Unwinding assembly

Abstract

According to the present invention, a winding assembly (1) for a system (900) suitable for performing work on a web (500) is provided. The above unwinding assembly (1) is: i) A mandrel group (2) suitable for receiving a reel of a web (500) to be processed and rotating integrally when there is a pulling action of the web (500), wherein the mandrel group (2) extends with respect to an unwinding axis (SS) and also includes a mandrel shaft (20); ii) an arm group (3) comprising an arm (30) extending radially with respect to the unwinding axis (SS) and a holer (35) located at the end of the arm (30), wherein the web (500) is unwound from a reel on the roller (35); iii) includes a connection group (4) suitable for connecting the mandrel shaft (20) to the arm (30) so that the arm (30) can move in an angular direction when the pulling action on the web (500) changes. The clutch device (49) included in the above connection group (4) engages with the mandrel shaft (20) to initiate a braking action for the rotation of the mandrel shaft (20) when the roller (35) is in its initial position, and also performs a reduced braking action compared to the initiation of the braking action as the angle position of the roller (35) changes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a winding unwinding assembly. The present invention also relates to a system for performing operations on a web comprising said winding unwinding assembly.

[0002] In the prior art, embodiments of systems that perform operations on the web are known.

[0003] In this document, the term "web" means any type of product having a thin and flexible strip form, such as film or foil.

[0004] In particular, the above systems include operating assemblies suitable for performing specific tasks on a web, wherein the operating assemblies accept a web to be processed as input and return a pre-processed web as output. Background Technology

[0005] According to a well-known embodiment, among the embodiments of the systems is a labeling system. An operating assembly of the labeling system receives a web to be processed, i.e., a web equipped with a label, and returns a pre-processed web without a label, and the operating assembly separates the label and places it on a product, or transfers it to another assembly within the system that places the label on a product.

[0006] To perform the above operations on the web, conventional systems move the web, and the speed of this movement, or the pulling or pushing action, changes over time.

[0007] In particular, conventional systems include a unwinding assembly equipped with a reel of a web to be processed. Preferably, the web is unwound from the reel housed in the unwinding assembly by a pulling assembly included in the system. In other words, a method of unrolling or unwinding the web by performing a constant or variable pulling action on the web including the reel housed in the unwinding assembly is known.

[0008] In conventional embodiments, the reel is freely rotatable on the unwinding assembly during the unwinding action of the web, that is, while the pulling action on the web is performed. In the known embodiments, specific braking assemblies are disposed between the pulling assembly and the unwinding assembly, which are suitable for braking or decelerating the unwinding of the web.

[0009] The solution based on the known system is particularly complex, as it moves the web across multiple assemblies and parts, and as a result, multiple major problems are identified, particularly the occurrence of multiple overheating points.

[0010] These problems become more severe as the operations performed by the operating assembly on the web become more complex, for example, when the label size increases or the operations are performed at a faster speed. The problem to be solved

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to propose a system that succeeds in satisfying all the aforementioned requirements while resolving or minimizing the aforementioned problems. means of solving the problem

[0012] This objective is achieved by the unwinding assembly described in claim 1, that is, an unwinding assembly suitable for coordinating the unrolling and unwinding of a web in a simplified manner. The objective is also achieved by a system comprising the unwinding assembly described in claim 12. Claims dependent on claim 1 or 12 request protection for additional configurations, which entail additional technical advantages. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] In addition, additional configurations and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood from the following detailed description regarding preferred embodiments of the present invention presented as non-limiting examples with reference to the attached drawings. FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c illustrate three schematic diagrams of a system according to the present invention, including an initial configuration with the arm raised, an intermediate configuration, and a final configuration with the arm lowered. FIGS. 2a and 2b respectively show a front view and a perspective view of an unwinding assembly according to the present invention when it is in an initial configuration. Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of Figure 2a. Figure 3b shows a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of Figure 2a. FIGS. 4a and 4b respectively show a front view and a perspective view of the unwinding assembly according to the present invention when it is in an intermediate configuration. Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of Figure 4a. Figure 5b shows a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of Figure 4a. FIGS. 6a and 6b respectively show a front view and a perspective view of the unwinding assembly according to the present invention when it is in its final configuration. FIG. 7a shows a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of FIG. 5a. Figure 7b shows a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional plane (AA) of Figure 5a. FIGS. 8a and 8b show two perspective views of some parts of a connection group included in a winding unwinding assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] Referring to the attached drawings, the unwinding assembly (1) according to the present invention is denoted by reference numeral 1.

[0015] Meanwhile, reference numeral 900 refers to a system that performs operations on the web (500). The system (900) includes the unwinding assembly (1).

[0016] The above system (900) includes an operating assembly (910) suitable for performing work on a web (500), a pulling assembly (950) suitable for performing a pulling action on a web (500), and a rewinding assembly (990) suitable for rewinding the web (500).

[0017] The unwinding assembly (1) is located at the inlet of the system (900).

[0018] In practice, the reel of the web (500) to be processed is received in the unwinding assembly (1). In other words, the unwinding assembly (1) is suitable for performing unrolling of the web (500) to be processed by unwinding the reel of the web (500) received inside.

[0019] The rewinding assembly (990) is located at the outlet of the system (900).

[0020] In practice, a reel of the pre-processed web (500) is received in a rewinding assembly (990). In particular, the rewinding assembly (990) generates a reel of the pre-processed web by rolling the pre-processed web (500).

[0021] In particular, the unrolling action of the reel received in the unwinding assembly (1) can be performed directly by a pulling action on the web (500), and preferably, this pulling action can be performed by a pulling assembly (950) of the system (900).

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the pulling action performed by the pulling assembly (950) is variable. Preferably, the pulling action performed by the pulling assembly (950) is performed at a variable speed. That is, the pulling action performed by the pulling assembly (950) does not have the same duration over time.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the system (900) is a labeling system. Accordingly, preferably, the operating assembly (910) performs the labeling operation, the web (500) of the reel received in the unwinding assembly (1) is the web to be labeled and processed, and the reel mounted in the rewinding assembly (990) is the pre-processed web from which the label has been removed.

[0024] Preferably, the operating assembly (910) separates the label and places the label on the product.

[0025] Preferably, the operating assembly (910) can separate the label and then transfer it to another assembly of the system, which places the label on the product.

[0026] Except for some specific configurations of the system (900), particularly the unwinding assembly (1) described below, the system (900) is suitable to include a plurality of free or guided wheels and / or cylinders suitable for forming a specific track / path of the web (500). The number, and / or location, and / or shape of these parts do not limit the subject matter of the claims of the present invention in any way.

[0027] According to the present invention, the unwinding assembly (1) includes a mandrel group (2) suitable for receiving a reel of a web (500) to be processed, unrolled, or unwound.

[0028] The reel of the web (500) can be accommodated to rotate in unison with the mandrel group (2) when a pulling action is applied to the web (500).

[0029] The mandrel group (2) is extended with respect to the unwinding axis (SS).

[0030] The mandrel group (2) includes a mandrel shaft (20). The mandrel shaft (20) extends along the unwinding axis (SS).

[0031] Preferably, the mandrel shaft (20) can rotate around the unwinding axis (SS) during the pulling action on the web.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the mandrel shaft (20) engages with the reel so as to rotate integrally with the reel.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the mandrel group (2) further includes a reel plate (29) suitable for providing axial contact with the web (500) and the reel containing the web.

[0034] Preferably, the reel plate (29) has a radial extension with respect to the unwinding axis (SS).

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the reel plate (29) rotates together with the reel.

[0036] Additionally, the unwinding assembly (1) includes an arm group (3), and the arm group (3) includes an arm (30) and a roller (35) located at the end of the arm (30).

[0037] The arm (30) extends radially with respect to the unwinding axis (SS), and the roller (35) is located at the end of the arm (30) which is circular from the unwinding axis (SS).

[0038] The roller (35) extends along a roller axis (XX) substantially parallel to the unwinding axis (SS), and the web (500) being pulled is unwound from the reel on the roller (35).

[0039] Preferably, the roller (35) is hinged to the arm (30) so as to rotate freely about the arm (30) around the roller axis (XX).

[0040] Additionally, the unwinding assembly (1) according to the present invention includes a connection group (4) suitable for connecting a mandrel shaft (20) to an arm (30).

[0041] In particular, the connecting group (4) is configured to be suitable for engaging with the arm (30), thereby allowing the arm (30) to be moved in an angular direction when the pulling action on the web (500) changes.

[0042] In fact, the connection group (4) is configured to be suitable for maintaining the arm (30) and, accordingly, the roller (35) in an initial position, while simultaneously allowing the angular position of the roller (35) and, accordingly, the arm (30) to change as the pulling action on the web (500) changes.

[0043] Preferably, the connection group (4) is configured to allow the angular position of the roller (35) to change as the pulling action on the web (500) increases.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the initial position of the roller (35) corresponds to a raised position.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the angled position of the roller (35) corresponds to a lowered position.

[0046] In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the lowering of the roller (35) is made even easier by the action of gravity.

[0047] Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, the web (500) extends around the roller (35) and forms an eyelet, and preferably engages with the roller (35) over approximately half of the circumference of the roller (35).

[0048] Additionally, according to the present invention, the connection group (4) includes a clutch device (49) that engages with the mandrel shaft (20).

[0049] According to the present invention, the clutch device (49) initiates a braking action for the rotation of the mandrel shaft (20) when the roller (35) is in an initial position, and performs a reduced braking action compared to the initiation of the braking action as the angular position of the roller (35) changes.

[0050] In other words, the connecting group (4) is configured to perform a braking action on the mandrel shaft (20) and also to adjust the braking action according to the pulling action of the web.

[0051] In particular, the connection group (4) can be calibrated as needed, which is preferably to facilitate the rotation of the reel as the pulling action on the web increases, and to brake / decelerate the rotation of the reel as soon as the pulling action on the web decreases.

[0052] In other words, the connection group (4) is configured to be suitable for releasing the web (500) when necessary. Conversely, the connection group (4) is configured to be suitable for holding the web (500) when necessary.

[0053] In other words, when the pulling action on the web (500) increases, the pulling action is discharged to the roller (35), thereby inducing an angular stroke, preferably a downward stroke, of the arm (30). The arm (30) acts on the connecting group (4) to reduce the braking action and thereby enable the rotation of the reel to be accelerated.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the clutch device (49) includes a plurality of clutch discs (490, 491, 492) that are concentric with respect to the unwinding shaft (SS).

[0055] Preferably, at least one clutch disc (492) is integrally connected to the mandrel shaft (20). Depending on the intensity of the action on the clutch disc (492), the braking degree of the disc integrally connected to the mandrel shaft (20) can be increased or decreased.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one clutch disc (491) is made of plastic material.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the clutch disc (491) is made of reinforced PTFE.

[0058] Preferably, the clutch device (49) is located at the axial end of the mandrel shaft (20).

[0059] Preferably, the arm (30) is positioned in an area axially distant from the clutch device (49).

[0060] According to one variant, the clutch device (49) further includes a cooling element (495) comprising a plurality of fins suitable for promoting cooling of the clutch discs (490, 491, 492).

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection group (4) includes a connection device (40) operably connected to a clutch device (49) and an arm (30).

[0062] In other words, the connecting device (40) is located between the arm (30) and the clutch device (49) along the unwinding shaft (SS).

[0063] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment, the connection group (4) includes an elastic member (45) that acts on the connection device (40) to position the arm (30) in its normal initial position, preferably in an elevated position.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic member (45) is a helical spring (450). Thus, one end of the helical spring (450) engages with the connecting device (40).

[0065] Preferably, the connecting device (40) extends along the unwinding axis (SS) and around the unwinding axis (SS).

[0066] Preferably, the connecting device (40) extends around the mandrel shaft (20).

[0067] Preferably, the connecting device (40) is rotatable about the unwinding axis (SS). Preferably, the arm group (3) extends substantially radially from the connecting device (40).

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device (40) includes a first connecting group (41) that engages with an arm (30), and a second connecting group (42) that engages with an elastic member (45) and a clutch device (49).

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device (40) includes a connecting means (43) configured to operably connect a first connecting group (41) to a second connecting group (42).

[0070] Preferably, the connecting device (40) acts as a cam member, and due to the relative angular position of the first group (41) and the second group (42), a different axial action results between these two groups.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the first group (41) includes a first surface (410), and the second group (42) includes a second surface (420) facing each other along the unwinding axis (SS), and the connecting means (43) is configured to be suitable for working on the surfaces.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the first surface (410) has at least one inclined plane having an inclination angle (α).

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the second surface (420) has at least one inclined plane having an inclination angle (α).

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination (α) is inclined with respect to the radial direction.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination (α) is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination (α) is inclined with respect to both the radial and circumferential directions.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means (43) includes at least one sliding element (430) that slides on the first surface (410) and the second surface (420), which is for performing an axial action from the first group (41) to the second group (42).

[0078] Preferably, when the pulling action on the web (500) on the roller (35) exceeds the action of the elastic member (45), the axial action from the first group (41) to the second group (42) changes, and the clutch (49) is positioned to perform a reduced braking action compared to the braking action at the start.

[0079] In other words, the connecting means (43) is configured to at least partially overcome the action of the elastic member (45) during the operation of the arm group (3) and also to change the frictional action of the clutch device (49). In particular, the connecting means (43) is configured to partially overcome the action of the elastic member (45) during the operation of the arm group (3) and also to reduce the frictional action between the discs of the clutch device (49) so as to allow for faster rotation of the mandrel shaft (20).

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means (43) includes a plurality of sliding elements (430) that are equally spaced apart from each other in terms of angle.

[0081] Preferably, the first surface (410) and / or the second surface (420) includes a plurality of inclined planes. Preferably, each sliding element (430) acts on an individual inclined plane.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the sliding element (430) includes a shaft (431) and at least one wheel (432) that rotates about the shaft (431).

[0083] Preferably, the shaft (431) is extended radially.

[0084] Preferably, for example, three multiple wheels (432) are mounted on a single shaft (431).

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means (43) includes a spacer member (435) that engages with the first group (41) and the second group (42).

[0086] Preferably, the spacer member (435) is axially adjustable so as to adjust the axial distance between the first group (41) and the second group (42).

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the spacer member (435) engages with the first group (41) and the second group (42) by specific threaded couplings. Preferably, the distance between the first group (41) and the second group (42) can be adjusted by operating the threaded couplings.

[0088] Preferably, the connecting means (43) further includes a support disk (439) configured to support a sliding element (430) or a plurality of sliding elements (430).

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the first group (41) includes a first disk element (411) having a first surface (410).

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, the second group (42) includes a second disk element (421) having a second surface (420). In other words, a connecting means (43) is interposed between the first disk element (411) and the second disk element (421).

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, the disk elements have an extension that extends substantially radially with respect to the unwinding axis (SS).

[0092] Preferably, the disk elements may be independent components or part of more complex components, such as components extending axially along the unwinding axis (SS).

[0093] Preferably, in practice, the first group (41) includes a first hollow shaft (415) extending along the unwinding axis (SS), and the arm group (3) engages with the hollow shaft (415).

[0094] Preferably, in practice, the second group (42) includes a second hollow shaft (425) extending along the unwinding axis (SS), and the second hollow shaft (425) engages with a clutch device (49) at one end.

[0095] Innovatively, the unwinding assembly fully achieves its intended purpose in overcoming typical problems of the prior art. Advantageously, a system comprising the unwinding assembly also fully achieves its intended purpose in overcoming typical problems of the prior art.

[0096] Advantageously, in practice, the above unwinding assembly is suitable for managing the rotation and unwinding of the web to be processed in a simple and effective manner.

[0097] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly is suitable for the pulling action of the web and is also suitable for adjusting the amount to be unwound for the performance of the work.

[0098] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly is suitable for managing the rotation according to the pulling action of the web and requirements.

[0099] Advantageously, the unwinding assembly performs "controlled unwinding" rather than free unwinding. That is, advantageously, the unwinding assembly manages the unwinding of the web independently in response to a pull request performed by the pull assembly.

[0100] Advantageously, the unwinding assembly unwinds only the requested amount of web, thereby preventing the possibility of unrolling more than necessary.

[0101] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly is suitable for performing unwinding operations in a simple and controlled manner at both high and low speeds, so that any transient can be effectively managed.

[0102] Advantageously, due to self-adjusting during the unwinding operation, the unwinding assembly does not need to have a separate web braking group downstream thereof.

[0103] Advantageously, the movement of the above web is simplified.

[0104] Advantageously, many complex problems arising from conventional unwinding assemblies and systems are resolved.

[0105] Advantageously, the problem of multiple heating points occurring in conventional unwinding assemblies and systems is resolved.

[0106] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly can be easily adjusted and adapted for various webs.

[0107] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly is particularly advantageous in the case of an application including a labeling system, where it is not only very flexible but can also be adapted even when labels of various sizes are used.

[0108] Advantageously, the above unwinding assembly is particularly suitable for performing rapid web movement.

[0109] Advantageously, maintenance and / or assembly and / or disassembly operations of the above unwinding assembly are greatly simplified.

[0110] Advantageously, the advantages of the aforementioned unwinding assembly under given conditions appear identically within the system. Advantageously, these advantages are even more pronounced, particularly in the labeling system.

[0111] It is evident that a person skilled in the art can modify the aforementioned invention to meet necessary requirements, and therefore all such modifications fall within the scope of protection of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 An unwinding assembly (1) for a system (900) comprising an operating assembly (910) suitable for performing work on a web (500), a pulling assembly (950) suitable for performing a pulling action on the web (500), and a rewinding assembly (990) suitable for rewinding a processed web (500), wherein the unwinding assembly (1) comprises: i) a mandrel group (2) suitable for receiving a reel of the web (500) to be processed and rotating integrally when there is a pulling action of the web (500), the mandrel group (2) extending with respect to an unwinding axis (SS) and also including a mandrel shaft (20); ii) an arm (30) extending radially with respect to the unwinding axis (SS) and the iii) an arm group (3) comprising a holer (35) located at the end of an arm (30) distal from a unwinding axis (SS), wherein the roller (35) extends along a roller axis (XX) substantially parallel to the unwinding axis (SS), and the web (500) is unwound from a reel on the roller (35); iii) a connection group (4) suitable for connecting the mandrel shaft (20) to the arm (30) so that the arm (30) can move in an angular direction when the pulling action on the web (500) changes, wherein a clutch device (49) included in the connection group (4) engages with the mandrel shaft (20) to initiate a braking action on the rotation of the mandrel shaft (20) when the roller (35) is in an initial position, and also braking as the angular position of the roller (35) changes A connection group (4) that performs reduced braking action compared to the start of the action;A winding unwinding assembly (1) including Claim 2 In claim 1, the connection group (4) comprises a connection device (40) operably connected to the clutch device (49) and the arm (30), and an elastic member (45) that acts on the connection device (40) to perform the function of placing the arm (30) in a normal starting position, a winding unwinding assembly (1). Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the above elastic member (45) is a helical spring (450), in a winding unwinding assembly (1). Claim 4 In paragraph 2 or 3, the connecting device (40) comprises a first connecting group (41) engaged with the arm (30), a second connecting group (42) engaged with the elastic member (45) and clutch device (49), and a connecting means (43) suitable for operably connecting the first connecting group (41) to the second connecting group (42), forming a winding unwinding assembly (1). Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the first group (41) comprises a first face (410), and the second group (42) comprises a second face (420) facing each other along the unwinding axis (SS), and the first face (410) and / or the second face (420) comprises at least one plane inclined by an inclination angle (α), and the connecting means (43) preferably comprises at least one sliding element (430) which is a plurality of sliding elements (430) angularly spaced equally apart from each other, and the sliding element (430) slides on the first face (410) and the second face (420) to perform an axial action from the first group (41) to the second group (42), and when the pulling action on the web (500) on the roller (35) exceeds the action of the elastic member (45), the second from the first group (41) A winding release assembly (1) in which the axial action to the group (42) changes, and the clutch device (49) is positioned to perform a reduced braking action compared to the start of the braking action. Claim 6 In claim 5, the above-mentioned inclination angle (α) is inclined with respect to the radial direction and / or circumferential direction, the unwinding assembly (1). Claim 7 In claim 5 or 6, the sliding element (430) comprises a shaft (431) and at least one wheel (432) that rotates about the shaft (431), forming a winding unwinding assembly (1). Claim 8 In any one of claims 5 to 7, the connecting means (43) comprises a spacer member (435) that engages with the first group (41) and the second group (42), and the spacer member (435) is axially adjustable to adjust the axial distance between the first group (41) and the second group (42), in a winding unwinding assembly (1). Claim 9 In any one of claims 4 to 8, the first group (41) comprises a first disc element (411) having a first surface (410), and the second group (42) comprises a second disc element (421) having a second surface (420), a winding assembly (1). Claim 10 In any one of the preceding claims, the clutch device (49) comprises a plurality of clutch discs (490, 491, 492) arranged concentrically with respect to the unwinding shaft (SS), and the clutch disc (492) is integrally connected to the mandrel shaft (20), forming an unwinding assembly (1). Claim 11 In any one of the preceding claims, the connection group (4) is suitable for maintaining the arm (30) in an initial position corresponding to the raised position of the roller (35) and also suitable for reducing the braking action when the roller (35) descends during the pulling action on the web (500), the unwinding assembly (1). Claim 12 A system (900) comprising: a winding unwinding assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims suitable for receiving a reel of a web (500); an operating assembly (910) suitable for performing an operation on the web (500); a pulling assembly (950) suitable for performing a pulling on the web (500); and a rewinding assembly (990) suitable for performing a rewinding on the web (500). Claim 13 In claim 12, the operating assembly (910) performs a labeling operation, and the reel received in the unwinding assembly (1) includes a web (500) to be processed having a label, and the reel located in the rewinding assembly (990) includes a pre-processed web (500) without a label, system (900).

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