Advancing unit for a cleaning device and cleaning device for simultaneously removing slag from opposite sides of a support slat

Abstract

The invention relates to an advancing unit (1) for a cleaning device (50) for simultaneously removing slag from opposite sides of a support slat (100), in particular a support slat (100) of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, wherein the advancing unit (1) has a drive shaft (2), which can be connected to a drive unit, and an advancing element (8), which can be rotationally driven by the drive shaft (2), wherein the advancing element (8) has engagement elements (10) for generating the advancing movement, which are designed to engage in points of the support slat (100) and / or in slag adhered to the support slat (100) during a rotation of the advancing element (8). The invention further relates to a cleaning device (50) for simultaneously removing slag from opposite sides of a support slat (100), in particular a support slat (100) of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising a support plate (52), a drive arranged on an upper side (56) of the support plate (52), and two cleaning elements (54) acting on respective opposite sides of the support slat (100), wherein the cleaning device (50) has an advancing unit (1) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Feed unit for a cleaning device and cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support rail

[0002] The invention relates to a feed unit for a cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support rail, in particular a support rail of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device. The invention further relates to a cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support rail, in particular a support rail of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising a support plate, a drive arranged on a top side of the support plate, two tool shafts driven in opposite directions of rotation, wherein the tool shafts are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a free end section opposite the first end projects through an opening in the support plate, and a blade unit is mounted on each of the tool shafts.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] When workpieces are machined on a machine tool, they are often placed on a workpiece support. Workpiece supports, which feature a multitude of parallel support ribs, are particularly common in thermal cutting. The upper surfaces of these ribs define a contact area for the workpiece being machined, such as a sheet metal part. The support ribs are usually serrated on their upper surfaces, allowing the workpieces to rest precisely on the tips of the serrations.

[0005] During the machining process, the support strips become heavily soiled, especially between the support teeth and on their longitudinal sides in the area of ​​the support teeth. For example, when laser cutting sheet metal, molten metal and slag drip from above onto the support strips and remain there. 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0006] - 2 - partially adhere. From time to time, the support strips must be cleaned of firmly adhering deposits or replaced.

[0007] From DE 20 2004 015 922 U1, a support strip cleaner is known that moves along a support strip to be cleaned by a motor. Cleaning rollers are provided as carriers for the cleaning elements; these rollers rotate on the opposing longitudinal surfaces of the support strip and thereby contact the respective longitudinal surface of the support strip with cleaning elements in the form of cleaning strips. The axes of rotation of the cleaning rollers and the cleaning strips are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support strip and parallel to its longitudinal surfaces.

[0008] From EP 3 218 122 B1, a cleaning tool for removing unwanted slag that has accumulated on opposite sides of the support rail of a worktable is known. The cleaning tool has a pair of driven tool shafts, each comprising a scraping tool. The scraping tools are positioned on opposite sides of the support rail to clean both sides of the support rail. A single motor rotates both scraping tools. A preload element holds the two scraping tools in close proximity to the support rail.

[0009] Task

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing or improving a feed unit for a cleaning device and a cleaning device of the type mentioned above.

[0011] Solution

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by a feed unit for a

[0013] Cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0014] - 3 - opposite sides of a support bar, in particular a support bar of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, wherein the feed unit has a drive shaft connectable to a drive unit and a feed element rotatably driven by means of the drive shaft, wherein the feed element has engagement elements for generating the feed, which are designed to engage in points of the support bar and / or in slag adhering to the support bar during a rotation of the feed element.

[0015] By having a drive shaft connectable to a drive unit and a feed element rotatably driven by the drive shaft, the feed element having engagement elements for generating the feed which are designed to engage in the tips of the support bar and / or in slag adhering to the support bar during rotation of the feed element, an advantageous possibility is created which significantly facilitates the operation of a cleaning device for the simultaneous removal of slag from opposite sides of a support bar by one operator, since a feed of the cleaning device is generated automatically.

[0016] To facilitate and improve engagement with the tips of the support bar and / or the slag, the engagement elements of the feed element can have an edge projecting radially in the direction of rotation. The engagement elements can preferably be arranged with uniform distribution in the direction of rotation, particularly in a cyclically symmetrical manner. The engagement elements of the feed element can extend transversely to the feed direction. The dimensions of the feed element and / or the number and shape of the engagement elements can be adapted to a corresponding geometry of the support bar. In particular, different versions of the feed element can be adapted to different versions of the support bar. The feed element can be interchangeable.

[0017] The feed unit can be pre-assembled as an add-on module. The feed unit can be retrofitted to a cleaning device. 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0018] - 4 -

[0019] A drive train formed between the drive unit and the feed element may include a gearbox. The gearbox may be a reduction gearbox. The gearbox may be a worm gearbox.

[0020] A drive train formed between the drive unit and the feed element can include a coupling device. The drive shaft can be connected to a first coupling part of the coupling device. A second coupling part connected to an output shaft can be engaged and disengaged from the first coupling part by means of a switchable mechanism. In an engaged state, the second coupling part can be biased towards the first coupling part by means of a first spring element. In an overload state, the second coupling part can be subjected to a spring force in the direction away from the first coupling part by means of a second spring element. The coupling device can be reset from the overload state to the disengaged state by manual switching, in particular disengaging. With repeated manual switching, in particular re-engaging, the coupling device can be returned to the engaged state.

[0021] The feed element can include radially projecting guide elements on both sides, parallel to the feed direction. These guide elements prevent tilting and slippage from the support strip.

[0022] The feed element can have a width that extends over several adjacent support rails. The feed element can have a width that extends beyond a single support rail.

[0023] The drive can be an electric motor. The drive can be controllable. The drive's speed can be controlled by an electrical control unit. The drive's direction of rotation can be adjustable. The drive can generate a forward feed, in particular a feed parallel to a cleaning direction. The drive can generate a reverse feed, in particular a feed against the cleaning direction. 2024P00049WÖ 10.09.2025

[0024] - 5 -

[0025] The underlying problem is further solved according to the invention by a cleaning device for simultaneously removing slag from opposite sides of a support rail, in particular a support rail of a laser cutting device or plasma cutting device, comprising a support plate, a drive arranged on a top side of the support plate, and two cleaning elements acting on opposite sides of the support rail. The cleaning device includes a feed unit as described above. This allows the feed during cleaning of the support rail to be assisted in such a way that the required, sometimes high, feed force is advantageously reduced (e.g., in the case of a large amount or thick slag), thereby significantly improving the user-friendliness of the cleaning device.

[0026] The drive unit connected to the drive shaft can, in particular, drive the cleaning device. This has the advantage that an additional drive can be dispensed with, and an existing motor can be used for cleaning and feeding. This also allows for a particularly compact design.

[0027] The cleaning device can have two tool shafts driven in opposite directions. The cleaning elements and / or the tool shafts can protrude through an opening in the support plate. Each tool shaft can be coupled to the drive at a first end. A free end section opposite the first end can protrude through an opening in the support plate. A blade unit can be mounted on each of the tool shafts.

[0028] The tool shafts can rotate in the opposite direction to the blade units to achieve an upward cleaning effect on opposite sides of a support strip to be cleaned. The tool shafts can be freely adjustable. 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0029] - 6 -

[0030] The tool shafts can be spring-loaded towards each other, particularly in the radial direction. The tool shafts can also be spring-loaded towards each other by means of a preload element.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0032] List of characters

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0034] They show:

[0035] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a cleaning device with a feed unit according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 2: a side view of the cleaning device with the

[0037] Feed unit from Fig. 1 ,

[0038] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of an arrangement with several

[0039] Support strips,

[0040] Fig. 4: a schematic view of the feed unit,

[0041] Fig. 5: a sectional view of a coupling device in a coupled state,

[0042] Fig. 6: a sectional view of the coupling device from Fig. 5 in a

[0043] State during the triggering of an overload function, Fig. 7: a sectional view of the coupling device from Fig. 5 in a

[0044] Condition after triggered overload function, and

[0045] Fig. 8: a sectional view of the coupling device from Fig. 5 in a disengaged state with the overrun function reset.

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 show a cleaning device 50 with a feed unit 1 according to the invention from different angles. The cleaning device 50 for simultaneously removing slag from opposite sides of a support rail 100 comprises a support plate 52.

[0047] The support plate 52 has an opening. The support plate 52 serves to allow passage over the support rail 100. Preferably, the support plate 52 extends in its width over several adjacent support rails 100.

[0048] This prevents the cleaning device 50 from tipping onto the support rails 100.

[0049] The cleaning device 50 has a drive (not shown) arranged on a top surface 56 of the support plate 52. Furthermore, two cleaning elements 54 are provided, acting on opposite sides of the support strip 100, with the cleaning elements 54 projecting through an opening in the support plate 52. Here, the cleaning elements 54 are shown in the form of blade units 54, which are arranged on tool shafts 60 that can be driven in opposite directions of rotation. The tool shafts 60 are each coupled to the drive at a first end, and a free end section opposite the first end projects through the opening in the support plate 52.

[0050] The cleaning device 50 also has a housing 66. The housing 66 is arranged on a top surface 56 of the support plate 52. A bracket 62 is attached around the housing 66, which fulfills several functions. Firstly, the bracket 62 gives the housing 66 more stability and serves as a protective bracket. From 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0051] - 8 - extending away from the housing 66 and / or the bracket 62, a handle 64 is arranged which facilitates the handling of the cleaning device 50.

[0052] The handle 62 further comprises a grip section opposite the stem 64, which is partially separated from the housing 66. An operator can grasp the cleaning device 50 by means of this grip section and, for example, lift it off the support rail 100 and / or place it onto the next support rail 100 to be cleaned. The grip section can also serve as a stand when the cleaning device 50 is stored upright during a period of non-use.

[0053] The cleaning device 50 comprises a feed unit 1 according to the invention. The feed unit 1 has a drive shaft 2 connected to a drive unit, preferably to the drive of the cleaning device 50, and a feed element 8 that can be driven by means of the drive shaft 2 in a rotating manner. To generate the feed along the feed direction V, the feed element 8 has engagement elements 10 which, during rotation in the direction of rotation R of the feed element 8, engage with the tips of the support bar 100 and / or with slag adhering to the support bar 100. The feed unit 1 also has two retaining elements 12 in which the feed element 8 is mounted via bearings 14 and by means of which the feed unit 1 can be mounted on the housing 66 of the cleaning device 50.

[0054] To connect the feed unit 1, in particular the drive shaft 2 of the feed unit 1, to the drive of the cleaning device 50, a housing opening 68 is provided in a housing 66 of the cleaning device 50, through which the drive shaft 2 is passed.

[0055] Figure 3 shows an arrangement with several parallel support strips 100. These support strips 100 are as used in a laser cutting device. A plasma cutting device could also be used. 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0056] - 9 -

[0057] When cleaning the support rails 100 with the cleaning device 50, a single support rail 100 is cleaned. The cleaning device 50 can extend over several, in particular three, adjacent support rails 100 by means of the support plate 52, wherein the middle of these support rails 100 is the one that is cleaned of slag.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the feed unit 1. A drive train, which can be driven by the drive unit of the cleaning device 50, comprises a coupling device 20, a gearbox 6 and the feed element 8.

[0059] The clutch device 20 can be actuated by means of an actuating means 22 acting on a control lever 28, shown here in the form of a Bowden cable 22, in particular switching between an engaged and disengaged state. The control lever 28 is guided for this purpose in a guide slot 26 of the housing 24 of the clutch device 20.

[0060] The gearbox 6 is in this case a reduction gearbox, in particular a worm gearbox, which adjusts the rotational speed as well as the direction of rotation to drive the feed element 8 in a compact manner.

[0061] The feed element 8 is designed in the form of a type of roller, which extends over at least the width of a support strip 100. The engagement elements 10 of the feed element 8 can each form an edge projecting radially to the direction of rotation R. According to the illustrated embodiment, the engagement elements 10 are arranged uniformly in the direction of rotation R, in particular cyclically symmetrically, and extend transversely to the feed direction V.

[0062] The individual components of the drive train can be connected to each other in a rotationally driving manner by means of universal joints 16. The connection by means of universal joints 16 also allows for a laterally offset arrangement of the individual components relative to each other, in particular a limited deflection of the rotational drive motion. 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0063] - 10 -

[0064] Figures 5 to 8 each show a sectional view of the coupling device 20 in different states and are described together below. Figure 5 shows the coupling device 20 first in a coupled state.

[0065] The drive shaft 2 is connected to a first clutch part 30 of the clutch assembly 20. A second clutch part 32, connected to an output shaft 4, can be engaged and disengaged from the first clutch part 30 by means of a switch. In the engaged state shown, the second clutch part 32 is biased towards the first clutch part 30 by means of a first spring element 34a.

[0066] The coupling device 20 has a first fixed bearing 36a, which supports the drive shaft 2 in the area of ​​the first coupling part 30 relative to a housing 24 of the coupling device 20. One end of the output shaft 4 is supported in a first floating bearing 36b in the area of ​​the second coupling part 32. At the end of the coupling device 20 opposite the first coupling part 30, a second fixed bearing 36e is provided for supporting the output shaft 4 relative to the housing 24 of the coupling device 20.

[0067] In the area between the first floating bearing 36b and the second fixed bearing 36e, a switching element 40 is arranged in the housing 24. The switching element 40 has at least one control groove 48 which, when the clutch device 20 is actuated via the control lever 28 in conjunction with counter elements of the housing 24 (not specified in detail), causes an axial movement of the switching element 40 in the housing 24. Inside the switching element 40, the output shaft 4 is supported by a second floating bearing 36c and a support bearing 36d.

[0068] In the switching element 40, preferably three switching pins 42 are arranged evenly spaced circumferentially and coaxially to the output shaft 4. The switching pins 42 have a shoulder 44 in the form of a tapered contour, each with a 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0069] - 11 -

[0070] The locking element 38 can be brought into operative contact. The switching pins 42 are guided longitudinally displaceably in the switching piece 40 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the output shaft 4. A pressure plate 46 is arranged between the first floating bearing 36b and the switching pins 42 for the displaceable actuation of the switching pins 42.

[0071] The first floating bearing 36b is fixedly connected to the second coupling part 32 and is longitudinally displaceable in the housing 24 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft 4. The second floating bearing 36c is arranged longitudinally displaceable in the switching piece 40 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the output shaft 4 and is longitudinally displaceable both relative to the output shaft 4 and to the switching piece 40.

[0072] Between the first clutch part 30 and the second clutch part 32, a second spring element 34b, in particular a release spring, is arranged, which exerts a spring force on the two clutch parts 30, 32 away from each other.

[0073] In the engaged state shown in Figure 5, the switching pins 42 act with a non-tapered section on the locking element 38, which is shown here as a locking ball, and secure it in a locking position, which locks the second loose bearing 36c in its axial position along the output shaft 4.

[0074] Figure 6 shows the clutch device 20 in a state during the activation of an overrun function. As shown, with force assistance from the second spring element 34b, the second clutch part 32, together with the first floating bearing 36b, was displaced axially on the output shaft 4 such that the pressure plate 46 acts on the switching pin 42 and displaces it in the switching piece 40 such that the locking element 38 is partially engaged in the shoulder 44 of the switching pin 42. This slight displacement of the locking element 38 into the shoulder 44 of the switching pin 42 releases the second floating bearing 36c in its axial movement along the output shaft 4, which is triggered by the force exerted by the first spring element 34a. 2024P00049WQ 10.09.2025

[0075] - 12 -

[0076] The subsequent prevailing state after the overload function has been triggered is shown in Figure 7.

[0077] The clutch device 20 can be reset from the state after the overrun function has been triggered to a disengaged state by manual actuation. Figure 8 shows the clutch device in the disengaged state with the overrun function reset. In this state, the clutch device 20 can be returned to the engaged state shown in Figure 1 by manual shifting, in particular by re-engaging the clutch.

[0078] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims and drawings may be important, both individually and in combination, for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

[0079] 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025

[0080] - 13 -

[0081] Reference symbol list

[0082] 1 feed unit

[0083] 2 Drive shaft

[0084] 4 Output shaft

[0085] 6 Gearboxes (worm gearboxes)

[0086] 8 Feed element (roller, wheel)

[0087] 10 engagement elements (row of teeth)

[0088] 12 retaining elements

[0089] 14 warehouses

[0090] 16 Cardan joint

[0091] 20 Coupling device

[0092] 22 Actuating device (Bowden cable)

[0093] 24 cases

[0094] 26 guide slots

[0095] 28 control levers

[0096] 30 First clutch part (drive-side cam part)

[0097] 32 second clutch part (output side cam part)

[0098] 34a first spring element

[0099] 34b second spring element (release spring)

[0100] 36a outer bearing (fixed)

[0101] 36b first bearing (longitudinally movable)

[0102] 36c second bearing (longitudinally displaceable)

[0103] 36d support bearing

[0104] 36e outer bearing (fixed)

[0105] 38 Locking element (locking ball)

[0106] 40 switching piece

[0107] 42 Switch pin

[0108] 44th paragraph (tapering, contour)

[0109] 46 Pressure plate

[0110] 48 Control groove 50 Cleaning device

[0111] 52 Support plate

[0112] 54 Cleaning element (blade unit)

[0113] 56 Top

[0114] 58 Underside

[0115] 60 Tool shaft

[0116] 62 hangers

[0117] 64 stem

[0118] 66 cases

[0119] 68 Case opening

[0120] 100 support strips

[0121] R direction of rotation

[0122] V Feed direction

Claims

2024P00049WG 10.09.2025 - 15 - Patent claims 1. Feed unit (1) for a cleaning device (50) 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, characterized in that the feed unit (1) has a drive shaft (2) connectable to a drive unit and a feed element (8) rotatably driven by means of the drive shaft (2), wherein the feed element (8) has engagement elements (10) for generating the feed, which are designed to engage in points of the support bar (100) and / or in slag adhering to the support bar (100) during a rotation of the feed element (8).

2. Feed unit (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement elements (10) of the feed element (8) form an edge projecting radially to the direction of rotation (R).

3. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the engagement elements (10) are arranged in a uniformly distributed manner in the direction of rotation (R), in particular in a cyclically symmetrical manner.

4. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement elements (10) of the feed element (8) extend transversely to the feed direction (V).

5. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a drive train formed between the drive unit and the feed element (8) comprises a gearbox (6). 2024P00049WG 10.09.2025 - 16 - 6. Feed unit (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the transmission (6) is a reduction transmission.

7. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the gear (6) is a worm gear.

8. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a drive train formed between the drive unit and the feed element (8) has a coupling device (20).

9. Feed unit (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the drive shaft (2) is connected to a first coupling part (30) of the coupling device (20) and a second coupling part (32) connected to an output shaft (4) can be switched in and out of engagement with the first coupling part (30).

10. Feed unit (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the second coupling part (32) can be biased in a coupled state by means of a first spring element (34a) in the direction of the first coupling part (30).

11. Feed unit (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the second coupling part (32) can be separated in an overdrive state by means of a second spring element (34b) in the direction away from the first coupling part (30) by means of a spring-loaded action.

12. Feed unit (1) according to claim 10, wherein the coupling device (20) can be reset from the overload state to the disengaged state by manual switching and can be transferred to the engaged state by repeated manual switching.

13. Feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the feed element (8) comprises radially projecting guide elements on both sides in a radial direction. - 17 - 14. Cleaning device (50) for simultaneously removing 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 (52), a drive arranged on a top side (56) of the support plate (52), two cleaning elements (54) acting on opposite sides of the support bar (100), characterized in that the cleaning device (50) has a feed unit (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Cleaning device (50) according to claim 14, wherein the drive unit connected to the drive shaft (2) is the drive of the cleaning device (50).

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