Film dispensing system

Abstract

A film dispensing system comprises a stock facility (10) for receiving one or more lengths of film wound into a film roll (200) with a hollow core. A winding device (300) which is able and configured to remove a measured film segment (200') from a length of film is provided. The stock facility comprises for each of the one or more film rolls (200) a spindle (150) receivable in the core of the relevant film roll. The film roll (200) is rotatable thereon round a central axis of the spindle. The winding device (300) is displaceable toward at least a number of the film rolls (200) and is able and configured to enter into co-action with the stock facility in order to remove the film segment from a selected film roll (200) from the relevant spindle (150).

Description

[0001] Film dispensing system

[0002] The present invention relates to a film dispensing system, comprising a stock facility for receiving one or more lengths of film wound into a film roll with a hollow core and a winding device which is able and configured to remove a measured film segment from a length of film.

[0003] An existing film dispensing system comprises a large number of shelves, in each of which is stored a length of film of a determined type, dimensions, manufacturer or type, wound into a roll. When an order comes in for delivery of a film segment of a measured length, the film roll must be removed from the shelf and carried to a cutting table or the like, where the relevant segment is separated from the roll. Orders are generally placed at the end of the working day and are usually for a small size, which often results in a peak in activity just before closing time.

[0004] The film rolls are usually stored in the stock facility on a pin rack or still in boxes. This causes delivery of an order to take a relatively long time as a result of the 'walking back and forth with boxes and packing and unpacking of the rolls. The rolls are moreover heavy and large, often in the order of 30 kilograms and 120 cm in length, due to which the repeated handling of the rolls may result in injury and absence of the staff concerned. This drawback increases as the assortment of rolls increases. The present invention therefore has for its object, among others, to provide a film dispensing system which requires considerably less effort and time.

[0005] In order to achieve the stated object a film dispensing system of the type described in the preamble has for this purpose the feature according to the invention that the stock facility comprises for each of the one or more lengths of film wound into a film roll a spindle receivable in the core of the relevant film roll, that the film roll is received on the spindle for rotation about a central axis of the spindle, that the winding device is displaceable toward at least a number of the film rolls, and that the winding device is able and configured to enter into co-action with the stock facility in order to remove the film segment from a selected film roll from the relevant spindle.

[0006] Because the film rolls are in this system stored in the stock facility round a spindle from which they can be unwound, an ordered film segment can be unwound directly therefrom without having to remove the film roll from the stock facility. Instead, the winding device is moved to the stock facility and a length of the film segment is removed from the film roll and release therefrom in situ. This generally requires considerably less effort and time. The film segment can be wound into a more manageable, smaller roll by the winding device while it is being unwound from the larger film roll from the stock facility. Such a relatively light roll of the film segment can subsequently be handled in particularly practical manner. For the purpose of a smooth unwinding of the film roll a preferred embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that provided all around the spindle is a disc body having on a visible side a sliding surface, particularly a friction-reducing top layer, on which the film roll is received. The film roll is here received with an outer end on the slide resistance-reducing sliding surface of the disc body, which then enhances smooth rotation of the film roll around the spindle so as to enable unwinding.

[0007] In order to protect the device and an outer end of the roll from becoming damaged when loading a roll a further preferred embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the disc body is provided on a rear side with a damping layer, particularly of an optionally natural rubber or foam. This damping layer imparts a certain shock absorption when the roll is lowered over the spindle, this enhancing the process.

[0008] For the purpose of a practical processing of the film segment to be removed, particularly if it has a great length, a further preferred embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the winding device comprises a rotatingly driven, at least rotatable, inflatable lifter on which an end segment of a hollow tube is receivable in non-rotatable manner, wherein the film segment can be wound onto the tube and can be removed together therewith from the winding device. The tube is here placed on the lifter beforehand and subsequently forms a spindle around which the film segment is wound as desired. The tube remains present in the wound film segment as core during transport and further processing of the film segment.

[0009] In a further particular embodiment the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the winding device comprises a rotatingly driven, at least rotatable, inflatable body, which body forms in inflated state a form-retaining spindle around which the film segment can be wound and which body can be removed from the wound film segment in at least partially deflated state. The inflatable body thus provides in inflated state a temporary spindle around which can be wound the film segment to be removed. In wholly or partially deflated state the body loses its rigidity of form and the 'wound film segment can be removed therefrom. An advantage of this embodiment is that a tube or other core body can be avoided, this saving material, weight and processing time, and thereby limiting costs.

[0010] A further particular embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention has the feature that a guide is provided over which the winding device is displaceable, particularly a rail guide, and that the guide leads to at least a part of the stock facility. A guide is thus provided over which the winding device is transportable to the stock facility. The winding device is for this purpose particularly motor-driven. The guide can here both be controlled in contactless manner, i.e. for instance radiographically or by a location determining system such as GPS, and be mechanical, as is particularly provided by a rail guide. A partially or even fully automated dispensing system can ultimately be achieved thereby, wherein the winding device carries itself to the correct film roll autonomously.

[0011] In order to save space in the stock facility while all film rolls present therein nevertheless remain accessible to the winding device a further preferred embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the stock facility comprises one or more dispensing devices, 'wherein a group of film rolls are each received on an individual spindle, and that the film rolls are displaceable, optionally in groups, per dispensing device between a storage position inside the stock facility and a dispensing position in which a film roll is accessible to the winding device. The film rolls are thus divided in groups over one or more dispensing devices, wherein the film rolls are displaceable from a storage position to a dispensing position, in which latter position the selected film roll is accessible to the winding device. The storage positions can thereby be placed relatively close together and concealed, this in order to save useful space.

[0012] In a particular embodiment the film dispensing system is characterized according to the invention in that the dispensing devices comprise horizontally extendable drawers on which the film rolls are received in an upended position on vertically oriented spindles, and that each of the drawers is displaceable between a retracted position inside the stock facility and an extended position at least partially outside the stock facility, in which at least partially extended position a film roll of the relevant group of film rolls is accessible to the winding device. A preferred embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature here according to the invention that the drawers are provided with an actuation and, supported by the actuation, are displaceable between the two stated positions. One or more groups of film rolls are thus located in groups on an extendable drawer in the stock facility. Wholly or partially extending the drawer, optionally in energized manner, enables each of the rolls to be provided to the winding device outside a stock position, while they may be packed relatively close together and be inaccessible in their storage position. The actuation of the drawer supports this manipulation for the user, this allowing them to do only relatively light work.

[0013] A particularly practical embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention has the feature here that each of the drawers is provided with an individual control for energizing the actuation of the relevant drawer. Each drawer system is here individually equipped with a handle with which the drawer in question can be operated. With a view to a particularly intuitive control of the actuation a further particular embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention has the feature here that the operation comprises a handle which can be manipulated between a neutral position and one of a position oriented toward the retracted position and the at least partially extended position of the drawer, wherein the drawer performs a correspondingly oriented movement. The drawer here follows a position taken up by the handle, making the control particularly easy to understand. In order to avoid damage or injury to people and goods as a result of a suddenly extending drawer a further particular embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the drawers are provided at a distal outer end with a pressure contact, which pressure contact is coupled to the actuation in order to urge the relevant drawer to the retracted position 'when touched. A particular embodiment of the film dispensing system has the feature here according to the invention that the actuation comprises a pneumatic actuator and the pressure contact a push valve coupled to the actuator. If an obstacle is in this case located or present in the path of the drawer, the pressure contact will be hit thereby first, whereupon the drawer can be controlled back inward immediately so that this event is limited to merely light, harmless contact.

[0014] In a further particular embodiment the film dispensing system has the feature according to the invention that the dispensing devices each comprise a carousel, wherein the film rolls are received in an upended state on vertically oriented spindles, which carousel carries the relevant group of film rolls in a horizontal path in order to move a selected film roll of the group of film rolls from the storage position inside the stock facility to their dispensing position. The carousel here guides the film rolls of the relevant group in an endless path, wherein a dispensing position is in each case taken up by at least one of the rolls, in which position the relevant film roll is accessible to the winding device. The film dispensing system according to the invention is particularly characterized here in that the carousel comprises an endless belt which guides the group of film rolls in an endless horizontal path. Such an endless path for instance extends along a closed loop or meander.

[0015] The invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

[0016] Figure 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a front view of the film dispensing system of figure 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a top view of a dispensing device of the film dispensing system of figure 1;

[0019] Figure 4 is a side view of the dispensing device of figure 3 in a retracted position;

[0020] Figure 5 is a side view of the dispensing device of figure 3 in a fully extended position;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention; and

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention.

[0023] It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not always drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

[0024] The film dispensing system shown in the figures comprises a stock facility 10

[0025] :omposed of a large number of individual dispensing devices 100 which are disposed adjacently of each other packed closely together, see figures 1 and 2. Each dispensing device comprises a fixed frame 110 with which the dispensing device supports on a ground surface, and an extendable drawer 120 which forms an axially movable part of the frame 1 10, see also figure 5. For this purpose the drawer 120 is energized by a mechanical drive in the form of a modest electric motor or, as in this embodiment, driven by a pneumatic actuator which engages linearly on drawer 120. Although in this embodiment the drawer 120 supports in rolling manner on the underlying frame 110, drawers 120 can optionally also support directly on the floor in rolling manner. Drawers 120 each have a system of successive, vertically oriented spindles 150.

[0026] The spindles 150 typically have a length in the order of 600-850 millimetres with a diameter in the order of 150-300 millimetres. In this embodiment use is made of spindles 150 with a length of 850 millimetres and a diameter of about 76 millimetres. Any rigid material can be used for spindles 150, such as, in addition to (stainless) steel, for instance also a suitable plastic or wood. Just as the drawer 120 running thereover, the frame 1 10 is preferably embodied wholly or at least for the most part in stainless steel.

[0027] The dimensions of the spindles 150 allow the spindle to be received in the hollow core of a length of film 200 wound into a roll. As a result, such rolls 200 of for instance different types, dimensions, materials and / or origin can be placed over the spindles 150. The film rolls 200 each comprise a hollow core in the form of a tube of cardboard or the like, around which the length of film is wound. The rolls 200 rest at their outer end on a disc body 151 which is provided on a visible side with a sliding surface, for instance in the form of a friction-reducing disc 152 of teflon, nylon or other plastic. This sliding surface 152 enhances a free rotation of the film roll 200 round spindle 150. The film rolls 200 are thus in upright position in stock facility 10 while they can be unwound smoothly from the spindle on which they are arranged.

[0028] Provided under the disc body is a flexible rosette 153 of optionally natural rubber or a similar soft material which is not smooth. This provides for a mechanical damping and thus protects both an outer end of film roll 200 and the device against damage during loading of a roll 200. Instead of a separate disc 152 and / or rosette 153 use can, if desired, optionally also be made for one or both of a relevant covering of disc body 152, which is in that case connected firmly thereto.

[0029] As illustrated by figure 1, a particularly high packing density of the rolls 200 relative to each other can be achieved in this way, this thereby limiting the ground space (footprint) required for the stock facility 10. Although the stock facility is thus completely filled with rolls 200 in the figure, stock facility 10 can in practice also be covered only partially with film rolls 200, wherein one or more dispensing devices 'will be wholly or partially empty.

[0030] With a view to dispensing of a film segment, which must be removed from a selected film roll 200 over a given length, the film dispensing system has a winding device 300 which is movable along the successive dispensing devices over a guide 310. Guide 310 here comprises a series set of parallel steel rail profiles over 'which or in which guide wheels 320 of a carriage 330 run. The wheels 320 are bearing-mounted, whereby the carriage 330 is smoothly movable along guide 310. Carriage 330 carries the winding device 300 and is in this embodiment driven by a powerful electric motor 340.

[0031] In the event of an order for a film segment from a determined film roll 200 the winding device 300 is guided with carriage 330 over guide 310 to the relevant dispensing device 100 on which the relevant film roll 200 is located. The dispensing device 100 is located adjacently of winding device 300 and has a spring-mounted handle (not shown) with which an operator can wholly or partially extend the drawer 120 of the relevant dispensing device, see figures 4 and 5, in order to place the film roll 200 to be selected in front of or at least close to the winding device 300, see also figure 1. The handle can be operated particularly intuitively. Pushing the handle in makes the drawer move inward; pulling the handle out conversely moves the drawer outward. When the handle is released, it takes up a neutral position and the movement stops. This allows the operator to extend the drawer 120 over an intended length in particularly simple manner.

[0032] Mounted on drawer 120 at a distal outer end thereof is a pressure contact 160 which sends the drawer into stock facility 10 when touched, irrespective of a position of the handle. This provides for additional safety in case an obstacle or person is present in the path of the drawer. Use is in this case made for this purpose of a push valve 'which applies compressed air to an input port of a pneumatic actuator (cylinder) (not shown), whereby the drawer is urged inward. The relevant film roll 200 is now accessible to the winding device 300. Winding device

[0033] 300 has a motor-driven lifter 400, see figure 1, on 'which a hollow end of a hollow cardboard tube 450 fits. The lifter 400 is provided with a fan of rubber fins which stretch and thereby attach to an inner wall of tube 450 if tube 450 is twisted thereover in the winding direction. Tube 450 is now connected non-rotatably to lifter 400 but, in the event of an opposite rotation, can be released therefrom just as easily in that the fins now' return to their curved, shorter starting position.

[0034] The required length of the relevant film is measured and wound onto tube 450. The thus obtained film segment 200' is cut vertically off the roll 2.00 in the winding direction. This can be done manually or by an automatic cutting device which can be provided for this purpose in the 'winding device. The film segment 200' which has thus been released from film roll 200 and wound into a roll on tube 450 can be removed from winding device 300 and is now ready for delivery, without an operator having to exert any effort at all for this purpose.

[0035] A. transport tube is advantageously slid over the film segment 200' before releasing segment 200' from winding device 300, so that the film segment does not unwind or become damaged during further processing.

[0036] An alternative embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention is shown in figure 6. In this case the spindles 150 form part of a carousel 500, instead of a drawer system, in which the spindles with the film rolls 200 in upended position thereon are guided in an endless path by a motor-driven endless belt 550. The stock facility comprises six of such carousels 500 per winding device 300, which is movable along a linear guide 310 at an end side. By selecting the desired roll 200 it can be carried to a dispensing position at the end side and there received by winding device 300. An order can then be unwound from roll 200 and be processed by winding device 300 in the above described manner.

[0037] A third embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention is shown in figure 7. Use is here also made of a carousel 500 with a motor-driven endless belt 550 which guides the spindles 150 in upended position in a continuous horizontal path. This path of the carousel however extends laterally in this case, so that a 'winding device 300 can remain stationary. A linear guide can therefore be dispensed with therefor in that the selected roll 200 can nevertheless always be carried to the winding device 300. Otherwise, the operation of this embodiment is similar to that of the second and first embodiment of the film dispensing system according to the invention. If desired, the carousel 500 can be expanded further by carrying the endless belt 550 over a longer path.

[0038] Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only several exemplary embodiments, it 'will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

Claims:

1. Film dispensing system, comprising a stock facility for receiving one or more lengths of film wound into a film roll with a hollow core and a winding device which is able and configured to remove a measured film segment from a length of film, characterized in that the stock facility comprises for each of the one or more lengths of film wound into a film roll a spindle receivable in the core of the relevant film roll, that the film roll is received on the spindle for rotation about a central axis of the spindle, that the winding device is displaceable toward at least a number of the film rolls, and that the winding device is able and configured to enter into co-action 'with the stock facility in order to remove the film segment from a selected film roll from the relevant spindle.

2. Film dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that provided all around the spindle is a disc body having on a visible side a sliding surface, particularly a friction-reducing top layer, on which the film roll is received.

3. Film dispensing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the disc body is provided on a rear side with a damping layer, particularly of an optionally natural rubber or foam.

4. Film dispensing system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the winding device comprises a rotatingly driven, at least rotatable, inflatable lifter onwhich an end segment of a hollow tube is receivable in non-rotatable manner, 'wherein the film segment can be wound onto the tube and can be removed together therewith from the winding device.

5. Film dispensing system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the winding device comprises a rotatingly driven, at least rotatable, inflatable body, which body forms in inflated state a form-retaining spindle around which the film segment can be wound and which body can be removed from the wound film segment in at least partially deflated state.

6. Film dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide is provided over which the winding device is displaceable, particularly a rail guide, and that the guide leads to at least a part of the stock facility.

7. Film dispensing system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stock facility comprises one or more dispensing devices, wherein a group of film rolls are each received on an individual spindle, and that the film rolls are displaceable, optionally in groups, per dispensing device between a storage position inside the stock facility and a dispensing position in 'which a film roll is accessible to the winding device.

8. Film dispensing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the dispensing devices comprise horizontally extendable drawers on which the film rolls arereceived in an upended position on vertically oriented spindles, and that each of the drawers is displaceable between a retracted position inside the stock facility and an extended position at ieast partially outside the stock facility, in which at least partially extended position a film roll of the relevant group of film rolls is accessible to the winding device.

9. Film dispensing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the drawers are provided with an actuation and, supported by the actuation, are displaceable between the two stated positions.

10. Film dispensing system according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the drawers is provided with an individual control for energizing the actuation of the relevant drawer.

11. Film dispensing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the control comprises a handle which can be manipulated between a neutral position and one of a position oriented toward the retracted position and the at least partially extended position of the drawer, 'wherein the drawer performs a correspondingly oriented movement.

12. Film dispensing system according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the drawers are provided at a distal outer end 'with a pressure contact, 'which pressurecontact is coupled to the actuation in order to urge the relevant drawer to the retracted position when touched.

13. Film dispensing system according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuation comprises a pneumatic actuator and the pressure contact a push valve coupled to the actuator.

14. Film dispensing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the dispensing devices each comprise a carousel, wherein the film rolls are received in an upended state on vertically oriented spindles, which carousel carries the relevant group of film rolls in a horizontal path in order to move a selected film roll of the group of film rolls from the storage position inside the stock facility to their dispensing position.

15. Film dispensing system according to claim 14, characterized in that the carousel comprises an endless belt which guides the group of film rolls in an endless horizontal path.

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