Equipment and methods for removing debris from rollers

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for removing debris from a roller (3). The apparatus includes: a roller (3) configured to rotate about a roller axis (5), the roller (3) including a circumferential surface (7); and a brush (9) coupled to an actuator (13). The actuator (13) is configured to move the brush (9) to engage with the circumferential surface (7) of the roller (3) so that debris is removed from the circumferential surface (7) as the roller (3) rotates about the roller axis (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing debris from rollers, such as heat-sealed rollers. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention may relate to an apparatus and method for removing debris from a pair of opposing rollers, such as a pair of heat-sealed rollers. Background Technology

[0002] Rollers, such as those used in production lines—e.g., heat-sealing rollers, embossing rollers, or similar rollers—can accumulate debris on their circumferential surfaces over time. For example, heat-sealing rollers (such as those used to form fleece bags, for instance, in the manufacture of nicotine bags) may accumulate debris such as strands or ends of fleece material that are caught or tangled on their circumferential surfaces. This can affect the heat-sealing performance of the roller and may result in a higher scrap rate for the bags. Currently, removing this debris requires stopping the production line, as the debris must be manually removed by operators. This is time-consuming, costly, and also poses greater safety risks to operators.

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially alleviate the problems associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for removing debris from a roller is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises: A roller, configured to rotate about a roller axis, the roller including a circumferential surface; and A brush is coupled to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the brush to engage with the circumferential surface of the roller so that debris is removed from the circumferential surface as the roller rotates about its axis.

[0005] Alternatively, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0006] Alternatively, the actuator is a rotary actuator (e.g., a motor).

[0007] Alternatively, the actuator is an electric actuator.

[0008] Alternatively, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator.

[0009] Optionally, the device may also include a pneumatic regulator configured to control the actuator (e.g., control the speed of the actuator).

[0010] Optionally, the device includes a manual control switch configured to manually actuate the actuators.

[0011] Optionally, the device also includes an adjuster for adjusting the range of motion of the brush.

[0012] Optionally, the regulator includes a stroke length regulator for adjusting the stroke length of the linear actuator.

[0013] Optionally, the regulator includes an arc length regulator for adjusting the arc length of the rotary actuator.

[0014] Optionally, the device also includes a brush mount, wherein the brush is mounted to the brush mount.

[0015] Optionally, the brush is slidably mounted to a brush mount, and wherein a biasing element (e.g., a spring) is configured to resist sliding movement of the brush relative to the brush mount, for example, when the brush moves to engage with the roller.

[0016] Optionally, the actuator is operatively coupled to the actuator mount, wherein the brush mount is slidably coupled to the actuator mount via a guide configured to slide along a guide rail.

[0017] Optionally, the regulator includes an adjustable stop.

[0018] Optionally, the stop is arranged as an adjacent sliding member or guide rail to limit the range of motion of the actuator.

[0019] Optionally, the adjustable stop includes a rotatably adjustable cam arranged to adjust the stroke length of the linear actuator as the adjustable cam rotates.

[0020] Optionally, the device is automated and also includes a controller configured (e.g., automatically) to actuate the actuator to move the brush into contact with the circumferential surface of the roller. Optionally, the controller is configured to communicate with a detection system configured to determine when cleaning of the roller is required; for example, the controller may be configured to communicate with a quality control system, causing the controller to actuate the actuator according to the quality control system. Optionally, the controller may include a pneumatic control switch.

[0021] Optionally, the device further includes a debris collector configured to collect (and optionally aspirate) debris removed from the first roller, wherein the debris collector includes an orifice configured to receive debris removed from the first roller, and wherein the debris collector is operatively coupled to a vacuum source for removing debris from the debris collector.

[0022] Optionally, the roller is a first roller and includes a first roller axis, the first roller being configured to rotate about the first roller axis, and wherein the device includes a second roller configured to rotate about a second roller axis, and wherein the second roller includes a circumferential surface, wherein the first roller and the second roller are generally opposite to each other and spaced apart substantially perpendicular to one or both of the first roller axis and the second roller axis, wherein the device further includes a second brush coupled to a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to move the second brush to engage with the circumferential surface of the second roller to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller as the second roller rotates.

[0023] Optionally, the first actuator and / or the second actuator is a linear actuator or a rotary actuator (e.g., a motor).

[0024] Optionally, the first actuator and / or the second actuator are electric actuators.

[0025] Optionally, the first actuator and / or the second actuator are pneumatic actuators.

[0026] Optionally, the first and second rollers together form part of a rotary heat sealer.

[0027] Optionally, the apparatus further includes a debris collector configured to collect (and optionally aspirate) debris removed from at least one of the first and second rollers, wherein the debris collector includes an orifice configured to receive debris removed from at least one of the first and second rollers, wherein the debris collector is operatively coupled to a vacuum source for removing debris from the debris collector, and wherein the orifice is arranged in a path substantially tangent to at least one of the first and second rollers, and optionally, the path is substantially tangent to both the first and second rollers.

[0028] Optionally, the controller is configured to move the first brush and the second brush (e.g., simultaneously) to engage with the first roller and the second roller, respectively.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for (e.g., automatically) removing debris from a roller, wherein the method comprises: An actuator is actuated via a controller to move a brush operatively coupled to the actuator to engage with the circumferential surface of the roller; and Rotate the roller around its axis to allow the brush to remove debris from the roller's circumferential surface.

[0030] Alternatively, the actuator may be automatically actuated via a controller.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes collecting debris removed from the circumferential surface via a debris collector, wherein the debris collector includes an orifice configured to receive the removed debris, and optionally, wherein the debris collector is operatively coupled to a vacuum source for removing debris from the debris collector.

[0032] Optionally, the actuator is a first actuator, wherein the brush is a first brush, and wherein the roller is a first roller having a first roller axis, the first roller being configured to rotate about the first roller axis, and wherein the method further includes the step of: actuating a second actuator via a controller (e.g., automatically) to move a second brush operatively coupled to the second actuator to engage a circumferential surface of a second roller having a second roller axis, the second roller being configured to rotate about the second roller axis to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller as the second roller rotates, and wherein the first roller and the second roller are arranged generally opposite to each other and spaced apart substantially perpendicular to one or both of the first roller axis and the second roller axis.

[0033] Optionally, the controller is configured to move the first brush and the second brush to engage simultaneously with the first roller and the second roller, respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a device for removing debris from a roller according to the present invention, showing two brushes, each separated from its respective roller; and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of the implementation shows two brushes engaging with their respective rollers to remove debris from each roller. Detailed Implementation

[0035] refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for removing debris from rollers according to the invention. The apparatus 1 includes a first roller 3 and a second roller 45, each roller including a corresponding circumferential surface 7, 49, and each roller configured to rotate about a corresponding roller axis 5, 47. The first roller 3 and the second roller 45 are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to their roller axes 5, 47 to define a feed path 50 extending in a direction substantially tangential to the circumferential surfaces 7, 49 of both the first roller 3 and the second roller 45. Although the circumferential surfaces 7, 49 of each roller are referred to as circumferential surfaces, this does not mean that the circumferential surfaces 7, 49 must define a circular cross-section; rather, they may alternatively define any suitable cross-sectional shape and may include features such as protrusions, recesses, heat-sealing frames, etc. Therefore, the circumferential surfaces 7, 49 of each roller 3, 45 may alternatively be referred to as peripheral surfaces or roller surfaces.

[0036] A first brush 9 (which includes bristles 9, in this embodiment, the bristles are made of stainless steel) is mounted to a brush mount 27 by a biasing element 29 (such as a spring 29). In some embodiments, the first brush 9 may be slidably mounted to the first brush mount 27, and the biasing element 29 may resist sliding movement of the first brush 9 relative to the first brush mount 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 29 biases the first brush 9 away from the first brush mount 27 and towards the first roller 3.

[0037] The brush mount 27 is slidably mounted to the actuator mount 31 via a guide 33 (which is a pin in this embodiment) configured to slide along a guide rail 35, which is a groove 35 in the actuator mount 31. Therefore, the brush mount 27 is configured to slide toward the first roller 3 so that the brush 9 moves to engage with the circumferential surface 7 of the first roller 3.

[0038] Actuator 13 is operatively coupled to actuator mount 27 and brush mount 27 so that brush mount 27 slides relative to actuator mount 31 when actuator 13 is actuated. In this embodiment, actuator 13 is a linear actuator, and specifically, it is a pneumatic linear actuator, but it may alternatively be a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, or any other suitable actuator of this kind. Pneumatic regulator 60 is coupled to actuator 13 and can be configured to control the speed of actuator 13.

[0039] Actuator 13 can be actuated by a manual switch or a controller. In embodiments where actuator 13 is actuated by a controller, the controller can be configured to automatically actuate actuator 13 to move brush 9 to engage with the circumferential surface 7 of roller 3. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to communicate with a detection system configured to determine when cleaning of roller 3 is required; for example, the controller can be configured to communicate with a quality control system, such that the controller actuates the actuator based on a determination made by, for example, the quality control system.

[0040] The regulator 21 allows adjustment of the range of motion of the brush mount 27 relative to the actuator mount 31 as needed, and thus adjusts the range of motion of the brush 9 relative to the actuator mount. In this embodiment, the regulator 21 is configured to adjust the stroke length of the linear actuator 13, and thus to control the degree of engagement between the brush 9 and the roller 7. According to Hooke's Law, the further the brush mount 27 moves toward the roller 3, the greater the compression of the spring 29, the greater the force provided by the spring 29, and therefore the greater the force exerted by the brush against the circumferential surface 7 of the roller 3, which can help remove debris from the roller 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the adjuster 21 includes an adjustable stop 37 against which the guide 33 is configured to engage to limit the range of motion of the brush mount 27 relative to the actuator mount 31, and thus limit the movement of the brush 9 toward the roller 3. The adjustable stop 37 includes a rotatably adjustable cam 39 connected to the actuator mount 31 via an eccentric pin 40. An operator rotates the cam 39 to provide the desired stroke length and then fixes the cam 39 in that position, for example, by tightening a screw or bolt (e.g., in some embodiments, the pin 40 may be a threaded bolt that engages with a female thread in the actuator mount 31, which, when tightened, rotates the cam 39 to the actuator mount 31). Rotation of the cam 39 causes the guide 33 to engage the adjustable stop 37 at an earlier or later position along the groove 35, and thus the range of motion of the brush mount 27 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the range of motion of the brush 9.

[0042] A second brush 51 (which also includes bristles 51) is mounted to a brush mount 61. The brush mount 61 is rotatably coupled to a rotary actuator 53, in this embodiment of which is an electric motor 15 (specifically a stepper motor), such that rotation of the rotary actuator 53 causes the second brush 51 to engage the circumferential surface 49 of the second roller 45, thereby removing debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller. In the same manner as the linear actuator 13, the rotary actuator 53 can be coupled to a manual switch configured to actuate the rotary actuator 53, or alternatively or additionally, the rotary actuator 53 can be coupled to a controller to actuate the rotary actuator 53, thereby causing the second brush 51 to engage the second roller 45, thereby removing debris from the second roller. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to communicate with a detection system configured to determine when cleaning of the roller 45 is required; for example, the controller can be configured to communicate with a quality control system, such that the controller actuates the actuator based on a determination made by, for example, the quality control system. In an embodiment where the first roller 3 and the second roller 45 define a pair of heat-sealing rollers, the quality control system can monitor the quality of the heat seal provided by the heat-sealing rollers, and the controller can actuate the actuator based on a determination made by the quality control system based on the monitoring results. In other embodiments, the controller can be configured to actuate the actuator based on a determination of the scrap rate made by the quality control system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the rotary actuator 53 includes an arc length adjuster for adjusting the arc length of the rotary actuator. In some embodiments, this arc length adjuster may be similar to the adjuster 21, i.e., it may include a guide 33 slidably received within the arcuate guide rail 35, and may include a rotatably adjustable cam 40 arranged in the same manner to provide an adjustable stop for movement of the guide 33 along the guide rail 35. In some embodiments, the rotary actuator 53 may not require such an arc length adjuster; for example, as those skilled in the art will understand, in embodiments where the rotary actuator is a stepper motor, the position of the motor may instead be controlled by a motor controller.

[0044] As will be appreciated, it is not necessary for both the first and second rollers to each have their own brushes, and in fact, it is conceivable that only one roller has a corresponding brush for removing debris from the roller. Similarly, in an embodiment with two brushes, it is not necessary for one brush to be coupled to a linear actuator and the other to a rotary actuator; instead, it is conceivable that each brush is coupled to a corresponding rotary actuator, or each brush is coupled to a corresponding linear actuator, or in fact, each brush is coupled to a common actuator.

[0045] The device 1 also includes a debris collector 43 comprising a chamber 63 configured to collect debris removed from the rollers 3, 45. The debris collector 43 includes an orifice 59 arranged such that a feed path 50 passes through it. Therefore, the orifice 59 is substantially tangent to the circumferential surfaces 7, 49 of the first roller 3 and the second roller 45. In embodiments where only one brush 9, 51 is provided, the orifice 59 may be arranged substantially tangent to the circumferential surface 7 of the roller 3 configured to be engaged by a single brush 9.

[0046] The chamber 63 of the debris collector 43 is fluidly connected to a vacuum source 55, which is configured to remove debris collected by the collector 43 from the chamber 63 via vacuum.

[0047] In some embodiments, the debris collector 43 may further include a second orifice 62 disposed within the feed path 50 and substantially opposite the first orifice 59. Therefore, during cleaning of the rollers 3, 45, the debris collector 43 can remain in place and does not need to be repositioned into or removed from the feed path 50, because the feed material moving between the rollers 3, 45 and along the feed path 50 can enter the first orifice 59 of the debris collector 43, pass completely through the chamber 63 of the debris collector 43, and exit through the second orifice 62. Thus, the rollers 3, 45 can be cleaned using the brushes 9, 51 without stopping the feed to the rollers.

[0048] Now go to Figure 2The diagram illustrates the engagement of the first brush 9 and the second brush 51 with their respective rollers 3, 45. As can be seen, the rotary actuator 53 has rotated the second brush to engage with the circumferential surface 49 of the second roller 45 to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller. Similarly, the linear actuator 13 has moved the first brush 9 to engage with the circumferential surface 7 of the first roller 3 to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the first roller. Advantageously, the brush biasing element 29 provides a cushioning effect, making the engagement of the brush 9 with the first roller 3 gentle during compression, thereby absorbing shocks, vibrations, and pressure on the roller. Furthermore, the biasing element 29 can help prevent the brush 9 from striking the first roller 3, as it provides some tolerance if the regulator 21 is miscalibrated.

[0049] The various embodiments described herein are presented merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementation and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, components, etc., or suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, components, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for removing debris from a roller, wherein, The device includes: A roller, configured to rotate about a roller axis, the roller including a circumferential surface; and A brush is coupled to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the brush to engage with the circumferential surface of the roller so that debris is removed from the circumferential surface as the roller rotates about the roller axis.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is a linear actuator.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is a rotary actuator (e.g., a motor).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The actuator is an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device also includes an adjuster for adjusting the range of motion of the brush.

6. The device according to claim 5, which is dependent on claim 2, wherein, The regulator includes a stroke length regulator for adjusting the stroke length of the linear actuator.

7. The device according to claim 5, which is dependent on claim 3, wherein, The regulator includes an arc length regulator for adjusting the arc length of the rotary actuator.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device also includes a brush mount, wherein the brush is mounted to the brush mount.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The actuator is operatively coupled to an actuator mount, and the brush mount is slidably coupled to the actuator mount via a guide configured to slide along a guide rail.

10. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, The regulator includes an adjustable stop.

11. The device according to any of the preceding claims further includes a controller configured to automatically actuate the actuator to move the brush to engage the circumferential surface of the roller.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The roller is a first roller and includes a first roller axis, the first roller being configured to rotate about the first roller axis, and wherein the device includes a second roller configured to rotate about a second roller axis, and wherein the second roller includes a circumferential surface, wherein the first roller and the second roller are generally opposite to each other and spaced apart substantially perpendicular to one or both of the first roller axis and the second roller axis, wherein the device further includes a second brush coupled to a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to move the second brush to engage with the circumferential surface of the second roller to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller as the second roller rotates.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The first actuator and / or the second actuator are linear actuators or rotary actuators (e.g., motors).

14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first actuator and / or the second actuator are electric actuators.

15. The device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first actuator and / or the second actuator are pneumatic actuators.

16. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The first roller and the second roller together form part of a rotary heat sealer.

17. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The device also includes a debris collector configured to collect debris removed from the first roller and / or the second roller.

18. A method for removing debris from a roller, wherein, The method includes: An actuator is actuated via a controller to move a brush operatively coupled to the actuator to engage with the circumferential surface of the roller; and The roller is rotated about its axis to cause the brush to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the roller.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The method also includes collecting debris removed from the circumferential surface via a debris collector.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The actuator is a first actuator, wherein the brush is a first brush, and wherein the roller is a first roller having a first roller axis, the first roller being configured to rotate about the first roller axis, and wherein the method further includes the step of: actuating a second actuator via the controller to move a second brush operatively coupled to the second actuator to engage a circumferential surface of a second roller having a second roller axis, the second roller being configured to rotate about the second roller axis to remove debris from the circumferential surface of the second roller as the second roller rotates, and wherein the first roller and the second roller are arranged generally opposite to each other and spaced apart substantially perpendicular to one or both of the first roller axis and the second roller axis.

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