Apparatus for cutting metal plates out of a metal strip

An apparatus for cutting metal plates out of a metal strip (1), comprising:

• a laser cutting apparatus (2) that is movable back and forth in a transport direction (T) of the metal strip (1);
• a support device (3, 4) for supporting the metal strip (1) to be cut, said support device (3, 4) being movable back and forth in the transport direction concurrently with the laser cutting apparatus (2);
• wherein the support device comprises first support means having a first support strip (3) and second support means having a second support strip (4) located opposite the first support strip (3), wherein the first (3) and the second support strip (4) are moved concurrently with the laser cutting apparatus (2) such that a laser beam (L) of the laser cutting apparatus (2) is always oriented towards a gap (S) formed between the first (3) and the second support strip (4);
• and
• a dust discharging device (9) arranged downstream of the support strips (3, 4) in a discharging direction (A) directed away from the laser cutting apparatus (2);
• wherein the dust discharging device (9) and/or at least one support strip (3, 4) is/are provided with a ventilation device (12, 13a, 13b, 13c, 14a, 14b) for ventilating the gap (S), and
• wherein the ventilation device (12, 13a, 13b, 13c, 14a, 14b) comprises ventilation channels (12, 13a, 13b, 13c) that are provided in a support surface (11a, 11b) of the support strip (3, 4), the support surface facing the laser cutting apparatus (2).