Thermal cutting device

Abstract

To provide a thermal cutting device comprising a shielding cover which has a small occupied volume and is easy in maintenance, while allowing shielding of light, sound, and fume generated during cutting work.SOLUTION: A thermal cutting device comprises a rail and a body capable of traveling on the rail. The body comprises: a support base with a traverse rail; and a traverse movement device supported on the traverse rail. The traverse movement device comprises: a torch unit with a torch; a first shielding unit surrounding the periphery of the torch, and fixed to the traverse movement device; and a second shielding unit covering the whole area of a reciprocal movement area in a reciprocal movement direction of the torch unit. The second shielding unit includes: a peripheral surface part which is not linked to movement of the torch unit; and an upper surface part which has a portion fixed to the body and a portion connected to the torch unit, has elasticity in the traverse rail direction, and can be linked to the movement of the torch unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal cutting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Cutting devices that use plasma or laser to cut workpieces are known to have covers that prevent the scattering of dust and fumes generated during cutting and block light. This type of technology is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a laser processing device that has a cover that covers almost the entire surface of a processing carriage that has a traversing carriage equipped with a laser nozzle. A flexible light-blocking member is attached to the lower end of the cover of the laser processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The laser processing device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is provided with a first light-shielding skirt at the bottom end of a laser nozzle provided in a laser irradiation unit. The first light-shielding skirt is arranged to surround a nozzle hole at the tip of the laser nozzle. In addition, a machine body cover made of a steel plate or the like is provided on the side of the laser irradiation unit, and a second light-shielding skirt is fixed to the bottom end of the machine body cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-205322 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-15968 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thermal cutting devices, such as laser cutting devices and plasma cutting devices, are equipped with a torch that travels back and forth along a traverse rail, and cut the workpiece placed on a surface plate while moving the torch. The laser processing device in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a cover that covers almost the entire surface of the processing carriage, thereby blocking light regardless of the torch's position. Since the cover covers almost the entire processing carriage, a door is provided to allow access inside the cover. The cover occupies a large volume, and the cover may block the operator's field of vision. On the other hand, the second light-shielding cover in Patent Document 2 is composed of a pair of plate members, and the structure of the top surface of the torch is unknown.

[0006] In view of these circumstances, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal cutting device equipped with a shielding cover that is capable of blocking light, sound, and fumes generated during cutting operations, yet occupies a small volume and is easy to maintain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A thermal cutting device according to the present disclosure includes a first rail extending in a first direction and a main body capable of traveling on the first rail. The main body includes a support base extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and including a lateral rail, and a lateral movement device supported by the lateral rail and capable of reciprocating on the support base along the lateral rail. The lateral movement device includes a torch unit including a torch, a first shielding unit surrounding the torch and fixed to the lateral movement device, and a second shielding unit positioned outside the first shielding unit as viewed from the torch and covering the entire reciprocating movement area of ​​the torch unit in the reciprocating movement direction. The second shielding unit includes a peripheral surface portion fixed to the main body and not linked to the movement of the torch unit, and an upper surface portion having a portion fixed to the main body and a portion connected to the torch unit, including an elastic member elastic in the direction of the lateral rail, and capable of being linked to the movement of the torch unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal cutting device equipped with a shielding cover that is capable of blocking light, sound, and fumes generated during cutting operations, yet occupies a small volume and is easy to maintain. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire thermal cutting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2, seen from a different viewpoint. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the perspective view shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Outline of the embodiment] First, embodiments of the cutting device according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. A thermal cutting device according to the present disclosure includes a first rail extending in a first direction and a main body capable of traveling on the first rail. The main body includes a support base extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and including a lateral rail, and a lateral movement device supported by the lateral rail and capable of reciprocating on the support base along the lateral rail. The lateral movement device includes a torch unit including a torch, a first shielding unit surrounding the torch and fixed to the lateral movement device, and a second shielding unit positioned outside the first shielding unit as viewed from the torch and covering the entire reciprocating movement area of ​​the torch unit in the reciprocating movement direction. The second shielding unit includes a peripheral surface portion fixed to the main body and not linked to the movement of the torch unit, and an upper surface portion having a portion fixed to the main body and a portion connected to the torch unit, including an elastic member elastic in the direction of the lateral rail, and capable of being linked to the movement of the torch unit.

[0011] Thermal cutting devices for cutting steel plates and the like, particularly large cutting devices in which the cutting machine body travels on rails while cutting (fusion cutting), generate light, sound, and fumes during cutting. Conventionally, thermal cutting devices equipped with covers that block light and sound and prevent fumes from scattering have been proposed. However, covers that completely cover the cutting machine body occupy a large volume, and the cover can obstruct the view behind the equipment. Other proposals have included covers that integrate the torch unit and move with the torch unit, or covers that are fixed to the cutting machine body. Given this situation, the inventors investigated a cover structure that occupies a small volume, is easy to maintain, and yet provides excellent shielding effects for light, sound, fumes, and the like.

[0012] After much deliberation, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​a double-structure cover (shielding unit). Specifically, the shielding effect was improved by a structure that includes a first shielding unit that is fixed to surround the torch and moves in conjunction with the torch, as well as a second shielding unit that covers the entire area of ​​the torch unit's reciprocating movement. Furthermore, the second shielding unit is configured to include a peripheral portion that is fixed to the main body and does not move in conjunction with the movement of the torch unit, and an upper portion that moves in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the torch unit and blocks the top surface.

[0013] The upper surface of the second shielding unit of the cutting device according to the present disclosure has a portion fixed to the main body and a portion connected to the torch unit, and includes an expandable member that is expandable in the direction of the lateral rail. The upper surface of the second shielding unit can move in conjunction with the movement of the torch unit. These configurations enable a shielding structure that reliably shields the area around the moving torch while occupying a small volume. Furthermore, because only the upper surface moves in conjunction with the torch unit, there is a high degree of freedom in the selection of materials for the peripheral surface, enabling the realization of a cutting device that is easy to maintain.

[0014] In the cutting device, the expandable member may be a bellows having a first end fixed to the main body and a second end fixed to the torch unit. This configuration allows for easy linkage with the reciprocating movement of the torch unit, and provides a shielding structure that is excellent in shielding properties and durability for long-term use.

[0015] In the cutting device, the first shielding unit may include an upper hood having an opening through which the torch passes, and a brush surrounding the torch to close the opening. This configuration allows the torch to move up and down while shielding the torch with brush bristles. Even if the torch shifts from its predetermined position for some reason, the bristles of the brush bend to absorb the impact, preventing the torch from contacting the upper hood or other parts of the shielding unit and maintaining the shielding effect.

[0016] In the cutting device, the first shielding unit may include a first duct connecting an area enclosed by the first shielding unit to a dust collector. With this configuration, fumes generated around the torch can be efficiently discharged from the first shielding unit to the dust collector, thereby suppressing the dispersion of fumes.

[0017] In the cutting device, the peripheral surface of the second shielding unit may include a front surface and a rear surface that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first rail and face each other across the torch unit, and the lower ends of the front surface and the rear surface may each be made of a flexible material. With this configuration, the lower ends of the front surface and the rear surface can cover the material to be cut while conforming to the shape of the material, reliably providing a shielding effect against light and sound. In addition, an operator can easily check the area around the torch by lifting the lower end of the front surface with their hand.

[0018] In the cutting device, the lower ends of the front and rear sections may each be formed by stacking multiple flexible sheets. By stacking multiple sheets, the shielding effect is further improved. Furthermore, it is possible to replace only the necessary sheets, and it is also possible to stack sheets of different materials and thicknesses, making maintenance easy.

[0019] In the cutting device, the torch may be a plasma torch. Plasma cutting devices generate loud noises, intense light, and harmful fumes. In such cases, the dual-layer shielding cover according to the present disclosure is more useful.

[0020] The cutting device may include a base plate below the main body on which a workpiece can be placed, and the base plate may include a dust collector. With this structure, the effect of preventing fumes from scattering can be more reliably achieved.

[0021] [Specific example of embodiment] Next, specific embodiments of the thermal cutting device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] (Thermal cutting device configuration) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire thermal cutting device 1 according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the thermal cutting device 1 includes a traveling rail 50 as a first rail and a main body 10 that can travel on the traveling rail 50. The main body 10 includes a support base 20, which is provided with a lateral rail 21. The lateral rail 21 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the traveling rail 50 extends. The direction in which the traveling rail 50 extends is referred to as the X-axis direction, the direction in which the lateral rail 21 extends is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the thermal cutting device 1 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. In the following description, these axial directions will be used as references. In the following description, the "front side" of the thermal cutting device refers to the positive side in the X-axis direction, and the "rear side" refers to the negative side in the X-axis direction. "Top" and "upper" refer to the positive direction of the Z-axis, and "bottom" and "lower" refer to the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the thermal cutting apparatus 1 is installed on a base 51 fixed to the floor surface of the installation location. The base 51 may be part of the thermal cutting apparatus 1, or may be installed on an existing base. A traveling rail 50 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 51. The traveling rails 50 are a pair of rails that are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction and extend parallel to each other in the X-axis direction, which is a first direction. A surface plate 40, which serves as a cutting surface plate, is installed between the pair of traveling rails 50. A workpiece S is placed on the upper surface of the surface plate 40. The thermal cutting apparatus 1 is equipped with a dust collector 80. The dust collector 80 will be described later.

[0024] The main body 10 is equipped with a lateral movement device 90 that is capable of reciprocating in the Y-axis direction on the support base 20 along the lateral rails 21. The lateral movement device 90 is equipped with the torch unit 30. The main body 10 is equipped with a second shielding unit 70 that covers the entire reciprocating movement area of ​​the torch unit 30 in the reciprocating movement direction. The second shielding unit 70 extends in the Y-axis direction to cover from one traveling rail 50 to the other traveling rail 50. The second shielding unit 70 includes a peripheral surface portion 71 and an upper surface portion 75. The peripheral surface portion 71 covers the front, back, and both side surfaces of the torch unit 30. The upper surface portion 75 covers the upper surface of the torch unit 30.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely. Referring to FIG. 2, the torch unit 30 includes a torch 31, which is a plasma cutting torch. While the example shown in FIG. 2 is a plasma torch, the type of torch is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a torch for gas cutting or a laser cutting nozzle. In other words, the thermal cutting device according to the present disclosure may be a plasma cutting device, but is not limited to a plasma cutting device. The thermal cutting device may also be a gas cutting device, a laser cutting device, or the like. In the case of a plasma cutting device, a loud noise and intense light are generated when plasma is ejected from the plasma torch, and harmful fumes are also generated after cutting. The thermal cutting device according to the present disclosure has a high shielding effect against these sounds, lights, and fumes.

[0026] 2, the main body 10 of the thermal cutting device 1 includes a first shielding unit 60 that surrounds the periphery of the torch 31, and a second shielding unit 70 that surrounds the outside of the periphery of the first shielding unit 60 when viewed from the torch 31. The second shielding unit 70 is positioned outside the first shielding unit 60. In other words, the torch 31 is doubly surrounded by the first shielding unit 60 and the second shielding unit 70.

[0027] The first shielding unit 60 is fixed to the lateral movement device 90 (torch unit 30), and moves together with the torch unit 30. The first shielding unit 60 has a peripheral surface portion that surrounds the periphery of the torch 31, and an upper surface portion that covers the upper surface of the periphery of the torch 31. The first shielding unit 60 has a duct 65 that serves as a first duct extending upward from the upper surface portion. Fumes and dust within the area V1 enclosed by the first shielding unit 60 are discharged to the dust collector 80 through the duct 65.

[0028] The lower part of the surface plate 40 is a space 45 having a partition plate 47. The space 45 is connected to the dust collector 80 through a flue 55 serving as a second duct that also serves as the base 51. With this configuration, dust can be collected from below the surface plate 40. A plurality of partition plates 47 are provided spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0029] The second shielding unit 70 includes a frame 77 fixed to the support base 20 via brackets 81 (FIG. 6); side panels 71 attached to both ends of the frame 77 in the Y-axis direction and hanging down to a position covering the traveling rail 50; a front curtain 72 (FIG. 1) attached to the lower part of the front side of the frame 77; and a rear curtain 73 attached to the lower part of the rear side of the frame 77. The front curtain 72 and the rear curtain 73 are made of a flexible material. The front curtain 72 and the rear curtain 73 have multiple slits extending upward from their lower ends at predetermined intervals in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The upper surface of the second shielding unit 70 includes a bellows 74 as an elastic member, the outer end of which in the Y-axis direction is fixed to the frame 77 and the inner end of which is fixed to the torch unit 30. The bellows 74 is elastic in the Y-axis direction and can be linked to the reciprocating movement of the torch unit 30. With this configuration, regardless of the position of the torch unit 30 in the Y-axis direction, the second shielding unit 70 blocks the area above the torch 31, thereby providing a shielding effect against light, sound, etc. generated around the torch 31.

[0030] 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2, viewed from a different perspective. Referring to FIG. 3, bellows 74 are attached to both sides of torch unit 30 in the Y-axis direction. Bellows 74 are fixed to the upper surface of first shielding unit 60, which is fixed to torch unit 30. Note that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, bellows 74 is fixed to first shielding unit 60, but bellows 74 may also be fixed directly to any position on torch unit 30. With this configuration, bellows 74 can move in conjunction with torch unit 30 and first shielding unit 60.

[0031] The upper surface of the region in which torch 31 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction is blocked by two bellows 74, a frame 77, and the upper surface of first shielding unit 60. A first end 74a of bellows 74 is fixed to the end surface of frame 77 in the Y-axis direction. Because frame 77 is fixed to support base 20, first end 74a of bellows 74 is not moved in conjunction with the movement of torch unit 30. Second ends 74b of bellows 74 are fixed to both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of first shielding unit 60, which moves in conjunction with torch unit 30. In other words, second ends 74b are connected to torch unit 30 via first shielding unit 60. Therefore, when torch unit 30 moves in a reciprocating manner along lateral rail 21, bellows 74 moves in conjunction with torch unit 30 while expanding and contracting. These structures enable the shielding unit to reliably block fumes, light, and sound generated around the torch as it moves back and forth in the Y-axis direction, while occupying a small volume and providing excellent visibility of the work environment.

[0032] 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the perspective view shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, a second end 74b of bellows 74 is connected to torch unit 30. A side surface of bellows 74 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is supported by a guide rail 79 extending in the Y-axis direction. While supported by guide rail 79, bellows 74 expands and contracts in the Y-axis direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of torch unit 30 (see the arrows in FIG. 4). Guide rail 79 is housed inside frame 77.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, the front side of the torch unit 30 is covered by the front of the frame 77 and a front curtain 72 attached to its lower portion. A portion of the lower end of the front curtain 72 contacts the workpiece S. The front curtain 72 is made of a flexible material, specifically, a material such as a silicone-coated flame-resistant fiber cloth or a flame-retardant sheet. The front curtain 72 is arranged in two layers (FIG. 6). By constructing the front curtain 72 from a flexible material, an operator can easily lift the curtain by hand and check the inside of the shielding unit (e.g., the cutting operation area), improving workability. In addition, because the shielding unit occupies a small volume, it is possible to install a printing device or a cutting device outside the second shielding unit. Therefore, even if the printing device or cutting device uses a flammable solvent or flammable gas, the flammable solvent or the like does not remain, resulting in high safety.

[0034] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 5, torch unit 30 includes torch 31, torch holder 32, torch lead 33, torch plate 34, and slide support plate 35. Slide support plate 35 moves along the Z-axis direction, allowing torch 31 to move back and forth up and down. The upper side of the up and down movement region of torch 31 is covered by the upper surface of first shielding unit 60.

[0035] The top surface of the first shielding unit 60 includes a top hood 66 and a brush 67. The top hood 66 has an opening 66a through which the torch 31 passes, and the brush 67 is provided to cover the opening 66a. The brush 67 has an annular base that surrounds the outer periphery of the torch 31 360° and numerous bristles extending horizontally from the base toward the torch 31. The brush 67 surrounds the periphery of the torch 31 while allowing the torch 31 to move up and down. Furthermore, even if the torch 31 becomes misaligned, for example, due to the torch 31 colliding with the workpiece S, the torch 31 does not come into contact with the top hood 66 or other parts of the shielding unit, and the bristles of the brush curve to absorb the impact and cover the periphery of the torch 31. There are no specific limitations on the dimensions, but for example, the outer diameter of the torch 31 may be about 60 mm, the diameter of the opening 66a may be about 140 mm, and the entire periphery of the torch may be surrounded by a brush about 40 mm wide.

[0036] A portion of the top hood 66 is open, and a duct 65 is disposed extending upward from the opening. The peripheral portion of the first shielding unit 60 is formed of a curtain 61 that hangs down from the periphery of the top hood 66 and covers both sides, the front, and the back. The curtain 61 is formed of a flexible member. Specific materials for the curtain 61 include silicone-coated flame-resistant fiber cloth and a flame-retardant sheet. The duct 65 connected to the first shielding unit 60 is fixed to the lateral movement device 90 (FIG. 1) via a bracket. This allows the first shielding unit 60 and the torch unit 30 to move together. The second end 74b of the bellows 74 of the second shielding unit 70 is fixed to the top hood 66 of the first shielding unit 60 via a bracket 78.

[0037] The bellows 74 includes an upper curtain 74e, a lower curtain 74f, and a plurality of partition plates 74g spaced at regular intervals between the upper curtain 74e and the lower curtain 74f. In the extended state, the upper curtain 74e and the lower curtain 74f are positioned parallel to each other and spaced apart vertically. This double-curtain bellows structure provides high durability, extends the interval between maintenance, and reduces operating costs.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 . Both sides of the bellows 74 are supported by a pair of guide rails 79. The guide rails 79 are fixed to a frame 77. The front curtain 72 of the second shielding unit 70 includes a double curtain consisting of an outer curtain 72A and an inner curtain 72B. The rear curtain 73 similarly includes an outer curtain 73A and an inner curtain 73B. The distance W1 between the curtain 61 of the first shielding unit 60 and the front curtain 72 of the second shielding unit 70, and the distance W2 between the curtain 61 of the first shielding unit 60 and the rear curtain 73 of the second shielding unit 70 are both 43 mm. These distances can be changed depending on the size of the entire device and the type of cutting device, and may be, for example, 20 mm to 80 mm.

[0039] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 thermal cutting device, 10 main body, 20 support base, 21 traverse rail, 30 torch unit, 31 torch, 32 torch holder, 33 torch lead, 34 torch plate, 35 slide support plate, 40 surface plate, 45 space, 47 partition plate, 50 traveling rail, 51 base, 55 flue, 60 first shielding unit, 61 curtain, 65 duct, 66 upper hood, 67 brush, 70 second shielding unit, 71 peripheral portion, 72 front curtain, 73 rear curtain, 74 bellows, 75 upper portion, 77 frame, 78, 81 bracket, 79 guide rail, 80 dust collector, 90 traverse movement device, S processed material.

Claims

1. a first rail extending in a first direction; a main body that is capable of running on the first rail; Equipped with The body includes: a support base extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and including a lateral rail; a lateral movement device supported by the lateral rail and reciprocally movable on the support base along the lateral rail; Equipped with The lateral movement device is a torch unit including a torch; a first shielding unit surrounding the torch and fixed to the lateral movement device; a second shielding unit that is disposed outside the first shielding unit as viewed from the torch and covers the entire area of ​​a reciprocating movement region of the torch unit in the reciprocating movement direction; Equipped with The second shielding unit is a peripheral surface portion fixed to the main body and not linked to the movement of the torch unit; an upper surface portion that has a portion fixed to the main body and a portion connected to the torch unit, includes an elastic member that is elastic in the direction of the lateral rail, and is interlocked with the movement of the torch unit; Thermal cutting equipment.

2. The telescopic member is a bellows having a first end fixed to the body and a second end connected to the torch unit.

2. The thermal cutting device of claim 1.

3. the first shielding unit includes an upper hood having an opening through which the torch passes, and a brush surrounding the torch to close the opening; 3. A thermal cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first shielding unit includes a first duct connecting an area enclosed by the first shielding unit with a dust collecting device; 3. A thermal cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The peripheral surface portion of the second shielding unit is a front surface and a rear surface that are spaced apart from each other in a direction of the first rail and face each other with the torch unit therebetween; The lower ends of the front and rear portions are each made of a flexible member.

3. A thermal cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the lower end portions of the front and rear portions are each formed by stacking a plurality of flexible sheets; 5. The thermal cutting device of claim 4.

7. The torch is a plasma torch.

3. A thermal cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a surface plate on which a workpiece can be placed is provided below the main body, and the surface plate is provided with a dust collecting device; 3. A thermal cutting device according to claim 1 or 2.

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