Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of dispensing individual sheets and a sheet dispensing system. The sheet dispensing system comprises a frame assembly (14), a reel loading station (20), a sheet dispenser station (40) and a delivery station (70) connected to the sheet dispenser station (40). The reel loading station (20) includes a supply reel (22) of a cellulose fiber based web and a support for supporting the supply reel. The sheet dispenser station includes a feeding mechanism (50) serving to receive the cellulose fiber based web from the reel loading station (20) and a cutting mechanism (60) having a reciprocating cutter assembly for cutting the cellulose fiber based web into individual sheets. The delivery station includes a delivery table (71) connected to the sheet dispenser station (40). The reel loading station (20) or the sheet dispenser station (40) or delivery station (70) further comprises a smoothing mechanism (100) to compensate for the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web and provide non-curved individual sheets (28).
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A sheet dispensing system for dispensing individual sheets, comprising: a reel loading station including a supply reel holding a cellulose fiber-based web, the supply reel being operable to dispense the cellulose fiber-based web, the dispensed cellulose fiber-based web having a curvature; a sheet dispenser station including a feeding mechanism and a cutting mechanism, the feeding mechanism being configured to receive the cellulose fiber-based web from the reel loading station and having a tension roller and a feeding roller, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises a reciprocating cutter assembly configured for cutting the cellulose fiber-based web into individual sheets when moved transversally relative to the cellulose fiber-based web from a first position to a second position at opposite sides of the cellulose fiber-based web; and a delivery station including a delivery table operatively connected to the sheet dispenser station so as to receive the individual dispensed sheets; wherein one of the reel loading station, the sheet dispenser station, and the delivery station further comprises a smoothing mechanism having a first guide roller and a second guide roller, the first and second guide rollers being adjustable in relation to one another so as to alter a smoothing angle dependent on a diameter of the supply reel as the cellulose fiber-based web is dispensed in order to compensate for the curvature of the dispensed cellulose fiber-based web, thereby to provide non-curved individual sheets.
16. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the reciprocating cutter assembly is configured for cutting the cellulose fiber-based web only when moved from the first position to the second position,
17. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the reciprocating cutter assembly is further configured for cutting the cellulose fiber-based web when moved from the second position to the first position.
18. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the first and second guide rollers are adjustable in relation to one another by a mechanical suspension of at least one of the first guide roller and the second guide roller.
19. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the first and second guide rollers are adjustable in relation to one another by a mechanical coupling between the first guide roller and the second guide roller.
20. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the first and second guide rollers are adjustable in relation to one another by an electronic controller in response to an electrical signal generated by a sensor mounted on one of the loading station and the delivery station.
21. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 20, wherein the controller has an input channel and an output channel, wherein the controller is configured to receive an electrical signal generated by a reel sensor operably connected to the reel loading station, wherein the electrical signal is representative of the diameter of the supply reel as the cellulose fiber-based web is dispensed.
22. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the cellulose fiber-based web is movable continuously, and wherein the cutter assembly is movable so as to reciprocate in parallel with and in synchronism with the cellulose fiber-based web during the cutting of the cellulose fiber-based web into the individual sheets.
23. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the cellulose fiber-based web is movable intermittently, and wherein the cutter assembly is movable transversally relative to the cellulose fiber-based web during the cutting of the cellulose fiber-based web into the individual sheets.
24. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the cutter assembly includes one of a blade, a mechanical roller knife, and a laser cutter.
25. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein the sheet dispenser station includes a housing, and wherein the first guide roller and the second guide roller are mounted on a guide plate that is pivotally connected to a mounting plate connected with a side wall of the sheet dispenser station housing.
26. The sheet dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the mounting plate has an arc portion with slots extending the width of the mounting plate, the slots being arranged near the circumference of the arc shape of the mounting plate, wherein a lever with biasing means is arranged perpendicular to the guide plate, wherein the lever is provided with a pin that is longer than the width of the guide plate, so as to allow the lever to provide an interlocking of the guide plate relative to the mounting plate.
27. A method of dispensing individual sheets by means of a sheet dispensing system comprising a reel loading station, a sheet dispenser station, and a delivery station operatively connected to the sheet dispenser station, the method comprising the steps of: providing, in the reel loading station, a supply reel holding a cellulose fiber-based web; providing, in the sheet dispenser station, a feeding mechanism and a cutting mechanism; providing, in the feeding mechanism, a tension roller and a feeding roller; providing, in the cutting mechanism, a reciprocating cutter assembly; providing a smoothing mechanism having a first guide roller and a second guide roller at one of the reel loading station, the sheet dispenser station, and the delivery station; dispensing a cellulose fiber-based web to the feeding mechanism from the supply reel; cutting the cellulose fiber-based web by moving the reciprocating cutter assembly transversally relative to the cellulose fiber-based web from a first position to a second position at opposite sides of the cellulose fiber-based web; adjusting the first and second guide rollers in relation to one another so as to alter a smoothing angle dependent on a diameter of the supply reel as the cellulose fiber-based web is dispensed so as to compensate for the curvature of the cellulose fiber-based web, thereby to provide non-curved individual sheets; and dispensing the individual sheets onto a delivery table of the delivery station.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the schematic drawings in which:
[0049] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view of a presently preferred embodiment of the sheet dispensing system for dispensing and supplying individual sheets of paper or cardboard according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 2A is a view of a first and presently preferred embodiment of the sheet dispenser station with the cutting mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 2B is a close up view of FIG. 2A of the cutting mechanism of a first presently preferred embodiment of the sheet dispenser station according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 3A is a view of a first presently preferred embodiment of the reel loading station and the sheet dispenser station with the smoothing mechanism and the feeding mechanism for dispensing individual sheets of paper or cardboard according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 3B is a close up view of FIG. 3A of the smoothing mechanism and the feeding mechanism of a first presently preferred embodiment of the sheet dispenser station according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 4A-4B shows the smoothing mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a view of the reel loading station with a third preferred embodiment of the smoothing mechanism connected to the reel loading station according to a third aspect of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 6A shows the loading of a supply reel in the reel loading station with the smoothing mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 6B-6D shows the unrolling of material from the supply reel in the reel loading station with a third preferred embodiment of the smoothing mechanism connected to the reel loading station according to a third aspect of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 7A-7C shows the unrolling of material from the supply reel in the reel loading station with a fourth preferred embodiment of the smoothing mechanism according to a fourth aspect of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 8A-8D shows the unrolling of material from the supply reel in the reel loading station according to a fifth aspect of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 9A-9D shows the unrolling of material from the supply reel in the reel loading station according to a sixth aspect of the present invention.
[0061] In FIG. 1, a first and presently preferred embodiment of a system for providing intermediate layers of paper or cardboard (cellulose fiber based material) is shown designated the reference numeral 10 in its entirety. The system 10 comprises a reel loading station 20, a sheet dispenser station 40, a controller 90 and a delivery station 70. The cellulose fiber based material in the form of paper or cardboard is unrolled from the supply reel 22 and introduced to the sheet dispenser station 40. The sheet dispenser station 40 (hereafter referred to as the sheet dispenser) comprises a feeding mechanism 50 (not shown in FIG. 1) enabling the supply of paper or cardboard to be drawn through the sheet dispenser station 40, where the paper or cardboard is cut into the sheet 28, which will be dispensed onto the delivery table 71. The individual sheets 28 shown in FIG. 1 are cut both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction. The paper or cardboard would be referred to as cellulose-based material.
[0062] From FIG. 1 it can be seen that the cellulose fiber based material would travel over a number of roller 12, which would allow the cellulose fiber based material to be transferred between the different unit of the sheet dispensing system. Through the use of a number of roller 12, the different unit would not have to be located in close vicinity of each other, which would be advantageous as the sheet dispensing system could be fitted into different production facilities, where the area of the ground floor could be utilized for other purpose.
[0063] The reel loading station 20 comprises a supporting frame 14 for the supply reel 22 of paper or cardboard. The supporting frame 14 is shown in an embodiment where the supporting frame 14 would consist of four supporting columns 21, where the supply reel 22 has an axel penetrating the centre of the supply reel and where the weight of the supply reel is supporting the two supporting columns. The supply is supported in a manner that allows the supply reel to rotate freely around the centre axle. The reel loading station is intended to be operated in a stepwise manner, allowing continuous feeding of the cellulose fiber based web to the sheet dispenser station, where the continuous feeding is stopped when the cutting of the cellulose fiber based web is performed.
[0064] The cutting could also be performed without stopping the dispensing of the cellulose fiber based web from the sheet dispensing station, this would however require that the cutting mechanism is provided on a movable unit. This provides an on the fly operation mode.
[0065] The reciprocating cutter is shown as a mechanical cutter, more precisely a mechanical roller knife. Instead of using a reciprocating cutter, e.g. a mechanical knife, it would also be possible to provide a laser cutter and enabling a continuous cutting of the cellulose fiber material, which in this case would be supplied continuously during the cutting process.
[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the reel loading station 20 further comprises a supporting roller 25, which is suspended from the supporting frame 14, the supporting roller 25 is preferably pivotally suspended from the supporting frame 14 by means of two support arms 27, whereby the supporting rollers 25 are able to arrest on the circumference of the supply reel 22. The supporting roller 25 comprises a reel sensor 26, which is able to send data of the position of the supporting roller 25 to a controller 90 interconnected with a computer 92. As depicted in FIG. 1 the supporting rollers could further be provided with fingers 251. The reel sensor can be any type of sensor, which can be used for the purpose of generating an electrical signal, which can be used to indicate or determine a position, e.g. a potentiometer.
[0067] The sheet dispensing system 10 comprises a controller 90, which is interconnected with the reel loading station via cables 92 and where the controller 90 comprises an input channel and an out channel. The controller 90 receives signals from the reel sensor 26 connected to said reel loading station 20 and from the collected data from the reel sensor 26, the collected data is used to determine the diameter of the supply reel 22.
[0068] The collected data from the reel sensor 26 is used to adjust the position of the guide roller (not shown) of the smoothing mechanism 100, whereby the smoothing mechanism is adjusted in order to ensure the sufficient amount of smoothing for the paper based material.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the smoothing mechanism 100 is a dependent unit of the sheet dispensing system, which can be connected to either the sheet dispenser station, the delivery table or the reel loading station, which is reflected in the figure.
[0070] FIG. 2A-2B shows the sheet dispenser station 40 including the cutting mechanism 60 and the feeding mechanism 50 (not shown) in a presently preferred embodiment of a system for providing layer of paper or cardboard according to a first aspect of the present invention. The feeding mechanism 50 and the cutting mechanism 60 will be explained in more details in relation to FIG. 3B.
[0071] The sheet dispenser station includes feeding means for drawing in the cellulose fiber based material from the supply reel 22. The feeding mechanism 50 comprises two rollers, which interact in mutual operation, allowing a free end of the cellulose fiber based material to be placed between the mutually interacting rollers, whereby the cellulose fiber based material can be drawn into the sheet dispenser station 40.
[0072] The sheet dispenser station 40 is connected to the delivery station 70, which comprises a delivery table 71 onto which the cut sheets are delivered and a transfer station 80 located at the end of the delivery table 71, so that the sheets 28 can be transferred from the delivery table 71 on the pallet 83. The delivery table 71 arrests on an underframe 710 with supporting columns, more precisely four supporting columns 711, which can be adjusted to level out the delivery table 71 on the ground floor of the production facilities.
[0073] In FIG. 2A, a stacking machine for handling individual sheets 28 is shown, said stacking machine comprising a frame assembly 13, a delivery station 70, a transfer station 80 and an elevation station 82. The frame assembly 13 includes support columns 711, 811 for supporting said delivery station 70, said transfer station 80 and said elevation station 82. The delivery station 70 has a delivery table 71 defining a first horizontal plane. The handling arm 85 is used for transferring the sheet 28 from the delivery table 71 onto the platform 83 (shown as a pallet), where the sheets can be stacked and the delivery table 71 serving to receive and present the sheets 28 individually. The handling arm 85 is movable from a first position above the delivery table 71 to a second position above the elevation station and the handling arm 85 includes holding members 86 for contacting the sheets 28 individually and transferring the sheets 28 individually from the delivery table 71 to the elevation station 82 and releasing the sheets individually at the elevation station 82 and the elevation station having a platform 83 for collecting the individual sheets,
[0074] The platform 83 is moved vertically from a first level to a second level and the first level is substantially in the same horizontal plane as the first horizontal plane of the delivery table 71, and the second plane being is located in parallel with and below the first horizontal plane for allowing the sheets 28 to be stacked on top of the one another.
[0075] The handling arm 85 is suspended by the frame assembly 13 and the handling arm 85 is resting on supporting columns 811 at one end and being connected to the delivery station in the opposite end allowing the transfer station 80 to span the width of the delivery station 70 and the elevation station 82. The handling arm 85 is provided with holding members 86 being constituted by vacuum lifters located at the perimeter of the handling arm and the vacuum lifters being used for transferring the sheets. The pneumatic system is depicted for the sake of simplicity
[0076] The transfer station 80 includes a gantry 84 spanning substantially half the dimension of the delivery station 70 perpendicular to the width and being movable along the width of the delivery station 70 and the elevation station 80. The elevation station 82 has a linkage mechanism 821, preferably a scissor mechanism, enabling the platform to be moved between the first and second levels and the linkage mechanism being connected to an actuator (not shown).
[0077] The gantry 84 spans the width of the transfer station 80 and substantially half of the length of the delivery table. The gantry can also be connected to the controller 90, which would allow for operation of the gantry in connection or communication with the sheet dispenser station, delivery table and gantry.
[0078] The controller can be operated for the purpose of synchronizing the operation of the different stations of the dispensing system including the stacking machine.
[0079] The controller can be programmed to deliver the sheets continuously on the delivery table 71 in order to transfer the sheets individually from the delivery table 71 to the elevation station 80 before the next sheet being delivered to the delivery table 71.
[0080] The controller can be programmed to deliver the sheets intermittently on the delivery table detecting the presence of the sheets and transferring the sheet from the delivery table to the elevation station and stopping the delivering of the sheet during the step of transferring the sheet to the elevation station.
[0081] In FIG. 2A, the delivery table 71 includes one or several conveying means 72, which will ensure that the individual sheets 28 of the cellulose fiber based material are advanced from the cutting mechanism 60 in the longitudinal direction of the delivery table. The conveying means 72 could be in the form of conveyer belts, which will move the individual sheets on the delivery table 71 after the cellulose fiber based material has been cut by the cutting mechanism 60. The conveyer belts will stretch out the individual sheets on the delivery table 71 after the cellulose fiber based material (web). The delivery station 71 includes a sensor 74, and the sensor 74 is used for detecting the presence and location of the sheets. A number of sensors can be arranged on the delivery table in between the conveyer belts. The sensor(s) could also be in combination with the controller for adjusting the guide rollers of the smoothing mechanism.
[0082] In FIG. 2B can be seen that the cutting mechanism 60 of the sheet dispenser station 40 includes a reciprocating cutter, preferably a mechanical cutting knife 61, which serves to cut the cellulose fiber based web from the supply reel 22 into pieces of sheets having a convenient size when they are fed to the delivery table 71. The cutting knife 61 is oriented transversely of the longitudinal direction of the delivery table 71 for cutting off the part of the cellulose fiber based web 23 having its end drawn forth a suitable length. The cutting knife 61 is in the shown embodiment a mechanical roller knife mounted on a guided sledge 63, on which the knife 61 can freely rotate around it center. The sledge 63 is able to move in the transverse direction of the longitudinal direction of the delivery table 71 and the sledge 63 is guided by two guide rods 62, where the bushings 64 are in interposition between the two outer guide rods 62 and the sledge 63. The cutting knife 61 can be moved pulling the cable 65 or by other similar means to drag the roller knife back and forth.
[0083] FIG. 3A shows a preferred embodiment of the reel loading station 20 and the sheet dispenser station 40 with the smoothing mechanism 100 for dispensing individual sheets of paper based material. The reel loading station 20 is where the cellulose fiber based web 23 is fed to the sheet dispenser station 40. The reel loading station 20 includes an underframe 211 for supporting the supply reel 22, which is rotatably suspended on the underframe 211 having four castor wheels 213. The underframe 211 is equipped with bushings 212, which support the through going axel of the supply reel 22. The through going axle of the supply reel 22 is furthermore locked relative to the underframe by a stop ring (not shown).
[0084] FIG. 3B shows a close up view of the smoothing mechanism 100 and the feeding mechanism 50 of the first presently preferred embodiment of the sheet dispenser station according to a first aspect of the present invention, where the feeding mechanism 50 comprises interspaced rollers (51,52), which are synchronously driven by using a belt. The free end of the cellulose fiber based web 23 is fed to the cutting station 60, where the cutting knife 61 cuts the cellulose fiber based web into individual sheets 28 (intermediate layer).
[0085] The sheet dispenser station 40 comprises a housing 41 having two housing covers 42, a top wall 43, a bottom wall 44, two side walls 45 and side wall covers 46. The two housing covers 42 are both located in the longitudinal direction of the dispensing direction of the cellulose fiber based web 23 and the housing covers 42 are hinged to the top wall 43 of the dispenser housing 41, which will provide accesses to the interior of the sheet dispenser station for the operator.
[0086] In FIG. 3B, the feeding mechanism 50 comprises two interspaced rollers (51,52), where the first roller is a tension roller 51, which can be moved by operating the handle 53 whereby movement of the tension roller 51 is obtained. The tension mechanism of the feeding mechanism 50 is achieved by a movable tension roller 51 and a feeding roller 52, which are arranged and connected to the side walls 45 of the sheet dispenser station housing 41. The tension roller 51 is connected in each end to a linkage mechanism 54, where the linkage mechanism 54 itself is connected to the side walls 45 of the sheet dispenser station housing 41. Each linkage mechanism 54 penetrates an opening in the housing covers 42 allowing the operator to grab the tensioning handle 53 on each of the linkage mechanisms 54. By operation of the tensioning handle 53, the tension roller 51 can be moved or be disconnected from engagement with the feeding roller 52, depending on whether or not the free end of the cellulose fiber based web is to be inserted into the feeding mechanism 50.
[0087] The tension roller 51 and the feeding roller 52 constitute the main elements of the feeding mechanism. The feeding roller 52 is connected by means of a belt to a motor 47 in each end and the elements are covered by side wall covers 46. The motor 47 is located in the upper part of the sheet dispenser station housing 41 and will, when activated, rotate the feeding roller 52, which in cooperation with the tension roller 51 will guide and dispense the cellulose fiber based web through the sheet dispenser station 40.
[0088] An emergency stop 25 is provided on the sheet dispenser station housing 41. The sheet dispenser station 40 may also include means to apply a coating to the cellulose-based material.
[0089] The smoothing mechanism 100 in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is shown according to a first aspect of the present invention, where the smoothing mechanism 100 is connected to the side wall 45 of the sheet dispenser station housing 41. The smoothing mechanism 100 comprises a guide plate 33 and two guide rollers, which would be referred to as a first guide roller 31 and a second guide roller 32. The first guide roller 31 and second guide roller 32 are both mounted on a guide plate 33, which is pivotally connected to a mounting plate 34 connected with the side wall 45 of the sheet dispenser station housing 41.
[0090] The mounting plate 34 is provided with an arc portion having a number of slots 35 extending the width of the mounting plate 34, where the slots 35 are arranged near the circumference of the arc shape of the mounting plate 34. A lever 36 with biasing means is arranged perpendicular on the guide plate 33, where the lever 36 is provided with a pin being substantially longer than the width of the guide plate 33. This will allow the lever 36 to provide an interlocking of the guide plate 33 relative to the mounting plate 34.
[0091] The guide plate 33 is pivotally connected to the mounting plate 34, so that the pivot axis of the mounting plate 34 is coincident with the longitudinal axel of the second guide roller 32. In this way, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the feeding roller 52 and the longitudinal axis of the second guide roller 32 is maintained during the advancing process of the cellulose fiber based web (intermediate sheet layer).
[0092] In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the smoothing mechanism 100 is shown in a position, where the smoothing mechanism is raised to the highest possible position in relation to the sheet dispenser station. In the highest position, the lever 36 is inserted in the slot at the highest position on the circumference of the arc portion of the mounting plate 34, this point would be located at the longest distance from the ground floor.
[0093] The amount of smoothing of the cellulose fiber based web is determined by the number of slots provided in the sheet dispenser station 40, more precisely by the number of slots provided in the mounting plate 34 of the sheet dispenser station, which is decisive for the position of the first guide roller 31 and thereby the angular position of the first guide roller 31 in relation to the second guide roller 32 of the smoothing mechanism 100.
[0094] When the smoothing mechanism 100 is fixed in the highest possible position, then the contact area between the paper web and the guide rollers 31, 32 is at its maximum level, whereas when the smoothing mechanism is lowered by a pivoting movement around the axis of the second guide roller, then the contact surface between the cellulose fiber based web and the guide rollers 31, 32 is at its minimum level.
[0095] The number of slots provided in the mounting plate 34 of the sheet dispenser station allows for a stepwise adjustment for the smoothing mechanism. Another embodiment of the smoothing mechanism 100 is shown in FIG. 1, where the adjustment can be performed in a continuous manner, through the use of one actuator connected to the frame of the sheet dispensing system, and where the adjustment is achieved in cooperation with a curved recess in a guidance plate connected to the frame of the sheet dispensing system.
[0096] The smoothing angle is the angle, which is established by the position of the guide rollers, e.g. in FIG. 3A. The smoothing angle is opposite the convex arc or the tangent line for the guide roller. The smaller the smoothing angle is, the larger the contact surface would be, hereby the contact surface of the cellulose fiber based web with the guide roller of the smoothing mechanism would be larger.
[0097] FIG. 4A-4B shows the smoothing mechanism 200 according to a second aspect of the present invention, where the smoothing mechanism 200 can be positioned below the cutting section of the sheet dispenser station (not shown). The smoothing mechanism 200 comprises four guide rollers 210a, 210b, 212 having each guide rollers connected in the end to main frame 214. The main frame 214 comprises two frame plates 218a, 218b, which are interconnected in one end allowing the two frame plates 218a, 218b to be pivotable around a common pivot axis. The cellulose fiber based web 23 is fed through the smoothing mechanism 200 and dependent on the amount upon the thickness and density of the cellulose fiber based web, the frame plates 218a, 218b will be clamped together, whereby the secondary guide roller 212 on the second frame plates 218b will be interposed between the two primary guide roller 210a on the first frame plate 218a.
[0098] FIG. 4C-4D shows the smoothing mechanism 200 in the position, where the primary guide roller 210a on the first frame plate 218a and the secondary guide roller 212b on the second frame plates 218b are fully engaged in order to achieved the maximum compensation for an unwanted curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23. The amount of smoothing can be adjusted by movement of the secondary guide roller 212 on the second frame plates 218b relative to the two primary guide rollers 210a on the first frame plate 218a.
[0099] In FIG. 5, the smoothing mechanism 300 reel loading station 302 is shown according to a third aspect of the present invention, where the smoothing mechanism 300 is connected to the reel loading station 302. The connection of the smoothing mechanism 30b is obtained through the use of linkage rods 311, where a pair of linkage rods 311 are used for suspending the first guide roller 312 and the second guide roller 314 in each end. Each linkage mechanism comprising two linkage rods 311 are interconnected by a linkage lever 316 and the linkage rods 311 are in one end connected to the underframe 310. The first linked rod 311a is connected to the first guide roller 312 in the end opposite the end connected to the underframe 310. The second linked rod 311b is connected to the second guide roller 314 in the end opposite the end connected to the underframe 310. The first guide rollers 312 will arrest on the circumference of the supply reel 22.
[0100] FIG. 5-6D shows the smoothing mechanism 300 according to a third aspect of the present invention. A supply reel 22 is loaded in the reel loading station 302 and the supply reel 22 is supported by bushing 318 located on the underframe 310 for supporting the supply reel 22, which is rotatable suspended on the underframe 310 having four castor wheels 315. The underframe 310 is equipped with bushings 318, which support the throughgoing axel of the supply reel 22 and the axel of the throughgoing axel of the supply reel 22 is furthermore locked relative to the underframe by a locking element 317.
[0101] FIG. 6B-6D shows the sequence of unrolling the cellulose fiber based web 23 from the supply reel 22 in the reel loading station 302. The smoothing mechanism 300 works in dependency of the diameter of the supply reel 22. The first guide roller 312 and the second guide roller 314 will during unrolling of the cellulose fiber based web 23 from the supply reel 22 be adjusted in relation to one another, which would alter the smoothing angle dependent of the diameter of said supply reel in order to compensate for the curvature of said individual sheets and provide non-curved individual sheets.
[0102] When comparing FIG. 6B, which shows the fully loaded supply reel 22 and FIG. 6D, which shows a supply reel after the majority of the cellulose fiber based web 23 has been rolled off the supply reel 22, it is furthermore possible to see that the second guide roller 314 has moved from a first position (initial) behind the first guide roller 312 in the vertical plane to a second position being in front of the first guide roller 312 in FIG. 6D.
[0103] FIG. 7A-7C shows a principle drawing of a fourth preferred embodiment of the smoothing mechanism 400 according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. The reel loading station is connected to the reel loading station, however not shown in FIG. 7A-7C for the sake of simplicity. The smoothing mechanism 400 comprises a supporting frame, supporting rollers 410, a pair of first guide rollers 412 and one second guide roller 414, the pair of first guide rollers 412 being connected to the supporting frame, where the first guide rollers 412 are positioned with a distance in between one another. The supporting frame comprises a recess 416 extending between the first guide rollers 412 in a direction being perpendicular to the distance between the two first guide rollers 412. A second guide roller 112 is provided and positioned in the recess 316 of the supporting frame, and the second guide roller 414 is moved between a first position to a second position.
[0104] FIG. 7A shows the second guide roller 414 in the first position, where the second guide roller 414 applies a minimum of force to the cellulose fiber based web 23. FIG. 7C shows the second guide roller 414 in the first position, where the second guide roller 414 applies a maximum force to the cellulose fiber based web 23.
[0105] By increasing the engagement of the second guide roller 414 in relation to the two first guide rollers it is possible to alter the smoothing angle in dependency of the diameter of said supply reel 22. The smoothing mechanism 400 is connected to a frame by using a linkage mechanism similarly to mechanism shown in FIG. 6A-6D. By using two linkage rods, it is possible to suspend the smoothing mechanism enabling a motion pattern as shown in the FIG. 7A-7C. The linkage mechanism could be implemented by having a first linkage rod connected to the first guide roller 412 and a second linkage rod connected to the second guide roller 414. The first and second linkage rod would be connected to the frame assembly.
[0106] FIG. 8A-8D shows the unrolling of cellulose fiber based web 23 from the reel in the reel loading station according to a fifth aspect of the present invention. The smoothing mechanism 500 works in dependency of the diameter of the supply reel 22. The cellulose fiber based web 23 will be unrolled and drawn by feeding mechanism onto the delivery table 506 and the feeding mechanism comprises a first roller 502 and a second roller 504. The cutting mechanism is not shown in FIG. 8A-8D. The smoothing comprises a guide roller 508, which will be moved along the circumference of the supply reel 22 during unrolling of the cellulose fiber based web 23 from the supply reel 22 and the motion of the guide roller 508 will alter the smoothing angle 510 in dependency of the diameter of said supply reel. The guide roller 508 is moved from a first position (initial) shown in FIG. 8A to a second position shown in FIG. 8D. The first position being behind the rotation center of the supply reel 22 (the left side of the rotation center) and a second position being in front of rotation center of the supply reel 22 (the right side of the rotation center). The smoothing angle 510 is adjusted by moving the guide roller 508 along the circumference of the supply reel 22 and by changing the smoothing angle 510 it is possible to compensate for the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23 and provide non-curved individual sheets.
[0107] FIG. 9A-9D shows the unrolling of the cellulose fiber based web 23 from the reel in the reel loading station according to a sixth aspect of the present invention. The smoothing mechanism 600 works in dependency of the diameter of the supply reel 22. The smoothing mechanism 600 comprises a first guide roller 610 and a second guide roller 612 being adjustable in relation to one another. The cellulose fiber based web 23 will be unrolled and drawn by a feeding mechanism onto the delivery table 601 and the feeding mechanism comprises a first feeding roller 604 and second feeding roller 605. The cutting mechanism is not shown in FIG. 9A-9D. The first guide roller 610 and the second guide roller 612 is connected to a frame facilitating that the first guide roller 610 and the second guide roller 612 can rotate around a common axis 606 from a first position (initial) shown in FIG. 9A to a second position shown in FIG. 9D. In a first position, the smoothing angle is substantially 180 degrees and the gravity centre of the first guide roller 610 and second guide roller 612 defines a plane being substantial parallel with the horizontal plane of the delivery table 601. The smoothing angle 608 is adjusted by rotating the guide rollers 610, 612 around the common axis 606 and by changing the smoothing angle 608 it is possible to compensate for the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23 and provide non-curved individual sheets.
[0108] The solution shown in FIG. 9A-9D provides and allows for a continuous and stepless operation of the sheet dispenser system. Besides being able to compensate for the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23 fed from the supply station, it is furthermore possible to have a number of sensors arranged in the delivery table 601, where the sensors are able to detect the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23 for allowing an on the fly operation mode that provides for compensation of the curvature at a specific location.
[0109] In this way, it is possible to provide a second compensation for the individual sheets, if the smoothing of the cellulose fiber based web 23 was not sufficiently to straightening the sheets after being dispensed from the sheet dispenser station.
[0110] The compensation can be performed independently of the smoothing mechanism or in cooperation with the sheet dispenser station and/or the supply station. The smoothing mechanism shown in FIG. 9A-9D could also be combined with the sheet dispenser station, where the smoothing mechanism show in FIG. 1-3b is removed and the only smoothing is performed by the smoothing mechanism shown in FIG. 9A-9D.
[0111] FIG. 9A shows a positioning of the guide rollers for obtaining a large smoothing angle (substantially 180 degree) and the compensation of the cellulose fiber based web 23 is almost insignificant. FIG. 9D shows a position of the guide rollers, where the smoothing angle is relatively small (substantially 30 degree) and the compensation for the curvature of the cellulose fiber based web 23 almost reaches its maximum.
REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0112] sheet dispensing system 10 [0113] guide roller 12 [0114] frame assembly 13 [0115] supporting frame 14 [0116] reel loading station 20 [0117] supporting frame column 21 [0118] underframe 211 [0119] castor wheels 213 [0120] supply reel 22 [0121] paper based material 23 [0122] supporting roller 25 [0123] finger of the supporting roller 251 [0124] reel sensor 26 [0125] support arm 27 [0126] sheet 28 [0127] first guide roller 31 [0128] second guide roller 32 [0129] guide plate 33 [0130] mounting plate 34 [0131] slots 35 [0132] lever 36 [0133] sheet dispenser station 40 [0134] sheet dispenser housing 41 [0135] housing covers 42 [0136] top wall 43, [0137] buttom wall 44 [0138] side wall 45 [0139] side wall covers 46 [0140] motor 47 [0141] feeding mechanism 50 [0142] tension roller 51 [0143] feeding roller 52 [0144] tensioning handle 53 [0145] linkage mechanism 54 [0146] cutting mechanism 60 [0147] cutter assembly 61 [0148] guide rods 62 [0149] sledge 63 [0150] guide bushing 64 [0151] pulling cable 65 [0152] delivery station 70 [0153] delivery table 71 [0154] supporting column 711 [0155] conveying means 72 [0156] sensor 74 [0157] transfer station 80 [0158] elevation station 82 [0159] platform, pallet 83 [0160] gantry 84 [0161] handling arm 85 [0162] holding member 86 [0163] supporting column 811 [0164] scissor mechanism 821 [0165] controller 90 [0166] cable 92 [0167] computer 94 [0168] smoothing mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 [0169] primary guide roller 210a, 210b, [0170] secondary guide roller 212 [0171] main frame 214 [0172] pivot axis 216 [0173] first frame plate 218a [0174] second frame plates 218b [0175] reel loading station 302 [0176] underframe 310 [0177] linkage rods 311 [0178] first linkage rod 311a [0179] second linkage rod 311b [0180] first guide roller 312 [0181] second guide roller 314 [0182] castor wheel 315 [0183] linkage lever 316 [0184] locking element 317 [0185] bushing 318 [0186] supporting rollers 410 [0187] first guide rollers 412 [0188] second guide roller 414 [0189] recess 416 [0190] first roller 502 [0191] second roller 504 [0192] delivery table 506 [0193] guide roller 508 [0194] smoothing angle 510 [0195] delivery table 601 [0196] roller 602 603 [0197] first feeding roller 604 [0198] second feeding roller 605 [0199] common axis 606 [0200] smoothing angle 608 [0201] first guide roller 610 [0202] second guide roller 612
