ES2943757A2 - FILM COUNT AND CONTROL PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Film counting and control device for a wrapping machine comprising a communications and management module suitable for communicating with at least one server, a first element for identifying the film reels, a second element for measuring the amount of film during the cycles of enfardado and a module of communications that work in parallel to the enfardadora to which they are added and the first element works in collaboration with an identification card arranged in the reels of film that are dispensed and the second element is arranged in the race of the film between the coil and the pallet to be baled, where the data collected is sent to a server that transforms and crosses them to obtain valid data for stock management and efficiency in baling operations. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

FILM COUNT AND CONTROL PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE

The invention refers to a procedure and a device that can be adapted to the vast majority of wrapping machines (with rotary arm, platform, ring or any other), which measures the quantity and type of film that is dispensed and the number of pallets wrapped.

The device has means for measuring the amount of film consumed as well as identifying the reel, obtaining data on its capacity and the type of film, being in communication with a server to which the data is sent. In this way, it is suitable for real-time control of the amount of footage dispensed in the wrapping process as well as the type of film used and reel capacity, being able to anticipate reel change needs and film stock requirements.

The field of action of the invention is that of wrapping machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pallet wrapping machines that carry out the wrapping by means of a reel-carrier are well known, where said reel-carrier cars comprise a series of rollers both to support the film reel and to guide and shape the film before coming into contact with the load. to pack

The patent EP1504995 refers to a wrapping machine that has a pair of arms that move with respect to a frame, where the ends of the arms have a device for unwinding and folding the film.

The applicant's own utility model U201932048 shows an autonomous baling machine suitable both for carrying out tasks typical of anger as well as autonomy of movement and navigation, which has a mobile arm that moves around the load, baling it.

The patent EP1714876 refers to a wrapping machine that comprises a fixed frame and a platform that can rotate on said frame, an axis that supports a roll of polymeric film which can perform a translation movement around the load to be baled.

The applicant's own patent EP 2147864 refers to a fixed machine which has a rotating arm that orbits around the load to be baled. Said arm at one of its ends has a reel-holder carriage with rollers where at least one of them houses a reel of film and the others help to stretch the film before starting the wrapping process.

US2022355962 patent refers to a system comprising a wrapping machine, a plurality of sensors configured to detect the operation of the machine, and a controller connected to the sensors. The controller is configured to set machine operating parameter target values, during machine operation, monitor actual operating parameter values using sensor data, and in response to a difference between target and actual values that are greater than a threshold, issue a command to adjust the operation of the machine so that the difference is less than the threshold.

None of the above inventions contemplates a device independent of the wrapping machine where its objective is stock control based on the amount of film consumed and that has elements that can be used to carry out said control, allowing real-time monitoring of film consumption. automating inventory control and being able to automate stock supply times without the need to request it manually.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a procedure and a device that allows to know the number of wrapping cycles, the amount of film dispensed, the type of film and other characteristics of the reel such as, among others, the type or capacity, total and remaining. . With the data obtained, through its transformation and combination, it is possible to determine the efficiency of the packaging as well as carry out a planning of the stock of coils of each type or anticipate the needs to change coils.

This device is independent of the operation of the machine to which it is added, so it is suitable to be added to wrapping machines. The device collects the information and sends it to a server.

Its operation is in parallel to that of the machine to which it is attached, in such a way that there is no interference between the data obtained by the device and those obtained by said machine, avoiding duplications or errors that can distort the final information, thus which makes it ideal to be a device that can be installed in a pre-existing wrapping machine.

The mention that its operation is in parallel to the machine to which it is added must be understood as not sharing resources with it beyond, in any case, power supply and support, and can be added to an already existing machine and being independent, although obviously coordinated, the operation of the device from that of the machine.

The control device works in real time, sending the information collected to the server.

The procedure, in real time, makes it possible to determine both the number of meters of film consumed and the number of pallets wrapped, and therefore the number of meters required for each pallet, allowing stock forecasts and reel change requirements of each type. .

The device comprises:

- A communications and management module suitable for communicating with at least one server.

- A first identification element of the film reels. This first element includes:

- Means of identification of the film reel.

- Means to communicate with other elements, modules or servers.

- A second element that counts the meters of film during the wrapping cycles. This second element includes:

- Means for measuring the dispensed film.

- Means to communicate with other elements, modules or servers.

- A power source, which is preferably a 220VAC and 24VD input, which powers the device.

- Optionally means of connection (input/output) of other peripherals.

The first element comprises means for identification of the reel, preferably an RFID peripheral/reader, which detects and reads some labels (tags) arranged on the film reels, preferably on the mandrel. Said reader is in constant communication with the communications and management module and this with the server.

The second element, suitable for measuring the length of the dispensed film, comprises measurement means such as, among others, a tachometer or a sensor. This measurement means can also measure the number of wrapping cycles and thus the number of wrapped pallets.

This second element is preferably arranged at any point along the length of the film, from the reel to the pallet, its location being suitable on the last roller of the reel-carrying carriage through which the already pre-stretched film passes.

In a preferred execution, the first and second elements communicate directly with the communications and management module, although in a possible execution, the first and second elements have means to communicate directly with a server.

The procedure comprises the following phases:

- A first activation phase in which the device is activated prior to the beginning of the wrapping process.

- A second phase of recognition in which the first element identifies the film reel arranged in the reel holder carriage thanks to the peripheral reader and the identification card, which in a preferred execution will be an RFID reader and an RFID label. The recognition includes:

^o A first subphase in which the peripheral reader detects the identification label arranged on the reel, which contains information on the characteristics of the film reel.

^o A second subphase where the first element sends the collected information to the server, preferably through the communications and management module.

^o A third subphase in which the server relates said information with the information it saves on that same coil to determine:

■ The type of film and reel.

■ The footage available, for which it will be determined if it has been used previously and in that case, how many meters of film remain.

■ The stock of said type of reel in order, according to some predetermined data, to determine if it is necessary to stock up.

■ Whether the film is suitable for the wrapping operation.

- A third phase of calibration (to be carried out only once) of the second element in relation to the point where the reading is made, which must determine the pattern of measure that will serve as a parameter to count the meters of film in the wrapping process.

- A fourth phase to start counting the meters of film, in which once the second element has been calibrated and the film is arranged by the rollers of the reel-carriage, the wrapping begins and, in parallel, the meter count.

- A fifth phase of completion in which the baling stops and the meter count where the information collected is sent to the server, preferably through the communications and management module.

- A sixth phase of information transformation and data crossing. In it, the information is transformed into measurable data and is crossed with pre-existing data on the server in order to determine one or more of the following data:

- Quantity of film in stock of the type required.

- Consumption of film per pallet.

- Number of pallets for which there is still film stock.

- Efficiency of the enfardado in comparison with other previous enfardados. - A seventh phase of warnings in the event that parameters outside the predetermined parameters are detected as acceptable, for example, minimum quantity of stock or quantity of film per pallet.

Before the shrink wrapper begins a wrapping process, the device starts up and the first element recognizes the reel, and with it both the available footage and the type of film and the reel itself. This is possible thanks to the fact that said first element comprises a reader, for example an RFID reader previously mentioned, which is suitable for reading the identification tag (for example RFID) that contains the coil information. In a preferred execution, the label is supported on the coil itself, for example inside the mandrel, and the reader on the axis that supports it. In this way, the coil mounted on said axis is identified and characterized by the reader.

In a preferred embodiment, the information that is collected includes data about whether the reel is new or has already been used before, calculating in this case the amount of remaining film and, in both cases, the type of film. The communication and management module stores the information in its data persistence and sends it to the server which processes it, keeping the data updated.

As has been said, in a preferred execution, the label or "tag" is arranged on the coil mandrel, and the reader on the shaft that supports it during use, generating a constant reading of the label which allows to keep updated the data.

In a preferred execution, the second element is located on the film exit roller, through which the already pre-stretched film passes by the action of a pre-stretch motor, which facilitates the measurement and the relationship between the meters of film dispensed and the requirements for wrapping a pallet.

In a possible execution, the second element comprises an inductive sensor arranged on the film output roller.

In another possible implementation, the counting of pallets is carried out by activating the wrapping machine in such a way that each time the machine is turned on it is determined that a pallet has been wrapped, generating a progressive count of the number of pallets already wrapped.

The inductive sensor counts the meters of film according to the previously mentioned initial calibration. For this initial calibration, the diameter of the last roller where the film is already stretched must be known. The inductive sensor is arranged at such a distance that it allows it to detect said last roller, (for example, the detection of the roller is performed twice each turn), where the data on the diameter of the roller is divided by the number of times that the sensor detects the roller for each turn, the resulting data is sent to the server which processes it as a parameter that helps determine the number of meters of film consumed per reel and/or per pallet.

In a preferred execution, to check the correct operation of the device, its start-up and stop in relation to the last roller of the reel-carriage, detecting possible faults, the power board of the film pre-stretch motor is connected to the input of the device. , said motor has power outputs that send information to the device about the moment the pre-stretch motor starts up, thus enabling the correct activation of the device.

If the pre-stretch motor starts up and the device is not activated, the information is sent to the server, which recognizes this data as a failure, generating an alert in the system about the failure.

In another possible implementation, the communication between the device and the pre-stretching engine is through wireless technology or other means that allow it.

Through the readings of the identification labels of the film reels and the data obtained by the sensor for the control of the film footage, a relationship is established between the real-time consumption of the film (preferably measured in meters) and the reels. film in the current stock, which allows establishing the level of consumption of film footage in a given period in order to be able to place orders for film reels automatically.

In a possible execution, alerts (visual, acoustic, or of any other type) can be generated that indicate, for example, the need to change the reel or that the stock level is below a previously established threshold so that either it is generated an automatic order for film reels or just as a means of communication for the user to place the order.

The device can be installed in any wrapping machine, or in any type of machine that requires these features (labeling machines, scales, etc.) which facilitates its implementation both in new machines and on machines that are already in use, being easy and fast. your installation.

In one possible implementation, the power supply of the device is through batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGURE 1 shows a revolving arm type stretch wrapper (1) that mounts a reel holder carriage (2) where the reel axis (3) can be seen, where the reader is housed -for example, RFID- and the last roller of outlet (4) where the film measurement element is located, such as a tachometer or a sensor.

FIGURE 2 shows a film reel (5) with the identification card (6) arranged on the inner tube or mandrel.

DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Here a possible execution is proposed that is not limiting but merely expository of the invention, a device and a procedure for counting and controlling the film to be dispensed by a baler.

The device comprises at least the following elements:

A first element comprising an RFID tag reader, this reader being arranged on the axis of the film reel (3). This reader is suitable for reading identification cards (Tags) (6) arranged on the reel mandrel (5) and which contain reel identification data, specifically length and type of film.

These data are sent to a communications and management module.

A second element arranged in the film run, specifically in the exit roller (4) of the reel carrier carriage. This element, which includes a tachometer, is suitable for measuring the amount of film dispensed.

The data with the measurement of the dispensed film are sent to the communications and management module.

A communications and management module suitable for receiving data from the first and second elements and sending them to a server where they are transformed and processed, also using pre-existing data on the server.

The procedure for the measurement and control of the film in a stretch wrapper comprises the following phases and subphases:

- A first activation phase in which the device is activated prior to the beginning of the wrapping process.

- A second phase of recognition in which the first element identifies the film reel arranged on the reel-holder carriage thanks to the RFID label. The recognition includes:

^o A first subphase in which the RFID reader detects the RFID tag arranged on the reel which contains information on the characteristics of the film reel.

^o A second subphase where the first element sends the collected information to the server, preferably through the communications and management module.

^o A third subphase in which the server relates said information with the information it saves on that same coil to determine:

■ The type of film and reel.

■ The footage available, for which it will be determined if it has been used previously and in that case, how many meters of film remain.

■ The stock of said type of reel in order, according to some predetermined data, to determine if it is necessary to stock up.

■ Whether the film is suitable for the wrapping operation.

- A third phase of calibration (to be carried out only once) of the second element in relation to the point where the reading is made, which must determine the measurement pattern that will serve as a parameter to count the meters of film in the wrapping process. .

- A fourth phase to start counting the meters of film, in which once the second element has been calibrated and the film is arranged by the rollers of the reel-carriage, the wrapping begins and, in parallel, the meter count.

- A fifth phase of completion in which the baling and meter counting stop where the information collected is sent to the device which sends it to the server for treatment.

- A sixth phase of information transformation and data crossing. In it, the information is transformed into measurable data and is crossed with pre-existing data on the server in order to determine one or more of the following data:

- Quantity of film in stock of the type required.

- Consumption of film per pallet.

- Number of pallets for which there is still film stock.

- Efficiency of the enfardado in comparison with other previous enfardados. - A seventh phase of warnings in the event that parameters outside the predetermined data are detected, for example, minimum quantity of stock or quantity of film per pallet.

Claims (12)

1. FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE that acts in collaboration with a server with which it communicates and to which it sends data characterized by the fact that it understands; - A communications and management module suitable for communicating with at least one server. - A first identification element of the film reels. This first element comprises: - Means of identification of the film reel. - Means to communicate with other elements. - A second element for measuring the amount of film during the wrapping cycles. This second element includes: - Means for measuring the dispensed film. - Means to communicate with other elements. - A power supply Wherein the communications module and the first and second elements work in parallel to the baler to which they are added and the first element works in collaboration with an identification card arranged in the reels (5) of film that are dispensed and the second element is arranged in the film career between the reel and the pallet to be wrapped. 2. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises connection means (input/output) for other peripherals. 3. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the data obtained from the first and second elements are sent in real time to a server. 4. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the first element comprises an RFID reader and an RFID identification card (6), the card being arranged in the reel (5) 5. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 4, characterized in that the RFID reader is arranged on the axis (3) on which the film reel (5) that is dispensing the film rotates. 6. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 4, characterized in that the RFID cards are arranged on the mandrel of the dispensing reel. 7. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring element of the second element comprises a tachometer. 8. - FILM COUNT AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring element of the second element comprises an inductive sensor for counting meters of film and pallets 9. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring element of the second element is arranged in the film run after its pre-stretching. 10. - FILM COUNTING AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring element of the second element is arranged on the last roller of the reel carriage. 11. - PROCEDURE FOR THE CONTROL OF THE WRAPPING IN A WRAPPING MACHINE characterized by comprising the following phases: - A first activation phase in which the device is activated prior to the beginning of the wrapping process. - A second phase of recognition in which the first element identifies the film reel arranged on the reel-holder carriage thanks to the identification label. The recognition includes: ^o A first subphase in which the reader detects the identification label arranged on the reel which contains information on the characteristics of the film reel. ^o A second subphase where the first element sends the collected information to the server either directly or through the communications and management module. ^o A third subphase in which the server relates said information with the information it saves on that same coil to determine: ■ The type of film and reel. ■ The footage available, for which it will be determined if it has been used previously and in that case, how many meters of film remain. ■ The stock of said type of reel in order, according to some predetermined data, to determine if it is necessary to stock up. ■ Whether the film is suitable for the wrapping operation. - A third phase of calibration (to be carried out only once) of the second element in relation to the point where the reading is made, which must determine the measurement pattern that will serve as a parameter to count the meters of film in the wrapping process. . - A fourth phase, once the wrapping cycle has started, to measure the dispensed film. - A fifth phase, at the end of the wrapping cycle, in which the information collected during it is sent to the server for processing, either directly or through the communications and management module. - A sixth phase of information transformation and data crossing. In it, the information is transformed into measurable data and is crossed with pre-existing data on the server, including those collected by the first element, in order to determine one or more of the following data: - Quantity of film in stock of the type required. - Consumption of film per pallet. - Number of pallets for which there is still film stock. - Efficiency of the enfardado in comparison with other previous enfardados. 12.- PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING THE WRAPPING IN A WRAPPING MACHINE according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a seventh phase of warnings in the event that parameters outside of predetermined data are detected.