Electrically-driven rotary table

Abstract

A turret (1) for lifting and rotating paper bales, the turret (1) comprising a rotating unit (3) comprising an upper portion (4), a connecting section (5) and a lower portion (6). The turntable (1) further comprises an electric motor (M) comprising a drive shaft (8). Furthermore, the turntable (1) comprises a gear arrangement in driving engagement with the drive shaft (8) of the electric motor, the connecting section (5) and / or the lower part (6) of the rotating unit (3). The gear arrangement is configured to convert torque from the electric motor (M) into a vertical movement and a rotational movement of the rotating unit (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a turntable for lifting and rotating paper bales, wherein the turntable comprises a rotating unit, a motor and a gear arrangement configured to convert torque from the motor into vertical and rotational motions of the rotating unit. The present disclosure also relates to a paper bale packaging and folding machine comprising the turntable. Background Art

[0002] In the papermaking process, once the paper bales are made, they are usually packed in some kind of protective packaging, such as pulp board or web. A common alternative is to use a packaging folder to fold the paper wrapper around the bale. Such a solution is disclosed, for example, in US3327452 A.

[0003] Traditionally, the rotation and lifting (vertical) movement of the turntable used in the paper bale packaging folding machine is driven by hydraulic pressure. In the traditional hydraulically driven turntable, at least three pneumatic cylinders are required to perform the lifting and rotation of the turntable, one cylinder for the lifting movement and two cylinders for the rotation movement.

[0004] However, in recent years, there has been a significant growth trend towards the electrification of industrial machinery, as electrically driven machines generally require less maintenance and are more reliable than hydraulically driven machines of the same kind. In addition, electrically driven machines also have the advantage of improved speed, torque and motion control possibilities compared to hydraulically driven machines.

[0005] Since hydraulically driven machines are often loud, replacing them with electric alternatives also improves the working environment for nearby operators.

[0006] In the paper bale packaging folding machine, the paper bale enters the folding section with the help of a conveyor and is placed on a turntable. The turntable then lifts the paper bale to a certain height, allowing the paper bale to rotate freely above the conveyor. Once in the raised position, the wrapping paper is folded around the paper bale with the help of the folding arm by rotating the paper bale using the turntable. When the wrapping paper is folded around the paper bale, the paper bale is lowered and transported to the subsequent section by the subsequent conveyor.

[0007] As mentioned previously, conventionally the turret is driven by hydraulics, which requires high maintenance and has limited process control possibilities.Therefore, there is a need for an improved turret arrangement which eliminates the use of hydraulic operation and solves the above mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of various embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a turntable for lifting and rotating paper bales, which replaces the hydraulic operation of the turntable with electric operation.

[0009] Another object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a turntable that utilizes an electric motor to provide power for the lifting and rotating motion of the turntable.

[0010] It is yet another object of the embodiments of the present disclosure to provide an electrically driven turret having similar cycle times and similar dimensions as hydraulically driven turrets.

[0011] Another object of various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a paper bale packaging folding machine comprising a turntable according to any one of the aforementioned objects.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a turntable for lifting and rotating paper bales. The turntable comprises a rotating unit comprising an upper portion, a connecting section and a lower portion. The upper portion of the rotating unit comprises a planar upper surface configured to receive a paper bale. The connecting section of the rotating unit extends downwardly from the upper portion toward the lower portion. In addition, the turntable comprises an electric motor comprising a drive shaft. In addition, the turntable comprises a gear arrangement drivingly engaged with the drive shaft of the electric motor, the connecting section of the rotating unit and / or the lower portion. The gear arrangement is configured to convert torque from the electric motor into vertical and rotational motion of the rotating unit.

[0013] The upper surface may be planar and configured to receive the paper bale from a conveyor of the paper bale packaging and folding machine. The upper surface may be further configured to engage with the conveyor to unload the paper bale from the rotating unit after the lifting and rotation of the rotating unit are performed, and to convey the wrapped paper bale to a subsequent section.

[0014] An exemplary effect of the turntable according to the disclosure herein is that no hydraulic components are required for lifting and rotating the turning unit of the turntable. In this way, a turntable requiring less maintenance is achieved. Furthermore, an overall energy reduction is also achieved, since the electric motor is only active during the packaging cycle of the paper bales, i.e. from the first lifting of the turning unit to the final lowering of the turning unit, compared to hydraulic components that are also active between lifting cycles.

[0015] An exemplary effect of the turntable according to the disclosure herein is that, since the electric motor is smaller than the hydraulic operating system, the conventional turntable can be replaced with the turntable according to the embodiments of the present disclosure because the size can be similarly customized.

[0016] The vertical movement of the rotating unit may be less than 100 mm, preferably about 70 mm. In one embodiment, the rotational movement of the rotating unit is 90°. In one embodiment, the rotational movement of the rotating unit is 360°.

[0017] The turntable may be configured to operate in conjunction with a paper bale packaging and folding machine.

[0018] In an exemplary turntable, the turntable further includes a housing including an upper opening, and wherein the connecting section extends through the upper opening of the housing.

[0019] In an exemplary turntable, the turntable includes a single motor, and wherein the motor provides the forces required to perform the vertical and rotational movements of the rotating unit.

[0020] With this exemplary turntable, less maintenance is required compared to a conventional hydraulically driven turntable because only one motor is required to lift and rotate the rotating unit. Since only one motor is required, only one gear arrangement is required, which further simplifies the maintenance requirements of the turntable.

[0021] In one exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is selected from a bevel gear system including a camshaft, a chain drive system with separate gears for lifting and rotation, a differential gear system, or a planetary gear system.

[0022] In an exemplary turntable, the lower portion of the rotating unit includes a lower surface disposed at the bottom of the connecting section, wherein the lower surface is opposite to the upper surface. The lower surface may be parallel to the upper surface.

[0023] In an exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is a bevel gear system, which includes at least one cam arranged on the drive shaft of the motor and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. In addition, at least one cam includes a bevel gear arranged on its free end. The axis of the bevel gear is parallel to the drive shaft of the motor. At least one cam is arranged to rotate with the drive shaft of the motor to contact the lower surface and cause vertical movement of the rotating unit. In addition, the bevel gear is arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear arranged on the lower surface to cause rotational movement of the rotating unit.

[0024] With this exemplary turntable, a motor and gear arrangement engage with each other to lift and rotate the rotating unit.

[0025] In one exemplary turntable, the bevel gear system includes two cams, each cam including a bevel gear as disclosed herein. With this exemplary turntable, the turntable cycle time can be reduced as the second cam engages with the lower surface of the rotating unit when the first cam has completed its lifting engagement and rotational engagement with the lower surface. Thus, there is no need to wait for a single cam to rotate 180° around the drive shaft of the motor before engaging with the lower surface of the rotating unit again.

[0026] The motor may be located inside or outside the turntable housing.

[0027] In an exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is a chain drive system with separate gears for vertical and rotational movement of the rotating unit. The gear arrangement includes a first sprocket rotatable by a drive shaft of the motor. The gear arrangement also includes a transmission chain passing through the first sprocket. The gear arrangement also includes a second sprocket arranged at a first end of a first shaft, and the first shaft also includes a first bevel gear arranged at a second end of the first shaft. The first bevel gear is configured to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear arranged at a lower portion of the rotating unit, wherein the engagement of the first bevel gear with the second bevel gear causes the rotational movement of the rotating unit. The gear arrangement also includes a third sprocket arranged at a second end of the second shaft, and the second shaft also includes a cylindrical gear arranged at a second end of the second shaft. The cylindrical gear is configured to engage with a corresponding gear rack arranged on a connecting section of the rotating unit. The engagement of the cylindrical gear with the gear rack causes the vertical movement of the rotating unit. In addition, the gear arrangement also includes a device for shifting the position of the transmission chain to engage with the second sprocket or the third sprocket.

[0028] The means for shifting the position of the transmission chain can be selected from any suitable means capable of shifting the position from one sprocket to another, such as by a bicycle gear-type shifting arrangement. However, other types of arrangements known to those skilled in the art capable of shifting the position from one sprocket to another can also be used.

[0029] In an exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is a differential gear system. The gear arrangement includes a differential geared to a drive shaft of the motor. The differential includes a planet carrier rotatable by the drive shaft of the motor, planetary gears arranged on the planet carrier, a first sun gear and a second sun gear drivingly engaged with the planetary gears. In addition, the first sun gear is arranged to drive the first shaft and the second sun gear is arranged to drive the second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft are each connected to a corresponding braking system. In addition, the first shaft includes a first cylindrical gear, which is arranged to engage with a corresponding fixed gear rack arranged on a fixed wall. The engagement of the first cylindrical gear with the fixed gear rack causes the vertical movement of the rotating unit. In addition, the second shaft includes a first bevel gear, which is arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear arranged on a third shaft. In addition, the third shaft also includes a second cylindrical gear, which is arranged to engage with a corresponding third cylindrical gear arranged on a connecting section of the turntable. The engagement of the second cylindrical gear with the third cylindrical gear causes the rotational movement of the rotating unit.

[0030] The fixed wall on which the fixed gear rack is arranged may be a wall of the turntable housing.

[0031] With this exemplary turntable, only one motor is needed to lift and rotate the turning unit. The braking system allows the rotation speed of the first and second shafts to be controlled, thereby allowing the corresponding movement to which each shaft is responsible to be controlled. In addition, the use of a differential gear arrangement allows the system to include fewer moving parts that can be shifted to alternate positions, thereby reducing the risk of failure and making the system more durable.

[0032] In an exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is a planetary gear system. The gear arrangement includes a sun gear arranged at the end of a drive shaft of the electric motor. In addition, the gear arrangement includes a planet carrier fixedly engaged with a connection section of the rotating unit, wherein the rotation of the planet carrier causes a rotational movement of the rotating unit. In addition, the gear arrangement also includes planetary gears arranged on the planet carrier and drivingly engaged with the sun gear. In addition, the gear arrangement also includes a ring gear enclosing the planetary gears, wherein the ring gear includes gears located on the inner side and the outer side of the ring. The inner side of the ring gear is drivingly engaged with the planetary gears, and wherein the outer side of the ring gear is drivingly engaged with two cylindrical gears. In addition, the cylindrical gears include a shaft with a ball screw arrangement, wherein the ball screw arrangement is drivingly engaged with a nut, and the nut is fixedly engaged with the connection section of the rotating unit. The rotation of the ball screw arrangement causes vertical movement of the rotating unit.

[0033] With this exemplary turntable, a simpler, more space-saving turntable is achieved because the components can be placed compactly within the turntable structure. Therefore, this exemplary turntable can be fitted within the same space as a hydraulically driven conventional turntable. In addition, this exemplary turntable allows for easy and safe maintenance operations, thereby improving the overall safety of the working environment.

[0034] Since the planetary gear system can lock the planet carrier or the ring gear, it is possible to control whether the rotary unit is lifted vertically or rotated. If the planet carrier remains locked, ie fixed, the ring gear drives the vertical movement, and if the ring gear remains fixed, the planet carrier drives the rotational movement.

[0035] In one exemplary turntable, locking of the planet carrier and ring gear is performed using solenoids.

[0036] In an exemplary turntable, the gear arrangement is a planetary gear system. The gear arrangement includes a sun gear arranged at the end of a drive shaft of the electric motor. In addition, the gear arrangement includes a planet carrier arranged to be fixedly engaged with a connection section of the rotating unit, wherein the rotation of the planet carrier causes a rotational movement of the rotating unit. In addition, the gear arrangement also includes planetary gears arranged on the planet carrier and drivingly engaged with the sun gear. In addition, the gear arrangement includes an annular gear enclosing the planetary gears, wherein the inner side of the annular gear is drivingly engaged with the planetary gears. The annular gear is arranged to be fixedly engaged with an outer cylinder around the connection section, wherein the outer cylinder includes an outer thread engaged with a nut fixed to the fixed part. The rotation of the outer cylinder causes vertical movement of the rotating unit.

[0037] The fixed part to which the nut is fixed may be the housing of the turntable.

[0038] With this exemplary turntable, a more compact and space-saving turntable is achieved because the components can be placed tightly inside the turntable structure. Therefore, it is possible to install this exemplary turntable in the same space as a hydraulically driven conventional turntable, and even reduce the overall volume of the turntable. In addition, this exemplary turntable is even safer when performing maintenance work because there are fewer rotating parts in the turntable.

[0039] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a paper bale folding machine. The paper bale folding machine comprises a device for transporting a paper bale to a turntable and transporting the paper bale out of the turntable. Furthermore, the folding machine comprises a turntable according to the first aspect. Furthermore, the folding machine comprises a folding device configured to fold and close the wrapping paper around the paper bale when the paper bale is rotated by the turntable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar items throughout the several views, and in which:

[0041] Figure 1 A turntable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a gear arrangement in the form of a bevel gear system.

[0042] Figure 2 A turntable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a gear arrangement in the form of a chain drive system.

[0043] Figure 3 A turntable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a gear arrangement in the form of a differential gear system.

[0044] Figure 4 A turntable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a gear arrangement in the form of a planetary gear system.

[0045] Figure 5 A turntable according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, comprising a gear arrangement in the form of a planetary gear system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The detailed descriptions with reference to the disclosed embodiments will be considered as examples of combining the above-mentioned specific features. It should be understood that additional examples can be realized by combining other and / or fewer / more features than the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the accompanying drawings disclose exemplary embodiments rather than exclusive combinations. It should also be noted herein that, for simplicity, all drawings are disclosed schematically unless otherwise specified.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a turntable 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The turntable 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 2 having an opening 211 at the top thereof. The connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3 extends through the opening 211. The rotating unit 3 comprises an upper portion 4, a connecting section 5 and a lower portion 6. Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the connecting section 5 extends downwardly from the upper part 4 of the rotating unit 3 towards the lower part 6. Furthermore, the upper part 4 comprises a planar upper surface 7 which is configured to receive a paper bale to be lifted and rotated.

[0048] In accordance with Figure 1 There is also a single electric motor M comprising a drive shaft 8 in the turntable 1 . The electric motor M may be any electric motor suitable for lifting and rotating the turning unit 3 .

[0049] Figure 1 The gear arrangement shown in is a bevel gear arrangement. As previously described, the gear arrangement is configured to convert the torque from the motor M into vertical and rotational motion of the rotary unit 3.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , two cams 10 are arranged on the drive shaft 8 of the motor M. The cams 10 each include a bevel gear 11 arranged on the free end of the bevel cam 10. Since the two cams 10 are arranged on the drive shaft 8, when the drive shaft 8 rotates due to the torque output by the motor, the two cams will also rotate with the drive shaft 8. This will cause the bevel gears 11 to contact the lower surface 9 of the lower part 6, and when the rotation continues, this will cause the vertical movement of the rotating unit 3, that is, the lifting movement. At a certain rotation point of the drive shaft 8, one of the bevel gears 11 engages with the corresponding second bevel gear 12 arranged on the lower surface 9. As the bevel gears 11 and the corresponding second bevel gears 12 engage, this will cause the rotational movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0051] By corresponding, it is meant that the pattern of the bevel gear 11 matches the pattern of the second bevel gear 12 so that driving engagement occurs.

[0052] The two cams 10 are arranged in such a manner that when one cam 10 completes the lifting motion and the rotating motion of the rotary unit 3, the other of the two cams engages with the lower surface 9 and repeats the motion.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the electric motor M is located outside the housing 2 . However, the electric motor may also be located inside the housing 2 .

[0054] Now go to Figure 2 , shows another turntable 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The turntable 1 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in , comprises a housing 2 , a single electric motor M with a drive shaft 8 , a rotary unit 3 comprising an upper part 4 with a planar upper surface 7 , a connecting section 5 and a lower part 6 .

[0055] Figure 2 The turntable shown in comprises a gear arrangement which is a chain drive system with individual gears. It can be seen that the gear arrangement comprises a first sprocket 12 which is arranged to be rotatable by the drive shaft 8 of the motor M. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first sprocket is arranged at one of the side ends of the drive shaft 8. The transmission chain 13 passes through the first sprocket 12. The transmission chain 13 can be shifted by means of a device 22 to the position of the chain 13, which is engaged with the second sprocket 14 or the third sprocket 18.

[0056] The second sprocket 14 is arranged at the first end of the first shaft 15. On the second end of the first shaft 15, opposite to the first end, is a first bevel gear 16. The first bevel gear 16 is arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear 17 arranged on the lower part 6 of the rotating unit 3. If the transmission chain 13 passes the first sprocket 12 and the second sprocket 14, the first bevel gear 16 rotates, i.e. engages with the second bevel gear 17, thereby causing a rotational movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0057] The third sprocket 18 is arranged at a first end of the second shaft 19. On a second end of the second shaft 19, opposite to the first end, is a cylindrical gear 20. The cylindrical gear is arranged to engage with a corresponding gear rack 21 arranged on the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3. If the transmission chain 13 passes the first sprocket 12 and the third sprocket 18, the cylindrical gear 20 rotates, i.e. engages with the gear rack 21, thereby causing a vertical movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0058] The gear rack 21 Figure 2However, it should be understood that the gear rack 21 can also extend through the entire circumference of the connecting section 5.

[0059] In order to shift the position of the transmission chain 13 to pass through the second sprocket 14 or the third sprocket 18, a device 22 for shifting the transmission chain position is used. As previously mentioned, the device for shifting the transmission chain position can be selected from any suitable device capable of shifting the position from one sprocket to another sprocket, such as a bicycle gear-type shifting arrangement. However, other types of arrangements known to those skilled in the art capable of shifting the position from one sprocket to another sprocket may also be used.

[0060] Now go to Figure 3 , shows another turntable 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The turntable 1 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 2, a single electric motor M with a drive shaft 8, an upper part 4 with a planar upper surface 7, a connecting section 5 and a lower part ( Figure 3 The rotary unit 3 is not shown in the figure.

[0061] Figure 3 The turntable shown in FIG. 1 includes a gear arrangement that is a differential gear system. It can be seen that the gear arrangement includes a differential D, which is gear-engaged with the drive shaft 8 of the motor M. The differential D includes a planet carrier 23 rotatable by the drive shaft 8, planetary gears 24 arranged on the planet carrier 23, and a first sun gear 25 and a second sun gear 26 drivingly engaged with the planetary gears 24. The first sun gear 25 is arranged to drive a first shaft 27, and the second sun gear 26 is arranged to drive a second shaft 28.

[0062] The rotation of the planet carrier 23 by the drive shaft 8 can be performed at any time by a suitable arrangement known to those skilled in the art, such as a gear arrangement.

[0063] In order to control the rotation of the first shaft 27 and the second shaft 28 , each of the first shaft 27 and the second shaft 28 is connected to a respective braking system B. Thus, the two shafts can be rotated at different speeds.

[0064] The first shaft 27 and the engagement resulting therefrom will now be described in more detail. The first shaft 27 comprises a first cylindrical gear 29 arranged to engage with a corresponding fixed gear rack 30 arranged on the wall of the housing 2. When the first shaft 27 rotates, thereby causing the first cylindrical gear 29 to rotate, the cylindrical gear 29 engages with the fixed gear rack 30, causing a vertical movement of the rotary unit 3.

[0065] The second shaft 28 and the engagement resulting therefrom will now be described in more detail. The second shaft 28 comprises a first bevel gear 31. The first bevel gear 31 is also arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear 32 arranged on a separate third shaft 33. The third shaft 33 also comprises a second cylindrical gear 34, which is arranged to engage with a corresponding third cylindrical gear 35 arranged on the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3. When the third shaft 33 rotates, thereby causing the second cylindrical gear 34 to rotate, the second cylindrical gear 34 engages with the third cylindrical gear 35, causing a rotational movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0066] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in , the gear system including the differential and the rotary unit 3 is arranged in such a way that when the rotary unit 3 is moved vertically as described above, the differential and the electric motor M will also be displaced vertically.

[0067] Now go to Figure 4 , shows another turntable 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The turntable 1 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 2, a single electric motor M with a drive shaft 8, an upper part 4 with a planar upper surface 7, a connecting section 5 and a lower part ( Figure 4 The rotary unit 3 is not shown in the figure.

[0068] Figure 4 The turntable shown in comprises a gear arrangement which is a planetary gear system. It can be seen that the gear arrangement comprises a sun gear arranged at the end of the drive shaft 8 of the electric motor M. Therefore, when the drive shaft 8 rotates, the sun gear 36 also rotates. The gear arrangement also comprises a planet carrier 37 which is arranged to be fixedly engaged with the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit. With the planet carrier 37 fixedly connected with the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit, the rotation of the planet carrier 37 causes a rotational movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0069] The gear arrangement further comprises planet gears 38 arranged on a planet carrier 37. The planet gears 38 are in driving engagement with the sun gear 36. The planet gears 38 are enclosed by a ring gear 39. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the ring gear 39 comprises gears on the inner side of the ring and on the outer side of the ring. The inner side of the ring gear 39 is in driving engagement with the planetary gears 38 , and the outer side of the ring gear 39 is in driving engagement with two cylindrical gears 40 .

[0070] also, Figure 4 The cylindrical gear 40 shown in the figure comprises a shaft 41 which has a ball screw arrangement 42 at its second end. The ball screw arrangement 42 is in driving engagement with a nut 43 which is fixedly engaged with the connecting section 5 of the rotary unit 3. When the ball screw arrangement 42 rotates, the rotation causes a vertical movement of the rotary unit 3.

[0071] In order to control the locking of the planet carrier 37 or the ring gear 39 , a solenoid Z is arranged in the gear arrangement.

[0072] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , the gear system comprising the planetary gear system and the rotary unit 3 is arranged in such a way that when the rotary unit 3 is moved vertically as described above, the planetary gear system and the electric motor M will also be displaced vertically.

[0073] Now go to Figure 5 , shows another turntable 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The turntable 1 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a housing 2, a single electric motor M with a drive shaft 8, an upper part 4 with a planar upper surface 7, a connecting section 5 and a lower part ( Figure 5 The rotary unit 3 is not shown in the figure.

[0074] and Figure 4 The turntable shown in is similar to Figure 5 The turntable shown in also comprises a gear arrangement which is a planetary gear system. The gear arrangement comprises a sun gear 44 arranged at the end of the drive shaft 8 of the electric motor. The gear arrangement also comprises a planet carrier 45 which is arranged to be fixedly engaged with the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3. With the planet carrier 45 fixedly connected with the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3, the rotation of the planet carrier 45 causes the rotational movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0075] The gear arrangement further comprises planet gears 46 arranged on the planet carrier 45 and drivingly engaged with the sun gear 4. The planet gears 46 are enclosed by a ring gear 47. The interior of the ring gear 47 is drivingly engaged with the planet gears 46.

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in , the ring gear 47 is arranged in fixed engagement with an outer cylinder 48 around the connecting section 5 of the rotating unit 3. The outer cylinder 48 includes an outer thread 49 that engages with a nut 50 fixed to the housing 2 of the turntable 1. The outer cylinder 48 rotates due to the rotation of the ring gear 47, and the rotation of the outer cylinder 48 causes the vertical movement of the rotating unit 3.

[0077] and Figure 4 The turntable shown in is similar to Figure 5 The turntable shown in FIG. 4 may also include a solenoid (not shown) to control the locking of the planet carrier 45 or the ring gear 47 .

[0078] exist Figure 5In the embodiment shown in , the gear system comprising the planetary gear system and the rotary unit 3 is arranged in such a way that when the rotary unit 3 is moved vertically as described above, the planetary gear system and the electric motor M will also be displaced vertically.

Claims

1. A turntable (1) for lifting and rotating paper bales, wherein: The turntable (1) comprises: A rotating unit (3), comprising an upper part (4), a connecting section (5) and a lower part (6), wherein the upper part (4) comprises a planar upper surface (7) configured to receive a paper bale, and wherein the connecting section (5) extends downwardly from the upper part (4) towards the lower part (6); an electric motor (M), the electric motor (M) comprising a drive shaft (8); and a gear arrangement which is in driving engagement with the drive shaft (8) of the electric motor, the connecting section (5) of the rotary unit (3) and / or the lower part (6), Therein, the gear arrangement is configured to convert torque from the electric motor (M) into vertical movement and rotational movement of the rotary unit (3).

2. The turntable (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable (1) further comprises a shell (2) having an upper opening (211), and wherein the connecting section (5) extends through the upper opening of the shell (2).

3. The turntable (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The turntable (1) comprises a single electric motor (M), wherein the electric motor (M) provides the force required to perform the vertical movement and the rotational movement of the rotating unit (3).

4. The turntable (1) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The gear arrangement is selected from a bevel gear system including a camshaft, a chain drive system with separate gears for lifting and rotation, a differential gear system or a planetary gear system.

5. Turntable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The lower portion (6) of the rotating unit (3) comprises a lower surface (9) arranged at the bottom of the connecting section (5), wherein the lower surface (9) is opposite to the upper surface (7).

6. The turntable (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The gear arrangement is a bevel gear system including at least one cam (10), wherein the at least one cam (10) is arranged on the drive shaft (8) of the motor (M) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (8), wherein the at least one cam (10) includes a bevel gear (11) arranged on its free end, wherein the axis of the bevel gear (11) is parallel to the drive shaft (8), wherein the at least one cam (10) is arranged to rotate together with the drive shaft (8) of the motor (M) to contact the lower surface (9) and cause vertical movement of the rotating unit (3), and wherein the bevel gear (11) is arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear (12) arranged on the lower surface (9) to cause rotational movement of the rotating unit (3).

7. The turntable (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The gear arrangement is a chain drive system with separate gears for the vertical and rotational movements of the rotating unit (3), comprising: a first sprocket (12), the first sprocket (12) being rotatable by the drive shaft (8) of the motor (M); a transmission chain (13), the transmission chain (13) passing through the first sprocket (12); a second sprocket (14), the second sprocket (14) being arranged at a first end of a first shaft (15), the first shaft (15) further comprising a first bevel gear (16), the first bevel gear (16) being arranged at a second end of the first shaft (15) and being configured to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear (17) arranged on the lower part (6) of the rotating unit (3), wherein engagement of the first bevel gear (16) with the second bevel gear (17) causes a rotational movement of the rotating unit (3); a third sprocket (18) arranged at a second end of a second shaft (19), the second shaft (19) further comprising a cylindrical gear (20), the cylindrical gear (20) being arranged at the second end of the second shaft (19) and being configured to engage with a corresponding gear rack (21) arranged on the connecting section (5) of the rotating unit (3), wherein the engagement of the cylindrical gear (20) with the gear rack (21) causes a vertical movement of the rotating unit (3); and A device (22) is provided for shifting the position of the drive chain (13) to engage with the second sprocket (14) or the third sprocket (18).

8. Turntable (1) according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that The gear arrangement is a differential gear system comprising: a differential (D), the differential (D) being gear-engaged with the drive shaft (8) of the motor (M), the differential (D) comprising a planet carrier (23), planetary gears (24), a first sun gear (25) and a second sun gear (26), the planet carrier being rotatable by the drive shaft (8) of the motor (M), the planetary gears (24) being arranged on the planet carrier (23), the first sun gear (25) and the second sun gear (26) being drivingly engaged with the planetary gears (24), wherein the first sun gear (25) is arranged to drive a first shaft (27), and the second sun gear (26) is arranged to drive a second shaft (28); The first shaft (27) and the second shaft (28) are each connected to a corresponding brake system (B); The first shaft (27) comprises a first cylindrical gear (29) arranged to engage with a corresponding fixed gear rack (30) arranged on a fixed wall, wherein the engagement of the first cylindrical gear (29) with the fixed gear rack (30) causes a vertical movement of the rotating unit (3); The second shaft (28) comprises a first bevel gear (31) arranged to engage with a corresponding second bevel gear (32) arranged on a third shaft (33); The third shaft (33) further comprises a second cylindrical gear (34), the second cylindrical gear (34) being arranged to engage with a corresponding third cylindrical gear (35) arranged on the connecting section (5) of the rotating unit (3), wherein the engagement of the second cylindrical gear (34) with the third cylindrical gear (35) causes a rotational movement of the rotating unit (3).

9. The turntable according to claim 4, characterized in that: The gear arrangement is a planetary gear system comprising: a sun gear (36) arranged at the end of the drive shaft (8) of the electric motor (M); a planet carrier (37) arranged in fixed engagement with the connecting section (5) of the rotary unit (3), wherein a rotation of the planet carrier (37) causes a rotary movement of the rotary unit (3); a planetary gear (38) disposed on the planet carrier (37) and drivingly engaged with the sun gear (36); a ring gear (39) enclosing the planetary gears (38), wherein the ring gear (38) comprises gears located inside and outside the ring, wherein the inside of the ring gear (39) is in driving engagement with the planetary gears (38), and wherein the outside of the ring gear (39) is in driving engagement with two cylindrical gears (40); The cylindrical gear (40) comprises a shaft (41) having a ball screw arrangement (42), wherein the ball screw arrangement (42) is drivingly engaged with a nut (43), and the nut (43) is fixedly engaged with the connecting section (5) of the rotating unit (3), wherein rotation of the ball screw arrangement (42) causes vertical movement of the rotating unit (3).

10. The turntable according to claim 9, characterized in that: The locking of the planet carrier and the ring gear is performed using a solenoid (Z).

11. A turntable according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that The gear arrangement is a planetary gear system comprising: a sun gear (44) arranged at the end of the drive shaft (8) of the electric motor (M); a planet carrier (45) arranged in fixed engagement with the connecting section (5) of the rotary unit (3), wherein a rotation of the planet carrier (45) causes a rotary movement of the rotary unit (3); a planetary gear (46) disposed on the planet carrier (45) and drivingly engaged with the sun gear (44); A ring gear (47) enclosing the planetary gears, wherein the inner side of the ring gear is drivingly engaged with the planetary gears, wherein the ring gear (47) is arranged to be fixedly engaged with an outer cylinder (48) around the connecting section (5) of the rotating unit (3), wherein the outer cylinder (48) includes an external thread (49), and the external thread (49) is engaged with a nut (50) fixed to a fixed portion, wherein rotation of the outer cylinder (48) causes vertical movement of the rotating unit (3).

12. A paper bale packaging and folding machine, comprising: - means for transporting paper bales to and from a turntable; - a turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and - a folding device configured to fold and close the wrapping paper around the paper bale as the paper bale is rotated by the turntable.

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