Laser processing machines

Abstract

The invention describes a laser processing machine (100), in particular a laser cutting machine, comprising a machine frame (110) with two longitudinal beams (111, 112) extending in a first direction (X), and a bridge (113) with a laser processing head (121). The bridge (113) is arranged to be movable in the first direction (X) on the two longitudinal beams (111, 112). A workpiece plane (WE) of the laser processing machine (100) for receiving and processing a workpiece (130) is formed in a processing space (117) between the two longitudinal beams (111, 112), wherein the workpiece plane (WE) extends in the first direction (X) and in the second direction (Y) in the region of a transition (119, 120) from the bridge (113) to the two longitudinal beams (111, 112). The spark protection device (140, 141) is arranged in the region of the transition portion (119, 120) and has a main deflection surface (142) extending in a first direction (X), wherein the main deflection surface (142) is inclined transversely to the first direction (X) in the direction of the processing space (117) relative to the workpiece plane (WE) at a first inclination angle (W1) of less than 90 degrees, thereby deflecting sparks in a direction away from the laser processing head (121) into the processing space (117).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser processing machine, in particular a laser cutting machine, comprising a machine frame with two longitudinal beams extending in a first direction and a bridge-shaped member. The machine frame comprises two longitudinal beams extending in a first direction, the bridge-shaped member extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction and comprising a laser processing head. The bridge-shaped member is arranged to be movable in the first direction on the two longitudinal beams. A workpiece plane of the laser processing machine for receiving and processing a workpiece is formed in a processing space located between the two longitudinal beams. The workpiece plane extends in the first and second directions in the region of the transition from the bridge-shaped member to the two longitudinal beams. Background Art

[0002] When machining a workpiece using a laser machining head of a laser machining machine, sparks are generated in the area of ​​the workpiece's machining point where the laser strikes the workpiece. These sparks travel radially away from the machining point during the machining process. Dirt particles caused by material removed from the workpiece are also carried radially away from the machining point along with the sparks. Spark protection devices are known in the prior art because of the inherent kinetic and thermal energy in sparks and dirt particles, which can pose a risk to operators near the laser machining machine and components within the machine.

[0003] JP 2019-107653 A2 discloses a spark protection device that is arranged around a laser processing head and moves with the laser processing head to prevent the scattering of spatter during laser processing. Providing a protective shield around a laser processing head is known from CN 212705012 U. These spark protection devices known from the prior art can protect the operator of the laser processing machine and components within the laser processing machine from sparks while processing a workpiece.

[0004] DE 202020102323 U1 also discloses a processing machine for heat treating workpieces in a working area with an extraction system. For this purpose, an extraction chamber connected to an extraction channel is provided below the working area. The widened portion of the extraction channel is configured as a particle chute. This processing machine requires relatively complex means for removing particles generated during processing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a laser processing machine, in particular a laser cutting machine, which can discharge sparks and dirt particles generated during the processing of a workpiece in a structurally simple and controllable manner into an area that is unimportant for the operator and the laser processing machine.

[0006] This object is achieved by a laser processing machine according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0007] A laser processing machine, in particular a laser cutting machine, is proposed. The laser processing machine comprises a machine frame and a bridge having a laser processing head. The laser processing head is in particular a laser cutting head. The machine frame comprises two longitudinal beams extending in a first direction. The bridge extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The bridge is arranged to be movable in the first direction on the two longitudinal beams. A workpiece plane of the laser processing machine for receiving and processing a workpiece is formed in a processing space between the two longitudinal beams. The workpiece plane extends in the first and second directions in the region of the transition from the bridge to the two longitudinal beams.

[0008] In this application, the term "processing space" should be understood as the spatial volume within which a workpiece rests. Thus, the processing space is defined by the thickness of the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece and represents the volume within which the laser beam emitted by the laser processing head can impinge on the material of the workpiece. Therefore, in the operating configuration of the laser processing machine, the processing space is located below the laser processing head.

[0009] The term "workpiece plane" should be understood to mean the plane on which the workpiece rests on the support surface of the cutting table of the laser processing machine. The area above the workpiece plane faces the laser processing head. The area below the workpiece plane faces away from the laser processing head.

[0010] The first direction and the second direction are orthogonal intersecting directions of the Cartesian coordinate system. The first direction represents the longitudinal direction or X direction of the laser processing machine, the second direction represents the transverse direction or Y direction of the laser processing machine, and the third direction represents the vertical direction or Z direction of the laser processing machine.

[0011] According to the present invention, a spark guard is arranged in the region of the transition from the bridge to the two longitudinal beams. The spark guard has a main deflector surface extending in a first direction. The main deflector surface is inclined transversely to the first direction at a first inclination angle of less than 90° relative to the workpiece plane in the direction of the processing space, thereby deflecting sparks away from the laser processing head and into the processing space.

[0012] The spark guard thus allows sparks and dirt particles to escape in the area below the plane of the workpiece. The term "below the plane of the workpiece" refers to the operating arrangement of the laser processing machine in space such that dirt particles are directed in the direction of gravity to the side facing away from the laser processing head and thus into the area below the underside of the workpiece.

[0013] The spark guard proposed according to the present invention deflects material removed from the workpiece (also referred to herein as "dirt" or "dirt particles") into the area below the workpiece being processed. As a result, the area above the workpiece and above the workpiece plane remains clean and essentially free of dirt particles. The spark guard thus represents component protection, specifically keeping the transition area from the bridge to the two longitudinal beams free of dirt particles. Simultaneously, dirt particles are kept away from the surrounding area where the laser processing machine operator is located.

[0014] The embodiment of the spark guard according to the present invention is based on the observation that when cutting a workpiece with a laser processing head, fine dust is swirled up, with the generated particles being distributed essentially horizontally, i.e., parallel to the XY plane, and radially away from the processing point. In particular, during the workpiece processing operation (cutting), dirt particles are blown away in a direction opposite to the movement of the laser processing head. The spark guard formed according to the present invention prevents dirt particles from penetrating not only into machine components in the transition region from the bridge to the two longitudinal beams, but also into the volume above the workpiece plane.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the main deflection surface extends beyond the plane of the workpiece in a third direction, the third direction extending perpendicularly to the first and second directions. The third direction corresponds to the aforementioned Z-direction (vertical direction) of the laser processing machine. The main deflection surface can extend beyond the plane of the workpiece in the third direction in the direction of the laser processing head. Alternatively, the main deflection surface can extend beyond the plane of the workpiece in the third direction in a direction away from the laser processing head. As another alternative, the main deflection surface can extend beyond the plane of the workpiece in the third direction both in the direction toward the laser processing head and away from the laser processing head.

[0016] It has proven to be advantageous if the first angle of inclination for deflecting the sparks in a direction away from the laser processing head into the processing space is between 70° and 88°, preferably between 75° and 87°.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, a first edge of the main deflector surface extending in the first direction is followed by a first additional deflector surface, which extends in the direction of the workpiece plane at a second inclination angle in the direction of the laser processing head, the second inclination angle being smaller than the first inclination angle. The first edge is advantageously formed in the direction of the laser processing head between the main deflector surface and the first additional deflector surface and above the workpiece plane. The first additional deflector surface further improves the protection of components and operators from dirt particles generated by machining the workpiece.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the second edge of the main deflector surface, extending in the first direction, abuts a second additional deflector surface, which extends at a third inclination angle relative to the workpiece plane and in a direction away from the laser processing head. The second edge is advantageously formed between the main deflector surface and the second additional deflector surface, below the workpiece plane. Dirt particles thrown in the direction of the spark guard can be deflected by the second additional deflector surface, similar to a "chute" or "slide," into an area below the workpiece plane. This further improves the protection of components of the laser processing machine.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment, in a first alternative, the spark protection device is fastened to the longitudinal beam. In other words, the spark protection device is fixedly arranged on the laser processing machine. The spark protection device preferably extends along the longitudinal beam in the first direction over the entire length of the processing space. This ensures complete component protection.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the spark guard has one or more recesses, at least partially, in the region of a transition surface, the transition surface extending substantially parallel to the plane of the workpiece and by means of which the spark guard is fastened to the longitudinal beam. If dirt particles enter the gap between the spark guard and the longitudinal beam, they can fall through the one or more recesses into the region below the plane of the workpiece. This prevents accumulation of dirt particles in the gap between the spark guard and the longitudinal beam. Consequently, cleaning intervals can be omitted or shortened.

[0021] In a second alternative, the spark arrester can be fastened to the bridge and moved along the longitudinal beams of the machine frame. This allows the spark arrester to be more compact, i.e., to have a reduced length in the first direction compared to the first alternative. The fact that no spark arrester or other components are mounted on the longitudinal beams of the machine frame also makes it easier for users to access the machining area.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the spark arrester is made of a material with good thermal conductivity. In particular, aluminum or steel or alloys thereof are suitable as thermally conductive materials. Spark arresters made of any of these materials can be readily provided at relatively low cost.

[0023] The spark arrester can be formed as a one-piece, curved component for each longitudinal beam. Alternatively, the spark arrester can be composed of several parts. For example, the first part can form the main deflection surface. The first and / or second additional deflection surfaces can be formed from the second and / or third parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a laser processing machine according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in plan view from the front Figure 1 A view of a laser processing machine;

[0027] Figures 3 to 5 shows different alternative embodiments of spark guards, each of which is fastened to a bridge of a laser processing machine; and

[0028] Figures 6 to 8 Different exemplary embodiments of spark protection devices are shown, each of which is attached to a machine frame of a laser processing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a laser processing machine 100 in the form of a laser cutting machine according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 And also in other Figures 2 to 8 , a spatial coordinate system is shown to describe the orientation of the laser processing machine 100. The X direction or first direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the laser processing machine 100. The Y direction or second direction corresponds to the lateral direction of the laser processing machine 100. The Z direction or third direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the laser processing machine 100. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0030] Laser processing machine 100 has a machine frame 110 with two longitudinal beams 111 and 112 extending in a longitudinal direction (X). For clarity, the crossbeams or components of machine frame 110 connecting longitudinal beams 111 and 112 are not shown. A bridge 113 extends in a transverse direction (Y) that is transverse to the longitudinal direction (X). Bridge 113 is composed of cross members 116 extending in the transverse direction (Y), with two bridge members extending in the vertical direction (Z) being arranged at opposite ends of cross member 116 with feet 114 and 115. A laser processing head 121, in particular a laser cutting head, is arranged on cross member 116 of bridge 113.

[0031] Bridge feet 114, 115 extend downward from the ends of the cross member 116 in the direction of their associated longitudinal beams 111, 112. These bridge feet 114, 115 are connected to the longitudinal beams 111, 112 via corresponding guide elements (not shown), enabling movement in the longitudinal direction (X) by means of actuators (not shown). Thus, the bridge 113 with the laser processing head 121 is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction (X) across the two longitudinal beams 111, 112. The laser processing head 121 can be moved along the cross member 116 in both the transverse and vertical directions (Z) by means of an actuator system (not shown).

[0032] With cutting table 123 (see Figure 2 ) is formed between the two longitudinal beams 111, 112. The cutting table 123 has a cutting grid 124, on which the workpiece 130 to be processed rests with its lower workpiece surface, whereby the upper workpiece surface 132 faces the laser processing head. Therefore, the workpiece plane WE of the laser processing machine 100 is defined in the processing space 117. The workpiece plane WE represents a plane in the laser processing machine 100 or a plane in which the workpiece 130 rests on the cutting table 123 (see Figure 2 ) of the cutting grid 124. A space volume is formed in the gravity direction below the cutting table 123, which is referred to as the collection space 118 below.

[0033] The processing space 117 is formed by the spatial volume of the workpiece 130 resting on the cutting grid 124 of the cutting table 123. In the case of a thin workpiece 130, the processing space 117 can roughly coincide with the workpiece plane WE. If the workpiece 130 is thicker (for example, a few centimeters), the processing space 117 extends from the workpiece plane WE in the direction of the laser processing head 121 according to the thickness of the workpiece 130, such as Figure 2 1 is shown in a side view of the laser processing machine 100 as seen from the front.

[0034] The workpiece plane WE and the machining space 117 extend approximately in the longitudinal direction (X) and in the transverse direction (Y) in the region of the transitions 119, 120 from the bridge 113 to the two longitudinal beams 111, 112. Figure 2 In the region of the transitions 119, 120, guide elements and / or drive elements (not shown in detail) are arranged, by means of which the bridge feet 114, 115 can be moved along the longitudinal beams 111, 112 in the longitudinal direction (X). In addition to the mechanical components required for this purpose, corresponding electrical devices can also be arranged in this region of the transitions 119, 120.

[0035] To protect components arranged in the region of transition sections 119 , 120 , corresponding spark guards 140 , 141 are arranged in the region of the transition sections. Spark guards 140 , 141 have a main deflection surface 142 extending in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, only spark guard 141 assigned to transition section 120 is mentioned. The following explanations apply correspondingly to spark guard 140 assigned to transition section 119 .

[0036] The main deflector surface 142 of the spark guard 141 is inclined transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) at an angle of less than 90° relative to the workpiece plane WE in the direction of the processing space 117, in order to deflect sparks and dirt particles into the collecting space 118, i.e., away from the laser processing head 121 or the processing space 117. The angle of the main deflector surface 142 relative to the workpiece plane is also referred to below as the first inclination angle W1. The first inclination angle W1 is advantageously between 70° and 88°, and preferably between 75° and 87°.

[0037] As from Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in FIG, the main deflector surface 142 extends beyond the workpiece plane WE in the vertical direction (Z) both upward (i.e., toward the laser processing head 121) and downward (i.e., away from the laser processing head 121 in the direction of the collecting space 118). This ensures that during the machining operation of various workpieces 130 of different thicknesses, material removed from the workpiece in the form of dirt particles and sparks is deflected by the spark guard 141 into the collecting space 118 below the workpiece plane WE, where the dirt particles and sparks are blown out parallel to the workpiece plane WE in the direction of the transition region 120.

[0038] The processing space 117 and the working surface 132 can thus be kept clean. The spark guard 141 also represents component protection, since the penetration of dirt particles into the mechanical and electrical components in the transition region 120 is at least largely prevented.

[0039] Figures 3 to 8 Each shows Figure 2 , a portion of the right-hand section of a laser processing machine 100 is shown, in which the transition region 120 and various alternative embodiments of the spark protection device 141 are shown. In each case, diagrams showing angular relationships are shown on the right side of the laser processing machine 100 to illustrate the angular relationships of the various deflection surfaces of the spark protection device 141.

[0040] Figures 3 to 5An alternative embodiment is shown in which spark guard 141 is secured to bridge foot 115 of bridge 113 and moves with the bridge as bridge 113 moves in longitudinal direction (X). Spark guard 141 extends across the width of bridge foot 115 in longitudinal direction (X).

[0041] In contrast, according to Figures 6 to 8 The exemplary embodiments of each show a variant in which a spark protection device 141 is fastened to the longitudinal member 112. In this alternative embodiment, the spark protection device 141 extends along the longitudinal beam 112 over the entire length of the processing space 117 in the longitudinal direction (X).

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 6 Each shows an exemplary embodiment in which the spark protection device 141 has only the already mentioned main deflector surface 142. The main deflector surface 142 is inclined at a first inclination angle W1 relative to the workpiece plane WE.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 7 A modified variant is shown in which a first edge 146 of the main deflection surface 142 extending in the longitudinal direction (X) adjoins a first additional deflection surface 143, which extends in the direction of the laser processing head 121 at a second inclination angle W2 relative to the workpiece plane, the second inclination angle W2 being smaller than the first inclination angle W1. By arranging the first additional deflection surface 143 above the main deflection surface 142 (i.e., protruding further in the direction of the processing space 117), the effectiveness of the spark guard 141 can be improved by preventing dirt particles from entering the gap between the spark guard 141 and the region of the transition section 120. This is particularly suitable for processes according to Figure 7 A first edge 146 between the main deflecting surface 142 and the first additional deflecting surface 143 is advantageously formed above the workpiece plane WE, in particular above the upper workpiece surface 132 of the workpiece 130 , in the direction of the machining head 121 .

[0044] exist Figure 5 and Figure 8In a further modified alternative embodiment shown in FIG, a second additional deflector surface 144 is provided in addition to the first additional deflector surface 143. The second additional deflector surface 144, which acts like a slide or a chute, abuts a second edge 147 of the main deflector surface 142, which extends in the longitudinal direction (X). The second additional deflector surface 144 extends at a third inclination angle W3 relative to the workpiece plane WE, in a direction away from the laser processing head 121. The second additional deflector surface 144 ensures that dirt particles that strike the main deflector surface 142 and / or the first additional deflector surface 143 and are deflected downward are guided downward in the direction of the collecting space 118, below the workpiece 130.

[0045] If the spark guard 141 is fastened to the longitudinal beam 112, it is fastened by means of a transition surface 145, which is preferably formed substantially parallel to the workpiece plane WE. Deviations in the fastening angle are also conceivable. Preferably, the transition surface 145 at least partially has one or more recesses (not shown) to allow dirt particles that accumulate in the gap between the spark guard 141 and the transition region between the bridge foot 115 and the longitudinal beam 112 to be discharged downward.

[0046] The spark protection device 141 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, wherein aluminum or steel or alloys thereof are particularly suitable for this purpose. Other materials with good thermal conductivity are also conceivable.

[0047] The spark guard can be formed as a one-piece component. In particular, it can also be formed as a curved component. If the spark guard has at least one of the additional deflection surfaces in addition to the main deflection surface, this can also be produced by connecting several separate components.

[0048] Reference Signs List

[0049] 100 Laser processing machines

[0050] 110 Machine Frame

[0051] 111 longitudinal beam

[0052] 112 longitudinal beam

[0053] 113 bridge

[0054] 114 Bridge foot

[0055] 115 Bridge foot

[0056] 116 horizontal pieces

[0057] 117 Processing Space

[0058] 118 Collection Space

[0059] 119 Transition Section

[0060] 120 Transition Section

[0061] 121 Laser processing head (laser cutting head)

[0062] 123 Cutting Table

[0063] 124 Cutting Grid

[0064] 130 workpieces

[0065] 132 Upper workpiece surface (facing the machining head)

[0066] 140 Spark protection device

[0067] 141 Spark protection device

[0068] 142 Main deflection surface

[0069] 143 first additional deflecting surface

[0070] 144 second additional deflection surface

[0071] 145 transition surface

[0072] 146 First edge between the main deflection surface and the first additional deflection surface

[0073] 147 Second edge between the main deflection surface and the second additional deflection surface

[0074] WE workpiece plane

[0075] X first direction (longitudinal direction)

[0076] Y Second direction (horizontal direction)

[0077] Z third direction (vertical direction)

[0078] W1 first tilt angle

[0079] W2 Second tilt angle

[0080] W3 third tilt angle

Claims

1. A laser processing machine (100), comprising a machine frame (110) having two longitudinal beams (111, 112) extending in a first direction (X), and a bridge (113), wherein the machine frame (110) has two longitudinal beams (111, 112) extending in a first direction (X), the bridge (113) extending in a second direction (Y) transverse to the first direction (X) and having a laser processing head (121), the bridge being arranged to be movable in the first direction (X) on the two longitudinal beams (111, 112), wherein: A workpiece plane (WE) of the laser processing machine (100) for receiving and processing a workpiece (130) is formed in a processing space (117) between the two longitudinal beams (111, 112), wherein the workpiece plane (WE) extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) in the region of a transition (119, 120) from the bridge (113) to the two longitudinal beams (111, 112), The spark protection device (140, 141) is arranged in the region of the transition portion (119, 120) and has a main deflection surface (142) extending in the first direction (X), wherein the main deflection surface (142) is inclined transversely to the first direction (X) in the direction of the processing space (117) at a first inclination angle (W1) of less than 90° relative to the workpiece plane (WE), so as to deflect sparks in a direction away from the laser processing head (121) into the processing space (117).

2. The laser processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The laser processing machine (100) is a laser cutting machine.

3. The laser processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The primary deflector surface (142) extends beyond the workpiece plane (WE) along a third direction (Z), the third direction (Z) extending perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

4. The laser processing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The first inclination angle (W1) is between 70° and 88°.

5. The laser processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The first inclination angle (W1) is between 75° and 87°.

6. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that A first edge (146) of the main deflection surface (142) extending in the first direction (X) is adjacent to a first additional deflection surface (143), and the first additional deflection surface (143) extends in the direction of the laser processing head (121) at a second inclination angle (W2) relative to the workpiece plane (WE), and the second inclination angle (W2) is smaller than the first inclination angle (W1).

7. The laser processing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The first edge (146) is formed between the main deflection surface (142) and the first additional deflection surface (143) in the direction of the laser machining head (121) and above the workpiece plane (WE).

8. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that A second edge (147) of the main deflecting surface (142) extending in the first direction (X) is adjacent to a second additional deflecting surface (144), which extends in a direction away from the laser machining head (121) at a third inclination angle (W3) relative to the workpiece plane (WE).

9. The laser processing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that The second edge (147) is formed between the main deflector surface (142) and the second additional deflector surface (144) and below the workpiece plane (WE).

10. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) is fastened to the longitudinal beam (111, 112).

11. The laser processing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) extends along the longitudinal beams (111, 112) over the entire length of the processing space (117) in the first direction (X).

12. The laser processing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) has at least partially one or more recesses in the region of a transition surface (145) extending substantially parallel to the workpiece plane (WE).

13. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) is fastened to the bridge (113) and moves together with the bridge (113).

14. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) is made of a material with good thermal conductivity.

15. The laser processing machine according to claim 14, characterized in that The material with good thermal conductivity is aluminum or steel or an alloy thereof.

16. The laser processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The spark protection device (140, 141) is formed as a bent component.

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