US3587378A

US3587378A - Automatic material cutting machine

Info

Publication number: US3587378A
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry Oppenheim; Jonas Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-10-03
Filing date: 1968-08-29
Publication date: 1971-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-28
Also published as: FR1520023A

Abstract

A MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT MATERIAL IN A PREDETERMINED PATTERN IN RESPONSE TO REMOTE CONTROL SIGNALS IN WHICH THE MATERIAL TO BE CUT IS SUPPORTED IN SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN UNDERLYING SURFACE HAVING AN OPENING THROUGH WHICH A CUTTING ELEMENT CAN PROJECT TO ENGAGE AND CUT SAID MATERIAL.

Description

Unite States Patent 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 Inventors Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee Henry Oppenheim Lake Success;

Jonas Walker, Spring Valley, NY. 756,271

Aug. 29, 1968 June 28, 1971 Intercontinental Machinery Corporation, New York, N.Y.

Continuationin-part of application Ser. No. 583,615, Oct. 3, 1966, Continuation-inpart of application Ser. No. 329,022, Dec. 9, 1963, now abandoned.

AUTOMATIC MATERIAL CUTTING MACHINE 9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 83/20l.07, 83/398, 83/565, 83/648, 83/925, 83/71 Int. Cl 826d 1/46, 826d 5/30, 826d 7/30 [50] Field ofSearch 83/71, 201, 201.04, 201.07, 201.15, 398, 559-562, 648, 565, 925 (CC) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,172,058 2/1916 Scheyer 83/71 2,843,917 7/1958 Crane et a1. 83/201 .07 3,245,295 5/1966 Mueller 83/56 3,350,969 11/1967 Wia'tt et aI.. 83/201.07 3,465,630 9/1969 Bruns 83/424 Primary Examiner-Andrew R. .luhasz Assistant Examiner-Leon Gilden Attorney--1(ane, Dalsimer, Kane, Sullivan and Kurulz ABSTRACT: A machine for automatically cutting substantially flat material in a predetermined pattern in response to remote control signals in which the material to be cut is supported in slidable engagement with an underlying surface having an opening through which a cutting element can project to engage and cut said material.

PATENTEI] JUN28 I871 3587.378

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SHEET 8 UF 8 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS alUTOlt Mfll'lm ll/M'IIEMMI. CUTTING MACHINE RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of our prior copending application for US. Pat. entitled "Automatic Material Cutting Machine which was filed Oct. 3, I966 and which bears Ser. No. 583,615 which was a continuation-inpart of our prior application (now abandoned) for US. Pat. entitled "Automatic Material Cutting Machine" which was filed Dec. 9, I963 and which had Ser. No. 329,022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cutting devices and methods of various types have been used in the textile industry and other industries to cut substantially flat material into pieces or sections. The devices and methods presently used for such cutting have, for the most part, required marking of the goods to guide the one who will do the cutting requiring large expenditure of time, semisltilled labor and invariably has resulted in inaccurate cutting and difficulty of duplication. Hence, nonuniformity of pieces, fatigue of workers, waste of material and relatively expensive workmanship has given less than the most desirable performance The invention set forth herein is described in the terms of its application to the cutting of textiles. However, it should be understood that the machine and method of the subject invention is applicable to other fields as well and the specific disclosure herein is by way of example only.

This invention is useful for cutting webs and sheets of rigid, semirigid, flexible and pliable materials according to predetermined patterns, and for automatically cutting a stack of superposed webs.

This invention provides a machine and method which will, by means of following or tracking accurately translate is drawn line, photograph, template, pattern, or tracing into cut pieces of flat goods.

The invention also allows for the cutting of flat goods in such a way that the pieces cut therefrom can be accurate duplicates of each other and heights of ply or layup of the textile material can be cut.

This invention also provides a machine and method with which flat goods can be accurately cut to a predetermined pattern whether the predetermined pattern be an item to be duplicated or recorded on a magnetic tape or other intelligence storage means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a machine and method for automatically cutting web material wherein the material to be cut is supported in slidable engagement with an underlying surface having an opening formed therein and a cutting member projecting through said opening is moved in unison with said underlying surface into cutting engagement with the stationary web material in accordance with remote control signals.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. ii is a plan view of an automatic cutting machine constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the machine shown in FIG. ll;

FIG. ti is a segmentary perspective view of the cutting means and carriage employed in the machine shown in FIG. l with portions of the drive means therefor shown;

FIG 5 is an enlarged segmentary view from the side of the cutting means and carriage shown in FIG. d illustrating the support and drive for the endless cutting element;

PEG. 6 is a partially sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in the direction of the arrows in DIG. 5 showing the cutting element guide means;

MG. 7 is a partially sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partially sectional view taken along the line i s in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 6

FIG. 9 is a partially sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 3',

FIG. I0 is a partially sectional view taken along the line I040 in the direction of the arrows in FIG. I illustrating the support track for the material-supporting surface;

FIG. II is a partially sectional view from above of a table support member utilized in a modification of the invention;

FIG. I2 is a partially sectional view taken along the line line I2-I2 in the direction of the arrows in IF I6. I11; and

FIG. I3 is a partially sectional view taken along the line ll3-I3 in the direction of the arrows in IFIG. ll2.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The machine as shown in the FIGS. contains a table 20 having stationary table sections 2I and 22 and a shiftable section 23 which provides a supporting surface for material 24 (in slidable engagement therewith) and a movable carriage 25 for cutting element 26. In the embodiment shown a scanner 27 is attached to carriage 23 overlying table 23 to scan pattern 29 disposed thereon providing control signals for the machine. Alternate means of providing signal control to the machine can be used and for specific embodiments may be found more desirable than the embodiments shown in the example in the FIGS.

Table 20 is formed by two longitudinally extending spaced beams 30 and 311 suitably supported by stanchions 32 and beams 33. The stationary table sections 211 and 22 are disposed in longitudinal alignment with edges fastened on top of the beams 30 and 311 and spaced from one another a distance slightly less than the length of shiftable table section 23 which has wheels 36 mounted thereto by brackets 35 riding on tracks 36 fastened to

respective beams

30 and 31 for longitudinal movement of section 23 beneath the stationary sections.

Edges

21a and 22a of sections 21 and 22 respectively adjacent the center section 23 are formed as inclined planes for convenience when an end of the material on section 23 is laid on one of the sections 211 or 22 as will appear. The center table section 23 is actually in two parts 230 and 23b of identical configuration, slightly spaced, forming opening 37, as seen best in FIG. 6. The edges of parts 23a and 2317 are fastened to carriage 25 in such way as to permit carriage 25 to move transversely causing the parts 230 and 23b to move longitudinally as one with the spacing 37 between the two constant or fixed.

Two tape draw rolls 36 and 39 are connected respectively at either end of spacing 37 to the table parts 230 and 23b so that tapes 40 and 411 can each be connected at an end to a respective draw roll 38 or 39 into which it can wind and the free ends of these tapes are connected to bracket d2 spacing the ends so that a minimum opening 43 is provided in the center section 23 through which cutting member 26 can project.

Carriage 25 which is in the configuration of a C" having its upper portion 230 above and overlying table 20 with its lower portion 23b beneath table 20 is supported for rectilinear movement longitudinally and transversely of table 20 as seen in FIG. d. Transverse movement is on shafts M and d5 supported at their ends by brackets $6 and d7. Shafts M and 45 are journaled into brackets and d9 so that the carriage 25 is movable thereon upon turning of screw 50 by servomotor SI. The carriage 25 is arranged for longitudinal movement with brackets 46 and d7 slidably mounted upon shafts 52 and 53 respectively supported by

brackets

54 and 55. Screw 56 held at one end by bracket 57 and driven by servomotor 53 provides the power for this movement. Bracket 59 and guide rail 60 are provided to guide the carriage in longitudinal movement.

Spaced facing channel members 6i and 62 extend transversely from the undersides of table parts 230 and 23b adjacent space 37 as seen in FIG. 6 to respectively receive

rollers

63 and 64 which ride therein. The rollers are supported by bracket 63 mounted on carriage 23, which bracket also supports bracket d2, as shown in FIG. 7.

Hence movement of carriage 25 longitudinally causes longitudinal movement of the center table-maintaining space 37 and movement of the carriage transversely causes transverse movements of the tapes 40 and M maintaining the opening 43. The cutting element 26 being supported by carriage 25 and extending in a vertical pass between upper and lower portions thereof always projects through opening 53 in the same position.

Carriage 29 is hollow and as shown in FIG. 5, supports three wheels or

rollers

66, 67 and 68 which mount and power cutting element 26, the

wheels

67 and 68 being arranged so as to direct a vertical run of cutting element 26 perpendicularly through opening 43. The drive of element 26 is accomplished by use of motor 69, belt 70 and wheel 66.

Wheels

67 and 63 are idler wheels.

The motor 69 is set on platform 71 which is pivoted at 72 so the tension in belt 70 can be accurately and finely adjusted by balance weight 73 and tension spring 73a.

in the subject application upper and lower cutting element guide heads 74 and 75 are respectively provided.

The cutting element 26 of the present invention embodiment is in the form of a circular band, i.e., a blade having a circular cross section. Cutting element guides are provided herein, however, since the blade is quite delicate and such guide as is proposed herein supports the blade, as will appear below. The band guide however can also be used when cutting blade other than circular is used to direct the cutting edge of the blade.

The cutting element 26 is supported for passage through opening 43 by upper and lower guide heads 74 and 75 which are mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, which axis is the vertical run of cutting element 26. The guide heads are arranged for rotation in unison about the vertical axis by means of gearing 76 and 77 respectively meshing with and being driven by

chain drives

78 and 79. A servomotor 86 is provided in carriage 25 for driving

chains

78 and 79 in synchronism through respective gear boxes 8 and 82, as seen in H6. 5.

Each band head guide, as shown in FIGS. through 9, comprises a hollow shaft 93 supporting on its end a substantially spherical housing M split along a diametral plane to enable one-half thereof to be removed to give access to the interior of the housing. The housing accommodates a pair of

flanged rollers

85 and 86 joumaled for free rotation on

parallel spindles

97 and 88 and arranged with partly overlapping flanges so as to define between them a passage 89, the gorge of which closely corresponds to the circular cross section and dimensions of the cutting band 26. The guide head 74 is shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the guide head 7 is identical therewith.

it is contemplated in this embodiment that the blade movement 26 be downwardly in the direction of the arrow A as shown in FIG. 8, and that the blade engage the material in a cutting motion in accordance with the direction of the arrow B shown in H6. 8. With this arrangement the

heads

74 and 75 will be continually positioned by servo motor 89 so as to have the wheel closest to the material being cut directly behind the cutting blade, thereby supporting it. Hence, for example, in H6. 8 the upper guide would be positioned to have wheel 85 in the position shown.

In operation the material 24 which is to be cut is laid on the table with at least an edge thereof on the center table 23 to be supported thereby in slidable engagement with the table 23, and the cutting element 26 is moved into engagement with material 24 in response to remote control

signals operating servomotors

51 and 58. Initially the cutting element can enter the web through a predrilled hole. The same remote signals can be utilized to control servomotor 9t), and if desired, actuate cutting element power motor 69 as well. The movement of the carriage 25 in response to the signals also moves the underlying surface of center table section 23 to maintain the position of opening 63 through which the cutting element 2s projects. Operation of servomotor B0 directs the cutting element heads 74 and 75 in accordance with the above description to provide additional support to the cutting element in order to avoid bowing.

In the present embodiment the control signals are derived by scanner 27 sensing the outline of the patterns 29. The outline of the patterns 29 is sensed and the signals transmitted to the servomotors. It is contemplated that the carriage 25 can be moved by hydraulic cylinders by use of hydraulic motors and suitable controls. Other means for powering the carriage 25 can, of course, be utilized.

in FIGS. H, H and 13 a modification is shown. This modified embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment previously shown and described. However, an additional member 90 is utilized. Member 90 is referred to herein as a table support member and is shown in FIGS. 12 through 13. Table support member 90 is a substantially flat member which is provided with four longitudinal guide rolls 911, 92, 93 and 94 which cooperate with horizontal channel member 95 which is attached to the lower portion of beam 30 on the side near the vertical portion of movable carriage 25. The longitudinal guide rolls 91, 92, 93 and 94 serve to position support member 90 during longitudinal movement of the member with horizontal channel member 9 sewing as a longitudinal track. Table support rolls 96 and 97 cooperate with member 95 to allow the support member 90 to move with movable carriage 25 longitudinally, as will appear below. The table support member 90 is also provided with transverse guide rolls 98, 99, 100 and 101 which allow the carriage 25 to move transversely of the table on table support rolls 102 and 103 as the transverse guide rolls embrace channel member 1104 supported upon the carriage 25.

The table support member 90 therefore provides support for the table as the carriage 25 is shifted longitudinally and transversely.

With the addition of table support member 90 a member is provided between the surface of carriage 25 beneath the table and channel 30. As the carriage 25 is moved transversely of the table the table support member 94) remains in position and the carriage moves with respect thereto due to the action of the transverse guide rolls 98, 99, 1% and 101 and

rollers

102 and 103 on channel 104.

As the carriage 25 is moved longitudinally the table support member 90 moves therewith due to the action of the longitudinal guide rolls 911, 92, 93, 94 and rolls 96 and 97 with respect to member 9. Hence a support is provided between the carriage and the table at all times.

At all times the underlying surface and the cutting element are moved relative to the material being cut. It is contemplated that the weight of the material being cut will maintain it in substantially fixed position in space and an end of the material can be laid on one of the stationary portions of the support table if desired. Additionally, suitable clamping means along the edges of the table can be utilized so that the movement is of the cutting element and underlying surface with respect to a substantially motionless web member 2 8.

The signal input can be any suitable means such as tapes, etc. and if a sensing device is used it can be in the fonn of an optical follower, such as a device of the type shown in US. Pat. No. 3,024,396.

We claim:

1. A material cutting machine for automatically cutting substantially flat material in response to remote control signals including in combination an underlying surface supporting said material disposed thereon, a carriage movable with respect to said underlying surface, material cutting means supported by said carriage and operatively connecting said material, means energizing said cutting means, carriage moving means, remote control means activating said carriage moving means and said material cutting means, said underlying surface having a movable section and a portion of said carriage contacting said movable section which is movable therewith.

2. A material cutting machine for automatically cutting substantially flat material in response to remote control signals includlng in combination an underlying surface supporting said material disposed thereon, a carriage movable with respect to said underlying surface, material cutting means supported by said carriage and operatively connecting said material and passing therethrough substantially perpendicular thereto, means energizing said cutting means, carriage moving means, remote control means activating said carriage moving means and said material cutting means, said underlying surface hav ing a movable section, an opening in said movable section, a portion of said carriage contacting said movable section which is movable therewith, and said material cutting means projecting through said opening in said movable section.

3. A material cutting machine for automatically cutting substantially flat material in response to remote control signals in accordance with claim 2 in which said carriage includes cutting element guide means for supporting said cutting means in the direction of cutting movement thereof responsive to said remote control signals.

4. A machine as claimed in claim 2 in which the underlying surface is a table having a stationary section and said movable section is slidable with respect thereto.

5. A machine as claimed in claim 2 in which said movable section consists of two spaced pans forming said opening therebetween transversely of said underlying surface which parts are moved in unison by said carriage maintaining said opening.

6. A machine as claimed in claim 5 in which first and second tape drums are respectively provided on either side of said movable section, first and second tapes respectively within said drums and extending transversely of said movable section overlying the spacing between said spaced parts with the exception of said opening and said carriage engaging said tapes to move said tapes transversely upon transverse movement of said carriage maintaining said opening.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 2 in which said material cutting means is an endless band and said carriage is provided with upper and lower sections respectively above and below said opening upper and lower idler wheels on said upper and lower sections about which said band is disposed defining the vertical run of said cutting means, a drive wheel wrapped by said band and a motor turning said drive wheel to move said band in its endless direction.

8. A machine as claimed in claim 2 in which said endless carriage is provided with upper and lower sections respectively above and below said opening and a table support member between said lower section and said underlying surface, first roller means between said table support member and said lower section, second roller means between said underlying surface and said table support member whereby said carriage upon movement transverse to said underlying surface moves relative to said table support member and upon movement longitudinally of sad underlying surface, said table support member moves longitudinally relative to said underlying support.

9. A machine as claimed in claim 8 in which first and second track means are respectively provided cooperating with said first and second roller means.