Winding device

The wrapping device addresses the high installation height issue by using a pneumatic cylinder below the support frame and routing supply lines within a hollow shaft, enabling efficient operation in low-ceiling environments with improved maintenance and pressure control.

WO2025214661A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-16KHS GMBH
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/055803
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-08
Filing Date
2025-03-04
Publication Date
2025-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing film wrapping machines, particularly rotary arm wrapping machines, require a large installation height due to the arrangement of pressure devices above the support frame, limiting their use in environments with low ceiling heights.

Method used

A wrapping device with a lifting and lowering pressing device using a pneumatic cylinder partially located below the support frame, reducing the overall installation height and enabling efficient space utilization by routing supply lines within a hollow shaft element.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows the wrapping device to operate efficiently in environments with low ceiling heights, optimizing space utilization, facilitating maintenance, and ensuring reliable operation with precise pressure control, thus improving productivity and reducing the risk of damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure EP2025055803_16102025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure EP2025055803_16102025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a winding device (1) for winding a film, which can be pulled from a film reel (F), around pallets (P) loaded with articles, wherein the winding device has at least one support frame (3) with a winding arm (4) which is arranged to rotate on said support frame about an axis of rotation (RA) and has an unwinding unit (5), wherein the unwinding unit (5) of the rotatable winding arm has at least one reel chuck (6) for receiving the film reel (F) in a supporting manner and at least one roll arrangement (7) for guiding the film reel during winding, wherein for holding the articles on the pallet (P) a pressing device (10) is provided, which can be moved up and down and has at least one pressing plate (12) with a lifting drive (14), wherein the lifting drive (14) is formed by a pneumatic cylinder (16) which is coupled to the pressing plate (12) and has a cylinder piston (18) which is arranged in its longitudinal extent coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation (RA) and extends at least in some sections through a passage opening (20) in the winding arm (4), and wherein the pneumatic cylinder (16) is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the support frame (3) at the end (16.1) of the pneumatic cylinder remote from the pressing plate (12).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] winding device

[0002] The present invention relates to a wrapping device, in particular a rotary arm wrapping device for wrapping pallets loaded with articles with a film that can be pulled off a film reel.

[0003] Devices for wrapping pallets, which are generally also referred to as film wrapping machines, film wrappers, or pallet wrapping machines or pallet wrappers, are known in a wide variety of designs and are used in particular for wrapping loaded pallets in order to secure the load on the pallet. The film is usually provided as a film web wound on a roll or spool, namely in the form of a film reel or film roll, or as a wound roll. During the wrapping process, the film is pulled from the roll or spool by the film wrapping machine and wrapped around the pallet.

[0004] In contrast to so-called turntable machines, in which the loaded pallet is rotated on a turntable during the wrapping process, film wrapping machines of the type relating to the invention are essentially rotor machines, in particular rotary arm wrapping machines with a rotating rotary arm or wrapping arm designed as a rotor element. In these rotary arm wrapping machines, the at least temporarily stationary, loaded pallet is orbited by the rotary arm for wrapping with film and is wrapped in film in the process. As the wrapping arm orbits the stationary pallet, its packaged goods are wrapped, for example in helical, overlapping turns, with the film unwound from the film spool or roll. When shrink film is used, the wrapped pallet is then exposed to heat, during which the shrinking film firmly encloses the pallet contents.

[0005] For this purpose, the rotating arm carries an unwinding unit, which usually has a holder for holding the film reel or winding roll, which holder is also referred to as a reel or reel chuck or reel or reel holder, as well as several interacting rollers over which the film can be pulled off and applied to the pallet while maintaining a predetermined film tension.

[0006] In known rotor machines, the vertical guide leg of the rotor arm is designed as a rigid profile that extends from the top of the rotor arm down to approximately the base of the pallet. The winding device, designed as a roller arrangement (film carriage), is slidably guided on this profile and is moved vertically along the profile during the winding process. In addition, in known rotor machines, a film clamp is provided for the lower end position of the film carriage. In addition, a corresponding stationary film clamp can be provided for the upper end position of the film carriage. The film clamps can therefore be effective in the end positions of the film carriage. The pivoting cutting arms in this known rotor machine are also provided in the area of ​​the pallet base so that the flat film strip can be cut there.In the known rotor machines, additional cutting tools can also be arranged to move along with the film carriage in order to be able to cut the flat film strip at any desired height.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that such wrapping devices include a pressure device to stabilize the articles on the pallet during film wrapping. The cylinder devices for actuating the pressure devices are arranged entirely above the support frame of the wrapping device and thus require a large amount of space above the wrapping device. This ultimately leads to a considerable installation height for the entire wrapping device and thus limits the use of the wrapping devices to production facilities with high ceiling heights.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a wrapping device for wrapping pallets loaded with articles with a film peelable from a film reel, which, with reduced design effort, enables a pressing device with a lower installation height of the wrapping device compared to the prior art. This object is achieved by a wrapping device for wrapping pallets loaded with articles with a film peelable from a film reel according to the features of independent patent claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a wrapping device for wrapping pallets loaded with articles with a film that can be pulled off a film reel, wherein the wrapping device has at least one support frame with a wrapping arm arranged thereon so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis and having an unwinding unit, wherein the unwinding unit of the rotatable wrapping arm has at least one reel chuck for supporting the film reel and at least one roller arrangement for guiding the film during wrapping, wherein a lifting and lowering pressing device is provided for holding the articles on the pallet, which pressing device has at least one pressing plate with a lifting drive, wherein the lifting drive is formed by a pneumatic cylinder with a cylinder piston coupled to the pressing plate,which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation in its longitudinal extension and extends at least partially through a through opening in the winding arm, and wherein the pneumatic cylinder is arranged on the support frame in a rotationally fixed manner at its end facing away from the pressure plate.

[0010] Because the pneumatic cylinder of the pressing device extends at least partially through a through-opening in the winding arm, the entire pneumatic cylinder does not have to be arranged above the support frame, as is usual in the prior art, but can also be partially provided below the support frame. This saves space above the support frame and leads to a lower installation height for the entire winding device. By arranging the pneumatic cylinder of the pressing device partially below the support frame, the space required above the winding device is reduced. This is particularly advantageous in environments with limited vertical space, e.g. in warehouses or production facilities. This allows the winding device to be used more efficiently in environments with low ceiling heights and enables optimized space utilization.Despite being partially located below the support frame, the pneumatic cylinder can be securely and stably attached to the support frame. This ensures reliable operation of the pressure device and minimizes the risk of damage or malfunctions during the winding process. Access to the pneumatic cylinder below the support frame facilitates maintenance and servicing of the pressure device. This allows maintenance work to be carried out more efficiently, improving the overall uptime of the winding device.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "film" refers in particular to film webs between approximately 100 mm and 500 mm wide made of thermoplastic materials, which are preferably either elastically stretchable (stretch film) or shrinkable by heat (shrink or thermal film). However, the wrapping device according to the invention can also be used for wrapping loaded pallets with another flat tape made of paper, fabric, nonwoven, etc., provided the tear resistance of such materials is suitable for this wrapping method.

[0012] The winding device according to the invention can also be designed as a rotary arm winding device, which is also referred to as a rotary arm winding machine. The rotary arm winding device is designed as a rotor machine, wherein the rotating winding arm or rotary arm forming a rotor element is mounted rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation such that it orbits a pallet for wrapping. The winding arm comprises, in a known manner, a horizontally extending arm section, via which the winding arm is rotatably attached to the support frame. A vertically extending arm section adjoins this horizontally extending arm section essentially at a right angle and provides a free end for receiving the unwinding unit.

[0013] The rotary arm winding device can, for example, be designed with one arm or two arms, and in this case, for example, have exactly one vertically extending arm section or two vertically extending arm sections opposite one another with respect to the horizontally extending arm section.

[0014] The unwinding unit provided at the free end of the winding arm is arranged on the vertically extending arm section of the winding arm so that it can be lifted and lowered and can be moved in the vertical direction, i.e. in the direction of the rotational or rotary axis of the winding arm, by means of a provided drive.

[0015] The unwinding unit with the roller assembly is designed in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The roller assembly for guiding the film during winding can also be referred to here as a roller assembly or spindle assembly, and in the present sense is designed both for guiding and, in particular, for pulling off the film, for stretching, tensioning, and the like. For this purpose, the roller or roller assembly comprises several interacting rollers or rollers, including, for example, pre-stretching and / or idle rollers, tensioning rollers, unwinding rollers, and the like.

[0016] In the operating position of the rotary arm winding device, namely in the ready-to-use state, in particular in the ready-to-use state of the unwinding unit of the winding arm, the film web to be pulled off or pulled off the film reel is guided in a predetermined, specific manner between the rollers or cylinders of the roller arrangement, in particular "threaded" in a defined course between the rollers or cylinders.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, a frame element can be fastened to an upper side of the support frame, wherein the pneumatic cylinder, with its end facing away from the pressure plate, is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the frame element by means of a further provided hollow shaft element. In particular, the frame element can enclose a free interior space in which the hollow shaft element is preferably completely accommodated. The frame element can form an interior space that is closed off from the external environment, i.e., a type of protective housing for accommodating the pneumatic cylinder and the hollow shaft element. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder is rotationally fixed via the hollow shaft element, and the frame element can be fastened to the support frame - and thus does not rotate with the winding arm 4. The pneumatic cylinder is thus rotationally decoupled from the winding arm.

[0018] The frame element can be constructed in one piece or in multiple parts. In particular, the frame element can be detachably yet firmly connected to the support frame, for example, by screwing. For this purpose, the frame element can advantageously have a flange section on an underside facing the support frame, which is connected to the support frame.

[0019] The frame element can be designed as a robust structure that allows for secure attachment of the pneumatic cylinder. Using a hollow shaft element to mount the pneumatic cylinder creates a reliable and stable mechanical connection that securely holds the pneumatic cylinder during operation of the winding device. Mounting the frame element on top of the support frame maximizes the use of vertical space and enables a compact design of the winding device. This minimizes the space required in the production environment and improves the efficiency of the work area. The ability to design the frame element as a separate component and connect it detachably but firmly to the support frame enables a modular design of the winding device.This allows individual components to be easily replaced or adapted to meet specific requirements or to accommodate changes in the production process. By integrating a free interior space into the frame element, which completely accommodates the hollow shaft element, the hollow shaft element is protected from external influences. This extends the service life of the hollow shaft element and contributes to the long-term reliability of the winding device.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the hollow shaft element can be provided with at least one lateral opening for the passage of supply lines. Advantageously, several lateral openings can also be provided. For example, one opening can be provided on each of two essentially opposite sides. The possibility of providing several lateral openings along the hollow shaft element offers flexibility in the design and enables optimal positioning of the supply lines depending on the requirements of the application. This facilitates the integration of the winding device into existing production lines and enables customized adaptation to specific requirements. For example, the supply lines can be designed as pneumatic lines in order to be able to supply the pneumatic cylinder with a supply medium, for example compressed air.The supply lines can also be designed as power lines to supply the drive motors of the winding device with power.

[0021] Because the hollow shaft element is designed as a tube and thus hollow inside, meaning it has a free interior, and also has at least one side opening, all supply lines intended to supply the winding device with media can be safely routed within the hollow shaft element. The side openings also allow all supply lines, such as pneumatic and power lines, to be routed inside the hollow shaft element in a space-saving manner. This enables a tidy design and minimizes the risk of "cable spaghetti" or unwanted tangling of the cables during operation of the winding device. Routing the supply lines within the hollow shaft element offers additional protection against external influences such as impacts, dirt, or other damage.This contributes to the longevity and reliability of the winding device and reduces potential downtime due to damage to the supply lines.

[0022] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the hollow shaft element can be firmly connected to the pneumatic cylinder at its end facing the pneumatic cylinder via a plurality of spacer elements. This allows the supply lines provided or guided in the hollow shaft element to be easily guided out of the hollow shaft element at an open end of the hollow shaft element - i.e. on the side of the hollow shaft element on which the pneumatic cylinder is firmly connected to the hollow shaft element - and at the same time the pneumatic cylinder can be attached to the hollow shaft element at the open end. The spacer elements ensure that the supply lines can be easily guided out of the open end of the hollow shaft element. The spacer elements serve as mechanical barriers orSpacers between the supply lines and the pneumatic cylinder, preventing damage to the lines during installation or operation. This ensures the reliability of the supply lines throughout the entire service life of the winding device. The firm connection of the pneumatic cylinder to the hollow shaft element via the spacers creates a secure and stable attachment. This minimizes the risk of vibration or unwanted movement of the pneumatic cylinder during operation of the winding device and contributes to reliable power output. The use of spacers enables efficient use of the available space within the hollow shaft element. This allows for a compact design that saves space and reduces the overall dimensions of the winding device.

[0023] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder can be provided with a valve device for controlling the pneumatic cylinder, at least at its end connected to the hollow shaft element and facing away from the pressure plate. The at least one valve device enables precise control of the movement of the pneumatic cylinder. By opening and closing the valve device, the flow of compressed air that drives the pneumatic cylinder can be controlled, enabling precise stroke control. In particular, the pneumatic cylinder has two valve devices, one valve device being designed to supply the medium for operating the pneumatic cylinder and the other valve device being designed to discharge it. In particular, the pneumatic cylinder can be operated or pressurized with a fluid, for example compressed air.Preferably, the at least one valve device allows the speed and force with which the pressure plate is pressed onto the articles to be adjusted depending on the requirements of the respective application. This allows adaptation to different article sizes, shapes, and stacking on the pallet. Precise control of the pressure plate by the at least one valve device can result in even and consistent pressure being applied to the articles, which in turn improves the quality of the packaged products and helps minimize damage during the wrapping process.

[0024] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, a co-rotating two-part cylinder housing can be provided on the rotatable winding arm, wherein the cylinder housing with a first upper housing part partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder in the region of its end connected to the hollow shaft element and facing away from the pressure plate, and wherein the cylinder housing with a second lower housing part partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder in the region of its end connected to the pressure plate. In particular, the upper housing part can also be accommodated, at least in sections, in the free interior space of the frame element. As a result, the cylinder housing, which rotates with the winding arm, is protected within the frame element. This arrangement ensures that the pneumatic cylinder is protected from external influences such as dust, dirt and damage during operation of the winding device.Furthermore, integration into the frame element contributes to the stability and strength of the entire device. By dividing the cylinder housing into two parts, namely an upper and a lower housing section, the pneumatic cylinder can be efficiently integrated into the limited space of the rotating winding arm. This compact design helps minimize space requirements and reduce the overall size of the winding device.

[0025] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the first upper housing part can have a passage for the hollow shaft element and is rotatably mounted on the non-rotatable hollow shaft element via this passage. The rotational movement of the rotating upper housing part is thus decoupled from the stationary hollow shaft element via the passage. The rotatable mounting of the cylinder housing on the stationary hollow shaft element optimizes the contact between the two components. This helps to reduce wear and friction during operation, which increases the service life of the winding device and, in particular, enables smooth rotation of the winding arm. The option of rotatably mounting the first upper housing part on the hollow shaft element also considerably simplifies assembly and maintenance of the winding device.If necessary, the cylinder housing can be easily removed from the hollow shaft element to access internal components or perform maintenance. In particular, the cylinder housing's rotational movement is pivotally mounted via the passage of the upper housing section, thus providing a defined rotational guide.

[0026] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the second lower housing part can be provided with a passage for the cylinder piston of the pneumatic cylinder at a free end facing the pressure plate. This passage allows the cylinder piston to move freely through the lower housing part without friction or blockages occurring. This ensures smooth and efficient movement of the pressure plate during operation of the winding device. Furthermore, the secure guidance of the cylinder piston by means of the passage in the lower housing part ensures stable and reliable movement of the pressure plate.

[0027] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, a bearing bushing for accommodating the pneumatic cylinder can be provided in the passage of the second lower housing part. The bearing bushing further improves the low-friction movement of the pneumatic cylinder within the passage. This ensures even more consistent and reliable movement of the cylinder piston, which also further improves the efficiency and longevity of the winding device. This is because the bearing bushing helps protect the material of the second lower housing part in the area of ​​the passage from wear and damage caused by the movement of the pneumatic cylinder. It acts as a wear layer between the cylinder piston and the lower housing part, thus extending the service life of the winding device. The bearing bushing also enables precise alignment of the pneumatic cylinder within the passage.If necessary, the bearing bush can be easily removed and replaced to ensure continued optimal function of the winding device.

[0028] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the pressure plate can be equipped with foam damping on the underside and connected to the cylinder piston via a flange section on an upper side opposite the underside. The foam damping serves as padding to protect the items on the pallet from damage during wrapping. The soft surface prevents the items from being damaged by the pressure of the pressure plate or by vibrations during the wrapping process. The foam damping allows even pressure to be applied to the items without deforming or damaging them. This ensures that the film is wrapped evenly around the pallet, which increases the stability of the load. The foam absorbs vibrations and noise during the wrapping process, contributing to a quieter and more pleasant working environment.This is especially important in operations where winding devices are used in close proximity to work areas or other machinery. The connection of the pressure plate to the cylinder piston via a flange section enables a stable and reliable attachment. The flange section ensures even distribution of forces and prevents twisting or loosening of the connection during operation. This ensures precise and effective pressure movement of the pressure plate during the winding process.

[0029] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the winding device can be designed as a rotary arm winding device with a single winding arm arranged thereon so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis, with an unwinding unit. With a rotary arm winding device, the single winding arm rotates around the pallet, thereby optimally utilizing the available work space. This is particularly advantageous in environments with limited space. The continuous rotation of the wrapping arm allows the film to be wrapped around the pallet quickly and efficiently. This enables high throughput and increases the productivity of the packaging processes.

[0030] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a simplified and schematic partial representation of an embodiment of a winding device in a perspective view (wherein only parts or components of the rotary arm winding system relevant to the present invention are shown);

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a simplified and schematic view in more detail of a section of Figure 1 in a perspective view; and

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a simplified and schematic view of the section of Figure 2 in a front view.

[0035] Where appropriate, identical reference numerals are used in the figures for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. Furthermore, the invention is shown in the figures only as a schematic view to explain its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of the invention. For reasons of clarity, all components of the device have been omitted.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a simplified and schematic partial representation of an embodiment of a winding device 1 in a perspective view. In particular, only those parts or components of the winding device 1 are shown and specified in the figure that are relevant in connection with the explanation of the present invention. It is understood that the winding device 1 comprises further components that have been omitted solely for the sake of simplicity. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding device 1 is designed as a rotary arm winding device 1.

[0037] The wrapping device 1 is thus designed as a rotating wrapping device with a wrapping arm 4 which is arranged rotatably on a support frame 3 or is drivable about a vertical rotation axis or rotation axis RA and is used to wrap pallets P loaded with articles with a film which is pulled off a film reel F during the wrapping of the pallet P.

[0038] The wrapping film is, for example, an extensible film made of a plastic material, in particular a so-called stretch film, which is wrapped around the pallet P with a predetermined tension in order to stabilize the articles on the pallet.

[0039] The pallets P loaded with articles are, for example, pallets P with several layers of containers that are respectively assembled and / or grouped in a respective layer arrangement, in particular containers filled with beverages, such as cans, bottles or the like, wherein the containers can be present loose or as container bundles within a respective layer.

[0040] The present wrapping device 1 can thus be understood as part or component of a packaging system, particularly in the beverage industry, and as such forms a packaging machine. The loaded pallets P are conveyed for wrapping by means of a transport or conveyor device provided for this purpose, for example by means of a belt conveyor, such as a roller belt or chain belt, in a basic transport direction TR or conveying direction into a working area of ​​the wrapping device 1 and removed from it. In the working area, in particular in a space within the support frame 3, the pallet P remains stationary during wrapping and is circled by the rotating wrapping arm 4 for wrapping with the film.

[0041] The rotating winding arm 4 is rotatably mounted with a horizontally extending arm section on an upper side of the support frame 3, in particular on a horizontal support strut, and points vertically downwards with a vertically extending arm section adjoining the horizontally extending arm section at a right angle and having a free end.

[0042] On the vertically extending arm section of the rotating wrapping arm 4 there is arranged an unwinding unit 5 which is vertically movable in height, over which a film reel F is carried and which, when wrapping the pallet P, pulls the film from the film reel F and applies it to the pallet P.

[0043] The unwinding unit 5 of the rotatable winding arm 4 has at least one reel chuck 6 for supporting the film reel F and at least one roller assembly 7 equipped with a plurality of rollers or cylinders for guiding the film during winding. The unwinding unit 5 with the roller assembly 7 can be designed, for example, in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] The wrapping device 1 according to the invention comprises a lifting and lowering pressing device 10 for holding the articles during wrapping of the articles located on the pallet P. This pressing device 10 comprises at least one pressing plate 12 with a lifting drive 14, wherein the lifting drive 14 is formed by a pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder piston 18 coupled to the pressing plate 12. In addition, the pneumatic cylinder 16 has, at least at its end connected to the hollow shaft element 24 and facing away from the pressing plate 12, at least 12.1, a valve device 30 for controlling the pneumatic cylinder 16.

[0045] The pneumatic cylinder 16 of the pressing device 10 is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis RA in its longitudinal extent and extends at least partially through a through-opening 20 in the winding arm 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the through-opening 20 in the winding arm 4 is rotationally symmetrical, namely circular, and completely penetrates the winding arm 4. The pneumatic cylinder 16, in turn, is arranged, namely fastened, to the support frame 3 at its end 16.1 facing away from the pressure plate 12 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0046] A frame element 22 is attached to an upper side 3.1 of the support frame 3, wherein the pneumatic cylinder 16, with its end 12.1 facing away from the pressure plate 12, is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the frame element 22 by means of a further provided hollow shaft element 24. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder 16 is rotationally fixed via the hollow shaft element 24, and the frame element 22 can be attached to the support frame 3—and thus does not rotate with the winding arm 4. The pneumatic cylinder 16 is thus rotationally decoupled from the winding arm 4.

[0047] In more detail, the frame element 22 can be installed on a support element 23, for example, a support plate 23, provided on the upper side 3.1 of the support frame 3. In this embodiment, the frame element 22 is thus indirectly attached to the support frame 3, namely with the interposition of the support element 23. Likewise, the frame element 22 can also be arranged, in particular attached, directly to the upper side 3.1 of the support frame 3, i.e., without the support element 23.

[0048] The frame element 22 forms an interior space 25 that is closed off from the outside environment, i.e., a type of protective housing for accommodating the pneumatic cylinder 16 and the hollow shaft element 24. The frame element 22 can preferably be made of a metallic material. Consequently, the hollow shaft element 24 has at least one lateral opening 26 for the passage of supply lines. The supply lines can be provided for supplying media to the winding device 1. For example, the pneumatic cylinder 16 can be supplied with a supply medium, in particular compressed air, via the supply lines. The electrical power supply required for the motorized drive of the winding arm 4 and / or the unwinding unit 5 can also be provided by means of the supply lines routed within the hollow shaft element 24 and guided out of the openings 26.

[0049] Advantageously, the hollow shaft element 24 is firmly connected, in particular firmly but detachably, to the pneumatic cylinder 16 at its end 24.1 facing the pneumatic cylinder 16 via a plurality of spacer elements 28. For example, the pneumatic cylinder 16 can be screwed to the facing end of the hollow shaft element 24 via the plurality of spacer elements 28. The hollow shaft element is designed as a tube with a free interior space. Thus, the hollow shaft element 24 forms an opening 24.2 or an open end at its end 24.1 facing the pneumatic cylinder 16. This allows the supply lines provided or routed in the hollow shaft element 24 to be routed out of the hollow shaft element 24 again at the opening 24.2.

[0050] Furthermore, a rotating two-part cylinder housing is attached to the rotating winding arm 4

[0051] 32 is provided, wherein the cylinder housing 32 is provided with a first upper housing part

[0052] 33 partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder 16 in the region of its end 12.1 connected to the hollow shaft element 24 and facing away from the pressure plate 12, and wherein the cylinder housing 32, with a second lower housing part 34, partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder 16 in the region of its end 12.2 connected to the pressure plate 12. The first upper housing part 33 has a passage 33.1 for the hollow shaft element 24 and is rotatably mounted via this passage on the rotationally fixed hollow shaft element 24. In other words, when the winding arm 4 rotates, the two-part cylinder housing 32 rotates around the stationary pneumatic cylinder 16. The pneumatic cylinder 16 is thus preferably designed to be stationary.

[0053] Thus, the second lower housing part 34 has a passage 36 for the cylinder piston 18 of the pneumatic cylinder 16, indicated only roughly schematically, at a free end 34.1 facing the pressure plate 12. A bearing bush 35 for receiving the pneumatic cylinder 18 is provided in the passage 36 of the second lower housing part 34. Thus, the rotational movement of the two-part housing 32, which rotates with the winding arm 4, in particular the rotary movement of the second lower housing part 34, can be decoupled from the stationary pneumatic cylinder 18. In particular, the two-part housing 32 is designed to be rotationally decoupled from the pneumatic cylinder 18.

[0054] Finally, the pressure plate 12 is equipped with a foam damping 13 on the underside and is connected to the cylinder piston 18 of the pneumatic cylinder 18 via a flange section 40 on an upper side opposite the underside.

[0055] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes or modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A wrapping device (1) for wrapping pallets (P) loaded with articles with a film that can be pulled off a film reel (F), wherein the wrapping device (1) has at least one support frame (3) with a wrapping arm (4) arranged thereon so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (RA) and having an unwinding unit (5), wherein the unwinding unit (5) of the rotatable wrapping arm (4) has at least one reel chuck (6) for supporting the film reel (F) and at least one roller arrangement (7) for guiding the film during wrapping, wherein a lifting and lowering pressing device (10) is provided for holding the articles on the pallet (P), said pressing device having at least one pressing plate (12) with a lifting drive (14), wherein the lifting drive (14) is formed by a pneumatic cylinder (16) with a cylinder piston (18) coupled to the pressing plate (12),which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation (RA) in its longitudinal extension and extends at least partially through a through opening (20) in the winding arm (4), and wherein the pneumatic cylinder (16) is arranged at its end (16.1) facing away from the pressure plate (12) in a rotationally fixed manner on the support frame (3).

2. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a frame element (22) is fastened to an upper side (3.1) of the support frame (3), wherein the pneumatic cylinder (16) is arranged with its end (12.1) facing away from the pressure plate (12) in a rotationally fixed manner in the frame element (22) by means of a further provided hollow shaft element (24).

3. Winding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hollow shaft element (24) has at least one lateral opening (26) for the passage of supply lines.

4. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow shaft element (24) is firmly connected to the pneumatic cylinder (16) at its end (24.1) facing the pneumatic cylinder (16) via a plurality of spacer elements (28).

5. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pneumatic cylinder (16) has at least at its end connected to the hollow shaft element (24) and facing away from the pressure plate (12) at least (12.1) a valve device (30) for controlling the pneumatic cylinder (16).

6. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a co-rotating two-part cylinder housing (32) is provided on the rotatable winding arm (4), wherein the cylinder housing (32) with a first upper housing part (33) partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder (16) in the region of its end (12.1) connected to the hollow shaft element (24) and facing away from the pressure plate (12), and wherein the cylinder housing (32) with a second lower housing part (34) partially accommodates the pneumatic cylinder (16) in the region of its end (12.2) connected to the pressure plate (12).

7. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first upper housing part (33) has a passage (33.1) for the hollow shaft element (24) and is rotatably mounted on the non-rotatable hollow shaft element (24) via this passage.

8. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lower housing part (34) has a passage (36) for the cylinder piston (18) of the pneumatic cylinder (16) at a free end (34.1) facing the pressure plate (12).

9. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bearing bush (35) for receiving the pneumatic cylinder (18) is provided in the passage (36) of the second lower housing part (34).

10. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure plate (12) is provided on the underside with a foam damping (13) and is connected to the cylinder piston (18) via a flange section (40) on an upper side opposite the underside.

11. Winding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the winding device (1) is designed as a rotary arm winding device with a single winding arm (4) arranged thereon so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation (RA) and having an unwinding unit (5).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR EXPANDING THE LID FILM OF A PACKAGE.

    DE68902074T2

  • Machine for stabilising palletised loads with reel change system

    US20220355958A1

  • Free standing pallet wrapping apparatus

    US5423163A