Device for automatic loading of tubular articles

Abstract

In a machine using tubular articles, a device for automatic loading of the tubular articles includes a spindle (10) connected to a support frame (11) along a substantially horizontal axis (A), and the spindle (10) is adapted to support a plurality of articles (2) positioned close to each other along the same spindle (10). A propulsion means (20) is configured to advance the plurality of articles (2) in steps along the spindle.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] 〔Technical Field〕 The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically loading a tubular article in a machine that uses the tubular (cylindrical) article.

[0002] 〔Prior Art〕 Currently, in various technical fields, the use of automatic machines that use tubular articles is known. Such automatic machines use tubular articles such as reels of strip material to manufacture or package articles. In the operation of these automatic machines, it is assumed that the material in use is replaced when the material is completely used up. Depending on the type of production, this operation may need to be performed relatively frequently.

[0003] For example, devices have been developed that can automatically replace a reel of strip material without interrupting the normal operating cycle of the machine. These devices are basically configured to join the end of the used reel to the tip flap of the new reel. Therefore, the responsible operator needs to regularly supply one or more new reels of strip material to the device; then, when the reel in use is completely used up, the device automatically performs the replacement.

[0004] In the patent application IT102021000031487 in the name of the applicant, an apparatus that enables the automatic replacement operation of a reel of strip material in a machine using the strip material is exemplified.

[0005] A specific problem arising in this field is to perform the loading of the reel onto the user machine more quickly. In fact, in some production fields, a single reel of strip material can be used up in a few minutes, so the replacement of the reel needs to be repeated frequently. In particular, it is required to load the reel onto the machine without damaging the strip material, which can sometimes be very thin. Ultimately, there is a strong demand for equipping machines that use strip material with a reel loading system that can highly automate the process of replenishing the machine with reels of strip material.

[0006] [Disclosure] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems by devising a device that enables optimal operation of the automatic loading of tubular articles in a machine that manufactures or packages articles using such tubular articles.

[0007] A further object of the present invention within this problem is to provide a device for automatic loading of tubular articles that guarantees the achievement of a high production speed.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the automatic loading of tubular articles that maintain the integrity of the materials used.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for the automatic loading of tubular articles that has a simple structural and functional design, is highly reliable in operation, is versatile in its applications, and is relatively low-cost.

[0010] These aforementioned objectives are achieved, according to the present invention, by the apparatus for automatic loading of tubular articles described in claim 1.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tubular article consists of a reel of strip material.

[0012] In particular, the tubular article has a cylindrical hole in the axial direction.

[0013] A device for automatically loading tubular articles in a machine that uses tubular articles includes a spindle connected to a support frame along a substantially horizontal axis, and a spindle adapted to support a plurality of tubular articles positioned close to each other along the same spindle.

[0014] The propulsion means is configured to advance the tubular article step by step along the spindle.

[0015] Advantageously, the spindle includes a cylindrical shaft fixed to the support frame; a tubular element coaxially and freely rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft; and a plurality of transfer elements arranged in an annular pattern at equal intervals from one another and adapted to engage with the tubular article.

[0016] Preferably, the multiple transfer elements project radially from the tubular element in at least a certain section along the upper semicircular portion of the tubular element, while not projecting radially from the tubular element in at least a certain section along the lower semicircular portion of the tubular element, so that the multiple transfer elements themselves contact each cylindrical hole of the multiple tubular articles only along a portion of the section along the lower semicircular portion in which they project radially. The upper and lower semicircular portions of the tubular element are separated by a central plane that passes through the axis of the spindle and is positioned substantially horizontally.

[0017] Preferably, the multiple transfer elements are multiple rods.

[0018] Preferably, each of the rods is housed in a corresponding groove formed longitudinally on the surface of the tubular element.

[0019] Preferably, the support frame has a support column extending from the support foot, which supports at least one of the spindles in a cantilevered manner.

[0020] According to the present invention, the propulsion means is connected to a plurality of rods and operates to alternately translate the plurality of rods themselves in the axial direction along the tubular element, thereby causing the tubular article to advance stepwise along the spindle.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the propulsion means includes a plurality of rod contact means, the contact means extending on a plane inclined with respect to the axis of the spindle.

[0022] Preferably, the abutting means is substantially disposed at the rear end portion of the spindle.

[0023] Preferably, the abutting means includes rolling means extending on a plane inclined with respect to the axis of the spindle.

[0024] Advantageously, the rolling means includes a bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring is fixed on a connecting member constrained to the cylindrical shaft with an appropriately adjustable inclination, and a plurality of the rods are constrained to the outer ring at the rear.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the tubular article is attached to the spindle so as to have play, whereby the axial cylindrical hole of the tubular article is in contact with a plurality of the rods disposed on the upper portion of the tubular element and is separated from a plurality of the rods disposed on the lower portion.

[0026] Preferably, the plurality of the rods are slidably attached along corresponding grooves formed longitudinally on the surface of the tubular element of the spindle.

[0027] Preferably, the plurality of the rods are adapted to protrude sequentially in front of the tubular element of the spindle in the process of loading the tubular article.

[0028] Preferably, the support frame has a column configured to support the spindle in a cantilever beam shape.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a system for automatic loading of the tubular article in a machine using the tubular article, the system including a combination of the loading device and a device for automatic exchange of the tubular article on the machine, and the device for automatic exchange of the tubular article on the machine has a coupling member adapted to receive a single tubular article from the loading device.

[0030] Advantageously, the tubular element of the spindle has a mouth at its front end, the mouth being adapted such that, in use, the coupling member of the apparatus for the automatic exchange of the tubular article engages therewith, the coupling member being adapted to be rotationally driven to rotate the same tubular element, which slidably holds the plurality of rods, relative to the cylindrical shaft.

[0031] Preferably, the tubular element extends forwardly over a certain section configured to extend beyond the free end of the cylindrical shaft, whereby the mouth is formed, and the mouth is adapted such that, in use, the coupling member engages therewith.

[0032] [Description of the Drawings] The details of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for the automatic loading of a tubular article in a machine using the tubular article, which is illustratively shown in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings: FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an apparatus for the automatic loading of a tubular article according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 1a is an enlarged detailed view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively a front view and a sectional view taken along a horizontal plane of the apparatus.

[0035] FIG. 2a is an enlarged detailed view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are respectively longitudinal sectional views of the apparatus in various steps of loading the tubular article onto an automatic machine using the tubular article for production purposes.

[0037] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Referring in particular to these drawings, the apparatus for the automatic loading of tubular articles 2 into an automated machine that uses the tubular articles 2 for production purposes is shown as a whole as 1.

[0038] In the following description, as a non-limiting embodiment, one embodiment of the present invention is referenced in which the tubular article is composed of a reel of strip material. However, the description is not limiting and is applicable to the automatic loading of any type of tubular article, in particular to the automatic loading of tubular articles having an axially cylindrical hole.

[0039] Apparatus 1 includes a spindle 10 connected to a support frame 11 along a substantially horizontal axis A. The spindle 10 is adapted to support a plurality of reels 2 of strip material, which are positioned close to each other along the same spindle 10.

[0040] The support frame 11 has columns 12 extending from a pair of support legs 13, which support the spindle 10 in a cantilevered manner. In the illustrated case, the support frame 11 supports a pair of spindles 10 arranged to have mutually parallel axes in the horizontal plane. Of course, a single support frame 11 can also be configured to support various numbers of spindles 10 in various arrangements. The spindle 10 includes a tubular cylindrical shaft 14. The cylindrical shaft 14 is formed integrally with the support frame 11 along the horizontal axis A using appropriate mounting members 15. A tubular element 16 is coaxially mounted on the cylindrical shaft 14. The tubular element 16 is freely rotatable on the cylindrical shaft 14 by appropriate rolling members 17.

[0041] It should be noted that the tubular element 16 extends forward for a certain distance beyond the free end of the cylindrical shaft 14, thereby forming a mouth portion 18, which is adapted to engage with the coupling member 30 of the device 3 for changing the reel of strip material in the automatic machine during use. As will be described later, the coupling member 30 is rotationally driven and adapted to rotate the tubular element 16 relative to the cylindrical shaft 14.

[0042] According to the present invention, the apparatus 1 includes a propulsion means 20 configured to advance a reel 2 of strip material in stages along the spindle 10.

[0043] The propulsion means 20 is connected to a plurality of transfer elements 21 that are parallel to each other. The plurality of transfer elements 21 are distributed and arranged on the cylindrical outer surface of the tubular element 16 and are positioned at equal intervals from each other. Preferably, the plurality of transfer elements are a plurality of rods.

[0044] In particular, each of the multiple rods 21 is housed in a corresponding groove formed longitudinally on the surface of the tubular element 16.

[0045] Multiple rods 21 are fitted to engage with a reel 2 of strip material inserted on a spindle 10. More specifically, as will be described later, multiple rods 21 are fitted to abut against a portion of the inner surface of the tube 22 of the reel 2 of strip material.

[0046] Multiple rods 21 are slidably mounted along the tubular element 16 of the spindle 10. In particular, the multiple rods 21 are adapted to project sequentially forward of the tubular element 16 of the spindle 10 during the process of loading the reel 2.

[0047] More specifically, the multiple transfer elements 21 project radially from the tubular element 16 in at least a certain section along the upper semicircular portion TH of the tubular element 16, while not projecting radially from the tubular element 16 in at least a certain section along the lower semicircular portion BH of the tubular element 16. As a result, the multiple transfer elements 21 contact each cylindrical hole 22 of the multiple tubular articles 2 only along a portion of the section along the lower semicircular portion BH from which they project radially. The upper semicircular portion TH and the lower semicircular portion BH of the tubular element 16 are separated by a central plane MP that passes through the axis A of the spindle 10 and is positioned substantially horizontally (see Figure 2a).

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the propulsion means 20 includes a contact means 23 extending on a plane B inclined with respect to the axis A of the spindle 10, the contact means 23 being substantially located at the rear end of the spindle 10 (see Figure 1a). Preferably, the contact means 23 consists of a rolling means, the rolling means including a bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is fixed at an appropriately adjustable inclination on a connecting member 24 constrained to a cylindrical shaft 14, and a plurality of rods 21 are constrained rearward on the outer ring.

[0049] Of course, the contact means can also be formed in a different configuration using, for example, any surface (especially a surface having a circumferential shape) that extends on a plane inclined with respect to the axis A of the spindle 10.

[0050] The operation of the device for automatically loading tubular articles from strip-shaped material can be easily understood from the following description.

[0051] The loading device makes it possible to place multiple tubular articles (consisting of two reels of strip material in the illustrated example) into an automated machine that uses this strip material. The device, which holds the reels of strip material, is appropriately transported to the work position by an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a type of automated guided vehicle commonly known as such.

[0052] Of course, the number of reels to be deployed will depend on the machine's requirements, particularly its operating speed, and the resulting frequency of reel replacement. Therefore, it is possible to configure multiple such devices to be placed on a dedicated frame, for example.

[0053] In use, the loading device is configured to cooperate with a device for the automatic exchange of multiple tubular articles (consisting of reels of strip material in the illustrated case) on a machine using such tubular articles. Advantageously, the device for the automatic exchange of reels of strip material is of the type described in patent application IT102021000031487, which is referenced herein in full.

[0054] The device for the automatic exchange of reels of strip material includes a coupling member 30 adapted to receive a single reel 2 supplied to a user machine. The coupling member 30 is adapted to be rotationally driven by a dedicated motor member. The coupling member 30 essentially consists of a cylindrical hub 31 adapted so that the sleeve 22 of the reel 2 of strip material engages with the cylindrical hub 31.

[0055] To perform the reel loading operation, the coupling member 30 is positioned to be axially aligned with the spindle 10 of the loading device (see Figure 4). Subsequently, the coupling member 30 is brought closer to the opening 18 of the spindle 10 and engaged with the opening 18 (see Figure 5).

[0056] Subsequently, the coupling member 30 is placed in a rotated state, and as a result, the tubular element 16 of the spindle 10 that holds the multiple rods 21 is rotated. This forces the multiple rods 21 to follow the alternating movement (reciprocating movement) provided by the propulsion means 20.

[0057] In particular, during the half-rotation, or forward trajectory, in which the engagement points (connection points) of the multiple rods 21 with respect to the upper ring of the bearing move along the inclined plane of the bearing, the multiple rods 21 move forward towards the front end of the spindle 10. In the following half-rotation, the multiple rods 21 instead perform an ascending movement.

[0058] Note that the axial cylindrical hole of the article (consisting of the sleeve 22 of the reel 2 in the illustrated example) has an appropriate clearance p with respect to the spindle 10. Therefore, the sleeve 22 is in contact with the multiple rods 21 located on the upper part of the tubular element 16, while being separated from the multiple rods 21 located on the lower part. As a result, in the process in which the multiple rods 21 advance along the spindle 10, the multiple rods 21 themselves shift the reel 2 located on the spindle 10 itself forward by one step, while in the return stroke, the multiple rods 21 do not interact with the same reel 2. In this way, the reel 2 located at the front end of the spindle 10 is transferred onto the hub 31 of the coupling member 30 (see Figure 6).

[0059] After loading reel 2, the coupling member 30 is retracted, and the same reel 2 is moved appropriately to the working position on the machine (see Figure 7).

[0060] In practice, by advancing a set of multiple reels 2 on the spindle 10, it becomes possible to sequentially transfer a single reel 2 onto the coupling member 30.

[0061] Naturally, reversing the direction of rotation applied to the tubular element 16 of the spindle 10 by the coupling member 30 also reverses the forward direction of the reel 2 on the same spindle. In this way, the described apparatus can also perform the operation of pulling the reel out from an external member.

[0062] The described apparatus aims to optimize the automatic loading of tubular articles (e.g., reels of strip material) in a machine that manufactures or packages articles using such tubular articles.

[0063] In particular, the apparatus for automatic loading of tubular articles according to the present invention enables the machine to guarantee a high production speed.

[0064] It should be noted that this device allows tubular articles to be transferred to the machine while maintaining the axis of the article itself in a horizontal position at all times. In this way, the integrity of the strip material is better preserved.

[0065] Another feature of the present invention is that the device is connected to a tubular article exchange device and, in particular, receives motion from that exchange device. This significantly simplifies the device and ultimately results in a relatively low cost.

[0066] The apparatus described exemplarily can be modified and transformed in numerous ways to meet various needs.

[0067] In carrying out the present invention, the materials, shapes, and sizes used can be any as required.

[0068] Where a reference numeral follows a technical feature described in each claim, such reference numeral is provided solely for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the claim and, therefore, does not have any effect in which it limits the scope of the elements specifically identified by the reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus for automatic loading of tubular articles according to the present invention. [Figure 1a] Figure 1 is a detailed enlarged view of the device shown. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the device. [Figure 2a]Figure 2 is a detailed enlarged view of the device shown. [Figure 3] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the device. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal section of the apparatus in which various processes are carried out to load tubular articles onto an automated machine that uses tubular articles for production purposes. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal section of the apparatus in which various processes are carried out to load tubular articles onto an automated machine that uses tubular articles for production purposes. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal section of the apparatus in which various processes are carried out to load tubular articles onto an automated machine that uses tubular articles for production purposes. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal section of the apparatus in which various processes are carried out to load tubular articles onto an automated machine that uses tubular articles for production purposes.

Claims

1. A device for automatically loading tubular articles in a machine that uses tubular articles, - A spindle (10) connected at its rear end to a support frame (11) and extending along a substantially horizontal axis (A), configured to support a plurality of tubular articles (2) that are close to each other along the same spindle (10); and - A propulsion means (20) configured to advance the tubular article (2) in stages along the spindle. In an apparatus including, The spindle (10) is - A cylindrical shaft (14) fixed to the support frame (11); - A tubular element (16) mounted coaxially and freely rotatably on the cylindrical shaft (14); and - A plurality of transfer elements (21) are arranged circumferentially on the cylindrical shaft (14) and configured to engage with the tubular article (2). Includes, The propulsion means (20) is connected to a plurality of transfer elements (21) and operates to translate them axially along the tubular element (16), thereby causing the tubular article (2) to advance step by step along the spindle (10). An apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transfer elements (21) are a plurality of rods (21) arranged in an annular distribution at equal intervals from one another, and the plurality of rods (21) are mounted axially slidably along corresponding grooves formed longitudinally on the surface of the tubular element (16) of the spindle (10).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the propulsion means (20) includes a plurality of contact means (23) for the transfer elements (21), the contact means (23) extending on a plane (B) inclined with respect to the axis (A) of the spindle (10) and substantially located at the rear end of the spindle (10).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the contact means includes a rolling means (23) extending on the plane inclined with respect to the axis (A) of the spindle (10).

5. The rolling means (23) includes a bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring, The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inner ring is constrained to the cylindrical shaft (14), and a plurality of the transfer elements (21) are constrained to the outer ring at the rear.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bearing is mounted on a connecting member (24) so ​​that the inclination of the spindle (10) with respect to the axis (A) can be adjusted.

7. The multiple transfer elements (21) protrude radially from the tubular element (16) in at least a certain section along the upper semicircular portion (TH) of the tubular element (16), while not protruding radially from the tubular element (16) in at least a certain section along the lower semicircular portion (BH) of the tubular element (16). As a result, the multiple transfer elements (21) contact each cylindrical hole (22) of the multiple tubular articles (2) only along a portion of the section along the lower semicircular portion (BH) where they protrude radially. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper semicircular portion (TH) and the lower semicircular portion (BH) of the tubular element (16) are separated by a central plane (MP) that passes through the axis (A) of the spindle (10) and is substantially positioned horizontally.

8. In a machine that uses a tubular article (2), in a system for the automatic loading of the article (2), A combination of a loading device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 and a device (3) for automatic replacement of the tubular article (2), The device (3) for the automatic exchange of the tubular articles (2) is configured to receive a single tubular article (2) at a time from the loading device (1). A system characterized by the following features.

9. The tubular element (16) of the spindle (10) extends beyond the free end of the cylindrical shaft (14), thereby forming a mouth portion (18). The opening (18) is configured such that, during use, the coupling member (30) of the device (3) for the automatic replacement of the tubular article (2) engages with it. The system according to claim 8, wherein the coupling member (30) is rotationally driven to rotate the tubular element (16) that slidably holds the plurality of transfer elements (21) relative to the cylindrical shaft (14).

10. A method for automatically loading a tubular article (2) in a machine that uses the said article, - A step of positioning the spindle (10) of a device (1) for the automatic loading of tubular articles (2), wherein the spindle (10) includes a cylindrical shaft (14) extending along a substantially horizontal axis (A) and fixed at its rear end to a frame (11), and a tubular element (16) coaxially and freely rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft (14); - A step of attaching a plurality of tubular articles (2) that are close to each other along the spindle (10); and - A process of transferring one tubular article (2) at a time from the spindle (10) to the automatic exchange device (3) using multiple transfer elements (21). In a method including, In the process of transferring the tubular article (2), the automatic exchange device (3) is engaged with the free end of the tubular element (16) of the spindle (10) and placed in a rotating state. This rotation of the tubular element (16) then drives the axial movement of the plurality of transfer elements (21), and as a result, the tubular article (2) is transferred onto the device (3) for automatic exchange. A method characterized by the following features.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of transfer elements (21) are mounted on the tubular element (16) and rotate together with the tubular element (16) while the plurality of transfer elements (21) are driven with axial movement.

12. The axial movement of the multiple transfer elements (21) is achieved by a propulsion means (20) interposed between the fixed cylindrical shaft (14) and the multiple transfer elements (21). The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the propulsion means (20) operates to alternately translate a plurality of transfer elements (21) along the tubular element (16) in the axial direction, thereby causing the tubular article (2) to advance stepwise along the spindle (10).

13. The propulsion means (20) includes a bearing (23) positioned on a plane (B) inclined with respect to the axis (A) of the spindle (10), The method according to claim 12, wherein the bearing (23) comprises a fixed inner ring and an outer ring constrained behind the plurality of transfer elements (21).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein in the transfer step, at least one of the plurality of transfer elements (21) engages radially with the tubular article (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of transfer elements (21) protrude radially from the tubular element (16) in at least a certain section along the upper semicircular portion (TH) of the tubular element (16), while not protruding radially from the tubular element (16) in at least a certain section along the lower semicircular portion (BH) of the tubular element (16), and as a result, the plurality of transfer elements (21) contact the cylindrical hole (22) of the tubular article (2) only along at least a certain section of the upper semicircular portion (TH) of the tubular element (16).

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