GB966121A - Improvements in or relating to wrapping machines - Google Patents

Abstract

966,121. Wrapping-machines. TAPE ENGINEERING Ltd. Feb. 25, 1963 [Feb. 27, 1962], No. 7606/62. Heading B8C. A machine for enclosing a roll or like cylindrical article or group of articles in wrapping material has a pleating unit operative after the wrapping material has been wrapped into a tube about the article with portions projecting at either end, the unit comprising a number of folder plates G spaced at angular intervals around a main axis coaxial with that of the roll, means for causing the folder plates to move simultaneously inwardly towards the main axis and thereby to fold the tubular projecting end of the wrapping material over the end of the roll, and means for rotating the assembly of folder plates about the main axis, thereby flattening the pleats of the wrapping material closely against the end of the roll. As described two pleating units operate simultaneously at opposite ends and are mounted on an adjustable framework (Figs. 1, 2, not shown) to cater for different lengths of roll. In one construction, each pleating unit has a main shaft C mounted on the framework A<SP>1</SP>, A<SP>2</SP> and held against rotation, the roll within its tube of wrapping material being fed into a position with its axis coaxial with the main shaft C. Rotatably mounted on the main shaft is a sleeve E with a polygonal boss E<SP>1</SP>, member E<SP>2</SP> being mounted on each face and a pivoted crank arm E<SP>4</SP> being mounted between the limbs of each member E<SP>2</SP>. Keyed to the outside of the sleeve E is a collar F slidable axially along the sleeve and connected by links F<SP>1</SP> to the crank arms E<SP>4</SP>. Thus with the collar F near the rear end of the sleeve E, Fig. 3, the crank arms E<SP>4</SP> radiate outwardly but with the collar F moved forward along the sleeve, Fig. 4, the crank arms E<SP>4</SP> are swung forward towards the roll. The movements of the collar along the sleeve E effected by means of fluid pressure device F<SP>4</SP>. Pivoted to the free end of each crank arm is a folder plate G having an operative flat face of sector shape, the pivot being at the narrow end. When the crank arms E<SP>4</SP> are swung forward, the folder plates G will engage with the outside of the tube and pivot about the edge of the roll against the action of springs G2 until the face of each plate presses the material against the end of the roll. The sleeve E is then rotated causing the folder plates to sweep round and to flatten out into pleats the upstanding free folds. The rotational movement is derived from fluid pressure means E5. In a modified arrangement (Fig. 7, not shown), the main shaft itself performs the functions of the sleeve E which is thus dispensed with, the roller F being keyed to the main shaft. Each pleating unit may be provided with a centring plunger acting in co-operation with that at the other end of the roll for ensuring correct longitudinal positioning of the latter. In a further alternative construction, Fig. 12, the folder plates pivoted at L<SP>4</SP> on a head L<SP>1</SP> move radially inwards by pneumatic cylinders and swing to lie against the end faces of the roll. The head L<SP>1</SP> then rotates to complete the folding. The pleating unit heads may be finely adjustable axially to operation on different grades of wrapping material. The movement of the members G may be in tangential rather than axial planes relative to the roll. Labels may be secured to the pleated end to complete the closure.