Patent ID: 7141758
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A machine tool installation for laser cutting of sheet workpices comprising: (a) a workpiece support; (b) an elongated machine frame of generally C-shaped configuration providing an arm extending over said workpiece support and having portion extending beyond the ends of said workpiece support to provide loading and unloading stations; (c) a track on the lower surface of said arm and extending longitudinally of said frame; (d) a motion unit suspended from said track and mounted for movement therealong and having its outer end located adjacent the outer side of said workpiece support, said motion unit being supported on said track adjacent its center to increase its stiffness, said motion unit including means engageable with transport means to transport workpieces from the loading station onto said workpiece support and machined workpieces from said workpiece support to the unloading station; (e) drive means for moving said motion unit bidirectionally along said track; (f) a laser cutting unit mounted on the lower surface of said motion unit and including a laser cutting head movable on said motion unit in an axis perpendicular to said machine frame arm, said cutting head being readily accessible in said cutting unit for servicing and replacement, said motion unit having guides on its lower surface extending perpendicularly to said machine frame arm, said laser cutting unit being movably mounted on said motion unit guides; (g) drive means for moving said laser cutting unit along said motion unit, said laser cutting unit being movable on said motion unit to said one end of said motion unit on the outer side of the workpiece support for facile servicing thereof by an operator; and (h) a controller operable to control movement of said motion unit along said track to effect motion of said motion unit and of said laser cutting head relative to a workpiece on said workpiece support to produce cut parts, and to position said laser cutting unit at said one end of said motion unit adjacent said outer side of said workpiece support for servicing, said laser cutting head being readily removable from said cutting unit by an operator standing in front of the machine tool installation at such outer side of said workpiece support to facilitate servicing and replacement of said cutting head.