US2278240A - Coil unwinder - Google Patents

Description

March 31, 1942. CALLESQN AL 2,278,240

\ COIL UNWINDER Filed June 8, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 31, 1942. c L so ET AL 2,278,240

COIL UNWINDER Filed June 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 31, 1942. A. CALLESON E\TAL 2,273,249

COIL UNWINDER Filed June 8, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 31, 1942- A. CALLESON ETAL COIL UNWINDBR led June 8, 1938 Sheets-Sheet 4 fiaesorv.

' M 8 m4 W arch 31,1942. "A. muse. mm X 2,218 240 con, unwimmn Filed June 8, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 .C'aas Patented Marl 31, 1942 UNITED STWATES-I. PATENT OFFICE COIL UNWINDER Amos Calleson and Edgar-A. Calleson, Merrick,

N. Y., assignors to Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc., Baltimore, Md., a corporation of New York Application June 8,1938, SerialNo.z12,58 8 v (mime-s) 14 Claims.

The present invention relates to machines for unwinding various materials from reels and is particularly useful in unwinding coils of stock material, such as sheet metal, for presentation to a metal working machine such as a press.

In machines of this character, it is important that during the operation of the coil unwinder andthe metal working machine or press, that sufllcient slack of the stock material be always fore, is the provision of means for automatically controlling the unwinding of the stock from the coil unwinder whereby the material is properly fed at the desired speed to the metal working machine. This means comprises a set of driving rolls for receiving and frictionally unwinding the coil of stock from the reel. The stock passes from the driving rolls into close proximity to a balance plate movably mounted on the coil unwinder and operatively'connected to the drive rolls, whereby should an excess amount of material be unwound, the undesired weight of the slack strip will actuate the balance plate and thereby automatically render the driving' rolls inoperative until the weight of the slack is reduced to the desired predetermined'amount.

A further object is the provision of a reel brake mechanism operative connected with the balance plate and driving rolls whereby movement of the plate by the excess stock will not only render the driving rolls inoperative, but will also automatically actuate the brake mechanism to apply braking action to the reel until the slack is reduced and normal feed resumed.

Another object is to provide a fiuid pressure system associated with the driving rolls, brake mechanism and balance plate, said system""ineluding a valve adapted upon movement of the balance plate by an excess amount of stock material, to simultaneously and automatically render the driving rolls inoperative and the brake mechanism operative; w

A further object is to associate the feed conbe automatically stopped.

.brake mechanism from the press, and

trol means of the coll-unwinder with that of the metal working machine or press, whereby upon stoppage of the press, the unwinder will also A still further object is the provision of for actuating the reel brake mechanism when,

for any reason, .the press is stopped. This means is auxiliary to the aforementioned brake operating means and is separately actuated and controlled without regard to the movement of the balance .plate.

With the foregoing and other objects in view,

the invention will now be more fully described,

reference being had to the accompanying draw ings in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the coil unwinder. 1 s

Figure 2 is an elevation taken from the opposite side of the coil unwinder shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front winder.

Figure 4 is a top plan view thereof.

Figures 5 and 6 are detailed views'of the reel.

Figure 7 is an enlarged section of the main air valve.

elevation of the coil un- Flgure 8 is a section on lines-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an: enlarged longitudinal section of a press cut-in valve for controlling the reel Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the coil unwinder, press feed actuating means and the means for driving the coil unwinder feed, and including the fluid pressure system controlling the operations of the same.

Referring now th the drawings and particularlyto Figures 1 to 3, the numeral l0 designates generally the coil unwinder frame having a base II, and spaced side frame sections l2 and II respectively extending vertically from the base ll. These sections are connected above the base by a rear plate l3 forming part of the unwinder frame. Each frame section l2, I2 is provided intermediate its upper and lower extremities with a substantially semi-circular stirrup ii for removably and rotatably supporting one end of a reel shaft ll. Each stirrup (see Figure 1) 'is preferably provided with a bearing block I! of 1 means Drive mechanism for coil unwinder Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the reel I6 is not. directly driven, but is rotated by the sheet metal stock l1 as the same is drawn from the reel by passing between a pair of driving rolls l8 and I! mounted in the frame Ill above the reel IQ, and which frictionally act on the metal strip. The sheet metal stock is fed by and through the mils l8 and I9, and then passes down around and under the reel [6, where it engages and travels on the upper surface of a 'guide mounted on the base II. This guide is provided with an extension 2I which projects outwardly and upwardly from the base and directs the stock to the feed mechanism of a press or other metal working apparatus, as will be more fully. hereinafter described I Referring to the drive means for the coil unwinder, the lower driving roll I8 is fixed to a sliaft 22 Journaled for rotation in the side frame sections l2 and I2. This shaft (see Figures 3 and 4) also carries rolls 23and 24 spaced from and positioned on opposite sides of the driving 'roll it, and cooperate therewith to adequately support the sheet metal stock I! as it is unwound from the reell6. One end of the shaft 22 extends through the side frame section l2, and this extension carries and is fixed to a large gear 25 located exteriorly of this frame section (see Figures 2- and 3),. V

The upper drive roll I9 is secured to the inner end of a stub shaft 26 (see Figures 3 and 4) which is journaled for rotation in a bracket 21, but is held against longitudinal movement. A small gear 28 is fixed to the outer end of the stub shaft 25 and meshes with the, large gear 25. The bracket 21 is swingably mounted on a cross rod 29 extending between and connecting: the upper ends of the'side frame sections l2 and I2. The swinging movement to which the bracket 21 is subjected is very slight, since its primary function is to permit the top roll l9 to be raised sumciently to break the frictional drawing enga'gement of the sheet metal stock with the driving rolls when it is desired to discontinue the drawing of stock from the reel. In this connection, the teeth of the gears 25 and 28 are cut deep enoughto permit the required raising of the drive roll l8, without taking the gears 25 and 28 out of mesh.

The means for controlling the raising and lowering of the upper drive roll to continue or discontinue feeding the strip from the reel comprises a fluid actuated piston 30 (see Figures 1 to 3) which is enclosed in a casing II. This casing is supported on an arm 32 mounted at the top of the side framesection l2. The interior of the casing 3| constitutes a cylinder for the piston and is provided with an opening in line with the axis of the stub shaft 28 (see Figures 1 and 2). The lower end of the piston 3| projects through this opening in the casing and directly contacts the bracket 21. A flexible diaphragm '33 of rubber or any other suitable material, is secured within the casing above the piston, thereby forming a fluid pressure chamber with which communicates a fluid pipe line. II for carrying compressed air into the pressure chamber of the casing 3| above the diaphragm and piston to actuate the same. The bracket 21 is provided with an inwardly projecting arm 35 (see Figures 1 and 2) adjacent its outer end which is in line and engageable with the upper end of a coil spring 36. This spring is supported in an upwardly opening pocket 21 formed inthe'side frame section l2 and exerts an upward pressure against the arm 35.

With the construction just described and assuming that the piston 30 is free of fluid pressure from the line 34, .the force of the spring 36 will raise the bracket 21 and roller is sufliciently to break the frictional contact between the rolls and the. sheet metal stock l1. This renders the driving rolls inoperative to feed the-stock, notwithstanding they are being constantly rotated. When, however, fluid pressure is applied through the pipe line 34 to the diaphragm 33 in the easing or cylinder II, this pressure will move the piston ll which in turn will engage and swing the bracket 21 and depress the same and the drive roll I! downwardly against the action of frictional engagement of the rolls with the stock,

whereby unwinding of the stock from the reel will automatically be continued until the fluid pressure has been relieved from above the piston 30. Upon release, of fluid pressure, the spring 28 engaging the arin 35 will lift the same and thereby raise the top feed roll I! to break the frictional feeding engagement of the rolls l8 and it with the strip stock.

Reef brake mechanism Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 6, there is disclosed a reel brake mechanism for the coil unwinder. As will be presently described, the operating means for this mechanism is associated with the above described drive rolls l8 and I9,

whereby the brake will be automatically applied lated by the stock I'I. That is, when an excess amount or weight of stock has been unwound beyond a predetermined permitted slack, the driving -means l8=-l9 will be rendered inoperative and the brake mechanism placed in operation. As soon as the excess weight of stock has been fed to the press, the drive rolls l8 and I! will again operate to unooil thestock and the tion of the side frame section l2, and is provided with an outer surface of friction material 40 which comprehends a substantial area adjacent the periphery of the disc 38 and is'adapted to frictionally contactthe inner face of the same when brahng action is applied to the reel. A second block II is fixedly mounted on the frame section l2 below the block 39 and constitutes a base for pivotally supporting a substantially U- shaped bracket 42.

Referring to Figure 2, each end of the block II is formed into a reduced bearing member 43 ensu ng a semi-circular recess at the lower end with a'semi-circular recess cooperate blocks 45 each provided with the recess in the end of each leg 44 and are bolted thereto whereby the U-shaped bracket is detachably and swingably mounted on the block 4|. Any suitable fastening elements, such as the bolts 45, may be employed for securing the end blocks 45 to the ends of the legs 44,

The upper end of the bracket 42 .supports a casing 41 constituting a cylinder for a pressure operated piston 48. This piston may be integral, but as shown in Figure 3, is preferably composed of a section 49 contained wholly within the easing 41 and a section 50 projecting through an opening in the casing and movable into and out of engagement with the disc 38. The inner end of the section 50 is lined with friction material similar to the material 40 and is directly in line therewith, that is, the material 5i comprehends a substantial area within the periphery of the disc 38 and cooperates with the material 40 to apply braking action to the disc 38. A flexible diaphragm 52 is suitably secured within the'casing 41 and forms therewith a pressure chamber communicating with a pipe line 53 for applying fluid pressure to the diaphragm and piston to actuate the same.

The bracket 42 being loosely mounted on the block 4|, allows the casing 41 to be adjusted with respect-to the disc 38 whereby to control the throw of the piston and compensate for wear of the friction material to assure the desired braking action at all times. The means for providing this adjustment comprises a pair of rods 54 (see Figure 3) each secured at one end to the block 39 and having their opposite ends slidably of each leg 44. End

engaging in suitable openings in the bracket 42. I

Wing nuts 55 are'threaded upon the free ends of the rods 54, and by rotating these nuts, the casing 4'? and piston 55 carrying the friction face 5| may be adjusted with respect to the disc 38 so that when subjected to fluid pressure, the piston will cause the friction face to engage the disc and exert the desired braking pressure.

With the construction as thus described and assuming that fluid under pressure, such as air, has been introduced through the pipe line 53 to the interior of the casing 61, the diaphragm 52 will be urged inwardly against the piston section 49, which in turn will move the friction surface I 55 of the outer piston section 55 into contact with the disc 38. Since the friction material 5! is in register or alignment with the friction material on the fixed block 35, an efiicient brak ing action will be applied to the disc 38 on its opposite sides. This braking will be immediately transmitted'to the reel l6 through the shaft l4 and thus will prevent overrunning of the same which would otherwise occur and cause an excess amount of stock to be unwound after the driving rolls I8-l9 have been rendered inoperative.

When the fluid pressure is relieved on the diaphragm 52, the braking action of the piston will also be relieved. In order to assure the instant outward movement of the piston section 49 when the fluid pressure has been relieved from the diaphragm, a coil spring (see Figure 3) is posi tloned between the sections 49 and 50. .While this spring is of sufiicient strength to effect outward movement of the piston section 49, it is to be understood that it is not of sufficient strength to exert braking pressure on the section 50 when a valve operating rod 80.

the fluid pressure has been released on the outside of the diaphragm 52.

Controlling means for drive rolls and brake mechanism Referring'now to Figures 1, 2 and 10, it will be observed that pipe line 34 leads to and communicates with a valve 51, shown in Figure 7, which will hereinafter be designated the main air valve. Pipe line 53, however, does notlead directly to valve 51 but connects with a presscut-in valve I05 which is in turn connected to a conduit 106 leading to valve 51, as will later be described. A conduit 58 leading from a source of fluid supply, such as an air supply tank 59 communicates with the valve 5l, as shown. The valve 51 (see Figures '7 and 8) may be of any suitable construction and in the present instance, comprises a casing 50 having a cylindrical passage 5| extending longitudinally of and entirely through the casing. A tubular sleeve 62 constitutes a lining for the passage and is provided with spaced ports 63 and 64 located on one side of the valve casing and which communicate with- ,in direct alignment with the port 63. This port communicates with the conduit 58 leading from the air supply tank 59.

The above mentioned ports 53,154,. 65 and 56 are located on the right hand side of the valve casing M as shown in Figure 7, while a second set of four ports are located on the left hand side of the valve casing. Two of these latter ports, designated as 69 and 10, communicate through valve I05 and line I06 with the pipe line 53 leading to casing 47 of the reel brake mechanism. Directly opposite and aligned with the port 59 is port H which, similar to port 68, communi cates with conduit 58. At a point directly opposite and aligned with port 70, is a port I2 which, similar to .port 65, communicates with an air exhaust hole or opening 13 leading to the atmosphere and controlled by an exhaust retarding needle valve 14, identical to the valve Bl.

A valve element 15 is mounted in the passage 5! and is adapted to reciprocate therein within certain limits. Washers l5 and 11 are secured to opposite ends of the valve element to limit the movement thereof in opposite directions. The valve element is provided with annular spaced grooves or recesses 78' and 19 respectively which are so positioned and related to each other and to the above mentioned ports in the casing, that control of the'driving rolls and brake mechanism is accomplished upon predetermined reciprocation of the valve element in the passage BI and registry of the annular grooves with the ports in the various longitudinal positions of the valve 15 in the casing. The operation of this valve and its effect on the driving rolls and brake mech-- anism will presently be described in detail.

.Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 7, it will be observed that the-end of the valve element 15 which carries the washer I1, is connected to one end of The other end of the rod 80 is pivotally connected to a rock arm 8i (see Figure 1) which is fixed to one end of a cross shaft 82, the latter being rotatably and hence pivotally mounted between the cross frame sections I2 and I2 adjacent the base I I of the coil unwinder as shown at 82' (see Figure 3). A balance plate 83 is fixed to and supported by the upper side of the cross shaft 82, which, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is substantially square in cross-section. The greater extent of this balance plate is on the right hand side of the pivot shaft 82, as viewed in Figure 1, while substantially all of that portion of the plate on the left hand side of the shaft 82 is positioned below the guide member 20. A brace 84 connects the underside of the plate with the cross shaft 82, and a weighted element 85 is secured to the underside of that portion of the plate extending below the guide 28.

'the sheet metal stock will have no effect in moving the balance plate about its pivot. When, however, the stock material builds out to the dotted line position shown in Figure 1, the weight of this excess material will cause the balance plate to pivot upon the shaft 82 from its full line position to the dotted line position.

When the balance plate 83 is in its normal full line position and assuming that the drive rolls I8 and I9 are rotated at their normal operating speed, the valve element I will be maintained in the position shown in Figure '7, by the operating rod 80 and the rock arm 8|. It will be observed that in this position of the valve element I5, the

annular groove I8 is in register with the ports 63 and 68 and thereby places the conduits 58 and 34 in communication. Thus, compressed air from the air tank59 is transmitted to the casing 3I and piston 30, whereby the drive roll I9 is forced downwardly into engagement with the stock sufiiciently to provide a frictional driving contact between the rolls and the stock I! to unwind stock from the reel. At thesame time, the

groove I9 places the pipe line I86, valve I85, and

pipe line 53, leading to the reel brake mechanism casing 41, in communication with the exhaust opening l3, thereby exhausting air from the pipe line 53 and rendering the brake mechanism and piston 48 inoperative to apply any braking action to the disc 38.

When, however, the stock material has built up a slack above a predetermined weight, so as to move the balance plate from its full line to its dotted line position, this movement of the plate as above described, will be transmitted through the rock arm 8I and actuating rod 80 to the valve element 15, thereby moving the latter to the right in the casing 80 in Figure '7 until the washer "I6 abuts the end of the casing. This has the effect of moving the groove 18in the valve out of register with the ports 63 and 68 and placing the groove 78 in register with the ports 64 and 65.

Thus, communication between the pipe lines 58 and 34 is cut off and the pipe line 34 is connected with the exhaust opening 86 leading to the atmosphere. The air is thus exhausted from the pipe line 34, relieving pressure on the top of piston 30. The coil spring 36 immediately raises the bracket 21 and drive roll I9 sufficiently to break frictional contact between the drive rolls and the stock material'and to render the uncoiling operation of the coil unwinder inoperative. At the same time that the drive rolls I8 and I3 are rendered inoperative, the brake mechanism is rendered operative by reason of the groove 19 of the valve element 15 registering with the ports 69 and 'II. This places the pipe lines 53 (through valve )5 and conduit I06) and 58 in communication whereby air pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm 52 incasing 41 and the piston 48 is forced into braking engagement with the disc 38. As wil lbe explained hereinafter in greater detail, the stock as it reaches the inclined upper end 2i of the guide 20, passes to the feed mechanism of the press or other metal working machine. This press feed mechanism feeds the stock material into the press at a slightly slower rate than the stock is fed through the driving rolls I8 and I9. This is to prevent the press feedmechanism from exerting any pulling action on the rolls I8 and I9 through the stock material, since such action might tend to injure the stock, the coil unwinder, and possibly the metal working machine. As the stock is thus fed from the drive rolls I8 and I9 at a slightly greater speed than it is taken up by the press feed mechanism, the stock necessarily tends to build out and it is therefore necessary that some means such as the balance plate and its associated elements be provided to automatically control the feed of the stock material.

After the balance plate has been moved about its pivot from its full line to its dotted line position (see Figures 1 and 2), the driving rolls, as above explained, will be rendered inoperative to unwind stock from the reel I6. These driving rolls will remain inoperative until the feed mechanism of the press has taken up the excess or slack stock to the point where the weight of the stock will no longer maintain the balance plate in its dotted line position. As the excess stock material is taken up, it will reach a point where the predetermined weight of the element will overcome the weight of the stock, and thus move the balance plate about its pivot 82. This movement will actuate the valve element I5, sliding it again to the position shown in Figure 7, where air pressure is simultaneously exhausted from the pipe line 53 and applied to the line 34 to again render the drive rolls I8 and I9 operative and the brake mechanism inoperative. These automatic feeding and braking operations will continue as long as the press and coil unwinder are actuated and will effectively control the unwinding of the stock material and the feeding of the same to the press.

Control of coil unwinder by press Referring again to Figures 2; 3 and 10, there is disclosed the means for driving the rolls I8 and I9 from the press. The press may be of any desired construction and is therefore diagrammatically illustrated and designated as a whole by the numeral 88. The stock material I1 travels from the coil unwinder to the press feed mechanism which is notshown but which includes a shaft 81. The power for operating this press feed shaft is derived through a motor or other prime mover (not shown), which imparts rotary motion to a pulley 88 driving shaft 89 and small and large intermeshing gear wheels 90 and SI respectively. A sprocket chain 92 transmits power from the press shaft 81 to. a sprocket gear 93, loosely mounted for rotation on one end of a Adjacent the sprocket gear 98 is mounted a small gear wheel 95 splined or keyed to the shaft 80.

A spring pressed pawl 98 (see Figures 2 and 3) is carried on the sprocket gear 98 and is normally urged into contact with the teeth of the gear 95. Thus, rotary motion from the sprocket gear 98 is imparted to the gear 95 as long as the sprocket wheel is rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, as shown in Figure '2, i. e., as long as stock is being fed to the press. If, for any reason, the rotation of the press feed mechanism is-reversed, this reverse movement is imparted to the sprocket chain 92 and sprocket gear 98.

Such action, however, merely permits the pawl 95 to slide over the teeth of the gear 95 without imparting reverse rotary motion thereto. The purpose of this construction is to prevent any reversing motion being communicated to the drive mounted on the side frame section I2, and this pinion 91 in turn meshes with the large gear wheel 25 on the shaft 22 carrying the lower drive roll I8. Thus, rotation of the press and press feed mechanism imparts a relative rotation to the gear 25 andto the drive rolls I8 and I9, since as above stated, the gear 25 on shaft 22 meshes with gear 28 on the stub shaft carrying the upper drive roll I9.

In addition to the means for applying braking action to the reel I0 when the drive rolls I8 and I9 are rendered inoperative, means are also provided to eflfect braking operation of the reel ii for any reason the press or press feed mechanism, is rendered inoperative. This means is associated with the fluid pressure operating system and controls both the coil unwinder and the press. It is to be understood that the press 80,

which is diagrammatically shown in Figure 10,

may be of any desired construction and forms no sociation with the coil unwinder.

The numeral as designatesa press operating the valve 80 and communicateswith an air: clutch- I02 and an air brake I08 oi conventional design. This-arrangement is such that whenthe valve 88 is in position to place the air supplytank 59 in communication with the pipe line "I, the air clutch I02 will be operatively connected to the a part of the present invention, other than its aspipe line 58 was described as placing these two members in communication through the medium oi the press cut-in valve I05 and conduit-I00, whereby fluid pressure from the tank 59 passes through the conduit 58 to the valve 51 and then through the line to the brake, when the valve element 15 is in one position of movement. That is to say, the-press cut-in valve I05 is connected to one end of the pipe line 58 and the flow of compressed air to the reel brake casing 01 by way of the pipe line58, passes through the conduit I00, press cut-in valve I05 and pipe line 53 as above described. During the normal operation of the coil unwinder, the valve 98 will be set to permit now through the conduit IN and close of! air pressure through the conduit I04 leading to the valve I05. Thus, the compressed air will pass through the conduit 58 to the valve 51, and if this valve has been moved by the balance plate 83 to shut off the flow of compressed air to the driving rolls I8 and I9. the flow or air willbe through the conduit I08, which will move the valve element I01 to the left. The valve I05 is so constructed that the pipe line 58 is positioned centrally oi the ends of'the valve and connects with an elongated port I8 (see Figure 9) which places the pipe line in communication with ports I09 and H0 oi the valve casing communicating with opposite ends 01! the passage III within which the valve element I01 is reciprocated. Thus, with the valve element I01 moved to the left of Figure 9, the

' to the press feed mechanism 81, the balance plate I,

88 will function to reciprocat the valve element 15' of the valve 51 and automatically direct the compressed air either to the driving rolls I8 and I0 or to the-reel brake mechanism, depending upon the amount of stockthat is beingied to the balance plate. If it is desired to close down the press by actuating the handle 98 of the valve 98, the compressed air entering the valve casing from the pipe section I00 will be directed away from the conduit IOI, thereby declutching the air clutch I02 and actuating the brake I08. At the same time, the compressed air will pass through the conduit I00;,.mo ving'the valve element I01 of valve I05 to the position shown in Figure 9. This movement of thevalve element I01 will cause the compressed air to flow through the port I09 to shaft 89 tooperate the press reed, while the air will simultaneously maintain the air pressure brake I08 in released position against the tension -oi suitable springs (not shown). The other side of the valve 88 connects the tank 59 and branch I00 with a conduit I00. This conduit is connected to one end oi a valve I05, which will hereinaiter be designated as a press cut-in valve and is shown .mamnmma. Theotherside oithispress cut-in valve is connected with the main air valve 01 through a conduit I00. A reciprocating valve m or the conduit m.

m initiallydescribing the connection between the reel brake casing 01 and the air valve 51, the

the pipe lin 50, and thence to the casing 01 of the reel brake mechanism where it will'actuate the piston 00 and apply braking action to the reel I0. Thus, when the press is rendered inoperative, this action will be immediately transmitted to the coil unwinder and prevent any overrunning of the reel I0 after the press is shut down. when the press is again placed in opera-' nism of the press and unwinder isshut down.

Means are provided to facilitate this threading operation and to permit a manuaioperation of the drive rolls I8 and I0. This is accomplished by mounting ahand wheel II2 (see Figures 1 and shaft I4.

3) on one end of the cross shaft 94. Since the pinion as is fixed to the other end of this shaft and is connected to the gear wheel 25 through the gear 31, actuation of the hand wheel II2 will impart rotative movement to the shafts 22 and 26 and actuate the drive rolls I8 and I9. Thus, the

end of the stock may be readily fed through the drive rolls, down around the reel to the guide 20 and then up to the press feed mechanism 8'I.

. Reel structure Whil any desired type of reel may be utilized to support the stock material in the coil unwinder, the one disclosed in detail in Figures 5 and 6 is preferred. In this construction, a pair of adjustable coil supporting members, indicated as a whole at II3, are mounted on opposite ends of the reel shaft I4. Each member comprises a collar IIl, detachably keyed-by a set screw Ill to the shaft, and upon this collar is fixed a hub lowing same to be freely rotated. Each bevel gear I It is also provided with a central threaded opening which receives the threaded shank I of a coil supporting segment I2I. As shown in Figure 5, ach segment is provided with an arcuate section I22 which, with the other sections, forms a substantially cylindrical support for the coiled stock material Il. These segments I2I are each provided with an outer laterally extending flange I23 adapted to engage the edge of the coil and retain the convolutions in proper superposed relation.

When it is desired to place a coil of stock mainvention shown and described are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments and methods of constructing the same, and that such changes may be made as fall within the purview of one.

skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

We, claim:

1. In a coil unwinder, means for supporting and fluid pressure means operatively connected.

to said movable member and said stock unwinding and braking means and adapted upon movement of said member by the outermost loop, to render the unwinding means inoperative and the braking means operative. I

2. In a coil unwinder, means for supporting a coil of stock material to be unwound, means for eifecting"- unwinding of the stock material from the coil for presentation to a feeding mechanism, means for applying braking action to the coil, .a movable member positioned for contact with the outermost loop of stock material, a fluid pressure system associated with said stock unwinding and braking means, and a valve associated withsaid-system and operatively connected to said movable member and adapted upon movement of said member by the outermost loop to render the unwinding means inoperative and the braking means operative. i

3. In a coil unwinder, a reel for supporting a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving rolls positioned adjacent the reel for receiving and unwinding the coil of stock material from the reel, a balance plate movably positioned adjacent the reel for contact with the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, said balance plate terial on a reel preparatory to inserting the reel in the coil unwinder, it is necessary to remove one of the supporting members II3 from the reel This is accomplished by unloosening one of the set screws 4', and removing the member from the shaft. The coil may then be slipped over the shaft and into engagement with the supporting member II3 which has-not been removed. The other member is then replaced on the shaft, with its segments in coil supporting position. It is to be understood that when the coil is initially placed on the reel, the segments necessarfly loosely contact the inner convolution of the coil. However, as soon as the members are in position on the shaft I4, the segments I2I may betightly moved into clamping position by rotating one of the bevel gears I I8 of each member. This is easily accomplished by applying a wrench or other tool to the hexagonal extension I24 of the gear. This extension may either be an integral part of the gear or a nut welded thereto. This will have the effect of rotating the other three gears of each member and moving the posts or shanks I2Il outwardly until the members tightly clamp the inside of the coil.

With respect to the unwinding of the coil as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is to be understood that that portion of the stock which passes through the drive rolls I8 and I9, and down around thereel to the guide 20, may be broadly considered as comprising the outermost loop or convolution of the coil.

It is to be understood that the forms'of the being adapted to be moved by the weight of the stock material when an excess amount thereof has been unwound, and means operatively connecting said balance plate and said driving rolls and adapted upon movement of said plate by the stock material to render the driving rolls inoperative.

4. In a coil unwinder, a reel for supporting a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving rolls positioned adjacent the. reel for receiving and unwinding the coil of stock material from the reel, a balance plate movably positioned adjacent the reel and adapted to contact and be moved by the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls', and means including a fluid pressure system and a valve operatively connecting said balance plate and driving rolls and adapted upon movement of said plate by said stock material to render the driving rolls inoperative.

u 5. In a coil unwinder, a frame having means for detachablyand rotatably supporting a reel of coiled stock material, driving rolls mounted on said frame and adapted to receive and unwind the stock material from the reel, a balance plate pivotally mounted on said frame and adapted to contact and be moved by the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, said balance plate being adapted to be moved by the weight of the stock material when an excess amount thereoI has been unwound, and means connecting the balance plate and driving rolls and adapted upon movement of said balance plate by the stock material to render the driving rolls inoperative.

6. In a coil unwinder, a frame, a reel carried by said frame and adapted to support a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving rolls mounted on said frame above thereel and adapted to receive and unwind the stock material from the reel, a balance plate pivotallymounted on the frame below the reel and adapted to contact the outermost loop of stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, means operatively connecting the balance plate and driving rolls j whereby movement of said plate about its pivot will render said driving rolls operative or inoperative, and meansifor normally maintaining said balance plate in position to render the driving rolls operative, said last mentioned means permitting movement of said balance plate about its pivot to render thedriving rolls inoperative when the outermost loop of stock material increases in -size.

7. In a coil unwinder, a frame, a reel carried' by said frame and adapted to support a coil of stock material to be unwound, a pair of superposed driving rolls mounted on said frame above the reel and adapted to receive and unwind the stock material from the reel, one of said rolls being movable into and out of engagement with the other rolls to control the driving effect of the rolls, a fluid pressure operated piston connected to said last mentioned roll to maintain the latter in operative driving relation with the other roll, a fluid pressure system associated with said piston, a valve included in said system and conmounted on the frame below the reel and adapted to contact and be moved by the stock material after it leaves the driving means, and means associated with said member, driving means and piston and adapted upon movement of the memher by an excess amount of stock material to render .the driving means inoperative and operate the piston to move the latter into braking engagement with the' plate.

10. The combination with a metal working machine operating on stock material and having a stock feeding mechanism, of means for supporting a coil of stock material, means for effecting unwinding of the stock material from the coil for presentation to the,,feeding mechanism, a I

brake mechanism associated with 'the coil supporting means for braking the coil as it is unwound, a movable member adapted to contact and be moved by an excess amount of stock material as it is unwound, means associated with said movable member, said stock unwinding means and said brake mechanism and adapted upon I movement of said member by the excess stock trolling the flow of fluid pressiire to the piston,-

and a balance plate pivotally mounted on said frame below the reel and adapted to contact and be moved about its pivot by the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, said balance plate being connected to said valve to operate the latter to render the driving rolls inoperative when an excess amount'of stock material moves the plate about its pivot.

8. In a coil unwinder, a frame, a reel carried by said frame and adapted to support a coil of stock material to be unwound, a pair of super posed driving rolls mounted on said frame above the reel and adapted 'to receive and unwind the stock material from the reel, one of said rolls being movable into and out of engagement with the other rolls to control the driving eflect of the rolls, a fluid pressure operated piston connected to said last mentioned roll to maintain the latter in operative driving relation with the other 'roll, a fluid pressure actuated reel brake mechanism carried by the frame, a fluid pressure system associated with said piston and brake mecha a valve included in said system and controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the piston and brake mechanism, and a balance plate pivotally mounted on said frame below the reel and adapted to contact 'and be moved about its pivot by the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, said balance plate being connected to said valve to operate the latter to render the driving rolls inoperative and the brake mechanism operative when an excess amount of stock material moves the plate about its pivot.

9. In a coil unwinder, a frame having means for detachably and rotatably supporting a reel of coiled stock material, driving means mounted on said'framefand adapted to,' unwind the stock ma-.

terial from the reel, 9; 1 brake mechanism including a plate carried by and rotatable with the reelas the stock material is unwound, a piston carried by the frame and movable into and out of engagement-with the plate, a member movably material, to render the unwinding means inoperative and the braking means operative, and means associated with said metal working machine and said brake mechanism for rendering the latter operative when the metal working machine is rendered inoperative.

11. The combination with a metal working machine operating on stock material and having a stock feeding mechanism, of a reel for supporting a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving rolls for receiving and unwinding the coil of stock material from the reel, a reel brake mechanism, a fluid pressure system associated with said driving rolls, brake mechanism and metal working machine, a valve including in said system and adapted to alternately render the driving rolls and brake mechanism operative and inoperative, a movable member positioned adjacent the reel and adapted to contact and be moved by the stock material after it leaves the driving rolls, means connecting the movable member with the valve whereby movement of said member by the stock material will actuate the valve and render the driving rolls inoperative and the brake mechanism operative, and a second valve included in said fluid pressure system and adapted to alternately render the metal working machine and brake mechanisms operative and inoperative.

12. In a coil unwinder, a frame, means carried by said frame and adapted to support a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving means for unwinding the coil of stock material, fluid pressure actuated means for rendering the driving means inoperative, a balance plate pivotally mountedon the frame below the coil supporting means and adapted to receive the stock material as it is being unwound and to be moved about its pivot by the weight of the stock material when an excess amount thereof has been material as it is being unwound and to be moved amount thereof has been unwound, and means operatively connecting .said member with the fluid pressure operated means and adaptedto actuate said last mentioned means to render the driving means inoperative when the stock material moves said member about its pivot.

14. A coil unwinder, comprising means for supporting a coil of stock material to be unwound, driving means for unwinding the coil of stock material, fluid pressure actuated means for rendering the driving means inoperative, a member 2,278,240 about its pivot by the stock when anexcess movably supported adjacent the coil and adapted to engagethestock material as it is being unwound and to be moved by the stock when an excess amount thereof has been unwound, and means operatively connecting said member with 'the fluid pressure operated means and adapted to r actuate said last mentioned means to'render the driving means inoperative when the stock material moves said member.

AMOS CALLESON. EDGAR A. CALLESON.

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