Packaging line for compressible material in plastic film, including a shrink-wrapper

Abstract

Title: Line for packaging a compressible material in plastic film, comprising a shrink-wrapper The invention relates to a line for packaging a compressible material (M) in plastic film, comprising: a compression module (1) for the material; a shrink-wrapper (2), in the extension of the compression module in a direction of travel of the material so as to shrink-wrap the material in a compressed state, an output module (4), in the immediate extension of the shrink-wrapper (2) in a direction of travel of the material, maintaining the material in a compressed state, an intermediate module (3) arranged between the compression module (1) and the shrink-wrapper (2) so as to be able to provide a functional gap with the output module (4), capable of maintaining the material in a compressed state, characterized in that it comprises means for setting in motion (5) the intermediate module (3) relative to the compression module (1) and / or relative to the output module (4),driven so that the interposed module (3) adjoins the compression module (1) and provides the functional gap with the output module (4), or, alternatively, so that the interposed module (3) adjoins the output module (4) and provides a gap with the compression module (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 7,

Description

Title of the invention: Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film, comprising a shrink-wrapper

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of packaging machines under plastic film, and in particular under polyethylene film.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the design of shrink-wrappers and associated equipment.

[0003] It is recalled that the function of a shrink wrapper is to wrap products in plastic film, whether heat-shrinkable or not. The shrink wrapper is generally the first element of a packaging line in plastic film and preferably in polyethylene film.

[0004] The operating principle of a shrink-wrapper is as follows: an upper plastic film is welded to a lower film to form a substantially vertical curtain of film. The product to be packaged is conveyed by a conveyor towards the previously formed curtain. The conveying of the product causes the product to be pushed against the curtain, then causes the upper and lower films to unwind from their respective reels. Photoelectric cells (or any other means) are used to detect the rear end of the product to be packaged, and the conveying is then stopped. At this stage, a sealing device automatically closes on the upper and lower films, behind the product. In general, a double seal and a cut are made, thus completing the wrapping of the product.

[0005] At the same time, the film curtain is reconstituted for the next product.

[0006] Of course, each shrink-wrapper is designed and manufactured according to the dimensions and characteristics of the products to be packaged.

[0007] According to a conventional design of shrink-wrappers, the upper plastic film is unwound from a horizontal reel arranged above the conveyor and transversely to it, while the lower plastic film is unwound from a horizontal reel arranged below the conveyor, and also transversely to it.

[0008] Shrink wrapping, particularly with the help of shrink wrappers, has been around for a number of years now. Initially limited to certain areas of activity, its use has expanded and continues to develop in all industries.

[0009] In particular, plastic film packaging is now commonly used for compressible insulating materials, such as glass wool or rock wool or more generally any type of bio-sourced compressible materials such as wood, hemp, cotton, recycled cardboard, PVC fibers...

[0010] Of course, with such compressible materials, the material is first compressed before being packaged, and then the material is kept compressed during the packaging phase. The aim is obviously to reduce the volume of the packaged compressible products during the transport and storage phases.

[0011] To achieve compression of the material before packaging, several techniques are known from the prior art.

[0012] According to a first known technique, the compressible material is pushed into a cavity having a funnel shape, which promotes forced compression of the material. At the outlet of the funnel, the material is introduced into a shrink-wrapper which packages the material in plastic film while maintaining its compressed state.

[0013] According to another technique described by figures 1 to 6, a packaging line for a compressible material under plastic film comprises: - a compression module 1 of the material M, comprising a lower compression plate 10 and an upper compression plate 11, movable in height relative to each other from a position for admitting the material M in an uncompressed state as illustrated by [Fig.l], to a close position intended to bring the material into a compressed state as illustrated by [Fig.2]; - a bundler 2, in the extension of the compression module 1 in a direction of travel D of the material, so as to bundle the material in a compressed state, - an output module 4, comprising a lower output tray 40 and an upper output tray 41 spaced apart from each other in height so as to maintain the material M in a compressed state.

[0014] In a conventional manner, the shrink-wrapper further comprises: - a lower coil 20; - an upper coil 21; - a lower sealing bar 22 (otherwise referred to as a “counter sealing bar”) and an upper sealing bar 23, movable relative to each other to, firstly, secure the plastic film of the upper reel and the plastic film of the lower reel in order to form a film curtain and, secondly, weld the lower part and the upper part of the film curtain behind the product.

[0015] Conventionally, a double weld is made and a cut is made between the two welds, thus completing the wrapping of the product.

[0016] According to this technique, the line further comprises an interposed module 3, arranged between the compression module 1 and the bundler 2, this module comprising a tray lower insert 30 and an upper insert plate 31, spaced from each other in height so as to maintain the material in a compressed state.

[0017] This interposed module is arranged between the compression module and the output module so as to provide a functional gap E, through which the film curtain is intended to extend and through which the upper sealing bar 21 can be moved towards the lower sealing part 20 to carry out the seals necessary for the proper execution of the bundling.

[0018] Furthermore, a valve C is provided to close, at the level of the upper output plate 41 and the upper intermediate plate 31, the functional gap during the passage of the material M between the intermediate module and the output module. This valve C is movable, in particular pivotable, between a position in which it closes the functional gap, and a position in which it allows the passage of the welding means in the functional gap once the material M has passed between the intermediate module and the shrink-wrapper.

[0019] Thus, according to the prior art, the packaging of a compressible material in plastic film is carried out according to the following steps: - the material M is admitted into the compression module 1, while the lower plate 10 and the lower plate 11 are spaced from each other by a height greater than or equal to that of the material M ([Fig.l]); - the upper plate 11 of the compression module 1 is lowered towards the lower plate 10 so as to compress the material M ([Fig.2]); - material M is transferred from compression module 1 to interlayer module 3.

[0020] It is noted that during these first steps, a film curtain is produced beforehand so as to join the film of the lower reel 20 to that of the upper reel 21. In addition, the valve C is held in the closed position, ensuring closure of the functional space E and ensuring continuity of support between the upper intermediate plate 31 and the upper output plate 41.

[0021] The lower welding bar 20 extends in the plane of the lower intermediate plate 30 and the lower output plate 40.

[0022] Thus, the material M is transferred from the interlayer module 3 to the output module 4, this being pushed against the film curtain extending between the lower reel 20 and the upper reel 21 ([Fig.4]).

[0023] While the conveying of the material M is continued between the lower output tray and the upper output tray, this by unwinding the plastic film from the lower reel 20 and the upper reel 21, the valve C is brought into the opening position of the functional space E ([Fig.5]).

[0024] The lower welding bar 20 and the upper welding bar 21 can then be moved within the functional spacing E so as to carry out the double welding of the plastic film and the cut between the two welds made ([Fig.6]).

[0025] Such a packaging line ensures the expected result, namely compressing the compressible material and wrapping it with a plastic film while it remains in the compressed state.

[0026] On the other hand, the proper functioning of this prior art packaging line necessarily involves the implementation of the valve C, failing which the material M would tend to expand in the functional space, during its passage from the intermediate module 3 to the output module 4.

[0027] However, the implementation of such a valve is not without difficulties in terms of assembly and adjustment. These difficulties are further increased by the complexity of controlling the valve, to synchronize the opening and closing of the latter with the movement of the welding means within the functional gap between the interlayer module and the shrink-wrapper.

[0028] Furthermore, the valve necessarily has a certain length in the direction of travel of the material. However, this valve is not a conveyor. Consequently, materials which have a length in the direction of travel less than that of the valve are not compatible with such a packaging line of the prior art, since they would remain blocked at the valve, due to the lack of conveying at this level.

[0029] The invention aims in particular to overcome this drawback of the prior art.

[0030] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a packaging line for a compressible material in plastic film of the type comprising a compression module, a shrink-wrapper and an interlayer module arranged between the shrink-wrapper and the compression mode, which make it possible to fill the functional gap between the interlayer module and the shrink-wrapper in a simpler, more reliable and more durable manner than with the solution of the prior art.

[0031] The invention also aims to provide such a packaging line which makes it possible to increase packaging rates.

[0032] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film, comprising: - a material compression module, comprising a lower compression plate and an upper compression plate movable in height relative to each other from a position for admitting the material in an uncompressed state to a close position intended to bring the material into a compressed state; - a shrink wrapper, in the extension of the compression module in one direction scrolling the material so as to bundle the material in a compressed state, - an output module, in the immediate extension of the bundler in a direction of travel of the material, comprising a lower output tray and an upper output tray spaced from each other in height so as to maintain the material in a compressed state, - an intermediate module arranged between the compression module and the bundler so as to be able to provide a functional gap with the output module, the intermediate module comprising a lower intermediate plate and an upper intermediate plate spaced apart from each other in height so as to maintain the material in a compressed state.

[0033] According to the invention, the packaging line comprises means for moving the interlayer module relative to the compression module and / or relative to the output module, the movement means being controlled so that the interlayer module adjoins the compression module and provides the functional spacing with the output module, the functional spacing being capable of allowing the passage of an upper plastic film, a lower plastic film and means for welding the upper plastic film with the lower plastic film to create a curtain of film or, alternatively, so that the interlayer module adjoins the output module and provides a space with the compression module.

[0034] Thus, thanks to the invention, the implementation of a valve for closing the functional gap between the bundler and the interlayer module is avoided in order to keep the material compressed while it crosses this gap.

[0035] Indeed, the means for setting the interlayer module in motion advantageously replace this valve, by alternately ensuring the presence of the functional spacing when the interlayer module is moved away from the bundler or, conversely, by ensuring continuity of the respective plates of the interlayer module and the output module, which keeps the material compressed during its transition from the interlayer module to the bundler.

[0036] It is noted that "in the immediate extension" is understood to mean, with regard to the positioning of the output module relative to the shrink wrapper, the fact that the inlet of the output module is located directly adjacent to the film of the shrink wrapper, downstream of it in the direction of travel of the material. Upstream of the film, the interlayer module is itself capable of occupying a position without space with the shrink wrapper, therefore without space or almost without space, with the film of the shrink wrapper. Thus, during the transfer of the material from the interlayer module to the output module, the interlayer module and the output module are in the immediate vicinity of each other, on either side of the film of the shrink wrapper.

[0037] According to an advantageous solution, the compression module is fixed and the interposed module is movable relative to the compression module.

[0038] More precisely, the intercalary module is movable in translation relative to the compression module, this depending on the direction of travel of the material.

[0039] Independently of this characteristic or in combination with it, the bundler can advantageously be fixed and the interlayer module movable relative to the bundler.

[0040] Again, the interlayer module is movable in translation in the direction of travel of the material.

[0041] Of course, in the case where only the intermediate module is mobile, an embodiment is obtained which is both advantageous and simplified from a kinematic point of view.

[0042] Advantageously, the lower intermediate plate and the upper intermediate plate are aligned in height respectively with the lower compression plate and the upper compression plate when they occupy the close position.

[0043] In this case, the lower intermediate tray and the upper intermediate tray are advantageously aligned in height respectively with the lower output tray and the upper output tray.

[0044] It is understood that, in this way, the compressible material is conveyed while remaining in the same plane defined by all the lower plates of the compression module, the interlayer module and the output module, with the respective upper plates also aligned in height to maintain the compressed state of the material.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the packaging line also has one and / or other of the following characteristics: - the lower compression plate carries a first material conveyor in a direction of travel of the material; - the lower intermediate tray carries a second material conveyor in a direction of travel of the material; - the lower output tray carries a third material conveyor in one direction of material flow.

[0046] Thus, an advantageous characteristic is retained in terms of integrating the conveying means into the lower plate of each module.

[0047] According to yet another particular characteristic, the line comprises a sensor for detecting the functional gap between the interposed module and the output module and also comprises a control unit capable of receiving a signal indicating the presence of the functional gap from the sensor for detecting the functional gap, the control unit being configured to cause a movement and a weld by the welding means after receiving the signal indicating the presence of the functional gap.

[0048] In this way, it is easy to synchronize the movement of the welding means through the functional gap with the movement of the interposed module towards the compression module, that is to say in a position in which it precisely provides the functional gap with the output module.

[0049] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0050] [Fig-1] illustrates a first phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0051] [Fig.2] illustrates a second phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0052] [Fig.3] illustrates a third phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0053] [Fig.4] illustrates a fourth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0054] [Fig.5] illustrates a fifth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0055] [Fig.6] illustrates a sixth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a line of the prior art;

[0056] [Fig.7] illustrates a first phase of conditioning of a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention;

[0057] [Fig.8] illustrates a second phase of conditioning of a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention;

[0058] [Fig.9] illustrates a third phase of conditioning of a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig. 10] illustrates a fourth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention;

[0060] [Fig. 11] illustrates a fifth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention;

[0061] [Fig. 12] illustrates a sixth phase of conditioning a compressible material with a conditioning line according to the invention.

[0062] With reference to Figures 7 to 12, a line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film, according to the invention, is described below.

[0063] As illustrated schematically, such a packaging line according to the invention comprises, in a manner known per se, a compression module 1 for a compressible material M, comprising a lower compression plate 10 and an upper compression plate 11, the two plates being movable in height relative to each other. the other to achieve compression of the material M. More precisely, the lower plate 10 is fixed in height and the upper compression plate 11 is movable in height from a position for admitting the material M in an uncompressed state (the distance between the lower compression plate and the upper compression plate then being greater than or equal to the uncompressed height of the material M) to a position close to the lower compression plate, position in which the material M is brought into a compressed state.

[0064] The packaging line further comprises a shrink-wrapper 2, arranged downstream of the compression module 1 in the direction of travel D of the material M in the packaging line. This shrink-wrapper is conventionally composed of the following elements: - an upper reel 21 from which an upper film is unwound; - a lower reel 20, from which a lower film is unwound; - a lower sealing bar 22 and an upper sealing bar 24, intended to be moved towards each other until they meet to produce a seal and in particular a double seal of the upper film with the lower film so as to create a curtain of film.

[0065] The bundler (shown in dotted lines in the figures) in practice comprises a frame which carries the various elements listed above. According to the present embodiment, the upper and lower reels are respectively above and below the interlayer module. However, it is also possible for the reels to be located next to the interlayer module, with angle return rollers towards the bundler, as described for example in the text of the patent document published under number FR3108594.

[0066] Downstream of the shrink wrapper in the direction of travel of the material is placed an output module 4, having a lower output tray 40 and an upper output tray 41, the material M being conveyed between the two trays, this by pushing the film curtain (and therefore by unwinding the lower film from the lower reel and the upper film from the upper reel). In addition, according to a particular embodiment, this output module integrates lateral heating means designed to cause shrinkage of the plastic film (to the extent of course that it is heat-shrinkable).

[0067] In the context of the invention, the lower output tray 40 and the upper output tray 41 are spaced in height from each other so as to maintain the material in a compressed state and, more precisely, in the compressed state as obtained by the compression module 1.

[0068] A packaging line according to the invention further comprises an interposed module 3 arranged between the compression module 1 and the bundler 2, this module comprising a lower interposed tray 30 and an upper interposed tray 31. spaced apart from each other in height so as to maintain the material in the compressed state obtained by the compression module 1. The arrangement and dimensions of the intermediate module between the compression module 1 and the output module 4 are such that a functional spacing E can be provided between the intermediate module 3 and the output module 4, as will be explained below.

[0069] According to the principle of the invention, the packaging line further comprises means 5 for setting the intermediate module 3 in motion, these means for setting it in motion making it possible to modify the position of the intermediate module between the compression module 1 and the output module 4. In other words, the intermediate module can be moved relative to the compression module 1 and / or relative to the output module 4, this in order to provide, or not, the functional spacing E between the intermediate module 3 and the output module.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, the movement means 5 are controlled so that the intercalary module is moved between two positions, namely: - a first position in which the intercalary module adjoins the compression module 1 and provides the functional spacing E with the output module; - a second position in which the interposed module adjoins the output module and provides space with the compression module 1.

[0071] The functional spacing E is capable of allowing the passage of the upper plastic film and the lower plastic film, as well as the passage of means for welding the upper plastic film with the lower plastic film in order to create a curtain of film extending vertically, or almost, at the entrance to the output module.

[0072] As previously indicated, the welding means comprise a lower welding bar 22 (otherwise referred to as a "counter welding bar") and an upper welding bar 23 intended to cooperate together. In their respective inactive position, the lower welding bar 22 is located high below the level of the lower intermediate tray and the lower bundling tray, while the upper welding bar 23 is located high above the upper intermediate tray and the upper bundling tray.

[0073] Displacement means known to those skilled in the art are implemented to make the lower welding bar 22 and the upper welding bar 23 movable between their inactive position and their welding position. According to the present embodiment, the lower welding bar and the upper welding bar are both movable vertically towards each other, which makes it possible to reduce the time required for the welding operation (as opposed to the technique of the prior art where only one of the two bars is movable, generally the upper bar, and the other fixed).

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the compression module is fixed while that the interlayer module is mobile relative to the compression module, this of course in the direction of movement of the material.

[0075] Furthermore, the bundler and the output module are fixed and the interlayer module is movable relative to the bundler and the output module, this of course also in the direction of travel of the material.

[0076] In other words, the movement means 5 are capable of causing a back-and-forth movement of the intermediate module 3 between the compression module 1 and the output module 4, so as, alternately, to adjoin the compression module 1 and to be moved away from the output module 4 or to adjoin the output module 4 and to be moved away from the compression module 1.

[0077] Furthermore, preferably, the lower intermediate plate 30 and the upper intermediate plate 31 are aligned in height with, respectively, the lower compression plate 10 and the upper compression plate 11, when the latter occupy the close position tending to compress the material M.

[0078] At the same time, the lower output tray 40 and the upper output tray 41 are respectively aligned in height with the lower intermediate tray 30 and the upper intermediate tray 31.

[0079] The movement of the material M along the packaging line, in the direction of travel D of the material, is ensured by: - the first conveyor 100 carried by the lower compression plate 10; - a second conveyor 300 carried by the lower intermediate plate 30; - a third conveyor 400 carried by the lower output tray 40.

[0080] Furthermore, the line comprises a sensor 6 for detecting the functional gap between the intermediate module 3 and the output module 4. The packaging line further comprises a control unit 7 capable of receiving a signal indicating the presence of the functional gap from the detection sensor 6, the control unit being configured to cause a movement and a weld by the welding means after receiving the signal indicating the presence of the functional gap.

[0081] The operation of a packaging line according to the invention is described below.

[0082] The material M is admitted into the compression module while the upper compression plate 11 is spaced from the upper compression plate 10 by a height greater than that of the material M ([Fig.7]). For example, in this initial configuration of the packaging line, the intermediate module adjoins the compression module 1 and provides a functional spacing E with the output module 4.

[0083] The upper compression plate 11 is then brought closer to the lower compression plate 10 so as to compress, preferably as much as possible, the material. M ([Fig.8]).

[0084] The material M is transported in the intermediate module 3, between the lower intermediate plate 30 and the upper intermediate plate 31 ([Fig.9]).

[0085] The moving means 5 move the interlayer module 3 towards the bundler 2 and the output module 4 until it is adjacent to the output module. The material M is driven between the two trays of the output module by pushing the curtain of plastic film according to the known principle of a bundler ([Fig.10]).

[0086] The displacement means 5 then cause the displacement of the intermediate module 3 in the direction of the compression module 1, so as to again provide the functional spacing E between the intermediate module 1 and the output module 4 ([Fig.11]).

[0087] At this stage, the detection sensor 6 emits a signal to the control unit 7, according to which the functional space E is present. The control unit then controls the movement of the lower sealing bar 22 and the upper sealing bar 23 so that they join and carry out a seal, in this case a double seal, and a cut of the upper plastic film with the lower plastic film ([Fig.12]).

[0088] As illustrated by Figures 7 to 12, it is noted that, according to the present embodiment, the compression module 1 and the interlayer module 3 are dimensioned to receive two batches of materials M spaced apart from each other. The mobility of the interlayer module 3 relative to the compression module 1 on the one hand and relative to the bundler 2 and the output module on the other hand allows a sort of buffer zone according to which the first batch of material M in the direction of travel D is introduced into the bundler 2 while the other batch of material M remains within the interlayer module 3. During this time, it is then possible to admit two new compression batches M into the compression module 1 and to compress them. This compression phase can be carried out while the batch of material M remaining in the interlayer module is transited within the output module.The new batches of materials M in their compressed state can then be transferred into the then released intermediate module 3.

[0089] Such operation makes it possible to obtain a high rate.

[0090] Furthermore, as indicated previously, this output module integrates lateral heating means designed to cause a retraction of the film (made of polyethylene) on the lateral sides of the material. In the embodiment according to which two batches of material are admitted simultaneously into the compression module, a synchronization of the modules of the line is carried out, allowing in particular, during the phase where the two batches of material are in the output module, that the retraction of the film is carried out on one of the two batches while it is kept compressed and that it remains so after be exited from the output module.

Claims

1. Claims Line for packaging a compressible material (M) under plastic film, comprising: - a compression module (1) of the material, comprising a lower compression plate (10) and an upper compression plate (11) movable in height relative to each other from a position for admitting the material in an uncompressed state to a close position intended to bring the material into a compressed state; - a bundler (2), in the extension of the compression module (1) in a direction of movement of the material so as to bundle the material in a compressed state, - an output module (4), in the immediate extension of the bundler (2) in a direction of travel of the material, comprising a lower output tray (40) and an upper output tray (41) spaced from each other in height so as to maintain the material in a compressed state, - an intermediate module (3) arranged between the compression module (1) and the bundler (2) so as to be able to provide a functional gap (E) with the output module (4), the intermediate module (3) comprising a lower intermediate plate (30) and an upper intermediate plate (31) spaced apart from each other in height so as to maintain the material in a compressed state, characterized in that it comprises means (5) for setting in motion the interlayer module (3) relative to the compression module (1) and / or relative to the output module (4), the means (5) for setting in motion being controlled so that the interlayer module (3) adjoins the compression module (1) and provides the functional spacing with the output module (4), the functional spacing being capable of allowing the passage of an upper plastic film, a lower plastic film and means for welding the upper plastic film with the lower plastic film to create a curtain of film, or, alternatively, so that the interlayer module (3) adjoins the output module (4) and provides a space with the compression module (1).

2. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression module (1) is fixed and in that the interlayer module (3) is movable relative to the compression module (1) in a direction of movement of the material.

3. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to claim 1, characterized in that the bundler (2) is fixed and in that the interlayer module (3) is movable relative to the bundler (2) in a direction of travel of the material.

4. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower intermediate plate (30) and the upper intermediate plate (31) are aligned in height respectively with the lower compression plate (10) and the upper compression plate (11) when they occupy the close position.

5. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower intermediate tray (30) and the upper intermediate tray (31) are aligned in height respectively with the lower output tray (40) and the upper output tray (41).

6. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower compression plate (10) carries a first conveyor (100) of the material in a direction of travel of the material.

7. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower intermediate tray (30) carries a second conveyor (300) of the material in a direction of travel of the material.

8. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower output tray (40) carries a third conveyor (400) of the material in a direction of travel of the material.

9. Line for packaging a compressible material under plastic film according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (6) for detecting the functional spacing between the interlayer module (3) and the output module (4), and in that it also comprises a control unit (7) capable of receiving a signal indicating the presence of the functional gap from the detection sensor (6) of the functional gap, the control unit (7) being configured to cause a movement and a weld by the welding means after receiving the signal indicating the presence of the functional gap.

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