Clamping device for supporting a reel with a tubular core

Abstract

A clamping device is disclosed for supporting a reel (10) having a tubular core (12). The clamping device (18) includes a base body (20) having a mounting interface (22) for securing the base body (20) to a machine frame (16). Additionally, the clamping device includes a carrier body (36) configured to be disposed within the tubular core (12) of the reel (10). The carrier body (36) is rotatably supported on the base body (20) such that the carrier body (36) can rotate relative to the base body (20) about a rotation axis (38). Additionally, a plurality of clamping members (42) are coupled to an actuation mechanism (76) such that the clamping members (42) can be selectively extended from an outer periphery of the carrier body (36) and selectively retracted to at least flush with the outer periphery of the carrier body (36). Additionally, a brake mechanism (78) is disposed between the base body (20) and the carrier body (36) for selectively slowing or arresting rotation of the carrier body (36) relative to the base body (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for supporting a reel with a tubular core. The clamping device includes a base body with a mounting interface for securing the base body to a machine frame, and a carrier body configured to be disposed within the tubular core of the reel. The carrier body is rotatably supported on the base body such that the carrier body can rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the base body. The clamping device further includes a plurality of clamping members coupled to an actuation mechanism, the clamping members being selectively extendable from an outer periphery of the carrier body and selectively retractable to at least flush with the outer periphery of the carrier body. [Background technology]

[0002] Such clamping devices are known. They are used, for example, in web or web material processing machines. In such machines, the web to be processed is provided on a reel with a tubular core. To process the web, the reel needs to be supported in the web material processing machine. This is done, for example, by using one or two clamping devices. In the former case, the clamping device supports the reel at one end. In the latter case, each clamping device supports one end of the reel so that both sides of the reel are supported.

[0003] An example of a web material processing machine is a hot foil stamping machine, where the web material to be processed is a foil made of a polymer material.

[0004] It is also known that in web material processing machines, the web material to be processed needs to be tensioned in a predetermined manner. This is done to enable accurate and reproducible processing of the web material. For this purpose, known clamping devices have an interface connected to an external brake mechanism. Such an interface includes, for example, a toothed wheel of the brake mechanism or a wheel that can engage with a belt. U.S. Pat. No. 2,405,637, Chinese Patent No. 110203771, or U.S. Pat. No. 3,381,912 are examples of such devices. Other devices, such as Chinese Patent No. 110203772, provide a brake within the clamping device at the top of the clamping device located inside the reel axle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 2,405,637 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent No. 110203771 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 3,381,912 [Patent Document 4] Chinese Patent No. 110203772 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve known clamps. In particular, a clamping device should be provided which is compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a clamping device of the above-described type, in which a brake mechanism is disposed between a base body and a carrier body for selectively slowing or arresting rotation of the carrier body relative to the base body. In this context, the expression "disposed between the base body and the carrier body" should be understood functionally, i.e., the brake mechanism couples the base body and the carrier body. Furthermore, in contrast to known clamping devices, the brake mechanism is now integrated into the clamping device. Thus, the brake mechanism is a functional and structural unit of the clamping device. This makes the clamping device more compact, especially when compared with the combination of a known clamping device and a known brake mechanism coupled thereto. Additionally, the clamping device of the present invention is easier to install in a web material processing machine, since all the effort associated with coupling a known clamping device to a known brake mechanism can be eliminated. Furthermore, the clamping device of the present invention requires fewer parts.

[0008] Preferably, the carrier body is supported on the base body by at least two separate bearing members. In particular, the at least two separate bearing members are two separate roller bearing members. As a result, the carrier body and the base body are connected in a mechanically stable and reliable manner. This ensures a long service life of the clamping device. Furthermore, such a clamping device is particularly suitable for supporting heavy reels.

[0009] The carrier body may be sleeve- or cup-shaped, with a portion of the base body extending into the interior of the carrier body, which results in a compact design of the clamping device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the brake mechanism includes a plurality of discs forming a stack extending generally along the axis of rotation. The discs are rotatably fixed in an alternating manner on the base body or on the carrier body, respectively. Thus, the brake mechanism includes a multiple disc brake. Such a brake can provide high braking torque while requiring relatively little space. Furthermore, such a brake mechanism is reliable in operation.

[0011] The brake mechanism may include a loading device that generates and / or adjusts a brake torque effective between the base body and the carrier body. When the clamping device is used to support a reel carrying a web material, the tension in the web material can be adjusted by adjusting the brake torque. Thus, the loading device makes the clamping device suitable for supporting reels carrying a wide variety of web materials to be processed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the loading device includes one or several magnets that generate a braking torque due to eddy currents in the disc, which can be clearly defined by adjusting the distance between the magnet and the disc.

[0013] According to one configuration, the loading device includes a compression member that compresses the stack of discs to generate a braking torque. As a result, by compressing the stack of discs in a predetermined manner, a well-defined braking torque can be generated. In this way, the braking torque can also be adjusted in an accurate and reliable manner.

[0014] The compression member may be a compression ring which cooperates with the base body via a screw thread and which acts on the stack of discs via at least one spring element. The median axis of the compression ring preferably coincides with the rotation axis of the carrier body. As a result, the clamping device is simple and compact in design. The use of a screw thread and a spring element facilitates precise adjustment of the braking torque. The compression ring can be actuated either by hand or by a tool, preferably a standard tool in the latter case.

[0015] In one variant, the cantilevered end of the carrier body and the loading device are arranged opposite each other. In this connection, the cantilevered end of the carrier body is the end that is configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel when the clamping device is in use. Thus, during operation, the loading device is also arranged at the end of the clamping device opposite the reel. As a result, the loading device is easily accessible, for example, to adjust or readjust the brake torque.

[0016] In one embodiment, the clamping elements are positioned closer to the first cantilevered end of the carrier body than to the second end of the carrier body, which is located opposite the first end. Again, the cantilevered end of the carrier body is the end configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel when the clamping device is in use. As a result, the clamping elements are configured to be positioned a specific distance from the rim of the tubular core of the reel to be supported by the clamping device. Thus, the clamping elements engage the tubular core at a specific axial depth. This is particularly true when comparing the clamping device of the present invention with known clamping devices, where the clamping elements are positioned so that they are always positioned closely adjacent to the rim of the tubular core of the reel supported on the clamping device. The clamping device of the present invention is configured to reliably support the reel.

[0017] Preferably, the actuation mechanism includes a push member, and the clamping elements are disposed between the carrier body and the push member along the rotational axis. The push member is selectively movable along the rotational axis relative to the carrier body. Thus, the clamping elements may be selectively moved to a state in which they protrude from the outer periphery of the carrier body by moving the push member toward the carrier body. Furthermore, the clamping elements may be spring-loaded such that when the push member is moved away from the carrier body, the clamping elements are retracted to a position in which they are at least flush with the outer periphery of the carrier body.

[0018] Preferably, the push member is generally in the shape of a plate, thus making it compact and easy to manufacture.

[0019] Each of the clamping elements abuts against the carrier body and the push member via respective contact faces that are inclined relative to the rotation axis and the corresponding radial direction so that the clamping elements can be pushed radially outward when the push member approaches the carrier body and retracted when the push member moves away from the carrier body. The use of inclined contact faces is a simple and reliable way of translating axial movement of the push member into radial movement of the clamping elements.

[0020] In another embodiment, the clamping element may be a tubular ring (air chamber), where application of pressure causes the ring to inflate and protrude into the tubular core of the reel to arrest the reel. Alternatively, rather than applying any pressure to the air chamber, the air chamber may be protruded by a push member, as in the previous embodiment. Alternatively, when a push member is used, the air chamber may be replaced by a deformable ring, for example a rubber ring, which can block the reel by deformation.

[0021] The actuating mechanism includes a screw member that connects the carrier body and the push member and extends generally along the rotation axis for selectively moving the push member. Thus, the push member is moved by turning the screw member. As a result, the push member can be moved in a precise and simple manner.

[0022] In one embodiment, the screw member is accessible from an end of the clamping device opposite the cantilevered end of the carrier body. Again, the cantilevered end of the carrier body is the end configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel when the clamping device is in use. Thus, when the reel is supported on the clamping device, the screw member remains accessible from the end of the clamping device opposite the reel. In other words, a reel supported on the clamping device does not obstruct access to the screw member. As a result, the reel can be comfortably clamped and unclamped.

[0023] The tool interface of the threaded member is disposed along the rotation axis within an axial section defined by the axial extension of the brake mechanism. The axial section in which the tool interface is provided extends from the first axial end of the brake mechanism to the second axial end of the brake mechanism, the first and second ends being axially opposite each other. Preferably, the tool interface is disposed radially within the brake mechanism. The tool interface is thus provided near the axial end of the clamping device opposite the end configured to protrude into the tubular core of the reel. The tool interface is thus easily accessible during operation of the clamping device.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the tool interface is accessible from the same axial side as the loading mechanism is located.

[0025] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a reel having a tubular core and supporting a web material in accordance with the present invention, the reel being supported on two clamping devices. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of an example of one of the clamping devices of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping device of FIG. 2 with the clamping elements retracted. [Figure 4] 4 shows the clamping device of FIG. 3 with the clamping elements extended; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Figure 1 shows a reel 10 having a tubular core 12 around which is wound a web material 14. In this embodiment, the web material is a polymer foil.

[0028] The reel 10 is supported on a machine frame 16 of a web material processing machine via two clamping devices 18. In this context, the frame 16 is shown only in a schematic manner.

[0029] Both clamping devices 18 are identical to each other.

[0030] Therefore, only one exemplary clamping device 18 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Such description clearly applies to both clamping devices 18 shown in Figure 1.

[0031] The exemplary clamping device 18 includes a base body 20 .

[0032] The base body 20 is provided with a mounting interface 22 for securing the base body 20 to the machine frame 16 .

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting interface 22 includes a mounting arm 24 .

[0034] At the end of the mounting arm 24 which is to be connected to the machine frame 16, two mounting slots 26a, 26b are provided.

[0035] The base body 20 further includes a substantially ring-shaped member 28 that is fixedly connected to the mounting arm 24 .

[0036] Additionally, the base body 20 includes a tubular support member 30 that is fixedly attached to the ring-shaped member 28 .

[0037] The tubular support member 30 passes through the interior of the ring-shaped member 28 and protrudes from the ring-shaped member 28 .

[0038] Two bearing members 34a, 34b are provided on the protruding portion of the tubular support member 30, and the carrier body 36 is rotatably supported on the tubular support member 30 via these bearing members 34a, 34b.

[0039] In this embodiment, bearing members 34a, 34b are roller bearing members that are positioned to provide a particular distance between them.

[0040] As a result, the carrier body 36 can rotate relative to the base body 20 about a rotation axis 38 .

[0041] In other words, the carrier body 36 is rotatably supported on the base body 20 .

[0042] The carrier body 36 is substantially cup-shaped, with the open end of the cup directed toward the ring-shaped member 28 of the base body 20 so that a portion of the tubular support member 30 of the support body 20 is received within the carrier body 36.

[0043] At the closed end of the cup-shaped carrier body 36 is provided a generally plate-shaped push member 40 .

[0044] A plurality of clamping elements 42 are disposed along the rotational axis 38, i.e., axially, between the carrier body 36 and the push member 40.

[0045] Each of the clamping elements 42 is generally plate-shaped, with each clamping member being oriented substantially axially and radially relative to the axis of rotation 38 .

[0046] The clamping elements 42 are arranged in a regular pattern around the periphery of the carrier body 36 and the push member 40, meaning that adjacent clamping elements 42 each have substantially the same angular distance.

[0047] The circumferential outer surface 44 of each of the clamping elements 42 has a sharpened tip 47. Preferably, the outer surface 44 of each of the clamping elements 42 includes a toothed pattern 46 that facilitates clamping of the reel 10, as described below. The sharpened tip and toothed pattern are particularly suitable for reels with an axle made of a soft material, such as cardboard, by penetrating the axle to provide a very tight clamp.

[0048] The axial end faces 48 , 50 of the clamping element 42 are angled relative to the radial direction and relative to the axial direction defined by the axis of rotation 38 .

[0049] The axial end faces 48 directed towards the carrier body 36 abut against corresponding contact faces 52 on the carrier body 36, which contact faces are also inclined relative to the axis of rotation 38 and relative to corresponding radial directions.

[0050] The axial end faces 50 directed towards the push member 40 abut against corresponding contact faces 54 provided on the push member 40. These contact faces 54 are inclined relative to the axis of rotation 38 and relative to corresponding radial directions.

[0051] The above-mentioned inclination is oriented so that the push member 40 can push the clamp element 42 radially outward when it approaches the carrier body 36 and can retract the clamp element 42 radially toward the rotation axis 38 when it moves away from the carrier body 36.

[0052] Furthermore, each clamping element 42 has an opening 56 in which two retaining rings 58, 60 are disposed, the retaining rings being adapted to pass through all of the openings 56 of the clamping elements 42.

[0053] The retaining rings 58,60 also preload the clamping element 42 radially inwardly, thus maintaining the axial end faces 48,50 of the clamping element 42 in constant abutment with the corresponding contact faces 52,54.

[0054] The carrier body 36 and the push member 40 are biased axially away from each other by a spring element 62 .

[0055] However, against the force of the spring element 62 , the push member 40 and the carrier body 36 are connected to one another by a screw member 64 .

[0056] The threaded member 64 extends generally along the axis of rotation 38 .

[0057] A screw member 64 threadably engages the push member 40 and passes through the carrier body 36 such that the head 66 of the screw member is positioned on the side of the carrier body 36 opposite the push member.

[0058] As a result, the push member 40 can be selectively moved relative to the carrier body 36 by turning the screw member 64 .

[0059] An elongated sleeve 68 is provided on the side of the carrier body 36 opposite the push member 40, and the screw member 64 passes through this sleeve 68.

[0060] Thus, the head 66 of the screw member 64 is disposed at a specific distance from the bottom portion of the carrier body 36, which distance essentially corresponds to the axial length of the sleeve 68.

[0061] This results in a configuration in which the head 66 of the screw member 64, and in particular the tool interface 70 located on the head 66, is accessible from the end of the clamping device 18 opposite the cantilevered end 72 of the carrier body 36.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilevered end 72 of the carrier body 36 corresponds to the end on which the push member 40 is provided.

[0063] This design allows tool interface 70 to be accessible by a stand-alone tool 74, shown in FIG. 3, with a hex wrench (also known as an Allen wrench or Allen key).

[0064] In contrast, the clamping element 42 is positioned proximate the cantilevered end 72 of the carrier body 36 .

[0065] The push member 40 , the screw member 64 , the carrier rings 58 , 60 and the angled faces 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 thus form an actuation mechanism 76 for the clamp element 42 .

[0066] By using the actuation mechanism 76, the clamping element 42 can be selectively protruded from the outer periphery of the carrier body 36 and the clamping element 42 can be selectively retracted so that it is at least flush with the outer periphery of the carrier body 36.

[0067] The carrier body 36 and the push member 40 are configured to be positionable within the tubular core 12 of the reel 10. In this context, the carrier body 36 and the push member 40 are preferably moved into the interior of the tubular core 12 with the clamping element 42 retracted.

[0068] Once inside the tubular core, the clamping element 42 can be moved to an extended position by turning the screw member 64, so that the clamping element 42 engages the tubular core 12. More precisely, the toothed pattern 46 engages the inner circumference of the tubular core 12, thereby retaining the reel 10.

[0069] The clamping device 18 further includes a brake mechanism 78 disposed between the base body 20 and the carrier body 36 for selectively slowing or preventing rotation of the carrier body 36 relative to the base body 20 .

[0070] The brake mechanism 78 includes a multi-disc brake 80 having a plurality of discs forming a stack 81 that extends generally along the axis of rotation 38 .

[0071] According to the operating principle of the multiple disc brake, the discs consist of so-called outer discs 82 rotatably fixed on the ring-shaped member 28 of the base body 20 and so-called inner discs 84 rotatably fixed on the carrier body 36. In this embodiment, the inner discs 84 are coupled to the support members 86 of the carrier body 36.

[0072] The inner discs 84 and outer discs 82 are arranged in alternating order along the axis of rotation 38 .

[0073] Both the inner disc 84 and the outer disc 82 are capable of some axial movement.

[0074] The brake mechanism 78 further includes a loading device 88 that generates and / or adjusts the braking torque that is effective between the base body 20 and the carrier body 36 .

[0075] For this purpose, the loading device 88 has a compression member 90 which compresses the stack 81 of inner discs 84 and outer discs 82 to generate a braking torque.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the compression member 90 is a compression ring 92 which cooperates with the base body 20 by means of threads 94 and which acts on the stack 81 of discs 82 , 84 via a plurality of spring elements 96 .

[0077] For purposes of clarity, only one spring element 96 is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3. In practice, the clamping device 18 has three to five spring elements 96 evenly distributed around the circumference.

[0078] Alternatively, the spring element 96 may be replaced by a resiliently compressible element, such as a piston.

[0079] More precisely, the threads 94 of the compression ring 92 engage with threads 98 provided on a sleeve member 100 of the base body 20, which sleeve member 100 is fixedly connected to the ring-shaped member 28 and the tubular member 30.

[0080] Thus, by rotating the compression ring 92 relative to the sleeve member 100, the spring element 96 can be compressed, thereby compressing the stack 81 of the inner disc 84 and outer disc 82. This results in an increase in braking torque.

[0081] When the compression ring 92 is rotated in the opposite direction, the compression force on the spring element 96 is released, resulting in a decrease in braking torque.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilevered end 72 of the carrier body 36 and the loading device 88 are disposed opposite one another, indicating that the loading device 88 and the cantilevered end 72 of the carrier body 36 are positioned at opposite axial ends of the clamping device 18.

[0083] Additionally, the tool interface 70 of the spring member 64 and the brake mechanism 78 may be positioned such that the tool interface 70 is located at an axial section S of the clamping device 18 defined by the axial extension of the brake mechanism 78, so that when tools 74 are inserted into the tool interface, they have edges that protrude beyond the stubs. This edge avoids interference between the tool and the stub while avoiding excessive protrusion.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the first axial end of the brake mechanism is defined by the compression ring 92, and the second axial end of the brake mechanism 78 is defined by the inner brake disc 84 having the greatest distance from the compression ring 92.

[0085] Considering the direction of the rotation axis 38, the tool interface 70 is located between these axial ends.

Claims

1. A clamping device (18) for supporting a reel (10) having a tubular core (12), comprising: a base body (20) having a mounting interface (22) for securing the base body (20) to a machine frame (16); a carrier body (36) configured to be disposed within the tubular core (12) of the reel (10), the carrier body (36) being rotatably supported on the base body (20) such that the carrier body (36) can rotate about a rotation axis (38) relative to the base body (20); A clamping device (18) having a plurality of clamping members (42) coupled to an actuation mechanism (76), the clamping members (42) being selectively capable of extending beyond an outer periphery of the carrier body (36) and selectively retracting to at least flush with the outer periphery of the carrier body (36), a brake mechanism (78) disposed between the base body (20) and the carrier body (36) for selectively slowing or arresting rotation of the carrier body (36) relative to the base body (20), the brake mechanism being integrated into the clamping device such that the brake mechanism is a functional and structural unit of the clamping device; the actuation mechanism (76) includes a push member (40), the clamp member (42) is disposed along the rotational axis (38) between the carrier body (36) and the push member (40), and the push member (40) is selectively movable along the rotational axis (38) relative to the carrier body (36); Each of the clamp members (42) abuts against the carrier body (36) and the push member (40) via respective contact faces (52, 54), the contact faces being inclined with respect to the rotation axis (38) and the corresponding radial direction, so that the clamp members (42) can be pushed radially outward when the push member (40) approaches the carrier body (36) and can be retracted when the push member (40) moves away from the carrier body (36).

2. 2. The clamping device (18) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier body (36) is supported on the base body (20) via at least two separate bearing members (34a, 34b), in particular two separate roller bearing members.

3. 3. The clamping device (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier body (36) is sleeve-shaped or cup-shaped, and a portion of the base body (20) extends into the interior of the carrier body (36).

4. 3. The clamping device (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the brake mechanism (78) includes a loading device (88) that generates and / or adjusts a brake torque effective between the base body (20) and the carrier body (36).

5. 5. The clamping device (18) of claim 4, wherein the brake mechanism (78) includes a plurality of discs (82, 84) forming a stack (81) extending as a whole along the rotation axis (38), the discs (82, 84) being rotatably fixed in an alternating manner on the base body (20) or on the carrier body (36), respectively.

6. The clamping device (18) of claim 5, wherein the loading device (88) includes a compression member (90) that compresses the stack (81) of discs (82, 84) to create a braking torque.

7. 7. The clamping device (18) of claim 6, wherein the compression member (90) is a compression ring (92) that cooperates with the base body (20) via threads (94, 98) and acts on the stack (81) of discs (82, 84) via at least one spring element (96).

8. The clamping device (18) of claim 4, wherein the first end (72) of the carrier body (36) and the loading device (88) are disposed opposite one another.

9. 3. The clamping device (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping member (42) is positioned closer to the first end (72) of the carrier body (36) than to a second end of the carrier body (36) located opposite the first end of the carrier body (36).

10. 2. The clamping device (18) of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism (76) includes a screw member (64) connecting the carrier body (36) and the push member (40) for selectively moving the push member (40) and extending generally along the axis of rotation (38).

11. The clamping device (18) of claim 10, wherein the threaded member (64) is accessible from an end of the clamping device (18) opposite the first end (72) of the carrier body (36).

12. 11. The clamping device (18) of claim 10, wherein a tool interface (70) of the threaded member (64) is disposed along the rotational axis (38) within an axial section (S) defined by an axial extension of the brake mechanism (78).

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