FI95228B - Procedure and arrangement for packing cylindrical objects - Google Patents

Description

95228

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING CYLINDRICAL PIECES - FÖRFARANDE OCH ANORDNING FÖR FÖRPACKNING AV CYLINDER-FORMIGA FÖREMÄL

The present invention relates to a method for packaging cylindrical pieces, such as paper rolls, in which the rolls are wrapped in a wrapping material, the edges of which are folded against the ends of the roll, and in which end rolls of substantially the same diameter are placed at the ends of the roll. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Prior to or in connection with the roll wrapping step, an inner end patch substantially the size of the diameter, which is typically thick cardboard or corrugated cardboard, is placed on the ends of the roll to form the end protection of the roll.

The rolls of paper are wrapped in a wrapping material wider than their length. The edges of the wrapping material extending beyond the length of the roll are folded against the ends of the roll and are secured thereto at both ends of the roll by pressing an outer end patch substantially the size of the diameter of the roll. The outer end flap is typically a thin paperboard that is plastic-coated on the mounting side and adheres to the roll by thermal adhesion while providing moisture protection. In the following, the word end tag will be used collectively as the inner and outer end cap.

Roll sizes vary considerably in both width and 30 diameters. In general, roll widths range from 500 to 3000 mm and diameters from 500 to 1500 mm. Sometimes these sizes are even larger.

Due to the large diameter variations, the size range of the end tags used in the packaging is large. At least ten different end flap sizes are required in the above diameter range.

* 2 95228 The end tags are manually placed on the ends of the roll in the wrapping step and correspondingly precisely aligned on the press planes in the end pressing step so that their position corresponds to the attachment point of the end tag on the roll. The press levels are in 5 setting steps, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the system. The distance between the positions of the end flaps is considerably large.

The end tags are typically stored on overlapping shelves or racks from which the packer picks them up and places them in rolls as described above.

Wrapping and end pressing operations take place either at the same or different workstations, e.g. depending on the capacity of the system. 15 In this context, the main focus is on a system in which the packaging functions are in different positions to achieve sufficient capacity. The invention is preferably also used in the so-called in a combined wrapping / end press station to reduce manual work.

20

In known systems, the packer, when placing the end tabs on the rolls, moves over a considerable area, which slows down the packing. The same packer attaches the necessary shipping labels and other necessary markers to the roll, which slows down the operation because a large part of the working time is spent walking between different workstations. In order to achieve a sufficiently large • capacity in a roll package, in practice at least two packers are required.

30 Another possibility is to use robots and end tag la warehouses, where end tags of different sizes are stored and from which they are automatically picked up. These solutions are particularly complex and expensive. In addition, they need a considerable amount of space to operate, which makes them 35 uneconomical and often difficult, if not impossible, to locate, for example, in existing factory premises.

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It is already known to use, for example, a roll-packing device according to FI patent publication 56803 with storage trays and transfer members, which are programmed to transfer the end tag to the pressing member.

5 This roll packing machine only handles the outer end tag that comes into the roll at one end, so there must be separate equipment for both ends of the roll. This is disadvantageous and uneconomical e.g. due to the dual equipment required. In addition, the swivel storage units and the transfer members 10 are complex in structure and expensive.

In addition, the system often requires manual loading of packaging materials onto the storage tray. Furthermore, in the device, the practically slack outer end flap is moved to the pressing member in a vertical position, which tends to make it more difficult for it to settle and adhere to the pressing member e.g. by suction.

In the packaging of paper rolls, it is especially difficult to handle large-diameter, thin and curved end tags, and in stacking they are automatically separated from each other, e.g. due to quality differences and manufacturing methods. Picking them up, positioning them and aligning them correctly on the inserter is a precision work that makes automating the layout of the end tags particularly cumbersome and difficult. For the reasons mentioned above, automatic systems are also sensitive to interference, and even when robots are used, at least one person is still required to monitor the operation of the system.

For the reasons mentioned above, automatic end-flap systems are generally used only in the largest capacity systems and sites with sufficient space for this purpose.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device with which the roll packaging can be rationalized without the use of robots in the arrangement of the end flaps and with which other disadvantages in known systems are avoided. In the system according to the invention, the arrangement of the end flaps 95228 takes place in two stages; in the first step, the end tags are interposed on a table or setter, from where they are transferred with constant movement (s) to the setter. In the second step of the method according to the invention, the end flaps are placed on the ends of 5 rolls with a device according to the invention.

In the following, the operation of the method and device according to the invention in the end pressing station E will be described primarily. The end patch then acts as a pressing plane, the word 10 of which is used in the description below from the applicator.

The method and device according to the invention also optionally comprise the arrangement of the end flaps in the wrapping station C, the applicator correspondingly having a structure suitable for the handling of the inner end flap, e.g. a simple suction gripper.

The various applications of the method and / or device according to the invention in a wrapping and / or end pressing station are implemented with the same inventive features.

20

An embodiment of the invention for a wrapping station C is shown in Figure 1 by dotted lines. It will not be explained separately, nor will the implementation of the wrapping station be repeated in other figures, although the wrapping step implementation is also included therein.

75

In the method according to the invention, the direction of the press planes in the receiving position of the end flaps is such that the alignment positions of the end flaps corresponding to the support points of the rolls of each level are in the same line. In this case, the position variation of the upper edge of the end flaps of different sizes in the layout position at different press levels is in the same direction, i.e. the symmetry lines of the layout of the end flaps in the layout position are parallel. Furthermore, it follows from the geometry of the movement of the device implementing the second step of the method according to the invention that the end plates 35 are properly attached to the rolls to be packaged when they are arranged as described in more detail below.

95228

More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is defined in the characterizing part of claim 1, and the device according to the invention implementing the method is characterized by what is defined in the characterizing part of the device claim.

In the method, the end tags coming to the ends of one or more rollers are precisely interposed on the table according to the alignment points / symmetry lines 10 corresponding to the support points of the roll. If necessary, the packer has affixed the shipping label to the end tag. The end tags are moved from the intermediate positioning position, one for each end of the roll, to the press levels in the receiving positions in constant movements, whereby they are automatically correctly positioned according to the above-mentioned alignment points / symmetry lines.

A second press level can also act as an intermediate positioning station, in which case only the upper end flap is moved to the second press level with constant movement. In this case, the lower end flap remains in the correct position for compression mounting. The transfer movements are preferably performed with standard motion manipulators.

The intermediate positioning station can also be a storage platform to which the end tags are correctly aligned and from which the standard motion manipulators move the end tags separately to the press levels.

‘In one solution according to the invention, the manipulator moves the second end tag from the intermediate storage level to the end press level and the packer manually places and aligns the second end tag with the shipping label to the second press level as described above.

«« The handling of the end flaps in the setting phase takes place at all times in a substantially horizontal position, which is advantageous for the storage and handling of the flexible and thin end flaps. The pick-up and leveling of the end flaps preferably uses the gripping technique known per se, which operates with a vacuum 95228, as well as the vacuum fastening in the press planes and the intermediate positioning table.

In a typical embodiment of the method according to the invention, the end flaps coming to both ends of the roll 5 are interposed two at the same time, whereby they are separated from each other by gripping the end flaps from different sides by vacuum. This application avoids the occasional disturbance in picking up from a stack, in which several end patch foundations can be left according to the vacuum gripper due to e.g. the porosity of the end flap.

In the first step of the method according to the invention, no controls or adjustments as a function of the diameter of the end flap or programmable robot machines are used in the placement of the end flap on the press levels. The device implementing the second step of the method according to the invention, combined with the method of the first step, implements a rational arrangement of the end tags in the roll package. The invention thus realizes the arrangement of the end tags in a rational and economical manner, whereby the packer makes the necessary intermediate arrangements simply with little movement and at the same time monitors the other operation of the packaging system. The method achieves higher capacity and better work ergonomics compared to traditional solutions.

When it is desired to operate the roll package completely without manual work, a robotic end flap pick-up and 30 automatic positions from different storage locations to the intermediate positioning station / press level can be used in connection with the method and device according to the invention.

Utilizing the method according to the invention, the end tag automation can also be implemented in stages, so that a robot function is later added to it, for example as production increases.

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In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows schematically and from above a embodiment of a roll packaging line according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows schematically and from above a second embodiment of a roll packaging line according to the invention, in particular its end pressing station.

10

Figure 3 shows schematically and from above a third embodiment of a roll packaging line according to the invention, in particular its end pressing station.

Figure 4 shows schematically and from above a fourth embodiment of a roll packaging line according to the invention, in particular its end pressing station.

Fig. 5 shows the geometry of the movement of the device implementing the second step 20 of the method according to the invention between the setting and unloading positions and the operation of the end press.

In Figures 1-4, reference numeral A denotes an automatic information station for a roll packaging system, in which the rolls are identified, measured, weighed, registered as production, marked and positioned for packaging. According to the information collected in the information * position A, the functions and selections of the packaging machine are controlled, which are e.g. the correct width and number of wraps, the size of the inner and outer end flaps and their arrangement. According to the identification information and weight information, shipping labels are also printed 1.

Reference numeral B denotes an intermediate position at the beginning of the axial conveyor. Reference numeral C, on the other hand, denotes 35 wrapping stations and reference numeral D denotes an intermediate station where a shipping label can be affixed to the roll casing (Figures 2 and 4) or other markings can be made on the roll casing.

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Reference numeral E denotes an end press station according to the invention and reference numeral F denotes a waiting station where, alternatively, shipping labels can be affixed to the rolls or other marking can be performed on the end and / or casing of the roll.

5

The transfer of the roll from one packing stage to another can take place, for example, by scrolling in the radial direction instead of an axial lateral transfer.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the packer O attaches the label 1 to the end tag 2, moves two end tags from the storage plane 3 'and places them on the table 4 according to the alignment points P'. The trajectories VI, V2 of the manipulators 5, 6 are defined to correspond to the position of the alignment positions P, P 'with respect to each other. The manipulators 5, 6 each pick up and move the end flaps separately to the press planes 7, 7 · in the setting position H in a standard transfer movement VI, V2, whereby the end flaps are automatically aligned according to the alignment positions P on the line L 20. The press levels turn to the working position H ', whereby the end flaps are automatically correctly aligned with the roller and the press plates perform the attachment of the end flap F to the end of the roller R in a manner known per se. Figure 1 shows in dotted lines the corresponding operation of the method 25 according to the invention in the wrapping step C.

* Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the packer O attaches the end flap of the label 1 to the end plate 2 and moves the two end flaps 2 directly to the press plane 7 in the setting position H and arranges them according to the alignment positions P. The manipulator 5 picks up the uppermost end flap and transfers it to the second press level 7 'with a standard transfer movement VI. The lower end flap remains in place and is securely fastened as described above.

3 5

Figure 3 shows an embodiment according to the invention, in which the intermediate setting table is the storage level 3. The end tabs are pre-set on the storage levels according to the alignment points 95 '. The storage level is set to a picking position 3 'corresponding to the respective end flap size, from which the manipulators 5, 6 pick up and move the end flaps to the press levels 7, 7' each. The storage level may be a rotating table, as in the figure, a linearly moving table, a shelf with pull-out cassettes, etc. However, this fact is not limiting for the invention.

The shipping label at the end of the roll is affixed in position F, for example, either manually or automatically. Otherwise, the system operates as shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment according to the invention, in which the storage table 3 acts as an intermediate positioning table, on which the end tag-15 stacks are preset according to the alignment points P ', as in Fig. 3. The manipulator 5 moves the second end tag to the press level 7' with constant movement V1. The packer attaches the shipping label to the other end tag and moves and aligns it manually to the press level 7. Otherwise, the system 20 operates as shown in Figure 3.

The geometry and operation of the movement geometry between the receiving and positioning positions of the device implementing the second step of the method according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 5, which operation implements the second step of the operation of the system according to the invention. . phase. The press planes rotate about a diagonal axis 9 passing through opposite corners of the imaginary cube 8 between the positioning position H and the positioning position H '. In an imaginary cube, the top surface and the side surface, respectively, are parallel to the press plane 30 in its various positions. In this case, the axes of symmetry 10 of the end-flap arrangement are in the placement position, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the line passing through the alignment points P of the end flaps corresponding to the roller support points. Correspondingly, in the placement position, the symmet-35 ria axis 10 is parallel to the vertical center line li of the end of the roll and the alignment points P coincide with the support points of the roll.

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The device according to the invention operates in accordance with its geometry described above in such a way that the end flaps set according to the alignment points P and the axis of symmetry 10 are correctly aligned and fixed to the roll.

5

In the setting position, the press levels are turned aside from the center line of the roller. This is advantageous because it allows the roller to be moved axially into and / or out of the work station. The turning movement per se is made by known techniques and devices, such as hydraulic cylinders, electric motor and gear, crankshaft transmission, etc., which are not essential to the invention. The pressing / opening movement of the roller of the press planes in the direction of the axis is also done by technical solutions known per se, typically by hydraulic cylinders.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (8)

A method of wrapping cylindrical articles such as paper rolls (R), wherein the rollers are wrapped in wrapping material whose edges are folded into the ends of the roll and the roll ends are provided with end shields (2) of substantially the same size as the diameter of the roll, wherein the end shields (2) in a first phase is placed in an intermediate application station in positions determined by the positioning points (P ') corresponding to the supporting points (P') of the roller (R '), characterized in that the end shields (2) from the same intermediate application station are moved to applicator (7). 7 ') which is in the receiving position and positioned according to the positioning points (P) of the applicators and the lines of symmetry (10), by means of which the applicators end shields in a second phase are moved to the roll and placed on it. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the end shields (2) are moved to the applicators (1,1 ') placed in the receiving position 20 by a manipulator (5,6) or similar device which essentially performs a standard listening movement (V1, V2). 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate application station is an applicator (7) positioned in the receiving position (H) from which the manipulator (5) removes the end shield (2) and with a standard moving movement. (VI) moves it to the second applicator (7 '). 30 Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate application station is one or more bearing planes (3) on which the end shields (2) have been completely positioned according to the positioning points (P '), and the bearing plane is placed in a pick position. (3 ') corresponding to the size of the end shield used, and the manipulators 14 95228 (5.6) pick the end shields from the bearing plane and move them to the applicators (7.7'). Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4, 5 characterized in that the manipulator (5,6) with a standard flow movement (VI) moves one of the end shields (2) of the roller (R) to one of the applicators (7 '). ) and a packer (0) moves and positions the second end shield of the roller on the other applicator (7). 10 Method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the end shield is moved in substantially horizontal position from the intermediate application station to the applicator. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end shields are placed across the thread in the intermediate application station. Apparatus for wrapping cylindrical articles such as paper rolls (R), which comprises an applicator for placing and positioning end shields (2) on the roll ends, characterized in that the device is provided with applicators (7.7 '). which can be rotated between receiving position (H) and application position (H ') around a diagonal axis (9) through opposing corners in a thought cube (8), the applicator being in its various positions (H, H') substantially -rallel with the top and vertical side surfaces of the imaginary cube, and the axes of symmetry (10) for placement of the end shields 30 are mutually parallel in receiving position and. perpendicular to the line L through the positioning points (P ') of the end shields (2) corresponding to the supporting points of the roller and the axis of symmetry (10) in positioning are parallel to the vertical center line of the roller end (11) and the positioning points of the end shields coincide with the supporting points of the roller.