GB2594914A

GB2594914A - A cutting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2594914A
Application number: GB2003738.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cannel-Smith Anthony
Original assignee: VANCEBUILD Ltd
Current assignee: VANCEBUILD Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-16
Filing date: 2020-03-16
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Also published as: GB202003738D0

Abstract

A cutting apparatus 1 having a cutting tool 2 mounted on a carrier 10, a drive train in communication with the carrier and/or the cutting tool, and a quick release mechanism 12 for releasably engaging the cutting tool to the carrier. The cutting tool may have at least one open-ended groove 14a/b on the non-cutting end, and the quick release mechanism having a spring biased elongate member 18a/b with a locking member 26a/b which engages the groove of the cutting tool. A handle 36 may also be used to compress the spring 24a/b of the elongate member in order to remove the locking member from the groove such that the blade can be removed easily from the carrier. The cutting edge may have an anti-stick coating. The apparatus may contain sealing tools for sealing the wrapping material, and the sealing tools may have an anti-stick coating. There may also be a control mechanism having a heat sensor which detects the temperature of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, and when the edge temperature exceeds a certain value, a visual/audible alarm may be initiated, or the control mechanism may prevent activation of the drive train.

Description

A Cutting Apparatus

Field

The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus, and in particular to a cutting apparatus for wrapping material, for example food wrapping material.

The present invention also relates to a kit for a cutting apparatus and a method for cutting material, such as wrapping material, using a cutting apparatus or a kit for a cutting apparatus as described herein.

Background of the Invention

Cutting apparatus are used to produce cuts in various types of materials. In the food industry, cutting apparatus is used to produce cuts in food packaging or wrapping materials. As a result of high throughput of materials, cutting blades can become quickly worn and so become less effective. When this occurred there was a risk that fast moving films which were not properly cut, entered a packaging area which in turn caused over run of packaging and product which sometimes led to a blockage of product. In turn this caused bottlenecks and jamming of equipment. Consequently machines had to be switched off, resulting in down time, waste of product and packaging as well as potential damage to other machines in a production line.

Conventional cutters therefore require monitoring and continual maintenance in order to avoid such stoppages and damage may need to be dismantled to clean and/or exchange cutting blades in order to ensure that the apparatus can be used efficiently.

The process of dismantling a cutting apparatus can be very time consuming which is not only costly due to the need to have skilled fitters and technicians always ready to replace and repair, but also because processing lines have to be shut down temporarily in order to remove and repair cutting plates and this can cause backlogs of product and production delays.

There is therefore a need for a cutting apparatus which has improved efficiency for generating cuts in wrapping material with reduced associated maintenance downtime and costs.

There is also a need for a cutter that is easily and quickly replaceable so that a spare can be taken away for repair, maintenance and sharpening.

Prior Art

An example of an apparatus which has a replaceable knife with holder is described in European Patent EP-B-0 255 538 (Baxter International) which teaches a cutter for severing a web of film in a seal packaging machine. The apparatus includes a removable knife and a holder for removably receiving the cutter or knife. The holder also has a channel which has a pivot pin and a reduced cross-sectional portion. The knife includes a notch for pivoting on the pivot pin.

A problem with many existing types of seal packaging machines, with removable cutters, has been that they were often quite complex, and so were expensive to manufacture.

Also many removable cutters were difficult and therefore time consuming to remove; often requiring a complete shutdown of a production line in order to remove and clean a blade or cutter and to replace it. Furthermore this task required specialist skills.

A particular type of cutting machine is used on food packaging systems and employs box cutting knives. The reason it is called a box cutting machine is that two jaws travel along substantially square paths. The two jaws support cutting and sealing means and travel to the film, close, cut and seal the film by a combination of knives cutting the film and heat and sealing the film.

These types of cutting machines can suffer from problems of excessive down time because of the nature of the goods they are used to pack and because of the box cutting technique as debris, such as moist plant matter, leaves and stalks, impart sticky residues on edges of the knife blades. Therefore there tends to be an increased need to remove and clean these types of blades and cutters in so-called box cutting machines.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a simple cutter that is cheap to fabricate, reliable in use and may be readily sharpened for re-use once removed from a machine.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, there is provided a cutting apparatus for cutting wrapping material, the apparatus comprising: a cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; a carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of the cutting tool; a drive train in communication with one or more of: the carrier and/or cutting tool, in which the drive train is operable to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and a quick release mechanism configured to release the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier.

The quick release mechanism enables the cutting tool to be released from, and re-engaged with, a carrier of the apparatus easily and efficiently, without requiring dismantling of the apparatus as a whole. The quick release mechanism also enables the cutting tool to be released from, and re-engaged with, a carrier without requiring the use of complex tools or machinery.

The quick release mechanism, which is particularly well suited for box type cutting and sealing machines, enables the cutting tool to be cleaned, fixed and/or replaced efficiently and as such reduces any down time, and costs associated with any down time, of the apparatus.

The term "cut" is used herein to refer to a mark, a score or a break in packaging or sealing material. These scoring, cutting or breaking stages are performed under very careful control, as there is often a requirement to introduce a gas into the sealed container in order to improve or extend the shelf life of contents and this is particularly the case when packaging fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables or herbs.

In one embodiment the cutting tool comprises at least one open-ended groove extending from the opposed second end thereof. The cutting tool may provide any number of open-ended grooves depending on the particular requirements of the apparatus. The cutting tool may comprise a plurality of spaced apart open-ended grooves extending from the second end thereof For example, the cutting tool may comprise a pair of spaced apart open-ended grooves extending from the second end thereof.

The dimensions and shape of the, or each, open-ended groove may vary depending on the particular requirements of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the cutting tool comprises a plurality of open-ended grooves, each open-ended groove having the same shape and/or dimensions.

The carrier may provide at least one opening configured to be aligned with the or each open-ended groove of the cutting tool. The carrier may provide any number of openings depending on the particular requirements of the apparatus. The number of openings provided by the carrier preferably corresponds to the number of open-ended grooves provided at the second end of the corresponding cutting tool. The carrier may provide a plurality of spaced apart openings. For example, the carrier may comprise a pair of spaced apart openings. The dimensions and shape of the or each opening may vary depending on the particular requirements of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises a plurality of openings, each opening having the same shape and/or dimensions.

In one embodiment, the width, for example the diameter, of the open-ended groove is equal to or greater, preferably greater than the width of the opening of the carrier.

The cutting tool may comprise a first surface configured to be in contact with the carrier, and an opposed second surface configured to be in contact with the quick release mechanism.

The quick release mechanism may comprise at least one spring-biased elongate member; at least one locking member configured to releasably engage a corresponding spring-biased elongate member; and a handle.

The locking member may be in the form of a cylindrical member, for example an annular ring, providing a channel configured to receive and/or releasably engage a spring-biased elongate member. The channel is preferably centrally located. The locking member may comprise a first end having a first diameter and an opposed second end having a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The first end may be configured to abut the cutting tool, for example adjacent the opening.

A portion of the locking member at or adjacent the first end may be configured to be received within the open-ended groove of the cutting tool. A portion of the locking member at or adjacent the first end may be configured to be received within and to abut the open-ended groove of the cutting tool. A portion of the locking member at or adjacent the second end may be configured to abut the opposed second surface of the cutting tool.

The or each spring-biased locking member is preferably configured in use to be moveable between a first locked position in which the or each spring biased locking member extends through an opening of the carrier and a corresponding open-ended groove of the cutting tool to releasably engage the corresponding locking member, and a second open position in which the or each spring biased locking member is disengaged from the locking member and the corresponding groove of the cutting tool.

The spring-biased locking member may be moveable between the first and second positions by movement of the handle, for example movement of the handle in a direction extending away from the cutting tool and/or carrier. The spring-biased locking member may be moveable between the first and second positions by movement of the handle in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the cutting tool, for example in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the plane defined by the cutting tool.

The drive train may be operable to impart translational movement of the cutting edge relative to the wrapping material. The drive train may be operable to impart translational movement of the cutting edge of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material in a first plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wrapping material, and in a second place extending substantially parallel to the plane of the wrapping material.

In one embodiment, the cutting edge may comprise an anti-stick coating. Any suitable anti-stick coating may be provided on the cutting edge of the cutting tool, such as for example Teflon The apparatus may further comprise at least one sealing tool for forming at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material, and in which the cutting tool is operable to provide a cut adjacent the or each seal.

The at least one sealing tool may comprise a heatable sealing element configured to be positioned adjacent and/or in contact with at least one surface of the wrapping material to form a seal between aligned surfaces thereof.

In one embodiment, the sealing tool may comprise an anti-stick coating. Any suitable anti-stick coating may be provided on the sealing tool, such as for example Teflon The apparatus may further comprise a control mechanism comprising: a heat sensor operable to detect the temperature of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, and to generate first signal indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge; an alarm operable to provide a visual and/or audible signal, and a controller in communication with the heat sensor and the alarm, and operable to activate the alarm on receipt of a first signal from the heat sensor indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge exceeding a predetermined maximum value.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a control mechanism comprising: a heat sensor operable to detect the temperature of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, and to generate first signal indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge; and a controller in communication with the heat sensor and the drive train, and operable to prevent activation of the drive train on receipt of a first signal from the heat sensor indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge exceeding a predetermined maximum value.

The drive train comprises a plurality of intermeshing gears. Preferably, each pair of intermeshing gears comprises a metal gear and a plastic gear. It has been found that this arrangement of intermeshing gears produces, during operation, a significant reduction in noise. Furthermore, by ensuring that each metal gear intermeshes with a plastic gear, it has been found that lubrication issues of the drive train are significantly reduced.

The apparatus is preferably a wrapping material cutting apparatus, preferably a food wrapping material cutting apparatus, such as for example a plastic food wrapping material cutting apparatus.

According to a second aspect there is provided a kit for a cutting apparatus for cutting wrapping material as herein described, the kit comprising: at least one cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; at least one carrier, each carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of a cutting tool; a drive train in communication with one or more of: the carrier and/or cutting tool and operable to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and a quick release mechanism for releasing the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier, optionally further comprising at least one sealing tool operable to form at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material.

In one embodiment, the kit may comprise a plurality of cutting tools. In one embodiment, the kit may comprise a plurality of carriers.

In one embodiment, the kit may comprise a plurality of sealing tools.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for cutting wrapping material using an apparatus or a kit as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining a cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; obtaining a carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of the cutting tool; releasably engaging the opposed second end of the cutting tool to the carrier using a quick release mechanism; obtaining a quick release mechanism for releasing the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier; obtaining a drive train and engaging the drive train to one or more of the cutting tool and/or the carrier to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and operating the drive train to impart movement to the cutting tool to produce a cut through wrapping material in contact therewith, optionally obtaining a sealing tool for forming at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material; and optionally operating the quick release mechanism to release the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier.

The drive train is preferably operated to produce translational movement of the cutting tool.

The sealing tool and cutting tool may be operated sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the particular requirements for the apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be now described, by way of example only and with reference to the Figure in which:

Brief Description of the Figure

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an overall view of a cutting tool; Figure 3 is an overall view of a quick release handle; Figure 4 is a sectional view showing a cutting edge, a spring-biased elongate member and a quick release handle; and Figure 5 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 in which the spring-biased elongate member is depressed in readiness for release of the cutting tool.

Detailed Description

With reference to all the Figures, in which like parts have the same reference numerals, the cutting apparatus 1 for cutting wrapping material comprises a cutting tool 2 comprising a first end 4 providing a cutting edge 6 operable to provide a cut through wrapping material (not shown), and an opposed second end 8.

A cut may include a mark, a groove, a score or a break in the wrapping material. The cut may extend substantially between opposed surfaces of the material.

The cutting apparatus 1 further comprises a carrier 10 configured to releasably engage the opposed second end 8 of the cutting tool 2.

The cutting apparatus 1 further comprises a drive train (not shown) operable to impart movement of the cutting tool 2 relative to the wrapping material (not shown). The drive train comprises a plurality of intermeshing gears; each pair of intermeshing gears comprises a plastic gear intermeshing with a metal/metallic gear.

The cutting apparatus 1 further comprises a quick release mechanism 12 for releasably engaging the opposed second end 8 of the cutting tool 2 to the carrier 10.

The cutting tool 2 provides a pair of spaced apart grooves 14a, 14b extending from the opposed second end 8 thereof. Each groove 14a, 14b is substantially circular in shape. It is however to be understood that each groove may have any suitable shape, such as for example elongate or arcuate.

The carrier 10 provides a pair of spaced apart openings 16a, 16b. Each opening 16a, 16b is configured to be aligned with a corresponding groove 14a, 14b of the cutting tool 2.

The quick release mechanism 12 comprises a pair of spring-biased elongate members 18a, 18b. Each spring-biased elongate member 18a, 18b comprises a first elongate member 20a, 20b providing a central bore 22a, 22b and a spring 24a, 24b. The quick release mechanism 12 further comprises a pair of locking members 26a, 26b. The locking members 26a, 26b each comprise an abutment member 28a, 28b in the form of an annular ring 30a, 30b providing a central channel 32a, 32b, and a second elongate member 34a, 34b configured, in the first locked position, to extend through the central channel 32a, 32b of the annular rung 30a, 30b and to be received within and engage the central bore 22a, 22b of the corresponding first elongate member 20a, 20b.

The first elongate members 20a, 20b may be tapered in order to assist in their location and so speed up removal and replacement of cutting tool 2.

The second elongate member 34a, 34b are optionally also tapered and are shaped and dimensioned to form a snap-fit or push fit engagement within the bore 22a, 22b of the first elongate member 20a, 20b. A quick release handle 36 is located between each of the second elongate members 34a, 34b and the annular ring 30a, 30b.

Ideally the elongate members 20a, 20b and 34a, 34b are formed from aluminium and may have a bush (not shown) fitted thereto in order to The apparatus 1 further comprises a control mechanism (not shown) comprising: a heat sensor operable to detect the temperature of the cutting edge 6 of the cutting tool 2, and to generate first signal indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge 6; an alarm operable to provide a visual and/or audible signal, and a controller in communication with the heat sensor and the alarm, and operable to activate the alarm on receipt of a first signal from the heat sensor indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge exceeding a predetermined maximum value.

In use, wrapping material is placed adjacent the cutting tool 2 and the drive train imparts movement to the cutting tool 2 relative to the wrapping material. Operation of the drive train has been found to produce significant noise-reduction due to the pairing of metal/plastic intermeshing gears. Furthermore, problems associated with lubrication of intermeshing gears, noise and vibrations, within a drive train, have all been significantly reduced by combining metal/plastic intermeshing gears.

In one particular arrangement it was found that use of gears formed from steel and synthetic plastics not only reduced wear but also led to quieter operation of packaging machinery.

The drive train is first operated to move the cutting tool 2 in a first direction towards the wrapping material, for example in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the wrapping material and/or in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cutting edge 6 of the cutting tool 2, in order to place the cutting edge 6 of the cutting tool 2 in contact with the wrapping material.

Movement of the cutting tool 2 in the first direction may be sufficient to produce a cut in the wrapping material in a predetermined location. The drive train is also operated, once the cutting edge 6 is placed in contact with the wrapping material, to move the cutting tool 2 in a second direction across the wrapping material to produce a cut. The second direction may be in a direction extending within the place defined by the wrapping material and/or parallel to the plane defined by the cutting edge 6 of the cutting tool 2. Movement of the cutting edge 6 of the tool 2 is repeated to produce multiple cuts, for example spaced apart cuts, of the wrapping material.

During use, continuous cutting of material using the cutting edge 6 causes the temperature of the cutting edge 6 to increase. If the temperature increases above a certain point, the wrapping material may become deformed during cutting and/or deposit on the cutting tool 2 reducing the efficiency of the apparatus and may damage the wrapping material and/or apparatus.

The control mechanism (not shown) of the apparatus reduces the risk of failure of the apparatus to accurately cut wrapping material and/or reduces risk of unintended damage to or deformation of the wrapping material and/or reduces risk of wrapping material depositing on the cutting tool 2. The sensor and control mechanism accurately monitor the temperature of the cutting edge 6 of the cutting tool 2. On receipt of a first signal from the sensor that the temperature has reached a predetermined value, the control mechanism produces a visual and/or auditory signal to indicate to the user that the cutting tool 2 needs to be replaced.

The cutting tool 2 may be easily replaced, for routine changing or as a result of the temperature of the cutting edge 6 reaching a predetermined limit, by pulling on quick release handle 36. This action of pulling the handle 36 releases the quick release mechanism 12 and releases the cutting tool 2 form the associated carrier enabling efficient changing of the cutting tool 2.

Ideally cuttings or trimmings of the packaging material are minimised and any offcuts collected for recycling in a waste bin or hopper (not shown).

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made without varying form the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A cutting apparatus for cutting wrapping material, the apparatus comprising: a cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; a carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of the cutting tool; a drive train in communication with one or more of: the cutting tool and/or the carrier, in which the drive train is operable to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and a quick release mechanism for releasably engaging the opposed second end of the cutting tool to the carrier.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which: the cutting tool comprises at least one open-ended groove extending from the opposed second end thereof; the carrier provides at least one opening configured to be aligned with the or each open-ended groove of the cutting tool, and the quick release mechanism comprises: at least one spring-biased elongate member; at least one locking member configured to releasably engage a corresponding spring-biased elongate member; and a handle, in which the or each spring-biased locking member is configured in use to be moveable between a first locked position in which the or each spring biased locking member extends through an opening of the carrier and a corresponding open-ended groove of the cutting tool to releasably engage the corresponding locking member, and a second open position in which the or each spring biased locking member is disengaged from the locking member and the corresponding open-ended groove of the cutting tool.
3. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, in which the drive train is operable to impart translational movement of the cutting edge relative to the wrapping material.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the drive train is operable to impart translational movement of the cutting edge of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material in a first plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wrapping material, and in a second place extending substantially parallel to the plane of the wrapping material.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the cutting edge comprises an anti-stick coating.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one sealing tool for forming at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material, and in which the cutting tool is operable to provide a cut adjacent the or each seal.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the at least one sealing tool comprises a heatable sealing element configured to be positioned adjacent and/or in contact with at least one surface of the wrapping material to form a seal between aligned surfaces thereof.
8. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7, in which the sealing tool comprises an anti-stick coating.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the at least one sealing tool and cutting tool are operable sequentially.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the at least one sealing tool and cutting tool are operable simultaneously.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a control mechanism comprising: a heat sensor operable to detect the temperature of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, and to generate first signal indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge; an alarm operable to provide a visual and/or audible signal, and a controller in communication with the heat sensor and the alarm, and operable to activate the alarm on receipt of a first signal from the heat sensor indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge exceeding a predetermined maximum value.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a control mechanism comprising: a heat sensor operable to detect the temperature of the cutting edge of the cutting tool, and to generate first signal indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge; and a controller in communication with the heat sensor and the drive train, and operable to prevent activation of the drive train on receipt of a first signal from the heat sensor indicative of the temperature of the cutting edge exceeding a predetermined maximum value.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the drive train comprises a plurality of intermeshing gears, and in which each pair of intermeshing gears comprises a metal gear and a plastic gear.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus is a wrapping material cutting apparatus.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which the wrapping material cutting apparatus is a food wrapping material cutting apparatus.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the wrapping material cutting apparatus is a plastic food wrapping material cutting apparatus.
17. A kit for a cutting apparatus for cutting wrapping material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, the kit comprising: at least one cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; at least one carrier, each carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of a cutting tool; a drive train configured to be in communication with one or more of: the cutting tool and/or carrier, and in which the drive train is operable to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and a quick release mechanism for releasably engaging the opposed second end of the cutting tool to the carrier, optionally further comprising at least one sealing tool operable to form at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material.
18. A method for cutting wrapping material using an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, or a kit as claimed in claim 17, the method comprising: obtaining a cutting tool comprising a first end providing a cutting edge operable to provide a cut through wrapping material, and an opposed second end; obtaining a carrier configured to releasably engage the opposed second end of the cutting tool; releasably engaging the opposed second end of the cutting tool to the carrier using a quick release mechanism; obtaining a quick release mechanism for releasably engaging the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier; obtaining a drive train and engaging the drive train to one or more of the cutting tool and/or the carrier to impart movement of the cutting tool relative to the wrapping material; and operating the drive train to impart movement to the cutting tool to produce a cut through wrapping material in contact therewith, optionally obtaining a sealing tool for forming at least one seal between aligned surfaces of wrapping material; and optionally operating the quick release mechanism to release the opposed second end of the cutting tool from the carrier.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which the drive train is operated to produce translational movement of the cutting tool.
20. A method as claimed in either of claims 18 or 19, in which the sealing tool and cutting tool are operated sequentially.
21. A method as claimed in either of claims 18 or 19, in which the sealing tool and cutting tool are operated simultaneously.