Feed conveyor for strip material

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed conveying device (10) for conveying a strip material (11) in a conveying direction (R). For this purpose, the strip material (11) rests against a roller contact surface (18) of a feed roller (16). The roller contact surface (18) corresponds in particular to the outer surface of a cylinder and can be a plastic surface, for example made of polyurethane. The feed roller (16) can be rotatably driven about a roller axis (W) by means of a drive unit (17). The roller axis (W) extends in a transverse direction (Q) that is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction (R). Several pressure units (19) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (Q) and press the strip material against the roller contact surface (18) with a defined contact force (F). For this purpose, each pressure unit (19) can, for example, have a pressure roller (20), wherein the roller contact surfaces (21) can be a plastic surface, for example made of polyurethane.The feed conveyor (10) can have a control device (25) to control the pressure units (19) and / or the drive unit (17).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a feed conveying device configured to convey a belt material by applying a thrust force in a conveying direction. The belt material is shear-stiff in the conveying direction. It can be a metallic material, a plastic material, or a composite material.

[0002] A feed conveyor is used, for example, to convey strip material to a processing machine, in particular a cyclically operating processing machine, e.g., a forming and / or punching machine. In the processing machine, at least one workpiece can be produced from the supplied strip material in each cycle, whereby the production can be any operation, e.g., separating and / or cutting and / or punching and / or forming and / or embossing.

[0003] A feed conveyor is described, for example, in DE 10 2010 060 461 A1. The feed conveyor has two rollers between which the strip material is guided. One of the two rollers can be driven by a drive unit if the strip material is to be conveyed in a specific direction.

[0004] With very wide strip material in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the conveying direction, the problem arises that correspondingly wide rollers can deflect under their own weight or due to an externally applied pressure force, for example, at widths exceeding 1.5 m. Such deflection of the rollers can lead to uneven wear and locally varying wear patterns across the roller width. Particularly with rollers featuring a plastic coating for gentle conveying of the strip material, this can in turn result in uneven feed of the strip material, for example, if there is a significant difference in slippage between the rollers and the strip material when viewed in the transverse direction. This, in turn, can lead to disruptions in the subsequent processing of the strip material.

[0005] The contact force also often varies too much with very wide rollers used to convey wide strip material. Viewed transversely, the contact force against the strip material is greater in the area of ​​the roller bearings than in the middle section between the roller bearings.

[0006] To counteract the deflection of rollers, they can be made crowned, so that their diameter increases towards the center (compare, for example, DE 196 36 184 A1). However, the production of such rollers is complex and expensive.

[0007] DE 196 36 184 A1 proposes as an alternative to apply a counter-bending moment via the bearing of the roller, which, however, also requires increased effort in the bearing of the roller.

[0008] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention can be considered to be to create a feed conveying device that ensures reliable and uniform conveying of a strip material in the conveying direction and enables flexible application.

[0009] This problem is solved by a feed conveying device with the features of claim 1.

[0010] The feed conveying device according to the present invention is configured to convey strip material by applying a thrust force in a conveying direction. The strip material is shear-resistant in the conveying direction. The feed conveying device serves, for example, to convey strip material to a processing machine, in particular a cyclically operating processing machine, such as a punching machine and / or a forming machine. In the processing machine, the strip material can be processed in each cycle, producing at least one workpiece, for example by punching and / or cutting and / or forming and / or embossing. The manufactured workpieces can be intermediate products or finished products.

[0011] The belt material can be made of any material, such as a metallic alloy, a plastic, or a composite material. The width of the belt material in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the conveying direction, can be at least 1.5 m, for example.

[0012] Preferably, the strip material in the feed conveyor is arranged at least substantially horizontally. The conveying direction and the transverse direction are then horizontally oriented.

[0013] The feed conveyor has a feed roller that is rotatably mounted about a roller axis. The roller axis extends in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, the roller axis is horizontally oriented. The feed roller can be driven to rotate about the roller axis by means of a drive unit, for example, incrementally.

[0014] The feed roller has a contact surface that extends circumferentially around the roller axis. This contact surface is, in particular, a cylindrical surface. The strip material to be conveyed rests against this contact surface. Specifically, the strip material is placed on top of the feed roller.

[0015] Adjacent to the feed roller are several pressure units. The number of pressure units can vary depending on the maximum width of the strip material being conveyed and the specific application. In one embodiment, a pressure unit can be positioned every 20 to 30 cm in the transverse direction. This ensures that the distance between the pressure units is sufficiently small in the transverse direction.

[0016] Each pressure unit is configured to press at least one pressure roller or other pressure element against the strip material with a defined contact force. The strip material is positioned between the pressure roller or pressure element and the contact surface of the feed roller. The contact force is applied locally at a specific contact point in the transverse direction to the strip material being conveyed by each pressure unit. The direction of the contact force is perpendicular and, in particular, radial to the axis of the feed roller. The contact forces can be applied vertically to the strip material.

[0017] By using multiple individual pressure units, the contact force in the transverse direction can be precisely adjusted across the entire width of the strip material. The contact elements of the multiple pressure units are not rigidly coupled to one another, allowing the relative position and / or movement between the feed roller and each of the available contact elements to be individually adjusted. This also makes it possible to individually control, regulate, correct, and / or predefine the contact force of each contact element. This ensures uniform wear of the feed roller across its entire width and reliable, consistent conveying of the strip material in the conveying direction. Furthermore, it is possible to account for operational influences such as changes due to thermal effects, material wear occurring over time, etc.

[0018] The feed conveyor is specifically designed to operate in a timed cycle. During a single cycle, the feed roller rotates around its axis during a conveying phase and remains stationary during a standstill phase. The conveying phase and the standstill phase can be of equal or different lengths, depending on the subsequent processing of the strip material.

[0019] It is advantageous if the feed conveyor has at least one sensor that generates a sensor value describing the orientation of the strip material relative to the conveying direction and provides this value to the feed conveyor's control unit. This allows the strip orientation to be monitored and taken into account when controlling the pressure units.

[0020] The feed conveyor system includes a control unit. The control unit is designed to control the pressure units and preferably also the drive unit for driving the feed roller.

[0021] The contact force of each pressure unit can be controlled in an open circuit or regulated in a closed circuit. One, several, or all pressure units can be controlled or regulated such that all contact forces are equal. In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to control or regulate one, several, or all pressure units individually, so that the contact force of at least two of the existing pressure units can also be different. The contact force of one, several, or all pressure units can also be zero, at least phase by phase, for example, during phases in which the feed roller is not driven to rotate around the roller axis.

[0022] In general terms, the contact force of a single contact unit, of several of the existing contact units, or of all existing contact units can vary over time.

[0023] As explained, the contact force of all contact units can be the same, or it can differ between at least two of the existing contact units, at least temporarily. Depending on a detected operating condition, the contact force in all contact units can therefore be the same or different, at least temporarily. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the contact forces to increase continuously or decrease continuously in the transverse direction. It can also be advantageous to divide the existing contact units into two or more groups and to set the contact force to be the same within each group, while setting the contact forces of different groups to be different.

[0024] If, for example, it is detected that the strip material is oriented at an angle to the conveying direction between the pressure units and the feed roller, the pressure force can be adjusted differently at various pressure units in the transverse direction to influence the feed movement in the conveying direction and counteract the skewing of the strip material. Therefore, in the transverse direction, the strip material can be fed to varying degrees in the conveying direction during the rotation of the feed roller, so that the orientation of the strip material again corresponds sufficiently closely to the conveying direction.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure units can also be controlled such that one, several, or all drive units have a contact force of zero, at least phases or briefly during a cycle, or are lifted from the strip material, so that a gap is created between the at least one lifted pressure unit and the strip material. During such a phase, the strip material can be moved transversely with a comparatively low force relative to the feed roller or the roller contact surface.

[0026] Reducing the contact forces (for example, during a standstill phase of the feed roller) can reduce wear in the processing machine or in a tool of the processing machine to which the strip material is fed by the feed conveyor. If, for example, the strip material is curved in its longitudinal direction (also referred to as "saber-shaped" strip material) or is not aligned in the conveying direction for other reasons, this can place high stress on the guides in the processing machine or a tool of the processing machine. This is because the clamping of the strip material in the feed conveyor can introduce a lateral force through the strip material into the guide of the strip material within the processing machine. Through the brief orBy phasing in or eliminating the contact forces, the introduction of such transverse forces into the guidance of the strip material within the processing machine can at least be reduced.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, each pressure unit has at least one pressure roller rotatably mounted about a roller axis, which serves as the pressure element. The roller axis preferably extends in the transverse direction and is thus aligned parallel to the roller axis. Preferably, all roller axes are arranged along a single common straight line. Optionally, the roller axes can be offset from one another in a circumferential direction about the roller axis. Each pressure roller can have a roller contact surface, which in particular corresponds to the outer surface of a cylinder.

[0028] The roller contact surface and / or the roller contact surface can be made of plastic. For example, the roller contact surface and / or the roller contact surface can be formed by a layer of plastic or a coating layer. In this case, the core of the feed roller and / or the pressure roller can be made of metallic material or any other material. In one embodiment, the roller contact surface and / or the roller contact surface is made of polyurethane.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the pressure units do not have a drive mechanism to power the pressure rollers. The pressure rollers of the pressure units are, in effect, not actively driven, but can only be passively rotated by external force. A pressure roller rotates about its axis when it is in frictional contact with the belt material and the belt material moves in the conveying direction.

[0030] The direction in which one, more, or all of the pressing units generate a pressing force can be called the pressing direction. The pressing direction is preferably vertically oriented.

[0031] Preferably, the pressure rollers are mounted so that they can move in the pressing direction and / or are spring-mounted. In a preferred embodiment, movement in the pressing direction is achieved by the pressure unit having a controllable actuator, for example, a fluid cylinder. Spring mounting can be achieved by a mechanical spring and / or a gas spring.

[0032] Each pressure unit can have an adjusting device that can be controlled by the control unit. The adjusting device is specifically designed to adjust the relative movement and / or relative position of the respective pressure element (e.g., pressure roller) relative to the feed roller and / or to adjust the pressure force. This allows, for example, the adjustment of the distance between the pressure element and the roller contact surface. This distance can be adapted to the material thickness of the strip material and / or varied depending on the current operating phase of the feed conveyor.

[0033] The positioning devices can also be controlled in such a way that disturbances occurring during operation, such as deformations on a support structure for the positioning devices due to force and / or wear on the pressure elements and / or the feed roller, are automatically compensated, at least partially.

[0034] The actuating device can be designed as a double-acting actuating device. This refers to an actuating device that can exert a force and / or a movement in two opposite directions on the associated at least one pressure element. For example, this allows the at least one pressure element to be pressed against the strip material with the defined contact force or lifted away from the strip material.

[0035] The actuating device of each pressure unit can, for example, include a fluid cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder. The fluid cylinder can be a single-acting or a double-acting cylinder. In the pneumatic cylinder configuration, a spring effect can also be achieved when the at least one pressure element or the at least one pressure roller is pressed against the strip material.

[0036] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawing. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A schematic, block diagram-like representation of an embodiment of a feed conveyor device in a view in the conveying direction of a strip material, Fig. 2 a schematic, simplified partial representation of the exemplary embodiment of the feed conveying device made of Fig. 1 and a processing machine to which the strip material is fed in the conveying direction by the feed conveyor device, Fig. 3 A schematic, block diagram-like representation of an embodiment of a pressure unit of the feed conveyor according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of the pressure unit made of Fig. 3 in a section plane perpendicular to the conveying direction, Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of the pressure unit made of Fig. 4 in a section plane perpendicular to a transverse direction and Fig. 6 a schematic, exemplary temporal sequence of a clocked or cyclical conveying of the strip material by means of the feed conveying device.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 1 is a highly schematic representation of a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a feed conveyor 10. The feed conveyor 10 is designed to feed a strip material 11 in a conveying direction R by applying a thrust force S to the strip material 11 ( Fig. 2) to promote. The tape material 11 can, for example, be taken as continuous material from a supply, e.g. tape supply roll, and in particular unwound.

[0038] The feed conveyor 10 is configured, for example, to supply the strip material 11 in the conveying direction R to a processing machine for which the strip material 11 serves as the input material. In this exemplary embodiment, the processing machine 12 is a cyclically operating machine, for example, a punching and / or forming machine. In the processing machine 12, the strip material 11 is processed by cutting, punching, separating, forming, embossing, or any combination thereof, so that one or more workpieces 13 are produced from the strip material 11 in each cycle. The workpieces 13 can be a finished product or an intermediate product.

[0039] If the processing machine 12 operates cyclically, the feed conveyor 10 is preferably configured to convey the strip material 11 cyclically or in a timed manner. For this purpose, the strip material 11 can be moved in the conveying direction R during a conveying phase PF and remain stationary in the conveying direction R during a subsequent standstill phase PS. A single conveying phase PF and a single standstill phase PS are each contained in a single cycle or work cycle, wherein the cycle or work cycle has a cycle or work cycle duration T (compare Fig. 6).

[0040] The feed conveyor 10 has a feed roller 16 which is rotatably mounted about a roller axis W. The roller axis W extends in a transverse direction Q. The transverse direction Q, in turn, is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction R of the strip material 11, which is particularly important in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0041] A drive unit 17 is coupled to the feed roller 16 ( Fig. 1) The drive unit 17 is configured to rotate the feed roller 16 around the roller axis W during a conveying phase PF. The drive unit 17 can, for example, comprise an electric motor.

[0042] The feed roller 16 has a roller contact surface 18 on its circumference. In this embodiment, the roller contact surface 18 has the shape of a cylindrical surface. The strip material 11 rests against the roller contact surface 18 in a frictional manner. When the feed roller 16 rotates about the roller axis W, the strip material 11 is moved in the conveying direction R due to the frictional contact with the roller contact surface 18 and is conveyed, for example, to the processing machine 12.

[0043] To maintain frictional contact between the roller contact surface 18 and the strip material 11, the feed conveyor 10 has several pressure units 19. In the transverse direction Q, the pressure units 19 are arranged side by side and preferably spaced apart from one another. Each pressure unit 19 is configured to generate a pressure force F in a pressure direction Z, wherein, in the exemplary embodiment, the pressure force F is oriented radially to the roller axis W. The pressure direction Z is preferably vertically oriented. The pressure force F acts between the pressure unit 19 and the strip material 11 to press the strip material 11 against the roller contact surface 18 of the feed roller 16. The pressure force F of each pressure unit 19 acts locally on the strip material 11 at a corresponding point in the transverse direction Q, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 can be seen.

[0044] To generate the contact force F on the strip material 11, each pressure unit 19 has at least one pressure element, which is preferably designed as a pressure roller 20. The at least one pressure roller 20 is rotatably mounted about a roller axis A of the pressure unit 19 ( Fig. 3) The at least one pressure roller 20 is not actively driven by a drive of the pressure unit 19. Rather, the pressure units 19 are designed without roller drives. The at least one pressure roller 20 therefore rotates passively, so to speak, only when it is subjected to a torque, for example, when it is in frictional contact with the belt material 11 and the belt material moves in the conveying direction R.

[0045] For example, each pressure unit 19 can have a single drive roller ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3) or two drive rollers ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) exhibit. The roller axis A of each pressure unit 19 extends in the transverse direction Q. In the exemplary embodiment, all roller axes A of the pressure unit 19 are aligned along a common straight line, but alternatively, they could also be arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction around the roller axis W.

[0046] Each pressure roller 20 has a roller contact surface 21. The roller contact surface 21 is located on the circumferential surface of the pressure roller 20 extending around the roller axis A. Analogous to the roller contact surface 18, the roller contact surface 21 corresponds to the lateral surface of a cylinder. The pressure roller 20 can be, at least substantially, cylindrical overall.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, the roller contact surfaces 18 and / or the roller contact surfaces 21 are made of plastic, for example polyurethane. It is possible, for example, to provide a roller core 16a or roller core 20a with a hollow cylindrical casing made of plastic (e.g. polyurethane) and thereby form a roller shell 16b or roller shell 20b ( Fig. 4) The cores 16a, 20a can be made of any other material, in particular a material of greater hardness than the respective shell 16b, 20b.

[0048] The contact force F can be individually set for one, several, or preferably all of the existing contact units 19. Alternatively, the contact units 19 can be divided into several groups, whereby the contact force F can differ between the groups but is the same within a group. However, it is preferred if the contact force F can be individually specified for each contact unit 19, for example by means of a control device 25. In the exemplary embodiment, the control device 25 is also configured to control the drive unit 17. Controlling the contact units 19 and the drive unit 17 by means of the control device 25 is Fig. Figure 1 is highly schematically represented by dashed arrows. Control can be achieved directly by a preferably electrical control signal or indirectly via interposed devices, such as converter devices.

[0049] The contact forces F of the pressure units 19 can be set to the same magnitude, so that the strip material 11, viewed in the transverse direction Q, is pressed against the roller contact surface 18 with the same contact force F at every point where a pressure roller 20 bears against the strip material 11. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to set the contact force F to different magnitudes for different pressure units 19. This allows, for example, the slippage between the feed roller 16 and the strip material 11 in the transverse direction Q to be varied. In this case, the thrust force S acting in the conveying direction R, which is exerted on the strip material 11 by means of the feed conveying device 10, can vary in magnitude at different points in the transverse direction Q, as shown schematically in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. This can be used, for example, to additionally exert a force acting in the transverse direction Q on the belt material 11, should this be advantageous in a particular operating condition. For example, if it is found that the longitudinal edges of the belt material 11 are oriented obliquely to the conveying direction R (schematically dashed in Figure 2). Fig. (as shown in Figure 2), this tilt can be counteracted by different magnitudes of thrust forces S.

[0050] To monitor the alignment of the belt material 11 in the conveying direction R, the feed conveyor 10 can have at least one monitoring sensor 24. In the case of the Fig. In the schematically illustrated embodiment 1, two monitoring sensors 24 are provided. Each monitoring sensor 24 can be assigned to a longitudinal edge of the belt material 11, which, if correctly aligned, extends parallel to the conveying direction R. Each monitoring sensor 24 generates a monitoring sensor value U1, U2, which is provided, for example, to a control unit 25.

[0051] The control unit 25 can control the pressure units 19 depending on the at least one monitoring sensor value U1, U2, for example, to adjust the pressure force F of one, several, or all of the existing pressure units 19 based on the at least one monitoring sensor value U1, U2. For example, the at least one monitoring sensor value U1, U2 can be used to monitor the correct orientation of the belt material 11 with respect to the conveying direction R and, in the event of a tilt, to counteract a tilting of the belt material by adjusting one or more pressure forces F and the resulting change in the shear force distribution in the transverse direction Q, as described above based on Fig. 2 was explained.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a pressure unit 19. Preferably, all existing pressure units 19 are identically designed. It is therefore sufficient to explain the operation of a single pressure unit 19 as representative of all existing pressure units 19.

[0053] To adjust the contact force F and / or the relative position of the pressure roller 20 relative to the feed roller 16, the pressure unit 19 has an adjusting device 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting device 26 has a fluid cylinder 27 and preferably a double-acting fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder 27 is preferably designed as a pneumatic cylinder 28. The fluid cylinder 27 or pneumatic cylinder 28 has a first cylinder chamber 29 and a second cylinder chamber 30. The two cylinder chambers 29, 30 are fluidically separated from each other by a piston 31 which is slidably mounted in the fluid cylinder 27. The piston 31 is connected to a piston rod 32, which projects from the housing of the fluid cylinder 27 or pneumatic cylinder 28. A roller bracket for the at least one pressure roller 20 is attached to the outer, free end of the piston rod 32.The roller holder, for example, has an axle pin 33 on which at least one pressure roller 20 is rotatably mounted about the roller axis A.

[0054] A first fluid line 34 is connected to the first cylinder chamber 29, and a second fluid line 35 is connected to the second cylinder chamber 30. The two fluid lines 34 and 35 are connected to a valve unit 36, which in this embodiment is part of the actuator 26. Fluid (for example, compressed air) can be supplied to the first cylinder chamber 29 or the second cylinder chamber 30 by means of the valve unit 36. Fluid can be discharged from the other cylinder chamber 29 or 30. For example, one of the two cylinder chambers 29 or 30 can be connected to a fluid pressure wave 37, and the other cylinder chamber 30 or 29 can be connected to a fluid pressure sink 38. A pressure medium reservoir or tank can serve as the fluid pressure sink 38, particularly if the fluid is a liquid or a gas that is not to be released into the environment.When air is used as the fluid, the fluid pressure sink 38 can provide a vent to the environment. The fluid pressure source 37 can supply the fluid at a predetermined pressure. The pressure within the cylinder chambers 29, 30 can be controlled by the valve unit 36, for example, up to the maximum pressure supplied by the fluid pressure source 37.

[0055] The design of the valve unit 36 ​​can be arbitrary. It is shown here only as an example. Fig. 3 a directional control valve that can be switched between at least two switching positions.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, when the first cylinder chamber 29 is pressurized, this allows the piston 31 and piston rod 32 to extend, at least until the pressure roller 20 contacts the strip material 11. From this point on, the contact force F of the at least one pressure roller 20 on the strip material 11 can be adjusted by setting the pressure in the fluid cylinder 27 or pneumatic cylinder 28, and in particular by setting the pressure in the first cylinder chamber 29. The contact force F can be controlled or regulated.

[0057] For example, it is possible to assign a pressure sensor 39 to at least the first cylinder chamber 29, or alternatively to both cylinder chambers 29 and 30, in order to measure the fluid pressure in the respective cylinder chamber 29 or 30 and to provide a corresponding measured value M for the control unit 25. Depending on the measured value M, the control unit 25 can control the valve unit 36 ​​by means of a corresponding valve control signal V, so that the desired contact force F is generated indirectly via the pressure in at least one cylinder chamber 29 or 30.

[0058] The measured value M is characteristic of the contact force F. It is understood that the contact force F could also be detected indirectly or directly by other means, for example by means of a force sensor at a suitable point in the force path, such as on the piston rod 32, the roller bracket, the axle pin 33, etc.

[0059] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is an embodiment of the pressure unit 19, each shown in section, wherein Fig. 4. a cut perpendicular to the conveying direction R and Fig. 5 shows a section perpendicular to the transverse direction Q. In this embodiment, the pressure unit 19, unlike the previously described embodiment, has according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 Two pressure rollers 20 are arranged on a common roller bracket. The axle pin 33, which is attached to the free, outer end of the piston rod 32, serves as the roller bracket for both pressure rollers 20. The two pressure rollers 20 are rotatably mounted on the axle pin 33, for example by means of a rolling bearing arrangement 40.

[0060] The actuating device 26 can be configured according to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 3 must be executed so that reference can be made to the above description.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, the fluid cylinders 27 and pneumatic cylinders 28 are attached to a common support structure which has a top chord 45 and a bridge 46 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) The cylinder housings of the fluid cylinders 27 and pneumatic cylinders 28 are, for example, held between the upper chord 45 and the bridge 46. With the piston rod 32 extended, the piston 31 is positioned such that the second cylinder chamber 30 has a minimum size G in the direction parallel to the piston rod 32, and in particular, G is always greater than zero (G>0). This offers advantages with regard to generating the contact forces F of the individual contact units 19. For example, deflection of the bridge 46 can be at least partially compensated, especially automatically. Additionally or alternatively, wear of the contact rollers 20 and / or the feed roller 16 (for example, the roller shells 20b and / or the roller casing 16b) can also be at least partially compensated, especially automatically.

[0062] As it is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, at least one pressure roller 20 of each pressure unit 19 can be guided by means of a guide device 47 perpendicular to the transverse direction Q or radially to the roller axis W, in addition to the piston rod 32 which is guided in the fluid cylinder 27 or pneumatic cylinder 28. Forces acting on the pressure rollers 20 in the conveying direction R and / or in the transverse direction Q can be additionally supported to relieve the piston rod 32 and / or the piston 31.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the guide device 47 has at least one guide column 48 connected to the housing of the fluid cylinder 27 or the pneumatic cylinder 28, which extends parallel to the piston rod 32 in the contact direction Z. The at least one guide column 48 is arranged at a distance from the piston rod 32. In the exemplary embodiment, two guide columns 48 are arranged at a distance from each other in the conveying direction R, with the piston rod 32 being arranged between the two guide columns 48 in the conveying direction R.

[0064] A guide element 49 is slidably mounted along the extension of the guide columns 48. For this purpose, a guide bushing 50 can be provided in the guide element 49 for each guide column 48. The guide bushing 50 can be a plain bearing bushing or a rolling element guide bushing with rolling elements (e.g., a ball bearing guide bushing with balls). The roller holder or the axle pin 33 is attached to the guide element 49, so that forces acting on the at least one pressure roller 20 in the conveying direction R and / or transverse direction Q are at least partially transmitted via the guide element 49 into the at least one guide column 48 and from there into the housing of the fluid cylinder 27 or the pneumatic cylinder 28. This relieves the guide of the piston rod 32 and the piston 31 in the fluid cylinder 27 or pneumatic cylinder 28. Furthermore, the strip material 11 is positioned precisely and with minimal or no play in the conveying direction R.

[0065] Based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a further optional configuration of the feed conveying device 10. The feed roller 16 can be supported at one or more points in the transverse direction Q by at least one support roller arrangement 55. The support roller arrangement 55 can have several support rollers 56 that bear against the roller contact surface 18. Each support roller 56 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the roller axis W in the transverse direction Q. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, a support roller 56 can be arranged on each side of the roller axis W in the conveying direction R, together forming a support roller pair 57. The support roller arrangement 55 can have more than one support roller pair 57, which are arranged next to each other in the transverse direction Q. At least one support roller pair 57 can be present at each support point of the feed roller 16.

[0066] The support roller arrangement 55 is designed to prevent or counteract deflection of the feed roller 16. This is intended to keep the roller axis W straight in the transverse direction Q.

[0067] To optimize the support of the feed roller 16 and / or to adapt to changes caused by external influences (e.g., thermal influences, wear, etc.), the distance between the support rollers 56 of a common support roller pair 57 in the conveying direction R can be adjusted manually and / or automatically. For this purpose, a spindle unit 58, which can be actuated by a tool, can be used, for example. Similar to a vise, the spindle unit 58 can move the two support rollers 56 of the common support roller pair 57 towards or away from each other, with each support roller 56 preferably moving the same distance in the conveying direction R relative to a central plane that extends between the two support rollers 56 and in which the roller axis W lies.

[0068] Based on the time diagrams in Fig. Section 6 provides an example of a timed feed of the belt material 11 in the conveying direction R. The illustrations in Fig. Figure 6 is merely schematic for illustrative purposes. Fig. Figure 6 shows, as an example, the contact force F as a function of time t, as well as a rotational movement D of the feed roller 16 about the roller axis W as a function of time t. The time-dependent signals are illustrated qualitatively only and not quantitatively. The magnitude of the contact forces F of different contact units 19 can be the same or different, which is independent of the temporal sequence, which is based on the Fig. 6 is explained below:

[0069] At a first time point t1, a cycle or work cycle begins with a cycle or cycle duration T. Initially, a contact force F is generated on the strip material 11 via the pressure units 19. As soon as the contact force F is sufficiently large and a frictional connection between the strip material 11 and the feed roller 16 has been established, the feed roller 16 is driven by the drive unit 17 to rotate around the roller axis W (second time point t2).

[0070] At a third time point t3, the strip material 11 has been conveyed sufficiently far in the conveying direction R and the rotary movement D of the feed roller 16 is stopped. The phase from the second time point t2 to the third time point t3 is the conveying phase PF during this work cycle.

[0071] The conveying phase PF, which ends at the third time t3, is followed by a standstill phase PS, during which the feed roller 16 is stationary and does not perform any rotational movement D around the roller axis W.

[0072] After the rotational movement D stops at the third time t3, the contact force F can be reduced, at least if necessary, for example, completely eliminated (contact force F = 0). At a fourth time t4, the contact force F is zero. In this state, the roller contact surface 21 can still be in contact with the strip material 11 or can be lifted from the strip material 11 by means of the adjusting device 26 of the pressure unit 19.

[0073] Preferably, after the fourth time point t4, the strip material 11 is processed in the processing machine 12. Because the strip material 11 is not clamped in the transverse direction Q by the feed conveyor 10 during this phase, but is only held in place by comparatively small frictional forces in the transverse direction Q, movement or alignment of the strip material 11 in the transverse direction Q within the processing machine 12 is possible. This reduces wear occurring there, for example, on the guides of the processing machine 12 and / or a tool used in the processing machine 12.

[0074] At a fifth point in time t5, the processing of the tape material 11 in this cycle in the processing machine 12 is completed and a new cycle begins, which proceeds analogously to the cycle described above (points t1 to t5).

[0075] In a variation on the representation in Fig. 6. The contact force F can also be continuously maintained by the contact units 19 and, for example, be constant.

[0076] As already explained, the contact force F in each contact unit 19 can also be set individually and differently from the contact force F in one, several or all other contact units 19.

[0077] In all embodiments, the actuating device 26 can also be implemented by a motor-spindle device or a rack and pinion drive or another known motor device, in a modification to the preferred embodiment shown.

[0078] If the actuating device 26 has a pneumatic cylinder 28, the compressible gas in the cylinder chambers 29, 30 provides spring support for the piston 31 and thus for the piston rod 32, and consequently for the at least one pressure roller 20. In this way, for example, waviness or other deviations in the strip material 11 can be compensated for. Such spring support can optionally also be achieved by means of a spring assembly with at least one coil spring and / or at least one disc spring, against which the at least one pressure roller 20 is supported, for example, by means of a rod that is movably mounted in the direction of the acting pressure force F instead of the piston rod 32. The compression of the spring assembly and thus the pressure force F can be varied by means of an adjustment drive (e.g., a motor-spindle unit).

[0079] The invention relates to a feed conveying device 10 for conveying a strip material 11 in a conveying direction R. For this purpose, the strip material 11 rests against a roller contact surface 18 of a feed roller 16. The roller contact surface 18 corresponds in particular to the outer surface of a cylinder and can be a plastic surface, for example made of polyurethane. The feed roller 16 can be rotatably driven about a roller axis W by means of a drive unit 17. The roller axis W extends in a transverse direction Q, which is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction R. Several pressure units 19 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction Q and press the strip material against the roller contact surface 18 with a defined contact force F. For this purpose, each pressure unit 19 can, for example, have a pressure roller 20. The pressure roller 20 has a roller contact surface 21, which, analogous to the roller contact surface 18, can be a plastic surface, for example made of polyurethane.The feed conveyor 10 can have a control device 25 for controlling the pressure units 19 and / or the drive unit 17. Reference symbol list: 10 Feed conveyor device 11 Tape material 12 processing machines 13 workpiece 16 Feed roller 16a Roller core 16b Roller casing 17 Drive unit 18 roller mounting area 19 pressure unit 20 pressure roller 20a Roller core 20b roller coat 21 roller mounting area 24 monitoring sensors 25 Control unit 26 Actuator 27 fluid cylinders 28 pneumatic cylinders 29 first cylinder chamber 30 second cylinder chamber 31 pistons 32 Piston rod 33 Axle pin 34 first fluid line 35 second fluid line 36 Valve unit 37 Fluid pressure source 38 Fluid pressure sink 39 Pressure sensor 40 rolling bearing arrangement 45 Upper belt 46 Bridge 47 Guide system 48 Guide column 49 Guide section 50 Guide bushing 55 Support roller arrangement 56 Support roller 57 pairs of support rollers 58 spindle unit A roller axle D Rotary movement of the feed roller F Contact force G Minimum size of the second cylinder chamber M measured value Q transverse direction PF funding phase PS Standstill phase R Conveyor direction S thrust t time t1 first time point t2 second time point t3 third time point t4 fourth time point T Cycle or pulse duration U monitoring sensor value V Valve control signal W roller axle Z pressure direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2010 060 461 A1

[0003] DE 196 36 184 A1 [0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] Feed conveying device (10) configured to convey strip material (11) by applying a push force in a conveying direction (R), comprising: - a feed roller (16) with a roller contact surface (18) against which the strip material (11) rests, wherein the feed roller (16) is rotatably mounted about a roller axis (W) extending perpendicular to the conveying direction (R) and in a transverse direction (Q), - with a drive unit (17) designed to drive the feed roller (16) rotating about the roller axis (W), - several pressure units (19) arranged side by side in the transverse direction (Q), each of the pressure units (19) being designed to press the strip material (11) against the roller contact surface (18) of the feed roller (16) with a defined pressure force (F), - a control device (25) which is set up to control the pressure units (19). [2] Feed conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one monitoring sensor (24) associated with the belt material (11), which is configured to generate a monitoring sensor value (U) describing the orientation of the belt material (11) relative to the conveying direction (R) and to provide it to a control device (25). [3] Feed conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (25) is configured to control the pressure units (19) at least in one operating state such that all pressure units (19) generate equally large pressure forces (F). [4] Feed conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (25) is configured to control the pressure units (19) at least in one operating state such that at least two of the existing pressure units (19) generate different pressure forces (F). [5] Feed conveying device according to claim 2 and according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the operating state depends on the monitoring sensor value (U) of the at least one monitoring sensor (24) provided to the control device (25). [6] Feed conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (25) is configured to control the pressure units (19) in such a way that one, several or all of the existing pressure units (19) are lifted off the strip material (11) at least in phases or are in contact with the strip material (11) without generating a pressure force (F). [7] Feed conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller contact surface (18) is cylindrical. [8] Feed conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each pressure unit (19) has at least one pressure roller (20) rotatably mounted about a roller axis (A), wherein the roller axis (A) extends in the transverse direction (Q). [9] Feed conveying device according to claim 8, wherein each pressure roller (20) is movable perpendicularly or radially to the roller axis (W) and / or is resiliently mounted. [10] Feed conveying device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the pressure roller (20) has a roller contact surface (21) against which the strip material (11) rests. [11] Feed conveying device according to claim 10, wherein the roller contact surface (21) is cylindrical. [12] Feed conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each pressure unit (19) has an actuating device (26) controllable by means of the control device (25) for adjusting the pressure force (F). [13] Feed conveying device according to claim 12, wherein the actuating device (26) is designed as a double-acting actuating device (26). [14] Feed conveying device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuating device (26) has a fluid cylinder (27) and in particular a pneumatic cylinder (28). [15] Feed conveying device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the control device (25) is configured to control the actuating devices (26) in such a way that disturbances occurring during operation are automatically at least partially compensated.

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