Modular support element for suction cutting in a sheet material automatic cutting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular cutting support element (4) with suction in an automatic cutting machine of sheet material using blades, comprising a plurality of bristles (6) arranged in the same single row, wherein at least a portion of the bristles has a base (8) rigidly connected to a carrier plate intended to be mounted on a support, a head (12) opposite the base and intended to place the sheet material to be cut, and a stem (9) connecting the head and the base, the maximum cross section of which is strictly contained within the maximum cross section of the head. The carrier plate comprises a plurality of transverse channels (18) for the passage of air sucked in on each lateral surface thereof, so that the upper surface of the carrier plate from which the bristles extend is in communication with the inner surface opposite the upper surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suction-operated cutting support for an automatic cutting machine for sheet materials, particularly textile materials, which cuts using a vibrating blade that penetrates the cutting support. More specifically, it relates to a modular element designed to form such a cutting support. Background Technology

[0002] The application field of this invention is the field of automated cutting. Specifically, it is used to automatically cut stacked or layered sheet materials, especially textile materials, by using a vibrating blade to penetrate a suction-operated cutting support.

[0003] Generally, vibrating blade cutters specifically include a cutting conveyor that drives the stack of sheet material during the cutting operation. The cutting conveyor is located within a tube with a high vacuum to keep the sheet material to be cut stationary during the cutting operation.

[0004] In this type of machine, the cutting conveyor also serves as a penetrating cutting support for the vibrating blade. It is well known that allowing the cutting support to be penetrated by the blade enables the blade to not only completely penetrate the material to be cut during the cutting operation, but also extend downwards beyond the support surface and into the underlying material providing that surface.

[0005] For this purpose, the cutting support typically consists of belt-driven block assemblies. More specifically, each block includes multiple bristles mounted in parallel rows on a support plate, each bristle having a head that forms a support for the sheet material to be cut. The support plate forms transverse channels to allow intake air to pass through. Thus, these blocks can simultaneously support the material under suction as the cutting blade penetrates it.

[0006] Cutting support blocks are typically obtained by molding plastic material. This molding process creates a block that is integral with the support plate and its bristles. To ensure that this part can be demolded, the diameter of the head of the bristles, typically conical or cylindrical, must be smaller than the diameter of its base. In particular, reference can be made to document US 4205835, which provides an embodiment of such a cutting support block.

[0007] However, because the cutting blade tip is angled, and the conical shape of the bristles, combined with their flexibility, promotes interference between the blade and the bristles, this can result in the bristles being partially or completely severed. The location of the apex of this cut is directly related to the conical shape of the blade and bristles, or the position of the blade relative to the generatrix of the bristles encountered by the blade.

[0008] Furthermore, since the diameter of the bristles at the base needs to be larger than the diameter of the head, the disadvantage is that it limits the space on the support plate for creating channels for air intake, which reduces the intake capacity of the cutting support. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cutting support that does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0010] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a modular cutting support element with suction in an automatic sheet material cutting machine using blades. The modular element comprises: a plurality of bristles arranged in a single row, wherein at least a portion of the bristles have: a bottom rigidly connected to a support plate intended for mounting on the support; a head opposite the bottom and intended for placing the sheet material to be cut; and a rod connecting the head to the bottom, the maximum cross-section of the rod being strictly contained within the maximum cross-section of the head; the support plate includes a plurality of transverse channels on its respective side surfaces, the transverse channels providing passage for intake air, such that the bristles communicate between an upper surface of the support plate from which they extend and an inner surface opposite to the upper surface.

[0011] The term "cross-section" here refers to the cross-section formed by the axis perpendicular to the bristles. "Strictly contained" means that the maximum cross-section Z of each bristle's shaft is contained (or surrounded) within the maximum cross-section of the bristle head, but at least one point of the maximum cross-section of the head is not contained within the maximum cross-section of the shaft. For example, when both the bristle head and the shaft's cross-section are circular, this is equivalent to the diameter of the head's cross-section being strictly larger than the diameter of the shaft's cross-section.

[0012] The invention is characterized by the ability to manufacture a cutting support by mounting multiple modular elements onto at least one support. Because each modular element comprises bristles arranged in the same single row, at least a portion of the bristles can have a head with a cross-section including a rod while retaining the ability to manufacture the modular element by molding the carrier plate and bristles into a single part. This bristle geometry helps to limit the interaction between the cutting blade tip and the tangential bristles.

[0013] Furthermore, because the bristle heads have a larger cross-section than their rods, these modular components provide a better support surface. Additionally, by reducing the cross-section of the bristle rods and the base, it is easier to increase the diameter of the lateral channels through which the intake air passes, thereby increasing the porosity of the support plate to maintain maximum intake and limit pressure drop.

[0014] According to the present invention, another advantage of manufacturing the cutting support by installing multiple modular components is that it is possible to propose different cutting supports from cutting blades, weaving machines, etc.

[0015] Preferably, the support plate further includes at least one longitudinal channel on each of its side surfaces, the at least one longitudinal channel extending between the longitudinal ends of the support plate and communicating with the transverse channel, thereby allowing the drawn-in air to be evenly distributed in the transverse channel. This feature makes the suction force of the modular element more uniform across the entire surface of the support plate.

[0016] Preferably, the support plate further includes at least one component on each of its side surfaces for mechanical assembly with another modular element.

[0017] In this configuration, each of the mechanical assembly components includes at least one lug and a recess, the at least one lug protruding relative to the side surface of the support plate and intended to interlock within the corresponding recess of the assembly component of the adjacent modular element, the recess being recessed relative to the side surface of the support plate and for receiving the corresponding lug of the assembly component of the adjacent modular element via interlocking.

[0018] At least some of the bristles have a frustum-shaped head and a cylindrical shaft. In this case, the head of the bristles may be frustum-shaped, having an inner circular cross-section larger than the outer circular cross-section. Alternatively, the head of the bristles may be an inverted frustum-shaped, having an outer circular cross-section larger than the inner circular cross-section.

[0019] Optionally, at least a portion of the bristles have a rod and a head with a polygonal cross-section. For example, a rod with a hexagonal cross-section and a head with an octagonal cross-section.

[0020] The support plate further includes: an attachment located at each of the longitudinal ends for assembling the modular element onto the support, and two fingers inserted inward and providing centering support on the support.

[0021] The transverse channel has a semi-circular cross-section so that it forms a cylindrical transverse channel when another modular element is mounted opposite the modular element.

[0022] The bristles of the same modular element can be arranged in a straight line to form a single row of bristles. Alternatively, the bristles can be arranged in a zigzag pattern to form two parallel rows of bristles.

[0023] The modular element may include at least two of the bristles, each with a different head shape.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is a suction-operated cutting support for an automatic sheet material cutting machine. The cutting support comprises a plurality of modular elements mounted on at least one of the supports as described above.

[0025] The modular elements are mounted on the support to obtain an ordered arrangement of bristles. Alternatively, the modular elements are mounted on the support to obtain an alternating arrangement of bristles. Optionally, a portion of the modular elements are mounted on the support to obtain an ordered arrangement of bristles, and another portion of the modular elements are mounted on the support to obtain an alternating arrangement of bristles.

[0026] The distance between two adjacent bristles is greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bristle's stem. This feature prevents cut bristles reaching the bottom of the block from spreading into nearby bristles. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view (so-called "orderly configuration") of a cut support block provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is used to obtain Figure 1 A perspective view of the modular components of the cut support block shown;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front view of the modular component shown;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of the modular component is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cut support block provided in an embodiment of the present invention (so-called "staggered configuration");

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial view showing the area above the cut support block;

[0033] Figure 7 It is used to obtain Figure 5 A perspective view of the modular components of the cut support block shown;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a view of the bristle head of a modular element provided in an optional embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a modular element provided in another optional embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10A This invention provides an optional arrangement of bristles for the same modular element;

[0037] Figure 10B This is another optional arrangement of the bristles of the same modular element provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a modular component without mechanical assembly parts provided by the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a partial view of a modular element provided in another optional embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The conveyor of a vibrating blade cutter drives the material to be cut during the cutting operation. The upper part of the conveyor serves as a cutting support, while the lower part is usually placed inside a tube with a high vacuum to keep the material stationary during the cutting operation.

[0041] The cutting support itself can typically be assembled from multiple blocks mounted on a drive belt, for example... Figure 1 The cutting support block 2 is shown.

[0042] The cutting support block 2 is assembled from multiple modular components 4 (e.g., Figure 1 (The number in the illustrated embodiment is 11). As described below, the assembly of this modular element is achieved through the interlocking of its respective side surfaces.

[0043] More accurately, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each modular element 4 provided by the present invention includes multiple bristles 6 arranged in the same single row.

[0044] Each bristle 6 has: a bottom 8, which is rigidly connected to a support plate 10 shared by the bristle assembly; a head 12 opposite to the bottom and intended to serve as a cutting support; and a rod 9 connecting the bottom and the head.

[0045] Furthermore, each bristle 6 has the characteristic of a head 12, meaning that the maximum cross-section of its head 12 (i.e., the maximum cross-section produced perpendicular to the main axis of the bristle) encompasses the maximum cross-section of its rod 9. In other words, the maximum cross-section of the head is strictly larger than the maximum cross-section of the rod 9 (i.e., the cross-section of the head 12 encloses the cross-section of the rod 9 by increasing in size).

[0046] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, when both the head 12 and the rod 9 of the brush have circular cross-sections, the diameter D of the maximum cross-section of the head is strictly greater than the diameter d of the maximum cross-section of the rod.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, the head 12 of each bristle is in the shape of an inverted frustum, with the outer circular cross-section being larger than the inner circular cross-section (that is, the large base B of the frustum is arranged facing outwards towards the modular element, and the small base b of the frustum is arranged facing inwards).

[0048] Of course, the present invention is not limited to these specific geometries for the bristles, their head, and their bottom. For example, the bottom can be a frustum or a polygon based on a pyramid, and the head can have a cross-section other than a circle (such as a square, hexagon, etc.).

[0049] In order to enable multiple modular components 4 to be mechanically assembled together, each modular component's support plate 10 includes at least one component 13 for mechanical assembly with another modular component on both of its side surfaces 10a, 10b.

[0050] For example, each of the two side surfaces 10a and 10b of the carrier plate of the modular element has four mechanical assembly components arranged at intervals between each other: two end assembly components 13a located at its longitudinal ends 10c and 10d, and two center assembly components 13b located between its longitudinal ends.

[0051] Again, as a non-limiting example, the assembly members 13 on the two sides of the modular element can be aligned face to face.

[0052] More precisely, such as Figure 3 In the illustrated implementation, each mechanical assembly component 13 includes at least one lug 14 protruding relative to the side surface of the support plate, and a recess 16 retracting relative to the side surface of the support plate. For example, the lug and the recess are arranged laterally such that one is above the other.

[0053] During the mechanical assembly of two modular components, the lug 14 of the mechanical assembly component of one modular component interlocks with the groove 16 of the mechanical assembly component of the other modular component (and vice versa), and has a retaining force that can be provided by, for example, adhesives or clamps. Assembling multiple modular components together ensures the continuity of the upper surface of the support plate.

[0054] Alternatively, modular components can be simply placed on either side of the block or directly on the support and joined together by suitable mechanical means.

[0055] According to the present invention, the two side surfaces 10a, 10b of the carrier plate 10 of the modular element each include a plurality of transverse channels 18, which enable communication between the outer surface of the carrier plate (i.e. the surface from which the bristles extend) and the inner surface of the carrier plate (i.e. the surface opposite to the outer surface).

[0056] These transverse channels 18 are conveniently and uniformly distributed along the entire length of the support plate, and give the support plate porosity by allowing the intake air to pass through it.

[0057] For example, each transverse channel 18 has a semi-circular cross-section so that a cylindrical transverse channel is formed when two modular elements are mounted opposite each other.

[0058] Of course, one can imagine that the transverse channels have different cross-sectional shapes, such as ellipses, polygons, or other shapes.

[0059] According to an advantageous arrangement, the support plate further includes a longitudinal channel 20 at each of its two side surfaces 10a, 10b, which extends between its two longitudinal ends 10c, 10d and communicates with the transverse channel 18, thereby allowing the intake air to be evenly distributed in the latter.

[0060] For example, the longitudinal channel 20 has a semi-circular cross-section so as to form a cylindrical longitudinal channel when two modular elements are mounted opposite each other.

[0061] Of course, different shapes can be conceived for the cross-section of the longitudinal channel, such as ellipse, polygon, or other shapes.

[0062] According to another advantageous arrangement, the carrier plate 10 of the modular element also includes at least one hook-shaped attachment 22 located at each of its longitudinal ends 10c, 10d, and two fingers 24 inserted inward into the carrier plate.

[0063] The hook-shaped attachment 22 makes it possible to mount a cutting support block (not shown) assembled from multiple modular components onto a support intended for direct mounting on the drive belt of the cutting conveyor. The fingers 24 serve a centering function on this support.

[0064] Of course, it is conceivable to use attachments of other shapes to mount modular components onto the blocks or directly onto the cutting supports, such as T-shaped attachments.

[0065] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, modular elements are mounted in the same block to obtain an orderly arrangement of bristles. In other words, the bristles 6 within the same block 2 are aligned in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0066] exist Figures 5 to 7 In another embodiment shown, at least some modular elements in the same block can be assembled to obtain staggered bristles.

[0067] Therefore, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, modular elements 4-1 to 4-4 are assembled in block 2' to obtain an orderly arrangement of bristles, while modular elements 4'-1 to 4'-4 are assembled in block 2' to obtain an alternating arrangement of bristles. Of course, other configurations can be obtained by mixing the two types of modular elements according to actual needs.

[0068] Figure 7 The perspective view shows in detail the modular element 4' used to obtain the brush bristle assembly arranged in an alternating pattern within the same support block.

[0069] Compared to Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the modular element 4' differs in shape by the shape of the transverse channel 18' for air intake between the inner and outer surfaces of the support plate 10.

[0070] In fact, in this embodiment, each lateral channel 18' of the modular element 4' has a double semi-circular cross-section so that when another modular element is assembled onto the modular element, a bean-shaped lateral channel 26 is formed (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0071] Furthermore, the longitudinal channel 20' extending between the longitudinal ends of the support plate is connected to the transverse channel 18', thereby allowing the intake air to be evenly distributed in the latter.

[0072] Figure 8 The head of a brush bristles is shown in an alternative embodiment of a modular element. The shape of these bristles is also suitable for… Figures 1 to 4 Modular elements in the illustrated embodiments and Figures 5 to 7 Modular elements in the illustrated embodiment.

[0073] In this optional embodiment, the head 12' of the bristles 6' is frustum-shaped, with the inner circular cross-section being larger than the outer circular cross-section (i.e., the small base b' of the frustum is arranged facing the outside of the modular element, and the large base B' of the frustum is arranged facing the inside of the modular element).

[0074] In this alternative embodiment, the head 12' has a circular cross-section, the diameter D' of which is strictly larger than the maximum diameter d' of the circular cross-section of the bristle rod 9'.

[0075] Furthermore, in any alternative embodiment of the bristles of the modular element 4,4', the bar 9,9' of each bristle 6,6' may be cylindrical between its head 12,12' and bottom 8,8'. Of course, it may also be any other shape (e.g., having a cross-section of a square, polygon, etc.).

[0076] therefore, Figure 9 Another alternative embodiment of the modular cutting support element 4” is shown. In this embodiment, the bristle 6” rod 9” has a hexagonal cross-section between its head 12” and bottom 8”. Furthermore, in this alternative embodiment, the head 12” has an octagonal cross-section.

[0077] The general shape of the bristles (6,6',6") and the production of modular components including single-row bristles make it possible to manufacture the latter by single-piece molding. In particular, this configuration makes it possible to overcome the limitations required on the bristle shape during demolding.

[0078] Of course, another way to manufacture modular components can be envisioned through additive manufacturing or any other industrial manufacturing process.

[0079] It should be pointed out again that not all bristles of the same modular element have a head with a cross-section that includes the largest cross-section of the rod. In fact, it is conceivable that only some bristles in the same modular element have this characteristic, while the other bristles in the modular element have heads with a cross-section identical to that of the rod.

[0080] also, Figure 10A and Figure 10B Two possible arrangements of bristles 6,6',6” in the same modular element 4,4' are shown.

[0081] exist Figure 10A In the schematic arrangement shown, the bristles of the same modular element are arranged in a single row along the straight line L1. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the bristles are all aligned on the same straight line L1.

[0082] Optionally, in Figure 10B In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles in the same modular element can be arranged along a zigzag (or sawtooth) L2 to form two rows of parallel bristles R1, R2.

[0083] It should be noted that, in any alternative embodiment, modular components can be manufactured by single-piece molding.

[0084] Similarly, such as Figure 11 As shown, the modular element 4 provided by the present invention may not have mechanical assembly components. In this case, modular elements on the same support are simply placed abutting against each other on the support and connected together by a suitable mechanical device.

[0085] Figure 12 Another alternative embodiment of a modular cutting support element 4”' is shown in partial view, wherein the head of the bristles has a different shape.

[0086] Therefore, in Figure 12 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the modular element includes alternating bristles 6a and bristles 6b. The head 12a of each bristle 6a is frustoconical with its larger base facing outward; the head 12b of each bristle 6b is frustoconical with its smaller base facing inward.

[0087] The alternating "head-to-tail" arrangement of the bristle heads has the advantage of increasing the apparent density of the bristles, thereby increasing the fabric's holding power.

[0088] Of course, any other possible configuration can be conceived according to actual needs (the bristle head has several different shapes). Similarly, this alternative embodiment can be combined with the alternative embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A modular element (4; 4') of a suction-operated cutting support block (2; 2') in an automatic sheet material cutting machine using blades, characterized in that, The modular element (4; 4') includes: a plurality of bristles (6; 6'; 6''; 6a-6b) arranged in the same single row; wherein at least a portion of the bristles have: a bottom (8; 8'; 8'') rigidly connected to a support plate intended for mounting on a support; a head (12; 12'; 12''; 12a-12b) opposite the bottom and intended for placing sheet material to be cut; and a rod (9; 9'; 9'') connecting the head to the bottom, the maximum cross-section of the rod (9; 9'; 9'') being strictly contained within the maximum cross-section of the head; the support plate includes a plurality of transverse channels (18; 18') located on its respective side surfaces (10a, 10b), the transverse channels providing passage for intake air, such that the bristles communicate between the upper surface of the support plate from which they extend and the inner surface opposite to the upper surface.

2. The modular component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate (10) further includes at least one longitudinal channel (20; 20') located at each of the side surfaces (10a, 10b) of the support plate (10) and extending between the longitudinal ends (10c, 10d) of the support plate and communicating with the transverse channel (18; 18') to uniformly distribute the inhaled air in the transverse channel.

3. The modular component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate also includes at least one assembly member (13) on each of its side surfaces for mechanical assembly with another of the modular elements.

4. The modular component according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the assembly components (13) includes at least one lug (14) and a groove (16), the at least one lug (14) protruding relative to the side surface (10a, 10b) of the support plate and intended to interlock within the corresponding groove of the assembly component of the adjacent modular element, the groove (16) being recessed relative to the side surface of the support plate and for receiving the corresponding lug of the assembly component of the adjacent modular element by means of interlocking.

5. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least some of the bristles (6; 6') have a frustum-shaped head (12; 12') and a cylindrical rod (9; 9').

6. The modular component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The head (12') of each of the bristles (6') is shaped like a frustum of a cone, the frustum of a cone having an inner circular cross-section that is larger than the outer circular cross-section.

7. The modular component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The head (12) of each of the bristles (6) is in the shape of an inverted frustum, which has an outer circular cross-section that is larger than the inner circular cross-section.

8. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the bristles (6'') have the rod (9'') with a polygonal cross-section and the head (12'').

9. The modular component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bristle rod (9'') has a hexagonal cross-section, and the bristle head (12'') has an octagonal cross-section.

10. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support plate (10) further includes: an attachment (22) located at each longitudinal end for assembling the modular element onto the support, and two fingers (24) inserted inward and used for centering on the support.

11. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The transverse channel (18) has a semi-circular cross section so as to form a cylindrical transverse channel when another of the modular elements is mounted opposite the modular element.

12. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The modular components are obtained through molding.

13. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bristles (6; 6'; 6'') are arranged in a straight line (L1) to form a single row of bristles.

14. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bristles (6; 6'; 6'') are arranged in a zigzag pattern (L2) to form two rows of parallel bristles (R1, R2).

15. The modular element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The modular element includes at least two types of bristles (6a, 6b), each of which has a head (12a, 12b) with a different shape.

16. A suction-operated cutting support block (2; 2') for use in an automatic sheet material cutting machine, characterized in that, It includes a plurality of modular elements (4; 4'), said modular elements (4; 4') being the modular elements (4; 4') as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The cutting support block (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The modular element (4) is mounted on the support block to obtain an orderly arrangement of bristles.

18. The cutting support block (2') according to claim 16, characterized in that, The modular element (4') is mounted on the support block to obtain staggered bristles.

19. The cutting support block (2') according to claim 16, characterized in that, A portion of the modular elements are mounted on the support block to obtain an orderly arrangement of bristles; another portion of the modular elements are mounted on the support block to obtain an interlaced arrangement of bristles.

20. The cutting support block (2; 2') according to claim 16, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent bristles is greater than the maximum dimension of the cross-section of the bristle rod.

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