EP0116508B1 - Dispensing apparatus for rolled up web material with a device for automatically replacing the roll in use - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the invention is a device for distributing strips of wound materials with an automatic device for replacing the roll in service.

The object of the invention relates to the technical sector of the means for distributing lengths of strips wound on a reel or core (see in particular FR-A-2402613). In particular, but not limited to, the invention applies to apparatus for the simultaneous distribution and cutting of paper, wadding and other wiping materials.

According to the invention, it was desired to produce in a rapid, reliable, efficient and economical manner, an apparatus making it possible to distribute a strip wound on a reel, then before said reel is fully unwound, to automatically and continuously distribute a new strip wound on a second reel in reserve.

For this, the apparatus which comprises an operating roller carried by a support and a reserve roller carried by a second support, the two supports being pivotally mounted on a rigid structure, is characterized in that the two roller supports are connected together by an articulated link with play on one side, in order to bring the ends of their rigid arms carrying the rolls of material to be distributed towards each other, and to automatically transfer the roll in reserve to the roll support service which is then ejected; a mechanism articulated on the roll support in use and releasing the roll support in reserve from its locking means when said roll in use is almost completely unwound; the strips of material coming from the two rollers then being distributed simultaneously until the roller in service is exhausted and the support of the roll in reserve automatically resumes its standby position by elastic return and automatic engagement of the locking means, and the support with its roller new, being returned by spring to ensure firm contact of the roller on the drum, without however hampering its rotation.

• La figure 1 est une vue de face illustrant un appareil de distribution et de coupe simultanées de bandes de matériaux enroulés, selon l'invention. L'appareil sans capot est représenté en position chargée et au repos, avec son dispositif de remplacement automatique du rouleau en service.
• Les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en coupe suivant les lignes 2-2 et 3-3 de la figure 1 et montrant les principaux éléments de l'appareil.
• La figure 4 est une vue partielle suivant la ligne 4-4 de la figure 1, et montrant les organes de lancement et de butée en anti-retour du tambour de coupe.
• Les figures 5, 6 et 7 sont des vues schématiques à plus petite échelle illustrant différentes phases de fonctionnement du dispositif de remplacement automatique du rouleau en service.
• La figure 8 est une vue en coupe illustrant une réalisation en variante pour le transfert du rouleau de matériau en réserve sur le porte-rouleau en service.
• Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues schématiques, d'une troisième variante.
• La figure 11 est une vue partielle à plus grande échelle, d'une des réalisations en variante.
• La figure 12 est une vue de face partielle, montrant une coupe partielle considérée suivant la ligne 12-12 de la figure 11.

To fix the subject of the invention, without however limiting it, in the appended drawings:

• FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an apparatus for simultaneously distributing and cutting strips of wound material, according to the invention. The device without cover is shown in the loaded position and at rest, with its automatic roller replacement device in service.
• Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views along lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the main elements of the device.
• Figure 4 is a partial view along line 4-4 of Figure 1, and showing the launch and stop members in non-return of the cutting drum.
• Figures 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views on a smaller scale illustrating different phases of operation of the automatic roller replacement device in use.
• Figure 8 is a sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment for the transfer of the roll of material in reserve on the roll holder in use.
• Figures 9 and 10 are schematic views of a third variant.
• Figure 11 is a partial view on a larger scale, of one of the alternative embodiments.
• FIG. 12 is a partial front view, showing a partial section taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus comprises a base plate (1) for wall mounting, with an inclined bottom (la) and two lateral sides (1b-1c), the lower part of which has a bearing directly or attached. (2) equipped with a slot (2a) for mounting the freely rotating support means of a drum (3) whose periphery is made rough, in order to drive the free end of the wound material without slipping on a reel resting on the drum. In a known manner, the support means. of the drum consist for one side, of a fixed axis (4) successively comprising a threaded surface (4a) with parallel flats, to be engaged without possibility of rotation, in the slot (2a) of a bearing (2), then a smooth bearing (4b) of larger diameter to which a cleat (5) articulated in (6) is applied to a side wall of the drum. Inside the drum, the axis (4) has a bearing for the free rotation of the drum, with an eccentric (4c) at the end, suitably oriented and dimensioned to control the pivoting of a blade holder (7) articulated at (8) on the side walls of the drum, in order to periodically obtain the projection of the blade (7a) out of the drum having for this purpose an opening (3a). These known arrangements are clearly shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

On the other side, the drum rotation support means is constituted by an axis (9) one end of which is made integral with the side wall of the drum, while its central part (9a) rotates in a ring (10) with parallel flats or other angular indexing means, engaged in the slot (2a) of the bearing (2). The axis (9) finally has a collar (9b) carrying an eccentric (9c) which is angularly oriented and connected to a spring (11) attached to a lateral side (1b) of the wall plate, to operate the launching of the drum after cutting or separation of the material by the blade (7a), with a view to returning the drum to its initial position with overflow of a new strip of material.

During the rotation of the drum, an oriented projection (3b) of the side wall deviates (by mounting assembly of the drum) from a shock absorber (12) articulated on the threaded bearing (2a) of the axis (2). After passing the projection against the shock absorber, the drum is stopped by pressing the cleat (5) on said axis, while by reaction, the drum starts again until the projection (3b) is supported on the shock absorber which collects the force and restores it by its retaining spring (13) attached to a lateral side (1c) of the wall plate. At this time, the cleat (5) rocks by gravity, due to its offset articulation, releasing the drum which is thus ready to be again driven by traction on the strip projecting from the material.

The device for automatically replacing the roll in service comprises a rigid structure (14) fixed to the wall plate (1) and composed for example of two lateral uprights (14a) and of a crosspiece (14b).

In the lower part, located above the drum, the structure carries free rotation at (15), a support (16) rigidly formed by a hinge crosspiece (16a) and two parallel arms (16b). At the free ends of the arms (16b) are fixed crescent-shaped plates (16c), the lower ends of which form cradles (16d) for receiving and freely rotating positioning of the roll of material (R1), this by means of pins (T1) which are formed on end caps (E1) centered in the coil or core for winding the material.

In the same way, in the upper part, the structure (14) carries free rotation at (17), a support (18) rigidly formed of a hinge crosspiece (18a) and two parallel arms (18b). The free ends of the arms form cradles (18c) for receiving and positioning pins (T2) formed on end caps (E2) which are centered in the coil or core of a roll (R2) of material to be distributed. A spring (27) recalls the support (18) in the high position.

In the following description, the rollers (R1 and R2) are called respectively "roll in service and" roll in reserve ", because it is the roller (R2), mounted in the upper part, which must automatically replace the roller ( R1) when the latter is almost entirely unwound.

The two supports (16 and 18) are connected to each other by a link (19) which is articulated at (20) on an overhanging tab (18d). of the support (18) and adjustable in articulation on a pin (21) fixed on an arm (16b) of the support (16) via an oblong opening (19a) of the link.

The arms of the two supports (16 and 18) are precisely dimensioned and spaced apart so that, by the action of the connecting rod (19), the free ends forming the cradles (16d) - (18c) can cross . For this purpose, the distance (x) between the cradles (18c) is greater than the distance (y) between the cradles (16d).

We also note that the cradles (18c) are oriented and profiled to receive and retain the pins (T2) of the roller (R2) in reserve until, during the transfer of said roller (R2) on the support (16) , the weight of the roller (R2) drives the pins (T2) out of the cradles which then abut against the crescent-shaped plates (16c). For this purpose, the cradles (18c) form on the outside a bead (18th) between the receiving part and the end.

Likewise. the cradles (16d) have a rear spout (16e) shorter than the front spout (16f), in order to allow the trunnions (T2) to pass when the reserve roller must take the place of the roller in service, then to retain it in the receiving part which is separated from the end of the rear spout by a bead (16g).

At the upper part (14c) of the structure. is articulated on an axis (22) a hook or bolt (23) which comprises for this purpose an active end (23a) intended to retain in the raised position the support (18) having at this location a hooking projection (18h). At its rear end, the lock (23) has an axis (24) on which the end of a connecting rod (25) is freely articulated, the other end of which has an oblong opening (25a) for articulation with play on one of the arms (16b) of the support (16) by a pin (26). Note that the opening (25a) is of such length that when the roll in service is almost fully unwound, the hinge pin (26) between the arm and the connecting rod pulls on said connecting rod to tilt the hook (23) .

The connecting rod (25) is preferably made in two parts (25b-25c) to be adjustable in length by a screw-nut system (28) placed at the ends of the parts facing each other, this in order to operate the lifting adjustable support (16) by the rod (25), as will be seen later.

A spring (29) attached to the structure constantly recalls the connecting rod (25) in the high position to prevent the latch (23) from tilting under the weight of the connecting rod.

It can also be seen that the reserve roller (R2), when placed in the cradles (18c), is braked in rotation by an elastic blade (30) fixed on the wall plate (1), in order to prevent it takes place during distribution with the other roller. On this subject, it is noted that the roller (R2) must be mounted with the free end of the strip going up behind to be trapped by the blade (30) and be automatically placed on the other strip wound on the drum (3) when the roller (R2) takes the place of the roller (R1) on the support (16).

If by omission, the free end of the roller (R2) has been placed hanging at the front, the said end will still be automatically placed on the other strip when the roller (R2) is lowered, via 'A curved elastic blade (31) slidably mounted in a slide (32) integral with a closure cover (33), and biased upwards by a spring (34) attached to said cover (Figures 6 and 7). Of course, to avoid any error in placing the rollers on their support, provision is made for differentiation of the end caps, for example by different colors with assembly instructions on the cover.

Note also that parallel bars (35) fixed on the structure (14) extend above the drum (3), up to the proximity of the cradles (16d). The free ends of the bars are shouldered at (35a) to serve as a stop for the journals (T1 or T2) when the support (16) is raised, releasing the roller in service almost empty, this in order to prevent said roller driven by rotation of the drum, engaging in the back of the drum. On the contrary, by reaction and by the offset outside the axis of rotation of the roller relative to the axis of rotation of the drum, said roller is ejected in the direction of the cover where a suitable receptacle (36) receives it for complete the distribution simultaneously with that of the reserve roller which has taken its place in the support (16).

We can also see that, to avoid the engagement of the free end of the strip of the roller (R2) when the latter descends, behind the crosspiece (16a) of the support (16), an elastic curved blade (37) is provided. passing in front of said cross and going up higher. This blade can also serve, as illustrated, as an attachment point for a flexible rod (38) or equivalent member, intended to apply the end of the wound strip, to the drum and direct it towards the outlet opening made between the inclined plane (1a) and the bottom of the cover (33).

A damping block (39) is fixed on the structure (14) opposite a support tab (18i) formed on the support (18), in order to soften the shock, including the noise, produced by the support ( 18) when it has released its roller and it is returned to the hook (23) by its spring (27).

Finally, a window (40) suitably sized is provided on the cover (33) to quickly display the loading state of the device. Referring more particularly to Figures 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, the operation of the device according to the invention will now be described.

Figures 1 and 2, the device is shown in the loaded position, that is to say with the rollers (R1 and R2) new and positioned on their support (16 and 18).

It is understood that it suffices to pull on the strip (B1) of the roller (R1) overflowing under the apparatus to rotate the drum (3) and the serrated blade (7a), so as to project it out of the drum and to make it penetrate the stretched material on both sides. After cutting, the drum returns to its initial position thanks to the launching and abutment members, and the user automatically has in his hand a length of strip equal to the circumference of the drum.

One can thus distribute a given number of bands, until the roller (R1) is almost entirely unwound. It is understood that as the unwinding of the roll (R1), the support (16) is lowered by pivoting on its axis (15) via the return of a spring (41). When there are only a few lengths of tape left to distribute on the roll in service, the number of remaining strips is adjusted by the connecting rod (25), the pin (26) of articulated connection with the support (16), attracts said connecting rod , which causes the latch (23) to tilt on its axis (22), thus releasing the support (18) from the reserve roller (FIG. 5).

By the weight of the roller (R2), the support (18) pivots on its axis (17) by driving with it the connecting rod (19) with the support (16) of the roller in service, which thus causes said support to rise simultaneously (16) by pivoting on its axis (15). The pairs of cradle arms of each support come very close to each other, and the pins (T2) of the roller (R2), by gravity. emerge from their cradles (18c) to abut against the crescent-shaped plates (16c) of the support (16) (Figure 6). The movement continuing, the pins (T2) escape the end of the rear spouts of the cradles (16d) and are positioned at the bottom of said cradles by the reverse movement of the descent of the support (16) which at this time is driven by the connecting rod (19) pushed back by the upper support (18) released from its roller (R2) and returned by its spring (27) in the hooking position (Figure 7).

At the start of the lifting movement of the support (16), the operating roller (R1) which has been released from the cradles (16d), abuts against the bars (35), as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 6, then the roller (R1) passes under the elastic blade (31) which has just elastically escaped from said roller during its advance, and rolls on the drum (3) to be received in the receptacle (36) of the cover.

As seen in Figure 7, the roller (R2) has therefore taken the place of the roller (R1) and the free end of its strip (B2) is ready to be wound on the drum above the strip remaining from the roller (R1), either because it was correctly placed at the rear of the device to apply to the drum naturally during the transfer of the roller (R2), or because it is guided by the elastic blade (31) which accompanied the roller (R2) to be placed as close as possible to the drum. We will then distribute two strips at the same time by manual traction until the roller (R1) is completely unwound.

According to one of the alternative embodiments illustrated in FIG. 8, provision has been made to effectively guide the reserve roller (R2) when it escapes from the cradles of the roller holder (18) in order to allow its trunnions (T2) to engage in hit in the cradles of the roll holder (16). For this, a metal part (42) or other rigid material, generally U-shaped, and whose wings (42a) extend above the drum (3) is attached to the base plate (1) substantially. beyond its axis of rotation.

The wings (42a) are raised at their vertical ends to form stops (42b) rising up to the level where the two roller holders cross during the transfer of the roll in reserve on the service roller holder. The ends of the wings (42a) thus prevent the almost empty roller in use (R1) from engaging behind the drum.

According to another variant characteristic illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, provision has been made to produce an adjustable pressure of the roller (R1) on the drum (3), as a function of its diameter. For this, the roll holder (16) is equipped with a spring with flange (43) which is adjustably attached (arrow F) to one end on the base plate (1), for example on a threaded rod (44) between two nuts (45) while the other end is attached to the roller holder (16) at a particular point (16h), so that when the roller (R1) is new the line of action of the spring forms a very flat triangle with the attachment points and the axis ( 15) pivoting of the roll holder (figure 9).

It is understood that in this position, the spring (43) does not exert a significant traction on the roller holder whose weight alone is sufficient to ensure the necessary pressure of contact with the drum.

On the other hand, as the roller (R1) unwinds, therefore decreases in diameter, the triangle formed by the fasteners (16h-45) and the axis (15) widens and the spring (43) increases its tensile force (Figure 10).

The pressure is adjustable by varying the point of attachment of the spring on the rod (44), by displacement of the nuts (45).

According to another variant characteristic, attempts have also been made to improve security at the level of the lower opening for passage of the strips of material to be pulled. In particular, attempts have been made to prevent the user's fingers from being able to engage in the opening which must be wide enough for the strips of the two rollers to pass.

For this purpose, there is at the opening and under the drum (3), a device comprising for example two axes (46) carried by each wing of the base plate of the device, and on which is mounted with free rotation a hollow shaft (47), or a commercial profile tube. This shaft is driven in the same direction as the drum by means of a belt (48) positioned in the appropriate grooves (47a) of the shaft (35) and (3c) of the drum. As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the strip (B2) of material from the reserve roll is delivered at the same time as the strip (B1), by pulling on the projecting end, the shaft (47) rotates in the direction of drum and thereby facilitates passage through the opening.

Claims (15)

1. Distributing apparatus for rolled up webs of materials, with a device for changing over automatically the roll in use, of the type including a roll in use (R1) supported by a support (16) and a spare roll (R2) supported by a further support (18), both supports being mounted pivotally on a rigid structure (14), wherein the two roll supports are interconnected by a small rod (19) linked hingedly with play on one side, in order to bring nearer to one another the extremities of their rigid arms (16b-18b) supporting the rolls of material to be distributed, and to transfer automatically the spare roll (R2) on the support (16) of the roll in use (E1) which is then discharged, said apparatus including moreover a mechanism linked hingedly on the support (16) of the roll in use and releasing the spare roll support (18) from the interlocking means thereof (23) when said roll in use (R1) is nearly entirely paid up, the webs of material (B1-B2) from both rolls being then distributed simultaneously up to the complete paid up of the roll in use (R1). the support (18) of the spare roll (R2) assuming back automatically the waiting position thereof by elastic return and automatic switching in of the interlocking means (23), and the support (16) together with its fresh roll (R2) being returned by a spring (41) so as to provide the secure contact of the roll on the drum, without however bindering the rotation of said drum.

2. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mechanism for interlocking and releasing the spare roll (R2) consists of a small rod (25) linked hingedly and freely, and returned elastically on one of the arms (16b) of the support (16) for the roll in use (R1), and also linked hingedly to the end of a hook or catch (23) mounted oscillating at the centre thereof on an element (14c) of the rigid structure (14), while the opposite end (23a) pf the hook is contoured for retaining one of the arms (18b) of the support (18) for the spare roll (R2).

3. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the hinged linking of the small rod (25) on the arm (16b) of the support (16) for the roll in use (R1) consists of an oblong aperture (25a) the length of which is so calculated that when the roll in use (R1) is almost entirely paid up, the linking shaft (26) between the arm (16b) and the small rod (25) pulls on said small rod for tipping over the hook (23), releasing thereby the support (18) for the spare roll (R2).

4. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 and 3, wherein the small rod (25) for the connection between the hook (23) and the support (16) of the roll in use (R1) consists of two parts (25a-25b) which are connected by a hub (28) for adjusting the length, in order to release the support (18) from the spare roll in accordance with a given web length remaining on the roll in use.

5. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1. wherein the ends of the arms of the support (18) for the spare roll and the ends of the arms of the support (16) for the roll in use form contoured cradles (18c and 16d) for receiving and positioning the ferrules (E1-E2) with journals (T1-T2) with which the ends of the winding hub or bobbin for the webs to be distributed, said ends of the arms of the support (18) for the spare roll being spaced apart with a spacing (x) which is greater than the spacing (y) separating the ends of the arms of the support (16) for the roll in use, so that they may be crossed when the two supports are moved towards one another by the action of the connecting small bar (19).

6. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 ; wherein the cradles (16d) for receiving the roll in use (R1) are provided at the lower end of crescent shaped small plates (16c) intended for retaining by the lower ridges thereof the journals (T2) of the spare roll (R2) when this roll escapes from the receiving cradles (18c) of its support. and this until said roll (R2) will be positioned naturally within the cradles of the support for the roll being used.

7. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claims 5 and 6, wherein the cradles (18c) for receiving the journals (T2) of the spare roll (R2) are directed and configured for retaining said journals up to the moment when they are maintained against the crescent shaped small plates (16c), while the cradles (16d) for receiving the journals (T1) of the . roll in use (R1) are also directed and configured with a rear beak (16e) of shorter length than the front beak (16f) in order to permit the engagement and then the retaining of the journals (T2) of the spare roll (R2) which is being substituted for the roll in use (R1), the journals being retained efficiently in the circular bottom of the cradles by means of beads (18e-16g).

8. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1. for the simultaneous distribution and cutting of lengths of rolled up webs by manual pull on the portion of the band (B1 or B2) projecting from the apparatus, the rotation of a drum (3) on which the roll in use (R1) is abutted without slipping causing thereby the projection out of the drum of an organ (7a) for cutting or separating the material tensioned on either side by the effect of the manual pull and the abutment of the roll (R1) on the drum (3), said drum and the separating organ being automatically reset on their initial position, with a fresh band projecting out from the apparatus, by the action of means (9c-11) for drum throwing and non return abutment (3b-12) after the separation of the pulled out web, said apparatus being characterized in that the two supports (16-18) of the roll in use (R1) and of the spare roll (R2) are placed one above the other on a rigid structure (14) secured by means of posts (14a) to a base plate (1) for wall fastening, the lateral sides (1b) of which support the means (2) for the mounting with free rotation of the driving drum (3) on which the roll in use (R1) and the throwing and abutting organs of said drum are abuted, a casing (33) with a latch covering the unit et supporting a guide means for the free end of the web wound round the spare roll (R2) and an organ for receiving the roll in use (R1) when this roll is almost entirely paid up.

9. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the roll in use, -when this roll is almost entirety paid up, is released by the upward motion of the support (16) thereof, and is automatically discharged in the direction of the casing (33) to be housed in a receptacle (36) of said casing, without the possibility of a reverse discharge, by reason of the offsetting of this roll relative to the axle of the drum (3) and of the abutment of the journals (T1) of this roll against the stops (35) extending near the cradles (16d) of the support (16) of the roll in use.

10. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the spare roll (R2) is mounted on the cradles (18c) of the support (18) of this roll with the free end of the rolled up web (B2) going up towards the wall fastening plate (1) where an elastic blade (30) or the like organ retains the roll by abutting against the latter to prevent it from being rotated each time a pull is exerted on the end (B1) of the web rolled up on the roll in use (R1 ).

11. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claims 8 and 10, wherein the free end (B2) of the web rolled up on the spare roll (R2) is placed automatically on the trailing web (B1) of the discharged roll in use (R1). when said spare roll is transferred on the lower support (16), while being guided in the falling down by a bent blade (37) integral with the wall fastening plate (1) and extending in front of the cross-bar (16a) for the hinged linking of said lower support (16).

12. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the free end (B2) of the web rolled up on the spare roll (R2), when this free end is placed to hang in front of the apparatus, said free end is positioned automatically on the trailing web (B1) of the discharged roll in use (R1), by guiding action at the time of the transfer of the spare roll, with the aid of an elastic blade (31) supported slidably in a slideway (32) of the casing (33) and returned in upper position by a spring (34), the length of the blade and the incurvation thereof being calculated for the closest engagement possible between the roll in use and the drum, however with the possibility to escape above said roll when the latter is almost entirely paid up, and to permit this roll to fall down into the receptacle (36) of the casing.

13. Distributing apparatuses claimed in Claim 1, wherein the efficient guiding of the spare roll (R2) when this spare roll escapes from the cradles of the roll support (18) to permit the journals (T2) thereof to be engaged securedly in the cradles of the roll support (16), is provided by means of a U-shaped piece (42) secured on the base plate (1) with the wings (42a) extending above the drum (3), the vertical upturned ends forming the stops (42b) disposed at the level of the two roll-holders. and being intersected at the time of the transfer of the spare roll.

14. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the roll in use (R1) is abutted and pressed adjustably on the drum (3) by means of a spiral spring (43) attached fixedly at (16h) on the roll-holder (16) and transversely in an adjustable manner on a fastening device (44-45) integral with the base plate (1), the connection of the fastening points (16h-44) and the axle (15) defining a triangle the hypothenuse of which is formed by the spring, this triangle being quite flattened when the roll (R1) is new, with a minimal traction of the spring, and as the roll (R1) is decreasing in diameter, the triangle becomes greater and a higher traction stress is exerted on the roll-holder by the spring.

15. Distributing apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fingers are prevented from being engaged in the lower opening for the passage of the webs of materials and these webs are better guided towards said opening by means of a hollow shaft (47) or the like, mounted for free rotation laterally at (46) relative to the wings of the base plate, at the level of the opening, immediately above the drum, said shaft being driven rotatably in the same direction as the drum by any transmission means such as belt (48) cooperating with the corresponding grooves (47a) of the shaft and (3c) of the drum.

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