Rotary cutting unit

Abstract

A rotary cutting unit is provided that includes (i) a frame and (ii) a rotary cutter that includes a rotary cutting drum having a rotary cutting surface with a first axis of rotation. At least one knife member is fixed on the rotary cutting surface. The rotary cutting unit further includes (iii) an anvil that includes an anvil portion having an anvil surface configured to directly contact the at least one knife member having a second axis of rotation. Surfaces of a first load-bearing structure on the rotary cutting drum and a second load-bearing structure on the anvil contact each other. These structures are preferably located at only one end of the cutting drum and the anvil, such that a rotary cutting system is further provided that includes multiple rotary cutting units.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotary cutting unit with a rotary cutter and a rotatable anvil. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rotary cutting unit for rotary die cutting by a roll with a load-bearing structure on one side and an open frame. [Background technology]

[0002] In the discussion that follows, reference is made to certain structures and / or methods. However, the following reference should not be construed as an admission under any circumstances that these structures and / or methods constitute prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to demonstrate that these structures and / or methods do not qualify as prior art with respect to the subject matter of the present invention.

[0003] An exemplary rotary cutting unit is known from US Patent No. 6,244,148, which comprises a rotary cutter in operative relationship with a rotary anvil. The rotary cutter is provided with a substantially circular cylindrical body having a cylindrical cutting surface and at least one knife member projecting from the surface. A radially projecting peripheral part of the knife member has a diameter larger than the diameter of the surface. Each side of the rotary cutter is provided with an axle supported in bearings. Between the axle and the surface, i.e. on each side of the surface, a pair of annular abutment members are provided. The abutment members have a diameter larger than the diameter of the surface to enable abutment against a pair of load-receiving portions of the anvil.

[0004] The anvil comprises an anvil portion and a pair of load-bearing portions, the anvil portion adapted to cooperate with the knife member of the rotary cutting drum, whereas the load-bearing portions are adapted to abut against an abutment member of the rotary cutter, the anvil being supported in bearings located outside the anvil portion and outside the load-bearing portions, as viewed in the axial extension of the anvil.

[0005] Further, the abutment member has a diameter substantially equal to the radially projecting peripheral portion of the knife member. The abutment member is adapted to be positioned to receive and transmit a load such that a predetermined pressure acts on the load-receiving portion of the anvil to achieve desired cutting characteristics. Optionally, the abutment can also transmit the rotation of the rotating cutter drum to the anvil face such that the anvil face rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation of the rotating cutter.

[0006] A centrally located knife member severs product from the web introduced between the drums.

[0007] Another example of a cutting unit is known from US Pat. No. 7,942,088. In the rotary cutting unit of the related art of US Pat. No. 7,942,088, a rotary cutter is equipped with a substantially circular cylindrical hollow or solid body with a cylindrical surface and at least one knife member protruding from the surface. A radially extending peripheral part of the knife member has a diameter larger than the diameter of the surface. The rotary cutter is arranged on or is an integral part of an arbor extending axially from each side of the rotary cutter and supported in bearings. A pair of annular abutment members is provided axially on each side of the surface. The abutment members have a diameter larger than the diameter of the surface to allow abutment against an anvil.

[0008] The anvil has an axle, an anvil portion, and a pair of load transfer portions, the anvil portion adapted to cooperate with the knife member of the rotary cutter, whereas the load transfer portions are adapted to abut against an abutment surface of the rotary cutter, and further, the abutment members have a diameter substantially equal to a radial peripheral portion of the knife members.

[0009] An axle is rotatably axially arranged in a bearing on each side of the anvil part, and each axle is surrounded by a non-rotating load receiving member. The load receiving member is axially arranged inside the load transfer part, i.e. each load receiving part is axially located between the anvil part and a respective load transfer part.

[0010] An upward load is applied to the load receiving member by a pair of pneumatic cylinders. The load is further transferred to the abutment member via the load transfer portion. The upward load is transferred to the abutment member via the load transfer portion. The total upward load is greater than the weight of the anvil and is sufficient to bend the anvil towards the rotary cutter. This results in improved cutting characteristics, especially in the axially central portion of the knife member. The load generates a counter force at the surface 8, which is transferred to the bearing to generate a force. The load causes the anvil to bend slightly upward. The load applied by the pair of pneumatic cylinders is adjusted by performing the cutting action and by checking the cutting result. If the cutting result is not as desired, the pressure is increased or decreased until the cut is uniform throughout the entire extension of the rotary cutter and the anvil.

[0011] Optimum cutting is achieved when the anvil is straight, i.e., the line is straight, because the abutment and knife members project above the surface to a substantially equal extent, providing consistent cutting characteristics along the entire anvil portion.

[0012] For example, in current rotary cutting units, the width of material that can be fed into the rotary cutting unit is limited by the separation distance between structures on each side of the rotary cutter and anvil (i.e., in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the longitudinal orientation of the rotary axis). These structures form closed sides on both sides of the rotary cutter and anvil. However, by supporting the rotary cutter and / or supporting the anvil on one side, an arrangement with an open side is formed, and a wider width of material of the rotary cutter and anvil can be fed through the rotary cutting unit. For example, a first width of material, such as a nonwoven material, can be fed through the rotary cutting unit between the rotary cutter and anvil to be acted upon by a knife member to cut the nonwoven material. A second width of the nonwoven material can extend through the arrangement with an open side, for example, protruding outside the envelope of the rotary cutter and anvil.

[0013] In view of the above, there is a need for a rotary cutting unit and a rotary cutting system having multiple rotary cutting units that eliminates one or more of the noted limitations and disadvantages of the art in the field of rotary cutting units. Summary of the Invention

[0014] A first object of the present disclosure is to provide a rotary cutting unit having a frame and a rotary cutter. The rotary cutter has a rotary cutting drum having a rotary cutting surface with a first axis of rotation. A first axle is located coincident with the first axis of rotation. A first load-bearing structure is located at only one of the first end and the second end of the rotary cutting drum. At least one knife member is located on the rotary cutting surface. The rotary cutter unit further has an anvil having an anvil portion having an anvil surface configured to directly contact the at least one knife member having a second axis of rotation. A second axle is located coincident with the second axis of rotation. A second load-bearing structure is located at only one of the first end and the second end of the anvil portion. The rotary cutting unit further has a first plurality of bearings supporting the first axle for rotation about the first axis of rotation. Additionally, the rotary cutting unit has a second plurality of bearings supporting the second axle for rotation about the second axis of rotation. A surface of the first load-bearing structure contacts a surface of the second load-bearing structure.

[0015] Optionally, along the first axis of rotation, a first portion of the first axle is on one side of the rotary cutting drum and a second portion of the first axle is on a second side of the rotary cutting drum.

[0016] Optionally, the first plurality of bearings comprises two rotary cutter bearings including a first rotary cutter bearing configured to support a first portion of the first axle for rotation about a first axis of rotation and a second rotary cutter bearing configured to support a second portion of the first axle for rotation about the first axis.

[0017] Optionally, a second axle is on one side of the anvil portion and a second load bearing structure is spaced from the anvil portion along the second axis of rotation.

[0018] Optionally, the second plurality of bearings includes two anvil bearings, each anvil bearing configured to support the second axle for rotation about a second axis, along which a first of the two anvil bearings is between the second load-bearing structure and the anvil portion, and the second load-bearing structure is between the first of the two anvil bearings and a second of the two anvil bearings.

[0019] Optionally, the rotary cutter is coupled to the motor so as to be driven in rotation about the first axis of rotation.

[0020] Optionally, only the first axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

[0021] Optionally, the anvil is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about a second axis of rotation.

[0022] Optionally, only the second axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

[0023] Optionally, the first axle is on one side of the rotary cutting drum and the first load bearing structure is spaced from the rotary cutting drum along the first axis of rotation.

[0024] Optionally, the first plurality of bearings includes two rotary cutter bearings, each rotary cutter bearing configured to support the first axle for rotation about a first axis, along which a first of the two rotary cutter bearings is between the first load-bearing structure and the rotary cutting drum, and the first load-bearing structure is between the first of the two rotary cutter bearings and a second of the two rotary cutter bearings.

[0025] Optionally, along the second axis of rotation, a first portion of the second axle is on one side of the anvil portion and a second portion of the second axle is on a second side of the anvil portion.

[0026] Optionally, the second plurality of bearings comprises two anvil bearings including a first anvil bearing configured to support a first portion of the second axle for rotation about the second axis of rotation and a second anvil bearing configured to support a second portion of the second axle for rotation about the second axis.

[0027] Optionally, a first pneumatic cylinder is configured to apply a first load to the first plurality of bearings.

[0028] Optionally, the first pneumatic cylinder is configured to apply a first load to the second plurality of bearings.

[0029] Optionally, a second pneumatic cylinder is configured to apply a second load to the first plurality of bearings.

[0030] Optionally, the rotary cutter is coupled to the motor so as to be driven in rotation about the first axis of rotation.

[0031] Optionally, only the first axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

[0032] Optionally, the anvil is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about a second axis of rotation.

[0033] Optionally, only the second axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

[0034] Optionally, a rotating cutter resides horizontally above the anvil.

[0035] In the alternative, the anvil lies horizontally above the rotating cutter.

[0036] Optionally, the first load bearing structure is on a distal side of the rotating cutting drum.

[0037] Optionally, the first load bearing structure is off-center of the rotating cutting drum.

[0038] Optionally, the first load bearing structure comprises a plurality of adjacent load bearing sub-structures.

[0039] Optionally, the bending effect is applied to either the rotating cutter or the anvil.

[0040] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide a rotary cutting system including multiple rotary cutting units.

[0041] Optionally, a first rotary cutting unit of the plurality of rotary cutting units is positioned relative to a second rotary cutting unit of the plurality of rotary cutting units such that a first axle of a rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit is coaxial with a first axle of a rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit.

[0042] Optionally, a first axle of the rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit that is coaxial with a first axle of the rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit forms an integrated axle spanning the first rotary cutting unit and the second rotary cutting unit.

[0043] Optionally, the integrated anvil has a continuous anvil surface that rotates about a single axis of rotation.

[0044] Optionally, the integrated anvil has discontinuous anvil surfaces that rotate about a single axis of rotation, the discontinuous anvil surfaces including a first anvil surface associated with a rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit and a second anvil surface associated with a rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit.

[0045] Optionally, the distance separating the first rotary cutting unit from the second rotary cutting unit is slidingly adjustable.

[0046] Optionally, the anvil of the first rotary cutting unit is integral with the anvil of the second rotary cutting unit.

[0047] A rotary cutter of each of the first and second rotary cutting units is secured to a frame of its respective rotary cutting unit.

[0048] Optionally, the rotary cutters of each of the first and second rotary cutting units are mounted to respective rails on respective frames of the rotary cutting units such that the distance separating the first rotary cutting unit from the second rotary cutting unit is slidably adjustable.

[0049] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this description, are within the scope of the disclosure, and are protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section should be considered as limiting the scope of the claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below in conjunction with the embodiments of the disclosure. It is understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description of the disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to further explain the disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0050] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present subject matter, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the present subject matter, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1A]1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 1C] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 2A] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 2B] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 3A] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 3B] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 3C] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 3D] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4A] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 4B] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5A] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 5B] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a rotary cutting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The side views of Figures 1A to 8 are taken in the feed direction, looking in the direction of the material passing through the rotary cutting unit or system, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary cutter and anvil in the various views.

[0053] For clarity, in some instances, only some of the designated features in the figures are labeled with reference numbers. Throughout the drawings and detailed description, like reference numbers in the drawings should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures unless otherwise indicated. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be adjusted for clarity, for illustration, and for convenience.

[0054] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the subject matter described herein.

[0055] When a range of values ​​is provided, such as a concentration range, percentage range, or ratio range, it is understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range, to the next lower digit of the lower limit, and any other stated or intermediate value within the stated range, is encompassed by the described subject matter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included in the smaller ranges, and such embodiments are also encompassed by the described subject matter, subject to the exclusion of any specific limit within the stated range. When a stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of these included limits are also encompassed by the described subject matter.

[0056] The following definitions explain the parameters of the present subject matter being described.

[0057] The terms "about" and "approximately" as used in this disclosure are used interchangeably. These terms are intended to mean plus or minus 1% of the numerical value of the number in question, and these terms are used in the claims and in this disclosure with this plus or minus 1%. Thus, "about" and "approximately" are used to provide flexibility to the ends of numerical ranges by providing the proviso that a given value "may be greater" or "may be less" than the given value. Thus, for example, a value of 50% is intended to encompass the range defined by 49.5% to 50.5%.

[0058] The term "essentially" as used in this disclosure is intended to encompass at least 95% of a given entity within the scope of a claim and similarly at least 95% of the features described in this disclosure.

[0059] The term "generally" as used anywhere throughout this disclosure shall mean "approximately," "typically," or "in the vicinity of" or "in the vicinity or range of."

[0060] The term "substantially" or "substantially" as used in this disclosure means the complete or nearly complete degree or extent of an act, property, characteristic, state, structure, item, or result.

[0061] The term "anvil" as used in this disclosure means a rigid structure having a flattened top surface that can be, for example, shaped to become a rotary cutting unit as disclosed herein having an operative relationship with a rotary cutter. The anvil can be constructed of any suitable size. The anvil can be made of a suitable material, such as, but not limited to, the following materials: steel, ceramic, bronze, copper, another suitable metal or metal alloy, or any desired combination thereof that provides significant hardness.

[0062] The term "bearing" as used in this disclosure means a physical element that limits relative motion to a desired type of motion and also reduces friction between moving parts. The unique design of the bearing determines the specific type of motion that is transmitted to the moving parts. The specific design of the bearing can, for example, support free linear movement of the moving parts or can equally provide free rotation about a fixed axis. Alternatively, the bearing can prevent, inhibit, or otherwise inhibit motion, specifically by controlling the vector of normal loads or forces that physically act on the moving parts. The bearing supports the desired motion by minimizing the effects of friction. Thus, bearings are classified exclusively according to the specific type of operation, the specific type of motion that is allowed, or the specific direction of the loads and forces applied to the moving parts.

[0063] The term "axle" as used in this disclosure means, for example, a wheel, a pair of wheels, or a rotating bar to which another rotating part can be attached or affixed.

[0064] The term "pneumatic cylinder" as used in this disclosure refers to a mechanical device that typically utilizes the power of compressed gas to generate a force to effect reciprocating (i.e., repeated back and forth motion) linear motion. When actuated, compressed gas (i.e., usually compressed air) enters a tube at one end of the piston and then exerts a force on the piston. The result is, in effect, a displacement of the piston. Much like a pneumatic cylinder, the compressed gas forces a piston in a pneumatic cylinder to move in a desired direction. The piston is most often a disk or cylinder. A piston rod transmits the force generated by the action of the compressed gas power to the object desired to be moved.

[0065] The term "motor" as used in this disclosure means a mechanical or electrical device that produces motion.

[0066] The term "knife member" as used in this disclosure means, for example, a knife, dagger, dirk, or indeed any material having a substantially sharp blade capable of cutting a material applied to a rotary cutting unit for processing the applied material.

[0067] The term "rotary cutting unit" as used in this disclosure means a rotary cutting and processing entity including (i) a frame and (ii) a rotary cutter including a rotary cutting drum having a rotary cutting surface with a first axis of rotation. At least one knife member is secured onto the rotary cutting surface. The rotary cutting unit further includes (iii) an anvil including an anvil portion having an anvil surface configured to directly contact the at least one knife member having a second axis of rotation.

[0068] The term "rotary cutting system" as used in this disclosure includes a plurality of the above-referenced rotary cutting units.

[0069] 1A-6 are each side views of a rotary cutting unit according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0070] 1A-2B, a rotary cutting unit (e.g., rotary cutting unit 1 in FIG. 1A, rotary cutting unit 2 in FIG. 1B, rotary cutting unit 3 in FIG. 1C, rotary cutting unit 10 in FIG. 2A, and rotary cutting unit 100 in FIG. 2B) has a frame 20, a rotary cutter 3, and an anvil 50. The rotary cutter 30 has a rotary cutting drum 32 having a rotary cutting surface 34 and a first rotation axis 36, a first axle 38 positioned to coincide with the first rotation axis, a first load-bearing structure 40 (see FIG. 1A) positioned at only one of the first end and the second end of the rotary cutting drum 32, and at least one knife member 42 positioned at the rotary cutting surface 34. In some embodiments, the first load-bearing structure 40 may be disposed on the far side of the rotary cutting drum 32 as in FIG. 1A. In other embodiments, the first load-bearing structure 40 may be closer to the center of the rotary cutting drum 32, but still off-center, such as the first load-bearing structure 40 in FIG. 1B, rather than on the far side of the rotary cutting drum 32. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first load-bearing structure 40 may have multiple smaller load-bearing substructures 44 arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other, as shown in the first load-bearing structure 40 having first and second load-bearing substructures 44 shown in FIG. 1C. The embodiments are not limited to only two load-bearing substructures 44, but more load-bearing substructures 44 may be applied, including load-bearing substructures 44 of different widths (in the direction of the first axis of rotation 36). The load-bearing substructures 44 may be used or substituted in any of the first load-bearing structures 40 disclosed herein.

[0071] The anvil 50 has an anvil portion 52 having an anvil face 54 and a second axis of rotation 56 configured to directly contact the at least one knife member 42, a second axle 58 located coincident with the second axis of rotation 56, and a second load bearing structure 60 located at only one of the first and second ends of the anvil portion 52. A first plurality of bearings 70 support the first axle 38 for rotation about the first axis of rotation 36, and a second plurality of bearings 72 support the second axle 58 for rotation about the second axis of rotation 56. A surface of the first load bearing structure 40 contacts a surface of the second load bearing structure 60.

[0072] 1A-2B, along the first axis of rotation 36, a first portion of the first axle 38 can be on one side of the rotary cutting drum 32 and a second portion of the first axle 38 can be on a second side of the rotary cutting drum 32. The first plurality of bearings 70 can have two rotary cutter bearings including a first rotary cutter bearing configured to support the first portion of the first axle 38 for rotation about the first axis of rotation 36 and a second rotary cutter bearing configured to support the second portion of the first axle 38 for rotation about the first axis 36. Along the second axis of rotation 56, the second axle 58 can be on one side of the anvil portion 52 and the second load-bearing structure 60 can be spaced apart from the anvil portion 52. The second plurality of bearings 72 can include two anvil bearings, each configured to support the second axle 58 for rotation about the second axis 56. Along the second axis of rotation 56, a first of the two anvil bearings may be between the second load-bearing structure 60 and the anvil portion 52, and the second load-bearing structure 60 may be between the first of the two anvil bearings and the second of the two anvil bearings. The rotary cutting unit 1, 2, 3, 10, 100 may have a first pneumatic cylinder 80 configured to apply a first load to the second plurality of bearings. Although described herein as a "pneumatic cylinder", hydraulic cylinders may be used in conjunction with pneumatic cylinders (e.g., some cylinders are pneumatic and others are hydraulic), or hydraulic cylinders may be used in place of pneumatic cylinders.

[0073] The rotary cutter 30 may be coupled to the motor 37 so as to be driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation. In this case, only the first axle 38 of the first axle 38 and the second axle 58 may be directly supported by the frame 20. Alternatively, the anvil 50 may be coupled to the motor 37 so as to be driven in rotation about a second axis of rotation. In this case, only the second axle 58 of the first axle 38 and the second axle 58 may be directly supported by the frame 20 (see FIG. 5A ).

[0074] 3A-5, in each embodiment of the rotary cutting units 200, 250, 260, 270, 300, 350, 400, 450, along the first axis of rotation 36, the first axle 38 can be on one side of the rotary cutting drum 32 and the first load-bearing structure 40 can be spaced apart from the rotary cutting drum 32. The first plurality of bearings 70 can have two rotary cutter bearings, each configured to support the first axle 38 for rotation about the first axis 36. Along the first axis of rotation 36, a first of the two rotary cutter bearings can be between the first load-bearing structure 40 and the rotary cutting drum 32, and the first load-bearing structure 40 can be between the first of the two rotary cutter bearings and the second of the two rotary cutter bearings. Along the second axis of rotation 56, a first portion of the second axle 58 can be on one side of the anvil portion 52 and a second portion of the second axle 58 can be on a second side of the anvil portion 52. The second plurality of bearings 72 can include two anvil bearings including a first anvil bearing configured to support the first portion of the second axle 58 for rotation about the second axis of rotation 56 and a second anvil bearing configured to support the second portion of the second axle 58 for rotation about the second axis 56. A second load-bearing structure 60 can be integral with the anvil face 54.

[0075] The rotary cutting unit can have one or more pneumatic cylinders configured to apply a load to one or more bearings. For example, the cutting unit can have a pneumatic cylinder associated with each bearing, or one pneumatic cylinder can be associated with two or more bearings, or a combination of one-to-one and one-to-multiple pneumatic cylinder associations to bearings can be used. Additionally, some bearings can have an associated pneumatic cylinder while other bearings do not have an associated cylinder. With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the rotary cutting unit 200, 250 can further have a first pneumatic cylinder 80 configured to apply a first load to one bearing of the second plurality of bearings 72. With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 6, the rotary cutting unit 500 can further have a second pneumatic cylinder 82 configured to apply a second load to another bearing of the second plurality of bearings 72. 4A-5B, the rotary cutting unit 300, 350, 400, 450 may further include a first pneumatic cylinder 80 configured to apply a first load to the first plurality of bearings 70. In some embodiments, the rotary cutting unit may include another pneumatic cylinder configured to apply another load to one of the bearings that does not already have a first or second pneumatic cylinder associated with it (e.g., see rotary cutting unit 500 of FIG. 6 having another pneumatic cylinder 84 configured to apply another load to one of the first plurality of bearings 70 of the rotary cutter 30).

[0076] 3A-3D, 4A-4B, and 6, in the rotary cutting units 200, 250, 260, 270, 300, 350, 500, the rotary cutter 30 may be coupled to the motor 37 so as to be driven in rotation about the first axis of rotation 56. In this case, only the first axle 38 of the first axle 38 and the second axle 58 may be directly supported by the frame 20. With reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, in the rotary cutting units 400, 450, the anvil 50 may be coupled to the motor 37 so as to be driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation 56. In this case, only the second axle 58 of the first axle 38 and the second axle 58 may be directly supported by the frame 20. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the driven axles 56, 58 are interchangeable.

[0077] 1A-1C, 2A, 3A, 3C, 4A, 5A, and 6, the rotary cutter 30 can be horizontally above the anvil 50. With reference to FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, 3D, 4B, and 5B, the anvil 50 can be horizontally above the rotary cutter 30. The rotary cutting unit 500 of FIG. 6 may be configured such that the anvil 50 is horizontally above the rotary cutter 30. In the figures mentioned, the base 90 of the frame 20 of the rotary cutting unit is oriented toward the ground, e.g., resting on a floor or a suitable platform, and the rotary cutter 30 or anvil 50 that is horizontally above is based on the position of the base 90.

[0078] 2A-2B, a first pneumatic cylinder 80 can apply a bending effect along the second axis of rotation 56 to the anvil 50 ("positive bias anvil" or "PBA") by applying a load to both sides of the second load bearing structure 60 that is pressed against the first load bearing structure 40. With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, a bending effect along the first axis of rotation 36 can be applied to the rotary cutter 30 ("positive bias cutter" or "PBC") by applying a load to both sides of the first load bearing structure 40 that is pressed against the second load bearing structure 60. With reference to FIGS. 3C-3D, the same PBC effect on the rotary cutter 30 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B can be applied to a first load bearing structure 40 that comprises multiple load bearing substructures. 4A-4B, a PBC bending effect can be applied to the rotary cutter 30 ("positive bias cutter" or "PBC") by loading the first plurality of bearings 70 by the first pneumatic cylinder 80 on the cutter side to allow a lower cutting height than the configuration of FIG. 3A-3B, which shows the first pneumatic cylinder 80 and the second pneumatic cylinder 82 on the second plurality of bearings 70 on the anvil side. The configuration of FIG. 4A-4B can further allow translation and rotation of the first load-bearing structure 40 on the rotary cutter 30. Unlike the configuration of FIG. 2B, where FIG. 5A has a driven anvil 50 second axle 58, unlike the configuration of FIG. 2A, where FIG. 5B has a driven anvil 50 second axle 58, unlike the configuration of FIG. 2A, where FIG. 5B has a driven rotary cutter 30 first axle 56. FIG. 6 has a PBC effect on the rotary cutter 30 as in FIG. 3A, but a third pneumatic cylinder 84 provides additional control over the magnitude of the bending effect.

[0079] FIG. 2B is an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 2A, but with the rotary cutter 30 and anvil swapped, so that the rotary cutter 30 is vertically disposed below the anvil 50. FIG. 3B is an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 3A, but with the rotary cutter 30 and anvil swapped, so that the rotary cutter 30 is vertically disposed below the anvil 50. FIG. 3D is an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 3C, but with the rotary cutter 30 and anvil swapped, so that the rotary cutter 30 is vertically disposed below the anvil 50. FIG. 4B is an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 4A, but with the rotary cutter 30 and anvil swapped, so that the rotary cutter 30 is vertically disposed below the anvil 50. FIG. 5B shows an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 5A, but with the positions of the rotary cutter 30 and the anvil 50 swapped, such that the rotary cutter 30 is positioned vertically below the anvil 50.

[0080] Two or more rotary cutting units may be combined to operate as a rotary cutting system. For example, a rotary cutting system may have a first rotary cutting unit and a second rotary cutting unit. The first and second rotary cutting units may be arranged to orient the open-sided arrangement of the first rotary cutting unit towards the open-sided arrangement of the second rotary cutting unit. In a rotary cutting system having such an arrangement, a first portion of the material, such as a first edge region of the material, may be fed through the first rotary cutting unit between the rotary cutter and the anvil to be acted upon by the knife members for cutting, and at the same time, a second portion of the material, such as a second edge region of the material, may be fed through the second rotary cutting unit between the rotary cutter and the anvil to be acted upon by the knife members for cutting. The open-sided arrangements of the first and second rotary cutting units provide a space through which the material can be moved in the feed direction, while the first and second end regions of the material are worked by the respective rotary cutting units. 7A-7C are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of rotary cutting systems, where FIG. 7A is a side view of a rotary cutting system according to an example embodiment, FIG. 7B is a side view of a rotary cutting system according to another example embodiment, and FIG. 7C is a side view of a rotary cutting system according to another example embodiment.

[0081] 7A-7C, a rotary cutting system 600, 650, 660 may have a plurality of rotary cutting units 1, 2, 3, 10, 100, 200, 250, 260, 270, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-6. A first rotary cutting unit 610 of the plurality of rotary cutting units is disposed relative to a second rotary cutting unit 620 of the plurality of rotary cutting units such that a first axle 38 of the rotary cutter 30 of the first rotary cutting unit 610 is coaxial with a first axle 38 of the rotary cutter 30 of the second rotary cutting unit 620. In an alternative embodiment, the first axle 38 of the rotary cutter 30 of the first rotary cutting unit 610 is parallel and even offset from the first axle 38 of the rotary cutter 30 of the second rotary cutting unit 620. With reference to FIG. 7A, in the rotary cutting system 600, the distance separating the first rotary cutting unit 610 from the second rotary cutting unit 620 can be adjustable, such as by sliding. With reference to FIG. 7B, in the rotary cutting system 650, the anvil 50 of the first rotary cutting unit 610 is integrated with the anvil 50 of the second rotary cutting unit 620, thereby providing a single integrated anvil unit 750 across the first rotary cutting unit 610 and the second rotary cutting unit 620. The integrated anvil 750 of FIG. 7B, in contrast to the configuration of FIG. 7A, makes the distance between the first rotary cutting unit 610 and the second rotary cutting unit 620 non-adjustable. With reference to FIG. 7C, in the rotary cutting system 660, the anvil 50 of the first rotary cutting unit 610 is integrated with the anvil 50 of the second rotary cutting unit 620, thereby providing an integrated anvil 750. In contrast to the configuration of FIG. 7B , the rotary cutters 30 of each of the first rotary cutting unit 610 and the second rotary cutting unit 620 are suspended from the frame 20 on rails 770, thereby allowing the distance separating the first rotary cutting unit 610 from the second rotary cutting unit 620 to be adjustable, such as by sliding.

[0082] In some embodiments, the integrated anvil 750 has one continuous anvil surface that rotates about a single axis of rotation 630. Figures 7B and 7C show examples of an integrated anvil having only one continuous anvil surface. In other embodiments, the integrated anvil has discontinuous anvil surfaces that rotate about a single axis of rotation 630, such as by having a first anvil surface associated with a rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit 610 and a second anvil surface associated with a rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit 620. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a rotary cutting system 800 similar to the embodiment of Figure 7C, including an example of an integrated anvil 750 with discontinuous anvil surfaces in the form of a first anvil surface 805 and a second anvil surface 810.

[0083] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims.

[0084] The subject matter described herein shows different components that are sometimes included in or connected to different other components. It will be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures that achieve the same functionality may be implemented. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" to achieve the desired functionality. Thus, any two components herein that are combined to achieve a particular functionality may be considered to be "associated" with each other to achieve the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components that are associated in this manner may also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" with each other to achieve the desired functionality, and further, any two components that may be associated in this manner may be considered to be "operably coupled" with each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably coupled include, but are not limited to, components that are physically pairable and / or physically interacting, components that are wirelessly interacting and / or wirelessly interacting, and / or components that are logically interacting and / or logically interacting.

[0085] In some examples, one or more components may be described herein as being "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to," "operable / operate to," "adapted / adaptable," "able to," "adaptable / adapted," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these terms (e.g., "configured to," etc.) can generally encompass active and / or inactive components and / or standby components unless the context requires otherwise.

[0086] While particular embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein, and that the broader aspects thereof, and thus the appended claims, encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications that are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In general, one skilled in the art will understand that the terms used in this specification, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," etc.).

[0087] Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that where a particular number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be expressly stated in the claims, and that in the absence of such recitations, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the preface phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to preface a claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the preface of a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim that includes such a prefaced claim recitation to only those claims that include only one of the recitations (even if that same claim includes the preface phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an") (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same is true when using definite articles used to preface a claim recitation.

[0088] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that when a particular number of preambled claim recitations is specified, the recitation should ordinarily be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a recitation of "two recitations" alone, without other modifiers, ordinarily means at least two recitations or more than two recitations).

[0089] Further, in instances where a similar convention to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such construction is generally intended to be the meaning as that convention would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). Further, in instances where a similar convention to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such construction is generally intended to be the meaning as that convention would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that disjunctive words and / or phrases expressing two or more alternative terms should generally be understood, whether in this description, in the claims, or in the drawings, to contemplate the possibility of including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms, unless otherwise indicated by context. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0090] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that the operations referred to herein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while various operations are presented in sequence, it will be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orders may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reversal, or other variant orders, unless the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "in response to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude variations thereof, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific example processes and / or devices and / or techniques described above are representative of more general processes and / or devices and / or techniques that are taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims filed herewith and / or elsewhere in this application.

[0092] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0093] The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting, as other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0094] When a range of values ​​is provided, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it is understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range, to the next lower digit of the lower limit, and any other stated or intermediate value within the stated range, is encompassed in the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges that may be independently included in these smaller ranges are also encompassed in the disclosure, subject to the exclusion of any specific limit in the stated range. When the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of these included limits are also included in the disclosed disclosure.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and accompanying discussion described herein are used as examples for conceptual clarity, and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. As a result, as used herein, the specific exemplars described and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent their more general classes. In general, the use of any specific exemplar is intended to represent that classification, and the inclusion of a specific component (e.g., operation), device, and object should not be considered limiting.

[0096] In addition, for example, any sequences and / or time sequences of the systems and methods described in this disclosure are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting in nature. Thus, while process steps are shown and described as sequences or in time order, it should be understood that these process steps are not necessarily limited to being performed in any particular sequence or order. For example, such process or method steps may generally be performed in a wide variety of sequences and orders while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] Finally, the published applications and / or patent documents discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present disclosure as described, and nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the present disclosure as described is not entitled to antedate such published applications by virtue of prior disclosure.

Claims

1. A frame, A rotary cutter, a rotating cutting drum having a rotating cutting surface and a first axis of rotation; a first axle positioned to coincide with the first axis of rotation; a first load-bearing structure located at only one of the first end and the second end of the rotating cutting drum; and At least one knife member located on the rotary cutting surface a rotary cutter including: An anvil, an anvil portion having an anvil face configured to directly contact the at least one knife member and a second axis of rotation; a second axle positioned to coincide with the second axis of rotation; and a second load-bearing structure located at only one of the first end and the second end of the anvil portion; an anvil having a first plurality of bearings supporting the first axle for rotation about the first axis of rotation; a second plurality of bearings supporting the second axle for rotation about the second axis of rotation; Equipped with a surface of the first load-bearing structure contacts a surface of the second load-bearing structure; Rotary cutting unit.

2. Along the first axis of rotation, a first portion of the first axle on one side of the rotating cutting drum; a second portion of the first axle on a second side of the rotating cutting drum; 2. The rotary cutting unit of claim 1.

3. The first plurality of bearings include: a first rotary cutter bearing configured to support the first portion of the first axle for rotation about the first axis of rotation; a second rotary cutter bearing configured to support the second portion of the first axle for rotation about the first axis; and 3. The rotary cutting unit of claim 2 comprising two rotary cutter bearings including:

4. Along the second axis of rotation: the second axle is on one side of the anvil portion; the second load bearing structure is spaced from the anvil portion; A rotary cutting unit according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the second plurality of bearings includes two anvil bearings, each anvil bearing configured to support the second axle for rotation about the second axis; Along the second axis of rotation: a first anvil bearing of the two anvil bearings is between the second load-bearing structure and the anvil portion; the second load-bearing structure is between the first one of the two anvil bearings and the second one of the two anvil bearings; A rotary cutting unit according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The rotary cutting unit of claim 5 , further comprising a first pneumatic cylinder configured to apply a first load to the second plurality of bearings.

7. 7. A rotary cutting unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotary cutter is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about the first axis of rotation.

8. 8. The rotary cutting unit of claim 7, wherein only the first axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

9. A rotary cutting unit according to claim 1 , wherein the anvil is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation.

10. The rotary cutting unit of claim 9 , wherein only the second axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

11. Along the first axis of rotation, the first axle is on one side of the rotating cutting drum; the first load-bearing structure is spaced from the rotating cutting drum; 2. The rotary cutting unit of claim 1.

12. the first plurality of bearings includes two rotary cutter bearings, each of the rotary cutter bearings configured to support the first axle for rotation about the first axis; Along the first axis of rotation, a first of the two rotary cutter bearings is between the first load-bearing structure and the rotary cutting drum; the first load-bearing structure is between the first of the two rotary cutter bearings and the second of the two rotary cutter bearings; 12. A rotary cutting unit according to claim 11.

13. Along the second axis of rotation: a first portion of the second axle on one side of the anvil portion; a second portion of the second axle on a second side of the anvil portion; A rotary cutting unit according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The second plurality of bearings include: a first anvil bearing configured to support the first portion of the second axle for rotation about the second axis of rotation; a second anvil bearing configured to support the second portion of the second axle for rotation about the second axis; and 14. The rotary cutting unit of claim 13, comprising two anvil bearings including:

15. The rotary cutting unit of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a first pneumatic cylinder configured to apply a first load to the second plurality of bearings.

16. The rotary cutting unit of claim 15 further comprising a second pneumatic cylinder configured to apply a second load to the first plurality of bearings.

17. The rotary cutting unit of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a first pneumatic cylinder configured to apply a first load to the first plurality of bearings.

18. 18. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the rotary cutter is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about the first axis of rotation.

19. 20. The rotary cutting unit of claim 18, wherein only the first axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

20. 18. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the anvil is coupled to a motor so as to be driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation.

21. 21. The rotary cutting unit of claim 20, wherein only the second axle of the first and second axles is directly supported by the frame.

22. 22. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the rotary cutter lies horizontally above the anvil.

23. 22. The rotary cutting unit of claim 1, wherein the anvil lies horizontally above the rotary cutter.

24. 24. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first load-bearing structure is on a distal side of the rotary cutting drum.

25. 24. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first load-bearing structure is off-centre of the rotary cutting drum.

26. 26. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the first load bearing structure comprises a plurality of adjacent load bearing sub-structures.

27. 27. A rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a bending effect is applied to one of the rotary cutter or the anvil.

28. A rotary cutting system comprising a plurality of rotary cutting units, each of the plurality of rotary cutting units comprising a rotary cutting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. 30. The rotary cutting system of claim 28, wherein a first rotary cutting unit of the plurality of rotary cutting units is positioned relative to a second rotary cutting unit of the plurality of rotary cutting units such that the first axle of the rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit is coaxial with the first axle of the rotary cutter of a second rotary cutting unit.

30. 30. The rotary cutting system of claim 29, wherein the first axle of the rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit that is coaxial with the first axle of the rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit forms an integrated axle spanning the first rotary cutting unit and the second rotary cutting unit.

31. 31. The rotary cutting system of claim 30, wherein the integrated anvil has a continuous anvil face that rotates about a single axis of rotation.

32. The integrated anvil has discontinuous anvil surfaces that rotate about a single axis of rotation, the discontinuous anvil surfaces comprising: a first anvil face associated with the rotary cutter of the first rotary cutting unit; a second anvil face associated with the rotary cutter of the second rotary cutting unit; and 31. The rotary cutting system of claim 30, comprising:

33. 33. The rotary cutting system of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein a distance separating the first rotary cutting unit from the second rotary cutting unit is slidingly adjustable.

34. 33. The rotary cutting system of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the anvil of the rotary cutting unit is integral with the anvil of the second rotary cutting unit.

35. 35. The rotary cutting system of claim 34, wherein the rotary cutter of each of the first rotary cutting unit and the second rotary cutting unit is secured to the frame of its respective rotary cutting unit.

36. 35. The rotary cutting system of claim 34, wherein the rotary cutters of each of the first rotary cutting unit and the second rotary cutting unit are mounted to respective rails on their respective frames such that a distance separating the first rotary cutting unit from the second rotary cutting unit is slidingly adjustable.

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