ES2940076T3 - Device for supplying film to a baler, with at least two winders each provided with a cover casing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention refers to a device (1) for supplying (1) film (F) to a shrink wrapper (2), comprising at least two reels (10) each intended to receive a reel (B) of film, the reels (10) being side by side and arranged to accommodate the reels (B) of film parallel to one another, each reel (10) comprising a frame (11) carrying drive means (12) in rotation around a axis A gives reel (B) of film, characterized in that each reel (10) comprises a covering casing (100) delimiting an interior volume (V) capable of covering the drive means (12) and a reel (B) of film present on the reel (10), the casing (100) being mounted so that it can move in translation on the frame along the axis A between a position that covers the reel (B) of film and a position free of access to the film. reel (B) of film. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Device for supplying film to a baler, with at least two winders each provided with a cover casing

The field of the invention is the design and manufacture of plastic film packaging machines.

More precisely, the invention relates to the design of balers and associated equipment.

It is worth remembering that the function of a shrink wrapper is to wrap products in plastic film, heat shrinkable or not. The stretch wrapper is generally the first element of a plastic film packaging line, preferably polyethylene film.

The operating principle of a stretch wrapper is as follows: an upper plastic film is welded to a lower film to form a substantially vertical film curtain. The product to be packaged is transported by a conveyor towards the previously formed curtain. The transport of the product causes a push of the product against the curtain and then generates an unwinding of the upper and lower films from their respective reel. Some photoelectric cells (or any other means) make it possible to detect the rear end of the product to be packaged, thus stopping the transport. At this stage, a welding device automatically closes over the top and bottom films, behind the product. Usually, a double welding and cutting is carried out, thus completing the packaging of the product.

At the same time, the film curtain is reconstituted for the next product.

Of course, each stretch wrapper is designed and manufactured according to the dimensions and characteristics of the products to be packaged.

According to a classic baler design, the upper plastic film is unwound from a horizontal reel positioned above and across the conveyor, while the lower plastic film is unwound from a horizontal reel positioned below the conveyor. conveyor, and also transverse to it.

According to another more recent design, the bobbins are placed on unwinders on the floor, located next to the conveyor. In such a case, the stretch wrapper then comprises a device for angular gearing of the plastic film to bring the films into a configuration that allows the formation of the aforementioned curtain.

These winders on the conveyor side are generally implemented to save space in height and/or guarantee the continuity of the films, implementing an active reel and reserve reel system. More generally, floor winders are chosen for ergonomic and safety reasons, since they allow the operator to intervene on the ground to change the bobbin, and not at height.

Furthermore, in this second type of baler, the winders are generally implemented in pairs.

Indeed, either for the lower film or for the upper film, two winders, each intended to receive a film reel, are placed side by side so as to receive the film reels parallel to one another. Thus, a first unwinder is used to supply the film to the stretch wrapper and, when the reel in question is about to be completely unwound, the second reel is manipulated so as to bring the film from the second reel into contact with the film from the second reel. first reel to join (for example by welding, or by double-sided gluing) the two films together. A tear bar then cuts the film on the first reel to separate it from the sheet on the second reel (alternatively the slitting can be done manually). The film from the second reel then becomes the film that feeds the baler.

Of course, this operation is carried out when the baler and the winders are stopped.

However, as soon as both films are sealed and separated from each other, the baler's feeding with film is resumed as soon as possible, in order to limit the downtime of the baler.

An operator then proceeds to replace the completely unwound reel with a new reel, which will be put on hold, the corresponding winder being stopped, until the reel of the adjoining winder is completely unwound. The welding operation of the films of the two reels is then repeated, as previously described.

Now, when a completely unwound reel is replaced by a new reel, the adjacent winder is in action (in order to limit the downtime of the stretch wrapper, as mentioned above). In other words, the drive means associated with the winder rotate the reel of plastic film that feeds the baler.

It should be noted that, in order to facilitate the jointing of the films of the two contiguous winders, they are arranged relatively close to one another. As a result, when the operator proceeds to replace a bobbin in one of the winders, he operates in the immediate vicinity of the other winder which, for its part, is in action.

The phase of replacing a coil in one of the two winders while the other is in action is not, therefore, an operation without risk for the operator.

Indeed, the rotating drive of the reel that feeds the baler presents an incoming angle on each side of the reel, which constitutes a risk. In other words, it is possible that, inadvertently, a part of the operator's body, or a piece of clothing that he is wearing, comes into contact with the means for actuating the reel in rotation and/or with the reel itself. Said situation can lead to a phenomenon of swallowing of the part of the body and/or of the garment between the reel and the corresponding rotating drive means, with more or less important consequences if the operator is not able to free himself quickly or if the means of rotating drive do not stop quickly.

Of course, such an eventuality is unacceptable.

The invention therefore aims to overcome this drawback of the prior art.

In the field of the invention, the documents published under the numbers ES 2199007 A1, which discloses the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1, and US 44047359 A, which respectively describe a device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper and a baler.

More precisely, the object of the invention is to propose a device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper, comprising two side-by-side winders that eliminates, or at least considerably limits, the risk of retraction during the replacement of a reel by part. of an operator The invention also aims to supply said film supply device to a stretch wrapper that involves a reduced number of additional operations to be carried out in order to guarantee the safety of the operator. The invention also has for its object to supply such a film supply device to a stretch wrapper which is simple in design, easy and quick to implement.

The invention also has for its object to provide such a film supply device to a baler that can be easily added to an existing baler and devoid of it.

These objectives, as well as others that will appear below, are achieved thanks to the invention, the object of which is a device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper, comprising at least two winders each intended to receive a reel of film, the reels side by side and arranged to receive the reels of film parallel to each other, each reel comprising a frame that carries drive means in rotation about an axis A of a reel of film, characterized in that each reel comprises a casing of cover delimiting an internal volume suitable for covering the drive means and a film reel present in the winder, the casing being mounted so as to move in translation on the frame along axis A between a position covering the film reel and an open position that provides access to the film reel.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the operator who proceeds to replace a bobbin on a winder while the adjacent winder is in operation is protected from any risk of an incoming angle with respect to the winder in operation.

Indeed, while the operator proceeds to replace the reel, the winder in the immediate vicinity, in operation, is secured by the casing of said winder that covers both the actuation means and the reel, both being in rotation, with respect to to the running winder. This has as a result that the operator can only be in contact with the casing of the winder in operation, this casing being, during this phase, fixed and therefore presenting no risk to the operator.

As regards the winder that receives the film reel to be replaced, it is sufficient for the operator simply to move the casing of said winder to bring it to an open position in order to fully expose the film reel to be replaced.

Of course, as is conventionally the case, the winder presenting the reel of film to be replaced is stopped prior to reel replacement and throughout the reel replacement.

It is observed that the mobility in translation of each casing on the frame of the corresponding winder is an advantageous solution with respect to other possible movements of the casing, such as, for example, the use of a pivoting cover and, in particular, of a cover pivoting around a longitudinal hinge which would provide, in the open position, a particularly important obstacle for access to the coil to be replaced. Furthermore, due to Due to its relatively large dimensions, a pivoting lid would create design limitations and/or a risk of falling due to its weight.

According to an advantageous solution, the casing extends between a first end and a second end, the first end presenting a transversal wall that prevents access to the internal volume, the first end forming the front part of the casing when the casing is moved from the position hedge to the open position. In this way, the casing thus constituted provides protection for the operator at the level of the first end of the casing, preventing any contact by the operator with the mobile, and in particular rotating, elements present inside the internal volume of the casing.

In this case, according to an advantageous solution, the first end has a gripping means.

Thus, it is easy for the operator to grasp the gripping means to drag (the first end constituting the front part of the casing during movement of the casing from the covered position to the open position) the casing to its open position to provide access to the film reel. Of course, this gripping means can also be used to push the casing back from its open position to its film reel turning position.

Advantageously, the first end has means for connecting it to the ground.

In this way, it is avoided having to design the casing and its connection to the frame with a possible significant overhang. On the contrary, the presence of the means for connecting to the ground prevents any overhang and, moreover, guarantees the stability of the casing in all or almost all positions.

In this case, the ground connection means preferably comprise ground rolling means.

Thus, the translational movement of the casing, either from its open position to its covered position or vice versa, can be done without effort on the part of the operator, or with minimal effort, in terms of pulling or pushing the casing, making it roll on the ground. the ground by means of the ground rolling means.

According to a particular embodiment, the second end of the casing is open, the frame having a transverse fixed wall against which the casing rests in the covering position.

This fixed transversal wall completes the protection of the operator who moves close to the winder, avoiding any contact with the mobile elements and, in particular, those with rotation inside the internal volume of the casing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the supply device comprises, for each winder, a position sensor intended to detect the cover position of the casing, and control means connected to the position sensor, the control means allowing an actuation of the actuating means in the casing covering position.

The protection of the operator from the unwinder when the casing uncovers, at least partially, the reel and the drive means present in the corresponding unwinders, thus becomes automatic.

Indeed, the association of the position sensor and the control means of the actuation means makes it possible to motorize the actuation of the actuation means only if the casing is in the covering position. In other words, conversely, the control means prevent actuation of the actuation means when the casing is in the open position, to the extent that, in this position, it could give access to moving parts of the machine.

According to a preferred solution, the supply device comprises a device for joining together the films of the two winders side by side, said joining device being advantageously associated with a thread cutting device.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, it should be noted that the cut can be done manually.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and from the attached drawings, among which:

figure 1 schematically and in perspective represents a stretch wrapper associated with a film supply device according to the invention;

figure 2 schematically illustrates, seen from the end, a film supply device according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a film supply device according to the invention; figure 4 is a schematic top view of a film supply device according to the invention, with the casing of one of the winders in open position;

figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of a film supply device according to the invention, with the casing of one of the winders in open position;

Figures 6 and 7 are schematic views of the devices for joining the films together and for cutting them, according to two successive working stages.

As illustrated in figure 1, the invention applies to a film supply device 1 intended to feed a stretch wrapper 2 of the type described above.

According to the present embodiment, the film supply device comprises a first pair 1A of winders intended to supply, by means of an angular gear system, a film above the baler. The supply device 1 further comprises a second pair 1B of winders intended to supply, also by means of an angular gear system, a lower film to the baler 2.

According to a principle known in itself, each pair 1A, 1B comprises two winders 10, as illustrated in figures 2 to 5, each intended to receive a reel B of film, the two winders of a pair being next to each other. from another and arranged to receive reels of films parallel to one another, each of the reels capable of being driven in rotation about an axis A by means of drive 12.

Still in a manner known per se, these drive means 12 are constituted by a pair of rollers 120 parallel to one another, each having an axis of rotation parallel to the axis A. Thus, a reel B of film is arranged in contact and between the rollers 120, in such a way that the rotating drive of the rollers 120 in the same direction of rotation drives the film reel B in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the rollers 120.

Of course, the controlled motor means are associated with the rollers 120 of the drive means to cause the drive of the film reel B or, on the contrary, to stop the movement of the film from the reel.

According to the principle of the invention, each winder 10 comprises a cover casing 100 delimiting an internal volume V capable of covering both the drive means 12 and the reel B of film present in the winder.

In addition, the casing 100 of each winder is mounted so that it can move in translation on the frame 11 of the winder, the casing 100 being able to move in translation along the axis A between a position covering the reel B of film, as illustrated in figure 3, which shows a configuration in which the casing 100 of each winder is in a covering position, and an open position that provides access to the reel B of the film, as illustrated in figure 4, which shows the casing 100 of one of the winders in the open position, in this case the upper position of figure 4.

The translational guidance of the casing 100 on the frame 11 of the corresponding winder can be ensured by any appropriate means known to the person skilled in the art, and especially:

- lateral and longitudinal grooves on the frame, in which the lower edges of the casing slide; - rolling means (casters, ball or conical bearing trains, sliding bands...), motorized or not;

It is observed that the drive of the casing in translation can be manual or motorized. For the purposes of simplification and reduction of manufacturing costs, the actuation of the casings is manual according to the present embodiment.

In addition, as highlighted in figures 2 to 5, each casing comprises:

- two longitudinal side walls 1001, preferably transparent, whose lower ends or rims are mounted so that they can move in translation along the axis A on the frame 11;

- an upper wall 1002 that is horizontal, and that joins the upper end of the longitudinal side walls 1001. Of course, the height of the longitudinal side walls 1001 is sized so that the casing 100 comes to cover, with more or less functional clearance adjusted, a "full" coil B whose diameter is known. As appears in figure 3, the casing 100 extends, along the longitudinal axis A, between a first end 101 and a second end 102 that mutually delimit the length of the casing 100. Again, this length that separates the two ends of the casing is dimensioned in such a way that the casing is capable of receiving and covering the entire length of a reel B of film whose length is known.

The first end 101 forms, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, the front wall of the casing during movement of the casing from the covered position to the open position. This first end 101 is provided with a transversal wall 103 (FIG. 5), which prevents access to the internal volume V delimited by the casing. The transverse wall 103, in order to prevent access to the internal volume delimited by the casing, extends over the entire surface that extends between the longitudinal side walls 1001 and the upper wall 1002 of the casing.

According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 5, the first end 101 of the casing also has the following characteristics:

- a gripping means 104 is present at the first end of the casing, which takes, in this case, the form of a metallic handle mechanically welded, or screwed, or even bolted to the transverse wall 103 of the casing; - the connection means 105 to the ground (figure 5) are present at the first end 101 of the casing and, according to the present embodiment, take the shape of two lateral legs, for example in the extension of the longitudinal side walls 1001 of the sump.

In addition, the legs constituting the ground connection means 105 have rolling means 106 on the ground at their lower end. These rolling means take the form of unidirectional wheels, oriented to roll in a direction parallel to axis A.

On the other hand, the second end 102 of the casing is open, the frame 11 presenting a transversal wall 110 against which the casing comes to rest when it is in the covering position. This transverse wall 110 can be mounted so as to pivot, between a position that prevents access to the internal volume of the casing and a position that gives access to the internal volume of the casing. Thus, by opening the pivoting wall, it is possible for the operator to pull out or insert a coil longitudinally.

According to another characteristic of the present embodiment, each winder 10 incorporates a position sensor 13, for example in the form of a feeler. This feeler is positioned so that a stop 130 carried by the casing 100 comes to rest on the position sensor 13 when the casing is brought into the covering position.

In addition, the control means 14, mounted in a general control electrical cabinet, are connected to the position sensor 13 for:

- allow the actuation means 12 to be actuated when the casing is in the covering position;

- stopping the actuation of the actuation means 12 when the casing leaves the position of covering the casing, which translates into the fact that the stop 130 no longer comes to rest on the position sensor 13. On the other hand, as appears in figures 6 and 7, a support plate 15 is mounted between the winders of the same pair, this plate having, in particular, the function of:

- temporarily resting a bobbin before tilting it to one side or the other on one of the winders;

- Accessing the film joining device and manually proceeding to join the films, and this by pivoting the support plate around a hinge (not shown).

As illustrated, this support plate 15 has a V-shaped receiving surface 150, which guarantees the lateral stability of the reel resting on the support plate.

According to yet another characteristic of the present embodiment, a joining device 16 is provided to allow the joining of the films of the reels B of the reels located one next to the other, this joining device being associated with a cutting device 17 movie.

The joining device can, for example, be a welding device comprising a movable element for gluing one end of the new reel film (on the left in Figures 6 and 7) to the end of the reel film unrolled (on the right in Figures 6 and 7), this moving element heats and welds the films against each other. It is noted that other systems for joining films together can be implemented.

Next, the cutting device is actuated (in this case it is rotated) in the direction of the film of the unwound reel to cut it and separate it from the joint made (figure 7).

With a device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper as described above, the operations consisting of changing an unwound reel with a reserve reel can be carried out in the following manner.

During the supply of film to the baler, only one reel B between those of the two winders next to each other is driven in rotation to feed the baler. During this operation, both casings 100 of the two side-by-side winders are in a covering position.

When the reel B that feeds the stretch wrapper reaches a state in which it is almost totally unwound (in this case the right reel in figure 2, which presents a considerably reduced diameter with respect to the reel of the unwinder on the left), the operator causes the stoppage of the drive of the drive means. This stop can be caused by the simple fact of separating the corresponding casing 100 from its position of cover towards its open position, which results in the absence of the stop 130 being brought to a stop against the position sensor 13. Indeed, the means of control connected to the position sensors 13 detect the absence of a signal from the position sensor and control the stoppage of the drive means of the winder in question.

More precisely, the operator moves the casing of the winder that includes the new bobbin.

The operator can thus access the new reel film (left side in figure 2) and join it to the unwound reel film (right side in figure 2), thanks to the welding device 14. Once the two films, the film of the unwound reel is cut to separate it from the weld made.

The winder casing with the new bobbin is returned to the covering position.

The drive of the winder drive means on the new bobbin side can be reactivated.

While the film from the new reel feeds the shrink wrapper, the operator can proceed to replace the unwound reel. To do this, it brings the casing of the corresponding winder to the separated position, and this in complete safety, since the control means of the corresponding actuation means prevent the actuation of the actuation means of the winder in question. The operator proceeds to replace the unwound coil with a new coil and returns the casing 100 to the covering position.

However, it should be noted that, for safety reasons, the feeding of film to the stretch wrapper can only be authorized if the two casings of the two winders next to each other are in a covering position. In other words, the resumption of feeding sheet film to the stretch wrapper can only be authorized once all the replacement operations have been carried out and, therefore, the unwound reel has been replaced by a new reel, with the corresponding casing put back in position of cover.

Claims (9)

1. Device (1) for supplying film (F) to a stretch wrapper (2), comprising at least two winders (10) each intended to receive a reel (B) of film, the two winders (10) being one side by side and arranged to receive the reels (B) of film parallel to each other, each winder (10) comprising a frame (11) that carries drive means (12) in rotation about an axis A of a reel ( B) of film, characterized in that each winder (10) comprises a cover casing (100) delimiting an internal volume (V) suitable for covering the drive means (12) and a reel (B) of film present in the winder (10), the casing (100) being mounted so that it can move in translation on the frame along axis A between a position covering the film reel (B) and an open position providing access to the reel (B) movie. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (100) extends between a first end (101) and a second end (102), the first end presenting a transverse wall (103) which prevents access to the internal volume (V), the first end (101) forming the front part of the casing (100) during movement of the casing from the covered position to the open position. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 2, characterized in that the first end (101) has a gripping means (104). Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 2, characterized in that the first end (101) has connection means (105) to the ground. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 4, characterized in that the ground connection means (105) comprise rolling means (106) on the ground. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 2, characterized in that the second end (102) of the casing is open, the frame (11) presenting a transverse wall (110) against which the casing (100) bears. ) in the hedge position. 7. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises, for each winder (10), a position sensor (13) intended to detect the cover position of the casing (100 ), and control means (14) connected to the position sensor, the control means allowing an actuation of the actuation means (12) in the position of covering the casing. 8. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a device (16) for joining together the films of the two winders that are next to each other. Device for supplying film to a stretch wrapper according to claim 8, characterized in that the joining device is associated with a device for cutting the film (17).