EP3851401A1 - Device and method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound material and use of same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound strip-shaped material (2), the strip-shaped material being wound on a cross-wound reel (1) which has a reel width (y1) and which is wound around a reel axis (11) on Unwinding and feeding module is rotatably mounted, the strip-shaped material being guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feeding unit (16) of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module is in a coupling position (Pxyz) a system (20) can be coupled, with a width compensation device (18) being integrated between the cross-wound bobbin (1) and the feed unit, which is set up to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material on the movement path (Mxz) of the bobbin (1 ) to the feed unit (16), the feed unit in at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in specifies the coupling position and is designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an unwinding and supply module for cross-wound strip-shaped material, which is wound on a cross-wound spool which is rotatably mounted on a spool axis on the unwinding and supply module, the strip-shaped material by means of the unwinding and supply module from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module. The present invention also relates to a method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound strip-like material by means of an unwinding and feeding module from a cross-wound reel to / in a system, in particular in connection with systems for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes. Last but not least, the present invention also relates to the use of an unwinding and feeding module, coupled to such a system, for cross-wound strip-shaped material. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method according to the preamble of the respective independent claim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many at least partially automated systems and processes, for example when processing cardboard boxes, material in the form of a strip has to be supplied. The tape-like material is designed as a silicone tape, for example, and is usually rolled up on rolls of material or spools. The material rolls or spools have a large diameter, depending on the length and the thickness of the material. As soon as the material has unrolled, the material roll must be changed.

It is desirable to maximize the available length of seamless belt material for various reasons, for example to minimize set-up times and labor. The larger the rolls of material, however, the more difficult it is to handle and also to arrange and store it on the systems. In addition, the inherent stability of the material rolls also decreases from a certain diameter-to-width ratio. In other words: Above a certain size, the risk increases that the material will slip off the material roll or that the material roll will become twisted.

the DE 20 2011 104 928 U1 describes a mounting of a winding roll on a plurality of rolls, the tape to be unwound being guided over a segment axis and, after being deflected on the segment axis, is guided to a deflection roller arranged in the center of the circle of the segment.

Based on the state of the art, there is interest in an improved way of providing and supplying strip-shaped material for automatable systems and processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is to provide a device and a method with which the provision and supply of strip-shaped material can be optimized for at least partially automated systems and processes, in particular in processes for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes. Another task is to enable the provision and supply of strip-shaped material on reels or reels in such a way that the effort in connection with setting up automated processes and with set-up times when changing the reels or reels can be minimized. Last but not least, it is a task to be able to optimize the provision and supply of strip-shaped material in as many applications and processes as possible, in particular also in systems and processes that have already been run in, in the simplest and most flexible way possible.

At least one of these objects is achieved by an unwinding and feeding module according to claim 1 and by a method according to the independent method claim. Advantageous further developments of the invention are explained in the respective subclaims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another, unless this is explicitly denied.

An unwinding and supply module for cross-wound strip-shaped material, in particular for silicone tape, in particular with a material width in the range of 15 to 35 mm, is provided, the strip-shaped material being wound on a cross-wound reel which has a reel width, in particular a reel width in the range of 20 up to 50cm, and which is mounted rotatably about a reel axis on the unwinding and feeding module, the strip-shaped material being guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module is in a coupling position can be coupled to a system, in particular to a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes.
According to the invention it is proposed that a width compensation device is integrated between the cross-wound bobbin and the feed unit, which is set up to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material on the path of movement from the bobbin to the feed unit, the feed unit at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and supply module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral supply unit of the system. In addition to a large stock of materials and minimized effort for handling the material, this also provides advantages with regard to the individualization of systems and processes, for example when changing the type of material (category). The module can be adapted in a simple manner and, depending on requirements, integrated into the system or into the process in an optimized state.

Cross-wound coils on the one hand require a certain amount of specialist knowledge when winding the material, in particular if the strip-shaped material is comparatively wide and is also torsion-resistant or hardly stretchable. In addition, comparatively wide reels entail the difficulty that the strip-shaped material varies again over a large width during unwinding, that is to say that the movement path of the strip-shaped material varies much more than with a narrow roll of material. Cross-wound bobbins therefore increase the procedural effort, especially in the case of fully automated processes.

On the other hand, cross-wound bobbins have the great advantage that the strip-shaped material can be wound stably onto the bobbin with a very large (in particular seamless) length, and that the bobbin can be stored stably even at comparatively high unwinding speeds. Thanks to the large material lengths, retooling times (roll / spool changes) can also be saved.

The present invention makes it possible both to benefit from the advantages of cross-wound bobbins and at the same time to largely overcome the difficulties associated therewith up to now. The unwinding and feeding module described here can, for example, also be retrofitted to existing systems and describes in detail specific embodiments of the invention, for example also a procedural expansion or optimization of existing manufacturing / manufacturing processes by integrating an unwinding and feeding method according to embodiments of the invention. The coupling position can also be freely selected in the room or specified by a standing position of the module. The roll-off modules according to the invention for cross-wound tape-shaped material, for example for coated cover strips for linear gluing points on cardboard boxes, can be retrofitted, for example, for process machines with at least partially automated production or, if necessary, used instead of an integrated feed unit. As a result, automation systems in particular can also be optimized in a simple manner when folding / gluing cardboard boxes. The unwinding module (unwinding and feeding module) described here can also be provided specifically for particularly heavy / large rolls or bobbins, in particular with a bobbin axis which is arranged in an ergonomically advantageous manner comparatively far below in the floor area.

The module can also be retrofitted for systems that have already been installed, so that the corresponding system can also be easily set up afterwards for unwinding and feeding cross-wound web material.

The material transfer takes place at the coupling position, preferably to a pulling unit of the system. In other words: the strip-shaped material is advantageously used after a comparatively short section or after a comparatively few sections Deflection points and with as little friction as possible led directly to a traction unit of the system. This also enables an unwinding and feeding process that is advantageous with regard to the stress on the material. The traction unit can, for example, feed a bunker in the system.

The module enables the handling of the strip-shaped material on the material flow path from the reel to the traction unit of the system. Accordingly, the system can be made leaner, and an optimized module can be provided at the interface to the pulling unit for a more or less arbitrary system, in particular as a function of the design of the coil. This also enables the system or the process to be converted to a different type of material in a simple manner.

It has been shown that the material must be wound or wound crosswise if the reel is to be particularly large, i.e. if the material is to have a large seamless length and / or if the changeover times for a new reel are to be minimized. Without cross-winding, the material would no longer be stored in a stable manner, and the diameter of the coil would also be too large. In this respect, the present invention also solves the problem of optimizing the material feed in the case of cross-wound bobbins, in particular to make it more uniform (more homogeneous) with regard to changes in direction and load.

In this respect, the present invention primarily relates to the aspect of unwinding the cross-wound bobbins and the aspect of feeding the unwound strip-shaped material; The modular aspect can be seen as an additional advantage with regard to an independent module (in particular that can be arranged separately from the system), in particular with the module in the form of a mobile module that is independent of the systems (in particular, it can be moved and positioned independently and, for example, with regard to the height position of the Feed unit adaptable) and can be coupled to one of several systems as required. For this purpose, the module can also be mounted on wheels on the floor, for example.

The coil is advantageously supported around a single axis so that the coil can rotate with comparatively little friction. The coil axis is then an axis defined by the module. Optionally, a controllable / regulatable drive of the module can act on this axis, in particular set up for bidirectional rotation of the coil in response to sensor signals. Optionally, the coil can also be mounted on several rollers with the coil jacket surface. The coil then rotates around its own coil axis, which is defined by the coil per se.

A cross-wound bobbin is to be understood here as a tape drum or a winding roll or a similar unit which is intended to be able to stably arrange tape-like material on a diameter that is as small as possible. In this respect, the present invention does not relate to thread-like material, but to material in the form of webs or strips or comparatively narrow films. The cross-wound coils provide tape-shaped material, and the module is adapted to handle tape-shaped material.

A width compensation device is to be understood in particular as a device for compensating for those width variations which are caused by the width of the cross winding. The width compensation takes place gradually continuously and / or in a cascade-like manner, in particular along a predefined movement path. For example, the permissible variation of the width position in the feed direction is further limited in at least three steps.

Specifying the width position facilitates the transfer of material to the standard devices for guiding strip-shaped material. In this respect, the specified width position also enables flexibility and variability in the use of the module. The predefined width position can be characterized by a width coordinate at least in one end section of the movement path, depending on the material width, possibly with a percentage tolerance in the single-digit percentage range of the material width. The width of the material can vary considerably for the different coils, for example only 5mm, or up to 30 to 35mm. The width position by means of the feed unit and by means of a comparatively stable, robust one is preferred Defined carrier or frame part, in particular with rigid support on the housing of the module. The width position can be fixed or frozen by a fixed standing position or by mounting the module on a system, and reaction forces can be passed on via the module into the subsurface or via a coupling to a system.

According to one embodiment, an unwinding and supply module for cross-wound strip-shaped material with a material width of at least 20mm is provided, the strip-shaped material being wound on a cross-wound spool which has a spool width of at least 20cm and which is around a spool axis on the unwinding and supply module is rotatably mounted, the strip-shaped material being guided by means of the unwinding and supply module from the reel to a supply unit of the unwinding and supply module, by means of which the unwinding and supply module can be coupled in a coupling position to a system, in particular to a system for Cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes, with a width compensation device being integrated between the cross-wound reel and the feed unit, which is set up to compensate for a width variation in the width position of the strip-shaped material on the movement gspfad from the reel to the feed unit, wherein the feed unit specifies at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and feed module can be modularly coupled to the system, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system, the spool width being at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 greater than the width of the strip-shaped material. The width compensation is particularly effective here. Optionally, the factor can be significantly larger, e.g. factor 20, e.g. with a coil width in the range of 40 to 50 cm.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the feed unit also specifies a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position. This can also facilitate the transfer of material to the system, or it can also facilitate integration into the system.

According to one embodiment, the feed unit specifies a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m, in particular in the range of 2 m to 3 m. This also enables material to be transferred in an advantageous height position, in particular such that, on the one hand, access to the system is not impaired and, on the other hand, the supply of the material within the system is also facilitated. For example, the feed unit is arranged in a height position which is a factor of 2 to 10 greater than the height position of the reel or the reel axis.

According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module has a length compensation device for equalizing length and tensile force in the strip-shaped material, which is integrated between the cross-wound bobbin and the feeding unit. This also enables the material to be reliably fed in, largely independently of the functioning of a pulling unit. For example, a pulling unit is only provided on the system. Thanks to the length compensation device, the module can also be coupled to different systems in a comparatively simple manner, with comparably good functionality. Last but not least, this also increases the degree of self-sufficiency of the module.

According to one embodiment, a length compensation device of the unwinding and feed module together with the width compensation device forms a combined compensation device defining the movement path of the strip-shaped material from the reel to the feed unit. This also provides a comparatively high degree of freedom in the design and construction of the module. For example, the length compensation device comprises a / the dancer unit, and the width compensation device comprises, for example, several deflection rollers connected in series with deflection roller webs with different widths that decrease in the conveying direction. Thus, the strip-shaped material can preferably initially be brought onto a comparatively narrow movement path by means of the width compensation device, and the downstream length compensation device then supplies a length and tensile force compensation. Last but not least, this series connection also simplifies the width compensation and can compare pulses and other inhomogeneities Steam well in front of the bobbin. The coil can be unrolled very evenly and gently, even at high conveying speeds.

A length compensation device is to be understood in particular as a device for compensating for time-dependent variations in the material requirement and for changes in the tensile force in the material. Preferably, the length compensation device also provides gravity-driven damping or buffering, in particular by means of counterweights that can be mounted on the fly.

According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module has a plurality of deflection rollers to compensate for force and position variations of the strip-shaped material, in particular at least five, six or seven deflection rollers fixedly installed on the module and / or at least two or three variable positions in variable relative positions to the fixed deflection rollers mounted deflection rollers. The deflection rollers also facilitate convergence of the width position, in particular in a cascade-like arrangement. For this purpose, the respective deflection roller can preferably also have edge regions with edges for laterally limiting the range of motion of the strip-shaped material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module has a dancer unit with at least one locally variable deflecting roller mounted in a variable relative position to stationary deflecting rollers of the unwinding and feeding module, over which dancer unit the strip-shaped material is guided. The dancer unit also enables damping. Length or speed and force variations when unwinding the bobbin can be dampened and compensated, in particular by means of compensating masses which act on deflecting pulleys that are mounted in a variable manner (in particular translationally displaceable in the vertical direction). Depending on the balancing weights used, the dancer unit can also ensure a desired pre-tension in the material.

According to one embodiment, at least one deflection roller with a deflection roller web with a web width greater than a factor of 3 or greater than a factor of 2 than the material width is provided on the movement path from the reel to the feed unit, in particular one Multiple deflection rollers with a web width that becomes shorter in the feed direction. This also facilitates a cascade-like convergence of the width position to a predefined position or to a predefinable narrow width range.

According to one embodiment, the strip-shaped material is / is guided on the path of movement from the reel to the feed unit between several deflection points up and down, in particular at least approximately also in the vertical direction, in particular at deflection angles in the range from 140 to 180 °, with successive deflection points the movement path or the movement range of the strip-shaped material is further limited in each case in the width direction. This also enables functional integration with regard to length and width compensation in a comparatively small installation space.

On the path of movement from the reel to the feed unit, the strip-shaped material can initially be guided between several deflection points in a first height section, and then be guided into a second height section above the first height section, in particular in a height position greater than a factor of 2 of the first height section. Last but not least, this arrangement also has structural advantages.

According to one embodiment, the strip-shaped material is guided on the path of movement from the reel to the feed unit by means of a width and / or length compensation device in a height range which extends over a height of at least a factor of 1 to 2 of the diameter of the reel 1 , in particular at least three or four times up and down, before the strip-shaped material is passed on to the feed unit. On the one hand, this provides a large buffer; on the other hand, an arrangement that is also advantageous from a structural point of view can be provided, by means of which the arrangement of the feed unit can also be optimized in a flexible manner for a particular application.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the unwinding and supply module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner such that the unwinding and supply module is modularly integrated into a system can be integrated, in particular as a replacement for an existing feed unit of the system. The possibility of modular integration can be created, for example, by means of one or more couplings for the stationary arrangement of the module in a predefined coupling point on the system. The couplings are provided, for example, on a side surface on the frame of the module and / or on the underside of the module. The module as such can be viewed as an integrated / integrable component of the system. Regardless of this, the module can also be mobile, for example if it is to be used on different systems depending on the situation. The mobility aspect is described in more detail below.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the coil provides the strip-shaped material with a seamless length of at least 1,000 m, preferably at least 3,000 m, more preferably at least 5,000 m, in particular up to 25,000 m. Such lengths favor long replacement intervals. The coil can remain arranged comparatively close to the floor in the module.

According to one embodiment, the coil axis is arranged at a height of less than 1.5 m, in particular less than 1.2 m or less than 1 m. Optionally, the coil axis can be arranged even lower, e.g. at a height in the range from 0.5 to 0.7 m. Last but not least, this also makes it easier to change the spool and also provides good stability of the module (low center of gravity), or good stability regardless of the material supply currently on the spool.

According to one embodiment, the coil axis is arranged / can be arranged at a height between 20 and 100 cm, in particular between 50 and 70 cm, above the floor. The comparatively low height also makes handling easier.

According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module provides a path for the strip-shaped material on the movement path between the reel and the feed unit, which is at least a factor of 3 greater than the length of the direct path between the reel and the feed unit, in particular in the range from a factor of 5 to 10 is larger. It has been shown that this extension takes up comparatively little space has an advantageous effect on a compensation of forces and changes in position. The distance can be lengthened in particular by means of (fixed and / or variable) deflection points and deflection rollers.

According to one embodiment, the coil width is at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 to 50 greater than the width of the strip-shaped material. The coil width can be up to a factor of 100 larger, e.g. with comparatively narrow material (approx. 5mm) and comparatively wide coil (approx. 500mm). Last but not least, this also makes it possible to provide a large stock of material in a stable, robust manner. The coil is not particularly large in diameter, but remains comparatively compact even with a large material supply and can be easily unwound.

According to one embodiment, the width compensation device is set up to limit the movement path of the strip-shaped material from a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm or up to 50 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm or a maximum of 4 cm or a maximum of 3 cm or up to 1 cm, in particular in a cascade-like manner at deflection points connected in series. This also makes it easier to handle the material along the path between the spool and the material transfer point (coupling point). Optionally, the width variation can be restricted even more, in particular in the coupling position to a percentage of less than 50% or even less than 30% of the material width, or in the case of rather large material widths, possibly also to a single-digit percentage. For example, in the case of a 3 cm wide material, the width position on the feed unit is restricted to a width variation over a width of 4 to 4.5 cm, that is to about 30 to 50% (1 to 1.5 cm of 3 cm).

According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module is mobile. The unwinding and feeding module can, for example, be mounted on wheels and be set up for mobile relocation on a sub-floor or hall floor. A mobile module is particularly self-sufficient and can be coupled with different systems as required in a particularly simple manner.

According to one embodiment, the feed of the strip-shaped material is passively driven by tensile force, in that the reel can be unwound in response to a tensile force exerted externally on the strip-shaped material at the feed unit, in particular when the unwinding and feeding module is inactive by a motor. Last but not least, this can also further increase the degree of self-sufficiency of the module. The module can be used largely independently of the respective design of a traction drive of the system, in particular also thanks to a length / width compensation device.

ITEM At least one of the above-mentioned objects is also achieved by an unwinding and supply module for cross-wound tape-shaped material, in particular for silicone tape, in particular with a material width in the range from 15 to 35mm, the tape-shaped material being wound on a cross-wound reel that is one reel width has, in particular a reel width in the range of 20 to 50 cm, and which is rotatably mounted about a reel axis on the unwinding and feeding module, the strip-shaped material being guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module , by means of which the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled in a coupling position to a system, in particular to a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes, with a width compensation device being integrated between the cross-wound coil and the feed unit, which is set up et is to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the band-shaped material on the path of movement from the reel to the feed unit, wherein the feed unit specifies at least one predefined width position of the band-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and feeding module is modular the system can be coupled, the unwinding and feeding module having a length compensation device for equalizing length and tensile force, which is integrated between the cross-wound bobbin and the feeding unit; The length compensation device, together with the width compensation device, forms a compensation device defining the path of movement of the strip-shaped material from the reel to the feed unit, the unwinding and feed module for compensating for force and position variations of the strip-shaped material Has a plurality of pulleys. This provides numerous advantages previously described above.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by a system for the at least partially automated production of packaging material, in particular a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding cardboard boxes, the system comprising at least one unwinding and feeding module described above, wherein the Unwinding and feeding module is integrated into the system or is coupled as a mobile module to a pulling unit of the system that acts on the strip-shaped material. This also provides advantages described above.

At least one of the aforementioned objects is, as mentioned, also achieved by a method according to the corresponding independent method claim, namely by a method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound strip-shaped material by means of an unwinding and feeding module from a cross-wound reel to / in a system, in particular to / in a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard, where the strip-shaped material is wound over a spool width that is significantly larger than the material width (in particular at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 larger) , wherein the reel is rotatably mounted about a reel axis, the band-shaped material being guided from the reel to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, the feeding unit in a coupling position ensuring a coupling (transfer of the band-like material) to the system, wherein on a / the Be path of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound bobbin to the feed unit, a width compensation takes place in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material is compensated at least approximately over the entire bobbin width and up to the feed unit (or up to the coupling position) is converged to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position, in particular by means of an unwinding and feeding module described above, in particular with the unwinding and feeding module configured as a retrofit module (especially for larger / wider spools than standard is provided in the respective system). This In addition to advantageous process integration, it also provides the advantages described above.

According to one embodiment, a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material is / are also specified in the coupling position. This can further facilitate the transfer of material in the coupling position.

According to one embodiment, a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material is specified in the coupling position in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m, in particular in the range of 2 m to 3 m.

According to one embodiment, length compensation and tensile force compensation take place on the movement path in the unwinding and feed module, in particular at least partially by means of a dancer unit over which the strip-shaped material is guided. This can further optimize the handling of the material within the module and also make the module particularly self-sufficient and independent of the manner in which the tensile force is exerted on the material.

According to one embodiment, force and position variations on the movement path from the coil to the feed unit are compensated for by means of a plurality of deflection rollers, in particular by means of at least five, six or seven deflection rollers fixedly installed on the module and / or by means of at least two or three locally variable in variables Relative positions to the stationary deflection rollers mounted deflection rollers. These pulleys also enable a cascade-like convergence of the width position at predefinable points on the movement path and thereby also promote a space-saving, compact arrangement and functional integration.

According to one embodiment, variations in tensile force and position of the strip-shaped material are compensated for by means of a dancer unit, which provides at least one locally variable, in a variable position relative to the stationary deflection rollers of the unwinding and feed module. This enables one too gravity-driven self-regulating effect, whereby the tensile force prevailing in the material can be easily adapted to the frictional forces and the band material.

According to one embodiment, the path of movement of the strip-shaped material from the coil to the feed unit is limited by a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm or a maximum of 4 cm or a maximum of 3 cm. This also favors material transfer in the coupling position.

According to one embodiment, the tape-shaped material is fed to the system in a passive traction-driven manner, in that the reel is unwound in response to a tensile force exerted externally on the tape-shaped material on the feed unit, in particular when the motor-driven unwinding and feeding module is inactive. This can further facilitate the supply, in particular in combination with a dancer unit to compensate for tensile forces.

At least one of the above-mentioned objects is also achieved, as mentioned, by using an unwinding and feeding module for cross-wound strip-shaped material, which is wound on a cross-wound reel over a reel width that is significantly larger than the material width (in particular at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 larger), for rotatably mounting the reel around a reel axis and for guiding the strip-shaped material to be unwound from the reel to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, the unwinding and feeding module by means of the feed unit in a coupling position and in a freely selectable standing position of the unwinding and feeding module is modularly coupled to a system or coupled as a module at the coupling position to the system and also integrated into the system, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system, in particular to / in Investments for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes, with a width compensation taking place on one / the path of movement of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound bobbin to the feed unit, in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material compensates at least approximately over the entire bobbin width and up to the feed unit to a predefined width position of the band-shaped Material is converged in the coupling position, in particular using a previously described unwinding and feeding module. This results in the aforementioned advantages. The convergence of the width position (or the delimitation of the width variation range) can advantageously also take place after a short distance after the coil, in particular before it passes through a dancer unit. Thus, the width compensation can be functionally separated from a length / force compensation. The length / force compensation is preferably arranged between the feed unit and the width compensation, that is to say downstream of the width compensation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Figur 1 , 2 in einer Seitenansicht und in einer Detailansicht ein Abwickel- und Zuführmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Figur 3 , 4 in einer Frontansicht und in einer Draufsicht ein Abwickel- und Zuführmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Figur 5 in einer Seitenansicht ein in einen beispielhaften Produktionsprozess integriertes ein Abwickel- und Zuführmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Figur 6, 7 in einer Heckansicht und in einer Frontansicht ein in einen beispielhaften Produktionsprozess integriertes ein Abwickel- und Zuführmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

The invention is described in more detail in the following figures, reference being made to the other figures for reference symbols that are not explicitly described in a respective figure. Show it:

• Figure 1 , 2 in a side view and in a detailed view, an unwinding and feeding module according to an embodiment;
• Figure 3 , 4th in a front view and in a plan view, an unwinding and feeding module according to an embodiment;
• Figure 5 in a side view an unwinding and feeding module integrated in an exemplary production process according to an exemplary embodiment;
• Figure 6, 7 in a rear view and in a front view, an unwinding and feeding module integrated in an exemplary production process according to an exemplary embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For the sake of clarity, the reference symbols are first described together. Some of the reference symbols are dealt with individually in connection with the respective figure.

A cross-wound coil 1 provides tape-shaped material 2, for example silicone tape. The reel 1 is mounted in a preferably mobile unwinding and feeding module 10 around a reel axis 11, optionally with a free end 11.1 of the reel axis. A The housing or frame 12 surrounds the coil and, by means of one or more support units 12.1 (in particular height-adjustable or height-adjustable), provides support for a feed unit 16 in a desired coupling position Pxyz for the transfer of the strip-shaped material 2 to a system 20. A boom 12.2 protrudes over the housing laterally. One or more housing doors or flaps or partitions 12.3 can protect the coil 1 and the material 2 from environmental influences.

The strip-shaped material 2 is guided on the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16 in a deflection unit 13 over several deflection rollers or deflection points 14, namely both over stationary deflection rollers 14a and over dancing or position-variable deflection rollers 14b. Individual or all deflection rollers can each have a deflection roller web 14.1 for defining a roller width y14, y14.1 and a width variation, wherein the respective deflection roller can be limited for roller edges 14.2.

A dancer unit 15 is also provided on the movement path Mxz from the bobbin 1 to the feed unit 16, which can optionally be configured as part of the deflection unit 13. The dancer unit 15 comprises dancing deflection rollers 14b, which can ensure a predefinable tensile force in the belt 2 against the gravitational force depending on their own weight and, if necessary, provided compensating masses. At the rollers 14, the belt 2 can be deflected by a deflection angle α, which can be predefined in particular via the relative arrangement of the rollers 14.

The module 10 is preferably mounted on wheels 17 and can be displaced and positioned independently of the system 20, in particular in freely selectable standing positions on a floor of a machine hall.

The module 10 provides two functions on the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16, optionally separately from one another, but optionally also in combination with one another. A width compensation device 18 comprises, in particular, deflection roller webs 14.1 arranged one after the other in a cascade-like manner with a decreasing width y14.1, and a length compensation device 19 enables length and tensile force compensation, in particular also at least partially by means of the dancer unit 15.

The system 20 can in particular be designed for cutting, gluing, folding cardboard boxes or similar packaging materials. The system 20 can be designed as a fully automatable process system. A pulling unit 23 for pulling the strip-shaped material 2 can be coupled to the module 10 at the coupling point Pxyz, so that the material 2 can be unwound from the spool 1 by exerting a pulling force and drawn into the system 20, for example into a bunker 21. The Bunker supplies an additional material buffer on the system side, for example even if the system is temporarily shut down for a few seconds or minutes. The z coordinate of the coupling point Pxyz can be optimized individually for a respective system 20 via the height z16 of the feed unit 16, in particular via the length of the carrier 12.1. The system 20 can provide several deflection rollers or deflection points 24 for guiding the belt 2, in particular for defining a movement path up to a point of contact with cardboard boxes (gluing or gluing process).

• F1 kennzeichnet eine von der Anlage 20 auf die Zuführeinheit 16 ausgeübte Zugkraft;
• F2 kennzeichnet eine auf die Tänzereinheit 15 ausgeübte Zugkraft;
• F3 kennzeichnet eine an der Spule 1 angreifende Zugkraft;
• Fxz illustriert eine Zugkraftebene, in welcher die Kraftweiterleitung im Band 2 erfolgt;

The functional principle is further illustrated by some force vector arrows:

• F1 denotes a tensile force exerted by the system 20 on the feed unit 16;
• F2 indicates a tensile force exerted on the dancer unit 15;
• F3 denotes a tensile force acting on the spool 1;
• Fxz illustrates a tensile force plane in which the force is transmitted in belt 2;

Since the belt 2 is oriented in the direction of the acting tensile force, a plane of movement Exz of the belt-shaped material 2 corresponds at least approximately to the direction of the tensile force. The coordinates x, y, z denote the depth, width and height directions.

The present invention makes it possible in a simple manner to change the path of movement of the material 2 from a comparatively large width y1 of the coil 1 (winding width), in particular a very large coil width in relation to the width y2 of the strip-shaped material 2, via deflection rollers 14 with different (in particular cascading decreasing ) To gradually converge or limit widths y14, y14.1 to a width range that is advantageous for the handling of the material 2 and for the transfer of the material 2 to the system 10.

Optionally, the module 10 is passive with respect to the unwinding process. In other words: the coil 1 does not have to be driven. Optionally, however, a drive 11. 2 provided on the axle 11 can also act on the reel 1, in particular for the purpose of minimizing the tensile forces acting on the strip 2. For example, with particularly large spools and particularly weak material, a comparatively large material buffer can still be provided in a gentle way.

The drive 11.2 can be controlled via a control device 30, in particular as a function of tensile force values or position data from sensors which are coupled to the belt 2. This enables, for example, the unwinding process of the reel to be started in response to a tensile force F1 exerted by a system 20 on the strip 2 or the module 10.

Fig. 1 illustrates the routing of the material 2 from the spool 1 to the transfer point on the feed unit 16. Before the material 2 is fed vertically upwards to the transfer point, it passes through a meandering compensation area in which a width position limitation and a length / tensile force compensation take place. This buffer area can be designed individually, in particular with regard to the size or mass of the coil, the tensile strength of the material 2 and the tensile force F1 exerted by the system 20.

In Fig. 2 the dancer unit 15 is visible. The dancer unit 15 comprises, for example, two upper stationary deflecting rollers 14a and three lower dancing deflecting rollers 14b. On the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16, the tape 2 is guided around nine or ten deflecting rollers 14 in this exemplary embodiment. This also increases the distance available for compensation, for example by a factor of 3 to 5, depending on the arrangement of the dancer unit.

The dancer unit 15 preferably comprises a guide 15.1 for the movable deflection rollers 14b, in particular a linear guide, as well as at least one position sensor 15.2 provided on the guide, in particular measuring linearly inductively. Position data of the Dancer unit 15 are determined and transmitted to a / the control unit 30 (in particular wirelessly), so that the control unit 30 can control and regulate, for example, a drive 11.2 for positioning or rotating the coil 1 depending on a deflection (change in position) in the dancer unit. This provides further optimization potential, particularly in the case of particularly large, heavy bobbins 1.

Fig. 2 also illustrates a height range Δz for latitude and / or longitude compensation. The height area .DELTA.z is enclosed by the housing 12, and the pulleys are all arranged in the height area. In this example, the height of the height range Δz is approximately a factor of 1.5 to 2 of the diameter of the coil 1. The guide 15.1 of the dancer unit 15 can optionally extend at least approximately over the entire height range Δz. Last but not least, this also provides a large buffer with a comparatively compact installation space.

In the representation according to Fig. 2 the coil axis 11 is mounted on one side. The reel shaft 11 can optionally be supported at both ends (no free end 11.1).

In Fig. 3 the width ratio of the coil width y1 to the material width y2 is illustrated.

In Fig. 4 the web width y14.1 is illustrated. Here the coil width y1 is approximately a factor of 3 of the web width y14.1, and the web 14.1 of the first deflection roller is arranged at least approximately centrally relative to the coil width y1. Out Fig. 4 it can be seen that the material 2 is comparatively narrow, but cannot be twisted or twisted, but rather has to be handled in its own extension plane due to the web-like configuration (compare arrangement in bunker 21 in FIGS Fig. 6, 7 ).

The ones in the Fig. 5 , 6 and 7 Systems shown relate, for example, to the automated processing of packaging material, in particular cardboard boxes. The process can in particular include folding, cutting, gluing or the like. In Fig. 5 an exemplary arrangement of a module 10 coupled to a system 20 is shown. In Fig. 6 a bunker 21 of a plant 20 according to a further application is shown in detail. Fig. 7 shows this arrangement from the opposite perspective.

Sensors, in particular force sensors, can be provided in the individual deflection rollers or also at other positions. Depending on the configuration of the process, position sensors can be arranged along the movement path of the strip-shaped material or on the moving components.

List of reference symbols

1

cross-wound coil

2

tape-shaped material, for example silicone tape

10

Unwind and feed module

11

Coil axis

11.1

free end of the coil axis

11.2

drive

12th

Housing or frame

12.1

Carrier unit for feed unit, in particular height-adjustable or height-adjustable

12.2

boom

12.3

Housing door or flap or partition

13th

Deflection unit

14th

Deflection roller or deflection point

14a

Fixed deflection roller or deflection point of the dancer unit

14b

Dancing or position-variable pulley of the dancer unit

14.1

Deflection roller web (for deflection roller with excess width)

14.2

Roll edge

15th

Dancer unit

15.1

Guide for movable pulleys, especially linear guides

15.2

Position sensor, in particular linear-inductive

16

Feed unit

17th

Wheels of the module

18th

Width compensation device

19th

Length compensation device

20th

Installations, in particular for cutting, gluing and folding cardboard boxes

21

bunker

23

Pulling unit for pulling up strip-shaped material

24

Deflection roller or deflection point of the system

30th

Control device

F1

Pulling force / direction on / in the feed unit (especially exerted externally)

F2

Tensile force or direction of tensile force on / in the dancer unit

F3

Tensile force or direction of tensile force on / on the coil

Fxz

Tensile force level

Exc

Movement plane of the band-shaped material

Mxz

Movement path of the tape-shaped material

Pxyz

Coupling position (transfer of the strip-shaped material)

y1

Width of the coil (winding width)

y2

Width of the band-shaped material

y14

Pulley width

y14.1

Width of the pulley web

z16

Height of the feed unit

x, y, z

Depth, width, height

Δz

Height range for width and / or length compensation

α

Deflection angle on deflection roller (or contact area over roller circumference)

Claims (15)

Unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound tape-shaped material (2), in particular for silicone tape, in particular with a material width in the range from 15 to 35 mm, the tape-shaped material being wound on a cross-wound reel (1) which has a reel width (y1) has, in particular a reel width in the range of 20 to 50 cm, and which is rotatably mounted about a reel axis (11) on the unwinding and feeding module, the strip-shaped material by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feed unit (16) of the Unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled in a coupling position (Pxyz) to a system (20), in particular to a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes,
characterized in that a width compensation device (18) is integrated between the cross-wound bobbin (1) and the feed unit (16), which is set up to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) on the movement path (Mxz) of the bobbin (1) ) to the feed unit (16), wherein the feed unit specifies at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and feeding module (10) can be modularly coupled to the system (20). Unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound tape-like material with a material width of at least 20mm, the tape-like material being wound on a cross-wound reel which has a reel width of at least 20cm and which is rotatably mounted on a reel axis on the unwinding and feeding module , wherein the strip-shaped material is guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feeding unit of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled in a coupling position to an installation, in particular to an installation for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes,
characterized in that a width compensation device is integrated between the cross-wound bobbin and the feed unit, which is set up to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material on the Movement path from the reel to the feed unit, the feed unit specifying at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and being designed and arranged in such a way that the unwinding and feed module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system, the coil width being at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor 7 or at least a factor 10 greater than the width of the strip-shaped material. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding unit (16) also predefines a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material (2) in the coupling position (Pxyz); and / or wherein the feed unit specifies a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m, in particular in the range of 2 m to 3 m. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a length compensation device (19) for length and tensile force compensation in the strip-shaped material (2), which is located between the cross-wound bobbin (1) and the feed unit (16 ) is integrated; and / or wherein a / the length compensation device (19) of the unwinding and feed module (10) together with the width compensation device (18) forms a combined compensation device defining the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material from the reel to the feed unit; and / or wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a plurality of deflection rollers (14, 14a, 14b) to compensate for variations in force and position of the strip-shaped material (2), in particular at least five, six or seven deflection rollers (14a) fixedly installed on the module and / or at least two or three position-variable deflection rollers (14b) mounted in variable positions relative to the stationary deflection rollers; and / or wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a dancer unit (15) with at least one locally variable deflecting roller (14b) mounted in a variable relative position to fixed deflecting rollers of the unwinding and feeding module, over which dancer unit the strip-shaped material is guided; and / or wherein on the path of movement from the spool (1) to the feed unit (16) at least one deflection roller (14) with a deflection roller web (14.1) with a web width (y14.1) greater than a factor of 3 or greater than a factor of 2 the material width (y2) is provided, in particular a plurality of deflection rollers with a web width that becomes shorter in the feed direction. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is guided on the path of movement from the spool (1) to the feeding unit (16) between several deflection points up and down, in particular at least approximately also in perpendicular direction, in particular at deflection angles in the range from 140 to 180 °, the movement path or the movement range of the strip-shaped material being further delimited in the width direction at successive deflection points; and / or wherein the strip-shaped material (2) on the path of movement from the reel (1) to the feed unit (16) is initially guided between several deflection points in a first height section, and is then guided into a second height section above the first height section, in particular in a height position greater than a factor of 2 the height of the first height section; and / or wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is guided on the path of movement from the reel (1) to the feed unit (16) by means of a width and / or length compensation device (18, 19) in a height range (Δz) which extends over a height of at least a factor of 1 to 2 of the diameter of the coil 1, in particular at least three or four times up and down, before the strip-shaped material (2) is passed on to the feed unit. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding module can be modularly coupled to a system (20) in such a way that the unwinding and feeding module can be modularly integrated into the system, in particular as a replacement for an existing one Feed unit of the system; and / or wherein the unwinding and feeding module is mobile; and / or wherein the unwinding and feeding module is mounted on wheels (17) and is set up for mobile relocation on an underground or hall floor .; and / or wherein the feed of the strip-shaped material (2) is passively driven by tensile force, in that the reel (1) can be unwound in response to a tensile force exerted externally on the strip-shaped material on the feed unit (16), in particular when unwinding and unwinding is inactive by motor Feed module. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coil (1) provides the strip-shaped material (2) with a seamless length of at least 1,000 m, preferably at least 3,000 m, more preferably at least 5,000 m, in particular with up to 25,000m; and / or wherein the coil axis is arranged at a height of less than 1.5 m, in particular less than 1.2 m or less than 1 m; or wherein the coil axis is arranged / can be arranged at a height between 20 and 100 cm above the floor; and / or wherein the unwinding and feeding module provides a path for the strip-shaped material on the movement path between the reel and the feed unit, which is at least a factor of 3 greater than the length of the direct path between the reel and the feed unit, in particular in the range from a factor of 5 to 10 is greater; and / or wherein the coil width (y1) is at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 to 50 greater than the width (y2) of the strip-shaped material; and / or wherein the width compensation device (18) is set up to adjust the movement path of the strip-shaped material from a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm or up to 50 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm or a maximum of 4 cm or a maximum of 3 cm or up to 1 cm to be limited, in particular in a cascade-like manner at deflection points connected one behind the other. System (20) for the at least partially automated production of packaging material, in particular system for cutting, gluing and / or folding cardboard boxes, the system comprising at least one unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the unwinding and feeding module (10) is integrated into the system or is coupled as a mobile module to a pulling unit (23) of the system (20) which acts on the strip-shaped material. Method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound strip-shaped material (2) by means of an unwinding and feeding module (10) from a cross-wound reel (1) to / in a system (20), in particular to / in a system for cutting, gluing and / or Folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes, the strip-shaped material being wound over a spool width (y1) which is significantly greater than the material width (y2), the spool being rotatably mounted about a spool axis (11), the strip-shaped material being supported by the Coil up to a feed unit (16) of the unwinding and Feed module is guided, the feed unit in a coupling position (Pxyz) ensures coupling with the system, with a width compensation taking place on a / the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound coil to the feed unit, in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) is compensated for at least approximately over the entire coil width and is converged up to the feed unit on a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material (2) in the coupling position (Pxyz) is also specified; and / or wherein a / the predefined height position of the strip-shaped material is specified in the coupling position in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m, in particular in the range of 2 m to 3 m. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein length compensation and tensile force compensation also take place on the movement path (Mxz) in the unwinding and feeding module (10), in particular at least partially by means of a dancer unit (15) over which the strip-shaped material is guided. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein force and position variations on the movement path from the coil (1) to the feed unit (16) are compensated by means of a plurality of deflection rollers (14), in particular by means of at least five, six or seven stationary on the Module-installed deflection rollers (14a) and / or by means of at least two or three deflection rollers (14b) mounted in variable relative positions in variable positions relative to the stationary deflection rollers; and / or where the tensile force and position variations of the strip-shaped material (2) are compensated for by means of a dancer unit (15) which provides at least one deflection roller (14b) mounted in a variable position relative to the fixed deflection rollers of the unwinding and feed module. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material (2) from the coil (1) to the Feed unit (16) is limited by a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm or a maximum of 4 cm or a maximum of 3 cm. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the feeding of the strip-shaped material (2) to the system (20) is carried out passively, traction-force-driven, in that the coil is unwound in response to a tensile force exerted externally on the strip-shaped material at the feed unit, especially when the motor is inactive Unwind and feed module. Use of an unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound strip-shaped material (2), which is wound on a cross-wound reel (1) over a reel width (y1) that is significantly greater than the material width (y2), for the rotatable mounting of the reel around a reel axis (11) and for guiding the unwound strip-shaped material from the reel to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, the unwinding and feeding module (10) by means of the feeding unit (16) in a coupling position (Pxyz) and in a freely selectable standing position of the unwinding and feed module is modularly coupled to a system (20) or coupled as a module at the coupling position to the system and also integrated into the system, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system, in particular to / in a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes, whereby on a / the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material (2) from the cross-wound coil (1) to the feed unit (16), a width compensation takes place in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) is compensated for at least approximately over the entire coil width (y1) and up to Feed unit (16) is converged to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position (Pxyz), in particular use of an unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

Images