US 4,497,452 A · Twin coil strip accumulator

Abstract

A variable capacity strip accumulator for steel strip travelling continuously from upstream reels of supply to a downstream treating or processing station, said accumulator having adjacent spiral coils rotatable on a common axis for accumulating a supply of the strip for continuous feeding cut of the accumulator despite a temporary stoppage of supply. In the execution of this objective, the convolutions of the two coaxial spiral coils of opposite hand are connected together by a transition curve into one continuous web. Strip guides for said curve first slightly twist the strip in the same direction as its first spiral to an extent of approximately 90.degree., while withdrawing it from the interior of the latter in the direction away from said coils and without substantially departing from its radius of curvature, crossing the axis at the farthest point. Continuing at the same curvature and rate of twist of 90.degree. on its return branch, the strip reaches, and is joined to, the second coil at a point substantially antipodal to the point of departure from the first spiral and twisted by 180.degree.. The above procedure results in the reversal of direction of winding of the convolutions of the strip in the two coils without subjecting it to any more tending than in the coils.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An apparatus for storing a variable uninterrupted length of forwardly advancing strip material disposed in two adjacent coaxial spiral coils, each of multiple turns between the innermost and outermost convolutions, and with the convolutions thereof coursing in opposite directions, with transition curve between the coils for effecting the reversal of the direction of the convolutions, comprising

(a) guide means for withdrawing the innermost convolution of the first spiral coil in the direction away from both coils and substantially beyond the space inside said coils into a large transition curve of substantially the same radius of curvature as said convolutions, while simultaneously and gradually imparting thereto a twist of approximately 90.degree., at the farthest point,
(b) return guide means for the strip to follow a course roughly symmetrical to said outward course i.e., while imparting an additional 90.degree. twist for joining the latter with the second coil at a point substantially antipodal to the point of departure of said strip from the first coil wherein the strip is bent at a curvature comparable to that of the radius of said coils, and
(c) said guide means comprising a plurality of cylindrical bodies for controlling the free transport of the strip through the transition curve with no more than tangential contact of the strip with said bodies.

An apparatus for storing a variable uninterrupted length of forwardly advancing strip material disposed in two adjacent concentric coaxial spiral coils, each of multiple turns between the innermost and outermost convolutions, and with the convolutions thereof coursing in opposite directions, with transition curve between the coils for effecting the reversal of the direction of the convolutions, comprising

(a) guide means for withdrawing the innermost convolution of the first outer spiral coil in the direction away from both coils and substantially beyond the space inside said coils into a large transition curve of substantially the same radius of curvature as said convolutions, while simultaneously and gradually imparting thereto a twist of approximately 90.degree., at the farthest point,
(b) return guide means for the strip to follow a course roughly symmetrical to said outward cource i.e., while imparting an additional 90.degree. twist for joining the latter with the outermost convolution of the second inner coil within said first coil, at a point substantially antipodal to the point of departure of said strip from the first coil for ultimate withdrawal from the interior of the second coil,
(c) a frame for supporting said coils, comprising
(d) an outer annular set of equidistantly radially disposed rollers for supporting the first coil on edge,
(e) an inner annular set of equidistantly radially disposed rollers for supporting the second coil on edge,
(f) drive means for actuating the rollers of each annular set in opposite rotary directions, each of said drives consisting of a central crown gear in engagement with circumferentially spaced pinions, each connected by a shaft with one of said supporting rollers, and
(g) a rotary tower structure for supporting the transition curve between the coils and differential transmission means, the free member of which is connected to said rotary tower structure.

4 more elements

An apparatus for storing a variable uninterrupted length of forwardly advancing strip material disposed in two adjacent coaxial spiral coils, each of multiple turns between the innermost and outermost convolutions and with the convolutions thereof coursing in opposite directions, with transition curve between the coils for effecting the reversal of the direction of the convolutions, comprising

(a) guide means for withdrawing the innermost convolution of the first spiral coil in the direction away from both coils and substantially beyond the space inside said coils into a large transition curve of substantially the same radius of curvature as said convolutions, while simultaneously and gradually imparting thereto a twist of approximately 90.degree., at the farthest point, including additional guide means at said point for confining the strip in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the coils,
(b) return guide means for the strip to follow a course roughly symmetrical to said outward course i.e., while imparting an additional 90.degree. twist for joining the latter with the second coil at a point substantially antipodal to the point of departure of said strip from the first coil,
(c) said guide means for the strip through said transition curve comprising pairs of guide rolls engaging both faces of the strip, at least some of them provided with drive means for controlling the degree of twist as well as the longitudinal travel of said strip, and
(d) a rotary structure coaxial with said coils to which are attached the supporting rollers for both coils, said structure extending in the direction of said transition curve for support of all guide means of the latter,
(e) said drive means for controlling the longitudinal travel of the strip being mounted at said point at the outer end of said rotary structure,
(f) said supporting rollers for the coils, comprising an outer annular set of equidistantly radially disposed rollers for supporting the first coil on edge,
(g) an inner annular set of equidistantly radially disposed rollers for supporting the second soil on edge,
(h) drive means for actuating the rollers of each annular set in opposite rotary directions,
(i) an adjustable speed motor connected to said rotary structure, and
(j) differential transmission means cooperating with said drive means, the free member of which is actuated by said motor to correct for slippage of the strip on the supporting rollers.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Twin coil strip accumulator

Life of this patent

Twin coil strip accumulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22