APPARATUS FOR FIXING AN END OF A STRIP OF WRAPPING MATERIAL IN A PRODUCT WRAPPING MACHINE

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the sector for automated wrapping of products in wich wrapping machines form around the products containment and protective wrappers by wrapping achieved by repeatedly wrapping a continuous strip of wrapping material around them. The invention relates to an apparatus for fixing an end of the strip of wrapping material to the wrapper, at the end of the wrapping and by adhesion.

Background Art

[0002] There are prior art apparatuses for the wrapping technique referred to above, which fix the end of the strip of wrapping material by means of a succession of steps involving:

• forming a special pocket in the wrapper, exploiting the elasticity of the film material and with the aid of certain mechanical elements which intervene during wrapping;
• inserting the end of the strip of wrapping material in the pocket and releasing it there; and
• releasing of the wrapping web by the mechanical elements, so that, due to the elastic return of the material of which the strip is made, the pocket closes on itself, gripping the end of the wrapping web which is therefore definitively fixed to the wrapper. A description of such a known technique may be found for example in document RN2006A000066 by the same Applicant. The document US 2006/0272286 discloses an adhesive Tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper. This machine comprises an adhesive tape applying mechanism, which applies adhesive tape when it is pressed against and displaced relative to an object.

[0003] The prior art described above has provide fully satisfactory practical results.

[0004] However, it is susceptible of further improvements at least as regards: reduction of the complexity of the fixing process; reduction of the complexity of the apparatuses which carry it out; and the general reduction of the operating cycle times.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0005] The main aims of the invention are therefore to provide a simplification of the fixing process; to provide a simplification of the apparatuses used to carry out said process; and to provide shorter operating cycles, at least as regards the fixing operations. All of this to allow savings relative to the process; savings relative to construction of the apparatuses; and to increase their level of reliability compared with prior art apparatuses, considering the possibility that such machines and apparatuses may be used in packaging lines with a high operating rate and/or continuous cycle, that is to say, under heavy duty operating conditions.

[0006] The invention, in accordance with the above aims, has technical features which are clear from the content of the claims herein, in particular claim 1, and from any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a wrapping machine equipped with an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, shown in a non-operating condition;

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a wrapping machine equipped with the apparatus in accordance with the invention, shown in a first step of transition to an operating condition;

Figure 3 is a view of the machine in which the apparatus is extending closer to the operating condition;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the apparatus corresponding to that of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a partial view of the machine of Figure 1, with some parts cut away to better illustrate some functional aspects;

Figure 6 is a view of the machine in which the apparatus is in the operating condition;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the machine corresponding to that of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a diagram of the operating principle of a particular component part of the apparatus;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the machine of Figure 1, showing the apparatus in a step characteristic of its operating condition;

Figure 10 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the machine of Figure 9, seen from a different viewpoint and illustrated in its operating condition;

Figure 11 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 12 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, seen from a different viewpoint to that of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, during a significant operating step;

Figure 14 is a perspective view corresponding to that of Figure 13, showing an apparatus operating condition which comes after that of Figure 13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0008] With reference to Figure 1 in the accompanying drawings, the numeral 2 denotes as a whole a conventional wrapping machine for packaging products 3 - arranged, for example, in the form of a vertical stack - in a wrapper 4. The wrapper 4 is formed by the machine 2 directly on the products 3 by gradually and repeatedly wrapping the products 3 with a continuous strip 5 of wrapping material, consisting for example of a long film of plastic material, which can stretch elastically.

[0009] More specifically, the wrapping machine 2 has [Figure 2] a vertical frame 37 and a horizontal annular structure 8 which: is inside the fame 37; and can move in a guide longitudinally relative to the vertical part of the frame 37. The annular structure 8 supports means 35 for dispensing the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material, said means being movable on the annular structure 8 and powered in such a way that they describe a corresponding circular trajectory.

[0010] The products 3 to be wrapped, resting on a horizontal platform, or on an equivalent roller table, are positioned inside the frame 37, substantially centred relative to the latter, that is to say in a substantially central position relative to the annular structure 8.

[0011] Strip 5 dispensing by the dispenser means 35 during their circular movement and the simultaneous movement of the annular structure 8, suitably composed and co-ordinated so that they are kinematically synchronised, cause repeated wrapping operations with the strip 5 of wrapping material, one after another, consequently forming a wrapper 4 on the products 3 by wrapping [Figure 4].

[0012] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, it may be seen that the annular structure 8 supports an apparatus, labelled 1 as a whole, for fixing to the wrapper 4, at the end of wrapping, and using methods described below, one end 6 [Figure 4] of the strip 5 of wrapping material, so as to definitively close the wrapper 4 on the product 3 at the end of wrapping.

[0013] The apparatus 1, which is the specific subject matter of the present invention, basically comprises: a first elongated element, labelled 7 as a whole; an operating unit labelled 9; (and as is better illustrated in Figures 10 and 11) operating unit 9 presser means and movement means, respectively labelled 12 and 13 as a whole; and a gripper, labelled 32 as a whole.

[0014] The first elongated element 7 is supported in such a way that it projects cantilever-style from the annular structure 8 of the machine 2 by structural elements not illustrated for the sake of greater clarity. It has the shape of a parallelepiped with a polygonal outline, quadrangular, and a hollow tubular structure.

[0015] In particular, said first elongated element 7 preferably consists of two separate component parts 16 and 17, mounted coaxially and one guided on the other. Said parts 16 and 17 can move axially relative to one another, so that the first elongated element 7 is rendered telescopic by activating suitable actuators not shown in the drawings, for example housed in the tubular cavity.

[0016] The first elongated element 7 has a first end 36 hinged to a fixed part of the annular structure 8 of the machine 1, and a second, opposite end 38 free to project cantilever-style from the annular structure 8. The hinged end 36 has an arm 39. Actuator means not illustrated, suitably connected to the arm 39 and acting on it, allow the first element 7 to be angled by rotating it about the hinge axis between two limit positions, separated by an angle of approximately 90° and clearly visible by comparing Figures 1 and 2.

[0017] More specifically, in one of said limit positions the first elongated element 7 is in the non-operating condition, lying horizontal and substantially inside the vertical space occupied by the annular structure 8. In contrast, in the other position, the first elongated element 7 is angled in such a way that it is vertical, protecting downwards cantilever-style and being located in the space in a substantially intermediate position between the products 3 and the means 35 for dispensing the strip 5 of wrapping material, the latter means in turn being supported by the annular structure 8 close to its perimeter, as shown for example in Figures 3 and 4.

[0018] A second elongated element 27, also having the structure of a tubular parallelepiped, has a first end 40 hinged to the annular structure 8 and supports the operating unit 9 at its second free end 42. The second element 27 also has an arm 41 1 for the connection of an actuator element not illustrated in the drawings. Activation of the arm 41 allows the second elongated element 27 to rotate about its hinge point and extend at an angle and parallel with the first elongated element 7 between limit positions, substantially corresponding to those of the first elongated element 7.

[0019] Figure 1 shows how in its non-operating condition, the second elongated element 27 is angled horizontally and lies in a vertical plane, substantially parallel with a corresponding plane containing the first elongated element 7. Then, the second elongated element 27 with a 90° rotation [Figure 7] is brought into the operating condition so that its operating unit 9 can be placed against a flat face 15 of the first elongated element 7.

[0020] The operating unit 9 supported by the second elongated element 27 comprises in particular [Figures 11, 12 and 13]: a flange 43, supporting a pin 44 which supports a reel 10 of adhesive tape in such a way that it projects cantilever-style. The operating unit 9 also has a supporting surface 18 with which vacuum means 19 are associated, the latter including a vacuum chamber 20 behind the surface 18 and communicating with the surrounding outside environment via through-holes 21, which pass through the surface 18.

[0021] The operating unit 9 also includes a pair of rollers 22 which rotate freely about their axis of rotation, respectively positioned parallel with one another at two opposite sides of the supporting surface 18.

[0022] The operating unit 9 also includes second cutting means 23 comprising a blade 24 supported adjacent to the supporting surface 18, which can move on command, transversally to the surface 18 between a non-operating position, back from the surface 18 and retracted in the unit 9, and an operating position, forward relative to the surface 18. The blade 24 can advantageously be activated by means of a single-acting linear actuator, whose normal state keeps the blade 24 in the back position and whose activated state vice versa causes the blade 24 to come out beyond the surface 18.

[0023] An end stretch 11 of adhesive tape from the reel 10, after being unwound from the reel 10, goes around the rollers 22 being positioned at a tangent to them and at a tangent to the surface 18 between them. The end stretch 11 is therefore held by the operating unit 9 flat opposite the face 15 of the first elongated element 7 when the unit 9 is in the operating condition shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0024] The flange 43 of the operating unit 9 is mounted on a first linear guide 25, straight and substantially at a right angle to the face 15 of the first elongated element 7. Said connection of the flange 43 and the guide 25 allows the operating unit 9 to move relative to the first elongated element 7 so that it is drawn near to or moves away from it, when suitable actuator means 45 [clearly shown in Figure 10] are activated. The flange 43, the guide 25 and the relative actuator means 45 therefore form a kind of example and more specific embodiment of the pressure means 12 already defined in more general terms.

[0025] The accompanying drawings also show how the second elongated element 27 also comprises two separate component parts 46 and 47, having a polygonal outline, which are coaxially connected, one guided on the other, so as to also render the second element 27 telescopic upon activation of an actuator, not visible in the drawings, for example housed in the second elongated element 27 itself. Said embodiment of the second element 27 in practice forms a second guide 26 which provides a solid and specific example embodiment of movement means 13 designed to allow the operating unit 9 to move relative to the first elongated element 7, longitudinally and parallel with its face 15.

[0026] Figure 5 also shows means 14 for compacting the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies by forcing the longitudinal edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5 towards one another. Said means 14 are preferably associated with the means 35 for dispensing the strip 5 of wrapping material and comprise: a pair of adjacent rollers 28 transversal to the opposite longitudinal edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5; a pair of female screws 29, each supporting a roller 28; and a powered shaft 30 with threads in opposite directions, on which the female screws 29 engage. Rotation of the shaft 30 therefore causes movements in opposite directions of the two female screws 29 which, when moved towards one another, cause the rollers 28 to push against the edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5 with a corresponding reduction in their distance from one another and consequently compacting the strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies.

[0027] As indicated, the apparatus 1 has a strip 5 gripper, labelled 32 as a whole, in particular comprising two flat jaws 32a and 32b parallel and opposite one another and able to move relative to one another thanks to a linear guide 63. The gripper 5 also has cutting means, labelled 34 as a whole.

[0028] Figures 11, 12 and 13 show in particular that the cutting means 34 comprise a blade 57 supported by a plate 58 mounted in such a way that it can move guided on two parallel rods 59 fixed to one of the jaws 32a. Two springs 60 mounted coaxially on the rods 59, interact on one side with the jaw 32a and on the other with the plate 58, pushing the blade into a position away from the jaw 32a. A linear actuator 61, connected to the plate 58, when activated allows the blade 57 to be pushed against the reaction of the springs 60, making it move first towards the jaw 32a and then come out of the jaws 32a and 32b through a pair of slots 62a and 62b correspondingly made in them in a position in front of the blade 57.

[0029] Figure 7 and the diagram in Figure 8 show how the apparatus 1 may also comprise a roller 51, movable and powered. The roller 51 is housed in a spatial angle 55 delimited on one side by the wrapper 4 and on the other side by the end 6 of the strip 5 and having a vertex 56 substantially associated with the first elongated element 7. The roller 51, as described in detail below, may be moved in such a way that it is positioned parallel with the elongated elements 7 and 27 and in a suitable position relative to the trajectory of extension of the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material extending from the dispenser means 35 in such a way as to promote optimum and secure strip 5 gripping by the gripper 32.

[0030] Operation of the wrapping machine 2 and the relative apparatus 1 is now described starting with the initial machine 2 condition corresponding to Figure 1, in which a generic product 3 to be wrapped is inside the frame 37 and substantially centred with the central, vertical axis 3a of the frame. The apparatus 1, as a whole, is angled horizontally - in the non-operating condition - inside the vertical space occupied by the horizontal annular structure 8. When the annular structure moves and when the wrapping material strip 5 dispenser means 35 rotate on said structure, the wrapper 4 is generated in the form of a succession of coils which gradually wrap the product 3 and tighten around it due to the tension applied to them and due to the elasticity of the material of which the strip is made.

[0031] Before wrapping is complete, that is to say, before a predetermined number of wrapper 4 final coils have been deposited, the first elongated element 7 is issued a command to move to a position parallel with the axis 3a [Figure 2] and is also axially extended by a length selected according to the features of the wrapping to be produced [Figure 3]. The further continuation of the wrapping means that the first elongated element 7 is wrapped together with the product 3 by a predetermined number of coils. Therefore [Figure 4], some of said final coils of the wrapper 4 being formed tighten against the face 15 of the first elongated element 7, but remain distanced from the coils previously tightened on the product 3, from which they are separated by a sort of spacer air space 52, substantially between the first elongated element 7 and the product 3 behind it. It should be noticed that due to the distance between the product 3 and the first elongated element 7, the wrapping conditions being equal, the coils which also wrap the first elongated element 7 have an enlarged circumference compared to those already deposited in direct contact with the product 3.

[0032] As wrapping continues [Figure 6], the parts 16 and 17 of the first elongated element 7 slide out axially relative to one another and the second elongated element 27 is rotated 90° and moved in front of the first elongated element 7. Figure 7 shows how the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material, for the end part wrapping the first elongated element 7, is located in an intermediate position between the two elongated elements 7 and 27. Moreover, Figure 9 shows how afterwards the second elongated element 27 is also slid out, therefore having its component parts 46 and 47 positioned one after the other.

[0033] Meanwhile the operating unit 9 is still positioned in such a way that is distant from the first elongated element 7 and holds against the face 15 of the first elongated element 7 the stretch 11 of adhesive tape, which the rollers 22 and the surface 18 extend under and which is held in a stable position in front of them by the vacuum through the holes 21 in the surface 18.

[0034] The unit 9 [Figure 10] is then moved forward along the first guide 25, moving towards the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material, until it makes contact with the face 15 of the first elongated element 7. Said forward movement brings the operating unit 9 into the conditions in Figure 11, where an initial part of the initial stretch of adhesive tape is made to adhere to the wrapper 4.

[0035] A subsequent command issued to the second elongated element 27 causes the part 47 to move relative to the part 46 of the second elongated element 27 whilst the operating unit 9 continues to unwind the stretch 11 of adhesive tape from the reel 10 and stretch it bridge-style on the end 6 of the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material.

[0036] While said movement is performed, the gripper 32, connected to the flange 43, goes around the end 6, on three sides, with its open jaws 32a, 32b, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0037] At the end of the second elongated element 27 retraction step, the gripper 32 clamps the jaws 32a and 32b on the end 6; then the blade 57 of the relative cutting means 34 is issued the command to move forward through the slots 32a and 32b, so as to cut the strip 5 of wrapping material, of which, as shown in Figure 13, a part closest to the reel 53 of film remains held by the gripper 32, and the part furthest from it remains fixed to the wrapper 4 by the stretch 11 of adhesive tape meanwhile still connected to its dispenser reel 10.

[0038] Then, while the product 3 is definitively wrapped and while the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material remains held by the gripper 32, performing movements which are the opposite of those previously described, the apparatus 1 returns to the condition shown in Figure 1 ready to start a new wrapping cycle. It should be noticed that after the first elongated element 7 has been axially retracted, if necessary accompanied by movement of the annular structure 8 towards the top of the frame 37, when the air space 52 is abandoned by the first elongated element 7, as a result of their elasticity the coils of the wrapper 4 relevant to said air space 52 are tightly clamped on the product 3 due to the discharge of elastic energy previously accumulated.

[0039] Returning to Figure 14, it may be seen that to allow the wrapper 4 to be fixed with a minimum length stretch 11 of adhesive tape, before the apparatus 1 intervenes the means 35 for dispensing the strip 5 of wrapping material compact the strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies, as shown in Figure 5.

[0040] As said Figure clearly shows, before the apparatus 1 intervenes the end 6 of the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material contracts in the plane in which it lies due to the rollers 28 which after being suitably caused to rotate by the shaft 30 are moved forward in opposite directions to one another by the female screws 29 which support them.

[0041] It should be noticed that strip 5 compacting before fixing it to the wrapper 4 with the stretch 11 of adhesive tape, as well as the advantage of reducing the quantity of adhesive tape needed for wrapping operations, offers the additional advantage of limiting the maximum axial travel of the component parts 46 and 47 of the second elongated element 27, allowing great simplification, in terms of construction, of the embodiment of the movement means 13. Also, by generally reducing the operating strokes of the moving parts of the apparatus 1, it speeds up the relative wrapping cycles.

[0042] Figure 8 shows how for some product 3 dimensions and due to a purely geometrical problem there may be cases in which the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material is too close to the final coils of the wrapper 4 which precede it.

[0043] Should this occur, during apparatus 1 operation the gripper 32 may not be able to position its jaws 32a and 32b solely around the end 6, since it may also interfere with the coils of the wrapper 4.

[0044] To prevent this, the presence of the roller 51 and its pressure against the wrapper 4, also promoted by the elasticity of the material, allow the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material to be clearly diverted relative to the previous wrapping coils, widening the spatial angle 55 in which the roller 51 is housed, that is to say, guaranteeing the conditions for absolutely certain and regular wrapper 4 end 6 gripping by the gripper 32, whatever the actual dimensions of the product 3 to be wrapped.

[0045] The invention described above is susceptible of evident industrial application. The invention may also be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0046] Amongst the many alternative embodiments, one may be represented by way of example only by the elongated elements 7 and 27 having a shape which is not tubular, which could for example in an equivalent way also be that of an open U-shaped box.

[0047] Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wrapping products (3) with a wrapper (4) created by wrapping the products (3) by wrapping around them a continuous strip (5) of wrapping material dispensed from a relative reel (53); the apparatus (1) having first cutting means (34) for separating from the reel (53) an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material and being designed to fix said end (6) to the wrapper (4) at the end of wrapping, the apparatus (1) being characterised in that it comprises
a first elongated element (7), supported by the machine (2) structure (8), being movable between a non-operating condition relative to product (3) wrapping and an operating condition, in which the first elongated element (7) together with the product (3) has the continuous strip (5) wrapped around it;
an operating unit (9) having a reel (10) of adhesive tape, from which an end stretch (11) of adhesive tape is unwound, being held so that it lies flat in front of the first elongated element (7), the strip (5) of wrapping material being inserted between the stretch (11) and the first elongated element (7);
presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) designed to press the operating unit (9) against the wrapper (4) in contact with the first elongated element (7);
movement means (13; 46, 47) designed to impart to the operating unit (9) a movement along a direction transversal to the direction of wrapping of the continuous strip (5) of wrapping material; and
second cutting means (23; 24) for cutting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape and separating it from the dispenser reel (10).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (14; 28, 29, 30) for compacting the strip (5) of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies, moving its longitudinal edges (49, 50) towards one another.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the first elongated element (7) is hinged to a wrapping machine (2) structure (8), so that it can move at an angle to the product (3) and can therefore be angled for the non-operating or operating condition.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the first elongated element (7) has a telescopic structure, designed to allow the first elongated element (7) to have selectively variable lengths depending on the wrapping requirements, said elongated element (7) comprising at least two coaxial parts (16, 17), able to move relative to one another, one guided on the other, and at least one flat face (15) facing the operating unit (9) and substantially parallel with the end stretch (11) of the adhesive tape dispensed from the reel (10).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating unit (9) has a surface (18) supporting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape, and vacuum means (19; 20, 21), associated with the surface (18) and designed to hold the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape in direct contact with the surface (18), said operating unit (9) including a pair of rollers (22), which can rotate freely about their axis of rotation, respectively positioned on both sides of the supporting surface (18) and designed to extend under the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape so that it is in front of the supporting surface (18).

6. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the vacuum means (19; 20, 21) include a vacuum chamber (20), behind the surface (18) and communicating with the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape by means of holes (21) passing through the surface (18).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the cutting means (23; 24) include a blade (24), with activation one way controlled, which when activated is brought into a position adjacent to the surface (18) supporting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) include at least a first guide (25) angled transversally to the first elongated element (7) when the latter is in its operating condition relative to the products (3); the first guide (25) supporting the operating unit (9) in a condition in which it can move in both directions allowing the operating unit (9) to move towards or away from the first elongated element (7); the presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) including actuator elements (45) for pushing the operating unit (9) against the first elongated element (7), or vice versa, for moving the operating unit away from it.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the movement means (13; 46, 47) include a second guide (26) angled parallel with the first elongated element (7) when the latter is in its operating condition; the second guide (26) supporting the operating unit (9) in a condition in which it can move in both directions allowing a movement parallel with the first elongated element (7); the movement means (13; 46, 47) including actuator elements for powering the operating unit (9) relative to the second guide (26) and a second elongated element (27) comprising coaxial parts (46, 47) which can move relative to one another, parallel with the first elongated element (7), in such a way as to form the second guide (26) for movement of the operating unit (9), said second elongated element (27) being hinged to the wrapping machine (2) structure (8) so that it can move at an angle to the product (3), and can therefore be angled for a non-operating condition distanced from the products (3) and vice versa for an operating condition in which it is close to the products (3).

10. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the means (14; 28, 29, 30) for compacting the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material include a pair of rollers (28); a pair of female screws (29), each respectively supporting a roller (28) belonging to said pair at such an angle that it is transversal to the longitudinal edges (49, 50) of the strip (5) of wrapping material; and a single powered shaft (30) with which the female screws (29) engage, rotation of the shaft (30) causing the female screws (29) to move in opposite directions to one another, designed to cause, when they are moved towards one another, the action of the rollers (28) against the longitudinal edges (49, 50) of the strip (5) of wrapping material and the consequent compacting of the strip (5) in the plane in which it lies.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating unit (9) includes at least one gripper (32) for gripping and retaining the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material during product (3) wrapping, said gripper (32) being supported by the operating unit (9).

12. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises a roller (51) designed to be inserted between part of the wrapper (4) already formed on the product (3) and the end (6) of the strip (5) still being unwound from the relative reel (53), the roller (51) being able to move between said part of the wrapper (4) and said end (6) in such a way as to vary the distance between one and the other.

13. A method - in a product (3) wrapping machine (2) in which a wrapper (4) is obtained by wrapping the products (3) by repeatedly wrapping around them a continuous strip (5) of wrapping material - for fixing an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material by connecting it to the wrapper (4) at the end of wrapping, characterised in that it comprises the steps of positioning a first elongated element (7), supported by the machine (2) structure (8), in an operating condition relative to the product (3) during wrapping; wrapping an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material around the elongated element together with the product (3); extending a stretch (11) of adhesive tape, transversally to the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material, in contact with the first elongated element (7), in such a way as to make it adhere to the wrapper (4); cutting the stretch (11) of adhesive tape, fixed to the wrapper (4), thus separating it from a remaining part of the tape supported by a feed reel (10); cutting the strip (5) of wrapping material, fixed to the wrapper (4) and simultaneously held by a gripper (32) in such a way as to create two separate ends, one fixed to the to the wrapper (4), the other held by the gripper (32).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterised in that it comprises a step of compacting the strip (5) of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies (18) transversally to the direction of wrapping, said compacting step preceding the step of extending the stretch (11) of adhesive tape on the wrapper (4).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises a step in which a movable roller (51), inserted between the wrapper (4) already formed on the product (3) and an end (6) of the strip (5) which creates the wrapper (4), is moved relative to the product (3) so as to vary the distance between the wrapper (4) and the end (6), said roller (51) being moved within a spatial angle (55) delimited by the wrapper (4) and the end (6) and having a vertex (56) substantially associated with the first elongated element (7), the roller (51) being designed to be associated with the wrapper (4) or with the end (6) in such a way as to vary the amplitude of said angle (55).

Ansprüche

1. Eine Vorrichtung, um Produkte (3) mit einer Verpackung (4) zu umwickeln, die dadurch entsteht, dass die Produkte (3) umwickelt werden, indem ein durchgehender Streifen (5) Verpackungsmaterial um sie gewinkelt wird, das von einer entsprechenden Rolle (53) abgegeben wird; die Vorrichtung (1) ist mit ersten Schneidemitteln (34) ausgestattet, um ein Ende (6) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials von der Rolle (53) zu trennen und so beschaffen, dass besagtes Ende (6) am Ende des Umwickelns an der Verpackung (4) befestigt wird; die Vorrichtung (1) ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie Folgendes umfasst
ein erstes längliches Element (7), das durch die Struktur (8) der Maschine (2) gestutzt wird und wischen einem nicht arbeitenden Zustand in Bezug auf das Umwickeln des Produkts (3) und einem Betriebszustand, bei dem das erste längliche Element (7) zusammen mit dem Produkt (3) von dem durchgehenden Streifen (5) umwickelt wird, bewegbar ist;
eine Arbeitseinheit (9), die eine Rolle (10) mit Klebeband hat, von der ein Endstück (11) Klebeband abgewickelt und so gehalten wird, dass es flach vor dem ersten länglichen Element (7) liegt; der Streifen (5) des Verpackungsmaterials wird zwischen das Stuck (11) und das erste längliche Element (7) eingelegt;
Druckmittel (12, 25, 43, 45), die so beschaffen sind, dass sie die Arbeitseinheit (9) in Kontakt mit dem ersten länglichen Element (7) gegen die Verpackung (4) pressen,
Bewegungsmittel (13 46, 47), die so beschaffen sind dass sie die Arbeitseinheit (9) in eine Bewegung in einer Richtung versetzen, die quer zur Umwickelrichtung des durchgehenden Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials ist; und
zweite Schneidemittel (23, 24), um das Endstück (11) des Klebebands abzuschneiden und es von der Ausgaberolle (10) zu trennen

2. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie Mittel (14, 28, 29, 30) zum Zusammenpressen des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials auf der Ebene, auf der er liegt, umfasst, wobei seine Längskanten (49, 50) zueinander bewegt werden

3. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das erste längliche Element (7) klappbar an der Struktur (8) einer Umwickelmaschine (2) befestigt ist, so dass es sich in einem Winkel zum Produkt (3) bewegen kann und dadurch in den nicht arbeitenden oder in den Betriebszustand geklappt werden kann

4. Die Vorrichtung nach den Patentansprüchen 1 oder 3, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das erste längliche Element (7) eine Teleskopstruktur hat, die dazu entworfen wurde, um es dem ersten länglichen Element (7) zu erlauben, wahlbare unterschiedliche Langen einzunehmen, abhängig von den Verpackungsanforderungen; besagtes Element (7) umfasst mindestens zwei koaxiale Teile (16, 17), die dazu imstande sind, sich in Bezug zueinander zu bewegen, wobei einer am anderen geführt wird, und mindestens eine flache Seite (15), die zur Arbeitseinheit (9) zeigt und im Wesentlichen parallel zum Endstück (11) des Klebebands, das von der Rolle (10) ausgegeben wird, steht.

5. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Arbeitseinheit (9) eine Oberfläche (18) hat, welche das Endstück (11) des Klebebands stutzt, sowie Vakuummittel (19; 20, 21), die mit der Oberfläche (18) verknüpft sind und dazu dienen, das Endstück (11) des Klebebands in direktem Kontakt mit der Oberfläche (18) zu halten; besagte Arbeitseinheit (9) umfasst ein Paar Rollen (22), die sich frei um ihre Drehachse drehen können und die jeweils auf beiden Seiten der Stützfläche (18) angebracht sind und dazu dienen, sich unter dem Endstück (11) des Klebebands auszudehnen, so dass es sich vor der Stützfläche (18) befindet.

6. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 9, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Vakuummittel (19, 20, 21) eine Vakuumkammer (20) umfassen, die sich hinter der Oberfläche (18) befindet und durch Öffnungen (21), die durch die Oberfläche (18) durchgehen, mit dem Endstück (11) des Klebebands in Kontakt ist.

7. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Schneidemittel (23, 24) eine Klinge (24) umfassen, deren Aktivierung in eine Richtung gesteuert ist und die, wenn sie aktiviert wird, in eine Postition neben der Oberfläche (18), die das Endstück (11) des Klebebands stutzt, gebracht wird

8. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Pressmittel (12, 25, 43, 45) mindestens eine erste Fuhrung (25) umfassen, die quer zum ersten länglichen Element (7) abgewinkelt ist, wenn dieses in seiner Betriebsposition zu den Produkten (3) steht, die erste Führung (25) stutzt die Arbeitseinheit (9) in einem Zustand, in dem sie sich in beide Richtungen bewegen kann und erlaubt es dadurch der Arbeitseinheit (9), sich zu dem ersten länglichen Element (7) hin oder davon weg zu bewegen, die Pressmittel (12, 25, 43, 45) umfassen Antriebselemente (45), um die Arbeitseinheit (9) gegen das erste längliche Element (7) zu drucken oder die Arbeitseinheit im Gegensatz dazu davon weg zu bewegen

9. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Bewegungsmittel (13, 46, 47) eine zweite Fuhrung (26) umfassen, die parallel zum ersten länglichen Element (7) abgewickelt ist, wenn sich dieses in seiner Betriebsposition befindet; die zweite Fuhrung (26) stutzt die Betriebseinheit (9) in einem Zustand, in dem sie sich in beide Richtungen bewegen kann und dadurch eine Parallelbewegung zum ersten länglichen Element (7) erlaubt, die Bewegungsmittel (13, 46, 47) umfassen Antriebselemente zum Antrieb der Arbeitseinheit (9) in Bezug auf die zweite Fuhrung (26) und ein zweites längliches Element (27), das koaxiale Teile (46, 47) umfasst, die sich in Bezug aufeinander und parallel zum ersten länglichen Element (7) bewegen können, solcherart, dass sie die zweite Fuhrung (26) zur Bewegung der Arbeitseinheit (9) bilden, besagtes zweites längliches Element (27) ist klappbar an der Struktur (8) der Umwickelmaschine (2) angebracht, so dass es sich in einem Winkel zum Produkt (3) bewegen kann und dadurch in einen nicht arbeitenden Zustand, in dem es von den Produkten (3) entfernt ist, und im Gegensatz dazu in einen Betriebszustand, in dem es sich nahe an den Produkten (3) befindet, abgewinkelt werden kann

10. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 2, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Mittel (14, 28, 29, 30) zum Zusammenpressen des Endes (6) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials Folgendes umfassen ein Rollenpaar (28); ein Paar Schraubenmuttern (29), die jeweils eine Rolle (28) stutzen, die zu besagtem Paar gehört, und zwar in solch einem Winkel, dass sie quer zu den Längskanten (49, 50) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmatenals steht, und eine einzelne angetriebene Welle (30), in die Schraubenmuttern (29) greifen, die Drehung der Welle führt dazu, dass sich die Schraubenmuttern (29) in die entgegen gesetzte Richtungen voneinander bewegen, was dazu dient, dass sie, wenn sie zueinander bewegt werden, die Aktivierung der Rollen (28) gegen die Längskanten (49, 50) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials und demzufolge das Zusammenpressen des Steifens (5) auf der Ebene, auf der er liegt, bewirken

11. Die Vorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Arbeitseinheit (9) zumindest einen Greifer (32) zum Ergreifen und Festhalten des Endes (6) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials beim Umwickeln des Produkts (3) umfasst, besagter Greifer (32) wird durch die Arbeitseinheit (9) gestützt

12. Die Vorrichtung nach jedem der vorherigen Patentansprüchen, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie eine Rolle (51) umfasst, die dazu dient, zwischen dem Teil der Verpackung (4) eingefügt zu werden, der bereits am Produkt (3) gebildet wurde, und dem Ende (6) des Streifens (5), das noch von der entsprechenden Rolle (53) abgewickelt wird, die Rolle (51) ist dazu imstande, sich solcherart zwischen besagtem Teil der Verpackung (4) und besagtem Ende (6) zu bewegen, dass sich der Abstand zwischen den beiden verändert.

13. Eine Methode - bei einer Maschine (2) zur Umwicklung von Produkten (3), wobei eine Verpackung (4) dadurch erhalten wird, dass die Produkte (3) umwickelt werden, indem wiederholt ein durchgehender Streifen (5) Verpackungsmaterial um sie gewickelt wird - zur Befestigung eines Endes (6) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials, indem es am Ende der Umwicklung mit der Verpackung (4) verbunden wird, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie Folgendes umfasst die Schritte der Positionierung eines ersten länglichen Elements (7), das wahrend des Umwickelns von der Struktur (8) der Maschine (2) in einem Betriebszustand in Bezug auf das Produkt (3) gehalten wird; das Wickeln eines Endes (6) des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials um das längliche Element zusammen mit dem Produkt (3) herum, das Strecken eines Stucks (11) Klebeband quer zum Ende (6) des Streifens (6) des Verpackungsmaterials in Kontakt mit dem ersten länglichen Element (7), so dass es an der Verpackung (4) anliegt; das Schneiden des Stucks (11) Klebeband, das an der Verpackung (4) befestigt ist, und dadurch seine Trennung von einem bleibenden Teil des Bands, das von einer Zufuhrrolle (10) gehalten wird; das Schneiden des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials, der an der Verpackung (4) befestigt ist und gleichzeitig von einem Greifer (32) gehalten wird, so dass zwei getrennte Enden entstehen, von denen eines an der Verpackung (4) befestigt ist und das andere vom Greifer (32) gehalten wird.

14. Die Methode nach Patentanspruch 13, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie einen Schritt des Zusammenpressens des Streifens (5) des Verpackungsmaterials auf der Ebene, auf der er liegt (18), quer zur Umwickelrichtung umfasst, besagter Zusammenpressschritt geht dem Schritt des Streckens des Stucks (11) Klebeband an der Verpackung (4) voran

15. Die Methode nach Patentanspruch 14, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie einen Schritt umfasst, bei dem eine bewegliche Rolle (51), die zwischen der bereits am Produkt (3) geformten Verpackung (4) und einem Ende (6) des Streifens (5), der die Verpackung (4) erzeugt, eingefügt ist, solcherart in Bezug auf das Produkt (3) bewegt wird, dass der Abstand zwischen der Verpackung (4) und dem Ende (6) verändert wird, besagte Rolle (51) wird in einem räumlichen Winkel (55) verschoben, der von der Verpackung (4) und dem Ende (6) abgegrenzt wird und einen Scheitelpunkt (56) hat, der im Wesentlichen mit dem ersten länglichen Element (7) verknüpft ist, die Rolle (51) wurde so entworfen, dass sie solcherart mit der Verpackung (4) oder mit dem Ende (6) verknüpft wird, dass die Winkelweite des besagten Winkels (55) verändert wird.

Revendications

1. Appareil à envelopper des produits (3) avec un emballage (4) forme en enveloppant les produits (3) par enroulage autour d'eux d'une bande continue (5) de matériau d'emballage distribué par une bobine correspondante (53), l'appareil (1) présentant des premiers dispositifs de coupe (34) pour séparer de la bobine (53) une extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage et conçu pour fixer ladite extrémité (6) a l'emballage (4) en fin d'enveloppage, l'appareil (1) étant caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend
un premier élément allonge (7), supporte par la structure (8) de la machine (2), pouvant être deplacé d'une condition de non-fonctionnement par rapport a l'emballage du produit (3) à une condition de fonctionnement, où le premier élément allongé (7), avec le produit (3), présente la bande continue (5) enroulée autour de lui;
une unité opérationnelle (9) présentant un rouleau (10) de ruban adhésif, duquel un segment (11) de ruban adhésif est déroulé, maintenu de sorte à ce qu'il repose a plat face au premier élément allongé (7), la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage étant insérée entre le segment (11) et le premier élément allongé (7);
des systèmes de pression (12, 25, 43, 45) conçus pour presser l'unité opérationnelle (9) contre l'emballage (4) en contact avec le premier élément allongé (7),
des systèmes de mouvement (13, 46, 47) conçus pour transmettre à l'unité opérationnelle (9) un mouvement selon une direction transversale dans le sens d'enveloppage de la bande continue (5) de matériau d'emballage, et
des seconds dispositifs de coupe (23, 24) pour couper le segment (11) de ruban adhésif et le séparer du rouleau de distribution (10)

2. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait qu'il présente des systèmes (14, 28, 29, 30) de compression de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage dans le plan dans lequel elle s'etend, en déplaçant ses bords longitudinaux (49, 50) l'un vers l'autre

3. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que le premier élément allongé (7) est articule sur une structure (8) de l'enveloppeuse (2), de manière à pouvoir se deplacer dans un angle vers le produit (3) et pouvoir ainsi être dévié pour la condition de non-fonctionnement ou de fonctionnement

4. Appareil, selon la revendication 1 ou 3, caractérisé par le fait que le premier élément allonge (7) présente une structure télescopique, conçue pour permettre au premier élément allongé (7) de s'allonger sélectivement en fonction des exigences d'emballage, ledit élément allonge (7) comprenant au moins deux pièces coaxiales (16, 17), pouvant se déplacer l'une par rapport à l'autre, l'une guidée par l'autre, et au moins une face plate (15) faisant face a l'unité opérationnelle (9) et substantiellement parallèle au segment (11) du ruban adhésif distribué par le rouleau (10)

5. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que l'unité opérationnelle (9) présente une surface (18) supportant le segment (11) de ruban adhésif, et des systèmes d'aspiration (19, 20, 21), assembles a la surface (18) et conçus pour maintenir le segment (11) de ruban adhésif en contact direct avec la surface (18), ladite unité opérationnelle (9) comprenant une paire de rouleaux (22), pouvant tourner librement autour de leurs axes de rotation, respectivement positionnés des deux côtés de la surface de support (18) et conçus pour s'étendre sous le segment (11) de ruban adhésif de façon a ce qu'il se trouve devant la surface de support (18)

6. Appareil, selon la revendication 9, caractérisé par le fait que les systèmes d'aspiration (19, 20, 21) comprennent une chambre a dépression (20), derrière la surface (18) et communiquant avec le segment (11) de ruban adhésif par des trous (21) traversant la surface (18)

7. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les dispositifs de coupe (23, 24) comprennent une lame (24), à activation par commande unidirectionnelle, qui lorsqu'elle est activée, est mise dans une position adjacente a la surface (18) supportant le segment (11) de ruban adhésif.

8. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les systèmes de pression (12, 25, 43, 45) comprennent au moins un premier guide (25) dévié transversalement vers le premier élément allonge (7) quand ce dernier est en condition de fonctionnement par rapport aux produits (3), le premier guide (25) supportant l'unité opérationnelle (9) dans une condition où il peut se deplacer dans les deux directions, permettant a l'unite opérationnelle (9) de se déplacer vers ou depuis le premier élément allongé (7), les systèmes de pression (12, 25, 43, 45) comprenant des éléments actionneurs (45) pour pousser l'unité opérationnelle (9) contre le premier élément allonge (7), ou inversement, pour éloigner l'unité opérationnelle de celui-ci

9. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les systèmes de mouvement (13, 46, 47) présentent un deuxième guide (26) angulé parallèlement au premier élément allongé (7) quand ce dernier est en condition de fonctionnement ; le deuxième guide (26) supportant l'unité opérationnelle (9) dans une condition ou elle peut se deplacer dans les deux directions, en permettant un mouvement parallèle au premier élément allonge (7), les systèmes de mouvement (13, 46, 47) comprenant des éléments actionneurs pour alimenter l'unité opérationnelle (9) par rapport deuxième guide (26) et un deuxième élément allongé (27) comprenant des pièces coaxiales (46, 47) pouvant se deplacer l'une par rapport a l'autre, parallèlement au premier élément allongé (7), de façon à constituer le deuxième guide (26) pour le mouvement de l'unité opérationnelle (9), ledit deuxième élément allonge (27) étant articulé sur la structure (8) de l'enveloppeuse (2) de façon a pouvoir se deplacer dans un angle vers le produit (3), et pouvoir ainsi être dévié pour la condition de non-fonctionnement à distance des produits (3) et inversement pour la condition de fonctionnement, où il est proche des produits (3)

10. Appareil, selon la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que les systèmes (14, 28, 29, 30) de compression de l'extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage comprennent une paire de rouleaux (28), une paire de vis femelles (29), chacune supportant respectivement un rouleau (28) relie a ladite paire a un angle tel a être transversal aux bords longitudinaux (49, 50) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage, et un arbre alimenté (30) avec lequel les vis femelles (29) s'assemblent, la rotation de l'arbre (30) provoquant le déplacement des vis femelles (29) dans des directions opposées l'une par rapport a l'autre, conçues pour générer, lorsqu'elles sont deplacées l'une vers l'autre, l'action des rouleaux (28) contre les bords longitudinaux (49, 50) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage et par conséquent la compression de la bande (5) dans le plan dans lequel elle s'étend.

11. Appareil, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que l'unité opérationnelle (9) présente au moins une pince (32) pour pincer et retenir l'extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage lors de l'enveloppage du produit (3), ladite pince (32) étant supportée par l'unité opérationnelle (9)

12. Appareil selon une quelconque revendication précitée, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un rouleau (51) conçu pour être inséré entre une partie de l'emballage (4) formé sur le produit (3) et l'extrémité (6) de la bande (5) en cours de deroulage de la bobine correspondante (53), le rouleau (51) pouvant se deplacer entre ladite partie de l'emballage (4) et ladite extrémité (6) de façon a modifier la distance entre l'une et l'autre

13. Méthode sur une machine (2) enveloppeuse de produit (3) - selon laquelle un emballage (4) est obtenu en enveloppant les produits (3) par enroulage repete autour d'eux d'une bande continue (5) de matériau d'emballage - pour fixer une extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage en l'assemblant a l'emballage (4) en fin d'enveloppage, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend les etapes de positionnement d'un premier élément allongé (7), supporte par la structure (8) de la machine (2), en condition de fonctionnement par rapport au produit (3) pendant l'emballage, en enroulant une extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage autour de l'élément allonge avec le produit (3), en appliquant un segment (11) de ruban adhésif transversalement a l'extrémité (6) de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage, en contact avec le premier élément allonge (7), de manière a le faire adhérer à l'emballage (4), en coupant le segment (11) de ruban adhésif, fixé à l'emballage (4), en le séparant ainsi d'une partie restante du ruban supporte par un rouleau d'alimentation (10), en coupant la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage, fixée à l'emballage (4) et retenue en même temps par une pince (32) de manière a creer deux extrémités séparés, l'une fixée à l'emballage (4), l'autre maintenue par la pince (32).

14. Méthode selon la revendication 13, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend une étape de compression de la bande (5) de matériau d'emballage dans le plan dans lequel elle s'étend (18) transversalement à la direction d'enveloppage, ladite étape de compression précédant l'etape d'application du segment (11) de ruban adhésif sur l'emballage (4)

15. Méthode selon la revendication 14, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend une étape ou un rouleau deplaçable (51), inséré entre l'emballage (4) forme sur le produit (3) et une extrémité (6) de la bande (5) qui constitue l'emballage (4), est deplace par rapport au produit (3) de manière à modifier la distance entre l'emballage (4) et l'extrémité (6), ledit rouleau (51) se déplaçant a l'intérieur d'un angle spatial (55) délimité par l'emballage (4) et l'extrémité (6) et présentant un sommet (56) substantiellement lié au premier element allonge (7), le rouleau (51) étant conçu pour être associé a l'emballage (4) ou à l'extrémité (6) de manière à varier l'amplitude dudit angle (55).

Drawing