US3312130A - Apparatus for slitting rolls of material - Google Patents

Description

L. A. KRAUTHEIM APPARATUS FOR SLITTING ROLLS OF MATERIAL Filed July 21. 1964 April 4, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Lama/c A. fiauth fl BY Ari/Mr" ,4 Marc/l April 1967 L. A. KRAUTHEIM 3,312,130

APPARATUS FOR SLITTING ROLLS OF MATERIAL Filed July 21, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I NVEN TOR.

Leonard/l m'auz /zeim BY Ar/hur A, Marc/7' ATTOENE Y' United States Patent Office 3,312,130 Patented Apr. 4, 1967 3,312,130 APPARATUS FOR SLITTING ROLLS F MATERIAL Leonard A. Krautlieim, Haledon, N.J., assignor to Lever Manufacturing Corporation, Paterson, N.J., a corporation of New York Filed July 21, 1964, Ser. No. 384,067 8 Claims. (Cl. 82-70.1)

This invention relates in general to an apparatus for slitting relatively wide webs or rolls of sheet material, and more particularly to an improvement in an apparatus for slitting a long roll of sheet material into relatively narrow spools.

Narrow spools of ribbon material have been heretofore obtained by placing a long roll of sheet material on a slitting machine in which both the roll of sheet material and a circular knife or cutter operating thereon were operatively driven or rotated. The arrangement was such that the rotating knife or cutter was piv-otally mounted for movement between a cutting and non-cutting position with respect to the rotating roll of sheet material. In the cutting position, the rotating knife contacted and entered the rotating roll of sheet material so as to slice a narrow spool of predetermined width therefrom. Provision was made for means to shift the rotating knife or cutter axially after each cutting operation to thereby cut successive spools of material from the roll. In the non-cutting position, the rotating knife blade was retracted from the roll. When retracted, the rotating knife or cutter sometimes engaged sharpening means which were provided at the rear of the apparatus. With this arrangement the knife was maintained at optimum sharpness for each cutting operation. Accordingly, the knife blade was maintained in rotation in both the cutting and non-cutting position thereof.

Experience has shown, however, that in slitting rolls of material, the friction resuting between the rotating knife blade and the rotating roll of sheet material adversely affected the slitting operation. As a result thereof, a uniform cut or slit of the spool from the roll was not obtain-able. In operating on such materials it was discovered that the optimum cutting or slitting operation of the spool from the roll could be attained by maintaining the cutting blade stationary relative to the rotating roll of sheet material during the cutting or severing operation.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved roll slitting machine in which the knife blade is maintained stationary relative to a rotating roll of sheet material during a severing or slitting operation.

Another object is to provide an improved roll slitting machine that is relatively simple in construction and which is reliable and effective in its operation.

Another object is to provide a relatively simple arrangement of a roll slitting machine in which the rotation of the knife can be readily controlled so as to effect optimum slitting of rolls of sheet material into a series of relatively narrow spools.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an electro-magnetic brake assembly operatively associated with the cutting knife for controlling the rotation thereof in both the cutting and non-cutting positions thereof.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of automatic torque control means whereby a predetermined torque can be applied as the cutting knife passes through the roll of sheet material.

Still another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a brake assembly for effecting a quick startstop action of the cutting knife in its cycle of. operation between cutting and non-cutting positions thereof.

Yet another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a brake assembly which can retard the speed of rotation of the knife and permit it to rotate at any predetermined speed of various types of cutting operations in addition to completely preventing rotation.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and description in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of the improved roll slitting apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a detail side view of the cutter of the apparatus illustrating the movement thereof between operative and inoperative positions thereof.

FIG. 3 in a detail front view of the cutter and associated brake assembly of this invention having portions thereof shown in section.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic showing of a circuit for eifectuating the actuation of the brake.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a roll slitting apparatus 10 which, in accordance with this invention, embodies an improvement for effectively and efiiciently slitting narrow spools from relatively wide rolls of sheet materials. Essentially, the roll slitting apparatus or machine 10, except for the improvement to be described herein, is of the type shown and disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,083,601.

The roll slitting machine 10 comprises generally a frame 11 including a pair of spaced-apart end housings 12 and 13 interconnected by a pair of horizontally disposed spaced rail members 14 and 15. The housing 12 forming the right end support of the machine as viewed in FIG. 1 encloses a suitable drive means for effecting rotation of a roll supporting shaft or spindle 16 adapted to extend longitudinally of the frame 11. As shown, one end of the shaft 16 is supported in the head stock 17 that includes a suitable chuck means 18 which is suitably-connected in driving relationship to the drive means encased in the end housing 12. The other end of the shaft 16 is rotatably supported in a bearing bracket 19 mounted on the end of a stanchion 20 which is carired on an adjustable tail stock 21. The bearing bracket 19 employs a quick release holding mechanism 22 by which the associated end of the shaft 16 is rendered] readily detachably connected thereto.

Carried on the rails 14 and 15 of the frame 11 for transverse movement therealong is a compound carriage 23 having a lower portion 24 directly supported on the rail means 14, 15, and an upper portion 25 pivotally carried thereon for movement between a forwardly cutting position and rearwardly non-cutting or sharpening position. Means in the form of a rack and cooperating gear, not shown, is provided for effecting movement of the carriage 23 transversely along the frame 11.

A circular knife blade 26 is carried on a shaft 27 rotatably journalled in a suitable bearing carried on the free end of the upper pivotable portion 25 of the carrier. The upper carriage portion 25 is pivotably mounted to the lower carriage portion 24 about a pivot shaft or pin 28 and about which it is oscillated between an operative and inoperative position. A handle 29 may be adjustably mounted to the upper carriage portion 25 so as to accommodate manual operation, if desired. The spacing between cuts may be predetermined and set in order that spools of specific width may be automatically cut from the roll.

The upper carriage portion 25 and the cutting blade 26 carried thereon is free to move between a forwardly disposed cutting position wherein the knife blade 26 is brought into contact with the roll of sheet material 30 (see dot-dash line of FIG. 2) and a rearwardly retracted non-cutting position. As disclosed, the rotating knife 26 is driven by a suitable flexible drive connection 31 which extends between pulley 32 secured to the cutter shaft 27 and a pulley 33 rotatably journalled about shaft 28. A

second pulley 34 on shaft 28 is rigidly connected with pulley 33 to accommodate a second flexible drive 35 driven from a pulley 36 connected to a spindle 37 of the drive motor 38 which is carried on the compound carriage 23. Thus, the knife 26 may be readily power driven, and atthe same time be advanced and retracted between cutting and non-cutting positions by means of the upper pivoting carriage portion 25 and the handle 29.

Operatively associated wlith the cutting blades 26, when retracted to its non-cutting position, is a grinding wheel 39 which is rotatably driven by a suitable grinder motor 40. The grinder motor 40 is carried on a bracket 41 mounted on a lower portion of the carriage. Connected to the grinder motor bracket 41 is a second bracket 42. Accordingly, the second bracket 42 mounts an emery element 43 which is adapted to engage the other side of the cutting blade when the latter is retracted to its non-operating position. The arrangement is such that the grinding wheel 39 and emery element 43 will engage the cutting blade 26 at the same time during a sharpening operation. Such engagement will only occur when the blade 26 is retracted to its non-cutting position. Accordingly, the grinder 39 is arranged to run continuously.

To accommodate for wear of the knife 26 as it becomes smaller in diameter, the motor 40 and the grinder wheel 39, as well as the emery element 43 can be adjusted or shifted in a direction towards the axis of the knife 26. Thus, as the upper carriage portion 25 and the knife 26 are brought back after each succeeding cut, the knife 26 will engage the grinding wheel 39 and emery or stone 43 to effect sharpening of both sides of the knife by proper periodic adjustment of the sharpening elements set forth.

Heretofore, the cutting or slitting of narrow spools from rolls of sheet material 30 was effected by simultaneously rotating both the roll of sheet material and the cutter blade. However, for certain types of material, it was noted that the cutting operation so effected was not satisfactory. For slitting rolls of material into relatively narrow spools, it has been discovered that optimum results are obtained if the knife is maintained fixed or free of rotation during the cutting operation. Therefore, in accordance with this invention, means are provided whereby the knife blade 26 is maintained fixed during the actual cutting operation and rotated only when moved to its retracted or non-cutting relationship to effect the sharpening thereof between successive cutting operations. This is attained by utilizing a braking assembly 45 in conjunction with the operation of the cutter driving motor 38 for ceasing the rotation of the cutter 26 as it engages the roll of material 30.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the brake assembly 45 comprises an electro-magnetic, disk type brake composed of a magnet 46 and an armature 47. Accordingly, the braking torque is transmitted by the friction induced through the electro-magnetic engagement of the armature 47 to the magnet 46. The brake magnet 46 is mounted or fixed to the upper carriage portion 25, and the cooperating armature 47 is mounted to the cutter shaft 27. The arrangement is such that the armature 47 of the assembly is mounted on the shaft 27 and thus will rotate at the speed of the shaft 27. The magnet 46 fixed to the upper carriage portion remains stationary. Thus, when the magnet 46 is energized, it creates a magnetic field of sufficient intensity to draw the armature 47 fixed to the shaft 27 to the magnet. The arrangement is such that when the brake magnet 46 is energized, it will draw the armature 47 thus causing rotation of the shaft 27 and cutter 26 connected thereto to cease or retard the free wheeling action of the cutter. Accordingly, the electromagnetic brake assembly 45 may be connected into a contr'ol circuit as shown in FIG. 4 to render the operation' thereof either automatic or manual.

The operation of the machine is as follows: The material 30 to be severed into spools is positioned on the shaft 16 with one end of the material supported by the chuck 18. The chuck is connected to drive means enclosed in end housing 12. Whenever the machine 10 is actuated, the drive means of the shaft 16 will effect rotation of the roll 30 supported thereon. The cutting blade 26 is then advanced toward the roll 30 to effect a cutting operation. As the cutter approaches the roll of sheet material, a suitable switch means is actuated which deenergizes the circuit to the motor 38 and which causes the circuit of the magnetic brake 45 to be energized thereby retarding or ceasing the rotation of the cutting blade 26 relative to the rotating roll 30. Consequently, as the cutting blade 26 is moved onto the rotating roll of sheet material, the cutting operation is effected simply by the rotation of the roll relative to the cutting tool which has been retarded or ceased rotating. As the severing of the spool from the roll 30 has been completed, the cutting tool 26 is retracted to its non-cutting position. In retracting and as the cutting tool 26 approaches the sharpening means 39, 43, a switch means is actuated whereby the magnetic brake 45 is de-energized and the motor drive 38 is actuated whereupon the cutter is set in rotation through its drive connections 31 to 35. Thus, with the cutter rotating in its retracted position, it will engage the rotating grinding stone 39 and associated emery 43 whereupon the cutting edge of the blade is sharpened. The carriage 25 is then laterally moved or indexed for the next cut and the blade is again advanced to perform the next succeeding cutting operation to sever a second spool. As this occurs, the motor 38 is de-energized and the magnetic brake 45 again energizes to retard or cease the rotation of the blade 26 and thus readies the cutting tool 26 for the next successive cuttingoperation. The sequence is repeated until the roll has been severed into its respective spools.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of the electrical circuit required to operate the basic parts of the drag brake 46 and the knife sharpening apparatus. As is cu tomary in such circuits, two wires 51 and 52 are provided for connection to power supply lines. The first element in the circuit is a switch 53 which is normally open, but is held closed by the knife support 23 when the knife blade 26 is in the back position away from the row of material 30. This switch is in series with a coil of a relay 54 which therefore is energized only When the knife is in its back position and is referred to as the knife 'back relay. The relay 54 has an armature 54a, a contact 54b against which the armature 54a is normally closed, and a normally open contact 54c. The latter is connected in series with a switch 55 referred to as the auto grind switch which, in turn, is connected in series with the coil of a relay 56 comprising, in addition, an armature 56a and a normally open contact 56b. Both of the armatures 54a and 56a are connected to the line 52,. and the contact 56b is connected to both the knife motor 38 and the grinding motor 40, so that when he switch 53 is closed, the relay 54 is energized which draws the arma-- ture 54a against the contact 54c, connecting the switch 55 to the line 52. If the switch 55 is then closed, the: relay 56 will be energized drawing the armature 56a against the contact 56b and providing current to both. the knife motor 38 and the grinder motor 40.

When the knife 26 is moved forward, the switch 53' will automatically return to its open position, de-energize the relay 54 and permitting the armature 54a to return to the contact 54b, thus disconnecting the switch 55 and automatically de-energizing the relay 56, even if the switch 55 remains closed. As a result, the armature 56a moves away from the contact 56b and opens the circuit supplying current to the motors 38 and 40.

The drag brake circuit is also operated by the switch 53. This circuit is energized by a transformer 61, the primary of which is connected between the line 51 and the contact 54b which is engaged by the armature 5411..

when the switch 53 is opened as the knife 26 moves to its forward position. The secondary of the transformer 61 is connected in series with one pole 62a of a doublepole toggle switch 62. The pole 62a and the secondary of the transformer 61 are so connected as to supply current to two lines 63 and 64 when the switch 62 is thrown in the direction to close the pole 62a. Closing the pole 62a energizes a pilot light 65 and a rectifier circuit 66. The latter changes the alternating current into pulsating direct current and supplies it to two lines 67 and 68.

The other pole 62b of the switch 62 is connected in series with a knife control switch 69 that has three positions: 69a, 69b and 690. When the contactor of the switch is in position 69a, as it is in FIG. 4, the switch is said to be in its automatic position. The position 6% corresponds to the off position of the switch, and the position 69!: corresponds to the on position. With the switch 69 in either position 69a or 690, the pole 62b of the switch 62 is connected to the line 52. If, in this condition, the arm 62b is placed in the position indicated in the drawing, a coil of a relay 70 will be energized. This relay has an armature 70a and a normally open contact 70b which is connected to the knife and drive motors 38 and 40. The armature 70b is connected to the line 52 so that when the relay coil 70 is energized, the knife motor 38 and the drive motor 40 will also be energized. Thus, the motors 38 and 40 can be energized by way of the relay 56 or the relay 70.

The drag brake 46 is operated from the rectified current carried by the lines 67 and 68. The current in the brake is controlled either by a manual control 71 or by an automatic control 72. Election as to which of these controls will govern the operation of the brake is determined by a double-pole, double-throw switch 73, one pole 73a of which can be connected either to a contact 73b, which will send current through the manual control 71 or to a contact 730 which will direct current through the automatic control 72. The other pole 73d of the switch will be correspondingly connected to a contact 73c, which is connected to the arm of the manual control '71, or to a contact 737 which is connected to the arm of the automatic control 72. In either case, the setting of the arms of the control 71 or 72 will determine the current through the brake 46 and hence the torque developed by the brake. The setting of the arm of the automatic control 72 can be governed by a mechanical linkage operated through the motion of the knife support 25. In addition, the manual control 71 can be set at a desired braking torque at the start of a cut and can be increased automatically to any higher or lower torque as the knife enters the row of material to be cut.

Examination of the switch 62 shows that when it is in the position indicated in the drawing, the drag brake circuit cannot 'be energized because the secondary of the transformer 61 is connected to an open circuit. On the other hand, when the switch 62 is thrown in the opposite direction, the motors 38 and 40 cannot be.

energized by way of the relay 76 because the pole 62b of the switch 62 will be in its open circuit position. The d-rag brake 46 will, however, be activated. As has been indicated, the armature 54a of the relay 54 cannot connect with both the contacts 54b and 540 at the same-time; when the armature 54a connects with the contact 54b, the drag brake circuit can 'be energized but the motors 38 and 40 cannot; whereas when the arm-ature 54a connects with the contact 540, the motors 38 and 40 can, if the switch is closed, be energized but the drag brake circuit cannot be energized because no current will be applied to the primary of the transformer 61. Thus, it is established that the drag brake 46 cannot be operated at the same time that the motors 3S and 40 are energized.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and 6 modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the instant invention.

I claim:

1. In a machine for slitting relatively wide rolls of sheet material into relatively narrow spools having a frame, means for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame, a carriage movably mounted on said frame, a cutting tool carried on said carriage for movement toward and away from said roll of sheet material, means for efiecting rotation of said cutting tool, the improvement of means cooperatively associated with said cutting tool for preventing rotation thereof during the cutting operation.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said latter means comprises an electro-magnetic brake.

3. In a machine for slitting relatively wide rolls of sheet material into relatively narrow spools having a frame, means for rotatavbly supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame, a carriage movably mounted on said frame, a cutting tool carried on said carriage for movement toward and away from said roll of sheet material, means for effecting rotation of said cutting tool, and tool sharpening means ope-ratively associated with said cutting tool, the improvement of means cooperatively associated with said cutting tool for preventing rotation thereof during the cutting operation.

4. In a machine for slitting rolls of sheet material into relatively narrow spools having a frame, means for supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame, means for imparting rotation to said roll of sheet mate rial, a carriage movably mounted on said frame, a cutting tool carried on said carriage for movement to ward and away from said roll of sheet mate-rial, means for effecting rotation of said cutting tool, the improvement of means cooperatively associated with said cutting tool as said tool is moved away from said rotating roll operation thereof as said tool is moved into engagement with said rotating roll of sheet material.

5. In a machine for slitting rolls of sheet material into relatively narrow spools having 'a frame, means for supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame, means for imparting rotation to said roll of sheet material, a carriage movably mountedon said frame, a cutting tool carried on said carriage for movement toward and away fromsaid roll of sheet material, means for effecting rotation of said cutting tool, and a tool sharpening means operatively associated with said cutting tool, the improvement of means cooperatively associated with said cutting tool for retarding rotation thereof during the cutting operation thereof as said tool is moved into engagement with said rotating roll of sheet material, and means for increasing the speed of rotation of said cutting tool as said tool is moved away from said rotating roll of sheet material to engage said sharpening means.

6. An improved roll slitting machine comprising (a) a frame,

(b) means for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame,

(c) a carriage movably mounted on said frame,

(d) a cutting tool carried on said carriage, said (tool being mounted thereon for movement between cutting and non-cutting positions,

(e) a sharpening means mounted on said carriage adjacent said cutting tool whereby said tool is adapted to engage said sharpening means in the non-cutting position thereof,

(f) means for imparting rotation to said tool in the non-cutting position for effecting a sharpening operation,

(g) and means for retarding the rotation of said cutting tool in the cutting position thereof.

7. A machine for slitting a relatively wide roll of sheet material into relatively narrow spools comprising (a) a frame means,

( b) a carriage supported on said frame means for movement longitudinally therealong,

() means for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame means,

(d) said means including a spindle,

(e) a head stock including a chuck means for rotatably supporting one end of said spindle,

(f) a tail stock means for rotatably supporting the other end of said spindle,

(g) means for driving said head chuck means for imparting rotation to the roll of material adapted to be supported between said head and tail stocks,

(h) a cutting means,

(i) said cutting means being mounted on said carriage for movement between operative and inoperative positions,

(j) said cutting means including rotatably journalled shaft,

(k) a circular cutter fixed to one end of said shaft,

(1) means for effecting rotation of said cutter shaft and cutter connected thereto,

(m) a sharpening means disposed adjacent to said cutter when in the inoperative non-cutting position thereof,

(11) means for effecting rotation of said sharpening means to effect the sharpening of said cutter in the inoperative position thereof,

(0) and means for stopping the rotation of said cutter in the operative cutting position thereof,

(p) said latter means including an electro-magnetic braking device,

(q) and said 'braking device including a fixed magnet, and a cooperating armature, said armature being journa'lled to said cutter shaft whereby the braking torque is effected by the attraction of said armature by said brake magnet when the latter is energized.

8. A machine for slitting a relatively wide roll of sheet material into relatively narrow spools comprising (a) a frame including a pair of end supports, and a pair of opposed rail members interconnected between said supports, (b) a carriage supported on said rails for movement longitudinally therealong,

(c) means for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material on said frame,

(d) said means including a spindle,

(e) a head stock including a chuck means for rotatably supporting one end of said spindle,

(f) a tail stock means for rotatably supporting the other end of said spindle,

(g) said tail stock being adjustably positioned along the length of said rails,

(h) means for driving said chuck means to impart rotation to the roll of material adapted to be sup ported between said head stock and tail stock,

(i) a cutting means,

(3') said cutting means including an upper carriage portion pivotally mounted on said carriage for movement between operative and inoperative positions,

(k) a cutter shaft rotatably journalled on said upper pivoting carriage portion,

(1) a circular cutter fixed to one end of said shaft,

(m) means for effecting rotation of said cutter shaft to rotate the cutter connected thereto during a noncutting operation,

(11) a sharpening means disposed adjacent to said cutter when in the inoperative non-cutting position thereof,

(0) means for effecting rotation of said sharpening means to effect the sharpening of said cutter in the non-cutting position thereof,

(p) and means for stopping the rotation of said cutter in the cutting position thereof,

(q) said latter means including an electno-magnetic braking device,

(r) said braking device including a fixed magnet and a cooperating armature journalled to said cutter shaft whereby the braking torque is effected by the attraction of said armature by said brake magnet when the latter is energized.

No references cited.

WILLIAM W. DYER, IR., Primary Examiner.

HARRISON L. HINSON, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A MACHINE FOR SLITTING RELATIVELY WIDE ROLLS OF SHEET MATERIAL INTO RELATIVELY NARROW SPOOLS HAVING A FRAME, MEANS FOR ROTATABLY SUPPORTING A ROLL OF SHEET MATERIAL ON SAID FRAME, A CARRIAGE MOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, A CUTTING TOOL CARRIED ON SAID CARRIAGE FOR MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM SAID ROLL OF SHEET MATERIAL, MEANS FOR EFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID CUTTING TOOL,

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