DE202015102191U1 - Apparatus for conveying, providing and exchanging rolls of packaging material in a packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for conveying, providing and / or largely interruption-free handling and / or replacement of rolls (12, 20) with flat and / or roll-up packaging materials used as packaging material (22) for packaging piece goods, containers or similar articles. or film material in which rolls (20) which are at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up to maintain a continuous packaging operation can be taken alternately from at least two different installation positions (EB1, EB2) of a packaging machine (14) and by new rolls (12) with flat rolls. and / or film material for the respective installation position (EB1, EB2) are replaceable, with means for providing new rolls (12) for the packaging machine (14) in a defined feed and take over the rollers (12) from the defined feed and for inserting the new rollers (12) in the respective installation position (EB1, EB2) of the packaging machine (14) and / or for removing used rolls (20) from the respective installation positions (EB1, EB2) of the packaging machine, wherein the installation positions (EB1, EB2) in the packaging machine (14) in each case by rotatable Receiving mandrels (70) for rotatably receiving and centering the rolls (12) to be unwound in the packaging machine (14) are defined with flat and / or foil material, and wherein the rotatable receiving mandrels (70) for the removal of at least approximately completely unwound and / or or used-up roller (20) from one of the mounting positions (EB1 or EB2) and / or when inserting a new roller (12) in one of the mounting positions (EB1 or EB2) adjustable in their respective axial direction and at least partially from the respective mounting position (EB1 or EB2) out of the packaging machine (14) and in the direction of the defined feed are movable.

Description

The invention relates to a device for conveying, providing and / or largely uninterrupted handling and / or replacement of roles with it wound up and serving as a packaging material for packaging piece goods, containers or similar article compositions flat and / or sheet material having the characteristics of the independent Claim 1. The invention also relates to a receiving mandrel for rotatably receiving and holding rolls with packaging material wound thereon having the features of independent claim 8.

In a grouping and compilation of articles to containers, eg. Of beverage containers o. The like., These are often held together in practice by shrink film to prevent slipping or loosening of the compilation during further handling or during transport. For example, containers comprising four, six or more containers are known from the prior art. Such containers form a very common variant of sales units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. In order to achieve a high throughput in packaging and / or in a subsequent palletizing, the fastest possible compilation of such containers without interruption of individual process steps is desirable.

In order to provide the packaging material or the shrink film for the partial or complete wrapping of containers, devices and methods are already known, which unwind the material from a roll or multiple roles, convey within a packaging machine and thus the individual container or the respective articles, which are to form the respective container, wrap with the packaging material. The unwinding of the packaging material from the roll is usually carried out by machine and in a continuous process. Devices are known in which the packaging material is withdrawn via rollers from the rotating roll. If a roll is unwound and the stock of packaging material of the roll is exhausted, an exchange of the respective roll or a replacement by a new roll must take place. However, with such a roll change an undesirable interruption of the process of compilation and packaging of packages is connected.

A method and a device by means of which new rolls delivered and used rolls can be changed within a packaging machine are, for example, from the DE 40 40 545 A1 known. This known device has a plurality of supply rolls with strip material, which are arranged side by side. The core of the rollers is placed in each case on a common pin. A beginning of the strip material is previously connected to a roller, which pulls the strip material from the respective roll and leads away from the device in the downward direction. In order to operate this known device and to unwind the material from the roll, the role must be placed with its core in conformity with the direction of rotation on the pin. The strip material or the first layer of the strip material must descend from above in the direction of the rolls. If the role with opposite direction of rotation placed on the pin, the strip material could not or only with difficulty be removed from the roll, resulting in complications in the settlement. Depending on the direction of rotation of the attached new roles in these known devices, a manual reacting and rotationally compliant re-placement is indispensable to ensure trouble-free operation can.

Devices for automatically feeding material wound on rolls and exchanging for used rolls in processing or packaging machines are also known in different embodiments, for example. By devices for feeding and changing coils with strip material in a processing machine according to DE 32 02 647 A1 or according to DE 41 42 256 A1 ,

The DE 34 25 734 A1 discloses an automated system for feeding packaging material on production and / or packaging lines. The system comprises a magazine for the packaging material and a carriage equipped with an articulated arm for gripping the packaging material and feeding it to the processing machines located on the processing lines. The trolley with the articulated arm travels along routes that are determined by a computer connected to the processing machines.

A device for supplying packaging machines with consumables or packaging material is also from the EP 1 273 541 B1 known. The wound as reels of material webs are delivered to pallets and distributed to several manufacturing and packaging machines, the pallets are first spent by means of pallet conveyors in temporary storage, while individual reels are removed by separate Bobinenförderer and transported to a machine to be supplied.

The DE 10 2006 017 379 A1 discloses a device for handling bobbins Packing material. The device comprises a reel storage with a portal in which the reels are held on pallets. A gantry robot with articulated arm transfers bobbins as needed to winding units arranged outside the portal. Of these, the webs are transported to opposite sides in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the portal to the consumption machines.

As a rule, the known handling methods and devices require exact positioning and feeding of new reels or reels with packaging material wound thereon. If this exact positioning can not be guaranteed, the smooth replacement of worn-out rolls is endangered, as a result of which the functionality of the packaging machine can no longer be guaranteed.

For this reason, an object of the present invention is seen to provide a device with a high degree of automation for handling wound on flat and / or sheet material available by means of which uninterrupted flat and / or sheet material can be provided. The device is designed to enable fast and accurate roll feed, to function with a pronounced degree of fault tolerance, and to ensure smooth roll replacement under all operating conditions.

These objects of the invention are achieved with the objects of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. In order to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes a device for conveying, providing and / or largely uninterrupted handling and / or replacement of rolls with flat and / or sheet material wound thereon and used as packaging material for packaging piece goods, containers or similar article compositions in front. In the apparatus, at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up reels to maintain a continuous or largely uninterrupted conveying and / or packaging operation alternately taken from at least two different mounting positions of a packaging machine and then each a new role with flat and / or sheet material in the respective installation position used. Normally, after the respective insertion of a new roll, an outer layer of the respective new roll is pulled off near or in the region of its free end and joined, in particular welded or glued, to form a continuous material web with a section of a material web guided in the packaging machine , However, other connection options for ensuring the required uninterrupted packaging operation are conceivable. It is envisaged that new rolls of the packaging machine in a defined feed, e.g. be provided by means of pallets, shelving systems, FTS (ie leaderless transport systems) o. The like. And there either by means of at least one gripping and / or handling device or possibly also by direct delivery and takeover by the packaging machine in the respective installation position are used after there before a used roll was taken. Optionally, the rolls can be picked up by the appropriate feeder by means of suitable handling and gripping devices and inserted into the packaging machine. However, variants are also conceivable in which the rollers can be transferred directly from the feeders with the aid of the axially removable from the mounting positions receiving mandrels in the packaging machine, without requiring separate gripping and / or handling devices would be required. The installation positions of the rollers in the packaging machine are respectively defined by rotatable receiving mandrels for rotatably receiving and centered holding of the rolls to be unwound in the packaging machine with flat and / or foil material located thereon.

It is further provided that the rotatable receiving mandrels in the removal of an at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up role from one of the mounting positions and / or when inserting a new role in one of the mounting positions by means of the gripping and / or handling device in their respective axial direction adjusted and moved at least partially out of the respective installation position out of the packaging machine and in the direction of the gripping and / or handling device or the feed devices for the rollers. In this way, a simple and smooth roll change is possible without the gripping and / or handling device additional tools or grippers o. The like. Needed with which pushed the rollers from the mandrel in the machine on the retaining pin of the gripping and / or handling device can be and vice versa. Since the rollers are normally not held, moved and manipulated by external gripping, the easiest way is to grasp and move them into the machine by means of a holding mandrel or from a feed with new rolls to the machine and / or to a store for used rolls be promoted, which takes the roles centric by being pushed into the roll core and fixed there, easy to handle measures are required to intermediate the roles of the retaining pin of the gripping and / or To push handling device on the mandrel of the packaging machine and vice versa. This can be achieved by an axially displaceable holding mandrel, as provided in the method according to the invention.

Preferably, the rotatable mandrels are each moved by motor in their respective axial direction, if necessary, whereby the roll change can be automated in a simple manner. In this case, the method expediently provides that the rotatable receiving mandrels are moved by motor in their respective axial direction in coordination with the respective movements of the gripping and / or handling device.

The gripping and / or handling device can in particular be formed by a multi-axis robot, which receives new rolls from the defined feed and places them in the packaging machine. Optionally, the handling robot may be associated with a camera or the like optical detection device, which may, for example, be attached to its movable cantilever arm so that it can detect all movements in the room as well as the rollers to be positioned and positioned in the packaging machine. The handling device or the multi-axis robot preferably has suitable gripping or holding elements in order to be able to receive the rollers. Thus, the handling device or the multi-axis robot can have, in particular, a holding mandrel which dips into the center of the new roll designed as a hollow body, enlarges its maximum cross-sectional diameter and thereby fixes the respective new roll in a clamping manner on the handling device or multi-axis robot.

Optionally, the gripping and / or handling device may also be formed by a driverless and / or remote-controlled transport system (FTS, at least one self-propelled shuttle), which receives new rolls from the defined feeder and places them in the packaging machine. This FTS or the shuttle of the AGV may, for example, have a gripper arm or the like for receiving and handling the rollers, with which it picks up the roller, places it on a transport support, after which it travels together with the roller to the packaging machine and uses the roller there , Optionally, the shuttle can be assigned its own camera to control its movements in the room.

In addition, it can be provided that for inserting a new roll into the packaging machine, the respective roll is transferred by means of the gripping and / or handling device or by means of the handling robot to the at least partially moved out of the packaging machine mandrel and is pushed onto this, after which the mandrel in axial Direction is moved back into its intended for unwinding the roll installation position. To replace an at least approximately completely unwound and / or depleted role in the packaging machine, the mandrel can also be moved out of the respective mounting position in the axial direction and handed over the role of gripping and / or handling device by a movable parallel to the mandrel stop member the Roller at least partially pushed down from the mandrel and aufschiebt on a receiving or retaining mandrel of the gripping and / or handling device, after which the arbor is moved back at least as far in the axial direction in the direction of its installation position until the role is almost completely stripped.

Optionally, it can also be provided that for inserting a new roll into the packaging machine, the respective roll is transferred directly by means of the feed device, for example by a feed conveyor or the like, to the take-up mandrel moved out of the packaging machine for a sufficient distance and pushed onto the latter, after which the take-up mandrel is moved back in the axial direction in its intended for unwinding the roll installation position. To replace an at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up role in the packaging machine, the mandrel can also be moved out of the respective mounting position in the axial direction and passed the role of a handling device for disposing of the used roles by a movable parallel to the mandrel stop member the Roller at least partially pushed down from the mandrel and on a suitable handling means, for example. Suspended a handling device, after which the arbor is moved back at least as far in the axial direction in the direction of its installation position until the role is almost completely stripped.

An option of the device may further provide that at least the positions of the rollers in the area of the defined feed and / or provision and / or the gripping and / or handling device and / or their movement space are detected by means of suitable optical sensor devices and / or room monitoring devices. Depending on the detected spatial, motion and / or sensor data, at least the movements of the gripping and / or handling device can be controlled in the region of the defined supply and / or provision for the rollers or in their respective movement space. In addition, depending on the sensor data, the axially movable receiving mandrels in the packaging machine in accordance with the movements of the gripping and / or or handling device are controlled to allow in this way an automated roll change in the packaging machine.

The mentioned room monitoring devices can in particular be formed by at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera, which detects at least the movement space of the gripping and / or handling device and supplies this movement space and the movements of the gripping and / or handling device taking place therein imaging output signals. Here, the at least one optical detection device or the camera, for example, the gripping and / or handling device assigned or mounted there, so that it is capable of the movements of the gripping and / or handling device and the direction of rotation compliant orientation of each new role before or during their insertion to check. Optionally, however, the camera can also cover the movement space by being fixedly mounted in the room or on the packaging machine; Additional or multiple cameras on the gripping and / or handling device are possible. In general, a plurality of cameras or optical detection devices can be used whose output signals are superimposed and can be used for exact location determination of all moving parts, handling systems and / or rolls of packaging material.

The device allows in the manner described an exact positioning and feeding of new rolls wound thereon with packaging material to a packaging machine and the exact controlled transfer to the axially movable from the machine mandrels. The exact positioning of the handling equipment can ensure the smooth replacement of used rolls, whereby the operability of the packaging machine is ensured in an ideal manner. The method has a high degree of automation in the handling of rolled up flat and / or film material for packaging purposes, so that an uninterrupted provision of flat and / or sheet material is made possible. In addition, the process works flawlessly and with a high degree of fault tolerance in the case of roll feeders that are not exactly positioned, and can also ensure smooth roll replacement under all operating conditions.

It is expediently also provided that a position in conformity with the direction of rotation of each new roll to be inserted into the packaging machine is checked during its handling by the gripping and / or handling device and if necessary, i. is corrected in a wrong lying roll, which has a loose web end in the wrong direction. In order to be able to correct the direction of rotation, the gripping and / or handling device may for example be assigned a clipboard for a roll to be inserted into the packaging machine, which serves as a support for the roll, in particular for depositing, providing the direction of rotation and being picked up again by the gripping device. and / or handling device for transfer to the packaging machine. The clipboard may in particular be formed by a bearing block or the like, which occupies a fixed or variable position within the movement space of the gripping and / or handling device. Optionally, the bearing block itself may be formed as a shuttle of a FTS or leaderless transport system, whereby he may be able to perform in a turning role to an automatic rotation of 180 degrees about its vertical axis to the gripping and / or handling system to leave the roll stored there in the correct position. Again, it may be provided that the clipboard or the bearing block is assigned a camera, whereby an additional optical monitoring on the bearing block can be ensured to detect the role positions, etc. and the bearing block or the gripping and / or handling device in to control the required way.

Furthermore, the bearing block may be assigned a rotary drive for rotating a roller lying about it about its horizontal central axis in order to adjust its rotational position and / or an orientation of an edge of an outer material web layer. Regardless of whether the bearing block is fixed or movable, it can be assigned a suitable turning mechanism in order to perform a 180 ° rotation with the roller resting, in order to bring the role in the correct installation position can.

Optionally, the packaging machine itself or its installation positions for the interchangeable rolls with packaging material and also the movements of the axially displaceable receiving mandrels can be optically monitored. In this case, additional optical monitoring devices or cameras can be provided in the packaging machine, in particular in the area of the roles to be replaced or in the area of their installation positions.

New rollers can be moved, for example, via a horizontal conveyor into the area of the handling device and removed directly from the horizontal conveyor by means of the handling device. Also possible is a delivery of new rolls on pallets, so that, for example, four respective standing rolls are arranged on a pallet, which by means of a suitable delivery in the movement space of the gripping and / or handling device are brought to be picked up by this and inserted into the packaging machine, possibly with the inclusion of the clipboard, as was described as an option above.

Furthermore, provision may be made for a control unit to be coupled to the handling device and to the room monitoring device and to specify clocked operation of the horizontal conveyor taking into account a respective acceptance of new rollers from the feed area and / or a horizontal conveyor by means of the handling device. Likewise, the control unit can specify the repeated inclusion of new roles of the supplied pallets.

In one embodiment of the invention, a device for conveying, providing and / or largely uninterrupted handling and / or replacement of roles with wound up and serving as packaging material for packaging piece goods, containers or similar article compositions flat and / or sheet material is proposed. The device provides that at least approximately completely unwound and / or spent rolls for maintaining a continuous packaging operation can be taken alternately from at least two different installation positions of a packaging machine and can be replaced by new roles with flat and / or foil material for the respective installation position, preferably after insertion each an external layer of the respective new role in the vicinity or in the region of its free end withdrawn and connected to form a continuous web with a portion of a guided in the packaging machine web of another role, in particular welded or glued. The device according to the invention comprises means for providing new rolls for the packaging machine in a defined feeder such as pallets, shelving systems, FTS or the like. and optionally a gripping and / or handling device for taking over the rolls from the defined feed and for inserting the new rolls into the respective installation position of the packaging machine and / or for removing used rolls from the respective installation positions of the packaging machine. Also possible are variants in which the new rolls can be conveyed directly from a feed device such as, for example, a feed belt conveyor to the packaging machine, where they can be brought into the respective installation positions in cooperation with the receiving mandrels which are axially movable out of the machine. In this case, the rollers can be picked up independently of the orderly feed, in particular by means of handling and gripping devices, and inserted into the packaging machine. However, the ordered supply can also be designed so that it extends directly to the packaging machine and is suitable for feeding the new roles directly to the mounting positions.

According to the invention, the installation positions in the packaging machine are respectively defined in the packaging machine by rotatable receiving mandrels for rotatably receiving and centering the rolls to be unwound in the packaging machine with flat and / or foil material. In addition, the rotatable receiving mandrels for the removal of an at least approximately completely unwound and / or depleted role from one of the mounting positions and / or when inserting a new role in one of the mounting positions by means of the gripping and / or handling device or by suitable means for transferring the roles from the feed to the respective mounting positions in their respective axial direction adjustable and at least partially from the respective mounting position out of the packaging machine and in the direction of the gripping and / or handling device or the parent feeds movable. The axially displaceable mandrel of the packaging machine can thereby interact in a suitable manner with the gripping and / or handling device or with the feeders or feed belts, whereby an automated exchange of used rolls against new rolls with flat or sheet material thereon for packaging purposes is possible without requiring further intermediate steps.

Depending on the embodiment, the gripping and / or handling device with the help of axially movable mandrels change the roles much easier, since they do not have to dive so deep into the packaging machine. The same applies to the alternative embodiment, in which the ordered supply for new roles in a way with the axially movable mandrels can interact that the new roles directly from the feed - this can, for example. By a feed belt or a suitable horizontal conveyor for the rollers formed be brought - by means of the axially movable from the packaging machine receiving mandrels in the respective mounting positions.

In the device according to the invention, the motorized drives are each assigned to the respective axial adjustment of the rotatable mandrels. In addition, each of the rotatable receiving mandrels can be assigned separately adjustable axial stop elements, with the Mandrels or counter to their axial direction of movement and are parallel to these motor adjustable. These stop elements in particular facilitate the stripping of used rolls when they are transferred to the gripping and / or handling device, which may in particular have a retaining pin, which is in alignment with the receiving mandrel of the machine during the transfer of rolls to the packaging machine, onto which the roll is pushed or from which the roll is subtracted. The removal can be substantially facilitated by the axial stop element, since this is displaceable against the retracting mandrel.

The gripping and / or handling device can in particular be formed by a multi-axis robot, which receives new rolls from the defined feed and places them in the packaging machine. Optionally, the handling robot or the multi-axis robot can be assigned a camera which, for example, can be arranged on a movable or articulated gripping or extension arm in order to detect all detected objects and the respective environment in order to control the multi-axis robot better and more precisely , The handling device or the multi-axis robot has suitable gripping and / or holding means, which may be formed by a holding mandrel, for example, which dips into the front designed as a hollow body new role, increases its maximum cross-sectional diameter and hereby the respective new role of clamping on the Fixed handling device or the multi-axis robot.

The gripping and / or handling device is equipped and controlled in such a way that it introduces a new roll into the packaging machine by pushing this roll onto the receiving mandrel, which can be moved at least partially out of the packaging machine. The mandrel is then moved in the axial direction in its intended for unwinding the role of installation position in the packaging machine. To replace an at least approximately completely unwound and / or depleted roll in the packaging machine of the mandrel can be moved in the axial direction from the respective installation position to pass the role of the gripping and / or handling device by a movable in the direction parallel to the mandrel Stop element at least partially pushes the role of the mandrel and postponed on a mandrel of the gripping and / or handling device, after which the receiving mandrel is at least as far moved back in the axial direction in the direction of its installation position until the role is almost completely stripped.

Optionally, the device according to the invention can be provided with room monitoring devices for detecting at least the positions of the rollers in the area of the defined supply and / or provision and / or the positions and / or movements of the gripping and / or handling device within a movement space and for controlling the movements of the gripping device. and / or handling device in the region of the defined supply and / or provision for the rollers as a function of the space, movement and / or sensor data detected by means of the room monitoring device. In one variant of the device, the room monitoring devices can be formed, for example, by at least one optical detection device, in particular a camera, which detects at least the movement space of the gripping and / or handling device and images this movement space and the movements of the gripping and / or handling device taking place therein Provides output signals and provides a control system. The at least one optical detection device or the camera can, for example, be assigned directly to the gripping and / or handling device. So there may be a camera mounted there; This can then check the movements and the direction of rotation of each new role before or during their insertion. Optionally, the camera can be arranged in the room or even several cameras in the room and / or on the robot or the handling device. In addition, the entire roll change is controlled in the presence of a camera or optical room monitoring systems by means of an evaluation of the image signals supplied by these, including the axial displacement of the receiving mandrels and / or their associated axial stop elements.

Optionally, the gripping and / or handling device can be formed by a driverless and / or remote-controlled transport system (so-called FTS with at least one self-propelled shuttle), which picks up new rolls from the defined feed and places them in the packaging machine. This shuttle or FTS can optionally be assigned a camera.

Regardless of the specific embodiment of the gripping and / or handling device, suitable auxiliaries are preferably provided to check a position of each new roll to be inserted into the packaging machine during its handling by the gripping and / or handling device and, if necessary, ie in the case of an incorrectly positioned one Role that has a loose web end in the wrong direction to be able to correct. Thus, the gripping and / or handling device may, for example, be assigned a clipboard for a roll to be inserted into the packaging machine, which can serve as a support for the roll, in particular for depositing, Directionally compliant provision and re-inclusion by the gripping and / or handling device for subsequent transfer to the packaging machine. This optionally located in the movement space clipboard can, for example, be formed by a bearing block, which can take a fixed or variable position within the movement space of the gripping and / or handling device. It can also be provided that the bearing block itself can form a mobile and self-propelled shuttle of a FTS. In addition, the bearing block can optionally be assigned a camera, whereby an additional optical monitoring is possible on the bearing block. In addition, the bearing block may be provided with a rotary drive for rotation of a roller lying thereon about a horizontal longitudinal axis in order to adjust its rotational position and / or alignment of an edge of an outer material web layer. In addition, the bearing block may optionally have a turning mechanism in order to perform a 180 ° rotation in a resting role can. This function is already present in a design of the clipboard as a self-propelled shuttle.

The device can furthermore provide additional optical monitoring devices or cameras in the packaging machine, in particular in the area of the rollers to be replaced or in the area of their installation positions.

Optionally, in the apparatus, new rolls can be moved via pallets or, for example, via a horizontal conveying device into the area of the handling device and removed directly from the pallet or from the horizontal conveying device by means of the handling device. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a control unit is in communication with the handling device and the room monitoring device and, taking into account a respective acceptance of new rollers from the feed area and / or a pallet or the horizontal conveyor by means of the handling device, predetermines a timed operation of the horizontal conveyor or the pallet feed ,

Hereinafter some aspects, peculiarities and details of the device according to the invention are summarized again. Thus, the invention relates to a device for uninterrupted handling of wound on rolls and serving as packaging material of piece goods, containers or similar article compositions flat and / or sheet material. The flat and / or sheet material may be formed as a shrink film or as a conventional plastic film. The rollers may have a core whose geometric shape corresponds to a hollow cylinder and which may consist at least partially of cellulose-containing material. Advantageously, the respective new roll can hereby be placed on a pin corresponding to the core of the packaging machine and rotating upon removal or removal of packaging material from the roll rotating on the pin. In the context of the method, at least partially unwound and / or used up rolls for maintaining a continuous packaging operation are alternately taken from at least two different installation positions of a packaging machine and then each used a new role with flat and / or foil material in the respective installation position, said replacing the Rolling is facilitated and supported by an axial displacement of the so-called pin or the mandrels of the packaging machine. Each of the at least two mounting positions has its own mandrel which can be axially moved out of the machine and on which the new roller is placed and on which the respective roller rotates to unwind its respective flat and / or sheet material. In particular, the rollers can be fixed in a clamping manner on the journal of their respective installation position. The pin can be driven in rotation and transmit torque to the respective seated roller so that the roller is moved in rotation about its pin to unwind its flat and / or sheet material. Each pin can be assigned a drive over which the respective pin is rotated. The drives can be connected to a control unit described in more detail below or can be controlled via a control unit described in more detail below for rotating the pins. Before removing a roll of at least partially unwound and / or used packaging material from its respective installation position, the clamping connection between the pin and the roller can be released, so that the roller is then no longer firmly connected to the pin and can be removed from the pin , The rotating movement of the pin can be interrupted until a new roll is placed on the pin or inserted into the corresponding installation position. After respective insertion of a new roll into its respective installation position, normally an outboard ply of the respective new roll is withdrawn near or in the region of its free end and connected to a further roll of web in the packaging machine to form a continuous web of material.

The external position of the respective inserted new roll can after insertion with a suitable gripping element, for example by means of a pneumatic suction, mechanically clamping and / or electrostatically adhering gripping and / or handling device are moved, which moves between the at least two mounting positions back and forth. Thus, the gripping member can alternately deduct from the at least two mounting positions outboard layers of new roles. In practice, embodiments have proven in which the gripping element temporarily fixes the respective outer layer of a new roll via negative pressure. Further, a welding rod may be provided, which is moved in the downward direction and in this case the outer layer of the respective new roll welded to the guided in the packaging machine material web. About the gripping element, the respective outer layer can be moved into a working area of the welding rod. The temperature-controlled welding rod can thus move the outer layer of the respective new roll in a clamping manner against the material web guided in the packaging machine. In particular, embodiments have proven in which the welding rod for this purpose is moved vertically up and down and welded at a vertical lowering the respective outer layer of a new role with a guided in the packaging machine material web.

Normally, during the insertion of a new roll and during the joining, the flat and / or film material of the further roll is not completely used up, so that for continuous packaging operation flat and / or film material is unwound from at least one roll of the at least two installation positions. Advantageously, the new roll can thus be used, while still continuously flat and / or sheet material is unwound from the other role in the packaging machine. Even with removal of an at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up roll from the packaging machine flat and / or sheet material can be handled by another role of the packaging machine, so that continuously and without interruption flat and / or sheet material of at least one positioned in the packaging machine Role is handled. In the method described with the present invention, at least approximately unwound and / or applied rollers are detected by sensors and replaced by new roles with flat and / or sheet material by means of the previously described gripping and / or handling device. A sensory recognition can take place, for example, with the aid of optical detectors or an optical detection system, which can be arranged in the region of the at least two installation positions. The optical detection system or the optical detector and the handling device can be in communication with the control unit, which also controls the movements of the gripping and / or handling device or the multi-axis robot and the movements of the axially displaceable receiving mandrels or rotatable pins.

Optionally, the gripping and / or handling device may be preceded by a horizontal conveying device designed for transporting new rolls, which extends into a working region of the gripping and / or handling device and which can be read by the control unit taking into account a removal of new rolls by the gripping and / or or handling device with clocked operation can be controlled. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that the gripping and / or handling device new roles on pallets or the like. Are provided. It is also possible to place new rolls in a container or the like, which is located in the work area of the gripping and / or handling area and over which the gripping and / or handling device new roles are provided. The new rolls can be placed in a random manner or with any orientation in the container, wherein by means of the optical detector the direction of rotation and / or direction of orientation can be checked and / or determined.

In an alternative embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention can be dispensed with the aforementioned gripping and / or handling device or on the optionally existing handling robot even if the rollers transported by a suitable feeder to directly to the packaging machine and there if necessary by means of active as Rollenaufnehmer configured receiving mandrels and pulled into the respective mounting positions and transported. If feeders are mentioned in this context, they may be formed by feed belts, horizontal conveyors, mat chain conveyors or the like. Likewise, the feeding devices can be formed by suitable AGVs (driverless, preferably autonomous or semi-autonomously moving transport systems, so-called shuttles), which convey the new rolls directly to the packaging machine and provide the rollers there with the holding mandrels if required, which in this case act as active roller transducers and pick up the new rollers from the AGVs and pull them into their respective mounting positions in the packaging machine.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention also proposes a rotatable mandrel which is motor-adjustable within the packaging machine in its axial direction of longitudinal extension and which has one of several installation positions for rolls with rolls wound thereon and as packaging material for packaging piece goods, packages or the like Article compositions serving flat and / or sheet material defined. The rotatable mandrel can be adjusted for purposes of removing an at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up role from one of the mounting positions and / or for the insertion of a new role in one of the mounting positions in its respective axial direction and at least partially from the respective mounting position of the Packaging machine and moved in the direction of the defined feeder. In addition, the receiving mandrel can be adjusted in the axial direction for alignment and as exact as possible central positioning of a newly inserted role with respect to the unwinding of the roll packaging material. In this way, the above-mentioned in connection with the easier insertion of new roles in the packaging machine mentioned axial adjustability of the mandrels can also be used to position the newly inserted roles exactly centered with respect to the unwinding web. Thus, it is not necessary to postpone the role by a precisely defined amount on the mandrel, as this can provide for the approximate appropriate pushing the role itself for the exact fine adjustment in order to promote the web in exactly matching alignment in the machine.

Optionally, the mandrel can be readjusted in its axial position even during the ongoing unwinding of the packaging material from the roll even more times, in particular to compensate for winding inaccuracies and / or changes in position of the packaging material during the packaging operation. This readjustability can be monitored and initiated, for example, by means of cameras or suitable optical sensor devices. The adjustability or Nachjustierbarkeit the mandrel can, for example. With a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor drive.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the mandrel according to the invention is part of a previously described with reference to several embodiments device for feeding, providing and / or largely uninterrupted handling and / or replacement of roles with aufwickeltem and as packaging material for packaging piece goods, containers or The device may have a number of similar, each axially adjustable and finely adjustable receiving mandrels corresponding to the number of mounting positions.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention.

2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

3 shows a schematic perspective view of two installation positions for roles within the packaging machine, which with a device according to the embodiments of the 1 and 2 can interact.

4 shows the installation positions of the 3 with inserted new role for the second installation position.

5 shows the installation positions of the 3 and 4 with deducted outer layer of the new role used in the second mounting position.

6 shows in two perspective views a handling device that receives a new roll from a pallet for insertion into the packaging machine.

7 shows in two further perspective views of the handling device when inserting the new roll in the packaging machine.

8th shows in four views the positioning and removal steps in the insertion or removal of a roll from an installation position within the packaging machine.

9 shows in a total of six schematic side views of the procedures when inserting a new roll with flat or sheet material in a packaging machine.

10 shows in a total of six schematic side views of the procedures when dispensing a used roll from the packaging machine.

11 shows in six schematic side views the exact axial alignment of a new roll on a mandrel for exact positioning in the packaging machine.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Further, for the sake of clarity, only Reference numerals in the individual figures shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the device according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The schematic perspective view of 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention 10 , The device 10 is used to handle flat packaging material such as shrink film or packaging films on large, due to their weight usually not manually manageable roles 12 is wound up. Schematically indicated in 1 a part of a packaging machine 14 , The gripping and / or handling device to be described in more detail below 16 new roles 12 be supplied. The in the embodiment shown as a stationary arranged multi-axis robot 18 trained gripping and / or handling device 16 sets each of the packaging machine 14 to be supplied with new roles 12 in two different installation positions EB1 and EB2, which in 1 can only be seen to some extent and in the detailed view of 3 exemplified be clarified.

Like a synopsis of 3 to 5 With 1 shows are by means of the gripping and / or handling device 16 or with the aid of the multi-axis or handling robot 18 single new roles 12 used in one of the two installation positions EB1 and EB2, while in the other installation position EB2 or EB1 still a spent or partially used role 20 of which still during the insertion of each new role 12 furthermore a material web located thereon 22 is processed in the packaging machine 14 is processed as packaging material. During the further unwinding of the web 22 from the almost exhausted role 20 a connection or welding of the outer layer takes place 24 (see. 5 ) of the new role 12 with the material web 22 , causing the device 10 can run in a continuous operation, without the packaging process to replace a used-up roll 20 against a new role 12 would have to interrupt.

The new roles 12 each put together from the wound flat packaging material 22 or the packaging or shrink film and a core 26 on which the packaging material 22 or the shrink film is wound up. To accept a new role 12 from one in 1 indicated horizontal conveyor 28 the handling device emerges 16 or the handling robot 18 via one end of its movable boom 30 movably arranged retaining pin 32 inside a core 26 a new role 12 one. An arm section 34 the handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 can do this around a rotation axis 36 as they are in 6A is shown as an example, to be rotated. After immersing the retaining pin 32 in the core 26 becomes the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 enlarged, so the new role 12 as well as in 6B shown on the retaining pin 32 is clamped fixed. The core 26 is formed hollow cylindrical, the shape of the retaining pin 32 Corresponding thereto, so that the retaining pin 32 for the clamping fixation of the new roll 12 over its outer periphery with an inner circumferential surface of the core 26 communicates.

About the horizontal conveyor 28 can the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 new roles 12 be provided in an uninterrupted sequence, so that when taking out a new role 12 from the horizontal conveyor 28 another new role 12 in the direction of the handling device 16 is moved or in the direction of the gripping and / or handling device 16 be succeeded. The horizontal conveyor 28 can be clocked as required in the desired manner or operated continuously at a constant speed. Their operation is dictated by a control unit only schematically indicated here 38 not just the horizontal conveyor 28 controls in their conveying speed and / or timing, but also the handling robot 18 in his movements as well as parts of the packaging machine 14 as stated below on the basis of 8th ff. is described in more detail.

The control unit 38 can, for example, the signals 40 at least one room monitoring device 42 process, in particular by an optical detection device or a camera 44 may be formed, possibly also by multiple cameras 44 that at least the movement space 46 of the multi-axis robot 18 and detect its movements, which also the exact movements of the boom 30 with the retaining mandrel pivotally mounted thereon 32 in relation to each new role to be recorded 12 are meant. The optically by means of the camera 44 formed room monitoring device 42 detectable range of motion 46 is in the representation of 1 for better illustration by a fan beam indicated by the broken lines.

In 1 it can also be seen in the region of the horizontal conveyor 28 positioned manipulator 48 by a user 50 is served and about which new roles 12 standing on the horizontal conveyor 28 can be placed. The new roles 12 can, for example, standing on a pallet 52 from which they are the user 50 by means of the controllable by him in his movements manipulator 48 accept and by means of a holding mandrel located there 54 on the horizontal conveyor 28 can place. A working area of the manipulator 48 extends therefore over the pallet 52 and over a section of the horizontal conveyor 28 , However, this shown control and Zufördervariante represents only one example of numerous conceivable alternatives. Also possible are continuously working Zufördervarianten that require no supportive manual handling, as they are based on the 1 is described. In a not ordered in this way promotion, it may be useful in the exercise room 46 the gripping and handling device 16 a clipboard for the new roles 12 be provided to non-directional detection by the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 the roles 12 to be able to drop there, the retaining pin 32 from the core 26 pull out and the role 12 at their other end face to capture them in the required direction of rotation for the mounting positions EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 to be able to use. Such a clipboard 60 , their function and their interaction with the gripping and / or handling device 16 as well as with the room monitoring device 42 are exemplary based on the embodiment of the 2 explained in more detail. At the in 1 shown variant of the device 10 it remains the task of the user 50 , for each correct positioning of the rollers 12 on the horizontal conveyor 28 in particular also with regard to their correct direction of rotation in the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 (cf. 3 to 5 ).

The 1 also shows an open-topped container 56 who is in the workspace 46 the gripping and / or handling device 16 located. Is the supply of packaging material or shrink film one in the packaging machine 14 placed roles 12 respectively. 20 is exhausted, by means of the handling robot 18 the core made of cellulose, plastic, wood or cardboard 26 an empty role 20 from the packaging machine 14 taken and in the container 56 stored. Only after removal of the core 26 can a new role 12 in the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 of the packaging machine 14 be used, so that the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 first the core 26 takes out and chronologically following a new role 12 inserted into the respective installation position EB1 or EB2.

As already mentioned, stand the horizontal conveyor 28 , the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the multi-axis robot 18 and the packaging machine 14 in connection with the control unit 38 , This can in particular the clocked operation of the horizontal conveyor 28 pretend, insertion and removal of roles 12 respectively. 20 through the handling device 16 from the two installation positions EB1 and EB2 initiate. In addition, it can, as described in more detail below, a rolling of packaging material or shrink film in the packaging machine 14 used roles 12 Taxes. In addition, the room monitoring device 42 in cooperation with the control unit 38 a movement control of the horizontal conveyor 28 and in particular the gripping and / or handling device 16 enable what a fault-tolerant positioning and promotion of new roles 12 as well as their handling allowed, since the exact detection of each new role 12 through the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 with the help of at least one camera 44 can be effectively supported and controlled, so that the exact positioning of the rollers 12 on the horizontal conveyor 28 loses importance and by the appropriately tracked motion control of the handling robot 18 within his space of movement 46 can be compensated.

In the 1 indicated positioning of the camera 44 is merely an example. Likewise, a camera 44 or can have multiple cameras 44 Be positioned at other locations, for example, in the packaging machine 14 , in the area of the handling robot 18 or possibly even on his swivel arm 30 , provided the movement space 46 can be covered and recorded in the required manner.

The control unit 38 can also have a display device 58 or have a display about the / the information on the direction of rotation or direction of rotation conforming orientation of new roles 12 and / or other control or movement parameters of the multi-axis robot 18 and / or the horizontal conveyor 28 for the user 50 can be visualized. The direction of rotation or direction of rotation orientation of the new rollers 12 is preferably, as exemplified below with reference to the 3 to 5 described by the camera 44 or possibly also detected and / or checked by another camera, with the control unit 38 in connection or stand. As the gripping and / or handling device 16 the respective core 26 an empty role 20 from the packaging machine 14 and with the help of the camera 44 or the other cameras new roles 12 with suitable direction of rotation or with direction of rotation orientation in the packaging machine 14 self-employed, the device can 10 at least from the beginning of one Acceptance of new roles 12 from the horizontal conveyor 28 be fully automated.

The schematic perspective view of 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the device according to the invention 10 and a meaningful implementation of an embodiment of the inventive method. The packaging machine 14 does not differ significantly from the previously described variant according to 1 , Again, the device is used 10 in turn, the handling of flat packaging material such as shrink film or packaging films, the packaging machine 14 according to the consumption-related replenishment demand by means of the multi-axis robot 18 trained gripping and / or handling device 16 individually on rollers 12 to provide. As with the first variant according to 1 sets the gripping and / or handling device 16 each of the packaging machine 14 to be supplied with new roles 12 in two different installation positions EB1 and EB2, based on the detail views of the 3 to 5 be explained in more detail.

In the 2 shown second variant of the device 10 waives a horizontal conveyor, but gets the new roles 12 each on pallets 52 Delivered, taking on each pallet 52 four upright rollers 12 stand, each individually from the handling robot 18 taken and into the packaging machine 14 be used. To accept a new role 12 from within reach, ie within the range of motion 46 the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the multi-axis robot 18 standing pallets 52 the handling device emerges 16 or the handling robot 18 over the end of his movable boom 30 movably arranged retaining pin 32 inside a core 26 a new role 12 as already indicated by the 1 was explained. An arm section 34 the handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 can do this around a rotation axis 36 as they are in 6A is shown as an example, to be rotated. After immersing the retaining pin 32 in the core 26 becomes the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 enlarged, so the new role 12 as well as in 6B shown on the retaining pin 32 is clamped fixed. The core 26 is formed hollow cylindrical, the shape of the retaining pin 32 Corresponding thereto, so that the retaining pin 32 for the clamping fixation of the new roll 12 over its outer periphery with an inner circumferential surface of the core 26 communicates.

About the regular in the movement room 46 supplied pallets 52 each with four new roles 12 become the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 new roles 12 provided in an uninterrupted sequence, allowing for removal of all new roles 12 from one of the pallets 52 this empty palette 52 against a new palette 52 with another four roles 12 can be exchanged, in turn, in the movement room 46 the gripping and / or handling device is to place. This delivery can take place by means of suitable industrial trucks, for example by means of so-called FTS (driverless transport systems), which are formed by self-propelled, remotely controlled and / or own sensor systems for steering transport vehicles, for example. Each one pallet 52 with roles placed on it 12 in the movement room 46 can carry. These transport systems or FTS can be operated clocked as desired in the desired manner. Their operation is preferably predetermined by the schematically indicated control unit 38 which not only controls the FTS (not shown here) in its conveying speed and / or timing, but also the handling robot 18 in his movements to exchange the roles 12 in the packaging machine 14 controls. The control unit 38 also can the signals 40 at least one room monitoring device 42 process, which also in the variant according to 2 in particular by an optical detection device or a camera 44 may be formed, possibly also by multiple cameras 44 that at least the movement space 46 of the multi-axis robot 18 and detect its movements, which also the exact movements of the boom 30 with the retaining mandrel pivotally mounted thereon 32 in relation to each new role to be recorded 12 are meant. The optically by means of the camera 44 formed room monitoring device 42 detectable range of motion 46 is in the representation of 2 indicated by an ellipse with broken lines.

Due to the sufficient space for movement 46 can in the variant of the device according to 2 not only to dispense with the horizontal conveyor, but also with this cooperating manipulator, on which new roles 12 standing on the horizontal conveyor can be placed (see 1 ). In contrast, at the in 2 shown variant of the device 10 in the movement room 46 the gripping and handling device 16 and in the immediate vicinity of a clipboard 60 for the new roles 12 provided, which serves when on the pallets 52 normally undefined direction of rotation of the rollers 12 the indispensable direction of rotation positioning of each roller 12 when inserting into the packaging machine 14 to be able to guarantee. In practice, the retaining pin captures 32 of the handling robot 18 every single role 12 that on the pallet 52 stands without that while already the direction of rotation is checked. By appropriate optical control or by detection in other ways (eg inductive, by means of transponder or similar) is during the movement of the cantilever arm 30 with the on the holding pin 32 promoted role 12 in the direction of the packaging machine 14 Check if the role 12 there can be positioned directly and without repositioning or whether the role 12 possibly the wrong direction of rotation. If so, the role may be 12 by a corresponding movement control of the handling robot 18 on the clipboard 60 are dropped, after which the retaining pin 32 from the core 26 the discarded roll 12 is pulled out to the role 12 at their other end face to capture them in the respective required direction of rotation for the mounting positions EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 to be able to use.

The in 2 within the movement room 46 standing users 50 usually keeps there only for maintenance purposes, but not during operation of the gripping and / or handling device 16 , which possibly also by the room monitoring device 42 can be controlled.

Also in 2 is the top open container 56 recognizable, located in the work area 46 the gripping and / or handling device 16 located. Is the supply of packaging material or shrink film one in the packaging machine 14 placed roles 12 respectively. 20 is exhausted, by means of the handling robot 18 the core made of cellulose, plastic, wood or cardboard 26 an empty role 20 from the packaging machine 14 taken and in the container 56 stored. Only after removal of the core 26 can a new role 12 in the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 of the packaging machine 14 be used, so that the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 first the core 26 takes out and chronologically following a new role 12 inserted into the respective installation position EB1 or EB2.

As already mentioned, are the gripping and / or handling device 16 or the multi-axis robot 18 , the controllable clipboard 60 for the roles 12 and the packaging machine 14 in connection with the control unit 38 , which also optionally the optional to understand and not shown here FTS for delivering the pallets 52 can control. The control unit 38 Thus, in particular, it is possible to specify the timed operation of the AGVs, insertion and removal of roles 12 respectively. 20 through the handling device 16 from the two installation positions EB1 and EB2 initiate, and possibly the clipboard 60 to ensure the correct direction of rotation of a new roll to be used 12 to use. In addition, it can, as described in more detail below, a rolling of packaging material or shrink film in the packaging machine 14 used roles 12 Taxes. The room monitoring device 42 can be in cooperation with the control unit 38 a movement control of the gripping and / or handling device 16 using the clipboard as needed 60 enable what a fault-tolerant positioning and promotion of new roles 12 on the not exactly positioned pallets 52 as well as the handling of the recorded roles 12 allowed, since the exact capture of each new role 12 through the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 with the help of at least one camera 44 can be effectively supported and controlled, so that the exact positioning of the rollers 12 on the pallets 52 or the pallets 52 even on the ground in the area of the movement space 46 loses importance and by the appropriately tracked motion control of the handling robot 18 within his space of movement 46 can be compensated.

In the 2 indicated positioning of the camera 44 is merely an example. Likewise, a camera 44 or can have multiple cameras 44 Be positioned at other locations, for example, in the packaging machine 14 , in the area of the handling robot 18 or possibly also on his swivel arm 30 , provided the movement space 46 can be covered and recorded in the required manner. The camera 44 or the room monitoring device 42 can then fulfill its purpose in an optimal way, if they have the movement space 46 can largely cover completely and if they are the movements of the gripping and / or handling device 16 , her hawk 32 and the different target positions of the retaining pin 32 when picking up and positioning the rollers 12 accurately capture and track. To ensure this reliably, it may be useful if the roles 12 but at least the retaining pin 32 , optionally also the swivel arm 30 of the handling robot 18 are provided with suitable reference marks that can be formed, for example, by visually uniquely recognizable in space marks so that they the camera system 44 can serve as clearly identifiable and spatially assignable markings.

The control unit 38 can also have a display device 58 or have a display about the / the information on the direction of rotation or direction of rotation conforming orientation of new roles 12 and / or other control or movement parameters of the multi-axis robot 18 and / or the FTS for the user 50 can be visualized. The direction of rotation or direction of rotation Orientation of the new roles 12 is preferably, as exemplified below with reference to the 3 to 5 described by the camera 44 or possibly also detected and / or checked by another camera, with the control unit 38 in connection or stand. As the gripping and / or handling device 16 the respective core 26 an empty role 20 from the packaging machine 14 and with the help of the camera 44 or the other cameras new roles 12 with suitable direction of rotation or with direction of rotation orientation in the packaging machine 14 self-employed, the device can 10 at least from the beginning of accepting new roles 12 from the respective pallet 52 be operated largely automated.

With reference to the 1 and 2 be supplemented at this point that the gripping and / or handling device shown 16 or the handling robot forming this 18 optionally also in double or triple version could be present, provided the movement spaces 46 the two or more handling robots 18 are coordinated in a way that there can be no collisions. Because of the web lengths on the rollers 12 However, normally a longer uninterrupted operation is guaranteed, the roles must 12 not be replaced so often that this requires the use of two or more handling robots 18 would be necessary.

However, a useful embodiment variant can provide that a gripping and / or handling device 16 or a single handling robot 18 two packaging lines or two packaging machines 14 can supply, whereby the movement space 46 Conveniently between the two approximately parallel packing machines 14 is located, so that also the feed area for new roles 12 with the horizontal conveyor 28 (see. 1 ) or pallet delivery (cf. 2 ) between the two packaging machines 14 and in the vicinity of the handling robot 18 as well as within his range of motion 46 located. In this case, the handling robot 18 mutually the two in regular operation packaging machines 14 each with new roles 12 supply and the used roles 20 if necessary in a common container 56 for subsequent or cyclical disposal. Provided the movement space 46 not with a single camera 44 can monitor, because this example. Partially shadowed, if necessary, several cameras 44 be present for room monitoring.

In an alternative embodiment of the arrangement or device according to the invention 10 , which is not shown here, may refer to the mentioned gripping and / or handling device 16 or on in the 1 and 2 shown handling robot 18 even completely waived when the roles 12 by means of a suitable feed device, for example, by the correspondingly extended horizontal conveyor 28 (see. 1 . 2 ) right up to the packaging machine 14 conveyed there and if necessary by means of the recording mandrels designed as active Rollenaufnehmer 70 (see the 3 ff.) and pulled into the respective installation positions EB1, EB2 and transported. If in this context of feeders is mentioned, they can by Zuführbänder, horizontal conveyors 28 , Mattenketteförderer o. The like. Be formed. Likewise, the feed devices can be formed by suitable AGVS (driverless, preferably autonomous or semi-autonomously moving transport systems, so-called shuttles), which provide the new roles 12 right up to the packaging machine 14 carry and the roles 12 there, if necessary, the mandrels 70 which act as active role takers in this case and the new roles 12 from the AGVs and into the respective installation positions EB1, EB2 in the packaging machine 14 can bring.

The schematic perspective view of 3 illustrates the previously mentioned installation positions EB1 and EB2 for the roles 12 in the packaging machine 14 according to the variants accordingly 1 and or 2 are defined. Each of the mounting positions EB1 and EB2 is defined by its own rotatable mandrel 70 , Each of these pick-up spikes 70 , each with a separate drive to rotate these thorns 70 is assigned, is also movable in the axial direction, in particular by means of motor drives, as described below with reference to 7 ff. will be explained in more detail. On each of these two horizontally aligned mandrels 70 is in each case by means of gripping and / or handling device (see. 1 and 2 ) a new role 12 attached and by increasing the diameter of the mandrels 70 by clamping the roll core 26 on the respective mandrel 70 clamped fixed. Replacing the rollers 12 respectively. 20 is inventively by appropriate axial movements of the mandrels 70 supported and facilitated, as explained in detail below.

The 3 also leaves a welding bar 72 recognize which for connecting an outer layer 24 (see. 4 . 5 ) of the inserted in the respective mounting position EB1 and EB2 new role 12 (see. 4 ) with the in the packaging machine 14 remaining material web 22 is provided and this is lowered vertically. After connecting the outer layer 24 (see. 4 ) with in the packaging machine 14 remaining material web 22 becomes the tempered welding bar 72 raised vertically and into the 3 shown position brought.

In the presentation of the 3 sits in the first mounting position EB1 a nearly used role 20 on the mandrel 70 the first mounting position EB1 and is from the mandrel 70 or by the removal of the material web 22 rotating moves. In this case, the packaging material or the shrink film is the on the mandrel 70 the first installation position EB1 seated role 20 settled. In the second mounting position EB2 was a worn role 20 already completely settled and the core 26 (see. 1 and 2 ) via the handling device 16 removed, so that the second mounting position EB2 or the mandrel 70 the second mounting position EB2 for receiving a new role 12 with packaging material ready.

Each of the mounting positions EB1 and EB2 can also have its own sensor or camera 74 be assigned, by means of which at least approximately completely unwound and / or used up roles 20 can be visually recognized. Unless a role 20 at least approximately completed and / or used up, sends the respective camera 74 Information about the respective at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 to the control unit 38 , The previously mentioned control unit 38 Controls on the basis of numerous data, including the cameras 74 within the packaging machine 14 the gripping and / or handling device 18 or the handling robot 18 (see. 1 and 2 ) for removing the respective at least approximately fully completed and / or used up role 20 or to remove the core 26 the respective at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 , So that at least approximately completely settled and / or used up role 20 can be removed from their respective installation position EB1 or EB2, a previous between the respective role 20 and the mandrel 70 trained clamped connection solved. This is typically done by reducing the cross-sectional diameter of the respective mandrel 70 , which causes the roll core 26 pull off. The loosening of the clamping connection or the reduction of the cross-sectional diameter of the receiving mandrels 70 will continue through the control unit 38 given, as well as the axial displacement of the thorns 70 for better communication with the gripping and / or handling device 16 or with the handling robot 18 and its retaining pin 32 ,

For removing the at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 from their respective installation position EB1 or EB2 is the mandrel 70 axially out of the packaging machine 14 moves out and dives the gripping and / or handling device 16 over her retaining pin 32 (see. 6A ) in the core 26 the at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 one. This is assisted by an axial stop, explained in detail below, with the axially movable receiving mandrel 70 interacts in a way that the role 20 is stripped off. By increasing the cross-sectional diameter of the mandrel 32 is the respective at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 after their removal from the mandrel 70 the packaging machine 14 then on the retaining pin 32 the handling device 16 fixed. An increase in the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 for clamping the roll 20 or the roll core 26 is also via the control unit 38 specified. After fixing the at least approximately completely unwound and / or depleted role 20 on the retaining pin 32 becomes at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 by gripping and / or handling device 16 and under specification by the control unit 38 in the direction of the container 56 (see. 1 and 2 ) and there by reducing the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 stored.

After filing the at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 or the core 26 in the container 56 (see. 1 and 2 ) becomes the gripping and / or handling device 16 via the control unit 38 to insert a new role 12 in the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 within the packaging machine 14 driven. Previously, a check of the direction of rotation or direction of rotation conforming orientation of each new role 12 - preferably with the help of the clipboard 60 (see. 2 ), as previously described - done. The device 10 can be automated in this way. It should be mentioned at this point that the embodiment according to 3 is to be understood merely by way of example, so that further embodiments are conceivable in which two mounting positions EB1 and EB2 only a camera 74 is assigned, whose detection range extends over the two mounting positions EB1 and EB2. There is also the possibility of using the cameras 74 a direction of rotation or direction of rotation conforming new inserted into the mounting positions EB1 and EB2 roles 12 to check. Was a wrong direction of rotation or directionally compliant Orientation of new roles 12 detected in one of the two mounting positions EB1 and EB2, so can via the control unit 38 an alignment correction of the respective new role 12 via the gripping and / or handling device 16 be initiated. This can be the respective new role 12 then remove from their respective installation position EB1 or EB2, on the clipboard 60 take off (cf. 2 ), the role 12 resume with the appropriate direction of rotation and / or orientation in accordance with the direction of rotation and then re-insert it into its respective installation position EB1 or EB2 with the appropriate direction of rotation and / or direction of orientation.

The further schematic perspective view of 4 shows the installation positions EB1 and EB2 according to the 3 with inserted new role 12 for the second installation position EB2. Starting from 3 was in the presentation of the 4 by means of the gripping and / or handling device 16 (see. 1 and 2 ) a new role 12 on the mandrel 70 the second mounting position EB2 postponed, after this axially moved out of its installation position EB2 and after placing the new role 12 back to the packaging machine 14 was moved back. Furthermore, packaging material 22 or shrink film from the nearly used or processed and therefore soon to be taken role 20 the first installation position EB1 unwound, so that the packaging machine 14 (see. 1 and 2 ) also with replacement of the role 20 from the first installation position by switching to the new role 12 the second installation position EB2 can continue to operate. Then a new role 12 used in the first installation position EB1, so can continue packaging material 22 or shrink film from the roll 12 the second installation position EB2 are unwound, whereby the required continuous and uninterrupted operation of the packaging machine 14 can be guaranteed.

The new role 12 the second mounting position EB2 4 Optionally, an optically recognizable adhesive mark 76 in particular by a reflective or inductive or otherwise detectable adhesive label 76 may be formed, which on the outer layer 24 the new role 12 is applied in the region of its free end. The camera associated with the second mounting position EB2 74 is now able by means of the adhesive marker 76 to check if the new role 12 with appropriate direction of rotation or with direction of rotation conforming orientation on the mandrel 70 was postponed. A synopsis of 4 and 5 can make it clear that with new role 12 the second mounting position EB2, the outer layer 24 from above over the roll 12 is guided and dives downwards. Would be the role 12 with wrong direction of rotation or wrong direction of rotation conforming orientation on the mandrel 70 put on the second mounting position EB2, the outer layer 24 downwards from the roll 12 and therefore would be difficult or impossible to reach. In addition, this might possibly be the rolling behavior within the packaging machine 14 or the material web course disturbed. Aligning below the welding bar 72 would not be possible. A rotation-compliant positioning of new rolls 12 or inserting new roles 12 in the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 with matching direction of rotation is thus essential to in the subsequent material promotion of the material webs 22 a trouble-free operation of the device 10 or the packaging machine 14 to be able to guarantee.

Could the sticking mark 76 by means of the respective camera 74 be recognized, then the mandrel 70 rotating until the adhesive mark 76 in the direction of the opposite mounting position EB1 and EB2 points. Only after this orientation of the adhesive marker 76 can be a purely in 5 schematically illustrated gripping bar 78 one in the packaging machine 14 between the installation positions EB1 and EB2 and the welding bar 72 movable gripping and / or handling device (not shown), the outer layer 24 the new role 12 grab and below the weld bar 72 position. This gripping bar 78 can the outer layer 24 the role 12 For example, by means of vacuum suck and grab.

However, it should be noted that embodiments are conceivable in which the new roles 12 no such reflective adhesive mark 76 (corresponding 4 ) and in which the cameras 74 an outside location 24 of new roles 12 or the free end areas of new rolls 12 without additional optical markings of the new rolls 12 detect. Preferably, however, the optically detectable adhesive labels 76 an unspecified here on the coding of the cameras 74 can be recognized. This coding may preferably be in addition to the location of the end portion of the outer layer 24 also the direction of rotation of the roll 12 clearly identify so that the adhesive label 76 already in the handling of the new roll to be used 12 with the handling robot 18 for determining the direction of rotation and for correct positioning of the end region of the outer layer 24 can be used, if necessary with the additional inclusion of the clipboard 60 , Here, the adhesive label 76 preferably from the room monitoring devices 42 or the camera 44 recorded and evaluated the information content and the control unit 38 made available be to the handling robot 18 and / or the clipboard 60 to control in the required manner.

The installation positions EB1 and EB2 of 3 and 4 with deducted outer layer 24 the inserted in the second mounting position EB2 new role 12 shows the schematic perspective view of 5 , Very good to recognize here again that the outside situation 24 the roller positioned in the second mounting position EB2 12 Coming down from the top in the direction of descending, while the outer layer or material web 22 the role used in the first installation position EB1 20 coming from below. Both roles 12 and 20 rotate on their respective associated mandrels 70 with the same direction of rotation, here counterclockwise. A direction of rotation compliant insertion of the new roles 12 is necessary to ensure a trouble-free and functioning operation of the device 10 or packaging machine 14 (see. 1 and 2 ).

There is thus the possibility both within the packaging machine 14 about the cameras 74 To determine a direction of rotation or direction of rotation compliant orientation, as well as the cameras 74 at least approximately completely completed and / or used up roles 20 to recognize. Information on the direction of rotation or orientation of new roles 12 and information about at least approximately fully completed and / or used roles 20 be from the cameras 74 to the control unit 38 passed an alignment correction of new roles 12 and a replacement of at least approximately completed and / or used up roles 20 through new roles 12 pretend. In particular, this can be done in a way that has already been described with reference to 2 with optional inclusion of the clipboard usable for the direction of rotation correction 60 was explained. In order to determine the correct direction of rotation, it is useful, however, primarily the camera 44 to use and only subordinate the cameras 74 Then, after inserting the roll 12 in the packaging machine 14 again to check the correct direction of rotation.

The schematic representations of 6A and 6B show a part of the handling robot 18 , the gripping and / or handling device 16 for handling the rollers 12 in the device 10 forms. The gripper arm or the arm section 34 of the handling robot 18 is about the horizontally oriented axis 36 swiveling so that the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 for immersion in the core 26 the respective new role 12 can be aligned with vertical orientation of its longitudinal axis. Became the respective new role 12 by means of the handling robot 18 or by means of the retaining pin 32 captured, so may the new role 12 by a renewed pivoting movement of the gripping arm 34 around the axis 36 rotated and temporally thereupon in their respective assigned installation position EB1 or EB2 (see. 3 to 5 ) are used.

In addition, the show 6A and 6B an optional additional camera 80 , This optional camera 80 is fixed to the gripper arm 34 mechanically coupled so that they move during a movement of the gripper arm 34 is conducted together with this. Will the gripper arm 34 around the axis 36 pivoted so can by means of the camera 80 a direction of rotation or direction of rotation conforming orientation of one or more new roles 12 be determined. To a corresponding evaluation and motion control for the gripping and / or handling device 16 to enable, stands the camera 80 with the control unit 38 related to receiving a new role 12 , which has a suitable direction of rotation or rotational direction-compliant orientation, by means of the handling device 16 from the pallet 52 controls.

Furthermore, the shows 6B the gripping and / or handling device 16 after taking a new role 12 with directional orientation from a pallet 52 (see. 6A ). As in 6B to recognize, was the gripper arm 34 starting from the position 6A around the axis 36 , what a 6A in the direction of the image plane, pivoted. The new role 12 now has an at least approximately horizontal orientation and can in their respective assigned mounting position EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 be used. A removal of at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 from the respective installation position EB1 or EB2 also takes place with a horizontal orientation. For removing the at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 from their respective installation position EB1 or EB2 dives the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 32 in the core 26 the at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 which can be supported by various aids, which are described below on the basis of 8th and 9 be explained in more detail. By increasing the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 is the respective at least approximately completely completed and / or used up role 20 on the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 fixed. An increase in the cross-sectional diameter of the retaining pin 32 is via the control unit 38 specified.

The two schematic perspective views of 7A and 7B illustrate the positioning process of a new role 12 in a the intended installation positions EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 (see. 3 to 5 ). That's how it shows 7A one already for a short distance on a mandrel 70 in the packaging machine 14 deferred new role 12 with packing material previously from the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 was separated. The retaining pin 32 was subsequently with a stamp attachment 82 provided for the purpose of sliding the role 12 on the mandrel 70 against an axial stop 84 temporarily on the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 was fixed. This pushing operation, with which the stamping attachment 82 against the front of the roll 12 press until it stops against the axial stop 84 and thus pushed into their intended installation position EB1 or EB2 is in 7B clarified. After reaching the installation position EB1 or EB2, the handling robot 18 again from the role 12 be solved and given new tasks.

The lowering of a used or almost used up roll 20 from the mandrel 70 and the takeover by the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 in contrast, by means of a displaceable axial stop 84 and by means of a displaceable mounting of the rotatable receiving mandrel 70 relieved, like this the 8A to 8D illustrate.

The two schematic perspective views of 8A and 8B illustrate the various operating conditions one in the intended installation position EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 (see. 3 to 5 ) on the mandrel 70 role 12 ( 8A ) or a role removed therefrom ( 8B ). While the role 12 in the presentation of the 8A is ready for unrolling in the intended installation position EB1 or EB2, it was in the presentation of the 8B by moving the axial stop 84 from the mandrel 70 pushed down and, for example, from the handling robot 18 taken over (not shown). The sliding axial stop 84 is located on a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mandrel 70 movable base 86 , which are in two parallel longitudinal guides 88 is held and movable. When on the mandrel 70 located role 12 is located in the longitudinal guides 88 held and horizontally movable base 86 with the axial stop 84 naturally close to a pedestal 90 ( 8A ), which at the same time the storage and a drive 92 for the rotating driven mandrel 70 forms.

As it is the two schematic side views of 8C and 8D clarify is preferably the entire socket 90 together with his drive 92 and the rotatably driven mandrel 70 along the two parallel horizontal guides 88 slidably formed, what the placement of the mandrel 70 with a new role 12 and the removal of a spent roll by the handling robot 18 facilitated according to the inventive method.

The 8C shows one on the mandrel 70 positioned roll 12 , The base 90 with the drive 92 is here at a right stop, in which the role 12 ready for unwinding in the packaging machine 14 located. The axial stop 84 is with his base 86 against the pedestal 90 driven so that he is in no touching contact with the role 12 stands. The 8D also shows the on the mandrel 70 positioned roll 12 , The base 90 with the drive 92 is shifted to the left, as well as the axial stop 84 that with his base 86 at the base 90 is applied and thus also went to the left. The at the base 70 rotatably mounted mandrel 70 together with the role on it 12 is hereby moved out of the installation position EB1 or EB2 a piece, so that the role 12 is not in any position that is suitable for unwinding, but in a picking or loading position where it is easily handled by the handling robot 18 taken over or to the packaging machine 14 can be handed over. In particular, the in 8D The position shown can be the starting position for pushing down the roller 12 from the mandrel 70 form when the socket 90 with the thorn 70 to the right to the original operating position (corresponding to 8C ) is moved while the base 86 with the axial stop 84 in their place (according to 8D ) remains. The thorn 70 drives out of the roll core 26 out, while the axial stop 84 at the end of the roll 12 and holds them in place. This allows the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 in the freed roll core 26 be inserted and the role 12 finally from the mandrel 70 take over and deduct.

In addition, it should be noted that the mandrel 70 for alignment and as exact as possible central positioning of a newly inserted role 12 in terms of the role 12 unwinding packaging material can be adjusted in the axial direction, which by appropriate adjustment of the base 90 by means of the drive 92 can be done. In this way, the associated with the easier insertion of new roles 12 into the packaging machine 14 defined axial adjustability of the receiving mandrels 70 additionally be used to the newly inserted roles 12 each position exactly centered in relation to the unwinding web. Thus, it is not always essential to the role 12 by a well-defined amount on the mandrel 70 postpone, as this after the approximately appropriate sliding of the role 12 can even ensure the exact fine adjustment to the web in exactly the right alignment in the packaging machine 14 to promote.

Optionally, the mandrel 70 in its axial position even during the current unwinding operation of the packaging material from the roll 12 be readjusted several times, in particular to compensate for winding inaccuracies and / or changes in position of the packaging material during the packaging operation. This readjustability can be monitored and initiated, for example, by means of cameras or suitable optical sensor devices. The adjustability or Nachjustierbarkeit the mandrel 70 can, for example, by means of pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor drive 92 respectively.

The 9 shows in a total of six schematic side views ( 9A to 9F ) the procedures when inserting a new role 12 with flat or foil material in a packaging machine 14 , in one of the installation positions EB1 or EB2. The gripping and / or handling device 16 or the handling robot 18 deliver one on the retaining pin 32 centered deferred new role 12 to the packaging machine 14 to put them there on the respective mandrel 70 to postpone the installation position EB1 or EB2 ( 9A ). The retaining pin 32 completely immersed in the core 26 the new role 12 and extends to about a third over the entire length of the core 26 and thus the width of the roll 12 What makes the role possible 12 to two-thirds of its width on the mandrel 70 postpone. While the handling robot 18 the packaging machine 14 approaching ( 9A ), the pedestal moves 90 together with the rotatably mounted receiving mandrel 70 along the longitudinal guide 88 to the left towards the roll 12 (see. 9B ), whose core 26 already exactly with the mandrel 70 Aligns, causing the handling robot 18 by further movement to the right the role 12 about two thirds of its width on the mandrel 70 postpone (cf. 9C ).

The base 90 is still in its left-extended position, which is maintained until the roll 12 completely on the mandrel 70 is deferred. This pushing is done by off-center frontal attachment of the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 on the from the mandrel 70 groundbreaking front side of the roll 12 (see. 9D ) and by further pushing the roll 12 to the right on the mandrel 70 until the pedestal 90 facing opposite end face of the roll 12 the axial stop 84 has reached the near the pedestal 90 is arranged (see Fig. E). Once this is the case, the role has 12 the intended axial position on the mandrel 70 achieved, leaving the pedestal 90 together with the mandrel 70 and the role positioned on it 12 in the intended installation position EB1 or EB2 in the packaging machine 14 can go back (cf. 9F ), where the film or flat material from the roll 12 withdrawn and for the packaging of objects, general cargo, etc. (not shown; 3 to 5 ) can be used.

In principle, it would also be possible, the mandrel even further than in 9C let go out, so that the handling device 16 would not have to make another stroke in the mandrel direction. However, the range of movement of the gripping and / or handling device is sufficient 16 or the handling robot 18 usually to the role 12 in the manner shown on the mandrel 70 to be able to put on. The particular advantage of the method and the device according to 9 is that the robot 18 again completely disappears from the control area and preparing the next rolls 12 can dedicate. So here's another manipulator to pick up the reels 12 Saved for the buffer system.

It does not have to be mentioned separately at this point that the role 12 with her roll core 26 on the retaining pin 32 is clamped, as long as it is to be fixed there ( 9A . 9B . 9C ). This clamp is then opened to release the core 26 if the role 12 on the thorn 70 was pushed ( 9C ). Only after complete pushing on the role 12 on the mandrel 70 becomes the roll core 26 tightly clamped there ( 9E . 9F ).

The 10 shows in a total of six schematic side views ( 10A to 10F ) the procedures for dispensing a spent roll 20 from the packaging machine 14 from one of the installation positions EB1 or EB2. The on the mandrel 70 located role to be replaced 20 is by moving the socket 90 on the longitudinal guides 88 shifted to the left (cf. 10A ), in the direction of the gripping and / or handling device (not yet recognizable here). Once the pedestal 90 has reached the left stop, remains the axial stop 84 also on the longitudinal guides 88 slidably guided, standing at its very left position, while the pedestal 90 to the right of the axial stop 84 removed, leaving this the role 20 to the left of the mandrel 70 strips off or pushes down (cf. 10B ). The base 90 with the rotatably mounted receiving mandrel 70 is further shifted to the right towards the installation position EB1 or EB2, while the axial stop 84 with the held on it role 20 remains in the left stop position (see. 10C ).

Only when the mandrel 70 about half of the roll core 26 pulled out ( 10C ), the dowel dives there 32 of the handling robot 18 a (cf. 10D ) and gets in the core 26 clamped, then the role 20 from the mandrel 70 to deduct. This peeling process is in 10E recognizable. The used role 20 can then be disposed of. The 10F shows how the socket 90 together with the rotatably mounted receiving mandrel 70 after peeling off the roll 20 (see. 10E ) completely to the left to the still located there axial stop 84 being driven, which is a readiness position to take on a new role 12 (see. 9B and 9C ).

It does not have to be mentioned separately at this point that the role 20 with her roll core 26 on the mandrel 70 is clamped, as long as it is to be fixed there ( 10A ). This clamp is then opened to release the core 26 if the role 20 opposite the thorn 70 should be moved, as in the 10B and 10C the case is. Also the retaining pin 32 of the handling robot 18 is initially loose in the core 26 inserted ( 10D ) before taking on the role 20 is clamped and the role 20 thus firmly fixed ( 10E ).

The 11 shows in a total of six schematic side views ( 11A to 11F ) the exact axial alignment of a new roll 12 on the mandrel 70 for exact positioning of the roll 12 in one of the installation positions EB1 and EB2 in the packaging machine 14 , The 11A illustrates the pick-up mandrel positioned to match the center of the machine (dot-dashed vertical line) 70 , on which the also centrally positioned roll 12 should sit so that it assumes its optimum position for a smooth unwinding of the web.

To take on a new role 12 becomes the pedestal 90 with the mandrel 70 as well as the axial stop 84 along the guide rails 88 moved to the left (cf. 11B ). If the role 12 has been completely postponed (cf 9E ), it may possibly be in a non-optimal axial position on the mandrel 70 are located; For example, it can be pushed too far onto it, as in the 11C is shown. This inappropriate positioning can be corrected by removing the socket 90 with fixed axial stop 84 is withdrawn to the right, which also the mandrel 70 by a defined amount against that by the stop 84 fixed role 12 is postponed (cf. 11D ). Once the desired adjustment of the role 12 on the mandrel 70 is achieved, this is done by moving the socket 90 to the axial stop 84 moved back to the left (cf. 11E ), reducing the role 12 from the axial stop 84 Will get removed. By moving the socket 90 together with the adjacent axial stop 84 to the right in the mounting position EB1 or EB2 is the role 12 brought into an exact match to the machine center (dash-dotted vertical line), which corresponds to the desired final installation position EB1 or EB2, in which the role 12 in the packaging machine 14 can be handled.

It is at this point in particular with reference to the 7 ff. again emphasizes that the gripping and / or handling device shown 16 or the handling robot shown 18 for inserting and removing new rolls 12 is not mandatory. Correspondingly, the replacement of the rollers 12 respectively. 20 also by means of a cooperation of the axially movable receiving mandrels 70 and all the way to the packaging machine 14 reaching horizontal conveyor 28 for the delivery of new roles 12 or by interaction of the receiving mandrels 70 with FTS possible, which is right up to the packaging machine 14 can drive, as already indicated above.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 contraption

12

 Role, new role

14

 packaging machine

16

 Gripping device, handling device, gripping and / or handling device

18

 Multi-axis robot, handling robot

20

 Roll, used roll, partially wound roll, partially used roll, empty roll

22

 Material web, packaging material

24

 outer layer, outer material web

26

 Core, roll core

28

 Horizontal conveyor

30

 Cantilever arm, swivel arm

32

 holding mandrel

34

 Arm section, gripper arm

36

 Rotary axis, horizontal axis

38

 control unit

40

 Output signals, signals, room data, movement data, sensor data

42

 Monitoring device

44

 optical detection device, camera

46

 movement space

48

 manipulator

50

 User, operator

52

 palette

54

 holding mandrel

56

 Container

58

 display

60

 clipboard

70

 Thorn, mandrel, retaining pin

72

 welding bars

74

 camera

76

 Adhesive marking, optically detectable / reflective adhesive marking

78

 cross bar

80

 Camera, additional camera (of the handling robot)

82

 stamp unit

84

 axial stop

86

 movable base

88

 Longitudinal guide, parallel longitudinal guides

90

 base

92

 drive

EB1

 first installation position

EB2

 second installation position

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 4040545 A1 [0004]
• DE 3202647 A1 [0005]
• DE 4142256 A1 [0005]
• DE 3425734 A1 [0006]
• EP 1273541 B1 [0007]
• DE 102006017379 A1 [0008]

Claims (11)

Contraption ( 10 ) for the promotion, provision and / or largely uninterrupted handling and / or exchange of roles ( 12 . 20 ) with it and as packaging material ( 22 ) for the packaging of piece goods, containers or the like article assemblies serving flat and / or sheet material, in which at least approximately completely unwound and / or exhausted rolls ( 20 ) for maintaining a continuous packaging operation alternately from at least two different installation positions (EB1, EB2) of a packaging machine ( 14 ) and by new roles ( 12 ) are replaceable with flat and / or sheet material for the respective installation position (EB1, EB2), with means for providing new rolls ( 12 ) for the packaging machine ( 14 ) in a defined feeder and to take over the roles ( 12 ) from the defined feeder and to insert the new rolls ( 12 ) in the respective installation position (EB1, EB2) of the packaging machine ( 14 ) and / or to remove used rolls ( 20 ) from the respective installation positions (EB1, EB2) of the packaging machine, wherein the installation positions (EB1, EB2) in the packaging machine ( 14 ) each by rotatable mandrels ( 70 ) for rotatable mounting and centered mounting of the in the packaging machine ( 14 ) roles to be handled ( 12 ) are defined with flat and / or sheet material, and wherein the rotatable receiving mandrels ( 70 ) for the removal of an at least approximately fully completed and / or used up role ( 20 ) from one of the installation positions (EB1 or EB2) and / or when inserting a new roll ( 12 ) in one of the installation positions (EB1 or EB2) in their respective axial direction adjustable and at least partially from the respective installation position (EB1 or EB2) from the packaging machine ( 14 ) and in the direction of the defined feeder are movable. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable receiving mandrels ( 70 ) are each associated with motor drives to their respective axial adjustment. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the rotatable receiving mandrels ( 70 ) each separately adjustable axial stop elements ( 84 ) associated with the mandrels ( 70 ) or against their axial direction of movement parallel to these are motor-adjustable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripping and / or handling device ( 16 ) by a multi-axis robot ( 18 ), the new roles ( 12 ) from the defined feed and in the packaging machine ( 14 ). Device according to Claim 4, in which the handling device ( 16 ) or the multi-axis robot ( 18 ) over a retaining pin ( 32 ), which front side in the formed as a hollow body new roles ( 12 ), its maximum cross-sectional diameter is increased and hereby the respective new roll ( 12 ) clamped on the handling device ( 16 ) or the multi-axis robot ( 18 ) fixed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gripping and / or handling device ( 16 ) for inserting a new roll ( 12 ) into the packaging machine ( 14 ) to transfer this role ( 12 ) at least partially from the packaging machine ( 14 ) removable mandrel ( 70 ) and is fitted for sliding on this, wherein the mandrel ( 70 ) in the axial direction in his for unwinding the roll ( 12 ) provided installation position (EB1 or EB2) is movable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein for replacing an at least approximately completely unwound and / or depleted role ( 20 ) in the packaging machine ( 14 ) of the mandrel ( 70 ) in the axial direction from the respective installation position (EB1, EB2) is moved out to the roller ( 20 ) of the gripping and / or handling device ( 16 ) by passing in a direction parallel to the mandrel ( 70 ) movable stop element ( 84 ) the role ( 20 ) at least partially from the mandrel ( 70 ) and onto a mandrel ( 32 ) of the gripping and / or handling device ( 16 ), after which the mandrel ( 70 ) at least as far back in the axial direction in the direction of its installation position (EB1 or EB2), until the roller ( 20 ) is almost completely stripped off. Within a packaging machine ( 14 ) in its axial longitudinal direction of motor-adjustable rotatable mandrel ( 70 ), one of several installation positions (EB1, EB2) for roles ( 12 . 20 ) with it and as packaging material ( 22 ) is defined for the packaging of piece goods, containers or the like article compositions serving flat and / or sheet material, wherein the rotatable mandrel ( 70 ) for the removal of an at least approximately fully completed and / or used up role ( 20 ) from one of the installation positions (EB1 or EB2) and / or when inserting a new roll ( 12 ) in one of the installation positions (EB1 or EB2) in its respective axial direction adjustable and at least partially from the respective installation position (EB1 or EB2) from the packaging machine ( 14 ) out and in the direction of the defined Feed is movable, and wherein the mandrel ( 70 ) for aligning and centering a newly inserted roll ( 12 ) in relation to that of the role ( 12 ) packaging material to be handled ( 22 ) is adjustable in the axial direction. Take-up mandrel according to claim 8, whose axial position during unwinding of the packaging material ( 22 ) of the role ( 12 ) to compensate for winding inaccuracies and / or changes in position of the packaging material ( 22 ) is readjustable during the packaging operation. Mandrel according to claim 8 or 9, in the axial longitudinal direction by means of pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor drive ( 92 ) is adjustable and / or readjustable. Mandrel according to one of claims 8 to 10, which is part of a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device ( 10 ) a number of similar mounting pins (EB1, EB2) corresponding to the number of mounting positions (EB1, EB2) ( 70 ) having.

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