[0001] The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 for
holding in its place a separate piece placed against the side surface of a basic piece.
[0002] According to prior art for example substantially cylindrical pieces, especially rolls
in which different paper grades have been wound as a continuous web, are wrapped into
a transparent stretch film. The purpose of the wrapping is to protect the piece from
external mechanical effects, from the dirt in the environment as well as from other
impurities and moisture. The material wound on the roll is for example printing paper,
copying paper or soft tissue.
[0003] The stretch film is typically an elastic, transparent film made of plastic material
that is wrapped around the outer shell of a piece and typically around the end surfaces
of the same as well. For the purpose of wrapping the shell, there are radial wrapping
apparatuses in use, in which a horizontal piece is rotated around a longitudinal axis,
for example by means of rotating rolls or a cradle formed on a belt. The film roll
is typically transferred in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piece, so that
the entire shell surface would be covered. The tight film also stretches on top of
the end, which is thus at least partly protected. There are known axial wrapping apparatuses
or circumferential wrapping apparatuses for wrapping of shell and end surfaces, in
which apparatuses the film roll orbits the piece typically at the same height with
the horizontal longitudinal axis of the piece, and at the same time the piece is rotated
around the longitudinal axis. The piece may contain both axial and radial layers,
between which protective layers made for example of bubble wrap, have possibly been
placed.
[0004] The piece is conveyed or transferred to the wrapping apparatuses by means of different
kinds of conveyors or automatic transfer carriages. The conveyors include for example
different belt, roll or slat conveyors, on top of which the roll rests and is supported
thereto from one or more points. The roll can be conveyed both in the longitudinal
direction and transversely. A section of the conveyor can also be placed in a transfer
carriage that conveys the roll. The transfer carriage can also contain a lifting table,
on the support of which the piece rests, and thus especially a roll can be easily
lowered on the support of said rotating rolls, or lifted up from the same after the
wrapping is finished.
[0005] Especially rolls containing different kinds of paper grades, even sensitive paper
grades, are equipped with different kinds of end protectors and labels, the purpose
of which is to protect the roll even more for example from different kinds of mechanical
effects that also occur during the wrapping and by the influence of the wrapping film.
Protection from light is also possible by means of a transparent protector. Typically
the protector has a round shape, and its diameter is equal or smaller in size than
the reel. The protectors are for example made of more rigid and stronger paper grades,
such as cardboard or paperboard. The protectors often also contain variable information
relating to the product that can be read from underneath the transparent film layer.
[0006] The attachment of the protectors is, however, problematic, because the adhesion of
the same must be secured by means of adhesives or different kinds of adhesive tapes.
Especially adhesives dirty the end of the roll, and at the same time the edge of the
material can become dirty throughout the entire length of the web. Mechanical attachment,
on the other hand, breaks and tears the material in the roll.
[0007] The protector can also be attached on top of one or more wrapping film layers, whereafter
it is possible to continue the wrapping process. In this case the disadvantage that
occurs is that the wrapping process is interrupted, which decelerates and disturbs
especially continuous automatic production. In addition, it is necessary to install
robots or devices that take care of the automatic placement and attachment of the
protectors.
[0008] The protector can, of course, be attached to the piece only after the wrapping, but
in such a situation it will not protect the piece from the mechanical effects caused
by the wrapping film and the wrapping process. The protector attached on the film
layers is more easily detached during transport and handling, wherein it must be attached
in a more durable and reliable manner. Thus the amount of work is increased, larger
amounts of adhesives must be used, or the adhesives must be more effective. Large
amounts of adhesives are also a problem in view of work safety. If the protector is
detached, the information contained therein is also lost.
[0009] It is a purpose of the present invention to eliminate the aforementioned problems
and to introduce a new method for holding the protectors in their place so that the
protectors could be attached to the piece as early as possible and in such a manner
that the piece is not damaged. Thus, it is possible to protect for example the ends
of a roll also during transport and transfers, which enables the use of the protectors
also as temporary protectors, because as a result of the invention both manual and
mechanical placement and detachment can be conducted quite easily and rapidly, without
interfering with the rest of the process. The components necessary in the invention
are known and easily available.
[0010] The method according to the invention is presented in claim 1.
[0011] A central principle of the invention is the use of air jets for holding end labels,
protectors or the like in their place against the ends of rolls or other pieces to
be wrapped. Air jets are used both during the transfers of the piece as well as during
wrapping.
[0012] The apparatus according to the invention can be easily and rapidly constructed to
handle varying situations, because in a factory environment pressurized air is readily
available. The act of installing and directing the nozzles used for the production
of air jets is a simple and rapid process that can be easily tested by means of practical
experiments.
[0013] By means of a special embodiment of the invention it is possible to hold the end
labels of moving rolls even though the air nozzles are installed in a stationary position.
[0014] By means of the invention it is possible to avoid the use of different attachment
and gluing methods, and especially the use of adhesives. It is not necessary to interrupt
the wrapping process, and the end label also protects the roll when the wrapping is
started and before the wrapping process. By applying different kinds methods for installing
the water jests, it is possible to hold the protector when the roll is placed on a
conveyor or a transfer carriage, when the roll is transferred to a wrapping apparatus,
when it moves from conveyors to a wrapping apparatus and when the rotation of the
same begins to start the wrapping process.
[0015] In the following description the invention will be described in more detail, using
as an example a roll that constitutes the basic piece and the unit load, and a protector
mounted thereon. At the same time reference is made to the following drawings, in
which:
- Fig. 1
- shows in a reduced end-view the act of applying the apparatus according to the invention
in connection with rotating a roll,
- Fig. 2
- shows in a reduced top-view the act of applying the apparatus according to the invention
in connection with a transfer carriage that conveys the roll,
- Fig. 3
- shows in a reduced side-view the act of applying the apparatus according to the invention
in connection with a conveyor that transfers the roll, and
- Fig. 4
- shows the apparatus according to Fig. 3 in a top-view.
[0016] Fig. 1 shows a reduced principle view of the invention, in which only the essential
aspects of the different structures have been shown. The technique used for the transfer
and rotation of the roll is known as such, and thus the operation of the same will
not be discussed in more detail in this context. A paper roll 1 is used as an example.
The roll 1 is rotated around its longitudinal axis by means of two rotating rollers
2a, 2b. The rollers 2a, 2b are rotated by motor means around axes of rotation that
are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll 1. The rotating apparatus is known
as such and comprises for example the necessary frame structure. A continuous belt
can also be passed via the rollers 2a, 2b that are typically longer than the roll
1, wherein the roll 1 rests on the support of the belt, and smaller surface pressures
are attained.
[0017] Against the end of the roll 1 an end protector 3 has been placed for example manually
or automatically by means of an apparatus, said end protector covering the end of
the roll 1 either entirely or partly. The diameter of the end protector 3 is preferably
equal or smaller in size than the diameter of the roll 1, wherein opposite air jets
do not hit the protector 3 that extends over the edge of the roll 1.
[0018] The protector 3 is held against the roll 1 by means of the force effect exerted by
the pressure of the air jets on the protector 3. The air jets are produced by means
of air nozzles 4a to 4c, known as such, that are attached to a pneumatic hose or pipe
5 for example by means of the frame part. Fig. 3 shows air jets 12a, 12b by way of
example. The number of nozzles can vary in different embodiments, so that a sufficient
force effect is attained, preferably throughout the protector 3. Preferably, the air
jets of the nozzles 4a to 4c are directed perpendicularly or obliquely towards the
protector 3. By means of the oblique orientation it is possible to control it better
in which direction the air jet exits along the protector 3. The friction between the
roll 1 and the protector 3 for its part helps to keep the protector 3 in its place,
even if the jet would be obliquely orientated. The aim is to direct each air jet in
such a manner that it does not interfere with another air jet or reverse its force
effect. The pressurized air supplied to the pipework 5 is controlled with pneumatic
means 6 that typically comprise a pressure source, a valve system and control electronics,
if necessary. By means of the valve system it is possible to control the air supply
of the nozzle group 4a to 4c. The frame part can also be a valve that is controlled
electrically or mechanically to an opened and closed position, wherein it is possible
to control the air supply of an individual nozzle 4a, 4b or 4c. If the consumption
of pressurized air is to be reduced, the roll 1 can during its movement switch on
one or several nozzles, wherein different kinds of switches and responses are used
that are placed to a suitable location. The control system of the conveying or wrapping
apparatus can control and time the function of the nozzles. The necessary configuration
varies, but on the basis of this description the selection of components, as well
as the assembly and installation of the system is obvious for anyone skilled in the
art.
[0019] The apparatus 1 used in Fig. 1 can be applied in connection with radial wrapping,
axial wrapping and circumferential wrapping, as long as the nozzles 4a to 4c are located
outside the travel path of the devices included in the wrapping apparatus. In Fig.
1 the nozzles 4a to 4c are fixed to a stationary position, for example to the frame
of the rotating apparatus or wrapping apparatus. By adding extra air nozzles it is
also possible to hold the protectors 3 when the roll 1 is transferred from the conveyor
on top of the rolls 2a, 2b. If necessary, there are additional mechanical springs
or supports that make sure that the protector remains in its place.
[0020] In Fig. 2 the air nozzles 4d to 4g are attached to an automatic transfer carriage
7 that has a power source of its own for the movement. The roll 1 is conveyed in the
carriage 7 in a horizontal position, and the end protector 3 placed against each end
is held in its place by means of air jets. The necessary pipeworks 5 and pneumatic
means 6 can be placed in the transfer carriage 7. The nozzles 4d to 4g are located
inside the structures of the carriage 7, on top of the carriage 7 on the level of
the reel 1, or in both of these, depending on the directions in which the roll is
removed from the carriage. The carriage 7 contains for example a lifting table by
means of which the roll 1 is lowered on the rollers 2a, 2b of Fig. 1, when the carriage
7 is located therebetween. The roll 1 can also be rolled sideways away from the carriage
7. It is, of course, possible to consider that the nozzles 4d to 4g are attached to
another moving carriage or for example to a conveyor above the same that follows the
carriage 7. Said embodiment is only suitable for special cases, because the installation
of an extra conveyor will cause costs. Similarly, it is possible to monitor the roll
1 moving on different conveyors. The roll 1 can thus be moved both in the longitudinal
direction and sideways.
[0021] In Fig. 3 a series of air nozzles 4h to 4o are attached to a fixed stationary position,
wherein it is possible to hold the roll 1 transferred on a conveyor 8 or in a transfer
carriage according to Fig. 2. The attachment is made to the roof structures, stands
or other available support and frame structures. Preferably, the transfer takes place
in the longitudinal direction and the nozzles 4h to 4k are directed towards the direction
of motion, if the protecting label 3a positioned in the front end is being held. Furthermore,
the nozzles 4l to 4o are directed towards the direction of motion, if the protector
label 3b placed at the rear end is being held. Fig. 3 shows only four air nozzles,
but their distance from each other can vary, and they have been placed along the entire
transfer path. The principle is that all the time a sufficient number of air jets
hit the protector label 3, even if the roll 1 would cover some of the jets. The roll
covers the oppositely directed jets, which thus do not interfere with the function
of the other jets. The optimal placement is discovered for example by means of experiments,
and there may be several nozzles at the same point. The nozzle that blows to the opposite
direction, for example air nozzle 4i does not detach the end label 3b, because the
roll 1 protects the label 3b and directs the air current away, and because the edge
of the label 3b does not extend over the edge of the roll 1. The air nozzles are connected
to each other by means of a pipework 5 and pneumatic means 6, and there may be several
of them. It is also possible to embed air nozzles in the conveyor 8 or below the floor
level in accordance with the nozzles 9a, 9b shown in the drawing (with broken lines),
which provides an alternative way of placing the nozzles 4h to 40 or the additional
nozzles.
[0022] Fig. 4 shows in more detail the placement of the air nozzles 4h to 4k and 4l to 4o
in the embodiment according to Fig. 3, and seen from above. In order that the jets
to different directions would interfere with each other as little as possible, they
are placed in different lines 10a and 10b that are directed in parallel to the travel
direction of the roll 1. The air nozzles are directed substantially in parallel with
the lines. It is possible to interlock several lines in a manner similar to the additional
lines 11a, 11b (shown with a broken line), wherein it is possible to increase the
force effect or an air jet can be directed throughout a wide protector 3 as well.
The air nozzles or additional nozzles can be placed in accordance with the nozzles
9a, 9b of Fig. 3.
[0023] The invention can also be applied in connection with other pieces on the basis of
the examples above. Said basic pieces can be unit loads, for example cubical pallet
loads that are transported and wrapped, if necessary, wherein they are possibly rotated
around a vertical axis of rotation. Generally, a continuous surface or a surface of
with another kind of shape is required, against which the protector is held in its
place. The protector can be supported from its lower part against a carriage or a
conveyor, but preferably it is supported entirely on the support of air jets, wherein
the lower part does not stick anywhere.
[0024] The surface is not necessarily the end of the piece, but for example a vertical or
curved side surface, from which the label or protector easily falls off under the
effect of gravity. The straight end surface or curved shell of the roll both constitute
said side surfaces. The purpose of the protector is merely to transmit information,
wherein by means of the air jet according to the invention it is also possible to
hold such labels in their place that are especially left underneath wrapping films
at different stages of the handling and packing of the piece. Generally, the method
is suitable for holding different kinds of separate pieces in their place against
a basic piece, wherein the separate piece is especially a coated piece or label made
of different paper grades, paperboard, cardboard or plastic.
[0025] The invention is not restricted solely to the above-presented preferred embodiments,
but it can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
1. A method for holding in its place a separate piece (3) placed against a side surface
of a basic piece (1), wherein an air jet (12a, 12b) is directed to the separate piece
(3) and under this influence the separate piece (3) is pressed against the side surface
of the basic piece, and remains in its place, characterized in that said basic piece (1) is at the same time conveyed by an automatic transfer carriage
(7) to which the means (4d to 4g) for producing the air jets are placed.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said separate piece (3) is also held by means
of said same means (4d to 4g) during stretch film wrapping of the basic piece (1),
where it is transported by means of said carriage (7), and said basic piece (1) is
at the same time rotated around its horizontal longitudinal axis (X).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said basic piece (1) is a paper roll
and said separate piece (3) is an end protector of the paper roll or a label to be
attached to the paper roll.
4. A method for holding in its place a separate piece (3) placed against a side surface
of a basic piece (1), wherein an air jet (12a, 12b) is directed to the separate piece
(3) and under this influence the separate piece (3) is pressed against the side surface
of the basic piece, and remains in its place, characterized in that said basic piece (1) is at the same time transferred by means of a conveyor (8) or
an automatic transfer carriage (7) that is followed by another conveyor or automatic
transfer carriage, in which the means (4h to 4o) for producing air jets are placed.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said separate piece (3) is held by means
of said means (4d to 4g) also during stretch film wrapping of the basic piece (1),
where it is transported by means of said conveyor (8) or said carriage (7), and said
basic piece (1) is at the same time rotated around its horizontal longitudinal axis
(X).
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said basic piece (1) is conveyed in a direction
parallel to its longitudinal direction (X) or in a direction transverse to its longitudinal
direction (X).
7. A method for holding in its place a separate piece (3) placed against a side surface
of a basic piece (1), wherein an air jet (12a, 12b) is directed to the separate piece
(3) and under this influence the separate piece (3) is pressed against the side surface
of the basic piece and remains in its place, characterized in that said basic piece (1) is at the same time conveyed by means of a conveyor (8) or transfer
carriage (7) along whose path the means (4d to 4g) for producing the air jets are
placed in a stationary position and arranged to hold said separate piece (3) in its
place, said separate piece moving along with the basic piece (1).
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein several air jets (12a, 12b) are placed along
said route within a distance from each other, wherein they are directed to opposite
directions in relation to each other in such a manner that one said separate piece
(3) can be held against one side surface of the basic piece (1) or two said separate
pieces (3) can be held against the opposite side surfaces of the basic piece (1).
9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first air jets (12a) directed to the
same direction are all placed on substantially the same first line (10a) that is substantially
parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) as well as the travel direction of said
basic piece (1) in such a manner that said side surface is located transversely in
relation to said longitudinal direction (X) and travels either in front of said basic
piece (1) or after the same, and wherein the second air jets (12b) directed to the
opposite direction are all placed on the same second line (10b) that is located within
a distance from the first line (10a), wherein said air jets (12a, 12b) hold one separate
piece (3) in its place, irrespective of the fact whether said separate piece is located
in the front of or behind said basic piece (1).
10. The method according to any of the claims 7 to 9, wherein said separate piece (3)
is placed manually or automatically to a side surface of the basic piece (1), said
separate piece being equal or smaller in size than said side surface.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein said air jets (12a, 12b) are directed in
such a manner that said basic piece (1) during its movement at the same time covers
the first air jet (12a), thus preventing the access of the same to said side surface
that moves towards the second air jet (12b), thereby allowing a less obstructed access
of the second air jet (12b) to said side surface.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein said air jets (12a, 12b) are directed in
such a manner that said basic piece (1) during its movement at the same time covers
the second air jet (12b), thus preventing the access of the same to said side surface
that moves away from the first air jet (12a), thereby allowing a less obstructed access
of the second air jet (12a) to said side surface.
13. The method according to claim 7 to 12, wherein said air jets (12a, 12b) are used that
are directed obliquely towards said side surface.
14. The method according to any of the claims 7 to 12, wherein the basic piece (1) is
a unit load composed especially of a cylindrical roll made of a continuous web, that
is suitably made of paper material.