GB2354511A

GB2354511A - Reel transport apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2354511A
Application number: GB9922419A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Underwood
Original assignee: Linpac Containers Ltd
Current assignee: DS Smith Packaging Ltd
Priority date: 1999-09-23
Filing date: 1999-09-23
Publication date: 2001-03-28
Also published as: GB9922419D0

Abstract

Transport apparatus for conveying reels, for example paper web reels, comprises a movable platform 2 including a titlable support and transfer means 5, 15, titlable so as to deliver and receive a reel to and from a point-of-use A further support and transfer means 7, 17 may be provided to transfer the reel to or from the point-of-use from or to the movable platform 2. The transfer means 5, 15 may comprise tiltable conveyors 5, 15 which are arranged to transport a reel in the direction of its rotational axis along each conveyor 5 and 15. In use, the platform carries a reel on its support and transfer means 5, 15 to a point adjacent and aligned with the further support and transfer means 7, 17. The tilting mechanism of each of the transfer means is actuated such that the upper surfaces of the conveyor form a path of constant gradient. An exhausted reel may then be transported from the point-of-use to the platform 2 along the conveyor 17 while a full reel is being delivered from the platform to the point-of-use along conveyor 7.

Description

2354511 TRANSPORT APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to transport apparatus and more specifically, but not exclusively, to transport apparatus which may be used to transport and deliver items, such as reels, to a processing or storage station in, for example, a factory or warehouse.

It is well established that during production of, as well as following use of, goods, the remnants thereof have to be moved around, for example, warehouses and factories. It is normal practice to facilitate this movement by providing machines so that items may be carried in bulk or, indeed, so that heavy, or otherwise awkward items, ran be moved at all.

Conventionally, fork-lift trucks or pallet trucks are used to move certain items around, although this solution is not always applicable. In other cases, dedicated cars or trolleys are provided to move items from a fixed location to another fixed location.

Dedicated cars or trolleys are often used when the item to be moved from a certain location is heavy or awkward and, for example, a definite 44 production cycle" is performed so that the conveying of goods to, or from, a point-of-use, for example, is known to within certain parameters, Many items are delivered to a point-of-use in, for example, a factory on reels. Such items may include electrical cable, ducting, other tubes and sheets or webs of paper and cardboard. In the paper industry, a paper web is wound onto a core which may be up to three metres long and each web may be many thousands of metres long. Such cores are intrinsically unwieldy and are consequently very difficult to manipulate.

in the paper industry, several means of conveying these large reels from the point of storage or production to the point-of-use have been proposed. These include overhead cranes, fixed-track cars or trolleys and conventional fork-lift, pallet or clamp trucks. For many uses, and in inany locations, fork-lift, pallet or clamp trucks are not used because of the logistics of moving reels using such trucks. Consequently, factories have had to have fixed tracks or overhead cranes fitted to facilitate the movement of larger and more cumbersome reels.

The marginal costs involved in paper use and production are such that it is imperative that continual production, as far as possible, is carried out. Techniques, such as splicing, have been developed to afford continual paper delivery such that as one reel begins to run out of paper, paper from another is "spliced" thereto, thus providing a continual delivery from a point-of- use to the production site Therefore, the most significant potential for a production bottleneck to develop is at the point of delivery to the point-of-use.

In our British Patent Application No. 9907690.3 (Publication No. 2334022) we provide means to facilitate the loading and unloading of reels to and from a point-of-use to ensure that such a bottleneck does not develop. We provide a turntable which, by being linked to the production cycle, ensures that a back-up reel is present at the point-of-use and can be "spliced" with the active reel to ensure continual production.

Conventionally, fixed tracks or overhead cranes are used to move reels and other items around the factory or warehouse to, for example, the turntable exemplified in our above-identified patent application. Although these conventional techniques satisfy the requirements for moving the items around the factory or warehouse, there are several drawbacks associated therewith.

Overhead cranes are expensive both to install and maintain and often cannot be retro-fitted to existing warehouses or factories. For example, the factory structure may not be physically strong enough to support a suitable gantry and crane which can move such heavy objects as reels of paper. Due to physical constraints, such as size, such objects may not be moveable in such a fashion around the factory.

As an alternative, fixed-track cars are often employed. However, because of the unwieldy nature of the goods which they convey, they often run on tracks which are located in a trench such that the support platform or structure of the car is at, or just above, a nominal floor level. Obviously,' by providing such a trench, which may run the entire length of the factory or warehouse, a significant physical barrier is formed. This is dangerous for operatives and, furthermore, represents a significant capital outlay when constructing the trench. Also, if the use of the factory alters, or is modified, then such a trench will provide a major physical and logistical obstacle.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide transport apparatus which obviates or at least substantially reduces the aboveidentified problems associated with conventional transportation of objects around a workplace and which can be used in concert with the reel loading and unloading apparatus described and claimed in our British patent application identified above.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a transport apparatus for conveying reels, comprising a movable platform including tiltable support and transfer means, wherein the means is tiltable so as to deliver and receive a reel to and from a point-of-use.

Preferably the support and transfer means and reels may be arranged to transport a reel along substantially the entire length thereof and additionally or alternatively may be arranged to receive and/or deliver a reel from and/or to either end thereof, a reel being preferably transportable therealong in the direction of its rotational axis.

The means may be tiltable about a point intermediate its length, or may be tiltable at one end thereof, and the platform may further comprise hydraulic lo or pneumatic rams, jacks and/or screw-thread or scissor-link mechanisms to effect such tilting. The support and transfer means may comprise a conveyor belt, support rails and/or rollers or a dolley.

The platform may have a reel supporting surface which is arranged to restrict rolling motion of a reel. The surface may comprise at least an indent, sized preferably to retain a reel thereon and the means may be situated at the lowest point of the indent.

The platform may be movable upon wheels or rollers and may be movable along a dedicated path such as a fixed track.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided reel transport apparatus comprising first tiltable support and transport means and a movable platform comprising second tiltable support and transfer means, wherein the first means is arranged to transport a reel to or from a point-of-use from or to the movable platform, and to raise or lower a reel from or to a height lower than that of a reel supporting surface of the platform.

The second tiltable support and transfer means may be arranged to accept or deliver a reel from or to the first tiltable support and transfer means.

The first and second means may define, when transporting a reel therealong, a path with a constant gradient.

The first and second means may be arranged to transport a reel along substantially the entire length thereof and additionally or alternatively may be arranged to receive and/or deliver a reel from and/or to either end thereof, preferably a reel being transported along each of the first and second means in the direction of its rotational axis.

The platform may, in use, accept a full reel at a location remote from the first support and transfer means and may deliver, in use, a full reel thereto.

Further, the first support and transfer means may be arranged to transport an at least partially used reel from a point-of-use to the platform. The platform may be arranged to deliver an at least partially used reel to a location remote from the first support and transfer means.

The remote location may comprise a third tiltable support and transfer means arranged to deliver reels to or accept a reel from the movable platform.

The first, second and/or third means may be able to tilt about a point to raise at least one end of the means above the horizontal, or the means may be able to tilt, or pivot, about a-point intermediate its length such that either end thereof can be raised above the horizontal. The means may also comprise hydraulic or pneumatic rams, jacks and/or screw-thread or scissor-link mechanisms to effect said tilting or pivoting motion, and may further comprise a conveyor belt, support rails and/or rollers or a dolley.

The reel supporting surface may be arranged to restrict rolling motion of a reel and may comprise an indent sized preferably to retain a reel, whilst the second means may be situated at the lowest point of the indent.

The platform may be movable upon wheels or rollers and may be movable along a dedicated path, such as a fixed track.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transporting reels from and to a point-of-use comprisin g transporting an exhausted-reel from a point-of-usealong a first tilting support and transfer means onto a second tilting support and transfer means located on a movable platform, and transporting a full reel from the movable platform to the point of-use along said first and second tilting means.

The point-of-use may comprise a turntable which has located thereon support and transfer means which transfers reels to and from reel mounting means.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, preferred embodiments in accordance therewith will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure I shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of reel transport apparatus-, Figure 2 shows a plan view and side elevation of a movable platform of the reel transport apparatus of Figure I; Figure 3 shows a side elevation of a second embodiment of the reel transport apparatus writh an unloading and loading station; Figure 4 shows a plan view and side elevation of the reel transport apparatus of either embodiment and a turntable; Figure 5A-L show various stages in the operation of the second embodiment of reel transport apparatus.

Referring firstly to Figures I and 2, there is shown a reel transport apparatus, generally indicated at 1, comprising a platform 2 provided with an upper surface 3 which has two transverse indentations 4 therein. Situated longitudinally of the indentations 4, 14 are reel support and transfer means 5, 15, each being tiltable so as to raise one end 6, 16 thereof above the level of the bottom of each respective indentation 4, 14. The platform 2 is rendered io movable by virtue of wheels or rollers 9 which can move along a fixed track.

The apparatus I further comprises second reel support and transfer means 7, 17 mounted in the floor such that an upper surface thereof stands proud of the floor. Each one of the means 7, 17 is tiltable so as to raise one end 8, 18 thereof above the horizontal. Indeed, the second means 7, 17 are tiltable such that the upper surface thereot at the tilted end 8, 18, is at the same height as the upper surface of the adjacent end of the support and transfer means 5, of the platform 2.

Each of the support and transfer means 5, 15, 7, 17 comprises a pair of support rails and transfer means such that a reel is movable along each of means 5, 15, 7, 17. Each of those means may alternatively comprise a tiltable conveyor or other means known in the art.

In use, the platform 2 carries a reel on its support and transfer means 5 to a point adjacent the second support and transfer means 7 such that the means 5, 7 and 15, 17 are respectively longitudinally aligned. The tilting mechanism of each of the means 5, 7 is actuated such that the upper surfaces of the means 5, 7 describe a path of constant gradient. The transfer means of each of the means 5, 7 is activated such that a reel is transported from the platform 2 to the second means 7. Once the reel is solely supported by the second means 7 the transfer means of each of means 5, 7 is disengaged.

Once the reel is not engaging the first means 5, the tilting mechanism is actuated to bring the means 5 back to the horizontal. A similar operation is carried out by the second means 7 so as to bring that means 7 back to the horizontal. The transfer means of means 7 may then be actuated to deliver the reel to a point-of-use.

Further, an exhausted reel may contemporaneously be delivered from a point-of-use to the second means 17, and from there delivered to the first means 15 in an reverse operation to that delivering the full reel.

The movable platform 2 may then move along its track where it delivers the exhausted reel and accepts another full reel for delivery to a pointof-use.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of reel transport apparatus, generally indicated at 20, comprising a movable platform 22 with a pair of support and transfer means 25 (only one shown) situated in a transverse indentation 24 of an 'Upper surface 23 of the platform 22. The means 25 is tiltable, or pivotable, about a point 21 intermediate its length by virtue of a tilting mechanism.

The apparatus 20 further comprises pairs of second and third reel support and transfer means 27 and 37 (only one of each shown) mounted in the floor, such that an upper surface thereof stands proud of the floor. Each of means 27, 3 7 is tiltable to a point such that one end thereof 28, 3 8 has an upper surface at a height substantially equivalent to the height of an upper surface of an end of the first means 25 which is tilted towards that respective end 28, 38. For example, and referring to Figure 3, means 25 is tilted toward means 37 and means 37 is tilted such that the upper surface of one end 38 is at a height equal to the upper surface of the adjacent end of means 25. The upper surfaces of the means 25, 37 describe a path of constant gradient. Obviously, a similar configuration between means 27 and means 25 is obtainable.

Referring to Figure 4, transport apparatus 1, 20 is shown at a position adjacent a turntable 40. The turntable 40 is provided with reel support and transfer means 48 such that a reel may be transported substantially along its entire length. In use, a full reel is delivered from the platform 2,22 to the io second support and transfer means 7, 27 and from there to the support and transfer means 48 of the turntable 40. Similarly, an exhausted reel is delivered from means 48 of the tumtable 40 to said second means 17, 27 and from there to means 15, 25 of the platform 2, 22.

It should be noted that any of means 7, 17, 5, 15, 27, 48 can transfer full or exhausted reels from and to each other of the respectively aligned support and transfer means. Indeed, it is imperative that this is so as an exhausted reel must be taken from each of means 48 in turn and each of means 48 must have a full reel delivered thereto in turn (see our British Patent Application No. 9907690.3). This is necessarily so to deliver efficiently reels to a point-of-use to afford a continuous production cycle.

Figures 5 A to 5L show plan views and side elevations of the various stages of loading and unloading reels from and to an apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of transport apparatus 20.

Figure 5A shows the movable platform 22 with its support and transfer means 25, 25' aligned respectively with the third support and transfer means 37, 37'. An exhausted reel 60 is supported on the first means 25 and a full reel 61 is supported on the third means 37'.

In Figure 5B the tilting mechanisms of each of means 25, 25', 3 7, 27' has been actuated such that the upper surfaces of means 25 and 37 and 25' and 37' respectively describe paths of constant gradient. Figure 5C details the position subsequent to simultaneous transfer of reel 60 from means 25 to means 37 and of reel 61 from means 37' to means 25'. The tilting mechanism associated with each of means 25, 25', 37, 37' is then actuated to bring the means 25, 25', 3 7, 3 7' back to the horizontal.

In Figure 5E, the movable platform 22 has set off along a path and the io exhausted reel 60 has been taken from means 37. The exhausted reel 60 may be lifted from the means 37 or, alternative and preferably, the transfer means associated therewith may be actuated to deliver the reel to a point distant fiom the means 37. The exhausted reel 60 may be recycled by winding a new web of material around the core and from there it may be delivered back to means 37, 37'.

Figures 5F and 5G show the movable platform 22, with the full reel 61 mounted on the means 25'. The movable platform 22 travels until it reaches the situation in Figure 5H where it has the means 25, 25' aligned with means 27, 27'. The platform 22 is brought to a halt such that respective means 25, 27 and 25', 27' are longitudinally aligned.

In Figure 51, a further exhausted reel 62 has been delivered from a point-of-use, such as the turntable 40 of Figure 4, to means 27. In Figure 5J, the tilting mechanism associated with each of means 25, 25', 27, 27' is actuated, such that the upper surfaces of means 25 and 27 and 25' and 27' respectively describe paths of constant gradient.

Figure 5K details the position subsequent to simultaneous transfer of reel 61 from means 25' to means 27' and of reel 62 from means 27 to means 25. The tilting mechanism associated with each of means 25, 25', 27, 27' is then actuated to bring means 25, 25', 27, 27' back to the horizontal as shown in Figure 5L. The full reel 61 may then be delivered to a point-ofuse, such as turntable 40. The platform 22 may then travel to a point, such as that shown in Figure SA, where it may deliver the exhausted reel 62 thereto.

Obviously, this whole sequence of operations (Figures 5 A to 5L) may be controlled by, for example, a computer program such that the delivery of full reels and the removal of exhausted reels is matched to a production cycle at a point-of-use. As the truck moves on its fixed track a computer may automatically stop it in a position such that said relevant support and transfer means are aligned. The tilting mechanisms and transfer means associated with each of said support and transfer means may be automatically controlled. Alternatively, the respective steps of the operation may be manually controlled by one, or more, operatives.

The inventive apparatus removes the necessity for excavating large trenches in warehouses and factories to site the track and movable platform therein. The tracks upon which the platform may move can be laid on the floor and may be of a temporary or senu-permanent nature. Therefore, once the points-of-use have been established in a building the only trenches which need to be excavated are those to site the support and transfer means which transfer reels to and from the movable platform.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Transport apparatus for conveying reels, comprising a movable

platform including tiltable support and transfer means, wherein said means is 5 tiltable so as to deliver and receive a reel to and from a point-of-use.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said support and transfer means is arranged to transport a reel along substantially the entire length thereof io
3. Apparatus according to claim I or 2, wherein said support and transfer means is arranged to receive and/or deliver a reel fi7om and/or to either end thereof
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said support and transfer 15 means is arranged to transport therealong a reel in the direction of its rotational axis.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said means is tiltable' about a point intermediate its length. 20
6. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 4, wherein said means is tiltable at one end thereof
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform further 25 comprises tilting means to effect such tilting.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said tilting means comprises hydraulic or pneumatic rams, jacks and/or screw-thread or scissor-link mechanisms.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said support and transfer means comprises a conveyor belt, support rails and/or rollers or a dolley.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform has a reel supporting surface which is arranged to restrict rolling motion of a reel.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the surface comprises at least one indent.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one indent is sized so as to retain a reel therein.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said support and transfer means is situated at the lowest point of the indent.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform comprises wheels or rollers upon which said apparatus is movable.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, which is movable along a dedicated path, such as a fixed track.
16. Reel transport apparatus comprising first tiltable support and transport means and a movable platform comprising second tiltable support and transfer means, wherein said first means is arranged to transport a reel to or from a point-of-use from or to the movable platform, and to raise or lower a reel from or to a height lower than that of a reel supporting surface of the platform.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said second tiltable support and transfer means is arranged to accept or deliver a reel from or to said first tiltable support and transfer means.
18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said first and second means define, when transporting a reel therealong, a path with a constant gradient.
19. Apparatus according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein each of said first and second means are arranged to transport a reel along substantially the entire length thereof
20. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein said first and second means are arranged to receive and/or deliver a reel from and/or to either end thereof
2 1. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein each of said first and second means is arranged to transport therealong a reel in the direction of its rotational axis.
22. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the platform, in use, accepts a full reel at a location remote from said first support and transfer means and delivers, in use, a fall reel thereto.
23. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein said first support and transfer means is arranged to transport an at least partially used reel from a point-of-use to the platform.
24. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the platform is arranged to deliver an at least partially used reel to a location remote from said first support and transfer means.
25. Apparatus according to claim 22, claim 23 when dependent upon claim 22 or claim 24, wherein the remote location comprises third tiltable support and transfer means arranged to deliver a reel to or accept a reel from the movable platform.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said third means is tiltable about a point to raise at least one end thereof above the horizontal.
27. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 26, wherein said first and second means are tiltable about a point to raise at least one end of said means above the horizontal.
28. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 27, wherein said first and second means are tiltable or pivotable about a point intermediate their length such that either end thereof can be raised above the horizontal.
29. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 28, wherein said first and second means each comprise tilting means arranged to effect said tilting or pivoting motion.
30. Apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said tilting means comprise hydraulic or pneumatic rams, jacks and/or screw-thread or scissor-link mechanisms.
3 1. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 30, wherein said support and transfer means further comprise a conveyor belt, support rails and/or rollers or a dolley.
32. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 3 1, wherein the reel supporting surface is arranged to restrict rolling motion of a reel.
33. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 32, wherein the surface comprises an indent sized to retain a reel therein.
34. Apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said second means is situated at the lowest point of the indent.
35. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 34, wherein the platform comprises wheels or rollers upon which it is movable.
3 6. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 3 5, wherein the platform is movable along a dedicated path, such as a fixed track.
37. A method of transporting reels from and to a point-of-use comprising transporting an exhausted reel from a point-of-use along a first tilting support and transfer means on to a second tilting support and transfer means located on a movable platform, and transporting a full reel from the movable platform to the point-of-use along said first and second tilting means.
38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the point-of-use comprises a turntable which has located thereon support and transfer means which transfers reels to and from reel mounting means.
39. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
40. A method of transporting reels substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.