US2492968A - Web severing and clamping means - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 3, 1950 o. COOKSEY 2,492,968

WEB SEVERING AND CLAMPING MEANS Filed June 3, 1946 INVENTOR. OIL/7C7 Cooksey ATTOIQ/VfY Patented Jan. 3, 1956 ZAtZ,

WEB SEVERING AND CLAMPIN G MEANS Otha Cooksey, Louisville, Ky., assignor to The Collmar Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Florida Application June 3, 1946, Serial No. 674,154

Claims. 1

This invention relates to a device for severing Webs, such as webs of paper in printing presses, coating machines and the like.

In printing presses, coating machines and the like wherein long webs of material are being handled, it is desirable to sever the web in event of its breaking or tearing to prevent the web entangling in the conveying and printing or coat-" ing assemblies, thus wasting paper and causing damage. However this entanglement or wrapiip. as it is commonly termed, is not always prevented by tearing or severing. oftentimes, the approaching edge of the severed web is pulled into the rolls by static action, thus causing wrapup after the web has been severed. Prior severing devices have operated only to sever or tear the paper and have not eliminated wrap-up with its consequent trouble of disentanglement and a considerable waste of the web material.

In overcoming this disadvantage of the prior art, it is an object of my invention to provide a combined severing and clamping device wherein the approaching edge of the web is clamped securely and held against any forward movement simultaneously with the severing.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a novel and relatively small severing mechanism for webs that is of sufficiently small size such that it can be positioned immediately adjacent the rolls and prevents waste of the web material as well as prevents wrap-up which may follow when the web is out too far away from the rolls.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a novel quick-acting web cutter capable of operation in a very short time.

Still a further object of my invention is the provision of a novel web-cutter arranged to be actuated by electrical means such as a solenoid, the cutter being arranged to become operative on energization of the solenoid for only a short time, thus permitting the solenoid to be heavily overloaded and accomplish more work than that for which it was designed.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the attached drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a cutting and clamping assembly embodying my invention, the as- ;embly being shown in open position.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 in clampin Josition.

- Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but of the op- :osite side of the assembly.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but of the opposite side of the assembly.

Fig. 5 is a partially diagrammatic view showing the cutting and clamping bars in web-passing position.

Fig. 6 is a similar view as Fig. 5 with the bars shown in clamping position.

Fig; '7 is a wiring diagram of the assembly.

In brief, the present invention comprises combined severing and clamping means for a web whereby the approaching edge of the web is securely clamped against continued movement and Wrap-up is prevented, the operating means for the severing and clamping means including a loaded member arranged to be released Within a very short time after a break in the web and become immediately efiective to sever the web and clamp the approaching edge thereof.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, the assembly includes suitable supports such as channel bars H, a fixed base bar l2 mounted on the supports, a strap l3 on one side of base bar l2 having a smooth upper edge, and a strap M on the other side of base bar 12 having a serrated upper edge l5, preferably formed in section as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the two straps being secured to base bar I 2 by bolts It or equivalent means and positioned to extend upwardly beyond the upper surface of the base bar to form a channel l'l therewith as shown in Fig. 5.

Paired links [8 and I9 are pivoted at opposite ends of the base bar at 2| to pivotally support a moving bar 22 by pivotal connections 23 to the links, the link I9 being extended downwardly to terminate in a handle 24. Link I9 is also provided with a latch pin 25 and is connected adiacent the handle to a tension spring 26, the latter also being connected to the bottom face of the base bar at 21.

A latch lever 28 is pivoted on base bar l2 at 29 and formed with a latch lug 3| and a notch 32 arranged to engage latch pin 25 in its different positions. Lever 28 is pivotally connected at 33 to a link 34, connected in turn by pin 35 to the reciprocating core 36 of solenoid 31 mounted on one of the supports. A compression spring 38 is mounted on a micro-switch housing 39 in a manner such that the switch contained therein. which is of conventional type, is moved to opencircuit position by opening movement of the latch lever and compression of the spring.

Solenoid 31 is mounted in series with microswitch 39 and a control switch 42 (Fig. '7), responsive to breaking or tearing of the web .73 through a web-contacting element M, the latter being arranged to close switch 42 when the tension of the web W fails as by breaking or tearing as shown in Fig. 6.

In operation, hand lever 24 is moved to the position of Figs. 1 and 4, thereby storing considerable power inspring 26, lever 24 being held in this position by latch lug 3i aengaging' latch pin 25 under the action of spring'38. At this time, bar 22 is raised above the base bar and its side members a sufficient distance to define a slot through which the web may .pass. Micro-switch 39 is closed, and switch 42 is open by reason of the web being under tension. The arrangement of the parts is illustrated in ing roller being shown at 43, a packing cylinder at 44 and an impression cylinder, at.

When the web tears or breaks as in Fig. 6, web follower 4! closes switch 42 which energizes solenoid 31 to pivot latch lever 28 in a counter-clockwise direction and'release pin25. Spring '26 then becomes effective to snap the bars tothe closed position of Figs. 2, 3 and 6. "The receding edge of the web is'cut by serrations l5 and the approaching edge clamped between the barsin channel I! as shown in 'Fig'. 6.

Micro-switch 39 is-immediately responsive to the movement of lever 28 and. is opened, thereby opening the circuit to thesolenoid and deenergizing the latter. Obviously the micro-switch may be placed at other positions on'the assembly and function in an identical manner. Because of its operation on release of the latch, it is necessary that the solenoid be energized for only a fraction of a second, thereby increasing-its life. An additional advantage is that a small capacity solenoid may be used which can be heavily overloaded during its period of operation without fear of damage. The solenoid can thus be used for more work than which it isdesigned.

The feature of my invention in clamping the approaching edge of the web is eifective in preventing wrap-up by reason of static action. By approaching edge is meant'the edge approaching the severing and clamping --mechanism.

My assembly can be used in one or more places in a web handling machine. For example in a four color press where a press unit is used for each color, I prefer to place assemblies between the supply roll and the first unit," between'the first and second units closely adjacent the'intake side of the second unit, and between the first and second unit adjacent the outlet 'side'of thefirst unit. Where the'distance between the first and second unit is great, assemblies maybe positioned adjacent the remaining units. An assembly may also be positioned between the-last unit and the folding unit to prevent that unit from wrappingup by pulling backwardly away from the folding unit.

Preferably, I' provide my cutting and'clamping assemblies throughout a press or similar machine and arrange'the control circuit so'that when one cutter is operated by breaking 'or. tearing of the web, all the cutters are operated. This provides full protection against wrap-up. anddamage to the plates and other mechanism." Furthermore, it leaves'the web'in aseries of separate pieces which can be readilyspliced and used to thread the new web throughthe press. "This saves the length of a web in rethre'adingsince'the new web is threaded without'the usual handling which leaves grease-marks'thereon and otherwise renders'it of no value except as a threading medium.

It is to be noted that such savings are not possible :75

Fig. 5, a web'support where the web is merely severed and is not clamped.

It will also be noted from Figs. 5 and 6 that the entire assembly on one side of and immediately adjacent the web consists of only the cutter bar 22 which is relatively small. Consequently, the assembly can be positioned very close to the one or .both of the cylinders of a press unit, as close as 3" tothe packing cylinder where a plurality of impression cylinders are used, thus reducing paper waste and preventing wrap-up which may Jib follow cuttingtoo far away from the cylinders.

By the packing cylinder, I mean the cylinder oppositely disposed one or more printing cylinders to insure the web-receiving the proper pressure againstthe'impression or plate cylinders.

My assembly. is characterized by its speed of operation which is much faster than when a solenoidalone is used to accomplish closing of the box. In high speed presses, wherein the web may .travel asfast as 30 feet persecond; it is essential .that the seyeringaand clamping: be, accomplished in a fraction of arsecond- -Q w se a apeup of as muclras 30 feet of;.web maybe sufficient to damage or:.break,1the plates. Myassembly has proven itself capablepf almostginstantaneous operation in such; {presses and has eliminated wrap-up and any damage-resultingztherefrom.

Having described-my; invention, I claim:

1. A web severing device for a press or like machine comprising: apair of members 1 mounted across the path of the web arranged in a position wherein they areseparated-to form a.web passage through ;-which;,,the threaded :web passes, said members comprising cooperating cutting and clamping elements; and; quick acting means responsive to web 1breakagefor-movingsaid members from the-separatedito the cutting and clamping position andretaining said; members in such position'whereinthey come together to sever the threaded web. and release ;the receding severed edge of the cuti-webgwhile clamping the other severed edge thereof.

2. The'device of claim lwherein one of the members is formed as a channel andthe opposing member is :shaped to fit within the channel in cutting and clampin position.

3. The device of claim l,wherein one of the members-is formed as, a channel having one leg thereof formed as a cutting edge and the opposing member-is arrangedrtopassinto the channel on going to the cutting andclamping position to cut the web on the cutting edge and clamp the. web against. the bottom and remaining leg of the channel.

4. The devicev of claim 1 wherein one of the members is formed as a channel substantially transversely disposed .of the web, the leg of the channel on the web-receding side being formed as a cutting edge.

5; The-device of claim. 1 wherein one of the members is movable and .is;mounted.to travel obliquely in a plane substantially normal to the surface of the web in going-tocuttingand clamping position.

6. The device -of c1aim lwherein the means responsive to web ;breakage;inc ludes a solenoid effective to operate the releasable means on breakage of the web.

- 7. The deviceof claim l-wherein the means responsive toweb breakage includes a solenoid effective to operate the releasable-means on breakage of the web, and means is provided todeenergize the solenoid -,on movement-or the members toward cutting and clamping position. 1

8. A web severing device for a web passing through a press unit of the type including a packing cylinder and an impression cylinder, comprising: an assembly includinga pair of cutter bars mounted across the path of the web and arranged for relative movement from a position wherein they are separated to form a slot through which the web passes, to a position wherein they come together to sever the web, the assembly on one side of and immediately adjacent the web consisting of a relatively small bar carrying cutting and clamping elements whereby the assembly can be positioned immediately adjacent one of said cylinders and the web severed immediately adjacent its point of contact with the cylinder; and means for moving the cutter bars to cutting position on breaking or tearing of the web.

9. A web severing device for a web passing through a press unit of the type including a packing cylinder and an impression cylinder, comprising: an assembly including a pair of cutter bars mounted across the path of the web and arranged for relative movement from a position wherein they are separated to form a slot through which the web passes, to a position wherein they come together to sever the web, the assembly on one side of and immediately adjacent the web consisting of a relatively small cutter bar whereby the assembly can be positioned immediately adjacent one of said cylinders and the web severed immediately adjacent its point of contact with the cylinder; means for yieldingly forcing the bars toward cutting position; means for releasably holding the bars in web-passing position against the action of the forcing means; means including a solenoid responsive to web breakage to release said latter means to eifect cutting of the web; and means effective upon the release of said holding means to render the solenoid inoperative.

10. A web severing device for a web passing through a press unit of the type including a packing cylinder and an impression cylinder, comprising: a pair of cutter bars mounted across the path of the web and arranged for relative movement from a position wherein they are separated to form a slot through which the web passes, to a position wherein they come together to sever the web, the device on one side of and immediately adjacent the web consisting of a relatively small cutter bar whereby the assembly can be positioned immediately adjacent one of said cylinders and the web severed immediately adjacent its point of contact with the cylinder; means for yieldingly forcing the bars toward the cutting and clamping position; means for releasably holding the bars in the Web passing position against the action of the forcing means; and means responsive to web breakage to release said latter means to permit the bars to move to the cutting and clamping position and hold the bars in said position.

11. A web severing device for cutting a web which is threaded through a press or like machine comprising: a pair of members mounted across the path of the web and arranged for relative movement from a latched position, wherein they are separated to form a slot through which the threaded web passes, to a cutting position wherein they come together to sever the threaded web and release one severed edge of the web while clamping the other severed edge thereof; means for releasably holding the members in the latched position; means responsive to web breakage for actuating the holding means to release the members; and stored energy means normally urging the members yieldably toward the cutting position and operative, when the holding means releases the members, to snap the released members from the latched position to the cutting position, said first mentioned means being operative after actuation to hold the members in clamping position.

12. A web severing device for cutting a web which is threaded through a press or like machine comprising: a pair of members mounted across the path of the web and arranged for relative movement from a latched position, wherein they are separated to form a slot through which the threaded web passes, to a cutting position wherein they come together to sever the threaded web and release one severed edge of the web while clamping the other severed edge thereof; manually operable means for moving the members to the latched position; a latch for releasably holding the members in the latched position; a solenoid responsive to web breakage for actuating the latch to release the members; and a spring normally urging the members yieldingly toward the cutting position and operative, when the latch releases the members, to snap them to the cutting position.

13. An improvement in printing presses and like machines having a web which travels over a predetermined path, comprising: a web holding and cutting device arranged to be mounted along the path of travel of the web in a normally inoperative position in which it permits the web to move forward; means responsive to deflection of a part of the web from said path for actuating said holding and cutting device to operative position to out said web and clamp the approach web side of said out web; and means releasably maintaining said holding and cutting device in clamping position after such actuation.

14. An improvement for printing presses and like machines having a web which travels over a predetermined path, comprising: a web holding and cutting device arranged to be mounted along the path of the web in a normally inoperative position in which it permits the web to move forward freely; means responsive to web deflection for actuating said holding and cutting device to the operative position and retaining said device in such position to cut and hold the approaching-web side of the cut web against movement; and means for attaching said device to a press.

15. An improvement in printing presses and like machines having a web which travels over a predetermined path comprising: a unitary web cutting and holding device having web clamping elements and web cutting means located on the web discharge side and connected for simultaneous action, said device being arranged to be mounted along the path of the web in a normally inoperative position in which it permits the Web to move forward freely; and means responsive to web deflection for moving said device to an operative position simultaneously to cut the web and clamp the approaching-web side for holding the clamped web against forward movement.

OTHA COOKSEY.

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8 Name Date Cavanaugh Sept. 16, 1930 McNeill Aug. 9, 1932 Laabs July 18, 1933 Millinger Mar. 20, 1934 Hepperlen Oct. 2, 1934 Laabs 1 Feb. 4, 1936 Vergobbi Feb. 14, 1939 Gollwitzer June 30, 1942 Meyer Apr. 30, 1946

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