Device for cutting a material to be cut

Abstract

A cutting device (100) for cutting a material to be cut (300) that extends in a first direction (41) comprises a blade holder (110) which can be moved in a second direction (42) transverse to the first direction (41). At least two blade parts (121, 122) are fastened or can be fastened on the blade holder (110). Each of the blade parts (121, 122) has a straight cutting edge (130) which, in the fastened state, overlap (134) in a third direction (43) transverse to the first direction (41) and transverse to the second direction (42), the straight cutting edges (130) being assembled to form a concave cutting edge which, in the state fastened to the blade holder (110), projects in the second direction (42). The device further comprises a shearing beam (150) which has a shearing edge (152) that extends in the third direction (43). In a first position of the blade holder (110), the assembled cutting edge (130) and the shearing beam (150) form a through-opening (154) for the material to be cut (300). In a second position of the blade holder (110), the assembled cutting edge (130) shears with the shearing edge (152) in order to cut the material to be cut (300).

Description

[0001] Device for cutting a material to be cut

[0002] The invention relates to a technique for cutting a material. In particular, the invention relates to a cutting device and a system comprising a printer and such a cutting device.

[0003] Cutting, for example, elastic continuous material with a cross-section of comparable height and width, is used in various industrial applications. These include cutting extruded profiles in the plastics industry, cutting insulation materials such as foam profiles and edge protection profiles in the construction industry, and cutting printed profiles for component marking in the electrical industry.

[0004] Building on the latter application example, cutting material, including partial cutting for perforation, plays a crucial role in the decentralized production of labels and markings. For instance, in professional control cabinet construction, it is essential to label components such as terminal blocks and terminal strips. For this purpose, the material, which has a profile corresponding to the component, is printed and cut.

[0005] Traditionally, cutting is done with a separating unit that works on the scissor principle. A longitudinally movable carrier, which has a flat bevel on one side of its leading edge, is moved upwards by a motor via a rack and pinion drive. A spring-loaded shear bar ensures that the label, which is located between the leading edge and the shear bar, is sheared at precisely that point.

[0006] However, such a carrier with an integrated cutting edge is complex to manufacture, and replacing it as a consumable is practically impossible. One could attach individual blades to the carrier. While this would improve the problem of replaceability, a horizontal, straight cutting edge would lead to a very uneven load on the drive.

[0007] It is now known that a V-blade helps to reduce drive stress and extend its service life. However, manufacturing such a V-blade from a hardened material is very complex and expensive.

[0008] In entirely different fields of application, conventional V-shaped cutting tools are known, such as the V-shaped wire stripper from Harting (available as a replacement blade set, order number 09990000983), which uses individual blades with straight cutting edges stacked on top of each other to achieve the V-shape. This well-known cutting tool consists of two sets of two blades, each with a straight cutting edge sharpened on one side, overlapping across the entire width. The blades rest against each other in pairs with their unsharpened sides facing each other. This allows the two pairs of blades to be slid into each other like scissors. The four tangential cuts make it possible to strip a conductor almost completely.

[0009] However, the superimposed blade combination of the aforementioned prior art is unsuitable for shearing against a shearing beam, since the back-to-back arrangement of the individual blades with a single-sided ground cutting edge results in a distance between the edge of the cutting edge and the edge of the shearing beam that is too large for a clean shear cut.

[0010] In light of this, a solution could be sought by combining two straight blades into a V-shaped blade by arranging them side by side instead of one above the other. To this end, tests were conducted with two straight, double-edged blades mounted abutting each other on the carrier and inserted centrally into a slot in the shear bar. It was observed that the two individual blades were slightly moved apart by the shearing force during cutting. This created a longitudinal gap between the individual blades. Since the gap begins precisely at the apex of the V-shape, material from the cut accumulates in this gap.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device for cutting - in particular perforating - material to be cut, which has a long service life due to a uniform drive load and allows the replacement of cost-effective wear parts without the accumulation of cut material.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the invention, which can be optionally combined with one another, are disclosed below with partial reference to the figures. In particular, features mentioned in the context of the device can also be implemented accordingly in the system and vice versa.

[0014] According to one aspect, a cutting device for cutting material extending in a first direction comprises a blade carrier. The blade carrier is movable in a second direction transverse to the first direction (for example, electromechanically). Furthermore, the cutting device comprises two blade parts attached or attachable to the blade carrier. Each of the at least two blade parts has a straight cutting edge which, when attached, overlaps in a third direction transverse to both the first and second directions. The straight cutting edges are combined to form a concave cutting edge which, when attached, projects from the blade carrier in the second direction. The cutting device also comprises a shear beam having a shearing edge extending in the third direction.In the first position of the movable blade carrier, the compound concave cutting edge and the shear bar form a through-opening in the first direction for the material to be cut. In the second position of the movable blade carrier, the compound concave cutting edge shears to cut the material.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the cutting device can form a continuous concave cutting edge due to their overlapping composition in the third direction. Furthermore, these or other embodiments can achieve a tolerance reserve against displacement or elastic deformation during cutting due to the forces acting against the cutting edge, thanks to the overlapping. Thus, even if the blade components shift relative to each other or if the attachment to the blade carrier deforms, leading to a (temporary or permanent) gap between the blade components, the composite concave cutting edge remains continuous. This prevents material from accumulating in the gap.

[0016] The overlap can only refer to the third direction. For example, the cutting edge of the first blade segment can overlap with the cutting edge of the second blade segment when measured in the third direction (i.e., with respect to the third direction). The overlapping cutting edges can be offset from each other at the point of overlap in the second direction. Alternatively or additionally, the overlapping cutting edges can be arranged in the same plane at the point of overlap with respect to the first direction.

[0017] Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments of the cutting device, the blade components can be more easily replaced as consumables without having to replace the entire blade carrier connected to the drive. In addition, the blade components are simpler to manufacture due to their straight cutting edges, yet still allow for a V-shape of the assembled blade (as an example of a concave shape). The V-shape can produce a flatter cutting surface because the shear forces are lower (than with a cutting edge parallel to the third direction) and more symmetrical (than with a diagonal, continuously straight cutting edge). Moreover, the forces required by the drive to move the cutting edge in the second direction are more uniform, which has a beneficial effect on the cutting pattern and the service life of the drive. The cutting device can be supplied as a kit of components, for example, a set of knife blades, for cutting and / or perforating profiles.

[0018] The cutting material can be an extrudate.

[0019] The material to be cut can be a strip extending in the first direction. A cross-section of the strip can be flat in the second direction relative to its extent in the third direction. Alternatively or additionally, the material to be cut can be a profiled body (or simply profile), for example, an extruded profile, i.e., the product of an extrusion (extrudate), such as a plastic extrusion. In this process, plastic granules can be melted and forced through a shaping die. This creates a continuous profile that can be cut to the desired length after cooling. Alternatively or additionally, the material to be cut (for example, in the context of a continuous manufacturing process) can be a continuous material, such as in paper or textile production. The material to be cut can include fabric webs or paper rolls. Films are another example of the material to be cut.

[0020] The cutting edge of each blade part can be straight in sections or over the entire width in the third direction (i.e., from a first end of the blade part to a second end of the blade part opposite the first end in the third direction), i.e., the cutting edge lies on a straight line, with the composite cutting edge optionally being interrupted by perforation cutouts.

[0021] Due to the concave composition, two adjacent blade sections can form a V-shaped cutting edge. Alternatively or additionally, adjacent blade sections can overlap in pairs with respect to the third direction (for example, with more than two blade sections).

[0022] The cutting device can be permanently or releasably attached to a printer (for example, via appropriate mechanical interfaces). Alternatively or additionally, the cutting device can have a material interface for receiving the cutting material extending in the first direction from a printer.

[0023] The printer can be a thermal transfer printer.

[0024] The cut material can be printed to identify a terminal block. For example, the printed cut material can have multiple markings for several terminal blocks arranged side by side (i.e., a terminal strip). Alternatively or additionally, the cut material can have an elastic profile for a positive-locking connection with a terminal block.

[0025] The marking of the terminal blocks can include labels for individual terminals. Alternatively or additionally, the printed cut material can include individual labels.

[0026] The shear beam can have a slot extending in the third direction between two (preferably parallel) shear edges. That is, the cutting device can include a shear beam that not only has one shear edge extending in the third direction, but also two parallel shear edges.

[0027] In the first position of the blade holder, the projecting blade sections and the shear bar form the opening in the first direction for guiding the material to be cut. In the second position of the blade holder, the projecting blade sections can extend into the slot of the shear bar to cut the material.

[0028] In a first variant of each embodiment, the shear beam comprises only one shear edge, for example, a shear edge at the edge of the shear beam. The composite cutting edges work against the shear edge to cut the material. The cutting edges can either touch the shear edge of the shear beam or, preferably, be guided over the shear edge of the shear beam without contact.

[0029] In a second embodiment, the shear beam comprises a transverse slot, i.e., a slot (or gap) between two shear edges within the shear beam. The composite cutting edges work against the two shear edges to cut the material. The cutting edges can either contact the shear edge of the shear beam or, preferably, be inserted centrally into the slot of the shear beam without making contact.

[0030] During cutting (for example, also during piecemeal cutting for perforation), the material being cut can be separated (or piecemeal separated) due to shear forces, regardless of whether the cutting edges shear on one side (i.e., against only one shearing edge) or on both sides (i.e., in the transverse slot), and regardless of whether the combined cutting edges contact the shear bar or preferably run without contact. Even with non-contact cutting edges, shear forces act in the narrow gap between the cutting edge and the shearing edge.

[0031] Shear cutting can involve cutting (in the sense of the nominalization of the verb "to cut") with two opposing general cutting edges (in the sense of a knife edge). In the cutting device, the general cutting edges can be realized on the one hand by the compound cutting edges and on the other hand by one or two shear edges of the shear bar. The cutting edges and / or the shear edge(s) are preferably chamfered on one side and subject the material being cut between the cutting edge and the shear edge to shearing. The material being cut can additionally be subjected to bending and elongation if the cutting edges of the blade components and the shear edge(s) of the shear bar preferably do not touch each other.

[0032] Longitudinal recesses can extend parallel to the second direction for perforating the material being cut. These longitudinal recesses can also be called perforation slots. The longitudinal recesses can extend from the edge of the cutting edge in the opposite direction to the second direction. The longitudinal recesses must be long enough that they are not covered by the shear bar in the second position of the movable blade carrier (e.g., not completely within the transverse slot of the shear bar).

[0033] The longitudinal grooves allow the material to be cut in the plane of the first and second directions, leaving ridges in the second direction at the locations of the longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal grooves for perforation can be arranged on both sides (e.g., symmetrically) of the intersection point of the cutting edges of the first and second blade sections.

[0034] The at least two blade parts can be made of hardened steel or ceramic.

[0035] The straight edges of the at least two blade parts can each be ground on both sides. Alternatively, the straight edges of the at least two blade parts can each be ground on one side. The unsharpened side of the at least two blade parts can face the shearing edge of the shear bar.

[0036] The straight cutting edge of one ("first") blade part of the at least two blade parts can have a projection in the third direction. In the fixed state, the projection can overlap the cutting edge of the other ("second") blade part of the at least two blade parts, offset in the second direction. In other words, the overlap according to the invention can be achieved by the projection overlapping the common edge where the two blade parts abut each other in the third direction. The projection can be arranged leading, i.e., offset in the second direction from the common edge.

[0037] The projection can extend an edge of the straight cutting edge of the first blade section (for example, the cutting edge and the projection can have a continuous leading edge). Alternatively or additionally, the projection can have another edge that, when attached, lies parallel to an edge of the straight cutting edge of the second blade section.

[0038] The combined cutting edge of the at least two blade parts can enclose an angle α. The projection can taper in a third direction (for example, like a triangle or pointed) with an interior angle β that corresponds to 180° - α.

[0039] The blade sections can overlap by less than half their width in the third direction. For example, the overhang in the third direction can be less than 20% of the width of the first blade section in the third direction. Alternatively or additionally, the overlapping blade sections can be arranged in the same plane. This plane can be defined by the second and third directions. Alternatively or additionally, this plane can be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0040] The blade carrier can have a blade recess (for example, a pocket milled into the blade carrier) in which the two blade parts to be attached (for example, in the aforementioned plane) are received for overlapping cutting edges. The blade carrier can have at least one blade recess in which the at least two blade parts are positively locked with respect to movement in the plane of the blade parts (for example, positively locked with respect to movement in the third direction). This positive locking attachment in the blade recess does not have to be free of play. For example, additional fastening means (such as the pin described below and / or a screw connection with or without a fixing plate) can secure the received blade parts to the blade carrier by friction without play.Alternatively or additionally, the two attached blade parts can be arranged in the blade recess with some play in the second direction when fastened. For example, the (centering) stubs can create a non-play-free positive fit, which only ensures that the blade parts cannot be pulled out of the blade recess in the second direction. When the held blade parts move in the opposite direction, they can be centered relative to each other without play, for example, due to a wedge effect of the blade recess.

[0041] Two edges of the blade recess that are opposite each other in the third direction can essentially extend in the second direction and can, in the opposite direction to the second direction, converge (for example, section by section) in the third direction, meaning that the distance between the edges, measured in the third direction, decreases (tapers) in the opposite direction to the second direction. The converging edges can have straight sections that are not exactly parallel to the second direction. Thus, edges of the blade parts can have corresponding straight sections that, when attached, are parallel to the converging edges of the blade recess, meaning their angle to the first direction is equal to the angle of the converging edges of the blade recess to the first direction. In other words, the blade recess can converge due to the edges in the opposite direction to the second direction (i.e.,(contrary to the direction of movement during cutting) taper (measured in the third direction).

[0042] For example, the at least two fixed blade parts can be arranged with play (in the second direction and / or the third direction) in the blade recess when fixed. Optionally, the at least two fixed blade parts can center themselves towards each other under a force opposite to the second direction (for example, such as occurs during cutting) by the approach of the edges in the third direction (43).

[0043] The converging edges can be described as a wedge shape or wedge-shaped geometry, as they exert a wedge effect on the two or more blade parts during cutting. This means that the edges of the blade recess and the edges of the blade parts, which meet in a straight line in sections, can cause the blade parts to move closer together during cutting. Thus, the wedge effect of the converging edges can counteract the accumulation of tolerances between the assembled blade parts and the connection to the blade holder. Alternatively or additionally, the wedge shape can center the two or more blade parts relative to each other, thereby further preventing gaps from forming between them.

[0044] The wedge-shaped geometry can refer to both the shape of the blade recess and the two or more blade components. Since the two or more blade components and the blade holder are individual parts, each component has its own manufacturing tolerances. These tolerances can accumulate and cause inaccurate alignment or fit of the entire unit, which, under the forces during cutting, could lead to displacement of the blade components relative to each other, a displacement counteracted by the wedge effect.

[0045] Furthermore, the wedge-shaped geometry of the blade components ensures centering during assembly. This means that, due to their shape and the converging edges of the blade recess, the components automatically align correctly with each other. This minimizes misalignment and ensures that the blade components are perfectly aligned, regardless of any manufacturing tolerances. In particular, this simplifies and reduces the likelihood of errors when replacing the blade components as consumables.

[0046] Furthermore, the cutting device can include a fixing plate which, when attached, is screwed to the blade carrier. The fixing plate can extend in the second and third directions. The blade components can be arranged between the fixing plate and the blade carrier, for example, by frictional locking.

[0047] The blade components held in the blade recess can be flush with the blade carrier. The fixing plate can lie flat against the blade components and the blade carrier, i.e., in a single plane.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the base of the blade recess can have a depth in the first direction relative to a surface of the blade carrier. The depth of the blade recess can be less than the thickness of the blade parts it holds. For example, this allows the blade parts to protrude beyond the surface in the first direction. In the second and third directions, the fixing plate can lie flat against the blade parts to ensure a force-fit connection.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing plate can bulge outwards in the opposite direction. The bulge can rest against the mounted blade parts to ensure a positive locking connection.

[0050] Each blade segment can have an opening (for example, a centering opening). The blade recess can also have openings (for example, centering openings) that correspond to the openings of the blade segments (for example, aligning or being concentric when attached). A pin (for example, a centering pin) of the fixing plate projects through each of the corresponding openings, extending in the first direction.

[0051] The (centering) pin can be a bolt that is rotationally symmetrical about the first direction (e.g., cylindrical) and / or conical. Alternatively or additionally, the pin can have a surface that is not rotationally symmetrical about the first direction. For example, the pin can have singular or multiple rotational symmetry about the first direction. The corresponding openings can have a corresponding rotational symmetry for a rotationally fixed connection.

[0052] According to another aspect, a system for providing a printed and cut (e.g., perforated) marking profile comprises a printer (e.g., a thermal transfer printer) and a cutting device as described above. The printer is configured to print on a cutting material. The cutting device is configured to cut the printed material and provide the cut, printed material as a marking profile. The printer can receive an identifier or a set of identifiers via an interface (e.g., a network interface or a serial interface). The printer can be configured to print the received identifier(s) onto the cutting material using a printing material. The printing material can include a ribbon, for example, for thermal transfer printing. The cutting material (i.e.,A substrate (or printing material) can be a plastic, for example an elastomer or a foam. The printer's printed product can include the cut material printed using the printing material.

[0053] The printer can be a thermal transfer printer. A thermal transfer printer can provide high-contrast and durable marking. For example, the printer could be a thermal transfer roll printer.

[0054] By making it possible to attach specific cutting device models to a printer that is not application-specific, the need for specialized printers for each application, and thus costs, can be avoided, and / or resources can be used more effectively. For example, this can increase the printer's utilization rate. The same or other cutting device models can also reduce the subsequent manual effort required to mount the printed materials onto the objects to be marked, for example, by allowing the printed material to be easily adjusted to the installation situation via the perforation.

[0055] In this context, enumerations of the form "A, B, ... and / or C" reveal each enumerated feature individually ("A or B or ... "), each sub-combination ("A and B", "A and C", ...) and their totality in combination ("A and B and C").

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings and to preferred embodiments, which can optionally be combined with one another. The drawings show:

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a cutting device for cutting a material according to a first embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 1 a shows a top view of a first embodiment of a pair of blades with a first blade part and a second blade part for overlapping arrangement in one plane, which can be used in the cutting device according to Fig. 1;

[0059] Fig. 1b shows a top view of a second embodiment of a blade set with a first, second and third blade part for overlapping arrangement in one plane, which can be used in the cutting device according to Fig. 1;

[0060] Fig. 1 c shows a top view of a third embodiment of a blade set with a first, second and third blade part for overlapping arrangement in one plane, which can be used in the cutting device according to Fig. 1;

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system with a printer and an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0062] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a conventional cutting device with a monolithic carrier-blade unit according to a reference example;

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a material that can be cut, in particular perforated, in an embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a material that can be cut, in particular perforated, in an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of the blade pair with the first blade part and the second blade part for overlapping arrangement in one plane, which can be used in an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0065] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the fourth embodiment of the blade pair, wherein the first blade part and the second blade part abut each other in one plane and overlap in the third direction;

[0066] Fig. 8 shows a top view of an embodiment of a blade carrier that can be used in an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0067] Fig. 9 shows a perspective exploded view of the embodiment of the blade carrier of Fig. 8 in spatial relation to the fourth embodiment of the blade pair of Fig. 7 and a fixing plate, which can be used in an embodiment of the cutting device;

[0068] Fig. 10 shows another perspective exploded view of the embodiments of Fig. 9 and their mechanical connections indicated by lines;

[0069] Fig. 11 shows a top view of the cutting device for cutting the material according to a second embodiment in a first position; and

[0070] Fig. 12 shows a top view of the cutting device for cutting the material according to a second embodiment in a second position. Fig. 1 shows a top view of a cutting device, generally designated by reference numeral 100, for cutting material according to a first embodiment. The material, not shown in Fig. 1, may be fed perpendicular to the plane of the blade towards the viewer, i.e., in a first direction 41.

[0071] Without being limited to this, exemplary embodiments of the cutting device with two blade halves are described below as an exemplary number of at least two blade parts.

[0072] The cutting device 100 comprises a blade carrier 110 which is movable in a second direction 42 transversely (preferably perpendicularly) to the first direction 41 (for example, electromechanically). Furthermore, the cutting device 100 comprises two blade halves 121 and 122 which are attached or attachable to the blade carrier 110. Each of the two blade halves 121, 122 has a straight cutting edge 130.

[0073] These cutting edges 130 overlap (at reference numeral 134) in the fixed state in a third direction 43, which is transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the first direction 41 and transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the second direction 42, thus combining the straight cutting edges 130 into a continuous, concave cutting edge. This combined V-shaped cutting edge 130 projects from the blade carrier 110 in the second direction (42) when fixed.

[0074] Fig. 1a schematically shows a top view of the same embodiment of the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122 of Fig. 1, with these lying separately next to each other. The projection on the cutting edge 130 of the first blade half 121 enables the overlap 134 in the third direction 43 and can equivalently be realized as a projection 132 in the area of ​​the cutting edge 130 or as a recess around the lower area of ​​the blade 121.

[0075] As emphasized at the outset, the two blade halves 121 and 122 are only one example of the number of at least two blade parts. Consequently, Fig. 1b schematically shows a top view of a second embodiment with three blade parts 121, 122, and 122'. Each adjacent or abutting pair of these blade parts has a cutting edge 130 that overlaps in or against the third direction 43 due to the projection 132. That is, the projection 132 on the cutting edge 130 of the blade part 121, opposite the third direction, allows the overlap in the third direction 43 with the second blade part 122. The third blade part 122' has a projection 132 that extends in the third direction 43 and allows the overlap in the third direction 43 with the second blade part 122.

[0076] It should be noted that the projections 132 continue the cutting edge 130 of the respective blade part in a straight line.

[0077] Fig. 1c schematically shows a top view of a third embodiment with three blade parts 121, 122, and 122'. Each adjacent or abutting pair of these blade parts has a cutting edge 130 that overlaps in or against the third direction 43 due to the projection 132. That is, the projection 132 on the cutting edge 130 of the blade part 121, opposite to the third direction, allows the overlap in the third direction 43 between the first blade part 121 and the second blade part 122. The third blade part 122' has a projection 132 that extends opposite to the third direction 43 and allows the overlap in the third direction 43 between the second blade part 122 and the third blade part 122'.

[0078] As illustrated by Figures 1b and 1c, the concave composition of the cutting edge 130 is a generalization of the V-shape of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 1a. The V-shape is a special case where the overlapping straight cutting edges 130 of the two blade halves 121 and 122 can form an angle (e.g., obtuse or acute) for a V-shape of the compound convex cutting edges 130.

[0079] Furthermore, the cutting device 100 comprises a (preferably spring-loaded) shear bar 150, which has at least one shear edge 152 extending in the third direction 43. For example, two parallel shear edges 152 can form a transverse slot in the shear bar 150. In a first position of the movable blade carrier 110, a through-opening 154 in the first direction 41 for receiving (e.g., passing through) the material to be cut is located between the compound concave cutting edge 130 and the shear bar 150. In a second position of the movable blade carrier 110, the compound concave cutting edge 130 with the shear edge 152 shears to cut (e.g., perforate) the material to be cut.

[0080] The overlapping straight cutting edges 130 of the two blade halves 121, 122 can enclose an angle (for example, obtuse or acute) to form a V-shape of the compound convex cutting edges 130. The enclosed angle can be between 60° and 90° or between 90° and 120°. Preferably, the compound concave V-cutting edge has no further cutting edge or blade inside the enclosed angle besides the cutting edges 130 of the two blade halves 121, 122.

[0081] The cutting device 100 can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications, particularly for elastic materials such as rubber or foam, and for cross-sectional profiles with comparable height and width. For example, the cutting device 100 is suitable for cutting or perforating sealing profiles, hoses, rubber bands, cables, foams, or similar products in the electrical, automotive, construction, and packaging industries.

[0082] In the automotive industry, rubber-like materials are often used in the production of various car parts, such as sealing profiles for windows and doors. Examples of the cutting device 100 can be used here to cut the materials to the required length.

[0083] In the construction industry, embodiments of the cutting device 100 can be used to cut sealing profiles that prevent water and air leaks in buildings. In the packaging industry, foam is often used to protect sensitive products during transport. Embodiments of the cutting device 100 can be used here to cut custom-sized pieces of foam that effectively protect the products.

[0084] In the furniture industry, embodiments of the cutting device 100 can be used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture to cut foam into specific shapes and sizes in order to produce comfortable and durable furniture.

[0085] Due to their electromechanical drive, embodiments of the cutting device 100 can also be used in special environments that could be dangerous for people, such as in the production of components made of high-performance fiber composites.

[0086] The cutting device 100 is described below using exemplary embodiments for the provision of markings. The cutting device 100 is not limited to such an application example.

[0087] Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system 1000 with a printer 200 and an embodiment of the cutting device 100. In this example, the printed and cut material 300 serves to label a terminal block 400.

[0088] The system 1000 can include a mechanical interface designed to detachably attach the cutting device 100 to the printer 200. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting device 100 includes a data interface (e.g., wired, wireless, or optical) designed to communicate with the printer 200 to provide the printed, uncut cutting material 300.

[0089] The movement of the blade carrier 110 in the first direction 41 for cutting can be driven electrically (especially by an electric motor) or manually. The cutting device 100 can be powered via an electrical interface with the printer for a drive of the blade carrier 110 and / or a control unit of the cutting device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the drive of the blade carrier 110 can be controlled via the data interface (for example, exclusively) by a control unit of the printer. Through the data interface, the printer 200 can output control signals to the cutting device 100, which coordinate (for example, synchronize) the cutting action of the cutting device with a sequence of feeds of the printed cutting material 300 by the printer 200.

[0090] Furthermore, after cutting has been completed, the availability (e.g., a release) of the printed and cut material can be indicated by an optical and / or acoustic signal from the cutting device 100 or the printer 200.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the printer 200 includes a display. For example, the display can show a status and / or the position of the blade carrier 110.

[0092] The thermal transfer printer 200 can be configured for printing labels. A transfer ribbon (carrier film with a color layer) is transported through the cutting material 300 under a stationary printhead (for example, a thermal line). Small resistors in the printhead are heated by electrical pulses, so that the resulting heat, in combination with the pressure of the printhead on the transfer ribbon, causes dots of color to be transferred from the ribbon and permanently applied to the cutting material 300.

[0093] The transfer film consists of a polyester film coated on one side with a colored layer of wax, resin, or a mixture of both. The other side has a silicone coating that protects the printhead and improves gliding properties. During the printing process, the film is guided between the printhead and the material to be printed.

[0094] The System 1000 enables automated marking. The modular System 1000, consisting of the 200 thermal transfer roll printer and the 100 cutting unit, prints markings for control cabinet components, such as terminal markers in continuous format as cutting material 300, and cuts them individually to the appropriate grid dimensions. Combining these process steps results in significant time savings.

[0095] Fig. 3 schematically shows a top view of a conventional cutting device 10 with a monolithic carrier-blade unit 20 as a reference example. The carrier-blade unit 20 comprises a one-piece, single-sided ground cutting edge 30 with longitudinal recesses 136 for perforating the material being cut.

[0096] The drive comprises an electric motor 160, a gearbox 162, and a shaft 164, each driving a gear on either side which meshes with a rack arranged on the rear side (opposite the first direction 41) of the carrier-blade unit 20 for moving the carrier-blade unit 20 in the second direction 42. The same can be implemented in any embodiment of the cutting device 100 for the movable blade carrier 110.

[0097] A controller 170 is designed to regulate the drive 160, for example in response to a control signal at the data interface to the printer 200 and / or depending on a measured current and / or measured position of the blade carrier.

[0098] In each embodiment of the cutting device 100, the blade halves 121, 122 can have longitudinal recesses 136 for perforating the material 300 being cut. For example, the longitudinal recesses 136 extend on both sides (and optionally symmetrically) of the intersection point of the cutting edges 130 (or their overlap 134) from the leading edge of the cutting edge 130 in the opposite direction 42. Preferably, the positional tolerance of the two blade halves 121, 122 is smaller than the length of the overlap 134 of the cutting edges 130 measured in the third direction 43. When the blade halves 121, 122 are subjected to shear forces during cutting the material 300, this prevents a gap from forming between the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122, which could lead to the accumulation of material residues from the material 300 being cut.

[0099] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show a cross-section of a first and second embodiment of the cutting material 300, which can be cut, in particular perforated, in each embodiment of the cutting device 100.

[0100] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show cross-sections of two exemplary profiles of an embodiment of the cutting material 300. The corresponding cutting material 300, for example on a roll, is loaded into the thermal transfer printer 200 as the substrate and printed on the printing surface 302 shown at the top of the cross-section in Figures 4 and 5. Subsequently, the printed cutting material is perforated and / or cut by the device 100. An exemplary extent of the printing surface 302 in the third direction 43 is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, for example approximately 10 mm in the case of Figure 4.

[0101] In one embodiment, the system labels 1000 terminal strips with two versions of the cutting material 300, namely the profiles shown in Figures 4 and 5 in continuous format for high and low marking grooves, respectively, in the terminal strips. The continuous format allows for widths (i.e., lengths of the cut material) between 3.5 mm and 1000 mm, regardless of the number of different grid dimensions. The grid dimensions can be entered via the screen of the printer 200 or via a wireless connection with a smartphone. The feed rate of the printer 200 adjusts to the grid dimensions, and the printer 200 controls the perforation by the cutting device 100 via the data interface according to the grid dimensions. The profiles shown in Figures 4 and 5 allow the printed cutting material 300 to be fixed in the marking groove of the terminal strip by simply snapping and separating the individual, perforated markers.

[0102] The terminal strip labeling and perforation cuts can be transferred via the data interface based on data from engineering software.

[0103] The exemplary profiles "E-TM" of Fig. 4 and "E-TMF" of Fig. 5 of the cutting material 300 are printed in the printer 200 and subsequently perforated and / or cut by the cutting device 100. The profiles are shaped to complement the recesses in the terminal blocks. This allows the printed and cut profiles to be inserted into the recesses in a form-fitting manner.

[0104] Fig. 6 schematically shows a top view of a second embodiment of the blade pair with the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122 in a plane for overlap 134 of the cutting edges 130 in the third direction 43 by means of a projection 132. This blade pair can be used in a variant of each embodiment of the cutting device 100.

[0105] Fig. 7 illustrates the matching contours of the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122, which allows them to be arranged in one plane and overlapping in the third direction 43. In the position shown in Fig. 7, the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122 abut each other in one plane and overlap in the third direction 43.

[0106] The projection 132 is a triangle whose upper edge corresponds to the edge of the cutting edge 130 of the first blade half 121 and whose lower edge forms an angle β = 180° - a with the upper edge, where a is the angle of the V-shape of the composite cutting edge 130. The (centering) openings 124 serve for the positive locking fastening, preferably with play for further centering (e.g., a rotatable fastening), of the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122.

[0107] Fig. 8 schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of the blade carrier 110, which can be used in a variant of each embodiment of the cutting device 100.

[0108] Here, the use with the second embodiment is shown. For this purpose, the blade carrier 110 has two (centering) openings 114 which are concentric with the (centering) openings 124 of the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122 when the first blade half 121 and the second blade half 122 are inserted into the recess 112 of the blade carrier 110.

[0109] The opposing edges 116 of the recess 112 cause the blade halves 121 and 122 to be pressed together to overlap 134 during cutting.

[0110] The at least one blade recess 112 is bordered on both sides in the third direction 43 by edges 116, for example, a step in the surface of the blade carrier 110. These opposing edges 116 (for example, each a straight section) are not parallel to the second direction 42, but diverge in the second direction (i.e., towards the shear bar 150). This allows the two blade halves 121, 122 to be pressed towards each other over the blade carrier 110 (i.e., via the wedge action of the edges 116) during cutting due to forces opposite to the second direction 42, and ensures the overlap 134 (i.e., the continuity of the compound cutting edges 130) even during cutting.

[0111] Furthermore, the blade carrier 110 has two screw openings 118 with internal threads. As shown in the perspective exploded view of Fig. 9, a fixing plate 140 can be connected to the screw openings 118 on the blade carrier by means of corresponding screw openings 142, thereby securing the blade halves 121 and 122 in the recess 112.

[0112] The blade carrier 110 has a (centering) recess 114 (for example, a through-hole) for each of the two blade halves 121, 122. Each of the two blade halves 121, 122 has a (centering) recess 124 (for example, a through-hole). The fixing plate 140 has a cylindrical pin (for example, a centering pin) for each of the two blade halves 121, 122, which, when fastened, is received in the respective (centering) recess 114 for a positive-locking connection of the blade halves 121, 122 with the blade carrier 110 in a plane of the blade halves 121, 122.

[0113] While in the embodiment of Fig. 10 the pin 144 is arranged on the fixing plate 140 and the recess 114 on the blade carrier 110, in one variant of each embodiment the pin 144 is arranged on the blade carrier 110 and the recess 114 on the fixing plate 140.

[0114] The fixing plate 140 presses the two blade halves 121, 122 against the blade carrier 110 in the fixed state.

[0115] The fixing plate 140 is screwed to the blade carrier 110 via at least two screw holes 142, preferably with internal threads, through the screw holes 118 of the blade carrier. The screw connections 126 are indicated by lines in Fig. 9. A screw head of one screw of the screw connection 126 is preferably located on the side of the blade carrier 110, and the screw terminates in the internal thread of the screw hole 142, so that, contrary to the first direction 41, no installation space is required for attaching the blade halves 121, 122 to the blade carrier 110. This allows for a compact design of the cutting device 100, as the blade carrier 110 is movably arranged close to the drive 160 and its mechanism 162-166. Preferably, the openings 114 of the blade recess 112 lie in a straight line between the screw holes 118.This allows the fixing plate to hold the stubs 144 in the recesses 124 of the blade halves 121, 122 and in the recesses 114 of the blade recess 112.

[0116] The stubs 144 thus achieve a positive-locking (preferably not friction-locking) attachment of the blade halves 121, 122 to the blade carrier 110. Preferably, the positive-locking attachment is not backlash-free, for example, not an interference fit. This positive locking allows one degree of rotational freedom for each individual blade half 121, 122 about the respective pin 144. This degree of freedom is eliminated by the enclosing of the blade halves 121, 122 by the rim 116 of the blade recess 112 and thus, due to the converging rim 116, enables a gap-free alignment of the overlapping cutting edges 130 of the two blade halves 121, 122 received in the blade recess 112.

[0117] Fig. 10 schematically shows another perspective exploded view of the embodiments of Fig. 9 and their screw connection 126 indicated by lines, as well as the positive locking due to a pin 144 projecting through the openings 114 and 124.

[0118] Fig. 11 schematically shows a top view of the cutting device 100 according to the second embodiment in a first position, when the (printed) cutting material 300 can be fed through the through-opening 154.

[0119] Fig. 12 schematically shows a top view of the cutting device 100 for cutting the material 300 according to the second embodiment in a second position, when the material 300 is cut between the shear beam 150 and the composite cutting edge 130 projecting from the blade carrier in the second direction 42.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the shear bar has a transverse slot as a double shear edge 152, into which the compound cutting edge 130 is inserted centrally. Preferably, neither of the cutting edges 130 nor of the blade halves 121 and 122 touches any of the shear edges 152.

[0121] As can be seen from the preceding embodiments, the overlapping 134 of the cutting edges 130 prevents gap formation. This can also be prevented by the conical edges 116, which press the blade halves 121, 122 together when they are guided along the second direction 42 on the blade carrier. This compensates for tolerances in the blade halves.

[0122] In the event of insufficient compensation of the tolerances and a resulting gap formation, the superimposed blade part 134 ensures that the gap between the blade halves 121, 122 on the composite cutting edge 130 remains concealed and thus has no effect on the cutting performance.

[0123] The blade pair is secured in the Y and Z directions by the fixing plate 140, for example, a fixing plate. After the blade pair 121, 122 is positioned in the recess 112 of the blade carrier 110, the fixing plate is attached over it.

[0124] The prongs 144 on the fixing plate 140 pass through the blade halves 121, 122 and enter the blade holder 110. A continuous thread is located at the outer ends of the plate in the screw holes 118. The fixing plate 140 is screwed to the blade holder 110 via this thread.

[0125] The projection 132 provides a special geometry for superimposing 134 a potential gap between the blade halves 121 and 122. This ensures that no gap forms in the cutting edge 130 when the blade penetrates the material 300 being cut. Preferably, a double-edged cutting edge 130 is inserted approximately centrally into the transverse slot 152 of the shear bar 150. In one variant of each embodiment, the operating principle of a single-edged cutting edge 130, which is guided along the shearing edge 152 according to the principle of scissors, can be implemented.

[0126] Thus, exemplary embodiments of the cutting device 100, for example as a cutting tool, can realize overlapping cutting edges 130 of adjacent blade halves 121, 122, wherein the individual cutting edges are each straight. At the point of intersection, the cutting edges 130 form an angle and thus create a two-part blade with a concave V-shaped cutting edge. Optionally, longitudinal recesses 136 extend on both sides of the V-shaped inflection point from the cutting edge 130 parallel to the direction of movement of the blade halves 121, 122 for perforating the printed cutting material 300.

[0127] Exemplary embodiments of the cutting device 100 thus enable the simpler production of at least two individual blade parts (for example, two individual blade halves), each with straight cutting edges. These or further exemplary embodiments of the cutting device 100 allow the motor 160 and gearbox 162 to be subjected to less and more even stress due to the composite V-blade and the cutting edges 130, which are diagonal to the direction of movement of the blade carrier 110, since no peaks occur in the force-displacement diagram. Furthermore, the shear forces that push both cutting edges 130 apart transversely to the direction of movement during cutting cannot separate the cutting edges 130 from each other because the overlap 134 achieves a tolerance in the relative arrangement of the blade halves 121, 122.

[0128] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be used as substitutes. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt the invention to a specific situation or material. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but encompasses all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0129] Reference symbol list

[0130] Conventional cutting device 10

[0131] Conventional one-piece blade 20

[0132] One-piece, single-sided ground cutting edge 30

[0133] First direction, for example, the section normal or the Y-axis 41

[0134] Second direction, for example cutting direction or Z-axis 42

[0135] Third direction, for example cross-sectional direction or X-axis 43

[0136] Cutting device, for example cutting tool and printer applicator 100

[0137] Blade carrier 110

[0138] Blade recess in the blade carrier 112

[0139] Opening (optional centering openings) in blade recess 114

[0140] Converging edge of the blade recess 116

[0141] Approaching the edges 117

[0142] Screw opening in blade carrier 118

[0143] A blade part, for example the first blade half 121

[0144] Other blade part, for example second blade half 122

[0145] Opening (optional centering opening) of the blade half 124

[0146] Screw connection 126

[0147] Cutting edge of the blade section, optionally ground on both sides (wedge grind) 130

[0148] Cutting edge projection in the cross-sectional direction 132

[0149] Overlap of the cutting edges 134

[0150] Longitudinal recesses for perforation in the cutting edge 136

[0151] Fixing plate 140

[0152] Screw opening in the fixing plate, optionally with internal thread 142

[0153] Pin (optional centering pin) of the fixing plate 144

[0154] Shear beam, optionally spring-loaded 150 Shear edge, for example shear edge pair or transverse slot 152

[0155] Passage opening 154

[0156] Drive, for example electric motor 160 gearbox of the drive 162

[0157] Shaft of the drive 164

[0158] Rack of the drive on blade carrier 166

[0159] Control unit of the cutting device 170 printers, for example thermal transfer printers 200

[0160] Cutting material, for example continuous material and / or marking profile and / or printing material 300

[0161] Printing area of ​​the cutting material 302

[0162] Terminal block 400

[0163] Identification system 1000

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cutting device (100) for cutting a cutting material (300) extending in a first direction (41), comprising: a blade carrier (110) which is movable in a second direction (42) transversely to the first direction (41); at least two blade parts (121, 122) attached or attachable to the blade carrier (110), each of the blade parts (121, 122) having a straight cutting edge (130) which, in the attached state, overlap in a third direction (43) transversely to the first direction (41) and transversely to the second direction (42) (134), wherein the straight cutting edges (130) are assembled to form a concave cutting edge which, in the attached state, projects from the blade carrier (110) in the second direction (42);and a shear beam (150) having a shear edge (152) extending in the third direction (43), wherein in a first position of the movable blade carrier (110) the compound concave cutting edge (130) and the shear beam (150) form a through-opening (154) in the first direction (41) for the passage of the material to be cut (300) and in a second position of the movable blade carrier (110) the compound concave cutting edge (130) shears with the shear edge (152) to cut the material to be cut (300).

2. Cutting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting device (100) can be irreversibly or releasably attached to a printer (200) and has a material interface for receiving the cutting material (300) extending in the first direction (41) from the printer (200).

3. Cutting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting material (300) is printed for marking a terminal block (400), and / or wherein the cutting material (300) has an elastic profile for positive locking connection with a terminal block (400).

4. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shear beam (150) has a third-direction (43) extending has a slot between two mutually parallel shearing edges (152), wherein in the first position of the blade carrier (110) the projecting blade parts (121 , 122) and the shear beam (150) form the through-opening (154) in the first direction (41) for the passage of the cutting material (300) and in the second position of the blade carrier (110) the projecting blade parts (121 , 122) protrude into the slot of the shear beam (150) for cutting the cutting material (300).

5. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein longitudinal recesses (136) for perforating the cutting material (300) in the cutting edges (130) extend parallel to the second direction (42).

6. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least two blade parts (121 , 122) are made of hardened steel or ceramic.

7. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the straight cutting edges (130) of the at least two blade parts (121 , 122) are each ground on both sides, or wherein the straight cutting edges (130) of the at least two blade parts (121 , 122) are each ground on one side and the unsharpened side of the at least two blade parts (121 , 122) faces the shearing edge (152) of the shearing bar (150).

8. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the straight cutting edge (130) of a first blade part (121) of the at least two blade parts (121, 122) has a projection (132) in the third direction (43), which in the fixed state forms the cutting edge (130) of a second blade part (122) which overlaps at least two blade parts (121 , 122) offset in the second direction (42).

9. Cutting device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the projection (132) continues an edge of the straight cutting edge (130) of the first blade part (121) and has a further edge which, in the fixed state, lies parallel to an edge of the straight cutting edge (130) of the second blade part (121), and / or wherein the compound cutting edge (130) of the at least two blade parts (121, 122) encloses an angle α and the projection (132) tapers to a point in the third direction (43) at an angle β = 180° - α.

10. Cutting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blade parts overlap less than half their length in the third direction (43).

11. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the blade carrier (110) has a blade recess (112) in which the at least two fixed blade parts (121, 122) are received in a plane (42, 43) for overlapping (134) of the cutting edges (130).

12. Cutting device (100) according to claim 11, wherein two edges (116) of the blade recess (112) opposite each other in the third direction (43) extend substantially in the second direction (42) and approach each other in the third direction (43) in the opposite direction (42) (117), optionally wherein the at least two fixed blade parts (121, 122) are arranged in the fixed state with play in the second direction (42) and the third direction (43) in the blade recess (112) and center themselves towards each other under a force opposite to the second direction (42) by the approach (117) of the edges (116) in the third direction (43).

13. Cutting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a fixing plate (140) which, in the fixed state, is screwed to the blade carrier (110) and extends in the third direction (43), wherein the blade parts (121 , 122) are arranged between the fixing plate (140) and the blade carrier (110), preferably in a force-fit manner.

14. Cutting device (100) according to claim 13 and claim 11 or 12, wherein a base of the blade recess (112) has a depth relative to a surface of the blade carrier (110) in the first direction (41) that is less than the thickness of the received blade parts (121, 122), so that in a plane of the second direction (42) and the third direction (43) the fixing plate (140) bears flat against the blade parts (121, 122) for force-fit fastening of the received blade parts (121, 122), or wherein the fixing plate (140) bulges out opposite the first direction (41) for force-fit fastening of the received blade parts (121, 122); and / or wherein each of the blade parts (121 , 122) has an opening (124) and corresponding openings (114) are provided in the blade recess (112) through which a pin (144) of the fixing plate (140) extending in the first direction (41) protrudes.

15. System (1000) for providing a printed and cut, optionally perforated, marking profile, comprising: a printer (200), optionally a thermal transfer printer configured to print on a cutting material (300); and a cutting device (100) for cutting the cutting material (300) printed by the printer (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cutting device (100) provides the cut, printed cutting material (300) as a marking profile.

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