Patent Description:
Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a laser processing machine having a housing, in particular a housing having a first work space and a second work space.

Laser processing machines for treating, by means of a laser device, work pieces are known. Such treatments can be for example the cutting and/or the incision of the work pieces, the laser welding and others.

Since the laser radiations used during such treatments can be harmful for an operator, such laser processing machines must comprise a housing which allows screening the laser radiations.

Some of the laser processing machines comprise a housing which has a first work space and a second work space separated from one another by means of a dividing wall having a lower portion and an upper portion.

Each one of the first work space and second work space is configured to receive work pieces.

It is known that such laser processing machines comprise at least one laser device which can be placed both in the first work space to carry out a laser processing in the first work space and in the second work space to carry out a processing in the second work space.

Furthermore, the housing has a first entrance and a second entrance for accessing the first work space and the second work space, respectively. Additionally, the housing also comprises a first door and a second door for selectively opening and closing the first entrance and the second entrance, respectively.

An advantage of this type of housing lies in the fact that it is possible to carry out a laser processing in one between the first work space and the second work space and to load and/or unload work pieces in the other between the first work space and the second work space. It should be noted that the other one of the first work space and the second work space must be screened.

Typically, horizontal covers extending from the dividing wall to a lateral wall are used for covering the other between the first work space and the second work space.

In <CIT>a movable cover is described, which is moveable between a first position in which it covers the first workspace and a second position in which it covers the second workspace.

Furthermore, it should be considered that at least some housings provide, in order to allow a possible shifting of the laser device between the first work space and the second work space, an opening in the dividing wall and a closing wall controllable in a closed position and an open position in which the closing wall closes and opens the opening, respectively. In fact, during the shifting of the laser device it is necessary to open the opening, while during the activation of the laser device it is necessary to close the opening by means of the closing element.

Even if such housings allow a satisfactory operation, some drawbacks associated with the closing element are observed. These drawbacks can consist in the time necessary for the opening and the closing, in the need to ensure the light sealing, in possible breakdowns which determine a down time and in the need for the presence of sensors which detect with precision the effectiveness of the closing of the closing element when it is in the closed position so as to prevent any "lights" from inadvertently remaining open.

Therefore, the need is felt in the sector for a further improvement of the housings for laser processing machines and/or of the laser processing machines which allows solving at least one of the known drawbacks.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present invention, since it relates to a housing as defined in the independent claim. Alternative preferred embodiments are protected in the respective dependent claims.

The aforementioned objects are also achieved by the present invention, since it relates to a machine according to claim <NUM>. Alternative preferred embodiments are protected in the respective claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim <NUM>.

In order to better understand the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described in the following, by way of mere non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

In <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> indicates, as a whole, a laser processing machine for treating, by means of a laser, work pieces <NUM> for obtaining processed pieces <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the machine <NUM> can be configured to carry out one or more of the following laser processing processes: cutting, engraving, boring, welding, cropping, butt joining, and other.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the work piece <NUM> can comprise, in particular consist of, a metal material such as for example steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, titanium alloys and other alloys or any combination thereof.

The work pieces <NUM> can have complex or simple structures. For example, the work pieces <NUM> can have respective (complex) three-dimensional structures or bi-dimensional structures.

The work pieces <NUM> can be for example unfinished products, as possibly obtained by means of curvature, printing, hydroforming or other processes.

For example, work pieces <NUM> can be curved pipes, formed sheets, other types or combinations thereof.

With reference to <FIG>, the machine <NUM> comprises:.

In more detail, the housing <NUM> extends along a first axis A, a second axis B perpendicular to the first axis A and a third axis C perpendicular to the first axis A and to the second axis B. In particular, the first axis A and the third axis C can have respective horizontal orientations and the second axis B can have a vertical orientation.

Preferentially, the extension of the housing <NUM> along:.

The housing <NUM> comprises a first work space <NUM> and a second work space <NUM> distinct and separate from one another and each configured to receive work pieces <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> further comprises a dividing wall <NUM>, in particular placed in the inner space <NUM>, which separates the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM> from one another. In other words, the dividing wall <NUM> is interposed between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> comprises a covering device <NUM>, in particular placed in the inner space <NUM>, configured to selectively cover at least one between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>. In particular, the covering device <NUM> can be configured to cover one between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM> and to free the other between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>.

For example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the respective conditions in which the covering device <NUM> covers the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>, respectively, are indicated.

This allows carrying out a laser processing in the work space <NUM> or <NUM> which is not covered by the covering device <NUM>, while an operator can remove a processed piece <NUM> and/or insert a new work piece <NUM> in the other work space <NUM> or <NUM> (i.e. the work space <NUM> or <NUM> which is covered by the covering device <NUM>).

In particular, the dividing wall <NUM> can define a respective lateral wall of the first work space <NUM> and of the second work space <NUM>.

Preferentially, the dividing wall <NUM> extends vertically.

In more detail, the dividing wall <NUM> extends along an axis parallel to the second axis B and another axis parallel to the third axis C. Preferentially, an extension of the dividing wall <NUM> along an axis parallel to the axis A can define a width of the dividing wall <NUM>.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> can comprise two auxiliary lateral walls <NUM>, each one being spaced from the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular in a direction parallel to the first axis A. In particular, the dividing wall <NUM> can be interposed between the two auxiliary lateral walls <NUM> for partially delimiting the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>.

More specifically, one of the auxiliary lateral walls <NUM> can delimit, together with the dividing wall <NUM>, an extension (i.e. the respective length) of the first work space <NUM> along an axis parallel to the first axis A and the other auxiliary lateral wall <NUM> can delimit, together with the dividing wall <NUM>, an extension (i.e. the respective length) of the second work space <NUM> along an axis parallel to the first axis A.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> can also comprise a first auxiliary wall <NUM> and a second auxiliary wall transverse to, and in particular being in contact with, the dividing wall <NUM>. In particular, the first auxiliary wall <NUM> and the second auxiliary wall are spaced apart from one another along a direction parallel to the third axis C and delimit the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM> along the direction parallel to the third axis C.

Preferentially, the first auxiliary wall <NUM> and the second auxiliary wall can face one another.

Preferentially, the first auxiliary wall <NUM> can be placed in the inner space <NUM>.

According to some preferred embodiments, the first auxiliary wall <NUM> and the second auxiliary wall comprise respective first portions and respective second portions, in which the respective first portions and the respective second portions delimit the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>, respectively, in a direction parallel to the third axis C.

In particular, each first portion and each second portion is interposed and/or extends between the dividing wall <NUM> and a respective auxiliary lateral wall.

Preferentially, the housing <NUM>, in particular the second auxiliary wall, can comprise a first entrance <NUM> and a second entrance <NUM> configured to allow access, for example to an operator and/or to a robot, to the first work space <NUM> and to the second work space <NUM>, respectively.

More specifically, the first portion and the second portion of the second auxiliary wall can comprise the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>, respectively.

In particular, the housing <NUM> can comprise a closing device configured to selectively open and close the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>. More specifically, the closing device can comprise one or more doors, in particular sliding doors, so as to selectively open and close the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>. Still more specifically, the closing device can comprise a first door <NUM>, in particular a sliding door, configured to selectively open and close the first entrance <NUM> and a second door <NUM>, in particular a sliding door, configured to selectively open and close the second entrance <NUM>.

Preferentially, the closing device can be configured to open the first entrance <NUM> while, in use, the covering device covers the first work space <NUM> and/or the closing device can be configured to open the second entrance <NUM> while, in use, the covering device covers the second work space <NUM>.

Furthermore, the closing device can be configured to close the first entrance <NUM> while, in use, the covering device does not cover (opens) the first work space <NUM> and/or the closing device can be configured to close the second entrance <NUM> while, in use, the covering device does not cover (opens) the second work space <NUM>.

Preferentially, in use, the closing device closes the first entrance <NUM> while the laser apparatus <NUM> carries out a laser processing in the first work space <NUM> and/or the second entrance <NUM> while the laser apparatus <NUM> carries out a laser processing in the second space <NUM>.

In further detail, the housing <NUM> can comprise a front wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM> facing, and spaced apart from, the front wall <NUM>, two lateral walls <NUM> spaced apart from one another and interposed between the front wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> and a covering wall <NUM>.

Preferentially, the housing <NUM> can also comprise a base support <NUM> facing, and spaced apart from, the covering wall <NUM>. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the base support <NUM> can be formed by a respective wall and/or by a portion of a plane of a production site.

More specifically, the dividing wall <NUM>, the front wall <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, the lateral walls <NUM> extend from the base support <NUM>, in particular in a direction parallel to the second axis B, still more in particular vertically.

Preferentially, the front wall <NUM> can comprise the second auxiliary wall, the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>. In particular, a portion of the front wall <NUM> can define the second auxiliary wall.

Preferentially, the front wall <NUM> can also comprise one or more housing spaces for the closing device, in particular the first door <NUM> and the second door <NUM>.

Preferentially, each lateral wall <NUM> can comprise a respective auxiliary lateral wall <NUM>. In other words, a portion of each lateral wall <NUM> defines a respective auxiliary lateral wall <NUM>.

Furthermore, the dividing wall <NUM> can be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the front wall <NUM>.

Additionally, the first auxiliary wall <NUM> can be interposed between the front wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the dividing wall <NUM> comprises at least one first end portion <NUM> configured to be in contact and/or being in contact with a support surface, in particular of the base support <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM> opposite the first end portion <NUM>, in particular along a direction parallel to the second axis B.

In particular, a distance between the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> defines a main height of the dividing wall <NUM>.

Preferentially, the first end portion <NUM> can define a lower portion of the dividing wall <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> can define an upper portion of the dividing wall <NUM>.

In particular, the dividing wall <NUM> extends from the first end portion <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM> towards the covering wall <NUM> and/or along an axis parallel to the second axis B.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the dividing wall <NUM> can also comprise a protruding portion <NUM> protruding from the second end portion <NUM> towards the covering wall <NUM>. Preferentially, the protruding portion <NUM> is in contact with the second auxiliary wall and/or the front wall <NUM>.

In particular, an extension of a portion of the second end portion <NUM> not in contact with the protruding portion <NUM> is at least five times, preferentially at least <NUM> times, greater than an extension of a portion of the second end portion from which the protruding portion <NUM> extends.

Alternatively, the covering device <NUM> could comprise only a cover controllable in a first active configuration and a second active configuration. When such cover is in the first active configuration and in the second active configuration, the cover covers the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>, respectively. Independently, when the cover is in the first active configuration and in the second active configuration, the cover comprises the respective main portion <NUM> and the respective auxiliary portion <NUM>.

The guide system <NUM> is configured so that, being the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the active configuration, the respective auxiliary portion <NUM> is transverse and/or inclined relative to the respective main portion <NUM> and extends from the respective main portion <NUM> towards and/or to the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular towards and/or to the second end portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, each auxiliary portion <NUM> is not perpendicular to the respective main portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, each auxiliary portion <NUM> and the respective main portion <NUM> can define an obtuse angle.

In particular, being the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the active configuration, the respective auxiliary portion <NUM> can be in contact with the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular the second end portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, the guide system <NUM> can be configured so that, being the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the active configuration, the respective main portion <NUM> is arranged at a first height level, which is above a second height level of the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular of the second end portion <NUM>.

In other words, the guide system <NUM> is configured so that, being the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the active configuration, the respective main portion <NUM> is arranged above the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular of the second end portion <NUM>.

In this manner, it is ensured that the respective auxiliary portion <NUM> light-proof closes a connection between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM> in the area of the dividing wall <NUM>, in particular of the second end portion <NUM>. Furthermore, it is ensured that the respective main portion <NUM> together with the respective auxiliary portion <NUM> covers and light-proof closes the first work space <NUM> or the second work space <NUM>.

It should be noted that the terms "to light-proof close", "light-proof closing", "light-proof closed" indicate that the closing is such that light rays can neither exit nor enter from or into the first work space <NUM> and second work space <NUM> and through the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>, respectively.

Preferentially, each main portion <NUM> has a (substantially) horizontal orientation and/or each main portion <NUM> is (substantially) parallel to the base support <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, each one of the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> can be controllable in a respective waiting configuration in which the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are configured to free and/or free the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>, respectively.

In particular, the housing <NUM> is configured so that one between the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> can be controlled in the respective active configuration while the other between the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> can be controlled in the waiting configuration. Furthermore, the housing <NUM> can also be configured to control the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> simultaneously in the respective active configuration or in the respective waiting configuration.

In more detail, each one of the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> can comprise a plurality of elongated elements, in particular along a longitudinal axis. In particular, the extension of the elongated elements along the longitudinal axis can define a length of the elongated elements. Still more in particular, the length of each elongated element can be greater than the respective thickness and of the respective width; it should be noted that the thickness and the width can be determined relative to respective axes perpendicular to one another.

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

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

Preferentially, the plurality of elongated elements are aligned with one another so as to define a blind cover when the respective first cover <NUM> or the respective second cover <NUM> is controlled in the respective active configuration. In other words, the plurality of elongated elements are aligned with one another so as to obtain a light-proof closed cover (the light cannot pass through the cover).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the plurality of the elongated elements is at least partially windable.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide system <NUM> can comprise a first group of tracks <NUM> for guiding the first cover <NUM> so that the first cover <NUM>, when it is in the active configuration, has at least the respective main portion <NUM> and the respective auxiliary portion <NUM>; and.

Alternatively and in case the housing <NUM> comprises a single cover, the guide system <NUM> comprises a group of tracks <NUM> which allows selectively placing the cover on top of the first work space <NUM> or the second work space <NUM>.

In more detail, each one of the first group of tracks <NUM> and the second group of tracks <NUM> can comprise a respective first track <NUM> and a second track <NUM> spaced apart from one another along a respective axis E parallel to the third axis C.

Furthermore, each first track <NUM> and each second track <NUM> can comprise a first portion <NUM> and/or a second portion <NUM>.

In particular, the first portions <NUM> can be made and/or configured to support and/or define the respective main portion <NUM> and/or the second portions <NUM> can be configured to support and/or define the respective auxiliary portion <NUM>.

Additionally, each second portion <NUM> can be connected to and extends from the respective first portion <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM>.

In particular, each second portion <NUM> can be inclined relative to the respective first portion <NUM>.

Preferentially, each first portion <NUM> can extend along a longitudinal axis (substantially) parallel to the first axis A. Still more preferentially, each first portion <NUM> can be oriented horizontally.

More specifically, each first portion <NUM> can be (substantially) placed in the area of the first height level and/or the placing of each first portion <NUM> can define the first height level. Furthermore, each second portion <NUM> can (substantially) extend from the first height level to the second height level.

In particular, the first portions <NUM>, in particular also the second portions <NUM>, can be arranged above the dividing wall <NUM> and/or the second end portion <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the housing <NUM> can also comprise a first housing device <NUM> and a second housing device <NUM> for housing the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>, respectively, in particular when it is controlled in the respective waiting configuration.

Preferentially, the first housing device <NUM> can be arranged in a first lateral area of the housing <NUM>, in particular of the inner space <NUM>, and the second housing device <NUM> can be arranged in a second lateral area of the housing <NUM>, in particular of the inner space <NUM>, opposite the second lateral area.

More specifically, the first housing device <NUM> and the second housing device <NUM> can be spaced apart from one another along a direction parallel to the first axis A.

Furthermore, the first housing device <NUM> and the second housing device <NUM> can be arranged above the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM>, respectively.

Alternatively, the first housing device <NUM> and the second housing device <NUM> can be arranged at least partially or completely in the first work space <NUM> and in the second work space <NUM>, respectively.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the housing <NUM> can also comprise an actuating device <NUM> configured to selectively control the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> between the active configuration and the waiting configuration.

In particular, the actuating device <NUM> can be configured to control one between the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the active configuration and the other between the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the waiting configuration.

In more detail, the actuating device <NUM> can comprise:.

In particular, in use, during the control of the first cover <NUM> and of the second cover <NUM> from the waiting configuration to the active configuration, the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> respectively move from the first housing device <NUM> and from the second housing device <NUM>, respectively, towards the second end portion <NUM> up to establishing the contact between the respective auxiliary portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, in use, during the control of the first cover <NUM> and of the second cover <NUM> from the active configuration to the waiting configuration, the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> respectively move away from the second end portion <NUM> and towards and in the first housing device <NUM> and the second housing device <NUM>, respectively.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the laser apparatus <NUM> can comprise one or more laser devices, in the specific case a laser device <NUM> is illustrated.

The laser apparatus <NUM> can also comprise a support structure <NUM>, in particular arranged in the inner space <NUM>, carrying the laser device <NUM> in a movable manner.

In more detail, the support structure <NUM> can comprise a fixed structure <NUM> and a movable structure <NUM> carrying the laser device <NUM> and coupled in a movable manner to the fixed structure <NUM>. In particular, the movable structure <NUM> can be movable along a path, in particular a linear path.

Furthermore, the support structure <NUM> can comprise an actuator for moving the movable structure <NUM> along the path.

In further detail, the laser device <NUM> is coupled to the movable structure <NUM> so as to carry out respective angular movements around one or more rotation axes and a translation along a respective axis (substantially) parallel to the second axis B (for selectively approaching and spacing apart the laser device <NUM> to or from the work piece <NUM>).

The movable structure <NUM> can allow selectively placing the laser device <NUM> in the first work space <NUM> and in the second work space <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the laser processing machine <NUM> can also comprise two work tables <NUM>, one arranged in the first work space <NUM> and the other in the second work space <NUM>. Each work table <NUM> is configured to support the work pieces <NUM> (and then, the processed pieces <NUM>).

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the laser device <NUM> can be placed in a neutral area, in particular above the dividing wall <NUM>. In particular, in use, while the laser device <NUM> is in the neutral area, it is possible to simultaneously control the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the respective active configurations or in the respective waiting configurations.

The laser processing machine <NUM> can further comprise a man-machine interface <NUM>.

In use, the processing machine <NUM> laser-processes work pieces <NUM> for obtaining processed pieces <NUM>.

In particular, the work pieces <NUM> are placed in the first work space <NUM> and in the second work space <NUM>.

In order to carry out the processing, the laser device <NUM> has to be placed in the first work space <NUM> or in the second work space <NUM>.

For example (see <FIG> and <FIG>) the covering device <NUM> covers the first work space <NUM>, in particular by means of the control of the respective first cover <NUM> in the active configuration, while the laser apparatus <NUM>, in particular the laser device <NUM>, carries out the laser processing of the work piece <NUM> placed in the second work space <NUM> while the second cover <NUM> is in the respective waiting configuration. Furthermore, the closing device, in particular the second door <NUM>, closes the second entrance <NUM>. Advantageously, during the laser processing of the work piece <NUM> present in the second work space <NUM>, it is possible, for example through an operator or a robot, to remove a processed piece <NUM> from the first work space <NUM> and/or to place a new work piece <NUM> in the first work space <NUM>.

In the other example (see <FIG> and <FIG>), which can be carried out before or after the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the covering device <NUM> covers the second work space <NUM>, in particular by means of the control of the respective second cover <NUM> in the active configuration, while the laser apparatus <NUM>, in particular the laser device <NUM>, carries out the laser processing of the work piece <NUM> placed in the first work space <NUM> while the first cover <NUM> is in the respective waiting configuration. In this case, the closing device, in particular the first door <NUM>, closes the first entrance <NUM>. According to this example, during the laser processing of the work piece <NUM> present in the first work space <NUM>, it is possible, for example through an operator or a robot, to remove a processed piece <NUM> from the second work space <NUM> and/or to place a new work piece <NUM> in the second work space <NUM>.

In order to carry out at times the laser processing in the first work space <NUM> and at times in the second work space <NUM> it is necessary to transfer the laser device <NUM> from the first work space <NUM> or from the second work space <NUM> to the second work space <NUM> or to the first work space <NUM>. For this reason, it is necessary to control the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> from the active configuration to the waiting configuration if the laser processing was carried out in the second work space <NUM> or in the first work space <NUM>, respectively.

During or following the transfer of the laser device <NUM> from the first work space <NUM> to the second work space <NUM> or vice versa, it is possible to control the first cover <NUM> or the second cover <NUM>, respectively, from the waiting configuration to the active configuration.

It should be noted that it is also possible to control the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> simultaneously in the respective active configuration or in the respective waiting configuration. Preferentially, also the first door <NUM> and the second door <NUM> are respectively controlled for opening and closing the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>, respectively, when the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are respectively controlled in the respective active configurations and in the respective waiting configurations.

For example (see for example <FIG>), it is possible to control both the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> in the respective active configurations, while the laser device <NUM> is placed in the neutral area. Preferentially, when the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> are simultaneously in the respective active configurations or in the respective waiting configurations, the closing device simultaneously opens and closes the first entrance <NUM> and the second entrance <NUM>, respectively.

It should be noted that in this manner it is possible to carry out a processing first in one between the first work space <NUM> and the second work space <NUM> and then in the other, while the processed pieces <NUM> are removed and new work pieces <NUM> are loaded after the processing in the first work space <NUM> and in the second work space <NUM>.

In more detail, during the control of the first cover <NUM> and of the second cover <NUM> from the active configuration to the waiting configuration or from the waiting configuration to the active configuration, the first group of tracks <NUM> and the second group of tracks <NUM> guide the movement of the first cover <NUM> and of the second cover <NUM>, respectively.

During the movement from the waiting configuration to the active configuration, the respective main portions <NUM> and the respective auxiliary portions <NUM> are obtained.

By examining the characteristics of the processing machine <NUM> and/or of the housing <NUM> according to the present invention, the advantages that they allow obtaining are evident.

A first advantage lies in the fact that it is possible to place the laser device <NUM> in the neutral area so that the laser device <NUM> can be placed in the first work space <NUM> or in the second work space <NUM> depending on whether the first work space <NUM> or the second work space <NUM> is ready for first.

Another advantage lies in the fact that the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> can be controlled independently of one another without creating an interference with the laser device <NUM>.

Another advantage lies in the fact that by means of the closing device <NUM> it is possible to decrease the time necessary for placing the laser device <NUM> from the first covering space <NUM> to the second covering space <NUM> or vice versa. This is possible because it is not necessary to operate a closing element which requires time, but only the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. Furthermore, it is not necessary to place the laser device <NUM> relative to the opening freed by the closing element.

Another advantage lies in the fact of having removed the closing element which proved to be a component with a critical reliability.

Furthermore, the closing element is a costly element and with its elimination a more cost-effective solution is obtained.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the described and illustrated processing machine <NUM> and/or housing <NUM>, which do not depart from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claim 1:
A housing (<NUM>) for a laser processing machine (<NUM>) to treat, by means of a laser, work pieces (<NUM>), in particular metal work pieces;
the housing (<NUM>) comprises:
- a dividing wall (<NUM>), which separates a first work space (<NUM>) and a second work space (<NUM>); and
- a covering device (<NUM>), which is configured to selectively cover at least one between the first work space (<NUM>) and the second work space (<NUM>);
- wherein the first work space (<NUM>) and the second work space (<NUM>) are configured to receive the work pieces (<NUM>);
wherein the covering device (<NUM>) comprises at least:
- a cover (<NUM>; <NUM>), which is controllable at least in an active configuration, in which the cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to cover one between the first work space (<NUM>) and the second work space (<NUM>); and
- a guide system (<NUM>), which is configured to guide the cover (<NUM>; <NUM>) so that the cover (<NUM>; <NUM>), when it is in the active configuration, comprises at least a main portion (<NUM>) and an auxiliary portion (<NUM>) extending from the main portion (<NUM>) ;
characterized in that the auxiliary portion (<NUM>) is inclined relative to the main portion (<NUM>) and extends from the main portion (<NUM>) towards and/or to the dividing wall (<NUM>) .