GB1368161A - Torch cutting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1368161 Cutting by fusion MESSER GRIESHEIM GmbH 4 Oct 1972 [4 Oct 1971] 45758/72 Heading B3V [Also in Division B8] A torch cutting machine includes at least one vertically adjustable torch suspension means 28a secured to a movable supporting bar 27 which is connected to a weight compensation device 34 comprising a spring band 42 wound on rollers 43, 44. A flame, laser or plasma cutting torch 28 is connected to the bar 27 which is vertically movable by a rack-and-pinion drive 41, 40, the pinion 40 being driven by an electric motor 32 via gears 35, 36, 37, 39. The motor 32 may be an A.C. operated stepping motor having a D.C. source connected to its field winding or may alternatively be D.C. operated. Part of a stainless steel, spring band 42 is wound upon a roller 43, which is connected to the drive-shaft 45 of the motor 32, in a direction B counter to the torque direction A dictated by the weight on the bar 27 of the torch 28 and a capacitive sensing device (29, 30) (Fig. 1, not shown) for sensing the distance between the torch nozzle and workpiece. The other part of the band 42 is wound upon a roller 44, which is freely rotatable on a shaft 38 mounting the gears 37, 39, in a direction C opposite to the winding direction B. A plurality of springs may be provided. The bar 27 is provided with grooves 46 which are engaged by recirculating bearing balls 48. The drive system 26 for the vertical adjustment of the bar 27 is mounted on a carriage (20-23) which is slidably mounted on a longitudinally movable carriage (11) and which is connected through a bar (24) to a photo-electric line follower (19) supported on a carriage (17) which is slidable on the carriage (11). The line follower (19) scans a pattern positioned on a movable table (16) to control a drive motor (25) for moving the carriage (11) along tracks (12, 13) and a drive (18) for the carriage (17).