Apparatus and method for handling cardboard reels

Abstract

An apparatus for handling cardboard reels to be supplied to a machine for manufacturing cardboard tubes, comprising a reel pick-up station (P) configured to receive a stack (2) of overlapping cardboard reels (1), a reel unwinding station (U), and handling means (D) for moving the reels (1) along a predetermined path, the means (D) for moving the reels comprising pneumatic means intended to pressurize a space (S) within the stack of reels, including the interface between the uppermost and lowermost reels of the stack, and gripping means configured and controlled to grip and release, respectively, the uppermost reel in the stack.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling cardboard reels.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to the handling of cardboard reels into a feeder that produces cardboard tubes, particularly to produce paper rolls having an inner tubular core. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known that the manufacture of logs of paper material from which toilet paper rolls or kitchen paper rolls are obtained involves feeding a paper web formed by one or more overlapping plies along a predetermined path along which various operations are performed before proceeding to form the log, including transverse pre-cutting of the web to form pre-cut lines along which the web is torn and subdivided into separable sheets. The formation of the log usually involves the use of a cardboard tube, commonly called a "core," on whose surface a predetermined amount of adhesive is distributed to enable adhesion of the paper web on the core, which is gradually introduced into a machine for producing the log, commonly known as a "rewinder."

[0004] When a predetermined number of sheets have been wound around the core, the last sheet of the completed log is separated from the first sheet of the following log, for example, by means of a jet of compressed air directed at the corresponding pre-score line. At this point, the log is removed from the rewinder. Patent Document 1 describes a rewinder that operates according to the above-mentioned method. The logs thus produced are then transported to a storage unit that supplies one or more cutters that cut the logs transversely to obtain rolls of the desired length.

[0005] The tubular core is manufactured by a machine commonly known as a "tube former" that is configured to wrap one or more cardboard webs around a mandrel that forms a spiral winding. Examples of tube formers configured in this manner are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,992 and 5,729,992.

[0006] The reels from which the cardboard web is unwound are loaded, using a lifting device controlled by an operator, into a special unwinder that supports the reel itself during the production of the tube. For this purpose, the reels are stacked on pallets and placed in a parking station, from which they must be removed one at a time to be transported to the unwinder of the tube-forming machine. There remains a strong need to automate as many tasks as possible related to the handling of cardboard reels to feed the tube-forming machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] EP1700805 [Patent Document 2] EP3099481 [Patent Document 3] EP3212391B Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to meet the above needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object has been achieved according to the invention by adopting the idea of ​​developing an apparatus and implementing a method having the features set out in the independent claims. Further features of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to automate a large part of the operations related to the handling of cardboard reels used to feed the tube forming machine, with both economic and technical advantages. From an economic point of view, the main advantages come from a more efficient management of the personnel assigned to handling the cardboard reels and a higher efficiency of the production method. From a technical point of view, the main advantages come not only from the automation, but also from the avoidance of dangerous manual intervention by the workers, and from a higher operational precision and a higher safety in the cardboard reel handling phase.

[0011] These and further advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by all skilled in the art from the following description and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered in a limiting sense but are given by way of example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the devices of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the device of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a detail view of FIG. 2A with parts not shown to highlight possible configurations of the reel support platform movement system. [Figure 2D] 10A and 10B are diagrams of possible embodiments of a device for controlling the initial position of a support platform for a reel. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a possible embodiment of a control system for the device of the present invention. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2B is another detail view of FIG. 2A with parts not shown to better highlight others. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2B is another detail view of FIG. 2A with parts not shown to better highlight others. [Figure 2H]FIG. 2B is yet another detailed view of FIG. 2A with parts not shown to better highlight others. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention showing a forklift used to load cardboard reels onto the platform (PP) of the reel parking station. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C are first schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others; [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 4A, in which some parts are not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 5A] 2A-2C are second schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of stages of operation, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others; [Figure 5B] 5B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 5A, in which some parts are not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 6A] 3A-3C are third schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 6A, in which some parts are not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 7A] 4A-4D are schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others. [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 7A, in which some parts are not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 8A] 5A-5C are fifth schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 8A, in which some parts are not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 9A] 6A-6C are sixth schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others. [Figure 9B] 9B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 9A, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 10A] 7A-7C are seventh schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight others. [Figure 10B] 10B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 10A, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 11A] 8A-8C are schematic side views of the device of the present invention in a series of operational stages, with some parts not shown to better highlight others. [Figure 11B] 11B is a schematic plan view of the device of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 11A, with some parts not shown in order to better highlight other parts. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the turntable of the unwinder. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the turntable of the unwinder. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a top view of the turntable illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 12C. [Figure 12E] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. 12C. [Figure 13A] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile support, which supports means for joining reels and further components designed to assist the exchange between a reel in the ejection stage and a new reel intended to replace the reel in the ejection stage, in a possible operating configuration. [Figure 13B] 13B is another perspective view of the movable support shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. [Figure 14A] 13B is a perspective view of the movable support of FIG. 13A in another operating configuration. [Figure 14B]FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the movable support of FIG. 13B in another operational configuration. [Figure 15A] 4 is a diagram illustrating the first step of a series of steps involved in changing the position of the support (403) in the unwinding station of the device according to the invention, which comprises an unwinder. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the second step of the series of steps. [Figure 15C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the third step of the series of steps. [Figure 15D] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fourth step of the series of steps. [Figure 15E] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fifth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 15F] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sixth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 15G] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the seventh step of the above series of steps. [Figure 15H] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the eighth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 15I] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ninth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 15L] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the tenth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16A] 4 is a diagram illustrating the first step of a series of steps involved in exchanging the position of the support (403) in the unwinding station of an apparatus according to the invention, which comprises two unwinders. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the second step of the series of steps. [Figure 16C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the third step of the series of steps. [Figure 16D] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fourth step of the series of steps. [Figure 16E] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fifth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16F]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sixth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16G] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the seventh step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16H] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the eighth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16I] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ninth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16L] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the tenth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16M] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the eleventh step of the above series of steps. [Figure 16N] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the twelfth step of the above series of steps. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a first configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a second configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a third configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a fourth configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a fifth configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a sixth configuration relating to a possible embodiment of the device (D) for removing reels from the station (P). [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a seventh configuration relating to a possible embodiment of the device (D) for removing reels from the station (P). [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of an eighth configuration relating to a possible embodiment of the device (D) for removing reels from the station (P). [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a ninth configuration relating to a possible embodiment of a device (D) for removing reels from a station (P). [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a component of the device of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the components of the device of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a third perspective view of the components of the device of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a fourth perspective view of the components of the device of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 5 is a fifth perspective view of a component of the device of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 6 is a sixth perspective view of the components of the device of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 7 is a seventh perspective view of a component of the device of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 8 is an eighth perspective view of the components of the device of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a third explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 4 is a fourth explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 5 is a fifth explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 6 is a sixth explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 41] FIG. 7 is a seventh explanatory diagram showing a further example of an embodiment of the device of the present invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 36 is a detailed view of FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 39 is a detailed view of FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 40 is another detailed view of FIG. 39. [Figure 45] FIG. 41 is a detailed view of FIG. 40. [Figure 46]1 is a schematic diagram showing a tube forming machine provided by the apparatus of the present invention; [Figure 47] 1 is a schematic diagram showing two tube formers provided by the apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 48] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a tube former served by two unwinders of the apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, the device of the invention comprises the following components: - a loading station (P) on which a platform (PP) is arranged to support a plurality of cardboard web reels (1) superimposed to form a stack (2) and intended to feed at least one tube former (3); - an unwinding station (U) equipped with means for controlling the unwinding of each reel (1); - a handling device (D) comprising an operating arm (200) positioned and acting between said loading station (P) and said unwinding station (U), said operating arm (200) being coupled to a guide mechanism (MG) configured to guide said operating arm (200) along a predetermined path extending between said loading station (P) and said unwinding station (U).

[0014] Figure 46 illustrates a configuration in which a single tube former (3) provided by the apparatus of the present invention is provided, while Figure 47 illustrates a configuration in which two tube formers (3) provided by the apparatus of the present invention are provided. In Figures 46 and 47, the cardboard tubes (T3) produced by each tube former (3) are also schematically shown, with arrows "TF" indicating the exit of the tubes (T3) from each tube former (3). Figure 48 illustrates a configuration in which a tube former (3) is provided that receives cardboard pieces supplied by two unwinders and produces a chut formed by overlapping two pieces of paper rather than a single cardboard piece.

[0015] The reel (1) is formed by a predetermined amount of cardboard web wound around a central tubular core (1C), and the stack (2) is formed by a predetermined number of overlapping reels (1).

[0016] Said tube former (3) is a machine known per se, for example of the type described in the documents cited above.

[0017] The handling device (D) is configured to operate on the single reel (1) of the stack (2) provided at the loading station (P) to supply it to one or more tube forming machines (3) which use the reel (1) to manufacture cardboard tubes.

[0018] The handling device (D) is preferably constructed and assembled to facilitate removal of each reel (1) of the stack (2) from the underlying reel.

[0019] 17-27 of the accompanying drawings, the device comprises two coaxial ducts (4, 5) having an upper and a lower side and connected to respective inlets (40, 50) for the introduction of compressed air arranged on a distributor (6) arranged on the upper side of the ducts (4, 5). Each of the inlets (40, 50) is controlled by a respective solenoid valve (41, 51) which is operated by a programmable control unit (7) as will be further explained below.

[0020] In the exemplary drawings of Figures 17-27, the duct (4) is located inside the duct (5). The distributor (6) is attached to the upper side of the outer duct (5) by means of bolts (65) screwed into the upper side of this duct. The inlets (40, 50) are radially oriented in the distributor (6) relative to the coaxial ducts (4, 5) and spaced apart by a predetermined value (h), thereby forming upper and lower inlets (40, 50) for compressed air. The upper inlet (40) communicates with the inner duct (4) and the lower inlet (50) communicates with the outer duct (5).

[0021] The lower base (60) of the distributor (6) is integral with the upper base (80) of a box-shaped body (8), which is traversed by the tubular ducts (4, 5) and has a lower base in the form of a flange (81). The box-shaped body (8) is integral with an operating part (800) which is movable towards and away from the stack (2) by means of an operating arm (200), as will be further explained below. In the example shown in Figures 3-5, the operating part (800) is formed by a number of vertical rods (801) which connect an upper flange (802) to the lower flange (81) of the body (8) so as to accommodate the body (8) and the distributor (6) therein.

[0022] Two plates (91, 92) are attached to the underside of the rod (45) formed by the coaxial ducts (4, 5), spaced at a distance from each other to form an upper plate (91) and a lower plate (92). The upper plate (91) includes a fixed upper flange (911) keyed to the rod (45), a movable lower flange (912) slidable on the rod itself (45), and an elastic gasket (913) positioned coaxially with the rod (45) between the fixed upper flange (911) and the movable lower flange (912). Similarly, the lower plate (92) comprises the fixed lower flange (921) integral with the lower end of the rod (45), the movable upper flange (922) slidable on the rod (45), and an elastic gasket (913) arranged coaxially with the rod (45) between the fixed lower flange (921) and the movable upper flange (922).

[0023] For example, the fixed lower flange (921) is blocked at the lower end of the rod (45) by a bolt (95). The outlet (42) of the inner duct (4) is located between the movable flanges (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92). The drawing also shows two ducts (420) that pneumatically connect the movable flanges (912, 922) to the outlet (42) of the duct (4). In practice, by introducing compressed air through the inlet (40), the movable flanges (912, 922) move towards their respective fixed flanges (911, 921), compressing the corresponding elastic gaskets (913, 923), which in turn expand radially outward.

[0024] For example, the gaskets (913, 923) are made from silicone rubber or para rubber, which is a rubber having a hardness between 20 Shore A and 40 Shore A.

[0025] Preferably, said fixed lower flange (920) has a lower conical surface (924) that facilitates insertion of the stacked reels (1) into the core (1C). Preferably, said conical surface is an outer peripheral surface that defines an internal concave cavity (925), the function of which is described below.

[0026] In practice, the plates (91, 92) have portions (the portions consisting of the respective gaskets in the above example) that are elastically expandable in the radial direction when compressed air is introduced into the inner duct (4).

[0027] The outlet (52) of the outer duct (5) corresponds to the space (S) existing between the movable flanges (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92). In practice, the outer duct (5) is used to pressurize the space (S) between the plates (91, 92).

[0028] The device (D), shown by way of example in Figures 17-27, also includes a mechanism suitable for engaging the inner surface of the core (1C) of the reel (1). For example, this mechanism may include a plurality of jaw members (100) in the shape of an inverted "L" lever, with a toothed front part (101), a rear part (102) restrained by a bushing (104) that can slide on the outer duct (5), and a middle part that pivots on a pin (103) oriented perpendicular to the surface of a casing (880) deployed under the flange (81). The casing has suitable openings (881) that allow the jaw members (100) to protrude.

[0029] Thus, sliding the bushing 104 along the duct 5 determines the rotation of the lever 100 on the pin 103. This rotation moves the toothed flank 101 away from the bushing 104 when the bushing is pushed upward, and conversely, determines the approach of the toothed flank 101 to the bushing 104 when the bushing is pushed downward. In other words, this rotation determines the radial movement of the jaw member 100 toward or away from the longitudinal axis A9 of the device. The upper part of the bushing 104 has a flange 105 which, in cooperation with the cup-shaped lower appendage 82 of the lower base 81 of the box-like body 8, defines a housing for a resilient member 106 coaxially mounted on the bushing 104. The flange 105 disposed on the upper portion of the bush 104 is integral with a piston 107 disposed between the flange 105 and the upper base 80 of the box-like body 8. In addition, the upper base 80 of the box-like body 8 has an inlet 83 for introducing compressed air therein.

[0030] Thus, by introducing compressed air into the box-shaped body 8 through the inlet 83, the piston 107 is lowered, overcoming the resistance of the elastic member 106 and lowering the bushing 104, i.e., bringing the toothed flank of the lever 100 closer to the bushing 104. On the other hand, when the introduction of compressed air through the inlet 83 of the box-shaped body 8 is interrupted, the bushing 104 is pushed upward by the elastic member 106, thereby determining the removal of the toothed flank of the lever 100 from the bushing 104. The inlet 83 is also controlled by a solenoid valve 830 operated by the control unit 7. The figure also shows two ducts 420 pneumatically connecting the movable flanges 912, 922 to the outlet 42 of the duct 4. In the following, the entire device (D) below the flange (81) will also be referred to as the "engagement part" (ED) of the device (D).

[0031] The device (D) described above can be attached to a handling arm (200), as indicated by the double arrow "M" in Figure 4A, which can move in and out of the stack (2) located at the reel loading station (P) (1). The symbol "AC" indicates the axis of the reel (1). The arm (200) comprises a carriage (201) which slides on a post (202). The carriage (201) is connected by a screw-nut threaded connection (W) to an electric motor (203) located on the post (202). The electric motor (203) controls the movement of the arm (200) relative to the stack (2).

[0032] The length of the arm (200) is selected so that the device (D) moves in and out of the stack (2) along the aforementioned axis (AC). The post (202) is attached to a rotating base (206) whose rotation is controlled by a corresponding electric motor (207). The axis of rotation of the rotating base (206) is indicated by the symbol "A6". The arm (200) can therefore move along the direction indicated by the double arrow "M" parallel to the post (202) and rotate around the axis (A6) of the rotating base (206). Therefore, by coordinating these movements, the arm (200) can move along a predetermined trajectory, in particular the transport trajectory of the reel from the loading point (P) to the unwinding station (U).

[0033] Preferably, the arm (200) carries a vertical guide (G2) on the side opposite to that attached to the carriage (201), on which slides a second carriage (204) operated by a corresponding pneumatic actuator (205), which is coupled to the guide (G2). In this embodiment, the device (D) for moving the core is supported by the second carriage (204), the first carriage (201) moves the arm (200) towards the stack (2) over a predetermined distance, and then the second carriage (204), operated by the actuator (205), intervenes in the device (D) and moves it until it comes into contact with the highest reel of the stack (2). The contact of the device (D) with the highest reel of the stack (2) is detected by a proximity sensor (SD) attached to the bottom of the device (D).

[0034] Preferably, a tank (T1) is attached to the arm (200), in which compressed air is stored to supply the pneumatic actuator (205) and which is always readily available to be used to pressurize the aforementioned space (S). Furthermore, preferably, the device (D) for moving the reel is connected to the second carriage (204) by means of a bracket (S8) connected to the flange (802) of the device (D) by means of a spherical joint (J1). In this way, the device (D) is connected to the second carriage (204) and the first carriage (201), and can therefore move vertically in the direction indicated by the double arrow "M", but is free to swing about the joint (J1). The vibrations can occur if the reel of the lower stack is not accurately centered relative to the device (D), so that when lowering the latter towards the stack (2), the lower part of the device (D) does not immediately enter the core (1C) of the upper reel of the stack, and can be detected by an appropriate vibration detection mechanism.

[0035] For example, the vibration detection mechanism (D) may consist of a pin (PD) protruding centrally from the upper flange (802) of the device (D) and two photocells (FX, FY) supported by a bracket (BD) fixed to a second carriage at a predetermined distance from the flange (802), with their optical axes oriented perpendicular to each other. The pin (PD) is connected to the flange (802) by two stems (GP) fixed to the upper side of the flange (802). The optical axes of the photocells (FX, FY) intercept the pin (PD). In practice, when the device (D) is perfectly vertical, the photocells (FX, FY) each detect a predetermined reference distance from the pin (PD), while when the device (D) is tilted, the photocells detect a variation relative to the reference distance. The variation is assumed to indicate the tilt of the device (D) relative to the vertical. The detection of the photocells (FX, FY), i.e. the mechanism for detecting the inclination of the device (D) relative to the vertical, can be used to control the position of the platform (PP), as will be further explained below.

[0036] The core surface engagement mechanism (1C) can be omitted.

[0037] Figure 27 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the device (D) comprises a suction cup (300) for engaging with the top surface (10) of the upper reel of the stack (2) instead of engaging with its core (1C) as in the previous example. The suction cup (300) is formed by a disk-shaped extension of the body (8) which is provided with a sealing gasket (301) formed on the underside of the extension. An aspirator (302) is attached to the upper side of the suction cup (300) to create a vacuum in the space formed between the reel (1) and the suction cup (300).

[0038] The above described device, when it also includes the core engagement mechanism (1C), can be used as follows.

[0039] The arm (200) positions the box-shaped body (8) with the lower base (81) against the upper base of the reel (1) that is higher than the stack (2). In this state, the upper plate (91) is inside the core (1C) of the reel (1) that the base (81) is in contact with, while the plate (92) is inside the core (1C) of the lower reel. In fact, the distance (k) between the plates (91, 92) is set so that when the base (81) is placed on top of the reel (1) that is higher than the stack (2), one plate (91, 92) is inside this reel and the other inside the reel below. At this stage, compressed air is introduced through the inlet (83), which causes the lever (100) to move closer to the bushing (104). At this point, compressed air is blown out through the inner duct (4).

[0040] This determines the movement of the movable lower flange (912) of the plate (91) toward the respective fixed flange (911), and simultaneously determines the movement of the movable upper flange (922) of the plate (92) toward the respective fixed flange (921). As a result, the gaskets (913, 923) are compressed and expand against the inner surface of the core (1C) of the reel at the highest position in the stack (2) and the inner surface of the reel located below it. In this way, a space (S) substantially impermeable to air is formed between the plates (91, 92). Compressed air introduced through the outer duct (5) flows into the space (S) and leaks out at the interface between the lower base of the reel into which the plate (91) is inserted and the upper base of the reel into which the plate (92) is inserted. Thus, pressure is generated in the space (S) between the plates (91) and (92), which determines the detachment of the upper reel from the lower reel, followed by blocking the injection of compressed air into the inner duct (4), into the outer duct (5) and through the inlet (83).

[0041] By shutting off the compressed air in the duct (4), the movable flanges of the plates (91, 92) return to their initial positions, and the gaskets (913, 923) also return to their initial state of not contacting the core (1C). At this stage, the supply of compressed air to the duct (5) is no longer necessary, since the reel has already been removed for the previously operated pressurization of the space (S). Shutting off the compressed air supply through the inlet (83) arranged on the box-like body (8) causes the bush (104), pushed upward by the elastic member (106), to lift, thus causing the lever (100) to rotate on the pin (103), whereby the toothed side (101) of the lever (100) moves away from the bush (104) and engages with the inner surface of the core (1C) of the upper reel of the stack (2).

[0042] In this state, the top reel (1) of the stack (2) is engaged by the arm (800) via an engagement mechanism, which in the above example is a mechanism comprising the lever (100). The arm (200) can then be led to the unwinder (30) with the reel (1) hooked. Release of the reel is determined by a new introduction of compressed air through the inlet (83), which moves the lever (100) closer to the bushing (104) and thus disengages its toothed flank from the inner surface of the relative core (1C).

[0043] With reference to the example of an embodiment shown in Figure 27, in which no mechanism for engaging the cores (1C) is provided, the suction cups (300) are arranged and the above-mentioned step of pressurizing the space (S) and the removal of the top reel of the stack from the reel located below are carried out as described above. In this case, the picking up of the upper reel, i.e. its removal from the stack (2), is carried out by the influence of the suction cups (300) which connect the reel itself to the device (D) and therefore to the arm (200), acting on the upper side of the reel instead of acting on the respective cores (1C) as in the previous example.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the raising of the arm (200) is indicated by the arrow "U2" and the lowering of the arm is indicated by the arrow "D2".

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform (PP) is a horizontal platform adapted to move parallel to itself, along two mutually orthogonal directions (x, y) in the plane of the platform, and is connected to respective handling means (PMX, PMY) enabling it to move along said directions (x, y) in order to center the reel (1) relative to the manipulator arm (200). The means (PMX, PMY) for moving the platform (PP) consist, for example, of two gear motors.

[0046] These gear motors can be connected to the underside of the platform (PP) by corresponding lever mechanisms (LX, LY) fixed to the underside of the platform (PP) through respective connecting flanges (CX, CY). The platform (PP) is preferably mounted on four columns (CP) that keep it at a distance from the base (BS) of the system. Between each column (CP) and the platform (PP) there is a sphere (SF) that favors the movement of the platform on the column (CP) along the above-mentioned directions (x, y).

[0047] Preferably, two beams (BP) are arranged on the upper surface of the platform (PP) on which the stack (2) rests, so that there is a predetermined height gap between the stack itself and the upper surface of the platform (PP), and preferably the beams (BP) are arranged parallel to each other.

[0048] If the stack (2) placed on the platform (PP) is not centered relative to the reel handling device (D), for example after detection of a tilt of the device (D) exceeding a predetermined limit value, the platform (PP) can be moved along the direction (x) and / or along the direction (y) until the stack (2) is accurately centered relative to the device (D). For this purpose, the gear motors (PMX, PMY) are preferably controlled by a programmable control unit (CU) which receives signals from the aforementioned photocells (FX, FY) and operates the gear motors in accordance with the signals emitted by the photocells, thereby controlling the movement of the platform (PP) in the plane defined by the directions (x, y) as described above, i.e. by adjusting the position of the platform (PP) so as to end up with accurate centering of the stack (2) relative to the device (D).

[0049] Preferably, the second carriage (204) is fitted with a movable arm (240) controlled by a corresponding pneumatic actuator (241) constrained to the carriage (204). The arm (240) is connected to one side of the second carriage (204) by a vertical hinge (242) and has, on the opposite side, a fork (243) formed by two horizontal plates spaced apart by a corresponding distance at the height of each reel (1). The actuator (241) controls the rotation of the arm (240) around the axis of the hinge (242). When a reel (1) is engaged by the transfer device (D) and removed from the underlying reel as described above, the arm (240) is rotated, starting from a spaced position, towards the reel engaged by the transfer control device (D) so that one of the two plates of the fork (243) is below the reel and the other is above it.

[0050] In this way, the risk of the reel (1) being moved by the handling device (D) falling is reduced. In other words, the arm (240) constitutes a safety device that holds the reel (1) while it is being moved. After positioning the reel (1) at the unwinding station (U), the arm (240) is returned to its initial position away from the device (D) by removing the reel (1). Preferably, a resilient attachment (244) is attached to the front of each plate of the fork body (243), which forms an incentive for the reel (1) to enter between the plates when the arm (240) approaches the device (D).

[0051] Preferably, the aforementioned gear motors (PMX, PMY) are also controllable by the programmable control unit (CU) and by means for controlling the initial position of the platform (PP) to ensure that the axes (AC) of the reels (1) forming the stack (2) are aligned with the central axis (A9) of the handling device (D) positioned for picking up reels.

[0052] For example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the means for controlling the initial position of the platform (PP) are optical control means arranged at fixed positions on two sides of the platform. For example, these optical control means are formed by a first photocell pair (CFX) arranged on a first horizontal bar (HFX) at a predetermined height from the base (BS) of the system, and a second photocell pair (CFY) arranged on a second horizontal bar (HFY) at the same height as the first photocell pair relative to the base (BS) of the system. The first horizontal bar (HFX) is oriented parallel to the aforementioned direction (x), while the second horizontal bar (HFY) is oriented parallel to the aforementioned direction (y), so that the first photocell pair (CFX) has a respective axial optical system oriented perpendicular to the optical axis of the second photocell pair (CFY).

[0053] The bars (HFX, HFY) are mounted on respective fixed support columns (SX, SY) at predetermined distances from the platform (PP). Preferably, the distance between the first pair of photocells (CFX) is equal to the distance between the second pair of photocells (CFY). As shown in FIG. 2D, under the condition of alignment of the axis (AC) and the axis (A9), the distance (a, b) of the photocell (CFX) from the stack (2) is equal to the distance (c, d) of the photocell (CFY) from the stack, i.e., a = b and c = d. On the other hand, if the axis (AC) is not aligned with the axis (A9), and the spatial position of the axis (A9) is known, the gear motors (PMX, PMY) are operated until the aforementioned equivalent conditions of the distances (a, b) and (c, d) are met.

[0054] It will be understood that the means for controlling the initial position of the platform (PP) may be configured and positioned in a manner other than that exemplified above, in cooperation with the control unit (CU) to control the initial position of the platform (PP) by moving the platform (PP) so as to align the axis (AC) with the axis (A9).

[0055] In a previous step, the stack (2) of reels (1) is placed on the platform (PP) by a forklift (MU) operated by an operator. The reels (1) are usually stacked on pallets (P2) that can be loaded onto the forks (FM) of the forklift.

[0056] When placing the pallet on the platform (PP), the operator may be assisted by photocells (CFX, CFY). Indeed, the measurements made by these photocells may be used to send signals to a display (MC) designed to show an appropriate graphic display (GM) in response to the measurements of the photocells (CFX, CFY) that guides the operator when placing the pallet on the platform (PP).

[0057] In practice, while the operator places the pallet on the platform (PP), the photocells (CFX, CFY) detect the position of the stack of reels present on the pallet relative to the platform and send a detection signal to the control unit (CU), which then drives the monitor (MC). A graphic display appears on the monitor (e.g., a red or green circle aligned according to two mutually orthogonal directions), which suggests to the operator to operate the forklift to center the pallet on the platform (PP), although this may not be very accurate.

[0058] In Figures 33 and 34, the display (MC) is shown mounted at a height relative to the base of the system so as to be viewable by the operator operating the forklift. The figures show the graphic display (GM) displayed on the display (MC). Once the stack (2) is placed on the beam (BP) of the platform (PP), the operator lowers the forks of the forklift and moves away.

[0059] Alternatively, the positioning of the stack of reels (2) on the platform (PP) can be effected by a self-propelled trolley with automatic guidance of a type known per se.

[0060] At least one unwinder (UU) is arranged in the unwinding station (U). According to the example shown in the accompanying drawings, two unwinders (UU) are arranged side by side in the unwinding station (U), i.e. at a predetermined distance from each other. For the sake of simplicity, only one unwinder (UU) is shown in Figures 3 and 4B-11B.

[0061] Each unwinder (UU) comprises a carousel structure (G) having a horizontal beam (400) connected to a gear motor (401) that controls its rotation about its central vertical axis (AU). The gear motor (401) is disposed on a corresponding base (402) so as to maintain the beam (400) at a predetermined height relative to the base (BS) of the system. Two supports (403) are disposed on the beam (400) at diametrically opposite positions relative to the axis (AU).

[0062] For example, the supports (403) each consist of a horizontal plate with a central through-hole. Under each support (403) is arranged a pin with a vertical axis (404) actuated by a respective pneumatic actuator with a vertical axis (405) and centrally positioned relative to the corresponding support (403), the pin being able to pass freely through the central hole of the support and being able to assume an extended position (protruding above the support 403) and a retracted position (located below the support 403). In Figures 12A-12E, both pins (404) are shown extended.

[0063] Preferably, the pins (404) have a convex upper surface that facilitates contact with the concave surface (925) of the removal and handling device (D) when positioning the reel (1) on the support (403), as described further below. The actuators (405) of each pin (404) are restrained on the underside of the beam (400) by a horizontal plate (406) connected to the underside of the beam (400) via several vertical rods (407) that hold the plate (406) at a predetermined distance from the beam (400). The ends of the rods (407) are threaded into the plate (406) on one side and into the beam (400) on the other side. The actuators (405) are restrained on the underside of the plate (406).

[0064] Above the plate (406) is a disc (408) with an insert (409) of friction material. The disc (406) has a hole through which the rod (407) passes. A coaxial brake disc (D40) is attached to the hub (M40) of the support (403). Two pneumatic actuators with vertical axes (410) are attached to the upper surface of the plate (406), the stems of which act on the underside of the disc (408), so that the disc can move along the direction of the rod (407) from and towards the respective support (403) and then towards and away from the brake disc (D40), so that the insert (409) can come into contact with the brake disc (D40) during braking. In this way, a brake is provided that acts on each support (403) as a function of the unwinding phase of the reel attached to each support (403), as will be explained further below.

[0065] In practice, each plate (406) is integral with the underside of the beam (400) and is connected to it by the rod (407) which also serves as a guide for the movement of a disk (408) controlled by the actuator (410) attached to the upper surface of the plate (406). The supports (403) rotate freely around their respective central axes (A4). Figure 12E shows bearings (411) coaxial with the pins (404), which allow the supports (403) to rotate freely around said pins, whose longitudinal axes coincide with the central axes (A4) of the supports. Attached to the appendages (412) of the base (402) are wheels with vertical axes (413) operated by respective electric actuators (414) which serve to rewind the cardboard strips after cutting, as will be explained further below.

[0066] 12D shows a flange (415) fixed to the body of the gear motor (401) that supports the beam (400) via a bearing (416). The rotation of the beam (400) about the axis (AU) allows the support (403) to be alternatively placed in an unwinding position, i.e., a position where the web supplied by the reel (1) placed on the support is unwound, and in a waiting position, i.e., a position where the support can receive a new reel without interrupting the unwinding of the web from the reel present on the support placed in the unwinding position, as will be further explained below.

[0067] In other words, the rotation of the beam (400) around the axis (AU) allows the exchange of positions of the support (403). In Figures 4A and 4B, the symbol "W" indicates a first position of the turntable (G) for waiting and initial unwinding of the support (403), i.e. the position closest to the station (P), while the symbol "Y" indicates a second position of the turntable for unwinding and ejection of the other support.

[0068] The arrangement of several supports (403) on the turntable (G) makes it possible to ensure the continuity of the supply method of the tube former with the paper pieces unwound by the reels (1), even during a reel change phase in the discharge of unused reels, as will be further described below. When the reel (1) actually present on the support (403) in the first position (Y) is lost (a state detected via a detection mechanism 523, which will be described later), the turntable (G) is rotated about the axis (AU), thereby moving this support away from the first position (Y), while another support (403) is placed in its place.

[0069] In other words, by providing several supports (403) on the turntable (G), the possibility of carrying out an exchange of positions between the supports themselves is ensured, which determines a corresponding exchange of positions of the reels (1) from which the tube forming machine is intended to supply cardboard pieces for producing cardboard tubes.

[0070] At the side of each turntable (G) there is a mechanism (DS) configured to guide the cardboard strips unwound from the reel (1) present on the support (403) and temporarily correct their path during the exchange of the support's position, and also to perform further functions that will be explained further below. As illustrated in Figures 13A-14B, the mechanism (DS) comprises an arm (500) mounted on a post (501) by a longitudinal hinge (V5) and constrained to a pneumatic actuator (502) that controls its rotation about the axis (V5). The actuator (502) is fixed to the post (501). The post is positioned at a predetermined distance from the respective turntable (G) in a rear position relative to the corresponding turntable (G).

[0071] 1A and 2A, the support post (501) is positioned on a corresponding lateral appendage (LA) of the base (BS). The arm (500) has a rear side (R5) and a front side (F5) that are bound to the support post (501) as described above, and preferably consists of two horizontal plates (503, 504) spaced apart by a predetermined distance to form an intermediate space (HS).

[0072] In the intermediate space (HS), starting from the rear side of the arm (500), there are: an idle pressure roller having a vertical axis (505) attached to a lever (506) controlled by a pneumatic actuator (507) located in the space (HS) so that the roller (505) can be pulled out of the space (HS) and re-enter it by controlling the rotation of the lever (506) by the actuator (507); and a lower plate of the arm (500) which rotates freely around its own axis. a drive roller (508) having a vertical axis (A8) connectable (e.g., by an electromagnetic clutch, not shown) to a corresponding gear motor (509) constrained to the underside of the arm (504); and a vertical blade (510) controlled by a pneumatic actuator (511) attached to the upper side of the upper plate (503) of the arm (500), said blade being extendable from the front side (F5) of the arm and retractable by said actuator (511), respectively.

[0073] The front side (F5) of the arm (500) is also provided with an idler roller having a vertical axis (512) cooperating with the blade (510) and a convex paper guide surface (513) located on the opposite side of the roller (512) from the blade (510). A vertical axis pneumatic actuator (514) is restrained to the underside of the lower plate (504) of the arm (500) by a corresponding bracket (515) having a vertical portion integral with the underside of the plate (504) and a horizontal portion to which the actuator (514) is fixed.

[0074] The stem of the actuator passes through a hole formed in the horizontal part of the bracket (515), and a horizontal plate (516) is fixed on the stem, so that it can be placed in a raised position (at the same height as the lower plate 504 of the arm 500) and a lowered position (at a lower height than the plate 504).

[0075] In other words, the actuator (514) controls the lowering and raising of the plate (515), which is constrained to a vertical guide (520) integral with the lower surface of the lower plate (504) of the arm (500). On the upper surface of the plate (515) is mounted an idler roller having a vertical axis (517) and an arm (518) on which a photocell (519) is mounted, the function of which will be described below. The arm (518) is constrained by a pin with a vertical axis on the upper surface of the plate (515) and is rotatable about this axis and can engage a respective actuator (522) supported by the plate (515).

[0076] In this way, the group formed by the idle roller (517) and the arm (518) is also engaged by the actuator (514). In Figures 13A-13B, the plate (516) is in a raised position, while in Figures 13C-13D, it is in a lowered position. Preferably, two horizontal wheels (521) are mounted near the free end of the arm (518).

[0077] A photocell (523) is mounted on the side of said position (Y) and is configured to optically detect the diameter of a reel attached to the support (403) occupying said position.

[0078] The photocell (523) is mounted on a corresponding support (524), which supports the photocell at a height suitable for the detection by a bracket (525). A plate (526) is mounted on the bracket (525) at a predetermined distance from the photocell (523). The support (524) is located downstream of the position (Y) in the direction of rotation (RG) of the turntable (G).

[0079] The reference "CV" in the drawings denotes a hollow column through which pass electrical cables and compressed air ducts connected to the various actuators mentioned above.

[0080] The procedure that can be carried out by the device of the invention is described below using a reel (1) to whose side, in a manner known per se, a double-sided adhesive tape (BA) is applied. Preferably, said double-sided tape (BA) is applied near the initial edge of the reel itself, thereby also serving to keep this edge adhered to the material underneath the reel until the moment when the reel must be used to feed a tube-forming machine, or until the time of the joining step described below.

[0081] <Stack (2) Centering> Once the stack (2) is positioned on the platform (PP), the photocells (CFX, CFY) detect the actual position of the stack itself by detecting the aforementioned distances (a, b, c, d) and, via the control unit (CU), command the actuators (PMX, PMY) to move the platform (PP) so that (a=b) and (c=d). Subsequently, once the highest reel (1) of the stack (2) is picked up, the device (D) is lowered to determine the penetration of its cone (924) into the core (1C) of that reel.

[0082] If the axis (AC) of the reel (1) is not aligned with the axis (A9) of the device (D), this condition is detected by a tilt detection mechanism (D) oscillating on joint (J1), and according to the readings of the photocells (FX, FY), the platform (PP) is moved along the directions (x, y) by the actuators (PMX, PMY) until the axes (AC) and (A9) are aligned, i.e. until an alignment is achieved between these axes that allows the insertion of the engagement part (PD) of the device (D) into the core of the underlying reel.

[0083] <Initial retraction of the paper piece> During the initial stage of operation setup of the device, the paper strips supplied by the reel (1) present on the support (403) in the "W" position are manually inserted between the roller (517), the surface (513) and the roller (508) and pass over a series of guide rollers (RR) arranged along a predetermined path extending between each unwinder and the tube supplied by the unwinder itself. The guide rollers (RR) are connected to a fixed structure (RS) specially arranged on the side of the unwinding station. The initial retraction stage is performed with the plate (516) placed in a lowered position by the actuator (514) and the arm (500) positioned at a distance from the respective turntable (G). It goes without saying that this retraction operation is performed during the initial setup stage of the device.

[0084] <Intervention of Removal and Handling Equipment (D)> When the lower part of the removal and handling device (D) is inserted through the cores (1C) of the top and bottom reels of the stack, a reel separation mechanism is activated by introducing compressed air, which favors the separation of the reels by pressurizing the space (S) existing between the plates (91, 92) of the device (D). The removal of the upper reel of the stack (2) is determined by the intervention of jaw members (100) which engage the inner surface of the respective cores (1C), or alternatively by the suction cups (300) which pneumatically engage the upper surface of the reel from extraction.

[0085] Subsequently, the device (D) is raised to a predetermined height by moving the arm (200), while the arm (240) is rotated by the actuator (241) and the surfaces (243, 244) are brought into contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the reel engaged by the device (D).

[0086] The post (202) is then rotated about the axis (A6) to place the arm (200) in the unwinding station (U) above the unwinder, which must receive the reel (1) removed from the stack (2). The subsequent lowering of the arm (200) determines the positioning of the reel (1) on the empty support (403) after the support is located in the aforementioned receiving position (W) and the respective pin (404) is raised. After positioning the reel (1) on the support (403), the jaw member (100) or the suction cup (300) releases the reel, and the arm (240) is rotated in the opposite direction by the actuator (241), ensuring that the reel (1) is delivered to its intended support (403). The device (D) is then returned to the station (P) in a reverse movement to that described above.

[0087] 4A to 11B show diagrammatically the steps of picking up the reel and placing it on the support (403) of the unwinding station (U).

[0088] As mentioned above, preferably the lifting stroke of the arm (200) relative to the device (D) is divided into two stages each performed by a sequential movement of the carriages (201) and (204).

[0089] The removal of the reels (1) from the stack (2) involves the vertical movement of each reel parallel to itself in a horizontal position, i.e. along a direction coinciding with the axis of the reel being extracted.

[0090] Similarly, the stacking of the reel on the support (403) refers to the vertical stroke of the arm (200).

[0091] The reel pick-up and handling cycle carried out by said device (D) can be activated when the diameter of the reel (1) present on the support (403) of the turntable (G) at said respective position "Y" reaches a first value of a preset control (1) present on the support (403) of the turntable (G) at said respective position "W".

[0092] <Strips of spliced ​​paper supplied by reels on two supports of a rotating table> For clarity in the following description, the reel present on the support (403) initially occupying the "Y" position will be identified with the symbol "1Y", while the reel present on the support initially occupying the "W" position will be identified with the symbol "1W".

[0093] Once the reels (1) taken from the stack (2) have been delivered to the respective supports (403) placed in the "W" position, the arms (500) are brought closer to the turntable (G) by rotating themselves about their axis (V5). At this stage, the operating speed of the corresponding tube former is preferably reduced so that the step of joining the pieces is carried out at a reduced speed without interrupting the feed of the tube former.

[0094] At the same time, the roller connecting clutch (508) is activated and the gear motor (509) is operated, thereby rotating the rollers (508) about their respective axes (A8). The rollers (508) come into contact with the reel (1W) loaded on the support (403) positioned at the "W" position and rotate about their own axes (A8), determining the rotation of the reel about the pin (404). Furthermore, the control unit (CU) activates the actuator (522) which rotates the arm (518) so as to bring the photocell (519) closer to the reel.

[0095] The photocell (519) is used to detect the passage of the double-sided adhesive (BA) located on the outside of the reel supplied to the support (403) in the "W" position, while the reel itself is rotated by the roller (508) around the respective pin (404). The aforementioned rotation of the arm (500) determines the approach of the paper piece (SY) from the reel (1Y) to the reel (1W), so it is sufficient to withdraw the pressure roller (505) by activating the respective actuator (507) in order to effect the joining of the paper piece (SY) to the latter reel (1W) (a join necessary to ensure the continuity of the tube supply).

[0096] This causes the paper strip (SY) from the reel (1Y) in the discharge stage to stick to the side of the reel (1W). The blade (510) is then withdrawn to cut the paper strip (SY) from the reel (1Y), and the double-sided adhesive (BA) remains attached to the tail of the cut paper strip (SY). After the paper strip (SY) is cut, the surface (516) is lowered. At this point, the roller (508) is disconnected from the gear motor (509), which is then deactivated, so that the roller (508) once again rotates freely about its own axis (A8). Thus, normal speed operation of the tube former, fed with the paper strip (SW) from the reel (1W), is restored, while the arm (500) is returned to its starting position.

[0097] <Rotation of the turntable (G)> When the diameter of the reel (1W) reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 600 mm), the control unit (CU) activates the actuator (502), which determines the rotation of the turntable (G) around the axis (AU). The control unit (CU) commands the rotation of the turntable (G) by receiving a control signal emitted by a photocell (527) located on the arm (500), which detects the diameter of the reel (1W). During the rotation of the turntable (G), the reel (1W) continues to feed the paper strips (SW) coming from it to a tube former that uses them. The rotation of the turntable (G) is accompanied by the passage of the turntable near the motorized wheel (413), and at this stage, when the turntable (G) is in this position, the contact between the wheel (413) coming from the "Y" position and the support (403) determines the rotation of the support itself, in particular due to the contact between the wheel (413) and the disk (D40) of the support itself.

[0098] This rotation of the support (403) winds the tail (TY) of the cut paper strip from the reel (1Y) onto itself. The pin (404) of the support (403) that has now occupied the "Y" position is then lowered, so that the reel (1Y) is no longer constrained by the turntable (G). As the turntable (G) continues to rotate, the reel (1Y), no longer connected to the turntable (G), is intercepted by the plate (526) and falls into the underlying container (RC), from where it can be collected for recycling. Then, while the turntable (G) continues to rotate, the arm (500) is temporarily transported toward the turntable (G), so that the paper strip unwound from the reel (1Y) comes into contact with the surface (513), and the surface (516) rises together with the roller (517).

[0099] The arm (500) is then returned to its initial position, thus spaced from the turntable. The path of the web resulting from the reel oriented in the "Y" position is therefore such that it does not interfere with the positioning of another reel on the other support of the turntable. The rotation of the turntable continues until the support previously occupying the "Y" position reaches the "W" position, ready to receive another reel.

[0100] Finally, at the end of the rotation of the turntable (G), in the example shown in the accompanying drawings, a rotation of 180°, the positions (Y,W) of the supports (403) are swapped, so that in the "W" position there is an empty support, i.e., ready to receive a new reel taken from the stack (2), while in the "Y" position there is another support with a reel that continues to feed the tube former. The described operating procedure is represented in Figures 15A to 15L.

[0101] <Rotation of the two turntables (G) located at the unwinding station> If two turntables (G) are arranged in the unwinding station, both supplied by the device (D), the arrangement is preferably made as shown in Figures 16A to 16N, with a right turntable and a left turntable for the device for picking up the reels from the stack arranged on the platform (PP). In this case, the two turntables are controlled independently. The left turntable is controlled as described above with reference to the example shown in Figures 15A to 15N.

[0102] The right turntable operates in a similar manner, but with the addition of vertical-axis rollers (421) that widen the path of the web unwound from the reel on the other support during the transfer of the empty support (403) toward the "W" position (Fig. 16M). The rollers (421) have vertical axes mounted with free movement on pins mounted on the arms (422) constrained by the electric actuators (423), which determine their positioning in the operative position (Fig. 16M) and the inoperative position (Figs. 16A-16L), respectively. In Figs. 16A-16N, arrows "1T" and "2T" indicate the direction of the webs emerging from the reels supported by the two turntables and intended to feed the corresponding tube formers.

[0103] 35 to 43 of the accompanying drawings, the support for the reels at the unwinding station is formed on a vertical turntable, i.e., a turntable with a horizontal axis of rotation. In this case, the orientation of the arm (500) is also changed, which is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis. Furthermore, in this case, the device (D) for picking up and moving the reel (1) is configured to forcibly rotate the reel itself by 90°, so as to change the orientation of the reel from horizontal to vertical after it has been pulled out of the stack (2), and to guide its descent towards the respective vertical turntable.

[0104] More specifically, the arm (200) is rotatably mounted to the carriage (201) by a horizontal axis that is coupled to a rotary actuator (220). In the example shown in Figures 35-43, the device (D) includes the suction cup (300) for engaging the reel (1). When removed from the stack (2), the reel (1) is in a horizontal position, as in the example described above. After removal from the stack (2), each reel is rotated by 90° by the rotation of the arm (200) controlled by the actuator (220), thereby changing the orientation of the reel from horizontal to vertical. The above-mentioned change of orientation of the reel (1) can be performed both when the reel (1) engaged by the device (D) is above the stack (2), i.e., still at the station (P), and when the reel (1) engaged by the device (D) is located at the unwinding station (U) following the above-mentioned rotation of the platform (206) controlled by the actuator (207).

[0105] When the reel (1) is above the turntable (G) that will receive it, the device (D) is lowered towards the turntable itself to place the reel at a height useful for placement on the turntable, and the turntable is placed in a suitable position to receive the reel. The beam (400) of the turntable (G) is mounted on a corresponding support (600), which allows the turntable (G) to rotate around its central axis, which is horizontal. The rotation of the beam (400) is controlled by the gear motor (MR4).

[0106] Thus, similar to the above example, the support for the reel is positionable in a position (W) for initial loading and unwinding of the reel, and in a position (Y) for unwinding and ejecting of the reel, but in this case the support for the reel is comprised of a plurality of pins (404), each of which can be placed in an extended position and a retracted position by an actuator (not visible in the drawings) located on the rear face of the beam (400).

[0107] Also provided is a mobile support (500) on which the means for joining the reels are mounted, the mobile support (500) being configured and controlled to move towards and away from the reel loading position (W), and being actuated when the mobile support approaches the position (W) for loading the reel. The mobile support (500) is rotated about a horizontal axis (A5) by a pneumatic actuator (A50) which in this case is constrained on one side to a support (A51) which also supports the arm (500) and on the other side to the rear of the arm.

[0108] The arm (500) also includes a pressure roller (505) disposed at an intermediate position between the rotation axis (A5) and the free end of the arm. For example, the pressure roller (505) is idly mounted on a lever (L5) controlled by a pneumatic actuator (A52) and pivoted on the arm (500) via a horizontal shaft so that the pressure roller (505) can be positioned in an extended or retracted position relative to the inner side of the arm (500) depending on whether the actuator (A52) is activated or deactivated. The rotation axis of the pressure roller (505) is parallel to the rotation axis (A5) of the arm (500). The drive rollers (508), controlled by their respective gear motors (509), are attached to the free end of the arm (500).

[0109] The gear motor (509) is actuated to control the rotation of the drive roller (508) during the reel change stage, as will be further explained below. The rotation axis of the drive roller (508) is parallel to the rotation axis (A5) of the arm (500). The blade (510) is also attached to the free end of the arm (500). The latter is placed on a lever (L10) pivoted about a horizontal axis on the arm (500) and is controlled by a corresponding pneumatic actuator (A10) on the opposite side of the blade (510) with respect to the rotation axis of the lever (L10). The rotation axis of the lever (L10) is parallel to the rotation axis (A5) of the arm (500).

[0110] Figures 35 to 41 show a series of operational steps that can be performed by a system configured in this way: In Figure 35, reel (1) in the unwinding position supplies cardboard pieces (CS1) to the respective tube former while being supported by the beam (400) via the corresponding pin (404), the arm (500) is moved away from the turntable (G), and the device for picking up and moving the reel has already picked up the reel (1) from the stack (2) and placed it in the station (U) rotated by 90°.

[0111] In Figure 36, the device for picking and moving the reel positions the reel (1) relative to another pin (404) on the turntable (G), which is then removed for final delivery of the reel to the turntable.

[0112] In Figure 37, the device for picking up and moving the reels is returned above the stack (2) and the beam (400) is placed in a vertical position, while the reel from which the web is unwound (CS1) continues to feed itself.

[0113] In Figure 38, the reel from which the web is unwound (1T) is almost empty. In Figure 39, the beam (400) is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle and the arm (500) is raised, i.e., closer to the turntable (G). In this position, the drive roller (508) contacts the new reel. The rotation of the drive roller therefore determines the rotation of the new reel on the respective pin (404). At this stage, the almost empty reel continues to supply paper strips (CS1).

[0114] The drive roller (508) also acts as a press to determine the joint of the cardboard pieces of the two reels by double-sided adhesive, as explained in the previous example. The passage of the double-sided adhesive applied to the outside of the new reel is detected by a photocell (FB) placed on a relatively movable support (not visible in the drawings), which allows the photocell to be placed in a position that does not interfere with the handling of the described elements when it is not in use.

[0115] In Figure 40, the blade (410) is positioned to cut the cardboard strip supplied by the reel during the discharge stage. In Figure 41, the new reel supplies the cardboard strip (CS2) to the respective tube former while the empty reel is on the respective pin (404).

[0116] These steps are repeated cyclically. Also, according to this further embodiment, the unwinder (UU) comprises several supports (in this example the pins 404) mounted on a structure (G) that is controlled and moved to periodically position the supports corresponding to several positions, including a predetermined position (W) for loading a reel and a different predetermined position (Y) for emptying the reel.

[0117] Also in this embodiment example, the empty position (Y) of the reel is an intermediate unwinding position, i.e. the position at which the reel is unwound until empty. In this example, unlike the previous example, the reel loading position is also not the initial unwinding position.

[0118] In fact, according to the invention, it is possible to carry out a process comprising a continuous cycle controlled by automatic control means, in which one reel is positioned on a relative support while another reel can be positioned on another support, and the supports for the reels are periodically moved by respective mechanical handling means to occupy at least a predetermined loading position and at least another predetermined unloading position, the loading position also being an initial unwinding position, and the unloading position also being an intermediate unwinding position in which the reel is unwound until empty, and in which the unloading stage is arranged to join the end of the reel with the initial part of a new reel placed in the loading position. This combination simultaneously ensures the continuity of the power supply of the tube former with the web carried by the reel, and the possibility of using automatic loading means to load the reel into the predetermined loading position.

[0119] Preferably, a position (Z) for automatic ejection of the empty reel is formed between the ejection position and the loading position.

[0120] Preferably, the continuous cycle achievable by the apparatus of the present invention contemplates the use of an automatic loading means to create a fully automatic cycle for loading the unwind station and continuously feeding the tube former.

[0121] Furthermore, preferably, in accordance with the above, the splicing of the webs coming from the empty reels respectively with the webs coming from the new reels placed in the loading position is configured to be performed without interrupting the power supply of the tube forming machine, i.e., by means configured to perform an "on-the-fly" splicing of the webs while the reels rotate about their respective axes.

[0122] Preferably, the splicing means is mounted on a movable support (arm 500 in the above example) configured and controlled to move towards and away from the support structure of the reel in the unwinding station. Preferably, the splicing means is activated when the movable support approaches the support structure of the reel in the unwinding station, so that splicing of the web takes place in correspondence with a loading position of a new reel or in correspondence with a position other than the unloading position of the reel.

[0123] Preferably, the splicing means comprises a pressure roller adapted to apply pressure to the parts to be spliced ​​when the passage of a portion of adhesive material located on the new reel is detected, this detection being performed by detection means mounted on the movable support. Preferably, the adhesive material is a double-sided web piece.

[0124] In accordance with the above, preferably, the step of loading the reels by the automatic loading means is preceded by a step of preparing a stack of reels on a movable platform, the position of which relative to the automatic loading means is controlled and possibly changed in a horizontal plane (x, y) by means for detecting the initial position of the platform and, preferably, by means for detecting the instantaneous position of the automatic loading means relative to the position of the stack placed on the platform.

[0125] Preferably, the position of the platform in said plane (x,y) is controlled by detecting the position of a central axis (AC) of the stack of reels relative to the axis (A9) of the automatic loading means. Preferably, the platform is connected to two electric actuators (PMX,PMY) configured and controlled to move the platform along two mutually orthogonal directions in said plane (x,y).

[0126] According to the above, the automatic means for loading the reels is preferably configured to provide an integrated unit comprising pneumatic means intended to pressurize a space (S) inside the stack of reels, said space including the interface between the reels higher than the stack and the reels below, and mechanical or pneumatic gripping means configured and controlled to grip and release, respectively, the highest reel in the stack.

[0127] Preferably, the integrated unit is a unit mounted on an arm (200) movable along a predetermined path comprised between the station for depositing the stack of reels on the platform and the station for unwinding the reels.

[0128] According to the above, the automated means for loading the reels is configured and controllable to remove the reels from the stack arranged on the platform, move them along the path, and position the reels at the unwinding station, keeping the reels always horizontal, i.e., with their central axes always vertical. Alternatively, the automated means for loading the reels is configured and controllable to remove the reels from the stack arranged on the platform, move them along the path, and position the reels at the unwinding station, keeping the reels in a horizontal position, i.e., with their central axes oriented vertically along an initial portion of the path, and rotating the orientation of the reels by 90° at the end of the initial portion of the path.

[0129] More generally, and according to the example described, the initial stage of removing the reel (1) from the stack (2) maintains the reel's own orientation, and indeed it is preferred that the initial stage of removing the reel from the stack maintains the orientation of the reel as presented when placing the stack at the reel removal station (P).

[0130] According to the above, the automatic means for loading the reel may comprise an additional device for reversibly coupling the reel to said automatic loading means in order to prevent the reel from being detached in case of malfunction of the mechanical or pneumatic gripping means.

[0131] According to the above, the path can be configured to include a first vertical stroke to lift the reel, a second horizontal stroke along an arc, and a third vertical stroke to lower the reel.

[0132] Again, according to the above, at least one turntable structure (G) is arranged in the reel unwinding station to which several supports (403) are attached, each support being suitable for supporting a corresponding reel, and the reel unwinding station is controlled and moved to periodically position the supports corresponding to several operating positions including at least one predetermined loading position and at least one different predetermined unloading position, and in the reel unwinding station, preferably, the loading position is also an initial unwinding position and the unloading position is also an intermediate unwinding position.

[0133] For example, there may be two turntables (G) intended to supply two separate tube formers. If the system is intended to power only one tube former, only one turntable (G) may be provided. More generally, the number of turntables (G), or the number of unwinders (UU), is equal to the number of cardboard pieces used by the tube formers provided in the device.

[0134] Preferably, in order to reduce the overall size of the unwinding station, each turntable (G) is provided with two supports (403) at diametrically opposite positions relative to the central axis of rotation of the turntable.

[0135] The rotating table (G) may be a rotating table having a vertical axis or a rotating table having a horizontal axis.

[0136] In fact, the details of implementation may in each case be varied in an equivalent manner with respect to the individual elements described and illustrated, without departing from the concept of the solution adopted, within the scope of the protection granted by this patent in accordance with the following claims.

Claims

1. a reel removal station (P) configured to receive a stack (2) of superimposed cardboard reels (1); an unwinding station (U) for unwinding said reel (1), comprising at least one unwinder (UU) arranged to support the reel to be unwound in a position suitable for unwinding; handling means (D) for moving the reel (1) along a path defined between the reel take-out station (P) and the unwinding station (U); 1. An apparatus for handling cardboard reels for feeding to a tube forming machine, comprising: the unwinding station (U) is also provided with joining means configured to join the tail portion (TY) of the last reel (1Y) being unwound to a new reel (1W) in order to continuously unwind the reels gradually arranged at the unwinding station (U); the device comprises a programmable control unit (CU) configured and programmed to control the reel removal means, the at least one unwinder and the splicing means according to a continuous cycle; In the apparatus, one reel is unwound on a support associated with the at least one unwinder while another reel is placed on another support of the unwinder; the plurality of supports are periodically moved by respective mechanical moving means to occupy at least one predetermined loading position (W) and at least one other predetermined unloading position (Y); In the device, the splicing means periodically splices the last end of the reel in the last unwinding stage with the first part of another reel arranged at the loading position; The handling means (D) for handling the reels comprises pneumatic means adapted to pressurize a space (S) inside the stack of reels, and mechanical or pneumatic gripping means configured and controlled to grip and respectively release the topmost reel of the stack, the space including the interface between the topmost reel of the stack and the reels below it.

2. said at least one unwinder (UU) comprises a plurality of supports (403; 404) mounted on a structure (G) that is controlled and moved to periodically position said supports in correspondence with a plurality of operating positions, including a predetermined loading position (W) for loading said reel and another predetermined unloading position (Y) for unloading said reel, the reel removal station (P) is configured to receive a stack (2) of superimposed cardboard reels (1); 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling means (D) for handling the reels are configured and controlled to take one reel at a time from the stack (2) and move this reel from the reel removal station (P) to a support (403; 404) of the at least one unwinder (UU) arranged in the loading position (W).

3. The loading position (W) of the reel is also the initial unwinding position from which unwinding of the reel begins; and / or 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge position (Y) of the reel is also an intermediate unwinding position in which the reel is unwound until empty.

4. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a different position (Z) for removing empty reels is provided between said ejection position (Y) and said loading position (W).

5. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said structure (G) is a rotating platform structure.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the turntable structure is a turntable having a vertical axis.

7. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the turntable structure is a turntable having a horizontal axis.

8. 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each turntable (G) comprises two supports (403; 404) at diametrically opposite positions relative to the central axis of rotation (AU) of said turntable.

9. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the joining means are attached to a movable support (500) configured and controlled to move towards and away from the structure (G), respectively, and are activated when the movable support approaches the structure (G).

10. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the movable support (500) is a support mounted rotatably on a corresponding axis of rotation (V5; A5).

11. the joining means comprises a pressure roller (505) mounted on the movable support (500) and configured to apply pressure to the parts to be joined when the passage of a portion of adhesive material (BA) located on the new reel is detected; 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said detection is performed by detection means (519) adapted to detect the passage of a portion of said adhesive material (BA).

12. a blade (510) mounted on said movable support (500) and configured and controlled to cut the strips of cardboard (SY) unwound from said reel in the discharge stage, 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the blade is actuated according to a detection performed by detection means (519) configured to detect the passage of a portion of adhesive material (BA) placed on the new reel.

13. the reel removal station (P) comprises a movable platform (PP) whose position relative to the handling means (D) is controlled in the horizontal plane (x, y) by detecting the position of the central axis (AC) of the stack of reels relative to the axis (A9) of the handling means (D); 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform (PP) is configured to receive the stack (2) of superimposed cardboard reels (1) during placement of the stack (2) at the reel removal station (P).

14. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the platform (PP) is connected to two electric actuators (PMX, PMY) configured and controlled to move the platform along two mutually orthogonal directions in the horizontal plane (x, y).

15. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling means (D) for handling the reels are connected to an arm (200) movable along the path.

16. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reel handling means is configured and controlled to remove the reel from the stack in the reel removal station (P) by keeping the reel in a horizontal position, moving the reel along the path and placing the reel in the unwinding station (P), at least during the step of removing the reel from the stack (2).

17. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling means (D) for handling the reel comprise a mechanical device for reversibly hooking the reel to the removal means.

18. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the path includes a first vertical run for lifting the reel, a second horizontal run deployed along an arc, and a third vertical drop run for the reel.

19. a reel removal station (P) configured to receive a stack of superimposed cardboard reels (1); an unwinding station (U) for unwinding said reel (1), comprising at least one unwinder (UU) arranged to support said reel in a position suitable for unwinding; a handling means (D) for moving the reel (1) along a predetermined path defined between the reel take-out station (P) and the unwinding station (U); 1. A method of handling cardboard reels for feeding to a tube forming machine, comprising the arrangement of: The unwinding station (U) is also provided with a joining means configured to join the last tail portion (TY) of the unwinding stage reel (1Y) to a new reel (1W) in order to continuously unwind the reels gradually arranged at the unwinding station (U), the reel removal means, the at least one unwinder, and the splicing means are controlled to perform a continuous cycle; the method comprising: one reel being unwound on a support associated with the at least one unwinder while another reel is positioned on another support of the at least one unwinder; the plurality of supports are periodically moved by respective mechanical moving means to occupy at least one predetermined loading position (W) and at least one other predetermined unloading position (Y); the splicing means periodically splices a final end of the reel in the final unwinding stage with a first portion of another reel disposed at the loading position; The method, characterized in that the handling means (D) for handling the reels comprises pneumatic means adapted to pressurize a space (S) inside the stack of reels, and mechanical or pneumatic gripping means configured and controlled to grip and respectively release the topmost reel of the stack, the space including the interface between the topmost reel of the stack and the reels below it.

20. said at least one unwinder (UU) comprises a plurality of supports (403; 404) mounted on a structure (G) that is controlled and moved to periodically position said supports in correspondence with a plurality of operating positions, including a predetermined position (W) for loading said reel and another predetermined position (Y) for unloading said reel, the reel removal station (P) is configured to receive a stack (2) of superimposed cardboard reels (1); 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the handling means (D) for handling the reels are configured and controlled to take one reel at a time from the stack (2) and move this reel from the unloading station (P) to a support (403; 404) of the at least one unwinder (UU) arranged in the loading position (W).

21. The reel loading position (W) is also the initial unwinding position where unwinding of the reel begins, and / or 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the reel discharge position (Y) is also an intermediate unwinding position where the reel is unwound until empty.

22. 20. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that a different position (Z) for removing empty reels is provided between said ejection position (Y) and said loading position (W).

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