FR2539293A1 - Apparatus for dispensing strips of wound material with a device for automatic replacement of the roll in use - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention relates to the technical sector of means for dispensing strips wound on reels. The apparatus is noteworthy in that it comprises two supports 16-18 for rolls R1-R2 mounted so as to pivot on a rigid structure 14 and connected to one another by a connecting rod 19; a mechanism associated with the two supports provides for the automatic and continuous transfer of the spare roll R2 in place of the roll in use, when the latter is almost entirely unwound, in order to dispense the strip of the spare roll, first simultaneously with the finishing strip of the roll in use, then alone, when the roll in use is empty. The apparatus applies mainly to any dispensing of paper, cotton wool or other wiping materials, which dispensing may or may not be associated with cutting means.

Description

 The subject of the invention is a device for distributing banners of wound materials with an automatic device for replacing the roll in service.

 The object of the invention relates to the technical sector of the means of distributing lengths of strips wound on reel or core. In particular, but not limited to, the invention applies to devices for the simultaneous distribution and cutting of paper, wadding and other wiping materials.

 According to the invention, it was desired to produce in a rapid, reliable, efficient and economical manner, an apparatus making it possible to distribute a strip wound on a reel, then before said reel is fully unwound, to automatically and continuously distribute a new strip wound on a second reel in reserve.

 For this, the apparatus which comprises a roll in service carried by a suppo-rt and a roll in reserve carried by a second support, the two supports being pivotally mounted on a rigid structure is characterized in that the two supports of rollers are connected together by an articulated link with play on one side, in order to bring the ends of their rigid arms carrying the rolls of material to be distributed towards each other, and to automatically transfer the roll in reserve to the roll support service which is then ejected; a mechanism articulated on the roll support in use and releasing the roll support in reserve from its locking means when said roll in use is almost completely unwound; the strips of material from the two rollers then being distributed simultaneously until the roller in use is exhausted and the support for the roll in reserve automatically returns to its standby position by elastic return and automatic engagement of the locking means.

 These characteristics and others will emerge from the description which follows.

To set the subject of the invention, without however limiting it, in the accompanying drawings
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an apparatus for simultaneously distributing and cutting strips of wound material, according to the invention. The device is shown in the loaded position and at rest, with its automatic roller replacement device in service, the device cover being removed.

 Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views taken along lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Figure 1, showing the main components of the apparatus.

 Figure 4 is a partial view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1, showing the launching and non-return stop members of the cutting drum.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 are views on a smaller scale and schematic, illustrating different phases of operation of the automatic roller replacement device in use
In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

 The apparatus according to the invention is described below in a particularly targeted application, namely: an apparatus for simultaneously distributing and cutting lengths of strips of wiping material, but it is quite obvious that the invention can be found other applications where it is necessary to distribute lengths of material in strips wound on reels.

 In the example illustrated, the apparatus comprises a base plate (1) for wall mounting, with an inclined bottom (la) and two lateral sides (lb - 1c), the lower part of which has a bearing directly or attached ( 2) equipped with a slot (2a) for mounting the freely rotating support means of a drum (3) whose periphery is made rough, in order to internalize without sliding the free end of the material to be dispensed wound on a coil bearing on the drum. In a known manner, the drum support means consist for one side, of a fixed axis (4) successively comprising a threaded surface (4a) with parallel flats, to be engaged without possibility of rotation, in the slot (2a) of a bearing (2), then a smooth bearing (4b) of larger diameter on which a cleat (5) articulated in (6) is applied to a side wall of the drum . Internally to the drum, the axis (4) has a bearing for the free rotation of the drum, with an eccentric (4c) at the end, suitably oriented and dimensioned to control the pivoting of a blade holder (7) articulated at (8). on the side walls of the drum, in order to periodically obtain the projection of the blade (7a) out of the drum having for this purpose an opening (3a).

These arrangements, known from previous applications of which the applicant is also the owner, emerge in particular from FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

 On the other side, the drum rotation support means is constituted by an axis (9) one end of which is made integral with the side wall of the drum, while its central part (9a) rotates in a ring (10) with parallel flats or other angular indexing means, engaged in the slot (2a) of the bearing (2).

The axis (9) finally has a collar (9b) carrying an eccentric (9c) which is angularly oriented and connected to a spring (11) attached to a lateral side (lob) of the wall plate, to operate the launch of the drum after cutting or separation of the material by the blade (7a), - with a view to returning the drum to its initial position with overflow of a new strip of material.

 During the rotation of the drum, an oriented projection (3b) of the side wall deviates (by mounting assembly of the drum) from a shock absorber (12) articulated on the threaded bearing (2a) of the axis (2). After passage of the projection against the shock absorber, the drum is stopped by pressing the stopper (5) on said axis, while by reaction, the drum goes backwards until the projection (3b) rests on the 'shock absorber which collects the force and restores it by its retaining spring (13) attached to a lateral side (1c) of the wall plate. At this time, the cleat (5) rocks by gravity, due to its offset articulation, releasing the drum which is thus ready to be again driven by traction on the overflowing band of the material.

 The device for automatic replacement of the roller in use which is the subject of the invention is now described in this particularly intended but non-limiting application.

 A rigid structure (14) composed for example of two lateral uprights (14a) and a cross-member (14b) is fixed to the wall plate (1).

 In the lower part, located above the drum, the structure carries free rotation at (15), a support (16) rigidly formed of a cross member (16a) and two parallel arms (16b).

At the free ends of the arms (16b) are fixed crescent-shaped plates (16c), the lower ends of which form cradles (16d) for receiving and freely rotating positioning of the roll of material (R1), this by means of trunnions (T1) which are formed on end caps (El) centered in the coil or core for winding the material.

 In the same way, in the upper part, the structure (14) carries free rotation at (17), - a support (18) rigidly formed of a hinge crosspiece (18a) and two parallel arms (18b). The free ends of the arms form cradles (18c) for receiving and positioning pins (T2) formed on. end caps (E2) which are centered in the coil or core of a roll (R2) of material to be dispensed. A spring (27) recalls the support (18) in the high position.

 In the following description, the rollers (R1 and R2) are called respectively "roll in service" and "roll in reserve", because it is the roller (R2), mounted at the top, which must automatically replace the roll (R1) when the latter is almost entirely unwound.

 According to a characteristic of the invention, the two supports (16) and (18) are interconnected by a link (19) which is articulated at (20) on a protruding tab (18d) of the support (18) and articulated adjustable on a pin (21) fixed on an arm (16b) of the support (16) via an oblong opening (19a) of the link.

 The arms of the two supports (16) and (18) are precisely dimensioned and spaced apart so that, by the action of the connecting rod (19), the free ends forming the cradles (16d) - (18c) can cross. For this purpose, the distance (x) between the cradles (18c) is greater than the distance (y) between the cradles (16d).

 It is also noted in an important way that the cradles (18c) are oriented and profiled to receive and retain the pins (T2) of the roller (R2) in reserve until, during the transfer of said roller (R2) on the support (16), the weight of the roller (R2) drives the pins (T2) out of the cradles which then abut against the crescent-shaped plates (1-6c). For this purpose, the cradles (18c) form on the outside-a bead (18th) between the receiving part and the end.

 Likewise, the cradles (16d) have a rear spout (16e) shorter than the front spout (16f), in order to allow the pins (T2) to pass when the roller in reserve must take the place of the roller in service , then to retain it in the receiving part which is separated from the end of the rear spout by a bead (16g).

 At the upper part (l4c) of the structure. is articulated on an axis (22) a hook or bolt (23) -which comprises for this purpose an active end (23a) intended to retain in the raised position the support (18) having at this location a hooking projection t18h). At its rear end, the lock (23) has u zze (a45 on which the end of a connecting rod (25) is freely articulated, the other end of which has an oblong opening (25a) for articulation with play on one of the arms (16b) of the support (16) by a pin (26). Note that the opening (25a) is of such length that when the roll in service is almost fully unwound, the hinge pin (26 ) between the arm and the connecting rod pulls on said connecting rod to tilt the hook (23).

 The connecting rod (25) is preferably made in two parts (25b) - (25c) to be adjustable in length by a screw-nut system (28) placed at the ends of the parts facing each other, this in order to operate the lifting adjustable support (16) by the connecting rod (25), as will be seen later.

 A spring (29) attached to the structure constantly recalls the connecting rod (25) in the high position to prevent the latch (23) from tilting under the weight of the connecting rod.

 It can also be seen that the reserve roller (R2), when placed in the cradles (18c), is braked in rotation by an elastic blade (30) fixed on the wall plate (1), in order to avoid 'it takes place during the distribution with the other roller. On this subject, we note that the roller (R2) must be mounted with the free end of the strip going up behind to be trapped by the blade (30) and automatically place itself on the other strip wound on the drum (3) when the roller (R2) takes the place of the roller (R1) on the support (16).

 If by omission, the free end of the roller (R2) has been placed hanging at the front, (broken line, Figure 2), said end will still be automatically placed on the other strip when the roller is lowered ( R2), this by a curved elastic blade (31) slidably mounted in a slide (32) secured to a closure cover (33), and brought up by a spring (34) attached to said cover (FIGS. 6 and 7 in particular), as will be seen below. -Of course, to avoid any error in placing the rollers on their support, provision is made for a differentiation of the end caps, for example by different colors with assembly instructions on the cover.

 It should also be noted that parallel bars (35) fixed on the structure (14) extend above the drum (3), as far as the cradles (16d). The free ends of the bars are shouldered at (35a ) to serve as a stop for the trunnions (Tt or 72) Isrsque the support (16) is raised releasing the roller in service virtually empty, in order to prevent said roller driven by rotation of the drum, engages at the rear of the On the contrary, by reaction and by the offset outside the axis of rotation of the roller relative to the axis of rotation of the drum, said roller is ejected in the direction of the cover where a suitable receptacle (36) receives to complete the distribution simultaneously with that of the reserve roller which has taken its place in the support (16).

 It can also be seen that, to avoid the engagement of the free end of the strip of the roller (R2) when the latter descends behind the crosspiece (16a) of the support (16), an elastic curved blade (37) passing is provided. in front of said cross and going up higher. This blade can also serve (as illustrated) as an attachment point for a flexible rod (38) or equivalent member, intended to apply the end of the wound strip, on the drum and direct it towards the outlet opening made between the inclined plane (la) and the bottom of the cover (33).

 A damping block (39) is fixed on the structure (14) opposite a support tab (18i) formed on the support (18), in order to soften the shock (therefore the noise) produced by the support ( 18) when it has released its roller and it is returned to the hook (23) by its spring (27).

 Finally, a window (40) suitably sized is provided on the cover (33) to quickly view the loading state of the device.

 Referring more particularly to Figures 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, the operation of the device according to the invention will now be described.

 In Figures 1 and 2, the device is shown in the loaded position, that is to say with the rollers (R1 and R2) new and positioned on their support (16 and 18).

 It is understood that it suffices to pull on the strip (B1) of the roller (rif) projecting under the apparatus for driving in rotation the drum (3) with rough surface and the serrated blade (7a), so as to make it protrude out of the drum and the larvae penetrate the stretched material on both sides. After cutting, the drum returns to its initial position thanks to the launching and abutment members, as seen above, and the user automatically has in his hand a length of strip equal to the circumference of the drum.

One can thus distribute a given number of bands, until the roller (R1) is almost entirely unwound. We understand that as the unwinding of the roll (R1), the support (16) is lowered by pivoting on its axis (15) and by elastic return
a spring (41). When there are only a few lengths of bands left to distribute on the roll in service [the number of remaining bands is regulated by the connecting rod (25)], the pin (26) of articulated connection with the support (16) attracts said connecting rod which causes the tilt-t of the lock (23) on its axis (22) therefore the release of the support (18) of the roll in reserve (Figure 5).

 By the weight of the roller (R2), the support (18) pivots on its axis (17) by burying with it the link rod (19) connecting with the support (16) of the roller in service, which thus makes it raise simultaneously said support (16) by pivoting on its axis (15) The pairs of cradle arms of each support come very close to each other, and the pins (T2) of the roller (R2), by gravity, are released of their cradles (18c) to abut against the crescent-shaped plates (16c) of the support (16) (Figure 6).

The movement continuing, the pins (T2) - escape the end of the rear spouts of the cradles (16d) and are positioned at the bottom of said cradles by the reverse movement of the descent of the support (16) which at this time is driven by the connecting rod (19) pushed back by the upper support (18) released from its roller (R2) and returned by its spring- (27) in the hooking position (Figure 7).

 At the start of the lifting movement of the support (16), the operating roller (R1) which has been released from the cradles (16d), abuts against the bars (35), as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 6, then the roller (R1) passes under the elastic blade (31) which has just elastically escaped from said roller during its advance, and rolls on the drum (3) to be received in the receptacle (36) of the cover.

 As seen in Figure 7, the roller (R2) has therefore taken the place of the roller (R1) and the free end of the strip (B2) is ready to be wound on the drum above the strip remaining of the roller (R1), either because it was correctly placed at the rear of the device to apply to the drum naturally during the transfer of the roller (R2), or because it is guided by the elastic blade (31) which accompanied the roller (R2) to be placed as close as possible to the drum. We will then distribute two strips at the same time by manual traction until the roller (R1) is completely unwound.

 The advantages are apparent from the description. We underline in particular - The fully automatic replacement of the roll in service when it is almost fully unwound, without modifying the way of using the device, ensuring an interesting autonomy.

- The reliability of the device by the use of simple and robust means to operate the automatic replacement of the rollers and the distribution of the bands, with all the guiding and driving members necessary for this good functioning, which eliminates any risk incorrect operation, disruption, or blocking of mechanisms.

- The rapid and convenient loading of the device, in particular the placing of the roll in reserve by simply depositing the pins in the cradles and identifying the mounting direction.

- The possible adjustment of the number of strip lengths remaining to be distributed on the roll in service, before the automatic replacement.

- Adaptation of the automatic roller replacement device to all devices for distributing rolled sheet materials, whether or not associated with cutting means.

 The invention is in no way limited to that of its modes of application any more than to those of the embodiments of its various parts which have been more particularly indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

Claims (11)

-1- Apparatus for distributing rolled material strips, with automatic device for replacing the roll in use, of the type comprising a roll in use (R1) carried by a support (16) and a spare roll (R2) carried by another support (18), the two supports being pivotally mounted on a rigid structure (14), characterized in that the two roller supports are connected together by a link (19) articulated with play on one side, in order to bring the one of the other the ends of their rigid arms (16b - 18b) carrying the rolls of material to be dispensed, and automatically transferring the reserve roll (R2) to the support (16) of the roll in use (R1) which is then ejected; a mechanism articulated on the support (16) of roll in use and releasing the support (18) of the roll in reserve of its locking means (23) when said roll in use (R1) is almost completely unwound; the strips of material (B1 - B2) from the two rollers then being distributed simultaneously until the in-service roller (R1) is exhausted, the support (18) of the reserve roller (R2) automatically resumes its standby position by recall elastic and automatic engagement of the locking means (23), and the support (16) with its new roller (R2), being returned by spring (41) to ensure firm contact of the roller on the drum, without however hampering its rotation. -2- Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking and release mechanism of the reserve roller (R2) consists of a connecting rod (25) articulated with play and resiliently biased on one of the arms (16b) of the support (16) of the roll in service (R1), and also articulated at the end of a hook or latch (23) mounted oscillating in its center on an element (14c) of the rigid structure (14), while the the opposite end (23a) of the hook is profiled to retain one of the arms (18b) of the support (18) of the reserve roller (R2). -3- Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the articulation with clearance of the connecting rod (25) on the arm (16b) of the support (16) of the roller in service (R1), is constituted by an oblong opening (25a) whose length is calculated so that when the roll in service (R1) is almost fully unwound, the axis (26) of articulation between the arm (16b) and the connecting rod (25) pulls on said connecting rod to tilt the hook (23), thereby releasing the support (18) from the reserve roller (R2). -4- Dispensing device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the connecting rod (25) between the hook (23) and the support (16) of the roll in service (R1) consists of two parts (25a - 25b) connected by a length adjusting means (28), in order to release the support (18) from the reserve roll as a function of a given length of strip remaining on the roll in service. -5- Dispensing apparatus according to claim t, characterized in that the ends of the support arms (18) of the spare roll and the ends of the support arms (16) of the roll in use form profiled cradles (18c and 16d) receiving and positioning for ends (El - E2) with trunnions (T1 - T2) equipping the ends of the reel or core for winding the strips to be dispensed; said ends of the arms of the support (18) of the reserve roller being spaced from one another at a distance (k) greater than the distance (y) separating the ends of the arms of the support (16) from the roller in use , so as to be able to cross when the two supports are brought closer to each other by the action of the connecting rod (19). -6- Dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the cradles (16d) for receiving the roll in service (R7) are formed at the lower end of plates (16c) in the form of crescents, intended to retain by their inner edges, the pins (T2) of the roll in reserve (R2) when the latter is removed from the receiving cradles (18c) of its support, until said roller (R2) is naturally positioned in the cradles of the roller support in use. -7- Dispensing apparatus according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the cradles 18c) for receiving the pins (T2) of the reserve roller (R2) are oriented and shaped to retain said pins until they are held against the crescent-shaped plates (16c); while the cradles (16d) for receiving the trunnions (T1) of the roll in service (Rt) are also oriented and shaped with a rear spout (16e) shorter than the front spout (16f), to allow engagement then the retention of the pins (T2) of the reserve roller (R2) taking the place of the roller in service (R1); beads (18th - 16g) effectively retaining the pins in the circular bottom of the cradles. -8- Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, applied to the simultaneous distribution and cutting of lengths of wound strips, this by manual traction on the part of the strip (B1 or B2) projecting from the device, causing by the rotation of a drum (3) on which rests without sliding the roller in service (R1), the projection out of the drum, of a member (7a) for cutting or separating the stretched material on either side by the manual pulling action and by the support of the roller (R1) on the drum (3) said drum and the separation member automatically returning to their initial position, with a new strip projecting from the device, by the action of means (9c - 11) of launching the drum and non-return stop (3b - 12) after separation of the drawn strip, said apparatus is characterized in that the two supports (16 - 18) of the roller service (R1) and the spare roll (R2) are placed one above the other on a rigid structure (14) fixed by uprights (14a) on a wall-mounted base plate (1) whose lateral sides (lob) carry the means (2) of free rotation mounting of the drum (3) drive on which the roller in use (R1) and the launching and abutment members of said drum; a cover (33) with closure covering the assembly and carrying a means for guiding the free end of the strip wound on the roll in reserve (R2) and a member for receiving the roll in service (R1) when it is almost entirely unwound. -9- Dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that when the roll in service (R1) almost fully unwound, is released by raising its support (16), it is automatically ejected towards the hood (33) and accommodates in a receptacle (36) of said cover, without the possibility of reverse ejection, due to its offset relative to the axis of the drum (3) and the support of its pins (T1) against stops (35) extending near the cradles (16d) of the support (16) of the roll in use. -10- Dispensing apparatus-r-according to claim 8, characterized in that the reserve roller (R2) is mounted on the cradles (18c) of its support (18) with the free end of the strip (B2) wound going up on the side of the wall fixing plate (1) where an elastic blade (30) or equivalent member, retains it - by pressing against the roller for the preventer from turning each time that one pulls on the end (B1) of the strip wound on the roll in service (R1). -11- Dispensing apparatus according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that the free end (B2) of the strip wound on the roll in reserve (R2) is automatically applied to the finishing strip (B1) of the roll in use (R1) ejected, when said reserve roll is transferred to the lower support (16), being guided in its fall by a curved blade (37) integral with the wall fixing plate (1) and extending in front of the crossmember (16a) of articulation of said lower support (16) -12- Dispensing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that when the free end (B2) of the strip wound on the reserve roll (R2) is placed hanging at the front of the device, it is automatically positioned on the finishing strip (B1) - from the roll in service (R1) ejected, by guidance during the transfer of the roll in reserve, using an elastic blade ( 31) slidably carried in a slide (32) of the cover (33) and returned by spring (34 ) in the high position; the length of the blade and its curvature being calculated to engage as close as possible between the roller in service and the drum, while being able to escape above said roller when it is almost fully unwound and allow it to fall into the receptacle (36) of the cover.