GB2042400A - Setting aids for use with paper winders - Google Patents

Abstract

A setting aid for use with web winding apparatus, having elements, (eg: slitter knives 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) adjustable across the width of the apparatus comprises data input registers for receiving data representing desired spacings of the elements, a processing unit for calculating corresponding distances of the elements from a reference point, and an output device (4) eg: a digital display or printer device providing a visual display for each calculated distance. The output device is preferably arranged to display the distances for the respective elements successively, each accompanied by an element identification, and has a manual control (43) operable to cause the display to change to distance for the next element. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Setting aids for use with paper winders This invention relates to machines for winding continuous web material (e.g. paper) into reels, and more particularly to a setting aid for assisting an operator to set the position of slitter knives or other adjustable machine elements between one production run and the next.

The longitudinal slitting of web during winding results in the production of two or more reels in each of which the web is relatively narrow (as compared with web supplied to the winder).

The positions of the slitter knives have to be reset whenever a sufficient quantity of web of one width had been wound, and the winder is normally stopped during such resetting. It is essential, therefore, that the resetting of the slitter knives and/or other adjustable machine elements should be done quickly and accurately, so that a minimum loss of production is incurred by the stopping of the winder.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for conveniently indicating to a winding machine operator the position to which elements such as slitter knives are to be reset.

According to the invention there is provided a setting aid for use with a web winding machine and adapted to provide indication of required positional settings for each of a plurality of machine elements such as slitter knives which are adjustable across the width of the web being wound, comprising means for receiving input data representing desired spacings of said adjustable machine elements, each from the next means for calculating from said input data the corresponding distance of each adjustable machine element from a reference point, and output means responsive to signals from said calculating means to produce a visually-readable representation of each calculated distance.

In one preferred form the output means is arranged to produce a visual display of each distance in digital form, and in this form it is preferred that a display device should show only one calculated distance at any one time. Conveniently, the calculated distances are displayed sequentially, in order of either increasing or decreasing magnitude, and a manually-operable control is provided for initiating change of the display from one distance to the next. With such an arrangement, the display device will first display in digital form the calculated distance from the reference point of, say, the desired position of the nearest, or furthest, machine element.

When the operator has set that element at that distance, operation of the manual control changes the display to show the calculated distance for the next nearest, or furthest, element, which the operator then sets, and so on, the operator moving progressively away from, or towards, the reference point until all the elements are set at the calculated distances. If the display is arranged also to include the identifying number of the element to be set at the indicated distance, said elements being numbered consecutively with number 1 nearest to the reference point, then if sequence of display starts with the data for the furthest element, the operator at any time is aware, from the element number shown, how many elements remain to be set.

In another preferred form the output means is a printer, arranged to produce a tabulation of the calculated distances in association with the numbers of the respective elements. In this case, the device may be so arranged that the printed output includes also a list of sizes (lengths) or cores required to receive the narrow webs, with the core sizes shown in sequence corresponding to their required positions across the width of the machine.

The calculation is affected by the position of the chosen reference point, the width of the apparatus and the width of the web supplied. Assuming, as is usual, that it is desired to centralise the supply web in the apparatus and that the reference point is at one side of the apparatus (i.e. beyond the path of one edge of the widest web the apparatus can accommodate) then it is necessary first to add the desired widths of the narrow webs into which the supply web is to be subdivided by slitting, to subtract the resultant sum from the width of the apparatus (more exactly, the distance from the reference point to a point on the other side of the apparatus, at the same distance from the longitudinal centre-line) and divide the difference thus obtained by two. This gives the distance of the first slitting knife from the reference point.To this distance are successively added the desired widths of the narrow webs to be produced, each successive addition giving the distance of the next slitting knife from the reference point, and when all the knives have been set at these calculated distances, if the supply web is centred in the winding apparatus any excess (waste) width of the supply web will be equally divided between the two sides of the apparatus for trimming off. The calculating unit is preferably also arranged to receive the width of the supply web and calculate its position, preferably as distances from a further reference point to the edges of the supply web; these distances show where adjustable supports for a supply reel should be set.Said further reference point may be in the same vertical plane, lengthwise of the apparatus, as the reference point for setting the knives and then the distance from the further reference point to the nearer edge of the supply web equals one-half of the difference between the width of the apparatus and the width of the supply web.

When the output means is arranged to produce a visual display, the actual display device is preferably a digital indicator (e.g. as used in electronic calculators) and is controlled by an associated memory device in which the number to be displayed is stored for as long as that number is required to remain on display.

In order that the invention may be well understood, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 diagrammatically shows parts of a paper winder provided with an indicator device embodying the invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram of circuits in the indicator device.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the parts of a paper winder shown include a carrier bar 1 on which are mounted five slitter knives (discs) 11, 12, 13, 14 1 5. Behind the bar 1 can be seen a supply reel 2 carried between two support elements 21 having stub shafts 22 projecting into the reel 2. In operation of the winder, web W from reel 2 is fed under the knives 11-1 5, and above associated counter-members 111, 121, 131, 141, 1 51 carried on a second carrier bar 101. The bars 1, 101 are carried by fixed supports 3 and between the supports 3 is a further bar 31 (shown in dashed line), the bar 31 carries a distance scale for use when the knives 11-1 5 and counter-members 111 - 1 51 are adjusted to different positions along the length of bars 1, 101.It is noted that each of the knives and counter-members is provided with conventional clamping devices (not shown) to secure it in a selected position along its respective carrier bar, the clamping means being releasable to permit adjustment of the knives and counter-members to new positions.

On the left-hand support element 21 is also carried a display panel 4. As shown by way of example, the panel 4 presents two indications-in an upper display area 41, a figure "2" is shown and in a lower display area 42, the number "1 25" is shown. A switch 43 carried on a portable unit is connected to the panel 4 by a flexible cable, so that an operator may have the switch 43 conveniently to hand wherever he may be across the width of the machine during knife adjustment. The panel 4 is so mounted that the indications in its display areas 41, 42 are visible to the operator in any position in which he may need to be while adjusting the positions of knives 11-15 and counter-members 111-151.

In operation of the winder, when a required length of web W has passed the knives 1 5 and been sub-divided by said knives into narrow webs of desired widths, it will be required to move the knives and counter-members to new positions so that further web passing will be divided into narrow webs of different desired widths. The purpose of the display panel 4, when the operator is adjusting the knives and counter-members to new positions by reference to the scale on bar 31, is to inform the operator of the position to which each knife and countermember, and each support element 21, should be set. The indications shown, by way of example, on the panel 4 as shown in Fig. 1 indicate that knife, and counter-member, number "2" should be set to the "1 25" position on the scale.When this setting has been done, the operator operates the switch 43 and the indications on panel 4 will change to show "3', in the display area 41, and a new number in the display area 42, being the scale position to which knife "3" is to be set.

Fig. 2 shows schematically the circuits by which the panel 4 is enabled to provide the indications just explained.

Referring now to Fig. 2, this shows in schematic form the data processing equipment for controlling the display provided on the panel 4. An input unit Dl is connected to four input registers W1, W2, W3 and W4; each of these registers is capable of storing a number representing the width of one of the narrow webs to be produced by slitting the supply web W, and operation of the unit DI causes the desired numbers to be stored in said four registers.

A further input register Ws, also connected to the unit Dl, is provided for storing a number representating the width of the supply web W, and a preset register WA, not connected to the unit Dl, is provided for storing a number representing the width of the apparatus (from a reference point in the longitudinal vertical plane containing the zero of the scale on bar 31 to a point on the other side of the web path and on equal distance from the longitudinal centre line.) All the six input registers are connected to a processing unit PU; the latter is also connected to a display register DR, to the switch 43, and to a push-button reset switch 44. The unit PU is a small data-processor, preferably of the type commonly termed a "microprocessor", such as that sold by the applicants under the designation "MASTERMIND". The register DR has two sections, one for storing the figure to be displayed in the area 41 and the other for storing the number to be displayed in the area 42.

The sequence of operation is as follows, it being appreciated that the present register WA has been previously set (conveniently when the display device was fitted to the paper winder) to store a number representing the width of the apparatus. First, the unit DI is operated to clear the registers W1-W4 and Ws, then to feed in data representing the widths of the four (for example) narrow webs to be produced from the supply web W, and the width of the latter, to be stored in the registers W1-W4 and the register Ws respectively, then the reset switch 44 is operated, to cause the processing unit PU to reset to a datum condition, at the start of a program stored within said unit. The switch 43 is then operated, causing the unit PU to perform a sequence of steps as shown in line 1 of the following table.A second operation of switch 43 causes the steps shown in the second line of the table to be performed, and so on; in each case the number finally obtained is entered in register DR.

Table I Operation Resulting Display of Switch 43 Steps performed in PU --in area 42 -in area 41 1 Subtract Ws from WA.

Divide quotient setting of symbol for by 2. left hand L.H. support.

support 21.

2 Add W1 + W2 + W3 + W4.

Subtract sum from WA.

Divide result setting of 1 by 2. knife 11.

3 Steps as in operation 2 above. Add W1 Setting of 2 to quotient. knife 1 2.

4 Steps as in Setting of 3 operation 2 knife 1 3.

above. Add W1 + W2 to quotient.

5 Steps as in Setting of 4 operation 2 knife 14.

above. Add W1 + W2 + W3 to quotient.

6 Steps as in Setting of 5 operation 2 knife 1 5.

above, Add W1 + W2 + W3 + W4 to quotient.

7 Add WA + Ws. Setting of Symbol for Divide sum right hand R.H. support.

by 2. support 21.

It will be noted that the steps of operation 2 are repeated in operations 3-6. This may be avoided by storing the result obtained in operation 2, for example the register DR may be adapted to operate as an accummulator in which case all that is required in step 3 is to add W1 to DR, and so on. However, at the commencement of steps 2 and 7 it will then be necessary to clear DR.

It is a matter of choice what result a further operation of switch 43 is arranged to produce, once the seven operations tabulated above have been completed. One possibility is that an eighth operation causes the same operation as step 1, and further operations cause the operations tabulated to be repeated in the same order. An alternative is that the eighth operation of switch 43 causes the seventh operation to be reversed, i.e. so that the result of step 6 is again displayed, and further operations cause the whole display sequence to be repeated in reverse order. It will be appreciated that the display of the appropriate figure or symbol at 41 at the same time as the corresponding setting number at 42 prevents confusion as to the meaning of the display.

The display in area 41 of panel 4 is controlled by a simple counter in the processing unit PU, advanced by operation of switch 43, causing a sequence of stored digits to be fed in turn to that section of register DR which is associated with the area 41 of the panel 4. With the results of operations 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 the digits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively may be displayed (these representing the knives 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, i.e. the first to fifth knives counting from left to right, Fig. 1). With the result of operation 1, it can conveniently be arranged that the digit 0 is displayed, this being understood to refer to the left hand support 21, but if preferred the area 41 of the display panel may be adapted to display some other symbol at this stage of operation.

Correspondingly, with the result of operation 7, either the digit 6 or some other symbol may appear.

The above describes operation only on the basis that the web Ws is to be divided into four narrower webs, this being the maximum number possible with five slitter knives assuming, as is usual, that edge portions of the web Ws are to be trimmed off. Desirably, however, provision should be made for use of the winder to produce other than four narrow webs, using the appropriate number of slitter knives. This may be done in various ways. Most conveniently the unit DI may be so arranged and operated than when less than four narrow webs are required the web widths entered are stored in the registers W1-W4 in sequence so that if three webs are required, registers W1-W3 store the width and W4 remains at zero, for two webs both W3 and W4 remain at zero, and for a single web (i.e. if only edge trimming is to be performed) W2, W3 and W4 remain at zero.

With the above procedure at the input stage, the sequences of operation which occur when only three, two or one web to be delivered are as follows (operation 1 in all cases being as in Table I above).

Table II Operation of Switch Steps performed in Result shown Result shown 43 unit PU at 42 at 41 For 3 Webs 2 Check whether W4 is zero.

YES: set DR to zero. zero. 1 3 Check whether W3 is zero.

NO: steps as operation 2, Setting of Table I. knife 12. 2 4 Steps as operation 3, Setting pf Table I. knife 13. 3 5 Steps as operation 4, Setting of Table I. knife 14. 4 6 Steps as operation 5, Setting of Table I. knife 15. 5 7 Steps as Setting of Symbol for operation 7, right-hand right-hand Table I. support 21. support.

For 2 Webs 2 Check whether W4 is zero.

YES: set DR to zero. zero. 1 3 Check whether W3 is zero.

YES: zero. 2 4 Steps as operation 2, Setting of Table I. knife 13. 3 5 Steps as operation 3, Setting of Table I. knife 14. 4 6 Check whether W2 is zero.

NO: steps as operation 4, Setting of Table I. knife 15. 5 7 Steps as Setting of Symbol for operation 7, right-hand right-hand Table I. support 21. support.

For 1 Web

2 3 l As for 2 webs, 4 ( above.

5 J 6 Check whether W2 is zero.

YES: set DR to zero. zero. 5 7 Steps as Setting of Symbol for operation 7, right-hand right-hand Table I. support 21. support.

The operator will understand that a zero indication at 42 indicates that the knife identified by the display at 41 is to be set to be ineffective, i.e. is not to engage the web W.

The different sequences of operation in Table II are of course controlled by different stored programs in the unit PU and selection of the appropriate one of these programs is effected by signals resulting from the checks whether W4, W3, W2 (more specifically, the numbers stored in the respective registers) are zero.

In the above description, reference has been made to the provision of five slitter knives but there can, of course, be any desired number of such knives according to the maximum number of narrow webs that it may be required to produce. The number of input registers and the program for the unit PU will be correspondingly different to match any different number of knives. Also, it will be appreciated that in addition to the support elements 21 for the supply reel there are in a paper winder further supports (rewind heads) for the. reels into which the narrow webs are wound. Setting aids embodying the invention may also be arranged to provide indication of the positions to which such rewind heads are to be set.

Although there may be two or more reels being wound at the same time, they are all supported between one pair of further supports, the cores for each of the reels being abutted lengthwise one against the other. As the length of a core is usually equal to the width of the web to be wound on to it, the display panel 4 may also include an indication of the core sizes and their required positions across the width of the machine.

To enable the operator to set-up the further supports the display panel could also show a distance from, for example, the lengthwise centre line of the machine to the position of one of the pair of further supports. The operator then positions the core, or cores in the correct order between the pair of further supports before the other further support of the pair is moved so that the core, or cores, are gripped and supported as a single core.

As set out above, the two supports 21 are positioned independently of each other. However, the position of the supply reel 2 may be shown, in area 42 of the display panel 4, as a distance from a datum, which may be the lengthwise centre line of the machine, to one of the edges of the supply web; in this case the supply reel is first of all gripped between the supports 21 which are then moved together to move the reel to the required position.

When a printer, which may be of any known conventional type, is used as the sole output means, then the printer will be connected to the unit PU in substitution for the register DR and display panel 4, and the switch 43 will not be needed.

In this case the printer would produce a label on which would be printed, in tebulated form, all the information required for an operator to be able to move the various settable elements of the machine to the required positions. The label could conveniently be detachable from the printer so that the operator can carry it about with him.

Claims (11)

1. A setting aid for use with a web winding machine and adapted to provide indication of required positional settings for each of a plurality of machine elements such as slitter knives which are adjustable across the width of the web being wound, comprising means for receiving input data representing desired spacings of said adjustable machine elements, each from the next, means for calculating said input data the corresponding distance of each adjustable machine element from a reference point, and output means, responsive to signals from said calculating means to produce a visually-readable representation of each calculated distance.

2. A setting aid as claimed in claim 1 in which said machine elements are slitter knives and said visually-readable representation includes an indication of the desired positions for said slitter knives across the width of the web.

3. A setting aid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which said machine elements are a pair of adjustable supports for a supply reel gripped therebetween and said visually-readable representation further includes an indication of the desired positions for said adjustable supports so that the supply reel is positioned correctly across the width of the machine.

4. A setting aid as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which said visually-readable representation further includes an indication of the length of the cores to be used, and on which the web or webs are to be wound.

5. A setting aid as claimed in claim 4 in which said machine elements are a pair of further adjustable supports which grip said core or cores therebetween and said visually-readable representation further includes an indication of the desired position of at least one of said further adjustable supports so that said core or cores are positioned correctly across the width of the machine.

6. A setting aid as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which said output means is a printer arranged to produce a label containing a tabulation of the indications of the desired positions of each of said machine elements.

7. A setting aid as claimed in claim 6 in which said label is detachable from said printer.

8. A setting aid as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 in which said output means is a display device arranged to produce a visual display of the indications of the desired positions of each of said machine elements in digital form.

9. A setting aid as claimed in claim 8 in which said display device shows only one indication of a desired position at any one time, said indications being displayed sequentially in order of magnitude.

1 0. A setting aid as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a manually-operable control for initiating change of the display from one indication to the next.

11. A setting aid for use with a web winding machine substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.