EP1614646A2 - Method for performing a roll change in a feeding station for feeding a weblike material to a packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves aligning and attaching a connecting roller (6,7) to the connecting region of the flat material (2) in a workstation outside the supply unit using a holding and positioning element (16) for exact positioning of the connecting region and positioning the connecting region of the connecting roller before the roller change with the holding and positioning element in the holder provided in a connecting station. An independent claim is also included for a supply unit for feeding flat strip material to a packaging machine.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a supply unit according to the preamble of claim 13.

In packaging machines, the packaging or flat material used (eg packaging film) is removed from rolls and fed to the process flow. In order to enable the fastest possible further processing of the packaging machine when consuming a currently in use role, it is customary in the supply unit to keep at least one exchange or connection role ready, the flat material then at a short machine stop with a start or connection area to the Flat material is connected to the roll in use before the roll change, by connecting this connection area with the flat material of the previously used role and then cutting the sheet to this role. Thereafter, the packaging machine can be restarted, wherein the sheet is then removed from the connection roller.

In order to achieve a transition-correct connection in a printed packaging or flat material when reel change in such a way that u.a. also at the connection area z. As the repeat, the distances of the printed image, etc. are respected on the packaging material, it is in addition to a precise and positionally accurate stop the movement of the packaging material in use role in particular also required that the connection area of the packaging material of the connection roller in the connection station, where the connection is made, also exactly positioned. This means so far that after the introduction of a connection roller in the supply unit this must be aligned exactly with its connected connection area in the connection station in a complicated way, which consuming and time consuming in running packaging machine and especially in the usual, limited accessibility of the respective connection station is.

The object of the invention is to provide a method with which the roll change can be carried out conveniently and also quickly, in particular also with regard to the precise positioning of the connection region of the connection roll. To the solution This object is a method according to the claim trained. A supply unit for carrying out this method is the subject of claim 13.

In the invention, the exact positioning of the connection region of the connection roller takes place in that a holding and positioning element for the transition-correct connection is fastened in an exactly aligned manner at this connection region at a workstation outside the supply region. When inserting the connection roller in the supply unit of this holding and positioning element is inserted into a receptacle of the connection station, so that then for the transition correct connection exact positioning of the connection area of the connection roller is reached automatically. All measures necessary for this are made at the workstation which enables free accessibility outside the supply unit.

In this case, it is also possible in particular to prepare the connection roll to be introduced into the supply unit after the respective roll change and after removal of the used-up roll, while the machine is still running and before the roll change with the holding and positioning element, so that the roll change is carried out extremely quickly can.

The inventive method further allows a computer-controlled role change.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection necessary for the connection takes place by welding and thereby preferably by separating welding.

Fig. 1

in vereinfachter Darstellung und in Seitenansicht eine Folienzuführstation bzw. Versorgungseinheit zum Zuführen einer Verpackungsfolie an eine Verpackungsmaschine;

Fig. 2

in vereinfachter perspektivischer Darstellung eine Folienrolle zusammen mit einem als Klemmschiene ausgebildeten Halte- und Positionierelement und einer von einem Lineal gebildeten Lehre zum lagegenauen Befestigen der Klemmschiene an dem Folienanfang der Folienrolle;

Fig. 3 und 4

in schematischer Darstellung die wesentlichen Elemente einer Folienschweißstation der Versorgungseinheit der Figur 1, und zwar jeweils beim Wechseln bzw. beim Anschließen der Folie einer neuen Folienrolle an die Folie einer aufgebrauchten Folienrolle;

Fig. 5

in perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung die Anschluss- oder Schweißstation der Versorgungseinheit der Figur 1.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. It shows:

Fig. 1

in a simplified representation and in side view of a Folienzuführstation or supply unit for feeding a packaging film to a packaging machine;

Fig. 2

in a simplified perspective view of a film roll together with a clamping rail formed as holding and positioning element and a gauge formed by a ruler for positionally accurate fastening of the clamping rail at the film beginning of the film roll;

3 and 4

a schematic representation of the essential elements of a film welding station of the supply unit of Figure 1, in each case when changing or when connecting the film of a new film roll to the film of a spent film roll;

Fig. 5

in a perspective individual representation of the connection or welding station of the supply unit of Figure 1.

The supply unit generally designated 1 in the figures serves for supplying a weldable plastic or packaging film 2 to a packaging machine, not shown. For this purpose, the supply unit 1 has in a machine frame 3 two parallel mandrels 4 and 5 oriented with its axis in the horizontal direction, each of which serves to receive a film roll 6 or 7, one roll of which is the roll in use during the running packaging machine, from which the sheet-like film 2 is withdrawn in the direction of the arrow A and the packaging machine is supplied, while the other exchange or connection roller is available for a roll change. Figures 3 and 4 show - each a state of the supply unit 1 immediately before a roll change - again the two with their axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane of Figures 3 and 4 arranged mandrels 4 and 5, provided on these thorns film rolls 6 and 7 and further with their axes parallel to each other and parallel to the mandrels 4 and 5 arranged deflection and guide rollers 8 - 10 for the film 2. These deflection and guide rollers 8-10 are both ends in a frame 11 also mounted in the machine frame 3 Folienanschluss- or welding station 12 rotatably mounted.

The guide roller 8 is assigned to the mandrel 4 and the guide roller 9 the mandrel 5. The two lower guide rollers 10 in FIGS. 3 and 4, together with a further roller 13, which is movable radially to its axis into the gap between the axles 10, form a device 14 for achieving a mechanical film tension which is as constant as possible, in particular also for Avoiding abrupt changes in film tension and film impact during reel change.

Another part of the welding station 12 is a rotatably mounted in the frame 11 receptacle 15 for the holding and positioning element, hereinafter referred to as clamping rail 16, which can be fixed in a holder of the receptacle 15 in registration and with its longitudinal extent parallel to the axis of rotation of the receptacle 15 , In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 15 is a shaft or roller on which the clamping rail 16 can be secured by insertion in a suitable manner, for example by insertion into a groove forming the holder. For manually rotating the receptacle 15 about its axis is freely accessible a locking lever 15.1 is provided, with which the receptacle 15 is also blocked in each case after a rotational movement of 360 ° by locking. In the latched position of the receptacle 15 are provided on this receptacle holder for the clamping rail 16 respectively at the upper peripheral portion of the receptacle 15th

Component of the welding station 12 are further two heatable welding rails 17 and 18, which lie with their longitudinal extent parallel to the axis of rotation of the receptacle 15 and are offset by an angle of slightly smaller than 180 ° about this axis of rotation. With the clamping rail 16, which is uniquely and precisely positioned on the receptacle 15, for example, by index pins engaging in positioning apertures of the receptacle 15, in each case the connection region of the film of the connecting roll standing ready for the roll change is connected in an exactly aligned manner, in such a way that when the roll is changed the film of the new film roll, among others also with respect to an existing on the film rapport, print image, etc. transitionally correct to the film of the used film roll.

FIG. 3 shows the state of the supply unit 1 shortly before the final consumption of the film roll 6 in use, the film 2 of which is fed via the deflection roller 8 and the device 14 formed by the rollers 10 and 13 for keeping the film tension of the packaging machine constant according to the arrow A. becomes. The beginning of the guided over the guide roller 9 slide 2 of the roll change ready for the film roll 7 is connected to the attached to the receptacle 15 clamping rail 16 and wrapped around the circumference of the receptacle 15 that this beginning in the region of the welding rail 17 of the Film roll 6 peeled film 2 is adjacent and the film 2 there wegerstreckt of the clamping rail 16 in the direction of movement A.

By means of a sensor schematically designated 19 in FIG. 3, the film roll 6 in use is constantly monitored. If the sensor 19 cooperating with a control computer 20 of the packaging machine detects the imminent consumption of the film roll 6, the control computer 20 initiates the roll change. For this purpose, the packaging machine is first stopped and the removal of the film 2 is slowed down by the film roll 6. By a further, the film 2 or there existing markers or print marks 2.1 scanning sensor 21, the slower removal of the film 2 is stopped when the film 2 is positioned at the welding position formed by the welding rail 17 such that a transition or printing image correct connection of the ready film roll 7 (connection roller) is guaranteed. Subsequently, controlled by the control computer 20, the moving of the welding rail 17 from the starting position to the welding position, wherein by a Trennschweißvorgang joining the film 2 of the film roll 7 with the foil leading to the packaging machine and at the same time also a separation of the connection produced by the welding process from the film residue of the film roll 6 and from the remaining on the clamping rail 16 film remainder.

In order to obtain a defect-free and particularly load-bearing film weld, a braking device, for example a hose brake, is activated for the welding process by which the permanent bias of the film is reduced or even eliminated at least in the region of the film weld seam to be produced.

After completion of the Trennschweißens the packaging machine runs controlled by the control computer 20 again, in which case the film 2 is withdrawn from the film roll 7. The film roll 6 is manually removed from the supply unit, as well as the clamping rail 6. To prepare a new roll change in a consumption of the film roll 7, a new, already provided with the clamping rail 16 film roll 6 is placed on the mandrel 6, the clamping rail 16 in the Recording 15 used and this manually rotated about its axis by 360 °, so that the receptacle 15 in turn is looped around by the beginning of the film connected to the clamping rail 16. FIG. 4 shows this state immediately before the film roll 7 is consumed.

The exact positioning of the clamping rail 16 takes place outside the packaging machine and the supply unit 1 at a comfortable and ergonomic workplace, which allows full and unrestricted accessibility in particular to the respective roller 6 and 7 respectively. This workplace includes u. a. a gauge in the form of a ruler 22, on which the respective clamping rail 16 can be accurately positioned, for example, again using engaging in positioning holes index pins. By provided on the ruler 22 markings 23 and 24 and by markings, such as printing marks 2.1 on the film 2 then the exact printing image correct connection or welding ensuring positioning of the clamping rail 16 on the film 2 is possible.

The insertion of the clamping rail 16 in the receptacle 15 takes place, as already mentioned, in each case in the locked position of the receptacle 15, in the (position) the Clamping rail holder of the receptacle 15 is located at the top of this recording. After fastening the clamping rail 15, the receptacle is rotated in the selected for the figure 3 representation for the preparation of the film roll 7 as a connecting roller by means of the locking lever 15.1 clockwise, so that in this case the receptacle 15 with its located in use film 2 adjacent peripheral region moved against the conveying or removal direction B of the film. The rotation of the receptacle 15 is terminated after 360 ° by engagement of the locking lever 15.1, so that the clamping rail 16 is again at the top, ie in the position in which this rail was inserted into the receptacle 15 and the looped around the receptacle 15, adjoining the clamping rail 16 partial length overlapping with the film is arranged in conjunction. For the preparation of the film roll 6 as a connecting roller, the receptacle 15 is rotated with the terminal block 16 in the counterclockwise direction. By this design, it is possible to make the overlapping connection of the films 2 and the separation of the hitherto in use film 2 of the roller 6 and 7 and the separation of the wound film 2 of the terminal block 16 in one operation by means of separating welding.

FIG. 5 again shows in detail the individual elements of the welding or connecting station 12 described above. Also shown in this figure are the actuating elements 25 for the welding rails 17 and 18. In the illustrated embodiment, these actuating elements are pneumatic cylinders which are not shown via control valves be controlled by the control computer 20.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is an actuating element 26 which, for example, is also a pneumatic actuating element and with which the radial feed of the roller 13 is controlled within the compensating station 14 in order to achieve the most constant possible movement of the film web.

This is especially necessary to avoid a film beating when the welding process is finished and the machine should start again.

To bias the game / the overhang of the film, the roller 13 pivots after the completion of the welding process in the film path, extends this so and thus also biases the film overhang. Subsequently, the release of the braking device used to reduce the bias of the film and the restart of the machine done. If the machine has reached the normal operating speed after some time, the balancing station 14 is again swiveled out of the film path.

The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive idea underlying the invention. For example, it is also possible to provide additional braking and clamping means at the welding station 12, which ensure that the films are not under tension during the welding process.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

supply unit

2

Flat material or foil

2.1

print mark

3

machine frame

4.5

mandrel

6, 7

film roll

8-10

deflecting

11

frame

12

Welding or connection station

13

roller

14

Correction station

15

rotatable recording

16

clamping rail

17, 18

sealing bar

19

sensor

20

tax calculator

21

sensor

22

ruler

23, 24

mark

25, 26

actuator

A

Direction of movement of the packaging machine supplied film. 2

B

Feed movement of the welding rails 17

Claims (29)

A method of performing a roll change in a supply unit (1), which is for feeding a sheet-like sheet (2) to a packaging machine or the like processing machine of a sheet supply forming rollers (6, 7), wherein for the roll change, in which in a connection station (12) the sheet (2) of the roll (6, 7) in use is connected to a start or terminal portion of a standby lead roll (7, 6), this lead portion is accurately positioned in the connection station for a transitionally correct connection and after Connecting the flat material (2) is separated from the roll used to roll change (6, 7), characterized
in that for the exact positioning of the connection region of the flat material (2) of the connection roller (7, 6) at this connection region at a work station outside the supply unit (1) a holding and positioning element (16) is fastened aligned, and that the connection region of the connection roller ( 7, 6) is positioned before the roll change with the holding and positioning element (16) in the provided at the connection station (12) receiving. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding and positioning element is a clamping rail (16). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positionally accurate fastening of the holding and positioning element at the connection area using a gauge (22), in or on which the holding and positioning element is arranged in a predetermined position and orientation, and using markings on this gauge (22) and / or on the flat material (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the flat material in use with the connection region of the connection roller (7, 6) is performed overlapping, for example, such that the overlapping connection on one side of the web of the sheet (2 ) forms a flap-like portion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (15) at the connection station (12) after insertion of the holding and positioning element (16) about an axis parallel to the plane of the recording (15) passing over, in use Flat material (2) and perpendicular to the direction of movement (A) of this sheet material is rotated, for example over an angular range of 360 °, so that the connection area overlaps the sheet material used before the roll change (2) and at this overlap starting from the holding and positioning member (16) extending in the direction of movement (A) of the flat material in use. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement of the sheet material in use is completed controlled when changing roles and before connecting the terminal portion of the connection roller (7, 6), so that taking into account the exact positioning of the holding and positioning in the receptacle (15) of the transition-correct connection of the flat material (2) of the connection roller (7, 6) to the in-use flat material (2) follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the termination of the movement of the sheet material (2) in use for the roll change controlled by provided on the sheet marks, such as print marks (2.1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the correct position fixing of the holding and positioning element (16) takes place at the separate workplace, taking into account markings on the flat material, for example, taking into account print marks (2.1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat material is a weldable film (2), and that the joining takes place during roll replacement by welding, preferably by means of splitting welding. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after joining or during the joining, the flat material (2) is separated from the holding and positioning element (16). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll change, ie the controlled stopping of the sheet material used before the roll change, the joining and separating of the sheet from the roll used before the roll change (6, 7) and the holding and positioning element (16) and the subsequent further Pulling off the flat material from the connecting roller (7, 6) carried out computer controlled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiation of the roll change takes place by at least one sensor (19) monitoring the web of the flat material (2) in use or the roll (6, 7) in use. Supply unit for feeding a web-like flat material to a packaging machine or the like processing machine, having at least two roll receptacles (4, 5), for receiving in each case a flat material supply in the form of a roll (6, 7), of which at least one roll (6, 7) the roll in use, from which the flat material (2) is withdrawn during operation of the packaging machine or the like processing machine, and at least one further roll forms a connection roll (7, 6) ready for roll change, having a connection station (12), through which the flat material (2) of the roller (6) in use is led and on which a connecting region of the flat material (2) of the connecting roller (7, 6) is positioned exactly positioned for a transitionally correct connection at a connection position (17, 18) , characterized in that at the connecting position (17, 18) a receptacle (15) is provided, in the a holding and positioning element (16) attached to the connection region of the connection roller (7, 6) can be arranged in a positionally accurate manner for the transitionally correct connection. Supply unit according to claim 13, characterized by means (22, 23, 24) with which the holding and positioning element at the connection region of the connection roller (7, 6) are fixed in a positionally accurate manner prior to the insertion of the holding and positioning element into the receptacle (15) can. Supply unit according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized by a fixing jig (22) for the positionally accurate fastening of the holding and positioning element (16) to the connection region of the connection roller (7, 8). Supply unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the mounting jig (22) for a positionally accurate fastening of the holding and positioning element (16) is formed on this gauge. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding and positioning element is a clamping rail (16). Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (15) for the holding and positioning element (16) about an axis parallel to the plane of the sheet (2) of the roller (6) in use and perpendicular to the direction of movement ( A) of the sheet (A) at the connection position (17, 18) is rotatable. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller seats arbors (4, 5), on which the rollers (6, 7) can be arranged by sliding. Supply unit according to claim 19, characterized in that the receptacle (15) about an axis parallel to the mandrels (4, 5) is rotatable. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection station (12) between the roller receptacles (4, 5) is arranged. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when forming the flat material as heat weldable material, such as a weldable film, at least one connection position (17, 18) at least one welding element, for example in the form of a heated welding rail is provided which by at least one actuating element (25) from a retracted position to a working and welding position is movable. Supply unit according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one welding element is designed for a separating welding. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on both sides of the rotatable receptacle (15) at least one welding element (16, 18) is provided. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first sensor (19) for monitoring the consumption of the roller (6) in use and for automatically initiating the roll change via a control unit or a control computer (20). Supply unit according to claim 25, characterized in that the at least one first sensor monitors the diameter of the roller in use. Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one second sensor (21) for monitoring the flat material (2) of the roller (6, 7) in use and for controlled stopping of the movement of this flat material (2) after initiating the roll change and before connecting to the connection area of the connection roller (7, 6). Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first sensor (19) and / or the at least one second sensor (21) monitor markings (2.1) on the flat material (2). Supply unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by means (14) for keeping constant the tension of the web-like flat material (2) and / or for reducing the tension and / or blocking the movement of the flat material (2) during the roll change.

Images