Method and apparatus for exchanging film rolls in a wrapping machine

Abstract

Method and apparatus for exchanging film rolls during a wrapping operation in a wrapping machine which is arranged to wind wrapping film around the product being packaged, the product being stationary or rotated around a horizontal axis. The wrapping machine includes a film distribution sledge provided with tension rolls mounted on a rotatable wrapping crank. A cassette or the like holding a plurality of new film rolls is provided at a film roll exchange station. A transfer sledge removes an old film roll or bushing from the film distribution sledge and transfers a new film roll or bushing from the cassette into the film distribution sledge. A device is provided at the exchange station for passing an end region of the film of the new film roll over the tension rolls of the film distribution sledge to a grasping member during the film roll exchange operation. A frame carrying a set of press rolls is coupled to the film distribution sledge so as to moveable between a closed position in which the press rolls are pressed against the tension rolls and an open position in which the press rolls are spaced from the tension rolls. The new film roll is shifted by the transfer sledge into the film distribution sledge through the space between the press and tension rolls when the press roll-carrying frame is in its open position.