Improved system for unwinding roll

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system (1000) for unwinding a roll of material to be cut and assisting in feeding it into a cutting machine, the system (1000) comprising a plurality of devices (100), each device having: a support frame (F) comprising at least one support post (Fa) extending from a base element (B); support means (2s) on the support frame (F) for the roll (R) of material, said support frame (F) and said support means (2s) being configured to allow unwinding of the roll (R) in an unwinding direction (D); a reference device (4 ') configured to detect a tension state of the unwinding portion of the roll (R); and a movement system (11) configured to control the movement of the roll (R), both the rotational movement of unwinding / rewinding of the roll (R) in the unwinding direction (D) and the movement in a substantially transverse direction (T) with respect to the unwinding direction (D). The movement system (11) comprises: first movement means configured to displace the roll substantially in a transverse direction (T); and a second movement means configured to rotate the roll (R). The system (100) further comprises a control unit (C) configured to control the movement means (11) in order to unwind / rewind the roll (R) based on the detection of the reference means (4 '), and to control said movement means (11) in order to adjust the alignment state of the roll (R) in a transverse direction (T) with respect to the unwinding direction (D), in which the individual devices (100) are arranged in series one after the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for unwinding a roll, in particular comprising a device for allowing the unwinding of a roll of material to be cut and facilitating its subsequent feeding into a cutting machine equipped with a conveyor belt. The material to be cut may be, for example, synthetic leather, soft PVC, technical or synthetic materials, etc., and is generally a material suitable for mass production of various parts in the textile field (footwear, leather goods, car interiors, clothing, etc.). The following description is made with respect to this field of application, with the sole purpose of simplifying its exposition. Background Art

[0002] In the art, devices and equipment for automating and optimizing production processes are constantly being developed, reducing or eliminating the need for unnecessarily laborious and / or wasteful operations in terms of time and the number of operators involved, or in any case significantly simplifying these operations.

[0003] Firstly, there are cutting machines, in particular numerically controlled machines, capable of cutting sections of material in a fully automatic manner according to a predetermined cutting path, wherein the material is moved by a conveyor belt from a loading area to a cutting chamber and finally to a collection area. The material to be cut is first wound into a roll, which is then unwound to continue the cutting operation.

[0004] In many cases, it is desirable to unwind the roll and place the unwound portion directly on the conveyor of a machine of the type described above and to align the roll during unwinding. The alignment operation is essential for correct cutting, which is why it is desirable to have a system that assists and makes this preliminary step even more accurate.

[0005] It is also desirable to ensure that there is a portion of excess material between the roll and the conveyor belt, in particular to prevent the material from being placed in a state of over-tension / stretching as the conveyor belt advances.

[0006] For this purpose, there are specific unwinders (or unwinding machines) which are connected at the input to the aforementioned cutting machine, capable of producing and maintaining a bend (curve) in the material between the unwinder itself and the machine during the unwinding of the roll. However, it should be noted that many known unwinders have a very complex structure and do not allow them to be easily displaced and used, for example making the roll change steps or the association of the different rolls with each other complicated. Moreover, in many known solutions, the alignment step is either simply performed manually by an operator or implemented in an extremely laborious manner using very complex mechanics and control systems.

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a system for unwinding a reel having structural and functional characteristics so as to overcome the above-mentioned limitations and drawbacks associated with the prior art, in particular being efficient and at the same time having a simplified structure and operation. Summary of the invention

[0008] The solution of the invention is to provide a system for unwinding rolls of material to be cut, said system comprising a plurality of devices for unwinding the rolls, each of said devices comprising movement means for the rolls (in particular comprising a pair of motors), said movement means both unwinding the rolls and aligning them transversely, with very limited and minimal obstruction, and making it possible to easily relate the various devices with different rolls to each other so as to simply feed said rolls into the cutting machine; in this way, each device is a separate module connected in series with the other modules to feed the different rolls. The unwinding of the rolls is automatically controlled based on the position of a reference element (for example a dancer system) (although fine manual adjustments are still possible), while the transverse alignment can be controlled manually (for example by a joystick or any other manual control) or automatically by a suitable vision or detection system.

[0009] Based on the concept of this solution, the above technical problems are solved by a system for unwinding a roll of material to be cut and assisting in feeding it into a cutting machine, the system comprising a plurality of devices for unwinding the roll, each device comprising: a support frame, the support frame comprising at least one support column extending from a base element; a support device for the material roll on the support frame, the support frame and the support device being configured to allow the roll to be unwound in an unwinding direction; a reference device (including a reference element), the reference device being configured to detect the tension state of the unwound portion of the roll; and a motion system, the motion system being configured to control the movement of the roll, the movement being both a rotational movement of the roll unwinding / rewinding generally in the unwinding direction and a movement in a generally lateral direction relative to the unwinding direction, wherein the motion system comprises: a first motion The invention relates to a device, wherein the first movement means are configured to displace the roll substantially in a transverse direction; and a second movement means, the second movement means are configured to rotate the roll, the system further comprising a control unit (which may be a single common unit and / or may comprise a local unit for each device of the system), the control system being configured to automatically control the movement system of the device (in particular the second movement means) based on the detection performed by the reference device in order to unwind / rewind the roll, and to control the movement system (in particular the first movement means) in order to adjust the alignment of the roll in a transverse direction relative to the unwinding direction, wherein the movement system of the device is configured (configured) so that the device is unobstructed along the unwinding direction (corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the roll), and wherein the devices are arranged in series one after another in order to unwind a plurality of respective rolls. In particular, each device is unobstructed in a portion under the roll towards the ground, which is useful, for example, for the passage of material from other devices arranged in series. As mentioned, the individual devices are arranged in series one after another for unwinding a plurality of respective rolls, for example for forming a multi-layer mat to be cut.

[0010] More particularly, the present invention includes the following additional features, which may be used alone or in combination as desired.

[0011] These aspects are defined in the dependent claims 2-22, alone or in combination with each other.

[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, the first movement means may comprise a first motor cooperating with a displacement element driven by the first motor, and the second movement means may comprise a second motor configured to rotate the roll.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, a first motor and a shifting element may be operably coupled to each other, wherein the first motor is adapted to guide the movement of the shifting element generally in a transverse direction, and wherein the shifting element is configured to cause a corresponding displacement of the roll due to its movement, the first motor being controlled by a control unit in order to adjust the alignment of the roll.

[0014] According to an aspect of the invention, the second motor may be operatively coupled to a gear system adapted to be driven in rotation by the second motor and configured to rotate the roll, the second motor being controlled by the control unit in order to regulate the rotation of the roll. However, there may also be embodiments in which the second motor is in line with the roll and thus drives the roll in rotation without the need for gears but only by rotating its shaft.

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, the movement system of the roll may comprise a worm screw which is rotated by the first motor and is configured to cause the movement of the displacement element.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a gear system may include at least one first gear and at least one second gear.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the movement system may include a retaining element, which is configured to be at least partially inserted into the core of the roll and to rest against the free surface of the core of the roll, the retaining element being thereby configured to integrate the roll with the movement system, wherein the movement of the retaining element corresponds to the movement of the roll.

[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, the retaining element may be connected to the displacement element and may be configured to be displaced by the displacement element.

[0019] According to an aspect of the invention, the second gear wheel may be connected to the holding element such that a rotation of the second gear wheel causes a rotation of said holding element and thereby a corresponding rotation of the roll.

[0020] According to an aspect of the invention, the movement system, in particular the first motor and the second motor, can be arranged on said at least one supporting upright so that both act at only one of the two bases (sides) of the roll.

[0021] According to an aspect of the invention, the movement system may be a set of components connected directly or indirectly to each other and comprised in a housing, which may be associated with a supporting upright, for example being itself a supporting element for the roll.

[0022] According to different embodiments of the present invention, the motion device of the motion system may be configured and arranged in a manner different from that described above.

[0023] In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the first movement means can be arranged at the base element and the second movement means can be arranged at the at least one support column; this ensures very limited obstruction and ensures space for the portion of the roll from other equipment. In the case of two support columns, the second movement means is arranged only on one of the support columns, preferably close to the roll. According to one aspect of the invention, the first movement means may include a worm, the worm being configured to drive the at least one support column (or even two of them) in translational movement along a guide formed in the base element, and the second movement means may include a motor for rotating the roll. Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, the first movement means may be configured to allow the support frame to translate in a transverse direction, so that the support means of the roll moves integrally with the support frame in said transverse direction, and the second movement means may be configured to allow the roll to rotate. In this embodiment, the support means of the roll may include a recess formed in the support column, the recess being configured to receive the shaft supporting the roll.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the devices of the system may include a pair of supporting columns, the reference device includes a reference element in the form of a dancer system, the unwinding part of the roll is engaged with the dancer system, the dancer system is movably accommodated in appropriate guides formed in the supporting columns, the dancer system extends along a longitudinal axis that is generally orthogonal to the unwinding direction, the device (in particular the reference device) also includes a measuring device for measuring the position of the dancer system along the guide so as to detect the tension state of the roll based on the position of the dancer system, and wherein a control unit communicates with the measuring device and the movement device and is configured to control the movement device so as to operate a second movement device to unwind the roll if the position of the dancer system differs from the reference position corresponding to the optimal tension.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the reference device comprises a reference element in the form of a pivot element, with which the unwinding part of the roll is engaged, and the pivot element is directly or indirectly fastened to at least one of the supporting columns at a hinge point, and the device (in particular the reference device) also includes a measuring device for measuring the position of the reference element so as to detect the tensioning state of the roll based on the position of the reference element, wherein a control unit communicates with the measuring device and the movement device and is configured to control the movement device so as to operate the second movement device to unwind the roll if the position of the dancer system differs from the reference position corresponding to the optimal tensioning.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the system may include a vision system configured to acquire an image / video of the unwinding portion of the roll (e.g., engaged on a dancer system, but not necessarily) and to control the motion system (particularly the first motion device) based on the image / video.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vision system can be configured to acquire images / videos of unwound material from a roll and engaged with a reference element, wherein a control unit is configured to process the acquired images / videos and identify the alignment state of the unwound portion of the roll with reference to a surface of the reference element not engaged by the roll (e.g., one or both free ends thereof) and by distinguishing the surface of the roll from the free surface of the reference element (i.e., not engaged with the roll).

[0028] However, other elements may also be used to measure the alignment of the roll, such as one or more photoelectric cells.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the vision system (or the photocell mentioned above) can be common to all devices of the system. In other words, one vision system is sufficient for all devices, for example, located downstream, towards the cutting machine.

[0030] According to an aspect of the invention, the control unit may further comprise a command system having a manual command element and configured to generate control commands for the movement system of the roll based on a manual input of a user, the control commands being suitable for controlling the operation of the movement system.

[0031] According to an aspect of the invention, the manual command element may be, for example, a joystick operable by a user to control the movement of the movement system, or may be any other suitable manual command, such as a pad or a suitable button.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the system can be adapted to be associated with a cutting machine equipped with a conveyor belt on which the unwinding portion of the roll is adapted to be arranged. In this case, the movement of the conveyor belt causes the movement of the excess portion of the roll, thereby lifting the dancer system, thus automatically activating the unwinding of the roll, as described above.

[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, each device of the system may include association means for connecting with adjacent devices.

[0034] Characteristics and advantages of the system according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In these drawings:

[0036] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0038] - Figure 3A and 3B is a perspective view of a detail of a movement system for a roll according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 4A and 4B is a perspective view of further details of a roll movement system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus of a system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0043] - Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Side view of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] With reference to the drawings, a system for unwinding a roll of material to be cut according to the present invention is indicated overall and schematically by the reference numeral 1000 .

[0045] It is worth noting that these figures are only schematic diagrams and are not drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize the important features of the present invention. In addition, in these figures, different elements are depicted in a schematic manner, and their shapes vary depending on the desired application. It is also noted that the same reference numerals in these figures refer to elements with the same shape or function. Finally, specific features described for the embodiment shown in one figure may also be applicable to other embodiments shown in other figures.

[0046] Furthermore, it is noted that when the order of process steps is shown, they do not necessarily follow the order indicated, and the steps may be reversed unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0047] As will be described in detail below, the system 1000 includes a plurality of apparatuses for unwinding a roll, each of which is indicated herein by reference numeral 100. The following description will provide details of the apparatus 100, which will then be connected to at least another (identical) apparatus to form the system 1000. A single apparatus 100 will be described, but the other apparatuses have the same features.

[0048] The device 100 of the system 1000 allows, for example, unwinding a roll of material (indicated by reference R) on a conveyor belt of a cutting machine for the manufacture of various types of parts. It is therefore essentially an unwinder (or unwinding machine) that can be advantageously used to assist in feeding the material to be cut, wound in a roll, into the cutting machine.

[0049] The material to be cut can be, for example, synthetic leather, soft PVC, technical or synthetic materials, etc.; in general, these are materials suitable for mass production of parts in the textile field (footwear, leather goods, car interiors, clothing, etc.). Obviously, the invention is not limited to the above applications, and the system 1000 can also have many other applications. It should also be noted that in the present disclosure, the term "fabric" does not limit the material to be cut and can be considered a synonym for "material to be cut starting from a roll R".

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each device 100 of the system 1000 comprises a support structure or support frame (here indicated by reference numeral F), which is a load-bearing structure suitable for supporting its main components. In one embodiment, the support frame F is equipped with wheels 3 to allow the entire device 100 to be displaced on wheels, the wheels preferably having a locking system.

[0051] The supporting frame F comprises at least one supporting upright Fa, preferably two supporting uprights, which extend substantially vertically, in particular from the base element B.

[0052] Furthermore, there are support means 2s for the roll R on the support frame F. The support frame F and the support means 2s are thus configured to allow unwinding the roll R along an unwinding direction indicated in the figure by arrow D (which may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the unwound material).

[0053] The present invention is not limited to a specific construction and / or arrangement of the support frame F and its supporting means 2s, which generally refers to means for supporting the roll R on the support frame F in any suitable manner without further limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the support means 2s are arranged on the side of the roll R (i.e. near its base) and are suitable for supporting an axis (or rod, here indicated by the reference numeral A) around which the roll R to be cut is arranged. In this case, the roll R does not rest directly on the support frame F, but is supported by the axis A, which in turn is supported by the support means 2s arranged on the uprights Fa. It should be noted that, although Figure 1 A pair of side support devices 2s are shown, but a different number of support devices may be provided, for example a single side support device may be used on a single column, and different types of support devices may be provided as will be discussed below; in general, the support device 2s may be any suitable housing for the roll R, and in particular for its axis A, located in / on the support frame F.

[0055] The axis A can be inserted into the central passage of the roll R, more particularly into the tubular element around which the roll R is wound (here indicated as the core of the roll R), which thus represents the solid support around which the roll R to be cut is wound.

[0056] In addition, there is a control unit C, which is suitable for controlling and managing the device 100, such as generating automatic commands or receiving suitable manual commands. The control unit C is not limited to a specific configuration and / or arrangement and can be any computerized unit. In addition, the control unit can be a single unit, or can include multiple units, for example, to control several components. In particular, each device of the system 100 can include its control unit C, or the system 1000 can include a control unit C shared by all devices 100 (even in this case, each device can also have a local unit, for example, for receiving or sending signals). Therefore, in general, the system 1000 can include a control unit C, which can be a single unit and / or include local units for each device 100.

[0057] Space may also be provided, such as formed in the support frame F, preferably in the sides thereof, for accommodating control components of the device 100, or the components may be integrated into the movement means described below.

[0058] The apparatus 100 comprises a movement system (indicated as a whole by reference numeral 11) configured to control the movement of the reel R. Suitably, the controlled movement is both a rotational movement of the reel R (i.e. its unwinding / rewinding generally along an unwinding direction D) and a movement in a generally transverse direction relative to said unwinding direction D (indicated by reference numeral T).

[0059] According to the present invention, the motion system 11 includes: a first motion device, which is configured to displace the roll generally along the transverse direction T (for example, it includes an alignment device for aligning the roll R, and the alignment device is configured to finely adjust its transverse position); and a second motion device, which is configured to rotate the roll R.

[0060] In general, the movement system 11 is configured to define and adjust the position of the roll R arranged on the support means 2s and to control the rotation thereof. In general, the movement system 11 is configured so as to implement (control) the movement of the roll R.

[0061] More specifically, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the movement system 11 comprises a first motor 11a cooperating with a displacement element 11c guided transversely by the first motor and configured to displace the roll R in a substantially transverse direction T relative to the unwinding direction D. In this embodiment, there is also a second motor 11d configured to rotate the roll R in order to unwind / rewind it.

[0062] The motion system according to this particular embodiment is shown in a diagram representing the system Figure 3A-3B and Figure 4A-4B and a cross-section representing a portion of the device 100 Figure 5 Described in detail in .

[0063] As mentioned above, and now in the above Figure 3A-3B and Figure 4A-4B as well as Figure 5As described in detail in the figure, the movement system 11 comprises an alignment device for aligning the roll R, the alignment device being configured to finely adjust its transverse position. In particular, the above-mentioned alignment device comprises at least the following components: the above-mentioned first motor 11a, the worm 11b and the above-mentioned displacement element 11c, which are operatively connected to each other and configured to cause the roll R to be displaced, for example to adjust its position along the transverse direction T. The worm 11b is driven in rotation by the first motor 11a, for example through a transmission system including a belt. As will be described in detail below, the displacement element 11c is connected to one end of the worm 11b and is displaced by the worm during its rotation. In an embodiment, in order to perform the actual displacement of the roll R, there is a retaining element 11r for the roll R, the retaining element 11r being configured, for example, to be arranged around the axis A supporting the roll R and simultaneously resting on the inner surface of the roll R, in particular on the core of the roll R. As shown in the non-limiting example in the figure, the retaining element 11r, for example, comprises a body having a through hole for coupling with the axis A (wherein the diameter of the through hole substantially corresponds to the diameter of the axis A). The roll R is arranged around the axis A with a certain gap, and the retaining element 11r is fastened to the axis A on the one hand (for example, by being slidably inserted around the axis or fastened to the axis in any other suitable manner), and on the other hand it is in contact with the inside of the roll R (for example, the retaining element rests on the core of the roll R, that is, it mechanically contacts the core), so that it is held fast to the core by mechanical interference; in this way, the retaining element 11r becomes integral with the roll R, and the movement of the retaining element 11r causes a corresponding movement of the roll R.

[0064] In one embodiment, the retaining element 11r can be integrally formed with the shaft A and thus it can be configured to form a protruding portion (e.g., a conical portion) of the shaft A and be configured to rest on the core of the roll R as shown above and integrate the roll R with the movement system 11.

[0065] As described above, in one embodiment, the retaining element 11r has a conical portion, also called a "dragging cone", wherein the tapered portion of the cone is inserted into the core of the roll R to perform mechanical interference, but it should be noted that the retaining element 11r is not limited to a specific shape.

[0066] As indicated above, in one embodiment, the first motor 11a is configured to move the worm 11b, which is connected to the displacement element 11c (the displacement element may be shaped, for example, as a plate connected to the worm 11b at one point (e.g., at the lower end)) and causes displacement of the worm, in particular translation in a direction substantially orthogonal to the unwinding direction D of the roll R. The displacement element 11c is connected to the retaining element 11r (e.g., the displacement element may be shaped to accommodate a portion of the retaining element 11r or more generally coupled to the retaining element), and causes displacement of the retaining element 11r and thus of the roll R due to its movement.

[0067] In this way, in an exemplary embodiment, the face of the retaining element 11r (eg, the base of the cone) is in direct contact with the face of the displacement element 11c (eg, the face of the plate). Obviously, this configuration does not limit the scope of the invention, and other configurations are also possible.

[0068] Essentially, the first motor 11a and the displacement element 11c are operatively coupled to each other, wherein the first motor 11a is adapted to guide the movement of the displacement element 11c generally in the direction T, wherein the displacement element 11c is configured to cause a corresponding displacement / movement of the roll R due to its movement. In this way, suitably, a single motor provides the translation of the roll R. Still more particularly, in an embodiment, a worm 11b is provided, which is driven in rotation by the first motor 11a and is configured to displace / move the displacement element 11c. Thus, the first motor 11a allows the roll R to be translated, thereby achieving a fine alignment of the material.

[0069] In this embodiment, the movement system 11 further comprises a second motor 11d operatively coupled to a gear system adapted to be rotated by the second motor 11d and configured to cause a controlled rotation of the roll R in order to control its unwinding and / or rewinding.

[0070] More specifically, the gear system includes a first gear 11e and a second gear 11f. The first gear 11e, referred to as the "conductor", is rotated by a rotating shaft 11h, which in turn is rotated by a second motor 11d. Conversely, the second gear 11f, referred to as the "conducted body", is connected to a retaining element 11r so that its rotation causes the rotation of the retaining element 11r and thus causes a corresponding rotation of the roll R.

[0071] For example, the retaining element 11r can be shaped to include a portion inserted into a through hole of the second gear 11f so as to be directly fastened to the second gear; in this way, the rotation of the second gear 11f corresponds to the rotation of the retaining element 11r and thus to the rotation of the roll R.

[0072] Essentially, the second motor 11d is thus operatively coupled to a gear system, wherein a gear is adapted to be rotated by said second motor 11d and configured to cause the rotation of the reel R. Still more particularly, the above-mentioned gear system comprises at least one first gear 11e and at least one second gear 11f.

[0073] The apparatus 100 further comprises a reference device 4 ′ configured to detect and possibly maintain a tensioned (or stretched) state / condition of the unwound portion of the roll R. The reference device may comprise a reference element 4 (e.g. a motorized dancer system or any other object to which a portion of the roll may be engaged) and a measuring device for measuring the position of the reference element 4 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the reference element 4 is a dancer system (still indicated by reference numeral 4) movably housed in suitable guides G formed in the support upright Fa. The dancer system 4 is not limited to a particular shape or size and, in general, it extends along a longitudinal axis HH substantially orthogonal to the unwinding direction D. In other embodiments, the reference element 4 can also be a pivoting element, which is directly or indirectly fastened to the support frame F at one or more hinge points (also in this case, the same considerations as previously described for the dancer system apply).

[0075] As shown, there are measuring means for measuring the position of the dancer system 4 along the guide G in order to detect the tension state of the roll R based on said position (position relative to the vertical axis); in particular, the control unit C communicates with said measuring means and said motion system 11 and is configured to control said motion system in order to operate the second motion means (for example, the second motor 11 of the above example) to unwind the roll R if the position of the dancer system 4 along the guide G differs from the reference position corresponding to the optimal tension. The reference position may be, for example, the lower end-of-stroke position, i.e. the position closest to the ground on which the device 100 rests. The measuring means may, for example, comprise a suitable photocell configured to detect the presence of the dancer system in the end-of-stroke position, but the invention is not limited thereto and other solutions may be adopted (for example, another type of sensor may be adopted and / or an encoder may be present, which is useful when a pivoting reference element is used, or a different arrangement of photocells may be present, etc.). In the context of the invention, the assembly comprising the reference element 4 and the measuring means forms the reference device 4'.

[0076] Obviously, other embodiments may also be provided in which the reference element 4 has a different configuration and in which there is no dancer system or any other motorized element, for example in which the reference element is simply a suitable sensor configured to measure the height of the unwinding portion of the roll R relative to the ground (so that, in this case, the reference device only comprises the above-mentioned sensor), even if the above-mentioned embodiment in which there is a motorized dancer system is a preferred embodiment.

[0077] In general, the purpose of the reference element 4 is to define a containment area for the unwound portion of the roll arranged between the roll itself and the conveyor belt of the cutting machine, thereby always ensuring that the excess part of the roll is not in tension / stretching, but generally forms a bend so as to reduce the tension of the material subjected to cutting.

[0078] Therefore, the control unit C is configured to automatically control the movement system 11 (in particular the second movement device) based on the detection of the reference element 4 (in particular, in a preferred embodiment, based on the position of the dancer system), for example to command the activation of the second motor 11d (or in general, the motor of the second movement device) in order to unwind the roll R when the dancer system 4 is not in the reference position (for example, when it is in a raised position relative to the end position of the stroke, which indicates that the tension of the material is large and has caused the lifting of the dancer system, for example due to the movement of the conveyor belt of the cutting machine); therefore, the rotation of the roll R allows the dancer system to be brought back to the reference position, in which there is an appropriate bend between the system 1000 and the conveyor belt of the machine associated with it.

[0079] However, the functions of the control unit C do not stop there, it is also configured to control the movement means 11, in particular the first movement means (for example the first motor 11a), so as to adjust the alignment of the roll R. Indeed, during unwinding, wrinkles or surface defects may be formed, which will be repaired by the alignment procedure of the roll R. In order to align the material to be cut and make it more suitable for cutting, the control unit C is therefore able to perform the alignment of the roll R. In this case, the control can be performed manually by an operator or automatically.

[0080] With regard to manual control, the system 1000 comprises a command system, here indicated by reference numeral 20, comprising at least one manual command element 21, configured to generate a control command indicated by reference mark Cmd for the motion system 11 of the roll R based on a manual input of a user (e.g. based on a movement applied by the user). Thus, suitably, the control command Cmd generated by the movement of the manual command element 21 is suitable for controlling the movement of the motion system 11, so that the motion system can be driven based on the control command Cmd given by the user. Therefore, the command system 20 is part of the control unit C and can be regarded as its operating part. Also in this case, the command system can be shared by all devices 100 of the system 1000, and / or each device has a command system.

[0081] In one embodiment, the manual command element 21 of the command system 20 is a joystick (or control lever) operable by a user to control the adjustment movement of the motion system 11 .

[0082] The first motion device (e.g., the first motor 11a) and the second motion device (e.g., the second motor 11d) are adapted to receive the control command Cmd generated by the manual command element 21 of the command system 20, and can be driven based on the control command Cmd. The first motion device can further operate according to the movement of the manual command element 21 (e.g., on the right and / or left side, for example, transverse to the unwinding direction of the roll), thereby causing a corresponding movement of the roll R (e.g., on the right and / or left side, for example, transverse to the unwinding direction of the roll, wherein the terms "right" and "left" are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but rather indicate a movement in a direction generally transverse to the unwinding direction of the roll and having a specific orientation). Similarly, the second motion device can further move according to the movement of the manual command element 21 (e.g., forward or backward), thereby correspondingly unwinding / rewinding the roll R.

[0083] In other words, the first motion device (e.g., the first motor 11a) is configured to receive the control command Cmd generated by the manual command element 21 of the command system 20 and can be driven based on the control command Cmd, and the second motion device (e.g., the second motor 11d) is configured to receive the control command Cmd (e.g., a different type of command) generated by the manual command element 21 of the command system 20 and can be driven based on the control command Cmd. More generally, the motion devices (e.g., motorized devices) of the motion system 11 are therefore configured to receive the control command Cmd generated by the manual command element 21 of the command system 20 and can be driven based on the control command Cmd.

[0084] In this way, defects of the unwound material can be effectively repaired / adjusted by simple commands given by the joystick 21.

[0085] In one embodiment, the command Cmd from the command system 20 is sent directly to the motion device (e.g., a motor); alternatively, the command may be sent via an appropriate control system connected to the motion device (e.g., a motor), which will provide it with movement for fine alignment of the roll; even in this case, the present invention is not limited to a specific configuration and other suitable control systems may be implemented.

[0086] In general, being able to control the lateral movement of the motion system 11 by means of the command system 20 of the control unit C is advantageous since it allows a single operator to align the material to be cut in a simple and effective manner, thereby eliminating undesirable wrinkles by simple movements of the joystick 21, as well as unwinding and / or rewinding the roll as required.

[0087] In an embodiment, the command system 20 comprises a body 20' adapted to be coupled to, for example, a cutting machine, or in general, to any other suitable component. The body 20' of the command system 20 is preferably box-shaped, but other shapes and configurations are obviously possible and fall within the scope of the invention.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system 1000 further comprises a vision system 30 configured to acquire an image of the unwinding portion of the roll R engaged with the dancer system (i.e. the portion sliding on said dancer system). In this case, the control unit C is configured to process the acquired image and to identify the alignment state / condition of the unwinding portion of the roll R by distinguishing the surface of the roll and the surface of the dancer system (e.g. distinguishing the different colors of these two components) with reference to the dancer system 4 (in particular its surface), in particular its longitudinal axis HH, so as to verify the alignment state based on the relative position of the roll on the dancer system 4. Since the material of the roll has a different color from the dancer system 4, based on the image acquired from the vision system 30, the control unit C is configured to distinguish the different colors or tones and determine the portion of the dancer system that is not engaged with the roll at one end (or both ends) of said dancer system (e.g. by comparing with a reference value), said determination thus providing information about the alignment.

[0089] The control unit C then uses this information about the state of alignment to carry out an automatic alignment of the rolls, acting on the movement means of the movement system 1 .

[0090] It should be noted that the vision system is not limited to a particular type; in general, it may include a camera / video camera suitable for the purpose.

[0091] It will be apparent that, in its general form, the apparatus 100 may include both manual and automatic alignment possibilities.

[0092] Furthermore, the vision system 30 does not necessarily have to record the dancer system 4, but in other embodiments it can also acquire an image of the material unwinding on the conveyor; importantly, by means of a control unit (automatic or manual), the material can be aligned. The embodiment of the figure is advantageous in the case of a number of devices 100 arranged in series, as will be described below.

[0093] It can also be found that the present invention is not limited to the visual system 30, and other systems for detecting the alignment status of the roll can also be used, such as one or more photoelectric tubes, to provide information on the alignment status of the roll R, and then the control unit C uses this information to automatically align, thereby acting on the motion device of the motion system 1.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the kinematic system 11 is arranged at one of the support uprights Fa so as to act on one of the two bases (sides) of the roll R. In this way, the kinematic system 11 is configured so that each device 100 is unhindered along the entire longitudinal extension H'-H' of the roll R, preferably by acting on only one of the two sides of the roll. In other words, in an embodiment, the first motor 11a and the second motor 11b are arranged at said at least one support upright Fa so that they act on only one of the two bases of the roll R. In this example, the kinematic system 11 can thus be considered as a connected set of components comprised in a housing Cs connected to the supporting frame F. In particular, the set of components is associated with a support upright Fa, for example itself a supporting device 2s of the roll R.

[0095] Overall, due to the simplicity of the motion system 11, encumbrance is significantly reduced, thereby also reducing the weight and cost of each device 100.

[0096] Due to the connection with the support column Fa, the motion system 11 can also be used to support the roll R, which is directly connected to the motion system 11. Obviously, the above configuration is only an exemplary embodiment and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The motion system 11 can be associated with the roll in any other suitable way.

[0097] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 As shown, the support frame F of the device 100 is slightly different and the movement means of the movement system 11 are also arranged in a different way.

[0098] In this embodiment, the support frame F includes two support posts Fa extending vertically from the base element B, thereby defining a U-shaped structure. In any case, the device 100 is not limited to a particular shape, and other configurations are possible, for example, including only one post in an L configuration.

[0099] It can be seen that all features disclosed above in relation to the control of the reference device and the motion system 11 are also applicable to this embodiment.

[0100] As for the aforementioned embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises movement means configured to move the rolls at the command of an operator, or to move the rolls automatically. In particular, in this embodiment, the movement means moves the support frame F or the rolls R, as the case may be.

[0101] In particular, in this embodiment, the first movement means (now indicated as 11 ′) are arranged at the base element B and the second movement means (now indicated as 11 ″) are arranged at the support uprights Fa, in particular at one of the support uprights.

[0102] As for the aforementioned embodiment, the mechanical structure is very simple, the kinematic system 11 being configured so that each device 100 is unhindered along the entire longitudinal extension H′-H′ of the roll R. Overall, due to the simplicity of the kinematic system 11 , the obstructions are significantly reduced, thus reducing the weight and the cost of each device 100 , allowing several devices 100 to be easily associated so as to form a system 1000 .

[0103] For example, the first movement means comprise a worm configured to drive the at least one support upright Fa in translation along a guide formed in the base element B, while the second movement means comprise a motor for rotating the reel R, for example embedded in the support upright.

[0104] In this way, the first motion means are configured to allow the support frame F to translate in the transverse direction T so that the support means 2s of the roll R move integrally with said support frame F in said transverse direction T, while the second motion means are configured to allow the roll R to rotate. The control of the motion means may be exactly the same as disclosed above for the previous embodiment.

[0105] In this embodiment, preferably, the support device 2s of the roll R also includes a recess 2sr formed in the support column Fa and configured to receive the shaft A (particularly one end thereof) supporting the roll R. Therefore, the shaft A can be simply inserted into the recess 2sr of the support column Fa. If there is another column, the other column can have a housing suitable for the other end of the shaft A. This is useful for receiving shafts from other machines (for example, a machine supporting multiple shafts).

[0106] In any case, as previously mentioned, the support means 2s may have any shape and they may simply take the form of supports formed on a column to support the axis A, such as Figure 6 As shown, it includes two schemes.

[0107] Further, in this case, a photoelectric tube 4f is used instead of the visual system 30 to detect the alignment of the roll R, but the principle is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0108] In general, all general teachings regarding the control of the device 100 also apply to Figure 6 An embodiment of the invention which ensures efficient movement of the roll and ensures greatly reduced obstruction.

[0109] So far, a single device 100 among the plurality of devices has been described.

[0110] As described above, according to the present invention, advantageously, the above-described configurations of the moving device 11, due to their simple configuration and almost without hindrance, allow the individual devices 100 to be combined with one another so as to obtain a system 1000 comprising a plurality of devices 100 of the above-described type, which are arranged in series one after another for unwinding a plurality of corresponding rolls supported by them (for example, to form a plurality of layers of material on a conveyor belt of a cutting machine).

[0111] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, each device 100 can therefore be considered as an independent module connectable to other modules, said devices following one after the other along the unwinding direction D of the respective roll.

[0112] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, five devices are shown, four of which carry respective rolls R, but any other suitable number may be used; in this embodiment, the roll R of one device 100 engages with the reference element 4 of the following device (that is why the downstream device (i.e. the device furthest to the right according to the figure) does not carry any roll), and the vision system 30 (or any other suitable detection system, which may be shared, as described in detail below) is preferably arranged at this downstream device. This configuration is advantageous; however, it does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0113] Each device 100 comprises its own coupling means 40 (or connection means) for connecting to an adjacent device. For example, the coupling means 40 may comprise a guide or a recess configured to receive a protrusion or an engagement element of another device, so as to obtain the desired connection (although a screw and bolt system may also be provided). It should be noted that this is not necessarily a fixed connection between the various devices 100, and generally the shapes of their various parts are sufficient to allow a simple interpenetration between them.

[0114] As mentioned above, it should be noted that even in this case, a single common visual system 30 (or common phototube) can be provided, which, as previously explained, is common to each of the dancer systems 4 (and more generally the reference elements) of the devices of system 1000.

[0115] Obviously, the possibility is also provided of a detection system for each device, for example one or more photocells connected to the control unit C for each device 100 .

[0116] In the case of a common vision system 30, in order to achieve visibility of the dancer system of the device furthest from the vision system 30, the movement of the inserted dancer systems (i.e. the inserted devices) can be appropriately controlled (e.g., fully raised) so that the various movements are appropriately synchronized. In other words, in order to see the furthest dancer system, the inserted dancer system is raised, for example by rewinding the associated roll; all of this can be done in an automatic alignment cycle, in which the camera is placed on the last device at an appropriate height (e.g., in the middle).

[0117] Therefore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit C is thus configured to perform an automatic alignment cycle in which the intermediate reference element 4 located between the vision system 30 and the reference element to be detected is raised by rewinding the roll that engages with it (i.e. by operating the second movement device); once the image has been acquired, the alignment can be performed and the reference element 4 is brought back to the working position.

[0118] If each device has a photocell, the alignment cycle can be completed without lifting the dancer system.

[0119] As mentioned before, the control unit may have common units for all devices of the system.

[0120] The common vision system 30 may be arranged downstream of the devices in series, ie, between the devices and the cutting machine, for example, the common vision system may be connected to the rear device located downstream (ie, the rightmost device).

[0121] The system 1000 is very advantageous because it is possible to obtain a system for unwinding / winding many rolls (e.g., four or more rolls) in a simple, but extremely efficient manner, which is very useful, for example, for cutting multiple layers. The obstruction of the movement means of each device is greatly reduced, and the material of the roll can pass under the roll of the following device and then form a multi-layer mat on the cutting machine associated with the system 1000. In the example in the figure, the material of the upstream device is located at a lower position, and then in the other devices, it slowly rises to the upstream device (which can also potentially act as a transmission element). As mentioned before, the last device (the device closest to the cutting machine) can not support the roll, but only use its reference element (because the reference element of the device is used to engage with the roll of the previous device).

[0122] In conclusion, the present invention thus brilliantly solves the technical problem by providing the above-mentioned system and solving all the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0123] Advantageously, according to the invention, the obstruction is greatly reduced due to the simplicity of the movement system and the small space occupied, thereby obtaining a light, easily movable and economical device. It is also easy to create a system having a series of devices carrying different rolls and connected to each other, which can be automatically aligned using a single camera.

[0124] The configuration of several devices arranged in series is innovative, wherein material from the previous device is transferred to a reference element of the next device (e.g., a dancer system) and then to the last device (i.e., the downstream device closest to the cutting machine), which is used only to support all parts of each roll.

[0125] The movement of the roll can also be easily controlled by means of a joystick commanding suitable movement means, in order to eliminate undesirable wrinkles in the material to be cut even manually and to obtain a more precise and regular cut.

[0126] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make several changes and modifications to the above system in order to meet specific needs and specifications, all of which are included in the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (1000) for unwinding a roll of material to be cut and assisting its feeding into a cutting machine, the system (1000) comprising a plurality of devices (100) for unwinding the roll, each device (100) comprising: - a supporting frame (F) comprising at least one supporting upright (Fa) extending from the base element (B); - supporting means (2s) for the material roll (R) on the supporting frame (F), the supporting frame (F) and the supporting means (2s) being configured to allow unwinding of the roll (R) in an unwinding direction (D); - reference means (4') configured to detect the tension state of the unwinding portion of the roll (R); and a movement system (11) configured to control the movement of the roll (R), said movement being both a rotational movement of the roll (R) unwinding / rewinding substantially along said unwinding direction (D) and a movement in a substantially transverse direction (T) relative to said unwinding direction (D), wherein said movement system (11) comprises: - first movement means configured to displace said roll substantially in said transverse direction (T); and - second movement means configured to set said roll (R) in rotation, The system (1000) further comprises a control unit (C), wherein the control unit is configured to: - controlling the movement system (11) of the device (100) in order to unwind / rewind the roll (R) based on the detection performed by the reference device (4'); and - controlling the movement system (11) so as to adjust the alignment of the roll (R) in the transverse direction (T) relative to the unwinding direction (D), wherein the motion system (11) of the device (100) is configured such that the device (100) is unhindered along the unwinding direction (D), and Therein, the devices (100) are arranged in series one after another in order to unwind a plurality of corresponding rolls (R).

2. The system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein: The first movement means comprise a first motor (11a) cooperating with a displacement element (11c) driven by the first motor (11a), and wherein the second movement means comprise a second motor (11b) configured to rotate the roll.

3. The system (1000) of claim 2, wherein: The first motor (11a) and the displacement element (11c) are operatively coupled to each other, wherein the first motor (11a) is adapted to guide the displacement element (11c) to move substantially in the transverse direction (T), and wherein the displacement element (11c) is configured to cause a corresponding displacement of the roll (R) due to its movement, the first motor (11a) being controlled by the control unit (C) in order to adjust the alignment of the roll (R), and The second motor (11d) is operably connected to a gear system, the gear system is suitable for being driven for rotation by the second motor (11d) and is configured to rotate the roll (R), and the second motor (11d) is controlled by the control unit (C) to adjust the rotation of the roll (R).

4. The system (1000) according to claim 3, wherein: The movement system (11) of the reel (R) comprises a worm (11b) which is driven in rotation by the first motor (11a) and is configured to cause the movement of the displacement element (11c).

5. The system (1000) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The gear system comprises at least one first gear (11e) and at least one second gear (11f).

6. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The movement system (11) comprises a retaining element (11r) configured to be at least partially inserted into the core of the roll (R) and to rest against a free surface of the core of the roll (R), the retaining element (11r) being thereby configured to make the roll (R) integral with the movement system (11), and wherein the movement of the retaining element (11r) corresponds to the movement of the roll (R).

7. The system (1000) according to claim 6, wherein: The retaining element (11r) is connected to the displacement element (11c) and is configured to be displaced by the displacement element.

8. The system (1000) according to claim 5 and 6, wherein: The second gear (11f) is connected to the holding element (11r) such that a rotation of the second gear causes a rotation of the holding element (11r) and thus a corresponding rotation of the reel (R).

9. The system (1000) of claim 2, wherein: The first motor (11a) and the second motor (11b) are arranged at the at least one supporting upright (Fa) so as to both act on one of the two bases of the roll (R).

10. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The kinematic system (11) is a set of components included in a housing (Cs) associated with the support upright (Fa), for example the support means (2s) itself of the reel (R).

11. The system (1000) of claim 1, wherein: The first movement means are arranged at the base element (B), and wherein the second movement means are arranged at the at least one supporting column (Fa).

12. The system (1000) of claim 11, wherein: The first movement means comprise a worm screw configured to drive the at least one support upright (Fa) in translation along a guide formed in the base element (B), and wherein the second movement means comprise a motor for rotating the roll (R).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The first motion device is configured to allow the support frame (F) to translate along the transverse direction (T), so that the support device (2s) of the roll (R) moves along the transverse direction (T) integrally with the support frame (F), and wherein the second motion device is configured to allow the roll (R) to rotate.

14. The system (1000) of claim 1, wherein: The supporting means (2s) of the roll (R) comprise a recess (2sr) formed in the supporting upright (Fa) and configured to receive an axle (A) supporting the roll (R).

15. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one device (100) comprises a pair of supporting columns (Fa), wherein the reference device (4') comprises a reference element (4), the reference element being in the form of a dancer system, the unwinding portion of the roll (R) being engaged with the dancer system, the dancer system being movably accommodated in a guide (G) formed in the supporting column (Fa), the dancer system (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (HH) substantially orthogonal to the unwinding direction (D), the reference device (4') further comprising a measuring device for measuring the position of the dancer system (4) along the guide (G) so as to detect the tensioning state of the roll (R) based on the position of the dancer system (4), and wherein the control unit (C) communicates with the measuring device and the motion system (11) and is configured to control the motion system so as to operate the second motion device to unwind the roll (R) when the position of the dancer system (4) is different from the reference position corresponding to the optimal tension.

16. The system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The reference device (4') includes a pivoting reference element (4), the unwinding part of the roll (R) is engaged with the pivoting reference element, and the pivoting reference element is directly or indirectly fastened to at least one of the supporting columns (Fa) at a hinge point. The reference device (4') also includes a measuring device for measuring the position of the reference element (4) so ​​as to detect the tensioning state of the roll (R) based on the position of the reference element (4), and wherein the control unit (C) communicates with the measuring device and the movement system (11) and is configured to control the movement system so as to operate the second movement device to unwind the roll (R) when the position of the reference element (4) is different from the reference position corresponding to the optimal tension.

17. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The system comprises a vision system (30) configured to acquire an image / video of an unwinding portion of the roll (R) and to control the motion system (11) based on the image / video.

18. The system (1000) according to claims 15 and 17 or according to claims 16 and 17, wherein: The vision system (30) is configured to acquire an image / video of the material unwound from the roll (R) and engaged with the reference element (4), wherein the control unit (C) is configured to process the acquired image / video and detect the alignment state of the unwound portion of the roll (R) by taking the surface of the reference element (4) not engaged by the roll (R) as a reference and by distinguishing the surface of the roll from the surface of the reference element (4).

19. The system (1000) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The visual system (30) is common to all devices (100) of the system (1000).

20. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit (C) also includes a command system (20), which has a manual command element (21) and is configured to generate a control command (Cmd) for the motion system (11) of the roll (R) based on a user's manual input, and the control command (Cmd) is suitable for controlling the operation of the motion system (11).

21. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The system is suitable for being associated with a cutting machine equipped with a conveyor belt on which the unwound portion of the roll is suitable for being arranged.

22. The system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each device (100) comprises association means (40) for connecting to adjacent devices.

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