Welding spatter protection device with integrated cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a welding spatter protection device, a welding machine provided with such a welding spatter protection device, a method for shielding a welding spatter in such a welding machine, the welding spatter protection device comprising:-a support structure; -a movable structure defining a first inner protective cavity by means of a plurality of inner side walls and movable relative to the support structure by means of a first actuator between a lowered position, in use, in which the first inner cavity is placed across the weld zone, and a raised position, in use, in which the first inner cavity is placed across the weld zone. The first internal cavity moves away from the welding area; -a cleaning system for cleaning an inner side wall of said first inner cavity from welding spatter, the cleaning system comprising a wiper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a welding spatter protection device with an integrated cleaning system.

[0002] Operationally, such protection devices are intended to be installed in machines for welding longitudinal metal products, in particular billets. Background Art

[0003] As is known in the art of welding installations for longitudinal metal products, such as billets, bars or blooms, welding is performed by joining the head and tail of two continuous metal products.

[0004] Typically, this type of welding is performed by sparks that conduct current into the products, bringing the head of one product and the tail of another close together, creating a short circuit. The resulting heat causes the metal to melt, resulting in the two ends being welded. This type of welding operation is performed directly on the metal product rolling mill using a welding machine equipped with two structures equipped with clamps to hold the two metal products to be welded. Both structures are mounted on a carriage that moves along the rolling mill at the same speed as the metal products. The first structure is fixed relative to the carriage, while the second slides, allowing the relative distance between the products to be welded to be varied until they come into contact.

[0005] This type of welding causes the generation of sparks, which results in the ejection of molten steel particles (spatter or spatter) that impact surrounding structures, depositing on them and risking damage to their operation. Furthermore, the accumulation of spatter can lead to the formation of deposits that, over time, can create dangerous electrical short circuits within the machine itself.

[0006] In order to solve such problems, spatter suppression devices to be installed in welding machines have been manufactured. Such devices include a movable protective cover to be placed in the welding area and an internal cleaning system.

[0007] US Patent Application No. US20100721854A1 describes a weld spatter protection device. This type of protection device utilizes two protective covers that move along a curved path via multiple linkages to enclose the weld zone at the top and bottom. The device includes a scraper that slides within one of the two protective covers and a protective gate that protects the scraper when not in operation. The protective cover has an open section for metal products to pass through.

[0008] This solution, although effective in operation, is mechanically complex and requires the use of four actuators: two for moving the shield, one for the wiper and one for the guard.

[0009] A welding spatter protection device with a simpler mechanical structure is described in European patent EP3442738B1. Such a solution comprises a single protective cover intended to close the welding zone only at the top.

[0010] In more detail, the protective cover consists of a box-like structure open at the bottom, in which the scraper is positioned. Two openings for the passage of product are formed on two opposing side walls, near the open bottom. The device is provided with a single actuator adapted to move the protective cover along a movement axis, such that the protective cover can be displaced between a guarding position and a non-guarding position, while simultaneously inducing relative movement between the scraper (fixed along the movement axis) and the inner wall of the protective cover against which the scraper contacts.

[0011] Due to the presence of a single protective cover and a single actuator, this type of solution is mechanically simpler and more compact.

[0012] Typically, in welding machines, the metal product is routed outside the machine. Consequently, the machine's main structure is located primarily to one side of the weld zone, and partially above it. Cooling water collection and drainage channels are located at the bottom of the weld zone.

[0013] The splashes that are ejected towards the drain channel and on the side opposite to the main machine structure do not damage the machine itself, so it is best not to intercept them with protective devices in order to reduce the burden of internal cleaning. For this reason, it is ideal to have a protective cover that extends asymmetrically with respect to the welding zone, that is, it extends above the welding zone and mainly on the side facing the main structure of the welding machine, while still ensuring sufficient protection for the safety of the operator.

[0014] In the protective device described in EP3442738B1, the asymmetric protective cover results in an axially asymmetric inner wall on which the scraper acts. Consequently, during relative movement of the scraper with respect to the protective cover, the scraper is subjected to unbalanced mechanical stresses, which can lead to uneven scraper wear over time and the risk of the scraper becoming misaligned and stuck. This presents a first limitation.

[0015] A second limitation is found in the presence of a single actuator and the fact that the scratching is associated with the movement of the entire protective cover.

[0016] As the scraper wears, a single scrape is not enough to remove all the spatter from the interior wall, and the operation must be repeated. This means that the shield needs to be repeatedly brought close to the hot product to reheat the shield. Heating the shield makes it easier for hot steel spatter to stick to the shield, making it more difficult to remove the spatter.

[0017] Therefore, there are currently two unmet needs in the corresponding technical field.

[0018] The first requirement is to optimize the effectiveness of the protection device by adopting an asymmetric protection cover without compromising the function of the scraper.

[0019] The second requirement is to perform a series of scraping cycles without necessarily heating the shield and causing the spatter to stick to the shield walls. Summary of the Invention

[0020] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to eliminate all or part of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing a welding spatter guard with an integrated cleaning system, which welding spatter guard can be provided with an asymmetric shield without compromising the functionality of the internal cleaning system.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a weld spatter shield with an integrated cleaning system that allows a series of scraping cycles without necessarily heating the shield and causing the spatter to stick to the walls of the shield.

[0022] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a welding spatter protection device with an integrated cleaning system, which is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0023] Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a weld spatter protection device with an integrated cleaning system that is easy to manage in operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The technical characteristics of the present invention will be clearly found in the content of the appended claims, and the advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show one or more embodiments of the present invention given purely by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 schematically depicts a side view of a welding machine equipped with a protective device according to a possible embodiment;

[0026] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 Two different perspective views of the protective device in FIG, the protective device being shown separated from the welding machine;

[0027] - Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 The device in an orthogonal side view according to arrow IV shown here;

[0028] - Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 An orthogonal side view of the device according to arrow V shown therein;

[0029] - Figure 6 Shown Figure 2 The device in Figure 5 an orthogonal sectional view of the cutting plane LL showing the protective cover in the active position and the scraper of the integrated cleaning system in the disengaged position;

[0030] - Figure 7 Shown Figure 2 The device in an orthogonal side view according to arrow VII shown here;

[0031] - Figure 8 Shown Figure 4 The device is shown with the protective cover in a passive position and the scraper of the integrated cleaning system in an engaged position;

[0032] - Figure 9 The direction opposite to arrow IV shows Figure 8 The device is shown with the protective cover in a passive position and the scraper of the integrated cleaning system in an engaged position;

[0033] - Figure 10 Shown Figure 6 The device is shown with the protective cover in a passive position and the scraper of the integrated cleaning system in an engaged position;

[0034] - Figure 11 Shown Figure 8 The device in an orthogonal cross-sectional view according to the plane HH shown here;

[0035] - Figure 12 Shown Figure 11 The device in an orthogonal sectional view according to the cutting plane XII-XII shown here.

[0036] Elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below will be denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The invention relates to a welding spatter protection device with an integrated cleaning system.

[0038] Operationally, such a protection device is intended to be installed in a machine for welding longitudinal metal products, in particular blanks, but also bars or blooms, moving in alignment along an axis X of advancement.

[0039] With reference to the drawings, a welding spatter protection device with an integrated cleaning system according to the present invention is indicated as a whole by reference numeral 1 , and a welding machine provided with such a protection device is indicated by reference numeral 100 .

[0040] Here and in the following description and appended claims, reference will be made to the device 1 in the state of use. Consequently, any reference to a lower or upper position or to a horizontal or vertical orientation must be understood in this sense.

[0041] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the protection device 1 comprises a support structure 2 intended to be anchored above said axis X of advancement to the welding machine 100 .

[0042] The device 1 further comprises a movable structure 10 delimiting a first internal cavity 11 for weld spatter protection.

[0043] The movable structure delimits said first internal cavity 11 by means of a plurality of internal side walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.

[0044] The first internal cavity 11 is accessible through an inlet mouth 12 defined by an opening formed in the bottom wall 10 a of the movable structure 10 .

[0045] An opening formed in the bottom wall 10a of the movable structure 10 extends to two first walls 11a, 11b in the side walls through two recesses 13, 14. These two first walls 11a, 11b are axially opposite each other along the operating axis Y.

[0046] In operation, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, through said inlet mouth 12 , said first internal cavity 11 is suitable for receiving therein a welding zone S between the ends M1 ′, M2 ′ of two metal products M1 and M2 .

[0047] In more detail, the first internal cavity 11 receives the welding zone S therein when the two recesses 12, 13 are aligned with the axis of advancement X of the metal product M, i.e. when the aforementioned operating axis Y is substantially aligned with the axis of advancement X of the metal products M1, M2. In this case, each of the metal products M1, M2 passes through one of the two first side walls 10a, 10b at one of the two recesses 12, 13.

[0048] The movable structure 10 is movable by means of the first actuator 15 relative to said support structure 2 (and therefore relative to the welding machine 100 and the advancement axis X) between the following positions:

[0049] - a lowered position in which, in use, the first internal cavity 11 is placed across the welding zone (see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 ),and

[0050] - a raised position in which, in use, the first internal cavity 11 is moved away from the welding zone (see Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ).

[0051] The device 1 further comprises a cleaning system 20 for cleaning the inner side walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of the first inner cavity from welding spatter.

[0052] Such a cleaning system 20 comprises a scraper 21 movable in an interfering relationship with respect to said internal side walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d between said inlet mouth 12 and an internal stop position (see Figure 6 and Figure 10 ).

[0053] In particular, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the first internal cavity 11 is defined by:

[0054] two first side walls 11 a , 11 b extending transversely to said operating axis Y and forming two recesses 12 , 13 ; and

[0055] - two second side walls 11 c , 11 d which connect the two first side walls 11 , 11 b to one another in the direction defined by the operating axis Y.

[0056] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the two second walls 11 c , 11 d connect the two first walls 11 a , 11 b to each other and define two concentric cylindrical surfaces.

[0057] These two concentric cylindrical surfaces extend from the inlet mouth 12 to the inner stop position.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the central axis O of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces passes through the interior of the movable structure 10 .

[0059] Therefore, with respect to the central axis O, the radially outermost cylindrical surface 11 c and the radially innermost cylindrical surface 11 d can be identified.

[0060] According to another aspect of the invention, the scraper 21 is rotatably connected to the movable structure 10 by means of a support arm 22 .

[0061] The support arm 22 pivots on an axis of rotation Y1 coinciding with the axis O of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11 c , 11 d and supports the scraper 21 , keeping it aligned in a radial plane relative to the axis O.

[0062] The support arm 22 is actuatable in rotation about the axis Y1 (and thus moves the scraper 21 inside the first internal cavity 10 ) by means of a second actuator 25 .

[0063] In particular, the second actuator 25 consists of an electropneumatic or hydraulic piston.

[0064] In particular, the second actuator 25 is pivoted in its first portion to the movable structure 10 for rotation about the axis Y2 and in its second portion to the support arm 22 for rotation about the axis Y3. Thus, the second actuator 25 is able to follow the movement of the support arm 22 relative to the movable structure 10.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, the circumferential ends 11c', 11c" and 11d', 11d" of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d are radially aligned with each other at the inlet mouth 12 and the inner stop position, so that the scraper 21 is always in contact with the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d.

[0066] The two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d are oriented so that the radially outermost cylindrical surface 11c extends beyond the bottom wall 10a of the movable structure 10, thereby defining a protective appendage 16. In other words, the first internal cavity 11 defines a protective cover that is asymmetrical about the operating axis Y (and therefore about the advancement axis X when the movable structure 10 is in the lowered position in use).

[0067] Once the guard 1 is positioned above the axis of advancement X and then above the collection and drainage channel 101 for the machine's cooling water, it can thus be oriented so that the guard attachment 16 faces the inside of the welding machine where its main structure 102 is located.

[0068] Therefore, the first internal cavity 11:

[0069] - open at the bottom above the drainage channel 101;

[0070] Due to the protective attachment 16 extending downwards from the bottom wall of the movable structure, it extends asymmetrically laterally to a greater extent towards the inner side 100a of the welding machine 100 than towards the outer side 100b.

[0071] Due to this configuration, spatter directed toward drain channel 101 and directed toward the side opposite to the machine's main structure 102 is not intercepted or is only partially intercepted, while ensuring adequate operator safety. This prevents spatter from unnecessarily fouling the protective screen and potentially damaging the welding machine. Conversely, spatter directed toward interior side 100a, where the machine's main structure 102 is located, is more effectively shielded.

[0072] However, thanks to the invention, adopting an asymmetrical protective cover does not impair the functionality of the internal cleaning system.

[0073] In practice, the scraper 21 is always in contact with the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d during its movement between the inlet mouth 12 and the inner rest position. Consequently, during its movement relative to the inner sidewall, the scraper is subjected to balanced mechanical stresses, meaning that it is always in contact with the inner sidewall over its entire peripheral extension. This reduces the risk of uneven scraper wear over time and the risk of the scraper becoming misaligned and becoming stuck.

[0074] In fact, the curved configuration of the first internal cavity 11 in combination with the movement of the scraper 21 compensates for the asymmetry of the protective cover.

[0075] Furthermore, the weld spatter guard with integrated cleaning system according to the invention allows a series of scraping cycles to be performed without necessarily causing the spatter to stick to the walls of the shield due to heating of the shield.

[0076] Thanks to the invention, and in particular to the fact that the scraper 21 is mounted on the movable structure and can be moved relative to it by means of its actuator 25 (different from the actuator 15 on the movable structure 10), it is possible to separate the two movements. Thus, when the movable structure 10 is in the raised position, the scraper 21 can perform a series of scraping cycles. Thus, scraping can be performed repeatedly (by moving the scraper several times between the inlet mouth and the internal stop position) without bringing the movable structure close to the welding zone and thus preventing it from heating up.

[0077] Preferably, the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d are oriented such that the radially innermost cylindrical surface 11d terminates at the bottom wall 10a of said movable structure 10. Thus, exposure of the surfaces of the first inner cavity 11 arranged on the outer side of the welding machine to spatter is minimized.

[0078] Advantageously, for example Figure 6 As shown, the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11c, 11d extend circumferentially beyond the two recesses 12, 13 so that the scraper 21 is positioned above the two recesses when it reaches the inner stop position. In this case, in operation, the two recesses 12, 13 are free and can be engaged by a longitudinal metal product.

[0079] Preferably, the axis O of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 10c, 10d is parallel to said operating axis Y.

[0080] Preferably, the two first internal side walls 11a, 11b are flat and orthogonal to said operating axis Y.

[0081] Preferably, as shown in the drawings, the two second inner side walls 11 a , 11 b extend in a direction orthogonal to the bottom wall 10 a by as much as the two concentric cylindrical surfaces 11 c , 11 d .

[0082] Advantageously, said movable structure 10 delimits a second internal cavity 17 in which the support arm 22 of the scraper 21 is housed and which opens onto said first internal cavity 11 to allow the passage of said support arm 22 .

[0083] The rotation axis Y1 of the support arm 22 of the scraper 21 coincides with the central axis O of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces and therefore preferably passes through the interior of the movable structure 10. The rotation axis Y1 must pass outside the first internal cavity, preferably inside the second internal cavity 17.

[0084] In the accompanying drawings, the second actuator 25 is kinematically connected to the support arm 22 to define a third level of leverage. Because the scraper actuator is distinct from the movable structure actuator, the position of the second actuator 25 relative to the scraper 21 and the support arm pivot can be selected to define a second level of leverage. While achieving the same scraping effect, the applied force can be reduced, or the size of the actuator itself can be reduced.

[0085] In particular, the second cavity 17 is adjacent to the first interior chamber 11 and is separated from the first interior chamber by an inner sidewall 11 d defining a radially innermost cylindrical surface.

[0086] Advantageously, the support arm 22 delimits an internal duct 23 for supplying cooling water to the scraper 21 , said internal duct in turn being provided with an internal cooling channel 24 communicating with a drain orifice. In the figures, the water supply duct is indicated by reference numeral 220 .

[0087] Preferably, the first actuator 15 and the second actuator 25 are supported by the movable structure 10 above the first internal cavity 11 and the second internal cavity 17. Therefore, the two actuators 15 and 25 are arranged in the part of the movable structure 10 that is farthest from the bottom wall 10a and are therefore least exposed to heat.

[0088] Advantageously, the movable structure 10 comprises a plurality of protective walls 18 , 19 for the first actuator 15 and the second actuator 25 .

[0089] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the movable structure 10 is defined by a box-like body, preferably by flat walls.

[0090] In particular, the flat walls of the box-like structure consist of removable panels to allow easier access to the mechanical components of the wiper and actuator.

[0091] In particular, the two first inner side walls 11a, 11b are flat and define the outer portion of the box-shaped body.

[0092] In particular, the bottom wall 10a of the movable structure 10 is flat and defines the outer portion of the box-like body.

[0093] Preferably, the bottom wall 10a is parallel to the operating axis Y.

[0094] Preferably, the movable structure 10 is connected to said supporting structure 2 by means of at least one linear guide 3 adapted to guide the movement of said movable structure 10 between said lowered position and said raised position.

[0095] In particular, the device 1 is intended to be mounted on a welding machine 100 such that the bottom wall 10a is horizontal. The movement between the raised position and the lowered position is performed according to a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the bottom wall, ie in the vertical direction.

[0096] The present invention relates to a welding machine 100 provided with a welding spatter protection device 1 according to the invention, in particular as described above. The welding spatter protection device 1 is installed in the machine so that the protective attachment 16 is arranged on the inner side 110b of the machine 100, on which the main structure 102 of the machine itself is installed.

[0097] The invention further relates to a method of shielding weld spatter in a welding machine for moving longitudinal metal products in an aligned manner along an axis X of advancement.

[0098] The method includes the following steps:

[0099] a) installing the welding spatter protection device 1 according to the invention, in particular as described above, in a welding machine 100;

[0100] b) after the scraper 21 has been brought to the inner stop position by actuating the second actuator 25 , the movable structure 10 is brought to the lowered position by actuating the first actuator 15 ;

[0101] c) welding;

[0102] d) bringing the movable structure 10 from the lowered position to the raised position by actuating the first actuator 15;

[0103] e) performing one or more cleaning cycles of the first interior cavity 11 by actuating the second actuator 25 to move the scraper 21 one or more times between the inlet mouth 12 of the first interior cavity 11 and an interior stop position.

[0104] The advantages of the protection method according to the present invention are obvious from the above description of the bonding device and will not be repeated here.

[0105] The present invention allows achieving several advantages set out in the description.

[0106] The weld spatter protection device 1 with integrated cleaning system according to the invention can be provided with an asymmetrical protection hood without impairing the functionality of the internal cleaning system.

[0107] The welding spatter guard 1 with integrated cleaning system according to the invention allows a series of scraping cycles to be performed without necessarily causing the spatter to stick to the walls of the shield due to heating of the shield.

[0108] The weld spatter protection device 1 according to the invention with an integrated cleaning system is cost-effective to produce.

[0109] The weld spatter protection device 1 with an integrated cleaning system according to the invention is easy to manage in terms of operation.

[0110] Therefore, the present invention thus designed achieves the preset objectives.

[0111] Obviously, in practice, shapes and configurations different from those disclosed above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of protection.

[0112] Moreover, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements and any dimensions, shapes and materials may be used as desired.

Claims

1. A protection device (1) for preventing weld spatter, intended to be mounted on a welding machine for longitudinal metal products moving aligned along an axis of advancement (X), said device (1) comprising: - a support structure (2) anchored to the welding machine (100) above the advancement axis (X); - a movable structure (10) which delimits a first internal protective cavity (11) by means of a plurality of internal side walls (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), said first internal cavity (11) being accessible by means of an inlet mouth (12) defined by an opening formed in the bottom wall (10a) of said movable structure (10) and extending itself by means of two recesses (13, 14) to two first walls (11a, 11b) of said side walls axially opposite along the operating axis (Y), wherein, through said inlet mouth (12), said first protective cavity (11) is accessible by means of an inlet mouth (12) defined by an opening an internal cavity (11) adapted to receive therein a welding zone located between the ends of two metal products, the two recesses (12, 13) being aligned with the axis of advancement (X) of the metal products (M), the movable structure (10) being movable relative to the support structure (2) by means of a first actuator (15) between a lowered position in which, in use, the first internal cavity (11) is positioned across the welding zone and a raised position in which, in use, the first internal cavity (11) is moved away from the welding zone, a cleaning system (20) for cleaning the inner side walls (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of the first inner cavity from welding spatter, the cleaning system comprising a scraper (21) movable in an interfering relationship relative to the inner side walls (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) between the inlet mouth (12) and an inner stop position, characterised in that the two second walls (11c, 11d) of the side wall connect the two first walls (11a, 11b) to each other and define two concentric cylindrical surfaces extending from the inlet mouth (12) to the inner stop position, wherein the scraper (21) is rotationally connected to the movable structure (10) by means of a support arm (22), the support arm pivoting on a rotation axis (Y1) coinciding with the axis (O) of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d) and supporting the scraper (21), keeping it aligned in a radial plane, the support arm (22) being actuatable by means of a second actuator (25), And wherein the circumferential ends (11c', 11c"; 11d', 11d") of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d) located at the inlet mouth (12) and at the inner stop position are radially aligned so that the scraper (21) is always in contact with the two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d), and the two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d) are oriented so that the radially outermost cylindrical surface (11c) extends beyond the bottom wall (10a) of the movable structure (10), thereby defining a protective attachment (16).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d) are oriented such that the radially innermost cylindrical surface (11d) terminates at the bottom wall (10a) of the movable structure (10).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The two concentric cylindrical surfaces (11c, 11d) extend circumferentially beyond the two recesses (12, 13) so that the scraper (21) is positioned above the two recesses when it reaches the inner stop position in a stop position.

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein The axes (O) of the two concentric cylindrical surfaces (10c, 10d) are parallel to the operating axis (Y).

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The movable structure (10) defines a second internal cavity (17) in which the support arm (22) of the scraper (21) is housed and which is open on the first internal cavity (11) to allow the support arm (22) to pass through.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein The second interior cavity (17) is adjacent to the first interior chamber (11) and is separated from the first interior chamber by an interior sidewall (11d) defining the radially innermost cylindrical surface.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The support arm (22) defines an internal duct (23) for supplying cooling water to the scraper (21), the internal duct in turn being provided with an internal cooling channel (24) communicating with a discharge aperture.

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first actuator (15) and the second actuator (25) are supported by the movable structure (10) above the first interior cavity (11) and the second interior cavity (17).

9. The device (1) according to claim 8, wherein The movable structure (10) comprises protective walls (18, 19) for the first actuator (15) and the second actuator (25).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The two first inner side walls (11a, 11b) are flat and orthogonal to the operating axis (Y).

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The movable structure (10) is defined by a box-like body, preferably by flat walls.

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The two first inner side walls (11a, 11b) are flat and define the outer portion of the box-shaped body.

13. The device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein The bottom wall (10a) is flat and defines the outer portion of the box-shaped body.

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, wherein The bottom wall (10a) is parallel to the operating axis (Y).

15. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The movable structure (10) is connected to the support structure (2) by means of at least one linear guide (3), which is suitable for guiding the movable structure (10) between the lowered position and the raised position.

16. A welding machine (100) provided with a welding spatter protection device, characterized in that: The welding spatter guard is a welding spatter guard (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and wherein the welding spatter guard (1) is installed in the machine such that the protective attachment (16) is arranged on an inner side (110b) of the machine (100), on which the main structure (102) of the machine itself is installed.

17. A method for shielding weld spatter in a welding machine for longitudinal metal products moving aligned along an axis of advancement (X), the method comprising the following steps: a) installing a welding spatter protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in the welding machine (100); b) after the scraper (21) has been brought to the inner stop position by actuating the second actuator (25), bringing the movable structure (10) to the lowered position by actuating the first actuator (15); c) welding; d) bringing the movable structure (10) from the lowered position to the raised position by actuating the first actuator (15); e) performing one or more cleaning cycles of the first interior cavity (11) by actuating the second actuator (25) to move the scraper (21) between the inlet mouth (12) of the first interior cavity (11) and the interior stop position.

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