Patent ID: 6766117
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: B23K,G02B

Abstract:
A network system for laser processing, comprising:at least a first and a second laser device, each of which has: a laser radiation source, at least one output for laser radiation, a shutter switch disposed between the respective output and the laser radiation source, and a laser controller; and at least one workstation with at least one laser processing head, wherein: a first light guide is provided and led from the output of the first laser device to a first optical connection element associated with the workstation; a first communication connection element, coupled to the laser controller of the first laser device via a first communication line, is locally associated with the first optical connection element; a second light guide is provided and led from the output of the second laser device to a second optical connection element associated with the workstation; a second communication connection element, coupled to the laser controller of the second laser device via a second communication line, is locally associated with the second optical connection element; the laser processing head is connectable to the first or second optical connection element by means of a mating optical connection part; a safety circuit, connectable to the first or second communication connection element via a mating communication connection part, is associated with the workstation; a mechanical blocking device is provided to allow only the mating optical connection part and the mating communication connection part to be connected to the first or second optical connection element and the respectively associated first or second communication connection element; and each laser controller blocks a closing of the shutter switch of the corresponding laser device if the safety circuit is not connected to the respective communication connection element, and releases the shutter switch only if the safety circuit of the workstation is connected to the communication connection element connected to the respective laser controller and is not itself emitting a stop signal.