Device for assembling a cutting-bed support element on a batten of a conveyor-type cutting machine

Abstract

Device for mounting a cutting support element onto a slat of a conveyor cutting machine. The purpose of the invention is a device for mounting a modular cutting support element onto the cutting support slat of a conveyor machine used for cutting sheet materials, comprising a cutting support slat (6-1), at least one modular cutting support element (4-1) containing several bristles (8) each with a base (10-1) and a foot (8a) and a cap (8b) opposite the foot, and means (16, 18) for holding at least one second side end (10b) of the modular cutting support element base vertically on at least one second side end (6b) of the cutting support slat by means of magnetism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of suction-feed cutting supports for automatic sheet material cutting machines, particularly for textile materials, using a vibrating blade that penetrates the cutting support. More specifically, it relates to a device for assembling such a cutting support element onto a slat of a conveyor-type cutting machine.

[0002] One area of ​​application of the invention is the automatic cutting of stacks or mattresses of sheet materials, in particular textile materials, using a vibrating blade penetrating a suction cutting support. Previous technique

[0003] A vibrating blade cutting machine includes a cutting conveyor that carries the stack of sheets during the cutting operation. This cutting conveyor is housed in a chamber where a strong vacuum is created to hold the sheets of material to be cut in place during the cutting process.

[0004] In this type of machine, the cutting conveyor also serves as a penetrating cutting support for the vibrating blade. It is well known that the cutting support is designed to be penetrable by the blade so that during the cutting operation, the blade can not only completely penetrate the material to be cut, but also extend downwards beyond the support surface and into the material bed, thus providing such a surface.

[0005] To achieve this, the cutting support typically consists of an assembly of blocks mounted on cutting support slats, which are themselves installed in the conveyor and driven by a belt. More specifically, each block comprises a number of bristles mounted on a base in several parallel rows, each bristle having a head that forms the support for the sheet material to be cut. Transverse channels are cut through the base to allow the passage of suction air. These blocks thus support the material to be cut under suction while still allowing penetration by the cutting blade.

[0006] Alternatively, cutting supports made by mounting a plurality of modular comb elements on cutting support slats have been developed. Reference may be made, in particular, to publication WO 2021 / 191522, which describes an example of modular comb elements comprising a plurality of bristles arranged along a single line. This allows at least some bristles to have a head with a straight cross-section encompassing a straight cross-section of the shaft, while retaining the ability to manufacture these modular elements by molding in a single piece, including their base and bristles. This geometric shape of the bristles thus has the advantage of limiting interactions between the tip of the cutting blade and the tangential bristles.

[0007] Regardless of how they are made, the modular comb blocks or elements are generally assembled onto the cutting support slats by means of hook-shaped fasteners which fit into grooves formed in the slats.

[0008] The consequence of this type of assembly is that it is necessary to completely dismantle the slats installed in the conveyor whenever a damaged block (or comb module) needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. Replacing a block (or comb module) is therefore particularly cumbersome. Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention therefore aims to provide a device for assembling a modular cutting support element onto a cutting support slat which does not present the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] According to the invention, this goal is achieved by means of an assembly device for a modular cutting support element on a cutting support slat of a conveyor cutting machine for cutting sheet materials, comprising: a cutting support slat intended to be attached to a conveyor of the cutting machine, at least one modular cutting support element comprising a plurality of bristles each having a foot attached to a sole and a head opposite the foot on which is intended to rest a sheet material to be cut, and means for vertically holding by magnetism at least a part of the sole of the modular cutting support element on at least a part of the cutting support slat.

[0011] The device according to the invention is remarkable in that the vertical retention of the modular cutting support element (namely, the cutting support pad or modular comb element) is achieved magnetically. When it is necessary to remove the modular cutting support element from the cutting support slat (for example, to replace it with a new modular element), it is simply pulled vertically to cancel the magnetic effect and detach it from the cutting support slat. In particular, this device allows for the removal of a modular cutting support element without having to first remove the cutting support slat, as the modular cutting support element is held in position on the slat solely by magnetism and a hook.

[0012] Advantageously, the cutting support slat includes at a first lateral end a hook and the base of the modular cutting support element includes at a first lateral end a hook suitable for cooperating with the hook of the cutting support slat to ensure the lateral and vertical retention of the modular cutting support element on the cutting support slat.

[0013] In this configuration, the first lateral end of the device allows the modular cutting support element to be held laterally and vertically on the slat and opposes the forces that the modular cutting support element undergoes during all phases of operation.

[0014] Advantageously, the device also includes means for laterally holding a second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element against a second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0015] In this case, the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element may include a projecting lug and the second lateral end of the support slat may include a projecting stop suitable for cooperating with the lug of the base of the modular cutting support element so as to allow lateral support of the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element against the second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0016] Alternatively, the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element may include a recessed notch and the second lateral end of the support slat may include a projecting stop suitable for cooperating with the notch in the base of the modular cutting support element so as to permit lateral retention of the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element against the second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the base of the modular cutting support element includes a magnet positioned at least at its second lateral end and the cutting support slat includes a metal insert positioned at least at its second lateral end so as to allow vertical magnetic holding of the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element on the second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0018] In this case, the magnet on the base of the modular cutting support element can be common for a plurality of adjacent modular cutting support elements.

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

[0020] According to another embodiment, the base of the modular cutting support element includes a metal insert positioned at least at its second lateral end and the cutting support slat includes a magnet positioned at least at its second lateral end so as to allow vertical magnetic holding of the second lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element on the second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0021] Preferably, the first lateral end of the cutting support slat corresponds to an upstream end with respect to the direction of advance of the cutting machine conveyor.

[0022] Advantageously, the first lateral end of the base of the modular cutting support element also includes contactless identification means.

[0023] The modular cutting support element can be a modular comb element or a cutting support pad. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly device according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0025] The present invention relates to cutting supports for a suction-feed cutting conveyor of an automatic sheet material cutting machine.

[0026] Typically, a cutting conveyor is used to move the stack of sheets during the cutting operation. This cutting conveyor is usually housed in a box inside which a strong vacuum is created to hold the sheets of material to be cut in place during the cutting operation.

[0027] Furthermore, the cutting conveyor serves as a penetrating cutting support for the vibrating blade. It is indeed necessary to make the cutting support penetrable to the blade so that during the cutting operation, the blade can not only completely pass through the material to be cut, but also extend downwards beyond the support surface and into the material bed providing such a surface.

[0028] As depicted on the figure 1 , the cutting conveyor generally comprises a plurality of cutting supports 2-1, each consisting of a cutting support block 4-1 which is mounted on a cutting support slat 6-1, the latter being itself installed in the conveyor and driven by a belt.

[0029] The cutting support pad 6-1 can be replaced by a unit comb element as described in detail in patent application WO 2021 / 191522, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] More precisely, each cutting support block 4-1 (or unit element of the comb) comprises a plurality of bristles 8, each having a foot 8a mounted on a sole 10-1 in one or more parallel rows of bristles, and a head 8b opposite the foot on which the sheet material to be cut rests. As is known, the sole 10-1 is provided with perforations (not shown in the figures) allowing the passage of suction air.

[0031] According to the invention, each cutting support block 4-1 (or unit element of comb) is assembled on a cutting support slat 6-1, at a first lateral end by mechanical means of lateral and vertical retention, and at a second lateral end (opposite to the first end), on the one hand by vertical retention means by magnetism and, on the other hand, by mechanical means of lateral retention.

[0032] In the modes of embodiment of figures 1 à 3 , the first lateral end of the cutting support blocks 6-1 corresponds to their upstream end with respect to the direction of advance F of the cutting machine conveyor, and the second lateral end corresponds to their downstream end (still in the direction of advance F of the conveyor).

[0033] In these different embodiments, the mechanical means for lateral and vertical retention at the level of the first lateral end of the cutting support blocks 6-1 are formed by cooperation between complementary hooks.

[0034] More specifically, the first lateral end 6a of the cutting support slat 6-1 is provided with a hook 12 at its upper face which is open downstream (relative to the direction of advance F of the conveyor).

[0035] Similarly, the cutting support block 4-1 (or the unit element of the comb) is provided, at the lower face of the first lateral end 10a of its base 10-1, with a hook 14 which is open upstream and which cooperates with the hook 12 of the cutting support slat to ensure mechanical support of the cutting support block both laterally and vertically.

[0036] At the second lateral end 6a of the cutting support slat, the vertical retention of the cutting support block is achieved by magnetism.

[0037] In the implementation of the figure 1 , this magnetic retention is achieved by means of, on the one hand, a metal insert 16 which is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the lower face of the second lateral end 10b of the sole 10-1 of the cutting support pad (or of the unit element of the comb), and on the other hand, a magnet 18 which is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the upper face of the second lateral end 6a of the support slat 6-1.

[0038] Thus, the magnet 18 and the metal insert 16 cooperate with each other by magnetism to allow vertical retention of the cutting support pad (or the unit element of the comb) on the cutting support slat at the level of their respective second lateral end.

[0039] It should be noted that, when it comes to a cutting support block, the metal insert does not necessarily extend over its entire length (it may only cover part of the length of the cutting support block).

[0040] Furthermore, when dealing with a plurality of unit comb elements, a metal insert will be required for each unit comb element.

[0041] In this embodiment, the lateral support of the cutting support block 4-1 on the cutting support slat 6-1 is achieved by mechanical means.

[0042] To this end, in the implementation method of the figure 1 , the second lateral end 10b of the sole 10-1 of the cutting support pad 4-1 includes a lug 20 which is projecting inwards, and the second lateral end 6b of the support slat 6-1 includes a stop 22 which is projecting outwards and which is able to cooperate with the lug 20 of the sole of the cutting support pad so as to allow mechanical lateral retention of the cutting support pad against the cutting support slat at their respective second lateral ends.

[0043] In connection with the figure 2 , we will now describe another embodiment of the 2-2 assembly device according to the invention.

[0044] This embodiment differs from the one previously described by the means of vertically maintaining by magnetism the second lateral end 10b' of the sole 10-2 of the cutting support block 4-2 (or of the unit element of the comb) on the second lateral end 6b' of the cutting support slat 6-2.

[0045] Indeed, in this other embodiment, the magnetic retention is achieved by means of, on the one hand, a metallic insert 16' which is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the lower face of the second lateral end 6a' of the support slat 6-2, and on the other hand, a magnet 18' which is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the upper face of the second lateral end 10b' of the base 10-2 of the cutting support block (or of the unit element of the comb).

[0046] This is therefore a magnet-metal insert configuration that is the inverse of that described in connection with the embodiment of the figure 1 .

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnet 18' can extend between the two lateral ends 10b' of the base 10-2 of the cutting support block (or the comb unit element). In this case, the magnet will also be provided with holes to allow the passage of suction air.

[0048] In connection with the figure 3 , we will now describe yet another embodiment of the assembly device 2-3 according to the invention.

[0049] This embodiment differs from the two previous ones by the means of lateral retention of the cutting support block 4-3 on the cutting support slat 6-3 at the level of their respective second lateral end.

[0050] Indeed, in this embodiment, the second lateral end 10b" of the sole 10-3 of the cutting support pad 4-3 (or of the unit element of the comb) includes a notch 24 on its inner face which is recessed and the second lateral end 6b" of the support slat 6-3 includes a stop 26 which is projecting outwards and which is able to cooperate with the notch 24 of the sole of the cutting support pad so as to allow lateral retention of the cutting support pad against the cutting support slat at the level of their respective second lateral ends.

[0051] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the means for vertically retaining, by magnetism, the second lateral end 10b" of the base 10-3 of the cutting support block 4-3 (or the unit element of the comb) on the second lateral end 6b" of the cutting support slat 6-3 can be similar to those described in connection with the figure 1 (and as depicted on the figure 3 ) or, alternatively, be similar to those described in connection with the figure 2 .

[0052] In connection with the figure 4 , we will now describe yet another embodiment of the assembly device 2-4 according to the invention.

[0053] In this embodiment, the vertical magnetic holding of the base 10-4 of the cutting support block 4-4 (or of the unit element of the comb) on the cutting support slat 6-4 is achieved in particular by a magnet 28 which is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the lower face of the base of the cutting support block (or of the unit element of the comb) over its entire width (i.e. between its two lateral ends).

[0054] In addition, a metal insert 30 is positioned at the level of (or even integrated into) the upper face of the support slat 6-4 over its entire width (i.e. between its two lateral ends).

[0055] Thus, the magnet 28 and the metal insert cooperate with each other by magnetism to ensure that the cutting support pad 4-4 (or the unit element of the comb) is held on the cutting support slat 6-4.

[0056] Of course, in this embodiment, the magnet 28 of the base of the cutting support pad 4-4 (or of the unit element of the comb) is provided with holes (not shown in the figure) to allow the passage of suction air.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the assembly device is devoid of a hook at the first lateral end of the cutting support block 4-4 (or the unit element of the comb) and the cutting support slat 6-4.

[0058] Similarly, the assembly device of this embodiment lacks mechanical means to ensure lateral support of a second lateral end of the base of the cutting support block (or the unit element of the comb) against a second lateral end of the cutting support slat.

[0059] Indeed, in this embodiment, the sole magnetic force of attraction of the magnet 38 makes it possible to ensure this lateral support function in addition to the vertical support.

[0060] Of course, in this embodiment, it is possible to consider an inverse arrangement of the magnet and the metal insert, that is to say, to have the magnet integrated into the upper surface of the cutting support slat, and the metal insert integrated into the lower surface of the cutting support pad (or the unit element of the comb).

[0061] In connection with the figure 5, we will now describe yet another embodiment of the assembly device 2-5 according to the invention.

[0062] This embodiment differs from the one previously described in that the base 10-5 of the cutting support block 4-5 (or of the unit element of the comb) includes, between its two lateral ends, a finger 32 projecting inwards and adapted to fit into a notch 34 formed in the cutting support slat 6-5 so as to ensure a translational stop of the cutting support block (or of the unit element of the comb).

[0063] Of course, it is possible to consider an inverse arrangement with the finger carried by the cutting support slat and fitting into a notch formed in the cutting support block in order to ensure the stop in translation.

[0064] Similarly, it is possible to consider an inverse arrangement between the magnet 28 and the metal insert 30, namely a magnet integrated into the cutting support slat and the metal insert integrated into the cutting support pad.

[0065] Furthermore, regardless of the embodiment, the first lateral end 10b, 10b', 10b" of the sole 10-1 to 10-5 of the cutting support pad 4-1 to 4-5 (or of the individual comb element) advantageously includes contactless identification means. For example, these means may be an RFID tag allowing individual or batch identification of the cutting support pad (or the individual cutting support element, as applicable).

[0066] It should also be noted that, regardless of the embodiment, the base 10-1 to 10-5 of the cutting support block 4-1 to 4-5 (or of the unit element of the comb) is provided with holes to allow the passage of suction air, so that it is necessary that the upper face of the cutting support slat 6-1 to 6-5, the metal insert and the magnet used to ensure magnetic retention are also provided with holes for the passage of suction air (or that they are arranged to allow this passage of air).

Claims

1. A device (2-1 to 2-5) for assembling a modular cutting support element on a cutting support batten of a conveyor cutting machine for cutting sheet materials, comprising: - a cutting support batten (6-1 to 6-5) intended to be secured to a conveyor of the cutting machine, - at least one modular cutting support element (4-1 to 4-5) comprising a plurality of bristles (8) each having a foot (8a) secured to a baseplate (10-1 to 10-5) and a head (8b) opposite to the foot on which a sheet material to be cut is intended to rest, and - means (16, 18; 16', 18') for vertically holding by magnetism at least part of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element on at least part of the cutting support batten.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting support batten comprises at a first lateral end (6a; 6a'; 6a") a hook (12) and the baseplate of the modular cutting support element comprises at a first lateral end (10a; 10a'; 10a") a hook (14) able to cooperate with the hook of the cutting support batten to ensure the lateral and vertical holding of the modular cutting support element on the cutting support batten.

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising means (20, 22; 24, 26) for laterally holding a second lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element against a second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second lateral end (10b) of the baseplate (10-1) of the modular cutting support element (4-1) comprises a protruding lug (20) and the second lateral end (6b) of the support batten (6-1) comprises a protruding abutment (22) able to cooperate with the lug of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element so as to allow lateral holding of the second lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element against the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second lateral end (10b") of the baseplate (10-3) of the modular cutting support element (4-3) comprises a recessed notch (24) and the second lateral end (6b") of the support batten (6-3) comprises a protruding abutment (26) able to cooperate with the notch of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element so as to allow lateral holding of the second lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element against the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

6. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the baseplate (10-2) of the modular cutting support element (4-2) comprises a magnet (16') positioned at least at a second lateral end (10b') and the cutting support batten (6-2) comprises a metal insert (18') positioned at least at a second lateral end (6b') so as to allow vertical holding by magnetism of the second lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element on the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the magnet of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element is common for a plurality of adjacent modular cutting support elements.

8. The device according to any of claims 6 and 7, wherein the magnet extends between the two lateral ends of the modular cutting support element and is provided with holes for the passage of air.

9. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the baseplate (10-1) of the modular cutting support element (4-1) comprises a metal insert (18) positioned at least at a second lateral end (10b) and the cutting support batten (6-1) comprises a magnet (16) positioned at least at a second lateral end (6b) so as to allow vertical holding by magnetism of the second lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element on the second lateral end of the cutting support batten.

10. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first lateral end of the cutting support batten corresponds to an upstream end relative to the direction of advance (F) of the conveyor of the cutting machine.

11. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first lateral end of the baseplate of the modular cutting support element further comprises contactless identification means.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the modular cutting support element is a modular comb element or a cutting support block.