Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine (200) includes an unwinding device (80) having a roll support shaft (50) and a system (1) for removing a core (100) of a film roll from the unwinding device (80); the roll support shaft (50) includes a lower end (51) having at least one support arm (52) movable between an open configuration (A) for supporting the core (100) and a closed configuration (B) for allowing removal or insertion of the core (100); the system (1) includes a removal device (2) including a support element (3), wherein... The support element is provided with a sidewall (4) forming an inner cavity (6) with an upper opening (7) and an upper edge (8), the upper edge defining a support surface for supporting the core (100) when the lower end (51) of the reel support shaft (50) is inserted into the inner cavity (6); the sidewall (4) includes a plurality of elastic elements (14) forming the inner cavity (6), the upper edge (8) and the upper opening (7), and is configured to elastically bend and open when abutted by the support arm (52) in the open configuration (A) so that the lower end (51) can enter the inner cavity (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for packaging a load with a stretchable plastic film, and more particularly to a packaging machine having a system for removing a depleted film roll, or more precisely, removing a core or central cylindrical element around which the plastic film is wrapped to form a roll. Background Technology

[0002] Known packaging machines include an unwinding device that can move along and / or around a winding axis and supports a film roll from which the film is unwound to wrap around a load, thereby forming a series of strips or bands that typically have a spiral pattern due to the combination of relative linear and rotational motion between the unwinding device and the load.

[0003] In a packaging machine equipped with a rotating table supporting a load, during the packaging cycle, the load rotates about a vertical winding axis, while the unwinding device moves parallel to the winding axis in a reciprocating motion along a fixed column of the packaging machine.

[0004] In packaging machines with horizontal rotating rings or rotating arms, the load remains stationary during the packaging process, while the unwinding device moves relative to the load, both rotating about a vertical winding axis and translating parallel to the winding axis. For this purpose, the unwinding device is fixed to a ring structure or an arm rotatably supported by the frame, thus rotating about the load.

[0005] The unwinding device basically includes a support frame fixed to a rotating ring or rotating arm or slidably connected to a fixed column, the support frame rotatably supporting a roll support shaft on which the film roll is mounted; it also includes a pair of pre-stretch rollers for stretching and unwinding the film and one or more guide rollers for turning the film toward the load during unwinding.

[0006] The plastic film is unwound from the roll and packaged on the rollers according to the path that allows for proper unwinding and the required pre-stretching or elongation.

[0007] If the film runs out, the reel must be replaced with a new one. More precisely, the cardboard or plastic core or central element wrapped in the plastic film must be removed.

[0008] This replacement procedure is typically performed manually by one or more operators who, after stopping the machine and positioning the unwinding unit at the appropriate height above the ground, remove the core of the exhausted reel from the relevant reel support shaft and then insert and lock the new film reel.

[0009] In some high-performance packaging machines, especially horizontal rotary ring packaging machines, the changeover process is automated and requires no operator intervention. For this purpose, the packaging machine is equipped with a system that can remove and receive the core of a depleted film roll from the roll support shaft of the unwinding device, and mount a new film roll removed from the machine's bracket or support on the roll support shaft.

[0010] Some known reel core removal or extraction systems envision a packaging machine reel support shaft comprising a cylindrical body with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the reel core, fixed to the upper end of a support frame of an unwinding device, and having a pair of opposing and movable rotating supports or support arms at its lower end. Specifically, the two arms can rotate together simultaneously between a closed or folded configuration and an open or unfolded configuration.

[0011] In the open configuration, the two arms are arranged to project outward from opposite sides relative to the cylindrical body and to be in a substantially horizontal position, in order to form a support for the film reel to be inserted onto the reel support shaft. More precisely, in the open configuration, the two arms abut against and support the film reel core.

[0012] In the closed configuration, the two arms are instead folded in an almost vertical position toward the inside of the scroll support axis, so as not to protrude outward from the cylindrical body, and especially the radial lateral dimension, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the scroll support axis, i.e., almost horizontal, is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body and the inner diameter of the scroll core, so as to allow its removal or insertion.

[0013] The removal system then includes a removal device adapted to interact with this type of reel support shaft, and is provided with a support element having a hollow cylindrical cup shape. More specifically, the support element is open at the top to receive the lower end of the reel support shaft therein during removal, wherein an arm is arranged in the open configuration and is disengaged from and spaced apart from the lower edge of the core to support the core.

[0014] The support element has a particularly large upper rim, which is substantially circular, arranged around the opening, and has dimensions for abutting and supporting the reel core during removal.

[0015] Specifically, the inner diameter of the uppermost edge of the support element is larger than the radial lateral dimension of the two arms arranged in the open configuration to allow insertion of the reel support shaft, and the outer diameter of the uppermost edge of the support element causes the width of the uppermost edge to form a flat support surface (circular crown) capable of stably supporting the reel core. In fact, the outer diameter of the core is usually included between the inner and outer diameters of the uppermost edge of the support element.

[0016] During the automatic reel core removal process, the machine's unwinding device descends, allowing the lower end of the reel support shaft to insert a certain length into the support element. This allows the arms to disengage from the core, enabling them to rotate into the closed configuration. The reel core is supported and held elevated by the outer edge of the support element.

[0017] With the arm in its closed configuration, the unwinding device can be raised vertically to disengage the reel support shaft from the reel core held resting on the support element. The support element can be mounted on a special movable frame that is approaching or moving away from the operating area of ​​the packaging machine so as not to obstruct the packaging process.

[0018] The disadvantage of the aforementioned known systems for removing the core from a depleted spool is that they do not allow the removal or extraction of the core from a spool with a reduced thickness and therefore an outer diameter smaller than or almost equal to the inner diameter of the support element. In such cases, the core will, in effect, be inserted into the support element during the descent of the spool support shaft, or in any case, the core will be fitted onto the upper edge of the support element and cannot be removed.

[0019] Even when the outer diameter of the core is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the support element, the upper edge of the support element cannot support the core in a stable and reliable manner, especially when the core, which is usually made of cardboard, has a deformed or undamaged lower end.

[0020] However, using a support element with a reduced inner diameter to support a smaller core would require a support arm with a necessarily reduced length of the reel support shaft to allow it to be inserted into the support element in the open configuration. However, a reduced extension or length of the arm will not ensure stable and reliable support for the film reel, especially in cases with a thicker core and / or a damaged or deformed lower end. In fact, in these cases, the reel may move along the reel support shaft or even come off.

[0021] Therefore, it is necessary to install the support element and support arm on the removal device and packaging machine respectively, in proportion to the size (thickness) of the core of the film roll used.

[0022] These changes, besides requiring the packaging machines to be shut down, are also costly, time-consuming, and require skilled workers.

[0023] Another known drawback of the system is that inserting the reel support shaft into the support element requires very high precision and accuracy to avoid collisions between the lower end of the reel support shaft and the upper edge of the support element, which could damage one or both components. Summary of the Invention

[0024] One object of the present invention is to improve a known packaging machine having a system configured to remove the core or central element of a depleted film roll from the roll support shaft of the machine.

[0025] Another objective is to provide a packaging machine with a system that allows the removal of reel cores of varying or even smaller thicknesses without modifying the reel support shaft.

[0026] Another objective is to provide a packaging machine with a system for removing spool cores that is inexpensive, safe, and reliable.

[0027] These and further objectives are achieved by a packaging machine according to one or more of the claims below. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention can be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a system for removing a roll core of a packaging machine in a removal configuration according to the present invention, wherein the roll support shaft of the packaging machine having the core is inserted into the removal device of the system.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detached perspective view of the reel support shaft of a packaging machine, the reel support shaft having a reel core spaced apart by support arms arranged in the open configuration;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the details of the system's removal device, which in particular shows the support element on which the reel core rests in the removal configuration;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged 3D view of the supporting components;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the system's removal device;

[0034] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of line VI-VI, showing in particular the lower end of the support element and the reel support shaft, which has a support arm that supports the reel core in the open configuration;

[0035] Figure 7 Is with Figure 6 A similar cross-section, in which the support arm is in a closed configuration;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The enlarged details show that some parts have been removed to better highlight the others;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the packaging machine of the present invention, wherein the roll support shaft and the removal device are spaced apart;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the packaging machine of the present invention in the removal configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 10 The diagram illustrates a system 1 of a packaging machine 200 of the present invention, configured to remove the core 100 of a film roll from a roll support shaft 50 of an unwinding device 80 of the packaging machine 200. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The packaging machine 200 shown in the illustration, by way of example and not limitation, is, for example, a horizontal rotary ring machine of a known type, and the unwinding device 80 is also of a known type, and includes film unwinding and pre-stretching rollers and a roll support shaft 50.

[0040] The roll support shaft 50 is rotatably fixed to the unwinding device 80 and is configured to support the film roll.

[0041] System 1 includes a removal device 2 adapted to receive the core 100 of a depleted film roll from a roll support shaft 50 and remove it from the roll support shaft 50.

[0042] The reel support shaft 50 includes a lower end 51, which is provided with one or more support arms or brackets 52. The support arms or brackets 52 are angularly spaced about a first longitudinal axis X1 of the reel support shaft 50 and are movable between an open configuration A and a closed configuration B. The open configuration A is used to abut and support a core 100 mounted on the reel support shaft 50, and the closed configuration B is used to allow the core 100 to be removed from or inserted into the reel support shaft 50.

[0043] exist Figures 1 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, the roll support shaft 50 of the packaging machine includes two support arms 52, which are radially positioned opposite each other at their lower ends 51 and are rotatably mounted about respective axes that are parallel to each other and orthogonal to a first longitudinal axis X1. The first longitudinal axis X1 is the axis of rotation of the roll support shaft 50 and is substantially vertical.

[0044] However, the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft 50 may be provided with a single support arm 52, which is rotatable about a corresponding axis orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis X1, or three or more support arms 52 may be provided, which are arranged at an angle and regularly spaced about the first longitudinal axis X1 and rotatably mounted about corresponding axes that are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis X1.

[0045] The removal device 2 includes a support element 3, which has a sidewall 4 forming an inner cavity 6 (the inner cavity 6 is substantially cylindrical in shape) with an upper opening 7 and a circumferential edge 8 that defines the aforementioned upper opening 7 and forms a flat support surface. When the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft 50 is inserted into the inner cavity 6, the flat support surface is adapted to abut against and hold the core 100 raised in the removal configuration E, in which the support arm 52 is disengaged from and / or spaced apart from the core 100.

[0046] The sidewall 4 of the support element 3 includes a plurality of elastic elements 14 which are arranged at an angle around and parallel to the second longitudinal axis X2 of the support element 3 so that their respective central portions 15 form an inner cavity 6 having a first inner diameter D1, which is greater than the first lateral dimension L1 of the lower end 51 when the support arm 52 is arranged in the open configuration A.

[0047] The second longitudinal axis X2 is the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the support element 3, and is substantially vertical.

[0048] The elastic element 14 also includes a corresponding upper portion 16, which is shaped to form a peripheral edge 8 and an upper opening 7, the upper opening 7 having a second inner diameter D2 that is almost equal to the inner diameter Di of the core 100.

[0049] The second diameter D2 of the upper opening 7 is preferably wider than the second lateral dimension L2 of the lower end 51 when the support arm 52 is arranged in the closed structure B. The second lateral dimension L2 is smaller than the inner diameter Di of the core 100.

[0050] The elastic element 14 is configured to be elastically bent, particularly outward, i.e., away from the second longitudinal axis X2, and when abutted by the support arm 52 in the open configuration A, the elastic element 14 opens to allow the lower end 51 to be inserted into the inner cavity 6. When the elastic element 14 disengages from the support arm 52, the elastic element 14 returns to its initial non-bent configuration.

[0051] Each elastic element 14 has an elongated shape, particularly in the direction parallel to the second longitudinal axis X2, and has a constant thin thickness. Each elastic element 14 is, for example, an elongated sheet or plate with a rectangular cross-section.

[0052] The elastic element 14 is made of an elastic metal alloy (e.g., spring steel).

[0053] Each elastic element 14 includes a lower end portion 15a connected to the center portion 15 and opposite the upper portion 16, which is fixed to the base 5 of the support element 3 to allow the elastic element 14 to bend elastically in a corresponding bending plane passing through the second longitudinal axis X2.

[0054] The upper portion 16 of each elastic element 14 is folded inward toward the second longitudinal axis X2, thereby forming a corresponding contact wall 16a, which is arranged to abut against the support arm 52 (particularly in the open configuration A) during the insertion of the lower end 51 of the roll support shaft 50 into the inner cavity 6, and forming a flat support wall 16b, which is arranged to abut against and support the core 100, particularly the lower end 101 of the core 100. The contact walls 16a and support walls 16b of the plurality of elastic elements 14 respectively form the upper opening 7 and the upper peripheral edge 8 of the support element 3.

[0055] The dimensions of each support wall 16b are designed such that the width of the upper edge 8 that forms a flange is equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the core 100.

[0056] The contact wall 16a and support wall 16b of the upper part 16 of each elastic element 14 are almost parallel to and almost perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis X2, respectively.

[0057] The upper portion 16 of each elastic element 14 also includes an inclined portion 16c, which is inserted between the contact wall 16a and the support wall 16b and converges toward the base wall 5. The inclined portions 16c of the upper portions 16 of the plurality of elastic elements 14 form guide walls or guide portions that facilitate the insertion of the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft 50 into the cavity 6 of the support element 3.

[0058] In the removal configuration E, the upper part 16 is sufficiently spaced from the support arm 52 to allow the support arm to rotate freely inward toward the first longitudinal axis X1 into the closed configuration B without collision.

[0059] Two support arms 52 rotate between open configuration A and closed configuration B via a drive shaft 53, which passes through the inside of the reel support shaft 50 and moves along a first axis X1 by a known type of actuation device (not shown) acting on the upper end 54 of the drive shaft 53.

[0060] The lower portion 55 of the drive shaft 53 includes an annular groove 56, in which a roller 57 engages and is fixed to the support arm 52. Therefore, by linearly moving the drive shaft 53 from the raised position R to the lowered position L, and vice versa, the support arm 52 rotates from the open configuration A to the closed configuration B, respectively. Figure 6 and Figure 7The drive shaft 53 is held in the lowered position by a spring 58 acting on the upper end 54.

[0061] The removal device 2 also includes a first support device 21 and a second support device 22. The first support device 21 is arranged to support the support element 3, in particular to slidably and elastically support the support element 3 along the second longitudinal axis X2. The second support device 22 is adapted to support the first support device 21, in particular to move the support element 3 to an operating position that can receive the reel support shaft 51.

[0062] The first support device 21 includes a base element 23, to which the support element 3 is fixed and slidably connected to a first support member 24 of the second support device 22. The first support device 21 also includes an elastic device 25, such as a helical spring, located between the first support member 24 and the base element 23, adapted to hold the base element in an elevated position and allow it to be lowered to absorb any downward thrust generated by the insertion of the reel support shaft 50 into the support element 3.

[0063] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the removal device 2 shown, the second support device 22 includes a first support member 24 in the form of an elongated arm or beam, and an elongated, almost vertical second support member 26, which rotatably supports the first support member 24 and is fixed to a platform or base 27 provided with support feet.

[0064] The linear actuator 28 is fixed to the base 27 and connected to the first support 24 so that the first support rotates about a nearly horizontal axis of rotation between an operating position and a non-operating position.

[0065] In the operating position, the first support 24 is substantially horizontal, and the first support device 21 with support element 3 is positioned within the operating area of ​​the packaging machine to allow the roll support shaft 50 with core 100 to be inserted into the support element 3.

[0066] In the non-operating position, the first support 24 is raised to a vertical or inclined position so as to position the first support device 21 with support element 3 outside the operating area of ​​the packaging machine.

[0067] The operation of the packaging machine 200 of the present invention is configured to remove the core 100 of a depleted film roll from the unwinding device 80 of the packaging machine 200, which provides a first insertion step in which the roll support shaft 50 is lowered such that its lower end 51 is inserted into the support element 3 of the removal device 2. Figure 10For this purpose, the first support member 24 of the second support device 22 is arranged in the operating position such that the reel support shaft 50 and the support element 3 of the removal device 2 are aligned, and in particular, the first longitudinal axis X1 of the reel support shaft 50 and the second longitudinal axis X2 of the support element 3 almost coincide.

[0068] The reel support shaft 50 carries the core 100 of the depleted reel, which is supported and held in engagement with the reel support shaft 50 by two support arms 52 arranged in the open configuration A, in which the support arms abut and support the lower end 101 of the core 100.

[0069] In the removal configuration E, the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft 50 is inserted into the inner cavity 6 of the support element 3 by a certain length or number of times to allow the core 100 to be lifted, i.e., to detach and separate from the support arm 52. In fact, the core 100 abuts against and is supported by the upper periphery 8 of the support element 3, while the lower end of the reel support shaft 50 with the support arm 52 passes through the inner cavity 6. The dimensions of the upper periphery 8 allow for support of the core 100, which has a small thickness (i.e., a small outer diameter). For this purpose, the upper opening 7 of the inner cavity 6, defined by the outer periphery 8, has a second diameter D2 that is almost equal to the inner diameter Di of the core 100. Therefore, the second diameter D2 is smaller than the first lateral dimension L1 of the lower end 51.

[0070] The cavity 6 formed by the sidewall 4, composed of a plurality of elastic elements 14 arranged at an angle and regular intervals around the second longitudinal axis X2, has an inner diameter D1 larger than the first lateral dimension L1 of the lower end 51 when the support arm 52 is arranged in the open configuration A, so as to allow the support arm to rotate into the closed configuration B, thereby lifting the reel support shaft 50 and disengaging the core 100. For this purpose, in the removal configuration E, the upper part 16 is sufficiently spaced from the support arm 52 to allow the support arm 52 to rotate freely toward the first longitudinal axis X1 into the closed configuration B without internal collision.

[0071] It should be noted that, since the sidewall 4 of the support element 3 is made of multiple elastic elements 14, which are capable of elastically bending and opening when in contact with the support arm 52, it is possible to insert the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft 50 into the inner cavity 6 (which has an upper opening 7, the second diameter D2 of which is smaller than the first lateral dimension L1 of the lower end 51) when the support arm 52 is in the open configuration A. More precisely, upon insertion, the support arm 52 contacts and bends a limited number of elastic elements 14, while the remaining and most elastic elements 14 remain vertical to adequately support the core 100. When the lower end 51 is fully inserted into the inner cavity 6, the bent elastic elements 15 disengage from the support arm 52 and return to their unbent, vertical initial position.

[0072] In the second removal step, the reel support shaft 50 and the core 100 are removed and moved from the raised position R (where the support arm 52 is in the open configuration A) to the lowered position L by means of the drive shaft 53, and the support arm 100 is rotated into the closed configuration B.

[0073] At this time, since the second lateral dimension L2 of the lower end 51 of the support arm 100 when it is in closed structure B is smaller than the inner diameter Di of the core 100, and the core 100 is completely supported by the support element 3, the reel support shaft 50 can be lifted and removed from the support element 3.

[0074] The second diameter D2 of the upper opening 7 of the inner cavity 6 is preferably wider than the second lateral dimension L2 of the lower end 51 when the support arm 52 is in the closed configuration B.

[0075] Because of the system of the packaging machine of the present invention, the core or central element of a depleted film roll of any thickness (i.e., with a different outer diameter) can be removed from the roll support shaft of the packaging machine without modifying the roll support shaft, in particular the support arm.

[0076] Because of the elastic element 14 forming the sidewall 4 of the support element 3, the core of a film reel with different thicknesses, even thin ones (e.g., an outer diameter less than 92 mm and an inner diameter of about 75 to 76 mm), can be firmly and securely supported, and simultaneously interacts with the reel support shaft 50 having a standard-length support arm 52 configured to adequately support cores of standard thickness (typically with an outer diameter between 95 mm and 110 mm). In fact, the bending of the elastic element 4 allows for easy insertion of the lower end 51 (e.g., a first dimension L1 of about 90 mm) of the reel support shaft 50 when the support arm is in the open configuration A, even if the upper opening 7 of the cavity 6 has a small size (e.g., a diameter D2 equal to the inner diameter Di of the core 100), in order to effectively support cores of small thicknesses simultaneously.

[0077] It should also be noted that, due to the elastic element 14 which is capable of bending elastically, inserting the reel support shaft 50 into the support element may require less precision and accuracy than that required in known systems and packaging machines, because the possible collision between the lower end 51 of the reel support shaft and the upper edge 8 of the support element 3 does not involve any damage (but only involves some elastic bending of the elastic element 14).

[0078] The guide portion of the sidewall 4, formed by the convergence of the inclined portions 16c of the upper part 16 of multiple elastic elements 14 toward the base wall 5, also facilitates the insertion of the reel support shaft 50.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (200) comprising an unwinding device (80) and a system (1) for removing a core (100) of a film roll from the unwinding device (80), the unwinding device (80) comprising a roll support shaft (50) adapted to support the film roll and having a lower end (51) provided with at least one support arm (52) movable between an open configuration (A) and a closed configuration (B), the support arm (52) being used to support the core (100) inserted into the roll support shaft (50) when in the open configuration (A). The support arm (52), when in the closed configuration (B), allows the core (100) to be removed from or inserted into the reel support shaft (50). The system (1) includes a removal device (2) comprising a support element (3) having a sidewall (4) forming an inner cavity (6) with an upper opening (7) and a circumferential edge (8) defining the upper opening and forming a flat support surface. When the lower end (51) of the reel support shaft (50) is in the removal configuration (E), When inserted into the inner cavity (6), the flat support surface is adapted to abut and support the core (100), causing the support arm (52) to disengage from and be spaced apart from the core (100). The packaging machine (200) is characterized in that the sidewall (4) of the support element (3) includes a plurality of elastic elements (14) arranged at an angle around and parallel to the second longitudinal axis (X2) of the support element (3) so as to form the inner cavity (6) through a corresponding central portion (15). The first diameter of the inner cavity (6) is larger than that of the support arm (52) when the support arm (52) is inserted into the inner cavity (6). The first lateral dimension (L1) of the lower end (51) of the support arm (52) when arranged in the opening structure (A) is wide, the elastic element (14) includes a respective upper portion (16) formed to form the upper peripheral edge (8) and the upper opening (7), the second diameter (D2) of the upper opening (7) being substantially equal to the inner diameter (Di) of the core (100), the elastic element (14) being configured to elastically bend and open when abutted by the support arm (52) in the opening structure (A) so that the lower end (51) can enter the inner cavity (6).

2. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 1, wherein, Each elastic element (14) has an elongated shape and includes a lower end (15a) which is fixed to the base wall (5) of the support element (3) to allow the elastic element (14) to bend elastically in a corresponding bending plane parallel to and through the second longitudinal axis (X2).

3. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The upper part (16) of each elastic element (14) bends inward toward the second longitudinal axis (X2) to form a corresponding contact wall (16a) arranged to abut against the support arm (52) and a flat support wall (16b) arranged to abut against and support the core (100), the contact wall (16a) and support wall (16b) of the plurality of elastic elements (14) forming the upper opening (7) and the upper peripheral edge (8), respectively.

4. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 3, wherein, The contact wall (16a) and support wall (16b) of the upper part (16) of each elastic element (14) are substantially parallel and orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis (X2), respectively.

5. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 3, wherein, Each elastic element (14) has an elongated shape and includes a lower end (15a) fixed to the base wall (5) of the support element (3) to allow the elastic element (14) to bend elastically in a corresponding bending plane parallel to and through the second longitudinal axis (X2), and wherein the upper portion (16) of each elastic element (14) also includes an inclined portion (16c) inserted between the contact wall (16a) and the support wall (16b) and converging toward the base wall (5), the inclined portion (16c) of the upper portion (16) of the plurality of elastic elements (14) forming an entry portion of the sidewall (4), the entry portion being adapted to facilitate the insertion of the lower end (51) of the roll support shaft (50) into the cavity (6) of the support element (3).

6. The packaging machine (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The width of the upper edge (8) is equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the core (100).

7. The packaging machine (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, In the removal configuration (E), the distance between the upper portion (16) of the plurality of elastic elements (14) and the support arm (52) allows the support arm to rotate toward the first longitudinal axis (X1) of the reel support shaft (50) into the closing configuration (B).

8. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The support arm (52) rotates about a corresponding axis orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis (X1).

9. The packaging machine (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The second diameter (D2) of the upper opening (7) is wider than the second lateral dimension (L2) of the lower end (51) of the reel support shaft (50) when the support arm (52) is arranged in the closed structure (B).

10. The packaging machine (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The lower end (51) of the reel support shaft (50) includes at least two support arms (52) that are angularly spaced about a first longitudinal axis (X1) of the reel support shaft (50) and are movable between an open configuration (A) and a closed configuration (B).

11. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 10, wherein, The support arm (52) rotates about corresponding axes that are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis (X1).

12. The packaging machine (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a first support device (21) for supporting the support element (3).

13. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 12, comprising a second support device (22) for supporting the first support device (21) and for moving the support element (3) to an operating position in which the support element is capable of receiving the roll support shaft (50).

14. The packaging machine (200) according to claim 13, wherein, The first support device (21) includes a base element (23) of a first support member (24) slidably connected to the second support device (22) and an elastic device (25) between the first support member (24) and the base element (23) and adapted to hold the base element (23) in a raised position.

15. A support element (3) for a packaging machine (200) comprising a sidewall (4) forming an inner cavity (6) having an upper opening (7) and a peripheral edge (8), said peripheral edge (8) defining the upper opening and forming a flat support surface suitable for supporting a core (100) of a film roll, wherein, The sidewall (4) includes a plurality of elastic elements (14) arranged at an angle around and parallel to the second longitudinal axis (X2) of the support element (3) to form the cavity (6) having a first diameter (D1) using a corresponding central portion (15). Each elastic element (14) includes a respective upper portion (16) shaped to form the upper peripheral edge (8) and the upper opening (7). The second diameter (D2) of the upper opening (7) is substantially equal to the inner diameter (Di) of the core (100) of the film roll. The elastic element (14) is configured to elastically bend and open when abutted by the roll support shaft (50) so that the roll support shaft can enter the cavity (6).

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