Apparatus for converting sheet of elastomeric material into continuous strip

Abstract

The utility model relates to a device used for converting an elastic material sheet into a continuous strip, the device comprises a cutting section used for providing a cutting sequence in the sheet, the sheet can be separated into mutually connected zigzag sections along the cutting section to form the continuous strip, the cutting section includes a cutting member to cut the sheet along a cutting line intersecting a feed path, where the feed path and the cutting line extend in a feed plane at their intersection in a range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees from a vertical plane.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of May 18, 2023, application number 202321212236.2, and invention name “Apparatus for converting sheet material into continuous strips”. Technical Field

[0002] The utility model relates to a device for converting sheet materials into continuous strips. Background Art

[0003] WO 2017 / 171454 A1 discloses an apparatus for converting a sheet into a continuous strip, wherein the sheet has a sequence of cuts extending in a cutting direction transversely across the sheet relative to a longitudinal direction to form a plurality of interconnected sheet segments, wherein the continuous strip has a serrated segment, wherein the sheet segments are arranged to be pulled apart in a feeding direction to form the serrated segment, wherein the apparatus comprises a separating device having a holding device and a sensor device, wherein the holding device is used to hold an upstream sheet segment relative to a continuous downstream sheet segment in a feeding direction, and the sensor device is used to detect the pulling apart of the downstream sheet segment and the upstream sheet segment.

[0004] A disadvantage of the known apparatus is that the sheet comprises a raw elastic material which may have irregularities in shape, size and / or thickness. In particular, the sheet may have wrinkles or folds. While small wrinkles or folds can be fed through the apparatus without problems, large wrinkles and folds, for example when the sheet is at least partially folded back on itself, may block or jam the apparatus. When this happens, the apparatus must be stopped to allow manual intervention and / or manual clearing of the jam. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a device for converting sheet materials into continuous strips, wherein the device downtime caused by blocking or clogging can be reduced.

[0006] The utility model provides a device for converting an elastic material sheet into a continuous strip, wherein the device comprises a cutting section for performing a cutting sequence in the sheet, the sheet can be cut and separated into mutually connected serrated sections along the sequence to form a continuous strip, wherein the cutting section comprises a cutting member to cut the sheet along a cutting line intersecting a feeding path, wherein the feeding path and the cutting line extend in a feeding plane within a range of 0 to 10 degrees from a vertical plane at their intersection. Preferably, the feeding plane extends vertically. In the vertical or almost vertical direction of the feed plane, gravity can help separate the mutually connected serrated sections into continuous strips.

[0007] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a discharge section having a discharge opening for delivering the continuous strip from the apparatus, wherein the discharge section is further provided with a deflection member for deflecting the continuous strip towards the discharge opening. When a new continuous strip is fed through the apparatus, the leading end of the new continuous strip may be in a position that is difficult to reach from outside the apparatus. The deflection member may be used to conveniently place the leading end within reach of an operator or mechanical gripper at the discharge opening.

[0008] Preferably, the deflection member comprises a manually operable lever. The manually operable lever may be located in a safely accessible location, such as outside a housing of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will be described based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A side view showing an apparatus for converting a sheet material into a continuous strip according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A front view of the device;

[0012] Figure 3 The calendering rollers are shown in pairs according to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III in FIG.

[0013] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 3 A top view of a pair of calendering rollers;

[0014] Figure 5A and 5B Show according to Figure 1 A side view of a cutting section of the device;

[0015] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 1 a front view of a cutting section of

[0016] Figure 7 A side view of an alternative apparatus for converting sheet material into a continuous strip is shown according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2An apparatus 1 for converting a sheet 8 of elastomeric material, in particular rubber, into a continuous strip 9 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The continuous strip 9 is used as input material for an extruder. The sheet 8 is supplied to the apparatus 1 in a continuous length. It can be stacked in several layers on a pallet. The sheet 8 consists of a raw material that may have irregularities and / or inconsistencies, such as wrinkles (folds), creases, varying thickness, irregular edges and / or varying widths.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet 8 comprises a first longitudinal edge 81 and a second longitudinal edge 82. The apparatus 1 is provided with a cutting section 5 adapted, arranged and / or configured to provide a sequence of cuts C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the sheet 8, along which the sheet 8 can be separated into interconnected zigzag sections 91, 92, 93, 94. Specifically, the cuts C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the series extend alternately from one of the longitudinal edges 81, 82 to the other of the longitudinal edges 81 and 82 and terminate at a shorter termination distance T than the other of the longitudinal edges 81, 82 to form a plurality of interconnected zigzag sections 91, 92, 93, 94.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the apparatus 1 comprises a feed section 2 for feeding a sheet 8 to a cutting section 5 along a feeding direction F. The apparatus 1 further comprises a discharge section 6 for delivering a continuous strip 9 out of the apparatus 1. The sheet 8 and the continuous strip 9 travel along a feeding path P, a portion of which is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown. If the feed path P is not visible in the figure, for example Figure 1 , it will be appreciated that the path that the sheet 8 and the continuous strip 9 travel through the apparatus 1 corresponds to or coincides with the feed path P.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the feed section 2 includes one or more input rollers 21 for holding the sheet 8 in the device 1 when the front end of the sheet 8 is fed into the device 1. In this example, the one or more input rollers 21 are rotatable in one direction and are only used to prevent the sheet 8 from sliding back out of the device 1 in the direction opposite to the feeding direction F.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the feed section 2 includes one or more rocker arms 22 for supporting one or more input rollers 21 relative to the feed path P. The one or more input rollers 21 are free to move toward the sheet 8 and rest on the sheet 8 under the action of their own weight. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more input rollers 21 can be moved toward or away from the feed path P, for example, in an automatic or semi-automatic manner. Therefore, the operator can freely guide the continuous strip 9 into the feed section 2 with at least one hand.

[0022] The feeding section further comprises a first feeding member 3 and a second feeding member 4 for feeding the sheet 8 along a feeding path P toward the cutting section 5, the second feeding member 4 being downstream of the first feeding member 3 relative to the feeding direction F. The first feeding member 3 and the second feeding member 4 are spaced apart along the feeding path P. In the present example, the apparatus 1 defines a free section of the feeding path P from the first feeding member 3 to the second feeding member 4, in which the sheet 8 is unsupported. In the free section, the feeding path P extends to a vertical plane at a relatively steep downward angle (particularly in the range between 0 and 30 degrees).

[0023] The first feed member 3 is adapted, arranged or configured to feed the sheet 8 along the feeding path P at a first feed rate V1. The second feed member 4 is adapted, arranged or configured to feed the sheet 8 along the feeding path P at a second feed rate V2 different from the first feed rate V1. The device 1 can be operated in a stretching mode, wherein the second feed rate V2 is higher than the first feed rate V1. In particular, the second feed rate V2 is at least 5% higher than the first feed rate V1, and preferably at least 10% higher.

[0024] The first feed member 3 includes a first driven roller 31, which is suitable for, arranged or configured to be driven or rotated at a circumferential speed corresponding to the first feed rate V1 in the stretching mode. Therefore, the first driven roller 31 applies the first feed rate V1 to the sheet 8. In the present example, the first driven roller 31 indirectly applies the first feed rate V1 to the sheet 8. Specifically, the first feed member 3 also includes a conveyor belt 32 for conveying the sheet 8 along the feeding path P. The first driven roller 31 is one of the pulleys driving the conveyor belt 32, in particular the head pulley. Therefore, the first driven roller 31 can drive the conveyor belt 32 to move at the first feed rate V1.

[0025] In the present example, the load-bearing side of the conveyor belt 32 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally, ie, within a range of 0 to 10 degrees from the horizontal.

[0026] The second feed member 4 includes a second driven roller 42, which is suitable for, arranged or configured to be driven or rotated at a circumferential speed corresponding to the second feed rate V2 in the stretching mode. In the present example, the second driven roller 42 is part of a pair of calendering rollers 41, 42. The pair of calendering rollers 41, 42 includes a first calendering roller 41 and a second calendering roller 42. The pair of calendering rollers 41, 42 and related aspects thereof (discussed in more detail below) can be claimed as a whole independently of the device 1. Therefore, the second driven roller 42 may be referred to as the "second driven roller" and the "second calendering roller" hereinafter, the latter not being limited by the term "driven".

[0027] like Figure 1As shown schematically, the device 1 includes a first drive 11 for driving a first driven roller 31, and a transmission 12 for driving the second driven roller 42 between the first driven roller 31 and the second driven roller 42. The transmission 12 can be formed by a chain or a timing belt. Alternatively, gears or other suitable types of transmissions can be used. The transmission 12 is configured so that a transmission ratio is obtained between the first feed member 3 and the second feed member 4, wherein the second feed rate V2 is higher than the first feed rate V1. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first drive 11 can alternatively be configured to directly drive the second driven roller 42, in which case the transmission 12 will drive the first driven roller 11.

[0028] The device 1 further comprises a control unit 7 operatively, electronically and / or functionally connected to the first drive 11 to control the peripheral speed of the first driven roller 31 in the stretching mode.

[0029] like Figure 1 As further shown, the device 1 is provided with a pressing member 23 for pressing the sheet 8 on the conveyor belt 32 along a pressing direction D. In the present example, the pressing member 23 comprises a pressing roller 24 which can roll on the sheet 8 as the sheet 8 advances underneath. Furthermore, in the present example, the pressing direction D is vertical or substantially vertical. The pressing member 23 can freely move along said pressing direction D under the influence of gravity, for example in a vertical slot of the frame of the device 1.

[0030] In other words, the pressing member 23 can be pressed onto the sheet 8 under the effect of its own weight. Figure 1 As opposed to the illustration, the pressing member 23 may be positioned directly opposite to the first driven roller 31 or another roller or pulley of the feeding member 3 so that the continuous strip 9 can be pressed more reliably.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the feed section 2 also comprises one or more feed guides 27, 28, 29, which are arranged outside the feed path P, where the sheet 8 is deflected downwards towards the cutting section 5 into the free section of the feed path. Figure 1 As shown, one or more feed guides 27, 28, 29 have an arcuate inner surface, which can deflect and / or guide the sheet 8 downward if the sheet 8 itself fails to deflect downward under its own weight. In addition, when the rear end of the sheet 8 is no longer held and / or controlled by the first feed member 3, the one or more feed guides 27, 28, 29 can reliably limit any unpredictable movement of the rear end of the sheet 8 toward and / or into the cutting section 5.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the first calendering roller 41 and the second calendering roller 42 can rotate around the first roller axis R1 and the second roller axis R2, respectively. The roller axes R1 and R2 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first calendering roller 41 can move toward and away from the second calendering roller 42 along a calendering direction X perpendicular to the first roller axis R1. In this example, the feed section 2 includes a holder 26 for holding the first calendering roller 41 relative to the second calendering roller 42. The holder 26 can pivot around a pivot axis B, which is parallel to the first roller axis R1 and spaced apart therefrom, so that the first calendering roller 41 moves along the calendering direction X.

[0033] In the present example, the one or more feed guides 27, 28, 29 form part of and / or are integral with the holder 26. Thus, the feed guides 27, 28, 29 can move together with the first calender roller 41 about the pivot axis B towards and away from the feed path P.

[0034] The apparatus 1 further comprises an actuator 15 for pressing the first calendering roller 41 towards the further calendering roller 42 in the calendering direction X. In the present example, the actuator 15 acts indirectly on the first calendering roller 41 via the holder 26. The actuator 15 may be bidirectional, which means that it is also possible to move the first calendering roller 41 away from the second calendering roller 42, for example for removing or inserting the sheet 8 and / or for maintenance purposes.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The pair of calendering rollers 41, 42 are shown in more detail. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the pair of calender rollers 41, 42 defines an ingoing nip N1 for receiving the sheet 8 in the feeding direction F. The "ingoing nip" N1 is interpreted as an entry point between the pair of calender rollers 41, 42, at which the pair of calender rollers 41, 42 "bite" the sheet 8 as the sheet 8 is moved or pulled through the pair of calender rollers 41, 42. The pair of calender rollers 41, 42 also defines an outgoing nip N2 for further feeding the sheet 8 in the feeding direction F along the feeding path P. Similarly, the "outgoing nip" N2 is interpreted as an exit point between the pair of calender rollers 41, 42, at which the sheet 8 leaves the pair of calender rollers 41, 42.

[0036] In this example, if Figure 3 As shown, the feeding path P extends vertically or substantially vertically at the gap N2, i.e., within a range of 0 to 10 degrees from the vertical plane. Specifically, a vertical or nearly vertical feeding plane Z can be defined, which extends through the gap N2 at the pair of calendering rollers 41, 42 in a direction parallel to the feeding direction F, the feeding path P and / or the first roller axis R1.

[0037] like Figure 4 As best shown, the first calendering roll 41 includes a plurality of first disks 43 that are positioned coaxially with the first roll axis R1 and rotatable about the first roll axis R1. Similarly, the second calendering roll 42 includes a plurality of second disks 46 that are positioned coaxially with the second roll axis R2 and rotatable about the second roll axis R2. In addition, the first calendering roll 41 is provided with a plurality of first guide bodies 44 that are interposed between the plurality of first disks 43 along an axial direction A parallel to the first roll axis R1. Similarly, the second calendering roll 42 is provided with a plurality of second guide bodies 47 that are interposed between the plurality of second disks 46 along the axial direction A. Specifically, in the axial direction A, the first guide bodies 44 alternate with the first disks 43, and the second guide bodies 47 alternate with the second disks 46. Note that in this example, each first guide body 44 is directly opposite to a corresponding one of the second guide bodies 47 along the calendering direction X.

[0038] The first guide bodies 44 are fixed relative to or about the first roller axis R1. In other words, the first guide bodies 44 are arranged to remain stationary when the first disc 43 rotates about the first roller axis R1. Specifically, the first guide bodies 44 are formed as plates, which are fixed to the holder 26 carrying the first calendering roller 41. In the present example, the first guide bodies 44 are U-shaped so that they can be fitted on the shaft 40 of the first calendering roller 41.

[0039] Each disk 43, 46 has a disk width W1 in the axial direction A, and each guide body 44, 47 has a guide body width W2 smaller than the disk width W1 in the axial direction A. Specifically, the guide body width W2 is smaller than 80% of the disk width W1, more preferably smaller than 60%.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the first guide body 44 protrudes into the guide area G downstream of the gap N2 of the pair of calender rollers 41, 42. The guide area G corresponds to and / or overlaps with the rest space between the calender rollers 41, 42 directly downstream of the gap N2. By arranging the first guide body 44 in the guide area G, the sheet 8 can be prevented from being pulled along the circumference of the first calender roller 41. Specifically, the first guide body 44 protrudes out of the plurality of first trays 43 and enters the square area S of the quadrant Q containing the plurality of first trays 43. The square area S extends upward to the feeding path P and / or the feeding plane Z, and is located downstream of the first roller axis R1.

[0041] like Figure 3As further shown, each first guide body 44 is provided with a first guide surface 45 for guiding the sheet 8 along the feeding path P downstream of the first calender roller 41. Considered along the feeding direction F, the first guide surface 45 deviates from or tilts away from the feeding path P. The first guide body 44 is recessed relative to the first disk 43 at the entry gap N1. Specifically, the first guide surface 45 has an arcuate or circular cross-section, the radius of which is smaller than the radius of the first disk 43. Preferably, the first guide body 44 is recessed from the outer periphery of the first disk 43 at the entry gap N1 by a distance of at least one millimeter, more preferably at least two millimeters.

[0042] The second guide bodies 47 extend from the opposite side of the feeding path P and / or the feeding plane Z into the aforementioned guide area G in a similar manner. Each second guide body 47 is provided with a second guide surface 48 from the opposite side of the feeding path P and / or the feeding plane Z toward the first guide surface 45. The mutually facing guide surfaces 45, 48 may form or define a guide channel for the sheet 8 at the gap N2 to further guide the sheet 8 along the feeding path P. Preferably, the first guide surface 45 and the second guide surface 48 are separated from each other when considered along the feeding direction F. Therefore, the guide channel formed between the mutually facing guide surfaces 45, 48 is opened or widened relative to the feeding path P.

[0043] Note that the first guide body 44 and the second guide body 47 may be identical in shape and / or size, and may be replaceable.

[0044] Figure 5A and 5B The cutting section 5 is shown in more detail. The cutting section 5 comprises a cutting member 51 for cutting the sheet 8 along a cutting line K in a cutting direction C, such as Figure 6 As shown, the cutting line K intersects the feeding path P. In this example, Figure 5A As shown, the cutting member 51 is a cutting disk, which can rotate at the cutting line K around a cutter axis M parallel to the feeding path P, the feeding plane Z and / or the feeding direction F. The cutting section 5 also includes a carrier 50 for carrying the cutting member 51 relative to the cutting line K, and a cutting drive 54 for driving or moving the carrier 50 in the cutting direction C along the cutting line K. The cutting section 5 is provided with an anvil 52, which cooperates with the cutting member 51 to cut the sheet 8 along the cutting line K. The anvil 52 is positioned opposite to the cutting member 51 relative to the feeding path P and / or the feeding plane Z. As shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5BAs shown, the cutting member 51 can move along the incision direction H perpendicular to the feeding path P, the feeding plane Z and / or the cutting line K to abut against the anvil 52. The cutting section 5 is also provided with a shock absorber 53 for absorbing, suppressing and / or buffering the impact between the cutting member 51 and the anvil 52 along the incision direction H. Specifically, the cutting member 51 can move in the incision direction H along the incision stroke, wherein the shock absorber 53 is configured to buffer the impact at the end of the incision stroke.

[0045] like Figure 5A and 5B As further shown, the feed plane Z at the intersection between the feed path P and the cutting line K is vertical or substantially vertical, ie within the range of 0 to 10 degrees from the vertical plane.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the discharge section 6 is provided with a discharge opening 61 in the housing of the device 1 for feeding the continuous strip 9 out of the device 1. Due to the vertical or almost vertical orientation of the feed plane Z at the cutting section 5, the front end of the continuous strip 9 tends to fall downwards onto the floor of the device 1. Therefore, when the cutting operation is started and a new front end is generated at the continuous strip 9, the front end must be guided and passed through the discharge opening 61. Since it may be difficult or risky to enter the device 1 when the device 1 is in operation, the discharge section 6 is also provided with a deflection member 62 to deflect the continuous strip 9 towards the discharge opening 61. In the present example, the deflection member 62 comprises a manually operable lever 63. The manually operable lever 63 can be arranged in a safely accessible position outside the housing of the device 1.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the device 1 also includes an irregularity sensor 71 for detecting parameters indicating the position and / or orientation of one or more input rollers 21 or one or more rocker arms 22 relative to the feeding path P. Specifically, the irregularity sensor 71 can be a photoelectric tube for sensing a light beam extending on the one or more input rollers 21 and / or the one or more rocker arms 22 when the one or more input rollers 21 are in a normal position. However, when the one or more input rollers 21 are displaced in an upward direction due to an irregularity in the sheet 8, the one or more input rollers 21 or the one or more rocker arms 22 associated therewith interrupt the light beam, which interruption can be used as an indication that the irregularity has passed the position of the one or more input rollers 21. The irregularity sensor 71 is operatively, electronically and / or functionally connected to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is capable of stopping the device 1 and requesting manual intervention after receiving a signal from the irregularity sensor 71.

[0048] The irregularity sensor 71 may alternatively be arranged downstream of one or more input rollers 21, for example: at a predetermined height above the conveyor belt 32 to directly detect irregularities at the sheet 8; or at the pressing member 23 to detect irregularities that vary with the height of the pressing member 23. The irregularity sensor 71 is located upstream of the second feed member 4 to prevent irregularities exceeding a predetermined threshold from getting stuck in the pair of calender rollers 41, 42.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the longitudinal edges 81, 82 of the sheet 8 may have a slightly irregular shape. Therefore, the lateral position E1, E2 of each longitudinal edge 81, 82 may vary slightly for each cut C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn. The device 1 is provided with a lateral edge sensor 72 for detecting the lateral position E1, E2 of the longitudinal edges 81, 82. The measured lateral position E1, E2 can be used to determine the appropriate start, end, cutting length and / or termination length T so that the corresponding cut C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn can end shorter than the corresponding longitudinal edge 81, 82.

[0050] The lateral edge sensor 72 is positioned at a detection position L upstream of the cutting line K with respect to the feeding direction F. Preferably, the apparatus 1 is configured to provide a cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn with a cutting interval I. In other words, the sheet 8 is advanced along the feeding direction F between the cuts C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn by a distance equal to the cutting interval I. The detection position L is located upstream of the cutting line K, and the detection distance J from the cutting line K is equal to the cutting interval I. Alternatively, the detection distance J may be greater than the cutting interval I, preferably a multiple of the cutting interval I.

[0051] In this particular example, the lateral edge sensor 72 is arranged to move with the cutting member 51 along the cutting direction C. More specifically, the lateral edge sensor 72 is mounted to or carried by the same carrier 50 that carries the cutting member 51. The lateral edge sensor 72 is centered relative to the cutting member 51 along the cutting direction C. In other words, the lateral edge sensor 72 is symmetrically arranged relative to the cutting member 51 along the cutting direction C. Therefore, the lateral edge sensor 72 can detect the longitudinal edges 81, 82 on both sides of the sheet 8 in a substantially identical manner.

[0052] The lateral edge sensor 72 is operatively, electronically and / or functionally connected to the control unit 7 for sending a signal indicating the edge position E1, E2 of each longitudinal edge 81, 82 to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is configured to associate the signal received from the lateral edge sensor 72 during one of the cutting sequences C1, C1, C3, ..., Cn with the future cutting C2 of the cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn still to be performed. The signal or the value indicating the signal can be stored, for example, in a memory (in particular a non-transitory memory) for later use. The control unit 7 is further configured to set the end distance T for the future cutting C2 based on the signal from the lateral edge sensor 72.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the device 1 also includes a first leading edge sensor 73 for detecting when the leading end of the continuous strip 9 passes the position of the first leading edge sensor 73. In the present example, the first leading edge sensor 73 is located in the feed section 2, in particular between one or more input rollers 21 and the pressing member 23. Alternatively, the functionality of the first leading edge sensor 73 can also be integrated into one or more input rollers 21 or the pressing member 23. The first leading edge sensor 73 is operatively, functionally and / or electronically connected to the control unit 7 for sending a signal indicating the detection of the leading edge to the control unit 7. In the present example, the first leading edge sensor 73 includes a detection roller 74 for rolling on the continuous strip 9. When the leading end reaches the detection roller 74, it is lifted from the surface of the conveyor belt 32, and this lifting is detected as an indication of the arrival of the leading end.

[0054] The control unit 7 may further receive a signal from an encoder to track how much of the length of the continuous strip 9 has passed the position of the first leading edge sensor 73 in order to determine when the leading end theoretically reaches the cutting section 5. In the present example, the encoder is coupled to a detection roller 74 to sense the rotation of said detection roller 74. This has the additional technical advantage that the length of the continuous strip 9 passed can be measured more accurately than an encoder associated with the conveyor belt 3, particularly because the detection roller 74 also rolls over waves, wrinkles or folds in the continuous strip 9, thereby including the length of the continuous strip 9 with waves, wrinkles or folds in its measurement.

[0055] Note that the second leading end sensor 75 may be provided at the cutting section 5, for example at, within or opposite to the anvil 52, to detect whether the leading end actually reaches the cutting section 5 as expected. Specifically, the second leading end sensor 75 detects whether the continuous strip 9 is present at or downstream of the cutting line K. When the continuous strip 9 has folds or wrinkles that deviate from its feeding path P, the leading end may not pass the cutting line K. When the leading end is not detected when it should theoretically reach the cutting section 5, it is assumed that something went wrong and the device 1 is stopped.

[0056] Figure 7 An alternative device 101 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the previously discussed device 1 only in that the transmission 12 is replaced by a second drive 112, which is controlled by the control unit 7 relative to the first drive 111, so that the second feed rate V2 is higher than the first feed rate V1. By providing separate drives 111, 112, the ratio between the first feed rate V1 and the second feed rate V2 can be adjusted or varied as required.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 1 - 4, 5A, 5B and 6 briefly discuss the method of converting the sheet 8 of elastomeric material into a continuous strip 9 using the above-mentioned apparatus 1, 101.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sheet 8 is fed along the feeding path P, the first feeding member 3 applies a first feeding rate V1 to the sheet 8, and the second feeding member 4 applies a second feeding rate V2 to the sheet 8. By providing a speed difference between the first feeding rate V1 and the second feeding rate V2, the sheet 8 is stretched between the first feeding member 3 and the second feeding member 4. Stretching can reduce, flatten or smooth irregularities, such as wrinkles or folds, in the sheet 8. Therefore, the risk of blocking and / or clogging of the device 1, 101 due to such irregularities can be reduced.

[0059] like Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the cutting member 51 moves back and forth along the cutting direction H to form a Figure 6 The cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn shown. Specifically, Figure 6 As shown, the cutting member 51 is located outside the sheet 8, side by side with the first longitudinal edge 81, so as to start the first cut C1 by cutting into the sheet 8 through the first longitudinal edge 81. When the end distance T is reached, the cutting member 51 is pulled back in the direction opposite to the cutting direction H to prevent the cutting member 51 from further cutting into the sheet 8 beyond the end distance T.

[0060] Thus, the first serrated section 91 formed by the first cut C1 remains connected to the sheet 8 and to any future serrated sections 92 - 94 to be cut.

[0061] Note that when the cutting member 51 starts the first cut C1, the lateral edge sensor 72 has already detected the lateral position E1 of the first longitudinal edge 81 at the detection position L upstream of the cutting line K. Specifically, the lateral position E1 is detected at the position of the future second cut C2 of the cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn to be performed after the first cut C1 is completed. The lateral position E1 is used by the calculator to determine the end distance T for the second cut C2 or a parameter associated with the end distance T. Similarly, note that when the second cut C2 is started at the second longitudinal edge 82, the lateral edge sensor 72 can already detect the lateral position E2 of the second longitudinal edge 82 to determine or calculate the end distance T of the future third cut C3 of the cutting sequence C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn or a parameter associated with the end distance T. This process can be repeated for all cuts C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn in the sequence.

[0062] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. According to the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these variations will still be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Reference numerals list

[0064] 1 Equipment

[0065] 11 First Drive

[0066] 12 Transmission

[0067] 2 Feeding section

[0068] 21 Input roller

[0069] 22 Rocker arm

[0070] 23 Pressing member

[0071] 24 Pressing roller

[0072] 25 Actuator

[0073] 26 Retaining parts

[0074] 27 First feed guide

[0075] 28 Second feed guide

[0076] 29 Third feed guide

[0077] 3. First feeding member

[0078] 31 First driven roller

[0079] 32 conveyor belt

[0080] 4 Second feeding member

[0081] 40 Axis

[0082] 41 First calendering roller

[0083] 42 Second calendering roller / second driven roller

[0084] 43 First Plate

[0085] 44 First Guide

[0086] 45 first guide surface

[0087] 46 Second Set

[0088] 47 Second Guide

[0089] 48 second guide surface

[0090] 5 Cutting sections

[0091] 50 Carriers

[0092] 51 Cutting components

[0093] 52 Anvil

[0094] 53 Shock absorber

[0095] 54 Cutting drive

[0096] 6 Discharging section

[0097] 61 Discharge opening

[0098] 62 Deflection member

[0099] 63

[0100] 7 Control unit

[0101] 71 Irregularity Sensor

[0102] 72 Lateral edge sensor

[0103] 73 First front sensor

[0104] 74 Detection roller

[0105] 75 Second front sensor

[0106] 8 Sheets

[0107] 81 first longitudinal side

[0108] 82 Second longitudinal side

[0109] 9 Continuous Strips

[0110] 101 Alternative Equipment

[0111] 111 First Drive

[0112] 112 Second Driver

[0113] A Axial direction

[0114] B Pivot axis

[0115] C Cutting direction

[0116] C1 First Cut

[0117] C2 Second Cut

[0118] C3 Third Cut

[0119] Cn nth cut

[0120] D Pressing direction

[0121] E1 Lateral position

[0122] E2 Lateral position

[0123] F Feeding direction

[0124] G Boot sector

[0125] H Cutting direction

[0126] I Cutting interval

[0127] J Detection distance

[0128] K Cutting Line

[0129] L Detection position

[0130] M Cutter axis

[0131] N1 entry

[0132] N2 Gap

[0133] P Feed Path

[0134] Q Quadrant

[0135] R1 First roller axis

[0136] R2 Second roller axis

[0137] S Square Area

[0138] T End distance

[0139] V1 First feed rate

[0140] V2 Second feed rate

[0141] W1 Disc width

[0142] W2 Width of guide body

[0143] Z Feed Plane

Claims

1. Apparatus for converting a sheet of elastic material into a continuous strip, wherein: The apparatus comprises a cutting section for providing a cutting sequence in the sheet material, the sheet material being separable into interconnected serrated sections along the cutting section to form a continuous strip, wherein the cutting section comprises cutting members to cut the sheet material along a cutting line intersecting a feed path, wherein the feed path and the cutting line extend in a feed plane within a range of 0 to 10 degrees from a vertical plane at their intersection.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The feed plane extends vertically.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus comprises a discharge section having a discharge opening for delivering the continuous strip from the apparatus, wherein the discharge section is further provided with a deflection member for deflecting the continuous strip towards the discharge opening.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The deflection member includes a manually operable lever.

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