WO2017050678A1

WO2017050678A1 - Device, assembly and method for wrapping an object

Info

Publication number: WO2017050678A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/072126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Wintz; Jean-Christophe Massotte
Original assignee: Schermesser
Priority date: 2015-09-21
Filing date: 2016-09-19
Publication date: 2017-03-30
Also published as: EP3144231A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wrapping device (1), to a wrapping assembly comprising the wrapping device (1) according to the invention, and to a wrapping method, in which an object (17) is wrapped by means of a wrapping product which is distributed around the object (17) along at least one oblong trajectory in the same horizontal plane and/or at least one spiral trajectory with an oblong transverse section, the horizontal plane and/or the plane of the transverse section being parallel to the plane formed by the transverse or longitudinal section of the object (17) to be wrapped.

Description

DEVICE. PACKAGING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OBJECT Object of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of packaging, or overpack, objects, or articles to be packaged with packaging products, for example plastic films. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of wrappers or wrappers.

State of the art

In the field of packaging and packaging, it is well known to apply a packaging product, a plastic film for example, around an object or a set, or batch, of objects, arranged for example on a transport pallet, to form a single package. This makes it possible to protect and stabilize the object, or set of objects to each other, and to stabilize it, for example, on a transport pallet before storage and handling thereof.

Generally, the plastic film used is thin, of a thickness generally between 10 to 30μιη, and preferably, it is stretchable or pre-stretched.

The packaging step of the object, or set of objects, can be performed either manually using a manual reel or automated or semi-automated by the use of a film wrapper , also called a wrapping machine.

[0005] There are several types of wrapping machines for industrial use. There are pallet-wrapping machines, wrappers with a turntable such as those described in EP0266562, US4429514 or US2013300047, horizontal annular track as described in EP0695686, US518444 or EP2289806, vertical annular track as described in US2014250833 or US8650836, or else to arm rotating as described in FR2887227 or US5450709.

However, whatever the type of filmer considered, these machines have the disadvantage of not being suitable for any type or shape of objects or sets of objects having different cross sections; indeed, such film wrappers are generally suitable only for objects of substantially square cross-section; this is more particularly the case of spinning film machines or circular film wrappers disposed horizontally or vertically with respect to the plane formed by the ground.

[0007] With regard to film wrappers with rotating arms, it has been proposed in US5996315 a wrapper whose arm, rotatable about the object to be wrapped, and concomitantly also movable in translation relative to the frame of the wrapper, described an oval orbit, around the object to be packaged.

However, such a filmer has the disadvantage of implementing a complex system for controlling the oval or elliptical trajectory of the arm, a trajectory resulting from the sum of two concomitant circular motions. Such a filmer thus has the disadvantage of requiring the management of trajectory points, a management that is otherwise delicate. In addition, an oval or elliptical movement does not make it possible to apply a continuous and optimum tension of the packaging film around objects of rectangular section, in particular at their corners, and the bypassing of the vertices of the rectangle forces the oversizing of the sides of the oval or ellipse.

[0009] With regard to annular track filming machines, for example EP08251 12 proposes a solution for packaging a circular object, or a steel plate having a rectangular cross-section. It is an annular track filmer arranged vertically with respect to the plane formed by the ground, and whose carriage, carrying the packaging film and running along the track, describes an oval movement whose plane is perpendicular and oblique by relative to the plane formed by the cross section of the object to be packaged.

[0010] Like the majority of annular track filming machines, this device is not adaptive. It has a fixed track, encompassing the object to be packaged, of invariable size and shape, so that such wrappers are suitable only for one type of object, or set of objects, to be packaged, thus obliging this type of film packers to be able to treat only one type of batch of objects or set of objects at the same time. So, if a larger object should be packed, it could not be, the object can not fit into the frozen enclosure formed by the track, and if a smaller object was to be packed, it will not be properly because the tension of the film packaging will not be constant or optimal at any point in the object.

Moreover, even if the solution described in EP08251 12 is presented as allowing to pack objects of rectangular cross section, the objects in question are thin plates and this device is not suitable for objects of greater thickness or a set of objects arranged on each other, for example on a pallet transport.

EP2634101 also provides an annular track filmer made of segments that are added to each other to increase the size of the track. Such a film maker can be considered as being adaptive; however, it is only suitable for batch processing of given objects, shapes, and dimensions, and not for object-by-object processing. In addition, if a larger object were to be packed, it is necessary to add one or more segments to the annular track, whereas if a smaller object is to be, one or more segments must be removed, which involves long, laborious and delicate manipulations on the part of the operator of the film-maker, without being certain to respect the geometry chosen for the annular track. If the adjustment of one or more segments was wrong, the cart on the track could at best hang, at worst derail.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to provide a device, a packaging assembly and a method of packaging objects, or sets of objects, in particular rectangular cross section, which do not have the disadvantages of the state of the technique.

The present invention aims to provide an alternative to the existing solutions of the state of the art. The present invention also aims to provide a device, a set and a method that are less complex, easier to implement and are more flexible.

The present invention also aims to provide a device, a set and a method that are adaptive depending on the object, or set of objects to be packaged.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a packaging device, one or more objects using a packaging product, the device comprising a frame which is coupled to an arm, movable in translation and rotation by relative to the frame and comprising means for distributing a packaging product movable along the arm, as well as control means controlling means for translating the arm, means for rotating the arm, and means translational means of the distribution means, control means printing to the distribution means an oblong trajectory in the same horizontal plane and / or a spiral trajectory of oblong cross section, the horizontal plane and / or plane of the cross section being substantially parallel in the plane formed by the transverse or longitudinal section of the object.

In the present invention, the term "object to be packaged" should be understood as covering a single object, but also a set of objects or articles to be packaged together, possibly objects already comprising one or more packages, and possibly objects arranged on or in any type of merchandise carrier, such as a pallet.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the device of the invention comprises at least one or any appropriate combination of the following characteristics:

the device comprises means for identifying the shape and / or the transverse and / or longitudinal section and / or the dimensions of the object to be packaged, the oblong trajectory of the distribution means in the same horizontal plane, and / or the spiral trajectory of oblong transverse section is / are defined according to the shape and / or the cross-section and / or the longitudinal and / or or the dimensions of the object to be packaged,

- The object to be packaged has a cross section and / or longitudinal, rectangular or substantially rectangular, comprising a first edge longer than at least a second edge, the oblong path of the packaging product dispensing means around the an object comprising at least one rectilinear and parallel path, or substantially rectilinear and parallel, along at least a portion of the first edge and an arcuate path along the second edge,

the arm comprises a first portion extending substantially horizontally under the frame and being coupled to the frame at one of these ends, and a second portion extending substantially vertically from the first portion towards the bottom and comprising at its distal end the means of distribution of the packaging product,

the means of distribution of the packaging product comprise a carriage movable in vertical translation along the arm,

- The dispensing means of a packaging product comprises a packaging product which is a plastic stretch film.

The present invention also relates to a packaging assembly comprising, in addition to the packaging device according to the invention, one or more conveyors responsible for bringing the object to be packaged to the packaging device, a device for packaging. identification of the shape and / or cross section and / or dimensions of the object and a device for palletizing articles forming the object to be packaged.

The present invention also relates to a method of packaging an object using a packaging product, wherein the distribution of the packaging product is done using distribution means having , around the object, one or more oblong trajectories in the same horizontal plane and / or one or more spiral trajectories, of oblong transverse section, the horizontal plane and / or the plane of the cross section being substantially parallel to the plane formed by the cross section or longitudinal section of the object.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the method according to the invention comprises at least one or any appropriate combination of the following characteristics:

the method is implemented using the packaging device according to the invention,

the object to be packaged comprises a transverse and / or longitudinal section comprising at least a first edge, of greater length than at least a second edge, and in which the trajectory of the packaging product distribution means around the object comprises at least one substantially straight and parallel path along at least a portion of the first edge and an arcuate path along said second edge,

the oblong trajectory (s) in the same horizontal plane is or are in the lower part of the object, and the spiral trajectory (s) is or are rising, with a fixed pitch, with a partial overlap of a first one-second packaging product layer, or a plurality of other layers of the packaging product,

the method further comprises a step of determining the shape and / or the cross section and / or longitudinal and / or dimensions of the object and a step of adapting the shape and / or dimensions of the or oblong trajectories in the same horizontal plane and / or the spiral trajectory or trajectories, having an oblong cross-section, depending on the shape and / or cross-section and / or longitudinal and / or dimensions of the object,

the packaging product is a plastic stretch film.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of the packaging device according to the invention. [0024] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a side view of the packaging device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a view of one side of the arm of the device according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a top view of the movement of the arm of the packaging device according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing schematically the speed of translation (a) and the speed of rotation (b) of the packaging product dispensing means over time.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing schematically the relative position, in translation (a) and in rotation (b), the packaging product dispensing means over time.

Detailed description of the invention

The packaging device 1 according to the invention comprises a frame 2, or frame, defining a plane which is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the plane formed by the ground surface. Said frame 2 is preferably static (Figures 1 and 2).

In the embodiment of a static packaging device 1, the frame 2 can be fixed by any suitable means to a support structure and / or another device and / or a masonry construction, for example a wall or ceiling of a building. Preferably, the packaging device 1 is supported on the ground, at four corners, with feet 3, preferably anchored to the ground.

The frame 2 can take any suitable form. Preferably, it has a parallelepipedal shape, advantageously square or rectangle. It is made of all suitable materials, preferably it is made of metal. Advantageously it comprises reinforcing elements in order to give it dimensional stability.

The packaging device 1 further comprises an arm 4, movable in translation relative to said frame 2, horizontally relative to the ground. The arm 4 is also rotatable relative to said frame 2, around the object to be packaged. The arm 4 comprises distribution means 7 of a packaging product, mounted vertically movable, perpendicular to the plane formed by the ground. Preferably, the dispensing means 7 of a packaging product comprise the packaging product, which is preferably a film, preferably a stretchable, pre-stretched, or heat-shrinkable plastic film.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the arm 4 has an angled shape, for example in the form of an inverted "L", and comprises a first portion 5 extending substantially horizontally beneath the frame 2, said portion 5 being coupled to the frame 2 at one of these ends, preferably via means for rotating the arm 4. The arm 4 further comprises a second portion 6 extending substantially vertically from the first portion 5 downwards and comprising at its distal end the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product.

The means 7 for dispensing the packaging product preferably comprise a carriage 8, preferably comprising the packaging product, for example a plastic film, said carriage 8 being movable in vertical translation, along the arm 4, in particular along the second portion 6 of the arm 4. However, it is also conceivable to have means 7 for dispensing the packaging product fixed on the arm 4, or fixed on a portion of the vertical portion 6 of the arm 4, this portion 6 being movable, for example telescopic.

In the embodiment or embodiments in which the packaging product distribution means 7 comprise the packaging product, they preferably comprise a package 9 of packaging material, for example plastic film, and optionally means for pre-tensioning and / or checking the tension of the packaging product.

Preferably, the unwinding speed of the packaging product is regulated by the tension of the packaging product which acts on a movable roller actuating a potentiometer. The tension of the packaging product is adjusted by the pressure of a cylinder which holds the moving roller.

The means 7 for dispensing the packaging product, in particular of the carriage 8, or the portion 6 of the arm 4, are put in translation using means 10. comprising one or more motors, advantageously one or more electric motors, and means for transmitting the driving force of said motor or said motor to said means 7 for dispensing the packaging product, possibly one or more inverters.

The packaging device 1 comprises means 1 1 translation of the arm 4 relative to the frame 2, from front to back, and vice versa. Preferably, these means 1 1 comprise two rails 12, 13 arranged on the frame 2 and in which are engaged means for routing the arm 4 arranged directly on the arm 4, or on means for rotating the arm 4, or on an intermediate element, for example a carriage 14, said tracking means being adapted for and co-operating with the rails 12, 13, and comprising, for example, rollers or wheels.

The means 1 1 for translating the arm 4 further comprises one or more motors, advantageously one or more electric motors, means for transmitting the driving force of said motor or said motor towards the means of movement of the arm, by example one or more sets of rack gears or one or more belts or chains, possibly one or more drives, and means for braking the translation of the arm 4.

The packaging device 1 comprises means 14 for rotating the arm 4. Preferably, these means comprise a toothed ring gear 15, preferably disposed at one end of the first portion 5 of the arm 4, and cooperating with a vertical axis of rotation driven by a geared motor and a pinion shaft. These means 14 for rotating comprise preferably one or more motors, advantageously one or more electric motors, means for braking the rotation of the arm 4, possibly one or more dimmers.

The packaging device 1 preferably comprises control means 16 controlling the means 1 1 of translation and the means 14 for rotating the arm 4, and the means 10 for translating the means 7. distribution of the packaging product. These control means 16 allow to print on the arm 4 and the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product an oblong movement, in the same plane around the object 17 to be packaged, and / or also an oblong spiral movement up and / or down, fixed or variable step, allowing, or not, partial or total recovery of the packaging product on the object 17 to be wrapped, or a covering of a first layer of packaging product on a second, or a plurality of other layers of packaging material, the spiral having an oblong cross-section whose plane is parallel to the plane formed by the surface of the ground, or preferably with respect to the cross section or longitudinal of said object 17 to be packaged.

In the context of the present invention, the terms "oblong movement" or "oblong trajectory" must be understood as describing a movement or trajectory that is not oval or elliptical, so that is not a curve closed, in particular convex, but a movement or trajectory which is the succession of two rectilinear or substantially rectilinear portions, connected by arcs of a circle. In particular and preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the length of the chord of the arcs of circle - the length (a) between the points A and B and / or D and C - is less than or equal to the length of the portions rectilinear - length (I) between points A and D and / or points B and C.

Thus, unlike an oval or elliptical movement, the control means 16 govern the movement of the arm assembly 4 and control the activation of the means 1 1 translation of the arm 4 while the means 14 of rotation are not activated, but possibly during the activation of the translation means 10 of the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product. Then, they control the stopping means 1 1 of translation, the activation of the braking means of the translation of the arm 4, then the activation of the means 14 of rotation, possibly during the activation of the means 10 of translation means 7 distribution of the packaging product. Then, they control the stop of the means 14 of rotation, the activation of the braking means of the rotation of the arm 4, then the activation of the translation means 10, possibly during the activation of the translation means 1 1 means 7 for dispensing the packaging product, and so on.

The elongated movement of the arm 4 is sequential and alternates a translational movement with a rotary movement (Figure 4).

The elongated movement of the arm 4 allows not only to pack any type of object 17, regardless of the shape of their cross section and / or longitudinal, but it also improves the packaging of an object 17. In particular, for objects 17 with rectangular cross section and / or longitudinal, or substantially rectangular, the elongated movement of the arm 4 allows an improvement of the package by obtaining a continuous voltage and a constant speed of the product wrapping around the object 17.

For an object 17, whose cross section or longitudinal comprises at least a first edge 19 or 20, of greater length than at least a second edge 21 or 22, the path of the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product around said object 17 comprises at least one rectilinear and parallel path, or substantially rectilinear and parallel, along at least a portion of said first edge 19 or 20 and an arc-shaped trajectory along said second edge 21 or 22 .

Thus, and by way of example, considering an object 17 to be packaged, of rectangular cross section and longitudinal, the arm 4, and therefore the means 7 of distribution of the packaging product, alternate a rectilinear or linear motion, or substantially rectilinear or linear, substantially parallel to a first edge 19 or 20, the longest of the section (length "L" of Figure 4), all or part of it, and at a constant distance from at said first edge 19 or 20, then a circular circular arc-shaped movement at the end of the object 17 to be wrapped, around the corners and along the first, shortest edge 21 or 22 of the section, then again a linear motion, substantially parallel to the second or longest edge of the section 19, all or part of it, and at a constant distance from said edge 19 or 20, and then again a motion circular, arc-shaped at the other end of the object 17 to be packaged, around the corners and along the second or shortest edge 21 or 22 of the section. Thus, along the longest edges of the object 17, the trajectory of the arm 4 is linear, or substantially linear, and at the ends of the object 17 and along the shortest edges, the trajectory of the arm 4 is circular, or substantially circular.

The elongated movement of the arm 4 can be repeated in the same horizontal plane and be printed while the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product are translated along the arm 4, the spiral thus formed having a cross section oblong whose plane is parallel to the plane formed by the ground, and therefore relative to the plane formed by the cross section or longitudinal of said object 17 or set of objects 17 to be packaged.

Preferably, the control means 16 allow each translational movement to be linked with the preceding or subsequent rotation movement, with an anticipation corresponding to the beginning of the deceleration ramp of the translational movement. Likewise, each rotational movement must be linked with the preceding or following translation movement, with an anticipation corresponding to the beginning of the deceleration ramp of the rotational movement.

Activation of the longitudinal movement is done in anticipation of the end of the rotary movement, of a calculated amplitude ΔΘ (FIG. 4) which corresponds to the beginning of the deceleration ramp of this movement (FIG. 5) so that that the acceleration ramp of the first movement is perfectly synchronous with the acceleration ramp of the second, so as to maintain a constant speed of the distribution means 7 of the packaging product. Symmetrically, the activation of the rotary movement is done by anticipating the end of the longitudinal movement, a calculated distance Δχ (Figure 4) which corresponds to the beginning of the deceleration ramp of this movement (Figure 5).

Each phase of the packaging cycle is triggered by the passage of the packaging material dispensing means 7 to a remarkable position, for example: starting and stopping the packaging cycle at the original position "O" or well release of the end of the packaging product, preferably maintained by a clamp during the beginning of the cycle, during the passage of the dispensing means of the packaging product at point "P" (Figure 4).

Preferably, the translational and rotational speeds are calculated so that the arm 4, and therefore the means 7 of distribution of the packaging product, have a uniform speed over the entire oblong movement.

Preferably, the acceleration and deceleration value is identical for the translational and rotational movements and is defined by the type of packaging product, as well as by the corresponding anticipation values in degrees and millimeters. .

Preferably, and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each movement, translation (a) or rotation (b) respectively, begins with a constant acceleration ramp, until a nominal speed is maintained which is maintained the time required for the movement until a deceleration ramp symmetrical to the acceleration ramp is triggered, namely the same absolute value of acceleration. The execution of ramps is ensured for each movement by a frequency converter, such as for example a drive marketed by the company SEW, under the trade name MOVIDRIVE®. In order for the speed of movement of the packaging material distribution means 7 to remain constant over their oblong trajectory, the acceleration ramp of a movement must always coincide with the deceleration ramp of the preceding movement, and so on.

Preferably, the means 16 for controlling the means 1 1, 14 and 10 for translational and rotating the arm 4 and translational means 7 for dispensing the packaging product include and / or implement one or more hardware and / or software elements.

Preferably, these control means 16 control the application of the packaging product, for example at the bottom of the object 17, or set of objects 17, to be packaged (position "O" of Figure 4) and control a first oblong movement, preferably at a low speed, means 7 for dispensing the product packaging. After a complete turn, the control means 16 preferably activate a blower to fold the packaging product against the object, then control the acceleration of the arm 4 at a nominal speed, which is in particular a function of the type of product. packaging, and the arm 4 performs a plurality of complete horizontal and oblong turns at the base of the object 17 to be packaged. The control means 16 then activate the vertical translation movement of the distribution means 7 of the packaging product. When means for detecting the position, on a vertical axis, means 7 for dispensing the packaging product make it possible to conclude that the packaging product has covered the upper edge of the object 17 increased by a determined height beforehand, the control means 16 activate the translation of the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product towards the bottom of the device 1.

Preferably, the control means 16 comprise, or consist of, hardware and / or software means. Advantageously, they comprise at least one programmable computer unit, either directly by a control panel through a user interface, or by software means.

Preferably, the control means 16 are programmed to activate the appropriate means in order to print on the arm 4, and on the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product, the appropriate oblong movement and / or the cross sectional spiral. oblong adequate according to the shape and / or dimensions of the object 17 to be packaged, in particular the height of the object 17.

Preferably, the packaging device 1 comprises means for detecting the entry of the object 17 to be packaged under the frame 2. Advantageously, these means comprise a sensor, or an optical cell, arranged (e) on the frame 2, at one or two feet 3 of the latter, or on the conveyor 18 bringing the object 17, and detect the entry or the end of the passage of the object 17. According to the whether or not these detection means are activated, it is conceivable that the control means 16 can not activate the different means of the packaging device 1, which limits the risk of wanting to pack an object 17 which would be out of the box. size of packing device 1. The packaging device 1 according to the invention may interact with, and possibly include, means for identifying the object 17 to be packaged. These means can identify the shape, in particular the shape of the cross section and / or longitudinal of the object 17 to be packaged and / or the dimensions of the object 17.

In a particular embodiment, these identification means comprise one, or consist of, a control unit comprising a user interface through which the operator of the packaging device 1 introduces the information. relating to the shape and / or dimensions of the object 17 to be packaged.

In a particular embodiment, these identification means comprise optical means for reading one or more information carried by the object 17 to be packaged and relating at least to its shape and / or its dimensions. These optical means may, for example, be able to read a bar code, affixed to the object 17 and comprising the said information. They can either be part of the packaging device 1, and be placed on the frame 2 or the feet 3, or be integrated in a separate device, such as a conveyor load to bring the object to the packaging device 1.

In these particular embodiments, the packaging device 1 may include control means, able to verify the shape and / or dimensions of the object 17 to be packaged that actually arrives or is close to the frame 2 or which is under the frame 2, means that can be provided not to activate the control means 16 if the information from these control means do not correspond to those from the identification means.

In another particular embodiment, the identification means are able to measure the object 17 to be packaged, arriving, or disposed under the frame 2. Preferably, these means comprise one or more measuring cells, or laser sensors, preferably arranged on the packaging device 1. Alternatively, these means can be worn, or integrated, to a separate device dedicated for these purposes, a device forming part of the packaging line, the packaging device 1 according to the invention is optionally also part, for example on a conveyor responsible for bringing the object 17 to the packaging device 1, a strapping machine or a device for palletizing objects 17 to pack.

In this particular embodiment, the packaging device 1 does not include means for controlling the shape and / or cross section and / or dimensions of the object 17, but that these identification means which interact with the control means 16.

Whatever the embodiments of the identification means, the information collected by these means are transmitted to the control means 16 by any suitable means, whether wired or wireless. Therefore, the control means 16, or the packaging device 1, comprise adequate communication means.

The packaging device 1 may comprise a device 18 for cutting and welding the packaging product, in particular a stretchable film.

The packaging device 1 may further comprise means for fitting a cap of a suitable product on the top of the object 17 to be packaged.

The packaging device 1 also includes all the appropriate power supply means.

Thus, in addition to the advantages of being uncomplicated, easy to implement and maintenance, allow improved packaging for any type of object 17, in particular objects 17 rectangular cross section and / or longitudinal , or substantially rectangular, the packaging device 1 has the advantage of being adaptive and allow the treatment of any type of object 17, object by object, regardless of the dimensions and the cross section and / or longitudinal of the object 17.

The packaging device 1 and the component means have dimensions compatible with, and function, objects 17 to be packaged. Thus, in the oblong movement, the radius traversed by the arm 4 is a function of the maximum width of the object 17 to be packaged, while the length of said object 17 defines the translation travel. To minimize the unit manufacturing cost of the packaging device 1 according to the invention, the shortest arm radius 4 is defined on the basis of the width envisaged maximum object 17 or objects 17. For example, the packaging device 1 can adapt to widths of objects 17 up to about three meters and lengths up to about six meters.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the objects 17 packaged using the device 1 according to the invention are sets of objects, or articles, of substantially rectangular cross section, stacked on each other. others, for example on a shim of about 100 mm high, with a length of between 1000 mm and 3300 mm, with a width of 600 mm to 1600 mm.

The packaging device 1 according to the invention may be part of a packaging assembly further comprising one or more conveyors, a strapping machine, a device for identifying the shape and / or dimensions of the object to be packaged, palletizing device or wedges of articles to form the object to be packaged.

The packaging method according to the invention preferably comprises the implementation of the packaging device 1 according to the invention; however, it is also possible to use any other suitable devices.

The packaging method according to the invention comprises a first step of bringing an object 17 to be packaged at the level of the means 7 for dispensing a product to be packaged, advantageously as described for the packaging device 1 according to the invention. the invention. The object 17 is brought, either manually or automatically, using any suitable means, for example a pallet truck or a belt conveyor 18 or roller.

The object 17 may be arranged on a table or part of the conveyor 18, which is fixed during the packaging process. However, it is also conceivable that the table, or the portion of the conveyor 18, is rotatable relative to the device 1 according to the invention during the packaging of the object 17, which makes it possible to considerably increase the speed packaging.

The packaging product is attached either manually to the object 17 to be packaged by an operator, or by the packaging device 1 which does it automatically, preferably starting with a corner of the object 17. The packaging product is then applied around the object 17 to be wrapped according to a first trajectory oblong in the same plane around the object 17. Preferably, after a first complete revolution of the packaging product around the object 17, said packaging product is folded against the object 17, for example by a wind tunnel . Nevertheless, alternatively, it is also possible that the packaging product adheres by contact to the object 17 to be packaged without the use of other means.

Preferably, the packaging product is applied in several superposed layers by performing a plurality of complete turns in the same plane.

The packaging product is then applied over all or part of the height of the object 17 to be wrapped along an oblong trajectory, preferably upward spiral and / or downward. In a particular embodiment, the packaging of the object 17 begins with the lower part of said object 17, possibly including also the support 19 or the pallet on which the object 17 is arranged, then the product of packaging is applied in successive turns rising towards the top of the object 17. Nevertheless, it is also conceivable that the package begins with the upper part of the object 17, possibly including any element capping said object 17, then the packaging product is applied in successive rounds descending downward from the object 17. It is also conceivable to apply the packaging product by one or more upward and downward spirals.

Whatever the embodiment, the spiral paths have an oblong cross section whose plane is parallel to the plane formed by the ground, or preferably with respect to the plane formed by the cross section or longitudinal section of the object. 17 to pack. The spirals have a fixed or variable pitch, allowing, or not, partial or total recovery of the packaging product on the object 17, and allowing, or not, a partial or total recovery of a first layer of product packing on a second, or a plurality of other layers of packaging material.

The packaging product ceases to be applied to the object 17 as soon as its top and / or base are detected. Preferably, the oblong trajectories are obtained by activating the control means 16 which activate the means 1 1 for translating the arm 4 of the device 1 according to the invention with respect to the frame 2, the means 14 of rotation of the arm 4, with, for the spiral, the activation of the means 10 for translating the dispensing means of the packaging product.

The oblong trajectory of the packaging product around the object 17 to be packaged, whether in the same horizontal plane or during a rising and / or falling spiral, is sequential and alternates translational movements with rotary movements.

Preferably, the length of the chord of the arcs of rotary movements is less than or equal to the length of the rectilinear portions of the translational movements.

For objects 17 whose cross section or longitudinal comprises at least one edge 19 or 20 which is longer than a second edge 21 or 22, adjacent to said edge 19 or 20, and in particular for objects 17 whose cross section or longitudinal is rectangular, or substantially rectangular, the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product, and therefore the packaging product, describe a translational movement along the edge or edges 19 and / or 20 or more long of the cross section and a circular motion along the edge or edges 21 and / or 22 or short of the section.

For example, in the embodiment in which the object 17 to be wrapped in a substantially rectangular cross-section and longitudinal, the trajectory of the product to be wrapped around the object 17 is broken down into a substantially rectilinear trajectory and parallel to a first edge 19 or 20, all or part of the length of this first edge, which is the longest of the section of the object 17, then a circular trajectory, in the shape of an arc at the end of the object 17 to be wrapped, around the corners and along the first shortest edge 21 or 22 of the section of the object 17, then again a linear path substantially parallel to the second edge 19 or 20, which is also the longest section of the object 17, all or part of it, then again a circular path, arc-shaped circle at the other end of the object 17 around the corners and all or part along the second shortest edge 22 or 21 of the section of the object 17 (Figure 4).

Each linear trajectory is linked with the previous or next circular trajectory. Likewise, each circular trajectory is linked with the previous or next linear trajectory.

Preferably, the linear and circular trajectories are linked by accelerating the means 7 of distribution of the packaging product in a portion equivalent to their deceleration in the linear and circular trajectories.

Preferably, the method according to the invention comprises a step of detecting the arrival of the object 17 on the place where the packaging will be made, for example the detection of the arrival under the frame 2 of the device 1, or the end of the passage of the object 17 between the feet 3 of said packaging device 1. If an object 17 or the end of an object 17 can not be detected, it is possible to provide that the packaging product is not applied.

The method may further comprise a step of determining the shape and / or dimensions of the object 17 to be packaged. This determination can take place when the object 17 arrives at the place where the packaging takes place, for example when it arrives under the packaging device 1 according to the invention, or manually by the operator of the packaging device 1, or during a preliminary step of measuring the object 17 or when it is conveyed to the packaging site or during a strapping step or palletizing step. the objects or objects to be packaged.

Preferably, the method according to the invention may comprise a step of adapting the dimensions of the oblong trajectory in the same plane, and the spiral oblong trajectories, depending on the shape of the object 17 and / or of the shape of its cross section and / or longitudinal, and / or its dimensions, namely the adaptation of the length of the linear parts and the size of the arcs forming the oblong trajectories.

Preferably, the method according to the invention comprises a step of checking the shape, in particular the shape of the cross-section, and / or dimensions of the object 17 to be packaged, actually present or brought under the frame 2 of the packaging device 1, before the actual packing step, and possibly, if the information resulting from this control does not correspond to those resulting from identification means, the product to be packaged is not applied to the object 17.

Preferably, the method according to the invention provides a final step of cutting and welding the product to be packaged.

Preferably, in the method according to the invention the packaging product is a plastic stretch film.

In one embodiment in which the method according to the invention is implemented using the packaging device 1 according to the invention, the information concerning the length, the width and the height of the object. 17 are transmitted at the beginning of each packing sequence. The length of the object 17 is controlled by a probe embedded on the conveyor bringing the object 17 and the height is detected by a probe on board the packaging product dispensing means at the end of the arm 4. Preferably , we do not take into account the width of the object 17.

Preferably, the covering of a layer of packaging product on one or more other layers of said packaging product is a function of the type of packaging product and is expressed as a percentage "p". On the other hand, the vertical rate of application of the packaging product is calculated to correspond to (1 - p) times the width, or the width. For example, for a width of 500 mm and a lap of 20%, the vertical displacement per revolution will be (1 -0.2) × 500 = 400 mm.

Referring to Figure 4, the dispensing means of the packaging product is initially at the point "O" with a zero translation and a rotation of the arm 4 of 30 °. The packaging product, a plastic stretch film, is then engaged in the rolls of the distribution means 7. The application of the packaging product is as follows: The arm 4 performs a first turn at a slow speed, without vertical speed means 7 of product distribution packaging, without pre-stretching the packaging product and with reduced tension. When the arm 4 has made a complete revolution along an oblong trajectory in the same plane, and the beginning of the packaging product is maintained by the first strapping ring, the pliers of the dispensing means 7 open to release the end of the packaging product. The blower is activated to fold the packaging product on the object 17. The arm 4 accelerates to the nominal speed, defined by the type of packaging product, the clutch of the stretch is engaged and the product tension of packaging is increased to nominal value. The arm 4 then performs an integer number "n" of horizontal turns at the base of the object 17. The vertical movement of the packaging material dispensing means 7 is activated at a climbing speed. When the optical probe detects the top of the object 17, the arm 4 continues to apply the packaging product to a determined height and parameterizable by performing "p" turns oblong horizontally. Then the means 7 for dispensing the packaging product back down to their initial position, in the lower position at the end of the arm 4.

Note that even if the method has been described above for an application of the packaging product from bottom to top, an application of said equivalent packaging product from top to bottom is also possible.

At the end of the process, during the last passage of the application means of the packaging product at the "O" point, the stretching is disengaged and the application voltage of the packaging product is reduced. The packaging product is then welded and cut.

The method according to the invention may further provide a step of placing a cap of a suitable product on the top of the object 17 to be packaged, before or after the packaging process, and possibly the product packaging may cover all or part of this cap.

Claims

1. Device for packaging (1) an object (17) with a packaging product, said device (1) comprising:

a frame (2) to which is coupled an arm (4) movable in translation and in rotation relative to said frame (2), and comprising means (7) for dispensing a packaging product, movable along said arm (4)

control means (16) controlling means (1 1) for translating said arm (4), means (14) for rotating said arm (4) and means (10) for translating said means (7). ), said control means (16) printing said distribution means (7) an oblong trajectory in the same horizontal plane and / or a spiral trajectory of oblong cross section, said horizontal plane and / or the plane of said section transverse being substantially parallel to the plane formed by the transverse or longitudinal section of said object (17) to be packaged.

2. Packaging device (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for identifying the shape and / or the cross section and / or longitudinal and / or dimensions of the object ( 17) to be packaged.

3. Packaging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oblong trajectory of the means (7) of distribution in the same horizontal plane, and / or the spiral path of oblong cross-section, is / are defined according to the shape and / or the cross section and / or longitudinal and / or the dimensions of the object (17) to be packaged.

Packaging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (17) to be packaged has a cross section and / or longitudinal, rectangular or substantially rectangular, comprising a first edge (19 or 20). ), of greater length than at least a second edge (21 or 22), the oblong trajectory of the packaging product dispensing means (7) around said object (17) comprising at least one rectilinear and parallel trajectory, or substantially rectilinear and parallel, along at least a portion of said first edge (19 or 20) and an arc-shaped path along said second edge (21 or 22).

5. Packaging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (4) comprises a first portion (5), extending substantially horizontally under the frame (2), said portion 5 being coupled said frame (2) at one of these ends, and a second portion (6) extending substantially vertically from said first portion (5) downwards and comprising at its distal end the means (7) for dispensing the product packaging.

6. Packaging device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (7) for dispensing the packaging product comprises a carriage (8) movable in vertical translation along the arm (4).

Packaging device (1) according to any one of the claims, wherein the means (7) for dispensing a packaging product comprise a packaging product, which is a stretchable plastic film.

8. Packaging assembly, comprising the packaging device (1) according to any preceding claim, one or more conveyors responsible for bringing the object (17) to be packaged to said packaging device (1) , a device for identifying the shape and / or the cross-section and / or the dimensions of said object (17) and a device for palletizing articles forming said object (17) to be packaged.

9. A method of packaging an article (17) with a packaging product, wherein the distribution of the packaging product is done by means of (7) having distribution around said object (17), one or more oblong trajectories in the same horizontal plane and / or one or more spiral trajectories of oblong cross-section, said horizontal plane and / or the plane of said transverse section being substantially parallel to the plane formed by the cross section or longitudinal of said object (17).

10. Method according to claim 9, implemented using the packaging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

1 1. Method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the object (17) to be packaged comprises a cross section and / or longitudinal, rectangular or substantially rectangular, comprising at least a first edge (19 or 20) of greater length at least one second edge (21 or 22), and wherein the path of the packaging product dispensing means (7) around said object (17) comprises at least one substantially straight and parallel path along at least a portion of said first edge (19 or 20) and an arc-shaped path along said second edge (21 or 22).

12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the or oblong trajectories in the same horizontal plane is or are in the lower part of the object (17) and the spiral trajectory or paths is, or is, a fixed pitch riser, with a partial covering of a first layer of packaging material over a second, or a plurality of other layers of said packaging material.

Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a step of determining the shape and / or cross section and / or longitudinal and / or dimensions of the object (17) and a step adapting the shape and / or dimensions of the oblong trajectory (s) in the same horizontal plane and / or the spiral trajectory (s), having an oblong transverse cross-section, depending on the shape and / or the section transverse and / or longitudinal and / or dimensions of the object (17).

The method of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the packaging product is a stretchable plastic film.