According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the printing area for a moving printing object having a three-dimensional printing surface.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but includes various modified examples. The above-mentioned embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to the configuration of each embodiment.

10...laser marker device, 11...laser oscillation unit, 12...beam diameter adjustment unit, 13...laser light scanning unit, 14...condenser lens unit, 15...tracking mirror unit, 16...control unit, 17...GUI unit, 18...transport mechanism, 19...printing object detection unit, Wk1 to Wk3...printing object.

Claims (13)

A laser marker device including a laser oscillator for generating laser light, a laser light scanning unit for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, a condenser lens unit for condensing the laser light emitted from the laser light scanning unit onto a marking surface of a marking object, and a control unit for controlling the laser oscillator and the laser light scanning unit,
a tracking mirror unit that reflects the laser light emitted from the condenser lens unit and irradiates the laser light on the moving printing object;
The control unit is
The laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is adjusted in an emission angle from the tracking mirror unit in response to the relative movement of the object to be printed and the laser light so that the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is incident on the object to be printed at a predetermined angle to the object to be printed ;
The exit angle of the tracking mirror unit is previously determined and stored in an exit angle table,
The control unit reads out the emission angle from the emission angle table and adjusts the emission angle of the laser light from the tracking mirror unit.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the tracking mirror unit so that the specified angle is within a range of 30° based on the optical axis of the laser light that is perpendicularly incident on the surface to be marked. The laser marker device according to claim 2,
The beam diameter adjusting unit adjusts the beam diameter of the laser beam.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 3,
The beam diameter is adjusted so that the energy density of the laser light irradiated onto the printing surface of the printing object that is moving relatively is maintained substantially constant.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 3,
The control unit adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light by the beam diameter adjustment unit so that the laser light is focused on the printing target surface of the printing target object that is moving relatively.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 5,
The beam diameter of the laser light focused on the printing surface of the printing object is obtained in advance and stored in a beam diameter table;
The control unit reads out the beam diameter from the beam diameter table and adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light from the beam diameter adjustment unit.
A laser marker device characterized by: A laser marker device including a laser oscillator for generating laser light, a laser light scanning unit for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, a condenser lens unit for condensing the laser light emitted from the laser light scanning unit onto a marking surface of a marking object, and a control unit for controlling the laser oscillator and the laser light scanning unit,
a tracking mirror unit that reflects the laser light emitted from the condenser lens unit and irradiates the laser light on the moving printing object;
The control unit is
The laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is adjusted in an emission angle from the tracking mirror unit in response to the relative movement of the object to be printed and the laser light so that the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is incident on the object to be printed at a predetermined angle to the object to be printed;
The control unit controls the tracking mirror unit to irradiate the laser light in a time-division manner onto the surfaces of the plurality of objects to be printed that are moving through a transport mechanism.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 1,
The tracking mirror unit emits the laser light in two-dimensional directions toward the printing target surface of the printing target.
A laser marker device characterized by: The laser marker device according to claim 1,
The control unit adjusts the output of the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator unit so that the energy density on the printing target surface is approximately constant.
A laser marker device characterized by: A control device for a laser marker device, comprising a control unit for controlling a laser marker device having a laser oscillator unit for generating laser light, a laser light scanning unit for scanning the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator unit, a condenser lens unit for condensing the laser light emitted from the laser light scanning unit on a surface of a marking object, and a tracking mirror unit for reflecting the laser light emitted from the condenser lens unit and irradiating it onto the moving marking object,
The control unit adjusts an emission angle from the tracking mirror unit in response to a relative movement between the object to be printed and the laser light so that the laser light emitted from the tracking mirror unit is incident on the object to be printed at a predetermined angle with respect to the object to be printed,
The exit angle of the tracking mirror unit is previously determined and stored in an exit angle table,
The control unit reads out the emission angle from the emission angle table and adjusts the emission angle of the laser light from the tracking mirror unit.
A control device for a laser marker device. The laser marker device control device according to claim 10,
The control unit controls the tracking mirror unit so that the predetermined angle is within a range of 30° based on the optical axis of the laser light perpendicularly incident on the printing target surface.
A control device for a laser marker device. The laser marker device control device according to claim 11,
the laser marker device further includes a beam diameter adjustment unit for adjusting a beam diameter of the laser light,
The control unit adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light by the beam diameter adjustment unit.
A control device for a laser marker device. The laser marker device control device according to claim 12,
The beam diameter is adjusted by the control unit so that the energy density of the laser light irradiated onto the printing target surface of the printing target object that is moving relatively is maintained substantially constant.
A control device for a laser marker device.

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