Patent Application
20250026512
The invention relates to an apparatus, an arrangement and a method according to the preambles of the independent claims.
Apparatuses for packing loaded goods that are palleted or arranged on a pallet are known and published in various embodiments.
For storing or transporting loaded goods, it is common to arrange the loaded goods on a pallet. Pallets such as flat pallets, transport pallets and Europool pallets are load bases with standardised dimensions or shapes. Loaded goods are loaded or palletised on such pallets. In order to protect the load from environmental influences or from falling off the pallet, the pallet and the loaded goods arranged on it are wrapped in a stretchable plastic film according to the state of the art and thus packaged.
There are two common designs for film wrapping machines. In a first embodiment, the pallet and the loaded goods arranged on it are set down motionless. For packaging, a roll of plastic film is now moved around the motionless, palletised loaded goods in order to unwind the film from the roll and wrap it around the loaded goods. In the other design, the plastic film roll is substantially stationary and the pallet is rotated on a turntable, whereby the film is pulled off the stationary roll and wrapped around the loaded goods.
The market now has a demand for packaging for palletised loaded goods that does not require plastic film.
As a replacement for the plastic film, the loaded goods can for example be wrapped in a paper web. These paper webs are usually rolled up into paper rolls to facilitate transport and handling.
However, these paper webs and paper rolls differ significantly from plastic film and film rolls, meaning that the plastic film in a conventional film wrapping machine cannot simply be replaced by a paper roll. For example, a suitable paper roll has an initial diameter of more than 0.5 m and a weight of more than 100 kg, optionally an initial diameter of about 80 cm and a weight of about 200 kg, in particular an initial diameter of up to 1.2 m and an initial weight of up to 500 kg, whereas conventional plastic film rolls have smaller diameters or dimensions and also only a fraction of the mass, for example 20 kg.
In particular in the high-performance sector, fully automatic wrapping machines must have a wrapping capacity of 60 pallets per hour or more. Due to the high mass of the paper rolls, the necessary wrapping speeds cannot be achieved with conventional film wrapping machines of the first design.
In addition, a paper web, even if a particularly stretchable paper is used, has a much lower stretchability than a plastic film. If the loaded goods are helically wrapped, creases may occur or the paper web may tear during feeding.
The object of the invention is now to create an apparatus, an arrangement and a method which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, permits efficient helical wrapping of loaded goods with a paper web.
The object is in particular solved by the features of the independent claims.
The invention relates in particular to an apparatus for packaging loaded goods that are palleted or arranged on a pallet by helically wrapping a paper web around them while simultaneously unwinding the paper web from a paper roll.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a rotary device for rotating the pallet and the loaded goods on the pallet about a pallet rotation axis.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a roll holder with at least one holding extension for rotatably holding a paper roll about a roll rotational axis.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises an output device for outputting the paper web unwound from the paper roll in an output direction pointing towards the rotary device or the loaded goods.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a lifting device for changing the height of the output of the paper web from the output device.
Preferably it is provided that a pivoting device with a pivoting carrier pivotable about a pivot axis is provided for tilting the output direction of the paper web.
Optionally, it is provided that the roll holder is mounted on the pivoting carrier and can be pivoted together with the pivoting carrier about the pivot axis.
Optionally, it is provided that the output device is mounted on the pivoting carrier and can be pivoted together with the pivoting carrier about the pivot axis.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivot axis extends substantially horizontally.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivot axis runs substantially through the common centre of gravity of all components that can be pivoted by the pivot device, wherein the components which can be pivoted by the pivoting device, are in particular at least the pivoting carrier, the roll holder, the output device and the paper roll.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivot axis substantially passes through a point at which the centre of gravity of the paper roll lies when it is held by the roll holder.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivoting device tilts the output direction to an output angle that substantially corresponds to the lead angle of the helical wrapping. Optionally, it is provided that this tilting is carried out automatically.
Optionally, a drive such as an electric actuator, a geared motor or a spindle drive is provided to tilt the output direction.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivoting device is engaged on the lifting device and can be raised and lowered by the lifting device.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivoting device has a loading position in which the roll rotation axis is aligned substantially horizontally in order to enable a standing paper roll to be put on horizontally the holding extension.
Optionally, it is provided that the pivoting device has at least one wrapping position during wrapping, in which the output direction runs obliquely in the direction of the rotary device or loaded goods when the lifting device changes the height of the output of the paper web from the output device.
Optionally, it is provided that the roll holder and the output device are mounted on the pivoting carrier.
Optionally, it is provided that an adjustment device for changing the distance between the roll holder and the output device is provided on the pivoting carrier.
Optionally, it is provided that the holding extension is arranged to be movable along the pivoting carrier relative to the output device.
Optionally, it is provided that the output device comprises a traction device for adjusting and/or keeping constant the traction of the paper web during wrapping.
Optionally is provided that the output device comprises a folding device for folding an edge of the paper web.
In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement, comprising:
In particular, the invention relates to an method for packaging loaded goods that are palleted or arranged on a pallet by helically wrapping a paper web around them while simultaneously unwinding the paper web from a paper roll, comprising the following steps:
Preferably, it is provided that the output direction of the paper web from the output device during the helical wrapping is tilted.
Preferably, it is provided that the output direction is tilted to an output angle that substantially corresponds to the lead angle of the helical wrapping. Preferably, it is provided that this tilting is carried out automatically.
The method is preferably carried out by or on an apparatus according to the invention and/or by or on an arrangement according to the invention.
The invention relates in particular to a wrapping machine, which enables the wrapping of loaded goods that are palleted or arranged on a pallet with a paper web. Preferably, the apparatus is a wrapping machine for semi-automatic and fully automatic applications, which enables, for example, a wrapping capacity of 5 to 60 pallets per hour, in particular of around 8 to 15 pallets per hour for semi-automatic applications and of around 30 to 60 pallets per hour for fully automatic applications. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to wrap palletised loaded goods with a maximum height of 2 m. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to package palletised loaded goods with a weight of up to 1200 kg.
Preferably, it is provided in all embodiments that the paper web is not pre-extended or pre-stretched in the output device, but that the paper web is extended and/or stretched during wrapping.
With a pallet height of around 110 cm and the use of 800×1200 mm Euro pallets, for example, around 10 to 14 m2 of the paper web are used per pallet. For example, 0.5 to 1, in particular 0.6to 1 kg of paper web is used per pallet.
Preferably, it is provided that the paper web consists of a recyclable paper. Preferably, it is provided that the paper web has a stretchability of more than 5%, in particular more than 8%, preferably more than 10%, and in particular from 10 to 12%. The paper itself optionally has an elasticity of 1 to 2%.
Optionally, a paper web is used that has one or more of the following parameters:
Optionally, it is provided that the apparatus has a stationary, fixed machine frame. Preferably, it is provided that the paper roll, the roll holder, the output device, the lifting device, the pivoting device, the adjustment device, the traction device and/or the folding device are provided on the machine frame.
In particular, it is provided that the machine frame provides an adjustable lifting device that runs along the vertical axis. Preferably, it is provided that a pivoting carrier of the pivoting device is mounted on the lifting device, and the height of the pivoting carrier may be adjusted via the lifting device. Preferably, the pivoting carrier is coupled to the lifting device by the pivoting device so that it can pivot about a pivot axis. Preferably, the paper roll, the roll holder, the output device, the adjustment device, the traction device and/or the folding device are mounted on the pivoting carrier. Optionally, an adhesive application system for automatic operation, a paper web holding device and/or a paper web cutting device are mounted on the pivoting carrier. Preferably, all components mounted on the pivoting carrier may be pivoted about the pivot axis with the pivoting carrier.
Preferably, in all embodiments, the pivot axis extends in such a way that the output direction of the paper web can be tilted. Preferably, in all embodiments it is provided that the tilting in the vertical direction is enabled, i.e. that the output direction of the paper web may be tilted upwards and/or downwards. The pivot axis of the pivoting device preferably extends substantially horizontally and transversely to the pallet rotational axis.
Preferably, it is provided that the tilting may be selected such that the angle of the output direction corresponds to the angle at which the paper web is wrapped helically around the pallet or the loaded goods arranged thereon. In all embodiments, the angles are measured in particular relative to a horizontal line.
Preferably, in all embodiments, the paper web is output upright. In particular, this means that the paper web extends vertically from side edge to side edge.
Preferably, it is provided that the output direction may be adjusted and/or changed during wrapping. Preferably, it is provided that the output direction or the tilting is adjusted automatically.
Preferably, it is provided that that the paper web is stretched between the loaded goods and the output device during wrapping. Preferably, it is provided that the tractive force pulls the paper web off the paper roll. Preferably, it is provided that the tractive force actuates the pivoting device and/or tilts the pivoting carrier.
Preferably, it is provided that the pivot axis extends substantially through the common centre of gravity of all components that can be pivoted by the pivoting device, whereby the pivoting device is substantially balanced.
Preferably, it is provided that the pivot axis extends substantially through the centre of gravity of the paper roll, in particular through the intersection of the symmetry planes of the paper roll, or is supported on the centre of gravity. This means that the path of the pivot axis through the centre of gravity of the components is maintained, even if the mass of the paper roll changes as the paper web unwinds.
The fact that the pivot axis extends substantially through the centre of gravity means in particular that pivoting about the pivot axis is possible with relatively little effort. This means, for example, that the pivoting carrier and paper roll can be pivoted manually. Preferably, this means that the pivoting carrier can be automatically actuated by the tractive force or the tension of the paper web stretched between the loaded material and the output device.
Preferably, it is provided that the pivoting device has a loading position in which the roll rotation axis is substantially horizontal, so that a standing paper roll may be put on the holding extension. The paper roll is preferably fed via an infeed carriage. The axis about which the pivoting carrier is pivoted in order to bring the pivoting device into the loading position is preferably the same axis about which the pivoting carrier is pivoted in order to tilt the output direction during wrapping.
Optionally, a control unit is provided that controls and/or regulates one or more of the drives. For example, the control unit controls the rotary drive of the rotary device, the lifting drive of the lifting device and/or the drive of the tension control, whereby the drives can be coordinated or synchronised with each other by the control unit.
Optionally, the apparatus comprises one or more of the following components or systems:
The invention relates in particular to a method for the wrapping of loaded goods that are palleted or arranged on a pallet with a paper web. Preferably, it is provided that the paper web is pulled off or unwound from the paper roll by actuating the rotary device, in particular by rotating the pallet and the loaded goods on the pallet.
Preferably, it is provided that the tension or tractive force acting on the paper web between the output device and the load is controlled and/or regulated. Optionally, it is provided that the paper web is decelerated or accelerated between the loaded goods and the paper roll, this change in speed being performed in particular by a tension control roller, optionally provided with a drive.
Optionally, it is provided that the outer circumference of the paper roll is pressed against the tension control roller, whereby this is done in particular by the adjusting device.
Preferably, it is provided that the loaded goods are helically wrapped by changing the height of the output paper web in addition to the output of the paper web by the output device. The helical wrapping has a certain lead angle. In order to achieve improved wrapping, the output direction of the paper web is preferably inclinable. Preferably, the output angle of the paper web can be changed and adjusted by a pivoting device. Preferably, the tilting of the paper web is changed and/or adjusted automatically. Preferably, the tilting of the paper web is adjusted by a tractive force or tension acting between the output device and the attachment of the paper web to the loaded goods, which actuates the pivoting device and, in particular, pivots the pivoting carrier about the pivot axis in such a way that the desired output angle is set. The optimal output angle or the inclination of the paper web depends, for example, on the relative movement of the output device and the rotary device or the loaded goods. In particular, the output direction depends on the speed at which the lifting device is actuated. In addition, the output direction also depends on how quickly the rotary device rotates the loaded goods and the pallet.
Preferably, it is provided that the paper web is folded over before or during output from the output device, whereby at least one edge, in particular the lower edge, is folded over and in particular folded over by 180°. Preferably, in all embodiments, the load goods are wrapped with a folded paper web. Optionally, the loaded goods are wrapped exclusively with a folded paper web.
Preferably, it is provided that the pivoting carrier is pivoted by 90° in order to bring the device, in particular the pivoting device, into its loading position.
Preferably, it is provided that the holding extension is a mandrel projecting from one side of the pivoting carrier. Preferably, the holding extension is rotatably mounted.
Preferably, it is provided that the output device always outputs the paper web at the same point irrespective of the unwinding of the paper web from the paper roll, whereby this point may be displaced by the lifting device so that the paper web may be output along a straight line by the output device and the lifting device. This straight line extends substantially vertically and in particular along the direction of movement of the lifting device.
For example, to prevent the paper from tearing in case of an underhang of the loaded goods on the pallet, the paper is preferably folded over in the lower part of the paper web. Due to the double layer, a high belt pull may be achieved, which is favourable for the stability of the loaded goods.
Optionally, it is provided that the paper is first deflected by 180° around a tension control roller. Optionally, it is provided that subsequently a 180° wrap is performed on a dancing roller, followed by a slight deflection of the paper web using a deflection roller. Optionally, it is provided that a cylindrical main folding roller is arranged downstream, which performs the first part of the fold in interaction with a conical folding roller. Using downstream rollers, the folding of the paper by 180° may be completed. The end is optionally formed by a support roller, which prevents the paper web from sinking.
Optionally, the tractive force in the paper web can be adjusted, controlled and/or regulated during the wrapping process.
For example, the first 2 to 3 layers are wound with a relatively low web tension, approx. 4 to 8 kg. The control unit may then increase the TARGET web tension either in stages or successively after a ramp; e.g. 10-20 kg for the upward wrapping and 20-30 kg for the last two top layers. For each of these preselected web tension values, it is advantageous if the value is constantly maintained. (target=ACTUAL). The optimum web tension profile depends on parameters such as the dimensions and shape of the loaded goods, position of the centre of gravity, weight of the individual piece goods, coefficient of friction between the piece goods and between the piece goods and pallet, wrapping pattern, web overlap, etc. and may be set for each individual case of application. The optimum web tension profile determined for one case of application is preferably stored as a programme in the control unit.
To control and/or adjust the tractive force, it may be provided that the paper roll is pressed against a tension control roller using the adjustment device, in particular a pneumatic cylinder. The tension control roller is for example controlled by a servomotor located directly on the tension control roller.
Optionally, a moment curve may be specified on the tension control roller as a result of the position of the rotary device and the associated effective radius, taking into account the inertia of the system. Optionally, the dancing roller is mounted on a linear guide with displacement measurement. This information may also be used for targeted control of the tractive force and/or the system.
The invention is further described below with reference to the figures:
Unless otherwise indicated, the reference numbers in the figures correspond to the following components: Pallet 1, loaded goods 2, paper web 3, paper roll 4, rotary device 5, pallet rotational axis 6, roll holder 7, holding extension 8, roll rotational axis 9, output device 10, output direction 11, lifting device 12, height (of the output of the paper web) 13, pivoting device 14, pivot axis 15, pivoting carrier 16, output angle 17, lead angle 18, adjustment device (for changing the distance between the holding device and the output device) 19, traction device 20, folding device 21, tension control roller 22, dancing roller 23, deflection roller 24, cylindrical main folding roller 25, conical folding roller 26, support roller 27, adjustment means (pneumatic cylinder) 28, drive (of the tension control roller) 29, spring 30, damper 31, infeed carriage 32, machine frame 33.
A roll holder 7 is provided to hold the paper roll 4. The roll holder 7 comprises a holding extension 8. The roll holder 7 is suitable for rotatably mounting the paper roll 4. In particular, the paper roll 4 is mounted to rotate about a roll rotational axis 9. In all embodiments, it is preferably provided that the roll rotation axis 9 and the rotation axis of the paper roll 4 coincide. Due to the rotatable mounting of the paper roll 4, the paper web 3 may be unwound from the paper roll 4 by pulling the paper web 3 off.
The apparatus comprises an output device 10 for outputting the paper web 3 along an output direction 11. The output direction 11 is preferably directed towards the pallet 1 or towards the loaded goods 2.
In particular, it is provided that the pallet 1 and the loaded goods 2 arranged thereon are rotated by the rotary device 5, the paper web 3 being wrapped around the loaded goods 2 by the rotation of the loaded goods 2. The tractive force exerted by the rotation of the loaded goods 2 pulls the paper web 3 off the paper roll 4 through the output device 10.
A lifting device 12 is provided to helically wrap the loaded goods 2 along its entire height. It is configured to change the height 13 of the output paper web 3.
In order to be able to select the tilting of the output direction 11, a pivoting device 14 is provided. The pivoting device 14 comprises a pivoting carrier 16, which may be pivoted about a pivot axis 15.
The pivot axis 15 preferably extends transversely, in particular orthogonally to the roll rotational axis 9. The paper roll 4 is also not displayed in this illustration and is only shown schematically as a dashed line.
Preferably, the apparatus, in particular the output device 10, comprises a traction device 20 which enables the tractive force of the paper web 3 to be selected or regulated. Preferably, the pivoting carrier 16 has a degree of freedom of pivoting about the pivot axis 15, this degree of freedom being restricted in the present embodiment by the fact that at least one spring 30 and optionally also a damper 31 act on the pivoting carrier 16 in order to cushion and/or dampen its movement. In the present embodiment, two springs 30 engage on both sides of an element of the pivoting carrier 16 in order to resiliently restrict its movement on both sides. The further the pivoting carrier 16 is pivoted from its home position, the greater the counterforce exerted by the springs 30.
A damper 31 is provided to dampen oscillations. Preferably, a machine frame 33 is provided which supports some components of the apparatus.
In the present embodiment, an infeed carriage 32 is provided for feeding the paper roll 4.
When the paper web 3 is unwound from the paper roll 4, the diameter of the paper roll 4 changes. An adjustment device 19 is provided to compensate for the change in diameter. This adjustment device 19 may be used to adjust the distance between the holding extension 8 and the output device 10. In particular, the holding extension 8 of the roll holder 7 is displaceably arranged on the pivoting carrier 16 so that the distance between the holding extension 8 and the output device 10 may be selected. For this purpose, the adjusting device 19 may, for example, comprise a drive, whereby this drive may be an electric drive or a drive by means of a pretensioned spring. Preferably, the adjusting device 19 presses the paper roll 4 against a component of the output device 10.
The loaded goods 2 are arranged on a pallet 1, which in turn is arranged on the rotary device 5. The rotary device 5 rotates the pallet 1 and the loaded goods 2 arranged on it around a pallet rotational axis 6. This rotary movement wraps a paper web 3 around the loaded goods 2. The paper web 3 is output along an output direction 11 by an output device 10. The paper web 3 is unwound from a paper roll 4 during outputting. Preferably, a lifting device 12 is actuated at the same time to change the height 13 of the output of the paper web 3. As a result, the loaded goods 2 can be helically wrapped in a helical shape. To prevent creasing of the paper during the helical wrapping or the paper web 3 from tearing during wrapping, a pivoting device 14 is provided. The pivoting device 14 allows the output direction 11 of the paper web 3 to be tilted. In particular, the output direction 11 is tilted by the output angle 17 in the present embodiment. The output angle 17 corresponds substantially to the lead angle 18 of the helical wrapping of the loaded goods 2. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to automatically set the output angle 17 by pulling the paper web 3 out of the output device 10 by the rotation of the loaded goods 2. As a result, depending on the actuation of the lifting device 12 and the rotary device 5, the output direction 11 may adjust automatically.
However, it is also entirely consistent with the idea of the invention to change the tilting or the output angle 17 by having a drive such as a rotary drive actuate the pivoting device 14.
In the loading position, the pivoting device 14 is in a position in which the holding extension 8 of the roll holder 7 is configured to be able to connect a paper roll 4 to the roll holder 7. In the present embodiment, the holding extension 8 extends substantially horizontally. Via the lifting device 12, the holding extension 8 is arranged at a height that substantially corresponds to the height at which the infeed of the paper roll 4 is arranged. This means that the paper roll 4 may simply be put on the holding extension 8 via the infeed carriage 32 shown in
In order to subsequently bring the apparatus into the wrapping position, the pivoting device 14 may be actuated so that the pivoting carrier 16 rotates about the pivot axis 15 until the holding extension 8 no longer extends horizontally but substantially from top to bottom.
Preferably, a new paper roll 4 can already be stored on the infeed carriage 32 while a further paper roll 4 is still arranged on the apparatus in order to wrap the loaded goods 2 with a paper web 3. Optionally, fixing bolts may be provided in all embodiments, which temporarily fix the pivoting device 14 in the loading position.
The embodiment shown in
The embodiment shown in
A support roller 27 can be provided downstream, which supports the paper web 3 from below, particularly at its unfolded edge, in order to prevent the paper web 3 from sinking. Two rollers arranged in pairs can be provided as further elements of the folding device 21 and/or the output device 10, which secure the folding and define a defined output location for the paper web 3.
Optionally, as in the present embodiment, the paper web 3 is deflected around a deflection roller 24 in order to ensure a constant winding angle of the paper web 3 onto the main folding roller 25.
The embodiment shown in
Preferably, it is provided that the paper web 3 is deflected around the dancing roller 23 and in particular deflected by 180°, so that the tractive force or the tension of the paper web 3 can be adjusted by actuating the adjusting means 28.
The tension control roller 22 preferably comprises a drive 29, via which the torque of the tension control roller 22 can be adjusted or selected.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 50688/2021 | Aug 2021 | AT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AT2022/060288 | 8/18/2022 | WO |
