EP4008639A1

EP4008639A1 - Process for the strapping of packages and related strapping machine

Info

Publication number: EP4008639A1
Application number: EP21211720.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luca IACARUSO; Michele IACARUSO
Original assignee: LK Lab SRL
Current assignee: LK Lab SRL
Priority date: 2020-12-01
Filing date: 2021-12-01
Publication date: 2022-06-08
Also published as: IT202000029252A1

Abstract

The process for the strapping of packages, comprises the phases of:
- supplying a strap (4) having at least one first free end (5);
- wrapping the strap (4) around a package (P);
- tensioning the strap (4) around said package (P);
- cutting the strap (4) to obtain a second free end (13);
- closing the strap (4) to form a closed loop;
where the strap (4) is made of a metal material, and where the closing comprises at least one phase of bending the extremal portions (15,16) of the strap (4) one upon the other comprising the free ends (5,13).

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine.

Background Art

In the field of packaging machines, strapping machines are known intended to wind a package with a strip, called strap, made of a flexible material, in order to give greater strength to the package itself.
Specifically, packages are generally made of paperboard material and are closed by gluing the edges or using adhesive tape. However, this type of packaging is easily subject to wear and tear, especially if the products it contains are particularly heavy.
For this reason, the packages are reinforced by strapping.
The strapping process carried out by means of strapping machines of known type involves winding the strap around a package, tensioning the strap so that it is tightened around the package, cutting the strap and closing the strap to form a closed loop.
In particular, the known techniques provide for the use of a strap made of plastic material which is closed by thermo-sealing the relevant extremal portions together.
The sealing of straps made of plastic material is particularly practical and quick and allows optimal sealing of the closed loop.
However, in recent years there has been an increasing need to reduce the environmental impact and, in particular, the pollution caused by the use of plastic materials.
This need is strongly felt in the packaging sector, wherein plastic materials are still widely used.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine which allow reducing the environmental impact and are sustainable.
Another object of the present invention is to devise a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine which allow the use of easily recyclable and low cost materials.
A further object of the present invention is to devise a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine which enable the packages to be strengthened and give them a high resistance to breakage events.
Another object of the present invention is to devise a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine, which allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.
The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process for the strapping of packages having the characteristics of claim 1.
The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present strapping machine having the characteristics of claim 13.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process for the strapping of packages and a related strapping machine, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic axonometric view of a strapping machine according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a strapping head according to the invention;
Figures 3-10 show the phases of the process according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a strapping machine for the strapping of packages.
The strapping machine 1 comprises at least one basic frame 2 positionable at a line of forward movement L of at least one package P.
In the context of the present disclosure, the expression "package" means a wrapping adapted to package manufactured articles. For example, the package P is made of a paperboard material. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the packaging is made of a different material.
The line of forward movement L is adapted to move the package P with respect to the strapping machine 1 in order to perform a strapping process. Specifically, the line of forward movement L is of the type of, e.g., a conveyor belt, a roller conveyor or the like.
The strapping machine 1 comprises at least one strapping head 3 associated with the basic frame 2 and adapted to wind and tension a strap 4, having a first free end 5, around the package P.
As is known to the industry technician, the strap 4 is a strip made of a flexible material and intended to be wrapped around the package P to give the latter greater strength.
The strap 4 comprises a first surface 17 intended to be turned towards the package P and a second surface 18, opposite the first surface 17 and intended to face towards the outside.
The strapping head 3 is associated with the basic frame 2 and is positionable at the package P.
The strapping machine 1 also comprises supply means 6 adapted to provide the strap 4 to the strapping head 3.
Specifically, the supply means 6 comprise at least one supporting assembly 7 of a strapping roll 8 and at least one movement assembly 9 of the strap 4 towards the strapping head 3.
The strapping head 3 comprises:

winding means 10 of the strap 4 around the package P;
tensioning means 11 of the strap 4 around the package P;
cutting means 12 of the strap 4 to obtain a second free end 13; and
closing means 14 of the strap 4 to form a closed loop.

The winding means 10 and the tensioning means 11 are of the type known to the person skilled in the art and will not be described in detail in the remainder of the present disclosure. For example, the winding means 10 and the tensioning means 11 may comprise a series of motorized rollers and wheels adapted to make the strap 4 slide coming out of the strapping head 3, during a winding phase of the package P, and to allow it to return into the strapping head itself, during a tensioning phase.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the strapping machine 1 comprises at least one guiding arch 29 associated with the basic frame 2 and along which the strapping head 3 is positioned.
The guiding arch 29 has the function of automatically winding the strap 4 around the package P.
The guiding arch 29 is arranged to encircle the line of forward movement L which is interrupted at the guiding arch itself to allow the passage of the strap 4 below the package P.
More in detail, the winding means 10 comprise dragging means, not shown in detail in the figures, adapted to drag the first end 5 along the guiding arch 29 to wind the package P.
The dragging means are of the type of a slider movable along the guiding arch 29.
Conveniently, the guiding arch 29 is arranged on a substantially vertical plane. In this way, the closed loop around the packaging also lies on a substantially vertical plane.
Embodiments wherein the guiding arch 29 is arranged on a substantially horizontal or inclined plane cannot however be ruled out.
In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the strapping head 3 is arranged above the line of forward movement L and the guiding arch 29 extends below the strapping head itself.
Nevertheless, alternative embodiments are possible wherein the strapping head 3 is arranged below the line of forward movement L and the guiding arch 29 extends above the strapping head itself.
Again, alternative embodiments are possible wherein the strapping head 3 is arranged along the guiding arch 29, laterally to the line of forward movement L. Also embodiments cannot be ruled out from the scope of the present invention wherein the strapping machine 1 is without the guiding arch 29 and the winding of the package P with the strap 4 is carried out manually by an operator.
At the end of the winding phase, the strap 4 is fitted again into the strapping head 3 through the first end 5 and held so as to allow tensioning.
Subsequently, the cutting means 12 are adapted to cut the strap 4 so as to obtain a portion of strap 4 wrapped and tensioned around the package P, having the second end 13 opposite the first end 5. The cutting operation defines a new first free end 5, in the strap 4 still connected to the supply means 6.
According to the invention, the strap 4 is made of a metal material and the closing means 14 comprise bending means 19,20 of the extremal portions 15,16 of the strap 4 comprising the free ends 5,13, one on top of the other.
The special feature of providing a strap 4 made of a metal material makes it possible to do without the plastic materials and to reduce the environmental impact, making the strapping machine 1 and the related strapping process extremely sustainable.
Advantageously, the metal material is aluminum.
In fact, aluminum is an extremely light, ductile and malleable material and is, therefore, easy to wind around the package P. At the same time, aluminum is a mechanically resistant material and makes it possible to give a high degree of strength to the loop closed around the package P.
Not least, aluminum is an easily recyclable material and can be recovered easily and at a low cost.
Appropriately, the closure of the extremal portions 15,16 is, therefore, carried out by bending them, so as to ensure good seal of the closed loop. Advantageously, the strapping head 3 comprises coupling means 21 of the extremal portions 15,16.
Prior to closure, in fact, the extremal portions 15,16 must be suitably positioned and arranged in contact with each other.
In particular, the coupling means 21 are adapted to bring the relevant first surfaces 17 of the extremal portions 15,16 in contact with each other.
More specifically, the extremal portions 15,16 comprise an outer extremal portion 15 and an inner extremal portion 16.
The coupling phase is carried out so that the outer extremal portion 15 has a protruding stretch 22 with respect to the inner extremal portion 16. (Figure 6) In the embodiment shown in the figures, the outer extremal portion 15 comprises the first end 5 and the inner extremal portion 16 comprises the second end 13.
Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the outer extremal portion 15 comprises the second end 13 and the inner extremal portion 16 comprises the first end 5.
Conveniently, the closing means 14 comprise first bending means 19 adapted to bend the protruding stretch 22 on the inner extremal portion 16 to define a first binding 24.
The first bending means 19 comprise, e.g., a plurality of rollers and/or punches arranged between them in succession so as to define a passage gap of the strap 4 between them. More particularly, the rollers/punches are mutually movable to bend the protruding stretch 22. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the first bending means 19 are of a different type.
The first binding 24 comprises two consecutive stretches 22,25 of the outer extremal portion 15 bent over each other, of which a first stretch corresponding to the protruding stretch 22 and a second stretch 25, and an inner stretch 23 of the inner extremal portion 16, placed between the consecutive stretches 22,25. More in detail, the first surface 17 of the protruding stretch 22 is placed facing the second surface 18 of the inner stretch 23.
Advantageously, the closing means 14 also comprise second bending means 20 adapted to bend the first binding 24 on a further stretch 26 of the inner extremal portion 16 to define a final binding 27.
The second bending means 20 are adapted to carry out a second bending below the end 5 of the protruding stretch 22.
Similarly to the first bending means 19, the second bending means 20 comprise, e.g., a plurality of rollers and/or punches arranged in succession to each other so as to define a relevant passage gap for the strap 4. Such rollers and/or punches are mutually movable to bend the first binding 24. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the second bending means 20 are of a different type.
In more detail, the second bending is carried out so that the second surface 18 of the protruding stretch 22 faces the second surface 18 of the further stretch 26. Conveniently, the first bending and the second bending are carried out in the same direction of bending V.
In particular, the first bending and the second bending are carried out towards the inner extremal portion 16.
Specifically, as shown in detail in Figure 9, the final binding 27 comprises a third stretch 28 of the outer extremal portion 15 consecutive to the second stretch 25, the second stretch 25 and the third stretch 28 facing outwards, and between which are placed, in succession, starting from the second stretch 25, the inner stretch 23, the protruding stretch 22 and the further stretch 26.
In this way, the final binding 27 is provided with high resistance to mechanical pulls.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, in which the strapping head 3 is arranged above the line of forward movement L, the final binding 27 is carried out above the package P. (Figure 10)
The operation of the strapping machine 1 in carrying out the process according to the invention is as follows.
The process comprises, first of all, a supply of a strap 4 having at least a first free end 5.
Next, the process comprises a phase of winding the strap 4 around a package P. The winding phase is carried out so as to encircle the package P with the strap 4.
The winding phase is carried out by the winding means 10.
In particular, winding is carried out along a direction of winding A. (Figure 3) In the particular embodiment shown in the figures, winding is carried out with the aid of the dragging means along the guiding arch 29.
Subsequently, the process comprises a phase of tensioning the strap 4 around the package P.
Prior to tensioning, the process comprises a phase of retaining the strap 4 through the first end 5.
The tensioning phase is carried out so as to tighten the strap 4 around the package P and, specifically, is carried out by dragging the strap 4 in a direction opposite the direction of winding A. (Figure 4)
The tensioning phase is carried out by means of the tensioning means 11. Thereafter, a phase of cutting the strap 4 is provided to obtain a second free end 13. (Figure 5)
The cutting phase is carried out by means of the cutting means 12.
Finally, the process comprises a phase of closing the strap 4 to form a closed loop.
According to the invention, the closing phase comprises at least one phase of bending the extremal portions 15,16 of the strap 4 one on top of the other comprising the free ends 5,13.
Conveniently, prior to the closing phase, the process comprises a phase of coupling the extremal portions 15,16.
Specifically, the coupling phase is carried out by superimposing the extremal portions 15,16 so as to bring the relevant first surfaces 17 into contact with each other.
Furthermore, the phase of coupling is carried out so that the outer extremal portion 15 has a protruding stretch 22 with respect to the inner extremal portion 16. (Figure 6)
The coupling phase is carried out by means of the coupling means 21.
The closing phase comprises at least a first bending phase in which the protruding stretch 22 is bent on the inner extremal portion 16 to define a first binding 24. (Figures 7 and 8)
The closing phase also comprises a second bending phase in which the first binding 24 is bent on a further stretch 26 of the inner extremal portion 16 to define a final binding 27. (Figures 8 and 9)
It has, in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the fact is emphasized that the special solution of providing for the use of a strap made of a metal material allows for a significant reduction in the environmental impact and makes the present strapping process and the related strapping machine extremely sustainable.
In addition, the present process and the relevant strapping machine allow for the use of easily recyclable and low-cost materials, such as aluminum.
Finally, the process and the strapping machine according to the invention allow strengthening the packages and giving them high resistance to breakage events. This is achieved by bending the extremal portions to obtain a remarkably firm and strong final binding.

Claims

Process for the strapping of packages, comprising the phases of:
- supplying a strap (4) having at least one first free end (5);

- wrapping said strap (4) around a package (P);

- tensioning said strap (4) around said package (P);

- cutting said strap (4) to obtain a second free end (13);

- closing said strap (4) to form a closed loop;
characterized by the fact that said strap (4) is made of a metal material, and by the fact that said closing comprises at least one phase of bending the extremal portions (15,16) of said strap (4) one upon the other comprising said free ends (5,13).
Process according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said strap (4) comprises a first surface (17) intended to be turned towards said package (P) and a second surface (18), opposite said first surface (17) and intended to be turned towards the outside, said phase of coupling being carried out by superimposing said extremal portions (15,16) so as to bring the relevant first surfaces (17) into contact.
Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that said extremal portions (15,16) comprise an outer extremal portion (15) and an inner extremal portion (16), said phase of coupling being carried out so that said outer extremal portion (15) has a protruding stretch (22) with respect to said inner extremal portion (16), said closing comprising at least a first bending phase in which said protruding stretch (22) is bent over said inner extremal portion (16) to define a first binding (24).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first binding (24) comprises two consecutive stretches (22,25) of the outer extremal portion (15) bent one upon the other, of which a first stretch corresponding to said protruding stretch (22) and a second stretch (25), and an inner stretch (23) of said inner extremal portion (16) positioned between said consecutive stretches (22,25), the first surface (17) of said protruding stretch (22) being arranged facing the second surface (18) of said inner stretch (23).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said closing comprises at least a second bending phase wherein said first binding (24) is bent over a further stretch (26) of said inner extremal portion (16) to define a final binding (27).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second bending is carried out so that the second surface (18) of said protruding stretch (22) faces the second surface (18) of said further stretch (26).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second bending is carried out below the end (5,13) of said protruding stretch (22).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first bending and said second bending are carried out in the same direction of bending (V).
Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said final binding (27) comprises a third stretch (28) of said outer extremal portion (15) consecutive to said second stretch (25), said second stretch (25) and said third stretch (28) being facing outwards, and between which are positioned, in sequence, starting from said second stretch (25), said inner stretch (23), said protruding stretch (22) and said further stretch (26).
Strapping machine (1) for the strapping of packages, comprising:
- at least one basic frame (2) positionable at a line of forward movement (L) of at least one package (P);

- at least one strapping head (3) associated with said basic frame (2) and adapted to wind and tension a strap (4), having a first free end (5), around said package (P), said strapping head comprising:
- winding means (10) of said strap (4) around said package (P);

- tensioning means (11) of said strap (4) around said package (P);

- cutting means (12) of said strap (4) to obtain a second free end (13); and

- closing means (14) of said strap (4) to form a closed loop;

- supply means (6) adapted to provide said strap (4) to said strapping head (3);

characterized by the fact that said strap (4) is made of a metal material and by the fact that said closing means (14) comprise bending means (19,20) of the extremal portions (15,16) of said strap (4) comprising said free ends (5,13), one on top of the other.
Strapping machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said strapping head (3) comprises coupling means (21) of said extremal portions (15,16).
Strapping machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said strap (4) comprises a first surface (17) intended to be turned towards said package (P) and a second surface (18), opposite said first surface (17) and intended to face towards the outside, said coupling means (21) being adapted to bring the relevant first surfaces (17) of said extremal portions (15,16) in contact with each other.
Strapping machine (1) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that said extremal portions (15,16) comprise an outer extremal portion (15) and an inner extremal portion (16), wherein said outer extremal portion (15) has a protruding stretch (22) with respect to said inner extremal portion (16), said closing means (14) comprising first bending means (19) adapted to bend said protruding stretch (22) on said inner extremal portion (16) to define a first binding (24).
Strapping machine (1) according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that said closing means (14) comprise second bending means (20) adapted to bend said first binding (24) to define a final binding (27).
Strapping machine (1) according to one or more of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one guiding arch (29) associated with said basic frame (2) and along which said strapping head (3) is positioned, said winding means (10) being adapted to drag said first end (5) along said guiding arch (29).