Method and apparatus for notching web material

Abstract

The apparatus for notching a web material comprises a longitudinal cutting assembly (200) including a guide roller (201) rotatable about a respective axis (C), a first cutting member (202), and a second cutting member (203) located downstream of the first cutting member (202). The first and second cutting members (202, 203) are independently operable to punch longitudinal notches (402) in the web material (2) in an approaching or retracting motion between a first inoperative position spaced from the web material (2) and a second operative position adapted to engage the web material (2) fed between the guide roller (201) and the first and second cutting members (202, 203).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] (explanation) (Technical field) The present invention relates to a method for notching the longitudinal edges of a web material and to an apparatus for carrying out said method.

[0002] (prior art) It is currently known to use flexible web materials with a plurality of notches in one or both of their respective longitudinal edges, e.g., substantially perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal direction of the web. These notches can be made using a fixed pitch, where the notches are equidistant from one another along the longitudinal direction of the web, or using a variable pitch, where the notches are not equidistant from one another. Furthermore, the portion of the web between two consecutive notches can be removed, thereby forming a notched profile on the longitudinal edge of the web.

[0003] Web materials whose longitudinal edges have been shaped in the above-described manner are used, for example, in the field of electrical energy storage device manufacturing.

[0004] The longitudinal edges of the web material are punched out through a process known as notching, which uses mechanical or laser cutting means performed on automated machines.

[0005] Devices for notching web material are known, for example, from patents JP 2016001575 A and EP 3404745 A1.

[0006] In certain production sectors, it is necessary to notch web material very quickly and without damaging the sometimes very thin web material during this process, while at the same time ensuring that the notching is carried out with high precision.

[0007] Another need is to have an apparatus for punching notches in web materials that is versatile, economical, and compact. Indeed, apparatus known in the art either use very bulky equipment or must be replaced or installed in a cumbersome manner when a change in cutting characteristics is desired.

[0008] (Information Disclosure) The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by devising a method by which notches can be optimally punched in the longitudinal edges of a web material.

[0009] Within this object, a further object of the invention is to provide a method for punching notches into the longitudinal edges of web material operated on automatic machines, which method ensures the achievement of high production speeds.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for punching notches into the longitudinal edges of a web material which ensures that a high degree of precision is achieved.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for punching notches in the longitudinal edges of a web material that maintains the integrity of the web material.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of carrying out the subject method for punching notches in the longitudinal edges of a web material, which apparatus has a simple structural and functional design, reliable operation, versatile use, and relatively economical cost.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is compact and allows for easy modification of the characteristics of the notch being punched.

[0014] The aforementioned object is achieved according to the present invention by an apparatus and method for punching notches in the longitudinal edges of a web material as set forth in claims 1 and 6.

[0015] An apparatus for notching a web material includes a longitudinal cutting assembly including guide rollers rotatable about respective axes, a first cutting member, and a second cutting member disposed downstream of the first cutting member.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second cutting members are movable, independently of one another, towards or away from the web material between a first inoperative position away from the web material and a second operative position adapted, during operation, to engage and punch longitudinal notches in the web material fed between the guide roller and the first and second cutting members.

[0017] Preferably, the first cutting members are shaped like circular blades and are rotatable about their respective axes.

[0018] Preferably, the second cutting members are shaped as circular segmented blades and are rotatable about their respective axes.

[0019] Preferably, the first and second cutting members are arranged at the end of respective arms capable of tilting movement.

[0020] A method for punching shaped cuts in a web material includes feeding the web material to a longitudinal cutting assembly including a guide roller driven to rotate about an axis, a first cutting member, and a second cutting member positioned downstream of the first cutting member.

[0021] The method then includes moving the first cutting member from a first inoperative position away from the web material toward a second operative position adapted to form a longitudinal notch in the web material and pre-engage between the guide roller and the first cutting member.

[0022] Thereafter, the method includes moving the first cutting member away from the second activated position to a first inactivated position and activating, in an appropriate phase relationship, the second cutting member in an approaching movement from the first inactivated position away from the web material to a second activated position capable of engaging the web material traveling between the second cutting member and the guide roller to punch a longitudinal notch and finish the edge of the previously punched longitudinal notch.

[0023] Finally, the method includes actuating the second cutting device away from the second actuated position to the first inactuated position.

[0024] Preferably, the second cutting devices are operated in a phase relationship such that in the second operating position, the second cutting devices engage with a portion of the end of each cutting edge of the longitudinal notch previously punched out to be finished.

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The details of the invention will become most apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for notching web material, shown by way of example in the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for notching a web material according to the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of a web material having cutouts in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an axial section of a second wheel supporting each blade according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the second wheel without each blade.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blade and blade lock ring.

[0032] (Description of the embodiment of the present invention) With particular reference to these figures, an apparatus for notching a web material is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0033] Preferably, on the upstream side, the device 1 comprises means for feeding the web material 2 unwound from the respective reel. The feeding means comprise, for example, a pair of guide rollers 10, 11.

[0034] Preferably, according to the first aspect of the invention, the device provides, downstream of the rollers 10, 11 according to the unwinding direction of the web material 2, a transverse cutting assembly 100 comprising a first wheel 101 and a second wheel 102.

[0035] Preferably, the first and second wheels 101, 102 are arranged side by side on the same work surface and are rotatable about respective parallel rotation axes A, B. Preferably, the first wheel 101 is rotated and operated by an actuation means (not shown).

[0036] The first wheel 101 has a plurality of counter blades 103 arranged on a periphery 104 of the first wheel 101, and the second wheel 102 supports a plurality of blades 105 removably housed in respective seats 106 arranged on a periphery 107 of the second wheel 102.

[0037] The first and second wheels 101, 102 are arranged to define a path between them along which the web 2 is guided.

[0038] In particular, the first and second wheels 101, 102 are adapted, during operation, to engage the web material 2 fed between the counter blade 103 and the blade 105 and punch a plurality of transverse notches 400 in the longitudinal edge 401 of the web material 2.

[0039] Preferably, the first and second wheels 101, 102 are coaxially mounted on respective drums (not shown) adapted to support the web material 2 during operation across the entire width of the web material 2. Meanwhile, the first and second wheels have a width that is smaller than the width of the web material 2 and substantially equal to the depth of the transverse notches 400 to be punched (see Figures 2 and 4). For example, the depth of the transverse notches 400 may be 4 mm.

[0040] According to the present invention, the device 1 provides, downstream of the transverse cutting assembly 100, a longitudinal cutting assembly 200 including guide rollers 201 rotatable about respective axes C, a first cutting member 202, and a second cutting member 203 arranged downstream of the first cutting member 202.

[0041] The guide roller 201 and the first and second cutting members 202, 203 define a path therebetween adapted to be guided for the web 2 emerging from said transverse cutting assembly 100 arranged thereon. It should be noted that the longitudinal cutting assembly 200 is associated with the transverse cutting assembly 100 but can also be used independently of the transverse cutting unit 100, for example to carry out machining of a web 2 already provided with transverse notches.

[0042] In particular, the first and second cutting members 202, 203 can be operated independently of each other to punch longitudinal notches 402 between the transverse notches 400 in the same web material 2 by moving closer or further away from the web material 2 fed between the guide roller 201 and the first and second cutting members 202, 203 during operation, and a second operating position suitable for engaging the web material 2.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first cutting member 202 is formed by a circular blade and is rotatable about a respective axis D. The second cutting member 203 is formed by a circular segment blade and is rotatable about a respective axis E.

[0044] In particular, the blade of the second cutting member 203 has a cutting edge that extends between two ends that form respective corners of the cutting edge, so that the notches created by the second cutting member 203 have respective discontinuities created at said ends.

[0045] Preferably, the first and second cutting members 202, 203 are provided at the ends of respective arms 204, 205 so as to be tiltable by suitable actuating means (not shown).

[0046] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, preferably, the transverse notches 400 punched by the transverse cutting assembly 100 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the web material 2 or are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the transverse cutting assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3, the respective seat 106 in which each blade 105 is housed is obtained radially at the periphery 107 of the second wheel 102 during operation and defines at least one cutting edge 500 of said blade 105 protruding from the respective seat 106.

[0048] 3, each seat 106 includes a first planar surface 300 adapted to bias and receive a corresponding planar surface 501 of a respective blade 105. Each seat 106 also includes a second planar surface 301 opposite said first planar surface 300, a bottom wall 305, and a flexible appendage 302 extending between the blade 105 and second planar surface 301.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible appendages 302 extend radially between the intermediate portion of the sheet 106 and the peripheral edge 107 .

[0050] The flexible appendage 302 and second planar surface 301 preferably include respective end edges 303, 304 that are thickened.

[0051] In essence, each seat 106 forms a kind of pocket suitable for receiving and storing a respective blade 105. The length of the pocket 106 is shorter than the length of the blade 105, so that when the blade 106 is inserted until it contacts the bottom wall 305 of the pocket 106, a portion of the blade 105 protrudes from the pocket 106.

[0052] Each sheet 106 is made of a flexible material with elastic properties, such as rubber, so that the flexible appendages 302 can exert a radial compressive stress on the blades 105 during operation.

[0053] Furthermore, the flexibility of the appendages 302 allows the blades 105 to move freely in the radial direction, i.e., the blades 105 can move radially until the flexible appendages 302 contact the end edge 304 of the second planar surface 301.

[0054] Each counter blade 103 is supported by the peripheral edge 104 of the first wheel 101 and includes a radially extending apex 600 which, in cooperation with the cutting edge 500 of the corresponding blade 105, is capable of punching out respective transverse notches 400 in the longitudinal edge 401 of the web material 2 fed between the blade 105 and the counter blade 103.

[0055] Each counter blade 103 is in turn made of a flexible material with elastic properties, such as rubber.

[0056] More specifically, the top 600 of each counter blade 103 has respective inclined walls that allow the blade 105 radial freedom of movement to guide the blade 105 to punch out the notch 400 accurately.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment (see in particular Figures 4, 5 and 6), each blade 105 is formed by a rectangular plate having at one end the aforementioned cutting edge 500. In particular, the rectangular plate 105 has a width equal to the width of the second wheel 102.

[0058] More specifically, the rectangular plate 105 has a pair of recesses 502, 503 (see FIG. 6) along a side perpendicular to the aforementioned cutting edge 500. The recesses 502, 503 face each other and are suitable to receive respective locking rings 504, 505 (see FIG. 4) that are suitable for locking the rectangular plate 105 in place during operation. In particular, the locking rings 504, 505 are suitable for engaging the second wheel 102 with respective circular slots 506, 507 provided on each side of the second wheel 102, thereby locking the rectangular plate 105 in place on the second wheel 102 during operation so as to align with the recesses 502, 503 of the rectangular plate 105.

[0059] Preferably, the locking rings 504, 505 are elastic rings. The rings 504, 505 are particularly advantageous because they can simultaneously lock all of the blades 105 to their respective seats 106. This eliminates the need to lock each blade 105 individually, significantly reducing the time required for assembling and replacing the blades 105.

[0060] The operation of the apparatus for notching a web material can be readily understood from the following description.

[0061] Preferably, the web material 2 is first fed to the transverse cutting assembly 100 via feeding means 10, 11. The first wheel 101 and the second wheel 102 of the transverse cutting assembly 100 are rotated in counter-rotation about their respective axes A, B.

[0062] The web material 2 is driven forward between the wheels 101, 102 and engaged between the counter blade 103 of the first wheel 101 and the blade 105 of the second wheel 102. The blade 105 and counter blade 103 form a continuous transverse notch 400 in the longitudinal edge 401 of the web material 2.

[0063] Preferably, the web material 2 exiting the transverse cutting assembly 100 is fed directly to the longitudinal cutting assembly 200. The guide rollers 201 are rotated about their respective axes C, and the web material 2 is pre-guided between the guide rollers 201 and the first and second cutting members 202, 203.

[0064] Thereafter, when it is necessary to punch longitudinal notches 402 between the previously punched transverse notches 400 and remove longitudinal portions 403 of the web material (see FIG. 2 ), the first cutting members 202 are moved from a first inoperative position spaced apart from the web material 2 to a second operative position. At the same time, the first cutting members 202 are rotated about the respective axes D. In the second operative position, the first cutting members 202 engage with the web material 2 while moving between the guide rollers 201 and the same first cutting members 202, thereby punching longitudinal notches 402 with the circular blades provided thereon and removing the longitudinal portions 403 of the web material 2 between the aforementioned transverse notches 400.

[0065] Once the longitudinal cut has been made, the first cutting member 202 is moved away and returned from the second operative position to the first inoperative position.

[0066] In the proper phase relationship, the second cutting member 203 is actuated from a first inoperative position away from the web material 2 to a second operative position.

[0067] At the same time, the second cutting members 203 are rotated about their respective axes E, and in the second operating position, the second cutting members 203 engage the web material 2 running between the guide rollers 201 and the same second cutting members 203, thus making a longitudinal finishing cut of the edge of the previously punched longitudinal notch 402.

[0068] Once the finish cut has been performed, the second cutting member 203 is moved away from the second operative position back to the first inoperative position.

[0069] In particular, if the advancement speed of the web material 2 is high, the movement time of the first cutting member 202 between the first non-operating position and the second operating position does not allow the first cutting member 202 to perform a clean and precise cut of the end edge of the longitudinal notch, and therefore a finish cut of the margin is necessary. In fact, the web continues to advance longitudinally during the movement of the first cutting member 202 between the aforementioned first and second positions.

[0070] Advantageously, according to the invention, the second cutting members 203 are operated in the second operating position in such a phase relationship that the edges of the previously punched longitudinal notches 402 to be finished are engaged with the ends of their respective cutting edges, and the discontinuity in the cut produced by the ends of the cutting edges is located at the edge of the longitudinal notch.

[0071] It is pointed out that the combination of the first and second cutting members 202, 203 for punching the longitudinal notches 402 is particularly advantageous.

[0072] In fact, the use of only one first cutting element 202 allows for continuous cutting, and by being operable towards and away from the web material being processed, different lengths of cut can be made as needed (e.g., by appropriately varying the time the cutting element is in the operative position). However, it is not possible to obtain very precise cuts. As mentioned above, since the web continues to advance while the cutting element moves from the operative position to the inoperative position and vice versa, particularly at the initial and final margins of the cut, and therefore because the web has a considerable thickness, a clean and precise cut of the notch edge can only be obtained by performing the stroke of the cutting element from the operative position to the inoperative position and vice versa at a very high speed, theoretically infinite.

[0073] Conversely, if only the second cutting element 203 capable of making discontinuous cuts is used, the discontinuities in the blade can be used to cut the edge cleanly and precisely, so that the cut is interrupted exactly at the margin. However, it is only possible to punch a notch of a predetermined length equal to the length of the portion of the blade between the discontinuities. Therefore, the blade must be replaced each time the length of the notch needs to be changed.

[0074] Furthermore, very long notches require the use of very bulky blades.

[0075] According to the present invention, by using a combination of a first cutting element and a second cutting element, different lengths can be cut without changing the blade, and cutting elements of compact dimensions can be used, while at the same time notches can be obtained with clean and accurate margin cutting.

[0076] This results in increased flexibility of use and reduced costs for the device.

[0077] The method and device according to the invention achieve the object of optimally performing punching of notches in the longitudinal edges of the web material.

[0078] In particular, the method and apparatus for punching notches in the longitudinal edges of web material according to the present invention makes it possible to ensure high operating speeds and to operate effectively even when the machine is configured to operate at very high speeds.

[0079] The devices described as examples are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations to suit different needs.

[0080] In practical embodiments of the present invention, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions, can be varied as required.

[0081] Where reference signs are used to refer to technical features described in the claims, the reference signs are used strictly for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the claims and are therefore not to be considered in any way limiting on the scope of the elements identified by the reference signs for illustrative purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1] 1 is a side schematic view of an apparatus for notching a web material according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a portion of a web material having cutouts in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-section of a second wheel supporting each blade according to the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the second wheel excluding each blade. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a blade and a blade lock ring.

Claims

1. A device for notching a web material (2), comprising: A longitudinal cutting assembly (200), The longitudinal cutting assembly (200) includes guide rollers (201) rotatable about respective axes (C), a first cutting member (202), and a second cutting member (203) disposed downstream of the first cutting member (202); The first and second cutting members (202, 203) are operable independently of one another to punch longitudinal notches (402) in the web material (2) in an approaching or receding motion between a first inoperative position spaced from the web material (2) and a second operative position adapted to engage the web material (2) fed between the guide roller (201) and the first and second cutting members (202, 203).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first cutting member (202) is formed by a circular blade and is rotatable about a respective axis (D).

3. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second cutting member (203) is formed by a circular segment blade and is rotatable about a respective axis (E).

4. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blade of the second cutting member (203) has a cutting edge extending between two ends forming respective angles of the cutting edge.

5. 5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second cutting members (202, 203) are supported at the ends of respective arms (204, 205) so as to be tiltable.

6. A method for punching notches in a web material (2), comprising: feeding the web material (2) into a longitudinal cutting assembly (200) comprising a guide roller (201) rotating about an axis (C), a first cutting member (202), and a second cutting member (203) positioned downstream of the first cutting member (202); b) moving the first cutting member (202) from a first inoperative position spaced from the web material (2) toward a second operative position capable of engaging the web material (2) moving between the guide roller (201) and the first cutting member (202) to punch longitudinal notches (402) in the web material (2); c) operating the first cutting member (202) in a moving away from the second operative position to the first inoperative position, and moving the second cutting member (203) in a moving towards, in proper phase relationship, from the first inoperative position spaced from the web material (2) to the second operative position capable of engaging the web material (2) moving between the guide roller (201) and the second cutting member (203), to punch longitudinal notches (402) to finish the ends of the previously punched longitudinal notches; d. moving said second cutting member (203) away from said second operative position to said first inoperative position; A method that encompasses

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first cutting members (202) are formed by circular blades and rotated about respective axes (D), and the second cutting members (203) are formed by circular segment blades and rotated about respective axes (E), and in step e., the second cutting members (203) are operated in the second operating position in a phase relationship such that the ends of their cutting edges engage the edge to be finished of the previously punched longitudinal notch (402).

8. 8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the movements towards and away from each other are tilting movements.

9. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the web material (2) fed to the longitudinal cutting assembly (200) has a plurality of transverse notches (400) at the longitudinal edges (401) of the web material (2), and each of the longitudinal notches (402) removes a longitudinal portion of the web material (2) between the transverse notches (400).

Images