US3386672A - Web supply - Google Patents

Description

June 4, 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL WEB SUPPLY 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 16 1965 June 4, 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL WEB SUPPLY '7 Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed Aug. 16, 1965 J1me 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL. 3,336,672

WEB SUPPLY Filed Aug 16, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet Z June 4, 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL 3,386,672

WEB SUPPLY Filed Aug. 16, 1965 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 4, 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL 3,386,672

WEB SUPPLY Filed Aug. 16. 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 4, 1968 LAMON ETAL 3,386,672

WEB SUPPLY Filed Aug. 16, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 QM m zz a gag M #J diva/mega I J1me 1968 D. E. LAMON ETAL 3,386,672

WEB SUPPLY Filed Aug. 16, 1965 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States Patent 3,386,672 WEB SUPPLY David E. Lamon and Gerald W. Scott, Appleton, Wis.,

assignors to Appleton Machine Company, a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Aug. 16, 1965, Ser. No. 479,824 7 Claims. (Cl. 242--55) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Web supply apparatus including a rotatable roll sup port assembly for supporting three rolls of material, a supply roll, a replenishment roll and a take-up roll. When rotated to the threading position, web material from the replenishment roll is connected to the web from the expiring supply roll. This is effected by energizing a starter engaging the surface of the replenishment roll and by positioning a carrier assembly adjacent the replenishment roll to engage the leading edge of the web and transport it into contact with the expiring web. After replenishment, the old supply roll becomes the take-up roll, the replenishment roll becomes the supply roll, and the old take-up roll is replaced by a new replenishment roll.

This application relates to a web supply apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for continuously suppling web material from individual rolls.

In the manufacture of paper, the web, defined as a continuous sheet of paper manufactured or undergoing process of manufacture on a paper machine, is often passed through a large finishing device known as a supercalender. These finishing machines may extend as high as three or four stories and are made up of components of corre sponding size. Threading a web through such devices is a long and cumbersome affair in which some of the large unwieldly components may have to be removed or otherwise reoriented during threading and thereafter replaced. Additionally, in threading such machines, valuable time is wasted by shutting the machine down and manually walking the leading edge of the web to the top of the machine. It is desirable, therefore, to be able to supply a continuous web to such devices in order to eliminate having to rethread the machine after each roll is used up.

The web material of primary concern is the type usually furnished in huge cylindrical rolls. The size and weight of the rolls, in addition to any problems involving the machine through which the web is to pass, create numerous material handling problems when regular rethreading is required. Thus, the reduction in material handling procedures and the elimination of the need to rethread the end use device can result in more efiicient and faster processing of the web material.

An apparatus embodying the novel features of the present invention reduces material handling problems by providing replenishment of the web being supplied to eliminate interruptions in operations and time-consuming rethreading delays. Generally, such an apparatus is capable of supplying web material from a roll to an end use device, such as a supercalender. Furthermore, this web supply apparatus is designed to receive the web as it leaves the end use device and to wind it up on a take-up roll. In addition, the novel concepts incorporated into this apparatus enable it to rapidly substitute a new roll of material for an expiring roll, to connect the web of the two rolls together thereby supplying a continuous web, and to substitute take-up rolls for incoming web material to further facilitate continuous operations without delay.

One embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in Patented June 4, 1968 detail hereinbelow, employs a rotatable roll. support assembly on which are mounted three rolls of material, a supply roll, a replenishment roll and a take-up roll. The assembly is capable of assuming two relative positions, a normal position and a threading position. Each time it moves into the supply position, the original rolls assume the function of the roll previously in that position. Thus, the original replenishment roll will become a supply roll, the core of the original and now empty supply roll will operate as the take-up roll and the take-up roll, or a substitute therefor, will become the new replenishment roll. When the supply of web material is to be replenished, the support shifts the rolls from supply position to threading position so the web from the replenishment roll can be connected to the web from the expiring supply roll. This is accomplished by energizing a starter engaging the surface of the replenishment roll to initiate rotation of the roll and by suitably positioning a carrier adjacent to the replenishment roll so it engages the leading edge of the web therefrom and transports it into contact with the expiring web.

The carrier is provided with means to reduce the air pressure between the leading edge of the web and a plurality of traveling belts traversing the carrier. The reduced air pressure maintains the web in contact with the belts which carry it into position for connection with the expiring web. Adhesive applied to the leading edge im mediately preceding its contact with the expiring web provides for adhesion between the webs as they meet under pressure.

When the connection between the webs has been made, and the trailing edge of the expiring web has been severed and removed from the apparatus, the roll support positions the rolls into normal position which wherein, as

- explained above, the replenishment roll replaces the supply roll so the apparatus can continue to supply web material without interruption. Furthermore, the apparatus also substitutes a new take-up roll for incoming Web material. The support assembly in positioning the rolls into normal position orients the take-up roll, which winds up the returning web relative to the now empty supply roll core so the incoming web passes around the empty core of the expired roll to the take-up roll. When the take-up roll is full, this returning web is severed and may be readily connected by suitable means to the empty core which is then utilized as the new take-up roll.

Thus, an apparatus embodying the present invention provides for replenishment of a web of material from an expiring roll with that from a new roll in order to continuously supply such material to an end use device. Additionally, the apparatus at the same time substitutes a now empty take-up roll for a full take-up roll to insure continuous operation.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and one embodiment thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings in which each and every detail shown is fully and completely disclosed as a part of this specification in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a right-hand side view of one embodimerit of a web supply apparatus incorporating the features of the present invention and in which rolls of web material are shown in threading position;

FIGURE 2 is a left-hand side View of the supply apparatus showing the driving mechanism in which the rolls are shown in normal position and in which the replenishment position of the rolls is indicated in broken lines;

FIGURE 3 is a front view of the Web supply apparatus;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a web carrier making up part of the web supply apparatus of the present inventron;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of the carrier showing also part of a roll starter;

FIGURE 6 is a front view of the carrier and starter in which there is also shown a glue gun positioned in operating position;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the starter;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the starter;

FIGURE 9 is a side view of a chuck used for easy replacement of rolls of web material in the machine of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is an end view of the chuck; and

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged view of a lock used in the chuck of FIGURES 9 and 10.

The web supply apparatus 15 embodying principles of the present invention is provided with means for simultaneously supporting three independent rolls of material. As is shown most clearly in FIGURES 1 and 2, the web 16 is supplied by the apparatus 15 from a first or supply roll 18 and returns into the apparatus at 16a to a second or take-up roll 20. In normal position, shown most clearly in FIGURE 2, the web 16 is threaded over a pressure roller 22 rotatably supported at one end of a bracket 24 pivotally mounted on the frame of the apparatus 15. The web 16 passes out of the apparatus 15 under a guide roller 26 to the device being supplied (not shown), such as a supercalender. The web 16a returns to the apparatus passing under another guide roller 28 and onto the take-up roll 20. In the normal position, a third or replenishment roll 30 may be inserted into the apparatus.

Each of the rolls of web material, as shown most clearly in FIGURE 3, is rotatably supported at either end by a pair of three-arm supports, a chuck support 32 at one end and a power support 34 at the other. In order to successively position the rolls in normal and threading positions, the supports 32, 34 revolve with a central shaft 36 supported at either end by pillow blocks 38.

When the web supply is to be replenished, the central shaft 36 is rotated to shift the assemblies 32, 34 and the rolls 18, and from the normal position as shown in FIGURE 2 to the threading position shown most clearly in FIGURE 1. The central shaft 36 is rotated through a pair of circular end plates 40, keyed to the shaft 36 and having circumferential gear teeth 40a. The end plates 40 are rotated by a pair of pinions 42 driven by a motor 44 coupled thereto through a suitable arrangement of shafts 46, couplings 48 and gears 50. In order to insure proper adhesion between the webs being connected, the pressure roller 22 is positioned by a pressure roller cylinder 52 into position 22' against a paster roller 54 so that webs pas-s therebetween under pressure.

In order to replenish the web supply, once the rolls are in threading position, it is necessary to connect the leading edge 55 of the replenishment roll 30 to the trailing portion of web 16 from the supply roll 18 while it is still being supplied by the apparatus. To accomplish this, rotation of the replenishment roll 30 is initiated by a roll starter S6 and the leading edge 55 is carried or transported by a web carrier to the nip 62 between the pressure and paster rollers 22', 54 where it is at tached to the trailing edge of the supply web 16.

Rotation of the replenishment roll 30 is initiated by a roll starter 56, most clearly shown in FIGURES 6, 7 and 8, including two large tires 64 designed to engage the surface of the replenishment roll 30. The tires 64 are suitably mounted on an axle 66 rotatably positioned at one end of a pair of supporting plates 68. A multiple sheave 70 is keyed to the axle 66 for rotation with the tires 64. The opposite ends of the support plates 68 are bushed, 71, to a power transmission shaft 72 which is driven by a suitable source (not shown) and to which another multiple sheave 7 is keyed. Power is supplied to the tires 64 by a plurality of endless belts 76 which span the sheaves 70,

74 while a tensioning roller 78 is positioned on the belts '76 to avoid slippage. The position of roll starter 56 is controlled by a compressed air cylinder 80 connected between one of the supporting plates 68 and the frame of the apparatus 15. When the roll starter 56 is lowered to the surface of the replenishment roll 30 and energized, the tires 64 engage the surface of the roll to initiate rotation at the desired speed to allow for the carrier 60 to pick up the leading edge 58 and transport it to a point where it contacts the expiring web 16.

Rotation of the roll 30 being initiated, the leading edge 55 is then transported for connection with the expiring supply web 16 by the web carrier 60 most clearly shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 6. The web carrier 60, pivotally mounted at one end 82 to the frame of the apparatus .15 is lowered into operative position immediately adjacent the surface of the roll 30 by a compressed air cylinder 84 extending between an upper connecting plate 86 and the frame of the apparatus 15. The transporting action of the carrier 60 is provided by a plurality of endless belts 88 extending around two sets of pulleys 90, 92 located at either end of the web carrier 60.

Since in the disclosed embodiment the leading edge 55 passes underneath the belts 88, the air pressure immediately above the belts 88 is reduced to counteract the normal tendency of the web to drop away from the surface of the belts 88. This reduced air pressure is provided by orienting a plurality of nozzle assemblies 94, connected to a compressed air header 96 and disposed transversely to the endless belts 88, so as to direct a plurality of air jets parallel to and along the surface of the belts 88. These air jets operate to reduce the air pressure above the web thereby causing the normal air pressure below the web to force it into contact with the belt surfaces.

Just prior to contact with the expiring web, the leading edge 55 receives a quantity of adhesive from a glue gun 98 supported by a bell crank 100 pivotally mounted on the web carrier 60. In operative position (as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 6), the glue gun 98 is disposed below the belts 88 to supply adhesive to the surface of the web 56 as it passes in proximity thereto. In this position, however, the glue gun 98 may interfere with successive positioning of the rolls into normal and threading positions and, therefore, is pivoted out of the way after it has served its purpose by a cylinder 102 mounted on connecting plate 86 and coupled to the pivotal end of the bell crank 100.

After the leading edge 55 from the repenishment roll 39 has been transported into contact with the expiring web 16 and has passed between the pressure roll 22' and the paster roll 54, any remaining portion of the expiring web 16 may be severed and removed from the apparatus. The roll support is then rotated into normal position wherein each roll is displaced one-third of a revolution from its original position. The re-entering web 16a now passes underneath the empty core of the original supply roll as it is wound up on the take-up roll 28. When the junction point re-enters the apparatus, the web 16a is severed by any suitable means and the leading edge from the new supply roll (the original replenishment roll) is attached to the empty core, formerly the supply roll, which then is operated as the new take-up roll.

As seen most clearly in FIGURES 2 and 3, power for rotating each of the rolls on its axis is supplied from a constant speed source of power (not shown) through a suitable belt drive 106. The power is transmitted through a power gear train 108 to a sleeve 110 hushed to the central shaft 36. A chain 112 coupled to a sprocket wheel 114 fixed to the sleeve 110 couples the sleeve to a shaft 116 supported in each arm of the power support 34. Each roll is driven by its respective shaft 116 through an air oper ated clutch 118 which couples the shaft 116 to a chuck I20 fitted to the core of the roll. The speed of each roll and correspondingly the tension of the web supplied therefrom, is controlled by an air operated brake 122 coupled individually to each shaft 116.

When in the new supply position the original takeup roll is in position to be replaced with a brand new replenishment roll. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, a crane 123 may be connected to this completely wound roll to remove it and replace it with a new replenishment roll. When the crane 123 is connected to the roll, its removal is effected by operation of a chuck 124 which is a component of each arm of the chuck support 32.

As seen most clearly in FIGURES 9, l0 and 11, the chuck 124 extends into the core of each roll and cooperates with the shaft engaging the other end of the roll, to support it in position. When it is desired to withdraw the chuck 124 to allow removal of the roll, a pinion 126 cooperating with a rack 128 fixed to the chuck 124 is rotated until the chuck is withdrawn. The pinion 126 is splined to a shaft 130 oriented transversely to the chuck 124. The shaft 130, gear 132 and a handle 134 are keyed to the shaft 130 which is biased into locked position by a spring 136 acting between the handle 134 and one of a pair of bearing housings 138 supporting the shaft 130. In the locked position, the gear 132 engages a fixed rack seg ment 149 to prevent rotation of the shaft 130 and resultant linear movement of the chuck 124.

In operation, the rolls are disposed in normal position while the web 16 is being supplied by the apparatus from supply roll 18. When the roll 18 nears the end of its supply, the roll support revolves until the rolls are in threadin position. At this point, the pressure roller 22, over which the web 16 is threaded is repositioned, 22', against paster roller 54 so that the web passes therebetween under pressure. The roll starter 56 and the web carrier 60 are lowered into operative relation with the replenishment roll wherein the starters tires 64 engage the surface of the roll 3t) and one end of the web carrier is disposed adjacent the surface of the roll. When the starter 56 is energized the tires 64 are driven to initiate rotation of the roll 30. At the same time, the belts 88 of the carrier 60 are started and high pressure air is supplied to the nozzles 96 to emit the air jets along the surfaces of the belts to reduce air pressure. The reduced pressure results in the web 58 being forced against the belts which transport it into contact with the expiring supply web 16.

When the webs have been joined and the junction point has left the apparatus, any Web material on the supply roll 18 is suitably severed and removed from the apparatus. The rolls are then rotated to the normal position wherein each roll is displaced one-third of a revolution past its original position. Thus, the original take-up roll replaces the original replenishment roll, the replenishment roll new acts as the supply roll, and the empty core of the original supply roll is in position to function as a takeup roll. The re-entering Web passes underneath the empty core of the original supply roll and winds up on the original take-up roll. When the junction point re-enters the apparatus, the web is severed and attached to the new empty supply core which is then operated as a new takeup roll.

While the above discussion made reference to supplying the web to a supercalender, it is clear that any other device may be similarly connected to the apparatus of the present invention. It is also evident that paper is not the only product provided in rolls and other materials may be handled by devices incorporating the novel features of the present invention. Furthermore, while each step has been described as a semi'independent operation, it is clear that Within the scope of the present invention automatic control and operation of the device may be provided.

There has been shown a new and novel web supply machine capable of replenishing and replacing rolls of web material to allow continuous operation of the device being supplied. From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for supplying a continuous web of material including common support means for successively positioning new rolls of web material into a threading position, starter means for initiating rotation of a new roll, carrier means for transporting the web from the new roll into contact with web material being supplied, said carrier means including traveling belt means for transporting the new web in contact therewith, and means associated with said belts for maintaining the new web in contact therewith and means for securing the two webs together whereby material is supplied continuously by the apparatus, said common support means including web take-up means for returning web material.

2. A web supply apparatus comprising means supporting a plurality of radially extending arms each holding a roll of web material, means for rotating said arms to a first threading position and to a second normal position, and means operable when said arms are in said threading position for securing the webs from two rolls together, said securing means comprising starter means for initiating rotation of one roll, carrier means for transporting the web from one roll into contact with the web from the other roll, said carrier means including traveling belt means for transporting a web in contact therewith, and means reducing air pressure in the area of said belts for maintaining the web and belts in contact, applicator means for applying an adhesive to the surface of one web, and pressure means for applying pressure to both webs after contact therebetween to positively insure adhesion, whereby the web material is supplied continuously by the apparatus.

3. An apparatus for supplying a continuous output of web material from independent rolls and for winding up returning web material including in combination common support means for rotatably supporting rolls of web material, means for positioning said support means in either of two relative positions, means cooperating with one roll when said support means is in one position for securing web material from said one roll to web material being supplied from another roll, said securing means including roll starter means for initiating rotation of said one roll, and carrier means spaced from said one roll for transporting the leading edge of web material from one roll into juxtaposition with the other web, and means spaced from said carrier means for joining the webs together under pressure, said support means also defining take-up means for returning web material.

4. In a web supply machine for continuously supplying web material from individual rolls, means for securing web material from one roll to web material from another roll including means engaging the surface of one roll for initiating rotation thereof, and carrier means positioned adjacent the surface of the one roll, said carrier means having a plurality of endless belts for transporting the web from said one roll in contact therewith from a first to a second position wherein connection may be made with the web material from the other roll, and an air nozzle assembly directing a stream of air along the surface of said belts for maintaining contact between said belts and the web.

5. In an apparatus in which web material from individual rolls may be connected together to provide a continuous supply, a web carrier assembly for transporting web material from one roll for connection with web ma.- terial from another roll, said assembly comprising a pair of multiple pulleys located respectively adjacent the roll and the point of connection, a plurality of endless belts disposed around said pulleys and a plurality of high pressure air nozzles directing high pressure air along one surface of said belts for maintaining contact between said belts and the web material, whereby the web is carried by said belts from one roll to the connection point.

6. A machine for continuously supplying a web of material and winding up the web on its return comprising three equally spaced, axially extending arms for rotatably supporting respectively a supply roll of web material, a replenishment roll of web material, said web on said replenishment roll having a leading edge, and a take-up roll, a motor for rotating and for positioning said arms in two relative positions, a threading position and a normal position, a pivotally mounted roll starter having rotating tires operable to engage the sunface of the replenishmerit roll when said arms are in threading position to initiate rotation thereof, a pivotally mounted carrier assembly provided with a plurality of endless traveling belts positioned adjacent the leading edge of the replenishment roll web in threading position, a plurality of compressed air nozzles emitting high pressure air along the surface of said belts for maintaining the leading edge of the web from said replenishment roll in contact therewith, a glue gun mounted under said carrier assembly 'for applying adhesive to the surface of the leading edge, a pair of rolls between which the webs pass for connecting the leading edge to the supply web under pressure, means selectively rotating the take-up roll for winding up web material returning to said apparatus, and means for rotating the empty supply roll when in supply position for substitution as a new take-up roll.

7. Web supply apparatus comprising a common rotatable support means for supporting a plurality of rolls of web material including a supply roll from which Web is being supplied, a take-up roll for winding up web returning to the apparatus and a replenishment roll for replenishing the supply of web material, means for positioning said common support means in threading position, a guide roller for the web from the supply roll, means for positioning said guide roller adjacent a pressure roller to form a pressure nip therebetween through which said supply web passes, means engaging the surface of said replenishment roll for initiating rotation thereof, and means disposed adjacent to both said replenishment roll and said pressure roller for transporting the leading edge of the web from said replenishment roll to said pressure nip whereby the two webs may be secured together, and means for positioning said common support assembly in a normal position whereby said supply roll becomes a take-up roll for the web being supplied from said replenishment roll.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,301,123 4/1919 Goss 242-584 2,346,903 4/ 1944 Cafirey 242-64 X 3,055,337 9/1962 Cossaboon 24258.2 X 3,161,367 12/1964 Goddard 242-584 3,298,623 1/1967 Lighton et al 24264 X 3,306,546 2/1967 Ryan 24258.2

WILLIAM S. BURDEN, Primary Examiner.

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