Machine for the production of groups of roll products

Abstract

A machine for the production of groups of roll products includes a second unit ( 5 ) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups ( 4 ) and comprising: an endless drive system ( 6 ) mounting a plurality of paddles ( 7 ) protruding radially from the path line (P 6 ) of the drive system ( 6 ); each paddle ( 7 ) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a product group ( 4 ) and turning it through at least a right angle (a); the second unit ( 5 ) comprises a set number of paddles ( 7 ); a division of the paddles ( 7 ) into two distinct groups ( 7 a , 7 b ) connected respectively to a first drive system ( 6 a ) and a second drive system ( 6 b ) in such a way that the paddles ( 7 ) are positioned alternately; means ( 8 ) for adjusting one of the groups ( 7 a ) of paddles ( 7 ) relative to the other group ( 7 b ), in such a way as to define two different operating positions between the two groups ( 7 a , 7 b ) of paddles ( 7 ), namely, a first position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7 a , 7 b ) are equally spaced to form a working containment space (S 1 ) and a second position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7 a , 7 b ) are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space (S 2 ) that is larger than the first containment space (S 1 ).

1 . A machine for the production of groups of roll products packaged and wrapped in a sheet of wrapping film and each comprising a plurality of products ( 2 ) grouped together in a dimensionally variable configuration, and being wrapped and sealed in sheet of wrapping film; the machine ( 1 ) being of the type comprising, along a feed line (A), a first unit ( 3 ) for conveying the product groups ( 4 ) one after the other towards a second unit ( 5 ) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups ( 4 ) one after the other; the second unit ( 5 ) comprising at least an endless drive system ( 6 ) mounting a plurality of paddles ( 7 ) protruding radially from the path line (P 6 ) of the drive system ( 6 ); each paddle ( 7 ) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a product group ( 4 ) at a position where the paddle ( 7 ) is co-planar with the first unit ( 3 ) and being turned through at least a right angle (a) in the feed direction (S 6 ) of the drive system ( 6 ); wherein the second unit ( 5 ) comprises: 
 a set number of paddles ( 7 );    a division of the paddles ( 7 ) into two distinct groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ), each of the groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) being connected respectively to a first drive system ( 6   a ) and to a second drive system ( 6   b ), in such a way that the paddles ( 7 ) are positioned alternately along the endless path (P 6 );    means ( 8 ) for adjusting one of the groups ( 7   a ) of paddles ( 7 ) relative to the other group ( 7   b ), in such a way as to define two different relative operating positions between the two groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ), namely, a first position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) are equally spaced to form a working containment space (S 1 ) and a second position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space (S 2 ) that is larger than the first containment space (S 1 ) defined by the first position.    
   
   
       2 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein, in the second operating position, only one group ( 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ) forms a respective space (S) for containing the product groups ( 4 ).  
   
   
       3 . The machine according to  claim 1 , where the product groups ( 4 ) have a plurality of different configurations according to a first dimension (LA) and included at least between a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products ( 2 ); each first and second configuration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurations included between a first, minimum sub-configuration (LA 1 ) in which each product ( 2 ) has a first diameter (D 1 ), and a second, maximum sub-configuration (LA 2 ) in which each product ( 2 ) has a second diameter (D 2 ) that is greater than the first diameter (D 1 ), wherein, at the first operating position, each paddle ( 7 ) of both groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) forms a first working containment space (S 1 ), defined as the distance between two consecutive paddles ( 7 ), designed to permit the passage and containment of the first configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first minimum sub-configuration (LA 1 ) and the second, maximum sub-configuration (LA 2 ).  
   
   
       4 . The machine according to  claim 1 , where the product groups ( 4 ) have a plurality of different configurations according to a first dimension (LA) and included at least between a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products ( 2 ); each first and second configuration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurations included between a first, minimum sub-configuration (LA 1 ) in which each product ( 2 ) has a first diameter (D 1 ), and a second, maximum sub-configuration (LA 2 ) in which each product ( 2 ) has a second diameter (D 2 ) that is greater than the first diameter (D 1 ), wherein, at the second operating position, each paddle ( 7 ) of one group ( 7   b ) forms a second working containment space (S 2 ), defined as the distance between the working containment paddle ( 7 ) and the next or preceding paddle ( 7 ) placed side by side with the next or preceding working containment paddle ( 7 ), designed to permit the passage and containment of the second configuration, including the respective sub-configurations between the first minimum sub-configuration (LA 1 ) and the second, maximum sub-configuration (LA 2 ).  
   
   
       5 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the first drive system ( 6   a ) and the second drive system ( 6   b ) each comprise at least: 
 one pair ( 9   a ,  9   b ) of endless drive chains trained around a respective pair ( 10   a ,  10   b ) of toothed wheels kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor ( 11 ); the chains ( 9   a ,  9   b ) mounting the first group ( 7   a ) and the second group ( 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ), respectively;    the adjustment means ( 8 ) acting between the pair of chains ( 9   a ,  9   b ) and the single motor ( 11 ).    
   
   
       6 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the first drive system ( 6   a ) and the second drive system ( 6   b ) each comprise: 
 two pairs ( 9   a ,  9   b ) of endless drive chains trained around two respective pairs ( 10   a ,  10   b ) of toothed wheels kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor ( 11 ); the pairs ( 9   a ,  9   b ) of chains mounting the first group ( 7   a ) and the second group ( 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ), respectively;    the adjustment means ( 8 ) acting between the two pairs of chains ( 9   a ,  9   b ) and the single motor ( 11 ).    
   
   
       7 . The machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the adjustment means ( 8 ) comprise a mechanical clutch ( 12 ) positioned and acting on the drive system ( 6   a ) and designed to change between two separate states, in the first of which the clutch ( 12 ) simultaneously transmits drive to both the drive systems ( 6   a ,  6   b ), causing the groups ( 7   a ,  7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ) to move normally along the endless path (P 6 ), and in the second of which the clutch ( 12 ) does not transmit drive to the drive system ( 6   b ), so as to keep the respective group ( 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ) stationary while the group ( 7   a ) of paddles ( 7 ) connected to the other drive system ( 6   a ) moves in such a way as to vary its relative distance from the group ( 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ) between the two relative operating positions.  
   
   
       8 . The machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the mechanical clutch ( 12 ) can be operated manually.  
   
   
       9 . The machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the mechanical clutch ( 12 ) can be operated automatically from a panel ( 13 ) for controlling the machine ( 1 ).  
   
   
       10 . The machine according to  claim 5 , wherein each paddle ( 7 ) of the first group ( 7   a ) and of the second group ( 7   b ) comprises a rotated L-shaped member where the vertical leg ( 15 ) is connected to the respective drive system ( 6   a ,  6   b ) and where the horizontal leg ( 16 ) of the L forms at least a part of the space for picking up and containing the product groups ( 4 ).  
   
   
       11 . The machine according to  claim 6 , wherein each paddle ( 7 ) of the first group ( 7   a ) and of the second group ( 7   b ) comprises an upturned U-shaped member where the two legs ( 14 ,  15 ) are connected to the respective drive systems ( 6   a ,  6   b ) and where the connecting section ( 16 ) of the U forms at least a part of the space for picking up and containing the product groups ( 4 ).  
   
   
       12 . The machine according to  claim 1 , where the groups ( 4 ) of products ( 2 ) have a plurality of configurations defined by a second dimension (H) defined by the height or the sum of superposed heights of the wrapped roll products ( 2 ), and included at least between a third, minimum sub-configuration (LA 3 ) in which each product has a first height (H 1 ), and a fourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA 4 ) in which each product ( 2 ) has a second height (H 2 ) that is greater than the first height (H 1 ), wherein each paddle ( 7 ) of the first group ( 7   a ) and of the second group ( 7   b ) comprises an upturned U-shaped member where the two legs ( 14 ,  15 ) are connected to the first drive system ( 6   a ) and second drive system ( 6   b ), respectively, and where the connecting section of the U forms at least one wall ( 16 ) for picking up and containing the product groups ( 4 ); means ( 17 ) being provided for adjusting the supporting depth (H 7 ) of the paddles ( 7 ) according to the type of configuration and acting at least along an arc-shaped section of the paddle ( 7 ) drive path (P 6 ) between the product group ( 4 ) pickup area, where each paddle ( 7 ) lies in the same plane as the first unit ( 3 ), and the position of the paddle ( 7 ) when it has been turned through the right angle (a).  
   
   
       13 . The machine according to  claim 12 , wherein the means ( 17 ) for adjusting the depth of each paddle ( 7 ) are positioned on the arc-shaped section and along a straight operating section of the path (P 6 ), that is to say, along the active sections, so that the supporting depth (H 7 ) of each paddle ( 7 ) remains constant between the area where the product groups ( 4 ) are received and the area where the product groups ( 4 ) are expelled.  
   
   
       14 . The machine according to  claim 13 , wherein the means ( 17 ) for adjusting the supporting depth (H 7 ) of each paddle ( 7 ) comprise: 
 an arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) positioned and operating at least in the arc-shaped section of the path (P 6 ) at the opening ( 16   g ) defined by the U shape of each passing paddle ( 7 );    a straight, static surface ( 19 ) forming the base of each containment space (S) and connected to the arc-shaped surface ( 18 );    first actuating means ( 20 ) for moving the arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) along the openings ( 16   g ) between two or more operating positions, according to the configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where the arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) is substantially in contact with the wall ( 16 ) of the passing paddles ( 7 ), and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) is away from the passing walls ( 16 ), so as to vary the supporting depth (H 7 ) of the passing paddles ( 7 ) according to the configurations.    
   
   
       15 . The machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the straight static surface ( 19 ) is positioned at a distance (H 3 ) from the paddle ( 7 ) wall ( 16 ) that is smaller than the height (H 1 ) of the third, minimum sub-configuration (LA 3 ).  
   
   
       16 . The machine according to  claim 13 , wherein the means ( 17 ) for adjusting the supporting depth (H 7 ) of the passing paddles ( 7 ) comprise: 
 a first arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) positioned and operating in the arc-shaped section of the path (P 6 ) at the opening ( 16   g ) defined by the U shape of each passing paddle ( 7 );    a second, straight, upper mobile surface ( 19 ) forming the base of each containment space (S) and connected to the arc-shaped surface ( 18 );    first actuating means ( 20 ) for moving the arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 19 ) along the openings ( 16   g ) between two or more operating positions, according to the configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 19 ) are substantially in contact with the wall ( 16 ) of the passing paddles ( 7 ), and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the first surface ( 18 ) and the second surface ( 19 ) are away from the walls ( 16 ), so as to vary the supporting depth (H 7 ) of the passing paddles ( 7 ) according to the configurations.    
   
   
       17 . The machine according to  claim 16 , wherein the actuating means ( 20 ) are divided into: 
 first actuating means ( 20   a ) acting on the first, arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) in such a way as to move it between the operating positions; and    second actuating means ( 20   b ) acting on the second, straight surface ( 19 ) in such a way as to move it in height between the operating positions in synchrony with the first actuating means ( 20   a ) to keep the second surface ( 19 ) perpendicular to the passing paddles ( 7 ) at all times.    
   
   
       18 . The machine according to  claim 17 , wherein the first arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) and the second straight surface ( 19 ) are connected to each other by a third, flexible transition surface ( 21 ), with tubular cross section, which forms a telescoping sliding connection between the respective ends of the first surface ( 18 ) and of the second surface ( 19 ), joined to the third surface ( 21 ) itself and permitting the double adjustment of the first surface ( 18 ) and second surface ( 19 ) by causing the two surfaces ( 18 ,  19 ) to slide relative to the third, flexible tubular surface ( 21 ).  
   
   
       19 . The machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the actuating means ( 20 ,  20   a ,  20   b ) can be activated by a unit ( 13 ) for controlling the machine ( 1 ).  
   
   
       20 . The machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the depth (H 16 ) of the wall ( 16 ) is at least equal to the height of the third, minimum sub-configuration (LA 3 ).  
   
   
       21 . The machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the wall ( 16 ) and the first arc-shaped surface ( 18 ) in the second, retracted maximum depth position have a total supporting depth (H 7 ) at least equal to the fourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA 4 ).  
   
   
       22 . The machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the control unit ( 13 ) controls the actuating means ( 20 ,  20   a ,  20   b ) in such a way as to enable a forward movement of the first, arc-shaped surface ( 18 ), past the predetermined height (H), depending on the configuration, and a guided return movement of the surface ( 18 ) itself with the product groups ( 4 ) so that, as the product groups ( 4 ) advance, the stress created by the pressure on the product groups ( 4 ) being positioned on the paddle ( 7 ) applied by the product groups ( 4 ) positioned on the first feed unit ( 3 ) is relieved.