Motor assembly

Abstract

The invention is a motor assembly (1) for a system (900) which performs operations on a web (500). The motor assembly (1) is suitable for performing an action of pulling the web (500) and comprises: i) a command group (2) comprising a command roller (20) which extends with respect to a command axis (X-X) and a command drive (25) operatively connected to the command roller (20) to drive it in rotation; ii) a backing group (3) configurable in an opening configuration, in which it is spaced apart from the command group (2), and in a working configuration, in which it engages the command group (2). The backing group (3) comprises: - a first backing roller (4) which extends with respect to a first backing axis (Y'-Y') substantially parallel to the command axis (X-X); - a second backing roller (5) which extends with respect to a second backing axis (Y"-Y") substantially parallel to the command axis (X-X); In said command configuration, the first backing roller (4) and the second backing roller (5) engage the command roller (20) in two regions comprised in respective opposite semi-circumferences.

Description

MOTOR ASSEMBLYDESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor assembly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system that performs operations on a web and comprises said motor assembly.

[0002] In the prior art, embodiments of systems that perform operations on webs are known. Motor assembly solutions are also known that are suitable for performing an action of pulling the web.

[0003] In the present discussion, the term "web" means any type of product in the form of a thin flexible strip, for example also a film or a foil.

[0004] In particular, said systems comprise operating assemblies that are suitable for performing specific operations on a web: said operating assemblies receive as input a web to be processed at the input and return as output a processed web at the output.

[0005] According to a known embodiment, the embodiments of said systems include labeling systems: the operating assembly of a labeling system receives a web to be processed, i.e. a web with labels, and returns a processed web, i.e., without labels. That is to say, the operating assembly detaches the labels and arranges them on a product or transfers them to another assembly whicharranges them on a product.

[0006] In order to carry out said operations on the web, the known systems perform a movement of the web that varies over time in speed or in a pulling or pushing action.

[0007] In particular, the known systems for moving the web comprise at least one motor assembly that is suitable for pulling / unrolling / unwinding the web from a reel. In other words, motor assembly embodiments are known that substantially act as pulling assemblies, performing an action of pulling the web.

[0008] Known motor assembly solutions typically comprise a pair of rollers, in such a way that web is clamped between two rollers and then pulled. Specifically, in order to ensure that the web is gripped between the two rollers, one of the two rollers is fixed, whilst the other is subjected to a radial thrust action. In the known solutions, said radial thrust action is performed by means of the presence of at least one elastic thrust member.

[0009] A typical problem with known motor assembly solutions, and simultaneously the known systems, is linked to the pulling action, which is not particularly effective and which is typically not constant over time. In particular, in the known solutions, the elastic thrustmember is such that it is not particularly effective during the thrust action: in fact, a high radial thrust would result in the slowing down, which is obviously undesirable, of the rotation of the rollers whilst also causing the web to slide; moreover, it is often found that said radial thrust action does not appear to be constant over time, decreasing along with the use of the motor assembly.

[0010] Such problems become greater as the operations performed by the operating assembly on the web become more complex, and as a function of the operations performed by the operating assembly on the web and the faster these operations are performed. For example, these problems become more significant the more it is necessary to perform alternating pulling of the web.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to propose a system that succeeds in fulfilling all of the aforesaid needs while minimizing or nullifying the aforesaid problems.

[0012] This object is achieved by means of the motor assembly claimed in claim 1, i.e., by means of a motor assembly that is suitable for performing an effective and constant action of pulling the web. This object is also achieved by means of the system which comprises said motor assembly as claimed in claim 12. The claimsdependent on these request protection for further features and entail further technical benefits.

[0013] In addition, further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description provided below of the preferred embodiments thereof given as non- limiting examples with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:- Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to the present invention;- Figures 2' and 2" show, respectively, two perspective views of a motor assembly according to the present invention, configured in the working configuration;- Figure 3 shows a perspective view in separate parts of the motor assembly in Figures 2' and 2";- Figures 4a and 4b show a side view and a front view, respectively, of the motor assembly of Figures 2' and 2";- Figure 5a is a sectional view along the section plane A—A of Figure 4a;- Figure 5b is a sectional view along the section plane B-B indicated in Figure 4b;- Figures 6' and 6" show two perspective views, respectively, of a motor assembly according to the present invention, configured in the opening configuration;- Figure 7 is a perspective view in separate parts of themotor assembly in Figures 6' and 6";- Figures 8a and 8b show a side view and a front view, respectively, of the motor assembly of Figures 6' and 6";- Figure 9a is a sectional view along the section plane A—A of Figure 8a;- Figure 9b is a sectional view along the section plane B-B of Figure 8b.

[0014] With reference to the accompanying figures, a motor assembly 1 according to the present invention is indicated with the numeral 1.

[0015] Conversely, the numeral 900 indicates a system that performs operations on a web 500. Said system 900 comprises said motor assembly 1.

[0016] The system 900 further comprises an unwinding assembly 910 that is suitable for housing a reel of web 500 to be processed, an operating assembly 920 suitable for performing an operation on the web 500, the motor assembly 1 suitable for pulling the web 500, and a rewinding assembly 990 suitable for rewinding the processed web 500.

[0017] The unwinding assembly 910 is the inlet of the system 900.

[0018] A reel of a web 500 to be processed is in fact housed on the unwinding assembly 910. In other words, the unwinding assembly 910 is suitable for allowing theunrolling of a web 500 to be processed by unwinding the reel of web 500 housed therein.

[0019] The rewinding assembly 990 is the outlet of the system 900.

[0020] In fact, a reel of a processed web 500 is housed upon the rewinding assembly 990. In particular, the rewinding assembly 990 rolls a processed web 500 thereby creating a reel of processed web.

[0021] In particular, the unrolling action of the reel housed on the unwinding assembly 910 may be performed by means of the motor assembly 1 which performs an action of pulling the web 500.

[0022] Preferably, the pulling action performed by the motor assembly 1 is alternating. Preferably, the pulling action performed by the motor assembly 1 is at an alternating speed. That is to say that the pulling action performed by the motor assembly 1 does not have the same continuity over time.

[0023] In other words, the web 500 is subjected to a pulling action that varies over time.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the system 900 is a labeling system. Preferably, therefore, the operating assembly 920 performs labeling operations; the web 500 of the reel that is housed on the unwinding assembly 910 comprises a web to be processed, i.e., withlabels, and the reel on the rewinding assembly 990 comprises a processed web, i.e., without labels.

[0025] Preferably, said operating assembly 920 detaches the labels and arranges them on a product or transfers them to another assembly which arranges them on a product.

[0026] With the exception of some particular features of the system 900 described hereinafter, it is pointed out that the system 900 is suitable for comprising a plurality of free or guided wheels and / or cylinders that are suitable for identifying a particular track / path of the web 500. The number and / or position and / or shape of said components does not in any way limit the subject matter of the present invention.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the motor assembly 1 is arranged after the operating system 920. This means that the motor assembly 1 performs an action of pulling the web 500 which, as it has previously been encountered within the operating assembly 920, has already been subjected to operations. This means that the motor assembly 1 operates on the processed web 500.

[0028] According to the present invention, the motor assembly 1 is suitable for performing an action of pulling the web 500 as a result of comprising a command group 2 and a backing group 3.

[0029] The web 500 slides in fact between the command group2 and the backing group 3 and is subjected to the pulling action between the two.

[0030] The command group 2 comprises a command roller 20 which extends with respect to a command axis X-X.

[0031] Furthermore, the command group 2 comprises a command drive 25 operatively connected to the command roller 20 in order to drive it in rotation about the command axis X-X.

[0032] The command drive 25 is preferably an electric motor.

[0033] Said electric motor is preferably of the brushless type or of the stepper type.

[0034] In other words, the rotation of the command roller 20 corresponds to the pulling on the web 500.

[0035] The backing group 3 comprises a first backing roller 4 which extends with respect to a first backing axis Y'- Y' substantially parallel to the command axis X-X and a second backing roller 5 which extends with respect to a second backing axis Y"-Y" substantially parallel to the command axis X-X.

[0036] In other words, the backing group 3 comprises a pair of rollers.

[0037] Preferably, the first backing roller 4 rotates idle.

[0038] Preferably, the second backing roller 5 rotates idle.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, both the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 are idle with respect to the first backing axis Y'-Y' and the second backing axis Y"-Y".

[0040] According to the present invention, the backing group 3 is configurable in an opening configuration in which it is spaced apart from the command group 2 and in a working configuration in which it engages the command group 2.

[0041] According to the present invention, in the command configuration, the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 engage the command roller 20 in two regions comprised in respective opposite semi- circumferences .

[0042] In other words, in the command configuration, the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 engage the command roller 20 by performing two mutually opposite engagement actions.

[0043] That is to say that the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 engage the command roller 20 by performing a clamping action thereupon.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the backing group 3 comprises a backing axis Y-Y that is substantially parallel to the command axis X-X.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the backinggroup 3 is rotatable about said backing axis Y-Y.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the motor assembly 1 comprises an imaginary plane I on which both the command axis X-X and the backing axis Y-Y lie.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the imaginary plane I is arranged substantially horizontally, preferably inclined with respect to a horizontal position by an inclination angle a less than 30 degrees, less than 30 degrees, preferably less than 25 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, in the working configuration, the first backing axis Y'-Y' is arranged below the imaginary plane I and the second backing axis Y"-Y" is arranged above the imaginary plane I. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the first backing axis Y'-Y' is arranged in such a way as to engage the lower semi-circumference. In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the second backing axis Y"-Y" is arranged in such a way as to engage the upper semi- circumference .

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the command roller 20 has a smooth outer surface 200.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, said outer surface 200 is made of a yielding material, for example preferably made of rubber.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first backing roller 4 comprises a backing surface 500 which is superficially shaped.

[0052] Preferably, said first backing surface 500 is wavy along the first backing axis Y'-Y'. Preferably, the first backing surface 500 comprises a plurality of axially stacked annular elements.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the second backing roller 5 comprises a backing surface 600 which is superficially shaped.

[0054] Preferably, said second backing surface 600 is wavy along the second backing axis Y"-Y". Preferably, the second backing surface 600 comprises a plurality of axially stacked annular elements.

[0055] Preferably, both the first backing surface 500 and the second backing surface 600 are superficially shaped.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the first backing roller 4 has a first backing surface 500 stiffer than the outer surface 200, wherein, in the working configuration, the outer surface 200 of the command roller 20 takes the shape of the backing surface 500.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the second backing roller 5 has a second backing surface 600 stiffer than the outer surface 200, wherein, in the working configuration, the outer surface 200 of the commandroller 20 takes the shape of the backing surface 500.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the command roller 20 has a command radius R2.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the first backing roller 4 has a first backing radius R4.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the backing roller 5 has a second backing radius R5.

[0061] Preferably, the command radius R2 is greater than the first backing radius R4 and the second backing radius R5.

[0062] Preferably, the first backing radius R4 is greater than the second backing radius R5.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the first backing axis Y'-Y' and the command axis X-X is less than the sum of the command radius R2 plus the first backing radius R4.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the second backing axis y"-Y" and the command axis X-X is less than the sum of the command radius R2 plus the second backing radius R5.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the backing group 3 comprises a base body 30 to which the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 are hinged.

[0066] Preferably, said base body 30 is movable between theopening configuration and the working configuration.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the base body 30 is hinged at the backing axis Y-Y in order to be rotatable between the opening configuration and the working configuration.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, in the opening configuration, the backing group 3 arranges the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 in such a way that they are distal from the command roller 20.

[0069] By rotating the backing group 3, from the opening configuration, the second backing roller 5 engages the command roller 20. By forcing the rotation, the command roller 20 is locally squeezed and the second backing roller 5 exceeds the command roller 20, continuing the rotation, until the first backing roller 4 engages the command roller 20. In particular, the position of the first backing roller 4 is such to prevent further continuation of the rotation. As already mentioned, in the working configuration both the first backing roller 4 and the second backing roller 5 grip and modify the surface of the command roller 20 locally.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the motor assembly 1 is also suitable for driving the movement of the rewinding assembly 990.

[0071] Preferably, in fact, the motor assembly 1 may beconnected to the rewinding assembly 990.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the command drive 25 commands the movement of both the command roller 20 and the rewinding assembly 990.

[0073] Preferably, the command drive 25 also comprises a pulley 255.

[0074] Preferably, the system 900 comprises a drive member between the pulley 255 and the rewinding assembly 990.

[0075] Preferably, said drive member is a belt, or a chain or toothed band.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the backing group 3 may be arranged in a first position, in which it is to the left of the command group 2, but also in a second position, in which it is to the right of the command group 2.

[0077] Innovatively, the motor assembly fully fulfills the intended object in overcoming the typical problems of the prior art. Advantageously, the system which comprises said motor assembly also fully fulfills the intended object in overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[0078] Advantageously, in fact, the motor assembly is suitable for managing the action of pulling the web.

[0079] Advantageously, the motor assembly is suitable for performing high command roller web adhesion.Advantageously, the web extends onto the command roller from the contact region between the first backing roller and the command roller to the contact region between the second backing roller and the command roller.

[0080] Advantageously, the motor assembly is suitable for achieving extremely high speeds.

[0081] Advantageously, the motor assembly avoids web slippages.

[0082] Advantageously, the motor assembly, in the backing group, does not have elastic thrust elements that over time are subject to wear and tear and thereby lose the elastic thrust action thereof.

[0083] Advantageously, the motor assembly may be configured in the working configuration and in the opening configuration using simple and intuitive operations.

[0084] Advantageously, the motor assembly may be configured in the working configuration and in the opening configuration using simple, intuitive, and error-proof operations .

[0085] Advantageously, maintenance and / or assembly and / or disassembly operations of the motor assembly are extremely simplified.

[0086] Advantageously, the motor assembly is extremely flexible and easily adaptable to webs of different sizes.

[0087] Advantageously, the aforementioned circumstantialadvantages for the motor assembly are equally present within the system. Advantageously, in a labeling system, these advantages are even more present.

[0088] Advantageously, the web that is moved by the motor assembly is suitable for being wound, in a simplified manner, onto the rewinding assembly. Advantageously, the web moved by the motor assembly effectively aligns itself and avoids the creation of a cone upon the rewinding assembly.

[0089] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet contingent needs, which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motor assembly (1) for a system (900) which performs operations on a web (500) comprising an unwinding assembly (910) suitable for housing a reel of web (500), an operating assembly (920) suitable for performing an operation on the web (500), and a rewinding assembly (990) onto which the processed web (500) is rewound, wherein the motor assembly (1) is suitable for performing an action of pulling the web (500) comprising: i) a command group (2) comprising a command roller (20) extending with respect to a command axis (X-X) and a command drive (25) operatively connected to the command roller (20) to drive it in rotation about the command axis (X-X); ii) a backing group (3) configurable in an opening configuration, in which it is spaced apart from the command group (2), and in a working configuration, in which it engages the command group (2), wherein the backing group (3) comprises:- a first backing roller (4) extending with respect to a first backing axis (Y'-Y') substantially parallel to the command axis (X-X);- a second backing roller (5) extending with respect to a second backing axis (Y''-Y'') substantially parallel to the command axis (X-X);wherein in the command configuration, the first backing roller (4) and the second backing roller (5) engage the command roller (20) in two regions comprised in respective opposite semi-circumferences.

2. Motor assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the backing group (3) comprises a backing axis (Y-Y) with respect to which it is rotatable, wherein the backing axis (Y-Y) is substantially parallel to the command axis (X-X), wherein the motor assembly (1) comprise an imaginary plane (I) on which both the command axis (X-X) and the backing axis (Y-Y) lie, wherein in the working configuration, the first backing axis (Y'-Y') is positioned below the imaginary plane (I) and the second backing axis (Y''-Y'') is positioned above the imaginary plane (I).

3. Motor assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the imaginary plane (I) is positioned substantially horizontal, preferably inclined with respect to a horizontal position by an inclination angle (a) less than 30 degrees, preferably less than 25 degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees.

4. Motor assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the command roller (20) has a smooth outer surface (200) made of a yielding material, for example, preferably made of rubber.

5. Motor assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first backing roller (4) and / or the second backing roller (5) comprise a backing surface (500; 600) superficially shaped.

6. Motor assembly (1) according to claim 4 and claim 5, wherein the first backing roller (4) and / or the second backing roller (5) have a backing surface (500, 600) stiffer than the outer surface (200), wherein in the working configuration, the outer surface (200) of the command roller (20) takes the shape of the backing surface (500, 600).

7. Motor assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first backing roller (4) and the second backing roller (5) are idle with respect to the first backing axis (Y'-Y') and the second backing axis (Y''-Y'').

8. Motor assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the command roller (20) has a command radius (R2), the first backing roller (4) has a first backing radius (R4) and the second backing roller (5) has a second backing radius (R5), wherein the command radius (R2) is greater than the first backing radius (R4) and the second backing radius (R5).

9. Motor assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first backing radius (R4) is greater than the secondbacking radius (R5).

10. Motor assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing group (3) comprises a base body (30) to which the first backing roller (4) and the second backing roller (5) are hinged, wherein by moving the base body (30), the backing group (3) is configured in the opening configuration or in the working configuration .

11. Motor assembly (1) according to claim 10 in combination with claim 2, wherein the base body (30) is hinged at the backing axis (Y-Y) to be rotatable between the opening configuration and the working configuration.

12. A system (900) which performs operations on a web (500) comprising an unwinding assembly (910) suitable for housing a reel of web (500) to be processed, an operating assembly (920) suitable for performing an operation on the web (500), Motor assembly (1) suitable for performing an action of pulling the web (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a rewinding assembly (990) suitable for rewinding the processed web (500).

13. System (900) according to claim 12, wherein the rewinding assembly (990) is operatively connected to the motor assembly (1), in particular, to the command drive (25), preferably by means of a drive member, such as a belt or a chain or a toothed band, so as to command themovement of both the command roller (20) and the rewinding assembly (990).

14. System (900) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the operating assembly (920) performs labeling operations, wherein the web (500) of the reel housed on the unwinding assembly (910) comprises a web with labels and the reel on the rewinding assembly (990) comprises a web without labels.

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