Clamping device for supporting a spool with a tubular core.

Abstract

A clamping device (18) for supporting a spool having a tubular core is described. The clamping device (18) includes a base body (20) having a mounting interface (22) for securing the base body (20) to a machine frame. Furthermore, it has a carrier (36) configured to be placed within the tubular core of the spool. The carrier (36) is rotatably supported on the base body (20) such that the carrier (36) can rotate relative to the base body (20) about a rotation axis (38). Furthermore, a plurality of clamping elements (42) are coupled to an actuation mechanism (76) such that the clamping elements (42) can selectively protrude from the outer circumference of the carrier (36) and selectively retract to be at least flush with the outer circumference of the carrier (36). Additionally, a braking mechanism is arranged between the base body (20) and the carrier (36) for selectively slowing down or blocking the rotation of the carrier (36) relative to the base body (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a clamping device for supporting a spool having a tubular core. The clamping device includes a base body and a carrier body. The base body has a mounting interface for securing the base body to a machine frame. The carrier body is configured to be placed inside the tubular core of the spool. The carrier body is rotatably supported on the base body, allowing the carrier body to rotate relative to the base body about a rotation axis. Furthermore, the clamping device includes a plurality of clamping elements coupled to an actuation mechanism, such that the clamping elements can selectively protrude from the outer circumference of the carrier body and selectively retract to be at least flush with the outer circumference of the carrier body. Background Technology

[0002] Such clamping devices are known. For example, they are used in roll processing machines. In such machines, the roll to be processed is provided on a spool having a tubular core. For processing the roll, it needs to be supported within the roll processing machine. This is accomplished, for example, by using one or two clamping devices. In the first case, the clamping device supports the spool at one end. In the latter case, each clamping device supports one end of the spool, such that the spool is supported on both sides.

[0003] An example of a roll material processing machine is a hot foil stamping machine. Therefore, the roll material to be processed is a foil made of polymer material.

[0004] It is also known that within a roll material processing machine, the roll material to be processed needs to be tensioned in a predefined manner. This is done to allow for accurate and repeatable processing of the roll material. For this purpose, known clamping devices include an interface for connection to an external braking mechanism. Such an interface includes, for example, a pulley capable of engaging a gear or belt of the braking mechanism. US2,405,637, CN110203771, or US3,381,912 are examples of such devices. Other devices, such as CN110203772, provide a brake within the clamping device, the brake being located at the tip of the clamping device within the shaft of the roll. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem this invention aims to solve is to improve known clamping devices. In particular, a compact clamping device should be provided.

[0006] This problem is solved by a clamping device of the type described above, which includes a braking mechanism arranged between the base body and the carrier for selectively slowing down or blocking the rotation of the carrier relative to the base body. In this document, "arranged between the base body and the carrier" will be understood functionally, meaning the braking mechanism is coupled to the base body and the carrier. Furthermore, unlike known clamping devices, the braking mechanism is now integrated into the clamping device. Therefore, the braking mechanism is both the functional and structural unit of the clamping device. This makes the clamping device compact, especially when compared to a combination of a known clamping device and a known braking mechanism connected thereto. Additionally, the clamping device according to the invention is easy to install in a roll material processing machine because it eliminates the need to connect known clamping devices to known braking mechanisms. Moreover, fewer components are required in the clamping device according to the invention.

[0007] Preferably, the carrier is supported on the base body via at least two individual bearing members. Specifically, the at least two individual bearing members are at least two individual roller bearing members. Therefore, the carrier and the base body are connected in a mechanically stable and reliable manner. This results in a long service life for the clamping device. Furthermore, this clamping device is particularly suitable for supporting heavy reels.

[0008] The carrier can be sleeve-shaped or cup-shaped, with a portion of the base body extending into the interior of the carrier. This results in a compact design for the clamping device.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the braking mechanism includes a plurality of discs stacked together, generally extending along a rotation axis. The discs are rotatably fixed to the base body or carrier in an alternating manner. Therefore, the braking mechanism comprises a multi-disc brake. Such a brake can provide high braking torque while requiring relatively little space. Furthermore, this braking mechanism is reliable in operation.

[0010] The braking mechanism may include a loading device for generating and / or regulating an effective braking torque between the base body and the carrier. When the clamping device is used to support a spool carrying a roll of material, the tension of the roll can be adjusted by regulating the braking torque. Therefore, the loading device makes the clamping device suitable for supporting spools carrying a wide variety of rolls of material to be processed.

[0011] According to one variation, the loading device includes one or more magnets that generate a braking torque caused by eddy currents in the disk. Therefore, a well-defined braking torque can be generated by setting the distance between the magnets and the disk.

[0012] According to one variant, the loading device includes a compression member for compressing the stacked discs to generate braking torque. Therefore, a precisely defined braking torque can be generated by compressing the stacked discs in a predefined manner. In doing so, the braking torque can also be adjusted in a precise and reliable manner.

[0013] The compression member can be a compression ring that engages with the base body via threads and acts on the stack of discs via at least one spring element. The central axis of the compression ring preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation of the carrier. Therefore, the clamping device is simple and compact in design. The use of threads and spring elements facilitates precise adjustment of the braking torque. The compression ring can be operated by hand or with a tool. In the latter case, a standard tool is preferred.

[0014] In an alternative arrangement, the cantilever end of the carrier and the loading device are arranged opposite to each other. In this case, the cantilever end of the carrier is configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel when the clamping device is in use. Therefore, during operation, the loading device is also arranged at the end of the clamping device opposite to the reel. This allows for easy access to the loading device, for example, for adjusting or readjusting the braking torque.

[0015] In the example, the clamping element is positioned closer to the first cantilever end of the carrier than to the second end of the carrier, which is arranged opposite to the first end. Similarly, the cantilever end of the carrier is configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel when the clamping device is in use. Therefore, the clamping element is configured to be arranged at a distance from the edge of the tubular core of the reel supported by the clamping device. Thus, the clamping element engages the tubular core at a certain axial depth. This is especially true when comparing the clamping device according to the invention with known clamping devices, where the clamping elements are arranged such that they are always positioned close to the edge of the tubular core of the reel supported on the clamping device. The clamping device according to the invention is configured to support the reel with enhanced reliability.

[0016] Preferably, the actuation mechanism includes a pushing member, and the clamping elements are arranged between the carrier and the pushing member along the axis of rotation. The pushing member is selectively movable relative to the carrier along the axis of rotation. Thus, by moving the pushing member toward the carrier, the clamping elements can be selectively brought into a state where they protrude from the outer circumference of the carrier. Furthermore, the clamping elements can be spring-biased such that when the pushing member leaves the carrier, the clamping elements retract to a position at least flush with the outer circumference of the carrier.

[0017] Preferably, the actuating component is generally plate-shaped. Therefore, the actuating component is compact and easy to manufacture.

[0018] Each of the clamping elements can abut against the carrier and the pushing member via a respective contact surface inclined relative to the axis of rotation and relative to the respective radial direction, such that if the pushing member approaches the carrier, the clamping element can be pushed radially outward, and if the pushing member moves away from the carrier, the clamping element can be retracted. Using inclined contact surfaces is a simple and reliable way to convert the axial movement of the pushing member into the radial movement of the clamping element.

[0019] In another embodiment, the clamping element may be a tubular ring (air chamber) wherein the application of pressure causes the ring to expand, protruding into the tubular core of the spool to block the spool. Alternatively, instead of applying pressure to the air chamber, the air chamber is protruded by a pushing member, as in the aforementioned embodiments. Alternatively, when using a pushing member, the air chamber may be replaced by a deformable ring (e.g., a rubber ring) whose deformation can block the spool.

[0020] The actuation mechanism may include a helical member connecting the carrier and the actuating member, and extending generally along the axis of rotation to selectively move the actuating member. Thus, the actuating member moves by rotating the helical member. Therefore, the actuating member can be moved in a precise and simple manner.

[0021] In one embodiment, the helical member can be accessed from the end of the clamping device opposite the cantilever end of the carrier. Again, the cantilever end of the carrier is configured to protrude into the tubular core of the spool when the clamping device is in use. Therefore, even when the spool is supported on the clamping device, the helical member can still be accessed from the end of the clamping device opposite the spool. In other words, the spool supported on the clamping device does not obstruct access to the helical member. Thus, the spool can be comfortably clamped and released.

[0022] The tool interface of the helical member can be arranged along the axis of rotation in the axial portion defined by the axial extension of the braking mechanism. Therefore, the axial portion providing the tool interface extends from a first axial end to a second axial end of the braking mechanism, wherein the first and second ends are axially opposite each other. Preferably, the tool interface is arranged radially inside the braking mechanism. Thus, the tool interface is positioned relatively close to the axial end of the clamping device, which is opposite the end configured to protrude into the tubular core of the spool. Therefore, the tool interface is easily accessible during operation of the clamping device.

[0023] In a preferred example, the tool interface can be accessed from the same axial side where the loading mechanism is located. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0025] - Figure 1 A reel having a tubular core and carrying a roll of material is shown, wherein the reel is supported on two clamping devices according to the invention.

[0026] - Figure 2 Shown in perspective Figure 1 An exemplary clamping device in a clamping device, and

[0027] - Figure 3 A cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 2 The clamping device has a retractable clamping element, and

[0028] - Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The clamping device has a prominent clamping element. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A spool 10 with a tubular core 12 is shown, on which a roll material 14 is wound. In this example, the roll material is a polymer foil.

[0030] The spool 10 is supported on the machine frame 16 of the roll material processing machine by two clamping devices 18. In this case, the frame 16 is shown only schematically.

[0031] The two clamping devices 18 are identical.

[0032] Therefore, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 To explain only one exemplary clamping device 18. These explanations are obviously applicable to... Figure 1 The two clamping devices 18 shown are illustrated.

[0033] An exemplary clamping device 18 includes a base body 20.

[0034] The base body 20 is provided with an installation interface 22 for fixing the base body 20 to the machine frame 16.

[0035] In the example shown in the figure, the mounting interface 22 includes a mounting arm 24.

[0036] Two mounting slots 26a and 26b are provided at the end of the mounting arm 24 to be connected to the machine frame 16.

[0037] The base body 20 also includes a generally annular member 28, which is fixedly connected to the mounting arm 24.

[0038] In addition, the base body 20 includes a tubular support member 30 that is non-movably mounted on the annular member 28.

[0039] The tubular support member 30 extends through the interior of the annular member 28 and protrudes from the annular member 28.

[0040] Two bearing members 34a and 34b are provided on the protruding part of the tubular support member 30, and the carrier 36 is rotatably supported on the tubular support member 30 via these bearing members 34a and 34b.

[0041] In this example, bearing components 34a and 34b are roller bearing components that are positioned to provide a certain distance between them.

[0042] Therefore, the carrier 36 can rotate relative to the base body 20 about the rotation axis 38.

[0043] In other words, the support 36 is rotatably supported on the base body 20.

[0044] The carrier 36 is essentially cup-shaped, with its open end oriented toward the annular member 28 of the base body 20, such that a portion of the tubular support member 30 supporting the body 20 is housed inside the carrier 36.

[0045] At the closed end of the cup-shaped support 36, a generally plate-shaped pushing member 40 is provided.

[0046] Multiple clamping elements 42 are arranged along the rotation axis 38 (i.e., axially) between the carrier 36 and the pusher 40.

[0047] Each of the clamping elements 42 is generally plate-shaped and is oriented substantially in the axial and radial directions relative to the axis of rotation 38.

[0048] The clamping elements 42 are arranged in a regular pattern along the circumference of the carrier 36 and the pushing member 40. This means that adjacent clamping elements 42 have substantially the same angular distance.

[0049] Each clamping element 42 has a circumferential outer surface 44 including a sharp tip 47. Preferably, the outer surface 44 of each clamping element 42 is provided with a toothed pattern 46, which facilitates clamping of the reel 10, as will be explained later. The sharp tip and the toothed pattern are particularly well suited for reels with shafts made of soft materials (e.g., cardboard) due to their ability to penetrate the shaft and provide a very strong clamping.

[0050] The axial end faces 48 and 50 of the clamping element 42 are inclined relative to the radial direction and relative to the axial direction defined by the rotation axis 38.

[0051] An axial end face 48 oriented toward the carrier 36 abuts against a corresponding contact surface 52 of the carrier 36, the contact surface 52 being inclined relative to the axis of rotation 38 and relative to the corresponding radial direction.

[0052] An axial end face 50 oriented toward the push member 40 abuts against a corresponding contact surface 54 disposed on the push member 40. These contact surfaces 54 are inclined relative to the axis of rotation 38 and relative to the corresponding radial direction.

[0053] The aforementioned tilt is oriented such that if the pushing member 40 approaches the carrier 36, the clamping element 42 is pushed radially outward, and if the pushing member 40 leaves the carrier 36, the clamping element 42 can retract radially toward the axis of rotation 38.

[0054] In addition, each clamping element 42 includes an opening 56 in which two retaining rings 58, 60 are arranged such that they extend through the openings 56 of all clamping elements 42.

[0055] The retaining rings 58 and 60 also preload the clamping element 42 radially inward, so that the axial end faces 48 and 50 of the clamping element 42 always remain adjacent to the corresponding contact faces 52 and 54.

[0056] The carrier 36 and the pusher 40 are biased away from each other in the axial direction by the spring element 62.

[0057] However, the force of the spring element 62 resists the connection between the push member 40 and the carrier 36 via the helical member 64.

[0058] The spiral component 64 extends generally along the axis of rotation 38.

[0059] The helical member 64 is threadedly engaged with the push member 40 and extends through the carrier 36, such that the head 66 of the helical member is positioned on the side of the carrier 36 opposite to the push member.

[0060] Therefore, the pushing member 40 can be selectively moved relative to the carrier 36 by rotating the helical member 64.

[0061] On the side of the carrier 36 opposite to the pushing member 40, there is an elongated sleeve 68, and the helical member 64 extends through the sleeve 68.

[0062] Therefore, the head 66 of the helical member 64 is arranged at a certain distance from the bottom portion of the carrier 36, which substantially corresponds to the axial length of the sleeve 68.

[0063] This results in a configuration in which the head 66 of the helical member 64, and in particular the tool interface 70 arranged on the head 66, can be accessed from the end of the clamping device 18 opposite the cantilever end 72 of the carrier 36.

[0064] In the example shown, the cantilever end 72 of the support 36 corresponds to the end that provides the push member 40.

[0065] This design allows the tool interface 70 to be accessed by a standard tool 74, which is located in... Figure 3 The middle part is represented by an internal hex wrench.

[0066] Conversely, the clamping element 42 is positioned near the cantilever end 72 of the carrier 36.

[0067] The pushing component 40, the spiral component 64, the bearing rings 58 and 60, and the inclined surfaces 48, 50, 52, and 54 thus form an actuation mechanism 76 for clamping element 42.

[0068] Using the actuation mechanism 76, the clamping element 42 can selectively protrude from the outer circumference of the carrier 36, and can also selectively retract to be at least flush with the outer circumference of the carrier 36.

[0069] The carrier 36 and the pushing member 40 are configured to be placed inside the tubular core 12 of the reel 10. In this case, the carrier 36 and the pushing member 40 preferably move into the interior of the tubular core 12, wherein the clamping element 42 is retracted.

[0070] Once positioned within the tubular core, the clamping element 42 can be moved to a protruding position by rotating the helical element 64. Thus, the clamping element 42 engages the tubular core 12. More precisely, the toothed pattern 46 engages the inner circumference of the tubular core 12, thereby holding the spool 10 in place.

[0071] The clamping device 18 also includes a braking mechanism 78, which is arranged between the base body 20 and the carrier 36 for selectively slowing down or blocking the rotation of the carrier 36 relative to the base body 20.

[0072] The braking mechanism 78 includes a multi-disc brake 80 having multiple discs forming a stack 81 that generally extends along the axis of rotation 38.

[0073] According to the working principle of a multi-disc brake, the multiple discs include an outer disc 82 and an inner disc 84. The outer disc 82 is rotatably fixed to the annular member 28 of the base body 20, and the inner disc 84 is rotatably fixed to the carrier 36. In this example, the inner disc 84 is coupled to the support member 86 of the carrier 36.

[0074] The inner disk 84 and the outer disk 82 are arranged in an alternating sequence along the axis of rotation 38.

[0075] Both the inner disk 84 and the outer disk 82 can be axially moved to a certain extension.

[0076] The braking mechanism 78 also includes a loading device 88 for generating and / or regulating an effective braking torque between the base body 20 and the carrier 36.

[0077] For this purpose, the loading device 88 includes a compression member 90 for compressing the stack 81 of the inner disk 84 and the outer disk 82 to generate braking torque.

[0078] In the example shown, the compression member 90 is a compression ring 92 that engages with the base body 20 via a thread 94 and acts on the stack 81 of discs 82, 84 via a plurality of spring elements 96.

[0079] For better visibility, in Figure 3 Only one spring element 96 is shown schematically. In reality, the clamping device 18 includes 3 to 5 spring elements 96, which are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0080] Alternatively, the spring element 96 can be replaced by any elastically compressible element (e.g., a piston).

[0081] More precisely, the thread 94 of the compression ring 92 engages with the thread 98 on the sleeve member 100 of the base body 20, which is fixedly connected to the annular member 28 and the tubular support member 30.

[0082] Therefore, by rotating the compression ring 92 relative to the sleeve member 100, the spring element 96 can be compressed, thereby compressing the stack 81 of the inner disk 84 and the outer disk 82. As a result, the braking torque increases.

[0083] If the compression ring 92 rotates in the opposite direction, the spring element 96 is decompressed. Therefore, the braking torque is reduced.

[0084] In the example shown in the figure, the cantilever end 72 of the support 36 and the loading device 88 are arranged opposite each other. This means that the loading device 88 and the cantilever end 72 of the support 36 are positioned at opposite axial ends of the clamping device 18.

[0085] Furthermore, the tool interface 70 of the helical member 64 and the braking mechanism 78 can be arranged such that the tool interface 70 is located in the axial portion S of the clamping device 18 defined by the axial extension of the braking mechanism 78, such that when the tool 74 is inserted into the tool interface, the tool protrudes from the short post by a certain margin. This margin avoids any interference between the tool and the short post, while also preventing excessive protrusion.

[0086] In the example shown, the first axial end of the braking mechanism is defined by the compression ring 92, and the second axial end of the braking mechanism 78 is defined by the inner brake disc 84 having the maximum distance from the compression ring 92.

[0087] When considering the direction of the rotation axis 38, the tool interface 70 is arranged between these axial ends.

Claims

1. A clamping device (18) for supporting a spool (10) having a tubular core (12), comprising: The base body (20) has a mounting interface (22) for fixing the base body (20) to the machine frame (16). A carrier (36), configured to be placed within a tubular core (12) of a reel (10), wherein the carrier (36) is rotatably supported on a base body (20) such that the carrier (36) can rotate about a rotation axis (38) relative to the base body (20), and Multiple clamping elements (42), which are coupled to the actuation mechanism (76), such that the clamping elements (42) can selectively protrude from the outer circumference of the carrier (36) and can selectively retract to be at least flush with the outer circumference of the carrier (36), and A braking mechanism (78) is arranged between the base body (20) and the carrier (36) for selectively slowing down or blocking the rotation of the carrier (36) relative to the base body (20), and wherein the braking mechanism is integrated into the clamping device, making the braking mechanism a functional and structural unit of the clamping device. Its features are, The braking mechanism (78) includes a plurality of discs (82, 84) forming a stack (81) that generally extends along the axis of rotation (38), wherein the discs (82, 84) are rotatably fixed to the base body (20) or the carrier (36) in an alternating manner.

2. The clamping device (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier (36) is supported on the base body (20) via at least two separate bearing members (34a, 34b).

3. The clamping device (18) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least two individual bearing components (34a, 34b) are roller bearing components.

4. The clamping device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The support (36) is sleeve-shaped or cup-shaped, wherein a portion of the base body (20) extends into the interior of the support (36).

5. The clamping device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The braking mechanism (78) includes a loading device (88) for generating and / or regulating an effective braking torque between the base body (20) and the carrier (36).

6. The clamping device (18) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The loading device (88) includes a compression member (90) for compressing the stack (81) of the discs (82, 84) to generate braking torque.

7. The clamping device (18) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The compression member (90) is a compression ring (92) that cooperates with the base body (20) via threads (94, 98) and acts on the stack (81) of the disks (82, 84) via at least one spring element (96).

8. The clamping device (18) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cantilever end (72) of the carrier (36) and the loading device (88) are arranged opposite to each other.

9. The clamping device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The clamping element (42) is positioned closer to the first cantilever end (72) of the carrier (36) than the second end of the carrier (36), the second end of the carrier (36) being arranged opposite to the first end.

10. The clamping device (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism (76) includes a pushing member (40), and the clamping element (42) is arranged between the carrier (36) and the pushing member (40) along the rotation axis (38), wherein the pushing member (40) is selectively movable relative to the carrier (36) along the rotation axis (38).

11. The clamping device (18) according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the clamping elements (42) abuts against the carrier (36) and the pushing member (40) via a corresponding contact surface (52, 54) that is inclined relative to the axis of rotation (38) and to the corresponding radial direction, such that if the pushing member (40) approaches the carrier (36), the clamping element (42) can be pushed radially outward, and if the pushing member (40) moves away from the carrier (36), the clamping element (42) can be retracted.

12. The clamping device (18) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism (76) includes a helical member (64) that connects the carrier (36) and the pusher member (40) and extends generally along the axis of rotation (38) to selectively move the pusher member (40).

13. The clamping device (18) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The spiral member (64) can be approached from the end of the clamping device (18) opposite the cantilever end (72) of the carrier (36).

14. The clamping device (18) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The tool interface (70) of the helical member (64) is arranged along the rotation axis (38) in the axial portion (S) defined by the axial extension of the braking mechanism (78).

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