Cutting tool with movable stops

Abstract

A cutting tool (24) is proposed for forming packs (10) of food product pots (12), the cutting tool (24) comprising an upper crossbar (26) and a lower crossbar (30) movable between an open position in which the crossbars are spaced apart and a closed position in which the tool performs a cut and / or a pre-cut between the pots according to a first setting, at least one first upper stop (44) mounted on the upper crossbar (26) and at least one first lower stop (42) mounted on the lower crossbar (30), each first upper stop (44) being configured to abut against each first lower stop (42) in the closed position,and at least one second upper stop (48) mounted on the upper cross member (26) and at least one second lower stop (46) movably mounted on the lower cross member (30) to be movable between an operating position in which each second upper stop (48) is configured to abut against each second lower stop (46) in an intermediate position of the cross members (26, 30), the intermediate position being between the open and closed positions, the tool (24) performing a cut and / or pre-cut between the food product containers (12) according to a second setting in the intermediate position, and a resting position in which each second lower stop (46) is offset from each second upper stop (48) to allow the cross members (26, 30) to return to the closed position. (See Figure 8 for an abstract diagram.)

Description

Title of the invention: Cutting tool with movable stops Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of tools for making cuts and / or pre-cuts in a pack of food product jars. Prior art

[0002] Food products such as dairy, liquid, creamy, pasty or foamy products are typically distributed in batches or packs of plastic pots. Cutting tools allow for total cuts or partial cuts to be made between pots following their filling and sealing. Total cuts separate the packs from each other. Partial cuts, or pre-cuts, define grooves between pots in the same pack to facilitate their subsequent separation by breaking.

[0003] Conventionally, the cutting tool comprises an upper crosspiece on which knives are mounted and a lower crosspiece receiving a die. The pots are introduced between the upper crosspiece and the lower crosspiece, and the relative movement of the crosspieces makes it possible to make the cuts and pre-cuts.

[0004] The adjustment of the penetration of the knives into the plastic during cuts and pre-cuts is carried out by graduated screws provided on the upper crosspiece. Each knife can be configured to penetrate the plastic to a depth required for a partial or total cut in the plastic.

[0005] The adjustment of the penetration of the knives is typically adapted to making cuts or pre-cuts in hot plastic, that is to say having a certain flexibility. Indeed, such an adjustment is adapted to making satisfactory cuts or pre-cuts when the cutting tool is in continuous operation.

[0006] However, when the cutting tool is stopped, the plastic cools, changing its characteristics. The plastic becomes stiffer, so the knife penetration setting becomes unsuitable for making cuts and pre-cuts in the cooled plastic. It is then necessary to change the knife penetration setting each time the tool is restarted, and again when the plastic is reheated. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0008] There is provided a cutting tool for forming packs of food product jars, the cutting tool comprising: - an upper crosspiece receiving knives and a lower crosspiece receiving a die, the upper and lower crosspieces being arranged to have a relative movement between an open position in which the upper crosspiece is distant from the lower crosspiece, and a closed position in which the knives and the die perform a cut and / or a pre-cut between the pots of food product according to a first setting, - at least one first upper stop mounted on the upper cross member and at least one first lower stop mounted on the lower cross member, each first upper stop being configured to abut against each first lower stop in the closed position, and - at least one second upper stop mounted on the upper cross member and at least one second lower stop mounted movably on the lower cross member to be movable between a use position in which each second upper stop is configured to abut against each second lower stop in an intermediate position of the upper and lower cross members, the intermediate position being between the open position and the closed position, the knives and the die performing a cut and / or a pre-cut between the pots of food product according to a second setting in the intermediate position, a rest position in which each second lower stop is offset from each second upper stop to allow the lower and upper cross members to reach the closed position.

[0009] Thus, it is possible to modify the penetration of the knives into the plastic between the pots while the machine is in operation. The first stops can define the penetration of the knives during continuous operation of the tool, when the plastic is hot (first setting). The second stops can reduce the penetration depth of the knives during the restart phases of the tool, when the plastic is cooled and has different mechanical stresses (second setting). It is no longer necessary to adjust the penetration depth of the knives each time the tool is restarted to obtain satisfactory cuts and pre-cuts upon restart.

[0010] According to another aspect, there is provided a system comprising the cutting tool and an automaton configured to: - move each second lower stop into the use position for a predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts following a stop of the cutting tool, - move each second lower stop to the rest position after the predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts.

[0011] The change in the penetration depth of the knives is carried out automatically during operation of the cutting tool. The second stops can be used for a number of cuts and / or pre-cuts corresponding to the time required to heat the plastic.

[0012] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of operating the cutting tool, comprising: - move each second lower stop into the use position following a stop of the cutting tool, - make a predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the second setting; - move each second lower stop to the rest position following the predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts to make the cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the first setting.

[0013] Thus, it is possible to modify the penetration depth of the knives into the plastic while the machine is in operation. The first stops can be used during continuous operation of the machine, when the plastic forming the pot packs is hot. The second stops can be used when restarting the machine, when the plastic is cooled and has different characteristics.

[0014] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0015] Each second lower stop can be mounted in translation on the lower cross member via a movable carriage. The movable carriage can be actuated to offset all of the second lower stops from the second upper stops. The second lower stops can be mounted on existing cutting tools without significant modifications to the tool.

[0016] The cutting tool may further comprise a pneumatic cylinder mounted on a lower face of the lower crossbar, the lower face being opposite the upper crossbar, and the pneumatic cylinder is configured to move the movable carriage. The pneumatic cylinder can be easily installed on existing tools without compromising the relative movement of the upper and lower crossbars. The pneumatic cylinder provides the force necessary to move the movable carriage on which the second lower stops are mounted.

[0017] The lower and upper crosspieces may have relative movement along a vertical axis, and a distance measured along the vertical axis separating each first upper stop from each first lower stop in the intermediate position may be between 0.05 and 0.25 mm. When the second lower stops are in the use position, the upper and lower crosspieces come to a stop earlier (before reaching the closed position). The penetration of the knives into the plastic is reduced by a distance allowing satisfactory cuts and pre-cuts to be formed in the cooled plastic.

[0018] The cutting tool may comprise four first upper stops, four first lower stops, four second upper stops and four second lower stops. The stops may be provided at the four corners of the crosspieces, to balance the loads perceived by the stops.

[0019] Each first upper stop and each second upper stop may comprise a screw, and each first lower stop and each second lower stop may comprise a cylindrical rod. The stops are easily made. The screws and rods may be screwed fully into the upper crosspiece, to prevent loosening and misadjustment during operation. Furthermore, the screws and rods are easily accessible and can be easily replaced, for example to change the penetration of the knives.

[0020] The predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the second adjustment can be between 1 and 50. Such a number of cuts / pre-cuts corresponds to the estimated time for the plastic to regain the characteristics requiring the penetration depth of the knives provided by the first stops.

[0021] Stopping the cutting tool may correspond to a stop for a duration greater than 20 seconds. The stop is then sufficiently prolonged for the plastic to cool and requires a penetration depth of the knives obtained by the second stops. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0023] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a front view of a pack of food product jars according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a top view of the pack of food product jars of [Fig.l]. Fig. 3

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a front view of a tool for making cuts in the pack of food product jars of [Fig.l], in an open position. Fig. 4

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a front view of the tool of [Fig.3], in a closed position. Fig. 5

[0027] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the production of a partial cut in the pack of food product jars from [Fig.l]. Fig. 6

[0028] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates the production of a total cut in the pack of food product pots of [Fig.l]. Fig. 7

[0029] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a perspective view from above of a detail of the cutting tool in [Fig.3]. Fig. 8

[0030] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a subassembly of the cutting tool of [Fig.3]. Fig. 9

[0031] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a side view of the subassembly of [Fig.8], in a first position. Fig. 10

[0032] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a side view of the subassembly of [Fig.8], in a second portion. Fig. 11

[0033] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates a side view of stops that can be implemented in the cutting tool of [Fig.4], in a first position. Fig. 12

[0034] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates a side view of stops that can be implemented in the cutting tool of [Fig.4], in a second position. Fig. 13

[0035] [Fig. 13] schematically illustrates a cycle of use of the stops which can be implemented in the cutting tool of [Fig.3]. Description of the embodiments

[0036] Figures 1 and 2 show a pack 10 of pots 12 of food product. By “pack” is meant a set forming a sales batch, this set comprising several individual consumption units (each unit being called “pot” here). Each individual consumption unit forms a portion of food product for an individual who, at the end of consumption, throws the empty pot into a trash can or a recycling circuit.

[0037] The food product may be a conventional food or a functional food. The food product may be any type of dairy food. The food product may be liquid, creamy, pasty or foamy.

[0038] In the example illustrated, a pack 10 of six pots 12 is shown. It should however be understood that the number of pots 12 can be any, that is to say that the pack 10 can have 2 pots, 4 pots, 6 pots, 8 pots, or even 9 pots, 10 pots, and even 12 pots.

[0039] Each pot 12 comprises a container 20 and a lid 22.

[0040] The container 20 may have a substantially conical shape, such as that illustrated in [Fig.l]. Alternatively, the container 20 could have any cylindrical or rounded shape. A bottom 21 of the container 20 is closed, the container 20 thus defining a housing 23 receiving the food product. A top 25 of the container may be open, allowing the food product to be inserted into the housing (filling the pots 12). A peripheral wall 27 may extend around the entire periphery of the top of the pot, projecting towards the outside of the container 20. The peripheral wall 27 makes it possible to connect the pots together to form the pack 10 and to fix the lid 22.

[0041] The container 20 is in particular made of plastic. The plastic is in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET may be either translucent PET or opaque PET. Alternatively, the plastic may be polypropylene (PP).

[0042] The cover 22 extends over the upper surface of the containers 20, in particular by being adhered to the peripheral wall 27. The material constituting the cover 22 can be formed by a multi-layer assembly, with a very thin layer of aluminum foil and a decorative / labeling layer.

[0043] As more visible in [Fig. 2], the upper surface of the pack 10 of pots 12 comprises total cutouts 14 and partial cutouts 16. The total cutouts 14 form the border of the pack 10 and separate the pack 10 from a neighboring pack. The partial cutouts 16 (also called pre-cutouts 16) maintain a connection between the pots 12 of the pack 10. The partial cutouts 16 form a groove facilitating the separation of each pot 12 by breaking. Each corner of the pot 12 further has a star-shaped opening 18. The star-shaped opening 18 also facilitates the separation of the pots 12 by breaking.

[0044] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a cutting tool 24 adapted to carry out total cuts 14 and partial cuts 16. The pre-cutting tool 24 essentially comprises an upper crosspiece 26 receiving knives 28 and a lower crosspiece 30 receiving a die 32.

[0045] As seen in [Fig. 3], the pots 12 are introduced between the upper crosspiece 26 and the lower crosspiece 30 along a strip plane PB. The upper surface of the pots 12 extends in the strip plane PB when they are introduced between the upper crosspiece 26 and the lower crosspiece 30.

[0046] A handling system (not shown) advances the pots 12 along the strip plane PB upstream and downstream of the cutting tool 24 (longitudinal direction X). The pots 12 are all attached to each other upstream of the cutting tool 24. At the exit of the cutting tool 24, i.e. downstream, the pots 12 are formed into separate packs and are taken over by the handling system.

[0047] Here, the pots 12 are introduced in the form of four rows N of pots 12 parallel to each other. Of course, the number of rows N of pots could be two, three or greater than 4. Furthermore, six pots 12 can be introduced between the upstream and downstream of the cutting tool 24 (along the longitudinal direction X). However, the cutting tool 24 could admit any other number of pots. The cutting tool 24 can process a large number of pots 12 simultaneously, creating a large number of packs 10.

[0048] The upper and lower crosspieces 26, 30 are movable along a vertical axis Z (normal to the strip plane PB). Here, the lower and upper crosspieces 26, 30 are both movable along the direction of the vertical axis Z. Alternatively, only one of the crosspieces 26, 30 could be movable along the direction of the vertical axis Z. The crosspieces 26, 30 may define an open position ([Fig. 3]), in which the upper crosspiece 26 is distant from the lower crosspiece 30, and the pots 12 may be introduced along the strip plane PB. The crosspieces 26, 30 may also define a closed position ([Fig. 4]), in which the crosspieces 26, 30 are brought closer to each other. The cuts and pre-cuts 14, 16 are made in the closed position.

[0049] The upper and lower cross members 26, 30 are actuated by a camshaft (not shown). The camshaft is a simple actuation system to implement. Furthermore, the camshaft is reliable, and the distance traveled during each movement of the upper and lower cross members 26, 30 is accurate and repeatable. For example, the camshaft is rotated by a motor.

[0050] Here, the upper crosspiece 26 is mounted under a frame 34. Four guide columns 36 extend between the frame 34 and the lower crosspiece 30. A guide column 36 is notably provided at each corner of the upper and lower crosspieces 26, 30. The guide columns 36 allow the correct alignment of the lower and upper crosspieces 26, 30. The upper crosspiece 26 can slide along the guide columns 36 during its movement between the open position and the closed position.

[0051] The knives 28 mounted on the upper crossbar 26 project from the upper crossbar 26 towards the belt plane (in the direction of the vertical axis Z). When pots 12 are introduced between the upper and lower crossbars 26, 30, a knife 28 faces each cut 14 and pre-cut 16 to be made between the pots 12. In practice, fifty-two knives 28 can be mounted on the upper crossbar 26, so that the cutting tool 24 can cut twenty-four pots 12 at the same time and form a plurality of packs 10.

[0052] Each knife 28 projects from the upper crosspiece 26 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to the penetration distance of the knives 28 into the plastic of the pots 12 when the crosspieces 26, 30 are in the closed position.

[0053] In the example of [Fig.5], the predetermined distance is adapted to produce a pre-cut 16 between the pots 12. The knife 28 is adjusted to penetrate a distance DI (measured in the direction of the vertical axis Z) of between 10% and 80% of the thickness of the plastic material between the pots 12 (the edge 27 and the cover 22). Such a penetration distance DI is adapted to produce pre-cut grooves. The pots 12 are connected to each other, but the groove ensures good separation of the pots by breaking along the groove.

[0054] In the example of [Fig.6], the predetermined distance is adapted to make a total cut 14 between the pots 12. The knife 28 is adjusted to pass through the entire thickness D2 of the plastic material between the pots 12 (the edge 27 and the cover 22).

[0055] As seen in [Fig.7], the predetermined distance by which each knife 28 projects from the upper crosspiece 26 is adjusted by a graduated screw 40. In this case, the upper face of the upper crosspiece 26 has a plurality of graduated screws 40. Each graduated screw 40 is associated with a knife 28, making it possible to individually modify the penetration distance of each knife 28. As illustrated, for each knife 28, a screw system engaged in a nut linked to the knife 28 makes it possible to modify the predetermined distance. The knives 28 intended to make total cuts 14 can be configured to project from the upper crosspiece 26 by a distance greater than the knives 28 intended to make partial cuts 16. The knives 28 can be configured to make packs 10 of two, four, six, or twelve pots 12.

[0056] It is noted that star-shaped punches (not shown), suitable for producing the star-shaped openings 18 in the pots 12, can also be mounted on the upper crosspiece 26.

[0057] The lower crosspiece 30 can be mounted on a support (not shown) to be movable along the vertical axis Z. A lower surface of the lower crosspiece 30 (opposite the upper crosspiece) is free to allow the mounting of other elements of the cutting tool 24 (for example a hydraulic cylinder 52 described in more detail later).

[0058] As more visible in [Fig.8], the matrix 32 received on the lower crosspiece 30 comprises housings 38. The housings 38 have a shape corresponding to the shape of the container 20 of the pots 12. The housings 38 can then receive the pots 12 when the cutting tool 24 makes cuts and pre-cuts 14, 16.

[0059] The cutting tool 24 further comprises first lower stops 42, first upper stops 44, second lower stops 46 and second upper stops 48. The stops are mechanical stops adapted to limit the movement of the upper and lower crosspieces 26, 30 in the direction of the vertical axis Z. The use of mechanical stops allows good repeatability of the pre-cuts 16, ensuring the same penetration distance of the knives 28 at each cut.

[0060] The first lower stops 42 are fixed on the lower crosspiece 30 and the first upper stops 44 are fixed on the upper crosspiece 30. Each first upper stop 44 faces a first lower stop 42 in the direction of the vertical axis Z. Each first lower stop 42 abuts on the first upper stop 44 which faces it in the closed position of the crosspieces 26, 30. Thus, the first upper and lower stops 42, 44 limit the movement of the lower and upper crosspieces 26, 30 in the closed position, when the cuts and pre-cuts are made.

[0061] Here, four first upper stops 44 and four first lower stops 42 are provided at each corner of the crosspieces 26, 30. The first stops 42, 44 are thus arranged to balance the loads perceived by each stop 42, 44.

[0062] Furthermore, each first lower stop 42 here takes the form of a cylindrical rod projecting from the lower crosspiece 30. Each first upper stop 44 here takes the form of a screw projecting from the upper crosspiece 26. The screws and the rods are screwed as far as possible into the crosspieces 36, 30 to prevent loosening and misadjustment of the stops 42, 44 during operation of the cutting tool 24. The screws and the rods are accessible at low cost, and can be replaced easily.

[0063] The second lower stops 46 are mounted to be movable relative to the lower crosspiece 30, and the second upper stops 48 are fixed to the upper crosspiece 26. The second lower stops 46 are movable between a use position, in which each second lower stop 46 faces a second upper stop 48 in the direction of the vertical axis ([Fig. 9]), and a rest position, in which each second lower stop 46 is spaced from the second upper stop 48 ([Fig. 10]). In the use position, each second lower stop 46 abuts against the second upper stop 48 which faces it in an intermediate position of the crosspieces 26, 30, between the open position and the closed position. The movement of the crosspieces 26, 30 is limited by the second stops 46, 48, before the crosspieces 26, 30 reach the closed position.The second stops 46,48, in the position of use, reduce the penetration of the knives 28 into the plastic of the pots 12, without modification of the graduated screws 40. The movement of the second lower stops 46,48 towards the rest position allows the crosspieces 26,30 to reach the closed position.

[0064] Here, the second lower stops 46 are movable parallel to the strip plane PB, in the transverse direction Y to the longitudinal direction X of movement of the pots 12. The movement of the second lower stops 46 between the position of use and the rest position is carried out by translation in the transverse direction Y.

[0065] The second lower stops 46 are mounted to move relative to the lower crosspiece 30 via a carriage 50. The carriage 50 makes it possible to integrate the second lower stops 46 and to move the second lower stops 46 without modifying the ably the construction of the cutting tool 24. The carriage 50 (on which the second lower stops 46 are fixed) can be mounted on the lower cross member 30 of the existing cutting tools 24. Furthermore, all of the second lower stops 46 can be moved together between the use position and the rest position by moving the carriage 50.

[0066] The carriage 50 is notably actuated by a pneumatic cylinder 52. The pneumatic cylinder 52 is mounted on the lower surface of the lower crosspiece 30, so as not to hinder the movement of the crosspieces 26, 30 and the pots 12. The carriage 50 can extend from the upper surface of the lower crosspiece 30 to the lower surface to connect the second lower stops 46 to the pneumatic cylinder 52.

[0067] In practice, the carriage 50 comprises two rails 53 on which the second lower stops 46 are fixed. The two rails 53 extend on the upper surface of the lower crosspiece 30, on either side of the die 32. The carriage 50 also comprises a base 55 extending between the two rails 53, the base 55 being connected to the pneumatic cylinder 52. The base 55 extends below the lower surface of the lower crosspiece 30, and the carriage 50 comprises two arms 57 extending in the direction of the vertical axis Z to connect the rails 53 to the base 55.

[0068] As illustrated, four second upper stops 48 and four second lower stops 46 are provided at each corner of the crosspieces 26, 30. The second stops 46, 48 are also arranged to balance the loads provided by each stop.

[0069] Each second lower stop 46 here takes the form of a cylindrical rod projecting from the lower crosspiece 30. Each second upper stop 48 here takes the form of a screw projecting from the upper crosspiece 26. Here again, the screws and the rods are screwed as far as possible into the upper crosspiece 26 and the carriage 50, respectively, to avoid loosening and misadjustment of the stops 46, 48 during operation of the cutting tool 24. The screws and the rods are accessible at low cost, and can be replaced easily.

[0070] As more visible in Figures 11 and 12, a difference in height D (measured along the direction of the vertical axis Z) between the first stops 42, 44 and the second stops 46, 48 is between 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm. Thus, the penetration distance into the plastic is reduced by a distance between 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm when the second lower stops 46 are in the use position. Such a distance makes it possible to make satisfactory pre-cuts in cooled plastic. Indeed, the cooled plastic has mechanical characteristics, such as rigidity, different from hot plastic, so that the settings of the penetration of the knives 28 to make the pre-cuts change.

[0071] Furthermore, an automaton (not shown) can be adapted to control the pneumatic cylinder 52 to move the second lower stops 46 between the position of rest and the position of use. It is then possible to modify the penetration of the knives 28 into the plastic between two cuts, without stopping the cutting tool 24.

[0072] The automaton can be configured to move the second lower stops 46 into the use position when the cutting tool 24 is restarted, and to move the second lower stops 46 into the rest position after a predetermined number of pre-cuts. It is thus possible to reduce the penetration distance of the knives 28 for a duration corresponding to the time required for the plastic to become hot and malleable again following a restart of the cutting tool 24. The penetration distance can be modified automatically, without user action.

[0073] [Fig. 13] illustrates an example of an operating cycle of the cutting tool.

[0074] During continuous operation of the cutting tool 24 (labeled A in [Fig. 13]), the plastic forming the pots 12 is hot. By hot, it is meant that the plastic is at a temperature above 50°. Under these conditions, the plastic is flexible and malleable. The cutting tool 24 makes cuts and pre-cuts according to a first setting of the cutting tools 24. The first setting defines the penetration distance of each knife 28 into the plastic when the crosspieces 26, 30 are in the closed position. The first stops 42, 44 are used, and the second lower stops 46 are in the rest position.

[0075] By “continuous operation”, it is meant that the cutting tool 24 is generally fed without interruption by the handling system which feeds the cutting tool 24 with a continuous set of pots 12 to be cut and / or pre-cut. In this general “continuous” operation, it should be noted that the advancement of the set of pots 12 may be discontinuous, the advancement being able to be briefly stopped during the movement of the crosspieces 26, 30 and the making of the cuts 14 and pre-cuts 16. “Continuous operation” therefore designates the periodic repetition of a cycle comprising an entry of the pots, a cutting, and an evacuation of the pots from the cutting tool 24.

[0076] When the cutting tool 24 (denoted B in [Fig. 13]) stops, the plastic cools and its mechanical characteristics change. The plastic becomes more rigid in particular at a temperature below 40°. Under these conditions, when the cutting tool 24 is restarted (denoted C in [Fig. 13]), the cutting tool 24 makes pre-cuts according to a second setting. The second setting corresponds to the penetration distance of each knife 28 into the plastic at the intermediate position of the crosspieces 26, 30. The penetration distance of each knife 28 is reduced. The second stops 46, 48 are used, and the second lower stops 46 are in the use position.

[0077] It is noted that the duration of the stopping of the cutting tool 24 before the second lower stops 46 are moved into the use position is greater than 20 seconds. Such a duration corresponds to the time for the plastic to cool sufficiently to require reduced knife penetration 28 during cutting and pre-cutting.

[0078] Furthermore, the number K of cuts and pre-cuts made with the second lower stops 46, 48 in the use position can be between 1 and 50. This number of cuts corresponds to the time for the plastic to reach a sufficient temperature to require penetration of the knives 28 according to the first setting. The number K can be set as a function of the stopping time of the cutting tool 24 and, incidentally, as a function of the ambient temperature.

[0079] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the figures but is on the contrary susceptible to numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims

1. A cutting tool (24) for forming packs (10) of food product jars (12), the cutting tool (24) comprising: - an upper crosspiece (26) receiving knives (28) and a lower crosspiece (30) receiving a die (32), the upper and lower crosspieces (26, 30) being arranged to have a relative movement between: • an open position in which the upper crosspiece (26) is distant from the lower crosspiece (30), and • a closed position in which the knives (28) and the die (32) perform a cut and / or a pre-cut between the food product pots (12) according to a first setting, - at least one first upper stop (44) mounted on the upper cross member (26) and at least one first lower stop (42) mounted on the lower cross member (30), each first upper stop (44) being configured to abut against each first lower stop (42) in the closed position, and - at least one second upper stop (48) mounted on the upper crosspiece (26) and at least one second lower stop (46) mounted movably on the lower crosspiece (30) to be movable between: • a position of use in which each second upper stop (48) is configured to abut against each second lower stop (46) in an intermediate position of the upper and lower crosspieces (26, 30), the intermediate position being between the open position and the closed position, the knives (28) and the die (32) performing a cut and / or a pre-cut between the food product pots (12) according to a second setting in the intermediate position, and • a rest position in which each second lower stop (46) is offset from each second upper stop (48) to allow the lower and upper crosspieces (26, 30) to reach the closed position.

2. Cutting tool (24) according to claim 1, in which each second lower stop (46) is mounted in translation on the lower crosspiece (30) via a movable carriage (50).

3. The cutting tool (24) of claim 2, further comprising a pneumatic cylinder (52) mounted on a lower face of the lower cross member (30), the lower face being opposite the upper cross member (26), and the pneumatic cylinder (52) is configured to move the movable carriage (50).

4. Cutting tool (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lower and upper crosspieces (26, 30) have a relative displacement along a vertical axis (Z), and a distance (D) measured along the vertical axis (Z) separating each first upper stop (44) from each first lower stop (42) in the intermediate position is between 0.05 and 0.25 mm.

5. A cutting tool (24) according to any preceding claim, comprising four first upper stops (44), four first lower stops (42), four second upper stops (48) and four second lower stops (46).

6. A cutting tool (24) according to any preceding claim, wherein each first upper stop (44) and each second upper stop (48) comprises a screw, and each first lower stop (42) and each second lower stop (46) comprises a cylindrical rod.

7. System comprising a cutting tool (24) according to any one of the preceding claims and an automaton configured to: - move each second lower stop (46) into the use position for a predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts following a stop of the cutting tool (24), - move each second lower stop (46) into the rest position after the predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts.

8. A method of operating a cutting tool (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - moving each second lower stop (46) into the use position following a stop of the cutting tool (24), - making a predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the second setting; - moving each second lower stop (46) into the rest position following the predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts to make

9. the cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the first setting. Method of operation according to claim 8, wherein the

10. predetermined number of cuts and / or pre-cuts according to the second adjustment is between 1 and 50. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stopping of the cutting tool (24) corresponds to a stop for a duration greater than 20 seconds.

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