Replacement apparatus for film reels and wrapping machine

Abstract

A replacement apparatus for reels of film, band or web made of at least one between plastic and paper material, for automatically replacing an exhausted reel mounted on a wrapping machine with a new reel, includes a supporting frame and a moving arm rotatably fixed to the supporting frame and rotatably supporting a supporting element. The supporting element supports a reel changing carriage having a first reel holder shaft for housing a new reel. The apparatus further includes a connecting element rotatably connected to the supporting element and the supporting frame to together form with the moving arm an articulated parallelogram mechanism. The apparatus also includes a first driving arrangement for rotating the moving arm between a non-operating position, where the supporting element is spaced further apart from the wrapping machine, and an operating position, where the supporting element is closer to the wrapping machine.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to systems and apparatus for automatically replacing reels of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material in wrapping machines arranged to wrap with said film or band or web a product or a plurality of products stacked on a platform or pallet to form a palletised load. The invention further relates to a wrapping machine provided with at least one apparatus for automatically replacing reels of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material.

[0002] The known wrapping machines comprise an unwinding apparatus which is movable along and / or about a winding axis and which supports a reel of film or band or web from which the film or band is unwound to be wrapped around the load so as to form a series of strips or bands generally having a helical trend, by virtue of the combination of the relative linear and rotational movements between the unwinding apparatus and the load.

[0003] In wrapping machines provided with a rotating table to support the load, during the wrapping cycle the load is rotated about a vertical winding axis, while the unwinding apparatus is moved parallel to the winding axis with alternating motion along a fixed upright of the wrapping machine.

[0004] In wrapping machines with a rotating arm, the load remains stationary during the wrapping, while the unwinding apparatus is moved with respect to the load both in rotation about a vertical wrapping axis and in translation parallel to the wrapping axis. To this end, the unwinding apparatus is fixed to a ring structure or to an arm rotatably supported by a machine frame and so as to rotate around the load.

[0005] The unwinding apparatus substantially comprises a supporting frame, fixed to the rotating ring or arm or slidably connected to the fixed upright, which rotatably supports a reel holder shaft on which the film reel is mounted, a pair of pre-stretching rollers for stretching and unwinding the film and one or more guide or return rollers for diverting the film towards the load during the unwinding.

[0006] The film is unwound from the reel and wrapped around the aforesaid rollers according to a wrapping path which allows a correct unwinding and possibly an established pre-stretch or elongation.

[0007] If the film is depleted, the reel must be replaced with a new reel.

[0008] If the reel is of the type comprising an elongated central core, typically of cardboard or plastic, around which the film is wrapped, such a core, devoid of film, must be removed from the reel-holder shaft of the unwinding apparatus.

[0009] Such a replacement procedure is generally performed manually by one or more operators who, after stopping the machine and positioning the unwinding apparatus at an appropriate height from the ground, proceed to remove the core (if present) of the exhausted reel from the relative reel holder shaft and / or insert and lock the new film reel.

[0010] At this point it is necessary to pick up an initial flap of the film or band from the new reel and wrap it around the pre-stretching and guiding or return rollers according to the required wrapping path up to gripping pliers of the unwinding apparatus intended to retain such a flap in the initial wrapping step of the product.

[0011] These manual interventions, in addition to being tiring for the operators, are extremely slow and require long machine stop times, with a consequent reduction in the productivity thereof.

[0012] To overcome such inconveniences, in some high-performance wrapping machines, in particular wrapping machines with rotating ring or rotating arm, the replacement procedure is performed automatically without the intervention of operators.

[0013] For this purpose, these machines comprise a reel replacement apparatus which includes a reel changing carriage provided with a new reel which is movable away from or towards the wrapping machine and a possible removing device for the exhausted reel, generally positioned separately and spaced from the carriage, typically on an opposite side of the machine.

[0014] In the reel replacement procedure, after the possible removal of the exhausted reel by the removing device, the reel changing carriage is moved close to the wrapping machine in an operating position to provide the new reel, which is inserted on the reel holder shaft of the unwinding apparatus of the wrapping machine automatically, thanks to the lifting, lowering and rotation movements of the unwinding apparatus performed by the wrapping machine. However, it is necessary to manually wrap an initial flap of the film or band unwound from the new reel around the rollers of the unwinding apparatus and this procedure is laborious and slow.

[0015] Alternatively, replacement apparatuses are known comprising a reel changing carriage which is movable towards / away from the machine and on which are mounted, in addition to the new reel, supports around which the initial flap of film or band unwound from the reel, previously manually wrapped by an operator, and kept locked in the unwound position by a stop clamp fixed to the carriage itself. The supports are sized and positioned so as to be adjacent to the pre-stretching and guiding rollers of the unwinding apparatus, when the latter is lowered on the carriage in a reel change operating position. The flap of film is then disengaged from the supports and automatically transferred and wrapped onto the pre-stretching and guiding rollers.

[0016] In a non-operating position in which the carriage is farther from the wrapping machine, it is possible for the operator to proceed with the positioning of a new reel thereon.

[0017] To increase the operating autonomy of the wrapping machine, replacement apparatuses are known which comprise a plurality of reel changing carriages which are movable along guides or straight rails between respective non-operating positions, in which the aforesaid carriages are spaced apart from a working area of the wrapping machine so as not to interfere with its operation, and an operating position within the working area for the replacement of the reel.

[0018] A disadvantage of such replacement apparatuses lies in their size, since they comprise linear guides and reel changing carriages which entirely occupy at least one side of the wrapping machine, thus limiting the accessibility to the machine and its parts and the possibility of positioning auxiliary operating units, such as units for the insertion of angular protections on the load, labelling or graphic marking units, etc.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to improve the known replacement apparatuses configured to automatically change reels of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material in wrapping machines.

[0020] Another object is to provide a replacement apparatus having limited and compact dimensions which allows the complete accessibility of the wrapping machine.

[0021] A further object is to provide a replacement apparatus which allows a plurality of reels to be automatically replaced without operator intervention.

[0022] Another object is to provide a wrapping machine provided with a reel replacement apparatus having limited and compact dimensions and which allows to replace a plurality of reels automatically ensuring a high operating autonomy to the wrapping machine.

[0023] In a first aspect of the invention, a replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material is provided, according to claim 1.

[0024] In a second aspect of the invention, a replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material is provided, according to claim 12.

[0025] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web of the invention in a non-operating position;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus of the invention in a reel changing operating position;

[0030] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating in particular gripping pliers of an initial flap of film or band or web;

[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a removing device of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 1 configured to remove an exhausted reel from an unwinding apparatus of a wrapping machine with which the replacement apparatus is associated;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 1 associated with a rotating ring wrapping machine and arranged in the non-operating configuration;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus and the wrapping machine of FIG. 7;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the wrapping machine of FIG. 7 and of the replacement apparatus of the invention in the reel changing operating position;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a pair of replacement apparatuses of the invention associated with a rotating ring wrapping machine, in which one replacement apparatus is in the reel changing operating position, while the other replacement apparatus is in the non-operating position;

[0036] FIGS. 11 and 12 are respectively plan and top perspective views of a second embodiment of the replacement apparatus for reels of film or band in a non-operating position

[0037] FIGS. 13 and 14 are respectively plan and top perspective views of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 11 in an intermediate position;

[0038] FIGS. 15 and 16 are respectively plan and top perspective views of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 11 in a reel changing operating position;

[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the replacement apparatus of FIG. 11 associated with a rotating ring wrapping machine and arranged in the non-operating position;

[0040] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the replacement apparatus and the wrapping machine of FIG. 17.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a replacement apparatus 1 for reels 50 of film or band or web made of plastic and / or paper material of the invention is illustrated, which is associable with a wrapping machine 100 for automatically replacing an exhausted reel 50′ mounted on wrapping machine 100 with a new reel 50.

[0042] More precisely, the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention, installed adjacent to a working area L of the wrapping machine 100, for example of the rotating ring type (FIGS. 7-9), in which a load (not illustrated) is wrapped with the film or band or web, allows an exhausted reel 50′ of film or band, i.e., its cardboard or plastic core, to be removed from a unwinding apparatus 110 of the wrapping machine 100 and / or a new reel 50 of film or band to be loaded onto the unwinding apparatus 110, as better explained below.

[0043] If the reels 50 of film, band or web used on the wrapping machine 100 are of the coreless type, i.e., lacking the core around which the film is wrapped, the exhausted reel must not be removed from the unwinding apparatus 110 since the film is completely unwound from a respective reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 during the operation of the bending machine.

[0044] The unwinding apparatus 110, in addition to the respective reel holder shaft 111 arranged to receive and support a reel 50, comprises a plurality of pre-stretching rollers 112, 113 and guiding rollers 114 suitable to unwind the film or band from the reel 50, and possibly to pre-stretch it.

[0045] The replacement apparatus 1 comprises a supporting frame 2, a moving arm 3 provided with a first end 3a fixed to the supporting frame 2 rotatable about a first rotation axis X1, in particular vertical, a supporting element 4 fixed to a second end 3b of the moving arm 3 rotatable about a second rotation axis X2, in particular parallel to the first rotation axis X1, and a plurality of reel changing carriages 10 fixed to the supporting element 4. Each reel changing carriage 10 comprises a first reel holder shaft 34, adapted to house a new reel 50 of film or band made of plastic and / or paper material to be mounted on the wrapping machine 100.

[0046] In the event of using of reels of film, band or web provided with a core, each reel changing carriage 10 also comprises a removing device 20 configured to remove and retain an exhausted reel 50′ from the wrapping machine 100.

[0047] The replacement apparatus 1 also comprises first driving means 5 and second driving means 6 for rotating the moving arm 3 and the supporting element 4, respectively.

[0048] More precisely, the first driving means 5 are configured to rotate the moving arm 3 about the first rotation axis X1 between a non-operating position A, in which the supporting element 4 is arranged more spaced apart from the wrapping machine 100, and an operating position B, in which the supporting element 4 is arranged closer to the wrapping machine 100.

[0049] The second driving means 6 are configured to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position an established reel changing carriage 10 of the plurality of reel changing carriages in a replacement position, in particular when the moving arm 3 is arranged in the operating position B for receiving the exhausted reel 50′ and / or for supplying the new reel 50.

[0050] The reel changing carriages 10 are fixed to the supporting element 4 angularly spaced about the second rotation axis X2.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention comprises two reel changing carriages 10 angularly spaced apart by 180°. However, it is envisaged that three or more reel changing carriages 10, in this case angularly spaced apart by an angle of 120°or by a fractional angle of 360°, in particular calculated on the basis of the number of the reel changing carriages 10, can be fixed to the supporting element 4.

[0052] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the supporting frame 2 comprises, for example, a base 41, in particular consisting of a plate, fixed to and supported by a plurality of supporting bars 42 provided with supporting feet 43 and interconnected to each other.

[0053] The first driving means 5 comprise, for example, a first toothed fifth reel 7 fixed to the supporting frame 2, in particular to the base 41, and rotatably connected to and supporting the first end 3a of the moving arm 3 and a first rotary actuator 31 fixed to the moving arm 3 and arranged to drive a first toothed wheel 8 engaged with the first toothed fifth wheel 7.

[0054] The first actuator 31 comprises, for example, a first electric gearmotor which rotatably drives the first toothed wheel 8 which meshes with a circumferential external toothing of the first toothed fifth wheel 7. By rotating the first toothed wheel 8 on and along the external toothing of the first toothed fifth wheel 7 the moving arm 3 is rotated.

[0055] The second driving means 6 comprise, for example, a second toothed fifth wheel 17 fixed to the second end 3b of the moving arm 3 and a second rotary actuator 32 fixed to the supporting element 4 and arranged to drive a second toothed wheel 18 engaged with the second toothed fifth wheel 17.

[0056] The second actuator 31 comprises, for example, a second electric gearmotor which rotatably drives the second toothed wheel 18 which meshes with a circumferential external toothing of the second toothed fifth wheel 17. By rotating the second toothed wheel 18 on and along the external toothing of the second toothed fifth wheel the supporting element 4 and the reel changing carriages 10 supported by it are rotated.

[0057] Each reel changing carriage 10 comprises a plurality of abutment elements 35 of known type, around which an initial flap 51a of film 51 unwound from the new reel 50 can be wrapped according to a looped path, and gripping pliers 36 suitable to retain one end of said initial flap of film unwound and arranged around the abutment elements 35.

[0058] With particular reference to FIG. 5, the gripping pliers 36 that are mounted on a respective supporting arm 37 comprise a first fixed gripping element 36a and a second flexible gripping element 36b fixed to each other and configured to receive and retain the end of the initial flap 51a of film. The gripping pliers 36 also incorporate a blade 38 adapted to cut an exceeding portion of film, simply by pulling the initial flap of film downwards.

[0059] The reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10, on which a new reel 50 of film or band is inserted, is also of a known type, in particular retractable or telescopic, since it is capable of being pushed downwards, along an almost vertical insertion direction H, by the reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 to transfer the new reel 50 to the unwinding apparatus.

[0060] A reel changing carriage of this type is disclosed in patent EP 2097323 of the applicant. The removing device 20, which can be mounted on each reel changing carriage 10, comprises a container 21, for example of tubular shape, adapted to receive, in particular partially, the exhausted reel 50′, in particular its core, a base element 22 fixed inside the container 21 to a bottom wall 21a thereof and provided with a side wall 23 that forms a flat supporting surface adapted to abut and support the exhausted reel 50′.

[0061] A removing device of this type is disclosed for example in patent application WO2022 / 101838 of the applicant.

[0062] The device also comprises a pair of locking pliers 25 fixed externally to the container 21 and operable in the gripping position to lock an exhausted reel 50 to the removing device 20 and allow it to be disengaged from the wrapping machine 100.

[0063] With particular reference to FIG. 6, each locking pliers 25 is moved between the gripping position and a disengagement position by a respective actuator 28, for example a linear pneumatic or electric actuator.

[0064] The removing device 20 of each reel changing carriage 10 is fixed to a supporting structure 19 thereof by elastic means 26, so as to be elastically movable along an insertion direction H, in particular substantially vertical, along which the exhausted reel 50′ is moved and inserted into the removing device 20, during the replacement procedure, as better explained in the following disclosure.

[0065] Alternatively, in a variant of the replacement apparatus of the invention not illustrated, the removing device 20 can be slidably fixed to the supporting structure 19 of the respective reel changing carriage 10 and is movable by third driving means along the insertion direction H, in particular substantially vertical, to adjust a height of the removing device 20, in particular when supporting an exhausted reel 50′, with respect to the supporting structure 19, for example so as not to interfere with the correct operation of the wrapping machine 100.

[0066] With particular reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a wrapping machine 100 is illustrated which includes a replacement apparatus 1 of the invention, positioned at one of the supporting columns of the frame of the wrapping machine 100, adjacent to a working area L of the wrapping machine. The wrapping machine 100 is, for example, a rotary ring machine and comprises a frame 102 provided with four supporting columns 103 which support moving means 101 arranged to move the unwinding apparatus 110 parallel to and / or about a wrapping axis W to allow a load to be wrapped with the film or band unwound from a reel 50 positioned on the unwinding apparatus 110.

[0067] The moving means 101 comprise, in particular, a carriage 104 movable along the supporting columns 103 and a horizontal ring 105 rotatably connected to and supported by the carriage 104 so as to rotate about the wrapping axis W and supporting the unwinding apparatus 110. In the non-operating position A the replacement apparatus 1 is arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing, as evident from the figures, an almost complete accessibility to the wrapping machine 100 itself and in particular to its working area L.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 10, the wrapping machine 100 can include a pair of replacement apparatuses 1 of the invention positioned at respective supporting columns 103 of the frame 102 of the wrapping machine 100, adjacent to the working area L of the wrapping machine. In FIG. 10, a replacement apparatus 1 is arranged in operating position B, with one of the two respective reel changing carriages 10 in replacement position, while the other replacement apparatus 1 is arranged in non-operating position A.

[0069] Also in this case in the respective non-operating positions A the replacement apparatuses 1 are arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing a wide accessibility and in particular to its working area L.

[0070] The two replacement devices 1 allow to automatically replace, without the intervention of the operator, four reels of film or band, allowing the wrapping machine a high operating autonomy.

[0071] It should be noted that the number of replacement devices 1 to be associated with the wrapping machine 100 can be selected according to the layout of the production plant in which the wrapping machine is inserted and / or the presence or absence of accessory operating units, such as units for inserting of angular protections on the load, labelling or graphic marking units, etc.

[0072] The operation of the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention associated with the wrapping machine 100 envisages, during the replacement procedure of an exhausted reel 50 of film or band mounted on the unwinding apparatus 110, to rotate the moving arm 3 about the first rotation axis X1, activating the first driving means 5, from the non-operating position A to the operating position B to bring the supporting element 4 and the reel changing carriages 10 closer to the wrapping machine100 and in particular to the working area L.

[0073] The second driving means 6 can possibly be activated to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position an established reel changing carriage 10 in the replacement position for receiving the exhausted reel 50′ and / or yielding the new reel 50.

[0074] The procedure for replacing the reel is performed automatically by the wrapping machine 100 by suitably controlling the moving means 101 so as to move and / or position the unwinding apparatus 110 in a removal position for transferring the exhausted reel 50′ to the established reel changing carriage 10 and / or in a picking position for picking up a new reel 50 from the reel changing carriage 10.

[0075] More precisely, in a removal position (if the reel comprises a core) the unwinding apparatus 110 is positioned so that its reel holder shaft 111 is superimposed and aligned with the removing device 20 of the reel changing carriage 10. Thereby, when the unwinding apparatus 110 is lowered, moved along the insertion direction H, the exhausted reel 50′ (i.e., the core) is inserted inside the container 21 until it abuts and rests on the base element 22 allowing the disengagement of the exhausted reel 50 from the reel holder shaft 111 of the unwinding apparatus 110 which can thus be lifted to release the exhausted reel 50′. The exhausted reel remains housed inside the container 21 also retained by the locking pliers 25 operated in the gripping position.

[0076] Once the exhausted reel 50′ has been transferred to the reel changing carriage 10 or directly, in the case of a “coreless” reel, the unwinding apparatus 110 is moved to a picking position in which its reel holder shaft 111 is superimposed and aligned with the reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10 which supports a new reel 50. Thereby when the unwinding apparatus 110 is lowered, moved along the insertion direction H, the reel holder shaft 111 is progressively inserted inside the new reel 50, pushing the reel holder shaft 34 of the reel changing carriage 10 downwards until its complete disengagement from the new reel 50.

[0077] At the same time, the pre-stretching rollers 112, 113 and the guide rollers 114 of the unwinding apparatus 110 are inserted between the abutment elements 35 around which the initial flap 51a of film 51 unwound from the new reel 50 is wrapped according to the looped path, retained at its end by the gripping pliers 36.

[0078] The initial flap 51a of film is then transferred (for example by lowering and disengaging the abutment elements 35) so as to wrap around the pre-stretching 112, 113 guide rollers 114 of the unwinding apparatus 110 which can be lifted and spaced apart from the reel changing carriage 10 for further wrapping operations.

[0079] The moving arm 3 of the replacement apparatus 1 is then rotated about the first rotation axis X1 by the first driving means 5 from the operating position B to the non-operating position A to move the reel changing carriages 10 away from the work area L and allow the wrapping machine 100 to operate.

[0080] The second driving means 6 are activated to rotate the supporting element 4 about the second rotation axis X2 so as to position the reel changing carriage 10 still provided with the new reel in the replacement position and the reel changing carriage 10 not provided with a new reel, but supporting the exhausted reel 50′ in the opposite position. In such a position, the reel changing carriage 10 faces outwards with respect to the wrapping machine and is more easily accessible to an operator to allow the easy removal of the exhausted reel 50′ from the reel holder shaft 34 and the insertion of a new reel 50 on the reel holder shaft 34 and the wrapping of the initial flap of film around the abutment elements 35.

[0081] The replacement apparatus 1 for reels of the invention thus allows a plurality of reels to be replaced automatically without operator intervention. In fact, the supporting element 4 can support two or more reel changing carriages 10, each of which can receive an exhausted reel 50′ from the unwinding apparatus 110 of the wrapping machine and / or provide the unwinding apparatus with a new reel 50.

[0082] The replacement apparatus 1 of the invention further has limited and compact encumbrances which together with its positioning adjacent to the wrapping machine allow complete accessibility thereto.

[0083] With reference to FIGS. 11 to 16, a second embodiment of the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention is disclosed which differs from the embodiment disclosed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, only in that it comprises, in addition to the moving arm 13 (rotatably supported by the supporting frame 12 and rotatably supporting the supporting element 14 supporting at least one reel changing carriage 10), a connection element 15 having opposite ends 15a, 15b rotatably connected respectively to the supporting element 14 and to the supporting frame 12. The connecting element 15 forms with the moving arm 13, the supporting element 14 and the supporting frame 12 an articulated parallelogram mechanism which prevents the rotation of the supporting element 14 and of the reel changing carriage 10 fixed thereto during the rotation of the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis X1 from the non-operating position A to the operating position B and vice versa. In particular, in this articulated parallelogram mechanism the supporting frame 12 is the fixed element, the supporting element 14 acts as a connecting rod and the moving arm 13 and the connecting element 15 act as rockers. The connecting element 15 comprises a tie rod of tubular shape.

[0084] Also in this embodiment the moving arm 13 is provided with a first end 13a fixed to the supporting frame 12 rotatable about the first rotation axis X1, in particular vertical, and the supporting element 14 is fixed to a second end 13b of the moving arm 13 rotatable about the second rotation axis X2.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-16, the supporting frame 12 comprises, for example, a base 61, in particular consisting of a shaped plate which includes a central portion to which the first end 13a of the moving arm 13 is rotatably fixed.

[0086] The first driving means 5 arranged to rotate the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis X1 between the non-operating position A (FIGS. 11 and 12), and the operating position B (FIGS. 15 and 16), are similar to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and comprise, for example, the first toothed fifth wheel 7 fixed to the supporting frame 12, in particular to the base 61, and rotatably connected to and supporting the first end 13a of the moving arm 13 and the first rotary actuator 31 fixed to the moving arm 13 and arranged to actuate a first toothed wheel 8 engaged with the first toothed fifth wheel 7.

[0087] By virtue of the articulated parallelogram mechanism, the rotation of the moving arm 13 about the first rotation axis X1 causes the linear displacement according to two mutually orthogonal displacement directions X, Y of the supporting element 14.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention comprises a single reel changing carriage 10, identical to the reel changing carriage 10 disclosed for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6.

[0089] It is however envisaged, in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, that the replacement apparatus 1 of the variant of FIGS. 11-16 can comprise a plurality of reel changing carriages 10 fixed to the supporting element 14, in particular angularly spaced apart about a third rotation axis. In this case, in fact, on the supporting element 14 a further supporting element, also in the form of a plate, is rotatably mounted about the aforesaid third rotation axis, parallel to the first and second rotation axes X1, X2, which supports the plurality of reel changing carriages 10.

[0090] Second driving means are provided to rotate the further supporting element about the third rotation axis to position an established reel changing carriage 10 in the replacement position, in particular when the moving arm 13 is arranged in the operating position B.

[0091] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a wrapping machine 100 which includes the embodiment of replacement apparatus 1 above disclosed and illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 16, that is positioned at one of the supporting columns 103 of the frame 102 of the wrapping machine, adjacent to the working area L of the wrapping machine, in particular with the moving arm 13 in the non-operating position A. The wrapping machine 100 is the same as disclosed with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0092] The operation of this embodiment of the replacement apparatus 1 of the invention is identical to that disclosed above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6.

[0093] It should be noted that in the non-operating position A the replacement apparatus 1 is arranged so as to encumber in a limited manner one side of the wrapping machine 100, allowing, as evident from the figures, an almost complete accessibility to the wrapping machine 100 itself and in particular to its working area L.

[0094] In addition, thanks to the articulated parallelogram mechanism formed by supporting frame 12, supporting element 14, moving arm 13 and connecting element 15, the replacement apparatus 1 has particularly compact dimensions and minimal encumbrances even when moving between the non-operating position A and the operating position B.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)22. A replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of at least one between plastic and paper material, which can be associated with a wrapping machine for automatically replacing an exhausted reel mounted on said wrapping machine with a new reel, comprising:a supporting frame;a moving arm provided with a first end fixed to said supporting frame rotatable about a first rotation axis;a supporting element fixed to a second end of said moving arm rotatable about a second rotation axis;at least one reel changing carriage fixed to said supporting element and provided with a first reel holder shaft suitable to house a new reel of film or band or web to be mounted on said wrapping machine;a connecting element having opposite ends rotatably connected respectively to said supporting element and to said supporting frame in order to form with said supporting element, supporting frame and moving arm an articulated parallelogram mechanism capable to avoid rotations of said reel changing carriage during a rotation of said moving arm about said first rotation axis;a first driving arrangement for rotating said moving arm about said first rotation axis between a non-operating position, in which said supporting element is more spaced apart from said wrapping machine, and an operating position, in which said supporting element is closest to said wrapping machine in order to receive said exhausted reel and additionally or alternatively supply said new reel.

23. The replacement apparatus according to claim 22, comprising a plurality of reel changing carriages fixed to said supporting element.

24. The replacement apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said first driving arrangement comprises a first toothed fifth wheel, which is fixed to said supporting frame and rotatably supporting said first end of said moving arm, and a first rotary actuator, which is fixed to said moving arm and is arranged to operate a first toothed wheel that engages said first toothed fifth wheel.

25. The replacement apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each reel changing carriage comprises a plurality of abutment elements, around which an initial flap of film or band or web, which is unwound from said new reel, can be wound according to a looped path, and a gripping pliers that are capable of holding an end of said initial flap arranged around said abutment elements.

26. The replacement apparatus according to claim 22, wherein each reel changing carriage comprises a removing device configured to remove and hold an exhausted reel from said wrapping machine.

27. The replacement apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage comprises a container suitable for receiving said exhausted reel, a base element fixed inside said container to a bottom walls thereof and provided with a side wall forming a flat supporting surface suitable for abutting and supporting said exhausted reel and a pair of locking pliers that are fixed externally to said container and operable in a gripping position in order to lock an exhausted reel to the removing device and allow the exhausted reel being disengaged from the wrapping machine.

28. The replacement apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage is fixed to a supporting structure of the respective reel changing carriage by an elastic element so as to be elastically movable along an insertion direction along which the exhausted reel is moved and inserted into said removing device.

29. The replacement apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage is slidably fixed to a supporting structure of the respective reel changing carriage and can be moved by a third driving arrangement along an insertion direction along which the exhausted reel is moved and inserted into said removing device, in order to adjust a height of said removing device with respect to the supporting structure.

30. A wrapping machine comprising an unwinding apparatus supporting a reel of film or band or web made of at least one between plastic and paper material, a moving assembly for moving said unwinding apparatus parallel and additionally or alternatively about a wrapping axis for wrapping a load with said film or band or web unwound from said reel, and at least one replacement apparatus according to claim 22.

31. The wrapping machine according to claim 30, wherein said unwinding apparatus can be moved by said moving assembly in a removing position to give an exhausted reel to a reel changing carriage of said at least one replacement apparatus that is arranged in at least one between the operating position and a picking position to take a new reel from said reel changing carriage.

32. The wrapping machine according to claim 30, comprising a plurality of replacement apparatuses.

33. A replacement apparatus for reels of film or band or web made of at least one between plastic and paper material, which can be associated with a wrapping machine for automatically replacing an exhausted reel mounted on said wrapping machine with a new reel, comprising:a supporting frame;a moving arm provided with a first end fixed to said supporting frame rotatable about a first rotation axis;a supporting element fixed to a second end of said moving arm rotatable about a second rotation axis;a plurality of reel changing carriages fixed to said supporting element and each of which comprising a first reel holder shaft suitable to house a new reel of film or band to be mounted on said wrapping machine;a first driving arrangement for rotating said moving arm about said first rotation axis between a non-operating position, in which said supporting element is more spaced apart from said machine wrapping machine, and an operating position, in which said supporting element is closest to said wrapping machine;a second driving arrangement for rotating said supporting element about said second rotation axis so as to position a defined reel changing carriage of said plurality of reel changing carriages in a replacement position in order to receive said exhausted reel and additionally or alternatively supply said new reel;wherein said first driving arrangement comprises a first toothed fifth wheel, which is fixed to said supporting frame and rotatably supports said first end of said moving arm, and a first rotary actuator, which is fixed to said moving arm and is arranged to drive a first toothed wheel that engages said first toothed fifth wheel and wherein said second driving arrangement comprises a second toothed fifth wheel, which is fixed to said second end of said moving arm, and a second rotary actuator, which is fixed to said supporting element and is arranged to drive a second toothed wheel that engages said second toothed fifth wheel34. The replacement apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said reel changing carriages of said plurality of reel changing carriages are fixed to said supporting element angularly spaced to each other about said second rotation axis.

35. The replacement apparatus according to claim 33, wherein each reel changing carriage comprises a plurality of abutment elements around which an initial flap of film or band or web, which is unwound from said new reel, can be wound according to a looped path, and gripping pliers that are capable of holding an end of said initial flap arranged around said abutment elements.

36. The replacement apparatus according to claim 33, wherein each reel changing carriage comprises a removing device configured to remove and hold an exhausted reel from said wrapping machine.

37. The replacement apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage comprises a container suitable for receiving said exhausted reel, a base element fixed inside said container to a bottom wall thereof and provided with a side wall forming a flat supporting surface suitable for abutting and supporting said exhausted reel and a pair of locking pliers that are fixed externally to said container and operable in a gripping position in order to lock an exhausted reel to the removing device and allow the exhausted reel being disengaged from the wrapping machine.

38. The replacement apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage is fixed to a supporting structure of the respective reel changing carriage by an elastic element so as to be elastically movable along an insertion direction along which the exhausted reel is moved and inserted into said removing device.

39. The replacement apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the removing device of each reel changing carriage is slidably fixed to a supporting structure of the respective reel changing carriage and can be moved by a third driving arrangement along an insertion direction along which the exhausted reel is moved and inserted into said removing device, in order to adjust a height of said removing device with respect to the supporting structure.

40. A wrapping machine comprising an unwinding apparatus supporting a reel of film or band or web made of at least one between plastic and paper material, a moving assembly for moving said unwinding apparatus parallel to and additionally or alternatively about a wrapping axis for wrapping a load with said film or band or web unwound from said reel, and at least one replacement apparatus according to claim 33.

41. The wrapping machine according to claim 40, wherein said unwinding apparatus can be moved by said moving assembly in a removing position to give an exhausted reel to a reel changing carriage of said at least one replacement apparatus that is arranged in at least one between the operating position and a picking position to take a new reel from said reel changing carriage.

42. The wrapping machine according to claim 40, comprising a plurality of replacement apparatuses.

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