Device for assembling cutting bed support elements on the battens of a conveyor-type cut-off machine

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a device for assembling a modular cutting support element on a cut-off support batten of a conveyor-type cutter for cutting sheet material, comprising a cut-off support batten (6-1), at least one modular cutting support element (4-1) with a plurality of bristles (8), each bristles (8) having a foot (8a) fixed to a base plate (10-1) and a head (8b) opposite the foot, and means (16, 18) for magnetically holding at least a second lateral end (10b) of the base plate of the modular cutting support element vertically to at least a second lateral end (6b) of the cut-off support batten.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of suction cutting supports for automatic cutting machines which cut sheet materials, in particular textile materials, using an oscillating blade penetrating into the cutting support. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for assembling such a cutting support element onto the battens of a conveyor-type cutting machine.

[0002] One field of application of the invention is that of the automatic cutting of stacks or mats of sheets of material, in particular textile material, by means of an oscillating blade which penetrates into a suction cutting support. [Background technology]

[0003] The vibrating blade cutter in particular comprises a cutting conveyor used to drive the stack of sheets during the cutting operation, the cutting conveyor being housed in a box within which a strong negative air pressure is established to keep the sheets of material being cut stationary during the cutting operation.

[0004] In machines of this type, the cutting conveyor also serves as a through-cutting support for the vibrating blade, and it is in fact known to make the cutting support pierceable by the blade so that during the cutting operation the blade can not only pass completely through the material to be cut, but also extend downwards past the support surface into the bed of material providing such a surface.

[0005] To do so, the cutting supports generally consist of an assembly of blocks mounted on a cutting support batten, which is integrated into a conveyor and driven by a belt. More specifically, each block comprises a number of bristles mounted on a base plate in several parallel rows, each bristles having a head forming a support for the sheet material to be cut. Transverse channels are formed through the base plate, which can allow the passage of suction air. In this way, these blocks make it possible to support the material to be cut under suction while allowing penetration by the cutting blade.

[0006] Alternatively, cutting supports have been developed that are made by mounting a plurality of modular comb elements on a cutting support batten. Reference may be made in particular to WO 2021 / 191522, which describes one exemplary embodiment of a modular comb element with a plurality of bristles arranged in the same single line, which makes it possible to provide at least some of the bristles with a head having a straight portion that encompasses the straight portion of the stem, while still allowing these modular elements to be manufactured by integral molding with their base plate and their bristles. Such a geometric shape of the bristles therefore has the advantage of limiting the interaction at the contact between the tip of the cutting blade and the bristles.

[0007] In any of these embodiments, the blocks or modular comb elements are typically assembled to the cut support battens by hook-like fasteners that are inserted into slides formed in the battens.

[0008] As a result of this type of installation, as soon as one wishes to remove a damaged block (or modular comb element) in order to replace it with a new one, it is necessary to completely remove the battens assembled in the conveyor, thus making replacement of the block (or modular comb element) extremely cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The invention therefore aims to propose a device for assembling modular cutting support elements on cutting support battens, which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0010] According to the invention, the object is to provide an apparatus for assembling modular cutting support elements on cutting support battens of a conveyor-type cutting machine for cutting sheet material, the apparatus comprising: a cut-off support batten intended to be fixed to a cut-off machine conveyor; at least one modular cutting support element comprising a plurality of bristles, each bristles having a foot fixed to the base plate and a head opposite the foot on which the sheet material to be cut is intended to rest; means for magnetically holding at least a portion of the base plate of the modular cutting support element vertically to at least a portion of the cutting support batten; This is achieved thanks to an apparatus comprising:

[0011] The device according to the invention is notable in that the vertical retention of the modular cutting support element (i.e. the cutting support block or the modular comb element) is achieved by magnetism. When the modular cutting support element needs to be removed from the cutting support batten (e.g. to replace it with a new modular element), it is simply pulled vertically to counteract the magnetic effect and separate it from the cutting support batten. In particular, the device makes it possible to ensure the removal of the modular cutting support element without the need to previously remove the cutting support batten, the modular cutting support element being held in place on the batten by magnetism and by the hook.

[0012] Conveniently, the cutting support batten is provided with a hook at a first lateral end and the base plate of the modular cutting support element is provided with a hook at a first lateral end which can cooperate with the hook of the cutting support batten to ensure lateral and vertical retention of the modular cutting support element to the cutting support batten.

[0013] In this configuration, the lateral first end of the device makes it possible to hold the modular cutting support element laterally and vertically on the batten and counteracts the forces to which the modular cutting support element is subjected in all stages of operation.

[0014] Also advantageously, the apparatus further comprises means for holding a lateral second end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element laterally relative to a lateral second end of the cutting support batten.

[0015] In this case, the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element may be provided with a protruding lug and the second lateral end of the support batten may be provided with a protruding abutment which cooperates with the lug of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to enable the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be held laterally relative to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

[0016] Alternatively, the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element may be provided with a concave notch and the second lateral end of the support batten may be provided with a protruding abutment which may cooperate with the notch in the base plate of the modular cutting support element to enable the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be held laterally relative to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the base plate of the modular cutting support element includes a magnet disposed at at least its second lateral end and the cutting support batten includes a metal insert disposed at at least its second lateral end, thereby enabling the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be magnetically held vertically to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

[0018] In this case, the magnets of the base plate of the modular cutting support element may be common for a number of adjacent modular cutting support elements.

[0019] In addition, the magnet may extend between the two lateral ends of the modular cutting support element and may be provided with holes for the passage of air.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the base plate of the modular cutting support element may include a metal insert disposed at at least a second lateral end and the cutting support batten may include a magnet disposed at at least a second lateral end, thereby enabling the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be magnetically held vertically to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

[0021] Preferably, the first lateral end of the cut-off support batten corresponds to an upstream end relative to the direction of advance of the cut-off conveyor.

[0022] Advantageously, the lateral first end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element further comprises contactless identification means.

[0023] The modular cutting support elements may be modular comb elements or cutting support blocks. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention relates to a cutting support for a suction cutting conveyor of a machine for automatically cutting sheet material by means of a blade.

[0030] Typically, a cutting conveyor is used to drive the stack of sheets during the cutting operation, and is generally housed in a box within which a strong negative air pressure is established to keep the sheets of material being cut stationary during the cutting operation.

[0031] Moreover, the cutting conveyor also serves as a through-cutting support for the vibrating blade, which in fact needs to be pierced by the blade so that during the cutting operation the blade can not only pass completely through the material to be cut, but also extend downwards past the support surface into the bed of material providing such a surface.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting conveyor generally comprises a number of cutting supports 2-1, each consisting of a cutting support block 4-1 mounted on a cutting support batten 6-1, which is itself integrated into the conveyor and driven by a belt.

[0033] The cutting support block 6-1 may be replaced by an integral comb element as described in detail in patent application WO 2021 / 191522, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] More specifically, each cutting support block 4-1 (or integral comb element) comprises a plurality of bristles 8, each having a foot 8a attached to the base plate 10-1 by forming one or several parallel rows of bristles, and a head 8b located opposite the foot and intended to rest on which the sheet material to be cut is placed. In known manner, the base plate 10-1 is provided with holes (not shown) allowing the passage of suction air.

[0035] According to the invention, each cutting-support block 4-1 (or integral comb element) is assembled on the cutting-support batten 6-1 at a first lateral end by lateral and vertical mechanical retention means and at a second lateral end (opposite the first end) by a magnetic vertical retention means on the one hand and a mechanical lateral retention means on the other hand.

[0036] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the first lateral end of the cutting support block 6-1 corresponds to the upstream end of the cutting support block 6-1 relative to the forward movement direction F of the cutter conveyor, and the second lateral end corresponds to the downstream end of the cutting support block 6-1 (still in the forward movement direction F of the conveyor).

[0037] Moreover, in these different embodiments, the mechanical lateral and vertical retention means at the level of the first lateral end of the cutting support block 6-1 are formed by cooperation between complementary hooks.

[0038] More specifically, the first lateral end 6a of the cutting support batten 6-1 is provided, at the level of its upper surface, with a hook 12 which opens downstream (with respect to the direction of advance F of the conveyor).

[0039] Similarly, the cutting support block 4-1 (or the integral comb element) is provided, at the level of the underside of its first lateral end 10a of its base plate 10-1, with hooks 14 which are open towards the upstream side and which, cooperating with the hooks 12 of the cutting support battens, ensure mechanical retention of the cutting support block both laterally and vertically.

[0040] At the level of the second lateral end 6a of the cut-support batten, the vertical retention of the cut-support block is achieved magnetically.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, this magnetic holding is achieved, on the one hand, by a metal insert 16 arranged (or which may be integrated) at the level of the underside of the second lateral end 10b of the base plate 10-1 of the cutting support block (or integral comb element), and, on the other hand, by a magnet 18 arranged (or which may be integrated) at the level of the upper side of the second lateral end 6a of the support batten 6-1.

[0042] In this way, the magnet 18 and the metal insert 16 can magnetically cooperate with each other to enable holding the cutting support block (or integral comb element) in a perpendicular direction to the cutting support batten at the level of the second lateral ends of the cutting support block and the cutting support batten, respectively.

[0043] With respect to the cutting support block, it should be noted that the metal insert does not necessarily have to extend the entire length of the cutting support block (it may only cover a portion of the length of the cutting support block).

[0044] Furthermore, for multiple integral comb elements, it may be necessary to provide a metal insert for each integral comb element.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, lateral retention of the cut-support block 4-1 on the cut-support batten 6-1 is achieved by mechanical means.

[0046] For this purpose, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second lateral end 10b of the base plate 10-1 of the cutting support block 4-1 is provided with an inwardly protruding lug 20 and the second lateral end 6b of the support batten 6-1 is provided with an outwardly protruding abutment 22 which, cooperating with the lug 20 of the base plate of the cutting support block, enables the cutting support block to be mechanically held in the lateral direction relative to the cutting support batten at the level of the respective second lateral ends of the cutting support block and the cutting support batten.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 2, another embodiment of an assembly apparatus 2-2 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0048] This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment by the means for magnetically holding the lateral second end 10b' of the base plate 10-2 of the cutting support block 4-2 (or integral comb element) vertically to the lateral second end 6b' of the cutting support batten 6-2.

[0049] Indeed, in this alternative embodiment, magnetic retention is achieved, on the one hand, by a metal insert 16' arranged (or which may be integrated) at the level of the underside of the second lateral end 6a' of the support batten 6-2, and, on the other hand, by a magnet 18' arranged (or which may be integrated) at the level of the upper surface of the second lateral end 10b' of the base plate 10-2 of the cutting support block (or integral comb element).

[0050] Thus, the magnet-metal insert configuration is reversed compared to that described in connection with the embodiment of FIG.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnet 18' can extend between the two lateral ends 10b' of the base plate 10-2 of the cutting support block (or integral comb element), in which case the magnet is also provided with holes allowing the passage of suction air.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 3, yet another embodiment of an assembly device 2-3 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0053] This embodiment differs from the previous two embodiments by the means for laterally retaining the cut-support block 4-3 to the cut-support batten 6-3 at the second lateral ends of each of the cut-support block 4-3 and the cut-support batten 6-3.

[0054] Indeed, in this embodiment, the second lateral end 10b" of the base plate 10-3 of the cutting support block 4-3 (or the integral comb element) has a concave notch 24 on its inner surface, and the second lateral end 6b" of the support batten 6-3 has an abutment portion 26 which protrudes outwardly and which, cooperating with the notch 24 of the base plate of the cutting support block, enables the cutting support block to be held laterally relative to the cutting support batten at the level of the second lateral ends of the cutting support block and the cutting support batten, respectively.

[0055] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the means for magnetically holding the second lateral end 10b" of the base plate 10-3 of the cutting support block 4-3 (or integral comb element) vertically to the second lateral end 6b" of the cutting support batten 6-3 may be similar to the means described in connection with FIG. 1 (as shown in FIG. 3) or similar to the means described in connection with FIG. 2.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment of an assembly apparatus 2-4 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0057] In this embodiment, the magnetic vertical retention of the base plate 10-4 of the cutting support block 4-4 (or integral comb element) to the cutting support batten 6-4 is achieved in particular by means of a magnet 28 arranged (or integrated) at the level of the underside of the base plate of the cutting support block (or integral comb element) over its entire width (i.e. between its two lateral ends).

[0058] In addition, a metal insert 30 is arranged (or may be integrated) over its entire width (ie between its two lateral ends) at the level of the upper surface of the support batten 6-4.

[0059] In this manner, the magnet 28 and the metal insert magnetically cooperate with one another to ensure retention of the cut support block 4-4 (or integral comb element) to the cut support batten 6-4.

[0060] Of course, in this embodiment, the magnets 28 in the base plate of the cutting support block 4-4 (or integral comb element) are provided with holes (not shown in this figure) allowing the passage of suction air.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the assembly device does not have a hook at the level of the lateral first ends of the cutting-support block 4-4 (or integral comb element) and the cutting-support batten 6-4.

[0062] Similarly, the assembly apparatus of this embodiment does not have mechanical means for securely holding the lateral second end of the base plate of the cutting support block (or integral comb element) laterally relative to the lateral second end of the cutting support batten.

[0063] Indeed, in this embodiment, the magnetic force of attraction of magnet 38 alone makes it possible to ensure this lateral retention function in addition to the vertical retention.

[0064] Of course, in this embodiment, it is also possible to envisage the reverse arrangement of the magnets and metal inserts, i.e., the magnets being integrated into the upper surface of the cutting support batten and the metal inserts being integrated into the lower surface of the cutting support block (or integral comb element).

[0065] With reference to FIG. 5, yet another embodiment of an assembly apparatus 2-5 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0066] This embodiment differs from the previous one in that the base plate 10-5 of the cutting support block 4-5 (or integral comb element) has, between its two lateral ends, a finger 32 which protrudes inwards and can be received in a notch 34 formed in the cutting support batten 6-5, thereby ensuring a stop for the translational movement of the cutting support block (or integral comb element).

[0067] Naturally, it is also possible to envisage the reverse arrangement, in which the fingers are carried by the cutting-support battens and housed in notches formed in the cutting-support blocks, in order to ensure a stop in the translational movement.

[0068] Likewise, it is possible to envisage the reverse arrangement of magnets 28 and metal inserts 30, ie, magnets integrated into the cut support battens and metal inserts integrated into the cut support blocks.

[0069] Furthermore, in any embodiment, the first lateral ends 10b, 10b', 10b" of the base plates 10-1 to 10-5 of the cutting support blocks 4-1 to 4-5 (or integrated comb elements) are advantageously provided with contactless identification means. For example, these means may be RFID tags allowing the cutting support blocks (or integrated cutting support elements, if applicable) to be identified individually or in batches.

[0070] It should also be noted that in any embodiment, the base plates 10-1 to 10-5 of the cutting support blocks 4-1 to 4-5 (or integral comb elements) are provided with holes to allow the passage of suction air, and therefore the upper surfaces of the cutting support battens 6-1 to 6-5, as well as the metal inserts and magnets used to ensure magnetic retention, must also be provided with holes for the passage of suction air (or be positioned to allow the passage of this air).

Claims

1. A device (2-1 to 2-5) for assembling modular cutting support elements on cutting support battens of a conveyor-type cutting machine for cutting sheet material, comprising: cutting support battens (6-1 to 6-5) intended to be fixed to the conveyor of said cutting machine; at least one modular cutting support element (4-1 to 4-5) provided with a number of bristles (8), each bristles (8) having a foot (8a) fixed to a base plate (10-1 to 10-5) and a head (8b) opposite said foot on which the sheet material to be cut is intended to rest; means (16, 18; 16', 18') for magnetically holding at least a portion of the base plate of the modular cutting support element vertically to at least a portion of the cutting support batten; An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting support batten is provided with a hook (12) at a first lateral end (6a; 6a'; 6a") and the base plate of the modular cutting support element is provided with a hook (14) at a first lateral end (10a; 10a'; 10a") that can cooperate with the hook of the cutting support batten to ensure lateral and vertical retention of the modular cutting support element on the cutting support batten.

3. Means (20, 22; 24, 26) for holding the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element laterally relative to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:

4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second lateral end (10b) of the base plate (10-1) of the modular cutting support element (4-1) is provided with a protruding lug (20) and the second lateral end (6b) of the support batten (6-1) is provided with a protruding abutment (22) which cooperates with the lug of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to enable the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be held laterally relative to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

5. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second lateral end (10b") of the base plate (10-3) of the modular cutting support element (4-3) comprises a concave notch (24) and the second lateral end (6b") of the support batten (6-3) comprises a protruding abutment (26) which cooperates with the notch of the modular cutting support element base plate to enable the second lateral end of the modular cutting support element base plate to be held laterally against the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the base plate (10-2) of the modular cutting support element (4-2) comprises a magnet (16') arranged at least at its second lateral end (10b') and the cutting support batten (6-2) comprises a metal insert (18') arranged at least at its second lateral end (6b'), enabling magnetic vertical holding of the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the magnets of the base plate of the modular cutting support element are common to a plurality of adjacent modular cutting support elements.

8. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the magnet extends between the two lateral ends of the modular cutting support element and is provided with a hole for the passage of air.

9. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the base plate (10-1) of the modular cutting support element (4-1) comprises a metal insert (18) arranged at least at a second lateral end (10b) and the cutting support batten (6-1) comprises a magnet (16) arranged at least at a second lateral end (6b), enabling the second lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element to be magnetically held vertically to the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first lateral end of the cutting support batten corresponds to an upstream end of the cutting machine relative to the direction of advance (F) of the conveyor.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first lateral end of the base plate of the modular cutting support element further comprises a contactless identification means.

12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular cutting support elements are modular comb elements or cutting support blocks.

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