Patent GB-1136951-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to web supply apparatus
IPC: B65H19/18
Filed: 1965-12-21
Abstract: 1,136,951. Feeding webs. R. A. BUTLER. 21 Dec., 1965 [21 Dec., 1964], No. 54138/65. Heading B6B. [Also in Division F2] Web-roll changing apparatus comprises means for splicing the leading end of a replacement web to an expiring web, a dancer roller assembly for accumulating surplus web for feeding while splicing, web-roll braking means for decelerating the running web entering the dancer roller assembly, and means for actuating the splicing means when the running web reaches a predetermined splicing speed. The leading end of the replacement web is held by suction to one of two splicing nip rollers 230, 232 (Fig. 16), and is previously prepared with adhesive or adhesive strip (296) on a suction table (270). The running web passes through the nip formed between an idler roller 70 and the wheel 42 of a tachometer, before entering a dancer roller assembly 30. This assembly comprises fixed rollers 50, 52 and 54 and rollers 56 and 58 mounted on vertically movable yokes 64 loaded by a pneumatic cylinder 94 acting via a chain and sprocket mechanism 82. The sprocket 82 is geared to a pair of sprockets 76 over which pass two parallel chains 74. The ends of the chains 74 are connected to the yokes 64 to form closed loops. The dancer roller assembly 30 serves not only as an accumulator for surplus web for feeding while splicing, but also as a senser for modifying the web-roll braking force according to the operating conditions during unwinding and also for modifying the degree of accelerating kick imparted to the replacement web-roll at the time of splicing. A valve (110, Fig. 18) regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid from a cylinder 36. The cylinder 36 together with its piston 192 comprises the accelerating means for the replacement web-roll 28. Connected to the rod 194 of the piston 192 is a chain 196 which passes over a sprocket 198. The sprocket is geared to the spindle of the replacement web-roll. An identical accelerating means is provided for the other web-roll 26 and is operative when this roll constitutes the replacement web-roll. A further valve (112, Fig. 18) controls the hydraulic fluid pressure supplied to disc brakes (Figs. 12 and 13), (see Division F2) associated with the web-roll spindles. Both valves (110 and 112) are controlled by cams (106 and 108, Figs. 2 and 18) mounted on the shaft 84 of the sprocket 82 of the dancer roller assembly 30. When the diameter of the running web-roll has diminished to a predetermined amount detected by a roller 432 mounted on a pivoted arm 418, an adjustably positioned electric switch 438 is actuated. This causes an electric motor (384, Fig. 18) to drive a control cam (382) of a pressure regulating valve (352) in the hydraulic circuit of the web-roll disc brakes. The brake of the running web-roll is therefore progressively applied until the speed of the running web is reduced to the predetermined splicing speed, detected by the tachometer; whereupon the brake is released. This is followed by rotation of the splicing nip roller over which the running web passes (Fig. 17). The rollers are eccentrically mounted so that as one or other is rotated it moves to the nip, the webs between them thereby causing a splice. A knife (262) for severing the running web is supported by a pair of arms pinned to the shaft of each roller. As the roller rotates, the knife co-operates with a brush to sever the web. When the splicing and cut-off operation is completed, a switch (440) is actuated to return the roller to its original position (Fig. 16).