REEL cutting machine

Abstract

A machine for cutting at least one reel (11) is described. The machine comprises at least one blade (41) for cutting the at least one reel so as to produce the at least one reel portion (12), at least one spindle (30) in which the reel to be cut is arranged, displacement means (70, 41, 60) adapted to arrange the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance (D1), greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut.

Description

[0001] REEL CUTTING MACHINE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a reel cutting machine, in particular a machine for cutting reels of adhesive material,

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Machines for cutting reels, e.g., rolls of paper, adhesive tape, etc., for making many portions of rolls of paper, adhesive tape, etc. are known in the state of the art.

[0006] The current cutting machines comprise a cutting device provided with a blade, preferably a circular blade, and a spindle in which the reel of paper, adhesive tape, etc., to be cut is arranged so as to have the reel portions.

[0007] Preferably the circular blade, flat or serrated, is rotated by an appropriate movement means, e.g., an electric motor, for cutting the reel portion. Once the reel portion is cut, the machine is stopped to allow an operator to withdraw the cut reel portion. In fact, it is currently not possible to cut several portions of a reel of adhesive tape in succession because the cut portions tend to stick to each other, rendering the cut in vain.

[0008] Withdrawing the individual portion of cut reel greatly increases the time period for cutting the entire reel and forces the operator to continuously stop the cutting machine to withdraw the individual portion of cut reel.

[0009] An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks described above.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a reel cutting machine which allows the separation of the cut reel portions.

[0011] A further object is to achieve such an objective in the context of a rational, effective and cost-effective solution.

[0012] These objects are achieved by the features of the invention set forth in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0013] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In particular, the invention provides a machine for cutting at least one reel, said machine comprising at least one blade for cutting each reel so as to produce at least one reel portion, at least one spindle in which the reel to be cut is arranged, displacement means adapted to arrange the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance, greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut.

[0015] Thanks to the present invention, the drawback is solved that at least one portion of cut reel, for example a reel of adhesive material, reattaches to the reel to be cut, rendering the cut in vain.

[0016] Preferably, the machine is adapted to produce a plurality of reel portions, in succession to one another, said displacement means being adapted to arrange the first reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance, greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut and before said machine performs the cutting of the next reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, said displacement means being adapted to arrange each subsequent reel portion on the spindle, just cut by the blade and before said machine performs the cutting of another subsequent portion of said reel, at a second distance from the reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and before said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, in the path along the spindle which goes from the reel to said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, and so on for each subsequent reel portion of the plurality of reel portions.

[0017] Thanks to the presence of the displacement means, it is possible to arrange a plurality of reel portions cut by the cutting blade on the spindle at a given distance from each other; thereby, especially in the case where the reels are reels of adhesive material, the arrangement at a given distance from each other prevents the reel portions from sticking to each other, rendering the cut in vain.

[0018] Furthermore, said machine allows an operator to be able to cut a large number of reel portions before stopping the machine to withdraw them, reducing the production time of the reel portions.

[0019] Preferably said first distance can be set by the user.

[0020] Preferably, the number of reel portions of said plurality of reel portions and said second distance are settable by the user and said first distance is variable as a function of the number of reel portions to be cut and said second distance.

[0021] It is thereby possible to choose how many reel portions to cut and the distance therebetween. Thereby, moreover, the first distance can vary within a given range; the greater the number of reel portions to be cut, the greater the first distance will be, preferably measured from the beginning of the reel. Preferably, said displacement means comprise a separator element and means for moving said separator element, said movement means being adapted to insert said separator element, once the cutting of the reel portion is completed, between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut, said displacement means comprising further movement means adapted to act on said separator element to displace said reel portion just cut, and with said separator element inserted between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut, along the spindle and away from said reel to be cut.

[0022] Thereby, the simple use of a separator element between the reel to be cut and the cut reel portion, and of movement means allows the displacement of the reel portion.

[0023] Preferably, the machine comprises further means adapted to arrange said cutting blade, once the cutting of the reel portion is completed, between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut, said further movement means being adapted to act on said cutting blade and on said separator element so that the combination of the cutting blade and the separator element allows to displace said reel portion just cut along the spindle and away from said reel to be cut.

[0024] Thereby the displacement of the reel portion is more effective.

[0025] Preferably said movement means are adapted to insert said separator element, once the cutting of the reel portion has been completed, between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut so that it does not interfere with the cutting blade.

[0026] Preferably said separator element comprises a plate provided with a recess in the end part so that said plate does not interfere with said spindle when it is arranged between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut.

[0027] Preferably said movement means of said separator element are adapted to move the separator element along an axis perpendicular to the development axis of the spindle.

[0028] Preferably said separator element and the cutting blade are carried by a slide which can be displaced along an axis parallel to the spindle development axis by means of further movement means.

[0029] Preferably, the machine comprises a control and command unit adapted to manage the operations of cutting the reel and arranging each reel portion away from the reel to be cut so that they occur automatically and so that the cycle of the aforesaid operations occurs automatically.

[0030] Thereby, operator intervention is not required for carrying out the aforesaid operations. The present invention also provides a method for producing at least one reel portion from a reel by means of a cutting blade of a cutting machine provided with a spindle in which the reel is arranged, said method comprising: cutting at least one reel portion from a reel arranging the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, by means of displacement means along the spindle at a first distance, greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut.

[0031] Preferably, the method allows to produce of a plurality of reel portions, in succession to one another, said step of producing the plurality of reel portions comprising: cutting the first reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, arranging the first reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance, greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut, and then cyclically for each successive reel portion of the plurality of reel portions: cutting the next reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, arranging said successive reel portion just cut at a second distance from the reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and before said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, in the path along the spindle which goes from the reel to said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle. Preferably, the production of at least one reel portion from a reel occurs automatically. Preferably said first distance can be set by the user.

[0032] Preferably, the number of reel portions of said plurality of reel portions and said second distance are settable by the user and said first distance is variable as a function of the number of reel portions to be cut and said second distance.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reel cutting machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] Figure 1 A is a more detailed schematic view of the spindle holder of figure 1 ;

[0037] Figures 2-8 are views of the machine of figure 1 in the subsequent work steps;

[0038] Figures 9 and 10 are perspective (figure 9) and front (figure 10) views of the final work step in the case of the production of a plurality of reel portions;

[0039] Figure 11 is a perspective view of only the separator or displacement device of the cut reel portion;

[0040] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views of the device of figure 11 without the protective case;

[0041] Figure 14 is a perspective view of only the slide assembly of the device of figures 12 and 13.

[0042] BEST MODE TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0043] With particular reference to such figures, a machine for cutting reels 11 in accordance with the present invention has been referred to in its entirety by reference 10.

[0044] Preferably the reels 11 are reels of adhesive tape or other type of adhesive material. A reel is intended as a roll of material wound on itself and around a core, preferably of cylindrical type, of plastic or cardboard.

[0045] The machine 10 comprises a structure 20 provided with a spindle 30 on which the reel 11 to be cut is arranged or rather fitted, a cutting device 40 adapted to cut reel portions 12, and a protective screen 50 which wraps around the entire structure 20 and which can be opened and closed; the reel portions 12 are generally also indicated as ribbons or rolls.

[0046] The protective screen 50 is provided with handles 51 and is normally closed when the machine is in operation, e.g., when cutting the reel 11 , and is opened for the withdrawal of the already cut reel portions 12.

[0047] The spindle 30 is preferably of the static type and in such a case is provided with a rotating hub or other rotating means driven by an electric motor (as known in the state of the art) for the rotation of the reel 11 around the development axis A thereof, preferably a longitudinal axis; the reel 11 is fitted onto the spindle 30 by an operator. The spindle 30 is supported by a spindle holder 31 integral with the structure 20 and carrying the rotating hub 32 (figure 1 A) driven by the electric motor 33 for the rotation of the reel 11 .

[0048] The cutting device 40 comprises a cutting blade 41 , preferably of circular, flat and bevelled shape, movement means 42, of the rack and pinion type, for moving the blade 41 transversely to the spindle 30, viz., movable on an axis B perpendicular to the development axis A of the spindle 30, and a second motor 43, preferably of the electric type, for rotating the blade 41 so as to perform the cutting of the reel 11 to obtain reel portions 12. Preferably, the cutting blade 41 is integral with a slide 44 which is movable transversely to the spindle 30, viz., movable on an axis B perpendicular to the development axis A of the spindle 30, on guides 45 by movement means 42 of the rack and pinion type. The means 42 are adapted to arrange the blade in the resting position TO, when it must not cut the reel 11 , or in the working position for cutting the reel 11 .

[0049] Preferably, the machine 10 comprises a slide or carriage 60 movable longitudinally by means 61 , viz., movable along an axis parallel to the development axis A of the spindle 30, and adapted to carry the cutting device 40; the slide 60 allows the cutting device 40 to be arranged in the various cutting positions for cutting the various reel portions 12. The means 61 are means configured for the longitudinal displacement of the slide 60; preferably said means comprise a worm screw 62 with nut 63 screwable onto the worm screw 62 and carrying the slide 60.

[0050] The machine comprises a control and command unit 100 to manage the various operations of the cutting device 40, in particular to control the motors 42 and 43, and to manage the operations of the slide 60, in particular to control the longitudinal movement means 61 and to control the electric motor 33 of the hub 32 so as to rotate the reel 11 . There is also a user interface 101 for setting certain parameters by the user, such as the width or thickness of the reel portions 12 to be cut.

[0051] The cutting machine 10 further comprises a separator or displacement device 70 configured to arrange each reel portion 12 already cut by the cutting device 40 away from the cutting zone T, viz., the zone where the cutting device 40 performs the cutting of the reel 11 , and thus away from the reel 11 to be cut but still on the spindle 30.

[0052] Preferably, the separator device 70 is arranged on the slide 60 so as to be integral with the slide 60 or connected thereto in a removable manner, e.g., by means of bolts. Still preferably, the same device 70 is arranged so as to face the cutting device 40 with respect to a vertical plane passing through the entire axis A of the spindle 30. Preferably, the speed of the slide 60 can be set by the user by means of the control and command unit 100. Preferably, the slide 60 allows the longitudinal movement of the device 70, viz., along an axis parallel to the development axis A of the spindle 30, so that the device 70 can arrange each reel portion 12 already cut by the cutting device 40 away from the reel 11 to be cut but still on the spindle 30. As an alternative to the slide 60, the device 70 can have longitudinal movement thereof along an axis parallel to the development axis A of the spindle 30, other than the slide 60, to arrange any reel portion 12 already cut by the cutting device 40 away from the reel 11 to be cut but still on the spindle 30.

[0053] The separator device 70 is adapted to arrange the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance D1 , greater than a null distance, away from the reel 11 to be cut; thus the separator device 70 is adapted to displace the reel portion 12 along the spindle 30 and away from the reel 11 to be cut. Preferably, the first distance D1 can be set by the user by means of the user interface 101 of the control and command unit 100, which also manages the device 70. Preferably the first distance D1 is variable as a function of the length of the reel 11 , e.g., for a reel 11 one metre long and cutting only one reel portion 12, the first distance D1 can be equal to 105 cm.

[0054] Preferably, the separator device 70 is configured to arrange a plurality 120 of reel portions 12, once cut by the cutting device 40, away from the cutting zone T, viz., the zone where the cutting device 40 performs the cutting of the reel 11 , but still on the spindle 30 in succession and at a second distance D from each other, of for example 1 cm , 0, 5 cm, 1 .26 cm, 5 cm or other. Viz., each time the cutting device 40 cuts a new reel portion 12, the separator device 70, carried by the slide 60, arranges the reel 12 just cut at a second distance D from the reel 12 previously cut and so on so as to always obtain on the spindle 30 a plurality 120 of portions 12 arranged at a distance D from each other. Preferably the portions 12 of the plurality 120 are equidistant, viz., the second distance D between one portion 12 and the successive or preceding portion of the succession of portions 12 of the plurality 120 is always the same. The first reel portion 12 cut by the blade 41 will be arranged at the first distance D1 from the reel 11 , wherein the distance D1 is in particular measured from the beginning of the reel 11 arranged on the spindle 30, the second reel portion 12 cut by the blade 41 will be arranged at a distance D1 -D from the reel 11 and so on until reaching the last reel portion 12 of the plurality 120. Preferably, the second distance D can be set by the user by means of the user interface 101 of the control and command unit 100. Preferably the second distance D is variable as a function of the thickness and size of the reel portions 12. Preferably the first distance D1 , in the case where a plurality of reel portions 12 is produced, is variable as a function of the number of reel portions 12 to be cut and the second distance D; the first distance D1 preferably is also variable as a function of the thickness of the reel portions 12. For example, with a reel 11 one metre long, if the number of reel portions to be cut is 10 and setting the thickness of each reel portion 12 equal to 1 cm and the second distance D equal to 5 cm, the first distance D1 is 150 cm.

[0055] The control and command unit 100, in addition to managing the operations of the cutting device 40 and the slide 60, also manages the operations of the separator device 70. From the user interface 101 it is possible to set, in addition to the width of the portions 12 to be cut, also the number of portions 12 to be cut and to be arranged away from the cutting zone T, away from the reel 11 to be cut and, as previously mentioned, also the first distance D1 and the second distance D. The control and command unit 100 manages the operations of the cutting machine 10 so that, once the machine has been started, all the operations of the machine itself occur automatically without the intervention of an operator; the control and command unit 100 is provided with a processor and a memory in which a firmware is installed for managing all the aforesaid operations.

[0056] The device 70, better shown in figures 9-12, comprises a separator element 71 , in the form of a plate with a recess or indentation 72 in the end part 73, preferably a semicircular recess; the plate 72 is removably connected to a slide 74. The separator element 71 acts on the reel portion 12 just cut to arrange it away from the cutting zone T on the spindle 30 or away from the reel 11 to be cut in combination with the action of the slide or carriage 60 which allows the longitudinal displacement of the separator element 71 ; viz., the separator element 71 , in combination with the action of the slide or carriage 60, is adapted to displace the reel portion 12 along the spindle 30 and away from the reel 11 to be cut.

[0057] The slide 74 slides on guides 75 of the structure 76 of the device 70 and is moved by appropriate movement means 77.

[0058] The movement means 77 can comprise an electric motor but preferably comprise a pneumatic actuator with cylinder 78 and piston 79. The movement means 77 are adapted to move the slide 74 linearly, and thus the separator element 71 , transverse to the spindle 30, viz., moving on an axis C perpendicular to the development axis A of the spindle 30. The slide 74 is integral with the piston 79 and, when the separator element 71 is in the resting condition P, viz., it is not active, the piston 79 is in a position completely outside the cylinder 78, while in the operating or working position P1 of the separator element 71 , the piston 79 is inside the cylinder 78 so as to move the slide 74 and the separator element 71 . The separator device 70 is preferably provided with a case 90 for the cover thereof.

[0059] Preferably, the cutting device 40 also assists the device 70 in arranging each reel portion 12 away from the cutting zone T. In particular, the cutting blade 41 , once the cutting of a reel portion 12is completed, acts the same as the separator element 71 and in combination therewith to arrange the same portion 12 just cut away from the cutting zone T or away from the reel 11 to be cut in combination with the slide 60. Viz., the cutting blade 41 , once the cutting of a reel portion 12 has been completed, is arranged by the means 42 at least in part between the reel 11 to be cut and the cut reel portion 12 in a position T1 so as to act, like the separator element 71 , on the reel portion 12 to displace it along the spindle 30.

[0060] Figures 2-10 show the working steps of the cutting machine 10 of figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In the initial step, once the protective screen 50 is open, the operator inserts the reel 11 onto the spindle 30 and then closes the protective screen 50.

[0062] With the protective screen 50 closed and the reel 11 fitted onto the spindle 30, the operator or user acts on the user interface 101 of the control and command unit 100 to define the width or thickness of each reel portion or roll 12 to be cut, the number of portions 12 to be cut and the value of the first distance D1 , in the case where only one reel portion 12 is cut, or the second distance D, in the case where several reel portions 12 are cut; in the latter case, the first distance D1 is variable as a function of the number of reel portions to be cut and the second distance D. Preferably, the arrangement of the plurality 120 of reel portions 12 on the spindle 30 varies as a function of the number of reel portions 12. Preferably, the second distance D between one portion 12 and the next remains unchanged; however, again preferably, it is possible to select the value of said second distance D in a range from a minimum value to a maximum value.

[0063] After the operator has acted on the interface 101 of the control and command unit 100, the operations of cutting each portion 12 from the reel 11 and the operations of arranging each cut portion 12 away from the reel 11 to be cut begin and occur automatically until the cutting and arrangement of the last cut reel portion 12 away from the reel 11 to be cut.

[0064] The control and command unit 100, after having rotated the reel 11 , commands the movement means 61 of the slide 60 to move the cutting device 40 (figure 2) so that it is arranged in the suitable position for cutting the first portion 12 of the plurality 120 of portions 12.

[0065] The control and command unit 100 commands the means 42 to arrange the cutting blade 41 adjacent to the reel 11 to cut the portion 12 and the means 43 to rotate the circular blade 41 to cut the reel 11 (figure 3).

[0066] Once the cutting of the reel 11 has been completed with the creation of a reel portion 12 (figure 4), the movement means 42 and 43 of the cutting device 40 are stopped. The movement means 42 do not allow the blade 41 to return to its initial or resting position TO, viz., to its position prior to cutting the reel 11 , but only allow a small feedback of the blade 41 so that the same blade 41 is located in the space between the portion 12 just cut and the reel 11 not yet cut in the position T1 .

[0067] The control and command unit 100 commands the movement means 77 to push the separator element 71 always in the space between the cut portion 12 and the reel 11 not yet cut in the working position P1 ; in such a case the rod of the piston 79, which is normally completely outside the cylinder 78 when the element 71 is in the resting position P, is inside the cylinder 78 so as to move the slide 74. The arrangement of the separator element 71 in the space between the cut portion 12 and the reel 11 not yet cut is such that the same element 71 does not interfere with the blade 41 (figure 5). The recess 72 of the end part 73 of the separator element 71 has a conformation suitable for the shape of the spindle 30, preferably circular, so as not to interfere with the spindle 30.

[0068] The control and command unit 100 subsequently commands the movement means 61 to move the slide 60 longitudinally, viz., along an axis parallel to the development axis A of the spindle 30, so that the separator element 71 in combination with the cutting blade 41 acts on the portion 12 just cut to arrange it in a position on the spindle 30 away from the cutting zone T or away from the reel 11 to be cut and at a first distance D1 from the reel 11 (figure 6).

[0069] The control and command unit 100 then commands the movement means 77 and 42 to act respectively on the separator element 71 and blade 41 to retract them (figure 7) and bring them to their resting positions P and TO.

[0070] If the number of reel portions 12 to be cut is greater than one, the control and command unit 100 subsequently commands the movement means 61 to act on the slide 60 to bring the devices 40 and 70 back so as to position the cutting device 40 in the appropriate position for a new cutting of the reel 11 (figure 8) and the production of a new reel portion 12 and so on.

[0071] The portions 12 produced will be arranged in successive positions at a distance D from each other (figures 9 and 10). The plurality 120 of reel portions 12 are produced in succession to one another, and the separator device 70 is adapted to arrange on the spindle 30 each reel portion just cut, before said machine performs the cutting of a successive reel portion, at a second distance D from the reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and before said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle in the path along the spindle which goes from the reel 11 to said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and so on for each subsequent reel portion 12 of the plurality 120 of reel portions. Therefore, if the first cut reel portion 12 will be arranged at distance D1 , the immediately successive second cut reel portion 12 will be arranged at the distance D1 -D, the immediately successive third cut reel portion 12 will be arranged at the distance D1-2D, the immediately successive fourth cut reel portion 12 will be arranged at the distance D1-3D and so on until the last cut reel portion 12.

[0072] Once the cutting of the plurality 120 of portions 12 has been completed, the operator can open the protective screen 50 and perform the withdrawal of the plurality 120 of portions 12. Preferably, the operator will perform the withdrawal of the portions 12 one at a time and insert an isolating element between one portion 12 and the next to prevent the portions 12 from sticking to each other.

[0073] In accordance with a variant of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for the movement means 42, after cutting each reel portion 12, to allow the blade 41 to return to its resting position TO, so that only the separator element 71 acts on the cut portion 12. Always in accordance with the variant of the embodiment of the present invention and as an alternative to the slide 60, it is possible for the separator device 70 to have longitudinal movement means thereof along an axis parallel to the development axis A of the spindle 30 which are separated from the slide 60, thereby only the separator element 71 acts on each portion 12 just cut to arrange it in a position on the spindle 30 away from the cutting zone T and the reel 11 to be cut.

[0074] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0075] Moreover, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0076] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Machine for cutting at least one reel (11 ), said machine comprising at least one blade (41 ) for cutting the at least one reel so as to produce the at least one reel portion (12), at least one spindle (30) in which the reel to be cut is arranged, displacement means (70, 41 , 60) adapted to arrange the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance (D1 ), greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut.

2. Machine according to claim 1 , characterised in that to produce a plurality (120) of reel portions (12), in succession to one another, said displacement means (70, 41 , 60) being adapted to arrange the first reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance (D1 ), greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut and before said machine performs the cutting of the next reel portion of the plurality of reel portions, said displacement means (70, 41 , 60) being adapted to arrange each subsequent reel portion on the spindle (30), just cut by the blade and before said machine performs the cutting of another subsequent reel portion, at a second distance (D) from the reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and before said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, in the path along the spindle which goes from the reel (11 ) to said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, and so on for each subsequent reel portion of the plurality of reel portions.

3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said first distance (D1 ) is user- settable.

4. Machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the number of reel portions to be cut and said second distance (D) are user-settable and said first distance (D1 ) is variable as a function of the number of reel portions to be cut and said second distance.

5. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said displacement means (70, 41 , 60) comprise a separator element (71 ) and movement means (77) of said separator element, said movement means being adapted to insert said separator element, once the cutting of the reel portion has been completed, between the reel (11 ) to be cut and the reel portion (12) just cut, said displacement means comprising further movement means (60, 61 , 62) adapted to act on saidseparator element to displace said reel portion just cut, and with the separator element inserted between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut, along the spindle (30) and away from said reel to be cut.

6. Machine according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises other means (42) adapted to arrange said cutting blade (41 ), once the cutting of said reel portion has been completed, between the reel to be cut and said reel portion just cut, said further movement means (60, 61 , 62) being adapted to act on said cutting blade and on said separator element so that the combination of the cutting blade and the separator element allows to move said reel portion just cut along the spindle and away from said reel to be cut.

7. Machine according to claim 6, characterised in that said movement means are adapted to insert said separator element, once the cutting of the reel portion is completed, between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut in a position (P1 ) such that it does not interfere with the cutting blade.

8. Machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that said separator element comprises a plate (72) provided with a recess (72) in the end part (73) so that said plate does not interfere with said spindle when it is arranged between the reel to be cut and the reel portion just cut.

9. Machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that said movement means of said separator element are adapted to move the separator element along an axis perpendicular (B) to the development axis (A) of the spindle.

10. Machine according to claim 6, characterised in that said separator element (71 ) and said cutting blade (41 ) are carried by a slide (60) movable along an axis parallel to the development axis (A) of the spindle by said further movement means (61 , 62).

11. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a control and command unit (100) adapted to manage the cutting operations of the reel and to arrange each portion of the reel (12) away from the reel to be cut so that they occur automatically and the cycle of the aforesaid operations occurs automatically.

12. Method for producing at least one reel portion (12) from a reel (11 ) by means of a cutting blade (41 ) of a cutting machine provided with a spindle (30) in which the reel is arranged, said method comprising:- cutting at least one reel portion from a reel, arranging the at least one reel portion, just cut by the blade, by means of displacement means (70, 41 , 60) along the spindle at a first distance (D1 ), greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised by producing a plurality (120) of reel portions (12), in succession to one another, said step of producing the plurality of reel portions comprising:- cutting the first reel portion of the plurality of reel portions,- arranging the first reel portion, just cut by the blade, along the spindle at a first distance (D1 ), greater than a null distance, away from the reel to be cut, and then cyclically for each successive reel portion of the plurality of reel portions:- cutting the next reel portion of the plurality of reel portions,- arranging said successive reel portion just cut at a second distance (D) from the reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle and before said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle, in the path along the spindle which goes from the reel (11 ) to said reel portion previously cut and already arranged on the spindle.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the production of at least one reel portion from a reel occurs automatically.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the number of reel portions to be cut and said second distance (D) are user-settable and said first distance (D1 ) is variable as a function of the number of reel portions (12) to be cut and said second distance.

16. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that said first distance (D1 ) is user- settable.

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