DEVICE AND METHOD FOR UNWINDING AND FEEDING CROSS-WINDED MATERIAL AND USE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an unwinding and feeding module for cross-wound strip material, which is wound on a cross-wound spool that is rotatably mounted on the unwinding and feeding module about a spool axis, wherein the strip material is guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound strip material by means of an unwinding and feeding module from a cross-wound spool to / in a system, in particular in connection with systems for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes. Last but not least, the present invention also relates to the use of an unwinding and feeding module for cross-wound strip material coupled to such a system.In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method according to the preamble of the respective independent claim. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In many at least partially automated systems and processes, such as cardboard processing, strip-like material must be fed. This strip-like material is designed, for example, as a silicone tape and is usually wound on material rolls or spools. Depending on the length and thickness of the material, these rolls or spools have a large diameter. As soon as the material is unwound, the roll must be changed.

[0003] For various reasons, it is desirable to maximize the available length of seamless strip material, for example, to minimize setup times and labor. However, the larger the material rolls become, the more difficult their handling, arrangement, and storage on the equipment become. Furthermore, the inherent stability of the material rolls decreases beyond a certain diameter-to-width ratio. In other words, beyond a certain size, the risk of the material slipping off the roll or the roll becoming twisted increases.

[0004] DE 20 2011 104 928 U1 describes a mounting of a winding roll on a plurality of rolls, wherein the strip to be unwound is guided over a segment axis and, after being deflected on the segment axis, is guided to a deflection roll arranged in the circle center of the segment.

[0005] US 3 826 443 A discloses an apparatus for dispensing packaging tape from a rolled reel, comprising a reel for rotatably supporting the reel and a guide or aligning device for aligning the traversed turns of the reel toward the centerline of the reel at a point well in advance of the point at which the tape actually leaves the reel.

[0006] Based on the state of the art, there is interest in an improved way of providing and feeding strip-shaped material for automated systems and processes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object is to provide a device and a method with which the provision and feeding of strip material can be optimized for at least partially automated systems and processes, in particular for processes for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes. Another object is to enable the provision and feeding of strip material on spools or rolls in such a way that the effort associated with setting up automated processes and with setup times when changing the spools or rolls can be minimized. Last but not least, it is an object to be able to optimize the provision and feeding of strip material in as many applications and processes as possible, in particular also for systems and processes that have already been run in, in the simplest and most flexible way possible.

[0008] At least one of these objects is achieved by an unwinding and feeding module according to claim 1 and by a method according to the independent method claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are explained in the respective subclaims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0009] Provided is an unwinding and feeding module for cross-wound band-shaped material, in particular for silicone band, in particular with a material width in the range of 15 to 35 mm, wherein the band-shaped material is wound on a cross-wound spool which has a spool width of at least 20 cm, in particular a spool width in the range of 20 to 50 cm, and which is rotatably mounted on the unwinding and feeding module about a spool axis, wherein the band-shaped material is guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which feed unit the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled in a coupling position to a system, in particular to a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as cardboard boxes.

[0010] According to the invention, it is proposed that a width compensation device is integrated between the cross-wound spool and the feed unit, which is designed to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material on the movement path from the spool to the feed unit, wherein the feed unit predetermines at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged such that the unwinding and feed module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system. In addition to a large material supply and minimized effort for handling the material, this also provides advantages with regard to the individualization of systems and processes, for example when changing the material type (category). The module can be easily adapted and, as required, integrated into the system or system in an optimized state.be integrated into the process.

[0011] Cross-wound coils do require a certain degree of expertise when winding the material, especially when the strip-like material is comparatively wide and also torsionally rigid or barely stretchable. Furthermore, comparatively wide coils pose the challenge that the strip-like material varies across a large width during unwinding, meaning that the movement path of the strip-like material varies much more than with a narrow roll of material. Cross-wound coils therefore increase the process complexity, especially in the case of fully automated processes.

[0012] On the other hand, cross-wound spools offer the significant advantage that the strip-like material can be wound onto the spool securely, even at very long lengths (especially seamless ones), and that the spool can be stored securely even at comparatively high unwinding speeds. Thanks to long material lengths, changeover times (roll / spool changes) can also be reduced.

[0013] The present invention makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of cross-wound spools and, at the same time, to largely overcome the difficulties previously associated with them. The unwinding and feeding module described here can, for example, also be retrofitted to existing systems and describes in detail specific embodiments of the invention, for example a process-related expansion or optimization of existing manufacturing / production processes through the integration of an unwinding and feeding method according to embodiments of the invention. The coupling position can also be freely selected in space or be predetermined by a standing position of the module. The unwinding modules according to the invention for cross-wound band-shaped material, for example for coated cover strips for linear adhesive points on cardboard, can, for example,It can be retrofitted to process machines in at least partially automated production or, if necessary, used instead of an integrated feed unit. This allows automation systems, in particular, to be easily optimized for folding / gluing cardboard boxes. The unwinding module (unwinding and feeding module) described here can also be specifically designed for particularly heavy / large rolls or reels, particularly with a reel axis positioned relatively low in the base area, which is ergonomically advantageous.

[0014] The module can also be retrofitted to systems that have already been installed, so that the corresponding system can be easily set up to unwind and feed cross-wound web material.

[0015] The material transfer takes place at the coupling position, preferably to a traction unit of the system. In other words: The strip-shaped material is advantageously fed directly to a traction unit of the system after a relatively short section or after relatively few deflection points, and with as little friction as possible. This also enables an advantageous unwinding and feeding process with regard to material stress. The traction unit can, for example, feed a bunker of the system.

[0016] The module enables handling of the strip-shaped material along the material flow path from the reel to the system's draw unit. This allows the system to be designed more slenderly, and an optimized module can be provided at the interface to the draw unit for more or less any system, depending on the reel design. This also allows for easy conversion of the system or process to a different material type.

[0017] It has been shown that cross-winding or winding of the material is necessary if the spool is to be particularly large, i.e., if the material is to have a large seamless length and / or if changeover times for a new spool are to be minimized. Without cross-winding, the material would no longer be stored stably, and the spool would also have an excessively large diameter. In this respect, the present invention also solves the problem of optimizing the material feed for cross-wound spools, particularly with regard to directional and load changes (making it more homogeneous).

[0018] In this respect, the present invention primarily relates to the aspect of unwinding the cross-wound spools and the aspect of feeding the unwound strip-like material. The modular aspect can be considered an additional advantage with regard to a standalone module (arrangable separately from the system), with the module being designed as a mobile module that is independent of the systems (independently displaceable and positioned and, for example, adjustable with regard to the height position of the feed unit) and can be coupled to one of several systems as required. For this purpose, the module can also be mounted on wheels on the floor, for example.

[0019] Advantageously, the coil is mounted around a single axis, allowing it to rotate with relatively low friction. The coil axis is then an axis defined by the module. Optionally, a controllable drive of the module can be connected to this axis, particularly one configured for bidirectional rotation of the coil in response to sensor signals. Alternatively, the coil can also be mounted on multiple rollers with the coil's outer surface. The coil then rotates around its own axis, which is defined by the coil itself.

[0020] A cross-wound reel is understood here to be a tape drum, a winding reel, or a similar unit designed to stably arrange tape-like material on the smallest possible diameter. In this respect, the present invention does not refer to thread-like material, but rather to material in the form of webs or strips or comparatively narrow films. The cross-wound reels provide tape-like material, and the module is configured to handle tape-like material.

[0021] A width compensation device is understood in particular to be a device for compensating for width variations caused by the width of the cross-winding. Width compensation is carried out, in particular, gradually and continuously along a predefined movement path and / or in a cascade-like manner. For example, the permissible variation of the width position in the feed direction is further limited in at least three steps.

[0022] Specifying the width position facilitates material transfer to the standard devices for guiding strip-shaped material. In this respect, the predefined width position also enables flexibility and variability in the use of the module. The predefined width position can be identified by a width coordinate at least in one end section of the movement path, depending on the material width, possibly with a percentage tolerance in the single-digit percentage range of the material width. The material width can vary quite significantly for the different spools, e.g., as little as 5 mm, or as much as 30 to 35 mm. The width position is preferably defined by means of the feed unit and by means of a comparatively stable, robust carrier or frame part, especially with rigid support on the module housing.By placing the module in a fixed position or by mounting it on a system, the width position can be fixed or frozen, and reaction forces can be transmitted via the module into the ground or via a coupling into a system.

[0023] According to one embodiment, an unwinding and feeding module for cross-wound band-shaped material with a material width of at least 20 mm is provided, wherein the band-shaped material is wound on a cross-wound spool which has a spool width of at least 20 cm and which is rotatably mounted on the unwinding and feeding module about a spool axis, wherein the band-shaped material is guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled in a coupling position to a system, in particular to a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such asCardboard boxes, wherein a width compensation device is integrated between the cross-wound spool and the feed unit, which is set up to compensate for a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material on the movement path from the spool to the feed unit, wherein the feed unit specifies at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged such that the unwinding and feed module can be coupled modularly to the system, in particular as a retrofit module to replace an integral feed unit of the system, wherein the spool width is at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 greater than the width of the strip-shaped material. The width compensation is particularly effective here. Optionally, the factor can be significantly greater, e.g. a factor of 20, e.g. for a spool width in the range of 40 to 50 cm.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the feed unit also specifies a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position. This can also facilitate material transfer to the system or facilitate integration into the system.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the feed unit predetermines a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position, ranging from 1.5 m to 3.5 m, particularly between 2 m and 3 m. This also enables material transfer at an advantageous height position, particularly in such a way that, on the one hand, access to the system is not impaired, and, on the other hand, the feeding of the material within the system is facilitated. For example, the feed unit is arranged at a height position that is a factor of 2 to 10 higher than the height position of the coil or the coil axis.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module has a length compensation device for compensating the length and tensile force in the strip-shaped material, which is integrated between the cross-wound spool and the feed unit. This also enables reliable feeding of the material largely independent of the functioning of a pulling unit. For example, a pulling unit is only provided on the system. Thanks to the length compensation device, the module can also be coupled to different systems in a comparatively simple manner, while maintaining comparably good functionality. This also increases the degree of self-sufficiency of the module.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a length compensation device of the unwinding and feeding module, together with the width compensation device, forms a combined compensation device that defines the movement path of the strip material from the reel to the feed unit. This also provides comparatively high degrees of freedom in the design and construction of the module. For example, the length compensation device comprises a dancer unit, and the width compensation device comprises, for example, several serially connected deflection rollers with deflection roller webs of different widths that decrease in the conveying direction. Thus, the strip material can preferably first be brought onto a comparatively narrow movement path by means of the width compensation device, and the downstream length compensation device then provides length and tensile force compensation.This series connection also simplifies width compensation and can dampen pulses and other inhomogeneities relatively far in front of the reel. This allows the reel to be unwound very evenly and with minimal material damage, even at high conveyor speeds.

[0028] A length compensation device is understood in particular to be a device for compensating for time-dependent variations in material requirements and changes in tensile force within the material. The length compensation device preferably also provides gravity-driven damping or buffering, in particular by means of floating counterweights.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module has a plurality of deflection rollers to compensate for force and position variations of the strip-shaped material, in particular at least five, six, or seven deflection rollers fixedly installed on the module and / or at least two or three deflection rollers variably mounted in variable positions relative to the fixed deflection rollers. The deflection rollers also facilitate convergence of the width position, particularly in a cascade-like arrangement. For this purpose, the respective deflection roller can preferably also have edge regions with edges for laterally restricting the range of movement of the strip-shaped material.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module comprises a dancer unit with at least one deflection roller mounted in a variable position relative to stationary deflection rollers of the unwinding and feeding module, over which dancer unit the strip-shaped material is guided. The dancer unit also enables damping. Length, speed, and force variations during unwinding of the coil can be damped and compensated, in particular by means of balancing masses that act on deflection rollers mounted in a variable position (in particular, translationally displaceable in the vertical direction). Depending on the balancing weights used, the dancer unit can also ensure a desired pretension in the material.

[0031] According to one embodiment, at least one deflection roller with a deflection roller web with a web width greater than the material width by a factor of 3 or greater than a factor of 2 is provided on the movement path from the reel to the feed unit, in particular a plurality of deflection rollers with web widths that decrease in size in the feed direction. This also facilitates a cascade-like convergence of the width position to a predefined position or to a predefinable narrow width range.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the strip-shaped material is guided upwards and downwards between several deflection points on the movement path from the reel to the feed unit, in particular at least approximately in a vertical direction, particularly at deflection angles in the range of 140 to 180°, with the movement path or range of movement of the strip-shaped material being further limited in the width direction at successive deflection points. This also enables functional integration with regard to length and width compensation in a comparatively small installation space.

[0033] On the path of travel from the reel to the feed unit, the strip-like material can initially be guided between several deflection points in a first vertical section, and then guided to a second vertical section above the first vertical section, in particular to a height position greater than a factor of 2 of the height of the first vertical section. This arrangement also has structural advantages.

[0034] According to one exemplary embodiment, the strip-shaped material is guided on the movement path from the spool to the feed unit by means of a width and / or length compensation device in a height range that extends over a height of at least a factor of 1 to 2 of the diameter of the spool 1, in particular at least three or four times up and down, before the strip-shaped material is forwarded to the feed unit. This provides a large buffer on the one hand, and on the other hand, an arrangement that is also advantageous from a structural point of view can be provided, by means of which a flexible optimization of the arrangement of the feed unit for a specific application is also enabled.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled to the system in a modular manner such that the unwinding and feeding module can be modularly integrated into a / the system, in particular as a replacement for an existing feed unit of the system. The possibility of modular integration can be created, for example, by means of one or more couplings for stationary arrangement of the module in a predefined coupling point on the system. The couplings are provided, for example, on a side surface on the frame of the module and / or on the underside of the module. The module as such can be viewed as an integrable component of the system. The module is mobile, so that it can, for example, be used in different systems depending on the situation. The mobility aspect is described in more detail below.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the coil provides the strip-like material with a seamless length of at least 1,000 m, preferably at least 3,000 m, more preferably at least 5,000 m, in particular up to 25,000 m. Such lengths favor long replacement intervals. The coil can remain arranged relatively close to the floor in the module.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the spool axis is arranged at a height of less than 1.5 m, in particular less than 1.2 m or less than 1 m. Optionally, the spool axis can be arranged even lower, e.g., at a height in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 m. This also facilitates spool changes and provides good stability for the module (low center of gravity), i.e., good stability regardless of the current material supply on the spool.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the coil axis is / can be arranged at a height between 20 and 100 cm, in particular between 50 and 70 cm, above the ground. This comparatively low height also facilitates handling.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the unwinding and feeding module provides a path for the strip-shaped material on the movement path between the reel and the feed unit that is at least a factor of 3 longer than the length of the direct path between the reel and the feed unit, in particular a factor of 5 to 10 longer. It has been shown that this extension, while requiring a relatively small installation space, has a beneficial effect on compensating for forces and position changes. The path can be extended, in particular, using (stationary and / or variable-position) deflection points and deflection pulleys.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the spool width is at least a factor of 5, or at least a factor of 7, or at least a factor of 10 to 50 times larger than the width of the strip material. The spool width can be up to a factor of 100 larger, e.g., with a comparatively narrow material (approx. 5 mm) and a comparatively wide spool (approx. 500 mm). This also allows for a large material supply to be provided in a stable and robust manner. The spool does not become particularly large in diameter, but remains relatively compact even with a large material supply and can be easily unwound.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the width compensation device is configured to limit the movement path of the strip-shaped material from a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm or up to 50 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm or a maximum of 4 cm or a maximum of 3 cm or up to 1 cm, in particular in a cascade-like manner at deflection points connected in series. This also facilitates the handling of the material along the path between the spool and the material transfer point (coupling point). Optionally, the width variation can be limited even more, in particular in the coupling position to a percentage of less than 50% or even less than 30% of the material width, or in the case of relatively large material widths, possibly even to a single-digit percentage.For example, for a 3cm wide material, the width position on the feed unit is limited to a width variation over a width of 4 to 4.5cm, i.e. to approximately 30 to 50% (1 to 1.5cm of 3cm).

[0042] According to the invention, the unwinding and feeding module is mobile. The unwinding and feeding module can, for example, be mounted on wheels and be configured for mobile relocation on a subsurface or hall floor. A mobile module is particularly self-sufficient and can be easily coupled to various systems as needed.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the feed of the strip-shaped material is passively driven by traction, in that the reel can be unwound in response to a traction force exerted externally on the strip-shaped material at the feed unit, particularly when the unwinding and feeding module is motor-inactive. This also allows the module's degree of autonomy to be further increased. The module can be used largely independently of the respective traction drive design of the system, in particular thanks to a length / width compensation device.

[0044] At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by a system for the at least partially automated production of packaging material, in particular a system for cutting, gluing, and / or folding cardboard boxes, wherein the system comprises at least one unwinding and feeding module as described above. The unwinding and feeding module is coupled as a mobile module to a traction unit of the system acting on the strip-shaped material. This also provides the advantages described above.

[0045] At least one of the above-mentioned objects is, as mentioned, also achieved by a method according to the corresponding independent method claim, namely by a method according to claim 9 for unwinding and feeding cross-wound band-shaped material by means of an unwinding and feeding module from a cross-wound reel to / in a system, in particular to / in a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such asCardboard boxes, wherein the strip-shaped material is wound up over a spool width which is significantly greater than the material width (in particular at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 greater), wherein the spool is mounted so as to be rotatable about a spool axis, wherein the strip-shaped material is guided from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feed module, wherein the feed unit ensures a coupling (transfer of the strip-shaped material) to the system in a coupling position, wherein on a / the movement path of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound spool to the feed unit, width compensation takes place, in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material is compensated at least approximately over the entire spool width and up to the feed unit (orup to the coupling position) to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position, in particular by means of an unwinding and feeding module described above, in particular with the unwinding and feeding module configured as a retrofit module (in particular for larger / wider reels than those provided as standard in the respective system). In addition to advantageous process integration, this also provides the advantages described above.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material is / are also specified in the coupling position. This can further facilitate the material transfer in the coupling position.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a / the predefined height position of the band-shaped material in the coupling position is specified in the range of a height of 1.5m to 3.5m, in particular in the range of 2m to 3m.

[0048] According to one embodiment, length compensation and tensile force compensation are / are further performed on the movement path in the unwinding and feeding module, in particular at least partially by means of a dancer unit over which the strip-shaped material is guided. This can further optimize the handling of the material within the module and also make the module particularly self-sufficient and independent of the method of exerting the tensile force on the material.

[0049] According to one embodiment, force and position variations along the movement path from the reel to the feed unit are compensated for by means of a plurality of deflection pulleys, in particular by means of at least five, six, or seven deflection pulleys fixedly installed on the module and / or by means of at least two or three deflection pulleys mounted in variable positions relative to the fixed deflection pulleys. These deflection pulleys also enable a cascade-like convergence of the width position at predefined points along the movement path, thus promoting a space-saving, compact arrangement and functional integration.

[0050] According to one embodiment, tension and position variations of the strip material are compensated by means of a dancer unit, which provides at least one deflection roller mounted in a variable position relative to stationary deflection rollers of the unwinding and feed module. This also enables a gravity-driven, self-regulating effect, whereby the tension prevailing in the material can be easily adapted to the frictional forces and the strip material. According to one embodiment, the movement path of the strip material from the spool to the feed unit is limited from a width variation of at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, or at least 30 cm to a width variation of a maximum of 5 cm, a maximum of 4 cm, or a maximum of 3 cm. This also facilitates material transfer in the coupling position.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the strip material is fed to the system passively by traction, with the reel being unwound in response to a tensile force exerted externally on the strip material at the feed unit, particularly when the unwinding and feeding module is motor-inactive. This can further facilitate feeding, particularly in combination with a dancer unit for tension compensation.

[0052] At least one of the aforementioned objects is, as mentioned, also achieved by using an unwinding and feeding module according to claim 15 for cross-wound band-shaped material, which is wound on a cross-wound spool over a spool width that is significantly greater than the material width (in particular at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 greater), for rotatably supporting the spool about a spool axis and for guiding the band-shaped material to be unwound from the spool to a feed unit of the unwinding and feeding module, wherein the unwinding and feeding module is modularly coupled to a system by means of the feed unit in a coupling position and in a freely selectable standing position of the unwinding and feeding module, in particular to / into a system for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material, such asCardboard boxes, wherein width compensation takes place on / the movement path of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound spool to the feed unit, in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material is compensated at least approximately across the entire spool width and converges to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position up to the feed unit, in particular using an unwinding and feeding module previously described. This results in the aforementioned advantages. The convergence of the width position (or the limitation of the width variation range) can advantageously also take place after a short distance after the spool, in particular before passing through a dancer unit. Thus, the width compensation can be functionally separated from a length / force compensation.Preferably, the length / force compensation is arranged between the feed unit and the width compensation, i.e. downstream of the width compensation. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0053] The invention is described in more detail in the following drawing figures. Reference numbers not explicitly described in a particular drawing figure refer to the other drawing figures. They show: Figure 1 , 2 in a side view and in a detailed view of an unwinding and feeding module according to an embodiment; Figure 3 , 4 in a front view and in a plan view an unwinding and feeding module according to an embodiment; Figure 5 in a side view, an unwinding and feeding module integrated into an exemplary production process according to an embodiment; Figures 6, 7in a rear view and in a front view, an unwinding and feeding module integrated into an exemplary production process according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0054] For clarity, the reference symbols are first described together. Individual reference symbols will be discussed individually in connection with the respective figure.

[0055] A cross-wound spool 1 provides strip-shaped material 2, for example, silicone tape. The spool 1 is mounted in a mobile unwinding and feeding module 10 around a spool axis 11, optionally with a free end 11.1 of the spool axis. A housing or frame 12 surrounds the spool and, by means of one or more carrier units 12.1 (in particular height-adjustable or height-adaptable), provides support for a feed unit 16 in a desired coupling position Pxyz for transferring the strip-shaped material 2 to a system 20. A boom 12.2 projects laterally beyond the housing. One or more housing doors, flaps, or partitions 12.3 can protect the spool 1 and the material 2 from environmental influences.

[0056] The strip-shaped material 2 is guided on the movement path Mxz from the spool 1 to the feed unit 16 in a deflection unit 13 over several deflection rollers or deflection points 14, namely both over stationary deflection rollers 14a and over dancing or position-variable deflection rollers 14b. Individual or all deflection rollers can each have a deflection roller web 14.1 for defining a roll width y14, y14.1 and a width variation, whereby the respective deflection roller can be limited for roll edges 14.2.

[0057] On the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16, a dancer unit 15 is also provided, which can optionally be configured as part of the deflection unit 13. The dancer unit 15 comprises dancing deflection rollers 14b, which can ensure a predefinable tensile force in the belt 2 against the gravitational force depending on their own weight and any provided balancing masses. At the rollers 14, the belt 2 can be deflected by a deflection angle α, which can be predefined, in particular, via the relative arrangement of the rollers 14.

[0058] The module 10 is preferably mounted on wheels 17 and can be moved and positioned independently of the system 20, in particular in freely selectable positions on a floor of a machine hall.

[0059] The module 10 provides two functions on the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16, optionally separately from one another, but also optionally in combination with one another. A width compensation device 18 comprises, in particular, deflection roller webs 14.1 arranged in a cascade-like manner with decreasing width y14.1, and a length compensation device 19 enables length and tensile force compensation, in particular also at least partially by means of the dancer unit 15.

[0060] The system 20 can be designed in particular for cutting, gluing, and folding cardboard boxes or similar packaging materials. The system 20 can be designed as a fully automated process system. A pulling unit 23 for pulling the strip-shaped material 2 can be coupled to the module 10 at the coupling point Pxyz, so that the material 2 can be unwound from the spool 1 by exerting a pulling force and drawn into the system 20, for example into a hopper 21. The hopper provides an additional material buffer on the system side, for example even when the system is temporarily at a standstill for a few seconds or minutes. The z-coordinate of the coupling point Pxyz can be individually optimized for a respective system 20 via the height z16 of the feed unit 16, in particular via the length of the supports 12.1. The system 20 can have several deflection rollers orProvide deflection points 24 for guiding the belt 2, in particular for defining a movement path up to a contact point with cardboard (gluing or gluing process).

[0061] The functional principle is further illustrated by some force vector arrows: F1 indicates a tensile force exerted by the system 20 on the feed unit 16; F2 indicates a tensile force exerted on the dancer unit 15; F3 indicates a tensile force acting on coil 1; Fxz illustrates a tensile force plane in which the force is transmitted in band 2;

[0062] Since the belt 2 aligns in the direction of the acting tensile force, a plane of movement Exz of the belt-shaped material 2 corresponds at least approximately to the direction of the tensile force. The coordinates x, y, z denote the depth, width, and height directions.

[0063] The present invention makes it possible in a simple manner to gradually converge or limit the movement path of the material 2 from a comparatively large width y1 of the reel 1 (winding width), in particular a reel width which is very large in relation to the width y2 of the strip-shaped material 2, via deflection rollers 14 with different (in particular cascade-decreasing) widths y14, y14.1 to a width range which is advantageous for the handling of the material 2 and for the transfer of the material 2 to the system 10.

[0064] Optionally, module 10 can be passive with regard to the unwinding process. In other words, spool 1 does not need to be driven. However, a drive 11.2 provided on axis 11 can also optionally act on spool 1, particularly for the purpose of minimizing the tensile forces acting on strip 2. This allows, for example, a comparatively large material buffer to be provided in a gentle manner, even with particularly large spools and particularly thin material.

[0065] The drive 11.2 can be controlled via a control device 30, in particular depending on tensile force values ​​or position data from sensors coupled to the belt 2. This enables, for example, the unwinding process of the coil to be initiated in response to a tensile force F1 exerted by a system 20 on the belt 2 or the module 10.

[0066] Fig. 1illustrates the guidance of material 2 from spool 1 to the transfer point at the feed unit 16. Before the material 2 is guided vertically upward to the transfer point, it meanders through a compensation zone in which a width position limitation and a length / tensile force compensation take place. This buffer zone can be individually designed, particularly with regard to the size or mass of the spool, the tensile strength of the material 2, and the tensile force F1 exerted by the system 20.

[0067] In Fig. 2The dancer unit 15 is visible. The dancer unit 15 comprises, for example, two upper stationary deflection rollers 14a and three lower dancing deflection rollers 14b. On the movement path Mxz from the reel 1 to the feed unit 16, the strip 2 is guided around nine or ten deflection rollers 14 in this embodiment. This also extends the distance available for compensation, for example by a factor of 3 to 5, depending on the arrangement of the dancer unit.

[0068] The dancer unit 15 preferably comprises a guide 15.1 for the movable deflection rollers 14b, in particular a linear guide, as well as at least one position sensor 15.2 provided on the guide, in particular a linear-inductive sensor. Thus, position data of the dancer unit 15 can be determined and transmitted to a / the control unit 30 (in particular wirelessly), so that the control unit 30 can, for example, control and regulate a drive 11.2 for positioning or rotating the reel 1 depending on a deflection (position change) in the dancer unit. This provides further optimization potential, particularly for particularly large, heavy reels 1.

[0069] Fig. 2also illustrates a height range Δz for width and / or length compensation. The height range Δz is enclosed by the housing 12, and the deflection pulleys are all arranged within the height range. In this example, the height of the height range Δz is approximately a factor of 1.5 to 2 of the diameter of the coil 1. The guide 15.1 of the dancer unit 15 can optionally extend at least approximately over the entire height range Δz. This also provides a large buffer in a comparatively compact installation space.

[0070] In the representation according to Fig. 2 The coil axis 11 is supported on one side. Alternatively, the coil axis 11 can be supported at both ends (no free end 11.1).

[0071] In Fig. 3 the width ratio of coil width y1 to material width y2 is illustrated.

[0072] In Fig. 4The web width y14.1 is illustrated. Here, the coil width y1 is approximately a factor of 3 of the web width y14.1, and the web 14.1 of the first deflection roller is arranged at least approximately centrally relative to the coil width y1. Fig. 4 It is evident that the material 2, although comparatively narrow, cannot be twisted or turned, but must be handled in its own plane of extension due to its web-like design (compare the arrangement in the bunker 21 in the Fig. 6, 7 ).

[0073] The Fig. 5 , 6 and 7 The systems shown relate, for example, to the automated processing of packaging material, especially cardboard boxes. The process can include folding, cutting, gluing, or the like. Fig. 5 An exemplary arrangement of a module 10 coupled to a system 20 is shown. In Fig. 6a bunker 21 of a plant 20 is shown in detail according to a further application. Fig. 7 shows this arrangement from the opposite perspective.

[0074] Sensors, particularly force sensors, can be provided in the individual pulleys or at other locations. Depending on the process design, position sensors can be arranged along the movement path of the strip-shaped material or on the moving components. List of reference symbols

[0075] 1 cross-wound spool 2 strip-shaped material, for example silicone tape 10 unwinding and feeding module 11 spool axis 11.1 free end of the spool axis 11.2 drive 12 housing or frame 12.1 support unit for feeding unit, in particular height-adjustable or height-adaptable 12.2 boom 12.3 housing door or flap or partition 13 deflection unit 14 deflection roller or deflection point 14 a fixed deflection roller or deflection point of the dancer unit 14 b dancing or variable deflection roller of the dancer unit 14.1 deflection roller web (for deflection roller with extra width) 14.2 roller edge 15 dancer unit 15.1 guide for movable deflection rollers, in particular linear guide 15.2 position sensor, in particular linear-inductive 16 feeding unit 17 wheels of the Module 18Width compensation device 19Length compensation device 20Systems, especially for cutting, gluing, folding cardboard 21Bunker 23Traction unit for pulling in strip-shaped material 24Deflection roller or deflection point of the system 30Control device F1 Tensile force / direction on / in feed unit (especially exerted externally) F2 Tensile force or direction of tensile force on / in dancer unit F3 Tensile force or direction of tensile force on / at coil Fxz Tensile force level ExzMovement plane of the strip-shaped material MxzMovement path of the strip-shaped material Pxyz coupling position (transfer of the strip-shaped material) y1Width of the coil (winding width) y2Width of the strip-shaped material y14Width of the deflection roller y14.1Width of the deflection roller web z16Height of the feed unit x, y, zDepth, width, height ΔzHeight range for width and / or length compensation αDeflection angle at the deflection roller (or contact area over the roller circumference)

Claims

1. Unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound strip-shaped material (2), namely with a material width in the range of 15 to 35 mm, wherein the strip-shaped material is wound on a cross-wound reel (1) which has a reel width (y1) of at least 20 cm, and which is rotatably mounted about a reel axis (11) on the unwinding and feeding module, wherein the strip-shaped material is guided by means of the unwinding and feeding module from the reel to a feeding unit (16) of the unwinding and feeding module, by means of which the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled to a production line (20) in a coupling position (Pxyz), characterised in that a width compensation device (18) is integrated between the cross-wound reel (1) and the feeding unit (16), which is configured to compensate for a variation in the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) at least approximately over the entire reel width (y1) on the movement path (Mxz) from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16), wherein the feeding unit specifies at least one predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position and is designed and arranged such that the unwinding and feeding module (10) can be coupled to the production line (20) in a modular manner, wherein the unwinding and feeding module is mobile and can be moved and positioned independently of the production line.

2. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the unwinding and feeding module can be coupled to the production line in modular manner as a retrofit module to replace an integral feeding unit of the production line, wherein the reel width is at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 greater than the width of the strip-shaped material.

3. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding unit (16) also specifies a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material (2) in the coupling position (Pxyz); or wherein the feeding unit specifies a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m.

4. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a length compensation device (19) for length compensation and tensile force compensation in the strip-shaped material (2), which is integrated between the cross-wound reel (1) and the feeding unit (16); or wherein the length compensation device (19) of the unwinding and feeding module (10) together with the width compensation device (18) forms a combined compensation device defining the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material from the reel to the feeding unit; or wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a plurality of deflection rollers (14, 14a, 14b) for compensating for variations in the force and position of the strip-shaped material (2), in particular at least five, six or seven deflection rollers (14a) installed in a fixed position on the module, or at least two or three deflection rollers (14b) mounted in a variable position relative to the fixed deflection rollers; or wherein the unwinding and feeding module has a dancer unit (15) with at least one deflection roller (14b) mounted in a variable relative position with respect to fixed deflection rollers of the unwinding and feeding module, via which dancer unit the strip-shaped material is guided; or wherein at least one deflection roller (14) with a deflection roller stay (14.1) with a stay width (y14.1) greater than a factor of 3 or greater than a factor of 2 than the material width (y2) is provided on the movement path from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16), in particular a plurality of deflection rollers with a stay width decreasing in the feeding direction.

5. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is guided upwards and downwards on the movement path from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16) between a plurality of deflection points, in particular at deflection angles in the range from 140 to 180°, wherein at successive deflection points, the movement path or the movement range of the strip-shaped material is further restricted in the width direction; or wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is guided on the movement path from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16) initially between a plurality of deflection points in a first height section, and then guided into a second height section above the first height section; or wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is guided on the movement path from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16) by means of a / the width and / or length compensation device (18, 19) in a height range (Δz) which extends over a height of at least a factor of 1 to 2 of the diameter of the reel (1), upstream of the strip-shaped material (2) being forwarded to the feeding unit.

6. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding module is supported on / by wheels (17) and is configured for mobile movement on a surface or hall floor; or wherein the feeding of the strip-shaped material (2) is passively driven by traction, in that the reel (1) can be unwound in response to a tensile force exerted on the strip-shaped material from outside the feeding unit (16), in particular with the unwinding and feeding module being motorically inactive.

7. Unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reel (1) provides the strip-shaped material (2) with a seamless length of at least 1,000 m, preferably at least 3,000 m, more preferably at least 5,000 m; or wherein the reel axis is arranged at a height of less than 1.5 m; or wherein the reel axis is arranged / can be arranged at a height of between 20 and 100 cm above the floor; or wherein the unwinding and feeding module provides for a distance for the strip-shaped material on the movement path between the reel and the feeding unit, which is at least a factor of 3 greater than the length of the direct path between the reel and the feeding unit; or wherein the reel width (y1) is at least a factor of 5 or at least a factor of 7 or at least a factor of 10 to 50 greater than the width (y2) of the strip-shaped material; or wherein the width compensation device (18) is configured to limit the movement path of the strip-shaped material from a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm or up to 50 cm to a width variation of at most 5 cm or at most 4 cm or at most 3 cm or up to 1 cm, in particular in a cascade-like manner at deflection points cascaded in series.

8. Production line (20) for at least partially automated production of packaging material, in particular production line for cutting, gluing and / or folding cardboard packaging, wherein the production line comprises at least one unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unwinding and feeding module (10) is coupled as a mobile module to a pulling unit (23) of the production line (20) acting on the strip-shaped material.

9. Method for unwinding and feeding cross-wound strip-shaped material (2) with a material width (y2) in the range of 15 to 35 mm by means of an unwinding and feeding module (10) from a cross-wound reel (1) to / in a production line (20), wherein the strip-shaped material is wound over a reel width (y1) of at least 20 cm, which is significantly greater than the material width (y2), wherein the reel is rotatably mounted about a reel axis (11), wherein the strip-shaped material is guided from the reel to a feeding unit (16) of the unwinding and feeding module, wherein the feeding unit ensures coupling with the production line in a coupling position (Pxyz), wherein a width compensation is carried out on a / the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material from the cross-wound reel to the feeding unit, in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) is compensated at least approximately over the entire reel width, namely gradually continuously or in a cascade manner at deflection points (24) cascaded in series, wherein the width variation is converged up to the feeding unit to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position, wherein the method is carried out by means of a mobile unwinding and feeding module which can be moved and positioned independently of the production line.

10. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein a predefined depth position and / or a predefined height position of the strip-shaped material (2) in the coupling position (Pxyz) is also specified; or wherein a / the predefined height position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position is specified in the range of a height of 1.5 m to 3.5 m.

11. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein on the movement path (Mxz) in the unwinding and feeding module (10), also a length compensation and a tension compensation are carried out, in particular at least partially by means of a dancer unit (15) the strip-shaped material is passed by.

12. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein compensation for force and position variations on the movement path from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16) is effected by means of a plurality of deflection rollers (14), in particular by means of at least five six or seven deflection rollers (14a) installed in fixed positions on the module, or by means of at least two or three deflection rollers (14b) mounted in variable relative positions with respect to the fixed deflection rollers; or wherein tensile force and position variations of the strip-shaped material (2) are compensated by means of a dancer unit (15), which therefor provides for at least one deflection roller (14b) mounted in a variable relative position with respect to fixed deflection rollers of the unwinding and feeding module.

13. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material (2) from the reel (1) to the feeding unit (16) is limited from a width variation of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm to a width variation of at most 5 cm or at most 4 cm or at most 3 cm, respectively.

14. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the strip-shaped material (2) is fed to the production line (20) passively by traction, by unwinding the reel in response to a traction force exerted externally on the strip-shaped material at the feeding unit, in particular with the unwinding and feeding module being motorically inactive.

15. Use of an unwinding and feeding module (10) for cross-wound strip-shaped material (2) with a material width (y2) in the range of 15 to 35 mm, which is wound on a cross-wound reel (1) over a reel width (y1) of at least 20 cm, which is significantly greater than the material width (y2), for rotatably supporting the reel about a reel axis (11) and for guiding the strip-shaped material to be unwound from the reel to a feeding unit of the unwinding and feeding module, wherein the unwinding and feeding module (10) is coupled in modular manner to a production line (20) in a coupling position (Pxyz) by means of the feeding unit (16) and in a freely selectable standing position of the unwinding and feeding module, in particular to / in a production line for cutting, gluing and / or folding packaging material such as, for example, cardboard, wherein width compensation is carried out on a / the movement path (Mxz) of the strip-shaped material (2) from the cross-wound reel (1) to the feeding unit (16), in which a width variation of the width position of the strip-shaped material (2) is compensated at least approximately over the entire reel width (y1), namely gradually continuously or in a cascade manner at deflection points (24) cascaded in series, wherein the width variation is converged to a predefined width position of the strip-shaped material in the coupling position (Pxyz) up to the feeding unit (16), wherein the unwinding and feeding module is mobile and can be moved and positioned independently of the production line, in particular use of an unwinding and feeding module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7.