Arrangement and method for creating an edge protection ring for sheet coil wrapping
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LAMIFLEX GRP AB
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-06
AI Technical Summary
The existing methods for applying inner edge protection to sheet coils slow down the wrapping process, as inner edge protection needs to be mounted before the wrapping begins, necessitating a need for faster application methods.
A ring creating arrangement and method that guides, attaches, cuts, and joins edge protection material to form a ring around the central hole of a sheet coil, allowing for pre-mounting of edge protection rings during the wrapping process, utilizing an edge protection material guide, ring creator with adjustable attachment means, rotator, cutter, and ring joiner to create and position the edge protection rings.
This solution enables the advance creation of edge protection rings ready for mounting during the sheet coil wrapping process, thereby speeding up the wrapping process and facilitating automatic movement to storage or application on sheet coils.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024068371_02012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CREATING AN EDGE
[0002] PROTECTION RING FOR SHEET COIL WRAPPING
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to arrangements and methods for creating edge protection rings for sheet coil wrapping.
[0005] BACKGROUND
[0006] Coils of sheet metal need to be properly wrapped in order to protect the sheet metal during transport and storage. WO 2021 / 219861 describes sheet coil wrapping using two robot arms and a wrapping tool. During a wrapping sequence, the first robot arm inserts the wrapping tool into the central hole of the sheet coil and hands it over to the second robot arm, which transports the wrapping tool along the outside of the sheet coil and hands it back to the first robot arm.
[0007] Especially the edges of the sheet metal coils need to be properly protected, so that the sheet metal will not be damaged along the edges. WO 2020 / 193868 describes a method for sheet coil packaging, where inner edge protection is used to protect the inner edge of the sheet coil.
[0008] The patent publication KR20190047962 shows a inner edge packing material feeding device for a steel sheet coil. This publication shows a fixed arrangement of feeding inner edge packing material from a magazine with rolled up packing material to a combined shaping and mounting device, arranged to shape a ring of inner edge packing material with a fixed diameter and to then mount the ring to the inner edge of a steel sheet roll.
[0009] PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIOR ART
[0010] Use of inner edge protection slows down the wrapping process, since the inner edge protection should preferably be mounted before the wrapping of the sheet coil begins. There is thus a need for arrangements and methods that can be used for speeding up the application of inner edge protection on sheet coils. SUMMARY
[0011] The present disclosure relates to a ring creating arrangement 200 for creating an edge protection ring 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116, the arrangement 200 comprising: an edge protection material guide 360), arranged to receive edge protection material 350 from an edge protection material coil 250 and to guide edge protection material 350 from the edge protection material coil 250 to a ring creator 320; a ring creator 320 comprising a plurality of attachment means 325, arranged to attach to a first end of the edge protection material 350 and to further parts of the edge protection material 350, wherein the attachment means 325 are mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator 320 and are adjustable in a radial direction from the rotation axis; a rotator 315, arranged to rotate the ring creator 320 so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350; a cutter 340, arranged to cut the edge protection material 350 when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350; and a ring joiner 330, arranged to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300.
[0012] Embodiments of the system comprise: an edge protection material coil comprising edge protection material; a ring creator comprising attachment means, arranged to attach to a first end of the edge protection material; an edge protection material guide, arranged to guide edge protection material from the edge protection material coil to the ring creator; a rotator, arranged to rotate the ring creator so that the attachment means can attach to further parts of the edge protection material; a cutter, arranged to cut the edge protection material when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material; and a ring joiner, arranged to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material, thereby creating an edge protection ring.
[0013] The present disclosure further relates to a method 700 for creating an edge protection ring 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116, the method 700 comprising: guiding 730 edge protection material 350, using an edge protection material guide 360, from an edge protection material coil 250 to a ring creator 320; attaching 750 the ring creator 320 to a first end of the edge protection material 350 and to further parts of the edge protection material 350, using attachment means 325 mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator 320 and being adjusted in a radial direction from the rotation axis to a predetermined distance from the rotation axis; rotating 760 the ring creator 320, using a rotator 315, so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350; cutting 770 the edge protection material 350, using a cutter 340, when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350; and joining 780 together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, using a ring joiner 330, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300.
[0014] Embodiments of the method comprises: guiding edge protection material, using an edge protection material guide, from an edge protection material coil to a ring creator; attaching the ring creator to a first end of the edge protection material, using attachment means comprised in the ring creator; rotating the ring creator, using a rotator, so that the attachment means can attach to further parts of the edge protection material; cutting the edge protection material, using a cutter, when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material; and joining together the first and second ends of the edge protection material, using a ring joiner, thereby creating an edge protection ring.
[0015] This enables the advance creation of edge protection rings for mounting around central holes of sheet coils, so that the edge protection rings are ready for mounting at the time of wrapping of a sheet coil. This speeds up the wrapping process.
[0016] In embodiments, the system further comprises a ring mover, arranged to move the ring creator to a predetermined position where the attachment means can release the edge protection ring. This enables the automatic movement of the edge protection ring to a place of storage, such as e.g. a container from which edge protection rings can be collected for mounting on a sheet coil before wrapping it, or a conveyor belt that moves the edge protection ring to a wrapping station.
[0017] In embodiments, the system further comprises a ring creating box comprising a ring guiding surface that is arranged to guide the edge protection material to a ring shape. This ensures that the attachment means comprised in the ring creator are able to attach to the edge protection material.
[0018] In embodiments, the attachment means comprise suction cups. This is a simple embodiment of attachment means.
[0019] In embodiments, the edge protection material guide comprises rollers that are arranged to be driven in synchronization with the ring creation, in order to deliver the edge protection material at a desired speed. This ensures that the edge protection material is delivered smoothly to the ring creating box.
[0020] In embodiments, the edge protection material guide comprises folding means. The folding means may e.g. comprise rollers that fold the edge protection material as it is guided between them. This is a simple embodiment of folding means. In embodiments, the edge protection material coil is mounted on a rotating table that is arranged to be driven in synchronization with the ring creation, in order to deliver the edge protection material at a desired speed. This ensures that the edge protection material is delivered smoothly to the edge protection material guide.
[0021] In embodiments, the sheet coil is a sheet metal coil.
[0022] In embodiments, the edge protection material comprises plastic and / or cardboard.
[0023] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.
[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Fig. 1 shows a ring creating arrangement for creating an edge protection ring for mounting around a central hole of a sheet coil, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0026] Fig. 2 is a top view of a ring creating arrangement for creating an edge protection ring for mounting around a central hole of a sheet coil, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0027] Fig. 3 is a side view of a ring creating arrangement for creating an edge protection ring for mounting around a central hole of a sheet coil, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0028] Fig. 4 shows a system for sheet coil packaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0029] Fig. 5 shows the application of edge protection material along the outside of a sheet coil, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0030] Fig. 6 shows a sheet coil wrapping arrangement comprising two industrial robots in a system for sheet coil packaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0031] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a method for creating an edge protection ring for mounting around a central hole of a sheet coil, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.
[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The present disclosure relates to arrangements and methods for creating an edge protection ring for mounting around a central hole of a sheet coil. Embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented in more detail in connection with the figures.
[0034] Referring to Fig s. 1-3, embodiments of a ring creating arrangement 200 for creating an edge protection ring 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116, the arrangement 200 comprises: an edge protection material guide 360, arranged to receive edge protection material 350 from an edge protection material coil 250 and to guide edge protection material 350 from the edge protection material coil 250 to a ring creator 320; a ring creator 320 comprising a plurality of attachment means 325, arranged to attach to a first end of the edge protection material 350 and to further parts of the edge protection material 350, wherein the attachment means 325 are mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator 320 and are adjustable in a radial direction from the rotation axis; a rotator 315, arranged to rotate the ring creator 320 so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350; a cutter 340, arranged to cut the edge protection material 350 when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350; and a ring joiner 330, arranged to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300.
[0035] Figs. 1-3 show ring creating arrangements 200 for creating edge protection rings 300 for mounting around the peripheral edges of central holes 118 of sheet coils 116. The illustrated ring creating arrangement 200 comprises: an edge protection material coil 250 comprising edge protection material 350; a ring creator 320 comprising attachment means 325, arranged to attach to a first end of the edge protection material 350; an edge protection material guide 360, arranged to guide edge protection material 350 from the edge protection material coil 250 to the ring creator 320; a rotator 315, arranged to rotate the ring creator 320 so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350; a cutter 340, arranged to cut the edge protection material 350 when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350; and a ring joiner 330, arranged to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300. The illustrated ring creating arrangement 200 further comprises ring creating box 370, comprising a ring guiding surface 375 that is arranged to guide the edge protection material 350 to a ring shape, and a ring mover 310, arranged to move the ring creator 320 to a predetermined position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300.
[0036] The attachment means 325 may e.g. comprise suction cups and / or claws. In embodiments, the attachment means 325 are electronically or hydraulically adjustable in a radial direction from the rotation axis. This may for example be realized by the attachment means 325 on an arm which position is adjustable by a electronically controllable step motor or by a hydraulically controllable hydraulic piston.
[0037] The ring mover 310 is in embodiments arranged to move the ring creator 320 to a predetermined position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300 to a storage for inner edge protection rings, for example a container, a pallet or a hanger.
[0038] In other embodiments the ring mover 310, arranged to move the ring creator 320 to a predetermined position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300 to a robot tool arranged to pick an inner edge protection ring directly or indirectly via a temporary storage position from the ring maker 320, for mounting to the inner edge of a sheet coil.
[0039] The edge protection material 350 is preferably folded before it is guided into the ring creating box 370. The edge protection material guide 360 may therefore comprise folding means 365, e.g. comprising rollers that fold the edge protection material 350 as it is guided between them. The edge protection material 350 is preferably stored unfolded, wrapped on the edge protection material coil 250, but as it is folded, it becomes more rigid. The edge protection material 350 preferably comprises plastic and / or cardboard, and it may have evenly spaced slits such that a series of tongues are formed when it is folded, as shown in Fig. 5. The cutter 340 may e.g. comprise a pneumatic blade.
[0040] The edge protection material guide 360 guides the edge protection material 350 to the ring creating box 370, but it is preferably not arranged to pull the edge protection material 350 out of the edge protection material coil 250. Instead, the edge protection material coil 250 is preferably mounted on a rotating table 260, which may be driven by a motor that is arranged to rotate the edge protection material coil 250 in synchronization with the ring creation, so that the edge protection material 350 is guided to the edge protection material guide 360 at a desired speed. The edge protection material guide 360 may e.g. comprise rollers, e.g. rubber rollers, that are arranged to be driven in synchronization with the ring creation, in order to deliver the edge protection material 350 to the ring creating box 370 at a desired speed. The rotating table 260 may be arranged to comprise a number of stacked edge protection material coils 250, and comprise height adjusting means for ensuring that the desired edge protection material coil 250 is at the desired height. The edge protection material 350 being unwound from the edge protection material coil 250 is thus guided through the edge protection material guide 360 to the ring creating box 370, where the first end of the edge protection material 350 is attached to the ring creator 320. The rotator 315 then rotates the ring creator 320 so that a further length of the edge protection material 350 can be attached. When a predefined length of the edge protection material 350 has been guided to the ring creator 320, the cutter 340 cuts the edge protection material 350, thereby creating a second end. The rotator 315 continues the rotation of the ring creator 320 so that a ring of edge protection material 350 is created around the ring creator 320. The edge protection material 350 is preferably attached around the ring creator 320 using the attachment means 325. The ring joiner 330 then joins together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350. There is preferably a small overlap of edge protection material 350 in the ring, i.e. the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350 preferably overlap when they are joined. The ring joiner 330 may use e.g. staples, glue or welding to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350.
[0041] When the edge protection ring 300 has been joined together, it is preferably moved to a place of storage. The place of storage may e.g. be a container from which edge protection rings 300 can be collected for mounting on a sheet coil 116 before wrapping it. The place of storage may also be e.g. a conveyor belt that moves the edge protection ring 300 to a wrapping station.
[0042] Sheet coils 116 appear in different sizes. A large coil may have a length of e.g. 2320 mm, normal sizes are in the range of e.g. 1200 to 1500 mm in length and down to a minimum that may be e.g. 800 mm in length. The central hole 118 often has an inner diameter of 508 or 610 mm, and there are diameters as small as 420 mm. The outer diameter of a coil may vary from for example 1 to 2,5 meters. Since sheet coils 116 may thus have many different sizes, the ring creating arrangement 200 is preferably configured to be able to create edge protection rings 300 of different sizes. The ring creator 320 may e.g. be controlled to create rings of a specified diameter, and the cutter 340 may be arranged to cut the edge protection material 350 when a predefined length that is adapted to the specified diameter has been guided to the ring creator 320. The arrangement 200 therefore preferably comprises a control system into which the desired diameter of the edge protection ring 300 may be entered. The control system preferably controls and synchronizes the different parts of the arrangement 200, such as e.g. the rotating table 260, the edge protection material guide 360, the cutter 340, the attachment means 325, the rotator 315, the ring joiner 330, and / or the ring mover 310.
[0043] The edge protection rings 300 that are created using the ring creating arrangement 200 are intended to be used for mounting around a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116, before the sheet coil 116 is wrapped. Fig. 4 shows a system 100 for sheet coil packaging. The system 100 illustrated in Fig. 4 comprises a sheet coil wrapping arrangement comprising two industrial robots 112, 113, and two pairs of outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220; 230, 240, each pair arranged together with a sheet coil rotating arrangement 120 arranged to rotate a sheet coil 116 to enable it to be wrapped. The sheet coil wrapping arrangement 112, 113 is arranged to wrap a sheet coil 116 as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120. When a new sheet coil 116 arrives at the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120, edge protection rings 300 may be placed on both sides of the central hole 118 of the sheet coil 116 before the wrapping process is begun, as illustrated in Fig. 5.
[0044] In the system 100 illustrated in Fig. 4, the same two industrial robots 112, 113 may wrap sheet coils 116 on sheet coil stations on either side of the industrial robots 112, 113 in synchronization with the feeding out of edge protection material 350 from the currently active pair of outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220, so that the edge protection material 350 becomes fixed to the sheet coil 116 by the wrapping as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120. However, the system 100 may comprise only one sheet coil station, and thus only one pair of outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220 and one sheet coil rotating arrangement 120.
[0045] Fig. 5 shows the application of edge protection material along the outside of a sheet coil, using a pair of outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220. The two outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220 are arranged at opposite ends of a sheet coil 116 to feed out edge protection material 350 along the outer edges of the sheet coil 116 as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120. As for the ring creation, the edge protection material 350 is preferably arranged in an edge protection material coil 250 that may be mounted on a rotating table 260, which may be driven by a motor. The edge protection material coils 250 can thereby be made quite large, which means that many sheet coils 116 can be wrapped before an edge protection material coil 250 needs to be replaced.
[0046] The edge protection material 350 is preferably folded before it is fed out of the outer edge protection mounting device 210, 220. The edge protection material 350 is preferably stored unfolded, wrapped on an edge protection material coil 250, but as it is folded in the outer edge protection mounting device 210, 220, it becomes more rigid. The edge protection material 350 preferably comprises plastic and / or cardboard, and it may have evenly spaced slits such that a series of tongues are formed when it is folded, as shown in Fig. 5.
[0047] The outer edge protection mounting devices 210, 220 are preferably moved down towards the outer edges of the sheet coil 116 to apply the folded edge protection material 350 along the outer edges of the sheet coil 116 as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120. The sheet coil 116 is preferably wrapped, as explained below in connection with Fig. 6, as the sheet coil 116 is rotated and the folded edge protection material 350 is fed out. Edge protection rings 300 are preferably arranged around the central hole 118 of the sheet coil 116 before application of the outer edge protection, as illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows a sheet coil wrapping arrangement comprising two industrial robots 112, 113 in a system 100 for sheet coil packaging. Each of the industrial robots 112, 113 has a robot arm 108, 109 arranged to wrap the sheet coil 116 using a wrapping tool 110. The first robot arm 108 inserts the wrapping tool 110 into a central hole 118 of the sheet coil 116 and hands over the wrapping tool 110 to the second robot arm 109. The second robot arm 109 then transports the wrapping tool 110 along the outside of the sheet coil 116 and hands it back to the first robot arm 108. This sequence then continues as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120, as described in WO 2021 / 219861. In the system 100, the two industrial robots 112, 113 are however preferably arranged to wrap the sheet coil 116 in synchronization with the feeding out of edge protection material 350, so that the edge protection material 350 becomes fixed to the sheet coil 116 by the wrapping as the sheet coil 116 is rotated by the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120. There is preferably an integrated cutting arrangement in each outer edge protection mounting device 210, 220, 230, 240, so that the edge protection material 350 can be cut to the desired length before the wrapping is finished.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 6, the robot arms 108, 109 may each comprise a wrapping material clamp 146, 147 configured to hold a strip of wrapping material, preferably mounted close to the distal end of the robot arm 108, 109. When a sheet coil 116 has been fully wrapped, a strip of the wrapping material may be clamped in the clamping station 156 and the strip cut. For the purpose of cutting the wrapping material, a strip of the wrapping material may be turned around a shaft 159 at the clamping station 156, in order to keep track of where the wrapping material is in the robot space, and thereafter the strip may be cut. Before cutting the strip of wrapping material, the strip may also be held by the clamp 146, 147 of one of the robot arms 108, 109, so that the remaining wrapping material on a roll 106 on the wrapping tool 110 is ready for a new wrapping procedure. A loose-end strip of the wrapping material turned around the coil may e.g. be arranged to tack to the wrapping by self-adhesive properties. The wrapping material may e.g. be stretch film in a plastic material.
[0049] The system 100 may comprise a robot jig 114 having a first 148 and possibly a second 149 intersecting leg. The first leg 148 of the robot jig 114 is configured with first 150 and a second 151 robot base mounts placed apart on said first leg 148. The second leg 149 of the robot jig 114 may be configured with a first coil roller abutment 152 placed at an end of the second leg 149. The sheet coil rotating arrangement 120 may e.g. be positioned in relation to the robot jig 114 with the aid of positioning beams with abutment, so that the sheet coil rotating arrangement 120 will not be in physical or mechanical contact with the robot jig 114 during operation, in order to avoid dynamical forces being conveyed to the robot jig 114. In embodiments configured with two sheet coil stations, as shown in Fig. 4, the robot jig 114 may comprise two sheet coil rotating arrangements 120, and thus a second coil roller abutment 153 placed at the other end of the second leg 149.
[0050] The robot jig 114 shown in Fig. 6 is thus configured with two robot base mounts 150, 151 placed apart on a first leg of the cross geometry, as well as a first and a second coil roller abutment 152, 153 placed apart on a second leg of the cross geometry. First 112 and second 113 industrial robots are mounted on the respective robot base mounts 150, 151. First and second sheet coil rotating arrangements 120 are placed in the respective coil roller abutments 152, 153. Such sheet coil rotating arrangements 120 are per se known and typically comprise a cradle of two rollers that are actuatable to give a sheet coil 116 placed in the cradle a rotating movement. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the robot jig 114 is configured with a general cross geometry of substantially perpendicular legs with one or more bars, i.e. the bars making up the legs and thus the one or more bars intersecting at substantially right angles. Other intersecting angles may be configured with adapted configurations of the robots, their range and their movements. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, each leg comprises two parallel bars. Other embodiments include only a first leg, as described above.
[0051] The system 100 may further comprise a wrapping material clamping station 156 placed within reach of at least one robot arm 108, 109, for example placed substantially midway between the industrial robots 112, 113. The wrapping material clamping station 156 may be provided with one or more wrapping material clamps 157, 158 configured to hold a strip of wrapping material. The wrapping material clamping station 156 may e.g. be placed substantially at the intersection of the first and second legs 148, 149 of the robot jig 114, for example substantially midway between the robot base mounts 150, 151. The wrapping material clamping station 156 may be provided with one or more wrapping material clamps 157, 158 configured to hold a strip of wrapping material.
[0052] The system 100 may further comprise a roll magazine 160 for storing a plurality of rolls 106 of wrapping material available to one or more of the industrial robots 112, 113. The roll magazine 160 may e.g. be configured with one or more roll places 164, and an associated wrapping material clamp 162, 166 for each roll of wrapping material. The wrapping material clamps 162, 166 may each be configured to hold a strip of wrapping material. The roll magazine 160 may in use be positioned and placed within reach of at least one of the robots, for example at the side of the robot setup or in front of one of the robots e.g. at the side of the coil roller.
[0053] The system 100 may further comprise a measuring arrangement configured to measure the position and dimensions of a sheet coil 116 positioned on a sheet coil rotating arrangement 120 for being packaged with wrapping material. In embodiments, the measuring system comprises one or more laser measuring tools, for example mounted on one of or both robot arms 108, 109. With such a laser measuring tool mounted on the robot arm, it is preferable that it is positioned such that is has an optical line that is unobstructed by a roll of wrapping material attached to the wrapping tool 110. When measuring the position and dimensions, the system 100 is configured to find the center of the coil, follow the contours and calculate the position and the dimensions. The system 100 may further comprise a robot control system 170 configured to control the movement of the industrial robots 112, 113 in relation to a sheet coil 116 positioned on a sheet coil rotating arrangement 120 in the system 100. The robot control system 170 may comprise input / output interfaces configured to be communicably couplable to the industrial robots 112, 113, to one or more sheet coil rotating arrangements 120, and / or to a human / machine interface (not shown for example in the form of a GUI generating a dashboard. The robot control system 170 may be used for determining the dimensions of a sheet coil 116 before applying edge protection.
[0054] After the wrapping operation in the wrapping station, a crane or similar may be used to lift out the wrapped sheet coil 116 to an after-processing station, where supplementing packing operations may be carried out manually or semi-automatical ly.
[0055] Method embodiments
[0056] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a method 700 for creating an edge protection ring 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116.
[0057] Embodiments of the method 700 for creating an edge protection ring 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole 118 of a sheet coil 116, the method 700 comprises: guiding 730 edge protection material 350, using an edge protection material guide 360, from an edge protection material coil 250 to a ring creator 320; attaching 750 the ring creator 320 to a first end of the edge protection material 350 and to further parts of the edge protection material 350, using attachment means 325 mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator 320 and being adjusted in a radial direction from the rotation axis to a predetermined distance from the rotation axis; rotating 760 the ring creator 320, using a rotator 315, so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350; cutting 770 the edge protection material 350, using a cutter 340, when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350; and joining 780 together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, using a ring joiner 330, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300.
[0058] Further embodiments of the method 700 may comprise: Step 730: guiding edge protection material 350, using an edge protection material guide 360, from an edge protection material coil 250 to a ring creator 320.
[0059] Step 750: attaching the ring creator 320 to a first end of the edge protection material 350, using attachment means 325 comprised in the ring creator 320.
[0060] Step 760: rotating the ring creator 320, using a rotator 315, so that the attachment means 325 can attach to further parts of the edge protection material 350.
[0061] Step 770: cutting the edge protection material 350, using a cutter 340, when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator 320, thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material 350.
[0062] Step 780: joining together the first and second ends of the edge protection material 350, using a ring joiner 330, thereby creating an edge protection ring 300.
[0063] Such a method enables the advance creation of edge protection rings 300 for mounting around the peripheral edge of central holes 118 of sheet coils 116, so that the edge protection rings 300 are ready for mounting at the time of wrapping of a sheet coil 116. This speeds up the wrapping process.
[0064] The method 700 may further comprise one or more of:
[0065] Step 710: arranging the attachment means to comprise suction cups 325. This is a simple embodiment of attachment means 325.
[0066] Step 715: arranging the folding means 365 to comprise rollers that fold the edge protection material 350 as it is guided between them. This is a simple embodiment of folding means 365.
[0067] Step 720: driving a rotating table, on which the edge protection material coil is mounted, in synchronization with the ring creation, thereby delivering the edge protection material at a desired speed. This ensures that the edge protection material 350 is delivered smoothly to the edge protection material guide 360.
[0068] Step 735: driving rollers comprised in the edge protection material guide 360 in synchronization with the ring creation, thereby delivering the edge protection material 350 at a desired speed. This ensures that the edge protection material 350 is delivered smoothly to the ring creating box 370.
[0069] Step 740: folding the edge protection material 350 using folding means 365 comprised in the edge protection material guide 360. This is a simple way of folding the edge protection material 350. Step 745: guiding the edge protection material 350 to a ring shape, using a ring creating box 370 comprising a ring guiding surface 375. This ensures that the attachment means 325 comprised in the ring creator 320 are able to attach to the edge protection material 350.
[0070] Step 790: moving the ring creator 320 to a predetermined position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300, using a ring mover 310. This enables the automatic movement of the edge protection ring 300 to a place of storage, such as e.g. a container from which edge protection rings 300 can be collected for mounting on a sheet coil 116 before wrapping it, or a conveyor belt that moves the edge protection ring 300 to a wrapping station.
[0071] In embodiments, the sheet coil 116 is a sheet metal coil.
[0072] Embodiments of the method 700 comprises adjusting the attachment means 325 electronically or hydraulically in a radial direction from the rotation axis.
[0073] Embodiments of the method 700 comprises moving, by a ring mover 310, the ring creator 320 to a position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300 to a storage for inner edge protection rings, for example a container, a pallet or a hanger.
[0074] Further embodiments of the method 700 comprises moving, by a ring mover 310, the ring creator 320 to a position where the attachment means 325 can release the edge protection ring 300 to a robot tool arranged to pick an inner edge protection ring directly from the ring maker 320, or indirectly via a temporary storage position, for mounting to the inner edge of a sheet coil.
[0075] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Further, not all of the steps of the claims have to be carried out in the listed order. All technically meaningful orders of the steps are covered by the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1 . Ring creating arrangement (200) for creating an edge protection ring (300) for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole (118) of a sheet coil (116), the arrangement (200) comprising: an edge protection material guide (360), arranged to receive edge protection material (350) from an edge protection material coil (250) and to guide edge protection material (350) from the edge protection material coil (250) to a ring creator (320); a ring creator (320) comprising a plurality of attachment means (325), arranged to attach to a first end of the edge protection material (350) and to further parts of the edge protection material (350), wherein the attachment means (325) are mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator (320) and are adjustable in a radial direction from the rotation axis; a rotator (315), arranged to rotate the ring creator (320) so that the attachment means (325) can attach to further parts of the edge protection material (350); a cutter (340), arranged to cut the edge protection material (350) when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator (320), thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material (350); and a ring joiner (330), arranged to join together the first and second ends of the edge protection material (350), thereby creating an edge protection ring (300).
2. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to claim 1, further comprising a ring mover (310), arranged to move the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300).
3. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a ring creating box (370), comprising a ring guiding surface (375) that is arranged to guide the edge protection material (350) to a ring shape.
4. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the attachment means (325) comprise suction cups.
5. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the edge protection material guide (360) comprises rollers that are arranged to be driven in synchronization with the ring creation, in order to deliver the edge protection material (350) at a desired speed.
6. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the edge protection material guide (360) comprises folding means (365).
7. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to claim 6, wherein the folding means (365) comprise rollers that fold the edge protection material (350) as it is guided between them.
8. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the edge protection material coil (250) is mounted on a rotating table (260) that is arranged to be driven in synchronization with the ring creation, in order to deliver the edge protection material (350) at a desired speed.
9. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising an edge protection material coil (250) comprising edge protection material (350).
10. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the attachment means (325) are electronically or hydraulically adjustable in a radial direction from the rotation axis.
11. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a ring mover (310), arranged to move the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300) to a storage for inner edge protection rings, for example a container, a pallet or a hanger.
12. Ring creating arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a ring mover (310), arranged to move the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300) to a robot tool arranged to pick an inner edge protection ring directly or indirectly via a temporary storage position from the ring maker (320), for mounting to the inner edge of a sheet coil.
13. Method (700) for creating an edge protection ring (300) for mounting around the peripheral edge of a central hole (118) of a sheet coil (116), the method (700) comprising: guiding (730) edge protection material (350), using an edge protection material guide (360), from an edge protection material coil (250) to a ring creator (320); attaching (750) the ring creator (320) to a first end of the edge protection material (350) and to further parts of the edge protection material (350), using attachment means (325) mounted around a rotation axis of the ring creator (320) and being adjusted in a radial direction from the rotation axis to a predetermined distance from the rotation axis; rotating (760) the ring creator (320), using a rotator (315), so that the attachment means (325) can attach to further parts of the edge protection material (350); cutting (770) the edge protection material (350), using a cutter (340), when a predefined length of it has been guided to the ring creator (320), thereby creating a second end of the edge protection material (350); and joining (780) together the first and second ends of the edge protection material (350), using a ring joiner (330), thereby creating an edge protection ring (300).
14. Method (700) according to claim 13, further comprising moving (790) the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300), using a ring mover (310).
15. Method (700) according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising guiding (745) the edge protection material (350) to a ring shape, using a ring creating box (370) comprising a ring guiding surface (375).
16. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising arranging (710) the attachment means (325) to comprise suction cups.
17. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13-16, further comprising driving (735) rollers comprised in the edge protection material guide (360) in synchronization with the ring creation, thereby delivering the edge protection material (350) at a desired speed.
18. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising folding (740) the edge protection material (350) using folding means (365) comprised in the edge protection material guide (360).
19. Method (700) according to claim 18, further comprising arranging (715) the folding means (365) to comprise rollers that fold the edge protection material (350) as it is guided between them.
20. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising driving (720) a rotating table (260), on which the edge protection material coil (250) is mounted, in synchronization with the ring creation, thereby delivering the edge protection material (350) at a desired speed.21 . Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, further comprising adjusting the attachment means (325) electronically or hydraulically in a radial direction from the rotation axis.
22. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising moving, by a ring mover (310), the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300) to a storage for inner edge protection rings, for example a container, a pallet or a hanger.
23. Method (700) according to any one of claims 13 to 21, further comprising moving, by a ring mover (310), the ring creator (320) to a predetermined position where the attachment means (325) can release the edge protection ring (300) to a robot tool arranged to pick an inner edge protection ring directly from the ring maker (320), or indirectly via a temporary storage position, for mounting to the inner edge of a sheet coil.