U.S. patent application number 16/379552 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for methods and apparatus for cutting profiles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Seoul Laser Dieboard System Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sang Moo Lee.
Application Number | 20190232397 16/379552 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40626413 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190232397/US20190232397A1-20190801-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190232397 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sang Moo |
August 1, 2019 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING PROFILES
Abstract
An apparatus for cutting a profile, including: a cutter
configured to make cuts on the profile having a first surface and a
second surface, and having at least one rib on the first surface,
wherein the cuts are made on the first surface of the profile; a
first drive unit to drive the cutter forward and backward to and
from the first surface of the profile; and a second drive unit to
drive the cutter up and down along the first surface of the
profile.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sang Moo; (Kyong-gi Do,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seoul Laser Dieboard System Co., Ltd. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40626413 |
Appl. No.: |
16/379552 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15169552 |
May 31, 2016 |
10265786 |
|
|
16379552 |
|
|
|
|
13133133 |
Jan 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
PCT/US08/82371 |
Nov 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
15169552 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 11/08 20130101;
Y10T 83/8736 20150401; B23D 23/00 20130101; Y10T 83/0524 20150401;
Y10T 83/162 20150401; B21D 28/02 20130101; B23D 15/002 20130101;
B21D 28/243 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B23D 15/00 20060101
B23D015/00; B21D 28/02 20060101 B21D028/02; B23D 23/00 20060101
B23D023/00; B21D 11/08 20060101 B21D011/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 6, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0112810 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for cutting a profile, comprising: a cutter
configured to make cuts on the profile having a first surface and a
second surface, and having at least one rib on the first surface,
wherein the cuts are made on the first surface of the profile; a
first drive unit to drive said cutter forward and backward to and
from the first surface of the profile; and a second drive unit to
drive said cutter up and down along the first surface of the
profile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/169,552, filed May 31, 2016,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/133,133, filed Jan. 10, 2012, which is a 371 application of
PCT/US08/82371, filed Nov. 4, 2008, which claims the benefit of
priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-112810, filed
Nov. 6, 2007. The disclosures of the above-referenced patent
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
cutting profiles.
Background
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a conventional machine 1 for folding a metal
strip or rule 10 of a flat type into a predetermined shape. The
structure and operation of a typical conventional machine is
described in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0233335, filed Nov.
20, 1996; and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-388889, filed Apr.
3, 1999. However, the conventional folding machine 1 shown in FIG.
1 can be used mostly for folding flat strip or rule. Thus, to fold
a strip or rule of other shapes, a new design is desirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide methods,
apparatus, and computer programs for cutting profiles. In some
embodiments, methods, apparatus, and computer programs described
herein provide for cutting and folding profiles to make channel
letters for a sign board.
[0005] In one aspect, an apparatus for cutting a profile is
disclosed. The apparatus including: a cutter configured to make
cuts on the profile having a first surface and a second surface,
and having at least one rib on the first surface, wherein the cuts
are made on the first surface of the profile; a first drive unit to
drive the cutter forward and backward to and from the first surface
of the profile; and a second drive unit to drive the cutter up and
down along the first surface of the profile.
[0006] In another aspect, a folding machine for cutting and folding
profiles to make channel letters for a sign board is disclosed. The
folding machine including: a profile supply unit configured to feed
a profile into the folding machine; a profile feeding path coupled
to the profile supply unit, and configured to guide the profile for
cutting; a cutting unit coupled to the profile feeding path, the
cutting unit comprising: a cutter configured to make cuts on the
profile having a first surface and a second surface, and having at
least one rib on the first surface, wherein the cuts are made on
the first surface of the profile; a first drive unit to drive the
cutter forward and backward to and from the first surface of the
profile; a second drive unit to drive the cutter up and down along
the first surface of the profile; a folding unit configured to fold
the profile that is properly cut into a channel letter.
[0007] In another aspect, a method for cutting a profile is
disclosed. The method including: determining a cut depth of a cut
to be made with a cutter on the profile; appropriately selecting
and engaging a stopper to allow the cutter to receive and cut the
profile; first moving the cutter forward for first cutting and/or
backward for repositioning; second moving the cutter down and/or up
for second cutting or repositioning; repeating first moving and
second moving according to a desired number of cuts.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium
storing a computer program for cutting a profile is disclosed. The
computer the program including executable instructions that cause a
computer to: determine a cut depth of a cut to be made with a
cutter on the profile; appropriately select and engage a stopper to
allow the cutter to receive and cut the profile; first move the
cutter forward for first cutting and/or backward for repositioning;
second move the cutter down and/or up for second cutting or
repositioning; repeat the first move and the second move according
to a desired number of cuts.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The details of the present disclosure, both as to its
structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the
accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
folding machine;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile including protruding ribs;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a folding machine including a profile
supply unit, a profile feeding path, a cutting unit, and a profile
folding unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the profile with a portion (see Part B) of
protruding ribs cut in a predetermined shape on both sides of the
folding line (see Line A);
[0015] FIG. 4A shows Part B of FIG. 4 in more detail;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows one example of a desired fold shape of the
profile after being cut in the cutting process described with
respect to FIG. 4 and FIG. 4A, and folded along Line A for angle
C;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the cutting unit in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cutting unit with a
cutter in an engaged position;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the cutting unit
with a cover over the cutter and a profile in position for
cutting;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows the cutting unit prior to engaging the profile
for cutting;
[0021] FIG. 9A shows thin front end of a stopper positioned between
a securing wheel and a support member;
[0022] FIG. 9B shows thick rear end of a stopper positioned between
a securing wheel and a support member;
[0023] FIG. 10 shows the cutting unit in an engaged position for
cutting the profile;
[0024] FIG. 11 shows the cutting unit in another engaged position
for cutting the profile, wherein the profile is moved at a
predetermined interval; and
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of cutting the
profile in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide methods and
apparatus for cutting profiles. In some embodiments, methods and
apparatus described herein provide for cutting and folding profiles
to make channel letters for a sign board. References will be made
in detail to these embodiments including examples illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Technical structure and operation of the
device will be described with reference to the drawings in FIGS. 2
through 11.
[0027] As described above, conventional folding machines have
structural difficulties in folding metal rules (or strips) of
shapes that are not flat. For example, the conventional folding
machine shown in FIG. 1 would have difficulty folding metal rule
110 that has protruding ribs or tabs 110a and 110b, which protrude
out of one side of the metal rule at top and bottom ends, as shown
in FIG. 2, for example.
[0028] In some embodiments, the metal rule (or other rigid
material) of the shape illustrated in FIG. 2 can be used to make
channel letters for sign boards. In sign board applications, the
material that is used to make channel letters, as shown in FIG. 2,
is sometimes referred to as "profile". Further, the profile is
usually made of metallic material but can be made of aluminum,
other rigid/semi-rigid material, or combination of both.
Accordingly, the term "profile" is used throughout this disclosure
to mean board or strip having ribs or tabs, and is made of metallic
and/or other rigid/semi-rigid material.
[0029] In one embodiment, the protruding rib 110b that protrudes
out at the bottom end is used to insert or place a front panel once
the metal rule 110 has been folded into a desired shape or letter.
The protruding rib 110a that protrudes out at the top end can be
used to insert or place a back panel once the metal rule 110 has
been folded into a desired shape or letter.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a folding machine 2 including a profile
supply unit 90, a profile feeding path 30, a cutting unit 20, and a
profile folding unit 101 in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The cutting unit 20 is provided near the profile
feeding path 30 to cut a portion of the protruding ribs 110a and
110b in an angle to facilitate folding of the profile. The folding
machine 2 of FIG. 3 is configured to fold the profile having
protruding ribs 110a and 110b protruding out of one side of the
metal rule at top and bottom ends, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] To describe the cutting and folding process in detail, FIG.
4, for example, shows a profile 110 having protruding ribs 110a and
110b. This profile 110 is fed into the folding machine 2 through a
profile supply unit 90, and is transferred through the profile
feeding path 30 in the direction shown in FIG. 3. While the profile
110 is being transferred through the profile feeding path 30, a
portion of the protruding ribs 110a and 110b is cut in an angle by
the cutting unit 20 to facilitate the folding of the profile 110.
Once the profile 110 is properly cut by the cutting unit 20, the
profile folding unit 101 folds the cut profile 110.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the portion (see Part B) of the protruding ribs
110a and 110b cut in a predetermined shape on both sides of the
folding line (see Line A). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 4, in anticipation of the profile 110 being folded along Line
A, the cutting unit 20 provides two "V" cuts on each side of Line A
and one "V" cut centered at Line A, for a total of five "V" cuts.
Although cuts in this embodiment are described as five "V" cuts,
any shape and/or any number of cuts can be made on the ribs to
facilitate the folding process. For example, five "V" cuts can
provide easy folding of the profile 110 into approximately
300-degree angle (see angle C in FIG. 5). However, less or more
number of cuts can provide easy folding of the profile 110 into
angles less than or greater than 300 degrees. Further, the cut
shape can be made in "U" shape or any other appropriate shape
rather than a "V" shape. In other embodiments, the size of the V
cut can be controlled to determine the angle of the fold.
[0033] To further describe the cutting process in detail, the
cutting portion (Part B) of the profile 110 is shown in detail in
FIG. 4A. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, when it is
desired to fold the profile 110 along Line A, two cuts 112 are made
on the left side of Line A. Another cut 114 is made centered at
Line A. Then, two more cuts 116 are made on the right side of Line
A, as shown. In some embodiments, scratch lines or cut lines 118
are made along the center of the cuts 112, 114, 116 to further
facilitate the folding of the profile 110. The scratch lines 118
are made carefully on the same side of the profile as the
protruding ribs 110a and 110b so that profile 110 can be folded
along those lines without cutting the profile 110 at those lines.
Seen in detail in FIG. 4A, the scratch lines 118 make tiny ridges
on the surface of the profile 110. In one example, the depth of the
ridges made by the scratch lines 118 is approximately one-third of
the thickness of the profile. This leaves approximately two-thirds
of the thickness of the profile for easier folding with completely
cutting the profile. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.
4A, the V cuts are made on both ribs 110a and 110b so that the tip
of the V shape cuts from the open edge 150 all the way to the
closed edge 120 of the ribs 110a and 110b, and can penetrate
slightly further into the profile to match with the tiny ridges
made by the scratch lines 118. Generally, the cuts made on the rib
are angled so that the open edge 150 has a larger angle than the
closed edge 120.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows one example of the desired fold shape of the
profile 110 after being cut in the cutting process described above
with respect to FIG. 4 and FIG. 4A, and folded along Line A for
angle C. Thus, the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5 shows that the
profile 110 can be easily folded into a desired angle because of
the cuts made in the ribs 110a and 110b and the surface of the
profile 110. Thus, it can be seen that by making different angle
cuts on the ribs 110a and 110b and the scratch lines 118 on the
surface 140 of the profile 110, any shape of channel letters can be
easily produced using profiles.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the cutting unit 20 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7
shows a perspective view of the cutting unit 20 with a cutter 70 in
an engaged position. FIG. 8 shows another perspective view of the
cutting unit 20 with a cover 79 over the cutter 70 and a profile
110 in position for cutting.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, the
cutting unit 20 includes a frame 60 coupled to the profile feeding
path 30, wherein the frame 60 and the profile feeding path 30 form
a slit 200 through which a profile with protruding ribs can be fed.
The cutting unit 20 also includes a fixing plate 50 which forms a
plate for attaching other parts of the cutting unit 20. Also, a
bottom plate 63 is fixed to the bottom end of the fixing plate 50.
The frame 60 is provided with an opening 61 to allow a cutter 70 to
move forward and backward (along Z axis) through the opening 61 to
make cuts (similar to cuts 112, 114, 116) in the ribs 110a and 110b
of a profile 110. The shape of the opening 61 also allows the
cutter 70 to move up and down (along Y axis) to make scratch lines
(similar to scratch lines 118). However, it is understood that the
cutter movement forward and backward along Z axis can provide cuts
in the ribs or make scratch line, and that the cutter movement up
and down along Y axis can also provide cuts in the ribs or make
scratch lines. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 through FIG.
8, the shape of the cutter 70 is configured so that it makes a
V-shape cut in the ribs. However, cutters of other shapes can be
configured to cut other shapes such as a U-shape cut.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, a
Y-axis slide rail 41 is provided on the fixing plate 50 along the
Y-axis direction, and a moving plate 40 is attached to the Y-axis
slide rail 41, which moves the moving plate 40 up and down along
Y-axis. A screw driving motor 80 is coupled to the moving plate 40
to drive a vertical axis screw 81 which is threaded into the moving
plate 40. Thus, the vertical axis screw 81 is rotated by the
driving motor 80 in a direction parallel to the Y-axis slide rail
41. The lower end of the vertical axis screw 81 is configured to
rest on top of the bottom plate 63. Since the screw driving motor
80 and the vertical axis screw 81 are coupled to the moving plate
40, as described above, the screw driving motor 80 drives the
moving plate 40 up and down along the Y-axis direction parallel to
the Y-axis slide rail 41.
[0038] The cutting unit 20 also includes a cutter driving motor 75,
a Z-axis slide rail 42, a first cylinder 55, a support member 95, a
bi-directional rod 56, a securing wheel 59, a stopper 72, and a
second cylinder 77. The cutter driving motor 75 drives the cutter
70, and is fixed to the sidewall of the moving plate 40 using the
Z-axis slide rail 42. Thus, the Z-axis slide rail 42 allows the
first cylinder 55 to drive the cutter driving motor 75 forward and
backward along the Z-axis direction. The first cylinder 55 is
coupled to the support member 95, which is in turn coupled to one
side of the moving plate 40. The first cylinder 55 drives the
bi-directional rod 56 through its opening to move the cutter
driving motor 75 along the Z-axis direction. The rod 56 includes an
inner rod 56a and an outer rod 56b, which are formed as a single
body. The inner rod 56a is coupled to the cutter driving motor 75,
while the outer rod 56b passes through the support member 95 and is
coupled to the securing wheel 59. The stopper 72 is designed to
provide a multi-level depth control in such a way that the movement
of the cutter driving motor 75 along the Z-axis direction can be
controlled. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 through FIG. 8,
the stopper 72 is designed for only two depth levels between the
securing wheel 59 and the support member 95. The stopper 72 is
connected to a rod of the second cylinder 77, and is fixed to one
side of the support member 95.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, the
cutter 70 is also coupled to the cutter driving motor 75 through a
cutter axis rod 73. The cutter 70 is configured to be driven by the
cutter driving motor 75 which rotates the cutter 70 using the
cutter axis rod 73. A cover 79 partially covers the cutter 73,
wherein uncovered side of the cutter 73 is configured to face the
profile 110 through the opening 61 for cutting the profile. The
cover 79 is fixed to the body 74 of the cutter driving motor
75.
[0040] Elements of the cutting unit 20 described in FIG. 6 through
FIG. 8 can be assigned as follows in a general description: a
cutting apparatus 20 for cutting a profile, including: a cutter 70
configured to make cuts on the profile 110, wherein the profile 110
has a first surface 140 and a second surface, the profile 110 has
at least one rib 110a and 110b on the first surface 140, and the
cuts are made on the first surface 140; a first drive unit 55, 56,
42, 59, 77, 72 to drive the cutter 70 forward and backward to and
from the first surface 140 of the profile 110; and a second drive
unit 80, 81, 40, 41 to drive the cutter 70 up and down on the first
surface 140 of the profile 110.
[0041] FIG. 9 through FIG. 11 illustrate a process of cutting the
profile in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows the cutting unit 20 prior to engaging the profile for
cutting. FIG. 10 shows the cutting unit 20 in an engaged position
for cutting the profile 110. FIG. 11 shows the cutting unit 20 in
another engaged position for cutting the profile 110, wherein the
profile 110 is moved at a predetermined interval.
[0042] At the initial stage of the cutting process (as shown in
FIG. 9), the depth of a cut to be made on the ribs of the profiles
is determined. Once the cutting depth is determined, the distance
by which the cutter driving motor 75, and hence the cutter 70, is
to be moved forward in the Z-axis direction can be set by the
positioning of the stopper 72 between the securing wheel 59 and the
support member 95. For example, if the cutting depth to be made on
the profile 110 is set as a deep cut, then a second cylinder 77 is
driven so that a thin front end 72a of the stopper 72 is positioned
between the securing wheel 59 and the support member 95 (see FIG.
9A) so that the cutter 70 can be moved forward deeply into the
profile along the Z-axis direction. However, if the cutting depth
to be made on the profile 110 is set as a shallow cut, then a
second cylinder 77 is driven so that a thick rear end 72b of the
stopper 72 is positioned between the securing wheel 59 and the
support member 95 (see FIG. 9B) so that the cutter 70 can be moved
forward less than when the thin front end 72a is used. When moving
the stopper 72 between positions shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the
second cylinder 77 should be driven only during a state where the
cylinder rod 56 connected to the cutter driving motor 75 is moved
in a direction opposite the Z-axis direction (i.e., the negative-Z
direction) so that there is enough space along the cylinder rod 56
between the securing wheel 59 and the support member 95 for the
stopper 72 to be moved in.
[0043] Once the cutting depth has been determined and an
appropriate stopper 72 has been selected and engaged, the profile
110 is then fed through the slit 200 until Line A (see FIG. 4)
reaches a predetermined point near the opening 61, as shown in FIG.
10. Once the profile 110 has reached and come to a rest at an
initial cutting position, the first cylinder 55 is driven to push
the rod 56 toward the profile feeding path 30, thereby moving the
cutter driving motor 75 and, in turn, the cutter 70 forward in the
Z-axis direction. The cutter 70 is then rotated and moved through
the opening 61 to cut into the profile 110 for a predetermined
cutting depth. If the cutter 70 is initially positioned at the top
end of the profile 110 to make a cut at the top of the profile 110,
then the screw driving motor 80 can now drive the moving plate 40
down along the Y-axis direction to move the cutter 70 down with it
to make the scratch line 118 on the inside surface 140 of the
profile 110 and the V cuts in the top rib 110a and the bottom rib
110b of the profile 110. When a cut along the first line (along the
Y-axis direction) is completed, the cutter 70 returns to its
original position as illustrated in FIG. 9. The profile 110 is
moved at a predetermined interval as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the cutter 70 is initially
positioned at the bottom end of the profile 110 to make a cut at
the bottom of the profile 110, then the screw driving motor 80 now
drives the moving plate 40 up along the Y-axis direction to move
the cutter 70 up with it to make the scratch line 118 on the inside
surface 140 of the profile 110 and the V cuts in the bottom rib
110b and the top rib 110a of the profile 110. Other embodiments
with different orders for the above-described steps are also
contemplated.
[0045] The above-described process can be summarized generally as
follows: determining a cut depth of a cut to be made with a cutter
on the profile; appropriately selecting and engaging a stopper to
allow the cutter to cut the profile; receiving the profile for
cutting; first moving the cutter forward for first cutting and/or
backward for repositioning; second moving the cutter down and/or up
for second cutting or repositioning; and repeating first moving and
second moving according to a desired number of cuts.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of cutting the
profile in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
At the initial stage of the cutting process, the depth of a cut to
be made on the ribs of the profiles is determined (see Box 1202).
Once the cutting depth is determined, the distance by which the
cutter driving motor 75, and hence the cutter 70, is to be moved
forward in the Z-axis direction can be set by the positioning of
the stopper 72 between the securing wheel 59 and the support member
95, at Box 1204. Once the cutting depth has been determined and an
appropriate stopper 72 has been selected and engaged, the profile
110 is then fed through the slit 200, at Box 1206, until Line A
reaches a predetermined point near the opening 61.
[0047] Once the profile 110 has reached and come to a rest at an
initial cutting position, the first cylinder 55 is driven to push
the rod 56 toward the profile feeding path 30, thereby moving the
cutter driving motor 75 and, in turn, the cutter 70 forward in the
Z-axis direction, at Box 1208. The cutter 70 is then rotated and
moved through the opening 61 to cut into the profile 110 for a
predetermined cutting depth.
[0048] The foregoing embodiments are merely presented as examples
and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The
present teachings can be readily applied to other types of methods,
apparatus and/or devices. In other embodiments, the teachings
embodied in the method(s) can also be implemented as computer
programs stored in storage medium. The description of the present
invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the
scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and
variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *