Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
  • B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
  • B65H19/12—Lifting, transporting, or inserting the web roll; Removing empty core
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
  • B65B11/02—Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
  • B65B11/025—Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders by webs revolving around stationary articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
  • B65B11/04—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material the articles being rotated
  • B65B11/045—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material the articles being rotated by rotating platforms supporting the articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H16/00—Unwinding, paying-out webs
  • B65H16/02—Supporting web roll
  • B65H16/021—Multiple web roll supports
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
  • B65H2301/30—Orientation, displacement, position of the handled material
  • B65H2301/32—Orientation of handled material
  • B65H2301/325—Orientation of handled material of roll of material
  • B65H2301/3251—Orientation of handled material of roll of material vertical axis
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
  • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
  • B65H2301/41—Winding, unwinding
  • B65H2301/413—Supporting web roll
  • B65H2301/4131—Support with vertical axis
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
  • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
  • B65H2301/41—Winding, unwinding
  • B65H2301/413—Supporting web roll
  • B65H2301/4139—Supporting means for several rolls
  • B65H2301/41392—Supporting means for several rolls moving in forced (kinematic) relationship
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
  • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
  • B65H2301/41—Winding, unwinding
  • B65H2301/417—Handling or changing web rolls
  • B65H2301/4171—Handling web roll
  • B65H2301/4173—Handling web roll by central portion, e.g. gripping central portion
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2402/00—Constructional details of the handling apparatus
  • B65H2402/30—Supports; Subassemblies; Mountings thereof
  • B65H2402/31—Pivoting support means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2402/00—Constructional details of the handling apparatus
  • B65H2402/30—Supports; Subassemblies; Mountings thereof
  • B65H2402/35—Supports; Subassemblies; Mountings thereof rotating around an axis
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
  • B65H2403/40—Toothed gearings
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
  • B65H2403/50—Driving mechanisms
  • B65H2403/53—Articulated mechanisms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
  • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
  • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
  • B65H2701/1944—Wrapping or packing material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
  • B65H2801/00—Application field
  • B65H2801/81—Packaging machines

Definitions

• the invention relates to systems and apparatus for automatically replacing reels of film or band or web made of plastic and/or paper material in wrapping machines arranged to wrap with said film or band or web a product or a plurality of products stacked on a platform or pallet to form a palletised load.
• the invention further relates to a wrapping machine provided with at least one apparatus for automatically replacing reels of film or band or web made of plastic and/or paper material.
• the known wrapping machines comprise an unwinding apparatus which is movable along and/or about a winding axis and which supports a reel of film or band or web from which the film or band is unwound to be wrapped around the load so as to form a series of strips or bands generally having a helical trend, by virtue of the combination of the relative linear and rotational movements between the unwinding apparatus and the load.
• wrapping machines provided with a rotating table to support the load
• the load is rotated about a vertical winding axis, while the unwinding apparatus is moved parallel to the winding axis with alternating motion along a fixed upright of the wrapping machine.
• the load remains stationary during the wrapping, while the unwinding apparatus is moved with respect to the load both in rotation about a vertical wrapping axis and in translation parallel to the wrapping axis.
• the unwinding apparatus is fixed to a ring structure or to an arm rotatably supported by a machine frame and so as to rotate around the load.
• the unwinding apparatus substantially comprises a supporting frame, fixed to the rotating ring or arm or slidably connected to the fixed upright, which rotatably supports a reel holder shaft on which the film reel is mounted, a pair of pre- stretching rollers for stretching and unwinding the film and one or more guide or return rollers for diverting the film towards the load during the unwinding.
• the film is unwound from the reel and wrapped around the aforesaid rollers according to a wrapping path which allows a correct unwinding and possibly an established pre-stretch or elongation.
• the reel must be replaced with a new reel.
• the reel is of the type comprising an elongated central core, typically of cardboard or plastic, around which the film is wrapped, such a core, devoid of film, must be removed from the reel-holder shaft of the unwinding apparatus.
• Such a replacement procedure is generally performed manually by one or more operators who, after stopping the machine and positioning the unwinding apparatus at an appropriate height from the ground, proceed to remove the core (if present) of the exhausted reel from the relative reel holder shaft and/or insert and lock the new film reel.
• the replacement procedure is performed automatically without the intervention of operators.
• these machines comprise a reel replacement apparatus which includes a reel changing carriage provided with a new reel which is movable away from or towards the wrapping machine and a possible removing device for the exhausted reel, generally positioned separately and spaced from the carriage, typically on an opposite side of the machine.
• the reel changing carriage is moved close to the wrapping machine in an operating position to provide the new reel, which is inserted on the reel holder shaft of the unwinding apparatus of the wrapping machine automatically, thanks to the lifting, lowering and rotation movements of the unwinding apparatus performed by the wrapping machine.
• replacement apparatuses comprising a reel changing carriage which is movable towards/away from the machine and on which are mounted, in addition to the new reel, supports around which the initial flap of film or band unwound from the reel, previously manually wrapped by an operator, and kept locked in the unwound position by a stop clamp fixed to the carriage itself.
• the supports are sized and positioned so as to be adjacent to the pre- stretching and guiding rollers of the unwinding apparatus, when the latter is lowered on the carriage in a reel change operating position. The flap of film is then disengaged from the supports and automatically transferred and wrapped onto the pre- stretching and guiding rollers.
• replacement apparatuses which comprise a plurality of reel changing carriages which are movable along guides or straight rails between respective non-operating positions, in which the aforesaid carriages are spaced apart from a working area of the wrapping machine so as not to interfere with its operation, and an operating position within the working area for the replacement of the reel.
• a disadvantage of such replacement apparatuses lies in their size, since they comprise linear guides and reel changing carriages which entirely occupy at least one side of the wrapping machine, thus limiting the accessibility to the machine and its parts and the possibility of positioning auxiliary operating units, such as units for the insertion of angular protections on the load, labelling or graphic marking units, etc.
• Another object is to provide a replacement apparatus having limited and compact dimensions which allows the complete accessibility of the wrapping machine.
• a further object is to provide a replacement apparatus which allows a plurality of reels to be automatically replaced without operator intervention.
• Another object is to provide a wrapping machine provided with a reel replacement apparatus having limited and compact dimensions and which allows to replace a plurality of reels automatically ensuring a high operating autonomy to the wrapping machine.
• a replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of plastic and/or paper material is provided, according to claim 1.
• a replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of plastic and/or paper material is provided, according to claim 12.
• figure 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web of the invention in a non-operating position
• figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the replacement apparatus of figure 1
• figure 3 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus of figure 1
• figure 4 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus of the invention in a reel changing operating position
• figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the replacement apparatus of figure 1 illustrating in particular gripping pliers of an initial flap of film or band or web
• figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a removing device of the replacement apparatus of figure 1 configured to remove an exhausted reel from an unwinding apparatus of a wrapping machine with which the replacement apparatus is associated
• figure 7 is a perspective view of the replacement apparatus of figure 1 associated with a rotating ring wrapping machine and arranged in the non-operating configuration
• figure 8 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus
• a replacement apparatus 1 for reels 50 of film or band or web made of plastic and/or paper material of the invention is illustrated, which is associable with a wrapping machine 100 for automatically replacing an exhausted reel 50’ mounted on the wrapping machine 100 with a new reel 50.
• the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention installed adjacent to a working area L of the wrapping machine 100, for example of the rotating ring type (figures 7-9), in which a load (not illustrated) is wrapped with the film or band or web, allows an exhausted reel 50’ of film or band, i.e., its cardboard or plastic core, to be removed from a unwinding apparatus 110 of the wrapping machine 100 and/or a new reel 50 of film or band to be loaded onto the unwinding apparatus 110, as better explained below.
• a load not illustrated
• the exhausted reel must not be removed from the unwinding apparatus 110 since the film is completely unwound from a respective reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 during the operation of the bending machine.
• the unwinding apparatus 110 in addition to the respective reel holder shaft 111 arranged to receive and support a reel 50, comprises a plurality of pre- stretching rollers 112, 113 and guiding rollers 114 suitable to unwind the film or band from the reel 50, and possibly to prestretch it.
• the replacement apparatus 1 comprises a supporting frame 2, a moving arm 3 provided with a first end 3a fixed to the supporting frame 2 rotatable about a first rotation axis XI, in particular vertical, a supporting element 4 fixed to a second end 3b of the moving arm 3 rotatable about a second rotation axis X2, in particular parallel to the first rotation axis XI, and a plurality of reel changing carriages 10 fixed to the supporting element 4.
• Each reel changing carriage 10 comprises a first reel holder shaft 34, adapted to house a new reel 50 of film or band made of plastic and/or paper material to be mounted on the wrapping machine 100.
• each reel changing carriage 10 also comprises a removing device 20 configured to remove and retain an exhausted reel 50’ from the wrapping machine 100.
• the replacement apparatus 1 also comprises first driving means 5 and second driving means 6 for rotating the moving arm 3 and the supporting element 4, respectively.
• the first driving means 5 are configured to rotate the moving arm 3 about the first rotation axis XI between a non-operating position A, in which the supporting element 4 is arranged more spaced apart from the wrapping machine 100, and an operating position B, in which the supporting element 4 is arranged closer to the wrapping machine 100.
• the second driving means 6 are configured to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position an established reel changing carriage 10 of the plurality of reel changing carriages in a replacement position, in particular when the moving arm 3 is arranged in the operating position B for receiving the exhausted reel 50’ and/or for supplying the new reel 50.
• the reel changing carriages 10 are fixed to the supporting element 4 angularly spaced about the second rotation axis X2.
• the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention comprises two reel changing carriages 10 angularly spaced apart by 180°.
• three or more reel changing carriages 10, in this case angularly spaced apart by an angle of 120° or by a fractional angle of 360°, in particular calculated on the basis of the number of the reel changing carriages 10, can be fixed to the supporting element 4.
• the supporting frame 2 comprises, for example, a base 41, in particular consisting of a plate, fixed to and supported by a plurality of supporting bars 42 provided with supporting feet 43 and interconnected to each other.
• the first driving means 5 comprise, for example, a first toothed fifth reel 7 fixed to the supporting frame 2, in particular to the base 41, and rotatably connected to and supporting the first end 3 a of the moving arm 3 and a first rotary actuator 31 fixed to the moving arm 3 and arranged to drive a first toothed wheel 8 engaged with the first toothed fifth wheel 7.
• the first actuator 31 comprises, for example, a first electric gearmotor which rotatably drives the first toothed wheel 8 which meshes with a circumferential external toothing of the first toothed fifth wheel 7. By rotating the first toothed wheel 8 on and along the external toothing of the first toothed fifth wheel 7 the moving arm 3 is rotated.
• the second driving means 6 comprise, for example, a second toothed fifth wheel 17 fixed to the second end 3b of the moving arm 3 and a second rotary actuator 32 fixed to the supporting element 4 and arranged to drive a second toothed wheel 18 engaged with the second toothed fifth wheel 17.
• the second actuator 31 comprises, for example, a second electric gearmotor which rotatably drives the second toothed wheel 18 which meshes with a circumferential external toothing of the second toothed fifth wheel 17.
• a second electric gearmotor which rotatably drives the second toothed wheel 18 which meshes with a circumferential external toothing of the second toothed fifth wheel 17.
• Each reel changing carriage 10 comprises a plurality of abutment elements 35 of known type, around which an initial flap 51a of film 51 unwound from the new reel 50 can be wrapped according to a looped path, and gripping pliers 36 suitable to retain one end of said initial flap of film unwound and arranged around the abutment elements 35.
• the gripping pliers 36 that are mounted on a respective supporting arm 37 comprise a first fixed gripping element 36a and a second flexible gripping element 36b fixed to each other and configured to receive and retain the end of the initial flap 51a of film.
• the gripping pliers 36 also incorporate a blade 38 adapted to cut an exceeding portion of film, simply by pulling the initial flap of film downwards.
• the reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10, on which a new reel 50 of film or band is inserted is also of a known type, in particular retractable or telescopic, since it is capable of being pushed downwards, along an almost vertical insertion direction H, by the reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 to transfer the new reel 50 to the unwinding apparatus.
• a reel changing carriage of this type is disclosed in patent EP 2097323 of the applicant.
• the removing device 20, which can be mounted on each reel changing carriage 10, comprises a container 21, for example of tubular shape, adapted to receive, in particular partially, the exhausted reel 50’, in particular its core, a base element 22 fixed inside the container 21 to a bottom wall 21a thereof and provided with a side wall 23 that forms a flat supporting surface adapted to abut and support the exhausted reel 50’.
• a removing device of this type is disclosed for example in patent application WO2022/101838 of the applicant.
• the device also comprises a pair of locking pliers 25 fixed externally to the container 21 and operable in the gripping position to lock an exhausted reel 50 to the removing device 20 and allow it to be disengaged from the wrapping machine 100.
• each locking pliers 25 is moved between the gripping position and a disengagement position by a respective actuator 28, for example a linear pneumatic or electric actuator.
• each reel changing carriage 10 is fixed to a supporting structure 19 thereof by elastic means 26, so as to be elastically movable along an insertion direction H, in particular substantially vertical, along which the exhausted reel 50’ is moved and inserted into the removing device 20, during the replacement procedure, as better explained in the following disclosure.
• the removing device 20 can be slidably fixed to the supporting structure 19 of the respective reel changing carriage 10 and is movable by third driving means along the insertion direction H, in particular substantially vertical, to adjust a height of the removing device 20, in particular when supporting an exhausted reel 50’, with respect to the supporting structure 19, for example so as not to interfere with the correct operation of the wrapping machine 100.
• a wrapping machine 100 is illustrated which includes a replacement apparatus 1 of the invention, positioned at one of the supporting columns of the frame of the wrapping machine 100, adjacent to a working area L of the wrapping machine.
• the wrapping machine 100 is, for example, a rotary ring machine and comprises a frame 102 provided with four supporting columns 103 which support moving means 101 arranged to move the unwinding apparatus 110 parallel to and/or about a wrapping axis W to allow a load to be wrapped with the film or band unwound from a reel 50 positioned on the unwinding apparatus 110.
• the moving means 101 comprise, in particular, a carriage 104 movable along the supporting columns 103 and a horizontal ring 105 rotatably connected to and supported by the carriage 104 so as to rotate about the wrapping axis W and supporting the unwinding apparatus 110.
• the replacement apparatus 1 In the non-operating position A the replacement apparatus 1 is arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing, as evident from the figures, an almost complete accessibility to the wrapping machine 100 itself and in particular to its working area L.
• the wrapping machine 100 can include a pair of replacement apparatuses 1 of the invention positioned at respective supporting columns 103 of the frame 102 of the wrapping machine 100, adjacent to the working area L of the wrapping machine.
• a replacement apparatus 1 is arranged in operating position B, with one of the two respective reel changing carriages 10 in replacement position, while the other replacement apparatus 1 is arranged in non-operating position A.
• the replacement apparatuses 1 are arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing a wide accessibility and in particular to its working area L.
• the two replacement devices 1 allow to automatically replace, without the intervention of the operator, four reels of film or band, allowing the wrapping machine a high operating autonomy.
• the number of replacement devices 1 to be associated with the wrapping machine 100 can be selected according to the layout of the production plant in which the wrapping machine is inserted and/or the presence or absence of accessory operating units, such as units for inserting of angular protections on the load, labelling or graphic marking units, etc.
• the operation of the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention associated with the wrapping machine 100 envisages, during the replacement procedure of an exhausted reel 50 of film or band mounted on the unwinding apparatus 110, to rotate the moving arm 3 about the first rotation axis XI, activating the first driving means 5, from the non-operating position A to the operating position B to bring the supporting element 4 and the reel changing carriages 10 closer to the wrapping machine 100 and in particular to the working area L.
• the second driving means 6 can possibly be activated to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position an established reel changing carriage 10 in the replacement position for receiving the exhausted reel 50’ and/or yielding the new reel 50.
• the procedure for replacing the reel is performed automatically by the wrapping machine 100 by suitably controlling the moving means 101 so as to move and/or position the unwinding apparatus 110 in a removal position for transferring the exhausted reel 50’ to the established reel changing carriage 10 and/or in a picking position for picking up a new reel 50 from the reel changing carriage 10.
• the unwinding apparatus 110 in a removal position (if the reel comprises a core) the unwinding apparatus 110 is positioned so that its reel holder shaft 111 is superimposed and aligned with the removing device 20 of the reel changing carriage 10.
• the exhausted reel 50’ i.e., the core
• the exhausted reel 50 is inserted inside the container 21 until it abuts and rests on the base element 22 allowing the disengagement of the exhausted reel 50 from the reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 which can thus be lifted to release the exhausted reel 50’.
• the exhausted reel remains housed inside the container 21 also retained by the locking pliers 25 operated in the gripping position.
• the unwinding apparatus 110 is moved to a picking position in which its reel holder shaft 111 is superimposed and aligned with the reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10 which supports a new reel 50. Thereby when the unwinding apparatus 110 is lowered, moved along the insertion direction H, the reel holder shaft 111 is progressively inserted inside the new reel 50, pushing the reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10 downwards until its complete disengagement from the new reel 50.
• the pre- stretching rollers 112, 113 and the guide rollers 114 of the unwinding apparatus 110 are inserted between the abutment elements 35 around which the initial flap 5 la of film 51 unwound from the new reel 50 is wrapped according to the looped path, retained at its end by the gripping pliers 36.
• the initial flap 51a of film is then transferred (for example by lowering and disengaging the abutment elements 35) so as to wrap around the pre-stretching 112, 113 guide rollers 114 of the unwinding apparatus 110 which can be lifted and spaced apart from the reel changing carriage 10 for further wrapping operations.
• the moving arm 3 of the replacement apparatus 1 is then rotated about the first rotation axis XI by the first driving means 5 from the operating position B to the non-operating position A to move the reel changing carriages 10 away from the work area L and allow the wrapping machine 100 to operate.
• the second driving means 6 are activated to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position the reel changing carriage 10 still provided with the new reel in the replacement position and the reel changing carriage 10 not provided with a new reel, but supporting the exhausted reel 50' in the opposite position.
• the reel changing carriage 10 faces outwards with respect to the wrapping machine and is more easily accessible to an operator to allow the easy removal of the exhausted reel 50’ from the reel holder shaft 34 and the insertion of a new reel 50 on the reel holder shaft 34 and the wrapping of the initial flap of film around the abutment elements 35.
• the replacement apparatus 1 for reels of the invention thus allows a plurality of reels to be replaced automatically without operator intervention.
• the supporting element 4 can support two or more reel changing carriages 10, each of which can receive an exhausted reel 50’ from the unwinding apparatus 110 of the wrapping machine and/or provide the unwinding apparatus with a new reel 50.
• the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention further has limited and compact encumbrances which together with its positioning adjacent to the wrapping machine allow complete accessibility thereto.
• a second embodiment of the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention which differs from the embodiment disclosed above and illustrated in figures 1 to 6, only in that it comprises, in addition to the moving arm 13 (rotatably supported by the supporting frame 12 and rotatably supporting the supporting element 14 supporting at least one reel changing carriage 10), a connection element 15 having opposite ends 15a, 15b rotatably connected respectively to the supporting element 14 and to the supporting frame 12.
• the connecting element 15 forms with the moving arm 13, the supporting element 14 and the supporting frame 12 an articulated parallelogram mechanism which prevents the rotation of the supporting element 14 and of the reel changing carriage 10 fixed thereto during the rotation of the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis XI from the non-operating position A to the operating position B and vice versa.
• the supporting frame 12 is the fixed element, the supporting element 14 acts as a connecting rod and the moving arm 13 and the connecting element 15 act as rockers.
• the connecting element 15 comprises a tie rod of tubular shape.
• the moving arm 13 is provided with a first end 13a fixed to the supporting frame 12 rotatable about the first rotation axis XI, in particular vertical, and the supporting element 14 is fixed to a second end 13b of the moving arm 13 rotatable about the second rotation axis X2.
• the supporting frame 12 comprises, for example, a base 61, in particular consisting of a shaped plate which includes a central portion to which the first end 13a of the moving arm 13 is rotatably fixed.
• the first driving means 5 arranged to rotate the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis XI between the non-operating position A (figures 11 and 12), and the operating position B (figures 15 and 16), are similar to those of the embodiment of figures 1 - 6 and comprise, for example, the first toothed fifth wheel 7 fixed to the supporting frame 12, in particular to the base 61, and rotatably connected to and supporting the first end 13a of the moving arm 13 and the first rotary actuator 31 fixed to the moving arm 13 and arranged to actuate a first toothed wheel 8 engaged with the first toothed fifth wheel 7.
• the rotation of the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis XI causes the linear displacement according to two mutually orthogonal displacement directions X, Y of the supporting element 14.
• the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a single reel changing carriage 10, identical to the reel changing carriage 10 disclosed for the embodiment of figures 1-6.
• the replacement apparatus 1 of the variant of figures 11-16 can comprise a plurality of reel changing carriages 10 fixed to the supporting element 14, in particular angularly spaced apart about a third rotation axis.
• a further supporting element also in the form of a plate, is rotatably mounted about the aforesaid third rotation axis, parallel to the first and second rotation axes XI, X2, which supports the plurality of reel changing carriages 10.
• Second driving means are provided to rotate the further supporting element about the third rotation axis to position an established reel changing carriage 10 in the replacement position, in particular when the moving arm 13 is arranged in the operating position B.
• FIGs 17 and 18 illustrate a wrapping machine 100 which includes the embodiment of replacement apparatus 1 above disclosed and illustrated in figures 11 to 16, that is positioned at one of the supporting columns 103 of the frame 102 of the wrapping machine, adjacent to the working area L of the wrapping machine, in particular with the moving arm 13 in the non-operating position A.
• the wrapping machine 100 is the same as disclosed with reference to figures 8 to 10.
• the replacement apparatus 1 in the non-operating position A the replacement apparatus 1 is arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing, as evident from the figures, an almost complete accessibility to the wrapping machine 100 itself and in particular to its working area L.
• the replacement apparatus 1 has particularly compact dimensions and minimal encumbrances even when moving between the non-operating position A and the operating position B.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Replacement Of Web Rolls (AREA)
• Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
• Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=89905725

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2024
  • 2024-01-17 CN CN202480008481.2A patent/CN120548293A/zh active Pending
  • 2024-01-17 EP EP24704899.4A patent/EP4652125A2/de active Pending
  • 2024-01-17 WO PCT/IB2024/050451 patent/WO2024154069A2/en not_active Ceased

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