Device for spreading, compressing and guiding a running material web

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to a device for spreading, compressing and guiding a running web of material.

#2. The Prior Art

#Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

#In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

#FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device for guiding and spreading a running web of material according to the present invention; and

#Referring now in detail to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for guiding and spreading or compressing a material web 2 in the direction “L”. Fixing rolls 3, 4 are arranged upstream and, respectively, downstream of the device 1 and the material web 2 is reversed on fixing rolls 3, 4. Fixing rolls 3, 4 maintain the material web 2 upstream and, respectively downstream of the device 1 in a defined manner, which is required for the exact guidance or spreading of the material web 2.

#Device 1 comprises a roll 5, which is supported on a through-extending shaft 6 and which has two halves 5a, 5a′. Shaft 6 is supported in pivot bearings 7 and freely rotates about a roll axis 8. In another embodiment, roll 5 can be driven with a motor to compensate the resistance exerted by material web 2 on roll 5.

#Slide guides 9 are arranged on roll 5 and extend over the length of roll 5. Slide guides 9 consist of a ring 10, which corresponds to the circumference of the roll on the inner side, and bridges 11 are arranged on slide guides 9 and uniformly distributed over its outer circumference. Bridges 11 have springs 12, which engage grooves 12a of slats 13, 13′. Slats 13, 13′ are longitudinally displaceable spacing between the slats as well as the spacing of slats 13, 13′ from roll axis 8 remains constant.