US2848177A - Coil supporting head for metal strip uncoilers - Google Patents

Description

K. L. BANDY Aug. 19, 1958 COIL SUPPORTING HEAD FOR METAL STRIP UNCOILERS Filed June 14, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOI KENNETH L.BANDY ATTORNEY K. L. BANDY Aug. 19, 1958 COIL SUPPORTING HEAD FOR METAL STRIP UNCOILERS Filed June 14, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 QOIL SUPPORTING HEAD FOR METAL STRIP UNCOILERS Application June 14, 1955, Serial No. 515,478

2 Claims. (Cl. 24278.6)

The present invention relates to the art of coiling and uncoiling metal strip, and has particular reference to an improved apparatus for incorporation in a metal strip coiler or uncoiler for supporting coils of material during winding or unwinding operations.

My present invention is concerned primarily with uncoiling apparatus of the so-called cone type, wherein a pair of coil supporting heads are mounted for movement toward and away from each other in such manner as to provide for the gripping and supporting of a coil between the heads. Depending upon whether the operation may be that of winding or forming a coil, or of unwinding or uncoiling, one or more of the coil supporting heads is usually provided with power means to either rotate the coil or to retard its rotation. Thus, it is desirable to firmly grip the coil within its center opening and in some cases also along its side edges.

One of the most common arrangements for gripping the internal opening of a metal coil involves the use of the so-called expanding head, wherein a coil gripping member is comprised of a plurality of segments which may be inserted within the eye or center opening of a coil and thereafter expanded into tight gripping engagement with the side walls of the opening. The present invention deals with the expanding head type uncoiler apparatus, and has as its primary or ultimate object the provision of an improved expanding head structure which is of a relatively simple and economical construction and which is operative in an improved and expeditious manner to grip and support coils of metal strip for coiling or uncoiling.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of a novel expanding type coil gripping and supporting head having an improved hydraulically operated mechanism for expanding and contracting the several coil gripping segments. And in this respect the invention further contemplates the provision of a hydraulically operated expanding type coil supporting head having a plurality of coil gripping segments, and having hydraulic operators for some but less than all of such segments.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a multi-segment hydraulically operated coil gripping head having a novel combined hydraulic and mechanical means for actuating the coil gripping segments. T he arrangement is such that certain of the plurality of coil gripping segments may be actuated directly by ine-ans of hydraulic devices or actuators, While others of the segments are operated synchronously by means of a novel mechanical interconnection with the hydraulically driven segments.

Another object of the invention is the pro-vision of a novel expanding type coil gripping and supporting head having a plurality of synchronously actuated COil gripping segments which is characterized by a novel and simplified arrangement for mounting and guiding the segments for radial movement on the head assembly.

The above and other objects and advantages of the ing 2,48,177 EC Patented Aug. 19, 1958 vention will become apparent upon full consideration of the following detailed specification and accompanying drawing wherein is illustrated a certain preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a complete uncoiler apparatus having improved coil supporting heads constructed in accordance with the teachings of my inventron;

Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation of one of the coil supporting heads incorporated in the apparatus of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a section view taken along line III-III of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawing, and initially to Figure 1 thereof, the numeral 10 designates the base structure of an uncoiler apparatus which is comprised of heavy steel structural members and which is disposed in transverse relation to the line of movement of strip material. Upon each end portion of the base 10 are mounted pairs of rails or tracks 11 which extend toward the center of the base and which slidably support opposed coil supporting stands 12 and 13. On each of the stands 12 and 13 is mounted a bearing housing 14 or 15. These housings are axially aligned and serve to anti-frictionally support inwardly extending spindle shafts 16 and 17.

On the overhanging inner end portions of the spindle shafts 16 and 17 are mounted coil supporting heads 18 and 19, to be described in further detail, which are adapted to be received within the eye opening of a coil 20 of metal sheet or strip.

In accordance with preferred practice, one of the stands 12 is provided with drive means, including an electric motor 21, gear box 22 and clutch assembly 23, to rotate the spindle 16 and coil supporting head 18 for the initial threading of strip from a newly mounted coil. The opposite stand 13 is provided with a braking device M by means of which the spindle 17 and coil supporting head 19 may be braked to retard the rotation of a coil during the paying oif of strip therefrom.

Also in accordance with preferred practice the coil supporting stands 12 and 13 are connected to the base 1%) through hydraulic actuators 25 and 26, by means of which the stands 12 and 13 may be separated or moved together, or shifted laterally in unison to adjust the position of the coil 20 with respect to the strip processing equipment, not shown, which may be associated with the uncoiler. And preferably there is provided control means of the type disclosed in my prior application Ser. No. 429,239, filed May 12, 1954, for Strip Uncoiler and Control Therefor, which has since matured into Patent No. 2,800,288 and is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, whereby the coil 20 may be maintained under a constant predetermined gripping pressure at all times, including times when the supporting stands are shifted laterally in unison to adjust the position of the coil.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the coil supporting heads 18 and 19 are comprised of heavy circular body sections or members 27 in which are provided at ninety degree angles a plurality of radially extending slots 2(5- 31. The body member 27 is bored centrally to receive the shouldered forward end of the spindle shaft 1'6 or 17, as shown in Figure 3.

Secured to the front face of the body mernb r 27 by bolts or other suitable means, is a disc-like cover plate 32 having a plurality of angularly spaced radially di-- rected slots therein, corresponding with the slots 23-31 in the body member. When the cover 32 is in its assembled position the slots 23-31 are defined by inwardly facing channellike grooves, as indicated at 32:: in Figure 3. Within the thus defined slots are slidably received heavy chuck mounting members or slides 33 and 3 in reference to Figure 2, chuck mounting members 34, of a first type, are received in the vertical slots 28 and 39, while chuck mounting members 33, of a second type, are received in the horizontal slots 29 and 31.

Exteriorly, both of the forms of chuck mounting members 33 and 34- are similar in appearance. Each has a heavy square or rectangular body section 33:: or S la with integral outwardly extending flanges 33!; or 341. The side edges of the flanges 33b and 3411 are smoothly finished, and are slidably supported and guided by the side edges of the grooved slots 32a.

In accordance with the eachings of the invention the outer edges of the flanges 33b and 34b are provided with gear teeth, in the form of a rack 330 or Me, which ongage with pinions 35.

Between each two adiacent chuck supporting members or slides 33 and 34 there are provided a pair of intermeshing pinions 35 which are journaled on the circular body member ..7'. Each of these pinions is position adjacent to and in meshing engagement with a slide 33 or 34. The arrangement is such that movements of one of the slides will cause a corresponding rotation of the pinion 35 associated therewith. This motion is transmitted through the second pinion of the pair thereof to the next slide member, imparting an equal motion thereto. Thus, since there is provided a pair of intermeshing pinions 35 between each of the slides 3-3 and 34 movement of any one of the slides will be duplicated by the others, through a direct and positive balanced drive system.

Also in accordance with the teachings of the invention, some, but less than all of the slides 34 are provided with hollow cylindrical interiors defining cylinder walls 36. in the illustrated and preferred apparatus the modified slides 34 are two in number and are located directly opposite each other.

Received internally of the modified slides 34 are piston members 37 which are aflixed to piston rods 38, the iatter being in turn secured in radially extending relation to the inner portion or hub of the circular body member 27. Internally of the piston rods 33 are axial bores or passages 39 and 4% (see Figure 3) which communicate with radial bores at the inner ends of the piston rods 38 and which terminate on opposite sides of the piston members 37. The bores 39 and 40 are arranged to receive fluid under pressure. each acting alternately as intake and outlet passages. Thus, upon movement of fluid in an intake direction through the passage 4% fluid is delivered into the space between the upper end of the piston 37 and the upper end of the hollow slide 34. This forces the slide in an outwardly direction. And through the interlocking train of pinions and slides the other slides move equally in the same direction. Moreover, it is contemplated that fluid pressure will be applied simultaneously and in the same manner to both of the modified slide assemblies 34 so that there is at all times a balance of forces upon the several slide members.

To retract the slide members fluid is directed through passages 39, into the lower chamber formed between the bottom of pistons 37 and the bottoms of the modified slide members 34. This forces the slides inwardly, to- Ward the center of the circular body member 27 in an equal and simultaneous manner.

Connecting the internal fluid passages 39 and 40 of the piston rods 38 are conduits 41 and 42 which connect with the end and side wall respectively of the spindle 17. Internally of the spindle 17 are provided a pair of coaxial fluid passages 43 and 44 which communicate with conduits 41 and 42 respectively.

At the outer end of each of the spindles 16 and 17 there is provided a rotary fluid coupling 45 or 46 having a pair of fluid ports which connect with a suitable hydraulic source and controls not shown. The arrangement is such that either of the coaxial passages in the spindles 16 and 17 may be connected to the fluid pressure source, while the other passage is connected to exhaust, regardless of the rotary position or movement of the spindles.

Referring again to Figure 3, it will be observed that the outwardly facing side of each of the slide members 33 and 34 is provided with a flange or shoulder 47 adjacent its radially inward end. Seated upon this shoulder and secured rigidly to the face of each of the slides is a chuck segment 48 which is provided with an integral outwardly extending arcuate foot 49, the outer end por tion of which is tapered somewhat.

When the slides 33 and 34 are in their innermost or retracted positions, in response to application of fluid ElflSSdIE to passages 39, the chuck segments 48 are converged at the center of the circular body member 27, in such manner as to define generally a relatively small cylinder. In this position the chuck segments may be readily inserted Within the eye opening of a coil of metal strip or sheet, after which fluid pressure may be applied to passages 40 to simultaneously, uniformly and forcibly expand the chuck segments radially outward. In this manner the coil is firmly gripped and accurately centered with respect to the spindle axes.

During the course of an uncoiling operation the convolutions of the coil may slip, tending to enlarge the center opening. However, it will be readily understood that by the continued application of hydraulic pressure a continued firm grip upon the coil will be maintained at all times.

It should thus be apparent that I have fulfilled the several objects initially set forth. The improvement resides primarily in the structure of the coil supporting heads 18 and 19, wherein there are provided a plurality of mo:- able coil supporting chuck segments, less than all of which are hydraulically driven, with the remainder being mechanically interconnected in a novel manner whereby movement of all of the plurality of segments is equal and simultaneous under all conditions.

Perhaps the most important single feature of novelty is the provision of a plurality of chuck segment supporting slides which intermesh on opposite sides with pairs of synchronizing pinions in such manner that movement of any of the slides either causes or is caused by move ment of the other slides. And in this respect, my apparatus is an improvement over such prior arrangements as disclosed by the Meredith Patent No. 2,558,05 5 wherein a plurality of chuck segments, all hydraulically driven, are synchronized in movement by means of a mechanical interconnection. In my present apparatus, less than all of the segments are driven hydraulically, from an external supply source, while the remainder of the segments are driven mechanically through means internally of the coil supporting head. The structure as a whole is thereby substantially simplified and rendered more economical to construct, operate and maintain.

It should be understood, however, that the specific embodiment herein illustrated and described is intended to be representative only, as many changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a metal strip uncoiling apparatus for Winding and reeling metal strip the combination of a base, a support slidably mounted on said base, a spindle journalcd on said support, a coil supporting head mounted on one end of said spindle, said coil supporting head comprising a heavy generally circular body member, said body memher having a plurality of angularly spaced radial slots therein, slide members mounted in said slots for radial movement, coil supporting chuck segments mounted on said slide members, said slide members each having outwardly extending flanges, the outer edge portions of all of said flanges having gear teeth, pairs of pinions journaled on said coil supporting head between and meshing with said gear teeth of adjacent slide members, alternate ones of said slide members having piston members received therein, piston rods connected to said piston members and said spindle, conduit means comprising passageways in said spindle and said piston rods for directing fluid to either side of said pistons, and means for directing fluid under pressure to said passageways whereby all of said slide members are moved synchronously and forcibly in expanding or retracting radial directions.

2. In a metal strip uncoiler for winding and reeling metal strip the combination of a base, a support slidably mounted on said base, a spindle journaled on said support, a coil supporting head mounted on one end of said spindle, said coil supporting head comprising a generally circular body member, said body member having four equal angularly related slots therein, slide members mounted in said slots for radial movement, a chuck segment mounted on each of said slide members, each of said chuck segments having a foot portion projecting inwardly from said body member for entry endwise into a coil of strip, said slide members having outwardly extending flanges along the edges thereof, each of said flanges having gear teeth therealong, four pairs of meshing pinions journaled on said coil supporting head between and meshing with said gear teeth of said slide members, alternate ones of said slide members being formed with an internal cylinder, a piston member received in each of said cylinders, piston rods rigidly connected to said piston members and said spindle, and conduit means comprising passageways in said spindle and said piston rods for directing fluid to opposite sides of said piston members, the arrangement being such that all of said slide members are forcibly and synchronously moved in a radial direction upon proper application of fluid to said alternate slide members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Pridy et al. Mar. 4,

Images