cover
A cover system with magnetized metal strips and corner pieces addresses the issue of dust and dirt accumulation under machine tools by providing a flexible, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for gap coverage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025101493
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Machine tools and similar structures often have gaps between their lower parts and the floor where dust, dirt, and debris accumulate, making cleaning difficult due to accessibility issues.
A cover system using metal strips with magnets and corner pieces, featuring defined breakage points and seals, is applied to retrofit existing machines, allowing easy attachment and adaptation to cover these gaps, enhancing cleanliness and aesthetics.
The solution effectively covers and seals the gaps, improving cleanliness and providing an attractive appearance while being flexible and adaptable to various machine sizes and configurations.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a cover.
[0002] Machine tools typically have a base with supports that rest on a floor. This creates a gap between the floor and the base where dust, dirt, chips, and the like can collect. This gap is often difficult to access and therefore difficult to clean.
[0003] The invention is based on the object of remedying this situation.
[0004] This object is achieved by a cover having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the cover comprises at least one metal strip having at least one first magnet on one side. The cover further comprises at least one corner piece with two legs forming two facing surfaces, wherein the facing surfaces have at least one second magnet. According to the invention, the metal strip has a plurality of spaced-apart predetermined breaking points, each extending over the height of the metal strip.
[0005] The invention creates an innovative way of retrofitting existing machines so that the gap between the base and the floor is covered. To do this, the metal strip is cut to the width of the base. If the machine is wider, several metal strips are simply placed next to each other. The predetermined breaking points allow easy adjustment to the width or length of the base. The respective metal strip can be attached to the base using the at least one first magnet. This covers the gap. In practice, the respective metal strip is cut to length so that it almost reaches a corner of the base. The corner piece can then be used to cover the corner of the base and part of the metal strip. For this purpose, the corner piece has at least one second magnet.
[0006] The invention allows for easy retrofitting of existing machines. It should be noted at this point that the application of the invention is not limited to machines. Machines, in particular machine tools, are mentioned here only as examples. The invention is applicable wherever gaps exist between the base of machines, cabinets, containers or the like and the floor on which they stand. These gaps can be covered by the cover according to the invention so that no dust, dirt or the like can collect. It has been found that advantages arise not only with regard to cleanliness, but that the cover according to the invention also gives the existing equipment an attractive appearance. In this respect, the cladding according to the invention also has an aesthetic aspect.
[0007] The metal strip preferably extends over the height of the gap to cover it completely.
[0008] The cover according to the invention can be used flexibly. A variety of machines can be covered using one type of metal strip and the corresponding corner pieces. Customization—i.e., size adjustment—is achieved by cutting the metal strips to length, which is particularly easy thanks to the predetermined breaking points. Thus, for a machine park with different machines, only a limited number of components—namely, just one type of metal strip and the corresponding corner pieces—needs to be procured.
[0009] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the predetermined breaking points extend at intervals along the length of the metal strip. The intervals are preferably regular. For example, the distance is between 1 cm and 10 cm. As already explained above, this allows the metal strip to be largely adapted to the width or length of the machine base. Any remaining gap is closed by the corner piece.
[0010] The predetermined breaking points are designed so that, on the one hand, the metal strip has a certain inherent stability or rigidity. On the other hand, it is possible to bend the metal strip at the desired location / predetermined breaking point. It either breaks naturally or can be cut to length using metal shears.
[0011] If cables such as power lines, machine connections or the like lead from the lower part, corresponding recesses can be created with the metal strip.
[0012] To do this, a first metal strip is cut to length so that it reaches the wires, and a second metal strip is attached beyond the wires. The invention is therefore very flexible in its application.
[0013] Tests have shown that it is particularly advantageous to laser-cut the predetermined breaking points into the metal strips. On the one hand, this type of production is fast. On the other hand, the predetermined breaking points can be kept very fine. The laser can be adjusted to create a separation on the one hand while leaving material remaining, so that the resulting segments hold together at the predetermined breaking points.
[0014] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the metal strip be folded over its length to form a chamfer. The chamfer is formed on an upper edge of the metal strip and allows particularly good contact with the lower part. This enables a substantially dirt-tight seal. This applies in particular when the chamfer is inclined towards the at least one first magnet. The chamfer therefore advantageously extends over the at least one first magnet. This has a certain thickness (wall thickness). The chamfer is expediently designed such that it compensates for the thickness (wall thickness) of the at least one first magnet in such a way that, on the one hand, the metal strip can lie vertically against the lower part and, on the other hand, the chamfer comes into contact with the lower part. The chamfer is therefore preferably folded at least as sharply as the thickness of the at least one first magnet.
[0015] According to the invention, the metal strip has at least one first magnet. The at least one first magnet allows for subsequent and detachable attachment of the metal strip to the lower part of the machine (or the like). Preferably, the at least one first magnet is designed as a magnetic strip. This has the advantage that the metal strip can be adhesively attached over its entire length. The magnetic strip is expediently glued to the metal strip, advantageously in the upper half, to ensure that the magnetic strip is located in the area of the lower part, not in the gap, when attached.
[0016] The predetermined breaking points have already been explained above. An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the at least one first magnet extends over the length of the metal strip. Thus, individual first magnets can be deployed over the length of the metal strip. Alternatively—and preferably—the magnetic strip extends over the length of the metal strip. It preferably bridges the predetermined breaking points. If the metal strip is cut to length, the magnetic strip only needs to be cut at the intended point. A simple pair of scissors is sufficient for this. However, the separation can also be carried out using metal shears.
[0017] Analogous to the metal strip, it is also considered advantageous if the at least one second magnet is designed as a magnetic strip. Designing it as a magnetic strip increases the adhesive force of the magnet. It is preferably attached to the corner piece in such a way that it advantageously extends over the height of the corner piece. When installed, the corner piece is preferably mounted in such a way that it covers the metal strip or, if two metal strips are provided, both metal strips. The magnetic strips are advantageously applied to both legs and, when the corner piece is installed, adhere to the metal strip(s). Here, the extension of the magnetic strip over the height has an advantageous effect in that there is maximum overlap between the magnetic strip and the metal strip.
[0018] Preferably, the legs of the corner piece are each beveled to form a chamfer. The chamfer is conveniently adapted to the bevel of the metal strip in such a way that it corresponds to the bevel of the metal strip, creating a (largely) seal. Furthermore, the chamfer forms an attractive finish between the corner piece and the base part to which it is attached or which it overlaps.
[0019] Depending on whether a machine is located in an open space or against a wall, three or four sides of the base must be covered. Typically, the base has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the two sides form a right angle. The corner piece can therefore be used to cover the (right-angled) corners of the base.
[0020] The invention serves as a dust, dirt, and visual barrier. It has been found that an additional seal against the floor provides a significant improvement in dust protection. Against this background, it is proposed that the metal strip have a flexible seal extending along a lower edge of the metal strip. The flexibility of the seal allows for a largely dust-tight seal against the floor. The seal is also capable of compensating for unevenness in the floor. The corner piece is preferably designed without a lower seal so that it can rest flatly on the metal strip(s) and the seal does not abut the metal strip.
[0021] The metal strip preferably has a beveled web. The beveled web is preferably located opposite the bevel (i.e., at the bottom) and increases the stability of the metal strip. For example, the web is beveled at approximately 90°.
[0022] To secure the seal, it is considered advantageous if the seal sits on the beveled rib. The rib is preferably beveled inward, i.e., if a bevel is provided, in the same direction as the bevel. This has the advantage that the rib extends into the gap when installed and, in particular, does not protrude outward, where it would otherwise create a tripping hazard.
[0023] It has already been explained above how the metal strip and the corner piece are attached to a base to cover the gap between the base and the floor. A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized by the corner piece overlapping the metal strip(s). If the metal strip does not extend to a corner of the base (e.g., because the predetermined breaking point is located in front of the corner), the corner piece advantageously compensates for the missing distance. Preferably, the predetermined breaking points form segments, with the legs being wider than the segments.
[0024] As a rule, known base parts are made of magnetic material, for example, steel. In exceptional cases, however, known base parts can also be made of non-magnetic material. In this case, it is proposed that the cover according to the invention contain a metallic strip that can be glued to the base part. For this purpose, the metallic strip advantageously has an adhesive layer so that it can be easily glued to the base part on site. At least one first magnet and / or at least one second magnet adhere to the mounted (glued) strip.
[0025] The cover according to the invention serves to cover gaps beneath the lower parts of machines or the like. It may happen that the cover has to be removed, for example for inspection purposes or maintenance work. The at least one metal strip can be easily removed thanks to the magnets. For better handling, it is advantageous that the metal strip has at least one opening with a diameter of at least 1 cm. The diameter is preferably at least 3 cm. A finger or a tool can pass through the opening, so that the metal strip can be easily removed. It is particularly advantageous if at least two openings are formed in the metal strip. The metal strip can then be gripped with both hands. In this case, it is advantageous if the openings are arranged at the same height.
[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective front view of the metal strip according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the metal strip according to the invention from behind; Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the metal strip according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the corner piece; Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a lower part with a fixed metal strip; Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the lower part according to Fig. 5 with two attached metal strips; and Fig. 7 in a schematic representation of the lower part according to Fig. 5 with a cover according to the invention.
[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a metal strip 1 according to the invention. The metal strip 1 has a plurality of predetermined breaking points 2, which are produced, for example, by lasering the metal strip 1. The predetermined breaking points 2 form a plurality of segments 3. For clarity, only some of the predetermined breaking points 2 and some of the segments 3 are numbered.
[0028] The metal strip 1 according to the invention can be cut to a desired length by bending it along the predetermined breaking points 2. This allows its length to be adjusted, as will be explained in more detail below.
[0029] The metal strip has a chamfer 4 extending along the upper edge of the metal strip 1. The chamfer 4 is produced by folding the upper edge of the metal strip 1.
[0030] At its lower edge, the metal strip 1 has a seal 5. This seal serves to rest on a floor, as will also be explained later.
[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the metal strip 1 from behind. As can be clearly seen from this view, a first magnet 6 is attached (here: glued) to the metal strip 1, extending over the length of the metal strip 1. Preferably, the first magnet is designed as a magnetic strip and extends over several segments 3.
[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows the metal strip 1 in a side view. It has a beveled web 7 on which the seal 5 sits. The bevel 4 is beveled toward the first magnet 6. Preferably, in a side view of the metal strip, it extends at least to the height of the first magnet.
[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a corner piece 8 according to the invention. The corner piece 8 has a first leg 9 and a second leg 10, which together preferably form a right angle. The upper ends of the legs 9, 10 each form a bevel 11, with the two bevels 11 advantageously facing each other.
[0034] The legs 9, 10 each have an inner surface 12 on which a second magnet 13 is applied, which in this case is designed as a magnetic strip.
[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows how the metal strip 1 is attached to a base 14. The base 14 is only indicated schematically. It can be the base of a machine tool, a housing, a cabinet, or the like. The base rests on a base 16 with supports 15. This creates a gap 17, which is covered by the cover according to the invention.
[0036] In Fig. 5, a metal strip 1 is attached to the lower part 14 by means of the first magnet 6. It can be the case as in Fig. 5, it may occur that the length of a metal strip 1 is not sufficient to cover the entire front of the lower part 14. To cover the remaining part of the front, a second metal strip 1 is simply added, which reaches almost to a corner 18 of the lower part 14, as shown in Fig. 6. Both metal strips 1 rest with their seal 5 on the base 16.
[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows a fully assembled cover. Another metal strip 1 is attached to the side of the lower part 14.
[0038] The metal strips 1 are each cut to length so that their ends reach almost to the corner 18. Finally, the corner piece 8 is placed on the metal strips 1. Due to the second magnets 13 ( Fig. 4) the corner piece adheres to the metal strip 1. The legs 9, 10 ( Fig. 4) ready than segments 3 ( Fig. 2), so that it is ensured that the corner piece 8 always covers the respective metal strip 1, as shown by the dashed line 19, which marks the respective end of the metal strip 1.
[0039] The reference numeral 20 denotes openings through which the respective metal strip 1 can be gripped. Preferably, the openings 20 are large enough to allow a finger to pass through them. List of reference symbols 1 metal strip 2 predetermined breaking point 3 segments 4th phase 5 Seal 6 First magnet 7 jetty 8 corner piece 9 First leg 10 Second leg 11 phase 12 Area 13 Second magnet 14 Lower part 15 Support 16 Floor 17 gap 18 Corner 19 End (of the respective metal strip) 20 Opening
Claims
[1] Cover, with - at least one metal strip (1), wherein the metal strip (1) has at least one first magnet (6) on one side, and - at least one corner piece (8) with two legs (9; 10) forming two facing surfaces (12), wherein the facing surfaces (12) each have at least one second magnet (13), - wherein the metal strip (1) has a plurality of spaced-apart predetermined breaking points (2), each extending over the height of the metal strip (1). [2] Cover according to claim 1, characterized by that the predetermined breaking points (2) extend at preferably regular intervals along the length of the metal strip (1). [3] Cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the predetermined breaking points (2) are lasered into the metal strip. [4] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the metal strip (1) is bent over its length to form a chamfer (4). [5] Cover according to claim 4, characterized by that the chamfer (4) is inclined towards the at least one first magnet (6). [6] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the at least one first magnet (6) is designed as a magnetic strip, which is preferably arranged in the upper half, particularly preferably in the upper third of the metal strip (1), preferably glued on. [7] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the at least one first magnet (6) extends over the length of the metal strip (1), preferably bridging the predetermined breaking points (2). [8] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the at least one second magnet (13) is designed as a magnetic strip. [9] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the at least one second magnet (13) extends over the height of the corner piece (8). [10] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the legs (9; 10) of the corner piece (8) are each bevelled to form a chamfer (11). [11] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the two legs (9; 10) enclose a right angle. [12] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the metal strip (1) has a flexible seal (5) extending along a lower edge of the metal strip (1). [13] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the metal strip (1) has a bevelled web (7) over its length. [14] Cover according to claims 12 and 13, characterized by that the seal (5) sits on the web (7). [15] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat the predetermined breaking points (2) form segments (3) of the metal strip (1), wherein preferably the legs (9; 10) of the corner piece (8) are wider than the segments (3). [16] Cover according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the metal strip (1) has at least one opening (20) with a diameter of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, wherein preferably at least two openings (20) are formed in the metal strip (1), which openings are preferably arranged at the same height. [17] Lower part (14) of a machine, a cabinet, a housing or the like, which stands on a floor (16) and forms a gap (17) with the floor (16), characterized by that a cover according to one of claims 1 to 16 is attached to the lower part (14) by means of the at least one first magnet (6) and the at least one second magnet (13) in order to cover the gap (17). [18] Lower part according to claim 17, characterized by that the corner piece (8) overlaps the metal strip(s) (1). [19] Lower part according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by that a metallic strip is applied, in particular glued, to the machine, to which the at least one first magnet (6) and / or the at least one second magnet (13) adheres.