EP0107573A1 - High pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus - Google Patents

High pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0107573A1
EP0107573A1 EP83401987A EP83401987A EP0107573A1 EP 0107573 A1 EP0107573 A1 EP 0107573A1 EP 83401987 A EP83401987 A EP 83401987A EP 83401987 A EP83401987 A EP 83401987A EP 0107573 A1 EP0107573 A1 EP 0107573A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chute
jet
cutting
cut
recovery system
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
EP83401987A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0107573B1 (en
Inventor
Alain Jardat
Joel Andre
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Airbus Group SAS
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Airbus Group SAS
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Publication of EP0107573A1 publication Critical patent/EP0107573A1/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26FPERFORATING; PUNCHING; CUTTING-OUT; STAMPING-OUT; SEVERING BY MEANS OTHER THAN CUTTING
    • B26F3/00Severing by means other than cutting; Apparatus therefor
    • B26F3/004Severing by means other than cutting; Apparatus therefor by means of a fluid jet
    • B26F3/008Energy dissipating devices therefor, e.g. catchers; Supporting beds therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26DCUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/20Cutting beds
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26DCUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
    • B26D7/00Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
    • B26D7/20Cutting beds
    • B26D2007/206Cutting beds having a travelling gap
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S83/00Cutting
    • Y10S83/929Particular nature of work or product
    • Y10S83/936Cloth or leather
    • Y10S83/938Moving cloth or leather
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00Cutting
    • Y10T83/364By fluid blast and/or suction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting by high pressure fluid jet intended for cutting sheet materials such as plastics, paper, leather, rubber, etc. and of composite materials in the form of fabrics or layers of fibers, more particularly synthetic fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers or aromatic polyamide fibers, these fabrics or layers being able to be prepregs and possibly laminated.
  • a jet of high pressure fluid concentrated by a nozzle, cuts the materials placed on a work table
  • the fluid used is generally running water.
  • This jet of fluid moves along its axis at a supersonic speed at the outlet of the nozzle and above the parts to be cut, the cutting speed being variable depending on the nature of the materials but may be significant.
  • the fluid jet retains considerable residual energy when it leaves the material it has just cut. It is therefore necessary to provide a system for recovering the jet placed opposite the nozzle.
  • Fluid jet cutting devices are already known comprising a jet recovery system.
  • a fluid jet cutting apparatus which comprises a cutting table constituted by a rectangular tank in which is mounted a bench formed by a honeycomb structure. bees on which the material to be cut rests entirely.
  • the upper edges of the walls of the relatively small cells formed by the honeycomb structure are serrated or scalloped and include points located at the intersections of the cell walls and on which the material to be cut rests.
  • Below the honeycomb structure are fixed parallel deflector plates arranged in such a way that they are inclined downwards and that their upper edges are in the form of a knife blade and situated between two walls of the cells of the honeycomb structure.
  • the recovery of the residual energy of the fluid jet is carried out at the same time by means of the tips, serrations or festoons of the honeycomb structure, which divide or diffuse the jet, and via the relatively small cells of this structure, which trap the jet.
  • a protective sheet of plastic or similar material is arranged between the material to be cut and the top of the table. This sheet, which is cut during the passage of the jet, avoids splashing.
  • the bench housed in the rectangular tank no longer contains a honeycomb structure, but a series of plates whose upper edges have a knife blade shape, these plates being curved downwards and used to break the residual jet.
  • a material such as metallic wool, steel shot or gravel, intended to reduce splashing, to reduce noise and to avoid excessive wear of the plates.
  • the bench In order to absorb the residual energy, the bench contains a liquid which can be kept at a constant level.
  • French Patent No. 2,405,117 there is described a fluid jet cutting apparatus of the same type as that of the previous patent applied to the cutting of a stack of flexible sheets.
  • This device comprises a cutting table formed by a base container containing elongated vertical elements ending in a point and on which the stack of sheets rests.
  • a vacuum device is placed on the cutting table and applied to the periphery of the stack, so as to compress the latter in the vertical direction under the effect of the vacuum thus created.
  • the stack of flexible sheets then offers the characteristics of a rigid mass which can be cut efficiently.
  • the recovery of residual energy is carried out via elongated and pointed elements and by pressurizing the bottom of the bench.
  • splashing is avoided by the provision of polyethylene sheets between the sheets to be cut and the top of the table.
  • the honeycomb structure or a similar structure constitutes the very support of the material to be cut.
  • a large quantity of this structure must therefore be available.
  • this structure must be machined at least at the upper edge, and it must be replaced often because it deteriorates with use. Consequently, these known devices are of a high price and maintenance cost.
  • the present invention specifically relates to a fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising a jet recovery system which does not have the drawbacks of the recovery systems known according to the prior art and which in particular makes it possible to reduce the cost and maintenance costs of this device, and not to cause significant wetting of the material to be cut, which in particular makes it possible not to alter the mechanical and physical qualities of the latter.
  • a high pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising a working nozzle emitting a fluid jet, a working table capable of supporting a material to be cut, means for moving the working nozzle in a given cutting direction, and a jet recovery system, characterized in that that the work table has a slit opposite the working nozzle, in the cutting direction, the jet recovery system being placed behind said slit and comprising a chute at the bottom of which circulates a relatively cold liquid, a cellular material placed at the entrance to the chute, set back relative to the work table, and means for establishing a vacuum at the entrance to the chute, between the work table and the cellular material.
  • deflectors are placed between the bottom of the chute and the cellular material and define between them a slot allowing the passage of the fluid jet, the assembly formed by the bottom of the chute and by the deflectors having an approximately circular section. outside of said slot, so as to create a circulation of the liquid during the impact of the jet of fluid, while avoiding the upwelling of liquid towards the cellular material.
  • the bottom of the chute is preferably slightly inclined in the cutting direction.
  • the width of the slot formed in the work table, as well as the diameter of the nozzle used to make the cut can be modified according to the thickness and the nature of the material to be cut, preferably using adjustable means to establish the depression at the entrance to the chute.
  • an automatic fluid jet cutting apparatus is shown diagrammatically comprising a working nozzle 1 delivering a jet 2 of a fluid such as running water under a working pressure of for example between 3000 and 4000 bars.
  • the jet 2 makes it possible to cut at high speed a sheet material 3 placed on a table or on working face 4 constituted by two flat parts and situated in the same plane of an endless flexible belt 5 mounted on rollers 6a to 6d and 7a to 7d. More precisely, the two flat parts of the flexible mat 5 constituting the working surface 4 are constituted by the parts of this mat situated, on the one hand, between the rollers 6a and 7a and, on the other hand, between the rollers 6d and 7d. As shown in Figure 1, the rollers 7a to 7d are arranged so that the flexible mat 5 forms a loop 8 opposite the working nozzle 1, this loop 8 connecting the two flat parts of the mat forming the working surface 4 by defining an opening 9 between these two flat parts and facing the nozzle 1.
  • a mechanism (not shown) of any known type makes it possible to move the nozzle 1 in a transverse cutting direction relative to the device, along the opening 9. This displacement of the nozzle is shown diagrammatically by the arrow F 1 in FIG. 3.
  • At least one of the rollers 6 and 7 carrying the flexible mat 5 is provided with drive means (not shown) also of a known type. The implementation of these means makes it possible to advance the mat 5 (arrow F 2 in FIG. 1) and the material 3 which it supports in a longitudinal direction relative to the device, that is to say perpendicularly to the cutting direction.
  • the advance movement indicated by the arrow F 2 is carried out by the assembly constituted by the nozzle 1, the recovery system and the rollers 7 intimately linked, relative to the flexible mat 5 then fixed and keeping the previous configuration, the nozzle separately retaining its advance movement F 1 ,
  • a judicious combination of the movements F 1 and F 2 makes it possible to cut the material 3 along any cutting line determined in advance .
  • a jet recovery system designated by the general reference 10 is housed in the loop 8.
  • this working surface further comprises, in this opening 9 and above the neck of the chute, two flat and fixed plates 23 forming between them a slot 25 whose width is adapted according to the thickness of the material to be cut, so as to allow the passage of the jet 2.
  • the jet recovery system 10 mainly comprises a metal chute 11 which extends transversely over the entire width of the device, between two end partitions 11a, as shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 that the bottom of the chute 11 defines a gutter 12 having in section the shape of an arc of a circle. Just below the working table 4, the chute 11 has a neck 15 of reduced width relative to the bottom 12 of the chute, and on which the plates 23 are fixed. The neck 15 is connected to the bottom 12 by a part 14 in the form of a divergent.
  • the upper part of the neck 15 of the chute is empty for a certain distance d l from the material 3 to be cut.
  • the high-pressure fluid jet encounters a layer 16, of thickness e, of a metallic cellular material placed at the lower part of the neck 15 of the chute.
  • the axis of the cells formed in the material 16 is parallel to the axis of the jet 2.
  • the material 16 is composed of a fine mesh structure 16a sandwiched between two structures 16b with larger meshes. Given the pressure of the jets of fluid usually used, these jets do not cut metals, so that the energy of the jet is broken on the webs or walls of the cellular material.
  • the vacuum device acting through the slot 17 can be adjusted in order to adjust the vacuum at the inlet of the neck of the chute according to the thickness of the material to be cut and according to the diameter of the nozzle used to perform the cut.
  • the adjustment of the vacuum device communicating with the orifice 17 makes it possible in particular to increase the vacuum when the material to be cut is flexible.
  • the slot 25 can thus be obstructed by this material, which limits the wetting of the top of the work surface.
  • the depression has the effect of slightly pressing the first sheet or fold against the working surface at the level of the slot. The material to be cut is thus very little affected by cutting humidity.
  • the jet travels a relatively large distance d 2 (FIG. 2) relative to d l before encountering a liquid such as relatively cold running water 20 circulating in the bottom 12 of the chute.
  • a liquid such as relatively cold running water 20 circulating in the bottom 12 of the chute.
  • the circulation of water 20 in the bottom of the chute takes place between an inlet orifice 21 and an outlet orifice 22, under the effect of a slight inclination of the bottom 12 ( figure 3). This inclination is small as well as the flow of water 20 which results therefrom, so that the height h of the water in the bottom of the chute is sufficient over the entire width of the device to ensure recovery anywhere. energy efficient of the jet.
  • the internal wall of the chute is provided with two deflectors 18 having a section in an arc extending the wall of the bottom 12 of the chute.
  • the deflectors 18 are arranged opposite one another and symmetrically with respect to the cutting plane generated by the axis of the nozzle 1 when the latter moves transversely to the device under the action of control means of a known type (not shown).
  • the ends of the deflectors 18 define between them a slot 19 the width of which is just sufficient to allow the residual jet leaving the cellular material 16 to pass.
  • the water 20 is put in circular motion in the space thus formed in the bottom of the chute during the impact of the jet 2.
  • the jet thus breaks on the rotating water.
  • the shape of the bottom of the chute and the deflectors avoids the rise of li which could affect the quality of the cut material, especially when it is a composite material. It also makes it possible to avoid the vibrations of the chute which may arise during the absorption of energy from the jet, due to its symmetry of construction.
  • the circulation of water in the bottom of the chute makes it possible to evacuate the thermal energy of dissipation of the jet.
  • the cutting apparatus makes it possible to absorb the mechanical energy of the jet, to dissipate the thermal energy originating from this absorption and to avoid liquid rising or splashing which could affect the quality of the cut material.
  • a significant noise is produced.
  • the reduction of this noise to an acceptable value for those present is obtained both thanks to the depression created in the upper part of the neck 15 through the orifice 17, thanks to the thickness e of the cellular material 16 and thanks at the height h of the water in the bottom of the chute.
  • a layer 24 of sound-absorbing material such as a plastic material can be placed on the external wall of the chute.
  • the energy recovery system 10 is perfectly suited to recovering a jet which is not never symmetrical due to the dispersion which it undergoes under the effect of the cutting movement which takes place as we have seen along a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the nozzle and perpendicular to the part to be cut.
  • the structure of the apparatus according to the invention is such that the first layer 16b of cellular material can be easily replaced when the latter has deteriorated.
  • deterioration only occurs after a significant number of hours of cutting, due to the distance d l which separates the cellular material from the material to be cut.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible, if necessary, to recover the water used for cutting, to reinject it into the circuit of the device after filtration. .

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de découpe d'un matériau (3) par jet de fluide (2) sous haute pression équipé d'un système (10) de récupération du jet. Ce système comprend une goulotte (11) dont le col comporte, à une certaine distance du matériau (3), une structure alvéolaire (16). Un dispositif à dépression agit dans l'espace situé au-dessus de la structure (16). Le fond de la goulette présente la forme d'une gouttière dans laquelle circule un liquide (20). Des déflecteurs (18) prolongent vers le haut le fond de la goulotte pour former en section un espace délimité par des parois circulaires. Application à la découpe des feuilles de matières plastiques, de papier, de cuir et des matériaux composites en tissus ou en nappes de fibres de verre ou de carbone.The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a material (3) by high pressure fluid jet (2) equipped with a jet recovery system (10). This system comprises a chute (11), the neck of which comprises, at a certain distance from the material (3), a honeycomb structure (16). A vacuum device acts in the space located above the structure (16). The bottom of the groove has the shape of a gutter in which a liquid circulates (20). Deflectors (18) extend upwards the bottom of the trough to form in section a space delimited by circular walls. Application to cutting sheets of plastics, paper, leather and composite materials in fabrics or in layers of glass fibers or carbon.

Description

La présente invention concerne un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide haute pression destiné à la coupe de matériaux en feuilles tels que des matières plastiques, du papier, du cuir, du caoutchouc, etc... et de matériaux composites sous forme de tissus ou de nappes de fibres, plus particulièrement de fibres synthétiques telles que des fibres de verre, de carbone ou que des fibres polyamides aromatiques, ces tissus ou nappes pouvant être préimprégnés et éventuellement stratifiés.The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting by high pressure fluid jet intended for cutting sheet materials such as plastics, paper, leather, rubber, etc. and of composite materials in the form of fabrics or layers of fibers, more particularly synthetic fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers or aromatic polyamide fibers, these fabrics or layers being able to be prepregs and possibly laminated.

Dans de tels appareils, un jet de fluide à haute pression, concentré par une buse, découpe les matériaux placés sur une table de travail, le fluide utilisé étant en général de l'eau courante. Ce jet de fluide se déplace suivant son axe à une vitesse supersonique à la sortie de la buse et au-dessus des pièces à découper, la vitesse de coupe étant variable selon la nature des matériaux mais pouvant être importante. Dans ces appareils, le jet de fluide conserve une énergie résiduelle considérable lorsqu'il sort du matériau qu'il vient de découper. Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir un système de récupération du jet placé en regard de la buse.In such devices, a jet of high pressure fluid, concentrated by a nozzle, cuts the materials placed on a work table, the fluid used is generally running water. This jet of fluid moves along its axis at a supersonic speed at the outlet of the nozzle and above the parts to be cut, the cutting speed being variable depending on the nature of the materials but may be significant. In these devices, the fluid jet retains considerable residual energy when it leaves the material it has just cut. It is therefore necessary to provide a system for recovering the jet placed opposite the nozzle.

On connaît déjà des appareils de découpe par jet de fluide comprenant un système de récupération du jet.Fluid jet cutting devices are already known comprising a jet recovery system.

Ainsi, dans le brevet français n° 2 405 116, il est décrit un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide qui comporte une table de coupe constituée par un réservoir de forme rectangulaire dans lequel est monté un banc formé par une structure en nid d'abeilles sur laquelle repose entièrement la matière à découper. Les bords supérieurs des parois des cellules relativement petites formées par la structure en nid d'abeilles sont en forme de dentelures ou de festons et comprennent des pointes situées aux intersections des parois des cellules et sur lesquelles repose la matière à découper. En-dessous de la structure en nid d'abeilles sont fixées des plaques déflectrices parallèles agencées de telle façon qu'elles soient inclinées vers le bas et que leurs bords supérieurs soient en forme de lame de couteau et situés entre deux parois des cellules de la structure en nid d'abeilles.Thus, in French Patent No. 2,405,116, a fluid jet cutting apparatus is described which comprises a cutting table constituted by a rectangular tank in which is mounted a bench formed by a honeycomb structure. bees on which the material to be cut rests entirely. The upper edges of the walls of the relatively small cells formed by the honeycomb structure are serrated or scalloped and include points located at the intersections of the cell walls and on which the material to be cut rests. Below the honeycomb structure are fixed parallel deflector plates arranged in such a way that they are inclined downwards and that their upper edges are in the form of a knife blade and situated between two walls of the cells of the honeycomb structure.

Dans cet appareil connu, la récupération de l'énergie résiduelle du jet de fluide s'effectue à la fois par l'intermédiaire des pointes, des dentelures ou des festons de la structure en nid d'abeilles, qui divisent ou diffusent le jet, et par l'intermédiaire des cellules relativement petites de cette structure, qui emprisonnent le jet. De plus, une feuille protectrice en matière plastique ou en un matériau analogue est disposée entre la matière à découper et le dessus de la table. Cette feuille, qui est découpée lors du passage du jet, permet d'éviter les éclaboussures.In this known device, the recovery of the residual energy of the fluid jet is carried out at the same time by means of the tips, serrations or festoons of the honeycomb structure, which divide or diffuse the jet, and via the relatively small cells of this structure, which trap the jet. In addition, a protective sheet of plastic or similar material is arranged between the material to be cut and the top of the table. This sheet, which is cut during the passage of the jet, avoids splashing.

Dans une variante de réalisation de l'appareil de découpe décrit dans le brevet français n° 2 405 116, le banc logé dans le réservoir rectangulaire ne contient plus de structure en nid d'abeilles, mais une série de plaques dont les bords supérieurs présentent une forme en lame de couteau, ces plaques étant incurvées vers le bas et servant à briser le jet résiduel. Dans la partie supérieure du réservoir rectangulaire est disposée une matière telle que de la laine métallique, de la grenaille d'acier ou du gravier, destinée à réduire les éclaboussures, à atténuer le bruit et à éviter une usure excessive des plaques. Afin d'absorber l'énergie résiduelle, le banc contient un liquide qui peut être maintenu à un niveau constant.In an alternative embodiment of the cutting device described in French Patent No. 2,405,116, the bench housed in the rectangular tank no longer contains a honeycomb structure, but a series of plates whose upper edges have a knife blade shape, these plates being curved downwards and used to break the residual jet. In the upper part of the rectangular tank is arranged a material such as metallic wool, steel shot or gravel, intended to reduce splashing, to reduce noise and to avoid excessive wear of the plates. In order to absorb the residual energy, the bench contains a liquid which can be kept at a constant level.

Dans le brevet français n° 2 405 117, il est décrit un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide du même type que celui du brevet précédent appliqué au découpage d'une pile de feuilles souples. Ce dispositif comprend une table de coupe formée par un récipient de base contenant des éléments allongés verticaux terminés en pointe et sur lesquels repose la pile de feuilles. Un dispositif à dépression est disposé sur la table de coupe et appliqué à la périphérie de la pile, de manière à comprimer celle-ci dans le sens vertical sous l'effet de la dépression ainsi créée. La pile de feuilles souples offre alors les caractéristiques d'une masse rigide qui peut être découpée d'une façon efficace. Dans cet appareil, la récupération de l'énergie résiduelle s'effectue par l'intermédiaire des éléments allongés et pointus et par la mise sous pression du fond du banc. Comme dans l'appareil décrit dans le brevet précédent, les éclaboussures sont évitées par la disposition de feuilles en polyéthylène entre les feuilles à découper et le dessus de la table.In French Patent No. 2,405,117, there is described a fluid jet cutting apparatus of the same type as that of the previous patent applied to the cutting of a stack of flexible sheets. This device comprises a cutting table formed by a base container containing elongated vertical elements ending in a point and on which the stack of sheets rests. A vacuum device is placed on the cutting table and applied to the periphery of the stack, so as to compress the latter in the vertical direction under the effect of the vacuum thus created. The stack of flexible sheets then offers the characteristics of a rigid mass which can be cut efficiently. In this device, the recovery of residual energy is carried out via elongated and pointed elements and by pressurizing the bottom of the bench. As in the apparatus described in the previous patent, splashing is avoided by the provision of polyethylene sheets between the sheets to be cut and the top of the table.

Dans une variante de réalisation de l'appareil décrit dans le brevet français n° 2 405 117, on dispose à la base des éléments allongés et pointus une masse de fils métalliques emmêlés, de façon à absorber l'énergie. Cette absorption peut être accentuée en remplissant le banc d'un liquide dans lequel cette masse métallique est immergée.In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus described in French Patent No. 2,405,117, there is at the base of the elongated and pointed elements a mass of tangled metal wires, so as to absorb energy. This absorption can be accentuated by filling the bench with a liquid in which this metallic mass is immersed.

Les systèmes de récupération de jet utilisés dans ces appareils de découpe par jet de fluide selon la technique antérieure présentent un certain nombre d'inconvénients.The jet recovery systems used in these prior art fluid jet cutting devices have a number of drawbacks.

Ainsi, dans ces appareils de découpe, la structure en-nid d'abeilles ou une structure analogue constitue le support même du matériau à découper. On doit donc disposer d'une quantité importante de cette structure. Par ailleurs, cette structure doit être usinée au moins au niveau du bord supérieur, et elle doit être remplacée souvent car elle se détériore à l'usage. En conséquence, ces appareils connus sont d'un prix et d'un coût d'entretien élevés.Thus, in these cutting devices, the honeycomb structure or a similar structure constitutes the very support of the material to be cut. A large quantity of this structure must therefore be available. Furthermore, this structure must be machined at least at the upper edge, and it must be replaced often because it deteriorates with use. Consequently, these known devices are of a high price and maintenance cost.

En outre, le fait que le matériau à découper repose directement sur la structure en nid d'abeilles produit des éclaboussures importantes dont il y a lieu de se protéger sérieusement en disposant des feuilles intermédiaires entre la matière à découper et la structure. Ces éclaboussures du jet provoquent un mouillage important du matériau susceptible d'en altérer ses qualités mécaniques et physiques.In addition, the fact that the material to be cut rests directly on the honeycomb structure produces significant splashes from which it is necessary to protect oneself seriously by having intermediate sheets between the material to be cut and the structure. These splashes of the jet cause significant wetting of the material capable of altering its mechanical and physical qualities.

Enfin, le dispositif à dépression utilisé dans l'appareil décrit dans le brevet français n° 2 405 117 afin de comprimer fortement l'empilage de feuilles à découper présente l'inconvénient majeur de provoquer un mouillage important entre ces différentes feuilles empilées, du fait de l'aspiration de l'eau de coupe au travers de l'empilage.Finally, the vacuum device used in the apparatus described in French Patent No. 2,405,117 in order to strongly compress the stack of sheets to be cut has the major drawback of causing significant wetting between these different stacked sheets, because suction of the cutting water through the stack.

La présente invention a précisément pour objet un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide comprenant un système de récupération du jet ne présentant pas les inconvénients des systèmes de récupération connus selon la technique antérieure et permettant notamment de réduire le coût et les frais d'entretien de cet appareil, et de ne pas provoquer de mouillage important du matériau à découper, ce qui permet notamment de ne pas altérer les qualités mécaniques et physiques de celui-ci.The present invention specifically relates to a fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising a jet recovery system which does not have the drawbacks of the recovery systems known according to the prior art and which in particular makes it possible to reduce the cost and maintenance costs of this device, and not to cause significant wetting of the material to be cut, which in particular makes it possible not to alter the mechanical and physical qualities of the latter.

A cet effet et conformément à l'invention, il est proposé un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide haute pression comprenant une buse de travail émettant un jet de fluide, une table de travail apte à supporter un matériau à découper, des moyens pour déplacer la buse de travail selon une direction de découpe donnée, et un système de récupération du jet, caractérisé en ce que la table de travail comporte une fente en regard de la buse de travail, selon la direction de découpe, le système de récupération du jet étant placé derrière ladite fente et comprenant une goulotte au fond de laquelle circule un liquide relativement froid, un matériau alvéolaire placé à l'entrée de la goulotte, en retrait par rapport à la table de travail, et des moyens pour établir une dépression à l'entrée de la goulotte, entre la table de travail et le matériau alvéolaire.To this end and in accordance with the invention, there is provided a high pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising a working nozzle emitting a fluid jet, a working table capable of supporting a material to be cut, means for moving the working nozzle in a given cutting direction, and a jet recovery system, characterized in that that the work table has a slit opposite the working nozzle, in the cutting direction, the jet recovery system being placed behind said slit and comprising a chute at the bottom of which circulates a relatively cold liquid, a cellular material placed at the entrance to the chute, set back relative to the work table, and means for establishing a vacuum at the entrance to the chute, between the work table and the cellular material.

De préférence, des déflecteurs sont placés entre le fond de la goulotte et le matériau alvéolaire et définissent entre eux une fente permettant le passage du jet de fluide, l'ensemble formé par le fond de la goulotte et par les déflecteurs présentant une section approximativement circulaire en dehors de ladite fente, de façon à créer une circulation du liquide lors de l'impact du jet de fluide, tout en évitant les remontées de liquide vers le matériau alvéolaire.Preferably, deflectors are placed between the bottom of the chute and the cellular material and define between them a slot allowing the passage of the fluid jet, the assembly formed by the bottom of the chute and by the deflectors having an approximately circular section. outside of said slot, so as to create a circulation of the liquid during the impact of the jet of fluid, while avoiding the upwelling of liquid towards the cellular material.

Afin de réduire le bruit de l'appareil, on dispose de préférence une couche de matériau insonorisant autour de la goulotte.In order to reduce the noise of the device, it is preferable to have a layer of sound-absorbing material around the chute.

Pour permettre la circulation du liquide dans le fond de la goulotte sans apport d'énergie extérieure, le fond de la goulotte est de préférence légèrement incliné selon la direction de découpe.To allow the circulation of the liquid in the bottom of the chute without external energy supply, the bottom of the chute is preferably slightly inclined in the cutting direction.

La largeur de la fente formée dans la table de travail, ainsi que le diamètre de la buse employée pour effectuer la découpe pouvant être modifiés selon l'épaisseur et la nature du matériau à découper, on utilise de préférence des moyens réglables afin d'établir la dépression à l'entrée de la goulotte.The width of the slot formed in the work table, as well as the diameter of the nozzle used to make the cut can be modified according to the thickness and the nature of the material to be cut, preferably using adjustable means to establish the depression at the entrance to the chute.

Pour la découpe de matériaux en feuilles au moyen d'une scie à fil, il est connu notamment par le brevet français n° 1 443 508 d'utiliser une table de travail constituée par une partie d'un tapis flexible sans fin formant une boucle au niveau de la zone de découpe. Conformément à l'invention, une telle structure peut être utilisée, avantageusement, le système de récupération du jet étant alors logé dans la partie en forme de boucle du tapis flexible. L'adjonction de cette caractéristique permet notamment, par une combinaison des mouvements de l'appareil de réaliser une découpe selon une ligne quelconque, en ayant la fente de la goulotte située en permanence en regard de la buse.For cutting sheet materials using a wire saw, it is known in particular from French Patent No. 1,443,508 to use a table work consisting of a part of an endless flexible mat forming a loop at the cutting area. According to the invention, such a structure can be used, advantageously, the jet recovery system then being housed in the loop-shaped part of the flexible mat. The addition of this characteristic makes it possible in particular, by a combination of the movements of the apparatus, to produce a cut along any line, by having the slot in the chute permanently located opposite the nozzle.

On décrira maintenant,à titre d'exemple non limitatif, un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention en se référant aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schématique, en élévation, d'un appareil de découpe par jet de fluide réalisé conformément aux enseignements de la présente invention,
  • - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe à plus grande échelle montrant notamment la buse de travail et le système de récupération du jet de l'appareil de la figure 1.
  • - la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2, et
  • - la figure 4 est une vue en perspective partielle montrant la buse de travail et la partie supérieure du système de récupération du jet selon l'invention.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view, in elevation, of a fluid jet cutting apparatus produced in accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
  • - Figure 2 is a sectional view on a larger scale showing in particular the working nozzle and the jet recovery system of the apparatus of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of FIG. 2, and
  • - Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the working nozzle and the upper part of the jet recovery system according to the invention.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté schématiquement un appareil automatique de découpe par jet de fluide comprenant une buse de travail 1 délivrant un jet 2 d'un fluide tel que de l'eau courante sous une pression de travail comprise par exemple entre 3000 et 4000 bars.In FIG. 1, an automatic fluid jet cutting apparatus is shown diagrammatically comprising a working nozzle 1 delivering a jet 2 of a fluid such as running water under a working pressure of for example between 3000 and 4000 bars.

Le jet 2 permet de découper à grande vitesse un matériau en feuilles 3 disposé sur une table ou surface de travail 4 constituée par deux parties planes et situées dans un même plan d'un tapis flexible sans fin 5 monté sur des rouleaux 6a à 6d et 7a à 7d. De façon plus précise, les deux parties planes du tapis flexible 5 constituant la surface de travail 4 sont constituées par les parties de ce tapis situées, d'une part, entre les rouleaux 6a et 7a et, d'autre part, entre les rouleaux 6d et 7d. Comme le montre la figure 1, les rouleaux 7a à 7d sont disposés de telle sorte que le tapis flexible 5 forme une boucle 8 en regard de la buse de travail 1, cette boucle 8 reliant les deux parties planes du tapis formant la surface de travail 4 en définissant entre ces deux parties planes et en regard de la buse 1 une ouverture 9.The jet 2 makes it possible to cut at high speed a sheet material 3 placed on a table or on working face 4 constituted by two flat parts and situated in the same plane of an endless flexible belt 5 mounted on rollers 6a to 6d and 7a to 7d. More precisely, the two flat parts of the flexible mat 5 constituting the working surface 4 are constituted by the parts of this mat situated, on the one hand, between the rollers 6a and 7a and, on the other hand, between the rollers 6d and 7d. As shown in Figure 1, the rollers 7a to 7d are arranged so that the flexible mat 5 forms a loop 8 opposite the working nozzle 1, this loop 8 connecting the two flat parts of the mat forming the working surface 4 by defining an opening 9 between these two flat parts and facing the nozzle 1.

Un mécanisme (non représenté) d'un quelconque type connu permet de déplacer la buse 1 selon une direction de découpe transversale par rapport à l'appareil, le long de l'ouverture 9. Ce déplacement de la buse est schématisé par la flèche F1 sur la figure 3. Au moins l'un des rouleaux 6 et 7 portant le tapis flexible 5 est pourvu de moyens d'entraînement (non représentés) également d'un type connu. La mise en oeuvre de ces moyens permet de faire avancer le tapis 5 (flèche F2 sur la figure 1) et le matériau 3 qu'il supporte selon une direction longitudinale par rapport à l'appareil, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement à la direction de coupe. Dans une variante de réalisation, le mouvement d'avance indiqué par la flèche F2 est réalisé par l'ensemble constitué par la buse 1, le système de récupération et les rouleaux 7 intimement liés, par rapport au tapis flexible 5 alors fixe et gardant la configuration précédente, la buse conservant séparément son mouvement d'avance F1, Dans les deux systèmes, une combinaison judicieuse des mouvements F1 et F2 permet de réaliser une découpe du matériau 3 selon une ligne de coupe quelconque déterminée à l'avance.A mechanism (not shown) of any known type makes it possible to move the nozzle 1 in a transverse cutting direction relative to the device, along the opening 9. This displacement of the nozzle is shown diagrammatically by the arrow F 1 in FIG. 3. At least one of the rollers 6 and 7 carrying the flexible mat 5 is provided with drive means (not shown) also of a known type. The implementation of these means makes it possible to advance the mat 5 (arrow F 2 in FIG. 1) and the material 3 which it supports in a longitudinal direction relative to the device, that is to say perpendicularly to the cutting direction. In an alternative embodiment, the advance movement indicated by the arrow F 2 is carried out by the assembly constituted by the nozzle 1, the recovery system and the rollers 7 intimately linked, relative to the flexible mat 5 then fixed and keeping the previous configuration, the nozzle separately retaining its advance movement F 1 , In both systems, a judicious combination of the movements F 1 and F 2 makes it possible to cut the material 3 along any cutting line determined in advance .

Conformément à l'invention, un système de récupération du jet désigné par la référence générale 10 est logé dans la boucle 8.According to the invention, a jet recovery system designated by the general reference 10 is housed in the loop 8.

Compte tenu de la largeur de l'ouverture 9 qu'il est nécessaire de prévoir entre les deux parties planes du tapis flexible 5 constituant la surface de travail 4, pour loger le système de récupération de jet, cette surface de travail comprend en outre, dans cette ouverture 9 et au-dessus du col de la goulotte, deux plaques planes et fixes 23 formant entre elles une fente 25 dont la largeur est adaptée selon l'épaisseur du matériau à découper, de façon à permettre le passage du jet 2.Given the width of the opening 9 which it is necessary to provide between the two flat parts of the flexible mat 5 constituting the working surface 4, to accommodate the jet recovery system, this working surface further comprises, in this opening 9 and above the neck of the chute, two flat and fixed plates 23 forming between them a slot 25 whose width is adapted according to the thickness of the material to be cut, so as to allow the passage of the jet 2.

Le système de récupération du jet 10 comprend principalement une goulotte métallique 11 qui s'étend transversalement sur toute la largeur de l'appareil, entre deux cloisons d'extrémité lla, comme le montre la figure 3. On voit notamment sur la figure 2 que le fond de la goulotte 11 définit une gouttière 12 présentant en section la forme d'un arc de cercle. Juste en-dessous de la table de travail 4, la goulotte 11 comporte un col 15 de largeur réduite par rapport au fond 12 de la goulotte, et sur lequel sont fixées les plaques 23. Le col 15 est relié au fond 12 par une partie 14 en forme de divergent.The jet recovery system 10 mainly comprises a metal chute 11 which extends transversely over the entire width of the device, between two end partitions 11a, as shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 that the bottom of the chute 11 defines a gutter 12 having in section the shape of an arc of a circle. Just below the working table 4, the chute 11 has a neck 15 of reduced width relative to the bottom 12 of the chute, and on which the plates 23 are fixed. The neck 15 is connected to the bottom 12 by a part 14 in the form of a divergent.

La partie supérieure du col 15 de la goulotte est vide sur une certaine distance dl à partir du matériau 3 à découper. Après avoir parcouru cette distance dl, le jet de fluide haute pression rencontre une couche 16, d'épaisseur e, d'un matériau alvéolaire métallique placé à la partie inférieure du col 15 de la goulotte. Comme le montrent les figures 2 à 4, l'axe des alvéoles formés dans le matériau 16 est parallèle à l'axe du jet 2. De plus, on voit notamment sur les figures 2 et 3 que le matériau 16 est composé d'une structure à mailles fines 16a prise en sandwich entre deux structures 16b à mailles plus importantes. Compte tenu de la pression des jets de fluide utilisée habituellement, ces jets ne découpent pas les métaux, de telle sorte que l'énergie du jet se brise sur les âmes ou parois du matériau alvéolaire.The upper part of the neck 15 of the chute is empty for a certain distance d l from the material 3 to be cut. After having traversed this distance d l , the high-pressure fluid jet encounters a layer 16, of thickness e, of a metallic cellular material placed at the lower part of the neck 15 of the chute. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the axis of the cells formed in the material 16 is parallel to the axis of the jet 2. In addition, we see in particular in Figures 2 and 3 that the material 16 is composed of a fine mesh structure 16a sandwiched between two structures 16b with larger meshes. Given the pressure of the jets of fluid usually used, these jets do not cut metals, so that the energy of the jet is broken on the webs or walls of the cellular material.

Au cours de l'absorption d'énergie mécanique du jet par le matériau alvéolaire 16, il se produit des éclaboussures dans la partie supérieure du col 15 de la goulotte. Dans cette même partie du col de la goulotte, il apparaît également des buées dues à l'effet thermique de dissipation. Par ailleurs, le jet entraîne dans son déplacement une grande quantité d'air qui pourrait perturber le système. Conformément à l'invention, les éclaboussures, les buées et l'air sont éliminés par un dispositif à dépression symbolisé par la flèche P sur la figure 2, qui agit sur toute la largeur de l'appareil par des orifices ou par une fente 17 ménagés dans la paroi du col 15, entre le matériau découpé 3 et le matériau alvéolaire 16.During the absorption of mechanical energy of the jet by the cellular material 16, there is splashing in the upper part of the neck 15 of the chute. In this same part of the neck of the chute, there also appears fogging due to the thermal dissipation effect. In addition, the jet causes in its movement a large amount of air which could disturb the system. In accordance with the invention, the splashes, the fumes and the air are eliminated by a vacuum device symbolized by the arrow P in FIG. 2, which acts over the entire width of the device through orifices or through a slot 17 formed in the wall of the neck 15, between the cut material 3 and the cellular material 16.

De préférence, le dispositif à dépression agissant au travers de la fente 17 peut être réglé afin d'ajuster la dépression à l'entrée du col de la goulotte selon l'épaisseur du matériau à découper et selon le diamètre de la buse employée pour effectuer la découpe. Le réglage du dispositif à dépression communiquant avec l'orifice 17 permet notamment d'accroître la dépression lorsque le matériau à découper est souple. La fente 25 peut ainsi être obstruée par ce matériau, ce qui limite le mouillage du dessus de la surface de travail. De même, dans le cas où le matériau à découper est constitué par un empilage de feuilles ou de plis, la dépression a pour effet de plaquer faiblement la première feuille ou pli contre la surface de travail au niveau de la fente. Le matériau à découper est ainsi très peu affecté par l'humidité de coupe.Preferably, the vacuum device acting through the slot 17 can be adjusted in order to adjust the vacuum at the inlet of the neck of the chute according to the thickness of the material to be cut and according to the diameter of the nozzle used to perform the cut. The adjustment of the vacuum device communicating with the orifice 17 makes it possible in particular to increase the vacuum when the material to be cut is flexible. The slot 25 can thus be obstructed by this material, which limits the wetting of the top of the work surface. Likewise, in the case where the material to be cut consists of a stack of sheets or folds, the depression has the effect of slightly pressing the first sheet or fold against the working surface at the level of the slot. The material to be cut is thus very little affected by cutting humidity.

Après ce premier élément d'absorption d'énergie, le jet parcourt une distance d2 (figure 2) relativement importante par rapport à dl avant de rencontrer un liquide tel que de l'eau courante 20 relativement froide circulant dans le fond 12 de la goulotte. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la circulation de l'eau 20 dans le fond de la goulotte s'effectue entre un orifice d'entrée 21 et un orifice de sortie 22, sous l'effet d'une légère inclinaison du fond 12 (figure 3). Cette inclinaison est faible ainsi que le débit de l'eau 20 qui en résulte, de façon que la hauteur h de l'eau dans le fond de la goulotte soit suffisante sur toute la largeur de l'appareil pour assurer à tout endroit une récupération efficace de l'énergie du jet.After this first energy absorption element, the jet travels a relatively large distance d 2 (FIG. 2) relative to d l before encountering a liquid such as relatively cold running water 20 circulating in the bottom 12 of the chute. In the embodiment shown, the circulation of water 20 in the bottom of the chute takes place between an inlet orifice 21 and an outlet orifice 22, under the effect of a slight inclination of the bottom 12 ( figure 3). This inclination is small as well as the flow of water 20 which results therefrom, so that the height h of the water in the bottom of the chute is sufficient over the entire width of the device to ensure recovery anywhere. energy efficient of the jet.

Entre le fond 12 et la partie divergente 14, la paroi interne de la goulotte est munie de deux déflecteurs 18 présentant une section en arc de cercle prolongeant la paroi du fond 12 de la goulotte. Les déflecteurs 18 sont disposés en vis-à-vis l'un de l'autre et de façon symétrique par rapport au plan de coupe engendré par l'axe de la buse 1 lorsque celle-ci se déplace transversalement à l'appareil sous l'action de moyens de commande d'un type connu (non représentés) . Les extrémités des déflecteurs 18 définissent entre elles une fente 19 dont la largeur est juste suffisante pour laisser passer le jet résiduel sortant du matériau alvéolaire 16.Between the bottom 12 and the divergent part 14, the internal wall of the chute is provided with two deflectors 18 having a section in an arc extending the wall of the bottom 12 of the chute. The deflectors 18 are arranged opposite one another and symmetrically with respect to the cutting plane generated by the axis of the nozzle 1 when the latter moves transversely to the device under the action of control means of a known type (not shown). The ends of the deflectors 18 define between them a slot 19 the width of which is just sufficient to allow the residual jet leaving the cellular material 16 to pass.

Compte tenu de la section pratiquement circulaire de l'ensemble constitué par le fond de la goulotte 12 et par les déflecteurs 18 en dehors de la fente 19, l'eau 20 est mise en mouvement circulaire dans l'espace ainsi formé dans le fond de la goulotte lors de l'impact du jet 2. Le jet vient ainsi se briser sur l'eau mise en rotation. La forme du fond de la goulotte et des déflecteurs permet d'éviter les remontées de liquide pouvant altérer la qualité du matériau découpé, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit de matériau composite. Elle permet aussi d'éviter les vibrations de la goulotte qui peuvent naître lors de l'absorption d'énergie du jet, du fait de sa symétrie de construction. Enfin, la circulation de l'eau dans le fond de la goulotte permet d'évacuer l'énergie thermique de dissipation du jet.Given the practically circular section of the assembly constituted by the bottom of the chute 12 and by the deflectors 18 outside the slot 19, the water 20 is put in circular motion in the space thus formed in the bottom of the chute during the impact of the jet 2. The jet thus breaks on the rotating water. The shape of the bottom of the chute and the deflectors avoids the rise of li which could affect the quality of the cut material, especially when it is a composite material. It also makes it possible to avoid the vibrations of the chute which may arise during the absorption of energy from the jet, due to its symmetry of construction. Finally, the circulation of water in the bottom of the chute makes it possible to evacuate the thermal energy of dissipation of the jet.

Grâce à la structure du système de récupération du jet qui vient d'être décrite, on voit que l'appareil de découpe selon l'invention permet d'absorber l'énergie mécanique du jet, de dissiper l'énergie thermique provenant de cette absorption et d'éviter les remontées de liquide ou éclaboussures pouvant altérer la qualité du matériau découpé.Thanks to the structure of the jet recovery system which has just been described, it can be seen that the cutting apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to absorb the mechanical energy of the jet, to dissipate the thermal energy originating from this absorption and to avoid liquid rising or splashing which could affect the quality of the cut material.

Au cours des absorptions successives de l'énergie résiduelle du jet, il se produit un bruit important. La réduction de ce bruit à une valeur acceptable pour les personnes présentes est obtenue à la fois grâce à la dépression créée dans la partie supérieure du col 15 au travers de l'orifice 17, grâce à l'épaisseur e du matériau alvéolaire 16 et grâce à la hauteur h de l'eau dans le fond de la goulotte. De plus, une couche 24 de matériau insonorisant tel qu'une matière plastique peut être disposée sur la paroi externe de la goulotte.During the successive absorptions of the residual energy of the jet, a significant noise is produced. The reduction of this noise to an acceptable value for those present is obtained both thanks to the depression created in the upper part of the neck 15 through the orifice 17, thanks to the thickness e of the cellular material 16 and thanks at the height h of the water in the bottom of the chute. In addition, a layer 24 of sound-absorbing material such as a plastic material can be placed on the external wall of the chute.

En plus des avantages de l'appareil de découpe selon l'invention qui ont déjà été mentionnés au cours de la description, on notera que le système de récupération d'énergie 10 est parfaitement adapté à la récupération d'un jet qui n'est jamais symétrique par suite de la dispersion qu'il subit sous l'effet du mouvement de coupe qui s'effectue comme on l'a vu suivant un plan parallèle au sens de déplacement de la buse et perpendiculaire à la pièce à découper. De plus, la structure de l'appareil selon l'invention est telle qu'on peut remplacer facilement la première couche 16b de matériau alvéolaire lorsque celle-ci est détériorée. Toutefois, il faut noter qu'une telle détérioration n'intervient qu'après un nombre important d'heures de découpe, en raison de la distance dl qui sépare le matériau alvéolaire du matériau à découper. Par ailleurs, l'absence d'usinage du matériau alvéolaire rend le coût du remplacement modique. Enfin, lorsque le jet 2 émis par la buse est un jet d'eau, l'appareil selon l'invention permet le cas échéant de récupérer l'eau servant à la découpe, pour la réinjecter dans le circuit de l'appareil après filtration.In addition to the advantages of the cutting device according to the invention which have already been mentioned during the description, it will be noted that the energy recovery system 10 is perfectly suited to recovering a jet which is not never symmetrical due to the dispersion which it undergoes under the effect of the cutting movement which takes place as we have seen along a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the nozzle and perpendicular to the part to be cut. In addition, the structure of the apparatus according to the invention is such that the first layer 16b of cellular material can be easily replaced when the latter has deteriorated. However, it should be noted that such deterioration only occurs after a significant number of hours of cutting, due to the distance d l which separates the cellular material from the material to be cut. Furthermore, the absence of machining of the cellular material makes the cost of replacement low. Finally, when the jet 2 emitted by the nozzle is a water jet, the device according to the invention makes it possible, if necessary, to recover the water used for cutting, to reinject it into the circuit of the device after filtration. .

Claims (9)

1. Appareil de découpe par jet de fluide haute pression comprenant une buse de travail (1) émettant un jet de fluide (2), une table de travail (4) apte à supporter un matériau à découper (3), des moyens pour déplacer la buse de travail selon une direction de découpe (Fl) donnée, et un système (10) de récupération du jet, caractérisé en ce que la table de travail comporte une fente (9) en regard de la buse de travail, selon la direction de découpe, le système de récupération du jet étant placé derrière ladite fente et comprenant une goulotte (11) au fond (12) de laquelle circule un liquide (20) relativement froid, un matériau alvéolaire (16) placé à l'entrée de la goulotte, en retrait par rapport à la table de travail et des moyens pour établir une dépression (P) à l'entrée de la goulotte, entre la table de travail et le matériau alvéolaire.1. High pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus comprising a working nozzle (1) emitting a fluid jet (2), a working table (4) capable of supporting a material to be cut (3), means for moving the working nozzle in a given cutting direction (F1), and a jet recovery system (10), characterized in that the working table has a slot (9) facing the working nozzle, in the direction cutting, the jet recovery system being placed behind said slot and comprising a chute (11) at the bottom (12) from which circulates a relatively cold liquid (20), a cellular material (16) placed at the inlet of the chute, set back from the work table and means for establishing a depression (P) at the inlet of the chute, between the work table and the cellular material. 2. Appareil de découpe selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que des déflecteurs (18) sont placés entre le fond (12) de la goulotte et le matériau alvéolaire (16) et définissent entre eux une fente (19) permettant le passage du jet de fluide, l'ensemble formé par le fond de la goulotte et par les déflecteurs présentant une section approximativement circulaire en dehors de ladite fente, de façon à créer une circulation du liquide lors de l'impact du jet de fluide, tout en évitant les remontées de liquide vers le matériau alvéolaire.2. Cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that deflectors (18) are placed between the bottom (12) of the chute and the cellular material (16) and define between them a slot (19) allowing the passage of the fluid jet, the assembly formed by the bottom of the chute and by the deflectors having an approximately circular section outside said slot, so as to create a circulation of the liquid during the impact of the fluid jet, while avoiding the liquid flows back to the cellular material. 3. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la goulotte (11) est entourée par une couche de matériau insonorisant (24).3. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the chute (11) is surrounded by a layer of soundproofing material (24). 4. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le fond (12) de la goulotte est légèrement incliné selon la direction de découpe (F1), afin d'assurer une circulation dudit liquide (20).4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bottom (12) of the chute is slightly inclined in the cutting direction (F 1 ), in order to ensure a circulation of said liquid (20). 5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens pour établir ladite dépression (P) sont réglables.5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for establishing said depression (P) are adjustable. 6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un tapis flexible sans fin (5) monté sur des rouleaux (6, 7) de façon à former deux parties planes disposées dans un même plan et reliées par une partie en forme de boucle (8), lesdites parties planes définissant la table de travail (4), alors que le système (10) de récupération du jet est logé dans la partie en forme de boucle.6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an endless flexible belt (5) mounted on rollers (6, 7) so as to form two flat parts arranged in the same plane and connected by a loop-shaped part (8), said planar parts defining the work table (4), while the jet recovery system (10) is housed in the loop-shaped part. 7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l'un au moins des rouleaux est associé à des moyens d'entraînement permettant de déplacer le tapis selon une direction d'avance (F2) du matériau (3) à découper, orthogonale à la direction de découpe (Fl).7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the rollers is associated with drive means making it possible to move the mat in a direction of advance (F 2 ) of the material (3) to be cut, orthogonal to the cutting direction (Fl). 8. Appareil selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la buse (1), le système de récupération (10) et les rouleaux (7) sont intimement liés et forment un ensemble qui se déplace selon une direction d'avance (F2) orthogonale à la direction (Fl), par rapport au tapis flexible (5) fixe supportant le matériau à découper.8. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the nozzle (1), the recovery system (10) and the rollers (7) are intimately linked and form an assembly which moves in a direction of advance (F 2 ) orthogonal to the direction (F1), relative to the flexible flexible mat (5) supporting the material to be cut. 9. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la fente (9) dans le système de récupération du jet (10) est située en permanence en regard de la buse (1) quels que soient les mouvements relatifs des différents éléments de l'appareil.9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slot (9) in the jet recovery system (10) is located permanently opposite the nozzle (1) regardless of the movements relative of the different elements of the device.
EP83401987A 1982-10-19 1983-10-12 High pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus Expired EP0107573B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8217473A FR2534516B1 (en) 1982-10-19 1982-10-19 HIGH PRESSURE FLUID JET CUTTING APPARATUS
FR8217473 1982-10-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0107573A1 true EP0107573A1 (en) 1984-05-02
EP0107573B1 EP0107573B1 (en) 1987-01-07

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Family Applications (1)

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EP83401987A Expired EP0107573B1 (en) 1982-10-19 1983-10-12 High pressure fluid jet cutting apparatus

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US (1) US4501182A (en)
EP (1) EP0107573B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3368887D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2534516B1 (en)

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EP0140794A1 (en) * 1983-10-29 1985-05-08 Saint Gobain Vitrage International Method for making laminated glass sheets
EP0270364A1 (en) * 1986-12-04 1988-06-08 Ingersoll-Rand Company A catcher tank, for spent, liquid jet-cutting liquid
EP0409710A1 (en) * 1989-07-18 1991-01-23 AEROSPATIALE Société Nationale Industrielle Receptacle for a cutting jet in a fluid jet cutting machine
EP0594092A1 (en) * 1992-10-17 1994-04-27 SÄCHSISCHE WERKZEUG UND SONDERMASCHINEN GmbH Catcher for fluid jet-cutting devices
FR2713130A1 (en) * 1993-12-06 1995-06-09 Isin Cutting machine with support device for the material being cut, especially for cutting by water jet.
EP0834479A1 (en) * 1996-09-13 1998-04-08 FOR.EL. BASE di VIANELLO FORTUNATO & C. S.n.c. Process for cutting of glass sheets, standard, laminated not armored
EP0837040A1 (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-04-22 FOR.EL. BASE di VIANELLO FORTUNATO & C. S.n.c. Method and machine for automatic cutting of laminated glass and armored glass
EP0983827A1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-03-08 Bystronic Laser AG Waterjet cutting machine
WO2000018552A1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2000-04-06 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Safety system for fluid jet cutters
ITVE20130063A1 (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-06-03 Dallan Spa EQUIPMENT FOR THE HANDLING OF A TAPE OR SHEET OF SHEET WITH A LASER CUT -
EP3072650A3 (en) * 2015-03-24 2017-05-17 Capex Invest GmbH Liquid jet cutting device and cutting method
ES2734498R1 (en) * 2018-05-07 2020-01-15 Goiti S Coop MACHINE FOR FLAT CUTTING BY FLUID PROJECTION

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FR2553330B1 (en) * 1983-10-17 1988-04-22 Aerospatiale HIGH PRESSURE FLUID JET MATERIAL CUTTING MACHINE
US4964244A (en) * 1985-07-10 1990-10-23 Flow Systems, Inc. Energy dissipating receptacle for high-velocity fluid jet
US4669229A (en) * 1985-07-10 1987-06-02 Flow Systems, Inc. Energy dissipating receptacle for high-velocity fluid jet
KR930008692B1 (en) * 1986-02-20 1993-09-13 가와사끼 쥬고교 가부시기가이샤 Abrasive water jet cutting apparatus
US4651476A (en) * 1986-05-07 1987-03-24 Flow Systems, Inc. Compact receptacle with automatic feed for dissipating a high-velocity fluid jet
JPS63232999A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-28 北川工業株式会社 Cutter
US4787178A (en) * 1987-04-13 1988-11-29 Creative Glassworks International, Inc. Fluid-jet cutting apparatus
US4790224A (en) * 1987-08-20 1988-12-13 Belcan Corporation Travelling gap conveyor cutting method and apparatus
AU2399288A (en) * 1987-11-30 1989-06-01 Flow Systems Inc. Energy-dissipating receptacle for high velocity fluid jet
DE4235091C2 (en) * 1992-10-17 2001-09-06 Trumpf Sachsen Gmbh Liquid and abrasive supply for a fluid jet cutting system
US5349788A (en) * 1992-10-17 1994-09-27 Saechsishe Werkzeug Und Sondermaschinen Gmbh Apparatus for catching residual water jet in water jet cutting apparatus
US5831224A (en) * 1995-04-07 1998-11-03 Design Systems, Inc. Noise reduction system for fluid cutting jets
US5980372A (en) * 1997-11-25 1999-11-09 The Boeing Company Compact catcher for abrasive waterjets
AT407742B (en) * 1999-12-23 2001-05-25 Lisec Peter Process and device for cutting panes of glass
CA2370242A1 (en) 2001-03-07 2002-09-07 Dieter H. Hilker Water jet edge cutter with integral trim chute
US20040043704A1 (en) * 2002-08-30 2004-03-04 Mark Saberton Method and apparatus for high speed cutting
US20060180579A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Towa Intercon Technology, Inc. Multidirectional cutting chuck
WO2007028404A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-15 Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen Gmbh + Co. Kg Device for supporting sheet-like materials for at least one separating process
ATE522322T1 (en) * 2008-01-10 2011-09-15 Alstom Technology Ltd MOBILE COLLECTION DEVICE FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JET OF A WATER JET TOOL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME
EP2636495A1 (en) * 2012-03-08 2013-09-11 Marel Iceland EHF A cutting apparatus for cutting food items conveyed on a conveyor including at least one conveyor belt and food processing system comprising such apparatus
NL2011299C2 (en) * 2013-08-13 2015-02-16 Bruijne Delden Holding B V De Transport apparatus and cutting device.
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0140794A1 (en) * 1983-10-29 1985-05-08 Saint Gobain Vitrage International Method for making laminated glass sheets
EP0270364A1 (en) * 1986-12-04 1988-06-08 Ingersoll-Rand Company A catcher tank, for spent, liquid jet-cutting liquid
EP0409710A1 (en) * 1989-07-18 1991-01-23 AEROSPATIALE Société Nationale Industrielle Receptacle for a cutting jet in a fluid jet cutting machine
FR2649925A1 (en) * 1989-07-18 1991-01-25 Aerospatiale CUTTING JET RECEPTACLE FOR A FLUID JET CUTTING MACHINE
US5111652A (en) * 1989-07-18 1992-05-12 Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle Cutting jet receptacle for a fluid jet cutting machine
EP0594092A1 (en) * 1992-10-17 1994-04-27 SÄCHSISCHE WERKZEUG UND SONDERMASCHINEN GmbH Catcher for fluid jet-cutting devices
FR2713130A1 (en) * 1993-12-06 1995-06-09 Isin Cutting machine with support device for the material being cut, especially for cutting by water jet.
WO1995015837A1 (en) * 1993-12-06 1995-06-15 Isin Cutting machine with device for supporting the material being cut, such as for water jet cutting
EP0834479A1 (en) * 1996-09-13 1998-04-08 FOR.EL. BASE di VIANELLO FORTUNATO & C. S.n.c. Process for cutting of glass sheets, standard, laminated not armored
EP0837040A1 (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-04-22 FOR.EL. BASE di VIANELLO FORTUNATO & C. S.n.c. Method and machine for automatic cutting of laminated glass and armored glass
EP0983827A1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-03-08 Bystronic Laser AG Waterjet cutting machine
WO2000018552A1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2000-04-06 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Safety system for fluid jet cutters
ITVE20130063A1 (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-06-03 Dallan Spa EQUIPMENT FOR THE HANDLING OF A TAPE OR SHEET OF SHEET WITH A LASER CUT -
EP3072650A3 (en) * 2015-03-24 2017-05-17 Capex Invest GmbH Liquid jet cutting device and cutting method
ES2734498R1 (en) * 2018-05-07 2020-01-15 Goiti S Coop MACHINE FOR FLAT CUTTING BY FLUID PROJECTION

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2534516A1 (en) 1984-04-20
DE3368887D1 (en) 1987-02-12
EP0107573B1 (en) 1987-01-07
US4501182A (en) 1985-02-26
FR2534516B1 (en) 1986-08-08

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