Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for supporting sheet-like materials for at least one separating process in the sheet-like materials, with at least one jet cutter device which may be displaced in the Y-direction during a separation process, with a first and second support surface together forming a support table for supporting the sheet-like material and with a jet trapping device, arranged between the first and second support surfaces and provided to be able to be displaced in the X-direction. The first and the second support surfaces are made from a flexible material forming part of at least one enclosed chamber, filled with a gas under pressure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2005/009550, filed on Sep. 6, 2005. The contents of this priority application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a device for supporting plate-like materials for at least one separating process in the plate-like material, having a cutting beam arrangement, movable at least in the Y direction during the separating process, of a processing machine, according to the preamble of claim  1 . 
     BACKGROUND 
     JP 4-91884 discloses a laser processing machine which comprises a device for supporting plate-like materials for at least one separating process in the plate-like material. The plate-like material is processed by a cutting beam arrangement. The plate-like material rests on a supporting table which comprises a first and a second supporting surface, between which a beam-catching device is provided. A cutting beam discharging downward during the processing of the plate-like material is received by the beam-catching device, such that the band-shaped material which is used for forming the first and the second supporting surface is not damaged. In this device, a housing is moved relative to fixed deflection axes of the band-shaped material via an electric motor, as a result of which the supporting surfaces are variable in size, such that the entire region of the plate-like material is available for processing by the cutting beam arrangement, and the beam-catching device is positioned below a cutting head of the cutting beam arrangement. 
     This device is designed for small and light sizes of the plate-like material. In addition, tilting or impairment of the position of the plate-like material may occur on account of a deflection of the band-shaped supporting surface. 
     JP 2000-153427 has disclosed a laser processing machine which has a device for supporting plate-like materials for at least one separating process in the plate-like material, in which device the first and the second supporting surface are formed by tubes which are arranged in parallel next to one another and are connected at their respective outer sides to a chain. Although such a device permits stiffening of the supporting surface, as viewed in the longitudinal axis of the tubes, for supporting heavy workpieces of large area, there is likewise the disadvantage that, in the traverse direction of a beam-catching device arranged between the supporting surfaces, a deflection of the supporting surface may occur. As a result, the processing point may be adversely affected. 
     Furthermore, WO 03/016004 A1 discloses a device for mounting planar material for at least one separating process in the plate-like material by means of a cutting beam arrangement. This device has a chain link belt which is carried by telescopic arms which determine the size of the first and the second supporting surface as a function of their stroke movement. Due to the configuration of horizontally extending telescopic arms, this device is restricted in the maximum load bearing capacity and in the size of the supporting surface. In addition, an arrangement and incorporation of a beam-catching device is not provided. 
     The devices according to JP 2000-153427 and WO 03/016004 A1 both have the disadvantage that the supporting surface is not completely closed due to the formation of chain links. As a result, there is the risk of good parts and remnants becoming caught on the supporting surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure features a device for supporting plate-like materials for at least one separating process in the plate-like material, which enables the configuration of a large-area supporting table consisting of two supporting surfaces and a beam-catching device arranged in between in a traversable manner. 
     The configuration of at least one closed space having a flexible material which forms the first and the second supporting table and is a component part of the closed space, which is filled with a gaseous medium under pressure, makes it possible for sagging or deflection of the first and the second supporting surface on account of an internal pressure acting in at least one closed space to be countered. This enables very large supporting surfaces for also supporting heavy workpieces or plate-like materials. At the same time, it is ensured that the plate-like material, during the traverse of the beam-catching device, as a result of which the size of the first supporting surface changes relative to the second supporting surface, retains its orientation of the supporting plane, such that there are uniform conditions during the processing. As a result, the quality of the cutting gap and the precision in the production of good parts are increased. 
     According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the flexible material to be designed as a band whose outer marginal region closes a basic housing, open at the top, for building up an internal pressure. The basic housing and the flexible material form the closed space, it additionally being possible for a lid to be provided on the basic housing. This provides for a simple design. The flexible material can be pressed by the internal pressure against the supported plate-like material and can form full-surface support. 
     Provision is preferably made for an internal pressure in the closed space to be detectable by a pressure-measuring instrument, and in particular for pressure regulation for setting the internal pressure at least as a function of the plate-like material and of the thickness of the latter to be provided. As a result, adaptation to different processing tasks and changing working conditions, such as temperature changes for example, for the plane-parallel bearing of the plate-like material on the supporting surfaces is possible. Due to the pressure regulation, which comprises at least a controller and a pressure-measuring instrument, equilibrium between supported load and internal pressure can be created in order to permit the plane-parallel bearing. 
     To traverse the beam-catching device arranged between the first and the second supporting surface, provision is preferably made for the flexible material arranged statically relative to the basic housing to be passed through and deflected below the beam-catching device. As a result, a type of advancing wave is produced during the traverse of the beam-catching device, in the course of which the flexible material forming the supporting surfaces remains at rest. The beam-catching device follows up the cutting head in the X direction or is coupled to its drive. The flexible material is preferably passed through a gap which is formed at least in sections relative to the beam-catching device and which is formed by a forming element or by deflection rollers and forms a deflection region. This can provide for defined guidance or positive deflection of the flexible material. 
     Furthermore, provision is preferably made for low-friction elements to be provided between the forming element and the flexible material and/or between an outer contour of the beam-catching device and the deflected flexible material and/or between an end face of the beam-catching device and a plate-like material resting on the supporting surface. These low-friction elements may be designed as free-running or driven roller elements, brush elements, sliding materials, sliding coatings or as an air film bed. This makes it possible for the beam-catching device to be movable with reduced friction and for the plate-like material to retain its position, assumed once, on the supporting table. 
     Provision is preferably made for the housing of the beam-catching device to have a bell-shaped outer contour, thereby enabling a soft wave of the flexible material to be formed during the deflection, thereby providing for smooth-running displaceability of the beam-catching device relative to the flexible material. 
     A multi-piece basic housing which forms together with the flexible material a closed space is preferably provided, the multi-piece basic housing comprising a static seal at the interfaces. As a result, the basic housing can be protected against pressure loss. A welded, adhesively bonded or clamped construction is preferably provided. Grooves having a rubber seal, foam rubber seal or cord seals or the like may likewise be provided. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the end faces of the flexible material to be fastened to the housing under pretension, preferably by a tensioning device. This provides for setting of the band tension as a function of different temperatures. In addition, the device can be adapted to the weight of the plate-like material or workpiece. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for a lateral seal of the longitudinal edges, running in the X and/or Y direction, of the flexible material to be provided by a seal which is detachably arranged on the basic housing and which is formed preferably by magnetic retention, in particular with flocking and/or a foam rubber, a hook and loop fastener material (e.g., a strip of Velcro® fastener material), vacuum suction or mechanical clamping. The flexible material is held relative to the housing by a lid which extends at least slightly in the direction of the supporting surface. The lid is preferably designed as a frame with respect to the supporting surfaces. This lid is, for example, of magnetic design in the marginal region, such that the flexible material, which in a preferred embodiment comprises at least one magnetic component part, bears against and is held on an underside of the lid. In addition, the flexible material is pressed against the underside by the internal pressure. As a result, a detachable seal can be effected. At the same time, this seal can be inserted adjacent to the tensioning device and seal off the respective end faces. 
     Alternatively, the lateral seal may be provided by a hook-and-loop tape. Furthermore, vacuum suction which positions the flexible band in a detachable manner relative to the underside of the lid may be arranged in the lid. Mechanical clamping which is actuated in regions by actuators in order to realize a detachable arrangement may likewise be provided. In addition, sealing elements, such as, for example, flocking, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sealing strips (e.g., of Teflon® fluoropolymer resin), rubber or foam rubber, may be provided between the lid and the marginal region, bearing against the underside, of the flexible material. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the flexible material to comprise, in the deflection region, a dynamic seal which is preferably formed by a flock bed, a sliding sealing means, such as a PTFE sliding seal for example, or graphite elements. This dynamic seal is likewise formed in the lateral marginal region, for example by means of a flocked gap which is formed by the guide element relative to the housing of the beam-catching device. This provides for a virtually gapless transition from the lateral seal of the flexible band at the underside of a lid to the dynamic seal in the deflection region. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, a drive unit is provided in the closed space, said drive unit acting on the beam-catching device or a component arranged thereon. As a result, a compact device can be provided which accommodates all the components within a basic housing for forming the closed space. 
     Alternatively, provision may be made for at least one drive and/or guide element which acts on the beam-catching device or a component arranged thereon to be led out of the closed space and to be connected to a drive motor provided outside the closed space. This embodiment permits at least a simple exchange of the drive motors. Furthermore, provision may alternatively be made for it to be possible to provide a non-contact force transmission, for example by means of a magnetic coupling. As a result, overload protection is provided at the same time. 
     According to a further alternative configuration of the invention, provision is made for a lateral rolling band seal which in particular closes off a lateral guide gap for the traverse of the beam-catching device to be provided. Such a rolling band seal enables a plate, a bar or the like to be led out, by means of which the beam-catching device can be moved back and forth. Sealing of the guide gap is effected by means of the rolling band seal, which in particular is guided in a flock bed. 
     According to a further preferred configuration of the invention, provision is made for cooling of the supporting surfaces to be provided, in particular by gas circulation, spray cooling, water flooding or at least by cooling elements arranged on the beam-catching device and moved along with the latter. As a result, the heat transferred during the processing to the flexible material via the workpiece or plate-like material can be dissipated in order to minimize or avoid expansions of or damage to the flexible material by thermal influences. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the lid of the basic housing to have an opening which is designed for supporting the workpiece. In external dimensions, the plate-like material corresponds to the opening of the lid, such that said material is accommodated in a secured position during the processing. Additional retaining elements may preferably be provided in order to secure the plate-like material in a predetermined position. 
     According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the first and the second supporting surface to be formed from a common flexible material and for them to form a closed space as an air cushion. This closed space is closed off in a media-tight manner. Due to the configuration of such an air cushion, which is very pliant per se on account of the flexible material, the surface conforms completely to the plate-like material. As a result, very good damping can be effected, such that vibrations are not excited in the plate-like material. At the same time, this configuration makes possible independent leveling of the supported plate-like material in a plane perpendicular to the cutting beam. 
     Provision is preferably made for a flexible insulating fabric to be provided as an air cushion on the closed space formed from flexible material. This preferred insulating fabric protects the flexible material from damage and pronounced heating. This insulating fabric is preferably interchangeable, such that a new insulating fabric can be used after a certain operating period. As soon as a traverse of the beam-catching device is effected after the incorporation of a cutting gap, high temperatures can act on the closed space on account of the energy absorption in the marginal region of the cutting gap, said high temperatures being screened relative to the air cushion by the insulating fabric. At the same time, the flexible insulating fabric provides protection from possible sharp edges, burrs and/or adhering slag parts on produced good parts and remnants. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the closed space designed as an air cushion, provision is made for spacers, which are preferably designed as retaining members, bands or cords, to be provided between the supporting surface and an underside of the closed space. This can ensure that the supporting surface is held essentially parallel to the underside along a large surface. In addition, it is ensured that expansion into the free marginal regions is prevented if the supporting surfaces are not completely covered by the planar material. 
     According to a further alternative configuration, provision is made for one or more spacers, at least in regions along the supporting surface, to be capable of being reduced in distance from the supporting surface or the underside. For example, given appropriate selection of the spacers, this enables a supporting surface to assume a wavelike contour. This produces clearance spaces between the supported plate-like material and the closed space, such that a loading and unloading unit, such as a rake for example, can reach underneath the plate-like material, as a result of which automatic loading and unloading of the plate-like material is made possible. 
     A beam-catching device is provided between the first and the second supporting surface, the opening of which beam-catching device, for receiving the downwardly discharging beam during the processing of the plate-like material, lies essentially in the plane of the supporting surfaces, and the housing extends toward the closed space and is surrounded by the flexible insulating fabric. As a result, the beam-catching device is virtually embedded in the air cushion. The insulating fabric between the beam-catching device and the air cushion ensures that the air cushion is not damaged by heat. 
     Provision is preferably made for a compensating element to be provided opposite the beam-catching device on the underside of the closed space designed as an air cushion, said compensating element corresponding to the beam-catching device. This compensating element is preferably coupled to the beam-catching device, such that the length of the air cushion surface on the top side and underside of the air cushion is the same size and the fastenings of the spacers at the tcp and the bottom are preferably opposite one another. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for a transport device to be provided for displacing the flexible material during the traverse of the beam-catching device, by means of which transport device the beam-catching device can be moved relative to the static closed space. This makes possible a movement of the beam-catching device in the X direction in a simple manner. 
     The transport device is preferably designed as a circulating, in particular driven, band, by roller or ball bearings, or as a roller or bead mat. This transport device, which is provided on the beam-catching device, permits an independent movement of the beam-catching device in the air cushion. As a result, the individual sections of the flexible material can be passed through beneath the beam-catching device in a protective manner, the beam-catching device, during the traverse movement, remaining embedded completely in the closed space designed as an air cushion. The compensating element is preferably coupled to the beam-catching device. Transport devices may likewise be provided in this compensating element. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for sliding elements, which are preferably provided with a sliding coating or are acted upon by compressed air for forming an air film, to be provided between the sections of the transport device which run in opposite directions, said transport device at least partly surrounding the beam-catching device. This enables the friction to be reduced and therefore enables the smooth running and traverse speed to be increased. 
     The sliding elements can preferably extend right into the supporting plane of the plate-like material and bear against the underside of the plate-like material. As a result, the friction during the movement of the beam-catching device can be reduced. These sliding elements may in particular have air nozzles or a sliding coating and also drive rollers. 
     The flexible insulating fabric is provided such as to be displaceable in the opposite closed space. As a result, additional transport of the plate-like material can be provided. 
     According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the first and the second supporting surface to each be formed by a space closed as an air cushion. As a result, the air cushion is of two-piece design, such that separate activation is made possible for each supporting surface. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the first and the second supporting surface to each be covered by a flexible insulating fabric. This can achieve the advantage that the flexible insulating fabrics of the first and the second supporting surface can be moved separately from one another relative to the respective air cushion. As a result, the degree of automation can be increased by, for example, a flexible insulating band being moved out into a loading or unloading position in order to accommodate a planar material, which is then transferred via the flexible insulating fabric into a working position relative to the cutting head. 
     According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, provision is made for the first and the second air cushion to each comprise an air cushion store which is preferably provided on both sides of the beam-catching device. Adaptation of the size of the first and the second supporting surface as a function of the displacement position of the beam-catching device can be provided by such air cushion stores. At the same time, a flat supporting surface of the supporting table for the plate-like material can be maintained in an intended plane. 
     The air cushion unit preferably has at least one deflection unit and in particular a winding unit for the flexible insulating fabric. As a result, reliable accommodation of the plate-like material in the region of an opening of the beam-catching device can be provided. At the same time, the flexible insulating fabric can be provided as a transport device for the plate-like material. In particular, tension in the flexible insulating fabric can be maintained by the winding unit. 
     An extension of the flexible insulating fabric is preferably used as a transport band at least at one end of the first or second supporting surface in order to be usable in addition to the shortening of the spacers for the loading and unloading of the plate-like material. 
     The first and the second air cushions are preferably connected to one another by a connecting line. This can automatically provide for pressure compensation during the change in the size of the supporting surface and thus in the volume of the air cushion. 
     The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments of the same are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features to be gathered from the description and the drawings can be used according to the invention individually on their own or in any desired combination. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with respect to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematically enlarged sectional illustration of a laterally arranged, detachable seal of the device according to the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic sectional illustration of a dynamic seal in the deflection region of the device according to the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic partial view of a guide element, arranged on the beam-catching device, for forming a dynamic seal according to  FIG. 4 , 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic sectional illustration of a lateral rolling band seal for the traversable arrangement of the beam-catching device, 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of the rolling band seal according to  FIG. 6 , 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention with respect to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic sectional illustration of an alternative embodiment according to the invention with respect to the device according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIGS. 10   a - c  show schematic side views of transport devices for the beam-catching device of the alternative embodiment according to  FIG. 9 , 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic partial section of the device according to  FIG. 9  in a further working position, and 
         FIG. 12  shows a schematic side view of a further alternative embodiment of the device according to  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A device  11  for supporting a workpiece or plate-like material  12  is shown in perspective in  FIG. 1 . The device  11  comprises a supporting table  14  which is formed from a first and a second supporting surface  16 ,  17 . The device  11  is part of a machine bed (not shown in any more detail) or forms a machine bed of a processing machine  21 , in particular of a laser cutting machine or flame cutting machine. To process a plate-like material  12  on the supporting table  14 , a cutting beam  24  is directed onto the plate-like material  12  via a cutting head  22 . The cutting beam  24  discharges on an underside of the workpiece  12  and enters a housing  27  of a beam-catching device  19  via a line-like opening  26 . The beam-catching device  19 , which is traversable in the X direction, is provided between the first and the second supporting surface  16 ,  17 . For the processing of the entire plate-like material  12 , the cutting head  22  is traversable in the Y direction in addition to the X direction. The beam-catching device  19  is coupled to the cutting head  22  with respect to its movements in the X direction. During the traverse of the beam-catching device  19  in or against the X direction, the first supporting surface  16  and the second supporting surface  17  correspondingly become larger or smaller. 
     The first and the second supporting surface  16 ,  17  are formed by a continuous flexible material  29 . This flexible material  29  may be formed by a thin steel foil, a composite foil of steel-reinforced rubber and/or fiber materials. Furthermore, a hardened or stainless metal foil and a metal foil adhesively bonded in several layers may be provided. In addition, multi-layer foils having a metallic covering layer and organic or inorganic intermediate layers, metal foils having laterally fastened magnetic strips or magnetic layers, metallic multi-layer foils having, for example, a magnetic core and nonmagnetic stainless covering layers, organic films having inorganic or organic fabric inlays, in particular PTFE films having a glass-fiber fabric inlay or aramid-fiber fabric inlay or the like may be provided. 
     A basic housing  34  and the flexible material  29  form a closed space  39  in which an internal pressure is built up. Sagging or at least slight sinking of the supporting surface  16 ,  17  is prevented by this internal pressure, in particular in the central region of the respective supporting surface  16 ,  17 . 
     An internal pressure is generated in the closed space  39  via a feed line  47  which is connected to a compressor (not shown in any more detail) or compressed-air supply point. The internal pressure is regulated by a controller which increases the prevailing internal pressure by a pressure-measuring instrument and at the same time processes data of the plate-like material  12 , such that the internal pressure can be adapted to the processing situation. As a result, plane-parallel bearing of the plate-like material  12  on the supporting table  14  and therefore equilibrium between internal pressure and load bearing capacity can be achieved. A threshold value can preferably be stored in the controller, such that pressure regulation is effected starting from a minimum load to be carried by the supporting table  14 . In the case of thick or heavy plates, a readjustment is provided, whereas uniform pressurizing can be provided for in the case of thinner plate-like materials. 
     Furthermore, provision may advantageously be made for a traversable wall  28  to be provided in the case of plate-like materials which do not completely cover the supporting surface  16 ,  17 , by means of which wall  28  the supporting surface  16 ,  17  not covered by the plate-like material  12  is shortened or delimited. This traversable wall  28  is traversable, for example, parallel to the beam-catching device  19 . Furthermore, this traversable wall  28  makes sure that the region which is not covered by the plate-like material  12  does not buckle and that plane-parallel bearing of the plate-like material  12  relative to the supporting surfaces  16  and  17  is achieved. The traversable wall  28  has a seal relative to the underside of the flexible material  29 , this seal being described in more detail as lateral seal, for example with respect to  FIGS. 2 to 5 . The flexible material  29  is positioned via a traversable cover section  28   a  relative to the traversable wall  28  and can be traversed together with the latter, such that the flexible material  29  rests on an end face of the traversable wall  28  and is held, for example, by magnets relative to this wall  28 . As a result, the interior space  39  is shortened and acted upon by an internal pressure. An atmospheric pressure is present between the traversable wall section  28  and the side wall  33 . 
     To produce an internal pressure, a closed space  39  is necessary, which, however, does not have to be 100 percent airtight. Minor leakages can be compensated for by subsequently fed compressed air, the functioning for sealing the supporting table  14  over a large area being retained. 
     In the embodiment of the device  11  shown in  FIG. 1 , the flexible material  29  is deflected under the beam-catching device  19 , such that a continuous wave is formed. This configuration is described below in more detail with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
     A schematic sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the device  11  with respect to  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The basic housing  34  is of multi-piece design and comprises a base  30 , housing side walls  33  and at least one lid  32 , which are tightly connected to one another by static seals  35 . Such a static seal may be formed by a welded, adhesively bonded or clamped construction. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, seals, such as, for example, foam rubber gaskets, cord seals or the like, may be provided in grooves. 
     Furthermore, to form the closed space  39 , it is necessary to provide a lateral seal  38  of the flexible material  29  relative to the basic housing  34 . This lateral seal  38  is preferably provided at end faces  31  at least in a displaceable manner, in particular also in a detachable manner. As a result, a tensioning device  45  can tension the flexible material  29  in the X direction, thereby providing for support with respect to the load bearing capacity. At the same time, thermal expansions can be compensated. The tensioning device  45  is only shown schematically and can apply a band tension via rollers, eccentrics or the like. 
     The lid  32  has an adapter piece  60  which can act on the lid  32 . This adapter piece  60  or the lid  32  itself preferably has a slightly sloping end face  37  in order to be able to insert the plate-like material  12  in a simple manner and ensure correct positioning on the supporting table  14 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an alternative embodiment to  FIG. 1  in the deflection region  41 . The formation of a continuous wave is retained in principle, but deflection rollers  66  are provided which permit a deflection of the flexible material  29  so that the beam-catching device  19  is designed to be traversable in the X direction. These deflection rollers  66  may comprise a separate drive. Alternatively, a drive according to an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  may also be provided. 
     A lateral seal  38  of the flexible material  29  in the basic housing  34  is designed to be detachable on account of the traversable beam-catching device  19 . This detachable seal is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 . The flexible material  29  bears against the underside of the lid  32 . This is assisted by the internal pressure applied in the closed space  39 . In addition, in the case of a flexible material  29  which has magnetic properties, magnetic adhesion can be provided for by magnets  67  provided in the lid  32 . Flocking  68  may be provided on the underside of the lid  32  and/or on a top side of the flexible material  29 , which is covered by the lid  32 , in order to provide a tight arrangement. Alternatively, PTFE sliding seals, graphite elements, a hook and loop fastener strip or the like may be arranged. As a result, the marginal region can be arranged in both the X direction and the Y direction of the flexible material  29  and so as to be sealed relative to the lid  32  in a rest position. 
     A “dynamic seal”  40  is provided in the deflection region  41  in  FIG. 4 , said seal  40  being formed along the beam-catching device  19  by the flexible band  29 , which circulates as a continuous wave. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a forming element  42  is assigned to the beam-catching device  19  and forms, at least in the respective marginal region of the beam-catching device  19 , a gap  44  relative to the outer contour  43  of the beam-catching device  19 . In the marginal region, at the forming element  42  and/or at the outer contour  43  of the beam-catching device  19 , the gap  44  has a seal  46 , such as, for example, flocking, a PTFE sliding seal or graphite elements, as a result of which a tight arrangement of a flexible material  29  running through is achieved. In addition, low-friction elements  48  can be provided, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 , between the forming element  42  and the flexible band  29  and/or between an outer contour  43  of the beam-catching device  19  and the deflected flexible material  29  and/or between an end face of the beam-catching device  19  and a plate-like material  12  resting on the first supporting surface and the second supporting surface. 
     Shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, is a partial view of the forming element  42  with the seal  46 , which is likewise provided opposite the gap  44  at the outer contour  43  of the beam-catching device  19 . 
     Shown schematically in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is a rolling band seal  49  which serves as a mechanical coupling and sealing point. This seal comprises a band-shaped body  51  which is guided in a preferably flocked slot  52 , a lateral guide gap  53  being closed by the band-shaped body  51 . An actuating element  54  is passed through the lateral guide gap  53  in order to couple, for example, the beam-catching device  19  to the movement of the cutting head  22  or its line-like axis or in order to directly drive said beam-catching device  19 . The length of the band-shaped body  51  which projects laterally beyond the end of the guide gap  53  can be rolled up. 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the device  11  with respect to  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, an inner drive element  57  which can be led out of the basic housing  34  is provided for the beam-catching device  19 . The drive element  57  is led out of the basic housing  34  via a seal. Outside the basic housing  34 , a drive motor  56  drives the drive element  57 . A carriage  58  which is traversable by means of the drive element  57  and which is preferably provided on a sliding, roller or ball bearing guide acts on the beam-catching device  19  or on a component  42  for the displacement movement in and against the X direction. Alternatively, provision may be made for a magnetic coupling to be provided for feeding the force transmission into the closed space or into the pressure chamber. The drive element provided may be a drive spindle, a toothed rack, a slide or the like. 
     For the drive of the beam-catching device  19 , provision is preferably made for an overload clutch to be provided between the drive motor  56  and the beam-catching device  19 , said overload clutch preventing damage. 
     So that the beam-catching device  19  can be traversed below the supported plate-like material  12  with lower friction, the beam-catching device  19 , on its top side pointing toward the plate-like material  12 , preferably has roller elements, brush segments, sliding materials, a sliding coating, a driven band or driven rollers and also holes for forming an air film bed. 
     During the processing of plate-like material  12  which comprises a smaller size than the opening  36  of the lid  32 , the free supporting surface is preferably covered by a covering. This covering may be designed as a roller blind system or as a bar mat or the like which covers the supporting region that is not covered, in order to simulate covering of the entire supporting table. As a result, buckling of the supporting surface that is not covered on account of the internal pressure by the flexible material  29  can be prevented. 
     As an alternative to the partial covering, provision may be made for a slidable wall to be provided in the closed space  39 , said wall being traversable for pressure compensation in the closed space, such that the surface acted upon by pressure corresponds to the surface of the plate-like material  12  which rests on the first and the second supporting surface  16 ,  17 . 
     In addition, the configuration of the flexible band  29  which forms a pressure chamber with the basic housing  34  ensures that there is no jamming of good parts due to the closed surface of the flexible band  29  during the traverse of the beam-catching device  19 . 
     To provide a basic load bearing capacity, provision is preferably made for the pretension of the flexible band  29  to be increased and/or for lateral clamping of the flexible band  29  relative to the lid  32  to be provided. The lateral mechanical clamping is gradually released or locked again as a function of the traverse distance of the beam-catching device  19 . Additionally or alternatively, a web support may be provided, which is formed, for example, by one or more webs which are oriented parallel to the beam-catching device  19  and support the supporting surface  16 ,  17  from below. 
     A schematic sectional illustration of an alternative device  111  according to the invention is shown in  FIG. 9 . This device  111  serves to accommodate a plate-like material  112  which rests on a supporting table  114 . The supporting table  114  comprises a first and a second supporting surface  116 ,  117 , between which a beam-catching device  119  is arranged. This device  111  is part of a machine bed or forms a machine bed of a processing machine  121 , which in particular is designed as a laser cutting machine or flame cutting machine. A cutting beam  124  is directed onto the plate-like material  112  via a cutting head  122 . The cutting beam  124  discharges at an underside of the plate-like material  112  and passes via a line-like opening  126  into a housing  127  of the beam-catching device  119 . The beam-catching device  119  can be moved in the X direction and follows the cutting head  122 , provided the latter is moved in the X direction in addition to the Y direction. 
     The first and the second supporting surface  116 ,  117  are formed from a flexible material  129  which is a component part of a closed space  139 , which according to this exemplary embodiment is designed as an air cushion. This air cushion is accommodated in a basic housing  134  and rests with an underside  141  on a base  130  of the basic housing  134 . Side wall sections  133  of the basic housing  134  define the extent of the air cushion and at the same time support the end surfaces of the air cushion. 
     Provided on the closed space  139  is a flexible insulating fabric  142  which extends between the beam-catching device  119  and the closed space  139 . Due to this insulating fabric  142 , the plate-like material  112  can be moved relative to the closed space  139 . The plate-like material  112  preferably rests statically on the insulating fabric  142  and the closed space  139 , and the beam-catching device  119  is moved in the X direction by a transport device (e.g., one of the transport devices  144  shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  and described below). The flexible material  129  can be arranged tensioned relative to the air cushion. 
     An internal pressure in the air cushion or closed space  139  can be set and is preferably monitored by a pressure-measuring instrument. A controller for setting and changing the internal pressure may be provided. Provided in the closed space  139  or air cushion are spacers  146  which extend in the interior of the air cushion from an underside  141  up to the supporting surface  116 ,  117 . A flat supporting surface  116 ,  117  can be created by these spacers  146  in the form of retaining members, bands, cords or the like. 
     The flexible insulating fabric  142  is formed from heat-resistant and/or tear-resistant material in order to protect the closed space  139  from heat and sharp edges on the good part or remnant. 
     A compensating element  148  is provided opposite the beam-catching device  119  in order to design the free air cushion surface to be the same size. During the traverse of the beam-catching device  119 , the compensating element  148  is moved along at the same time. This may be coupled to the beam-catching device  119  or driven separately. 
     Alternative embodiments of a transport device  144  that may be used, for example, in the device  111  shown in  FIG. 9 , are shown in  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   c . According to a first embodiment, a circulating band  152  is provided which extends below the beam-catching device  119 . The circulating band  152  is driven via two deflection rollers  151 . A sliding element  153  is provided between the sections of the circulating band  152  that are running in opposite directions (upwards and downwards in  FIG. 10   a ) to separate the sections and prevent damage thereto. In addition, the transport device  144  is screened from the beam-catching device  119  by a further sliding element  154  in order to obtain as small an opening width as possible. On a section  154   a  pointing toward the underside of the plate-like material  112 , this sliding element  154  has a sliding coating, air nozzles or the like (not shown) in order to reduce the friction relative to the plate-like material  112  of the beam-catching device  119 . Alternatively, according to  FIG. 10   b , running rollers  156  may be provided which are simultaneously supported on the underside of the plate-like material  112  and serve to drive the circulating band  152 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 10   c  is a further alternative embodiment in which a roller or bead chain  158  is used. Otherwise, the exemplary embodiments and variants according to  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  may also be provided for a roller chain  158  as transport device  144 . 
     A further working position of the device  111  according to  FIG. 9  is shown in  FIG. 11 . The spacers  146  have been shortened by actuating elements  200 , every second spacer  146 , for example, having been shortened. As a result, the supporting surface  116 ,  117  has a wavy shape, such that tines  161  of a loading and unloading unit can reach underneath the plate-like material  112  and can remove the plate-like material  112  from the device  111 . The actuating elements  200  (e.g., rollers that can be turned in the direction of the arrows in  FIG. 9  to lengthen and shorten the spacers  146 ) can also be activated individually in order to orient the supporting surface  116 ,  117 . The surface of the air cushion is enlarged by the wavelike arrangement of the air cushion surface when the spacers  146  are actuated. In order to allow the surface to be enlarged, provision is made, for example, for the beam-catching device  119  to be capable of being moved out of the air cushion in or against the Y direction, such that a space that is no longer required can thereby be used for forming the wavelike surface. Alternatively, provision may be made for the beam-catching device  119  to be traversable, for example, in the Z direction in an end position in order to achieve the same effect. 
     An alternative embodiment to  FIG. 9  is shown in  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, a closed space  139  is provided as air cushion for each supporting surface  116 ,  117 . These closed spaces  139  are each covered by a flexible insulating fabric  142  and form the supporting surface  116 ,  117 . Provided between the beam-catching device  119  and the respective closed space  139  is an air cushion store  163 , which, during the traverse of the beam-catching device  119  in the X direction, enables that flexible material  129  of the air cushion which is not required to be accommodated. On the opposite side, the stored flexible material  129  is unfolded in order to form a larger supporting surface. 
     The air cushion store  163  preferably accommodates a deflection roller  164  for the flexible insulating web  142  in order to position the latter close to the line-like opening  126  of the housing  127  and keep a gap small relative to the beam-catching device  119 . In addition, a winding unit  166  is provided in order to wind up the flexible insulating fabric  142  during the change in size of the supporting surfaces  116 ,  117 . 
     The winding unit  166  is provided opposite the air cushion store  163  and allows further functions to be realized, in particular for automation or for loading and unloading. The flexible insulating fabric  142  enables the good parts and/or remnants to be received in a loading and an unloading position. 
     For simple pressure compensation during the traverse of the beam-catching device  119 , the two closed spaces  139  are connected to one another by a pressure compensation line  167 . This line  167  preferably has a low flow resistance. In addition, a respective internal pressure in the closed space  139  can be controlled and built up or set via this pressure compensation line  167 . 
     All the aforesaid features are each essential to the invention on their own and can be combined with one another in any desired manner.