Adjustable diameter spindle uncoiler apparatus for uncoiling wound sheet metal webs

Abstract

An uncoiler apparatus for uncoiling coils of wound sheet metal web material is provided with a spindle having an adjustable diameter. An inflatable member is wound about the spindle, and covered with a thin expansible coil. Upon positioning of a coil of wound sheet metal web material over the spindle, the inflatable member is inflated, and the expansible coil expands to engage the inner surface of the inner diameter of the coil of wound sheet metal web material. In an embodiment of the invention, the uncoiler apparatus is capable of being moved, in the direction of the axis of the spindle, and structures are provided for resisting static and dynamic pivoting moments imposed on the uncoiler by the weight and rotational mass inertia (acceleration/deceleration) of the coil.

1 . An apparatus for supporting, handling and uncoiling at least one coil of wound sheet metal web material, comprising:
 a base;   a frame, cooperatively associated with the base; and   a spindle structure, rotatably retractably supported by the frame, and operably configured to receive, and grippingly and rotatably support a coil of wound sheet metal web material,   the spindle structure including a spindle shaft, having an inner portion rotatably mounted in the frame, and an outer portion configured to receive and support a coil of wound sheet metal web material,   the outer portion including a coil gripping mechanism, with an inflatable hose helically wrapped around the spindle shaft, and a resilient expansible gripping member, surrounding the hose, and wrapping around the spindle shaft for an arc length of greater than one circumference of the spindle shaft;   the coil gripping mechanism being operably configured so that upon positioning of a coil of wound sheet metal web material over the outer portion of the spindle shaft, inflation of the hose causes expansion of the resilient expansible gripping member to grippingly bear against an inner diameter of the positioned coil of wound sheet metal web material.   
     
     
         2 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured for reciprocating lateral movement, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the spindle shaft, relative to the base. 
     
     
         3 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the uncoiler apparatus further comprises a roller support mechanism operably disposed between the base and the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the roller support mechanism comprises:
 at least one inboard support plate disposed on the base, proximate an innermost end of the spindle shaft;   at least one outboard support plate disposed on the base, proximate a medial region of the spindle shaft;   at least one inboard support plate disposed on the frame, proximate an innermost end of the spindle shaft, and aligned with the at least one inboard support plate on the base;   at least one outboard support plate disposed on the frame, proximate a medial region of the spindle shaft, and aligned with the at least one outboard support plate on the base; and   at least one roller member disposed between each of the aligned at least one inboard base and frame support plates, and the aligned at least one outboard base and support frames, respectively.   
     
     
         5 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a propulsion mechanism for selectively moving the frame relative to the base. 
     
     
         6 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a hydraulic motor/pump for providing driving/braking torque to the spindle shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The uncoiler apparatus according to the  claim 1  wherein the spindle shaft is rotatably supported, at a medial position there along, by a spindle shaft center bearing set. 
     
     
         8 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the spindle shaft center bearing set comprises at least three cam follower members disposed at circumferentially spaced apart locations about the spindle shaft, and mounted on eccentric adjustment shafts. 
     
     
         9 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a passageway extending through the spindle shaft, and operably connected to an end of the inflatable hose proximate an outermost end of the spindle shaft;   a rotatable fitting, disposed on an innermost end of the spindle shaft, in communication with the passageway;   a selectively actuable source of pressurized fluid/air, connected to the fitting.   
     
     
         10 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 4 , further comprising retention structures operably associated with the roller support mechanism, for resisting compression/separation forces and overturning moments imposed on the uncoiler apparatus when a coil of wound sheet metal web material is loaded onto the spindle shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the retention structures comprise one or more roller engagement members disposed on each of the at least one base and frame inboard support plates, wherein the one or more roller engagement members associated with the at least one frame inboard support plate extend below the at least one roller member associated therewith, and the one or more roller engagement members associated with the at least one base inboard support plate extend above the at least one roller member associated therewith, to prevent separation of the at least one base and frame inboard support plates, as a result of downwardly directed forces imposed on the spindle shaft by the weight of a coil of wound sheet metal web material placed thereon. 
     
     
         12 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising an adjustable hold-down mechanism, for guiding a web of sheet material, subsequent to being peeled off of a coil of wound sheet metal web material. 
     
     
         13 . The uncoiler apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the adjustable hold-down mechanism comprises:
 an extensible boom disposed adjacent to the outer portion of the spindle shaft, and extending transversely to the spindle shaft;   a horizontal support member, operably associated with the extensible boom, and extending parallel to the spindle shaft; and   a powered contact roll, supported on the horizontal support member, configured for engaging in frictional contact with a web of sheet material, subsequent to being peeled off of a coil of wound sheet metal web material.