Apparatus and method for handling cardboard reels

Abstract

1. An apparatus for handling cardboard reels, comprising a body (8) with a rod (45), the apparatus comprising: a first unit with two axially opposed plates (91, 92) with respective radially expandable members (913, 923), spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the axial direction (A9) of the rod (45) so as to form a pressurizable space (S) between the plates, the space (S) being bounded above and below by the opposing surfaces (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92); means for controlling the radial expansion of the members (913, 923); and pressure means for pressurizing the space (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling a cardboard reel, particularly a cardboard reel used in a feeder for manufacturing a cardboard tube, particularly for manufacturing a paper roll having an internal tubular core.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the production of a log of paper material from which a toilet paper roll or a kitchen paper roll is 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 the formation of the log, and the various operations include a transverse pre-cut of the web to form a pre-cut line for subdividing the web into tear-separable sheets. The formation of the log generally involves the use of a cardboard tube, generally called a "core", on which a predetermined amount of adhesive is distributed on its surface to enable the adhesion of the paper web on the core, which is gradually introduced into a machine for manufacturing the log, generally known as a "rewinder".

[0003] When the plurality of sheets wound around the core reaches a predetermined number, the last sheet of the completed log is separated from the first sheet of the subsequent log, for example, by means of a jet of compressed air directed towards the corresponding pre-cut line. At this point, the log is removed from the rewinder. Patent Document 1 describes a rewinder operating according to the above operating mode. The log thus produced is then conveyed to a buffer that supplies one or more cutting machines for transversely cutting the log to obtain a roll of the desired length.

[0004] The tubular core is generally manufactured by a machine generally known as a "tube-forming" machine configured to wind one or more cardboard webs around a mandrel forming a spiral winding. Examples of tube-forming machines configured in this way are described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3.

[0005] The reels from which the cardboard web is unwound are loaded onto a special unwinding machine that supports the reel itself during the manufacture of the tube, using a lifting device controlled by an operator. For this purpose, these 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 tube unwinding machine. A frequently occurring problem stems from the fact that the stacked reels tend to stick together at the interface of their respective bases, which is related to the fact that during the manufacturing stage, individual reels may not be able to be completely separated from one another. Therefore, the operator positioned to pick up the reels is often forced to apply mechanical action to the reels to facilitate removal and thereby ease of picking them up. This wastes time and poses a safety risk to the operator. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] EP 1700805 [Patent Document 2] EP 3099481 [Patent Document 3] EP 3212391 B [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The main objective of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, the solution to the above problem is achieved by adopting the idea of ​​addressing the issue with an apparatus and method having the features set forth in the independent claim. Other features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to always ensure the most accurate retrieval of each reel from the reels located at the bottom of a stack of reels in a reel parking station engaged with one or more tube forming machines using the same reel. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention is relatively simple from both a structural and functional standpoint and helps to increase the efficiency of the cardboard tube manufacturing process. In addition, the physical movements of the positioned operator are greatly reduced, making the operator's actions easier and increasing the safety of the process.

[0010] These and further advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by all those skilled in the art through the following description and accompanying drawings, which are provided as examples but should not be considered in an exclusive sense. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a simplified diagram showing possible arrangements of tube shapes and associated unwinding machines in a station for manufacturing cardboard tubes. [Figure 2A] This is a simplified diagram of possible other arrangements of tube shapes and associated unwinding machines in a station for manufacturing cardboard tubes. [Figure 2B] This is a simplified diagram of a possible alternative arrangement of tubing and associated unwinding machines in a station for manufacturing cardboard tubes. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operational configuration of a device for handling cardboard reels according to possible embodiments. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing other operational configurations of a device for handling cardboard reels according to possible embodiments. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing another operational configuration of a device for handling cardboard reels according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a simplified block diagram regarding a possible configuration of a system for controlling the moving parts of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the details of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] It is another explanatory diagram showing the details of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 3 showing the structure of the plates (91, 92) and the pressurizable space (S). [Figure 10] It is an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 3 showing the same components shown in FIG. 9 according to different cross-sectional planes to better emphasize the duct (420). [Figure 11] It is a perspective explanatory diagram showing the device according to the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a side explanatory diagram showing the device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram of the device according to the present invention attached to the operating arm (200). [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a further embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Modifying its essential structure and referring to the figures in the accompanying drawings, the device (D) according to the present invention is configured to operate on individual reels (1) from a stack (2) of reels arranged in a parking station (P). The parking station (P) is engaged with one or more tube forming machines (3) that use the reels (1) to manufacture cardboard tubes. The reel (1) is formed by a predetermined amount of cardboard web wound around a central tubular core (1C). The stack (2) is formed by a predetermined number of overlapping reels (1). The tube forming machine (3) is a machine known per se, for example, a machine of the type described in the above-mentioned document.

[0013] In the block diagram of FIG. 1, there is only one tube forming machine (3), and as a result, all the reels (1) taken out from the stack (2) are supplied to the same tube forming machine. In the diagram of FIG. 2A, there are two separate tube forming machines (3), and as a result, the reels (1) taken out from the stack (2) are supplied to the two tube forming machines. In the diagram of FIG. 2B, there is only one tube forming machine (3) supplied by three unwinders (30), and a so-called multi-strand cardboard tube is manufactured by this tube forming machine, that is, a multi-strand cardboard tube is formed by overlapping the cardboard strings supplied by the unwinders (30). Actually, in the diagrams of FIGS. 1 to 2B, the reel (1) is conveyed from the parking station (P) to one or more unwinders (30), and each rewinder supplies the reel to the tube forming machine (3).

[0014] The device according to the invention is configured and structured to facilitate the removal of each reel (1) of the stack (2) from the reels located on the lower side.

[0015] With respect to the example shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, the device according to the invention comprises two coaxial ducts (4, 5) having an upper side and a lower side, the coaxial ducts being connected to respective inlets (40, 50) for introducing compressed air, and the inlets (40, 50) being arranged in a distributor (6) installed on the upper side of the ducts (40, 50). Each of the inlets (40, 50) is controlled by a respective solenoid valve (41, 51), and this solenoid valve is actuated by a programmable control unit (7) as will be further explained below.

[0016] In the illustrative drawings of Figures 3 to 5, the duct (4) is located inside the duct (5). The distributor (6) is attached to the upper side of the external duct (5) by bolts (65) screwed into the upper side of the duct. The inlets (40, 50) are radially oriented within the distributor (6) relative to the coaxial ducts (4, 5) and spaced apart by a predetermined value (h), thereby forming an upper inlet (40) and a lower inlet (50) for compressed air. The upper inlet (40) communicates with the internal duct (4), while the lower inlet (50) communicates with the external duct (5).

[0017] The lower base (60) of the distributor (6) is integrated with the upper base (80) of the box-shaped body (8), which has a lower base portion that is traversed by tubular ducts (4,5) and formed as a flange (81). The box-shaped body (8) is integrated with an operating unit (800) that can move in and out of the stack (2) by an operating arm (200), as will be further described below. In the example shown in Figure 3-5, the operating unit (800) is formed by a plurality of vertical rods (801) that connect the upper flange (802) to the lower flange (81) of the box-shaped body (8), and houses the box-shaped body and the distributor (6) inside.

[0018] Two plates (91, 92) are attached to the underside of the rod (45) formed by the coaxial ducts (4, 5) and are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other, forming 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) configured to slide on the rod (45) itself, 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) includes a fixed lower flange (921) integral with the lower end of the rod (45), a movable upper flange (922) adapted to slide on the rod (45), and an elastic gasket (923) coaxially positioned with the rod (45) between the fixed lower flange (921) and the movable upper flange (922).

[0019] For example, the fixed lower flange (921) is secured to the lower end of the rod (45) by a bolt (95). The outlet (42) of the internal duct (4) is located between the movable flanges (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92). The attached drawing also shows the movable flanges (912, 922) and two ducts (420) that are pneumatically connected to the outlet (42) of the duct (4). In practice, by introducing compressed air through the inlet (40), the movable flanges (912, 922) move toward the respective fixed flanges (911, 921), each compressing the corresponding elastic gaskets (913, 923), which in turn expand radially outward.

[0020] As an example, the device shown in Figure 3-5 also includes a mechanism that facilitates engagement with the inner surface of the core (1C) of the reel (1). For example, this mechanism includes a plurality of jaw members (100) consisting of an inverted "L" shaped lever with a toothed member (101), a rear portion (102) that is constrained by a bush (104) and easily slides on the surface of the external duct (5), and an intermediate portion that pivots on a pin (103) oriented perpendicularly to the surface of a casing (880) deployed below the flange portion (81). The casing has a suitable opening (881) that allows the jaw members (100) to protrude.

[0021] Accordingly, the rotation of the lever (100) on the pin (103) is determined by sliding the bush (104) along the duct (5). This rotation of the lever determines that when the bush is pushed upward, the toothed member (101) moves away from the bush (104), and conversely, when the bush is pushed downward, the toothed member (101) moves closer to the bush (104). In other words, the rotation determines the radial movement of the jaw member (100) toward and from the longitudinal axis (A9) of the device. The upper part of the bush (104) has a flange (105), which, in cooperation with the lower cup-shaped attachment (82) of the lower base portion (81) of the box-shaped body (8), forms a housing for an elastic member (106) that is coaxially fitted to the bush (104). The flange (105) positioned on the upper part of the bush (104) is integrated with the piston (107) positioned between the upper base (80) and the flange (105) of the box-shaped body (8). In addition, the upper base (80) of the box-shaped body (8) has an inlet (83) for introducing compressed air into it.

[0022] Therefore, 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 causing the bush (104) to descend, i.e., the toothed member of the lever (100) to approach the bush (104). On the other hand, if the introduction of compressed air through the inlet (83) of the box-shaped body (8) is interrupted, the bush (104) is pushed upward by the elastic member (106), thereby causing the toothed member of the lever (100) to be removed from the bush (104). The inlet (83) is also controlled by a solenoid valve (830) operated by the control unit (7). The attached drawing also illustrates two ducts (420) that connect the movable flanges (912, 922) to the outlet (42) of the duct (4) by air pressure.

[0023] In Figure 13, the above-described device is mounted on an operating arm (200), which allows movement toward and from the stack (2) located in the reel parking station (P)(1), as indicated by the double-headed arrow "M". The reference numeral "AC" in Figure 13 indicates the axis of the reel (1). The arm (200) comprises a carriage (201) that slides on a column (202). The carriage (201) is connected by screw-nut connecting members (204, 205) to an electric motor (203) located on the column (202). The electric motor (203) controls the movement of the arm (200) toward and from the stack (2), as indicated by the double-headed arrow "M". The length of the arm (200) is selected so that the device (D) moves toward and from the stack (2) along the aforementioned axis (AC).

[0024] The column (202) is mounted on 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 letter "A6". Thus, the arm (200) can move along the direction indicated by the double arrow "F", i.e., parallel to the column (202), and can rotate around the axis (A6) of the rotating base (206). Thus, by coordinating these movements, the arm (200) can move along a predetermined path, in particular along the transport path of the reel from the parking point (P) to the unwinder (30).

[0025] The core surface engagement mechanism (1C) is optional.

[0026] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the device (D) is provided with a suction cup (300) for engaging with the upper surface (10) of the upper reel of the stack (2), instead of engaging with its core (1C) as in the example described above. The suction cup (300) is formed by a disc-shaped extension of the box-shaped body (8) and is provided with a sealing gasket (301) formed on the underside of the extension. A suction device (302) is installed above the suction cup (300) and functions to create a vacuum in the space formed between the reel (1) and the suction cup (300).

[0027] The above-described apparatus can be used as follows if it also includes the core surface engagement mechanism (1C).

[0028] The arm (200) positions the box-shaped body (8), along with its lower base (81), so as to contact the upper base of a reel (1) that is positioned higher than the stack (2). This contact is detected by a mechanical probe (not shown). 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 such that when the base (81) is positioned against the upper surface of the reel (1) that is positioned higher than the stack (2), one of the plates (91,92) is inside this reel and the other is inside the reel below. At this stage, compressed air is introduced through the inlet (83), resulting in the lever (100) being retracted, i.e., approaching the bush (104). At this point, compressed air is blown out through the internal duct (4).

[0029] This determines the movement of the movable lower flange (912) of the plate (91) toward each of the fixed flanges (911), and simultaneously determines the movement of the upper movable flange (922) of the plate (92) toward each of the fixed flanges (921). As a result, the gaskets (913, 923) are compressed and expanded by adhering to the inner surfaces of the cores (1C) of the reels at the highest position in the stack (2) and the reels below it. In this way, a space (S) substantially impermeable to air is formed between the plates (91, 92). Compressed air is then introduced through the external duct (5) and flows into the space (S), and is released 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. Consequently, pressure is generated in the space (S) between plate (91) and plate (92), which determines the removal of the upper reel from the lower reel.

[0030] Next, the injection of compressed air into the internal duct (4), into the external duct (5), and through the inlet (83) is shut off. The shutdown of compressed air in the duct (4) causes the movable flanges of the plates (91, 92) to return to their initial positions, and the gaskets (913, 923) also return to their initial non-contact state with the core (1C). At this stage, the supply of compressed air to the duct (5) is no longer necessary, because the reel has already been removed for the previously operated pressurization of the space (S).

[0031] The interruption of the supply of compressed air through the inlet (83) provided in the box-shaped body (8) causes the bush (104) to rise, resulting in upward pressure by the elastic member (106), which in turn causes the lever (100) of the pin (103) to rotate, thereby causing the toothed member (101) of the lever (100) to move away from the bush (104) and engage with the inner surface of the core (1C) of the upper reel of the stack (2). In this state, the upper 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 guided to the unwinding machine (30) with the reel (1) hooked in place. The release of the reel is determined by the introduction of new compressed air through the inlet (83), which causes the lever (100) to move closer to the bush (104), and as a result, the toothed member of the lever disengages from the inner surface of each of the cores (1C).

[0032] Referring to an example of the embodiment shown in Figure 14, although there is no mechanism for engaging the core (1C) in that figure, the suction cup (300) is provided. As described above, the pressurization step of the space (S) and the removal of the upper reel of the stack from the lower reel are performed. In this case, the engagement of the upper reel, that is, its removal from the stack (2), is performed by the action of the suction cup (300), which connects the reel itself to the device (D), that is, to the arm (BM), and acts on the upper side of the reel instead of acting on each of the cores (1C) as in the example described above.

[0033] As described above, the apparatus of the present invention may not include the core engagement mechanism (1C). In this case, the procedure described above regarding the engagement of the core (1C) is not performed, and the apparatus is used solely to separate the reels from the multiple reels located below the stack by pressurizing the space (S) between the plates (91, 92). The transport of the thus separated reels, i.e., the transport of the reels from the parking point (P) where the stack (2) is located to the unwinding machine (30) to which the reels are transported, can be carried out in a known manner, for example, by using a so-called "weightless" manipulator.

[0034] More generally, the device (D) for handling cardboard reels according to the present invention is configured to engage with stacked cardboard reels (1) and is a device comprising a rod (45), and is provided with the following components: -A first unit comprising two axially opposing plates (91, 92), each having a radially expandable member (913, 923), and forming a pressurizable space (S) between the plates spaced apart by a predetermined value along the axial direction (A9) of the rod (45), such that the upper and lower boundaries of the space (S) are defined by the opposing surfaces (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92); -Means for controlling the radial expansion of the members (913, 923); and - A pressurizing means for pressurizing the space (S).

[0035] According to the present invention, the device (D) may also include a mechanism for engaging the reel, comprising the following components: - A second unit positioned above the first unit on the rod (45), having a predetermined number of jaw members (100) that can be radially removed and retracted; and - Means for moving the jaw member (100) in the radial direction.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the device (D) may also include a mechanism for engaging the reel with the following second unit: - A second unit comprising a suction cup (300) which is positioned above the first unit on the rod (45) and is subordinate to a suction device (302) mounted on a suction cup (300).

[0037] According to the present invention, the units can be integrated into a single device, even if they are intended to perform different functions. That is, the first unit controls the removal of the upper reel from the lower reel of the stack, while the second unit controls the pulling out of the upper reel from a part of the device itself, so that the device itself can be configured to facilitate the removal of the reel and also to grip the reel after it has been removed from the stack. Depending on the stage of operation in which the operating device is used, all the units may operate simultaneously or not, as described above. In particular, the units may be operated in sequence according to a process sequence including radial expansion of the radially expandable portion of the plate (91,92), pressurization of the space (S), and subsequent operation of the jaw member (100), i.e., pulling out.

[0038] In a subsequent step, the unit can be operated in a sequence of steps including retraction of the radially expandable portion of the plate (91, 92) and subsequent retraction of the jaw member (100) to determine the release of the previously engaged reel (1) from the jaw member (100). Alternatively, the unit can be operated in a sequence of steps including radial expansion of the radially expandable portion of the plate (91, 92), pressurization of the space (S), subsequent operation of the suction device (302), and in a subsequent step, deactivation of the suction device (302) to determine the release of the reel (1) previously engaged by the suction cup (300).

[0039] The operation of the first and second units is controlled by the control unit (7) by activating solenoid valves (41, 51, 830) in a desired process sequence. In Figure 6, the programmable control unit (7) is also connected to the suction device (302) and the motors (203, 207).

[0040] Preferably, the plates (91, 92) are engaged with the first duct (4), and compressed air is supplied through the duct to expand the respective gaskets (913, 923).

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, pressurization of the space (S) between the plates (91, 92) is achieved by a second duct (5) located coaxially and outward from the first duct (4).

[0042] Preferably, according to the present invention, the aforementioned rod (45) is composed of coaxial ducts (4) and (5).

[0043] Preferably, according to the present invention, the operation of the jaw member (100) involves the use of an elastic member (106) cooperating with the pneumatic piston (107) by a guide (made by a bush 104 in the above example) on which both the elastic member (106) and the pneumatic piston (107) act.

[0044] In the example described above, the axial direction (A9) coincides with the common axis of the ducts (4) and (5), while the opposing surfaces of the plate that define the boundary between the upper and lower pressurizable spaces (S) are defined by movable flanges (912, 922).

[0045] Furthermore, in the example described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3-5, the means for controlling the radial expansion of the gasket (913, 923) consists of a group formed by the respective pairs of fixed and movable flanges (911, 912; 921, 922) and a control device for introducing compressed air through the duct (4).

[0046] A possible method for pressurizing the space (S) between the plates (91, 92) is to provide a duct (5) whose outlet precisely corresponds to the space (S).

[0047] In the example described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3-5, the jaw member (100) comprises a plurality of levers that pivot on the pin (103) and are constrained at the rear of the bush (104). These levers are moved by the elastic member (106) and the piston (107) in the example described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 3-5.

[0048] The apparatus according to the present invention can be used to carry out an operating method which includes the following operating steps: - A process of placing a stack (2) of cardboard reels (1) at a parking point (P) of a cardboard tube manufacturing site, which includes at least one tube forming machine (3) and a corresponding unwinding machine (30), thereby allowing the tube forming machine (3) to receive cardboard pieces unwound from the reels (1) located on the unwinding machine (30), and each reel (1) having a central tubular core (1C): -A step of inserting two plates (91, 92) into the central tubular core (1C) of the upper reel of the stack (2), spaced apart by a predetermined value along a predetermined axial direction (A9) and each having radially expandable members (913, 923), thereby forming a pressurizable space (S) at the interface between the reel and the reel located below the stack (2), the pressurizable space (S) being formed by the opposing surfaces (912, 922) of the plates; and - A step of pressurizing the space (S) to determine whether to remove the reel from the reel located below.

[0049] The above operating method may include the following further operating steps; -A step of engaging the central tubular core (1C) from the inside; - A step of returning the pressure in the space (S) to a value corresponding to atmospheric pressure; - A step of moving the reel along a predetermined path while each central tubular core (1C) is engaged from the inside.

[0050] Alternatively, the reel at the highest position in the stack can engage with its outer surface, for example, its upper surface as described above.

[0051] Preferably, according to the above operating method, the radially expandable members (913, 923) of the plate (91, 92) are elastic gaskets, which expand radially when compressed and return to their non-expandable configuration when not compressed.

[0052] Furthermore, preferably, the compression of the elastic gasket is caused by the crushing of the gasket itself between two opposing surfaces (911, 912; 921, 922) of the plate (91, 92), where the opposing surfaces are the fixed surface (911; 921) and movable surface (912; 922) of each plate (91, 92) between which the gasket (913, 923) is placed. Preferably, the crushing is determined by the movement of the movable surface by compressed air pushing each movable surface toward its respective fixed surface.

[0053] Preferably, according to this method of operation, pressurization of the space (S) is carried out by a duct (5) that is supplied with compressed air and has an outlet corresponding to the same space (S).

[0054] Furthermore, preferably, according to the operating method of the present invention, the central tubular core (1C) is engaged from the inside by a jaw member (100), and the jaw member is fitted to be inserted into the tubular core (1C) and to apply radial pressure to the inner surface of the tubular core.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the reel at the highest position in the stack is engaged with its upper surface by a suction cup (300).

[0056] In practice, the details of the implementation can be modified in equivalent ways with respect to the individual elements described and illustrated, in any case without deviating from the adopted solution and thus remaining within the scope of protection granted by this patent in accordance with the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for handling a cardboard reel, including a main body (8) equipped with a rod (45), - A first unit comprising two axially opposing plates (91, 92), each comprising radially expandable members (913, 923), spaced apart by a predetermined value along the axial direction (A9) of the rod (45) to form a pressurizable space (S) between the plates, wherein the upper and lower boundaries of the space (S) are defined by the opposing surfaces (912, 922) of the plates (91, 92); - Means for controlling the radial expansion of the members (913, 923); and - Pressurizing means for pressurizing the space (S); A device characterized by being provided with

2. - A second unit positioned above the first unit, having a predetermined number of jaw members (100) that can be radially removed and retracted; and - Means for moving the jaw member (100) in the radial direction; The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a suction cup (300) connected to a corresponding pneumatic suction device (302).

4. Each of the plates (91, 92) is composed of movable flanges (912, 922) and fixed flanges (911, 921) arranged on the rod (45) such that the movable flanges (912, 922) face each other to form the pressurizable space (S), Between the fixed flange and the movable flange of each plate, there is an elastic gasket that stretches radially when compressed, and The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable flange of each plate is positioned on the rod (45) so as to move pneumatically toward its respective fixed flange, thereby crushing or compressing its respective elastic gasket.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the air-pressure movement of the movable flanges (912, 922) is controlled by introducing compressed air into a first duct (4) having an outlet corresponding to the movable flanges.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurization of the space (S) between the plates (91, 92) is achieved by a second duct (5).

7. Pressurization of the space (S) between the plates (91, 92) is achieved by the second duct (5), The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second ducts (4, 5) are coaxial with each other, and the second duct (5) is located outside the first duct (4) and forms the rod (45).

8. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the jaw member (100) is composed of an elastic member (106) and a lever controlled by a pneumatic piston (107).

9. A method for handling cardboard reels, comprising at least one tube forming machine (3) and a corresponding unwinding machine (30), wherein the tube forming machine (3) receives cardboard pieces unwinded from reels (1) located on the unwinding machine (30), thereby preparing a stack (2) of cardboard reels (1) at a parking point (P) of a cardboard tube manufacturing site, Each reel (1) has a central tubular core (1C), A method characterized by further including the following operating steps: - Inserting two plates (91, 92) into the central tubular core (1C) of the upper reel of the stack (2), spaced apart by a predetermined value (k) along a predetermined axial direction (A9), and each plate having a radially expandable member (913, 923), thereby forming a pressurizable space (S) at the interface between the reel and the reel located below the stack (2), the pressurizable space (S) being formed by the opposing surfaces (912, 922) of the plates; and - A step of pressurizing the space (S) to determine whether to remove the reel from the reel located on the lower side.

10. The method according to 9, further comprising the step of engaging the reel (1) that has been removed from the lower reel, following the pressurization of the space (S).

11. The method according to 10, characterized in that the reel (1) removed from the lower reel is engaged with each of the central tubular cores (1C).

12. The method according to 10, characterized in that the reel (1) removed from the lower reel is engaged with its upper surface (10).

Images