WO2012011131A1

WO2012011131A1 - Device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, in particular a mineral fiber material

Info

Publication number: WO2012011131A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco La Greca; Roberto Massini
Original assignee: Stm Technologies S.R.L.
Priority date: 2010-07-19
Filing date: 2010-07-19
Publication date: 2012-01-26

Abstract

A device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, in particular a mineral fiber material, comprising: a distribution member (3) for the fibrous material continuous ribbon (2), to feed said ribbon (2) in a predefined direction of advancement (A); rotary movement means (9), having a conrod arm (10) connected with said distribution member (3), to move the member (3) itself in an oscillatory movement; a reception station (6) onto which the distribution member (3) feeds the continuous ribbon (2) in folds (2a); and a first adjustment member (12) for the length of the conrod arm (10) so as to vary the distance between the distribution member (3) and the movement means (9) and to define a centring position for the direction of advancement (A) of the ribbon (2) with respect to said reception station (6).

Description

"DEVICE FOR^' FEEDING A FIBROUS MATERIAL CONTINUOUS RIBBON, IN PARTICULAR A MINERAL FIBER MATERIAL"

D e s c r i p t i o n

The present invention refers to a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, in particular a mineral fiber material, such as for example glass wool, rock wool or other material in amorphous silicate.

In greater detail, the present invention concerns a device suitable for continuously feeding a fibrous material ribbon, arranging it in at least partially overlapping folds .

As is well-known, fibrous material continuous ribbons are fed inside a substantially vertical duct (consisting of two transporter belts) , set up for distributing the ribbon over a conveyor.

The duct is moved by suitable motor means, following an oscillatory (pendulum) course in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the conveyor.

In this way, the movement of the duct determines the positioning of the ribbon in overlapping folds, laid onto the conveyor as the conveyor itself advances.

The fibrous material ribbon thus positioned over the conveyor is subsequently fed to further workstations, such as for example a cutting station, suitable for forming lengths of fibrous material.

The duct is formed by two transporter belts side by- side, spaced apart to allow the ribbon to fall towards the conveyor. The pair of belts is, furthermore, hinged so as to be able to oscillate through an amplitude determined by the aforementioned motor means.

Usually, the motor means consist of a crank-and-conrod mechanism, suitably connected to the duct for imposing a to-and-from motion on the said duct.

This mechanism requires the use of a conrod arm hinged at its ends respectively to a rotating member (crank) and to the duct. Consequently, the rotation of the rotating member determines the oscillation of the duct along a curved path.

These devices, however, have significant disadvantages, connected particularly with the poor adaptability of the mechanisms for moving the duct with respect to the various requirements of production.

It should be noted that depending on the type of fibrous material used, it can be necessary to alter the travel of the duct along the curved path. In this context, the absence of an adjustment for the travel of the duct over the conveyor entails considerable limitations ^'to the applicability of the device.

A further disadvantage is due to the adjustment of the axis of advancement of the ribbon with respect to the conveyor below. In fact, when using fibrous material ribbons of different type and thickness, it is necessary to adjust a centring position of the duct, representing a median position of the duct with respect to the two end positions defined by the oscillating movement .

There are also known devices for feeding the fibrous material continuous ribbon, in which the means of moving the duct consist of linear actuators.

These linear actuators consist of linear electric motors, connected to the duct for moving the latter in an alternating to-and-from movement.

The linear electric motors are programmable to determine the travel of the duct in its alternating movement, and thus adaptable to the various requirements of production.

It should be noted that the use of linear motors, besides having ^' a considerable effect on the cost and the overall dimensions of the device, causes greater dependence on the electronic system and on programming, often critical factors in the operation and maintenance of plant .

In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to make available a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, free from the disadvantages mentioned above, and of extreme operational simplicity.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, which will be versatile and adaptable to the various types of fibrous material used.

In more detail, an object of the present invention is to make available a device which will make it possible to adjust the travel of the pendulum and/or the centring of the pendulum with respect to the production line without creating interruptions in the operation of the machinery.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for feeding a fibrous material ribbon which is structurally simple and inexpensive.

These and yet other objects are substantially achieved by a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, according to the descriptions given in one or more of the attached claims. Further characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device for feeding a fibrous material, continuous ribbon, according to the invention.

This description is provided with reference to the attached drawings, these too having a purely exemplary and therefore non-limiting purpose, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematized perspective view of a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon according to the present invention.

- Figure 2 shows a view in frontal elevation, with some parts removed to show others better, of the device shown in figure 1.

- Figures 3a to 3b show the device illustrated in figure 2 in respective operative running sequences. With reference to the attached drawings, no. 1 comprehensively indicates a device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon 2, in particular a mineral fiber material, such as for example, rock wool or glass wool.

The device 1 comprises a distribution member 3 for the continuous ribbon 2, suitable for feeding the ribbon 2 in a predefined direction of advancement "A" , better illustrated ^'in figure 2.

By way purely of information, in the mineral wools sector the fibrous material continuous ribbon 2 is formed of a single layer of material and is designated "primary mat" ) . The mat constituted by the overlapping of several layers, i.e. at the outlet of the oscillating duct is designated "secondary mat" .

In greater detail, referring still to figure 2, note that the distribution member 3 comprises an advancement duct 4 for the ribbon 2, having longitudinal extension corresponding to the aforementioned direction of advancement "A" .

Duct 4 features a first open end 4a for receiving the ribbon, and a second open end 4b, opposite to the first end 4a, for the delivery of the ribbon 2.

The first end 4a is furthermore located adjacent to a feeder 5, for example a ribbon feeder, suitable for advancing the ribbon 2 inside the duct 4.

The second end 4b, on the other hand, is located facing a reception station 6 onto which the distribution member 3 feeds the continuous ribbon 2 in folds 2a. Preferably, the reception station 6 comprises a belt conveyor 6a, movable along a direction "B" transverse to the direction of advance "A" of the fibrous material continuous ribbon 2.

It must however be specified that both the feeder 5 and the reception station 6 can consist of any mechanical member capable of feeding and transporting the fibrous material continuous ribbon 2.

Advantageously, the advancement duct 4 is made up of two opposed bulkheads 7, suitably spaced for forming the section for ribbon 2 to pass through. In this way, ribbon 2 is fed by gravity along duct 4 by the respective first end 4a to the reception station 6.

Preferably, each bulkhead 7 comprises a respective transporter belt, so as to favour the fall of the fibrous material along duct 4.

Duct 4, furthermore, is hinged to a fixed frame 8 in a respective fulcrum zone 8a next to the first open end 4a. In this way, the entire distribution member 3 is rotatable around the aforementioned fulcrum zone 8a, following an oscillatory movement.

In this situation, the second open end 4b, outlet for the ribbon 2, results i being movable along a curved path which extends facing the conveyor belt 6a.

As illustrated in figures 3a to 3c,, the oscillation of the distribution member 3 brings about the formation of the folds 2a of the continuous ribbon 2 which is positioned from one side to the other of the reception station 6. The movement of the distribution member 3 combined with the advancement movement of the conveyor 6a determines the positioning of the ribbon 2 in partially overlapping folds 2a, as is better illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 3a and figure 2 show a reference position of the distribution member 3 in which the aforementioned advancement direction "A" is in a respective centring position with respect to the reception station 6.

In other words, the centring position corresponds to a median position of the distribution member 3 with respect to two end positions defined by the oscillating movement. These end positions are better illustrated in figures 3b and 3c.

The distribution member 3 is moved by respective rotary movement means 9, preferably consisting of a crank-and- conrod mechanism.

In greater detail, movement means 9 comprise a conrod arm 10 connected to the distribution member 3 and to a crank element 11 better described below.

The conrod arm 10 has in particular a first end 10a hinged to the distribution member 3 between the fulcrum zone 8a and the second end 4b, and a second end 10b hinged to the aforementioned crank element 11.

The conrod arm 10 features furthermore a first adjustment member 12 of the length of the arm 10 itself. Advantageously, the first adjustment member 12 varies the distance between the distribution member 3 and the crank element 11, defining a centring position of the direction of advancement "A" of the ribbon 2 with respect to said reception station 6.

In other words, modifying the length of the conrod arm 10 sets the centring position of the direction of advancement "A" to suit the type of fibrous material ribbon 2 which is to be fed.

In particular, conrod arm 10 comprises a first and a second portions 13, 14, slidably connected to each other at the aforementioned first adjustment member 12. In greater detail, the first portion 13 of the conrod arm 10 connects the distribution member 3 while the second portion 14 connects the crank element 11.

The adjustment member 12 therefore permits a reciprocal sliding movement of the first and second portions 13, 14 in order to bring portions 13, 14 closer together/further apart from each other. In this way, the conrod arm 10 is lengthened or shortened, thus determining the centring position of the direction of advancement ^'"A" .

The first adjustment member 12 comprises a motor 15, preferably electric, connected to the first portion 13. The motor 15 rotates an internally threaded bush 16 (illustrated only schematically in figure 2) located at one end of the first portion 13.

In this way, the bush 16 results in being rotatable around a respective axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the conrod arm 10.

The second portion 14 of the conrod arm 10 is at least partially conformed as a screw 14a and fits inside the bush 16 to slide along the axis of rotation of the bush 16.

In other words, the rotation of the bush in a first or second direction of rotation determines the sliding of the second portion 14 with respect to the first portion 13 along the direction "C" parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm 10.

The first adjustment member 12 comprises furthermore an activation element 17, schematically illustrated in figure 2, which determines the rotation of the bush in the first direction, corresponding to the motion of bringing the second portion 14 closer to the first portion 13, or in the second direction, corresponding to the motion of bringing the second portion 14 further apart from the first portion 13.

Preferably, the activation element consists of a switch, manually activatable to determine the direction and duration of the rotation of the bush 16, corresponding to the length adjustment of the arm 10. The crank element 11 features a disc 18 rotatable around an axis "X" perpendicular to the axis of longitudinal extension of the conrod arm 10. The crank element 11 is rotated by an auxiliary motor (11a) , not described in detail because of known type.

In a preferred embodiment, device 1 comprises a control unit lib, operatively active on the auxiliary motor 11a which moves the crank element 11. By means of this control unit lib it is possible to adjust the speed of rotation of the auxiliary motor 11a, and therefore the speed of movement of the crank element 11. In this way, it is possible to optimize the process of deposition of the fibrous material and therefore to improve the quality of the final product.

On the crank element 11 is housed a second adjustment member 19, similar to the first adjustment member 12, and capable of varying the distance between the second end 10b of the conrod arm 10 and the axis of rotation "X" of the crank element 11.

It must be specified that the distance between the second end 10b of the arm 10 and the axis of rotation "X" of the crank element 11 determines the amplitude of oscillation of the distribution member 3. In fact, the larger the radius of rotation of the crank (the distance between the end 10b of the shaft 10 and axis "X" ) , the greater the travel executed by the distribution member 3.

In particular, disc 18 has an extended peripheral portion 20, forming internally a channel 20a extending radially with respect to the circular extension of the disc 18 itself.

At the end of the peripheral portion 20 extends a motor 21 featuring a respective bush 22, internally threaded and rotatable around a respective axis parallel to the radial extension of the channel 20a.

The second adjustment member 19 features furthermore a pin 23 extending inside the aforementioned channel 20a and having a first end 23a closest to the axis of rotation "X" and hinged at the second end 10b of the arm 10, and a second end 23b opposite to the first 23a. The pin 23 is, at least partially, conformed as a screw and is operatively connected to the inside .of the bush 22 so as to be slidable during the rotation of the latter, along channel 20a.

In this way, the pin 23 which supports the second end 10b of arm 10 is moved so as to shift the second end 10b away/towards from the axis of rotation "X".

The second adjustment member 19 comprises furthermore an activation element 24, schematically illustrated in figure 2, which determines the rotation of the bush 22 in a first direction, corresponding to the motion of bringing the second end 10b of arm 10 closer to the axis of rotation "X" , or in a second direction corresponding to the motion of bringing the second end 10b of arm 10 further apart from the axis of rotation "X" .

Preferably, the activation element 24 consists of a switch, manually activatable to determine the direction and the duration of the rotation of the bush 22, corresponding to adjustment of the throw of the crank. Advantageously, device 1 results in being very versatile and adaptable to any type of ribbon 2. In fact, adjustment members 12 and 19 enable adjustment both of the centring position of the direction of advancement "A" of the ribbon 2 with respect to the reception station 6, and of the amplitude of oscillation ^'of the distribution member 3.

It should be noted furthermore that the various adjustments are made manually by the operator who, depending on the various production requirements, acts on the activation element 17 and 24.

Advantageously, these adjustments can be made without interrupting the operation of the machine, and therefore without loss of time and consequent reduction in the production efficiency of the plant.

Advantages are also achieved in terms of improvement in the quality of the end product and of increase in productive capacity, by virtue of suitable centring of the fibrous material deposited and the consequent optimization of the results of the cutting operation. In fact, in the event that the fibrous material is not suitably centred on the conveyor (or takes an excessive time to achieve correct centring) , the cutting operation on the one hand causes the removal of an excessive quantity of material, while on the other hand it does not succeed (or only partially succeeds) in eliminating the edge of the material deposited, so that the product obtained is of low quality - if not indeed unacceptable.

Since it is possible to optimize the mutual position of the distribution member and of the ribbon of advancement, the productive capacity of the machine is correspondingly improved, thanks to the reduction in wastage and friction caused by the settings of the production line according to what was specified by the known art .

Thanks to the adjustments which are the subject of the present invention, it is also possible, within certain limits, to create different products and/or products of different widths on the same machine, without the machine being completely stopped for the mechanical implementation of different settings.

A further advantage is due to the crank-and-conrod mechanism, which is structurally simple, and of modest cost and dimensions.

It should also be noted that the device which is the subject of the invention can be easily applied to existing machines .

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Device for feeding a fibrous material continuous ribbon, in particular a mineral fiber material, comprising:

a distribution member (3) for the fibrous material continuous ribbon (2) , for feeding said ribbon (2) in a predefined direction of advancement (A) ;

rotary movement means (9), having a conrod arm (10) connected with said distribution member (3) , to move member (3) itself in an oscillatory movement; and a reception station (6) onto which the distribution member (3) feeds the continuous ribbon (2) in folds (2a) ;

characterized in that it comprises furthermore a first adjustment member (12) for the length of the conrod arm (10) for defining a centring position of the direction of advancement (A) of the ribbon (2) with respect to said reception station (6) .

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said conrod arm (10) comprises a first and a second portions (13, 14) slidably connected to each other; said first adjustment member (12) for the length of the arm (10) comprising a motor (15) connected to said portions (13, 14) to slide the first and the second portions (13,14) mutually together/apart.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said motor (15) comprises an internally threaded bush (16) , rotatable around a respective axis and connected to the first portion (13) of the conrod arm (10) ; said second portion (14) being at least partially conformed as a screw (14a) and being operatively connected to said bush (16) so as to be slidable along the axis of rotation of the bush (16) during the latter' s rotation.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said motor (15) comprises furthermore an activation element (17) for determining the rotation of the bush (16) in a first direction corresponding to a movement of bringing the second portion (14) closer to the first portion (13) so as to shorten the length of the arm (10) , or in a second direction corresponding to a movement of bringing the second portion (14) apart from the first portion (13) so as to extend the length of the arm (10) .

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotary movement means (9) comprise furthermore a crank element (11) , rotatable around an axis (X) perpendicular to the axis of longitudinal extension of said conrod arm (10) ; said conrod arm (10) having a first end (10a) hinged to said distribution member (3) and a second end (10b) hinged to said crank element (11) .

6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises furthermore a second adjustment member (19) for the distance between the second end (10b) of the conrod arm (10) and the axis of rotation (X) of the crank element (11) ; said distance between the second end (10b) of the arm (10) and the axis of rotation (X) of the crank element (11) defining the amplitude of oscillation of the distribution member (3) .

7. Device according to the preceding . claim, characterized in that said second adjustment member (19) comprises a motor (21) connected to said crank element (11) and a pin (23) coupled to the second end (10b) of the conrod arm (10) and operatively connected to said motor (21) so as to be movable in a direction (D) transverse to the axis of rotation (X) of the crank element (11) .

8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said motor (21) comprises an internally threaded bush (22) rotatable around a respective axis, and in that said pin (23) is at least partially conformed as a screw and is operatively connected to said bush (22) so as to be slidable along the axis of rotation of the bush (22) during the latter' s rotation.

9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said motor comprises furthermore an activation element (24) for determining the rotation of the bush (22) in a first direction corresponding to a motion of bringing the second end (10b) of the arm (10) closer to the axis of rotation (X) of the crank element (11) , or in a second direction corresponding to a motion of bringing the second end (10b) of the arm (10) further from the axis of rotation (X) of the crank element (11) .

10. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9 comprising furthermore:

- an auxiliary motor (11a) for a movement to rotate said crank element (11) around said axis of rotation (X) ;

- a control unit (lib) to adjust the speed of rotation of said auxiliary motor (11a) .

11. Device ^'according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution member (3) comprises a duct (4) for advancing the fibrous material continuous ribbon (2) , having extension corresponding to said direction of advancement (A) ; said duct (4) having a first open end (4a) for receiving the ribbon (2) into the duct (4) itself, and a second open end (4b) for delivering the ribbon (2) , facing said reception station (6) .

12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said duct (4) for advancing the ribbon (2) is hinged to a fixed frame (8) in a respective fulcrum zone (8a) next to said first open end (4a) so as to be oscillated pendulum fashion by said rotary movement means (9) .

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reception^' station (6) comprises a belt conveyor (6a) movable in a direction (B) transverse to the direction of advancement (A) of the fibrous material continuous ribbon (2) .

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rotary movement means (9) comprise a crank-and-conrod mechanism.

15. Device ^' according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said centring position of the direction of advancement (A) of the ribbon (2) corresponds to a median position of the distribution member (3) with respect to two end positions defined by the oscillating movement of the distribution member (3) .