WO2024157168A1

WO2024157168A1 - Winder with guide device for web product

Info

Publication number: WO2024157168A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/050625
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario MINA
Original assignee: A Celli Paper SpA
Current assignee: A Celli Paper SpA
Priority date: 2023-01-26
Filing date: 2024-01-23
Publication date: 2024-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-26
Also published as: EP4655232A1

Abstract

Winder for a web product, comprising an inlet section into which the web to be wound in at least one reel is fed, and a section for winding the web in at least one reel, wherein said inlet section is provided with a device for guiding the web toward the winding section, characterized by comprising an height moving apparatus of the guide device with respect to the ground adapted to allow said guide device to take at least two working positions, respectively a position for guiding the web during the winding step, provided at a first height, and a position for preparing the web on the guide device, provided at a second height lower than said first height, so that it is possible to easily arrange the web on the guide device when it is in said preparing position and subsequently move the guide device upward to take it to said web guide position to allow winding of the web in a reel.

Description

WINDER WITH GUIDE DEVICE FOR WEB PRODUCT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems for the production of web products wound in a reel, for example webs of paper, nonwoven, film, etc. More in particular, the subject matter of the present invention is a winder for a web product comprising a device for guiding web product toward a section for winding the web product in a reel.

Background art

[0002] As is known, in the production of thin products, such as paper products, nonwovens, films, etc., the products are often processed starting from large webs that must be wound in one or more reels. The machines that produce these reels are called “winders”, “rewinders”, “coders”, etc.

[0003] Often, the web produced is wound in a large reel, known as “jumbo roll”. The product wound in this reel, during the various production steps, is unwound and rewound in smaller reels. This rewinding process is carried out inside winders or rewinders.

[0004] In practice, a web wound on the jumbo roll is unwound in a specific sector called “unwinder” and rewound farther downstream in reels of smaller size, in a winding station of the winder/rewinder type.

[0005] Generally, a cutting section or assembly is provided inside the winder, in which the web is longitudinally cut continuously into narrower webs that are rewound in narrower reels in the winding section. The cut is made using one or more knives, generally rotating, placed transverse to the direction of feed of the web.

[0006] The path of the web exiting from the jumbo roll varies in height and inclination due to the fact that the diameter of the jumbo roll decreases.

[0007] A device is used to prevent the cutting parameters from varying as a result of the variation in height of the web; this device determines the passage of the web at a fixed height, and guides it such that the web fed into the cutting assembly always has a constant direction.

[0008] This guide device, also known with the term “lead-in roll”, consists of a roll formed by a cylindrical sleeve, which centrally defines a hollow space, two lateral heads, two pins fixed at the centre of the lateral heads, a pair of rolling bearings associated with the pins, and arranged on respective supporting columns.

[0009] The winding or rewinding working cycle involves different steps. There is a step of preparing the cores of the smaller reels on which the webs cut from the web coming from the jumbo roll are rewound and a step of positioning the jumbo roll on the unwinder. It is then necessary to “draw in”, i.e., arrange, the web coming from the jumbo roll along its operating path, through the cutting assembly and on the cores of the smaller reels. The process is then started, accelerating all the unwinding and winding stations. Winding takes place at maximum speed and then, when approaching the end of winding of the first set of smaller reels, all the stations are decelerated. The first set of smaller reels is removed, the next set of reels is prepared and then the stations are accelerated once more. This cycle continues until the whole of the jumbo roll has been used. Once it has finished, the roll is changed and the web is once again drawn along its path.

[0010] More in particular, the jumbo roll is prepared by shaping the leading edge of its web in the form of an arrow, the tip of which is located at the centreline of the reel. To start drawing in, the operator must first insert the tip of the web over the lead-in roll and secure it to this by means of a presser belt that presses on the surface of the lead-in roll. The operator then picks up the tip from the other side of the lead-in roll and continues drawing it into the cutting assembly, and so forth.

[0011] The height of the lead-in roll with respect to the ground is mainly much greater than the height that can be reached by the operator standing on the ground at machine level. Therefore, to be able to operate, the operator must use height elevating devices. However, the space on the ground underneath the lead-in roll must remain free for other subsequent operations. This dual requirement of the operator to be able to reach an elevated position with respect to the machine level and a position at ground level in this typically limited area has in the past created problems both of ergonomics and safety (depending on which of the two aspects the user tends to give preference to). In many cases, the operator uses compact portable ladders, which are inadequate to protect from falls while stretching out and looking up, a condition in which loss of balance is easy.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems related to the steps of preparing the path of the web from an unwinder of a web from a jumbo roll to a winder of webs in smaller reels.

[0013] In particular, an important object of the present invention is to facilitate the step of positioning the web from the jumbo roll on the device for guiding the web toward the winder.

[0014] Another important object of the present invention is to increase the safety of the step of drawing the web into the device for guiding the web toward the winder.

[0015] These and other objects, which will be more apparent below, are achieved with a winder for a web product according to claim 1.

[0016] In particular, this winder comprises an inlet section into which the web to be wound in at least one reel is fed, and a section for winding the web in at least one reel, wherein the inlet section comprises a device for guiding the web toward the winding section; the winder is characterized by comprising an height moving apparatus of the guide device with respect to the ground adapted to allow the guide device to take at least two working positions, respectively a position for guiding the web during the winding step, provided at a first height, and a position for preparing the web on the guide device, provided at a second height lower than the first height, so that it is possible to easily arrange the web on the guide device when it is in the preparing position and subsequently move the guide device upward to take it to the web guide position to allow winding of the web in a reel.

[0017] Advantageously, the guide position taken by the web guide device during the winding step, provided at a first height, is a fixed position during the winding step, i.e., the first height does not vary during unwinding of the web. [0018] Advantageously, the winder is provided with a movement path of the web, which extends from the guide device, when arranged in the guide position, to the winding section, and wherein in at least the first part of the movement path immediately downstream of the guide device it has a constant trend in space during the winding step.

[0019] Substantially, the trajectory of the web in this first part does not vary in space during the winding step. This is particularly advantageous when operations must be performed on the web along the constant part of the path and in order to perform these operation it is advantageous to know its position and optionally its mechanical properties are known, such as in the case of cutting the web into webs of smaller width.

[0020] In practice, thanks to the height moving apparatus of the guide device, the transverse support apparatus can be moved from the working position in which it guides the web toward the winding section - working position that is at a height such that the operator cannot reach the apparatus without the aid of elevation devices - to a lower position in which, when the guide device is not in the guiding step but in the step of preparing/arranging the passage of the web, an operator can arrange the web over it while simply standing on the ground, without the use of dangerous elevation devices, or using small and safe elevation devices; once the web has been arranged correctly on the guide device and optionally prepared for the subsequent station, the apparatus can be moved upward once more, into the working position; in the case in which the web is not prepared for the subsequent station when the guide device is in the second lower working position, once the guide device has been raised into the first position, the end edge of the web can remain available to the operator, in a position lower than the working position of the guide device.

[0021] The first height of the guide position of the web guide device is preferably greater than 2.3 m, more preferably greater than 2.5 m, and even more preferably greater than 2.8 m.

[0022] The second height of the preparing position of the web guide device is preferably lower than 2.5 m, more preferably lower than 2.3 m, and even more preferably lower than 2.1 m, [0023] The difference in height between the first height and the second height is preferably between 2 m and 0.5 m, and more preferably between 1.2 m and 0.7 m.

[0024] According to preferred embodiments, as mentioned, the winder comprises a movement path of the web which extends from the guide device, when provided in the guide position, to said winding section, and wherein the winding section has an inlet area for the web provided at a lower height than the first height (and preferably also than the second height) so that along the movement path, the web moves from above to below.

[0025] Preferably, at least one web return roller is present along the movement path, provided at a lower height than the first height (and preferably also than the second height).

[0026] According to preferred embodiments, the winder comprises a section for cutting the web longitudinally into two or more webs of smaller width than the starting web to be wound in respective reels in the winding section.

[0027] Preferably, this cutting section, along the movement path, is provided with a cutting area defined at a lower height than the first height (and preferably also than the second height, and more preferably lower than the height of a web return roller positioned along the movement path between the cutting section and the guide device).

[0028] Preferably, the cutting section comprises at least one blade for cutting the web, preferably a rotating blade.

[0029] In preferred examples, the section for winding the web in at least one reel comprises a reel forming cradle; for example, this cradle is at a lower height than the first height, (and preferably also than the second height).

[0030] Preferably, the cradle is formed by two rotating forming rollers against which the outer surface of the reel rests so that the rotation of the rollers rotates the reel, allowing the web to be wound around it; preferably, at least one reel winding core, around which the at least one web is wound, is arranged in the cradle. [0031] In some embodiments, the winder can be provided with a section for preparing the reel forming cores, and optionally means for positioning these cores in the forming cradle.

[0032] In some examples, the winder comprises a device for blocking the web on the guide device during the step of positioning the web on said guide device, preferably adapted to act also during the step of lifting the guide device from the preparing position at the second height, to the guide position at the first height, to then be taken to the release step during the winding step; preferably, this blocking device is associated with means for adjusting its position in height, so as to be able to follow the positioning in height of the guide device and, more preferably, this blocking device moves together with the guide device, preferably jointly therewith.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the winder comprises a supporting structure to which the guide device is constrained; preferably, the guide device comprises a transverse support member for the web connected, at its ends, to the supporting structure; preferably, the supporting structure comprises two lateral uprights between which the web is made to pass; preferably, the transverse support member for the web is connected at the ends to said uprights.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, the height moving apparatus of the guide device comprises a system for moving the guide device along a movement trajectory and at least one actuation device which allows the guide device to be moved along the movement trajectory.

[0035] Preferably, the moving system comprises at least one guiding portion, preferably linear and preferably with a direction from above to below, for example vertical, preferably provided on the supporting structure, and at least one slide portion associated with the guide device so that the latter can move, preferably translate, along the guiding portion between the first and second working positions, and vice versa; preferably, the actuation device acts between the supporting structure and the guide device.

[0036] In other preferred embodiments, the moving system comprises at least one arm articulated to the supporting structure on one side, and to the web guide device on the other side, so that latter can be moved along at least one curved trajectory, between the guide position and the preparing position placed at a lower height, and vice versa; preferably, the actuation device acts between the supporting structure and the guide device; the movement of the guide device can take place by translation or roto- translation maintaining its orientation constant in space, i.e., always parallel to itself. For example, in the simplest case, a single articulated arm is provided, so that the web guide device can be moved along a circular arc. In other examples, a plurality of arms articulated to one another can be present, the first arm of which is articulated to the supporting structure and the last arm of which is constrained to the web guide device, so that the latter can move according to a complex curved trajectory.

[0037] In preferred examples, the web guide device comprises a transverse support member for the web formed by a rotating cylinder; preferably this rotating cylinder is passive, i.e. is of the type driven in rotation by the web arranged on the surface of the rotating cylinder, or this rotating cylinder is of the active type, i.e., associated with a motor which allows it to rotate at a controlled speed.

[0038] In yet other preferred embodiments, the web guide device comprises a transverse support member defining a reference surface over which the web passes, and a system for generating an air cushion, adapted to form an air cushion between the reference surface and the web, so that the web is slidably supported by said air cushion; preferably, the system for generating an air cushion comprises a pneumatic system comprising a pneumatic source operatively connected to a plurality of ejection holes or at least one ejection slot present on said reference surface; or the system for generating an air cushion comprises a configuration of said surface such that in combination with the movement speed of the web, an aerodynamic effect defining said air cushion is created between said web and said surface.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for producing reels of thin web product, comprising an unwinding station of a jumbo roll and a subsequent winder according to one or more of the aforesaid embodiments, so that in the unwinding station a web is unwound from the jumbo roll and this web is made to pass through the web guide device and from there toward the winding section, passing through an optional assembly for cutting it into webs of smaller width than the web fed into the winder. [0040] According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a guide device for a web product to be wound in at least one reel, which comprises a transverse support member for the web and a height moving apparatus of the transverse support member with respect to the ground adapted to allow the member to take at least two working positions, respectively a position for guiding the web during the winding step, provided at a first height, and a position for preparing the web on the member, provided at a second height lower than the first height, so that it is possible to easily arrange the web on the member when it is in said preparing position and subsequently move the member upward to take it to said web guide position to allow winding of the web in a reel.

[0041] According to preferred embodiments, the web guide device comprises a movement path of the web which extends from the transverse support member for the web, when provided in the guide position, to said winding section, and wherein the winding section provides an inlet area for the web provided at a lower height than the first height (and preferably also than said second height), so that along the movement path the web moves from above to below.

[0042] Preferably, at least one web return roller is present along the movement path, provided at a lower height than the first height (and preferably also than the second height).

[0043] In some examples, the web guide device comprises a device for blocking the web on the transverse support member for the web during the step of positioning the web on said member, preferably adapted to act also during the step of lifting the member from the preparing position at the second height to the guide position at the first height, to then be taken to the release step during the winding step; preferably, this blocking device is associated with means for adjusting its position in height, so as to be able to follow the positioning in height of the transverse support member for the web and, more preferably, this blocking device moves together with the transverse support member for the web, preferably jointly therewith.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the web guide device comprises a supporting structure to which the transverse support member for the web is constrained; preferably, the transverse support member for the web is connected, at its ends, to the supporting structure; preferably the supporting structure comprises two lateral uprights between which the web is made to pass; preferably, the transverse support member for the web is connected at the ends to said uprights.

[0045] In preferred embodiments, the height moving apparatus of the transverse support member for the web comprises a system for moving the member along a movement trajectory and at least one actuation device which allows the member to be moved along the movement trajectory.

[0046] Preferably, the moving system comprises at least one guiding portion, preferably linear and preferably with a direction from above to below, for example vertical, preferably provided on the supporting structure, and at least one slide portion associated with the transverse support member for the web, so that the latter can move, preferably translate, along the guiding portion between the first and second working positions, and vice versa; preferably, the actuation device acting between the supporting structure and the transverse support member for the web.

[0047] In other preferred embodiments, the moving system comprises at least one arm articulated to the supporting structure on one side and to the web guide device on the other side, so that the latter can be moved along at least one curved trajectory, between the guide position and the preparing position placed at a lower height, and vice versa; preferably, the actuation device acts between the supporting structure and the guide device; movement of the guide device can take place by translation or by roto-translation, maintaining its orientation constant in space, i.e. always parallel to itself. For example, in the simplest case, a single articulated arm is provided, so that the web guide device can be moved along a circular arc. In other examples, a plurality of arms articulated to one another can be present, the first arm of which is articulated to the supporting structure and the last arm of which is constrained to the web guide device, so that the latter can move according to a complex curved trajectory.

[0048] In preferred examples, the transverse web support member is formed by a rotating cylinder; preferably this rotating cylinder is passive, i.e. is of the type driven in rotation by the web arranged on the surface of the rotating cylinder, or this rotating cylinder is of the active type, i.e., associated with a motor which allows it to rotate at a controlled speed. [0049] In yet other preferred embodiments, the transverse support member defines a reference surface over which the web passes, and a system for generating an air cushion, adapted to form an air cushion between the reference surface and the web, so that the web is slidably supported by said air cushion; preferably, the system for generating an air cushion comprises a pneumatic system comprising a pneumatic source operatively connected to a plurality of ejection holes or at least one ejection slot present on said reference surface; or the system for generating an air cushion comprises a configuration of said surface such that in combination with the movement speed of the web, an aerodynamic effect defining said air cushion is created between said web and said surface.

[0050] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for winding a web product in a winder, comprising a step of preparing the web product along a movement path that provides for positioning an edge of the web product over a guide device of the web product placed in a preparing position, and lifting said guide device into a guide position, at a height greater than the height of the preparing position, a step of winding the web product in a reel downstream of the guide device.

[0051] Preferably, during the winding step, the guide device is fixed in a guide position, i.e., it is always at a same height; preferably, said guide position is at a height greater than 2.3 m and, preferably, said preparing position is lower than 2.3 m.

[0052] The difference in height between the two heights is preferably between 2 m and 0.5 m, and more preferably between 1.2 m and 0.7 m.

[0053] Preferably, during the winding step, at least the first part of the movement path immediately downstream of the guide device has a constant trend in space, i.e., the trajectory of the web in said first part of the path does not vary in space during the winding step.

[0054] The invention will be better understood by following the description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention. More in particular, in the drawing: Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of a reel production assembly equipped with a winder according to the invention;

Fig. 2 represents a schematic front view of a portion of the production assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 represents a portion of a web guide device of a winder according to the invention, varying with respect to the one represented in the winder of the preceding figures;

Fig. 4 represents a portion of a web guide device with a different system for adjusting its position in height with respect to the one illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0055] With reference to the aforesaid figures, a production assembly of reels of thin web product is indicated as a whole with the number 100. The thin web product is, for example, a cellulose based product (although in other embodiments, the product could be a nonwoven, a film, etc.).

[0056] This production assembly 100 comprises, for example, an unwinding station 101 of a jumbo roll B (in this example a roll of a cellulose based web N) and, in succession thereto, along an unwinding path of the web N, a winder for a web product, indicated as a whole with the number 10.

[0057] The winder 10 comprises an inlet section 11 into which the web N coming from the jumbo roll B is fed, and a subsequent section 12 for winding the web N in smaller reels Bl.

[0058] The inlet section 11 comprises a device 50 for guiding the web N toward the winding section 12.

[0059] Advantageously, as better described below, the winder 10 comprises an apparatus 13 for the height moving of the guide device 50 with respect to the ground, adapted to allow the guide device to take two working positions, respectively a first position K, for guiding the web during the step of winding the web N in the winding section 12. and a second position H, for preparing the web on the guide device 50, shown with a dashed line in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0060] The first position (for guiding the web) of the guide device is provided at a first height, while the second position (for preparing the web) of the guide device 50 is at a second height, lower than the first height, so that an operator S can easily arrange the web on the guide device when it is in the preparing position H and subsequently move the guide device upward to take it to the guide position K of the web to allow winding of the web in the reels in the section 12.

[0061] The first height of the guide position of the web guide device is, with respect to the ground or in any case to the level on which the operator stands, preferably greater than 2.3 m, more preferably greater than 2.5 m, and even more preferably greater than 2.8 m. For example the first height is of around 3 m.

[0062] The second height of the preparing position of the web guide device is, with respect to the ground or to the level on which the operator stands, preferably lower than 2.5 m, more preferably lower than 2.3 m, and even more preferably lower than 2.1 m. For example the second height is around 2 m.

[0063] The difference in height between the first height and the second height is preferably between 2 m and 0.5 m, and more preferably between 1.2 m and 0.7 m. For example, the difference in height between the two positions, i.e., the two heights, is around 1 m, or around 0.8 m.

[0064] It is evident that the first and the second height are dependent on the specific operating line of the web product, and can vary according to specific needs, remaining linked to the concept that the guide position is a “high” position which the operator of the line cannot access without using elevation devices in order to reach a greater height than the ground, while the preparing position is a position in which the operator of the line is able to operate on the guide devices without elevation devices.

[0065] The winder 10 is provided with a movement path P of the web N which extends from the guide device 50, when arranged in the guide position, to the winding section 12. [0066] Advantageously, the first part Pl of the movement path of the web N immediately downstream of the guide device 50 has a constant trend in space during the winding step, i.e., the trajectory (which can be straight, curved, or a combination of these) of the web N in this first part Pl substantially does not vary in space during the winding step.

[0067] The winding section 12 is provided with an inlet area of the web N provided at a lower height than the second height for preparing the guide device 50, so that along the movement path P, the web moves from above to below.

[0068] Preferably, a plurality of web N return rollers 14 are present along this movement path P, provided at a lower height than, in this example, the second height taken by the guide device 50 during preparation of the path of the web on said device. These return rollers 14 can be idle or motorized (all or in part), according to necessity.

[0069] In this example, a section 15 for cutting the web N into two or more webs N1 of smaller width than the web N is present along the path P of the web, in order to be wound in respective reels Bl in the winding section 12 (in Fig. 2 the case with five webs is shown).

[0070] The cutting section 15, along the movement path P, is provided with a cutting area 16 defined at a lower height, in this example, than the height of the return rollers 14.

[0071] The cutting section 15 can be of known type, and comprise, for example, a number of cutting blades 15 A, for example of rotating type, the same in number as the number of cuts to be made.

[0072] The winding section 12 of the web N, cut into smaller webs Nl, comprises, for example, a forming cradle 17 of the reels Bl. Preferably, this cradle 17 is at a lower height than the second height for preparing the web of the guide device 50.

[0073] This cradle 17 is formed, for example, by two rotating forming rollers 18 against which the outer surfaces of reels Bl rest, so that the rotation of the rollers 18 rotates the reels Bl, allowing the webs Nl to be wound about their axis. [0074] Reel winding cores Al, around which the reels N1 are wound, can be positioned in the cradle 17.

[0075] A section 20 can be provided for preparing the winding cores Al of the reels Bl, as can optional means (for example pick-up arms, robot pushers, etc., not schematized in the figures) for positioning these cores Al in the forming cradle 17, not described in detail, being of known type.

[0076] Returning to the guide device 50, this comprises a transverse support member 51 for the web N, i.e., a member that extends transversely to the direction of feed of the web, which is constrained at the ends, for example, to a supporting structure 30.

[0077] In a first embodiment, this transverse support member 51 can comprise a rotating cylinder 52, with transverse rotation axis, which can be of passive type, i.e., of the type driven in rotation by the web arranged on the surface of the rotating cylinder, or of active type, i.e., associated with a motor which allows it to rotate at a controlled speed.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows an example of variant of transverse support member of the support device 50. In this case, the transverse support member is indicated with 51’ and comprises a reference surface 52’ over which the web N passes, associated with a system for generating an air cushion 53’, adapted to form an air cushion W between the reference surface 52’ and the web N, so that the web is slidably supported by the air cushion. For example, the system for generating the air cushion 53’ comprises a pneumatic system comprising a pneumatic source 54’ operatively connected to a plurality of ejection holes 55’ (or one or more ejection slots) present on the reference surface 52’. For example, the transverse support member 51’ is a body extending longitudinally, for example provided with an external reference surface 52’ shaped in a curve, which is hollow internally and so that the pressurized air passes through said cavity and exits through the holes 55’, for example, more or less orthogonally to the surface 52’.

[0079] In other embodiments, not shown in the figures, the system for generating an air cushion 53’ can comprise a configuration of said reference surface such that in combination with the movement speed of the web, an aerodynamic effect defining said air cushion is created between the web and said reference surface. [0080] The supporting structure 30 to which the guide device 50 is constrained comprises, for example, two lateral uprights 31 between which the web N is made to pass. The support member 51 (or 51’) is, for example, constrained at its ends to said uprights.

[0081] Returning to the apparatus 13 for the height moving of the guide device 50, this is a system 40 for moving the guide device 50 along a movement trajectory and actuation means 41 which allow the guide device to be moved along the movement trajectory so that it takes the first and second working position, i.e., respectively for guiding the web at the first height and for preparing the web at the second height lower than the first.

[0082] For example, the moving system 40 can comprise a pair of guiding portions 42. for example linear with vertical orientation placed along the lateral uprights 31, and respective slide portions 43 associated with the ends of the transverse support member 51 (or 51’) of the guide device 50 slidably associated with the guiding portions

42 so that the transverse member 51 can move, preferably translate, along the guiding portions between the first and second working positions, and vice versa.

[0083] The actuation means 41 can comprise an actuation device for each upright that acts between the upright and the guide device 50, i.e., the respective slide portion

43 associated with the end of the transverse support member 51. The actuation devices 41 can comprise, for example, linear actuators of pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical type (for example of worm screw type associated with an electric motor). It is clear that a single actuation device could be provided to move all the transverse support members.

[0084] It is clear that in other embodiments, one or more linear actuation devices 41 can also completely replace the guiding portions 42 and the slide portions 43, which may be arranged, for example, with their moving actuation portions (the rods of the actuation cylinders or the worm screws of the electromechanical systems) positioned vertically and connected at the ends to the ends of the support member 51 (or 51') of the guide device 50.

[0085] It is clear that in other embodiments the movement of the guide device 50 can also take place according to a non-vertical, for example inclined or curved, trajectory, but always such as to adjust the position of the guide device 50 between the two working positions, one higher (guide position), and one lower (preparing position).

[0086] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the moving system 40 can comprise a structure 60 with articulated arm. For example, this structure is of the type with a single oscillating arm pivoted, for example, to the supporting structure 30 on one side, and to the ends of the support member 51 (or 51') of the guide device 50 on the other side, so that the latter can be moved along a circular arc Q between the guide position and the preparing position at a lower height, and vice versa. In this case, the oscillating arm structure, optionally aided by the means for its movement, also acts as a supporting structure of the transverse support member 51 (51’), i.e., of the guide device 50, both when it is in the first guide position, and when it is in the second preparing position.

[0087] The actuation means 41 have, for example, rotational actuation devices (of pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical type), for example placed at the hinges between the arms 60 and the lateral uprights 31, or, as schematized in Fig. 4, linear actuation devices (of pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical type) placed between the uprights 31 and the arms 60 (or between the uprights and the ends of the transverse support member).

[0088] In general, the movement of the transverse support member 51 can take place by translation, or by roto-translation, maintaining it orientation constant in space, i.e., always parallel to itself.

[0089] In yet other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the guide device can be supported by a system of articulated arms connected to the load-bearing structure 30 (for example to the lateral uprights), which also allows movement of the guide device in the two working positions, and which allows movement of the guide device according to a curved trajectory more complex than a simple circular arc.

[0090] A blocking device 70 (schematized only in Fig. 1) can be provided to block the web N on the guide device 50 during the step of positioning the web (indicated with N’ in Fig. 1) on said guide device, which optionally can also act during the step of lifting the guide device from the second preparing position H at the second height, to the first guide position K, to then be taken to the release step during the step of winding the web N-N 1 in the reels B 1. [0091] For example, this blocking device 70 is associated with means for adjusting its position in height, so as to be able to follow the positioning in height of the guide device 50. For example, this blocking device 70 moves jointly with the guide device 50. [0092] It is understood that the description illustrated merely represents possible nonlimiting embodiments of the invention, which can vary in forms and arrangements without departing from the concept on which the invention is based. Any reference numbers in the appended claims are provided purely to facilitate reading of the claims in the light of the description above and of the accompanying drawings and in no way limit their scope of protection.

Claims

1. Winder for a web product, comprising an inlet section into which the web to be wound in at least one reel is fed, a section for winding the web in at least one reel, a web guide device for guiding the web toward the winding section, provided in said inlet section, characterized in that two working positions for said guide device are defined in said winder, respectively a guide position for guiding the web during the winding step, provided at a first height, and a preparing position for preparing the web on the guide device, provided at a second height lower than said first height, so that it is possible to easily arrange the web on the guide device when it is in said preparing position and subsequently move the guide device upward to take it to said web guide position to allow winding of the web in a reel, said winder comprising a height moving apparatus of the guide device with respect to the ground configured to allow said guide device to take said two working positions.

2. Winder according to claim 1, wherein the guide position taken by the web guide device during the winding step, provided at a first height, is a fixed position during the winding step.

3. Winder according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a web movement path which extends from the guide device, when arranged in said guide position, to the winding section, and wherein in at least the first part immediately downstream of the guide device said movement path has a constant trend in space during the winding step; preferably, the trajectory of the web in said first part of the path does not vary in space during the winding step.

4. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first height of the guide position of the web guide device is preferably greater than 2.3 m, more preferably greater than 2.5 m, and even more preferably greater than 2.8 m.

5. the second height of the preparing position of the guide device is preferably lower than 2.5 m, more preferably lower than 2.3 m, and even more preferably lower than 2.1 m.

6. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second height of the preparing position of the web guide device is preferably lower than 2.5 m, more preferably lower than 2.3 m, and even more preferably lower than 2.1 m.

7. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the difference in height between the two heights is preferably between 2 m and 0.5 m, and more preferably between 1.2 m and 0.7 m.

8. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a web movement path which extends from said guide device, when arranged in said guide position, to said winding section, and wherein said winding section provides an inlet area for the web provided at a lower height than said first height, and preferably also than said second height, so that along said movement path the web moves from above to below.

9. Winder according to claim 8, wherein at least one web return roller is present along said movement path, provided at a lower height than said first height, and preferably also than said second height.

10. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a section for cutting the web longitudinally into two or more webs of smaller width than the starting web to be wound in respective reels in said winding section.

11. Winder according to claim 10, wherein said cutting section, along said movement path, is provided with a cutting area defined at a lower height than said first height, and preferably also than said second height, and more preferably lower than the height of a web return roller positioned along said movement path between the cutting section and the guide device; preferably said cutting section comprises at least one blade for cutting the web, preferably a rotating blade.

12. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the section for winding the web in at least one reel comprises a reel forming cradle; preferably, said cradle is at a lower height than said first height, and preferably also than said second height; preferably, said cradle is formed by two rotating forming rollers against which the outer surface of the reel rests so that the rotation of the rollers rotates the reel, allowing the web to be wound around it; preferably, at least one reel winding core, around which the at least one web is wound, is arranged in said cradle.

13. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a device for blocking the web on the guide device during the step of positioning the web on said guide device, preferably adapted to act also during the step of lifting the guide device from the preparing position at the second height to the guide position at the first height, to then be taken to the release step during the winding step; preferably, said blocking device is associated with means for adjusting its position in height, so as to be able to follow the positioning in height of the guide device and, more preferably, said blocking device moves together with the guide device, preferably jointly therewith.

14. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a supporting structure to which the guide device is constrained; preferably, the guide device comprises a transverse support member for the web connected, preferably at the ends, to said supporting structure; preferably, said supporting structure comprises two lateral uprights between which the web is made to pass; preferably, the transverse support member for the web is connected at the ends to said uprights.

15. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the height moving apparatus of the guide device comprises a system for moving the guide device along a movement trajectory and at least one actuation device which allows the guide device to be moved along the movement trajectory.

16. Winder according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the moving system comprises at least one guiding portion, preferably linear and preferably with a direction from above to below, for example vertical, preferably provided on the supporting structure, and at least one slide portion associated with the guide device so that the latter can move, preferably translate, along the guiding portion between the first and second working positions, and vice versa; preferably, said actuation device acting between said supporting structure and said guide device.

17. Winder according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the moving system comprises at least one arm articulated to the supporting structure on one side and to the web guide device on the other side, so that the latter can be moved along at least one curved trajectory, between the guide position and the preparing position placed at a lower height, and vice versa; preferably, said actuation device acting between said supporting structure and said guide device; movement of the guide device can take place by translation or by roto-translation, preferably maintaining its orientation constant in space, i.e., always parallel to itself.

18. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said web guide device comprises a transverse web support member formed by a rotating cylinder; preferably, said rotating cylinder being passive, i.e. being of the type driven in rotation by the web arranged on the surface of the rotating cylinder, or said rotating cylinder being of the active type, i.e., associated with a motor which allows it to rotate at a controlled speed.

19. Winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said web guide device comprises a transverse support member defining a reference surface over which the web passes, and a system for generating an air cushion, adapted to form an air cushion between said reference surface and said web, so that the web is slidably supported by said air cushion; preferably, said system for generating an air cushion comprising a pneumatic system comprises a pneumatic source operatively connected to a plurality of ejection holes or at least one ejection slot present on said reference surface, or said system for generating an air cushion comprising a configuration of said surface such that in combination with the movement speed of the web, an aerodynamic effect defining said air cushion is created between said web and said surface.

20. An assembly for producing reels of thin web product, comprising an unwinding station of a jumbo roll and a subsequent winder according to one or more of the preceding claims, so that in said unwinding station a web is unwound from said jumbo roll and said web is made to pass through said web guide device and from there toward said winding section, passing through an optional assembly for cutting it into webs of a width smaller than the web fed into the winder.

21. Guide device for a web product to be wound in one or more reels, which comprises a transverse support member for the web and an height moving apparatus of the transverse support member with respect to the ground adapted to allow the member to take at least two working positions, respectively a position for guiding the web during the winding step, provided at a first height, and a position for preparing the web on the member, provided at a second height lower than the first height, so that it is possible to easily arrange the web on the member when it is in said preparing position and subsequently move the member upward to take it to said web guide position to allow winding of the web in a reel.

22. Method for winding a web product in a winder, comprising a step of preparing the web product along a movement path that provides for positioning an edge of the web product over a guide device of the web product placed in a preparing position, and lifting said guide device into a guide position, at a height greater than the height of the preparing position, a step of winding the web product in a reel downstream of the guide device.

23. Winding method according to claim 22, wherein during the winding step, the guide device is fixed in a guide position, i.e., it is always at a same height; preferably, said guide position is at a height greater than 2.3 m and, preferably, said preparing position is lower than 2.5 m.

24. Winding method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein during the winding step, at least the first part of the movement path immediately downstream of the guide device has a constant trend in space, i.e., the trajectory of the web in said first part of the path does not vary in space during the winding step.