ITMI20131849A1 - SEMIAUTOMATIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CUTTING SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR THE PACKAGE OF ITEMS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Semi-automatic device and method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles"

Field of the found

The present invention relates to a semiautomatic device and a method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles of different types. The present invention is part of the packaging of articles that require the cutting of complex and irregular shapes (two- and three-dimensional cut) able to give the article its final shape and / or give the semi-finished product the shape necessary to the union with other semi-finished products and / or to trim irregular edges (even a few tenths of a millimeter and with the possible application of adhesives) and / or to obtain notches and inserts (precision cutting) in pre-assembled that already have their own bi shape or three-dimensional, etc .. By way of non-exhaustive example, think for example of the cut performed on fabrics or leathers for the manufacture of clothes in small series and / or for the replacement of flawed pieces.

By semi-automatic device we mean a device that is implemented by an operator who manually holds and guides the semi-finished product in the device itself to carry out the cut with the possible help of guides or stops.

The term "semi-finished product" refers to an element that has a reduced thickness compared to its other two dimensions. By way of example, the semi-finished product is a sheet, a panel, a sheet, a piece, also three-dimensionally shaped (concave, convex), preferably flexible and soft. The materials include fabrics with possible insertion of reinforcement fibers (such as Kevlar <®> or carbon yarns for competition clothing items), felts, needled, natural leather, imitation leather, rubber, plastic, in one or more layers , possibly padded, for example with foams (think for example of the cups of bras, the padding for technical / sports clothing or the padding of helmets).

The packaged items include clothing items (jackets, shirts, trousers, underwear, corsetry, etc.), including technical / sports items (e.g. swimming suits) or medical items, accessories (bags, backpacks, hats, shoes, etc.) ), tablecloths, various types of coverings, for example for furnishings (beds, armchairs, sofas) or for vehicles (interiors, seats, saddles).

Background of the finding

In this context, it is known to operate these types of cuts with specific tools according to the processing, the shape (flat or three-dimensional) and the type of material to be cut.

For more complex cuts on three-dimensional semi-finished products (for example items already partially assembled, such as the upper or lining of a shoe, or three-dimensional prints, such as bras cups or other shaped padding) or for trimming precise edges of fabrics, until now it has been compulsory to use scissors or cutters used by highly specialized labor.

The same can be said for cuts in two dimensions performed in order to package articles in single pieces or in small series, for which it is not convenient / appropriate to use bulky and expensive automatic machines.

Other types of cuts are performed with fabric band saws.

It is also known to perform the cutting with reciprocating movement knives of suitably modified sewing machines by eliminating the sewing members.

Public document EP1604807, in the name of the same Applicant, illustrates a machine for finishing the edges of a fabric in garments and the like. The machine is provided with a lower wheel and an upper wheel placed in mutual contact in correspondence with a work surface defined by a base on which the fabric to be processed is placed. The machine comprises a rotating counter-blade applied in correspondence with the lower wheel which cooperates with a blade with alternating scissor-like movement to perform the trimming of the edges of the fabric in correspondence with a suction mouth configured to remove the scraps.

Summary

In this context, the Applicant has observed that the solutions adopted in the known art have defects and / or drawbacks.

Hand-made cuts with scissors or a cutter require highly skilled labor to achieve acceptable results.

Despite the high specialization, the times to perform each process are long compared with those obtained thanks to the use of machines.

In addition, specialized operators cannot work for more than a certain number of hours due to the physical fatigue that the use of scissors in particular entails. The cut performed by hand, although quite precise, necessarily generates irregular edges, in particular along the curved sections, because the open and close movement of the scissors produces a broken cutting line. This is most evident on soft / soft blanks which are also deformed / compressed during cutting. The cuts performed with semi-automatic machines, such as band saws for fabrics or alternative knives, do not allow to perform all types of cuts on all types of semi-finished products and materials. Furthermore, to cut soft / flexible three-dimensional semi-finished products with this type of machines (for example the cups of bras), they must be flattened against the work surface to pass them under the cutting blade. This entails a deformation which can be harmful for the semi-finished product and for the final product and furthermore does not allow to execute orthogonal cuts to the surface of said semi-finished product with precision.

In this context, the Applicant has therefore set itself the goal of allowing the execution of different types of semi-automatic cutting on semi-finished products of different types and different materials, simultaneously improving the quality of the cut and reducing processing times.

In particular, the Applicant has set itself at least one of the following purposes:

<■> increase in cutting precision;

<■> increase in cutting execution speed;

<■> increase in the quality of the cut in terms of continuity and cleanliness of the cut edges;

<■> drastic reduction of the physical fatigue of the operators;

<■> need for less specialization of operators compared to the use of scissors or cutters;

<■> possibility of performing semi-automatic cuts on three-dimensional semi-finished products without them being flattened and deformed with respect to their shape (for example on molded and / or semi-finished products already partially assembled) and of cuts in two dimensions on all types of semi-finished products / materials above listed.

The indicated objective and at least one of the purposes listed above are substantially achieved by a semi-automatic cutting device and a cutting method according to one or more of the attached claims.

Aspects of the invention are illustrated below,

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a semiautomatic device for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising:

a support frame;

a cutting unit mounted on the support frame and comprising:

a first driving roller;

a second driving roller;

in which the radially peripheral surfaces of the first driving roller and of the second driving roller are facing each other and at least one of said rollers is motorized (preferably both) to drag between them a semi-finished product to be cut;

a motorized cutting blade adjacent to the second drive roller (which is preferably the upper roller);

a contrasting element for said cutting blade adjacent to the first driving roller;

characterized in that it comprises a supporting column bearing at least part of the cutting unit at one end thereof; in which the support column protrudes from the support frame so as to be able to leave a free space around said column (substantially for its entire height) such as to allow an operator to orient the semi-finished product to be cut. In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising:

<■> manually arrange a semi-finished product to be cut in a cutting unit arranged at the end of a support column, in which a free space is present around said column such as to allow an operator to orient the semi-finished product to be cut (possibly with the help of guides and feedback);

<■> operate the cutting group to drag the semi-finished product between a cutting blade and a contrast element belonging to said cutting group; <■> manually orient the semi-finished product in the three-dimensional space around the support column during dragging to perform the cut.

The Applicant has verified that the solution as described above allows to cut complex semi-finished products (for example printed and / or partially assembled articles) that develop outside a single plane (three-dimensional semi-finished products) thanks to the fact that the space around the column allows to house and move the portions and / or the edges of these semi-finished products which extend in a different plane with respect to the virtual plane corresponding to the area that is under the blade (in the cutting phase). Think for example of the printed semi-finished product from which the cups of bras are cut out which, while these are cut out, due to their concavity / convexity, extends to the side of the support column while the cutting area is under the blade (and therefore above to said column). In this way, the operator finds practically no obstacles, against which the semi-finished product can collide, while manually orienting the semi-finished product itself to follow the line along which to cut.

The drive rollers, which are counter-rotating, take the semi-finished product between them and drag it against the cutting blade while the operator orients the semi-finished product to follow a particular cutting line.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention relates to a semiautomatic device for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising:

a support frame;

a first driving roller;

a second driving roller;

wherein radially peripheral surfaces of the first driving roller and the second driving roller are facing each other and at least one of said rollers is motorized to drag between them a semi-finished product to be cut;

a motorized cutting blade placed side by side with the second drive roller; a contrasting element for said cutting blade adjacent to the first driving roller;

characterized by the fact that the cutting blade is of the rotating circular type and the contrast element is a fixed contrast surface.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising:

<■> manually place a semi-finished product to be cut between radially peripheral counter-facing surfaces of a first drive roller and a second drive roller and between a motorized cutting blade of the rotating circular type and placed side by side with the second drive roller and a contrast surface fixed for said cutting blade adjacent to the first driving roller;

<■> actuating at least one of the first and second driving rollers to drag the semi-finished product between the rotating circular cutting blade and the fixed contrast surface;

<■> Manually orient the blank while dragging to perform cutting.

The Applicant has verified that the solution in accordance with the third and fourth aspects allows to obtain very precise and clean cut edges as well as, where necessary, continuous (ie without broken lines) thanks to the uninterrupted action of the rotating blade. Furthermore, this solution guarantees a higher speed of execution of the cut with respect to known solutions.

In one aspect in accordance with the first or second aspect, the cutting blade is of the rotating circular type and the contrast element is a fixed contrast surface. Then, during cutting, the semi-finished product is dragged by the drive rollers between the rotating circular cutting blade and the fixed contrast surface. Therefore, the considerations made regarding the third and fourth aspects are valid.

In one aspect in accordance with the third or fourth aspect, the device comprises a supporting column bearing at one end of at least part of the cutting unit (which cutting unit comprises the first drive roller, the second drag, the cutting blade, the fixed contrast surface); in which the support column protrudes from the support frame so as to be able to leave a free space around said column (substantially for its entire height) such as to allow an operator to orient the semi-finished product to be cut. Then, to perform the cut, the blank is manually oriented in the three-dimensional space around the support column during dragging. Therefore, the considerations made regarding! first and second aspect.

Preferably, the support column has a height H comprised between about 200 mm and about 400 mm, more preferably equal to about 300 mm.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the support column, where present, carries the first drive roller and the fixed contrast element / contrast surface. The semi-finished product during cutting therefore rests by gravity on the first drive roller and on the contrast element / fixed contrast surface.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the device comprises a main arm projecting projecting from the support frame, in which the second driving roller and the cutting blade are supported at one end of said main arm. The cantilevered main arm helps to ensure the maneuvering space for the semi-finished product which is moved and oriented to perform the cut without interfering with the frame.

Preferably, the main arm has a length "L" comprised between about 450 mm and about 750 mm, more preferably equal to about 600 mm. Preferably, a distance between the cutting blade and the support frame (useful maneuvering distance for the operator) is between about 300 mm and about 500 mm, preferably equal to about 400 mm.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the support column, where present, is mounted on an auxiliary arm of the device projecting from the support frame and substantially parallel to the auxiliary arm, if present. In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the main arm comprises a first transmission shaft and the cutting blade is mounted at the end of said first transmission shaft.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, a motor, preferably of the brushless type, is operatively connected to the cutting blade. Preferably, the motor is installed in the frame and connected through said first drive shaft to the cutting blade.

In one aspect according to one of the two previous aspects, the main arm comprises a second transmission shaft and the second drive roller is mounted at the end of said second transmission shaft.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, a motor, preferably of the stepper type, is operatively connected to the second drive roller. Preferably, the motor is installed in the frame and is operatively connected through said second transmission shaft to the second driving roller.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, a motor, preferably of the stepper type, is operatively connected to the first driving roller.

Preferably, the motors of the first and second driving rollers are controlled independently by a control unit of the device so as to be able to vary individually or jointly the rotation speeds of the first and second driving rollers and the peripheral speeds of said rollers in the area of contact with the semi-finished product which is dragged by them.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the first and second driving rollers rotate with a peripheral speed (substantially corresponding to the speed of advancement of the semi-finished product being cut) between about 0 m / min and about 8 m / min . Preferably, these speeds can be adjusted by the operator during cutting, for example by means of a button, a lever or a pedal.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the second driving roller can be moved away from the first driving roller. Preferably, the second transmission shaft is movable with respect to the frame between a first position, in which the radially peripheral surface of the second driving roller is approached to the radially peripheral surface of the first driving roller, and a second position, in which the radially peripheral surface peripheral of the second drive roller is spaced from the radially peripheral surface of the first drive roller. For this purpose, the second shaft is mounted (for example with bearings) on a portion (lever) of the main arm pivoted to the support frame so as to be able to rotate between the two aforementioned first and second positions around an axis substantially parallel to the extension. longitudinal of said second shaft.

In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, a minimum distance "d" between the second driving roller and the first driving roller is adjustable. In other words, the second driving roller can be locked in the aforementioned first position at a minimum distance "d" from the first driving roller and this minimum distance "d" is adjustable, preferably between about 0 mm and about 20 mm.

In one embodiment, the cutting blade is fixed with respect to the fixed contrast surface, in the sense that it always remains engaged with the contrast surface and cannot be moved away, for example by lifting it. In this embodiment, the first transmission shaft is preferably surrounded by an external (non-rotating) support jacket connected to the frame.

In one embodiment, the cutting blade can be moved away from the fixed contrast surface so as to be able to arrange the semi-finished product under said blade (without cutting it starting from the edge) and to perform internal cuts, slots, etc. Preferably, the first shaft of transmission is movable with respect to the frame between a first position, in which the cutting blade is approached to the fixed contrast surface, and a second position, in which the cutting blade is spaced from the fixed contrast surface. Preferably, the cutting blade is integral with the second driving roller in the movement away from the first driving roller and from the fixed contrast surface. Preferably, the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are integral in the movement between the respective first and second positions. For this purpose, preferably, the second shaft together with the first shaft are mounted (for example by means of bearings) on a portion (lever) of the main arm pivoted to the frame and able to rotate around an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal development of said shafts. .

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the rotating circular cutting blade is made of sintered materials.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the cutting blade is moved with a rotation speed "ω" between about 6,000 rpm and about 10,000 rpm, preferably between about 7,000 rpm and about 9,000 rpm

The high speed and the material of the blade contribute to obtaining a high quality and precision of the cut.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the cutting blade is moved in rotation in the same direction as the second drive roller (upper roller).

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the cutting blade has a cutting angle "a" comprised between about 0 ° and about 30 °, preferably between about 10 ° and about 15 °. This cutting angle "a" is defined as the angle defined between the axis of rotation of the cutting blade and the axis of rotation of the second (or first) roller.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the fixed contrast surface has a seat for the engagement of the cutting blade edge. This seat is preferably counter-shaped to the edge of the cutting blade.

In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fixed contrast surface is made of a material suitable for being engraved by the cutting blade, preferably of plastic material, preferably selected from the group comprising self-lubricating filled synthetic materials. In this way, it is the cutting blade itself that cuts and digs its seat in the fixed contrast surface (for example when the blade is mounted).

In an aspect according to the previous aspect, the fixed contrast surface can be moved to offer the cutting blade a new area to be engraved to renew the seat (for example when the old one is now too worn). Preferably, said contrast surface is rotated (by a limited angle) for this purpose.

In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the fixed contrast surface is part of a cylindrical surface axially flanked to the first drive roller. The cylindrical surface can be rotated at least partially to bring a new fixed contrast surface at the cutting blade.

Preferably, the cylindrical surface extends continuously from the radially peripheral surface of the first driving roller. This cylindrical surface can, for example, be defined by a cylinder made with the above indicated material (able to be engraved by the cutting blade), having an external diameter identical to that of the first drive roller and flanked to the latter (base against base). The cylinder is partially rotated to bring a new fixed contrast surface under the cutting blade.

In one aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the device comprises an operatively active adhesive deposition assembly at the cutting blade. This adhesive serves for example to stabilize the edges of the semi-finished product and / or to prepare the semi-finished product for subsequent adhesive operations (gluing) other parts. The adhesive can be deposited by means of an adhesive strip with a paper or plastic backing which is applied to the semi-finished product. The support is then removed, leaving the adhesive on the semi-finished product itself. Preferably, the adhesive deposition assembly is mounted on the main arm.

In an aspect according to the preceding aspect, the adhesive deposition unit comprises a guiding element partially arranged around the radially peripheral surface of the second driving roller up to the region of maximum mutual proximity of the first and second driving roll, to guide the adhesive tape up to said zone of maximum proximity and therefore onto the semi-finished product arranged near the cutting zone.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the device comprises a suction unit operatively active near the cutting blade, to suck up the screech deriving, for example, from the trimming cut of the edge of the semifinished product.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the fixed contrast surface has a suction mouth adjacent to the seat for the elimination of scraps due to cutting. The suction mouth is preferably integrated into the cylinder bearing the cylindrical surface and opens onto the fixed contrast surface. The suction mouth is preferably part of the suction unit of the device.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the device comprises a sharpener engageable with said cutting blade. Preferably, the sharpener is part of or is mounted on the main arm. Preferably, the sharpener comprises a movable rotating wheel in approaching / lifting to / from the cutting blade to engage / disengage in a guided and progressive manner with / from the edge of said cutting blade. This avoids the risk of marking the blade and making it less effective or unusable during sharpening. Preferably, the rotating wheel is made of abrasive materials suitable for lapping the cutting blade without overheating the edge thereof.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the radially peripheral surface of the first driving roller and / or the second driving roller is made of rubber, preferably silicone. Preferably, the rubber is loaded with materials suitable for dissipating any electrostatic charge present on the semi-finished product.

In an aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the device comprises a support plane arranged at least partially around the support column and movable between at least a first position, in which it lies spaced from the cutting blade and leaves said free space around said column, and a second position, in which it lies near the cutting blade to provide a support for the semi-finished product to be cut. When the support surface is in its first position, the device allows you to cut three-dimensional semi-finished products by manually orienting them in the three-dimensional space around the column. When the support surface is in its second position, the device allows to cut two-dimensional semi-finished products by placing them on said surface.

Preferably, when the support surface is in its first position, it is located at a base of the column opposite the end that carries at least part of the cutting unit. Preferably, when the supporting surface is in its second position, it is located flush with the radially peripheral surface portion of the first driving roller facing the second driving roller and at least partially surrounded by said supporting surface. Alternatively, the supporting surface can be disassembled from the device 1 and moved away.

Preferably, the support surface has a window / passage opening for the support column and completely surrounds said support column. In one aspect according to one or more of the preceding aspects, the frame of the device is of the box-like type and contains the motors and preferably also the control unit. The auxiliary arm which carries the support column and the main arm project in cantilever fashion from said box-like frame, respectively carrying parts of the cutting unit at their respective ends. There is sufficient free space around the cutting unit to semi-automatically perform all types of cuts required (in terms of: type of semi-finished products and items to be packaged, materials, type of processing). Overall, the device and the method in the combinations described above and / or according to what is claimed allow to achieve the objects listed above and the overall objective indicated.

In particular, the possible and foreseen combination of the support column with the rotating circular blade according to one or more of the aspects described above allows the cutting to be made very fluid and precise during the orientation and bi-dimensional movement of the semi-finished product.

Further characteristics and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a semi-automatic device for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles and of a method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles in accordance with the present invention.

Description of the drawings

This description will be set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and, therefore, not limitative, in which:

Figure 1 shows an overall three-dimensional view of a semiautomatic device for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the device of Figure 1 from a different angle and with some parts removed to better highlight others and with a sharpener in evidence;

Figures 3a, 3b show a detail of the device of Figures 1 and 2 (with fixed blade) in respective operating positions;

Figures 4a, 4b show the detail of Figures 3a and 3b in a variant embodiment (with movable blade) of the device of Figures 1 and 2 in respective operating positions;

Figures 5a, 5b illustrate an element (sharpener) of the device of Figure 2 in respective operating conditions;

figure 6 shows an overall three-dimensional view of a different embodiment of the semiautomatic device according to the invention (device for trimming after adhesive deposition);

figure 7 is a schematic side view of the device of figure 6; And

figure 8 is an enlargement of a portion of the device of figure 6 (cut-out suction unit).

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figure 1, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a first embodiment of a semiautomatic device for cutting semi-finished products "S" (specified above in the "Field of the invention") intended for the packaging of articles in accordance with the present invention.

The device 1 comprises a support frame 2 having a box-like portion 3 (defined for example by a frame of tubes closed by sheet metal panels) substantially parallelepiped in shape and intended to be placed on a support surface (such as a table), for example by means of adjustable feet 4, or supported by a suitable base, not illustrated, resting on the ground. The box-like portion 3 acts as a support for functional elements of the device described below and contains motors and / or control systems, not shown in the attached figures as they are hidden inside.

At a lower area of the frame 2, an auxiliary arm 5 protrudes from the box-like portion 3 and extends substantially parallel to the supporting surface (or to the ground). The auxiliary arm 5 carries, at one end opposite to that connected to the box-like portion 3, a support column 6 which rises vertically starting from the auxiliary arm 5 upwards and ends at the top with a free end. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the auxiliary arm 5 and the column 6 are arranged at 90 ° to form a sort of "L".

A first drive roller 7 is rotatably mounted at the free end of the support column 6, which has a first axis of rotation "X-X" substantially parallel to the auxiliary arm 5. The first drive roller 7 is connected to a motor, housed in the box-like portion 3 and therefore not visible in the attached figures. Transmission elements not shown, such as for example a belt and / or a chain and / or a transmission shaft and / or relative gears, are housed inside the support column 6 and the auxiliary arm 5 in order to connect said first driving roller 7 with the respective motor.

The first driving roller 7 has a radially peripheral surface 8 which is substantially cylindrical and made of silicone rubber loaded with conductive materials to dissipate any electrostatic charge present on a semi-finished product "S" to be cut.

A cylinder 9 made of self-lubricating synthetic material is axially approached to the first drive roller 7. The cylinder 9 has its own radially external cylindrical surface 10 with an external diameter identical to the external diameter of the radially peripheral surface 8 of the first driving roller 7 so as to define a sort of single continuous surface formed by the radially peripheral surface 8 and the radially outer cylindrical surface 10. During the cutting operations of the device 1, the radially outer cylindrical surface 10 of the cylinder 9 is fixed while the radially peripheral surface 8 rotates moved by the respective engine.

At an upper area of the frame 2, a main arm 11 protrudes from the box-like portion 3 and extends substantially parallel to the support surface (or to the ground) and to the auxiliary arm 5. The main arm 11 carries, at its opposite end to the one connected to the box-like portion 3, a second driving roller 12 having a second axis of rotation Ύ-Υ "substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation" X-X ". The second driving roller 12 is connected to a respective motor, housed in the box-like portion 3 and therefore not visible in the attached figures.

The second drive roller 12 has a radially peripheral surface 13 which is substantially cylindrical and made of silicone rubber loaded with conductive substances to dissipate any electrostatic charge present on the semi-finished product "S". The radially peripheral surfaces 8, 13 of the first and second cylinder respectively 7, 12 face each other to take and drag the semi-finished product "S" to be cut, as detailed below. The main arm 11 also comprises a motorized, circular and rotating cutting blade 14 placed next to the second drive roller 12 (visible in figures 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b). The cutting blade 14 rotates around a respective third axis of rotation "Z-Z" which is substantially parallel (unless a possible inclination of an angle “a” of a few degrees used to incline the cutting blade 14) to the first “X-X” and to the second “Y-Y” axis of rotation.

The cutting blade 14 is connected to a motor, for example of the brushless type, located in the box-like portion 3 (and not shown) by means of a first transmission shaft 15 which extends along the third axis of rotation "Z-Z".

The second drive roller 12 is connected by means of a second transmission shaft 16 (visible in Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) which extends along the second axis of rotation Ύ-Υ "to a respective motor, for example ti step-by-step type, located in the box-like portion 3 (and not shown).

The edge of the cutting blade 14 is engaged against the radially outer cylindrical surface 10 which therefore defines a contrast element (in particular a fixed contrast surface 17) for the blade 14 itself.

The cutting blade 14 is made of sintered tungsten carbide powders.

Given the nature of the cutting blade 14 and of the fixed contrast surface 17, the cutting blade 14 digs in the fixed contrast surface 17 a groove which defines a seat 18 for the edge of the blade 14 during the cutting operations.

The cylinder 9 can be manually rotated a few degrees around the first axis of rotation "X-X" to move the seat 18 and bring under the cutting blade 14 a new area of the radially external cylindrical surface 10 to be engraved in order to excavate a new seat 18 when the old one is too worn.

The cutting blade 14 is moved by the respective brushless motor with a rotation speed "ω" of approximately 8,000 rpm. The first and second dragging rollers 7, 12 rotate with a peripheral speed (substantially corresponding to the advancement speed of the semi-finished product "S" being cut) of between about 0 m / min and about 8 m / min.

As mentioned above, the plane in which the edge of the cutting blade 14 lies forms with the plane tangent both to the first and to the second drive roller 7, 12 an adjustable angle "β" which is preferably set other than 90 °. angle "β" is the complementary of the angle "a" formed between the third axis of rotation "Z-Z" and the first "X-X" (or the second "Y-Y") axis of rotation. The angle "a" is for example about 5 °.

The first and second dragging rollers 7, 12 together with the rotating circular cutting blade 14 and the cylinder 9 carrying the contrast surface 10 provided with the seat 18 form a cutting unit which is located at the end of the support column 6 and at the end of the main arm 11.

The auxiliary arm 5 has a length "L" and the support column 6 has a height Ή "which are suitable for allowing the (manual) movement without hindrance of the semi-finished product" S "which is cut by the cutting unit. The length "L" of the arm 5 is for example 600 mm and the height Ή "of the column 6 is for example 300 mm.

More in detail, the main arm 11 illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3a and 3b comprises the first shaft 15 surrounded by a fixed outer jacket 19. The first shaft 15 is fixed and cannot be moved to move the cutting blade 14 away from the fixed contrast surface 17.

The main arm 11 also comprises a portion (lever) 20 pivoted to the support frame 2 so as to be able to rotate for a limited angle around a "V-V" axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the second shaft 16. As clearly visible in figures 3a and 3b, the lever 20 carries the second shaft 16 and the second drive roller 12 (which can rotate freely with respect to said lever 20). Figures 3a and 3b show an appendage 21 of the lever 20 which rotatably supports the second shaft 16. By rotating the lever 20 around its "V-V" axis, it is possible to move the second drive roller 12 away / closer from / to the first roller drive 7 while the cutting blade 14 remains in position against the fixed contrast surface 17.

Under the action of its own weight, the lever 20 remains in a position in which the radially peripheral surface 13 of the second drive roller 12 is approached to the radially peripheral surface 8 of the first drive roller 7 (Figure 3a).

It is possible to manually lift the lever 20 to bring it to a position in which the radially peripheral surface 13 of the second drive roller 12 is spaced from the radially peripheral surface 8 of the first drive roller 7 (Figure 3b).

An adjustment screw 22 allows to adjust the minimum distance "d" (when the radially peripheral surface 13 of the second drive roller 12 is approached to the radially peripheral surface 8 of the first drive roller 7) between said two radially peripheral surfaces 8, 13 This minimum distance “d” is usually between about 0 mm and about 20 mm. The adjustment screw 22 is mounted on the lever 20 and engages against an element, not shown, integral with the support frame 2.

In a variant embodiment, the device of Figures 1 and 2 (Figures 4a and 4b), the lever 20 of the main arm 11, in addition to carrying the second transmission shaft 16, also carries the first transmission shaft 15 and the cutting blade 14. Figures 4a and 4b show the appendix 21 of the lever 20 which rotatably supports both the first and the second shaft 15, 16.

By rotating the lever 20 around its "V-V" axis, it is possible to move the second drive roller 12 away from / towards the first drive roller 7 and the cutting blade 14 from / to the fixed contrast surface 17. 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b also comprises a sharpener 23 for the cutting blade 14. As better visible in figures 5a and 5b, the sharpener 23 has a rotating wheel 24 made of materials abrasives able to perform a lapping and rotated by a brushless motor 25. The motor 25 and the rotating grinding wheel 24 are mounted at the end of a support lever 26 which extends substantially parallel to the first transmission shaft 15 and is part of the main arm 11. The rotating grinding wheel 24 is located near the cutting blade 14. The support lever 26 is constrained to the support frame 2 and is connected to a motor (for example stepper) mounted in the frame 2 (and therefore not visible) which moves the lever up port 26 so as to move the rotating grinding wheel 24 towards / away from the cutting blade 14 in order to engage / disengage in a guided and progressive manner with / from the edge of said cutting blade 14. This movement can be a rotation, a translation or a roto-translation of the sharpener 23. In other words, the rotating wheel 24 is movable between a position of engagement with the edge of the cutting blade 14 (Figure 5a), in which the rotation of the rotating wheel 24 and the rotation of the blade cutting 14 (preferably in opposite directions) determine the sharpening of the blade 14 itself, and a rest position of the sharpener 23 (figure 5b), in which the rotating wheel 24 is spaced (preferably by a few millimeters or a few centimeters) from the blade edge 14.

The device 1 of figures 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b also comprises at least one support plane 27, 28 which at least partially surrounds the support column 6 and extends parallel to the plane tangent to the first and to the second drive roller 7, 12. A first support plane 27 illustrated in a solid line in Figures 1 and 2 extends only on two sides of the support column 6. A second support plane 28 illustrated in broken line in Figures 1 and 2 and a solid line in Figures 4a and 4b extends all around the support column 6 or, in other words, it has a passage opening 29 or window (visible in Figures 4a, 4b) for the support column 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first support plane 27 is fixedly constrained to the support frame 2 (and / or to the auxiliary arm 5) and spaced from the cutting unit, i.e. it is positioned at the bottom, near the auxiliary arm 5. The second support surface 28 can be moved between at least a first position, in which it lies spaced from the cutting blade 14 and leaves a free space around the support column 6, and a second position, in which it lies in proximity to the cutting blade 14 for provide a support for the semi-finished product to be cut. When the second support surface 28 is in its first position, it is located near the auxiliary arm 5 and preferably rests on the first support surface 27. When the second support surface 28 is in its second position, it is located at wire of the radially peripheral surface portion of the first drive roller 7 facing the second drive roller 12 (Figures 4a and 4b) and locked in this position by means of a constraint with the support frame 2. The second support surface 28 is movable, preferably manually, between the first and second positions by sliding it around the support column 6.

In a variant embodiment not shown, the second support surface 28 can be locked in a plurality of intermediate positions between the first and second positions.

In a variant embodiment not shown, the second support surface 28 can be removed and moved away from the device 1 instead of being brought into the first position.

In an embodiment variant not shown, the support surface is only one (the first fixed support surface is not present) and can be moved between the aforementioned positions described above.

The device 1 of figures 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b also comprises a control unit (inserted in the support frame 2 and not visible in the attached figures) operatively connected to the motors mentioned above, to a screen 30 (for example a touch screen) arranged on the support frame 2 and possibly to a push-button panel arranged on the support frame (not shown). The touch screen 30 and / or the push-button panel are used to set the cutting parameters (for example, the speed of the cutting blade 14, the speeds of each single drive roller 7, 12 or the ratio between the speeds of said drive rollers 7, 12), to control the operation and to activate the sharpener 23. The control unit is also operatively connected to an operating element (such as a button, a pedal, a lever, etc.) which can be activated by the operator to to activate / interrupt the motion of the driving rollers 7, 12 and of the cutting blade 14 and, possibly, to continuously vary these speeds during cutting.

In use and in accordance with the claimed method (s), the operator adjusts the position of the second support plane 28 according to the semi-finished product "S" to be cut. If he has to cut a three-dimensional semi-finished product, he moves the second support 28 at the bottom so as to leave free the space around the support column 6 for its entire height. If the semi-finished product "S" is two-dimensional, move the second support surface 28 upwards flush with the radially peripheral surface portion 10 of the first drive roller 7 facing the second drive roller 12.

The operator possibly acts on the adjustment screw 21 to set the minimum distance "d" between the second drive roller 12 and the first drive roller 7 based on the thickness of the semi-finished product "S".

Eventually, the operator adjusts the rotation speed of the cutting blade 14 and the ratio between the speeds of the drive rollers 7, 12.

At this point, the operator manually places the semi-finished product to be cut "S" between the two driving rollers 7, 12 while rotating them by pressing the drive element (eg pedal). The counter-rotating dragging rollers 7, 12 take the semi-finished product "S" between them by dragging it against the cutting blade 14 and between said cutting blade 14 and the fixed contrast surface 17. The cutting blade 14 is rotated in the same direction of the second drive roller 12 (upper roller).

The operator manually orients the semi-finished product "S" to follow a predetermined cutting line.

If the "S" semi-finished product is two-dimensional, the operator moves it to the second support surface 28. If the "S" semi-finished product is three-dimensional (as shown in figure 2), the operator manually orients it in the three-dimensional space around the support column 6 when dragging,

The variant embodiment of figures 4a and 4b allows the semi-finished product "S" to be placed under said cutting blade 14 (without cutting it starting from the edge) and to perform notches, slots, etc. For this purpose, the operator lifts the second roller 12 together with the cutting blade 14 (figure 4b) and places the semi-finished product "S" under it, placing it on the first driving roller 7 and on the fixed contrast surface 17. Then rests the second driving roller 12 together with the cutting blade 14 against said semi-finished product "S" and subsequently rotates the rollers 7, 12 and the blade 14 by squeezing the actuation element (eg pedal). The operator orients the semi-finished product "S" to follow a predetermined cutting line as explained above.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8 comprises all the elements described above (indicated with the same reference numbers) and also comprises an adhesive deposition unit 31 forming part of or mounted on the main arm 11 and a suction unit 32 operationally active at the cutting blade 14.

The adhesive deposition group 31 serves to stabilize the edges of the semi-finished product "S" during a trimming cut performed by the cutting blade 14. The suction group 32 serves to remove the scrap "W" (figure 8) deriving from the trimming , the adhesive deposition unit 31 comprises a dispenser 33 of an adhesive tape "N" intended to be applied to the semi-finished product "S" and a guide element 34 partially arranged around the radially peripheral surface 13 of the second driving roller 12 up to correspondence of the zone of maximum mutual proximity of the first and second driving rollers 7, 12. As better visible in Figure 7, the dispenser 33 is arranged above the second driving roller 12 and above the guiding element 34.

The guide element 34 comprises a first part 35 which extends for an angular sector around the second drive roller 12 and has a radially external surface 36. A second part 37 of the guide element 34 faces the radially external surface 36 . The adhesive tape "N" descends from the dispenser 33 between the first and the second part 35, 37 and runs in contact with the radially external surface 36 and then moves between the drive rollers 7, 12. The drive rollers 7, 12 they also drag said adhesive tape “N” and press it against the semi-finished product “S”, making it adhere to it (figure 7).

The suction unit 32 comprises an aspirator, not shown, connected via a duct 38 to a suction mouth 39 which opens in proximity to the cutting blade 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the suction mouth 39 is integrated in the cylinder 9 bearing the cylindrical surface 10 and also the duct 38 is partly obtained in said cylinder 9. The suction mouth 9 opens on said cylindrical surface 10 and alongside the seat 18 for the cutting blade 14.

The embodiment illustrated in figures 6, 7 and 8 can also have the two embodiments of figures 3a, 3b or 4a, 4b.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Semi-automatic device for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising: a support frame (2); a cutting unit mounted on the support frame (2) and comprising: a first driving roller (7); a second driving roller (12); in which radially peripheral surfaces (8, 13) of the first driving roller (7) and of the second driving roller (12) are facing each other and at least one of said rollers (7, 12) is motorized to drive a semi-finished product ( S) to be cut; a motorized cutting blade (14) placed side by side with the second driving roller (12); a contrast element (17) for said cutting blade (14) flanked by the first driving roller (7); characterized in that it comprises a support column (6) carrying at least part of the cutting assembly at one end; in which the support column (6) protrudes from the support frame (2) so as to be able to leave a free space around said column (6) such as to allow an operator to orient the semi-finished product (S) to be cut . 2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a support surface (28) arranged at least partially around the support column (6) and movable between at least a first position, in which it lies spaced from the cutting blade (14) and leaves said space free around said column (6), and a second position, in which it lies near the cutting blade (14) to provide a support for the semi-finished product (S) to be cut. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support column (6) carries the first drive roller (7) and a contrast element (17). 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support column (6) has a height (H) between about 200 mm and about 400 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a main arm (11) projecting from the support frame (2) in which the second drive roller (12) and the cutting blade (14) are supported at one end of said main arm (11), 6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the main arm (11) has a length (L) comprised between about 450 mm and about 750 mm. 7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a sharpener (23) engageable with said cutting blade (14), in which the sharpener (23) is part of or is mounted on the main arm (11). Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, comprising an adhesive deposition assembly (31) operatively active at the cutting blade (14), in which the adhesive deposition assembly (31) is mounted on the main arm ( 11). Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support column (6) is mounted on an auxiliary arm (5) projecting from the support frame (2) and substantially parallel to the main arm (11). 10. Method for cutting semi-finished products intended for the packaging of articles, comprising: <■> manually arrange a semi-finished product (S) to be cut in a cutting unit arranged at the end of a support column (6), in which a free space is present around said column (6) such as to allow an operator to orient the semi-finished product (S) to be cut; Operating the cutting unit to drag the semi-finished product (S) between a cutting blade (14) and a contrast element (17) belonging to said cutting unit; <■> manually orient the blank (S) in the three-dimensional space around the support column (6) while dragging to perform the cut.