EP4624122A1

EP4624122A1 - Seal cutting equipment

Info

Publication number: EP4624122A1
Application number: EP25164835.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Reginald SANTO
Original assignee: Giesse SpA
Current assignee: Giesse SpA
Priority date: 2024-03-21
Filing date: 2025-03-19
Publication date: 2025-10-01

Abstract

Equipment for cutting seals (2), intended to be installed in doors and windows, comprising a bar (3), having a main direction of extension (D), a first clamp (10) and a second clamp (11) each of which can engage with a respective portion of seal (2);
the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) are connected to the bar (3) and at least one of either the first clamp (10) or the second clamp (11) is removably connected to the bar (3);
a measurement indicator (6) is associated with the bar (3) to define the distance between the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11);
the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) have a respective seat (15) for receiving a respective portion of seal (2);
each seat (15) of the first clamp (10) and of the second clamp (11) is shaped to match the seal (2);
the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) have a respective guide (16), communicating with the seat (15), which can engage with a cutting element (17);
the guide (16) communicating with a respective seat (15) is positioned at a predetermined reference of the shape of the seat (15) in such a way as to define a fixed reference for measuring the length of a piece (5) derived by cutting the seal (2);
each guide (16) defines a cutting plane inclined relative to a cutting plane at right angles to the main direction of extension (D) of the bar (3); the cutting planes defined by the guides (16) of the first clamp (10) and of the second clamp (11) have converging directions of extension.

Description

This invention relates to equipment for cutting seals.
These seals are used in particular in the technical sector of doors and windows, which must meet specific requirements for thermal insulation. Over the years the seals have evolved into increasingly complex shapes, precisely because their installation in the profiles must, as well as preventing the entry of water and air from the outside, allow thermal performance levels to be satisfied.
As well as the complex shape, the seals developed in recent years are made of synthetic rubber, such as, for example, ethylene propylene rubber.
Generally speaking, the synthetic rubber seals are made by extrusion; this inevitably means that the material in itself is more subject to curvatures due to elastic returns and, therefore, more difficult to control if precision is required in the operation for cutting the pieces which will then be installed in the door or window units.
Currently, in effect, for the installation of doors and windows, a corner insert is used which receives the ends of the pieces of seals which run along a respective side of the door or window unit so as to compensate for any imprecisions of the cutting of the piece with a length formed manually by the installer with suitable shears or cutters.
In this situation, the ethylene propylene rubber seals are not suitable for further installation methods which do not comprise the corner insert, such as, for example, a direct coupling between two pieces of seal, since the ends of the piece are not particularly accurate and precise.
In this context, the need has been felt of making equipment for cutting seals with the technical features described in independent claim 1.
Advantageously, the equipment makes it possible to precisely cut pieces of seal to length along a cutting plane which is inclined since the seal is held in position during the cutting by at least one positioning device which itself has a seat for receiving the seal shaped to match the latter and a guide for the cutting element which guarantees a unique reference on the cut end of the seal.
Consequently, the pieces of seal obtained by the cutting operation with this equipment are suitable for installing without a corner insert since it is possible to couple and fix directly the cut ends of two different pieces with an adhesive substance.
The features of the invention are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the non-limiting description which follows of a non-limiting example embodiment of equipment for cutting seals as illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of equipment for cutting seals according to this invention and according to a first embodiment;
Figure 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the cutting equipment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows the cutting equipment of Figure 1 engaged in a work surface provided with a cutting element;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of equipment for cutting seals according to a second embodiment;
Figure 5 illustrates the cutting equipment of Figure 4 in use with a seal engaged to be cut to make a piece;
Figure 6 is a scaled-up view of a detail of Figure 4 with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;
Figure 7 is a scaled-up and isometric view of the equipment of Figure 4 to better illustrate some details;
Figure 8 is a schematic cross section of the detail of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a seal to be divided into pieces of defined length by means of the equipment of Figure 1 and Figure 4;
Figure 10 is a piece of seal obtained by means of the equipment of Figure 1 and Figure 4.

The numeral 1 denotes equipment for cutting seals 2.
According to this invention, the term seal 2 means a seal suitable for doors and windows in general.
More specifically, the doors and windows intended to house the seal 2 are doors and windows made of aluminium.
By way of example, an example of a seal 2 is illustrated in Figure 9.
The seal 2 has a main longitudinal extension.
The seal 2 is preferably made of thermoplastic material.
The seal 2 is divided into pieces 5 of seal 2 by the equipment 1 as shown in Figure 10.
Each piece 5 has as an end two faces 5a, 5b inclined by 45°.
According to a first variant embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one positioning device 100 in which the seal 2 can be engaged for being retained during the cutting operation.
The positioning device 100 has a through seat 15 in which the seal 2 can be inserted.
The seat 15 extends in the positioning device 100 along a longitudinal direction.
The seat 15 is shaped to match the seal 2.
The positioning device 100 has at least one guide 16, communicating with the seat 15, which can engage with a cutting element 17.
The guide 16 is defined by two parallel faces 18 spaced from each other defining a slot 19 suitable for the passage of the cutting element 17.
The faces 18 are positioned inclined at 45° relative to a plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the seat 15 in the positioning device 100. Each face 18, intercepting the seat 15, has an opening with a profile corresponding to one of the ends 5a, 5b of the piece 5.
The profile defines a fixed reference for measuring the length of the piece 5 to be cut starting from an end 5a, 5b.
The positioning device 100 has a further guide 16, spaced from the other guide 16, communicating with the seat 15 and which can engage with the cutting element 17.
The guide 16 is defined by two parallel faces 18 spaced from each other defining a slot 19 suitable for the passage of a cutting element 17.
The faces 18 are positioned inclined at 45° to a plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the seat 15 in the positioning device 100.
Each face 18, intercepting the seat 15, has an opening with a profile corresponding to one of the ends 5a, 5b of the piece 5.
The profile defines a fixed reference for measuring the length of the piece 5 to be cut starting from an end 5a, 5b.
With reference to the two guides 16, the faces 18 of one and the other are positioned on planes incident with each other and defining an angle of incidence of 45°.
Each guide 16 defines the cutting of a respective end 5a, 5b of the piece 5.
In use, it is possible to make the piece 5 from the seal 2 by inserting it in the positioning device 100 through the through seat 15 and cutting the seal 2 by means of each guide 16.
The positioning device 100 is therefore a practical and easy to handle tool, allowing cuts to be made in the seal 2 in any position, even during the operation for installing the seal 2 in the door or window unit.
In use, there is a step of inserting the seal 2 in the positioning device 100 and a step of cutting the seal 2 by inserting a cutting element 17 in the guide 16 of the positioning device 100.
In order to make the cuts in a stable operating condition, the equipment 1 comprises a work surface 22 to which the positioning device 100 can be engaged by coupling means 23.
The coupling means 23a, 23b comprise a groove 23a positioned on the work surface 22 and an insert 23b, which can be engaged in the groove 23a, positioned on a bottom surface of the positioning device 100.
The insert 23b can be translated in the groove 23a to allow the relative positioning between the positioning device 100 and the cutting element 17. The groove 23a has the shape of a right angle.
The cutting element 17 is positioned on the work surface 22 and is intended to be inserted in a guide 16 of the positioning device 100.
The coupling means 23a, 23b between the positioning device 100 and the work surface 22 guarantee greater stability during the cutting operation, guaranteeing execution precision.
In use, the step of cutting the seal 2 occurs by coupling the positioning device 100 with the work surface 22 and positioning it on the work surface relative to the cutting element 17.
According to a second embodiment, the equipment 1 comprises a bar 3, having a main direction of extension D.
The bar 3 is equipped with one or more grooves 4 which extend at least partly along the length of the bar 3.
According to the embodiment illustrated, the grooves 4 extend along the entire length of the bar 3.
The function of the grooves 4 is described in more detail below.
A measurement indicator 6 is associated with the bar 3.
The measurement indicator 6 preferably has the decimal metric system as the measuring system.
This does not mean that it cannot have the Anglo-Saxon measurement system.
Means 7 for supporting the seal 2 are connected to one of the ends of the bar 3.
The supporting means 7 illustrated comprise a roller 8, which rotates about its axis 8a.
The roller 8 is supported by a bracket 9, fixed to the bar 3.
The equipment 1 comprises a first clamp 10 and a second clamp 11 each of which can engage with a respective portion of seal 2.
The first clamp 10 and the second clamp 11 define a positioning device of the seal 2.
The first clamp 10 and the second clamp 11 are connected to the bar 3.
At least one of either the first clamp 10 or the second clamp 11 is removably connected to the bar 3 so that it can move relative to the other. According to this specification, the second clamp 11 is movable relative to the first clamp 10.
The first clamp 10 is irremovably fixed to the bar 3.
This makes it possible to establish the starting point of the measurement, that is to say, the reference 0 of the measurement indicator 6.
Fixing means 13, such as, for example, self-locking screws or the like, irremovably connect the first clamp 10 to the bar 3.
The second clamp 11 is connected to the bar 3 by a shape coupling which allows a relative translation of it along the bar 3.
The second clamp 11 has a male element 12 engaged in the groove 4 of the bar 3.
Means 14 for coupling the second clamp 11 to the bar 3 allow the relative translation of the second clamp 11 along the bar 3.
The relative translation of the second clamp 11 with respect to the first clamp 10 allows the length at which the seal 3 is cut into a corresponding piece 5 to be defined.
The measurement indicator 6 allows the distance from the second clamp 11 to be measured relative to the first clamp 10.
The first clamp 10 and the second clamp 11 have a respective seat 15 for receiving a respective portion of seal 2.
The seat 15 is in the form of a through hole so that the seal 2 can be inserted inside each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11.
The first clamp 10 and the second clamp 11 have a respective guide 16, communicating with the seat 15, which can engage with a cutting element 17.
The seat 15 of the first clamp 10 and of the second clamp 11 is shaped to match the seal 3.
The guide 16 of each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11 is positioned at a predetermined position of the shape of the seat 15 in such a way as to define a fixed reference for measuring the length of the seal 2 to be cut. Advantageously, since the seat 15 of each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11 is shaped to match the seal 2, for each type of seal to be cut the fixed reference determined by the guide 16 is a function of the shape of the seal 2.
The guide 16 of each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11 extend along respective cutting planes inclined relative to a cutting plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the bar.
The inclined direction allows an oblique cut of the seal 2 to be made.
The cutting planes of the guide 16 are inclined at an angle α relative to a plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the bar.
The angle α is preferably 45°.
The cutting planes of the guides 16 of the first clamp 10 and of the second clamp 11 converge on each other.
The cutting planes of the guides 16 of the first clamp 10 and of the second clamp 11 are mirrored to each other.
It may be seen from the accompanying drawings that the cutting planes of the guides 16 are different to each other and consequently the piece 5 of seal 2 has as its end a first face 5a, obtained from the guide 16 of the first clamp 10, and a second face 5b, obtained from the guide 16 of the first clamp 11.
Each guide 16 of the first clamp 10 and of the second clamp 11 is defined by respective parallel faces 18 spaced from each other to define a slot 19 suitable for the passage of the cutting element 17.
The slot 19 passes through the entire seat 15 so as to allow the passage of the cutting element 17 through the entire core of the seal 2.
Each face 18, intercepting the seat 15, has an opening with a profile corresponding to one of the ends 5a, 5b of the piece 5.
The profile defines a fixed reference for measuring the length of the piece 5 to be cut starting from an end 5a, 5b.
Each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11 comprises means 20 for locking the portion of seal 2 inserted in the seat 15.
For example, the locking means 20 are in the form of a screw whose shank is inserted in a respective hole in the clamp in communication with the seat 15.
In this way, the rotation of the screw causes the movement of the shank to engage or disengage the portion of seal inserted in the seat 15. According to an embodiment, each first clamp 10 and second clamp 11 comprises a respective cutting element 17 positioned on the top of the respective clamp.
The cutting element 17 can be operated by a force exerted by an operator and the return to the rest condition may be determined by elastic means, such as, for example, a spring.
This invention also relates to a method for cutting a seal 2 by means of the equipment 1 described in which there is a step of positioning the second clamp 11 relative to the first clamp 10 in relation to a predetermined distance by means of the measurement indicator 6.
A step of inserting the seal 2 in the seat 15 of the first clamp 10 and in the seat 15 of the second clamp 11.
A step of cutting the seal 2 by inserting a cutting element 17 in the guide 16 of the first clamp 16 and in the guide 16 of the second clamp 11. Before the step of inserting the seal 2 in the seat 15 of the first clamp 10 and in the seat 15 of the second clamp 11, the method comprises a step of unwinding the seal 2 from a reel wound on a suitable unwinding element, schematically illustrated in Figure 2 with the block 21. Advantageously, the equipment 1 according to this invention allows a portion 5 of seal 2 to be made having as ends faces 5a, 5b inclined by 45° suitable for making a corner joint with a further portion 5 of seal 2 also made with the equipment 1.
In effect, the cutting precision which can be obtained by means of the equipment 1 allows an excellent superposing of the inclined faces which can therefore be glued directly to each other.
This is valid for any shape of the seal 2.

Claims

Equipment for cutting seals (2), intended to be installed in doors and windows, comprising:
at least one positioning device (100) in which a seal portion (2) having a longitudinal direction of extension (L) can be inserted;

the positioning device (100) has a through seat (15), having a main longitudinal extension, shaped to match the seal (2) in which the seal (2) can be inserted;

the positioning device (100) has at least one guide (16), communicating with the seat (15), which can engage with a cutting element (17),

the guide (16) is defined by two parallel faces (18) spaced from each other defining a slot (19) suitable for the passage of the cutting element (17);

the faces (18) are located on planes inclined at an acute angle of 45° to a plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the seat (15).
The equipment according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the positioning device (100) has a further guide (16), spaced from the other guide (16), communicating with the seat (15) and which can engage with the cutting element (17);
the guide (16) is defined by two parallel faces (18) spaced from each other defining a slot (19) suitable for the passage of the cutting element (17); the faces (18) are located on planes inclined at an acute angle of 45° to a plane at right angles to the direction of extension of the seat (15);

the faces (18) of the two separate guides (16) are incident to each other and define an acute angle of incidence, in particular of 45°.
The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a work surface (22) on which the positioning device (100) can be engaged by coupling means (23a, 23b) and on which the cutting element (17) is positioned, intended to be inserted in a guide (16) of the positioning device (100).
The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means (23a, 23b) comprise a groove (23a) positioned on the work surface (22) and an insert (23b), which can engage in the groove (23a), positioned on a bottom surface of the positioning device (100).
The equipment according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a bar (3), having a main direction of extension (D), and a first clamp (10) and second clamp (11), defining a positioning device (100) of the seal (2), each of which can engage with a respective portion of seal (2);
the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) are connected to the bar (3) and at least one of either the first clamp (10) or the second clamp (11) is removably connected to the bar (3);

a measurement indicator (6) is associated with the bar (3) to define the distance between the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11);

the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) have a respective seat (15) for receiving a respective portion of seal (2);

each seat (15) of the first clamp (10) and of the second clamp (11) is shaped to match the seal (2);

the first clamp (10) and the second clamp (11) have a respective guide (16), communicating with the seat (15), which can engage with a cutting element (17);

each guide (16) is defined by two parallel faces (18) spaced from each other defining a slot (19) suitable for the passage of a cutting element (17); the faces (18) of each guide (16) are positioned on planes inclined at an acute angle of 45° to a plane at right angles to the main direction of extension (D) of the bar (3);

the faces (18) of the two separate guides (16) are positioned on planes incident with each other and define an acute angle of incidence, in particular of 45°.
The equipment according to the preceding claim, characterised in that each guide (16) is defined by two parallel faces (18) spaced from each other defining a slot (19) suitable for the passage of a cutting element (17); the slot (19) passes through the entire seat (15) so as to allow the passage of the cutting element (17) through the entire core of the seal (2).
The equipment according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that fixing means (13) connect the first clamp (10) to the bar (3) in an irremovable fashion.
The equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that means (14) for coupling the second clamp (11) to the bar (3) allow the relative translation of the second clamp (11) along the bar (3).
The equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that it comprises means (7) for supporting the seal connected to one of the ends of the bar (3).
The equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that each first clamp (10) and second clamp (11) comprises means (20) for locking the portion of seal (2) inserted in the seat (15).
The equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that it comprises a cutting element (17) associated with each first clamp (10) and second clamp (11).
A method for cutting a seal (2) by means of equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein it comprises a step of inserting the seal (2) in the positioning device (100) and a step of cutting the seal (2) by inserting a cutting element (17) in the guide (16) of the positioning device (100).
The method according to claim 12, characterised in that the step of cutting the seal (2) is performed by coupling the positioning device (100) with the work surface (22) and positioning it on the work surface relative to the cutting element (17).
A method according to claim 12, characterised in that it comprises a step of positioning the second clamp (11) relative to the first clamp (10), defining the positioning device (100), in relation to a predetermined distance by means of the measurement indicator (6), a step of inserting the seal (2) in the seat (15) of the first clamp (10) and in the seat (15) of the second clamp (11), a step of cutting the seal (2) by inserting a cutting element (17) in the guide (16) of the first clamp and in the guide (16) of the second clamp (11).
The method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of unwinding a seal (2) from a reel wound in an unwinding element (21) before the step of inserting the seal (2) in the seat (15) of the first clamp (10) and in the seat (15) of the second clamp (11).