TAPERED ROLL FEED

摘要

The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.

主权项

1. A feed roll assembly, comprising:
a support having a guide with a guide longitudinal centerline; a first feed roll coupled to the support, the first feed roll having a proximal end, a distal end, a first feed roll workpiece engaging surface, and a first feed roll axis of rotation, the diameter of the proximal end being greater than the diameter of the distal end, the first feed roll workpiece engaging surface positioned to engage a lower surface of the workpiece, and the first feed roll first axis of rotation being disposed laterally at an angle relative to the guide longitudinal centerline; wherein at least the first feed roll is driven by a first driver configured to rotate the first feed roll or the second feed roll around the first feed roll axis of rotation.