Device for obtaining the web tension of a web material for a cleaning device, cleaning device, robot with a cleaning device, processing station with a cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for maintaining the web tension of a web material (BM), in particular a cleaning fleece, for a cleaning device (100) with at least one carrier unit (11) and a guide unit (12), which is arranged on the carrier unit (11), wherein the carrier unit (11) comprises at least a first and a second fixed deflection means (13, 14) and the guide unit (12) comprises at least a first and a second movable deflection means (15, 16), which are movable with the guide unit (12) relative to the carrier unit (11) along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein - the second movable deflection means (16) and the first stationary deflection means (13) are arranged at a distance A from one another, and - the first movable deflection means (15) and the second stationary deflection means (14) are arranged at a distance B from one another, and - the guide unit (12) is arranged movably on the carrier unit (11) in such a way that the distances A and B can be varied by the same amount by moving the guide unit (12) along the longitudinal axis (L).

Description

[0001] Device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material for a cleaning device, cleaning device, robot with a cleaning device, processing station with a cleaning device

[0002] The invention relates to a device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material for a cleaning device, a cleaning device, a robot with a cleaning device and a processing station with a cleaning device.

[0003] To apply a material, such as a sealant, to a component surface, the surface often needs to be cleaned prior to application. Another application is the removal of production aids, especially adhesives, which need to be removed from unwanted areas after a process has been completed. Cleaning is preferably performed using a strip material, such as a cleaning fleece, in an automated process. The strip material must therefore maintain a certain tension during the cleaning process. Furthermore, tolerance compensation for component unevenness must be possible. This is often achieved using complex mechanics.

[0004] DE 42 04 550 A1 discloses a device for controlling the tension of a moving material web. It is provided that a material, such as paper, plastic, or metal foil, is provided from a supply roll and fed via the device for processing. By guiding the material over fixed and movable rollers, the mobility of the rollers is intended to counteract a sudden drop in tension. A similar device is known from US Pat. No. 5,050,812 A.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for maintaining the belt tension of a strip material, which enables the maintenance of a specific belt tension and tolerance compensation through a simple structural design. The invention is further based on the object of specifying a cleaning device, a robot with such a cleaning device, and a processing station with such a cleaning device.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the device for

[0007] Maintaining the belt tension of a belt material is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. With regard to the cleaning device, the robot, and the processing station, the above-mentioned object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 13 (cleaning device) and claims 18 (robot) or 19 (processing station).

[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by a device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material, in particular a cleaning fleece, for a cleaning apparatus having at least one carrier unit and a guide unit arranged on the carrier unit. The carrier unit comprises at least a first and a second fixed deflection means, and the guide unit comprises at least a first and a second movable deflection means, which are movable with the guide unit relative to the carrier unit along a longitudinal axis. The second movable deflection means and the first fixed deflection means are arranged at a distance A from one another. The first movable deflection means and the second fixed deflection means are arranged at a distance B from one another. The distances A and B are, in particular, unequal.The guide unit is movably arranged on the support unit such that the distances A and B can be changed by the same amount by moving the guide unit along the longitudinal axis. The belt material, in particular the cleaning fleece, is in particular a dry belt material. Advantageously, however, a wetted belt material, in particular a moist belt material, is also provided, wherein wetting of the belt material can occur in particular with a solvent, more particularly with isopropanol.

[0009] The invention has several advantages.

[0010] By arranging the first and second fixed deflection means on the support unit and the first and second movable deflection means on the guide unit, which is movable relative to the support unit along a longitudinal axis, it is possible to maintain a specific, in particular constant, belt tension of the belt material guided through the device. Since the guide unit is movably arranged on the support unit such that the distances A and B can be changed by the same amount by moving the guide unit along the longitudinal axis, the belt length guided through the device remains constant during operation. Maintaining a constant belt length advantageously goes hand in hand with maintaining a consistent belt tension.

[0011] In the context of this invention, distance A describes the distance parallel to the longitudinal axis and formed between two imaginary lines perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. With respect to distance A, one imaginary line passes through the center of the second movable deflection means and the other through the center of the first stationary deflection means. Distance B is defined in an equivalent manner.

[0012] The device according to the invention further enables tolerance compensation for component unevenness by arranging the first movable deflection means on the guide unit. Since the first movable roller, which is preferably brought into contact with the component surface for cleaning a component, is movable with the guide unit along the longitudinal axis running perpendicular to the component surface, component unevenness can be easily compensated. Furthermore, in addition to component tolerances, it is also possible to compensate for positional tolerances and geometric changes that result, for example, from guiding the device along a component.

[0013] The invention further has the advantage that the belt tension during conveyance of the belt material can be maintained at a constant level, preferably solely through the inventive arrangement of the deflection means. The use of additional belt tensioners or complex mechanisms to maintain constant belt tension is therefore unnecessary, but not excluded.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0015] The guide unit preferably comprises a holding element, wherein the first and second movable deflection means are each arranged at one end of the holding element, and the distance between the first and second movable deflection means is fixed. This is to be understood in such a way that preferably only the holding element and the movable deflection means arranged on the holding element are movable relative to the carrier unit. This ensures that the mass of the moving parts required to compensate for component tolerances is kept low. This reduces damage to the device and minimizes maintenance effort. It is therefore not necessary for the entire device to be movable for tolerance compensation.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the first movable deflection means is arranged along the longitudinal axis and the second movable deflection means is arranged offset from the longitudinal axis, in particular at a distance from the longitudinal axis. This means that the center point of the first movable deflection means can be arranged on the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the second deflection means can be spaced transversely from the longitudinal axis. In other words, the second movable deflection means can be arranged next to the longitudinal axis and offset from the first movable deflection means. In particular, the first and second movable deflection means can be offset from one another such that the deflection means are arranged tangentially to one another. This enables reliable guidance of the strip material from one movable deflection means to the other and strip guidance parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] Further preferably, the first movable deflection means for cleaning a surface projects at least partially beyond the holding element. This is advantageous in that the strip material can be easily guided over the first movable deflection means during operation, so that the strip material can be guided along a surface, in particular for cleaning the surface.

[0018] The guide unit advantageously comprises a linear unit, in particular a pneumatic element, which resiliently mounts the holding element. This allows the movement of the holding element along the longitudinal axis to be damped. Particularly preferably, the linear unit is designed as a pneumatic cylinder whose operating pressure is adjustable. The pneumatic cylinder can be designed or adjusted such that the piston rod in the cylinder can compensate for the same tolerance range in both directions of movement, thereby achieving good variability.

[0019] Furthermore, the deflection means are preferably arranged relative to one another such that the strip material encloses the deflection means during operation at a wrap angle of 70° to 200°, in particular approximately 180°. In the context of this invention, the wrap angle indicates the contact area in degrees at which the strip material encloses the deflection means. A wrap angle of approximately 180° is particularly preferred. This ensures that the strip material is guided parallel between the individual deflection means. The parallelism of the strip guide also ensures that the strip length guided through the device during operation can be maintained constant despite displacement of the guide device along the longitudinal axis. This advantageously results in constant strip tension of the strip material.

[0020] In the context of the invention, the band tension refers to the tensile stress of the band material. In other words, the band material is held under tensile stress.

[0021] Furthermore, a wrap angle of approximately 180° is advantageous, as there is a large contact area between the belt material and the deflection elements, ensuring high force transmission. Consequently, the belt material can be guided safely through the device.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the deflection means are arranged, in particular, on a common plane to guide the strip material without offset. By guiding the strip material without offset, damage to the strip material can be reduced or avoided. Furthermore, reliable guidance of the strip material is ensured.

[0023] Furthermore, the distance of the deflection means from the longitudinal axis is preferably unchangeable, in particular fixed. In other words, the distance of the deflection means perpendicular or transverse to the longitudinal axis is preferably unchangeable. This allows for a simple design of the device.

[0024] Preferably, the second fixed deflection means is at a distance from the longitudinal axis that corresponds to the distance of the second movable deflection means from the longitudinal axis. In other words, the second fixed deflection means and the second movable deflection means can have the same distance from the longitudinal axis. Since the first movable deflection means is preferably arranged along the longitudinal axis, the second fixed deflection means and the second movable deflection means can consequently have the same distance from the first movable deflection means. Particularly preferably, the second fixed deflection means is spaced from the first movable deflection means such that the deflection means are arranged tangentially to one another. The same applies to the arrangement of the second movable deflection means to the first movable deflection means.The advantage here is that a wrap angle of 180° of the first movable deflection means can be achieved, which in turn results in parallel belt guidance.

[0025] Furthermore, the first fixed deflection means is advantageously at a distance from the longitudinal axis that is greater than the distance of the second movable deflection means from the longitudinal axis. This means that the distance of the first fixed deflection means transverse to the longitudinal axis can be greater than the distance of the second movable deflection means from the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, this means that the first fixed deflection means and the second movable deflection means can be arranged at a distance from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, the first fixed deflection means and the second movable deflection means are spaced from one another such that the deflection means are tangential to one another. This is advantageous in that a belt guide parallel to the longitudinal axis is ensured.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the carrier unit comprises a further, in particular third, fixed deflection means, which has a distance from the longitudinal axis that corresponds to the distance of the first fixed deflection means from the longitudinal axis. The additional fixed deflection means enables reliable guidance and deflection of the strip material from the device to downstream components or vice versa.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the deflection means are designed as deflection rollers, each of which is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal roller axis. This has the advantage that damage to the belt material can be reduced or prevented, as the friction between the deflection means and the belt material is reduced.

[0028] According to the independent claim 13, the invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface with a device according to the invention for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material and at least one spool, in particular a first spool, for dispensing the belt material, which is arranged on the carrier unit and detachably connected thereto, wherein the belt material can be guided or guided from the at least one spool via the device, in particular the deflection means of the carrier and guide unit. The advantage here is that the spool is easy to replace due to the detachable connection of the spool to the carrier unit. This allows the cleaning device to be used in various areas. A further advantage is that the belt tension of the belt material in the cleaning device can be kept constant by the device.

[0029] The device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material, which is comprised of the cleaning device, advantageously has at least one carrier unit and a guide unit arranged on the carrier unit. The carrier unit advantageously comprises at least a first and a second fixed deflection means, and the guide unit at least a first and a second movable deflection means, which are movable with the guide unit relative to the carrier unit along a longitudinal axis. The second movable deflection means and the first fixed deflection means are arranged at a distance A from one another. The first movable deflection means and the second fixed deflection means are arranged at a distance B from one another. The distance A is advantageously not equal to the distance B.The guide unit is advantageously arranged movably on the carrier unit in such a way that the distances A and B can be changed by the same amount by moving the guide unit along the longitudinal axis.

[0030] The belt material of the cleaning device, in particular a cleaning fleece as the belt material, is in particular a dry belt material. Advantageously, a wetted belt material, in particular a moist belt material, is also provided, wherein wetting of the belt material can be carried out in particular with a solvent, more particularly with isopropanol.

[0031] The cleaning device is intended, in particular, for cleaning a component surface prior to applying a material to the component surface. In particular, the cleaning device is intended for cleaning a body component surface prior to applying a sealing profile to the body component surface. Another application of the cleaning device involves, in particular, the removal of production aids, in particular adhesive residues, from a component surface that adhere to undesired areas of the component surface after a corresponding process, in particular a corresponding bonding process.In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device has at least one further spool, in particular a second spool, wherein the two spools, in particular the first and second spools, are arranged next to one another, in particular lying on a common plane, wherein the spools for receiving and / or dispensing the strip material are each rotatably mounted about a spool longitudinal axis. Here, it is advantageous that the strip material can be guided from one spool to the other via the device without offset. This prevents damage to the strip material and consequently to the component to be cleaned. A further advantage is that used strip material can be easily picked up from the second spool and disposed of.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device may comprise at least one container for receiving the used strip material and / or at least one suction connection, in particular a vacuum cleaner connection, for vacuuming the used strip material. Other options for disposing of the used strip material are possible.

[0033] Further preferably, the carrier unit has at least one drive means, in particular a drive roller, which is arranged between one of the two spools, in particular the first or second spool, and the device in order to convey the strip material during operation. It is possible for only a single drive means to be provided for conveying the strip material. The drive means can preferably be driven in rotation. Particularly preferably, two drive means can be provided which drive the strip material at different positions. Here, it is advantageous that the strip material can be conveyed in both directions, ie from the first to the second spool or vice versa.

[0034] Furthermore, the carrier unit preferably has at least one clamping means, in particular a clamping roller, which is movable relative to the drive means, wherein the clamping means presses the strip material against the drive means during operation. This means that a clamping force with which the strip material can be pressed against the drive element can be adjusted via the clamping means. This allows an optimal clamping force to be set, resulting in efficient drive of the strip material. Preferably, a sensor, in particular an end position sensor, is arranged near the spools, in particular the first and / or second spool, for monitoring the fill level of the spools. It is possible for only a single sensor to be provided near one of the two spools. Particularly preferably, two sensors can be provided to monitor the fill level of both spools.This results in the advantage that the reels can be replaced before there is no more unused tape material or the reels are empty.

[0035] According to the independent claim 18, the invention relates to a robot, in particular an articulated arm robot, with at least one cleaning device according to the invention and at least one robot hand on which the cleaning device is arranged, so that it can be moved along a stationary component.

[0036] According to the independent claim 19, the invention relates to a stationary processing station with at least one cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device is arranged at the processing station in such a way that a component arranged on a movable device, in particular a robot, can be moved along the cleaning device.

[0037] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments represent examples of how the device and cleaning apparatus according to the invention can be designed.

[0038] In these show,

[0039] Fig. 1 is a front view of a device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the guide unit is in the extended state;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1, with the guide unit in the retracted state; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention, with a device according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 being provided.

[0041] The same reference numbers are used below for identical or equivalent parts.

[0042] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for maintaining the strip tension of a strip material BM. This involves the application of the device 10 for a cleaning device 100 for cleaning the surface of a platinum cathode for water electrolysis. Other applications are conceivable. In general, the tensioning device 10 shown is applicable to a cleaning device 100 suitable for cleaning complex surfaces, for example, convex or concave surfaces.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the strip material BM is designed in the form of a cleaning fleece. Other materials are conceivable. In general, the selection of the strip material BM can be adapted to the application area of ​​the device 10. For the application of the device 10 for a cleaning device 10 for cleaning platinum cathodes, it is preferred to use a material that does not damage the component surface.

[0044] The device 10 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has a support unit 11. The support unit 11 shown is designed in the form of a plate that serves as a support for various components of the clamping device 10. The support unit 11 is to be understood as a base plate on which various components of the device 10, such as the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, are arranged. Other geometries of the support unit 11 are conceivable.

[0045] Furthermore, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the device 10 has a guide unit 12 arranged on the support unit 11. It can be seen that the guide unit 12 is movably attached to the support unit 11.

[0046] It can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 that the support unit 11 comprises a first and a second fixed deflection means 13, 14. In other words, the fixed deflection means 13, 14 are mounted or fastened on the support unit 11. It can be seen that the first fixed deflection means 13 is arranged at the edge of the support unit 11. The second fixed deflection means 14 is arranged near the guide unit 12. Other arrangements of the fixed deflection means 13, 14 are conceivable.

[0047] Furthermore, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the guide unit 12 has a first and a second movable deflection means 15, 16. In other words, the movable deflection means 15, 16 are mounted or fastened on the support unit 11.

[0048] The deflection means 13, 14, 15, and 16 serve to guide and deflect the strip material BM. In other words, the strip material BM undergoes a change of direction due to the deflection means 13, 14, 15, and 16.

[0049] The embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 further shows that the first and second movable deflection means 15, 16 are movable with the guide unit 12 relative to the support unit 11 along a longitudinal axis L. This is to be understood as meaning that the first and second movable deflection means 15, 16 are movable due to their arrangement on the guide unit 12. The movable deflection means 15, 16 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are therefore arranged stationary on the guide unit 12.

[0050] Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 that the second movable deflection means 16 and the first fixed deflection means 13 are arranged at a distance A from each other. The distance A is to be understood as the distance between the second movable deflection means 16 and the first fixed deflection means 13 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0051] The first movable deflection means 15 and the second fixed deflection means 14 are arranged at a distance B from each other. The distance B is understood to be the distance between the first movable deflection means 15 and the second fixed deflection means 14 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0052] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the guide unit 12 is movably arranged on the support unit 11 such that the distances A and B can be changed by the same amount by moving the guide unit 12 along the longitudinal axis L. This means that the distances A and B can be changed with a feed movement of the guide unit 12 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows the device 10 or the guide unit 12 of the device 10 in the rest state and in the extended state. It can be seen that the arrangement of the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The second movable deflection means 16 and the second fixed deflection means 14 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. A different arrangement of the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 in the extended state of the device 10 is possible. It can also be seen that the distance between the first movable deflection means 15 and the second movable deflection means 16 corresponds to the distance B between the first movable deflection means 15 and the second fixed deflection means 14.

[0054] In Fig. 2, the device 10, or rather the guide unit 12 of the device 10, is shown in the retracted state. It can be seen that the second movable deflection means 16 is arranged higher than the second fixed deflection means 14. The first movable deflection means 15 is located near the first fixed deflection means 13, or near the support unit 11.

[0055] Comparing Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, it can be seen that the distance A in Fig. 2, i.e. in the retracted state of the device 10, is greater than the distance A in Fig. 1, i.e. in the extended state of the device 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that the distance B in Fig. 2 is smaller than the distance B in Fig. 1.

[0056] It can also be seen that the strip length guided by the device 10 is the same in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, i.e., in the extended and retracted state of the device 10. Consequently, the tension of the strip material BM is the same in both the extended and extended state of the device 10. Specifically, a constant strip length or constant strip tension is present in every possible movement state of the guide unit 12. The movement of the guide unit 12 is stepless. In the operating state of the device 10, the guide unit 12 is in a central position (not shown). The guide unit 12 is arranged between the retracted state shown in Fig. 2 and the extended state shown in Fig. 1. During the cleaning of a component, the guide unit 12 is therefore movable in both directions along the longitudinal axis L. This makes it possible to achieve tolerance compensation on both sides.

[0057] Specifically, by moving the guide unit 12 along the longitudinal axis L, it is possible to compensate not only for component tolerances but also for positional tolerances and geometric changes that result, for example, from the guidance of the device 10 or the cleaning device 100 by a robot 200.

[0058] Furthermore, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show that the guide unit 12 comprises a holding element 17, wherein the first and second movable deflection means 15, 16 are each arranged at one end of the holding element 17 and the distance between the first and second movable deflection means 15, 16 is unchangeable. The holding element 17 is in the form of a carriage. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the carriage has an L-shape. Other geometries of the holding element 17 or the carriage are conceivable. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first movable deflection means 15 is arranged at the lower end of the holding element 17 and the second movable deflection means 16 is arranged at the upper end of the holding element 17. The deflection means 15, 16 are fastened to the holding element 17 in such a way that they are firmly connected to it.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first movable deflection means 15 is arranged along the longitudinal axis L, and the second movable deflection means 16 is arranged offset from the longitudinal axis L or at a distance from the longitudinal axis L. It can be seen that the movable deflection means 15, 16 are arranged offset from one another in such a way that they are tangential to one another. The belt guide between the movable deflection means 15, 16, i.e., from the first to the second movable deflection means 15, 16, is therefore parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0060] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first movable deflection means 15 partially protrudes beyond the holding element 17 for cleaning a surface. The first movable deflection means 15 is designed such that no components protrude radially outward beyond the running surface of the deflection means 15, thus allowing the cleaning of a surface without any problems. For cleaning a surface, the first movable deflection means 15 or the device 10 is aligned such that the longitudinal axis L is perpendicular to the component plane.

[0061] The embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 further shows that the guide unit 12 comprises a linear unit 18 that resiliently supports the holding element 17. The holding element 17 is guided in a rail of the linear unit 18 to execute the linear movement along the longitudinal axis L.

[0062] Specifically, the linear unit 18 is designed as a pneumatic cylinder that dampens the linear movement of the holding element 17 and allows for compensation of component unevenness. Alternatively, the linear unit 18 can be designed as a spring or can be actively controlled using appropriate sensors and / or an electric motor. Other variants of the linear unit 18 are conceivable.

[0063] Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 that the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 are arranged relative to one another such that the strip material BM encloses the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 at a wrap angle of approximately 180°. A wrap angle of approximately 180° results in the parallel strip paths shown. Specifically, the strip paths between the first fixed deflection means 13 and the second movable deflection means 16, between the first and second movable deflection means 15, 16, between the first movable deflection means 15 and the second fixed deflection means 14, and between the second and third fixed deflection means 14, 19 are parallel to one another.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 are arranged on a common plane in order to guide the strip material BM without offset. Specifically, the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 lie on one plane in the illustrated drawing plane. Alternatively, it is possible for the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 to be arranged offset from one another. For example, an offset of the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 by 90° is possible. Furthermore, the distance of the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 from the longitudinal axis L is fixed in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Alternatively, the distance of the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 to the longitudinal axis L can be adjustable.

[0065] Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 that the second fixed deflection means 14 has a distance relative to the longitudinal axis L that corresponds to the distance of the second movable deflection means 16 from the longitudinal axis L. Specifically, the distance between the second fixed deflection means 14 and the longitudinal axis L is the same as the distance between the second movable deflection means 16 and the longitudinal axis L.

[0066] Furthermore, the first fixed deflection means 13 has a distance relative to the longitudinal axis L that is greater than the distance of the second movable deflection means 16 from the longitudinal axis L. It can be seen that the first fixed deflection means 13 is further away from the longitudinal axis L than the second movable deflection means 16.

[0067] From Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, it can be seen that the carrier unit 11 comprises a further, third fixed deflection means 19, which has a distance relative to the longitudinal axis L that corresponds to the distance of the first fixed deflection means 13 from the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the third fixed deflection means 19 has the same distance from the second fixed deflection means 14 parallel to the longitudinal axis L as the first fixed deflection means 13 has from the second fixed deflection means 14. The third fixed deflection means 19 serves to redirect and forward the strip material BM from a drive means 22 to the device 10.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 are designed as deflection rollers, each of which is mounted for rotation about a longitudinal roller axis. The deflection rollers 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 serve to guide and deflect the strip material BM with low friction.

[0069] The cleaning device 100 will now be discussed in more detail below.

[0070] The cleaning device 100 shown in Fig. 3 comprises a device 10 according to Figs. 1 and 2 as well as two reels, or a first and second reel 20, 21. One of the reels 20, 21 serves to receive strip material BM, and the other reel 20, 21 serves to dispense it. Furthermore, it is possible for the cleaning device 100 to comprise only a single reel 20, which serves to receive the strip material BM. In this specific case, the used strip material BM can, for example, be vacuumed and / or collected in a container for disposal.

[0071] The reels 20, 21 are designed as cardboard reels, onto whose core the strip material BM, in this case the cleaning fleece, is wound. Alternatively, the reels 20, 21 can be made of plastic or another material.

[0072] The reels 20, 21 are arranged on the carrier unit 11 and detachably connected thereto. The first and second reels 20, 21 are therefore interchangeable. Before commissioning the cleaning device 100, the reels 20, 21 are placed on the carrier unit 11, and the strip material BM is guided through the device 10 from one reel to the other reel 20, 21.

[0073] It can be seen that the strip material BM is guided from the first to the second reel 20, 21 via the device 10, specifically via the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 of the support and guide unit 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the strip material BM is conveyed from the second reel 21 (right) via the device 10 to the first reel 20 (left). Consequently, the unused strip material BM is unwound from the second reel 21, and the used strip material BM is wound onto the first reel 20. Alternatively, the strip material BM can be conveyed from the first reel 20 to the second reel 21.

[0074] The guidance of the strip material BM through the device 10 is clearly evident from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The strip material BM is guided from the first fixed deflection means 13 to the second movable deflection means 16 and then to the first movable deflection means 15. The strip material BM is then guided to the second fixed deflection means 14 and then optionally to the third fixed deflection means 19. The guidance of the strip material BM through the device 10 can alternatively take place in the other operating direction. Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 3 that the first and second coils 20, 21 are arranged next to one another or on a common plane. It can also be seen that the coils 20, 21 are arranged on the same plane as the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19. The reels 20, 21 for receiving and / or delivering the strip material BM are coupled to the carrier unit 11 in such a way that they are each rotatable about a reel longitudinal axis.Alternatively, it is conceivable for the coils 20, 21 to be arranged offset from one another. Furthermore, it is possible for the coils 20, 21 to be arranged offset from the deflection means 13, 14, 15, 16, 19.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the carrier unit 11 has two drive means 22 arranged between the first or second coil 20, 21 and the device 10. The drive means 22 are coupled to an electric drive, such as an electric motor. Alternatively, the drive means 22 can be coupled to a pneumatic drive or the like. Other drives are conceivable.

[0076] Furthermore, the carrier unit 11 has two clamping means 23, each of which is movable relative to the drive means 22. It can be seen that the clamping means 23 are arranged so close to the drive means 22 that the strip material BM is pressed against the drive means 22.

[0077] Fig. 3 further shows that a sensor 24 is arranged near each of the first and second coils 20, 21 to monitor the fill level of the coils 20, 21. In the specific embodiment, the sensor 24 is designed as an end-position sensor. Other sensor variants are conceivable, for example, optical sensors such as laser sensors.

[0078] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the cleaning device 100 is coupled to the hand 210 of a robot 200. To clean a stationary component, the cleaning device 100 is guided along the component by the robot hand 210, thereby cleaning the component. Specifically, the first movable deflection roller 15, which assumes the function of a cleaning roller, is brought into contact with the component surface and moved along it. As a result, the guide unit moves along the longitudinal axis, changing the distances A and B while maintaining a constant belt tension. During the cleaning of a component, the cleaning device 100 is aligned such that the longitudinal axis L is perpendicular to the component plane.

[0079] Alternatively, the cleaning device 100 can be stationary and the component to be cleaned can be arranged on a robot hand 210. The component is cleaned by being guided along the stationary cleaning device 100.

[0080] List of reference symbols

[0081] 10 Device for maintaining the tension of a strip material

[0082] 11 Carrier unit

[0083] 12 management unit

[0084] 13 first fixed deflection device

[0085] 14 second fixed deflection device

[0086] 15 first movable deflection device

[0087] 16 second movable deflection device

[0088] 17 Holding element

[0089] 18 Linear unit

[0090] 19 third fixed deflection device

[0091] 20 first coil

[0092] 21 second coil

[0093] 22 Propulsion means

[0094] 23 clamping devices

[0095] 24 sensors

[0096] 100 cleaning device

[0097] 200 robots

[0098] 210 Robot hand

[0099] BM tape material

[0100] L Longitudinal axis

[0101] A Distance between second movable deflection means and first fixed deflection means

[0102] B Distance between first movable deflection means and second fixed deflection means

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10) for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material (BM), in particular a cleaning fleece, for a cleaning device (100) with at least one carrier unit (11) and a guide unit (12) which is arranged on the carrier unit (11), wherein the carrier unit (11) comprises at least a first and a second fixed deflection means (13, 14) and the guide unit (12) comprises at least a first and a second movable deflection means (15, 16) which are movable with the guide unit (12) relative to the carrier unit (11) along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein - the second movable deflection means (16) and the first fixed deflection means (13) are arranged at a distance A from each other, and - the first movable deflection means (15) and the second fixed deflection means (14) are arranged at a distance B from each other, and - the guide unit (12) is arranged movably on the carrier unit (11) in such a way that the distances A and B can be changed by the same amount by moving the guide unit (12) along the longitudinal axis (L).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide unit (12) comprises a holding element (17), wherein the first and second movable deflection means (15, 16) are each arranged at one end of the holding element and the distance between the first and second movable deflection means (15, 16) is unchangeable.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first movable deflection means (15) is arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) and the second movable deflection means (16) is arranged offset to the longitudinal axis (L), in particular at a distance from the longitudinal axis (L).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first movable deflection means (15) for cleaning a surface protrudes at least partially beyond the holding element (17).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide unit (12) comprises a linear unit (18), in particular a pneumatic element, which resiliently supports the holding element (17).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection means (13, 14, 15, 16) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the strip material (BM) encloses the deflection means (13, 14, 15, 16) in operation at a wrap angle of 70° to 200°, in particular 180°.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection means (13, 14, 15, 16) are arranged in particular lying on a common plane in order to guide the strip material (BM) without offset.

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance of the deflection means (13, 14, 15, 16) to the longitudinal axis (L) is unchangeable, in particular fixed.

9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fixed deflection means (14) has a distance from the longitudinal axis (L) which corresponds to the distance of the second movable deflection means (16) from the longitudinal axis (L).

10. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fixed deflection means (13) has a distance from the longitudinal axis (L) which is greater than the distance of the second movable (16) deflection means from the longitudinal axis (L).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit (11) comprises a further, in particular third, fixed deflection means (19) which, with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), has a distance which corresponds to the distance of the first fixed deflection means (13) from the longitudinal axis (L).

12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflection means (13, 14, 15, 16, 19) are designed as deflection rollers, each of which is rotatably mounted about a roller longitudinal axis.

13. Cleaning device (100) for cleaning a surface with a device for maintaining the belt tension of a belt material (BM) (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one reel (20), in particular a first reel, for dispensing the belt material (BM), which is arranged on the carrier unit (11) and detachably connected thereto, wherein the belt material (BM) can be guided or is guided by the at least one reel (20) via the device (10), in particular the deflection means of the carrier and guide unit (13, 14, 15, 16, 19).

14. Cleaning device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the cleaning device has at least one further coil (21), in particular a second coil, wherein the two coils, in particular the first and second coils (20, 21), are arranged next to one another, in particular lying on a common plane, wherein the coils (20, 21) are each rotatably mounted about a coil longitudinal axis for receiving and / or dispensing the strip material (BM).

15. Cleaning device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the carrier unit (11) has at least one drive means (22), in particular a drive roller, which is arranged between one of the two coils, in particular the first or second reel (20, 21), and the device (10) is arranged to convey the strip material (BM) during operation.

16. Cleaning device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the carrier unit (11) has at least one clamping means (23), in particular a clamping roller, which is movable relative to the drive means (22), wherein the clamping means (23) presses the strip material (23) against the drive means (22) during operation.

17. Cleaning device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that at least one sensor (24), in particular an end position sensor, is arranged in the vicinity of the coils, in particular the first and / or second coil (20, 21), for monitoring the fill level of the coils (20, 21).

18. Robot (200), in particular articulated arm robot, with at least one cleaning device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 17 and at least one robot hand (210) on which the cleaning device (100) is arranged so that it can be moved along a stationary component.

19. Stationary processing station with at least one cleaning device (100) according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cleaning device (100) is arranged at the processing station in such a way that a component arranged on a movable device, in particular on a robot, is movable along the cleaning device (100).

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