Device for slicing a strip around a reel

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for slicing a strip around a reel (2), the device (1) comprising a shaft driven in rotation about its axis and intended to receive a reel (2) fitted around said axis, means (6) for retaining a free end of the strip on the reel (2), and means for relative axial movement between the reel (2) and the strip to perform the slicing operation as such. According to the invention, the retaining means (6) are rotationally fixed to the shaft and are axially and radially movable, to move from a position retaining the free end of the strip bearing on one end of a useful surface of the reel (2), to a neutral position radially and axially away from said useful surface of the reel (2). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for slicing a strip around a reel technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of slicing around reels, strips, for example made of a rubbery material, such as rubber used for the manufacture of a tire.

[0002] The term "rubber" means a rubber-based paste used in the manufacture of a tire. This rubber-based paste may incorporate a reinforcing element, such as fabric, rope or cable, or any other structural component or element.

[0003] Trancanning is the action of winding a strip in an orderly fashion around a reel wider than the strip, turn by turn and layer by layer. A trancanning operation is performed by first attaching one end of a strip to the reel. Then, the reel is rotated around its axis of revolution so as to wind the strip. At this stage, to carry out the trancanning operation itself, it is possible either to move the reel laterally along its axis of revolution, or to move the strip transversely by means of a loading arm, for example, which is well known in the prior art. The essential point is to have a relative movement between the reel and the strip to be trancanned.

[0004] The invention finds an advantageous application in the continuous winding of strips around reels, from a web. Previous art

[0005] Prior art document WO2019 / 007585 describes a strip winding device comprising: - a first reel and a second reel, movable in rotation to wind the strip successively onto the first reel and then onto the second reel; and - means for cutting the strip when the first reel is full, so as to transfer and then reattach a free end of the strip onto the second reel;

[0006] This document discloses in particular the presence of a movable arm around a pivot axis between the reels and automatically controlled following an operation of transferring a free end of the strip from the first reel to the second reel; and means of automatically attaching the free end of the strip to the second reel.

[0007] In particular, during the transfer, the free end of the strip, held by locking means and guided by rollers, is oriented towards a receiving groove in the second reel. The groove constitutes an automatic attachment means for the free end of the strip onto the second reel.

[0008] The groove has an adjustable width, thanks to a movable part which is able to approach a fixed part to tighten the free end of the strip.

[0009] When the free end of the strip is clamped, the locking means are moved apart to allow the strip to unwind and be guided. The second reel is then rotated to begin the slicing operation.

[0010] This system, although complex since it requires a particular reel design, gives satisfaction for reels without flanges, and can therefore be improved to be simplified and also allow the free end of a strip to be attached to a reel with or without a flange. Description of the invention

[0011] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the problems of the prior art by providing a simplified device allowing the free end of a strip to be held on a reel with a flange, as well as without a flange.

[0012] For this purpose, a device for slicing a strip around a reel has been developed, the device comprising a shaft driven in rotation around its axis and intended to receive a reel fitted around said axis, means for holding a free end of the strip on the reel, and means for relative axial movement between the reel and the strip to carry out the slicing operation as such.

[0013] According to the invention, the holding means are rotationally fixed to the shaft and are axially movable, i.e., along the shaft, and radially movable, to move from a holding position of the free end of the strip resting on one end of a useful surface of the reel, to a neutral position radially and axially away from said useful surface of the reel. The useful surface corresponds to the lateral surface of the reel core, around which the strip is wound.

[0014] In this way, the invention allows axial and radial displacement of the holding means to hold the free end of the strip during the first turns of the slicing operation, until said strip is held by itself by overlapping during slicing.

[0015] The invention thus offers great flexibility of use for different types of coils. The possibility of radially moving the retaining means makes it possible, for example, to avoid the need for a flange on the coil.

[0016] Preferably, and in order to make the device more compact, the retaining means are mounted on the shaft, upstream of a coil receiving area relative to a free end of the shaft.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the holding means are radially movable by a radial actuator, which allows for precise adjustment of the holding position relative to the effective surface of the coil. This feature improves control of the winding process, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures greater regularity in coil formation.

[0018] Preferably, the shaft comprises an inner tube mounted to slide in an outer tube, the radial actuator comprises a static part fixed to the inner tube, and a movable part carrying the retaining means and projecting radially through a window in the outer tube, the sliding of the inner tube allows axial movement of the retaining means.

[0019] In this way, the device is compact and robust, while allowing the retaining means to be axially displaceable by an axial actuator comprising a static part fixed to a fixed part of the device and a movable part fixed to the inner tube. In particular, the outer tube is itself guided in rotation within a sleeve to which the static part of the axial actuator is attached.

[0020] This design has the advantage of facilitating the integration of the retaining elements into a compact and modular assembly, thus reducing mechanical bulk and simplifying maintenance. Furthermore, the use of a radial actuator fixedly mounted on the inner tube ensures reliable transmission of radial motion, thereby guaranteeing high precision when positioning the free end of the strip.

[0021] In other words, the outer tube transmits the rotational power to the shaft, while the inner tube allows the movement of the retaining means.

[0022] According to a particular design, the static part of the radial actuator and / or the axial actuator includes a shoe guiding the movement of guide rods attached to the moving part of the radial actuator and / or the axial actuator.

[0023] Advantageously, the device includes means for detecting the neutral position and / or the holding positions of the holding means, for example in the form of sensors for detecting the position of the guide rods, which ensures that the correct position of the holding means is maintained at each stage of the process. These detection devices increase operational safety and facilitate automatic control of the slicing, minimizing manual intervention and the risk of failure.

[0024] The retaining means themselves are designed to offer broad compatibility with different reel configurations. According to one particular embodiment, the retaining means comprise a support finger on the useful surface of the reel, which has an L-shape to avoid interfering with any potential flange that the coil might have.

[0025] This allows the same device to be used with reels having or without flanges, without structural modification. This flexibility simplifies slitting operations in various industrial environments and reduces the costs associated with the manufacture and maintenance of multiple specific devices.

[0026] Finally, the radial actuator and / or axial actuator is at least one cylinder, for example pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the slicing device of the present invention, with the means for holding in neutral position.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a perspective view from another point of view, with the motorization masked and the holding means in the holding position.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 2, with part of the outer tube (11) and the coil having been masked.

[0030] Fig.4 is a similar side view to Fig.3, with the retaining means in the retaining position.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, with the retaining means in a neutral position. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] With reference to figures 1 to 5, the invention relates to a slicing device (1) for winding strips around a reel, simplifying the process and allowing the free end of the strip to be kept on a reel (2) with or without a flange.

[0033] The device (1) includes a shaft (3) driven in rotation about its axis and configured to receive a coil (2) fitted around said axis.

[0034] The rotational drive is for example achieved by means of a geared motor group (4) and a transmission system (5) by belt and pulleys.

[0035] The device (1) includes means, not shown, for relative axial movement between the reel (2) and the strip to perform the slitting operation itself. In practice, and in a known manner, the device (1) is integrated into a more complete installation, such as that of document WO2019 / 007585, in which a pivoting arm is provided at its end with guiding means and means for locking the strip for winding around the reel. The arm is movable parallel to the pivot axis, for example by being mounted on a rail allowing reciprocating movement along the reel, to perform the slitting operation itself.

[0036] During this operation, the arm places a free end of the strip against the useful surface of the reel, i.e. against the lateral surface of the mandrel.

[0037] One of the important aspects of the invention is the presence of means for holding (6) the free end of the strip on the reel (2), at the beginning of the slicing process.

[0038] The holding means (6) are mounted on this shaft (3), upstream of a receiving area of ​​the reel (2) relative to a free end of the shaft (3), and are arranged so as to be rotationally fixed with the shaft (3). These holding means (6) include a support finger (7), configured to come into contact with an end of the useful surface of the reel (2), in particular the lateral surface of the reel mandrel (2), and intended to temporarily hold the free end of the strip in position on the reel (2) at the beginning of winding.

[0039] One of the advantages of this device (1) lies in the ability of the retaining means (6) to move both radially and axially relative to the axis of the shaft (3). This movement allows the retaining means (6) to move from a retaining position, see figures 2, 3 and 4, where they are supported against the useful surface of the coil (2), to a neutral position, see figures 1 and 5, where they are moved away both radially and axially from the useful surface of the coil (2) so as not to interfere with the winding.

[0040] In this way, when it is necessary to hold one end of a strip, the holding means (6) are moved axially along the shaft (3), then radially towards the reel (2). And to release the end of the strip, they perform the reverse movement.

[0041] Assuming that the coil (2) has a flange (8), the movement can begin with a radial displacement to escape said flange (8).

[0042] The retaining means (6) include, for example, a support finger (7) having an L-shape. This specific configuration also prevents any interference with a possible flange (8) that the coil (2) might have, particularly when the finger is in contact with the useful surface of the coil (2). In this way, the device (1) remains versatile and suitable for different coil (2) configurations.

[0043] The radial movement of the holding means (6) is ensured by a radial actuator (9), for example in the form of a cylinder.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, the shaft (3) comprises a sliding inner tube (10) mounted inside an outer tube (11). The outer tube (11) allows the transmission of rotational power to the shaft (3), while the outer tube (11) allows the movement of the retaining means (6). In the illustrated example, the rotational drive is achieved by a geared motor unit (4) and a system of transmission (5) by belt and pulleys, in particular one of the pulleys is arranged around a part of the outer tube (11). The outer tube (11) is guided in rotation in a sleeve (lia).

[0045] The radial actuator (9) consists of a static part, fixed to the inner tube (10), and a movable part, carrying the retaining means (6). This movable part protrudes radially through a window (12) formed in the outer tube (11). The sliding of the inner tube (10) relative to the outer tube (11) allows axial displacement of the retaining means (6), thus enabling the support finger (7) to be positioned optimally according to the dimensions of the coil (2).

[0046] The axial movement of the retaining means (6) is, for example, also ensured by an axial actuator (13). The latter comprises a static part fixed to the sleeve (lia) and a movable part fixed to the inner tube (10). When the axial actuator (13) is activated, it allows the coordinated axial movement of the retaining means (6) in order to retract them after the start of the slicing process.

[0047] The device (1) also includes a rotating collector (14) between the internal (10) and external (11) tubes to allow easy passage of electrical and / or fluidic connections inside said tubes and to the actuators.

[0048] In a compact and robust embodiment, the static part of the radial actuator (9) and the axial actuator (13) each comprise a shoe (15). This shoe (15) guides the movement of the guide rods (16), which are fixed to the moving part of each actuator. The shoe (15) allows for smooth and controlled movement of the retaining means (6), whether in the radial or axial direction.

[0049] The device (1) can also be equipped with means (17) for detecting the positions of the holding means (6), whether in the neutral position or in the holding position. These detection means (17) can include detection cells configured to detect the position of the guide rods (16) associated with the radial and axial actuators, particularly throughout the axial and radial movement. These cells ensure that the holding means (6) are correctly positioned at all times during the process.

[0050] The actuation of the holding means (6), for both radial and axial movement, is ensured by actuators in the form of cylinders. These cylinders can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric, depending on the application requirements. The cylinder that enables axial movement is, for example, a column cylinder. They allow for rapid and precise movement of the holding means (6) to ensure efficient and smooth slewing.

[0051] The detection means (17) can be positioned on the fixed part of the radial actuator, for example in the lower part of the cylinder barrel, or on the shoe of the axial actuator which is in the form of a column cylinder.

[0052] Thus, thanks to this configuration, the device (1) allows for efficient winding of the strip around the reel (2), while preventing the retaining means (6) from interfering with the process once it has begun. The device (1) is particularly well-suited to applications requiring precise and rapid winding, while offering great flexibility regarding the dimensions and shapes of the reels (2) used.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for slicing a strip around a reel (2), the device (1) comprising a shaft (3) driven in rotation about its axis and intended to receive a reel (2) fitted around said axis, means for retaining (6) a free end of the strip on the reel (2), and means for relative axial movement between the reel (2) and the strip to carry out the slicing operation as such, characterized in that the retaining means (6) are rotationally fixed with the shaft (3) and are axially and radially movable, to move from a position of retaining the free end of the strip in support on an end of a useful surface of the reel (2), to a neutral position radially and axially separated from said useful surface of the reel (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (6) are mounted on the shaft (3), upstream of a receiving zone of the coil (2) relative to a free end of the shaft (3).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (6) are radially movable by a radial actuator (9).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the shaft (3) comprises an inner tube (10) mounted to slide in an outer tube (11), the radial actuator (9) comprises a static part fixed to the inner tube (10), and a movable part carrying the retaining means (6) and projecting radially through a window (12) of the outer tube (11), the sliding of the inner tube (10) allows the axial displacement of the retaining means (6).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the retaining means (6) are axially movable by an axial actuator (13) comprising a static part attached to a fixed part of the device, and a movable part attached to the internal tube (10).

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 and / or 5, characterized in that the static part of the radial actuator (9) and / or the axial actuator (13) comprises a shoe (15) guiding the movement of guide rods (16) attached to the moving part of the radial actuator (9) and / or the axial actuator (13).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting (17) the neutral positions and / or for maintaining the holding means (6).

8. Device (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the detection means (17) are position detection cells for the guide rods (16).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (6) comprise a support finger (7) on the useful surface of the coil (2), which has an L-shape to avoid interfering with any possible flange (8) that the coil (2) may have.

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the radial actuator (9) and / or the axial actuator (13) is at least one cylinder.

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