Laser processing machine housing and laser processing machine having housing

Abstract

To provide further improvement of a laser beam machine and / or a housing for the laser beam machine.SOLUTION: A housing (4) is described that includes: a partition wall (9) which partitions a first working space (7) from a second working space (8); and a cover device (10) configured to cover selectively at least one of the first working space (7) and the second working space (8). The cover device (10) includes: at least covers (32, 33) which may be controlled in an active configuration and are configured to cover one of the first working space (7) and the second working space (8); and a guide system (34) which is configured to guide the covers (32, 33) so that each cover includes at least a main portion (35) and an auxiliary portion (36) which extends from the main portion (35) and inclines relative to the main portion (35) when the covers (32, 33) are in the active configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Application This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102,021,000,030,638 filed on December 3, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a housing for a laser processing machine, particularly having a first working space and a second working space.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a laser processing machine having a housing, particularly a housing having a first working space and a second working space.

Background Art

[0004] Laser processing machines that use laser devices to process workpieces are known. Such processing can be, for example, cutting and / or slitting of a workpiece, laser welding, or the like.

[0005] Since laser radiation used during such processing can be harmful to an operator, such a laser processing machine needs to be provided with a housing that enables shielding of laser radiation.

[0006] Some laser processing machines include a housing having a first working space and a second working space separated from each other by a partition wall having a lower portion and an upper portion.

[0007] Each of the first working space and the second working space is configured to receive a workpiece.

[0008] It is known that such a laser processing machine includes at least one laser device that can be arranged both in the first working space to perform laser processing in the first working space and in the second working space to perform processing in the second working space.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing has a first entrance and a second entrance for accessing a first workspace and a second workspace, respectively. The housing also includes a first door and a second door for selectively opening and closing the first entrance and the second entrance, respectively.

[0010] The advantage of this type of housing lies in the fact that laser processing can be performed in one of the first and second workspaces, and the workpiece can be loaded and / or removed in the other of the first and second workspaces. Note that the other of the first and second workspaces must be screened.

[0011] Typically, a horizontal cover extending from the bulkhead to the side wall is used to cover the first workspace and the other of the second workspace.

[0012] Furthermore, at least some housings should be considered to provide a partition opening and a closing wall that can be controlled in a closed and open position, respectively, to allow for possible shifting of the laser apparatus between a first and a second workspace. In fact, the opening needs to be open during shifting of the laser apparatus and closed by the closing element during startup of the laser apparatus.

[0013] Even if such housings enable satisfactory operation, several drawbacks related to the closing element can be observed. These drawbacks include the need for a light seal, the time required for opening and closing, potential malfunctions that may determine the stop time, and the need for a sensor to accurately detect the effectiveness of the closing element when it is in the closed position in order to prevent any "light source" from being inadvertently left open. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] Therefore, we in the industry feel the need for further improvements to laser processing machines and / or housings for laser processing machines that can resolve at least one of the known shortcomings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The aforementioned objectives, relating to housings as defined in the independent claims, are achieved by the present invention. Alternative preferred embodiments are protected in their respective dependent claims.

[0016] The aforementioned objective is also achieved by the present invention, as it relates to the machine described in claim 11. Alternative preferred embodiments are protected in each claim, directly or indirectly dependent on claim 11.

[0017] To better understand the present invention, preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, merely as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of the laser processing machine according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2a] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the laser processing machine in two separate working configurations, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2b] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the laser processing machine in two separate working configurations, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3a] Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view of the laser processing machine in the work configuration. [Figure 3b] Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the laser processing machine in the work configuration. [Figure 3c] This is a cross-sectional view of the laser processing machine in an intermediate configuration. [Figure 4] This is a magnified cross-sectional view of the laser processing machine in an intermediate configuration, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 5]It is an enlarged isometric view of a part of the processing machine of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] It is a detailed side view of the part of Figure 5, with parts removed for clarity. Description of Embodiments

[0019] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 generally designates a laser processing machine for processing a workpiece 2 with laser to obtain a processed piece 3.

[0020] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the machine 1 can be configured to perform one or more of the following laser processing processes: cutting, engraving, boring, welding, cropping, butt welding, and other processes.

[0021] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the workpiece 2 can comprise, and in particular can consist of, metallic materials such as, for example, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, titanium alloys and other alloys or any combination thereof.

[0022] The workpiece 2 can have either a complex structure or a simple structure. For example, the workpiece 2 can have a respective (complex) three-dimensional structure or a two-dimensional structure.

[0023] The workpiece 2 can be, for example, an unfinished product such as may be optionally obtained using curvature, printing, hydroforming or other processes.

[0024] For example, the workpiece 2 may be a curved tube, a formed sheet, other types or a combination thereof.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the machine 1 comprises: - a housing 4 which in particular has and / or defines an internal space 5, and -A laser device 6 is located within the housing 4, particularly within the internal space 5, for performing laser processing on the workpiece 2. It is equipped with.

[0026] More specifically, the housing 4 extends along a first axis A, a second axis B perpendicular to the first axis A, and a third axis C perpendicular to both the first axis A and the second axis B. In particular, the first axis A and the third axis C may have a horizontal orientation, and the second axis B may have a vertical orientation.

[0027] Preferably, -The extension of the housing 4 along the first axis A can define the width of the housing 4. -The height of the housing 4 can be defined along the second axis B, - The depth of the housing 4 can be defined along the third axis C.

[0028] The housing 4 is separate and isolated from each other, and comprises a first workspace 7 and a second workspace 8, each configured to receive a workpiece 2.

[0029] The housing 4 further includes a partition wall 9 located in particular in the internal space 5, which separates the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8 from each other. In other words, the partition wall 9 is interposed between the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing 4 includes a covering device 10, particularly located in the internal space 5, configured to selectively cover at least one of the first working space 7 and the second working space 8. In particular, the covering device 10 can be configured to cover one of the first working space 7 and the second working space 8, leaving the other open.

[0031] For example, Figures 2a and 2b show the respective states in which the covering device 10 covers the first working space 7 and the second working space 8, respectively.

[0032] This allows laser processing to be performed in the workspace 7 or 8 that is not covered by the coating device 10, while the operator can remove the processed piece 3 and / or insert a new workpiece 2 in the other workspace 7 or 8 (i.e., the workspace 7 or 8 covered by the coating device 10).

[0033] In particular, the partition wall 9 can define the side walls of the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8, respectively.

[0034] Preferably, the partition wall 9 extends vertically.

[0035] More specifically, the partition wall 9 extends along an axis parallel to the second axis B and another axis parallel to the third axis C. Preferably, the extension of the partition wall 9 along the axis parallel to axis A can define the width of the partition wall 9.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing 4 may include two auxiliary side walls 15, each of which is spaced apart from the partition wall 9, particularly in a direction parallel to the first axis A. In particular, the partition wall 9 may be interposed between the two auxiliary side walls 15 to partially define the boundary between the first work space 7 and the second work space 8.

[0037] More specifically, one auxiliary side wall 15, together with the partition wall 9, can define an extension (i.e., the respective length) of the first working space 7 along an axis parallel to the first axis A, and the other auxiliary side wall 15, together with the partition wall 9, can define an extension (i.e., the respective length) of the second working space 8 along an axis parallel to the first axis A.

[0038] Furthermore, the housing 4 may also include a first auxiliary wall 16 and a second auxiliary wall that cross the bulkhead 9, and in particular contact with the bulkhead 9. Specifically, the first auxiliary wall 16 and the second auxiliary wall are spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the third axis C, and define the boundary between the first working space 7 and the second working space 8 along a direction parallel to the third axis C.

[0039] Preferably, the first auxiliary wall 16 and the second auxiliary wall can face each other.

[0040] Preferably, the first auxiliary wall 16 can be placed within the internal space 5.

[0041] According to some preferred embodiments, the first auxiliary wall 16 and the second auxiliary wall each comprise a first portion and a second portion, which each define a first working space 7 and a second working space 8 in a direction parallel to the third axis C.

[0042] In particular, each first portion and each second portion are interposed between the partition wall 9 and their respective auxiliary side walls and / or extend therefrom.

[0043] Preferably, the housing 4, and in particular the second auxiliary wall, may be provided with a first entrance 17 and a second entrance 18 to the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8, respectively, configured to allow access, for example, to an operator and / or robot.

[0044] More specifically, the first and second portions of the second auxiliary wall may each include a first entrance 17 and a second entrance 18, respectively.

[0045] In particular, the housing 4 may include a closing device configured to selectively open and close a first entrance 17 and a second entrance 18. More specifically, the closing device may include one or more doors, in particular sliding doors, to selectively open and close the first entrance 17 and the second entrance 18. Even more specifically, the closing device may include a first door 19, in particular a sliding door, configured to selectively open and close the first entrance 17, and a second door 20, in particular a sliding door, configured to selectively open and close the second entrance 18.

[0046] Preferably, the closing device can be configured to open the first inlet 17 while the covering device is covering the first working space 7 during use, and / or the closing device can be configured to open the second inlet 18 while the covering device is covering the second working space 8 during use.

[0047] Furthermore, the closing device may be configured to close the first entrance 17 while the first working space 7 is not covered (open) during use, and / or the closing device may be configured to close the second entrance 18 while the second working space 8 is not covered (open) during use.

[0048] Preferably, during use, the closing device closes the first entrance 17 while the laser equipment 6 is performing laser processing in the first workspace 7, and / or closes the second entrance 18 while the laser equipment 6 is performing laser processing in the second workspace 8.

[0049] More specifically, the housing 4 may comprise a front wall 21, a rear wall 22 facing the front wall 21 and spaced apart from the front wall, and two side walls 23 spaced apart from each other and interposed between the front wall 21, the rear wall 22 and the covering wall 24.

[0050] Preferably, the housing 4 may also include a base support 25 facing and spaced apart from the covering wall 24. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the base support 25 may be formed by the respective walls and / or by a portion of the plane of the manufacturing site.

[0051] More specifically, the partition wall 9, the front wall 21, the rear wall 22, and the side walls 23 extend from the base support 25, particularly in a direction parallel to the second axis B, and more specifically, vertically.

[0052] Preferably, the front wall 21 may include a second auxiliary wall, a first entrance 17, and a second entrance 18. In particular, a portion of the front wall 21 may define the second auxiliary wall.

[0053] Preferably, the front wall 21 may also be provided with one or more accommodating spaces for closing devices, particularly for the first door 19 and the second door 20.

[0054] Preferably, each side wall 23 may have its own auxiliary side wall 15. In other words, a portion of each side wall 23 defines its own auxiliary side wall 15.

[0055] Furthermore, the bulkhead 9 may be lateral, and especially perpendicular, to the front wall 21.

[0056] Furthermore, the first auxiliary wall 16 can be interposed between the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22.

[0057] Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 6, the partition wall 9 comprises at least one first end portion 30 configured to contact and / or in contact with the support surface of the base support 25, and a second end portion 31 opposite to the first end portion 30, particularly along a direction parallel to the second axis B.

[0058] In particular, the distance between the first end portion 30 and the second end portion 31 defines the main height of the bulkhead 9.

[0059] Preferably, the first end portion 30 can define the lower part of the partition wall 9, and the second end portion 31 can define the upper part of the partition wall 9.

[0060] In particular, the partition wall 9 extends from the first end portion 30 to the second end portion 31 toward the covering wall 24 and / or along an axis parallel to the second axis B.

[0061] According to the illustrated embodiment, the partition wall 9 may also include a projection 26 that protrudes from the second end portion 31 toward the covering wall 24. Preferably, the projection 26 is in contact with the second auxiliary wall and / or front wall 21.

[0062] In particular, the extension of the second end portion 31 that is not in contact with the protruding portion 26 is at least five times, preferably at least ten times, larger than the extension of the portion of the second end portion to which the protruding portion 26 extends.

[0063] The coating device 10 is -A first cover 32 and a second cover 33, wherein the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are configured to cover a first workspace 7 and a second workspace 8, and / or are controllable in at least an active configuration covering them, - A guide system 34 configured to guide the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 so that when the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are in their respective active configurations, each cover has at least a main portion 35 and an auxiliary portion 36 extending from each main portion 35, It is equipped with.

[0064] Alternatively, the covering device 10 may comprise only a cover controllable in a first active configuration and a second active configuration. When such a cover is in the first active configuration and the second active configuration, the cover covers a first working space 7 and a second working space 8, respectively. Independently, when the cover is in the first active configuration and the second active configuration, the cover comprises a main portion 35 and an auxiliary portion 36, respectively.

[0065] The guide system 34 is configured such that the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are in an active configuration, and each auxiliary portion 36 is inclined across and / or with respect to the respective main portion 35, and extends from each main portion 35 toward and / or to the bulkhead 9, in particular toward and / or to the second end portion 31.

[0066] Preferably, each auxiliary portion 36 is not perpendicular to its respective main portion 35.

[0067] Preferably, each auxiliary portion 36 and each main portion 35 can define an obtuse angle.

[0068] In particular, the active configuration of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 allows their respective auxiliary portions 36 to come into contact with the partition wall 9, especially the second end portion 31.

[0069] Preferably, the guide system 34 can be configured such that the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are in an active configuration, and their respective main portions 35 are positioned at a first height level above the second height level of the partition wall 9, particularly the second end portion 31.

[0070] In other words, the guide system 34 is configured such that the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are in an active configuration, and that the main parts 35 of each are positioned above the bulkhead 9 of the second end part 31 in particular.

[0071] In this way, each auxiliary section 36 is ensured to shield and close the connection between the first work space 7 and the second work space 8 in the area of ​​the partition wall 9, particularly in the area of ​​the second end section 31. Furthermore, each auxiliary section 36, together with its respective main section 35, is ensured to shield and close either the first work space 7 or the second work space 8.

[0072] It should be noted that the terms “shield and closed,” “shielded and closed,” and “to be shielded and closed” indicate that the closure prevents light rays from entering or leaving the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8, and from entering or leaving the first cover 32 and the second cover 33, respectively.

[0073] Preferably, each main portion 35 has a (substantially) horizontal orientation and / or each main portion 35 is (substantially) parallel to the base support 25.

[0074] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 may be controllable in their respective standby configurations, where the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are configured to open up the first workspace 7 and / or the second workspace 8.

[0075] In particular, the housing 4 is configured to control one of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 in its active configuration, while controlling the other of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 in its standby configuration. Furthermore, the housing 4 can also be configured to control the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 simultaneously in their respective active or standby configurations.

[0076] More specifically, each of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 may have multiple elongated elements, particularly along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the extension of the elongated elements along the longitudinal axis can define the length of the elongated elements. More specifically, it should be noted that the length of each elongated element may be greater than its respective thickness and width, and the thickness and width may be determined with respect to their respective axes perpendicular to each other.

[0077] According to some non-limiting embodiments, elongated elements can be connected to one another in a manner that is movable and / or flexible. Preferably, the elongated elements are hinged to one another. For example, the elongated elements can define a roller blind or a rolling shutter.

[0078] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each elongated element can be made in the shape of a stick, panel, slat, flat profile, table, etc.

[0079] Preferably, multiple elongated elements are aligned with one another to define a blind cover when each of the first covers 32 or each of the second covers 33 is controlled in their respective active configurations. In other words, multiple elongated elements are aligned with one another to obtain a light-shielding, closed cover (light cannot pass through the cover).

[0080] According to some non-limiting embodiments, multiple elongated elements are at least partially rollable.

[0081] Referring particularly to Figures 5 and 6, the guide system 34 is: -When the first cover 32 is in an active configuration, a first group of tracks 37 guides the first cover 32 so that it has at least its main portion 35 and its auxiliary portion 36, -When the second cover 33 is in an active configuration, a second set of tracks 38 for guiding the second cover 33 so that it has at least its main portion 35 and its auxiliary portion 36, It can be equipped with.

[0082] Alternatively, if the housing 4 has a single cover, the guide system 34 includes a group of tracks 37 that allows the cover to be selectively positioned over a first workspace 7 or a second workspace 8.

[0083] More specifically, each of the first track group 37 and the second track group 38 may comprise a first track 39 and a second track 40 spaced apart from each other along their respective axes E parallel to the third axis C.

[0084] Furthermore, each first track 39 and each second track 40 may comprise a first portion 41 and / or a second portion 42.

[0085] In particular, the first portion 41 may be manufactured and / or configured to support and / or define each main portion 35, and / or the second portion 42 may be configured to support and / or define each auxiliary portion 36.

[0086] Furthermore, each second portion 42 can be connected to its respective first portion 41 and can extend from the first portion to the second end portion 31.

[0087] In particular, each second portion 42 can be tilted relative to each first portion 41.

[0088] Preferably, each first portion 41 can extend along a (substantially) longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis A. More preferably, each first portion 41 can be oriented horizontally.

[0089] More specifically, each first portion 41 can be (substantially) positioned in an area of ​​a first height level, and / or the positioning of each first portion 41 can define a first height level. Furthermore, each second portion 42 can (substantially) extend from the first height level to the second height level.

[0090] In particular, the first portion 41, and especially the second portion 42, can also be positioned above the bulkhead 9 and / or the second end portion 31.

[0091] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 4 may also include a first housing device 43 and a second housing device 44 for housing the first cover 32 and the second cover 33, respectively, when controlled in their respective standby configurations.

[0092] Preferably, the first housing device 43 can be located in the first lateral region of the housing 4, particularly the internal space 5, and the second housing device 44 can be located in the second lateral region of the housing 4, particularly the internal space 5, opposite the second lateral region.

[0093] More specifically, the first housing device 43 and the second housing device 44 can be spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the first axis A.

[0094] Furthermore, the first storage device 43 and the second storage device 44 can be positioned above the first work space 7 and the second work space 8, respectively.

[0095] Alternatively, the first storage device 43 and the second storage device 44 can be located at least partially or completely in the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8, respectively.

[0096] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 4 may also include an actuator 45 configured to selectively control the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 between an active configuration and a standby configuration.

[0097] In particular, the actuator 45 can be configured to control one of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 in the active configuration, and to control the other of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 in the standby configuration.

[0098] More specifically, the actuator 45 is, - To control the first cover 32 between each active configuration and each standby configuration, a first actuator 46, in particular a first motor, is operably associated with the first cover 32, - To control the second cover 33 between each active configuration and each standby configuration, a second actuator 47, in particular a second motor, is operably associated with the second cover 33. It can be equipped with.

[0099] In particular, during use, while controlling the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 from standby configuration to active configuration, the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 move toward the second end portion 31 from the first housing device 43 and the second housing device 44, respectively, until contact is established between their respective auxiliary portions 36 and the second end portion 31.

[0100] Furthermore, during use, while controlling the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 from the active configuration to the standby configuration, the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 move away from the second end portion 31 toward and into the first housing device 43 and the second housing device 44, respectively.

[0101] Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 4, the laser device 6 may comprise one or more laser devices, and in certain cases, a laser device 50 is shown.

[0102] The laser device 6 may also include a support structure 51, which is located in the internal space 5 in particular, and which supports the laser device 50 in a movable manner.

[0103] More specifically, the support structure 51 may comprise a fixed structure 52 and a movable structure 53 that supports the laser device 50 and is movably coupled to the fixed structure 52. In particular, the movable structure 53 may be movable along a path, especially a straight path.

[0104] Furthermore, the support structure 51 may be equipped with actuators for moving the movable structure 53 along the path.

[0105] More specifically, the laser device 50 is coupled to a movable structure 53 to perform angular motion around one or more axes of rotation and translation along each axis that is (substantially) parallel to the second axis B (in order to selectively move the laser device 50 closer to or further away from the workpiece 2).

[0106] The movable structure 53 allows the laser device 50 to be selectively positioned in the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8.

[0107] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the laser processing machine 1 may also have two work tables 54, one located in a first work space 7 and the other in a second work space 8. Each work table 54 is configured to support a workpiece 2 (then a processed piece 3).

[0108] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the laser device 50 can be positioned in a neutral region, particularly above the partition wall 9. In particular, during use, the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 can be controlled simultaneously in their respective active or standby configurations while the laser device 50 is in the neutral region.

[0109] The laser processing machine 1 may further be equipped with a human-machine interface 55.

[0110] During use, the processing machine 1 laser-processes the workpiece 2 to obtain a processed piece 3.

[0111] In particular, workpiece 2 is placed in the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8.

[0112] In order to perform the processing, the laser device 50 must be placed in the first workspace 7 or the second workspace 8.

[0113] For example (see Figures 2b and 3c), the covering device 10 covers the first workspace 7 by controlling each of the first covers 32, particularly in the active configuration, and the laser equipment 6, particularly the laser device 50, performs laser processing of the workpiece 2 located in the second workspace 8 while the second cover 33 is in its respective standby configuration. Furthermore, a closing device, particularly the second door 20, closes the second entrance 18. Advantageously, during laser processing of the workpiece 2 located in the second workspace 8, it is possible, for example, by an operator or robot, to remove the processed piece 3 from the first workspace 7 and / or place a new workpiece 2 in the first workspace 7.

[0114] In other examples that can be performed before or after the examples in Figures 2b and 3c (see Figures 2a and 3a), the covering device 10 covers the second workspace 8 by controlling each second cover 33, particularly in the active configuration, while the laser equipment 6, particularly the laser device 50, performs laser processing of the workpiece 2 located in the first workspace 7 while the first cover 32 is in its respective standby configuration. In this case, a closing device, particularly the first door 19, closes the first entrance 17. According to this example, during laser processing of the workpiece 2 located in the first workspace 7, it is possible, for example, by an operator or robot, to remove the processed piece 3 from the second workspace 8 and / or place a new workpiece 2 in the second workspace 8.

[0115] In order to perform laser processing in the first workspace 7 and the second workspace 8, it is necessary to move the laser device 50 from the first workspace 7 to the second workspace 8, or from the second workspace 8 to the first workspace 7. For this reason, when performing laser processing in the second workspace 8 or the first workspace 7, it is necessary to control the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 from the active configuration to the standby configuration, respectively.

[0116] During or after the transfer of the laser device 50 from the first workspace 7 to the second workspace 8, or vice versa, the first cover 32 or the second cover 33 can be controlled from a standby configuration to an active configuration, respectively.

[0117] It should be noted that the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 can also be controlled simultaneously in their respective active and standby configurations. Preferably, when the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are controlled in their respective active and standby configurations, the first door 19 and the second door 20 are also controlled to open and close the first entrance 17 and the second entrance 18, respectively.

[0118] For example (see, for example, Figure 3b), while the laser device 50 is positioned in the neutral region, it is possible to control both the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 in their respective active configurations. Preferably, when the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 are simultaneously in their respective active configurations or their respective standby configurations, the closing device opens and closes the first inlet 17 and the second inlet 18 simultaneously.

[0119] It should be noted that in this way, machining can be performed first in one of the first working space 7 and the second working space 8, then the machined piece 3 can be removed in the other, and a new workpiece 2 can be loaded after machining in the first working space 7 and the second working space 8.

[0120] More specifically, during the control of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 from an active configuration to a standby configuration, or from a standby configuration to an active configuration, the first track group 37 and the second track group 38 guide the movement of the first cover 32 and the second cover 33, respectively.

[0121] During the transition from standby configuration to active configuration, the respective main parts 35 and the respective auxiliary parts 36 are obtained.

[0122] By examining the characteristics of the processing machine 1 and / or housing 4 according to the present invention, the advantages that enable them to be obtained become clear.

[0123] The first advantage is that the laser device 50 can be placed in a neutral area, so that it can be placed in the first workspace 7 or the second workspace 8, depending on whether the first workspace 7 or the second workspace 8 is prepared first.

[0124] Another advantage is that the first cover 32 and the second cover 33 can be controlled independently of each other without interfering with the laser device 50.

[0125] Another advantage is that the covering device 10 makes it possible to reduce the time required to position the laser device 50 from the first workspace 7 to the second workspace 8, or vice versa. This is possible because it eliminates the need to operate time-consuming closing elements, and only requires operating the first cover 32 and the second cover 33. Furthermore, it is not necessary to position the laser device 50 in front of the opening opened by the closing elements.

[0126] Another advantage lies in the fact that the closing element, which proved to be a critically reliable component, has been eliminated.

[0127] Furthermore, closure elements are expensive, and eliminating them can lead to a more cost-effective solution.

[0128] Finally, it is clear that modifications and alterations can be made to the described and illustrated machine 1 and / or housing 4, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0129] According to some alternative embodiments, each auxiliary portion 36 is substantially perpendicular to the main portion 35. Furthermore, the first cover 32 or the second cover 33 may include further portions connected to the auxiliary portions 36 and configured to extend toward and / or to the partition wall 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 1 Laser processing machine, 2 Workpiece, 3 Processed piece, 4 Housing, 5 Internal space, 6 Laser equipment, 7 First workspace, 8 Second workspace, 9 Partition wall, 10 Covering device, 15 Auxiliary side wall, 16 First auxiliary wall, 17 First entrance, 18 Second entrance, 19 First door, 20 Second door, 21 Front wall, 22 Rear wall, 23 Side wall, 24 Covering wall, 25 Base support, 26 Projecting part, 30 First end part, 31 Second end part, 32 First cover, 33 Second cover, 34 Guide system, 35 Main part, 36 Auxiliary part, 37 First track group, 38 Second track group, 39 First track, 40 Second track, 41 First section, 42 Second section, 43 First housing device, 44 Second housing device, 45 Actuator, 46 First actuator, 47 Second actuator, 50 Laser device, A First axis, B Second axis, C Third axis

Claims

1. A housing (4) for a laser processing machine (1) for processing a workpiece (2), particularly a metal workpiece, The housing (4) is - A partition wall (9) separating the first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8), - A covering device (10) configured to selectively cover at least one of the first working space (7) and the second working space (8), - The first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8) are configured to receive the workpiece (2), The coating device (10) comprises at least, - A cover (32; 33) that is controllable in at least an active configuration, wherein in the active configuration, the cover (32; 33) is configured to cover one of the first working space (7) and the second working space (8), - A guide system (34) configured to guide the cover (32;33) such that when the cover (32;33) is in the active configuration, the cover (32;33) comprises at least a main portion (35) and an auxiliary portion (36) extending from the main portion (35). Equipped with, The auxiliary portion (36) is inclined with respect to the main portion (35) and extends from the main portion (35) toward and / or to the partition wall (9), the housing (4).

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the guide system (34) is configured such that the main portion (35) is positioned above the partition wall (9).

3. The partition wall (9) comprises at least a first end portion (30) configured to contact and / or in contact with the support surface, and a second end portion (31) opposite to the first end portion (30), The housing according to claim 1, wherein the guide system (34) is configured such that the main portion (35) is positioned above the second end portion (31), and / or the main portion (35) is positioned at a first height level above the second height level of the second end portion (31).

4. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the cover (32; 33) comprises a plurality of elongated elements connected to one another in a particularly movable and / or flexible manner.

5. The guide system (34) comprises at least one group of tracks (37; 38) configured to guide the cover (32; 33), The partition wall (9) extends along the first axis (B) from the first end portion (30) to the second end portion (31), The partition wall (9) also extends along a second axis (C) that traverses the first axis (B) and is particularly perpendicular to the first axis (B), The track group (37; 38) comprises at least a first track (39) and a second track (40) spaced apart from each other along an axis parallel to the second axis (C), Each of the first track (39) and the second track (40) comprises a first part (41) and a second part (42), The first portion (41) is configured to support and / or define the main portion (35), and the second portion (42) is configured to support and / or define the auxiliary portion (36), The housing according to claim 1, wherein each of the second portions (42) is connected to each of the first portions (41) and extends from the first portion to the second end portion (31).

6. The coating device (10) is - A first cover (32) configured to selectively cover the first working space (7) when in each of the above active configurations, - A second cover (33) configured to selectively cover the second workspace (8) when in each of the aforementioned active configurations, Equipped with, The aforementioned guide system (34) is - A first group of tracks (37) for guiding the first cover (32) such that when the first cover (32) is in the active configuration, it has at least each of the main parts (35) and each of the auxiliary parts (36), - A second group of tracks (38) for guiding the second cover (33) such that when the second cover (33) is in the active configuration, it has at least each of the main parts (35) and each of the auxiliary parts (36), The housing according to claim 1, comprising:

7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein each of the first cover (32) and the second cover (33) is controllable in their respective standby configurations, which are configured to release the first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8), respectively.

8. When controlled in each of the aforementioned standby configurations, the system further comprises a first housing device (43) and a second housing device (44) for housing the first cover (32) and the second cover (33), respectively. In particular, the housing according to claim 7, wherein the first housing device (43) is located in a first lateral region of the housing (4), and the second housing device (44) is located in a second lateral region of the housing (4) opposite to the first lateral region.

9. - A first entrance (17) that allows access to the first workspace (7), - A second entrance (18) that allows access to the second workspace (8), - Closing devices (19; 20) configured to selectively open and close the first inlet (17) and the second inlet (18) and Equipped with, The closing devices (19; 20) are configured to open the first entrance (17) while the covering device (10) is covering the first working space (7) during use, and / or The housing according to claim 1, wherein the closing device (19; 20) is configured to open the second entrance (18) while the covering device (10) is covering the second working space (8) during use.

10. A laser processing machine (1) for processing a workpiece (2), particularly a metal workpiece, - The housing (4) described in claim 1, - At least one laser device (6) configured to perform laser processing in the first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8), A laser processing machine (1) equipped with the following features.

11. The laser processing machine according to claim 10, wherein the laser device (6) is configured to perform laser processing in the first working space (7) and the second working space (8) while the covering device (10) covers the second working space (8) and the first working space (7), respectively.

12. The laser processing machine according to claim 10, wherein the laser equipment (6) comprises at least one laser device (50) that can be selectively positioned in the first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8) in order to perform laser processing in the first workspace (7) and the second workspace (8), respectively.

Images