EP0184485B1 - Process and machine for packaging a load in a length of tubing of flexible material - Google Patents

Process and machine for packaging a load in a length of tubing of flexible material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0184485B1
EP0184485B1 EP85402177A EP85402177A EP0184485B1 EP 0184485 B1 EP0184485 B1 EP 0184485B1 EP 85402177 A EP85402177 A EP 85402177A EP 85402177 A EP85402177 A EP 85402177A EP 0184485 B1 EP0184485 B1 EP 0184485B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sheathing
machine according
opening
transverse
sheath
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP85402177A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0184485A1 (en
Inventor
Hubert Thimon
Jean-Paul Martin Cochet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Newtec International SA
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Newtec International SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to AT85402177T priority Critical patent/ATE39657T1/en
Publication of EP0184485A1 publication Critical patent/EP0184485A1/en
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Publication of EP0184485B1 publication Critical patent/EP0184485B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
    • B65B9/13—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the preformed tubular webs being supplied in a flattened state
    • B65B9/135—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the preformed tubular webs being supplied in a flattened state for palletised loads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
    • B65B9/13—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the preformed tubular webs being supplied in a flattened state
    • B65B9/14—Devices for distending tubes supplied in the flattened state

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a machine for packaging a load in a sheath section made of a flexible material.
  • French Patent No. 1,582,024 describes a method and a machine in which the tubular sheath initially wound flat is first passed over the upper guide and opening elements below which rollers are placed. open sheath drive located just above the load to be packed. When the vertical lateral faces of the load are filled with the sheath, the latter is cut between the upper horizontal face of the load and the drive rollers.
  • French Patent No. 2,013,214 describes a machine comprising a transport path for introducing and extracting the load; means for cutting the sheath above the load; drive means placed on either side of the transport track and comprising gripping members for deploying the sheath above the load and covering it with the sheath open by moving it downwards along load; and means for transverse welding of the sheath placed between the cutting means and drive means.
  • French Patent No. 2,026,181 provides that the means for driving the sheath include transport strips provided with suction members.
  • French patent n ° 2106 654 provides in particular for the addition of a fixed separator penetrating into the bellows of the sheath and promoting their opening.
  • This separator is placed above the sheath cutting means themselves located above the welding means.
  • the sheath drive means comprise endless opening chains provided with grippers and endless drive chains provided with spacer fingers.
  • the endless opening chains comprise a vertical section where the cutting and welding means are located and a horizontal section where the sheath is open.
  • the fixed separator is placed at the upper end of the vertical section.
  • French Patent No. 2 199498 provides that the spacer fingers are carried by a frame forming a template for the load to be packaged and possibly provided with heating means.
  • French Patent No. 2,220,429 provides for the addition of means suitable for creating a vacuum in the upper part of the machine, which has the effect of keeping the sheath away from the load.
  • Patent No. 2,220,428 provides for the addition of walls extending parallel to the circuit of the endless chains for driving the spacer fingers.
  • French Patent No. 2,270,149 provides for combining with the drive means of the sheath extraction means which, after welding and cross section of the sheath, separate the latter from the drive means.
  • These extraction means are constituted by a pivoting lever, the free end of which can pivot near the entry end of the double conveyor belt forming part of the means for driving and deploying the sheath.
  • French Patent No. 2,413,270 provides for the addition of a spacer comprising a fixed guide and a movable part between an active extended position and a retracted inactive position.
  • the fixed guide is placed above the drive and opening means of the sheath. Between them are placed the cutting and welding means which can be active when the moving part of the spacer is in the retracted position. This makes it possible to avoid placing the cutting and welding means in line with the drive and opening means of the sheath, which allows continuous and non-discrete adjustment of the length of the sheath section.
  • European patent n ° 000 6249 provides additional gripping members which, during the last part of the movement of the sheath on the load, descend together with the mobile gripping members acting on the lower edge of the open sheath, in order to maintain the four upper corners of the sheath. These additional gripping members are placed below the fixed gripping members which open the sheath.
  • Machines are also known in which only the lower free end of the sheath is kept open while the sheath part located between the upper horizontal face of the load and the folded sheath supply rollers is not positively maintained and comes to curve in "tent fabric". Alternatively, air is blown into the sheath to separate it from the load.
  • Document DE 2 549 251 describes a covering machine in which the separation means consist of rolls of movable pre-openings. In addition, nothing is provided, according to this patent, to cause the film to move apart and pass through the pre-opening rollers or to allow positioning of the film allowing its subsequent effective positive gripping.
  • machines having different operating sequences and in particular either pleating the bellows-shaped sheath before placing it around the load and then unfolding it (French patent n ° 2 230 549), or opening the sheath on the ground and next to the load then rotating it to bring it above and then around the load.
  • the invention relates to machines with positive opening, that is to say those in which the sheath is held positively during the opening phase, the latter intervening above the load.
  • These machines include generally means for cutting and transverse welding of the sheath located above the area where the sheath is fully folded or almost completely folded, for obvious operational reasons.
  • the cutting and welding means are in the form of two pairs of jaws placed in close proximity to one another or of a pair of double jaws.
  • the cutting and welding of the sheath introduce along the latter, in the direction of its travel, a discontinuity which is inconvenient for its initial gripping by the opening means. It has been thought to remedy this problem by providing in the cutting and welding zone a spacer having a generally triangular profiled shape whose tapered point is directed upwards. This spacer allows to separate from one another the two parts of the bellows of the sheath previously folded and which tend to "stick" to each other by static electricity.
  • the first solution has the disadvantage of leading either to possible interference between the cutting and welding means and the gripping means, or to lengths of sheath section varying in a discrete and non-continuous manner (by the value of the pitch of the gripping means).
  • the second solution has the drawback of complexity, of bulk and leads to slowing down the rate of operation of the machine.
  • the problem which arises is therefore that of the interference existing between the spacer and the cutting and welding means.
  • the invention therefore aims to solve this problem and to this end, it proposes a method for threading a section of tubular sheath with bellows, initially folded flat, on a load, from above, in which the two parts of each are moved apart. sheath bellows by means of spacers; the sheath is opened positively; pull the open sheath down to surround the load; the folded sheath is cut transversely to obtain a sheath section corresponding to the height of the load; and the sheath is transversely welded in the immediate vicinity of the cross section in order to cover the upper horizontal face of the load.
  • a partial transverse welding of the sheath is carried out so that the two parts of each bellows are not joined to each other at least starting from their free outer edge in order to provide space from this free outside edge continuous access to the interior of the bellows, including at the level of the transverse welding, and the two parts of each bellows are removed permanently immediately before opening the sheath.
  • the transverse welding is carried out in the time before and independently and in the space apart and independently of the cross section.
  • transverse welding is carried out during the packaging process itself.
  • transverse welding is carried out before the packaging process, the sheath then being pre-welded transversely and partially beforehand, as mentioned previously.
  • a machine for implementing the method comprises a frame; means for supplying, maintaining and discharging the load; means for bringing the sheath above and perpendicular to the holding means; spacer means for separating the two parts of each sheath bellows from one another; positive means for opening the sheath integrally placed below the spacer means; means for pulling the open sheath downwards and surrounding the load with it, extending between the free end parts separated from the positive opening means and the means for holding the load, on either side thereof this; and means for cross-sectioning the sheath placed above the positive opening means.
  • this machine comprises spacer means which are permanently and completely fixed.
  • These spacer means comprise an upper part located at the outlet of the sheath support roller, a lower part extending the upper part downwards towards the positive means of opening the sheath and there is a very wide transverse opening in the middle part. low height for the passage of the cutting means exclusively, the machine being intended to operate with a sheath comprising partial transverse welding.
  • the machine also includes transverse welding means allowing partial transverse welding as mentioned above. These welding means are spread upstream of the cutting means and are not located opposite the spacer means. The welding means are for example carried by the frame, laterally.
  • the machine may include, in this variant, sheath accumulation means interposed between the welding means and cutting means.
  • the machine is devoid of means for transversely welding the sheath, the sheath used and coming from the coil being pre-welded transversely and partially as indicated above.
  • the welding operation is dissociated from the cutting operation, which makes it possible to physically separate the welding means from the cutting means or even to eliminate the welding means if the machine uses sheath pre-welded.
  • partial welding as defined previously allows constant precency, in the access thus formed in each bellows, spacer means. These can be made fixed. The operation of the machine is not disturbed by the transverse welding operations, which makes it possible to achieve very high rates much higher than the rates previously known.
  • the length of the sheath section can be adjusted continuously. All these advantages are obtained with a particularly simple, therefore reliable machine, the access to which in the upper part is greatly improved.
  • each bellows 3 are separated from one another, by means of spacer means 12 to which we will return later; then the sheath is opened positively, that is to say that the bellows 3 is unfolded until the sheath 1 is brought into a rectangular or square configuration; then the sheath thus opened is placed on the load 2 and it is pulled downwards to surround the load; the folded sheath is cut transversely to obtain a sheath section whose length corresponds to the height of the load 2; and finally the sheath is transversely welded immediately downstream of the cross section in order to cover the upper horizontal face 9.
  • a partial transverse welding of the tubular sheath 1 is carried out so that the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are not joined to each other at least starting from their external free edges 7 in order to provide, starting from this external free edge 7, a continuous access 13 inside the bellows 3 including at the right of the transverse welding (FIG. 3).
  • a machine for implementing the method comprises (FIG. 1), a frame 14; means for supplying, holding and discharging the load 2, placed in the lower part; the means 16 for bringing the sheath 1 above and vertically above the holding means 15, placed at the upper part of the frame 14; spacer means 12 for moving the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 away from each other; positive means 17 for opening the sheath 1 integrally placed below the spacer means 12; means 18 for pulling the sheath 1 open downwards and surrounding the load with it, extending between the free end portions separated from the positive opening means 17 and the means 15 for holding the load 2, on both sides and d 'other of these; and cross-sectional means 19 of the sheath placed above the positive opening means 17.
  • the spacer means 12 are permanently and completely fixed.
  • transverse welding is therefore carried out in time before and independently of the cross section. In space, transverse welding is carried out apart and independently of the cross section.
  • the welding operation is completely dissociated from the cutting operation, which makes it possible to carry out the welding operation at the desired time and place.
  • transverse welding is carried out during the packaging process itself.
  • conventional non-pre-welded tubular sheath is used and the method includes welding operations taking place according to a determined sequence.
  • This variant is more particularly advantageous when packing successive loads of variable dimensions.
  • transverse welding is carried out before the packaging process, the sheath then being of the pre-welded type.
  • This variant is more particularly advantageous in the case where the successive loads to be packaged are of standardized dimensions.
  • the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are removed permanently and immediately before opening the sheath 1. Indeed, failing to separate the two parts 5 of bellows, the opening of the sheath would be impossible or very difficult, due to static electricity which tends to "stick" the two parts 5 against each other.
  • the machine comprises support means not shown for a coil 20 of tubular sheath 1 preferably located at the bottom of the frame 14 for obvious reasons of convenience.
  • Return rollers 21, 22 make it possible to bring the tubular sheath 1 from the coil 20 to the upper part of the frame 14 as far as the supply means 16 taking the form of two rollers, the first 16a sheath support, driven by a gear motor 16b and the second presser 16c.
  • the machine therefore comprises from top to bottom and from the supply means 16, the cutting means 19, the spacer means 12, the positive opening means 17 and the means for pulling sheath 18.
  • the fixed, single-piece spacer means 12 comprise an upper part 12a in the general form of a thin and flat plate and a lower part 12b forming two deflectors extending the upper part 12a downwards and moving away from one another down towards the positive opening means 17 in the immediate vicinity of which they terminate.
  • the upper free end 12c of the spacer means 12 forms an acute point located immediately at the outlet of the sheath support roller 16a.
  • the spacer means 12 comprise in their central part a transverse opening 12d for passage of the cutting means 19 (FIG. 15).
  • the opening 12d is formed after an area of increasing thickness 12e of the upper part 12a.
  • the transverse opening 12d is of very low height, for example of the order of a centimeter, which, combined with the zone of increasing thickness 12e and the fact that the cut occurs "on the fly” and not in a stationary position of the sheath - precisely because of the dissociation of the welding operation - allows the free end of the tubular sheath 1 to pass the opening 12d without coming to lock against it.
  • the upper part 12a has a thickness of the order of a few millimeters while the zone of increasing thickness 12e has a thickness of the order of about a centimeter.
  • the lower part 12b has a spacing of several centimeters.
  • the spacer means 12 are made of a particularly entertaining material when the tubular sheath 1 slides, such as metal.
  • the axes extending horizontally and parallel to the plane of symmetry of folding are said to be transverse since they extend transversely with respect to the folded tubular sheath 1.
  • the machine also has another plane of symmetry - the plane Q - vertical and orthogonal to the plane P, which is the plane of FIG. 1. This plane is said to be the plane of opening since it is in this plane that the movement occurs. sheath opening 1.
  • the two drive rollers 23 are located on the spacer means 12 at the junction of the upper part 12a and the lower part 12b, therefore below the opening 12d.
  • the machine also includes transverse welding means parqui are suitable for performing a partial transverse welding of the sheath 1 so that the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are not secured to each other at least from their outside free edge 7 so as to provide continuous access to the inside of the outside free edge 7 bellows 3, including at the level of transverse welding.
  • These welding means 24 are separated upstream from the cutting means 19 and are not located with regard to the spacer means 12.
  • the welding means 24 are, as regards their location, completely dissociated from the cutting means 19 and the means spacers 12.
  • the welding means 24 are carried by the frame 14 laterally and at its upper part. However, they could be worn laterally at the middle part or at the lower part of the frame, close or not to the coil 20.
  • the welding means 24 comprise two welding jaws 24a, 24b with which are not shown drive means, adapted to allow partial welding.
  • sheath accumulation means 25 interposed between the welding means 24 and the cutting means 19, more precisely the sheath supply means 16 (FIG. 1 ).
  • These accumulation means 25 can be constituted by at least two idler rollers 25a, 25b of parallel axes, movable in sliding relatively relative to one another in the transverse direction and relative displacement means of the axes rollers 25a, 25b, not shown. These relative displacement means ensure both the guidance and the drive of the axes of the rollers 25a, 26b. By moving the two rollers 25a, 25b away from each other, tubular sheath 1 is accumulated between them. This arrangement can have the advantage of allowing better adjustment of the length of the sheath section used.
  • the machine does not have means for transverse welding of the sheath and the machine uses a sheath coming from a sheath coil pre-welded transversely and partially, under the same conditions as described above.
  • This variant is particularly advantageous in the case of packaging loads of standardized heights because it results in a particularly simple machine at very high speed.
  • the positive opening means 17 comprise two main assemblies symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P of the folded sheath, each associated with one of the two large faces 4 of the sheath.
  • Each of these main opening assemblies comprises two elementary assemblies symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of opening of the sheath Q.
  • the two elementary assemblies facing the two main assemblies constitute an opening sub-assembly with which the two parts 5 of the same bellows 3. It is such a sub-assembly which is shown in FIG. 1.
  • An elementary opening assembly comprises a support strip 26 of the free outer edge 7 of the sheath; a drive member 27 of the sheath 1 on the support strip 26; and means 28 for moving the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 between an opening opening position (in solid lines in FIG. 11) and an opening opening position (in dash on the figure 11).
  • the drive members 27 such as rollers or pinions are driven by the drive rollers 23 when the opening means 17 are in the opening start position. In the end of opening position or in an intermediate position other than the start of opening position, the drive members 27 are not driven.
  • the support bands 26 and the drive members 27 are constituted respectively by first and second endless bands applied against each other and comprising, in a manner known per se, rollers end.
  • Each pair of the first and second endless belts provides the function of driving a predetermined length of sheath. For this reason, each pair of first and second endless belts can be short in length.
  • the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 are constituted by two rollers applied one against the other.
  • the displacement means 28 of each main assembly comprise a transverse articulation axis 29 around which the support strip 26 and the drive member can pivot.
  • the displacement means 28 also comprise at least one drive cylinder 30 placed in the plane of symmetry Q, substantially horizontal or slightly inclined to the horizontal.
  • This drive cylinder 30 allows a pendulum movement of the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 between the two extreme positions of opening start and end of opening.
  • the actuator 30 is articulated to a spacer 31 connecting two flanges 32 on which are mounted the two support bands 26 and the two drive members 27 of each main opening assembly.
  • the two flanges 32 have a generally triangular shape and are spaced transversely from one another.
  • the articulation axis 29 passes through the upper vertices of the flanges 32 and is located substantially at the level of the transverse cutting means 19 while being spaced from the plane of symmetry P.
  • a support strip 26 and a drive member 27 of an elementary opening assembly are located on the small lower side of the corresponding flange 32.
  • the two flanges 32 of the same main assembly are mounted with adjustable spacing on the spacers 31 or the hinge pin 29. This arrangement makes it possible to adapt the machine to different sheath dimensions, in the direction of the width of the large faces 4.
  • the support strips 26 are inclined at about 45 ° on the vertical. In the end of opening position, the support strips 26 are substantially horizontal.
  • the machine also includes means for adjusting the end of opening position, so as to be able to allow the packaging of loads of different dimensions, as regards the opening of the bellows 3.
  • These adjusting means 33 comprise at least one and generally two (per main assembly) rods 33a articulated around a transverse axis 33b so as to be disposed substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the plane P.
  • a stop ring 33c is mounted on the rod 33a.
  • the rod 33a cooperates with an opening 33d formed in the frame 14 and on which the stop ring 33c abuts.
  • the support strip 26, placed in the lower position, below the drive member 27 is carried by a plate 34 articulated about a horizontal axis 35 and perpendicular to the plane P.
  • Drive means 36 such as a jack moves the plate 34 therefore the corresponding support strip 26 between its normal position for holding against the drive member 27 and a vertical retraction position directed downwards substantially perpendicular to the drive member 27.
  • the strip support 26 no longer realizes, in the vertical retracting position, its function of supporting the sheath 1 so that the latter can be applied to the upper horizontal face 9 of the load 2.
  • the drive means 36 are implemented approximately when the partial transverse welding line of the sheath 1 is located at the level of the spacer means 12.
  • the machine also includes control means or cutting means 19, means for locating 37 the position of the transverse weld line and operating means or cutting means 19.
  • locating means locate the weld line itself in particular by optical, mechanical, electrical or other means.
  • the locating means 37 identify the spacing of the weld line, in particular by a roller for counting the sheath flow rate.
  • the geared motor 16b makes it possible to ensure the braking or stopping of the roller 16a which is capable of ensuring sufficient tension of the sheath 1 between the rollers 16a and the drive rollers 23, tension suitable for promoting the cutting of sheath.
  • the cutting means 19 are mainly constituted by a cutting blade or saber 19a carried by a drive cylinder 19b.
  • the means for pulling the sheath 18 are not directly part of the invention and include spreading fingers 18a carried by endless chains 18b stretched vertically on either side of the machine between upper and lower return wheels 18c.
  • the opening means 17 are pivoted by means of the drive jacks 30 around the axes 29 to the end of opening position defined by the adjusting means 33 (FIGS. 7 and 8).
  • the drive rollers 23 are motorized but the support bands 26 and the drive members 27 are mounted unacceptable and remain stationary.
  • the cutting then occurs on the fly during the positioning of the sheath on the load and while the support roller 16a is braked or temporarily stopped while the drive rollers 23 are still motorized.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Machine Parts And Wound Products (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Abstract

1. Process for slipping a length of concertinaed tubular sheathing, initially folded flat, onto a load from the top, in which the two parts of each sheathing concertina are parted by parting means ; the sheathing is opened positively ; the open sheathing is drawn downwards so as to surround the load ; the sheath folded flat is cut transversely to obtain a length of sheathing corresponding to the height of the load ; and the sheathing is welded transversely in the immediate vicinity of the transverse cut in order to cover the upper horizontal face of the load, characterized in that partial transverse welding of the sheathing (1) is carried out in such a way that the two parts (5) of each concertina (3) are not fixed to one another, at least from their outer free edge (7), in order to provide, from this outer free edge, continuous access (13) to the interior of the concertina (3), including in line with the transverse weld, and the two parts of each concertina (3) are parted permanently immediately before the sheathing is opened.

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé et une machine d'emballage d'une charge dans un tronçon de gaine en un matériau souple.The invention relates to a method and a machine for packaging a load in a sheath section made of a flexible material.

On connait déjà des procédés et des machines pour emballer une charge dans un tronçon de gaine en un matériau souple.Methods and machines are already known for packaging a load in a section of sheath made of a flexible material.

Ainsi, le brevet français n° 1 582 024 décrit un procédé et une machine dans lesquels on fait d'abord passer la gaine tubulaire initialement enroul'ee à plat sur des éléments de guidage et d'ouverture supérieurs en dessous desquels sont placés des rouleaux d'entrainement de la gaine ouverte situés juste au-dessus de la charge à emballer. Lorsque les faces latérales verticales de la charge sont garnies avec la gaine, on coupe cette dernière entre la face horizontale supérieure de la charge et les rouleaux d'entrainement.Thus, French Patent No. 1,582,024 describes a method and a machine in which the tubular sheath initially wound flat is first passed over the upper guide and opening elements below which rollers are placed. open sheath drive located just above the load to be packed. When the vertical lateral faces of the load are filled with the sheath, the latter is cut between the upper horizontal face of the load and the drive rollers.

Le brevet français n° 2 013 214 décrit une machine comprenant une voie de transport pour introduire et extraire la charge; des moyens de coupe de la gaine au-dessus de la charge; des moyens d'entrainement placés de part et d'autre de la voie de transport et comportant des organes de préhension pour déployer la gaine au-dessus de la charge et coiffer celle-ci avec la gaine ouverte en la déplaçant vers le bas le long de la charge; et des moyens de soudage transversal de la gaine placés entre les moyens de coupe et des moyens d'entrainement.French Patent No. 2,013,214 describes a machine comprising a transport path for introducing and extracting the load; means for cutting the sheath above the load; drive means placed on either side of the transport track and comprising gripping members for deploying the sheath above the load and covering it with the sheath open by moving it downwards along load; and means for transverse welding of the sheath placed between the cutting means and drive means.

Le brevet français n° 2 026 181 prévoit que les moyens d'entrainement de la gaine comportent des bandes transportcuses munies d'organes de succion.French Patent No. 2,026,181 provides that the means for driving the sheath include transport strips provided with suction members.

Le brevet français n° 2106 654 prévoit notamment l'adjonction d'un séparateur fixe pénétrant dans les soufflets de la gaine et favorisant leur ouverture. Ce séparateur est placé au-dessus des moyens de coupe de la gaine eux- mêmes situés au-dessus des moyens de soudage. Les moyens d'entrainement de la gaine comportent des chaînes sans fin d'ouverture pourvues de pinces de préhension et des chaînes sans fin d'entrainement pourvues de doigts écarteurs. Les chaînes sans fin d'ouverture comportent un tronçcon vertical où sont situés les moyens de coupe et de soudage et un tronçon horizontal où la gaine est ouverte. Le séparateur fixe est placé à l'extrêmité supérieure du tronçon vertical.French patent n ° 2106 654 provides in particular for the addition of a fixed separator penetrating into the bellows of the sheath and promoting their opening. This separator is placed above the sheath cutting means themselves located above the welding means. The sheath drive means comprise endless opening chains provided with grippers and endless drive chains provided with spacer fingers. The endless opening chains comprise a vertical section where the cutting and welding means are located and a horizontal section where the sheath is open. The fixed separator is placed at the upper end of the vertical section.

Le brevet français n° 2 199498 prévoit que les doigts écarteurs sont portés par un cadre formant gabarit pour la charge à emballer et éventuellement pourvu de moyens de chauffage.French Patent No. 2 199498 provides that the spacer fingers are carried by a frame forming a template for the load to be packaged and possibly provided with heating means.

Le brevet français n° 2 220 429 prévoit l'adjonction de moyens propres à créer une dépression dans la partie supérieure de la machine ce qui a pour effet de maintenir la gaine écartée de la charge.French Patent No. 2,220,429 provides for the addition of means suitable for creating a vacuum in the upper part of the machine, which has the effect of keeping the sheath away from the load.

Le brevet n° 2 220 428 prévoit l'adjonction de parois s'étendant parallèlement au circuit des chaînes sans fin d'entrainement des doigts écarteurs.Patent No. 2,220,428 provides for the addition of walls extending parallel to the circuit of the endless chains for driving the spacer fingers.

Le brevet français n° 2 270 149 prévoit d'associer aux moyens d'entrainement de la gaine des moyens d'extraction qui, après soudage et coupe transversale de la gaine, séparent celle-ci des moyens d'entrainement. Ces moyens d'extraction sont constitués par un levier pivotant dont l'extrêmité libre peut pivoter à proximité de l'extrêmité d'entrée de la double bande transporteuse faisant partie des moyens d'entrainement et de déploiement de la gaine.French Patent No. 2,270,149 provides for combining with the drive means of the sheath extraction means which, after welding and cross section of the sheath, separate the latter from the drive means. These extraction means are constituted by a pivoting lever, the free end of which can pivot near the entry end of the double conveyor belt forming part of the means for driving and deploying the sheath.

Le brevet français n° 2 413 270 prévoit l'adjonction d'un écarteur composé d'un guide fixe et d'une pièce mobile entre une position active sortie et une position inactive escamotée. Le guide fixe est placé au-dessus des moyens d'entrainement et d'ouverture de la gaine. Entre eux sont placés les moyens de coupe et de soudage qui peuvent être actifs lorsque la pièce mobile de l'écarteur est en position escamotée. Cela permet d'éviter de placer les moyens de coupe et de soudage au droit des moyens d'entrainement et d'ouverture de la gaine, ce qui permet un réglage continu et non discret de la longueur du tronçon de gaine.French Patent No. 2,413,270 provides for the addition of a spacer comprising a fixed guide and a movable part between an active extended position and a retracted inactive position. The fixed guide is placed above the drive and opening means of the sheath. Between them are placed the cutting and welding means which can be active when the moving part of the spacer is in the retracted position. This makes it possible to avoid placing the cutting and welding means in line with the drive and opening means of the sheath, which allows continuous and non-discrete adjustment of the length of the sheath section.

Le brevet européen n° 000 6249 prévoit des organes de préhension additionnels qui, lors de la dernière partie du mouvement de la gaine sur la charge, descendent conjointement avec les organes de préhension mobiles agissant sur le bord inférieur de la gaine ouverte, afin de maintenir les quatre angles supérieurs de la gaine. Ces organes de préhension additionnels sont placés en dessous des organes de préhension fixe qui réalisent l'ouverture de la gaine.European patent n ° 000 6249 provides additional gripping members which, during the last part of the movement of the sheath on the load, descend together with the mobile gripping members acting on the lower edge of the open sheath, in order to maintain the four upper corners of the sheath. These additional gripping members are placed below the fixed gripping members which open the sheath.

On connait par ailleurs des machines dans lesquelles seule l'extrêmité libre inférieure de la gaine est maintenue ouverte tandis que la partie de gaine située entre la face horizontale supérieure de la charge et les rouleaux d'amenée de gaine pliée n'est pas maintenue positivement et vient s'incurver en "toile de tente". En variante, de l'air est soufflé dans la gaine pour l'écarter de la charge.Machines are also known in which only the lower free end of the sheath is kept open while the sheath part located between the upper horizontal face of the load and the folded sheath supply rollers is not positively maintained and comes to curve in "tent fabric". Alternatively, air is blown into the sheath to separate it from the load.

Le document DE 2 549 251 décrit une machine de houssage dans laquelle les moyens de séparation sont constituées par des rouleaux de pré-ouvertures mobiles. De plus, rien n'est prévu, selon ce brevet pour amener le film à s'écarter et passer dans les rouleaux de pré-ouverture ou pour permettre un positionnement du film permettant sa saisie positive effective ultérieure.Document DE 2 549 251 describes a covering machine in which the separation means consist of rolls of movable pre-openings. In addition, nothing is provided, according to this patent, to cause the film to move apart and pass through the pre-opening rollers or to allow positioning of the film allowing its subsequent effective positive gripping.

On connait enfin des machines ayant des séquences opératoires différentes et notamment soit plissant la gaine en forme de soufflet avant que de la placer autour de la charge et ensuite la déplissant (brevet français n° 2 230 549), soit ouvrant la gaine au sol et à côté de la charge puis la faisant pivoter pour l'amener au-dessus et ensuite autour de la charge.Finally, machines are known having different operating sequences and in particular either pleating the bellows-shaped sheath before placing it around the load and then unfolding it (French patent n ° 2 230 549), or opening the sheath on the ground and next to the load then rotating it to bring it above and then around the load.

L'invention concerne les machines à ouverture positive, c'est-à-dire celles dans lesquelles la gaine est maintenue positivement pendant la phase d'ouverture, celle-ci intervenant au-déssus de la charge. Ces machines comportent généralement des moyens de coupe et de soudage transversal de la gaine situés au-dessus de la zone où la gaine est totalement pliée ou presque totalement pliée et ceci, pour d'évidentes raisons opératoires. Les moyens de coupe et de soudage se présentent sous la forme de deux paires de mors placés à proximité immédiate l'une de l'autre ou encore d'une paire de mors double. Mais, la coupe et le soudage de la gaine introduisent le long de celle-ci, dans le sens de son défilement, une discontinuité qui est gènante pour sa préhension initiale par les moyens d'ouverture. On a pensé remédier à ce problème en prévoyant dans la zone de coupe et de soudage un écarteur ayant une forme générale profilée triangulaire dont la pointe effilée est dirigée vers le haut. Cet écarteur permet de séparer l'une de l'autre les deux parties du soufflet de la gaine précédemment pliée et qui ont tendance à "coller" l'un à l'autre par électricité statique.The invention relates to machines with positive opening, that is to say those in which the sheath is held positively during the opening phase, the latter intervening above the load. These machines include generally means for cutting and transverse welding of the sheath located above the area where the sheath is fully folded or almost completely folded, for obvious operational reasons. The cutting and welding means are in the form of two pairs of jaws placed in close proximity to one another or of a pair of double jaws. However, the cutting and welding of the sheath introduce along the latter, in the direction of its travel, a discontinuity which is inconvenient for its initial gripping by the opening means. It has been thought to remedy this problem by providing in the cutting and welding zone a spacer having a generally triangular profiled shape whose tapered point is directed upwards. This spacer allows to separate from one another the two parts of the bellows of the sheath previously folded and which tend to "stick" to each other by static electricity.

Du fait de la présence des moyens de coupe et de soudage, on est conduit à prévoir un écarteur qui soit est fixe, placé au-dessus des moyens de coupe et de soudage mais néanmoins situé dans la zone où les moyens de préhension pour l'ouverture de la gaine retiennent déjà celle-ci, soit est totalement ou partiellement mobile. La première solution a l'inconvénient de conduire soit à une possible interférence entre les moyens de coupe et de soudage et les moyens de préhension, soit à des longueurs de tronçon de gaine variant de façon discrète et non continue (de la valeur du pas des moyens de préhension). La seconde solution a l'inconvénient de la complexité, de l'encombrement et conduit à ralentir le rythme de fonctionnement de la machine.Due to the presence of the cutting and welding means, it is necessary to provide a spacer which is fixed, placed above the cutting and welding means but nevertheless located in the area where the gripping means for the opening of the sheath already retain the latter, either is totally or partially mobile. The first solution has the disadvantage of leading either to possible interference between the cutting and welding means and the gripping means, or to lengths of sheath section varying in a discrete and non-continuous manner (by the value of the pitch of the gripping means). The second solution has the drawback of complexity, of bulk and leads to slowing down the rate of operation of the machine.

Le problème qui se pose est donc celui de l'interférence existant entre l'écaarteur et les moyens de coupe et de soudage. L'invention vise donc à résoudre ce problème et à cet effet, elle propose un procédé pour enfiler un tronçon de gaine tubulaire à soufflets, initialement pliée à plat, sur une charge, par en dessus, dans lequel on écarte les deux parties de chaque soufflet de gaine grâce à des moyens écarteurs; on ouvre positivement la gaine; on tire la gaine ouverte vers le bas pour entourer la charge; on coupe transversalement la gaine pliée à plat pour obtenir un tronçon de gaine correspondant à la hauteur de la charge; et on soude transversalement la gaine au voisinage immédiat de la coupe transversale afin de recouvrir la face horizontale supérieure de la charge. Selon l'invention, on réalise un soudage transversal partiel de la gaine de manière que les deux parties de chaque soufflet ne soient pas solidarisées l'une à l'autre au moins à partier de leur bord libre extérieur afin de ménager à partir de ce bord libre extérieur un accès continu à l'intérieur de soufflet, y compris au droit du soudage transversal, et on écarte les deux parties de chaque soufflet en permanence immédiatement avant d'ouvrir la gaine.The problem which arises is therefore that of the interference existing between the spacer and the cutting and welding means. The invention therefore aims to solve this problem and to this end, it proposes a method for threading a section of tubular sheath with bellows, initially folded flat, on a load, from above, in which the two parts of each are moved apart. sheath bellows by means of spacers; the sheath is opened positively; pull the open sheath down to surround the load; the folded sheath is cut transversely to obtain a sheath section corresponding to the height of the load; and the sheath is transversely welded in the immediate vicinity of the cross section in order to cover the upper horizontal face of the load. According to the invention, a partial transverse welding of the sheath is carried out so that the two parts of each bellows are not joined to each other at least starting from their free outer edge in order to provide space from this free outside edge continuous access to the interior of the bellows, including at the level of the transverse welding, and the two parts of each bellows are removed permanently immediately before opening the sheath.

On réalise le soudage transversal dans le temps avant et indépendamment et dans l'espace à l'écart et indépendamment de la coupe transversale.The transverse welding is carried out in the time before and independently and in the space apart and independently of the cross section.

Dans une première variante, on réalise le soudage transversal pendant le processus d'emballage même.In a first variant, transverse welding is carried out during the packaging process itself.

Dans une seconde variante, on réalise le soudage transversal avant le processus d'emballage, la gaine étant alors préalablement pré-soudée transversalement et partiellement, comme mentionné précédemment.In a second variant, transverse welding is carried out before the packaging process, the sheath then being pre-welded transversely and partially beforehand, as mentioned previously.

Une machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé comprend un bâti; des moyens d'amenee, de maintien et d'évacuation de la charge; des moyens pour amener la gaine au- dessus et à l'aplomb des moyens de maintien; des moyens écarteurs pour écarter l'une de l'autre les deux parties de chaque soufflet de gaine; des moyens positifs d'ouverture de la gaine intégralement placés en-dessous des moyens écarteurs; des moyens pour tirer la gaine ouverte vers le bas et entourer la charge avec elle, s'étendant entre les parties extrêmes libres écartées des moyens positifs d'ouverture et les moyens de maintien de la charge, de part et d'autre de ceux-ci; et des moyens de coupe transversale de la gaine placés au-dessus des moyens positifs d'ouverture.A machine for implementing the method comprises a frame; means for supplying, maintaining and discharging the load; means for bringing the sheath above and perpendicular to the holding means; spacer means for separating the two parts of each sheath bellows from one another; positive means for opening the sheath integrally placed below the spacer means; means for pulling the open sheath downwards and surrounding the load with it, extending between the free end parts separated from the positive opening means and the means for holding the load, on either side thereof this; and means for cross-sectioning the sheath placed above the positive opening means.

Selon l'invention, cette machine comporte des moyens écarteurs qui sont fixes en permanence et en totalité. Ces moyens écarteurs comportent une partie supérieure située en sortie du rouleau support de gaine, une partie inférieure prolongeant la partie supérieure vers le bas en direction des moyens positifs d'ouverture de la gaine et il est ménage dans la partie médiane une ouverture transversale de très faible hauteur pour le passage des moyens de coupe exclusivement, la machine étant destinée à fonctionner avec une gaine comportant un soudage transversal partiel.According to the invention, this machine comprises spacer means which are permanently and completely fixed. These spacer means comprise an upper part located at the outlet of the sheath support roller, a lower part extending the upper part downwards towards the positive means of opening the sheath and there is a very wide transverse opening in the middle part. low height for the passage of the cutting means exclusively, the machine being intended to operate with a sheath comprising partial transverse welding.

Dans une première variante, la machine comporte également des moyens de soudage transversal permettant un soudage transversal partiel ainsi qu'il a été mentionné précédemment. Ces moyens de soudage sont écartés vers l'amont des moyens de coupe et ne sont pas situés en regard des moyens écarteurs. Les moyens de soudage sont par exemple portés par la bâti, latéralement. La machine peut comporter, dans cette variante, des moyens d'accumulation de gaine interposée entre les moyens de soudage et des moyens de coupe.In a first variant, the machine also includes transverse welding means allowing partial transverse welding as mentioned above. These welding means are spread upstream of the cutting means and are not located opposite the spacer means. The welding means are for example carried by the frame, laterally. The machine may include, in this variant, sheath accumulation means interposed between the welding means and cutting means.

Dans la seconde variante, la machine est dépourvue de moyens de soudage transversal de la gaine, la gaine utilisée et provenant de la bobine étant pré-soudée transversalement et de façon partielle comme indiqué précédemment.In the second variant, the machine is devoid of means for transversely welding the sheath, the sheath used and coming from the coil being pre-welded transversely and partially as indicated above.

Ainsi, selon l'invention, l'opération de soudage est dissociée de l'opération de coupe, ce qui permet d'écarter physiquement les moyens de soudage des moyens de coupe voire de supprimer les moyens de soudage si la machine utilise de la gaine pré-soudée. De plus, le soudage partiel tel qu'il a été défini précédemment permet la précence constante, dans l'accès ainsi ménagé dans chaque soufflet, des moyens écarteurs. Ceux-ci peuvent être rendus fixes. Le fonctionnement de la machine n'est pas perturbé pas les opérations de soudage transversal, ce qui permet d'atteindre des cadences très importantes largement supérieures auz cadences connues antérieurement. De plus, la longueur du tronçon de gaine peut être réglée de façon continue. Tous ces avantages sont obtenus avec une machine particulièrement simple, donc fiable, et dont l'accès en partie supérieure est largement amélioré.Thus, according to the invention, the welding operation is dissociated from the cutting operation, which makes it possible to physically separate the welding means from the cutting means or even to eliminate the welding means if the machine uses sheath pre-welded. In addition, partial welding as defined previously allows constant precency, in the access thus formed in each bellows, spacer means. These can be made fixed. The operation of the machine is not disturbed by the transverse welding operations, which makes it possible to achieve very high rates much higher than the rates previously known. In addition, the length of the sheath section can be adjusted continuously. All these advantages are obtained with a particularly simple, therefore reliable machine, the access to which in the upper part is greatly improved.

Les autres caractéristiques de l'invention résulteront de la description qui suivra en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en élévation d'une machine selon l'invention.
  • Les figures 2 et 3 sont deux vues schématiques en coupe transversale illustrant la gaine tubulaire pliée à plat respectivement en dehors d'une ligne de soudage et à l'endroit d'une ligne de soudage transversale partielle.
  • La figure 4 est une vue schématique, en élévation, de la gaine représentée sur la figure 3 et des moyens écarteurs des soufflets, à l'endroit d'une ligne de soudure transversale.
  • Les figures 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9 et 10 sont différentes vues illustrant le fonctionnement de la machine notamment les opérations de soudage, de séparation des soufflets, d'ouverture de la gaine, d'introduction des doigts écarteurs et enfin de coupe.
  • La figure 11 est une vue partielle, à plus grande échelle, de la partie inférieure des moyens écarteurs et des moyens positifs d'ouverture de la gaine. En trait plein, les moyens d'ouverture de la gaine sont représentés dans leur position de début d'ouverture et en tirets en position de fin d'ouverture.
  • La figure 12 est une vue schématique selon la ligne 12/12 illustrant l'organe d'entrainement de la gaine sur la bande support.
  • La figure 13 est une vue schématique en coupe de la figure 11 illustrant l'articulation de la bande support et les moyens d'entrainement de celle-ci autour de son axe.
  • La figure 14 est une vue en élévation de la partie supérieure de la machine selon l'invention illustrant les moyens de soudage, les moyens écarteurs et les moyens d'ouverture, ainsi que les moyens de réglage de la position de fin d'ouverture.
  • La figure 15 est une vue partielle à plus grande échelle de la figure 14 illustrant les moyens écarteurs et l'ouverture qu'ils comportent pour les moyens de coupe.
  • Le figure 16 est une vue en coupe verticale illustrant les moyens d'ouverture de la gaine, ainsei que les moyens pour amener la gaine au- dessus et à l'aplomb des moyens de maintien.
  • L'invention concerne un procédé et une machine pour enfiler un tronçon de gaine tubulaire 1 sur une charge 2, par en-dessus.
  • La gaine tubulaire 1 est du type comportant deux soufflets 3 réunis par deux grandes faces 4. Chaque soufflet 3 comporte deux parties 5 réunies l'une à l'autre par une arête intérieure 6 et aux deux grandes faces 4 par deux arêtes extérieures 7. Ces arêtes extérieures 7 définissent les bords libres extérieurs de la gaine 1. La gaine 1 est réalisée en une matière plastique thermosoudable et thermo-rétractable. Initialement, la gaine 1 est pliée à plat (figure 2), les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3 étant l'une contre l'autre, de même que les deux grandes faces 4. Lorsque la gaine tubulaire 1 est pliée à plat, l'écartement entre les bords libres extérieurs 7 peut être de l'ordre de 1,50 mètre.
  • La charge 2 est principalement une charge paléttrisée, de forme générale parallélipédique, délimitée par une face horizontale inférieure 8, une face horizontale supérieure 9, deux faces verticales frontales 10 (plan de la figure 1) et deux faces verticales latérales 11.
The other characteristics of the invention will result from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a machine according to the invention.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are two schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the tubular sheath folded flat respectively outside a welding line and at the location of a partial transverse welding line.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view, in elevation, of the sheath shown in Figure 3 and the spacer means of the bellows, at the location of a transverse weld line.
  • Figures 5, 6, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are different views illustrating the operation of the machine including welding operations, separation of the bellows, opening of the sheath, introduction of the spacer fingers and finally cutting.
  • Figure 11 is a partial view, on a larger scale, of the lower part of the spacer means and positive means for opening the sheath. In solid lines, the sheath opening means are shown in their opening start position and in dashes in the end of opening position.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic view along line 12/12 illustrating the drive member of the sheath on the support strip.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view of Figure 11 illustrating the articulation of the support strip and the drive means thereof around its axis.
  • Figure 14 is an elevational view of the upper part of the machine according to the invention illustrating the welding means, the spacer means and the opening means, as well as the means for adjusting the end of opening position.
  • Figure 15 is a partial view on a larger scale of Figure 14 illustrating the spacer means and the opening they comprise for the cutting means.
  • Figure 16 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the means for opening the sheath, as well as the means for bringing the sheath above and vertically above the holding means.
  • The invention relates to a method and a machine for threading a section of tubular sheath 1 on a load 2, from above.
  • The tubular sheath 1 is of the type comprising two bellows 3 joined by two large faces 4. Each bellows 3 comprises two parts 5 joined to one another by an internal edge 6 and to the two large faces 4 by two external edges 7. These outer edges 7 define the outer free edges of the sheath 1. The sheath 1 is made of a heat-sealable and heat-shrinkable plastic material. Initially, the sheath 1 is folded flat (FIG. 2), the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 being one against the other, as are the two large faces 4. When the tubular sheath 1 is folded flat, the spacing between the free outer edges 7 can be of the order of 1.50 meters.
  • The load 2 is mainly a palletized load, of generally parallelepiped shape, delimited by a lower horizontal face 8, an upper horizontal face 9, two front vertical faces 10 (plane of FIG. 1) and two lateral vertical faces 11.

Dans le procédé selon l'invention, on écarte l'une de l'autre les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3, grâce à des moyens écarteurs 12 sur lesquels on reviendra ultérieurement; puis on ouvre positivement la gaine c'est-à-dire qu'on déplie les soufflets 3 jusqu'à amener la gaine 1 dans une configuration rectangulaire ou carrée; puis on place la gaine ainsi ouverte sur la charge 2 et on la tire vers le bas pour entourer la charge; on coupe transversalement la gaine pliée à plat pour obtenir un tronçon de gaine dont la longqueur correspond à la hauteur de la charge 2; et enfin on soude transversalement la gaine immédiatement en aval de la coupe transversale afin de recouvrir la face horizontale supérieure 9.In the method according to the invention, the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are separated from one another, by means of spacer means 12 to which we will return later; then the sheath is opened positively, that is to say that the bellows 3 is unfolded until the sheath 1 is brought into a rectangular or square configuration; then the sheath thus opened is placed on the load 2 and it is pulled downwards to surround the load; the folded sheath is cut transversely to obtain a sheath section whose length corresponds to the height of the load 2; and finally the sheath is transversely welded immediately downstream of the cross section in order to cover the upper horizontal face 9.

Selon l'invention, on réalise un soudage transversal partiel de la gaine tubulaire 1 de manière que les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3 ne soient pas solidarisées l'une à l'autre au moins à partier de leurs bords libres extérieurs 7 afin de ménager, à partier de ce bord libre extérieur 7, un accès 13 continu à l'intérieur du soufflet 3 y compris au droit du soudage transversal (figure 3).According to the invention, a partial transverse welding of the tubular sheath 1 is carried out so that the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are not joined to each other at least starting from their external free edges 7 in order to provide, starting from this external free edge 7, a continuous access 13 inside the bellows 3 including at the right of the transverse welding (FIG. 3).

Une machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé comprend (figure 1), un bâti 14; des moyens d'amenée, de maintien et d'évacuation 15 de la charge 2, placés en partie inférieure; les moyens 16 pour amener la gaine 1 au-dessus et à l'aplomb des moyens de maintien 15, placés à la partie supérieure du bâti 14; des moyens écarteurs 12 pour écarter l'une de l'autre les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3; des moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 de la gaine 1 intégralement placés en-dessous des moyens écarteurs 12; des moyens 18 pour tirer la gaine 1 ouverte vers le bas et entourer la charge avec elle, s'étendant entre les parties extrêmes libres écartées des moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 et les moyens de maintien 15 de la charge 2, de part et d'autre de ceux-ci; et des moyens de coupe transversale 19 de la gaine placés audessus des moyens positifs d'ouverture 17.A machine for implementing the method comprises (FIG. 1), a frame 14; means for supplying, holding and discharging the load 2, placed in the lower part; the means 16 for bringing the sheath 1 above and vertically above the holding means 15, placed at the upper part of the frame 14; spacer means 12 for moving the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 away from each other; positive means 17 for opening the sheath 1 integrally placed below the spacer means 12; means 18 for pulling the sheath 1 open downwards and surrounding the load with it, extending between the free end portions separated from the positive opening means 17 and the means 15 for holding the load 2, on both sides and d 'other of these; and cross-sectional means 19 of the sheath placed above the positive opening means 17.

Selon l'invention, les moyens écarteurs 12 sont fixes en permanence et en totalité.According to the invention, the spacer means 12 are permanently and completely fixed.

On réalise donc le soudage transversal dans le temps avant et indépendamment de la coupe transversale. Dans l'espace, on réalise le soudage transversal à l'écart et indépendamment de la coupe transversale.The transverse welding is therefore carried out in time before and independently of the cross section. In space, transverse welding is carried out apart and independently of the cross section.

Par conséquent, selon le procédé de l'invention, l'opération de soudage est totalement dissociée de l'opération de coupe ce qui permet de réaliser l'opération de soudage au moment et à l'endroit souhaités.Consequently, according to the method of the invention, the welding operation is completely dissociated from the cutting operation, which makes it possible to carry out the welding operation at the desired time and place.

Dans une première variante de réalisation, on réalise le soudage transversal pendant le processus d'emballage même. Dans ce cas, on utilise de la gaine tubulaire conventionnelle non pré-soudée et le procédé comporte des opérations de soudage intervenant selon une séquence déterminée. Cette variante est plus particulièrement intéressante lorsque l'on emballe des charges successives de dimensions variables.In a first variant, transverse welding is carried out during the packaging process itself. In this case, conventional non-pre-welded tubular sheath is used and the method includes welding operations taking place according to a determined sequence. This variant is more particularly advantageous when packing successive loads of variable dimensions.

Dans une seconde variante, on réalise le soudage transversal avant le processus d'emballage, la gaine étant alors de type pré-soudée. Cette variante est plus particulièrement intéressante dans le cas où les charges successives à emballer sont de dimensions standardisées.In a second variant, transverse welding is carried out before the packaging process, the sheath then being of the pre-welded type. This variant is more particularly advantageous in the case where the successive loads to be packaged are of standardized dimensions.

Selon l'invention, on écarte les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3 en permanence et immédiatement avant d'ouvrir la gaine 1. En effet, à défaut d'écarter les deux parties 5 de soufflets, l'ouverture de la gaine serait impossible ou très difficile, du fait de l'électricité statique qui a tendance à "coller" les deux parties 5 l'une contre l'autre.According to the invention, the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are removed permanently and immediately before opening the sheath 1. Indeed, failing to separate the two parts 5 of bellows, the opening of the sheath would be impossible or very difficult, due to static electricity which tends to "stick" the two parts 5 against each other.

Pour ouvrir positivement la gaine, on l'entraîne, les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3 étant écartées l'une de l'autre. Puis, ultérieurement, on fait pivoter en les écartant l'une de l'autre les deux grandes faces 4 de la gaine. Ainsi, l'ouverture intervient en deux temps successifs ce qui la rend particulièrement efficace.To open the sheath positively, it is driven, the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 being spaced from one another. Then, later, the two large faces 4 of the sheath are made to pivot by separating them from one another. Thus, the opening occurs in two successive stages which makes it particularly effective.

La machine comporte des moyens-support non représentés pour une bobine 20 de gaine tubulaire 1 située préférentiellement à la partie inférieure du bâti 14 pour d'évidentes raisons de commodité. Des rouleaux de renvoi 21, 22 permettent d'amener la gaine tubulaire 1 depuis la bobine 20 jusqu'à la partie supérieure du bâti 14 jusqu'aux moyens d'amenée 16 prenant la forme de deux rouleaux, le premier 16a support de gaine, entraîné par un moto-réducteur 16b et le second 16c presseur.The machine comprises support means not shown for a coil 20 of tubular sheath 1 preferably located at the bottom of the frame 14 for obvious reasons of convenience. Return rollers 21, 22 make it possible to bring the tubular sheath 1 from the coil 20 to the upper part of the frame 14 as far as the supply means 16 taking the form of two rollers, the first 16a sheath support, driven by a gear motor 16b and the second presser 16c.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 1, la machine comporte donc de haut en bas et à partir des moyens d'amenée 16, les moyens de coupe 19, les moyens écarteur 12, les moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 et les moyens pour tirer la gaine 18.As seen in Figure 1, the machine therefore comprises from top to bottom and from the supply means 16, the cutting means 19, the spacer means 12, the positive opening means 17 and the means for pulling sheath 18.

Les moyens écarteurs 12 fixes, moncblocs, comprennent une partie supérieure 12a en forme générale de plaque fine et plane et une partie inférieure 12b formant deux déflecteurs prolongeant la partie supérieure 12a vers le bas et allant en s'écartant l'un de l'autre vers le bas en direction des moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 à proximité immédiate desquels ils se terminent. L'extrémité libre supérieure 12c des moyens écarteurs 12 forme une pointe aigüe située immédiatement en sortie du rouleau support de gaine 16a.The fixed, single-piece spacer means 12 comprise an upper part 12a in the general form of a thin and flat plate and a lower part 12b forming two deflectors extending the upper part 12a downwards and moving away from one another down towards the positive opening means 17 in the immediate vicinity of which they terminate. The upper free end 12c of the spacer means 12 forms an acute point located immediately at the outlet of the sheath support roller 16a.

Les moyens écarteurs 12 comprennent dans leur partie médiane une ouverture transversale 12d de passage des moyens de coupe 19 (figure 15). Préférentiellement, l'ouverture 12d est ménagé après une zone d'épaisseur croissante 12e de la partie supérieure 12a.The spacer means 12 comprise in their central part a transverse opening 12d for passage of the cutting means 19 (FIG. 15). Preferably, the opening 12d is formed after an area of increasing thickness 12e of the upper part 12a.

L'ouverture transversale 12d est de très faible hauteur par exemple de l'ordre du centimètre ce qui, combiné à la zone d'épaisseur croissante 12e et au fait que la coupe intervient "à la volée" et non dans une position stationnaire de la gaine - du fait précisément de la dissociation de l'opération de soudage - permet à l'extrémité libre de la gaine tubulaire 1 de passes l'ouverture 12d sans venir en blocage contre celle-ci.The transverse opening 12d is of very low height, for example of the order of a centimeter, which, combined with the zone of increasing thickness 12e and the fact that the cut occurs "on the fly" and not in a stationary position of the sheath - precisely because of the dissociation of the welding operation - allows the free end of the tubular sheath 1 to pass the opening 12d without coming to lock against it.

La partie supérieure 12a a une épaisseur de l'ordre de quelques millimètres tandis que la zone d'épaisseur croissante 12e a une épaisseur de l'ordre du centimètre environ. La partie inférieure 12b a quant à elle un écartement de plusieurs centimètres.The upper part 12a has a thickness of the order of a few millimeters while the zone of increasing thickness 12e has a thickness of the order of about a centimeter. The lower part 12b has a spacing of several centimeters.

Les moyens écarteurs 12 sont réalisés en un matériau particulièrement faborable au glissement de la gaine tubulaire 1 tel que le métal.The spacer means 12 are made of a particularly fabulous material when the tubular sheath 1 slides, such as metal.

Il est prévu des galets d'entrainement 23 de la gaine 1 en appui sur les moyens écarteurs 12, de part et d'autres du plan P des moyens écarteurs 12 qui constitue un plan vertical de symétrie de la machine (dit encore plan de pliage puisque c'est le plan dans lequel la gaine tubulaire 1 est pliée entre les moyens d'amenée 16 et les galets d'entrainement 23).There are provided drive rollers 23 of the sheath 1 bearing on the spacer means 12, on either side of the plane P of the spacer means 12 which constitutes a vertical plane of symmetry of the machine (also called folding plane since it is the plane in which the tubular sheath 1 is folded between the supply means 16 and the drive rollers 23).

Par convention, les axes s'étendant horizontalement et parallèlement au plan de symétrie de pliage (comme les axes des rouleaux 16a, 16c et des galets 23) sont dits transversaux puisqu'ils s'étendent transversalement par rapport à la gaine tubulaire 1 pliée.By convention, the axes extending horizontally and parallel to the plane of symmetry of folding (like the axes of the rollers 16a, 16c and the rollers 23) are said to be transverse since they extend transversely with respect to the folded tubular sheath 1.

La machine comporte également un autre plan de symétrie - le plan Q - vertical et orthogonalau plan P, qui est le plan de la figure 1. Ce plan est dit plan d'ouverture puisque c'est dans ce plan qu'intervient le mouvement permettant l'ouverture de la gaine 1.The machine also has another plane of symmetry - the plane Q - vertical and orthogonal to the plane P, which is the plane of FIG. 1. This plane is said to be the plane of opening since it is in this plane that the movement occurs. sheath opening 1.

Les deux galets d'entrainement 23 sont situés sur les moyens écarteurs 12 à la jonction de la partie supérieure 12a et de la partie inférieure 12b, donc en-dessous de l'ouverture 12d.The two drive rollers 23 are located on the spacer means 12 at the junction of the upper part 12a and the lower part 12b, therefore below the opening 12d.

Dans une première variante de réalisation correspondant aux figures 1 et 14, la machine comporte également des moyens de soudage transversal parqui sont propres à réaliser un soudage transversal partiel de la gaine 1 de manière que les deux parties 5 de chaque soufflet 3 ne soient pas solidarisées l'une à l'autre au moins à partir de leur bord libre extérieur 7 afin de ménager, à partir de ce bords libre extérieur 7 un accès continu à l'intérieur du soufflet 3, y compris au droit du soudage transversal.In a first alternative embodiment corresponding to Figures 1 and 14, the machine also includes transverse welding means parqui are suitable for performing a partial transverse welding of the sheath 1 so that the two parts 5 of each bellows 3 are not secured to each other at least from their outside free edge 7 so as to provide continuous access to the inside of the outside free edge 7 bellows 3, including at the level of transverse welding.

Ces moyens de soudage 24 sont écartés vers l'amont des moyens de coupe 19 et ne sont pas situés au regard des moyens écarteurs 12. Les moyens de soudage 24 sont, quant à leur localisation, totalement dissociés des moyens de coupe 19 et des moyens écarteurs 12. Par exemple, les moyens de soudage 24 sont portés par le bâti 14 latéralement et à sa partie supérieure. Mais, ils pourraient être portés latéralement à la partie médiane ou à la partie inférieure du bâti, à proximité ou non de la bobine 20.These welding means 24 are separated upstream from the cutting means 19 and are not located with regard to the spacer means 12. The welding means 24 are, as regards their location, completely dissociated from the cutting means 19 and the means spacers 12. For example, the welding means 24 are carried by the frame 14 laterally and at its upper part. However, they could be worn laterally at the middle part or at the lower part of the frame, close or not to the coil 20.

Les moyens de soudage 24 comportent deux mors de soudage 24a, 24b auxquels sont associés des moyens d'entrainement non représentés, apte à permettre le soudage partiel.The welding means 24 comprise two welding jaws 24a, 24b with which are not shown drive means, adapted to allow partial welding.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, il est prévu des moyens d'accumulation 25 de gaine 1 interposés entre les moyens de soudage 24 et les moyens de coupe 19, plus précisément les moyens d'amenée de gaine 16 (figure 1). Ces moyens d'accumulation 25 peuvent être constitués par au moins deux rouleaux fous 25a, 25b d'axes parallèles, mobiles à coulissement de façon relative l'un par rapport à l'autre dans le sens transversal et de moyens de déplacement relatifs des axes des rouleaux 25a, 25b, non représentés. Ces moyens de déplacement relatifs assurent tout à la fois le guidage et l'entrainement des axes des rouleaux 25a, 26b. En éloignant les deux rouleaux 25a, 25b l'un de l'autre, on accumule entre eux de la gaine tubulaire 1. Cette disposition peut avoir comme avantage de permettre un meilleur réglage de la longueur du tronçon de gaine utilisée.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided sheath accumulation means 25 interposed between the welding means 24 and the cutting means 19, more precisely the sheath supply means 16 (FIG. 1 ). These accumulation means 25 can be constituted by at least two idler rollers 25a, 25b of parallel axes, movable in sliding relatively relative to one another in the transverse direction and relative displacement means of the axes rollers 25a, 25b, not shown. These relative displacement means ensure both the guidance and the drive of the axes of the rollers 25a, 26b. By moving the two rollers 25a, 25b away from each other, tubular sheath 1 is accumulated between them. This arrangement can have the advantage of allowing better adjustment of the length of the sheath section used.

Dans une seconde variante, non représentée, la machine est dépourvue de moyens de soudage transversal de la gaine et la machine utilise une gaine provenant d'une bobine de gaine pré-soudée transversalement et de façon partielle, dans les mêmes conditions que décrit précédemment. Cette variante est particulièrement intéressante dans le cas de l'emballage de charges de hauteurs standardiséescar elle conduit à une machine particulièrement simple et à très haute cadence.In a second variant, not shown, the machine does not have means for transverse welding of the sheath and the machine uses a sheath coming from a sheath coil pre-welded transversely and partially, under the same conditions as described above. This variant is particularly advantageous in the case of packaging loads of standardized heights because it results in a particularly simple machine at very high speed.

Les moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 comprennent deux ensembles principaux symétriques par rapport au plan de symétrie P de la gaine pliée, associés chacun à l'une des deux grandes faces 4 de la gaine. Chacun de ces ensembles principaux d'ouverture comprend deux ensembles élémentaires symétriques par rapport au plan de symétrie vertical d'ouverture de la gaine Q. Les deux ensembles élémentaires en regard des deux ensembles principaux constituent un sous-ensemble d'ouverture auquel sont associées les deux parties 5 d'un même soufflet 3. C'est un tel sous-ensemble qui est représenté sur la figure 1.The positive opening means 17 comprise two main assemblies symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P of the folded sheath, each associated with one of the two large faces 4 of the sheath. Each of these main opening assemblies comprises two elementary assemblies symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of opening of the sheath Q. The two elementary assemblies facing the two main assemblies constitute an opening sub-assembly with which the two parts 5 of the same bellows 3. It is such a sub-assembly which is shown in FIG. 1.

Un ensemble élémentaire d'ouverture comprend une bande support 26 du bord libre extérieur 7 de la gaine; un organe d'entrainement 27 de la gaine 1 sur la bande support 26; et des moyens de déplacement 28 de la bande support 26 et de l'organe d'entrainement 27 entre une position de début d'ouverture (en trait plein sur la figure 11) et une position de fin d'ouverture (en tiret sur la figure 11).An elementary opening assembly comprises a support strip 26 of the free outer edge 7 of the sheath; a drive member 27 of the sheath 1 on the support strip 26; and means 28 for moving the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 between an opening opening position (in solid lines in FIG. 11) and an opening opening position (in dash on the figure 11).

Les organes d'entrainement 27 tels que des galets ou des pignons sont entrainés par les galets d'entrainement 23 lorsque les moyens d'ouverture 17 sont en position de début d'ouverture. En position de fin d'ouverture ou en position intermédiaire autre que la position de début d'ouverture, les organes d'entrainement 27 ne sont pas entrainés.The drive members 27 such as rollers or pinions are driven by the drive rollers 23 when the opening means 17 are in the opening start position. In the end of opening position or in an intermediate position other than the start of opening position, the drive members 27 are not driven.

De la forme de réalisation représentée, les bandes support 26 et les organes d'entrainement 27 sont constituées respectivement par des première et seconde bandes sans fin appliquées l'une contre l'autre et comportant, de façon connue en soi, des galets d'extrémité.Of the embodiment shown, the support bands 26 and the drive members 27 are constituted respectively by first and second endless bands applied against each other and comprising, in a manner known per se, rollers end.

Chaque paire de la première et seconde bande sans fin assure comme fonction l'entrainement d'une longueur prédéterminée de gaine. Pour cette raison, chaque paire de première et seconde bande sans fin peut être de courte longueur. Comme cas limite, la bande support 26 et l'organe d'entrainement 27 sont constitués par deux galets appliqués l'un contre l'autre.Each pair of the first and second endless belts provides the function of driving a predetermined length of sheath. For this reason, each pair of first and second endless belts can be short in length. As a limiting case, the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 are constituted by two rollers applied one against the other.

Les moyens de déplacement 28 de chaque ensemble principal comportent un axe d'articulation 29 transversal autour duquel peuvent pivoter la bande support 26 et l'organe d'entrainement 27. Les moyens de déplacement 28 comportent également au moins un verin d'entrainement 30 placé dans le plan de symétrie Q, sensiblement horizontal ou faiblement incliné sur l'horizontale. Ce verin d'entrainement 30 permet de réaliser un mouvement pendulaire de la bande support 26 et de l'organe d'entrainement 27 entre les deux positions extrêmes de début d'ouverture et de fin d'ouverture. A cet effet, le verin 30 est articulé à une entretoise 31 reliant deux flasques 32 sur lesquels sont montées les deux bandes support 26 et les deux organes d'entrainement 27 de chaque ensemble principal d'ouverture. Les deux flasques 32 ont une forme générale triangulaire et sont écartés transversalement l'un de l'autre. L'axe d'articulation 29 passe par les sommets supérieurs des flasques 32 et est situé sensiblement au niveau des moyens de coupe transversale 19 tout en étant écarté du plan de symétrie P.The displacement means 28 of each main assembly comprise a transverse articulation axis 29 around which the support strip 26 and the drive member can pivot. The displacement means 28 also comprise at least one drive cylinder 30 placed in the plane of symmetry Q, substantially horizontal or slightly inclined to the horizontal. This drive cylinder 30 allows a pendulum movement of the support strip 26 and the drive member 27 between the two extreme positions of opening start and end of opening. To this end, the actuator 30 is articulated to a spacer 31 connecting two flanges 32 on which are mounted the two support bands 26 and the two drive members 27 of each main opening assembly. The two flanges 32 have a generally triangular shape and are spaced transversely from one another. The articulation axis 29 passes through the upper vertices of the flanges 32 and is located substantially at the level of the transverse cutting means 19 while being spaced from the plane of symmetry P.

Une bande support 26 et un organe d'entrainement 27 d'un ensemble élémentaire d'ouverture sont situés sur le petit côté inférieur du flasque 32 correspondant. Les deux flasques 32 d'un même ensemble principal sont montés à écartement réglable sur les entretoises 31 ou l'axe d'articulation 29. Cette disposition permet d'adapter la machine à différentes dimensions de gaine, dans le sens de la largeur des grandes faces 4.A support strip 26 and a drive member 27 of an elementary opening assembly are located on the small lower side of the corresponding flange 32. The two flanges 32 of the same main assembly are mounted with adjustable spacing on the spacers 31 or the hinge pin 29. This arrangement makes it possible to adapt the machine to different sheath dimensions, in the direction of the width of the large faces 4.

En position de début d'ouverture, les bandes support 26 sont inclinées à environ 45° surla verticale. En position de fin d'ouverture, les bandes support 26 sont sensiblement à l'horizontale.In the start-to-open position, the support strips 26 are inclined at about 45 ° on the vertical. In the end of opening position, the support strips 26 are substantially horizontal.

La machine comporte également des moyens de réglage de la position de fin d'ouverture, de manière à pouvoir permettre l'emballage de charge de dimensions différentes, en ce qui concerne l'ouverture des soufflets 3. Ces moyens de réglage 33 comportent au moins une et généralement deux (par ensemble principal) tiges 33a articulées autour d'un axe transversal 33b de manière à êntre disposée sensiblement horizontalement et perpendiculairement au plan P. Une bague d'arrêt 33c est montée sur la tige 33a. La tige 33a coopère avec une ouverture 33d ménagée dans le bâti 14 et sur laquelle vient buter la bague d'arrêt 33c.The machine also includes means for adjusting the end of opening position, so as to be able to allow the packaging of loads of different dimensions, as regards the opening of the bellows 3. These adjusting means 33 comprise at least one and generally two (per main assembly) rods 33a articulated around a transverse axis 33b so as to be disposed substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the plane P. A stop ring 33c is mounted on the rod 33a. The rod 33a cooperates with an opening 33d formed in the frame 14 and on which the stop ring 33c abuts.

La bande support 26, placée en position inférieure, en-dessous de l'organe d'entrainement 27 est portée par une plaquette 34 articulée autour d'un axe 35 horizontal et perpendiculaire au plan P. Des moyens d'entrainement 36 tel qu'un verin déplacent la plaquette 34 donc la bande support correspondante 26 entre sa position normale de maintien contre l'organe d'entrainement 27 et une position verticale d'escamotage dirigée vers le bas sensiblement perpendiculairement à l'organe d'entrainement 27. La bande support 26 ne réalise plus, en position verticale d'escamotage, sa fonction de support de la gaine 1 de sorte que celle-ci peut venir s'appliquer sur la face horizontale supérieure 9 de la charge 2. Les moyens d'entrainement 36 sont mis en oeuvre approximativement lorsque la ligne de soudage transversale partielle de la gaine 1 se trouve située au niveau des moyens écarteurs 12.The support strip 26, placed in the lower position, below the drive member 27 is carried by a plate 34 articulated about a horizontal axis 35 and perpendicular to the plane P. Drive means 36 such as a jack moves the plate 34 therefore the corresponding support strip 26 between its normal position for holding against the drive member 27 and a vertical retraction position directed downwards substantially perpendicular to the drive member 27. The strip support 26 no longer realizes, in the vertical retracting position, its function of supporting the sheath 1 so that the latter can be applied to the upper horizontal face 9 of the load 2. The drive means 36 are implemented approximately when the partial transverse welding line of the sheath 1 is located at the level of the spacer means 12.

La machine comporte également des moyens de commande ou des moyens de coupe 19, des moyens de repérage 37 de la position de la ligne transversale de soudure et des moyens de manoeuvre ou des moyens de coupe 19.The machine also includes control means or cutting means 19, means for locating 37 the position of the transverse weld line and operating means or cutting means 19.

Dans une première variante, des moyens de repérage repèrent la ligne de soudure elle-même notamment par des moyens optiques, mécaniques, électriques ou autres.In a first variant, locating means locate the weld line itself in particular by optical, mechanical, electrical or other means.

Dans une seconde variante, les moyens de repérage 37 repèrent l'écartement de la ligne de soudure, notamment par un rouleau de comptage du débit de gaine.In a second variant, the locating means 37 identify the spacing of the weld line, in particular by a roller for counting the sheath flow rate.

Le moto-réducteur 16b permet d'assurer le freinage ou l'arrêt du rouleau 16a ce qui est propre à assurer une tension suffisante de la gaine 1 entre les roulcaux 16a et les galets d'entrainement 23, tension propre à favoriser la coupe de la gaine. Les moyens de coupe 19 sont quant à eux constitués principalement par une lame de coupe ou sabre 19a portée par un vérin d'entrainement 19b.The geared motor 16b makes it possible to ensure the braking or stopping of the roller 16a which is capable of ensuring sufficient tension of the sheath 1 between the rollers 16a and the drive rollers 23, tension suitable for promoting the cutting of sheath. The cutting means 19 are mainly constituted by a cutting blade or saber 19a carried by a drive cylinder 19b.

Les moyens pour tirer la gaine 18 ne font pas directement partie de l'invention et comprennent des doigts écaarteurs 18a portés par des chaînes sans fin 18b tendues verticalement de part et d'autre de la machine entre des roues de renvoi supérieures et inférieures 18c.The means for pulling the sheath 18 are not directly part of the invention and include spreading fingers 18a carried by endless chains 18b stretched vertically on either side of the machine between upper and lower return wheels 18c.

Le fonctionnement de la machine est le suivant, dans le cas de la première variante considérée (machine comportant des moyens de soudage et soudages faisant partie du processus d'emballage): le soudage transversal partiel est généralement réalisé pendant l'opération de dépose de la gaine 1 sur la charge 2 précédent celle considérée. L'extrémité libre initiale de la gaine se trouve située au niveau des moyens de coupe 19. (Figure 5). L'entrainement du rouleau 16a et des galets 23 permet le défilement de la gaine. Celle-ci voit ses soufflets 3 être écartés grâce aux moyens écarteurs 12 (figure 6a). Les parties extrêmes libres initiales de la gaine sont dirigées vers les moyens positifs d'ouverture 17 qui, étant en position de début d'ouverture, sont entraînés par les galets d'entrainement 23 et un galet intermédiaire 23a. (Figure 6b).The operation of the machine is as follows, in the case of the first variant considered (machine comprising welding means and welds which are part of the packaging process): partial transverse welding is generally carried out during the removal operation of the sheath 1 on the load 2 preceding that considered. The initial free end of the sheath is located at the level of the cutting means 19. (Figure 5). The drive of the roller 16a and the rollers 23 allows the sheath to travel. The latter sees its bellows 3 be discarded thanks to the spacer means 12 (FIG. 6a). The initial free end portions of the sheath are directed towards the positive opening means 17 which, being in the opening opening position, are driven by the drive rollers 23 and an intermediate roller 23a. (Figure 6b).

Les moyens d'ouverture 17 sont pivotés grâce aux vérins d'entrainement 30 autour des axes 29 jusqu'à la position de fin d'ouverture définie par les moyens de réglage 33 (figure 7 et 8). Pendant cette phase opératoire, les galets d'entrainement 23 sont motorisés mais les bandes support 26 et les organes d'entrainement 27 sont montés fous et restent immobiles.The opening means 17 are pivoted by means of the drive jacks 30 around the axes 29 to the end of opening position defined by the adjusting means 33 (FIGS. 7 and 8). During this operating phase, the drive rollers 23 are motorized but the support bands 26 and the drive members 27 are mounted insane and remain stationary.

Ensuite, les doigts 18a des moyens 18 pour tirer la gaine sont introduits, en position haute, dans la gaine ouverte, puis sont descendus grâce aux chaînes sans fin 18b. Dans ce mouvement les bandes support 26 et les organes d'entrainement 27 sont toujours montes à pivotement fou, n'étant plus entraînées par les galets d'entrainement 23. (Figure 9).Then, the fingers 18a of the means 18 for pulling the sheath are introduced, in the high position, into the open sheath, then are lowered by means of the endless chains 18b. In this movement, the support bands 26 and the drive members 27 are always mounted with idle pivoting, no longer being driven by the drive rollers 23. (Figure 9).

La coupe intervient alors à la volée au cours de la mise en place de la gaine sur la charge et alors que le rouleau support 16 a est freiné ou arrêté temporairement tandis que les galets d'entrainement 23 sont toujours motorisés.The cutting then occurs on the fly during the positioning of the sheath on the load and while the support roller 16a is braked or temporarily stopped while the drive rollers 23 are still motorized.

Claims (36)

1. Process for slipping a length of concertinaed tubular sheathing, initially folded flat, onto a load from the top, in which the two parts of each sheathing concertina are parted by parting means; the sheathing is opened positively; the open sheathing is drawn downwards so as to surround the load; the sheath folded flat is cut transversely to obtain a length of sheathing corresponding to the height of the load; and the sheathing is welded transversely in the immediate vicinity of the transverse cut in order to cover the upper horizontal face of the load, characterized in that partial transverse welding of the sheathing (1) is carried out in such a way that the two parts (5) of each concertina (3) are not fixed to one another, at least from their outer free edge (7), in order to provide, from this outer free edge, continuous access (13) to the interior of the concertina (3), including in line with the transverse weld, and the two parts of each concertina (3) are parted permanently immediately before the sheathing is opened.
2. Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transverse welding is carried out in time before and independently of the transverse cut.
3. Process according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the transverse welding is carried out in space apart from and independently of the transverse cut.
4. Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transverse welding is carried out during the packaging process.
5. Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transverse welding is carried out before the packaging process, in this case the sheathing being of the prewelded type.
6. Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in order to open the sheathing (1) positively, it is driven along, the two parts (5) of each concertina (3) being parted from one another, and then the two faces of the sheathing are subsequently pivoted, at the same time being parted from one another.
7. Machine for slipping a length of concertinaed tubular sheathing coming from a reel (20) of foldedflat concertinaed sheathing onto a load (2) from above, comprising a stand (14); means (15) for supplying, holding and discharging the load (2), means (16) for bringing the sheathing (1) above and in line with the holding means (15); parting means (12) for parting the two parts (5) of each concertina (3) of the sheathing (1) from one another; positive means (17) for opening the sheathing (1), arranged as a whole underneath the parting means (12); means for draving the open sheathing (18) downwards and surrounding the load with it, which extend between the parted free end parts of the positive opening means (17) and the load-holding means (15) on either side of these; and means (19) for the transverse cutting of the sheathing (1), which are arranged above the positive opening means (17), characterized in that the parting means (12) are permanently and completely stationary and comprise an upper part (12a) located at the exit of the sheathing support roller (16a), a lover part (12b) extending the upper part (12a ) downwards in the direction of the positve means (17) for opening the sheathing and, in the middle part, a transverse orifice (12d) for the passage of the cutting means (19), the machine being intended to function with a sheathing having a partial transverse weld.
8. Machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the orifice (12d) is formed after a zone of increasing thickness (12e) of the upper part (12a).
9. Machine according to either one of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the transverse orifice (12d) formed in the parting means (12) is of very small height, thus allowing the initial end of the sheathing to pass through it.
10. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it possesses two rollers (23) for driving the sheath up against the parting means (12).
11. Machine according to Claim 10, characterized in that the two driving rollers (23) are arranged on the parting means (12) at the junction of the upper part (12a) and lover part (12b).
12. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 11 which also possesses means (24) for the transverse welding of the sheathing, characterized in that these welding means are suitable for carrying out a partial transverse welding of the sheathing, in such a way that the two parts (5) of each concertina (3) are not fixed to one another, at least from their outer free edge (7), in order to provide, from this outer free edge (7), continuous access to the interior of the concertina, including in line with the transverse weld.
13. Machine according to Claim 12, characterized in that the welding means (24) are set apart in the upstream direction of the cutting means (19) and are not located opposite the parting means (12).
14. Machine according to either one of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the welding means (24), in terms of their location, are completely separate from the cutting means (19) and the parting means (12).
15. Machine according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the welding means (24) are carried by the stand (14) laterally, in its upper or middle or lover part, in the vicinity of the sheathing reel (20) or not.
16. Machine according to any one of Claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it possesses sheathing accumulation means (25) interposed between the welding means (24) and the cutting means (19).
17. Machine according to Claim 16, characterized in that the accumulation means (25) consist of at least two idling rollers (25a, 25b) of parallel axes and movable slidably relative to one another in the transverse direction and of means for the relative movement of the two axes.
18. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it uses a sheathing which comes from the reel (20) prewelded transversely and partially, so as to provide, from the outer free edges, continuous access to the interior of the concertinas, including in line with a transverse weld.
19. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 18, characterized in that an elementary opening assembly comprises a supporting band (26), a member (27) for driving the sheathing (1) on the supporting band (26) and means (28) for moving the supporting band (26) and the drive member (27) between a position for the start of opening and a position for the end of opening.
20. Machine according to Claim 19, characterized in that the drive members (27) are driven by the driving rollers (23), in the position for the start of opening.
21. Machine according to either one of Claims 19 and 20, characterized in that, in the position for the end of opening or in an intermediate position other than the position for the start of opening, the drive members (27) are not driven.
22. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the supporting bands (26) and the drive members (27) are respectively first and second endless bands.
23. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 22, characterized in that each pair of first and second endless bands (26, 27) performs the function of driving a predetermined length of sheathing and therefore can be of short length.
24. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the means (28) for moving each main opening assembly comprise an axle (29) for the articulation of the supporting bands and the drive members (26, 27) and at least one driving jack (30) alloving a pendular movement between the two positions for the start of opening and for the end of opening.
25. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the two supporting bands and the two drive members (26, 27) of each main opening assembly are carried by two flanges (32) of general triangular shape, on their small lower sides, the two flanges (32) being set transversely apart from another and being connected to one another by means of spacers (31), the articulation axle (29) passing through their upper vertices.
26. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the two articulation axles (29) of the two main opening assemblies are located at least substantially level with the transverse cutting means (19) and set apart from the plane of symmetry of the folded sheathing.
27. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 26, characterized in that the two flanges (32) of one and the same main assembly are mounted on their spacers (31) with an adjustable spacing.
28. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 27, characterized in that, in the position for the start of opening, the supporting bands (26) are inclined approximately 45° relative to the vertical.
29. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 28, characterized in that, in the position for the end of opening, the supporting bands (26) are substantially horizontal.
30. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 29, characterized in that it possesses means (33) for adjusting the position for the end of opening, so as to allow the packaging of loads of different dimensions.
31. Machine according to Claim 30, characterized in that the adjustment means (33) comprise at least one rod (33a) which is articulated about an axle (33b) on a flange (32) and on which a stop ring (33c) is mounted, this rod (33a) interacting with an orifice (33d) which is located in the stand and against which abuts the stop ring (33c).
32. Machine according to any one of Claims 19 to 31, characterized in that the supporting band (26) is mounted in an articulated manner as a whole in relation to the flange (32) about a horizontal and orthogonal axis (35) and is moved between its normal holding position and a vertical retraction position by drive means (36), such as a jack.
33. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 32, characterized in that it possesses means for controlling the cutting means, comprising means (37) for detecting the position of a transverse welding line and means for actuating the cutting means.
34. Machine according to Claim 33, characterized in that the detection means detect the welding line itself especially by optical, mechanical, electrical or suchlike means.
35. Machine according to Claim 33, characterized in that the detection means detect the spacing of the welding line, especially by means of a roller for counting the start of the sheathing.
36. Machine according to any one of Claims 7 to 35, characterized in that it possessed means for the temporary braking or stopping of the roller (16a), designed to ensure a sufficient tension of the sheathing between this roller (16a) and the driving rollers (23) so as to assist the cutting.
EP85402177A 1984-11-12 1985-11-12 Process and machine for packaging a load in a length of tubing of flexible material Expired EP0184485B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85402177T ATE39657T1 (en) 1984-11-12 1985-11-12 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKING A LOAD IN A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL TUBE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8417232A FR2573030B1 (en) 1984-11-12 1984-11-12 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING A LOAD IN A SHEATH SECTION OF A FLEXIBLE MATERIAL
FR8417232 1984-11-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0184485A1 EP0184485A1 (en) 1986-06-11
EP0184485B1 true EP0184485B1 (en) 1989-01-04

Family

ID=9309508

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85402177A Expired EP0184485B1 (en) 1984-11-12 1985-11-12 Process and machine for packaging a load in a length of tubing of flexible material

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0184485B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE39657T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3567189D1 (en)
ES (1) ES8700190A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2573030B1 (en)
NL (1) NL8503111A (en)

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US11370569B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-06-28 Officina Bocedi S.R.L. Machine for wrapping pallets

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DE9006438U1 (en) * 1990-06-07 1990-09-13 Develog, Reiner Hannen & Cie, Courtelary Device for packing a stack of goods with a stretch film hood
FR2669002B1 (en) * 1990-11-09 1994-10-28 Newtec Int METHOD, MACHINE AND INSTALLATION FOR PACKAGING A LOAD PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE HINGE PROTECTION HINGE; DEVICE FOR SEIZING, MOVING, DEPOSITING AND HOLDING SUCH A CORNER.
FR2848986B1 (en) * 2002-12-24 2005-10-07 Prot Decoration Conditionnemen METHOD OF DRESSING PRODUCTS WITH STRETCH SLEEVES AND INSTALLATION FOR INSTALLING SUCH SLEEVES
DE10362185B4 (en) * 2002-12-24 2008-07-03 Protection Decoration Conditionnement Europe Method for fitting stretchable sleeves on plastic bottles comprises flattening tubular film to form gussets on either side, film then being wound on to reel, after which it is cut to size before fitting
FR2869876B1 (en) * 2004-05-07 2006-07-21 Thimon Sa DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPENING A BLOW PLASTIC SHEATH FOR SHAPING A SOFT PACKAGING COVER OF A LOAD
DE102005062609A1 (en) * 2005-12-23 2007-07-05 Lachenmeier A/S Method for packing articles e.g. palleted stack of goods with a film hood, involves folding flat hose in v-shape, after final removal from supply and before closing outer sides
EP2336034B1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2013-01-09 MSK - Verpackungs-Systeme GmbH Method and device for wrapping a stack of goods with a film
DE202010001587U1 (en) * 2010-01-29 2010-04-22 Msk - Verpackungs-Systeme Gmbh Device for wrapping a stack of goods with a film
EP3281878B1 (en) * 2016-08-10 2018-08-01 Maschinenfabrik Möllers GmbH Device for wrapping a stack of goods with a hose hood and method of changing the hose film store in such a device
CN109625489B (en) * 2018-12-28 2020-11-27 涡阳县春秋塑料制品有限公司 Plastic film apparatus for producing
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11370569B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-06-28 Officina Bocedi S.R.L. Machine for wrapping pallets

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES8700190A1 (en) 1986-11-16
DE3567189D1 (en) 1989-02-09
FR2573030B1 (en) 1987-09-25
ES548982A0 (en) 1986-11-16
NL8503111A (en) 1986-06-02
ATE39657T1 (en) 1989-01-15
DE3540095A1 (en) 1986-05-28
EP0184485A1 (en) 1986-06-11
FR2573030A1 (en) 1986-05-16

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