WO2020193868A1

WO2020193868A1 - Method for packing a coil or roll, coil or roll packing arrangement, and coil or roll packing system

Info

Publication number: WO2020193868A1
Application number: PCT/FI2020/050197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rami Mannila; Juha LUHTALA
Original assignee: Pesmel Oy
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-26
Publication date: 2020-10-01
Also published as: FI128963B; EP3947165A1; FI20195227A1; EP3947165B1

Abstract

A method for packing a coil or roll (10), a coil or roll packing arrangement (100), and a coil or roll packing system (300) are presented. The method may comprise providing (1010, 1020) the coil or roll (10), and an inner edge protecting element (11 ). The method may further comprise adapting (1030) the inner edge protecting element (11 ) to overlap at two portions (12A, 12B) thereof, thereby forming a closed shape. The method may further comprise arranging (1040), by a coil or roll packing machine, a portion of the inner edge protecting element (11 ) into an inner space (ISP) of the coil or roll (10), and increasing (1050), by the machine, the first diameter (D) so that at least part of the portion becomes in contact with the inner surface (IS). The method may comprise mechanically securing (1060), by the machine, the inner edge protecting element (11 ) at the two portions (12A, 12B) to provide an inner edge protector (13).

Description

METHOD FOR PACKING A COIL OR ROLL, COIL OR ROLL PACKING ARRANGEMENT, AND COIL OR ROLL PACKING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to methods, arrangements and systems for packing coils or rolls, such as metal coils or paper rolls. In particular, however not exclusively, the present invention concerns methods, arrangements and sys tems for providing protection for the inner edge of the coil or roll.

BACKGROUND

There are some known methods for packing metal coils which utilize different packaging material layers to protect the metal coil from outside moisture and dust. Generally, metal coils are packed in order to be protected from the envi ronment when being transported, for example, by a vehicle, ship, or the like.

Packaging of metal coils can include, for example, arranging waterproof vinyl, moisture absorbing paper and a scratch-resistant thin metal foil to protect the coil. It is known to provide packaging material on both the outer surface of the coils as well as on the inner surface of the coil.

In known solutions, the packing of the coil is performed by operators who ar range the different packaging materials on the coil. Furthermore, different parts of the packaging, such as the inner edge protector, are typically manually at tached to the coil by using adhesive, such as adhesive tape, glue or silicone. The packing thus requires much manual labor which causes high costs. Further more, utilization of adhesives is undesirable in the packaging due to unwanted health related issues, such as the adhesives being toxic. Furthermore, adhe sives tend to be messy. The adhesives also cause the packaging to become hard to unpack because the packaging material has been attached to the coil by the adhesive.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a method for packing a coil or roll, a coil or roll packing arrangement, and a coil or roll packing system. Another objective of the present invention is that the method, the arrangement, and the system at least alleviate some of drawbacks in the known solutions, such as related to the utilization of manual labor and adhesives. The objectives of the invention are reached by a method for packing a coil or roll, a coil or roll packing arrangement, and a coil or roll packing system as de fined by the respective independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for packing a coil or roll is provided.

The method comprises:

- providing the coil or roll comprising an inner edge defined by an inner surface of the coil or roll, wherein the inner edge defines an inner diameter of the coil or roll and the inner surface defines an inner space (or an eye or a hole or a through-hole or an inner volume) of the coil or roll,

- providing an inner edge protecting element comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said ends are opposite ends with respect to each other in a longi tudinal direction of the inner edge protecting element,

- adapting the inner edge protecting element to overlap at two portions of the inner edge protecting element, thereby forming substantially a closed shape having a first diameter,

- arranging, by a coil or roll packing machine, a portion of the adapted inner edge protecting element into the inner space at the end of the inner surface,

- increasing, by the coil or roll packing machine, the first diameter so that at least part of the portion becomes in contact with the inner surface, and

- mechanically securing, by the coil or roll packing machine, the inner edge pro tecting element at the two portions to provide an inner edge protector secured into the inner space and arranged along and in contact with the inner edge, wherein the mechanically securing comprises attaching the two portions to each other by the coil or roll packing machine, thereby, preferably, fixing the increased first diameter.

The coil or roll may, preferably, be a metal coil, for example, of steel or alumi num. Alternatively, the coil or roll may be a paper roll.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise maintaining by the coil or roll packing machine the force used to increase the first diameter during the securing. This further improves the coupling between the inner edge protector and the inner surface of the coil or roll.

In various embodiments, the inner edge protecting element may include at least two portions, the first portion and the second portion, separated by a bend in a longitudinal direction of the element. Thus, the inner edge protecting element may have a cross-section having L-shape or the like, in case of a right angle at the bend. The angle may differ from the right angle, however, be in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, advantageously 70 to 1 10 degrees or more advantageously 80 to 100 degrees, or the even more advantageously 85 to 95 degrees.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first portion of the inner edge protecting element may, preferably, be straight in order to conform with the inner surface of the coil or roll when being arranged in contact with the inner surface. However, the shape of the cross-section of the second portion may vary.

In various embodiments, the portion of the adapted inner edge protecting ele ment arranged into the inner space may be the first portion in which case the second portion may become in contact with a side surface of the coil or roll.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the first diameter to be less than the inner diameter so that the portion of the inner edge protecting element fits into the inner space.

In various embodiments, a securing device comprised in the coil or roll packing machine may comprise a welding device, such as a spot welding device. In these embodiments, the method may comprise welding, such as spot welding, by the welding device, the two portions of the inner edge protecting element to each other, thereby mechanically securing the inner edge protecting element.

In various embodiments, the securing device may comprise a riveting device. In these embodiments, the method may comprise securing, by the riveting device, the two portions of the inner edge protecting element to each other, thereby mechanically securing the inner edge protecting element.

In some embodiments, the securing device may comprise a puncher or punch ing device. The mechanical securing may, thus, be implemented by punching at the two overlapping portions such that the penetration of the punch through the portions or at least causing deformation of the portions, if not penetrated through, provide the mechanical securing when the two portions stick to each other due to the deformation at the corresponding positions relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the securing device may comprise a cutting or a bending device. The mechanical securing may, thus, be implemented by cutting or bend ing the inner edge protecting element at the overlapping portions such that the portions become attached to each other. This may be done, for example, at the outer edge of the inner edge protecting element, such as at the second portion thereof.

In a further embodiment, the inner edge protecting element may comprise at the overlapping portions a ratcheting mechanism, such as having a protrusion or protrusions in one of the overlapping portions, and a hole or cavity or holes or cavities in the other one of the overlapping portions at corresponding positions. The protrusion(s) and the hole(s) may, advantageously, be arranged such that when coupled to each other, the inner edge protecting element locks, or me chanically secures, into the desired position to protect the inner edge, and thus forms the inner edge protector.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise gripping the inner edge pro tecting element by gripping elements, such as claws, comprised in the coil or roll packing machine, wherein the gripping elements may be configured to support the inner edge protecting element during moving of the element.

In various embodiments, the increasing of the first diameter may comprise push ing the inner edge protecting element at a plurality of different positions towards the inner surface by spreading elements comprised in the coil or roll packing machine.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the inner edge protecting element to a squeezing device and reducing the first diameter to be less than the inner diameter by the squeezing device by pushing the inner edge protecting element from outside with respect to the closed shape.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the two portions of the inner edge protecting element to a first position in the squeezing device. Furthermore, the method may comprise gripping the inner edge protecting element by the gripping elements comprised in the coil or roll packing machine such that the first position corresponds to a position of the securing device.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, after the mechanical secur ing, pushing, by the coil or roll packing machine, the inner edge protector to be in contact with a side surface of the coil or roll.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging a header or a side cover around the adapted inner edge protecting element and arranging the header or the side cover onto a side surface of the coil or roll.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a coil or roll packing ar rangement is provided.

The coil or roll packing arrangement comprises a coil or roll packing machine comprising a robot or manipulator and a securing device, wherein the robot or manipulator is configured to arrange a portion of an inner edge protecting ele ment into an inner space at an end of an inner surface of a coil or roll, wherein the inner edge protecting element comprises two overlapping portions, thereby forming substantially a closed shape having a first diameter, to increase the first diameter so that at least part of the portion becomes in contact with the inner surface. The securing device is configured to mechanically secure the inner edge protecting element at the two overlapping portions to provide an inner edge protector secured into the inner space and arranged along and in contact with an inner edge of the coil or roll, wherein the mechanically securing comprises attaching the two overlapping portions to each other by the coil or roll packing machine, thereby, preferably, fixing the increased first diameter.

The robot or manipulator may refer to any kind of a device or machine which may be configured, such as programmed, to perform the steps in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the robot or manipulator may be configured to move or being moved in one, two, or three dimensions. Furthermore, with re spect to the movement, the robot or manipulator may have any number of de grees of freedom, such as from five to seven, for instance. The robot or manip ulator may in some embodiments have one or several robot or manipulating arms.

In some embodiments, the securing device may be a welding or a riveting device configured to mechanically secure the inner edge protecting element. In various embodiments, the coil or roll packing arrangement may comprise a squeezing device configured to reduce the first diameter to be less than an inner diameter of the coil or roll by pushing the inner edge protecting element outside the closed shape.

In various embodiments, the robot may comprise spreading elements, such as plugs or pegs, and the robot may be configured to increase the first diameter by pushing the inner edge protecting element at a plurality of different positions towards the inner surface by the spreading elements.

In one preferable embodiment, the spreading elements may be elastic or com prise elastic coupling with respect to the robot, such as by a spring or spring-like element.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a coil or roll packing system is provided.

The coil or roll packing system comprises a plurality of stations, wherein at least one of the stations comprise a coil or roll packing arrangement according to the second aspect or any embodiment thereof.

In some embodiments, other one of the plurality of stations may comprise provid ing other packaging material to the coil or roll, such as providing packaging ma terial for protecting the coil against corrosion. This may include utilizing plastic and/or paper packaging material arranged on the surfaces of the coil, such as on the outer and the inner surfaces.

In various embodiments, the coil or roll may be arranged to be moved by a coil car along a coil car track. The track may, preferably, extend through the plurality of stations such that the coil or roll may be moved through all of the stations by the coil car, preferably, in automated or at least remote controlled manner.

The present invention provides a method for packing a coil or roll, a coil or roll packing arrangement, and a coil or roll packing system. The present invention provides advantages over known solutions in that the inner edge protector may be provided to the coil or roll without need to use adhesives, such as glue or silicone. In known solutions, having pre-manufactured inner edge protectors which are pushed by force into the inner space of the coil or roll, the protectors tend to fall off from the inner space due to having elastic energy stored in them due to being constricted when pushed by force into the inner space. In the pre sent invention, the inner space protecting element has been, on the contrary, expanded against the inner surface of the coil or roll to form the inner edge pro tector, thus the elastic energy is minimized. The present invention has the ad vantage that the diameter of the inner edge protecting element, and therefore of the inner edge protector, can be adjusted in stepless manner or at least practi cally continuously. The invention also allows providing an automatic coil or roll packing arrangement in which the provision of the inner edge protector to the coil or roll does not require manual work from the operator. Furthermore, the coil or roll packing arrangement and/or the equipment, such as the machines and/or the devices, thereof may form part of the coil or roll packing system which, thus, can be fully automated or at least automated with respect to the station including the equipment configured to provide the inner edge protector to the coil or roll.

Various other advantages will become clear to a skilled person based on the following detailed description.

The expression "a number of may herein refer to any positive integer starting from one (1 ).

The expression "a plurality of may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), respectively.

The terms“first” and“second” are herein used to distinguish one element from other element, and not to specially prioritize or order them, if not otherwise ex plicitly stated.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the present inven tion are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The present invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a coil or roll in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a coil or roll and coil packaging material in ac cordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an inner edge protecting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates schematically an inner edge protector according to an em bodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine of Fig. 7 by a cutaway view. Figure 9 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine by a cross-sec tional view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine by a cross- sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine by a cutaway view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine of Fig. 11 from a perspective. Figure 13 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates schematically a securing device according to an embodi ment of the present invention.

Figure 15 illustrates schematically the securing device of Fig. 14 by a cross- sectional view.

Figure 16 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 illustrates a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a coil or roll (hereinafter“coil”) 10 in accord ance with an embodiment of the present invention. The coil 10 may be, for ex ample, a metal coil or roll, such as of stainless steel. The coil 10 may, alterna tively, be a paper roll (or coil). As shown in Fig. 1 , the coil 10, preferably, includes an outer surface OS, an inner surface IS, and two side surfaces SS1 , SS2. Fur thermore, the inner surface IS defines an inner space ISP of the coil 10. Inner edges of the side surfaces SS1 , SS2 have an inner diameter or diameters D1 . Furthermore, the coil 10 comprises an inner edge or edges IE1 , IE2 defined by side end(s) of the inner surface IS. Still further, the coil 10 comprises an outer edge or edges OE1 , OE2 defined by side ends of the outer surface OS.

The coil 10 has a width W and an outer diameter D2 as shown in Fig. 1 . The coil 10 may, for example, have dimensions such as follows: the width W 1200 mm, the outer diameter D2 1200 mm or the like. However, coils 10 of various sizes may be protected by utilizing an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The width W may be in the range from 200 mm to 4000 mm, and the outer diameter D2 in the range from 500 mm to 2000 mm, for instance.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a coil 10 and coil 10 packaging material in ac cordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The coil 10 packaging material may include an outer edge protector 18 or protectors 18, such as of plastic material. The outer edge protector(s) 18 protect the plastic film and/or paper sheet material used to provide protection against corrosion from tearing when being wound through the inner space ISP of the coil 10 and around the coil 10. There may also be arranged further outer edge protector(s), such as preferably of metal, for example, steel, arranged on the outer edge protector(s) after winding the protection material against corrosion.

The coil 10 may further be protected by using mechanical protecting elements, such as metal, plastic, paper, hardboard, and/or cardboard film or sheet. There may be an outer mechanical protecting element arranged on the outer surface OS of the coil 10 (not shown in Fig. 2). There may also be inner mechanical protecting elements, such as inner body material 16, and/or side protecting ele ments, such as headers or side covers 14, arranged on the inner IS and side surface(s) SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10, respectively.

According to various embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 2, the coil 10 packag ing material may, preferably, include one or two inner edge protectors 13 to be arranged to protect the inner edge(s) IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10. The inner edge protectors 13 may, preferably, be of metal, such as steel.

Finally, the packaging may also include arranging band strips of metal (not shown) around the coil 10 through the inner space ISP. There may also be band strips (not shown) arranged around the outer surface OS of the coil 10. The band strips then tightly hold the package material covering the coil 10. The packaged coil 10 may further be provided with identification information, such as labels, tags, etc.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically an inner edge protecting element 1 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inner edge protecting element 1 1 may comprise a first end 1 1A and a second end 1 1 B. The ends 1 1 A, 1 1 B may be opposite ends with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 .

Fig. 3 illustrates at 101 an inner edge protecting element 1 1 , such as a planar metal sheet or strip. At 102, an inner edge protecting element 1 1 is shown which includes a bend 1 1 C in the longitudinal direction of the element 1 1 . The bend 1 1 C may define two portions, that is the first 12A and the second 12B portion, of the element 1 1 . The inner edge protecting elements 1 1 shown at 101 and 102 are optional and may merely show two stages of producing the inner edge pro tecting element 1 1 . This is illustrated by the arrows between the stages pointing from left to right. Flowever, at 103 is shown a preferable embodiment of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 . As can be seen, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 has been arranged to conform or to have a corresponding shape with respect to the shape of the inner edge IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically an inner edge protector 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates, at 1 1 1 , an inner edge protecting element 1 1 according to an embodiment having two portions 12C, 12D to be arranged overlapped with respect to each other as shown at 1 12. At 1 12, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 has substantially a closed shape hav ing a first diameter D, such as defined by the first portion 12A of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 . Furthermore, Fig. 4 illustrates, at 1 13, the inner edge protector 13. The inner edge protector 13 has been provided by mechanically securing at the overlapping portions 12C, 12D of the inner edge protecting ele ment 1 1 by, for example, welding, such as spot welding, or riveting the overlap ping portions to each other at position 13A. Flowever, instead of riveting, the overlapping portions may be coupled or secured by a nut and bolt, or by other mechanical securing means. Furthermore, instead of welding at the position 13A, the securing may alternatively or in addition be performed at position 13B, for instance.

In some embodiments, the securing device 30 may comprise a puncher or punching device. The mechanical securing may, thus, be implemented by punching at the two overlapping portions such that the penetration of the punch through the portions or at least causing deformation of the portions, if not pene trated through, provide the mechanical securing when the two portions stick to each other due to the deformation at the corresponding positions relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the securing device 30 may comprise a cutting or a bend ing device. The mechanical securing may, thus, be implemented by cutting or bending the inner edge protecting element at the overlapping portions such that the portions become attached to each other. This may be done, for example, at the outer edge of the inner edge protecting element, such as at the second por tion thereof.

In a further embodiment, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may comprise at the overlapping portions a ratcheting mechanism, such as having a protrusion or protrusions in one of the overlapping portions, and a hole or cavity or holes or cavities in the other one of the overlapping portions at corresponding posi tions. The protrusion(s) and the hole(s) may, advantageously, be arranged such that when coupled to each other, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 locks, or mechanically secures, into the desired position to protect the inner edge IE1 , IE2, and thus forms the inner edge protector 13.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing arrangement 100 accord ing to an embodiment of the present invention. The coil packing arrangement 100 may comprise a coil or roll packing machine 40. The coil or roll packing machine 40 may comprise a robot 42 and a securing device 44. The robot 42 may be configured at least to arrange a portion, such as the first portion 12A, of an inner edge protecting element 1 1 into an inner space ISP at an end of an inner surface IS of a coil 10. The robot 42 may further be configured to increase the first diameter D so that at least part of the portion, such as the first portion 12A, becomes in contact with the inner surface IS of the coil 10. Furthermore, the securing device may be configured at least to mechanically secure the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to provide an inner edge protector 13 secured into the inner space ISP and arranged along and in contact with an inner edge IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10.

Furthermore, the arrangement 100 may comprise a control unit 150 configured to control the operation of the arrangement 100, such as the arranging of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 into the inner space ISP of the coil 10. The control unit 150 may, preferably, be in communication connection with various devices of the arrangement 100.

The control unit 150 may comprise one or more processors, one or more mem ories being volatile or non-volatile for storing portions of computer program code and any data values and possibly one or more user interface units. The men tioned elements may be communicatively coupled to each other with e.g. an internal bus.

The processor of the control unit 150 may at least be configured to implement at least some operational steps as described herein with respect to the arrange ment and methods. The implementation of the methods may be achieved by arranging the processor to execute at least some portion of computer program code stored in the memory causing the processor, and thus the control unit 150, to implement one or more method steps to be described hereinlater. The processor may thus be arranged to access the memory and retrieve and store any information therefrom and thereto. For sake of clarity, the processor herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and control the operation of the control unit 150, among other tasks. The operations may also be imple mented with a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, the memory is not limited to a certain type of memory only, but any memory type suitable for storing the described pieces of information may be applied in the context of the present invention.

The control unit 150 may comprise a communication interface to which external units may be connected to. External unit may comprise wireless connection or a connection by a wired manner. The communication interface may provide in terface for communication with external units such as the elevator car, the elec tric motor, the doors of the landing floors, or the electrical drive to the elevator control unit. There may also be connecting to the external system, such as a laptop or a handheld device. There may also be a connection to a database of the elevator or an external database including information used in controlling the operation of the elevator.

Optionally, the coil or roll packing arrangement 100 may comprise a squeezing device 30 configured to reduce the first diameter D to be less than an inner diameter D1 of the coil 10 by pushing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 from outside with respect to the closed shape. The robot 42 may additionally be con figured to fetch and grab the inner edge protecting element 1 1 from the squeez ing device 30. The squeezing device 30 may further be configured to bend the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to include two portions 12A, 12B, and to form the edge protecting element 1 1 to conform or to have a corresponding shape with respect to the shape of the inner edge IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10, such as shown at 103 in Fig. 3.

Optionally, the coil or roll packing arrangement 100 may comprise an inner edge protecting element manufacturing device 20. The inner edge protecting element manufacturing device 20 may be configured to manufacture an inner edge pro tecting element 1 1 such as shown at 101 in Fig. 3, such as, a planar metal sheet or strip. The inner edge protecting element manufacturing device 20 may also be arranged to provide the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to the squeezing device 30. In some embodiments, the robot 42 may be further configured to fetch a header 14 from a header storage 60. The header 14 may be configured to be fetch such that it is arranged around the inner edge protecting element 1 1 held by the robot 42. Therefore, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 and the header 14 may be substantially simultaneously arranged on the coil 10.

Optionally, the coil or roll packing arrangement 100 may comprise an adhesion machine 50. The adhesion machine 50 may comprise an adhesion head 52 and a main unit 51 , such as including the adhesive. The robot 42 may be further configured to move the header 14 in contact with the adhesion head 52 for ap plying adhesive on the header 14. The header 14 may, thus, be adhered to the side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10.

The inner edge protecting element manufacturing device 20 may further be ar ranged to form the planar inner edge protecting element 1 1 to substantially con form or to have a corresponding shape with respect to the shape of the inner edge IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10 prior to being bend. This is shown in Fig. 5 in which the planar strip has a spiral-like shape at the inner edge protecting element man ufacturing device 20. The inner edge protecting element manufacturing device 20 may further be configured to cut the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to de sired length.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing arrangement 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the coil or roll pack ing machine 40 may be configured to fetch the inner edge protecting element 1 1 from the squeezing device 30.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The robot 42 may comprise spreading elements 46, and the robot 42 may be configured to increase the first diameter D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 by pushing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 at a plurality of different positions towards the inner surface IS (not shown in Fig. 6) by the spreading elements 46. The robot may also comprise gripping elements 48, such as claws. In one preferable embodiment, the spread ing elements 46 may be elastic or comprise elastic coupling with respect to the robot 42, such as by a spring or spring-like element. The coil or roll packing machine 40 may also comprise a securing device 44, such as a welding, prefer ably a spot welding, machine. In some embodiments, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may be gripped by the gripping elements 48, such as claws, comprised in the robot 42. The gripping elements 48 may be configured to support the inner edge protecting element 1 1 during moving of the element and maintaining the inner edge protecting element 1 1 in its adapted shape, such as, having a smaller first diameter D than the inner diameter D1 of the coil 10.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 of Fig. 7 by a cutaway view.

Figure 9 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 by a cross- sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the coil or roll packing machine 40 may be configured to arrange at least a portion of the adapted inner edge protecting element 1 1 , that is having smaller diameter than the inner diameter D1 of the coil 10, into the inner space ISP at the end of the inner surface IS.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the adapted inner edge protecting element 1 1 is not be arranged into the inner space ISP completely in order have space for one of the electrodes 49 of the welding machine between the machine 40 and the coil 10.

As can further be seen from Fig. 9, a part of the adapted inner edge protecting element 1 1 , that is the part including the overlapping portions 12C, 12D, may be arranged between the electrodes 49 for mechanical securing after increasing, by the coil or roll packing machine 40, particularly the spreading elements 46 thereof, the first diameter D so that at least part of said portion, such as the first portion 12A, of the adapted inner edge protecting 1 1 in the inner space ISP be comes in contact with the inner surface IS. In Fig. 10, which illustrates schemat ically a coil or roll packing machine by a cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 has been shown with increased diameter D so as to become in contact with the inner surface IS.

In various embodiments, the coil or roll packing machine 40 is configured to maintain the force used to increase the first diameter D during the securing. This further improves the coupling between the inner edge protector 13 and the inner surface IS of the coil 10. After mechanical securing, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 is an inner edge protector 13 being secured into the inner space ISP and arranged along and in contact with the inner edge IE1 , IE2.

Said portion inner edge protector 13, such as the first portion 12A, may then, after the securing device 44 has been removed, pushed completely into the in ner space ISP. In some embodiments, the second portion 12B may then become in contact with the side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10.

Figure 1 1 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 by a cutaway view according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 1 , the mech anisms for moving the spreading elements 46 according to some embodiments are shown. The mechanisms may utilize, for example, hydraulics for moving the spreading elements 46. Furthermore, Fig. 1 1 illustrates pushing elements 47 arranged to push the inner edge protector 13 into the inner space ISP. There may be plurality of pushing elements 47 in the coil or roll packing machine 40. In an embodiment, the securing device 44 also includes a pushing element 47.

In various embodiments, there may be inner body packaging material 16 inside the inner space ISP. The first diameter D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may be configured to be increased such that the inner body packaging ma terial 16 becomes trapped between the inner edge protecting element 1 1 and the inner surface IS of the coil 10.

Figure 12 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 of Fig. 1 1 from a perspective. In Fig. 12, the inner edge protector 13 has been provided after increasing its diameter by the robot 42 and securing it by the securing de vice 44.

Figure 13 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing machine 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coil or roll packing machine 40 has been arranged to insert the inner edge protector 13 into the inner space ISP of the coil 10. There may or may not be a header 14 attached to the side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10.

Figure 14 illustrates schematically a securing device 44 according to an embod iment of the present invention. Figure 15 illustrates schematically the securing device 44 of Fig. 14 by a cross-sectional view. The securing device 44 in Figs. 14 and 15 is a spot welding device. The spot welding device may comprise hydraulics means, such as including hydraulic cylinders 81 for moving the elec trodes and pushing element 47 towards the coil 10 when inserting the inner edge protecting element 1 1 and/or the inner edge protector 13 into the inner space ISP. There may further be other hydraulics means, such as including other hy draulic cylinders 82, arranged to move the welding device, or at least part thereof including the electrodes 49, in the vertical direction or parallel to the side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10. Still further, the securing device 44 may comprise pow ering means 83 for providing electrical power or hydraulic oil, for instance.

Figure 16 illustrates schematically a coil or roll packing system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coil packing system 300 may, pref erably, be at least partly automatic or even fully automatic.

According to various embodiments, a coil or roll packing system 300 may com prise at least one or a plurality of stations 200-205. At least one 200 of the sta tions 200-205 may, preferably, comprise a coil or roll packing arrangement 100 according to some embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Fig. 5.

In an embodiment, there may be at least two stations 200, 204. Other one 204 of the stations may comprise an inner body machine which is configured to ar ranged inner body packaging material 16 into the inner space ISP of the coil 10 defined by the inner surface IS.

The plurality of station 200-205 may be connected to each other by a coil car track 215. The track 215 may, preferably, extend through the plurality of stations 200-205 such that the coil or roll 10 may be moved through all of the stations 200-205 by the coil car 210, preferably, in automated or at least remote con trolled manner.

The plurality of stations 200-205 may include, for example, in the first station 201 , an entry sand and a measuring gate. In the entry sand and measuring gate, the coil 10 may be measured, such as its weight and dimensions. The second station 202 may include a plastic inner surface protecting machine in which a plastic inner surface protector may be arranged onto the inner surface IS. The third station 203 may comprise an eye wrapper machine which provides protec tive layer against corrosion such as by winding the material through the inner space ISP. This may include using plastic and paper sheet or films. Furthermore, at the third station the outer edge OE1 , OE2 of the coil 10 may be protected by a edge protector 18, such as of plastic. At the fourth station 204, mechanical protectors may be arranged onto the outer surface OS of the coil 10.

Then the system 300 may comprise the station including the arrangement 100 according to some embodiment of the present invention as described hereinbe fore.

Still further, the system 300 may comprise, at the fifth station 205, a bodystrap- per machine which may provide band strips through the inner space IS and around the coil 10, and/or around the outer surface OS.

According to various embodiments, the system 300 may further comprise sta tions in which packaging material is provided to protect the coil 10. These may be such as known to a person skilled in the art.

Figure 17 illustrates a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method may be implemented by utilizing the control unit 150 and/or the arrangements 100, such as the devices and/or machines, described hereinbefore.

Item 1000 in Fig. 16 may refer to a start-up phase of the method. Suitable equip ment, devices, and/or machines, such as a coil or roll packing machine, and components and subsystems are obtained, and systems assembled and config ured for operation.

Item 1010 may refer to providing the coil 10 comprising an inner edge IE1 , IE2 defined by an inner surface IS of the coil 10, wherein the inner edge IE1 , IE2 defines an inner diameter D1 of the coil 10 and the inner surface IS defines an inner space ISP of the coil 10.

Item 1020 may refer to providing an inner edge protecting element 1 1 compris ing a first end 1 1 A and a second end 1 1 B, wherein said ends are opposite ends with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 .

In various embodiments, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may include at least two portions 12A, 12B, the first portion and the second portion, separated by a bend 1 1 C in a longitudinal direction of the element 1 1 . Thus, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may have a cross-section having L-shape or the like, in case of a right angle at the bend 1 1 C. The angle may differ from the right angle, however, be in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, advantageously 70 to 1 10 de grees or more advantageously 80 to 100 degrees, or the even more advanta geously 85 to 95 degrees.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first portion 12A of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 may, preferably, be straight in order to conform with the inner surface IS of the coil 10 when being arranged in contact with the inner surface IS. However, the shape of the cross-section of the second portion 12B may vary.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to a squeezing device 30 and reducing the first diameter D to be less than the inner diameter D1 by the squeezing device 30 by pushing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 from outside with respect to the closed shape.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise gripping the inner edge pro tecting element 1 1 by gripping elements 48, such as claws, comprised in the coil or roll packing machine 40, wherein the gripping elements 48 may be configured to support the inner edge protecting element 1 1 during moving of the element 1 1 .

Item 1030 may refer to adapting the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to overlap at two portions 12C, 12D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 , thereby form ing substantially a closed shape having a first diameter D.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the first diameter D to be less than the inner diameter D1 so that the portion, such as the first portion 12A, of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 fits into the inner space ISP.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging the two portions 12C, 12D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to a first position in the squeezing device 30. Furthermore, the method may comprise gripping the inner edge protecting element 1 1 by the gripping elements 48 comprised in the coil or roll packing machine 40 such that the first position corresponds to a position of the securing device 44. Item 1040 may refer to arranging, by a coil or roll packing machine 40, a portion, such as the first portion 12A, of the adapted inner edge protecting element 1 1 into the inner space ISP at the end of the inner surface IS.

In various embodiments, the portion of the adapted inner edge protecting ele ment 1 1 arranged into the inner space ISP may be the first portion 12A in which case the second portion 12B may become in contact with a side surface SS1 , Ss2 of the coil 10.

Item 1050 may refer to increasing, by the coil or roll packing machine 40, the first diameter D so that at least part of the portion, such as the first portion 12A, of the adapted inner edge protecting 1 1 becomes in contact with the inner sur face IS.

In various embodiments, the increasing of the first diameter D may comprise pushing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 at a plurality of different positions towards the inner surface IS by spreading elements 46 comprised in the coil or roll packing machine 40, such as in the robot 42.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise maintaining by the coil or roll packing machine 40 the force used to increase the first diameter D during securing 1060. This further improves the coupling between the inner edge pro tector 13 and the inner surface IS of the coil 10.

Item 1060 may refer to mechanically securing, by the coil or roll packing machine 40, the inner edge protecting element 1 1 at the two portions 12C, 12D to provide an inner edge protector 13 secured into the inner space IS and arranged along and in contact with the inner edge IE1 , IE2.

In various embodiments, the securing device 44 may comprise a welding device, such as a spot welding device. In these embodiments, the method may comprise welding, such as spot welding, by the welding device, the two portions 12C, 12D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to each other, thereby mechanically se curing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 .

In various other embodiments, the securing device 44 may comprise a riveting device. In these embodiments, the method may comprise securing, by the rivet ing device, the two portions 12C, 12D of the inner edge protecting element 1 1 to each other, thereby mechanically securing the inner edge protecting element 1 1 .

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, after the mechanical securing 1060, pushing, by the coil or roll packing machine 40, the inner edge protector 13 to be in contact with a side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise arranging a header 14 around the adapted inner edge protecting element 11 and arranging the header 14 onto a side surface SS1 , SS2 of the coil 10.

Method execution is stopped at item 1099. The inner edge protector 13 has been arranged to protect the inner edge IE1 , IE2 of the coil 10.

The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and/or the interpretation of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

1. A method for packing a coil or roll (10), the method comprising: providing (1010) the coil or roll (10) comprising an inner edge (IE1 , IE2) defined by an inner surface (IS) of the coil or roll (10), wherein the inner edge (IE1 , IE2) defines an inner diameter (D1 ) of the coil or roll (10) and the inner surface (IS) defines an inner space (ISP) of the coil or roll (10); providing (1020) an inner edge protecting element (11 ) comprising a first end (11 A) and a second end (11 B), wherein said ends (11 A, 11 B) are opposite ends with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction of the inner edge pro- tecting element (11 ); adapting (1030) the inner edge protecting element (11 ) to overlap at two portions (12A, 12B) of the inner edge protecting element (11 ), thereby forming substantially a closed shape having a first diameter (D); arranging (1040), by a coil or roll packing machine (40), a portion of the adapted inner edge protecting element (11 ) into the inner space (ISP) at the end of the inner surface (IS); characterized in that the method further comprises increasing (1050), by the coil or roll packing machine (40), the first diameter (D) so that at least part of the portion of the adapted inner edge protecting ele- ment (11 ) becomes in contact with the inner surface (IS); and mechanically securing (1060), by the coil or roll packing machine (40), the inner edge protecting element (11 ) at the two portions to provide an inner edge protector (13) secured into the inner space (ISP) and arranged along and in contact with the inner edge (IE1 , IE2), wherein the mechanically securing com- prises attaching the two portions (12A, 12B) to each other by the coil or roll packing machine (40), thereby fixing the increased first diameter (D).

2. The method according to claim 1 , comprising: arranging the first diameter (D) to be less than the inner diameter (D1 ) so that the portion of the inner edge protecting element (11 ) fits into the inner space (ISP).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a securing device (44) of the coil or roll packing machine (40) comprises a welding device, and wherein the method comprises: welding, by the welding device, the two portions (12A, 12B) of the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) to each other, thereby mechanically securing the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device comprises a riveting device, and wherein the method com prises: securing, by the riveting device, the two portions (12A, 12B) of the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) to each other, thereby mechanically securing the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising gripping the inner edge protecting element (11 ) by gripping elements (48) comprised in the coil or roll packing machine (40), wherein the gripping elements (48) are configured to support the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) during moving.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the increasing of the first diameter (D) comprises pushing the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) at a plurality of different positions towards the inner surface (IS) by spreading elements (46) comprised in the coil or roll packing machine (40).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising arranging the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) to a squeezing device

(30), reducing the first diameter (D) to be less than the inner diameter (D1 ) by the squeezing device (30) by pushing the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) from outside with respect to the closed shape.

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising arranging the two portions (12A, 12B) of the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) to a first position in the squeezing device (30), and gripping the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) by the gripping elements (48) comprised in the coil or roll packing machine (40) such that the first position corresponds to a position of the securing device (44).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, af ter the mechanical securing (1060), pushing, by the coil or roll packing machine (40), the inner edge protector (13) to be in contact with a side surface (SS1 , SS2) of the coil or roll (10).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising arranging a header (14) or side cover (14) around the adapted inner edge protecting element (1 1 ), and arranging the header (14) or side cover (14) onto a side surface (SS1 , SS2) of the coil or roll (10).

1 1 . A coil or roll packing arrangement (100) comprising: a coil or roll packing machine (40) comprising a robot (42) and a securing device (44), wherein the robot (42) is configured to:

- arrange (1040) a portion of an inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) into an inner space (ISP) at an end of an inner surface (IS) of a coil or roll (10), wherein the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) comprises two overlapping portions (12A, 12B), thereby forming substantially a closed shape having a first diameter (D),

- increase (1050) the first diameter (D) so that at least part of the portion becomes in contact with the inner surface (IS); characterized in that the securing device (44) is configured to:

- mechanically secure (1060) the inner edge protecting element (1 1 ) at the two overlapping portions (12A, 12B) to provide an inner edge pro tector (13) secured into the inner space (ISP) and arranged along and in contact with an inner edge (IE1 , IE2) of the coil or roll (10), wherein the mechanically securing comprises attaching the two overlapping portions (12A, 12B) to each other by the securing device (44), thereby fixing the increased first diameter (D).

12. The coil or roll packing arrangement (100) according to claim 11 , wherein the securing device (44) is a welding device or a riveting device configured to mechanically secure the inner edge protecting element (11 ).

13. The coil or roll packing arrangement (100) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a squeezing device (30) configured to reduce the first diameter (D) to be less than an inner diameter (D1 ) of the coil or roll (10) by pushing the inner edge protecting element (11 ) from outside with respect to the closed shape.

14. The coil or roll packing arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 11 -13, wherein the robot (42) comprises spreading elements (46), and the robot (42) is configured to increase the first diameter (D) by pushing the inner edge protecting element (11 ) at a plurality of different positions towards the inner sur- face (IS) by the spreading elements (46).

15. A coil or roll packing system (300) comprising: a plurality of stations (200-205), characterized in that one of the stations (200-205) comprise a coil or roll packing arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 11 -14.