EP2196293B1 - Cutter for decor for tappered support and device for forming tappered support and laying a decor comprising such a cutter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of setting up decorations on frustoconical supports, in particular pots made of plastic material.

To set decorations on such media, particularly on jars of food or other products, the solutions consist in driving strips with decorations contiguous to cutting stations. In particular, for pots of cylindrical shape, the printed strips are of rectangular shape. Each decoration is then brought into a pot mold which is subsequently produced by shaping plastic material.

In the case of frustoconical supports, continuous printed strips delimited by a succession of circular arcs are used. The problem that arises then is the presence of a significant overlap of the ends of the decoration on said support after forming. This superposition of the ends is not aesthetic and causes a partial overthickness of the set decor.

Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to have an assembly ensuring both the operations of forming, setting of decorations and possibly filling, lidding pots and cutting unnecessary plastic areas around pots.

The invention therefore relates to a set of support forming and setting of decorations which aims to eliminate the overlap of the ends of the decor, when laying on a frustoconical support.

For this, the invention does not require cutting the decorations beforehand. It allows to cut the decor, while removing the portion that would create a superposition of the ends when laying the decor. It also allows operation at a high rate, avoiding any congestion or jamming phenomenon as well as any risk of pollution of the molds by these portions.

The document EP 0 778 207 A1 discloses a cutting device for cutting printed paper packages. This device comprises a cutting unit with an upper part and a lower part, these two parts being able to move to get closer to each other.

This cutting unit allows the cutting of a rectangular strip of material, corresponding to a non-printed area between two printed portions.

The device comprises means for supplying air into the space between the blades of the upper part of the cutting unit, so as to cause the band to fall when it is cut from the material.

The strip then falls into a basket which is connected to a suction means.

More specifically, the subject of the present invention is firstly a machine for cutting decorations intended to be fixed on frustoconical supports, comprising at least one powered cutting station. by at least one strip-blank on which is printed a succession of decorations of frustoconical shape separated by portions of trapezoidal shape, in which each cutting station is provided with cutting means arranged to cut the portions between two decorations and means for evacuating these portions comprising an extraction tool, the extraction tool comprises means for gripping by contact said portions and means for driving them out of the cutting station.

Such training of the portions out of the cutting tool eliminates the parasitic effects such as electrostatic attractions, sticking by moisture and / or snagging due to the texture of the waste, and thus makes it possible to avoid any jamming inside the cutting tool. cutting tool, just as after extraction.

The invention proposes a cutting machine in which the evacuation means also comprise means for conveying each portion away from the machine.

Preferably, said at least one cutting station comprises a housing extending along a longitudinal axis (LL '), housing cutting means and a counter blade, the housing and the counterblade both having at least one slot through which extends substantially perpendicular to said axis (LL ') for the passage of a strip-blank through this station. The cutting means and the counterblade are relatively movable or relative to each other along said axis (LL ') for cutting said portions.

The drive means can be driven in rotation or in translation.

In a first variant, the extraction tool comprises at least one set of two rollers so as to clamp between the portions and to drive them out of the cutting station by the rotation of said rollers.

This extraction tool may also include inclined deflectors to contribute to the inclination of the portions at the outlet of the cutting station.

In a second variant, the extraction tool comprises at least one belt associated with a sliding ramp, so as to clamp between the portions and to drive them out of the cutting station by the rotation of the belt.

This belt may also be associated with a ramp integral with said counterblade.

In a third variant, the rotary extraction tool is constituted by at least one folding flap disposed in the counter-blade and substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (LL '), this flap being controlled by a pivot shaft according to a transverse axis (TT ') and driving each portion, during its pivoting, through a suitable recess formed in the base of the against-blade.

The folding flap can be equipped with a claw or a control edge to position the cut portion on this flap and secure its evacuation.

In a fourth variant, the extraction tool is constituted by a jack whose head is adapted to grasp by contact each portion, the translational movement of the jack driving said portion grasped by the head out of the extraction station.

Preferably, the conveying means comprises at least one evacuation ramp, in which circulates air under pressure, the cut portions being then transported without friction, in the longitudinal direction of a perforated plate equipping the ramp on a bed. fluidized air, then on a conveyor.

This evacuation ramp is preferably calibrated in transverse dimension so that each portion is transported individually.

Preferably, the conveyor means comprises under each cutting station a chute in which there is provided an antistatic device.

More preferably, the conveying means of the cutting machine also comprises a manifold into which the chute and a duct system disposed under said collector for conveying the cut portions into a waste container.

This duct system can be associated with a blower to facilitate the routing of said cut portions.

When the cutting machine according to the invention comprises several cutting stations, an evacuation of the cut portions can be performed to a single waste container, by a suitable orientation of the conveying means portions.

The invention also relates to an assembly for forming frustoconical supports and setting decorations incorporating such a decorating machine.

This set comprises at least one decorating introduction station in molds, said station comprising a module of at least one series of molds, a cutting machine as defined above, and pistons for introducing decorations cut into the molds. molds of said module.

According to a particular embodiment, each decoration cut out and thus separated from the following decoration, is transported to a slot formed in the piston, and means for driving the piston, in rotation and in translation, wind the decoration on the piston and drive the piston and the decor to the mold.

According to a preferred embodiment, this assembly comprises a station provided for forming plastics material in said module, after the laying of said decorations in said molds of said module, to obtain frustoconical supports with a decor at the ends substantially contiguous and without overlap.

In the present patent application, it will be understood the term overlap as an overlap of the ends of the decor forming an extra thickness on a surface of the decor, corresponding to a length of at least 4 mm.

• la figure 1, une vue supérieure globale d'un ensemble de formage de supports tronconiques et de pose de décors à trois postes selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2, une vue latérale d'un exemple de machine de découpe selon l'invention, munie de deux postes de découpe des décors (un seul est illustré), d'un moyen d'évacuation des déchets découpés dans le poste de découpe et d'un système d'évacuation de portions découpées, en liaison avec des pistons d'introduction des décors dans les moules de formage des supports tronconiques;
• la figure 3, une vue cavalière partiellement arrachée d'un exemple de poste de découpe de décors de la machine selon l'invention;
• les figures 4a et 4b, deux vues latérales en coupe du poste de découpe selon la figure précédente, respectivement avant et immédiatement après la découpe, avec un exemple d'outil d'extraction par galets;
• la figure 5, une vue en coupe du poste de découpe selon la figure 3 comportant le même exemple d'outil d'extraction par galets qu'aux figures 4a et 4b;
• la figure 6, une vue en coupe du poste de découpe selon la figure 3 comportant un autre exemple d'outil d'extraction par volet;
• les figures 7a et 7b, deux vues latérales en coupe du poste de découpe selon la figure 3, illustrant encore un autre exemple d'outil d'extraction respectivement en position avant la découpe et en position immédiatement après la découpe ;
• la figure 8 est une vue latérale en coupe d'un autre exemple de réalisation d'une machine selon l'invention qui illustre un autre moyen de convoyage des portions à l'écart du poste de découpe;
• la figure 9 est une vue de côté de la figure 8 qui illustre de manière plus complète le moyen de convoyage;
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe d'un détail du moyen de convoyage illustré aux figures 8 et 9.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and which refers to the appended figures which represent, respectively:

• the figure 1 , an overall upper view of a forming assembly of frustoconical supports and setting of sets with three positions according to the invention;
• the figure 2 , a side view of an example of a cutting machine according to the invention, provided with two cutting stations decorations (only one is illustrated), a means of evacuation of waste cut in the cutting station and a system for evacuating cut portions, in conjunction with pistons for introducing decorations into the molds for forming frustoconical supports;
• the figure 3 , a partly broken off view of an example of a decorset setting station of the machine according to the invention;
• the Figures 4a and 4b , two sectional side views of the cutting station according to the preceding figure, respectively before and immediately after cutting, with an example of a roller extraction tool;
• the figure 5 , a sectional view of the cutting station according to the figure 3 with the same example of a pebble extraction tool as Figures 4a and 4b ;
• the figure 6 , a sectional view of the cutting station according to the figure 3 with another example of a pane extraction tool;
• the Figures 7a and 7b , two side views in section of the cutting station according to the figure 3 , illustrating yet another example of extraction tool respectively in position before cutting and in position immediately after cutting;
• the figure 8 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of a machine according to the invention which illustrates another means of conveying portions away from the cutting station;
• the figure 9 is a side view of the figure 8 which more fully illustrates the conveying means;
• the figure 10 is a sectional view of a detail of the conveying means illustrated in FIGS. figures 8 and 9 .

With reference to the figure 1 , an example of assembly 1 for forming frustoconical supports and sets of decorations is composed of three positions P1 to P3. Each station comprises a forming module 10 comprising, in this example, four parallel series S1 to S4 of molds 12, in particular for the manufacture of yoghurt pots. Each forming module 10 is mounted on an axis of rotation 14 driven by motor means and driven by control means (not shown).

At the introductory station P1, decorations are introduced into two first series S3 and S4 of molds of the module 10. By rotation of 120 degrees, the module 10 is brought to the introduction station P2, where the decorations are introduced into both complementary series S1 and S2 of molds. At the forming station P3, reached by a new rotation of 120 degrees of the axis 14, the supports of the decorations, previously introduced in the series S1 to S4, are obtained by forming plastic material and then evacuated.

A cutting machine according to the invention is provided at each station P1 and P2, introduction of decorations 3. In the example shown, each machine has two cutting stations, arranged on either side of a module 10.

The figure 1 also illustrates a station 6 where are stored and unwrapped the draft strips of decorations, in the form of coils 60.

This station 6 here comprises two coils 60 formed by the winding of mother blanks with pre-printed decorations.

On the continuous sheet unwinding from one of the coils 60, is printed the decoration pattern and thus forms the mother blank-band 62, itself formed of a succession of daughter blank strips 63 printed parallel to each other, here two series of six strips-blanks 63.

In a first cutting step, these daughter blank strips 63 are cut in the motherboard 62, by cutting means called pre-cut which are not illustrated.

Such a girl rough band 63 is best illustrated with reference to the figure 2 . It is a continuous strip having, on one of its edges 630, a succession of identical circular arcs 631 alternating with a straight edge 634 and on its other edge 632, identical circular arcs 633, alternatively with a straight edge 635. The length of the arcs 631 is greater than that of the arcs 633, as illustrated by FIG. figure 2 . Likewise, the right edge 635 is longer than the right edge 634. The arcs 631 and 633 are concentric.

Feeding means 2 are provided for transporting each girl blank strip 63 to a cutting station 40 separating each blank strip 63 in independent decorations 3, and keeping them in position to be introduced by the pistons 50 into the molds 12.

These means 2 are partially represented on the figure 1 . They include means (not shown) for passing the blanks 63 in a vertical position, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the figure 1 . Corner returns 20 lead the blank strips 63 to each of the cutting stations 40.

As illustrated by figures 1 and 2 , each blank strip 63 enters a cutting station 40, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cutting station.

The routing of the blanks 63 is done in advance of the step type.

As will be described with reference to the figure 2 after cutting the blank, the finished decorations 3 are introduced into the molds 12 of a forming module 10.

The figure 2 illustrates more precisely, at station P1, an example of a cutting machine. Since the station P1 is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane AA ', only one half-station is represented for the sake of simplification. The cutting machine comprises two cutting stations 40 coupled to evacuation means and disposed vis-à-vis parallel to the series of molds S1 to S4, and pistons 50 for introducing the cut decorations 3 into the molds 12 of the module 10.

The operation is as follows:

As explained above, each blank strip 63 is brought perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cutting station 40. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 1 they are six strips-blanks 63 which are introduced simultaneously into each cutting station.

Furthermore, the roughing strip 63 has a double cut (upper and lower) in circular arc 631 and 633.

Thus, as illustrated by figure 2 , the roughing strip 63 defines a series of decorations 3 interconnected by a trapezoidal portion 31. According to the means used to produce the blank strip 63, the right edge 634 may be more or less extended. In particular, to limit the decorset area not useful and intended to produce waste, the portion 31 between two decors is preferably substantially triangular. The cutting station 40 makes it possible to cut the portions 31, by means of knives 41, in the blanking strips 63 and thus to generate independent decorations 3. A counterblade is mounted on drive means which move it typically. at a speed of 1 meter per second for a rate of 32 cycles per minute.

Each decoration 3, cut out and thus separated from the following decoration, is inserted into position in the slot 51 for gripping the decoration formed in the piston 50. Driving means 5 of the piston, in rotation and translation, wind the decoration 3 around the piston and introduce the assembly - piston and decor in the mold 12.

After introduction of the piston 50 into the mold, the decoration 3 is applied against the walls of the mold, and released from the grip, and then the piston is brought upwards by the drive means 5.

As explained above, at each insertion station of the sets P1 or P2, two series of molds S1 and S2 or S3 and S4 are filled with these decorations 3. Once the module 10 is completely filled, it is brought by a new 120 ° rotation at the forming station P3 where the frustoconical supports are formed and then removed with a decor 3 fixed or adhered on their outer face.

Moreover, the figure 2 shows that the piston 50 and the cutting station 40 are positioned relative to each other so that a single decor 3 can extend between them. This relative positioning makes it possible to avoid any problem of feeding the decoration 3 between the cutting station and the piston.

Moreover, the quasi-triangular portion 31 is extracted from the cutting station 40 immediately after being cut by an extraction tool comprising sets of rollers G to a conveying means 7 conveying portions 31 to a refuse container and comprising, in this example, an evacuation ramp 70. This extraction tool will be described more precisely with reference to the Figures 4a , 4b , 5, 6 , 7a and 7b . This ramp is provided with a perforated plate 72, schematically represented, which is equipped with orifices 74. The direction of the pulsed air flow formed in the ramp 70 is indicated by the arrow F. In these conditions, a bed of fluidized air is formed on the perforated plate 72 to drive the strip portions 31 to a conveyor 71.

Due to the space required by the molds 12, the portions 31 are guided towards the ramp 70 by an inclined or straight plane 73. The ramp 70 and the plate 72 are dimensioned in a width slightly greater than the largest dimension of the portions. 31, so that the portions 31 are driven immediately and therefore well separated from each other. This width is typically about 80 mm, for a larger dimension of the portion of about 70 mm.

In addition, the presence of a fluidized bed makes it possible to damp the shocks of the cut portions 31 in contact with the discharge ramp 70. In the example illustrated, the conveyor 71 which extends the ramp 70 extends in a angle of 120 degrees to the longitudinal axis BB '( figure 1 ) of the post P3, for the item P2, and is parallel to this axis BB ', for the post P1.

It is possible to provide a conveyor by series of portions cut at the same place, this conveyor being of width just greater than the largest of the sides of the portions. The two conveyors of the same station are removably mounted for easy access and cleaning, and can be driven by a single drive shaft. For a set with two introduction stations, it is advantageous to provide an evacuation to a single waste container by appropriate orientation of the conveyors.

With reference to figures 3 , 5 and 6 , the cutting station 40 of the laying machine comprises a blade holder 46 mounted on a frame 4 and in which is housed a counterblade 43, the counterblade being of prismatic shape with triangular section and axis longitudinal LL '( figure 3 ), common to the housing and the frame.

The counter blade has a base 43b and two inclined side faces 43a. The casing 46 has two through slots 46F. Against the blade 43 also has two through slots 43F corresponding to the slots 46F. All these slots are substantially perpendicular to the axis LL ', and allow the passage of a strip-blank 63 through the cutting station 40. In the example illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , the housing 46 and the counterblade 43 have only two slots (43F and 46F). The cutting station is therefore intended to cut two strips-blanks in parallel. This example has been chosen to simplify the presentation, the cutting station can likewise be designed to cut the desired number of blanks in parallel.

Cutting blades 41 are mounted on the knife housing 46 and are plated by appropriate means on the lateral faces 43a of the counterblade 43. To cut the portions 31, the counter-blade moves along the axis LL ', which causes the sliding of the blades 41 on the side faces 43a and the cutting portions 31 by shear, with a high speed and rate. In an exemplary implementation, the speed can go up to 1 m / s and the rate to 32 cycles / min. Conventionally, the control means transmit signals to the jack 45 driving against the blade 43 in translation along the axis LL '.

The sectional view of the cutting station 40 ( figure 4a ) details two rotary extraction tools, each having a set G of two rollers G1 and G2 to extract each portion 31 cut out of the cutting station 40. Such an extraction tool is provided for each slot 43F . The rollers G2 are freely rotatable and are fixedly mounted on the counterblade 43. The rollers G1 are fixed in translation and mounted independently of the counterblade. They are driven by the belt 44 and the shaft 48, itself driven by the pinion 47 and appropriate intermediate drive elements (not shown). Thus, the rollers G1 are driving and the rollers G2 are rotated during the contact phases between G1 and G2, through the portion 31 taken in vice at the end of cutting.

The figure 4a illustrates, in profile, a blank strip 63 inserted into a slot 46F of the housing and a slot 43F of the counterblade 43, which slots are aligned during this introduction step. In this figure, the cutting of a portion 31 between two decorations 3 of frustoconical shape has not yet occurred.

The figure 4b illustrates more precisely the intervention of each rotary extraction tool. This intervention immediately follows the cutting of the portions 31. figure 4b shows that, to cut the portions 31, the against-blade and therefore the rollers G2, have been moved relative to the blade housing 46, from left to right relative to this figure. Following this displacement in horizontal translation, the rollers G1 and G2 are in contact via soft seals 42. Each cut portion 31 is then grasped by pinching between the soft seals 42 of the roller G1 and the roller G2 and thus driven. until extraction of the cutting station, by the combined action of rotation of the rollers.

Thus, the rollers G1 and G2 make it possible both to grasp each portion 31 by contact and to drive it out of the cutting station.

Preferably, it is planned to offset the rollers G1 vertically relative to the rollers G2. This vertical offset corresponds to an angle α, predetermined and controlled, typically 20 °. The angle α is the angle formed between the axis passing through the centers of the rollers G1 and G2 and a baseline LL 'parallel to the frame 4 or between the tangent tt' at the point of contact C of these rollers with a line vertical LV perpendicular to the line LL '. The vertical offset of the rollers G1 and G2 is therefore considered according to the line LV.

This arrangement makes it possible to give a non-perpendicular inclination of the portion 31 relative to the frame 4 in order to allow the unobstructed evacuation of the portions 31. A complementary inclination is given to the portions 31 also by means of deflectors B inclined with respect to the vertical extraction performed in the mechanism.

It is conceivable to replace the roller G1 by a return roller around which circulates a belt. This belt can be smooth toric or smooth flat or flat notched.

Once the portion 31 pinched between the belt and the roller G2, the belt performs the evacuation of the portion out of the cutting station, thanks to the rotational movement of the belt.

Once the portion has been removed from the cutting station 40, it is driven away from the station P1 or P2 thanks, for example, to the conveying means described with reference to the figures 1 and 2 or 8 and 9 .

The figure 5 shows the cutting station 40 in transverse view, according to the line VV of the figure 4a . It illustrates the rotating roller G1 driven by the belt 44 and allowing the extraction of a cut portion 31, the counter blade 43, the blade holder housing 46, the blades 41, the frame 4 and the drive pinion 47. .

The figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 5 which shows the same cutting station 40, but equipped with a rotary shutter V as an extraction tool. When the portion 31 is cut, the flap V pivots immediately via the drive shaft 48, along a transverse axis TT 'and on which the flap is mounted by means of a connecting pin 49 located between the shaft 48 and the flap V. The shaft is actuated by the pinion 47 driven by the control means. The flap V pivots 90 degrees and then folds the cut portion 31 through appropriate recesses formed in the base 43b ( figure 3 ) and against the blade 43, towards a conveying means, as described with reference to the figures 1 and 2 or 8 and 9 .

Again, the flap V allows both to grasp each portion by contact 31 and to drive it out of the cutting station.

Advantageously, the flap is equipped with a claw or a control edge to position the portion cut on this flap and secure its evacuation. In addition, it is advantageous to provide an opening, by piercing a slot, a hole or micro-holes, in each portion 31 during the stamping of the blank strip girl 63 sets so that this claw can s introduce in this cut, so as to make the extraction of the portion 31 more reliable.

The speed and cadence of drive shaft 48 are related to the speed and rate of travel of the counterblade. These parameters are programmed using the control means taking into account the times of raising flaps.

The figure 7a representing the cutting station 40 portions 31 offers a view similar to the figure 4a .

The figure 7b is a view similar to the figure 7a , and illustrates the relative displacement by horizontal translation of the elements, during the cutting of a portion 31.

The Figures 7a and 7b show another example of a tool for extracting cut portions 31 where the roller G2 is replaced by a ramp 84 movable in horizontal translation.

This tool comprises a roller 80 rotated by a belt 82 serving as a conveyor belt at the same time.

In practice, the extraction tool preferably comprises two substantially parallel belts 82 in a plane perpendicular to that of the figure and passing through the center of the roller.

Thus, these two belts 82 are opposite a sliding ramp 83, fixed and secured to the frame of the mobile ramp 84 connected to the counterblade 43. These two ramps 83 and 84 are located between the two belts 82.

During cutting, counterblade 43 moves. As illustrated by figure 7b the belts 82 gradually come into contact with the portion 31 to drive it out of the cutting station 40, according to the orientation given by the ramp 84 and then by the ramp 83, until its complete evacuation out of the tool of cutting. The ramp 83 is inclined at an angle γ ( Figure 7a ) in relation to the vertical. This makes it possible to incline the portion 31 driven out of the cutting station at an angle avoiding jamming after the extraction.

The contact between the belts 82 and the ramp 84 then the ramp 83 makes it possible to pinch each portion 31 and thus to grip it by contact, its evacuation being obtained by the rotation of the belts 82.

Thus, with this embodiment, the contact between the extraction tool and the portion 31 to be evacuated is made along a line and not according to a point, as with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4a , 4b and 5 . Thus, the length of the belts 82 is chosen so that, preferably, the length thereof capable of coming into contact with a portion 31 corresponds to approximately 4/5 of the largest dimension of the portion 31.

As a result, the guiding of the portion and its evacuation from the cutting station are better controlled with this embodiment.

Other solutions may be provided for extracting the portions 31 from the cutting station 40. However, in all cases, this extraction is active, that is to say that the routing of the portions 31 out of the cutting station is control.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown.

Thus, another cut portion extraction tool 31 may consist of a cylinder whose head is equipped with pins or an ionizing face.

The cylinder head is associated with a buffer piece for pressing each portion 31 on the head. The cylinder head thus allows contacting each portion 31 by contact.

Then, the cylinder is actuated in translation until its head is out of the cutting station. Means are provided for removing the portion on the cylinder head (for example a ramp for a head equipped with pins).

The figures 8 and 9 illustrate a way of conveying the portions 31 to a refuse container different from that described with reference to the figure 2 . This means can be used with all the cutting and extraction tools that have been previously described.

This conveying means 9 first comprises a chute 90 placed under each cutting station 40, so as to guide the portions 31. It will be recalled that, in the example of the forming assembly illustrated in the figures, each station of FIG. introduction of decorations P1 and P2 is equipped with two cutting stations 40, between which each of the modules 10 is successively placed.

The figure 8 shows two positions of the module 10, a low position P _B and a high position P _H , in which the pistons 50 introduce a decoration into each mold 12. The height of the troughs 90 is chosen so as not to hinder the rotation of the modules 10 to inside of the forming and laying assembly.

This chute 90 collects the cut portions 31 which have been extracted from the cutting station 40.

This chute 90 opens into a collector 92, funnel-shaped, which is designed to receive the portions 31 discharged from the two cutting stations 40.

To ensure that all the cut portions 31 fall from a chute 90 in the manifold 92, it is preferable to provide, within the latter, a device for removing the effects of electrostatic attraction.

This device 91 is illustrated in more detail on the figure 10 .

It comprises an ionizer 910 and an air blowing means 911. Preferably, the axis II 'of the ionizer forms an angle β with respect to the vertical axis AA' of between 45 ° and 90 ° and, preferably, about 60 °.

The air blowing means is adapted to direct the air blast towards the portions 31.

Thus, the ionization device 91 makes it possible to eliminate almost completely the attraction forces due to the electrostatic charges present on the cut portions 31. This makes it possible to control the moment when the portions actually fall from a chute in the collector 92, the makes gravity and thus to prevent portions from falling into a module 10 during its passage under a cutting station 40. Note that the rotation of the modules is set so that the modules are in the up position, between the two stations cutting 40, when the cutting stations are in operation. The modules can, in this high position, be supplied with decorations 3 wound by the pistons 50. Furthermore, the portions 31 are discharged under the effect of gravity, without risk of pollution of the molds 12 while in the high position P _H , thanks to the trough 90 which guides the fall of the portions 31.

The lower part 920 of the manifold opens into a system 93 of substantially T-shaped ducts. This system comprises a substantially vertical duct 930 and a duct 931 inclined with respect to the vertical duct which passes through duct 930.

A blower system 94 is provided at one end 932 of the inclined duct 931 for blowing air towards the other end 933 of the duct 931. This air inlet makes it possible to drive the portions 31 located in the manifold 92 to in the conduit 930, then pushing them to the other end 933 and thence to a waste container 95 which is advantageously shared with the precut station, placed just above.

Other solutions could of course be provided to bring the portions 31 cut, from the cutting stations to the waste container 95.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown.

For example, provision may be made for bringing the portions into the waste container 95 by suction or else by blowing into a pipe whose flow of air circulates in a closed circuit, an air recirculation duct being provided between the other end. 933 of the duct 931 and the inlet of the blower system 94, thus excluding any risk of pollution of the modules 10 by portions 31.

In addition, the present invention makes it possible to lay without overlapping decorations, the end portions of which are straight linear or of shape having various complementary curves which interlock with each other. This is achieved by cutting out parts of the decor that could create an extra thickness. It also solves the problem of the evacuation of the cut portions avoiding jamming and risk of pollution of the molds and thus the decorated supports.

The invention also makes it possible to control the dynamics, the damping and the guiding of the strips and cut portions, in particular at the level of the cutting stations. In addition, the parts are easily removable and re-sharpening of the knives can be easily performed.

Finally, the invention has been described with reference to a set of support forming and setting of decorations comprising three positions arranged at 120 ° and three forming modules that can rotate 120 ° at each step. This set makes it possible to obtain high production rates. However, the invention could be applied to other forming and laying assemblies, for example comprising a single station for introducing the decorations into the molds. Moreover, the forming module could comprise a different number of sets of molds and the cutting machine could comprise a different number of cutting stations.

The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics appearing in the claims are only intended to facilitate understanding of the latter and can not limit its scope.

Claims (14)

1. Machine for cutting decorative elements designed to be attached to frustoconical base elements, comprising at least one cutting station (40) supplied by at least one blank strip (63) on which is printed a sequence of decorative elements (3) of frustoconical shape, separated by portions (31) of trapezoidal shape, in which each cutting station (40) is furnished with cutting means (41, 43, 46) arranged to carry out the cutting of the portions (31) between two decorative elements (3) and with means for clearing away these portions (31) comprising a tool for extracting each portion (31) from the cutting station (40), the said extraction tool comprises means for taking hold by contact with the said portions (31) and means for driving them away from the cutting station (40).
2. Cutting machine according to Claim 1, in which the driving means are driven in rotation.
3. Cutting machine according to Claim 1, in which the driving means are driven in translation.
4. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the clearing means also comprise a means (7, 9) for conveying each portion away from the machine.
5. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the said at least one cutting station (40) comprises a casing (46) extending on a longitudinal axis (LL'), housing cutting means (41) and a counter-blade (43), the casing and the counter-blade each having at least one throughslot (46F, 43F), extending substantially perpendicularly to the said axis (LL') for the passage of a blank strip (63), the cutting means (41) and the counter-blade (43) being relatively movable on the said axis (LL') in order to cut the said portions (31).
6. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the extraction tool comprises at least one set of two rollers (G1, G2) in order to pinch the portions (31) between them and to drive them away from the cutting station (40) by the rotation of the said rollers.
7. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the extraction tool comprises at least one belt (82) associated with a sliding ramp (83), so as to pinch the portions (31) between them and drive them away from the cutting station (40) by rotation of the belt.
8. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the extraction tool consists of at least one folding flap (V) placed in the counter-blade (43) and substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (LL'), this flap being controlled by a pivot shaft (48) on a transverse axis (TT') and driving each portion (31), when it is pivoted, through an appropriate recess formed in the socket (43b) of the counter-blade (43).
9. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the extraction tool consists of a cylinder the head of which is adapted to take hold of each portion (31) by contact, the translation movement of the cylinder driving the said portion held by the head away from the extraction station.
10. Cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the conveying means (7) comprises at least one clearing ramp (70), in which pressurized air flows, the cut portions (31) then being transported without friction, in the longitudinal direction of a pierced plate (72) fitted to the ramp on a bed fluidized with air, and then on a conveyor (71).
11. Cutting machine according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the said conveying means (9) comprises, under each cutting station (40), a chute (90) in which an antistatic device (91) is provided.
12. Assembly for forming frustoconical base elements and for placing decorative elements comprising at least one station (P1, P2) for inserting decorative elements into the moulds, the said at least one station comprising a module (10) of at least one series (S1 to S4) of moulds (12), a cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, and pistons (50) for inserting cut decorative elements (3) into the moulds (12) of the module (10).
13. Assembly according to the preceding Claim, in which each decorative element (3), cut and therefore separated from the next decorative element, is transported up to a slot (51) formed in the piston (50), means (5) for driving the piston, in rotation and in translation, winding the decorative element (3) on the piston and driving the piston and the decorative element up to the mould (12).
14. Assembly according to Claim 12 or 13, in which a station (P3) is provided for the forming of plastic material in the said module (10), after the said decorative elements (3) have been placed in the said moulds (12) of the said module (10), in order to obtain frustoconical base elements with a decorative element with the ends substantially adjacent and with no overlap.

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