Rotary die cutter

Abstract

A rotary die cutter includes an anvil roll and at least one die roll. One or more sheet metal dies with raised cutting edges are carried on the die roll to cut patterns in a web of material passing between the die and the anvil roll. The die cutter has a pair of rigid side frames spanned by a very rigid spreader. While the anvil roll is end-mounted between the side frames, the die roll is mounted from the spreader. A drive shaft rotatable in the side frames and driven from a lineshaft by a gear system transits rotation to the die roll, while allowing the die roll freedom of movement for independent vertical, axial and circumferential adjustments. This mounting and drive of the die roll can accommodate a full width press web using die rolls having a small diameter, typically a single repeat roll, and one whose length is comparable to its circumference. A pair of mutually slidable wedges acting against a spring clamping force adjusts the vertical position of bearing blocks that rotatably mount the die roll. The mounting structure also preferably includes slide rails that extend parallel to the die roll and a threaded shaft to adjust the axial position of the die roll. Adjustably rotating only the gear system, or a portion of the gear system directly associated with the die roll, adjusts the circumferential position of the die roll.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.