ES2206807T3 - PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR CUTTING MATERIAL BANDS PROVIDED WITH IMAGES. - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves automatic reading of data previously applied to the material strip (3) with respect to the images (30-32) on the strip, setting at least one cutting device to cut the material strip according to the data read in and cutting the material strip using the cutting device which has been set up. The data (33-35) is applied to the strip near the images when the images are applied. They can be in the form of electronically readable bar codes that can be printed or stuck onto the strip. Independent claims are also included for a cutting device and for material strip.

Description

Procedure and device for cutting bands of material provided with images.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a procedure to automatically cut bands of material provided with individual images. In addition, the invention relates to a cutter to cut bands of similar material that It has at least one cutting device movable by motor.

For material bands provided with images they have especially subsumed printed and / or exposed paper bands of varied width. Paper bands of this type feature often images distributed arbitrarily both in width and throughout the band. The images have been printed before on the rolled material or applied by exposure, when the Paper band is a photographic paper. However, in the most common  of the cases, any cuttable material can be processed with the procedure according to the invention. So, following this procedure, even a plastic film can be cut in rolled form.

The images referred to herein request, not only comprise realistic images or text, but in this sense must be interpreted any textual representation, artistic, by drawing or graphic, limited in space.

State of the art

A document 4,784,318 A describes a procedure and a device to cut different formats rectangular from a band of paper or film. For control the performance of longitudinal and transverse cuts, the device is provided with a control device and a sensor. In this case, the sensor is arranged or shaped in such a way. so that codings applied on the edge of the paper band By means of the codifications applied by the plotter on the edge of the paper or film bands, can cut automatically and in appropriate sizes, pieces different according to the standardized formats according to DIN. For cut, the device features a cross cutter and several longitudinal cutting units arranged over the width of the paper strip or transversely to the direction of transport of the transport device The cross cutter extends over the entire width of the paper band and consists of a blade of cross section fastened on a knife holder tree and a immobilized counter knife. The longitudinal cutting units are they retain in a transverse rail keeping distances from each other that allow to cut standard formats according to DIN. To do this, the Longitudinal cutting blades are adjusted, according to the data read by the sensor, to a position that allows to cut the band of paper according to the needs. This adjustment of the cutting blade Longitudinal or longitudinal cutting units are performed at lower a rotating circular upper blade against a lower circular blade resting on a fixed shaft. The position of the longitudinal cutting units can be changed freely before cutting operations by manual displacement along the cross rail and has to retain then in the desired position. Then, paper bands can be cut. In this way, the units of longitudinal section have a fixed position transversely to the paper strip or its direction of transport, at least during the Cut from a band.

In US 5,074,178 A a device and a method for cutting drawings are described
- especially technicians - from paper bands of the type delivered by graphic plotters. The device has a cutting blade for transverse cutting and a pair of longitudinal cutting blades for making longitudinal cuts that run parallel to the direction of transport of the transport device. By means of photoelectric cells the lateral edges of a drawing or its position on the band of continuous material can be detected. Based on the lateral edges of the drawings detected by the photoelectric cells, then a control device can position the longitudinal cutting blades so that the lateral edges of the drawing can be trimmed. In order to make the transverse cuts after detecting the corresponding lateral edges, the control device for the transport device to allow the lateral edge to be trimmed accordingly. A cutting device of this type is therefore limited, as regards its use, to drawings provided with a rectangular edge and which can be detected by photoelectric cells.

Document US 5,777,879 A discloses a control device for a machining installation, especially a cutting device for material bands elongated In this regard, the material band is expected to divide into sections of identical length identifying each of The sections with a brand. Such a situation is given, by example, when cutting raw material from a sheet of sheet metal for license plates. Based on the position of the marks on the band of material detected by a sensor, the control device emits a signal that corresponds to a value corrected for the feed path of the material band by what can be maintained within a predetermined tolerance the position accuracy of the sections of the material band with Regarding brands. For this, a detector or sensor is provided that emits a read signal to the control device as soon as recognizes a mark on the band of material that moves towards ahead. Regarding the type of sensor, document US 5,777,879 A announces that sensors for the most diverse types can be used of detectable badges. Possible badges are, therefore, parts of graphic representations in the material band, holes or indentations in the material band, modifications of the degree of reflection of light on the surface, etc. The sensor or detector can even be an identification device of figures.

US 5,586,479 A describes a cutting device for a plurality of images applied in An individual sheet that welcomes the images. Here, the sheet present a plurality of rectangular images of size identical. With this cutting device the objective of trim properly oriented images from the sheet, even when the images are oriented transversely to the edges of the sheet. For this, the cutting device has a first cutting blade and a sensor to identify an edge or its cross position of an image present on the sheet. Also I know provides a device that allows to orient this first blade parallel to the edge of the image. To this end, this first Cutting blade is performed in a rotating way. The sheet provided with the images are approached by a transport device to the first cutting blade detecting the leading edge of the image or images by means of sensors arranged in the area of the first cutting blade. There are two sensors that They consist of a light emitting diode (LED) and a pair of photodiodes. After cutting the sheet provided with the images by means of the first cutting blade, the strips of images obtained from this way, by means of a second cutting blade arranged to continued at right angles to the image border mentioned first.

US 5,541,359 A discloses a device for inserting stamped cards, for example cards of credit, in forms that receive them, for later sending by mail. For this, it is expected that the forms are fed to the set of devices connected together forming a band of material keep going. By means of a printer, they are printed on the forms, along with the name and address of the recipient, information related to the credit card account corresponding, encoded by barcodes, such as The account number and name. To separate joined forms each other, the packaging device has a device section that additionally presents a sensor for reading the barcodes arranged in the form. The reading of the barcodes by means of the sensor allows to compare the information related to the credit card account and to the forms intended for packing or shipping and, of this mode, avoid erroneous assignments.

US 5,229,827 A describes a integrated device consisting of a plotter attached to a system CAD, a cutting unit and a set of receivers to which Image sheets can be fed automatically different sizes. The device presents a device for apply images on an elongated paper band, a unit of cut to cut images according to sizes standardized transmitted by the CAD system, and receivers in the that sheets of images of different sizes are stacked depending on of its formats. The cutting unit has a blade Y-cutting that allows cross-sections to be made with respect to the longitudinal extension of the paper strip, and several X cutting blades positioned in a distributed direction transverse corresponding to the possible sizes or widths. The X cutting blades intended for cutting images or pieces of paper of different sizes are each made up of a couple of Rotary cutting discs that can engage each other. The device further comprises a transport device that allows you to keep moving the paper band in the direction of its extension longitudinal. Accordingly, the cross-sections with respect to the paper strip are made with the Y cutting blade during the stop of the transport device or when the paper band The cuts in the sense of extension Longitudinal paper strips are made with the blades of fixed X-cut, while the paper band is still moving by means of the transport device. The cuts with the blade of horizontal cutting or Y-cutting blade, and with the blades of  Longitudinal cutting or X-cutting blades, are made by means of a cutting unit control unit based on the size indications or size signals transmitted by the plotter control unit.

US 5,099,734 A discloses a device to modify the width of a device slot to cut wide fabrics or bands of material. With the device cutting bands of fabric or material are moved by means of a transport device in its longitudinal direction while are cut into elongated strips by means of cutting blades Rotary By means of these cutting blades are made cuts oriented parallel to the longitudinal extension of the material band The position of the cutting blades in relationship with the transverse direction of the material band can be modified by means of the mentioned adjustment device, moving this along an oriented stem transversely to the material band or transversely to the sense of transport With the invention according to US document 5,099,734 A achieves the objective of providing a device for adjustment that allows to hold with sufficient or adequate force of hold the cutting blade or the cutting blade holder on the stem in the desired position. Adjustment device It also has a mechanism for moving the knife cut by which the cutter blade holder opens in first, then move it along the rod in the desired position corresponding to the width of the slot and then fix it again on the stem. The device of cut or the adjustment device has for its operation a control device

To crop distributed images freely across and along a band of material this type, a cutter with several cutting blades is usually used that can be displaced by an engine. Material transport Rolled up or band material is done by means of transport cylinders that are operated in a controllable manner in the cutting device A movable cutting blade perpendicular to the direction of transport of the paper web serves during the stop of the transport cylinders to perform a cut that runs perpendicular to the paper web. With several cutting blades independent of each other and again movable perpendicular to the direction of transport of the paper band, can be made, during the transport process of the paper strip, cuts parallel to the direction of transport of the paper band or parallel to the orientation of the band of paper.

A cutting device of this type allows crop multiple images applied by exposure or printed on the paper band, or groups of images. However, in this cutter, for each image or each group of images must enter the adjustment of the cutting blades through a input keyboard or a screen.

Exhibition of the invention

The technical problem on which the invention consists in facilitating a procedure and a device to cut bands of material provided with images that allow more effectively cut individual images or groups of images.

This technical problem is solved by means of a procedure with the characteristics of claim 1 and, also, by a cutter with the characteristics of the claim 5.

The process according to the invention is characterized in that the data applied in advance on the band of material relating to existing images or groups of images in it they are read automatically, because then, by means of automatically read data, at least one device fits cutting to cut the material band according to the data read and finally, because the material band is cut with the device Adjusted cut.

A cutter according to the invention presents the less a cutting device that can be displaced by an engine. In addition, a data reader is provided for reading the data existing in the material band relative to the images existing in the material band. Likewise, a unit of control that evaluates the data read through the data reader and transforms them into control orders for the cutting device motor driven by adjusting the cutting device so correspondent.

In an embodiment with a device non-movable cut parallel to the direction of extension of the material band, from the control unit is controlled advantageously also a device for transport subsequent band of material. Thus, cuts can be made varied longitudinally or transversely with respect to the material band

The invention is based on the idea of applying also the existing data at the time of applying the images on the material band, relative to these images or groups of images, automatically readable on the band of material, such that data on images or groups of images can be read by the cutter ready to continuation of the exposure apparatus, for example, and so corresponding, automatic processing of the images or groups of images. In this way, it is simplified essentially clipping images or groups of images. The invention allows for the first time to cut images of different sizes and distributed arbitrarily over the entire width of the band of material, before or after a possible lamination.

Automatically readable data includes advantageously information regarding the number and size as well as the position of the images in relation to a reference point, for example the longitudinal edge of the image. Advantageously, it take the moment to apply the images on the band of material to apply the image data in your environment. From In this way, image data can be applied simultaneously with, for example, the exposure process or printing, so that no separate devices are required to apply image data. But it is also possible apply the data separately from the application process of the images. For this, it is not necessary to make major changes in the exposure apparatus

In a special way, it is naturally advantageous when the image data, seen in the direction of transport of the material band, apply in front of the images individual or groups of images to which they must be assigned. From this way, a cutter of the type according to the invention is allowed adjust the cutting devices correspondingly to the data read, before individual images or groups of images reach the lower area of the cutting devices. However, of course it is not absolutely essential that image data or data sets are present in the immediate environment of images or groups of images, only it would be necessary for them to be read and assigned through the reader of data in front of the images, seen in the direction of transport of the material band.

When a set is applied to the material band of individual data for each image relative to the data of the images, ie height, width, position, etc. from image, individual adjustment of the cutting device is allowed for each of the images and therefore an exact cut of each of the images on the material band. Nevertheless, when several contiguous images are applied across the bandwidth of material, it is advantageous when a single set of data for such a group of images. Because in this case, only the maximum height should be indicated as reference height of an image of such a group of images, such that the entire group of images is trimmed. This way, you can move a corresponding cutting device in the direction cross over the material band.

To compensate for possible influences during material band transport or temperature variations that may cause elongation or a reduction in the band of material, it is advantageous when in addition to the data of the images, applies to each of the groups of images or each image an automatically readable image end mark, exactly at the end of each image or group of images. This form, a corresponding correction of the cutting device adjusted according to the data read with before, if necessary. Above all, in this way, it could better compensate for image length errors and length measurement errors of the cutting device.

As explained above, it turns out especially very effective when data is printed or applied by exposure on a paper band that allows printing or exposition. Especially in those paper bands with images printed or applied by exposure a corresponding procedure  of the type described above is very effective.

It gives an extremely simple configuration when the image data is printed or applied by exposure on the material band in the form of barcodes automatically readable. On the one hand, it is easy to print or Apply by exposure barcodes of this type. For another side, barcodes of this type allow without difficulty host a multitude of information in a minimum space. Further, Data readers of this type are known in multiple ways And they are cheap.

When it happens that a data record is missing for a group of images or an individual image on the material band or read errors occur, it is advantageous when warned of the acoustic or visual error. In this way, a user You can then separate the length of the material band and follow With the processing mechanically. In addition, it is advantageous when during an error of this type, the material band transport.

To consider temperature influences on the band of material that may cause elongation or reduction of the material band, it is advantageous to measure the temperature of the material band itself or its ambient temperature and correct control orders for the cutting device generated according to the data read, when the temperature measure is less or greater by a certain value with respect to a default reference temperature. In this way, it turns out possible to consider during cutting by means of a device cut a possible elongation of the material band, due to the temperature rise, for example.

Brief description of the drawings

Then, as a further explanation and for a better understanding, is described in more detail and explained a exemplary embodiment of the invention taking as reference the attached drawings. They show:

Fig. 1 a perspective view from an angle upper cross section on the cutter in a representation partially developed,

Fig. 2 an enlarged view of the arrangement of the longitudinal and horizontal blades according to Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a paper band with images applied by exposure on it and corresponding barcodes, as well as several readers of barcodes

Description of the preferred embodiment of the invention

The views according to Figs. 1 and 2 allow recognize the fundamental structure of a cutting device according to the invention. A band of paper 3 provided with images 30, 31, 32 (as will be explained in more detail below in relation to the Fig. 3) is rolled in the form of rolled material on a coil 1. Above coil 1 are cylinders inverters 2 for the paper band 3.

Guides are provided next to the paper band the paper web 16 above the inverter cylinders 2, which they are made especially in a scrollable way, to be able to make a corresponding adjustment in relation to the width of the paper band In the upper area of the cutter, they are arranged several transport cylinders 4 that are grouped in pairs adjoining Between the transport cylinders 4, the belt is driven of paper 3 and continues to be transported by driving the transport cylinders 4.

Immediately following the cylinders of transport 4, at least one barcode reader 25 is provided. In the schematic representation of Fig. 3, three are arranged barcode readers 25 above paper band 3, however, it is also possible to provide only one code reader for 25 stationary or movable bars.

Next, a knife guide is provided 11 extending transversely over the width of the band of paper 3. A horizontal carriage 13 can be moved on this guide 11 motor driven. In this car 13 there is a blade of horizontal cut 12 that allows to cut the paper band 3 perpendicular to your transport address. In one embodiment Preferably, this horizontal cutting blade is made as single blade and especially as a rotating blade.

Following this blade arrangement longitudinal cut 11, 12, 13 a guide 14 is arranged for several longitudinal cutting blades 5. Guide 14 extends again especially the width of the paper band to be able to move in she blades 5 motor driven. Cutting blades longitudinal 5 each comprise two blades to make two contiguous cuts longitudinally to paper strip 3. They are positionable by motor using a servomotor 9 (step motor He passed). For this purpose, a rack 15 is provided in which they engage the corresponding sprockets, not shown here, of drive motors 8. In addition, a spindle of drive 10 for the longitudinal cutting blades and ejector cylinders 6 in each of the cutting blades longitudinal 5.

Next, it is arranged in the housing a paper receiver 20. The entire cutter housing is performs here in the form of a device mounted on the ground and presents support feet 21, 22 for placement.

The operation is described below. Main of this cutter. To do this, it is specially done reference to Fig. 3. When exposure images are applied paper 30, 31, 32 on the paper strip, are applied by exposure or corresponding barcodes 33, 34, 35 are printed at the same time next to the individual images 30, 31, 32. When you enter a roll of paper strip prepared in this way on a cutter described above, this paper strip 3 is approached by means of the transport cylinders 4 to the cutting devices 5, 12. Before the individual images reach the area of the cutting devices 5, 12, the data is read electronically relative to the individual images 30, 31, 32 by means of 25 barcode readers, are selected by a unit of control not represented here and position corresponding form the individual blades 5, 12. In this way, you can consider different widths of images, as well as lengths of the images and crop the individual images. Then, these are ejected by the ejector cylinders 4.

In a group of images, as represented, for example, in Fig. 3, only one can even be provided barcode 35 containing the information of the group of images 30, 31, 32. In this case, a horizontal section of according to the first and last start or end of the image, so that the entire group of images is trimmed.

When you want to use a single code reader of bars 25, the bar code 35 must always be located in the same place and distanced from the edge of the paper band 3. But naturally it is also possible to arrange the code reader of 25 bars scrollable. Finally, it should be noted that naturally it is also possible to provide a single barcode that it contains, however, in this case the data for several images, so that each image can be trimmed individually by means of the control unit and each of the cutting devices 5, 12.

Claims (6)

1. Procedure for automatic trimming of individual images (30, 31, 32) from a band of material (3) transported by means of a drive, by which, before proceeding to trimming the images (30, 31 , 32), data (33, 34, 35) is applied on the material band (3) in the form of bar codes that correspond to the different lengths and widths of the images (30, 31, 32) and then automatically read the data (33, 34, 35) applied in advance and depending on the transport of the material band (3) in the direction of transport of the transport device (4), a horizontal carriage (13) provided with a horizontal cutting blade (12) to cut the band of material (3) perpendicular to its direction of transport according to the data (33, 34, 35) read, and then to cut the band of material (3), the longitudinal cutting blades (5), according to the data (33, 34, 35) read are adjusted in a position that allows the band of material (3) to be cut longitudinally to the direction of transport and this band of material (3) continues to be transported according to the data (33, 34, 35) read, characterized in that the longitudinal cutting blades ( 5), according to the data (33, 34, 35) read, applied on the material band (3) in the direction of transport of the transport device (4), are positioned individually and independently of each other by means of a motor, transversely to the direction of transport of your transport device (4) for the material band (3), in front of the individual images (30, 31, 32) or groups of images to which they are assigned to make contiguous cuts, and then The material band (3) is cut with these longitudinal cutting blades (5) according to the data (33, 34, 35) read. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at the end of the image, an image end mark (36) automatically readable is applied on the material band (3). Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the position of the horizontal or longitudinal cutting blades (12, 5) adjusted according to the data (33, 34, 35) of the images (30, 31, 32) read with in advance, it is compared, to make the cut at the end of the image, with the image end mark (36), and because a difference between the adjusted position of the horizontal or longitudinal cutting blades (12, 5) and the final image mark (36). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the temperature of the material band (3) or its ambient temperature is measured and that the control orders for horizontal and longitudinal cutting blades are corrected accordingly (12, 5) generated by means of the data (33, 34, 35) read, when the measured temperature is lower or higher by a predetermined value than a reference temperature. 5. Cutter to cut a band of material (3) provided with images (30, 31, 32) of different width and length, with a transport device (4) to transport the band of material (3) in the direction of transport , with a guide (11) for a horizontal carriage (13) driven by motor, with a horizontal cutting blade (12) to cut the band of material (3) perpendicular to the direction of transport, and with several longitudinal cutting blades ( 5) to make contiguous cuts in the direction of transport of the transport device (4), and with a data reader (25) to read data (33, 34, 35) present on the material band (3) in the form of barcodes of the images (30, 31, 32) applied on the material band (3), as well as with a control unit that evaluates the data (33, 34, 35) read by the data reader (25) and transforms them into control orders for the motor-driven horizontal cutting blade (12) and the cutting blades longitudinal (5), as well as the transport device (4), and which adjusts the horizontal cutting blade (12) or the longitudinal cutting blades (5) in a position that allows the material band (3) to be cut, as well as the transport device (4) moves correspondingly, characterized in that following the guide (11) for the horizontal carriage (13) there is arranged a guide (14) for the longitudinal cutting blades (5) extending transversely in the direction of transport on the transport device (4) and in which they can be positioned individually, driven by motor using a servo motor (9), the longitudinal cutting blades (5) by means of the control orders of the control device , to crop images (30, 31, 32) with different widths according to the data (33, 34, 35) read, applied on the material band (3), in the direction of transport of the transport device (4) , in front of the images (30, 31, 32) individual or groups of images to which they are assigned. 6. Cutter according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the material band or its ambient temperature.