WO2019229781A1

WO2019229781A1 - Method and system for controlling the supply of consumable material in a wrapping apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019229781A1
Application number: PCT/IT2019/050121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valeriano Bruni; Gianluca Paci
Original assignee: Atlanta Stretch S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-29
Publication date: 2019-12-05
Also published as: IT201800005820A1

Abstract

The method for controlling the supply of consumables in a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1) initially provides for configuring an enabling device (2), by loading on an electronic memory (20) of said enabling device (2) at least a datum defining a predefined quantity of consumable material for said tape or film wrapping apparatus (1) and at least an identifying datum. Then, the method provides for connecting said enabling device (2) to a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1) and feeding a consumable item (3) to said tape or film wrapping apparatus (1). Then, a quantity of said consumable item (3) actually consumed by said apparatus (1) is measured by means of a measuring device (4) coupled to said wrapping apparatus (1). Then, by means of an electronic card (5) associated with said apparatus (1 ) and configured for this purpose, said quantity of actually consumed material is compared with said predefined quantity stored on said enabling device (2). Finally, by means of said electronic card (5), a control signal of said apparatus (1 ) is generated according to the results of said comparison.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF CONSUMABLE MATERIAL

IN A WRAPPING APPARATUS

Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the supply of consumables in a wrapping apparatus, in particular an apparatus for wrapping products with a film of stretch material or with a tape.

Background of the invention

[02] The need for wrapping groups of products, usually arranged on pallets, with a film of polyethylene stretch material is known currently. Therefore, devices have been developed capable of wrapping products with the aforementioned stretch film in an automatic or semi automatic manner.

[03] In particular, semiautomatic apparatuses are known, which are provided with a rotary table according to a vertical axis on which the products to be wrapped are arranged. The film of stretch material, wound in a reel, is carried by a mobile dispensing device on a column associated with the fixed frame of the apparatus. The film of stretch material is fed by the dispensing device on the lateral surface of the product to be wrapped, placed in rotation by the rotary table. The simultaneous translation motion of the dispensing device along the column determines the spiral wrapping of the stretch material film on the product.

[04] A wrapping apparatus of this type is illustrated for example in the patent application EP 1 083 126.

[05] In the specified field there is the need to provide consumables to the aforesaid apparatuses when used, such as film reels of stretch material.

[06] For security reasons and for commercial reasons, dealers need to ensure that customers can only use consumables of the authorized type and quantity in the sold or granted in use apparatuses.

[07] For this purpose, numerous solutions have been proposed, which generally provide for the use of apparatus's means of connection to a remote terminal by means of a communications network, for example a telephone network, to recognize the installed consumable material. Following the recognition, the apparatus is authorized for operation with the recognized consumable material. Without a valid acknowledgment, the operation of the apparatus is inhibited.

[08] However, the need to have a remote network connection, which can be expensive and not very reliable, makes this solution problematic.

[09] EP2170707 patent application illustrates a further developed solution. The patent application describes a wrapping apparatus comprising a device, predisposed for storing data relating to the reel of material to be wrapped, such as, for example, the type of material. The device comprises an electronic label, which communicates with reading means by emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations.

[10] Despite the progress in the field, the need is felt to have simpler and more reliable solutions.

Disclosure

[1 1] The object of the present invention is to solve the mentioned problems, devising a method and a system for controlling the supply of consumables in a wrapping machine that is reliable and of versatile and economic use.

[12] The mentioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the method for controlling the consumables in a wrapping machine in accordance with claim 1 , as well as by the system in accordance with claim 6 and by the computer program in accordance with claim 5.

[13] Basically, the system in accordance with the invention provides for an enabling device, provided with a rewritable electronic memory.

[14] Preferably, the enabling device is a mobile device.

[15] Preferably, the enabling device comprises or consists of an electronic token or an electronic key.

[16] Preferably, the enabling device comprises a disk-shaped support.

[17] The system in accordance with the invention further comprises a measuring device associated with a wrapping apparatus, configured to measure a quantity of consumables, in particular stretch film or tape, actually consumed by the apparatus.

[18] Preferably, the measuring device is a device for linear measurement of the length of the tape or film consumed by the wrapping apparatus.

[19] Preferably, the measuring device is associated with a dispensing device of the wrapping apparatus.

[20] The system also comprises an electronic card associated with the aforementioned wrapping apparatus and connected to the measuring device, and an interface for connecting the enabling device to the electronic card.

[21] Preferably, the interface connection consists of a physical interface such as plug-socket provided with a surface predisposed for coupling with a corresponding contact surface of the enabling device.

[22] Preferably the interface surface adapted to couple with the enabling device configures a seat predisposed for receiving and stably housing the enabling device.

[23] Preferably, the system also comprises an interface for the connection of the enabling device to a computer.

[24] According to an embodiment, the interface consists of a cable provided at one end with a terminal connectable to the enabling device, and equipped at the opposite end with a terminal connectable to the computer. [25] The method for controlling the supply of consumables in a tape or film wrapping apparatus, which is the subject of the present invention, comprises the step of configuring an enabling device, by loading on an electronic memory of said enabling device at least a datum which defines a predefined quantity of consumable material for said wrapping apparatus and at least an identifying datum. The method then provides for measuring, by means of a measuring device associated with the wrapping apparatus, a quantity of material actually consumed by the apparatus and comparing, by means of an electronic board associated with the apparatus and configured for this purpose, said quantity of material actually consumed with said predefined quantity stored on said enabling device.

[26] Finally, the method provides for generating, via said electronic board, a control signal of said apparatus according to the results of said comparison.

[27] The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an electronic computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of configuring an enabling device by loading on an electronic memory of said enabling device at least a datum that defines a predefined quantity of consumable material, adapted for use in a film or tape wrapping apparatus, and an identification datum; comparing a measured quantity of said material consumed by said wrapping apparatus with said predefined quantity stored on said enabling device and generating a control signal of said apparatus, depending on the results of said comparison.

Description of drawings

[28] The details of the invention will become more evident in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the system for controlling the supply of consumables for a wrapping apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wrapping apparatus;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a detail of the wrapping apparatus shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the enabling device, which is subject of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an interface for connecting the enabling device, which is subject of the invention, to a computer;

Figure 5 shows an illustrative image of a user interface screen of the computer program, which is subject of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention

[29] With particular reference to these figures, it is indicated in its entirety with 100 the system for controlling the supply of consumables for a wrapping apparatus 1.

[30] According to a preferred embodiment, shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the wrapping apparatus 1 is of the semiautomatic type provided with a rotary table according to a vertical axis on which are arranged the products to be wrapped by means of a film of stretched material, wrapped in reel, carried by a mobile dispensing device on a column associated with the fixed frame of the apparatus. The film of stretch material is fed by the dispensing device on the lateral surface of the product to be wrapped, placed in rotation by the rotary table. The simultaneous translation motion of the dispensing device along the column determines the spiral wrapping of the stretch material film on the product.

[31] However, the system, which is the subject-matter of the invention, can advantageously be used also for other types of winding apparatuses, for example taping machines for packaging or the like. The system can be used in particular on apparatuses such as strapping machines.

[32] The system 100 comprises a mobile enabling device 2 (see Figure 3) provided with a rewritable electronic memory 20 containing at least a datum that defines a predefined quantity of consumables, in particular stretch material films or tape, and an identification datum, as will be better specified below.

[33] Preferably, the device 2 is constituted by an electronic token, that is, by a support having a preferably discoidal shape, which houses a rewritable electronic memory inside. At least one external surface of the support has contact portions capable to couple with an interface for reading and writing data in the memory 20.

[34] According to further embodiments, the device 2 can consists of an electronic key or by equivalent technical means.

[35] The system 100 further provides for a measuring device 4 associated with the wrapping apparatus 1 , configured to measure a quantity of consumable material, in particular stretch film or tape, actually consumed by the apparatus 1. Preferably, the measuring device 4 is a device for linear measurement of the length of the tape or film consumed by the apparatus 1 . However, it is possible to provide for the device 4 to measure other typical quantities of the consumable material, such as weight.

[36] Preferably, the measuring device 4 is associated with the mobile dispensing device of the apparatus 1 which carries the reel of stretch material.

[37] The system 100 also comprises an electronic board 5 associated with the aforementioned wrapping apparatus 1 and connected to the measuring device 4, and an interface 6 for connecting the enabling device 2 to the electronic board 5.

[38] Preferably, the interface 6 consists of a physical interface such as plug-socket provided with a surface predisposed for coupling with a corresponding contact surface of the token 2.

[39] Preferably the aforementioned surface of the interface 6 adapted to couple with the token 2 configures a seat predisposed for receiving and permanently housing the token 2.

[40] The electronic board 5 is configured, by appropriate programming, to receive the aforementioned measurement of a quantity of consumable material actually consumed, compare this measurement with the aforesaid predefined quantity of consumable material recorded in the memory 20, and generate a control signal of the apparatus 1 as a function of the results of this comparison and/or on the basis of the comparison of the identification datum recorded in the memory 20 with corresponding datum stored in the electronic board 5.

[41 ] According to an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises means 8 for viewing of the recorded information in the memory 20 by the user, and/or processed data starting from this information in combination with the data resulting from said measurement of a quantity of consumable material actually consumed. This information may consist, for example, of the remaining length that can be supplied. Preferably, the means 8 consist of an electronic display, and can be integrated in the electronic display used to display and manage further functions of the apparatus 1 .

[42] Preferably, the system 100 also comprises an interface 7 for the connection of the token 2 to a computer.

[43] According to an embodiment (see Figure 4), the interface 7 consists of a cable provided at one end with a terminal connectable to the token 2, and provided at the opposite end with a terminal connectable to the computer.

[44] The method for controlling the supply of consumables in question is easily understandable from the previous description of the corresponding control system.

[45] Initially, the enabling device 2 is configured by loading on the electronic memory 20 of this enabling device 2 at least a datum that defines a predefined quantity of consumable material and at least a datum of identification.

[46] For this purpose, the device 2 is connected to a computer by the interface 7, and the aforesaid data loading operation takes place via a computer program, which is subject of the invention, installed in the computer.

[47] For example, the information defining a predefined quantity of consumable material can be a number corresponding to a predefined length of tape or film.

[48] The identification datum can be a datum corresponding to a code or an identification number of the enabling device 2 and/or information that unambiguously identifies a wrapping device 1 to which the enabling device 2 is intended to be connected and/or information that unambiguously identifies a retailer and/or a customer and/or information that defines a date. This information can be represented by univocal numerical codes.

[49] Then, the enabling device 2 is connected to a tape or film wrapping apparatus 1 and an item 3 of consumable material is fed to the wrapping apparatus 1 .

[50] After that, a quantity of the aforesaid unit 3 of consumable material actually consumed by the apparatus 1 is measured by the measurement device 4 associated with the wrapping apparatus 1 . [51 ] Then, the aforesaid quantity of material actually consumed is compared by means of the electronic board 5 associated with the apparatus 1 and configured for this purpose with the aforesaid predefined quantity stored in the enabling device 2.

[52] Subsequently, a control signal of the apparatus 1 is generated by the electronic board 5 on the basis of the results of the aforementioned comparison and/or on the basis of the comparison of the identification datum stored in the enabling device 2 with corresponding information stored in the electronic board 5.

[53] For example, if the amount of material actually consumed is equal to or greater than the stored preset quantity, it is possible to generate a signal which inhibits the operation of the machine until the enabling device 2 is replaced. It is also possible to generate a signal that inhibits the operation of the apparatus 1 if the identification datum stored in the device 2 is not consistent with corresponding information stored in the electronic card 5. For example, it is thus possible to prevent the device 2 from being connected to a device 1 other than that for which it was intended.

[54] According to the invention, the step of comparing the identification datum stored in the enabling device 2 with corresponding information stored in the electronic board 5 and to generate a control signal can also be carried out immediately after connecting the enabling device 2 to the tape or film wrapping apparatus 1 , before dispensing the material.

[55] Advantageously, the comparison of the date code can be used to prevent the same device 2 from being removed and reused several times on the same apparatus 1 .

[56] The method and the system here described allow the intended purpose of providing a method and a system for controlling the supply of consumables in a wrapping apparatus that is reliable and of versatile and economic use to be achieved.

[57] A particular advantage of the invention is the fact that the method and the system in question allow the supply of consumable material to be controlled without the need for a connection to a remote server by means of a communications network.

[58] Advantageously, a retailer appointed to sell a specific quantity of consumable material to a customer can program an enabling device 2 connecting it to a computer, for example to a personal computer, by means of the interface 7. Through a dedicated program, which is also the subject matter of the present invention (see figure 5), the retailer can directly store in the device 2 information relating to the quantity of consumable material sold and, for example, the identification datum of the customer's apparatus 1 or a date. The retailer then delivers the programmed device 2 together with the supply of consumable material sold. The apparatus 1 owned by the customer will be capable to function only once it is connected to the programmed device 2, until the predefined quantity has been delivered, which is a sort of customer credit. It is thus possible to ensure that only authorized consumable materials are used in an apparatus 1 sold or assigned in use by a retailer to a customer. [59] It should be noted that it is also possible to ensure that the credit made available to the customer can be used consecutively, even in different quantities, on several devices owned by the customer by appropriately configuring the identifying datum through the dedicated program.

[60] Advantageously, by using the program subject of the invention, a retailer can re-use the same enabling device 2 several times.

[61] A further advantage of the system in accordance with the invention is the fact that it can be easily implemented on existing and working machines with few structural modifications (for example through the provision of an upgrade kit).

[62] The system illustrated by way of example is subjected to several changes and variations according to different needs.

[63] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions can vary according to the needs.

[64] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the supply of consumable material in a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ) comprising the following steps:

(a.) configuring an enabling device (2), by loading on an electronic memory (20) of said enabling device (2) at least a datum defining a predefined quantity of consumable material for said tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ) and at least an identification datum;

(b.) connecting said enabling device (2) to a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ) and feeding an item (3) of consumable material to said tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 );

(c.) measuring an amount of said item (3) of consumable material actually consumed by said apparatus (1 ) by means of a measuring device (4) associated with said wrapping apparatus (1 );

(d.) comparing said quantity of material actually consumed with said predefined quantity stored on said enabling device (2) by means of an electronic board (5) associated with said apparatus (1 ) and configured for this purpose;

(e.) generating a control signal of said apparatus (1 ) on the basis of the results of said comparison via said electronic board (5).

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , characterized in that said step (d.) of comparing said amount of material actually consumed with said predefined stored quantity on said enabling device (2) by means of an electronic board (5) associated with said apparatus (1 ) and configured for this purpose, comprises the further step (d1.) of comparing said identification datum stored on said enabling device (2) with corresponding information stored on said board (5) by means of said board (5).

3. A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said identification datum comprises a datum corresponding to a code or an identification number of said enabling device (2) and/or comprises information that unambiguously identifies a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ) and/or includes information that unambiguously identifies a retailer and/or a customer and/or includes information that defines a date.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that, after said step (b.) of connecting said enabling device (2) to a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ) and feeding said item (3) of consumable material to said tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ), comprises step (b1.) of comparing, by means of said board (5), said identification datum stored on said enabling device (2) with corresponding information stored on said board (5) and generating, via said board (5), a control signal of said apparatus (1 ) on the basis of the results of said comparison.

5. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of configuring an enabling device (2) by loading on an electronic memory (20) of said enabling device (2) at least a datum that defines a predefined quantity of consumable material predisposed for use in a film or tape wrapping apparatus (1 ) and an identification datum; comparing a measured quantity of material consumed by said wrapping apparatus (1 ) with said predefined quantity stored on said enabling device (2) and generating a control signal of said apparatus (1 ) on the basis of the results of said comparison.

6. A system (100) for controlling the supply of consumable material for a tape or film wrapping apparatus (1 ), comprising:

an enabling device (2) comprising an electronic memory (20) containing at least a datum defining a predefined quantity of consumable material for said apparatus (1 ) and an identification datum;

a measuring device (4) associated with said wrapping apparatus (1 ), configured to measure a quantity of consumable material actually consumed by said apparatus (1 );

an electronic board (5) associated with said wrapping apparatus (1 ) and connected to said measuring device (4);

an interface (6) connecting said enabling device (2) to said electronic board (5);

said electronic card (5) being configured to receive said measurement of a quantity of consumable material actually consumed, to compare said measurement with said predefined quantity of consumable material stored in said memory (20), and to generate a control signal of said apparatus (1 ) on the basis of the results of the comparison.

7. A system in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that said enabling device (2) comprises or consists of an electronic token or an electronic key.

8. A system in accordance with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises an interface (7) for connecting said enabling device (2) to a computer.

9. A system in accordance with one of claims 6-8, characterized in that said measuring device (4) is a device for linear measurement of the length of the tape or film consumed by said apparatus (1 ).

10. A system in accordance with one of claims 6-9, characterized in that said apparatus (1 ) comprises means (8) for viewing the information recorded in said memory (20) by the user and/or data processed starting from such information in combination with the data resulting from said measurement of a quantity of consumable material actually consumed.

1 1. A system in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that said interface (6) comprises or consists of a physical interface such as plug-socket provided with a surface capable to couple with a corresponding contact surface of said token or of said electronic key.