Blade unit and cleaning apparatus for removing slag simultaneously from opposite sides of a slat

Abstract

The invention relates to a blade unit (1) having: - a substantially hollow-cylindrical shape with an at least partially non-rotationally symmetrical inner contour (2), for rotationally secured mounting on a cooperating tool shaft (20) of a cleaning apparatus (10), - at least one scraping blade (4) which extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit (1) and has a straight cutting edge (6a), - at least one scraping blade (4) which extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit (1) and has a serrated cutting edge (6b), the at least two scraping blades (4) being distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction. The invention also relates to a cleaning apparatus (10) for removing slag simultaneously from opposite sides of a slat (100), in particular a slat (100) of a laser cutter or plasma cutter, comprising: - a bearing plate (12) with an opening (14), - a drive arranged on an upper side (16) of the bearing plate (12), - two tool shafts (20), which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation (R1, R2), wherein the tool shafts (20) each have their first end coupled to the drive, and a respective free end portion (22), which is located opposite the first end, projects through the opening (14) in the bearing plate (12), wherein a blade unit (1) according to the invention is mounted on each of the tool shafts (20).

Description

[0001] Blade unit and cleaning device for simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support bar

[0002] The invention relates to a blade unit having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with a non-rotationally symmetrical inner contour, for rotationally secured mounting on a cooperating tool shaft of a cleaning device, further comprising at least one scraping blade with a straight cutting edge extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit.The invention further relates to a cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support bar, in particular a support bar of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising: a support plate with an opening, a drive arranged on an upper side of the support plate, in particular a preferably electric gear motor, two tool shafts drivable in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the tool shafts are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a respective free end section projects through the opening of the support plate.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] When workpieces are machined on a machine tool, they are often supported on a workpiece support. Particularly for thermal cutting of workpieces, workpiece supports are used. These support supports feature a multitude of parallel support bars. On their upper sides, the support bars define a support surface for the workpiece to be machined, e.g., a sheet metal. The support bars are usually serrated on their upper sides, allowing the workpieces to rest selectively on the tips of the support bars' prongs.

[0005] During the machining process, the support strips become heavily contaminated, especially between the support teeth and on their longitudinal sides near the support teeth. For example, during laser cutting of sheet metal, molten metal and slag drip from above onto the support strips and sometimes adhere there. The support strips must be cleaned of these stubborn deposits from time to time.

[0006] DE 20 2004 015 922 U1 discloses a support bar cleaner that moves along a support bar to be cleaned, driven by a motor. Cleaning rollers act as the cleaning element carriers. These rollers rotate on the opposite longitudinal sides of the respective support bar, thereby applying cleaning elements in the form of cleaning bars to the respective associated longitudinal side of the support bar. The axes of rotation of the cleaning rollers and the cleaning bars run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support bar and parallel to its longitudinal sides.

[0007] EP 3 218 122 B1 discloses a cleaning tool for removing unwanted slag that has accumulated on opposite sides of the support bar of a work table. The cleaning tool comprises a pair of driven tool shafts, each of which contains a scraping tool. The scraping tools are positioned on opposite sides of the support bar to clean both sides of the support bar. A single motor rotates both scraping tools. A biasing element holds the two scraping tools in close proximity to the support bar.

[0008] Task

[0009] The invention is based on the object of improving a blade unit and a cleaning device of the type mentioned above, in particular improving the cleaning effect of the blade unit and the cleaning device. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to enable the cleaning of relatively hard slag deposits. Solution

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a blade unit comprising:

[0011] - a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with a non-rotationally symmetrical inner contour, for rotationally secured mounting on a cooperating tool shaft of a cleaning device,

[0012] - at least one scraping blade with a straight cutting edge extending parallel to the longitudinal extension of the blade unit,

[0013] - at least one scraping blade extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit with a toothed cutting edge, wherein the at least two scraping blades are arranged equally distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0014] By providing at least one scraping blade with a serrated cutting edge extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit, the slag is broken up or torn open upon contact with this special cutting geometry, allowing even relatively hard slag to be removed from the support strips. So-called "hard slag" can arise depending on various machining and process parameters, for example, depending on the material, thickness, process temperature, cutting method, and the like.

[0015] The scraper blade with the toothed cutting edge can be a scraper blade with a serrated cutting edge. The serrated or serrated cutting edge can have a sequence of uniform teeth or points. The serrated or serrated cutting edge can have teeth or points of different shapes. The serrated or serrated cutting edge can have an alternating sequence of teeth or points of different shapes.

[0016] With an even number of scraper blades, any two adjacent scraper blades can always have different cutting edges. Preferably, with an even number of scraper blades, the different cutting edges alternate in the circumferential direction. With an odd number of scraper blades, a maximum of one pair of adjacent scraper blades can have the same cutting edge. With the exception of this one pair of adjacent scraper blades, with an odd number of scraper blades, the remaining scraper blades with different cutting edges alternate in the circumferential direction.

[0017] At least one of the scraping blades with a straight cutting edge can have at least one groove. At least one of the scraping blades with a straight cutting edge can have at least two grooves, each arranged in an outer third in the longitudinal direction of the blade unit. The groove serves as a wear indicator for the user of the blade unit and shows when a blade unit is used up or needs to be replaced. In the event of uneven wear after an initial period of use, the blade units can also be disassembled and reassembled in the opposite orientation to the other tool shaft, which can achieve more even wear.

[0018] The inner contour can have a polygonal cross-section, at least in sections. The inner contour can have a cross-section that is at least triangular, at least in sections. The inner contour can have a square cross-section, at least in sections. The shape of the inner contour enables anti-twist mounting on a cooperating tool shaft of a cleaning device. The inner contour can have a cross-section, at least in sections, with four pairs of parallel side edges and connecting areas that flare outwards.

[0019] This object is further achieved according to the invention by a cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support bar, in particular a support bar of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising:

[0020] - a support plate with an opening,

[0021] - a drive arranged on an upper side of the support plate, in particular a preferably electric gear motor,

[0022] - two tool shafts drivable in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the tool shafts are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a respective free end portion opposite the first end projects through the opening of the support plate, wherein a blade unit according to the preceding description is mounted on each of the tool shafts.

[0023] The advantages of the cleaning device are also based on the advantages of the blade unit described above.

[0024] The tool shafts can rotate with the blade units in opposite directions to achieve an upward cleaning action on opposite sides of a support bar to be cleaned. The tool shafts can be free-standing.

[0025] The two blade units are preferably mounted in such a way that uniform scraping blades always interact with each other in the respective direction of rotation of the blade units. In other words, the scraping blades of the two blade units that act simultaneously on the support strip in the direction of rotation preferably have the same blade shape with the same cutting edge. It is also conceivable that the two blade units are mounted in such a way that different scraping blades always interact with each other in the respective direction of rotation of the blade units.

[0026] The outer contour of the tool shaft can have a polygonal cross-section, at least in sections. The outer contour of the tool shaft can have a triangular cross-section, at least in sections. The outer contour of the tool shaft can have a square cross-section, at least in sections. The outer contour of the tool shaft is preferably matched to the inner contour of the blade unit.

[0027] The tool shafts can each have a holding mechanism at their free end, which releasably fixes the respective blade unit on the respective tool shaft. The holding mechanism can have a spring-loaded bayonet lock. The spring-loaded bayonet lock can be actuated by means of a push button. The tool shafts can be spring-loaded toward each other, particularly in the radial direction. The tool shafts can be spring-loaded toward each other by means of a preload element.

[0028] The tool shafts with the blade units can protrude from an opening in the support plate at an angle of 20-25° to a plane of a support plate.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the subclaims.

[0030] Character list

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below using an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0032] They show:

[0033] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a blade unit according to the invention,

[0034] Fig. 2: another view of the blade unit from Fig. 1 from a 90° angle,

[0035] Fig. 3: another view of the slightly wasting blade unit from Fig. 2,

[0036] Fig. 4: a schematic view of a front end of the blade unit from

[0037] Fig. 2,

[0038] Fig. 5: a schematic representation of an arrangement with several

[0039] Support strips, Fig. 6: a perspective view obliquely from above of a cleaning device according to the invention,

[0040] Fig. 7: a perspective view from below of the

[0041] Cleaning device with two blade units from Fig. 6,

[0042] Fig. 8: a partially enlarged view of the

[0043] Cleaning device from Fig. 7 in the area of ​​the two blade units,

[0044] Fig. 9: a partial view of the cleaning device in the area of ​​the blade units from a view parallel to a rotation axis of the blade units, and

[0045] Fig. 10: a side view of the cleaning device from Fig. 6.

[0046] Figures 1 to 4 show views of a blade unit 1 according to the invention from different angles and are described together below. The blade unit 1 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with an inner contour 2 that is at least partially non-rotationally symmetrical. The inner contour 2, which is at least partially non-rotationally symmetrical, serves as a driver for rotationally secured mounting on a cooperating tool shaft 20 of a cleaning device 10, as described, for example, below with reference to Figures 6 to 10. The inner contour 2 has, at least in sections, a substantially polygonal cross-section. In the present case, a cross-section with four pairs of parallel side edges and connecting areas that are rounded outwards.Preferably, the blade unit 1 has an inner contour 2 with such a polygonal cross-section at its two end sections opposite in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The blade unit 1 has at least one scraping blade 4 with a straight cutting edge 6a extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit 1. Furthermore, the blade unit 1 has at least one scraping blade 4 with a serrated cutting edge 6b extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit 1, wherein the at least two scraping blades 4 are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The scraping blades 4 have a shape or protrude in an orientation adapted to the rotation direction R1, R2 of the blade unit 1.

[0048] In designs of the blade unit 1 with an even number of scraping blades 4, each pair of adjacent scraping blades 4 always has different cutting edges 6a, 6b. In designs of the blade unit 1 with an odd number of scraping blades 4, a maximum of one pair of adjacent scraping blades 4 has the same cutting edge 6a, 6b.

[0049] At least one of the scraping blades 4 with a straight cutting edge 6a has at least one groove 8. In the present case, each of the scraping blades 4 with a straight cutting edge 6a has two grooves 8, each of which is arranged in an outer third in the longitudinal direction of the blade unit 1. The grooves 8 preferably serve as a wear indicator and indicate when the corresponding blade unit should be rotated or replaced.

[0050] From the view of the front end of the blade unit 1 according to Figure 4, it can be seen that in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the blade unit 1, a gap (shown in dashed lines) is provided between two adjacent scraping blades 4. This ensures that the rotating blade unit 1 is not permanently engaged during use, thereby facilitating the advancement of the cleaning device 10. The size of the provided gap is preferably matched to a rotational speed of the blade units 1 and specifies the period of time during which a force-free or force-reduced advance is possible.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement with a plurality of support strips 100. In the present case, these are the support strips 100 as provided in a laser cutting device. It can also be a plasma cutting device. Figures 6 to 8 show a cleaning device 10 according to the invention from different angles and are described together below. The cleaning device 10 for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support strip 100, in particular a support strip 100 of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, has a support plate 12. The support plate 12 has an opening 14. The support plate 12 serves to move over the support strip 100. The support plate 12 preferably extends in its width over a plurality of adjacently arranged support strips 100.This prevents the cleaning device 10 from tipping over on the support strips 100.

[0052] The cleaning device 10 has a drive (not shown) arranged on an upper side 16 of the support plate 12. Furthermore, two tool shafts 20 are provided, which can be driven in opposite rotational directions R1, R2, wherein the tool shafts 20 are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a respective free end section 22 opposite the first end protrudes through the opening 14 of the support plate 12. In the region of the free end section 22, the tool shafts 20 have, at least in sections, an outer contour 26 which is coupled to the inner contour 2 of the blade units 1 in a driving manner.

[0053] The cleaning device 10 has a housing 40. The housing 40 is arranged on an upper side 16 of the support plate 12. A bracket 32 ​​is fastened around the housing 40 and fulfills several functions. Firstly, the bracket 32 ​​gives the housing 40 more stability and serves as a protective bracket. The bracket 32 ​​has a handle section 34 which is partially spaced from the housing 40. An operator can grasp the cleaning device 10 by the handle section 34 and, for example, lift it off the support strip 100 and / or place it on the next support strip 100 to be cleaned. The handle section 34 can also serve as a stand when the cleaning device 10 is placed upright when not in use. On the underside 18 of the support plate 12, at a rear end section of the support plate 12 in the feed direction V, a guide aid 36 is provided which prevents tilting orThis prevents lateral twisting of the cleaning device 10 on the support bar 100. A roller 38 is arranged upstream and downstream of the support plate 12 in the feed direction V, which roller serves to facilitate rolling over the support bar 100. Furthermore, the preceding roller 38 can also serve for rolling on a floor (not shown) during transport of the cleaning device 10.

[0054] A blade unit 1 is mounted on each of the tool shafts 20, as shown in detail in Figure 8. The tool shafts 20, with the blade units 1, protrude from an opening 14 in the support plate 12 at an angle of 20-25° to the plane of the support plate 12.

[0055] The tool shafts 20 each have a holding mechanism 28 at their free end 24, which releasably secures the respective blade unit 1 to the respective tool shaft 20. The holding mechanism 28 comprises a spring-loaded bayonet lock. In this case, the bayonet lock is actuated by means of a push button 30.

[0056] Figure 9 shows a partial view of the cleaning device 10 in the area of ​​the blade units 1 from a viewing direction parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the blade units 1.

[0057] The tool shafts 20 with the blade units 1 rotate in opposite directions of rotation R1, R2 to achieve an upward cleaning action on opposite sides of a support strip 100 to be cleaned. Two blade units 1 are mounted in such a way that uniform scraping blades 4 always interact with each other in the respective directions of rotation R1, R2 of the blade units 1.

[0058] Figure 10 shows a side view of the cleaning device 10. The

[0059] Cleaning device 10 has a shaft 42, at the free end of which an operating handle 44 is arranged. Using the operating handle 44, a user can make settings, such as a rotational speed of the tool shafts 20, of the cleaning device 10. The features disclosed in the above description, the claims, and the drawings can be important both individually and in combination for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

[0060] List of reference symbols

[0061] 1 blade unit

[0062] inner contour

[0063] Scraper blade a straight cutting edge b serrated cutting edge

[0064] 8 grooves

[0065] 10 Cleaning device

[0066] 12 support plate

[0067] 14 Opening

[0068] 16 Top

[0069] 18 Bottom

[0070] 20 tool shaft

[0071] 22 free end section

[0072] 24 front ends

[0073] 26 Outer contour

[0074] 28 Holding mechanism

[0075] 30 push button

[0076] 32 brackets

[0077] 34 Handle section

[0078] 36 Management aid

[0079] 38 roll

[0080] 40 housings

[0081] 42 handle

[0082] 44 Operating handle

[0083] 100 support strip

[0084] R1 rotation direction

[0085] R2 rotation direction

[0086] V feed direction

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Blade unit (1 ) comprising: - a substantially hollow-cylindrical shape with an at least partially non-rotationally symmetrical inner contour (2), for rotationally secured mounting on a cooperating tool shaft (20) of a cleaning device (10), - at least one scraping blade (4) extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit (1) with a straight cutting edge (6a), characterized by, - at least one scraping blade (4) extending parallel to the longitudinal extent of the blade unit (1) and having a toothed cutting edge (6b), wherein the at least two scraping blades (4) are arranged equally distributed in the circumferential direction.

2. Blade unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, with an even number of scraping blades (4), two adjacent scraping blades (4) always have different cutting edges (6a, 6b), and with an odd number of scraping blades (4), a maximum of one pair of adjacent scraping blades (4) has the same cutting edge (6a, 6b).

3. Blade unit (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the scraping blades (4) with a straight cutting edge (6a) has at least one groove (8).

4. Blade unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the scraping blades (4) with a straight cutting edge (6a) has at least two grooves (8), which are each arranged in an outer third in the longitudinal direction of the blade unit (1).

5. Blade unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inner contour (2) has at least in sections a polygonal cross-section.

6. Cleaning device (10) for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support bar (100), in particular a support bar (100) of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising: - a support plate (12) with an opening (14), - a drive arranged on an upper side (16) of the support plate (12), - two tool shafts (20) which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation (R1, R2), wherein the tool shafts (20) are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a respective free end section (22) opposite the first end projects through the opening (14) of the support plate (12), characterized in that a blade unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 is mounted on each of the tool shafts (20).

7. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the tool shafts (20) with the blade units (1) rotate in the opposite direction of rotation (R1, R2) in order to achieve an obliquely upward cleaning effect on opposite sides of a support strip (100) to be cleaned.

8. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein two blade units (1) are mounted in such a way that in the respective direction of rotation (R1, R2) of the blade units (1) always uniform scraping blades (4) interact with each other.

9. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the outer contour (26) of the tool shaft (20) has at least in sections a polygonal cross-section.

10. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the tool shafts (20) each have a Holding mechanism (28) which releasably fixes the respective blade unit (1) on the respective tool shaft (20).

11. Cleaning device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the holding mechanism (28) comprises a spring-loaded bayonet lock, and the bayonet lock can be actuated in particular by means of a push button (30).

12. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the tool shafts (20) are spring-loaded towards each other.

13. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the tool shafts (20) are free-standing.

14. Cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the tool shafts (20) with the blade units (1) protrude from an opening (14) in the support plate (12) at an angle of 20-25° to a plane of a support plate (12).

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