DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers. Such a method is usable, for example, for making net packages for round balers.

Background art

Nets for round balers, i.e. nets produced starting from thermoplastic materials and usable in the agricultural sector are known in the state of the art. In fact, these nets for round balers are used for the containment of different types of fodder.

For example, such nets can be used for the containment of hay, straw or alfalfa, which suitably cut and dried are harvested by a machine, commonly known as a round baler, in cylindrical shaped structures known as a round bales. After the fodder has been harvested, a number of nets for round balers are applied to each round bale so that the fodder can be transported correctly.

It is also known that such nets for round balers are transported from the manufacturer to the distributors and/or resellers in the form of packages. Each package comprises a netting roll for round balers having a cylindrical shape. This netting roll is defined by the net for round balers wrapped around a cylindrical support.

Finally, it is known that the cylindrical shape of the roll does not help manual handling of the package. It is in fact difficult to have a good grip on the roll, thus making it risky to handle the roll itself.

Different solutions and methods are therefore known for applying, for example, handles to facilitate the transport of these rolls.

For example, a method is known that involves applying two polypropylene handles to a netting roll for round balers. In particular, according to this method of the prior art, the handles are held in position by ultrasonic welding and high-strength hot glue.

Problems of the background art

However, the package obtained with the method of the prior art is unsuitable for being handled and lifted by means of certified mechanical means such as, for example, hoists.

In other words, by lifting the handles of the package of the prior art by a mechanical means, the handles can break.

Consequently, the package of the prior art cannot be handled automatically but can only be handled manually.

Summary of the invention

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a method of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers that overcomes the problems of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to propose a method of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers that allows to obtain a net package for round balers that can be handled by, for example, a hoist.

The specified technical task and the specified purposes are substantially achieved by a method of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the joined claims.

Advantages of the invention

The application method described allows to obtain a package for the transport of nets for round balers with handles certified for lifting by mechanical means.

The application method described also makes it possible to apply a handle corresponding to a certified lifting sling in polyester, or in other suitable material, to a netting roll for round balers.

In addition, the application method described allows to automate the process of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers, allowing to obtain greater repeatability and greater precision of application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a method of applying a handle to a netting roll for round balers illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first detail of an application equipment during a step of the application method object of the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second detail of the application equipment of Figure 1 during a further step of the application method object of the present invention;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third detail of the application equipment of Figure 1 during a further step of the application method object of the present invention;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth detail of the application equipment of Figure 1 during a further step of the application method object of the present invention;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fifth detail of the application equipment of Figure 1 during a further step of the application method object of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below a package for the transport of nets for round balers is described.

The package comprises a netting roll 2 for round balers. This roll 2 comprises a cylindrical support 23 and a round baler net wrapped around the cylindrical support 23.

Preferably, the roll 2 comprises an outer casing 22, consisting of a film of plastic material, wrapped on the outer net layer to keep said net wrapped around the cylindrical support 23 and/or to protect the roll 2.

Still preferably, the roll 2 extends between a pair of mutually opposite end portions 21 along a prevailing development direction A- A of the roll 2.

The package further comprises at least one handle 1 comprising a flexible ring body 11 having a through opening 12. Preferably, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 is made in one piece. More preferably, the handle 1 corresponds to a certified lifting sling made of polyester or other suitable material.

The handle 1 is fitted onto the roll 2 thereby defining an area of overlap between the ring body 11 and the roll 2 and a grip area 13 of the ring body 11. The roll 2 is inserted into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

Furthermore, the package comprises at least one fixing element applied to the ring body 11 of the handle 1 at the area of overlap by permanently fixing the handle 1 to the roll 2. Preferably, the fixing element corresponds to an adhesive label.

It should be noted that the grip area 13 of the ring body 11 of the handle 1 can be lifted manually or by certified mechanical means, thus allowing the transport of the roll 2.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the package, said package comprises a pair of handles 1. It should be noted that each handle 1 has a respective ring body 11 having a respective through opening 12.

Again, according to this first preferred embodiment of the package, each handle 1 is fitted onto the roll 2 at a respective end portion 21 of the roll 2, so that this roll 2 is inserted into the through openings 12 of the handles 1.

Still according to this first preferred embodiment of the package, each handle 1 is constrained to the roll 2 by means of a respective fixing element. For example, each handle 1 is constrained to the roll 2 by means of a respective adhesive label.

The object of the present invention is a method of applying the handle 1 to the netting roll 2 for round balers using an application equipment 3. In other words, through the application method it is possible to obtain the package described.

The application equipment 3 comprises a belt conveyor 4 defining a running plane extending in a running direction X-X. This belt conveyor 4 is configured to cause the roll 2 to run on the running plane along the running direction X-X.

Preferably, the belt conveyor 4 is configured to cause the roll 2 to run on the running plane maintaining the prevailing development axis A- A of the roll 2 transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the running direction X-X. More preferably, the belt conveyor 4 is configured to cause the roll 2 to run along the running plane avoiding the rotation of the roll 2 about the respective prevailing development axis A-A. In other words, the belt conveyor 4 is configured to rigidly translate the roll 2 along the running plane.

In addition, the application equipment 3 comprises a first operating element 5 configured to pick up the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

Said first operating element 5 is movable in the running direction X-X and in a first direction Y-Y transverse to the running direction X-X to carry the ring body 11. Preferably, the first direction Y-Y is perpendicular to the running direction X-X.

Preferably, the first operating element 5 is configured to assume an initial position, wherein said first operating element 5 is placed above the belt conveyor 4 and is configured to return to said initial position after carrying the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

Again preferably, the first operating element 5 is placed laterally to the belt conveyor 4.

The application equipment 3 further comprises a second operating element 6 movable in a second direction Z-Z, transverse to the first direction Y-Y and to the running direction X-X, to pick up the ring body 11 from the first operating element 5 and to fit the ring body 11 onto the roll 2 so that the roll 2 is introduced into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11. Preferably, the second direction Z-Z is perpendicular to both the first direction Y-Y and the running direction X-X.

Again preferably, when the roll 2 is arranged on the belt conveyor 4, the prevailing development axis A-A coincides with the second direction Z-Z.

Still preferably, the second operating element 6 is placed above the belt conveyor 4. Again preferably, the second operating element 6 is placed laterally to the belt conveyor 4.

In addition, the application equipment 3 comprises at least one applicator configured to apply at least one fixing element to the ring body 11 and the roll 2 to stably fix the ring body 11 to the roll 2 and thus defines a grip portion 13 of the handle 1.

The application equipment 3 further comprises a third operating element 7 configured to apply a pulling force to the ring body 11 during the application of the fixing element to the ring body 11 and the roll 2. Preferably, also said third operating element 7 is placed above the belt conveyor 4.

The application method comprises the step of picking up, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

In addition, the application method comprises the step of placing the roll 2 on the running plane of the belt conveyor 4. Preferably, the roll 2 is arranged on the belt conveyor 4 in such a way that the prevailing development axis A-A of the roll 2 coincides with the second direction Z-Z.

After placing the roll 2 on the belt conveyor 4, the application method comprises the step of causing, by means of the belt conveyor 4, the roll 2 to run in the running direction X-X up to the second operating element 6. In other words, the roll 2 is aligned with the second operating element 6. Preferably, the roll 2 is carried up to a position where the second operating element 6 faces an end portion 21 of the roll 2.

After picking up the ring body 11 of the handle 1, the application method comprises the step of conveying through the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 to position the ring body 11 at the second operating element 6. As will be clearer below, the first operating element 5 is moved in the running direction X-X and in the first direction Y-Y to position the ring body 11 of the handle 1 at the second operating element 6. In other words, through the first operating element 5 the ring body 11 of the handle 1 is aligned with the second operating element 6.

The application method therefore comprises the step of picking up, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 from the first operating element 5. After the ring body 11 has been picked up by the first operating element 5, said first operating element 5 is preferably configured to automatically return to the initial position.

Subsequently, the application method comprises the step of fitting, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 onto the roll 2. Preferably, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 is fitted on the roll 2 at an end portion 21 of the roll 2.

After the ring body 11 has been fitted onto the roll 2, said second operating element 6 is moved away from the roll 2.

In addition, the application method comprises the step of exerting, by means of the third operating element 7, a pulling force on the ring body 11.

The application method therefore comprises the step of applying, by means of the applicator, at least one fixing element to the ring body 11 of the handle 1 and the roll 2 to fix the ring body 11 to the roll 2 and thus defining a grip portion 13 of the handle 1. It should be noted that the fixing element is applied during the application of the pulling force by the third operating element 7.

After application of the fixing element, the method comprises the step of releasing, by means of the third operating element 7, the pulling force applied to the ring body 11.

Finally, the application method comprises the step of removing the roll 2 from the belt conveyor 4 by moving it in the second direction Z-Z through rollers 9 of the application equipment 3 and appropriate belts (not shown in the accompanying figures) external to the application equipment 3. These rollers 9 are arranged on the same level as the belt conveyor 4 and during the sliding of the roll 2 on the belt conveyor 4 the roll 2 remains arranged above these rollers 9.

According to a preferred aspect, the first operating element 5 comprises a pair of lifting arms 51. Each lifting arm 51 extends in the first direction Y-Y and has a respective terminal end 52.

Preferably, each lifting arm 51 is movable in the running direction X-X and in the first direction Y-Y.

According to a further preferred aspect, the first operating element 5 comprises a pair of grippers 53. Each gripper 53 is connected to a respective lifting arm 51 at the respective terminal end thereof 52.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of picking up, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 comprises gripping, by means of the grippers 53, the ring body 11.

Again, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of carrying, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 comprises moving the lifting arms 51 in the first direction Y-Y to align the ring body 11 of the handle 1 with the second operating element 6. In other words, by moving the ring body 11 of the handle 1 in the first direction Y-Y, said ring body 11 is placed at the same height as the second operating element 6.

Preferably, after aligning the ring body 11 to the second operating element 6, the step of carrying, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1, comprises moving the lifting arms 51 in the running direction X-X until the ring body 11 of the handle 1 is placed at the second operating element 6.

In other words, the lifting arms 51 are moved to place the ring body 11 of the handle 1 in a position in which the second operating element 6 can pick up said ring body 11 of the handle 1.

According to a preferred aspect, the application equipment 3 comprises a container 31 at the belt conveyor 4. This container 31 is configured to contain the handle 1. Preferably, said container 31 is configured to contain the handle 1 so as to allow it to be picked up by means of the operating element 5.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, before the step of picking up, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1, the application method comprises the step of moving the lifting arms 51 in the running direction X-X to align the grippers 53 to the container 31 and moving the lifting arms 51 in the first direction Y-Y toward the container 31 to place the grippers 53 proximate to the ring body 11 of the handle 1. Preferably, the grippers 53 are inserted inside the container 31 to grip the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

Again in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, after the step of picking up, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 and before the step of carrying, by means of the first operating element 5, the ring body 11 of the handle 1, the method comprises the step of moving the lifting arms 51 in the first direction Y-Y away from the container 31 to pull the handle 1 out of the container 31. During the step of pulling the handle 1 out of the container 31, i.e. during the lifting of the handle 1 by means of the grippers 53, the ring body 11 of the handle 1 progressively and automatically extends in the first direction Y-Y.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the second operating element 6 comprises a plurality of gripping arms 61. For example, the second operating element 6 comprises eight gripping arms 61.

Each gripping arm 61 extends in the second direction Z-Z and is movable in said second direction Z-Z. Preferably, each gripping arm 61 is movable in the second direction Z-Z by pneumatic means or by mechanical/electromechanical means. Still preferably, the second operating element 6 comprises a ring support 63. The gripping arms 61 are connected to such a ring support 63. Again preferably, the gripping arms 61 are equally spaced from each other along a circumferential direction defined by the ring support 63.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of picking up, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 from the first operating element 5 comprises moving the gripping arms 61 in the second direction Z- Z toward the ring body 11 to insert such gripping arms 61 into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11 and releasing the ring body 11 from the first operating element 5.

Still preferably, the second operating element 6 comprises detection sensors configured to detect the presence of the ring body 11 of the handle 1. In other words, such detection sensors 6 are configured to verify that the ring body 11 of the handle 1 has been correctly picked up from the gripping arms 61.

Still in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, after the step of picking up, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 from the first operating element 5 and before the step of fitting, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 onto the roll 2, the method comprises the step of adapting, by means of the gripping arms 61 of the second operating element 6, the dimensions of the through opening 12 of the ring body 11 to the dimensions of the roll 2. In other words, the gripping arms 61 are configured to tension the ring body 11 of the handle 1. For example, the gripping arms 61 are moved away from each other to increase the dimension of the through opening 12 of the ring body 11.

According to a further preferred aspect, the second operating element 6 comprises a release ring 62 movable in the second direction Z-Z. Preferably, also the release ring 62 is connected to the ring support 63. Again preferably, the gripping arms

61 are arranged inside a respective through opening 621 of the release ring 62.

Still preferably, the release ring 62 comprises a plurality of niches 622 arranged at an edge 623 of the release ring 62 delimiting the through opening 621. Each gripping arm 61 is inserted within a respective niche 622 and is configured to slide within the respective niche 622 in the second direction Z-Z.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of fitting, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 onto the roll 2 comprises moving the gripping arms 61 in the second direction Z-Z toward the roll 2 to place the ring body 11 around the roll 2. In other words, the movement of the gripping arms 61 in the second direction Z-Z allows the roll 2 to be inserted into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11. For example, an end portion 21 of the roll 2 is inserted into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11. It should be noted that, during the movement of the gripping arms 61 to fit the ring body 11 onto the roll 2, these gripping arms 61 slide around the roll 2.

After moving the gripping arms 61 in the second direction Z-Z toward the roll 2, the step of fitting, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 onto the roll 2 comprises moving the release ring 62 in the second direction Z-Z toward the roll 2 to remove the ring body 11 from the gripping arms 61 by sliding the ring body 11 along the gripping arms 61. The movement of the release ring 62 in the second direction Z-Z toward the roll 2 then pushes the ring body 11 up to past a respective terminal catching end 611 of each gripping arm 61.

It should be noted that, during the sliding of the release ring 62 to remove the ring body 11 from the gripping arms 61, the roll 2 remains inserted in the through opening 621 of said release ring 62.

After removing the ring body 11 from the gripping arms 61, the step of fitting, by means of the second operating element 6, the ring body 11 onto the roll 2 comprises moving the gripping arms 61 and the release ring 62 in the second direction Z-Z away from the roll 2.

According to a preferred aspect, the third operating element 7 comprises a tensioning arm 71 having a catching end 72. Preferably, the tensioning arm 71 is arranged in the second direction Z-Z. Still preferably, the tensioning arm 71 is movable in the first direction Y-Y. For example, the tensioning arm 71 is operable by a pneumatic piston.

Again preferably, the catching end 72 of the tensioning arm 71 is movable in the second direction Z-Z.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of exerting, by means of the third operating element 7, a pulling force on the ring body 11 comprises inserting the catching end 72 into the through opening 12 of the ring body 11. Preferably, when the release ring 62 pushes the ring body 11 to remove it from the gripping arms 61, the catching end 72 is placed so as to receive the ring body 11. In other words, preferably, through the release ring 62 the ring body 11 passes from the gripping arms 61 to the catching end 72 of the tensioning arm 71 being simultaneously fitted onto the roll 2.

After the catching end 72 has received the ring body 11, the step of exerting, by means of the third operating element 7, a pulling force on the ring body 11 comprises moving the tensioning arm 71 in the first direction Y-Y away from the roll 2 to apply a pulling force on the ring body 11.

Still in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of releasing, by means of the third operating element 7, the pulling force applied to the ring body 11 comprises moving the catching end 72 of the tensioning arm 71 in the second direction Z-Z away from the ring body 11 to remove the catching end 72 from the through opening 12 of the ring body 11.

According to a further preferred aspect, the applicator comprises at least one labeller 8. As will be clearer below, the labeller 8 is configured to apply an adhesive label to bind the ring body 11 of the handle 1 to the roll 2.

Preferably, the applicator comprises three labellers 8. For example, the applicator comprises a first labeller 8 positioned below the belt conveyor 4 and a second and a third labeller 8 positioned above said belt conveyor 4.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of applying, by means of the applicator, at least one fixing element on the ring body 11 of the handle 1 and the roll 2 to fix the ring body 11 to the roll 2 comprises applying, by means of the at least one labeller 8, at least one fixing element corresponding to an adhesive label in an area of overlap of the ring body 11 to the roll 2 to fix the ring body 11 to the roll 2 thereby defining a gripping portion 13 of the ring body 11 of the handle 1.

In the embodiment in which the applicator comprises the first, second and third labeller 8, said first, second and third labeller 8 are configured to apply a respective adhesive label, respectively, in a first, second and third area of overlap between the ring body 11 and the roll 2.

Preferably, the first area of overlap is facing the running plane of the belt conveyor 4. Again preferably, the second area of overlap is facing away from the running plane of the belt conveyor 4. Still preferably, the third area of overlap is placed in contact with the belt conveyor 4 and is arranged transversely to said belt conveyor 4.

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the application equipment 3, said application equipment 3 comprises a further first operating element (not illustrated in the accompanying figures), a further second operating element 6a, a further third operating element 7a and a further applicator 8a corresponding, respectively, to the first operating element 5, the second operating element 6, the third operating element 7 and the applicator.

It should be noted that by means of the first preferred embodiment of the application equipment 3 it is possible to simultaneously apply a pair of handles 1 to the roll 2, while simultaneously performing the application method described for each handle 1 of the pair of handles 1. In other words, one handle 1 of the pair of handles 1 is applied to the roll 2 using the first operating element 5, the second operating element 6, the third operating element 7 and the applicator, while the other handle 1 of the pair of handles 1 is applied to the roll 2 using the further first operating element, the further second operating element 6a, the further third operating element 7a and the further applicator 8a.