Slotter module for a converting machine
The slotter module uses a fluid injection assembly to clear debris from drive shafts, enabling smooth operation and adjustment of rotary tools for converting machines, addressing the issue of tool obstruction by waste build-up.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/067265
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-20
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
AI Technical Summary
Converting machines face issues with rotary tools getting stuck on drive shafts due to build-up of cut-away paper waste, making it difficult to adjust the rotary tools for different packaging element formats.
A slotter module with a fluid injection assembly that projects fluid onto the drive shaft to remove debris, combined with a displacement mechanism for sliding the rotary tools, ensuring smooth operation and adjustment.
Prevents obstruction of the rotary tools by debris, facilitating convenient reconfiguration for various packaging elements by maintaining tool holder mobility and reducing friction.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025067265_26122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SLOTTER MODULE FOR A CONVERTING MACHINE
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a slotter module for a converting machine. In particular, the disclosure relates to a slotter module for formation, with a rotary member, of a deformation line in sheet material for formation of packaging elements therefrom, and to a mounting assembly for the rotary member.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] Converting machines such as flexo folder-gluers may be configured to produce flat-packed or folding boxes. These converting machines are fed with sheet material (e.g. blanks) and are configured to print, cut and score the sheets to form flat-packed boxes and similar packaging elements.
[0006] Converting machines in the form of flexo folder-gluers are provided with a slotter module having rotary tools, which can be mounted by tool holders to drive shafts. The tool holders are slideably mounted to the drive shafts to enable adjustment when a format of the packaging elements to be produced changes.
[0007] The drive shafts can be located below a trajectory of the sheet material and often receive a significant build up of cut-away paper waste which are deposited thereon, herein material. In view of this, the tool holder may to get stuck on the drive shaft, which make it difficult to displace and adjust the rotary tool.
[0008] SUMMARY
[0009] In view of the prior art, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved slotter module for processing of sheet material. This object may be solved by a slotter module according to claim 1 .
[0010] The present disclosure provides a slotter module for a converting machine for producing packaging elements from sheet material. The slotter module comprising: a first (e.g. an upper) rotary member arrangement comprising one or more rotary tools / members and a mounting assembly for the or each rotary tool / member; a second (e.g. a lower) rotary member arrangement comprising one or more rotary tools / members and a mounting assembly for the or each rotary. The mounting assembly of the first and / or second rotary member arrangement may comprise comprising a tool holder. The tool holder may integrate or be separate from the rotary tool. The first rotary member arrangement and second rotary member arrangement are arranged to cooperate together to form a deformation line (e.g. a crease or cut / slot or groove) in the sheet material. At least one mounting assembly comprises: a drive shaft slideably supporting the tool holder; a displacement mechanism arranged to slideably displace the rotary tool along a displacement pathway on the drive shaft (e.g. to adjust for the formation of different packaging elements), and; a fluid injection assembly comprising a flow path arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft proximal the tool holder for removal of material (e.g. debris / build up from previous executions of deformation lines on sheet material) from a drive shaft.
[0011] By implementing the fluid injection assembly to project fluid (e.g. air) on the drive shaft, debris may be prevented from obstructing sliding of the tool holder and reconfiguring of the slotting module for different packaging elements may be more convenient. In embodiments, the fluid injection assembly is arranged to project fluid on the displacement pathway, e.g. immediately prior to said pathway being covered by the rotary tool holder. In embodiments, the fluid is a gaseous medium, e.g. air, however liquids may also be implemented.
[0012] As used herein the term “proximal” in respect of the portion of the driveshaft and tool holder may refer to a portion of the drive shaft that directly adjoins an exterior edge of the tool holder, and may extend from said exterior edge by up to: 5 mm, or; 10 mm, or; 20 mm, or; 50 mm, or; 100 mm.
[0013] In embodiments, the fluid injection assembly / tool holder includes: an annular body (e.g. an arrangement that extends circumferentially around the shaft, which may include the body of the tool holder) that extends around the drive shaft. A circumferential extension may ensure a whole circumference of the drive shaft can be subject to the fluid. In embodiments one or more outlets of the flow path are arranged on the annular body to inject fluid directly (e.g. without traveling around another member) onto the drive shaft. The outlets may be fully or partially circumferentially extending, e.g. which may ensure full coverage of the drive shaft.
[0014] In embodiments, the annular body is arranged to form a central / annular cavity (e.g. fully or partially annularly extending) of the flow path, the central / annular cavity fluidically connected to the or each outlet. By implementing an annular cavity, pressure equalisation to the outlets may be achieved, e.g. for uniform distribution of the fluid to the drive shaft. In embodiments, part of the annular cavity is bounded by the drive shaft. By implementing an edge of the cavity to be defined by the shaft (e.g. an inner radial position) the cavity may treat said portion of shaft with the fluid. In embodiments, the annular body includes first end and second end, which are separated in the axial direction of the drive shaft, wherein at least one of the first end or second end comprises the outlet. Outlets at either end may ensure the shaft in immediate proximity to the end is treated with fluid. In embodiments, the or each outlet is annular and is bounded by the drive shaft and the annular body, and may have a radial dimension of 0.5 - 1 mm.
[0015] In embodiments, the flow path of the fluid injection assembly includes a passageway comprising an inlet at a surface of the annular body. An inlet at the surface of the annular body may be conveniently coupled to by the fluid supply assembly.
[0016] In embodiments, the slotter module comprises a fluid supply assembly that is movable between a coupled position and a decoupled position, wherein in the coupled position a flow path of the fluid supply assembly arranged to supply fluid to the flow path of the fluid injection assembly. Such an arrangement may removably coupled the supply of fluid so that it does not require permanent coupling, including when the rotary tool is in rotation, which may reduce rotating mass and risk of damage to the fluid supply assembly.
[0017] In embodiments, the fluid supply assembly is actuated between the coupled position and uncoupled position by an actuation system. In embodiments, the actuation system is actuated based at least partially on fluid flow pressure in the flow path of the fluid supply assembly. By actuating the actuation system by fluid flow, a separate actuator may be obviated. In embodiments, the fluid supply assembly is biased to the uncoupled position. Hence the application of fluid flow may cause a transition from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.
[0018] In embodiments, the fluid supply assembly includes a connection head to couple (e.g. in a fluidically sealed manner) an outlet of the flow path of the fluid supply assembly to an inlet of the flow path of the fluid injection assembly.
[0019] In embodiments, the displacement mechanism comprises an engagement member that is arranged to engage a tool holder to slideably displace the rotary tool along the drive shaft. In embodiments, the engagement member is coupled to the fluid supply assembly to displace the fluid supply assembly with the rotary tool. In this manner, the fluid supply assembly may remain in the correct sliding position whilst the rotary tool is slid for supply of fluid to the fluid injection assembly.
[0020] In embodiments, the engagement member is arranged to engage a plurality of tool holders to slideably displace a plurality of rotary tools along the drive shaft (e.g. at the same time), and the engagement member is coupled to a plurality fluid supply assemblies, each associated with a rotary tool. With such an arrangement, multiply rotary tools may be slid and the associated shafts treated at the same time.
[0021] In embodiments, the slotter module comprises a positioning system configured to rotationally position the tool holder in a stop position, in which a connection head of the fluid supply assembly is rotationally aligned with an inlet of the fluid injection system. In the stop position the fluid supply assembly may be transitioned from the uncoupled to the coupled position.
[0022] In embodiments, the slotter module comprises electrical circuitry for control of the displacement mechanism and the air supply assembly, e.g. to implement a reconfiguring process. For example, the electrical circuitry may control the fluid supply system to transition from the uncoupled to the coupled position and to supply with the fluid injection system fluid to the shaft. Subsequently, or concurrently, the electrical circuitry may control the displacement mechanism to slide the rotary tool on the shaft. Initially, the electrical circuitry may control the tool holder to the stop position (e.g. by a motorisation mechanism), e.g. by control of a drive system.
[0023] The present disclosure provides use of a fluid injection assembly or a fluid supply assembly according to any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein for a slotter module of a converting machine.
[0024] The present disclosure provides tool holder for a rotary tool for a slotter module of a converting machine, the tool holder for slideable support on a drive shaft, the tool holder comprising a fluid injection assembly with a flow path arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft proximal the tool holder, the fluid for removal of material from the drive shaft. The fluid injection assembly may implement the features of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.
[0025] The present disclosure provides a fluid supply assembly that is movable between a coupled position and a decoupled position, wherein in the coupled position a flow path of the fluid supply assembly is arranged to supply fluid to a flow path of a fluid injection assembly of a tool holder for a rotary tool for a slotter module of a converting machine. The fluid supply assembly may implement the features of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.
[0026] The present disclosure provides a method of configuring a slotter module for a converting machine for producing packaging elements from sheet material. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein. In embodiments, the method comprises injecting fluid on a portion of a drive shaft to remove material from the drive shaft proximal a tool holder for a rotary tool for forming a deformation line in sheet material, and; sliding the rotary tool along the drive shaft with a displacement mechanism.
[0027] The present disclosure provides a method of assembling and / or retrofitting a fluid injection assembly to an existing slotter module for a converting machine for producing packaging elements from sheet material. The method may implement the features of any preceding embodiment, or another embodiment disclosed herein.
[0028] In embodiments, the method comprises: arranging a fluid injection assembly of a tool holder to be slideably supported on a drive shaft, wherein the fluid injection assembly comprises a flow path arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft proximal the tool holder for removal of material from a drive shaft.
[0029] The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the abovedescribed features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and / or proceeding embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description of Embodiments, Brief Description of Figures, and Claims.
[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0031] Aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a converting machine.
[0033] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a blank for forming a packaging element, the packaging element in the form of a folded slotted box.
[0034] Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views showing the folded slotted box at various stages of formation.
[0035] Figure 4 is a side view showing a slotter module of the converting machine of figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a slotter module of the converting machine of figure 1 .
[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a drive shaft and a fluid injection assembly of a tool holder of the slotter module of figure 5.
[0037] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a drive shaft, a fluid injection assembly and a fluid supply assembly of the slotter module of figure 5.
[0038] Figures 8a and 8b are side cross- sectional views showing a fluid injection assembly of figure 7 in a respective uncoupled and coupled configuration.
[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it is to be understood that the system is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.
[0041] The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations:
[0042] As used herein the term “system for repetitive formation of objects from a blank” or “system” may refer to an arrangement that includes hardware comprising a converting machine for repetitively executing a formation process in a predefined manner for the formation of a objects from blanks. The system may implement the converting machine as part of a manufacturing line, which can include one or more of a printing machine; gluing machine; filling machine, and; a assembling machine. The converting machine may also implement any of the aforesaid machine processes.
[0043] As used herein the term “converting machine” may refer to hardware for executing a formation process for full or partial formation of an object. The hardware may be arranged as modules, e.g. in distributed in series or as a single unit. The converting machine may be configured to at least partially form the object from the blank. The converting machine includes a tool which is manipulated / driven for repetitive mechanical engagement with the blank to at least partially form said object during the formation process. The converting machine may include a feeder module, which is arranged to receive a stack of blanks on which the formation processes are executed. The converting machine may include a slotter module. As used herein the term “slotter module” may refer to an arrangement to form a deformation line on sheet material / a blank. The slotter module may include rotary tools which are supported by a tool holders to form the deformation line. As used herein the term “deformation line” may refer to a formation in the sheet material / blank that comprises one or more of a: crease; score; channel (e.g. blind); slot (e.g. a though hole); other like formation. As used herein the term “first / second rotary member arrangement” may refer to an upper / lower arrangement comprising one or more rotary tools and a mounting assembly for the rotary tools. As used herein the term “rotary tool / member” may refer to a tool arranged to form any of the aforedescribed deformation line configurations.
[0044] As used herein the term “formation process” may refer to a process executed by the converting machine / slotter module on the blank to at least partially form the object.
[0045] As used herein the term “blank” may refer to a planar arrangement of sheet material from which an object may be formed, for example by one or more of folding, cutting and gluing. The blank / sheet material may be formed from paperboard, cardboard, fibreboard, or other suitable material.
[0046] As used herein the term “object” may refer to the item formed by the formation process. The object can refer to packaging element or other like arrangement.
[0047] As used herein the term “paperboard” or “cardboard” may refer to paper pulp-based board. A thickness of the material may be greater than 0.30 mm and / or a grammage of a grammage above 250 g / m2, hence to distinguish the material from paper. Paperboard maybe single-ply or multi-ply.
[0048] As used herein the term “fibreboard” may refer to wood product that is made out of wood fibres or a kraft-based paperboard. It may include a kraft-based paperboard or corrugated fiberboard.
[0049] As used herein, the term "electrical circuitry" or "circuitry" or "control electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include: one or more of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or other programable logic; electronic / electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors (e.g. circuitry structure of the processor); a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at one component of the system, or distributed between a plurality of components of the system (e.g. a server system and / or external device) which are in communication with each other over a computer network via communication resources.
[0050] As used herein, the term "processor" or "processing resource" may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), state machine or other suitable component. A processor may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board or distributed as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by the system or components thereof as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method, or each other.
[0051] Referring to figures 1 - 3a and 3b, the system 2 comprises a converting machine 4 and sheet material 8, which is formed into a packaging element 10.
[0052] The converting machine 4 illustrated is arranged as a flexo, folder-gluer (FFG) machine, however the present invention is applicable to other types of converting machine comprising a slotter module provided with disc-shape tools. To simplify the present description, reference will be given to a flexo folder-gluer machine 4.
[0053] Sheet material 8 of cardboard, paperboard or like is placed in a feeder module 12 of the converting machine 4. The converting machine 4 is configured to print and cut the sheets to a shape which allows the formation of a packaging elements 10 such as folded-slotted boxes.
[0054] The converting machine 4 comprises a plurality of different work modules which print, cut and crease the sheet material. From the inlet of the converting machine 4 and in the direction of transportation T of the sheets, the converting machine 4 may comprise a pre-feeder 13, the feeder module 12, a printing module 15 comprising a plurality of flexographic printing modules 17, a converting module 19 in the form of slotter module 6, a folding module 21 and a delivery module 22.
[0055] The converting machine 4 further comprises electrical circuitry (not illustrated) for control of the associated components. The electrical circuitry may be arranged at the converting machine 4 or distributed as part of the system 2, including arranged at a server system or a peripheral device (not illustrated). An operator interface (not illustrated) may also be provided in proximity of the converting machine 4.
[0056] The direction of transportation T is defined from the inlet to the outlet of the converting machine 4. Hence, the direction of transportation T extends from the feeder module 12 to the delivery module 22.
[0057] As the sheet material 8 is transported in the direction of transportation T, it undergoes a transformation to first become a cut-to-shaped blank 8 and then a packaging element 10.
[0058] As best seen in figures 4 - 6, the slotter module 6 comprises a first (an upper) rotary member arrangement 14 comprising one or more rotary members 16 and a mounting assembly 18 for mounting the rotary members 16. In the illustrated example, there are two rotary member 18 pairs arranged across shafts 17 (although not all are visible in the figure), however various configurations may be implemented.
[0059] The slotter module 6 comprises a second (a lower) rotary member arrangement 20 comprising rotary tools 22 and a mounting assembly 24 for mounting the rotary members 22. In the illustrated example, there are four rotary tools 22 triples arranged across four drive shafts 30 (although not all are visible in the figure), however various configurations may be implemented. The mounting assembly 24 comprises a tool holder 26 for the rotary tool 22. In the example, the tool holder is separate from the rotary tool 22.
[0060] It will be appreciated that the first rotary member 14 arrangement and second rotary member arrangement 20 are arranged to cooperate together to form one or more deformation lines 28 (e.g. a crease or cut / slot or groove as shown in figure 2) in the sheet material 8. The rotary tools 22 are slideably supported on the drive shaft 30.
[0061] A displacement mechanism 32 is arranged to slideably displace the rotary tool 22 of the second rotary member arrangement 20 along a displacement pathway (not illustrated) on the drive shaft 30 (e.g. to adjust for the formation of different packaging elements).
[0062] Each drive shaft 30 is driven to rotate by a motorization mechanism 33. The motorization mechanism 33 may further comprise a positioning system as will be discussed which is configured to control an angular positiona of the drive shaft 30 (as shown in figure 6).
[0063] As best seen in figures 6 and 7, a fluid injection assembly 40 comprises a flow path 42, which is arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft 30 proximal the tool holder 26 for removal of material (e.g. not illustrated debris / build up from previous executions of deformation lines on the sheet material) from the drive shaft 30. Specifically, the fluid injection assembly 40 can be arranged to project fluid on the displacement pathway, e.g. immediately prior to said pathway being covered by the rotary tool holder 26 during sliding, which may also aid in reducing friction.
[0064] As best seen in figures 6 and 7, the fluid injection assembly 40 includes an annular body 44, which extends circumferentially around the shaft 30 and integrates the tool holder 26 to mount the injection assembly 40 to the shaft 30.
[0065] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the annular body is separate from the tool holder, e.g. it may be arranged to sit next to the tool holder on the drive shaft, or the annular body may be omitted, and the fluid injection assembly may be otherwise mounted to the shaft or arranged in operative proximity thereto.
[0066] The flow path 42 extends through the annular body 44 from an inlet 56 to outlets 46. The outlets 46 of project fluid directly onto the drive shaft 30. The outlets 46 are circumferentially extending, which may ensure full coverage of the drive shaft 30.
[0067] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, other outlet configurations may be implemented, e.g. an array of circumferentially disposed apertures.
[0068] As best seen in figure 7, the annular body 44 is arranged to form an annular cavity 48 of the flow path 42. The annular cavity 48 is fluidically connected to the outlets 46. The annular cavity 48 is bounded by the outer periphery of the drive shaft 30 along an inner radial edge and the annular body 44 along an outer radial edge.
[0069] In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the annular cavity may be omitted or alternatively configured, e.g. to be distal and not formed by the drive shaft.
[0070] The annular body 44 includes a first end 50 and a second end 52, which are separated in the axial direction of the drive shaft 30. The first end 50 and the second end 52 both comprise an outlet 46. Outlets 46 at either end ensure the shaft 30 in immediate proximity to the ends are treated with fluid. The outlets 46 are annular and are bounded by the drive shaft 30 along an inner radial edge and the annular body 44 along an outer radial edge.
[0071] The flow path 42 of the fluid injection assembly 40 includes a passageway 54 that comprises an inlet 56 at a surface of the annular body 44 for coupling to a fluid supply assembly 60 as will be discussed. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, the inlet 56 may be alternatively positioned.
[0072] Referring to figures 7, 8a, 8b, the slotter module 6 comprises a fluid supply assembly 60 that is movable between a coupled position (figures 7, 8b) and a decoupled position (figure 8a). In the in the coupled position a flow path 62 of the fluid supply assembly 60 is arranged to supply fluid to the flow path 42 of the fluid injection assembly 40. In the uncoupled position said flow paths are disconnected.
[0073] The fluid supply assembly 60 is actuated between the coupled position and uncoupled position by an actuation system 64. The actuation system 64 is actuated based on fluid flow pressure in the flow path 62 of the fluid supply assembly 60. In variant embodiments, which are not illustrated, other actuation systems may be implemented, e.g. an electrically operated actuator.
[0074] Specifically, the actuation system 64 includes a piston 65, which is arranged in a cylinder 67. A biasing member 66 acts against the cylinder 67 and the piston 65 to bias the piston 65 to the uncoupled position (figure 8a). Fluid pressure in a chamber 71 acts against an end of the piston 65 to effect transition to the coupled position (figure 8b), in which a passageway 69 of the cylinder 67 forms part of the flow path 62 and is in fluid communication with the chamber 71. The passageway 69 is in fluid communication with the outlet 72.
[0075] The fluid supply assembly 60 includes a connection head 70 to couple in a fluidically sealed manner the outlet 72 of the flow path 62 of the fluid supply assembly 60 to the inlet 56 of the flow path 42 of the fluid injection assembly 60.
[0076] Referring to figure 5, the displacement mechanism 32 comprises a suitable linear actuation system (not illustrated) e.g. a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically driven arrangement. The displacement mechanism 32 comprises an engagement member 34 that is driven by the linear actuation system. The engagement member 34 is arranged to engage the tool holder 26 to slideably displace the rotary tool 22 along the drive shaft 30.
[0077] The engagement member 34 is coupled to the fluid supply assembly 40 to displace the fluid supply assembly 40 with the rotary tool 22. In this manner the fluid supply assembly 40 remains in the correct sliding position whilst the rotary tool 22 is slid for supply of fluid to the fluid injection assembly 40.
[0078] The engagement member 34 is arranged to engage a plurality of tool holders 26 (including those of the same or on separate drive shafts 30), and the engagement member 34 is coupled to a plurality fluid supply assemblies. With such an arrangement, multiply rotary tools may be slid and the associated shafts treated at the same time.
[0079] The slotter module 4 comprises a positioning system (not illustrated) configured to rotationally position the tool holder 26 in a stop position (figure 6), in which the outlet 72 of the connection head 70 of the fluid supply assembly 60 is rotationally aligned with the inlet 56 of the fluid injection assembly 40. In the stop position, the fluid supply assembly 60 can be transitioned from the uncoupled to the coupled position and fluid supplied to the fluid injection assembly 40. Specifically, the electrical circuitry, controls the motorization mechanism 33 to position the tool holder 26 in the stop position. The electrical circuitry may control the displacement mechanism 32, the air supply assembly 60, and the motorization mechanism 33 to implement a reconfiguring process. For example:
[0080] 1) the motorization mechanism 33 is controlled to position the tool holder 26 in the stop position;
[0081] 2) the fluid supply system 60 is controlled to transition from the uncoupled to the coupled position and to supply fluid via the fluid injection assembly 40 to the shaft 30; 3) Subsequently, or concurrently, the electrical circuitry controls the displacement mechanism 32 to slide the rotary tool on the shaft;
Claims
CLAIMS1 . A slotter module for a converting machine for producing packaging elements from sheet material, the slotter module comprising: a first rotary member arrangement comprising one or more rotary tools, and a mounting assembly for the or each rotary tool; a second rotary member arrangement comprising one or more rotary tools, and a mounting assembly comprising a tool holder for the or each rotary tool; wherein the first rotary member arrangement and second rotary member arrangement are arranged to cooperate together to form a deformation line in the sheet material, and the mounting assembly of the second rotary member arrangement comprises: a drive shaft slideably supporting a tool holder of the rotary tool of the second rotary member arrangement; a displacement mechanism arranged to slideably displace the rotary tool of the second rotary member arrangement along a displacement pathway on the drive shaft, and; a fluid injection assembly comprising a flow path arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft proximal the tool holder for removal of material from a drive shaft.
2. The slotter module of any preceding claim, wherein the fluid injection assembly includes: an annular body that extends around the drive shaft; one or more outlets of the flow path arranged on the annular body to inject fluid directly onto the drive shaft.
3. The slotter module of claim 2, wherein the annular body is arranged to form an annular cavity of the flow path, which is bounded by the drive shaft, and the annular cavity fluidically connected to the or each outlet.
4. The slotter module of either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the annular body includes a first end and a second end, which are separated in the axial direction of the drive shaft, wherein at least one of the first end or second end comprises the outlet.
5. The slotter module of claim 4, wherein the outlet is annular and is bounded by the drive shaft and the annular body.
6. The slotter module of any preceding claim comprising a fluid supply assembly that is movable between a coupled position and a decoupled position, wherein in the coupled position a flow path of the fluid supply assembly arranged to supply fluid to the flow path of the fluid injection assembly.
7. The slotter module of claim 6, wherein the fluid supply assembly is actuated between the coupled position and uncoupled position by an actuation system, wherein the actuation system is actuated based at least partially on fluid flow pressure in the flow path of the fluid supply assembly.
8. The slotter module of either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the fluid supply assembly includes a connection head to couple an outlet of the flow path of the fluid supply assembly to an inlet of the flow path of the fluid injection assembly.
9. The slotter module of any preceding claim, wherein displacement mechanism comprises an engagement member that is arranged to engage the tool holder to slideably displace the rotary tool along the drive shaft, wherein the engagement member is coupled to the fluid supply assembly to displace the fluid supply assembly with the rotary tool.
10. The slotter module of claim 9, wherein the engagement member is arranged to engage a plurality of tool holders to slideably displace a plurality of rotary tools along the drive shaft, and the engagement member is coupled to a plurality fluid supply assemblies, each associated with a rotary tool.11 . The slotter module of any preceding claim comprising a positioning system configured to rotationally position the tool holder in a stop position, in which a connection head of the fluid supply assembly is rotationally aligned with an inlet of the fluid injection assembly.
12. The slotter module of any preceding claim comprising electrical circuitry for control of the displacement mechanism and the air supply assembly, the electrical circuitry implementing: control the tool holder to the stop position;the fluid supply system to transition from the uncoupled to the coupled position and to supply with the fluid injection system fluid to the shaft; the displacement mechanism to slide the rotary tool on the shaft.
13. A tool holder for a rotary tool for a slotter module of a converting machine, the tool holder for slideable support on a drive shaft, the tool holder comprising a fluid injection assembly with a flow path arranged to inject fluid on a portion of the driveshaft proximal the tool holder, the fluid for removal of material from the drive shaft.
14. A fluid supply assembly that is movable between a coupled position and a decoupled position, wherein in the coupled position a flow path of the fluid supply assembly is arranged to supply fluid to a flow path of a fluid injection assembly of a tool holder for a rotary tool for a slotter module of a converting machine.
15. A method of configuring a slotter module for a converting machine for producing packaging elements from sheet material, the method comprising: injecting fluid on a portion of a drive shaft to remove material from the drive shaft proximal a tool holder for a rotary tool for forming a deformation line in sheet material, and; sliding the rotary tool along the drive shaft with a displacement mechanism.
Citation Information
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