EP4656536A1

EP4656536A1 - Method and apparatus for packaging objects.

Info

Publication number: EP4656536A1
Application number: EP25160760.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maurizio Galassi
Original assignee: Mediatech Srl
Current assignee: Mediatech Srl
Priority date: 2024-05-28
Filing date: 2025-02-27
Publication date: 2025-12-03

Abstract

A method for packing objects, comprising at least the operational steps: arrangement of one or more objects (100) on a platform (4) of packing equipment (10); arrangement of at least one reel (3) of tape (11) of packing material, with at least one free edge mechanically connected to said one or more objects (100) to be packed; wherein said tape (11) of packing material engages deflection means (6) configured to deflect the tape (11) of packing material from an unwinding direction (M) to an exit direction (N) so that said tape (11) faces said one or more objects (100) to be packed; rotation of said platform (4) around a substantially vertical axis of rotation Y, wherein said tape (11) deflected by said deflection means (6) is wrapped around said one or more objects (100).

Description

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a method and equipment for packing objects, in particular a method and equipment intended to be used for wrapping objects of various types and sizes with at least one tape of packing material, according to the preamble of the respective independent claims.
More specifically, the packing method and equipment according to the invention find advantageous use in the field of automatic and/or semi-automatic equipment, in particular in packing equipment intended for wrapping objects with any type of wrapping, with the particular purpose of preventing their accidental and unwanted movement during transport.
Therefore, the packing equipment that is the subject matter of this invention fits advantageously into the field of the production and marketing of packing equipment intended for wrapping with packing material tape, such as, in particular, a film of flexible polymeric material (e.g. LDPE and/or HDPE and/or the like) and/or paper, objects of various kinds, such as parcels and/or crates and/or boxes and/or any other object, for example suitable for containing products to be moved, for example by road transport (e.g. lorries) or by ship, or by air or other means.

State of the art

The use of packing equipment to wrap objects of various types, for example crates and/or parcels and/or boxes and/or the like, with a wrapping of packing material (e.g. a flexible polymer film tape), either individually or in groups (e.g. by stacking several objects on top of each other and/or side by side) to keep them together during transport, is well known in the technical field of reference.
Typically, known equipment is configured to wrap one or more objects together, so that they remain in a desired position, in particular so that they remain compact (i.e. held together) and easy to move and/or transport, particularly arranged on a pallet.
The known equipment, commonly used in the relevant field, comprises a support structure and carries mounted handling means, for example wheels and/or rollers and/or the like to move the equipment on the ground around the object to be wrapped.
The equipment also comprises a guiding member, having an elongated shape extending essentially vertically from the support structure and essentially orthogonal to the ground. The guiding member supports a slidingly mounted packing unit. More specifically, the packing unit is configured to accommodate a reel of packing material, for example a flexible film tape made of polyethylene or the like, such as HDPE or LDPE in particular. The reel is rotatably mounted on the packaging unit, and extends along an axis of rotation essentially parallel to the axis of the guiding member (i.e. vertical).
The packing unit is typically heavy and bulky; in fact, it can reach a mass of more than 50 kg and external dimensions of up to approximately 500 x 1000 mm.
Typically, a packing operation comprises the steps performed by an operator in which they unwind a free flap of film tape from the reel and attach it to the side surface of the object(s) to be wrapped, normally at a lower end proximal to the pallet or the ground.
Next, the operator moves the equipment around the object (or objects) by dragging the tape of packing material, which remains attached to the object at its free flap.
In this way, during the handling of the known equipment, the tape is unwound from the reel and lies over the surface of the object(s) to be wrapped.
Conveniently, the operator moves the known equipment around the object(s) to be wrapped, so as to make at least one complete turn around the object and, normally, multiple turns around the object to essentially cover the entire outer surface of the objects, to ensure their assembled configuration during transport.
The equipment normally comprises actuation means connected with the packing unit that can move the unit along the guiding member.
The operator controls (for example, by means of a button panel) the activation of the actuator means to move the packing unit along the guiding member from bottom to top, in particular from the lowered starting position to a raised position corresponding essentially to the height of the object to be wrapped.
In this way, the tape of packing material wraps around the object (or objects) by making turns at different heights, thus essentially wrapping its entire side surface.
In other words, in order to wrap objects, the known equipment performs a basically circular rotary movement around the object to be wrapped, and at the same time the packing unit performs a rectilinear translatory movement, in particular from a lowered to an elevated position.
This means that the trajectory of the packing unit, and thus of the packing film tape attached to it, is essentially helicoidal around the objects to be wrapped.
In order to make several layers of packing material and thus increase safety during transport of the objects, at the end of the wrapping step, the packing unit is moved from the raised position to the initial lowered position while maintaining the movement of the equipment around the objects. In this way, an additional layer of packing material tape is deposited around the object. Typically, this operation depends on the type of object to be wrapped (e.g. weight, size, and number) and is repeated the same number of times as the number of layers of packing film tape to be deposited around the object.
The known packing equipment briefly described so far has in practice proved to be not without its drawbacks.
The main drawback lies in the fact that the known packing equipment is bulky as the packing unit can be very heavy, and bulky (i.e. outer diameter and height of the reel).
This bulkiness is combined with a weight to be transported during the handling of the packing unit that requires the use of suitably sized actuators, which are expensive to manufacture and in turn very bulky.
Another drawback lies in the fact that the known packing equipment is difficult for an operator to use because the known equipment is unstable with the packing unit in its elevated position.
In fact, the bulk and weight of the reel, when in its elevated position, risk bending the guiding member, affecting the effectiveness of the final packing or, at most, leading to equipment malfunction.
Another drawback lies in the fact that the known packing equipment is not very autonomous. In fact, the packing unit is heavy and can be moved several times along the axis of the guiding member in order to deposit several layers of packing material tape around the surface of the object to be wrapped.
This handling is energy-intensive, requiring energy sources (e.g. batteries) to power these large and therefore bulky, heavy and expensive actuator means.
Another drawback lies in the fact that the known packing equipment is not very stable. In fact, as mentioned above, the guiding member can reach a height of up to 2 metres and, with the packing unit in its elevated position, the equipment can become unbalanced and therefore be unsafe and/or unreliable. In addition, as mentioned above, the packing unit can reach a mass of more than 50 kg, which can lead to failure of the guiding member or to the entire equipment tipping over with potential harmful consequences for an operator.
Another drawback lies in the fact that known packing equipment is heavy as it requires a rigid and strong support structure, that is capable of supporting large moving masses, for the reasons stated above. This means that the overall weight of the equipment is great.
Another drawback lies in the fact that the known packing equipment is expensive, as it requires large (i.e. high power and large dimensions), and therefore very costly, actuation means for handling the packing unit as well as ground equipment handling means.

Objects of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that makes it possible to overcome and remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that is inexpensive and simple to manufacture.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that enables objects to be packed quickly and easily, avoiding the risk of malfunction due to the mass or bulkiness of the reel of packing material.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that is easy to use.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that is stable when operated.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that is advantageously inexpensive.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide a packing equipment that is structurally and functionally completely reliable.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that is compact and not bulky.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that can be manufactured easily, quickly and at low cost.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide packing equipment that has an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in terms of construction and function, compared to the known, conventional solutions.

Brief description of the drawings

This invention is further clarified below in some of its preferred embodiments, described for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of packing equipment that this invention relates to, in particular it is shown in use, side by side with objects to be packed;
Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the equipment illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a front view of the equipment illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of the equipment according to the invention, concerning deflection means;
Figures 5 and 6 show additional detailed perspective views of the deflection means illustrated in figure 4, engaged by packing material tape;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the deflection means illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 with some parts removed to better highlight others;
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a detail of the packing equipment, concerning the deflection means slidingly mounted on a guiding member;
Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of the equipment according to the invention, concerning the above-mentioned guiding member;
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of the guiding member illustrated in figure 9 identified by the line X;
Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the guiding member detail shown in figure 7B;
Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the guiding member detail illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 in its partially bent configuration;
Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the guiding member detail illustrated in figure 12 in its bent configuration;
Figure 14 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of the guiding member illustrated in figure 9;
Figure 15 shows a view of a detail of the guiding member illustrated in figure 14 identified by the line XV;
Figure 16 shows another view of a detail of the guiding member illustrated in Figure 14 identified by the line XVI.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to the attached figures, the packing equipment that this invention relates to, in particular equipment intended to wrap one or more objects 100 of any nature and size, for example crates and/or packages and/or boxes and/or the like, is denoted as a whole with reference number 10.
The packing equipment 10 according to the invention finds advantageous use in the production and marketing of automatic and/or semi-automatic equipment. In particular, the packing equipment 10 that is the subject-matter of this invention falls within the field of packing and wrapping equipment, for wrapping, preferably using packing material tape, objects of various kinds such as those mentioned above.
In addition, the equipment and method in question may be advantageously used in warehouse management, shipping, and the logistics sector in general.
More specifically, the packing material tape 11 is preferably a flexible film, for example made of polymeric material (e.g. HDPE and/or LDPE and/or the like), or paper, or a material comprising at least one polymer layer and one paper layer, or any other material suitable for wrapping one or more objects and keeping them together during transport.
For the purposes of this description, the term "packing equipment" shall therefore be understood to mean any equipment, machine, apparatus or device, preferably automatic, designed to wrap a tape of material, preferably flexible, around at least one object to be packed.
The packing equipment 10, particularly intended to wrap one or more objects 100 with packing material tape 11 comprises a support structure 2.
More specifically, the support structure 2 is configured to house at least one reel 3 of packing material tape 11.
More specifically, the support structure 2 preferably defines a housing compartment 7, extending along an axis W, so as to at least partially contain the reel 3.
The reel 3 is preferably essentially cylindrical in shape, intended to be arranged along an axis substantially parallel to (and preferably coinciding with) the axis W, and is configured to rotate about said axis parallel to the axis W.
The support structure 2 preferably comprises at least two rollers and preferably four rollers, in particular near the housing compartment 7, in particular intended to rotatably support the above-mentioned reel 3.
Advantageously, the rollers are substantially cylindrical in shape and rotate around respective axes (not shown in the attached figures) that are substantially parallel to the axis W.
In particular, said at least two rollers are configured to support the reel 3 and allow it to rotate around the axis W to unwind the tape 11.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the housing compartment 7 of the support structure 2 preferably has a substantially arched form and is provided with a first groove, extending parallel to the axis W.
Advantageously, the support structure 2 has a substantially box-like shape and defines an unwinding chamber inside which unwinding rollers are housed (not illustrated in the attached figures) configured to be engaged by the tape 11 during its unwinding, positioned across the first groove.
More specifically, the chamber defined by the support structure 2 defines an unwinding path for the tape 11 from the first groove, configured to be crossed by the tape 11 entering the chamber, to a second groove 71, configured to be crossed by the tape 11 exiting the chamber.
The first and second grooves 71 are preferably, substantially rectilinear and extend parallel to the axis W.
Advantageously, the support structure 2 comprises an arched wall 72 that at least partially defines, on the one hand, the housing compartment 7 for the reel 3, in which the first groove is obtained, and, on the other hand, at least partially delimits the chamber.
Preferably, the support structure 2 also comprises at least one upper wall 73 that delimits the unwinding chamber at the top, and in which the second groove 71, intended to be crossed by the tape 11 exiting the unwinding chamber, is obtained.
Advantageously, the reel 3 is configured to rotate around the axis W as it unwinds, housed on the arched wall 72, with the tape placed across the first and second grooves.
Preferably, the second groove 71 is made at a higher elevation than the first groove.
Preferably, the support structure 2 is made of metal material, in particular of bent sheet metal, such as steel or the like. In this way, the support structure 2 is light and, at the same time, rigid and strong.
The packing equipment 10 also comprises at least one guiding member 5 mechanically connected to the support structure 2 and extending overhanging relative to the support structure 2 along an axis Z.
More specifically, the axis Z of the guiding member 5 is substantially orthogonal to the axis W of the housing compartment 7 of the support structure 2. In this way, the unwinding of the packing material tape 11 from the reel 3 is simple and easy.
In fact, the reel 3 unwinds by rotating around its horizontal axis W, facilitating the unwinding of the tape directly towards suitable deflection means 6, as described in more detail below, making such unwinding simple and easy.
At least one free edge of the packing material tape 11 is, preferably, mechanically connected to the one or more objects 100 to be packed.
In particular, the reel 3 has an orientation of its axis substantially parallel to the axis W, which makes the path of the tape 11 short and direct as the number of changes of direction of the tape 11 is minimised.
The packing equipment 10 also comprises deflection means 6 configured to deflect the packing material tape 11.
More specifically, the deflection means 6 are slidably coupled to the at least one guiding member 5.
Preferably, the sliding coupling between the deflection means 6 and the guiding member 5 is prismatic.
In particular, the deflection means 6 comprise a sleeve 84 configured to mechanically couple with the guiding member 5, in particular the sleeve 84 is wrapped around the guiding member 5 and can be slidably moved along the axis Z.
More specifically, the sleeve 84 is substantially tubular in shape and is internally hollow to slidably accommodate the guiding member 5 .
Preferably, the guiding member 5 has a cross section, made along a direction transverse to the axis Z, which is substantially constant along the axis Z and, in particular, substantially square or rectangular or circular.
Preferably, the sleeve 84 is made substantially to size with the guiding member 5, that is it has the shape of its cross section, made along a direction transverse to the axis Z, substantially square and/or rectangular and/or circular and preferably of the same shape as the cross section of the guiding member 5.
Preferably, the inner walls of the sleeve 84 comprise anti-friction elements, in particular pads 841 made of polymeric material, in particular with a low friction coefficient for example made of polyethylene 1000 (PE 1000) and/or the like. In particular, these pads 841 are mechanically mounted on the inner surfaces of the sleeve 84 and configured to reduce the friction generated by sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5.
More specifically, the deflection means 6 are movable between a proximal position in which the deflection means 6 are close to the support structure 2 and a distal position in which the deflection means 6 are moved away from the support structure 2.
In this way, the packing equipment 10 wraps one or more objects 100 with the packing material tape 11, at least partially, along the axis Z.
Advantageously, the deflection means 6 are mechanically separated from the housing compartment 7.
In this way, the movement of the deflection means 6 along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 is simple and quick as this provision avoids the drawbacks of the prior art by not requiring the movement of the reel 3 relative to the support structure 2.
More specifically, the deflection means 6 are configured to receive the tape 11 along an unwinding direction M from the housing compartment 7 and to deflect the tape 11 along an exit direction N that is different to the unwinding direction M, so that, in use, the exit direction N is directed toward one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.
In this way, the unwinding direction M of the tape 11 is altered, and in particular directed towards one or more objects 100, allowing them to be wound up with only one change of direction of the tape 11.
More specifically, the deflection means 6 comprise a frame 61, a first roller 62 rotatably mounted on the frame 61 and configured to rotate about an axis V substantially parallel to the axis W. The first roller 62 and the second roller 63 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape.
The deflection means 6 comprise a second roller 63 rotatably mounted on the frame 61 and configured to rotate around an axis U substantially orthogonal to the axis W and substantially o parallel to the axis Z of the guiding member 5.
Conveniently, the sleeve 84 is mechanically attached to the frame 61.
The frame 61 preferably comprises a first, load-bearing arm 611 rotatably mounted on the first roller 62 and extending transverse to the axis Z and, preferably, basically horizontally.
In addition, the frame 61 preferably comprises a second, load-bearing arm 612 rotatably mounted on the second roller 63 and extending parallel to the axis Z and preferably substantially o vertically. Conveniently, in accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the attached figures, the first arm 611 and the second arm 612 are mechanically connected at their respective ends.
The first roller 62 (and the first arm 611) may be arranged above or below the second roller 63 (and the second arm 612) without thereby falling outside the scope of protection of this invention.
In other words, the deflection means 6 can be arranged in such a way that the second roller 63 extends from an edge of the first roller 62, especially upwards, or, in another embodiment, downwards from the first roller 62, that is rotated by 180°.
In addition, the first and second rollers 62, 63 may be arranged in any suitable configuration to allow the tape 11 to be deflected, in particular towards the objects 100 to be wound.
Preferably, the tape 11 is deflected using the deflection means 6, in particular by the at least partial passage around the first roller 62 and the second roller 63, defining the exit direction N substantially orthogonal to the axis Z. In this way, a surface of the tape 11 as it exits the deflection means 6 is substantially parallel to the surface of one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.
Operatively, the tape 11 leaving the reel 3 first winds and engages the first roller 62, maintaining the unwinding direction M, then winds and engages the second roller 63 changing its direction, transverse to the unwinding direction, defining the above-mentioned exit direction N.
In this way, the tape 11 is arranged with its orientation substantially parallel to a surface of one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.
More specifically, the deflection means 6 also comprise a third roller 64 mounted on the frame 61 extending along an axis K.
In particular, the axis K is inclined by a first angle θ with respect to the axis V of the first roller 62 and by a second angle θ' with respect to the axis U of the second roller 63.
In accordance with a first embodiment, the third roller 64 is mounted, fixed, on the frame 61. In other words, the third roller 64 preferably does not rotate when the tape 11 is running.
According to a different embodiment, the third roller 64 can be rotatably mounted, in particular in friction-fit manner, on the frame 61.
Advantageously, the third roller 64 can be placed in a fixed configuration, that is one in which it does not rotate, and a rotating configuration, in which it rotates as the tape 11 is running.
For example, the third roller 64 may comprise a friction apparatus configured to hold the third roller 64 in the fixed configuration until the tape 11 reaches a tensioning threshold value. Once the tensioning threshold value of the tape 11 has been exceeded, the friction apparatus is configured to place the third roller 64 in the rotating configuration, that is the one in which the third roller 64 rotates around the axis K as it slides in the tape 11.
Obviously, the third roller 64 may be fixed and/or rotatable, based on the specific application and sensitivity of the person skilled in the art, without thereby leaving the scope of protection of this patent.
The third roller 64 preferably extends between two opposite ends, wherein a first end is attached to the first arm 611 and a second end is rotatably attached to the second arm 612. More specifically, the first end of the third roller 64 is attached at a free end of the first arm 611 (opposite to the end attached to the second arm 612) and the second end of the third roller 64 is attached to a free end of the second arm 612 (opposite to the end attached to the first arm 611).
In other words, the first roller 62, the second roller 63 and the third roller 64 are arranged on the frame 61 in such a way as to form a structure essentially having a triangular shape.
Preferably, the sum of the first angle θ and the second angle θ' is equal to 90°.
Preferably, the first angle θ and the second angle θ' are substantially between 30° and 60°, in particular the first angle θ and the second angle θ' are preferably substantially equal to 45°.
The packing equipment 10 also comprises first actuation means 8 mechanically connected to the deflection means 6 to move them along the axis Z of the guiding member 5.
In addition, the packing equipment 10 comprises at least one platform 4, configured to be arranged side by side with said support structure 2 and to rotate around an axis Y of rotation substantially parallel to said axis Z of said guiding member 5.
The platform 4 is intended to support said one or more objects 100 to be packed.
In addition, operatively, the tape 11 deflected by said deflection means 6 is intended to wrap said one or more objects 100 rotating around said axis Y of rotation on said platform 4.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the platform 4 comprises a rotatable body 41, which preferably has a substantially planar shape and comprises an upper wall configured to support the at least one object 100 to be packed.
Advantageously, the platform 4 comprises a frame 42 that rotatably supports the rotatable body 41.
More specifically, the frame 42 is preferably intended to rest on the ground and is configured to support the rotatable body 41 at the top.
The platform 4 is preferably made of metal material and is configured to mechanically support the weight of the objects 100 to be packed, which can even reach a mass of several hundred kilograms.
Preferably, the second actuation means 15 comprise at least one electric motor (not visible in the attached figures) mechanically connected to at least one rotation mechanism arranged in said frame 42 and shaped to push the rotatable body 41 in rotation about the axis Y of rotation.
For example, the rotation mechanism housed in the frame 42 may comprise a pinion (actuated in rotation by the above-mentioned electric motor) engaged to a circular rack mechanically attached to a lower wall of the rotatable body 41.
The packing equipment 10 further comprises at least one electronic control unit, electronically connected to the first actuation means 8 and configured to control the activation and/or operation of the first actuation means 8.
Preferably, the equipment 10 according to the invention comprises second actuation means 15 mechanically connected to said platform 4 and configured to move said platform 4 in rotation around said axis Y of rotation.
The at least one electronic control unit, is preferably (also) electronically connected to said second actuation means 15 and configured to control the activation of said first actuation means 8 and said second actuation means 15, so that said tape 11 is wound around said one or more objects 100 along a substantially helicoidal path.
More specifically, the first actuation means 8 comprise at least one first motor 81 mechanically mounted on the support structure 2 and at least one transmission assembly 82 housed within said guiding member 5 and mechanically connected to said first motor 81 and said deflection means 6.
More specifically, the transmission assembly 82 comprises at least one movable body 83 arranged at least partially parallel to the axis Z and mechanically attached to the deflection means 6 by at least one connecting element placed across the guiding member 5.
The movable body 83 can preferably be a chain or a belt.
The guiding member 5 is preferably equipped with a through slot 500 arranged parallel to the axis Z, crossed by the connecting element.
More specifically, the connecting element is arranged to cross the slot 500 and is mechanically attached on one side to the sleeve 84 of the deflection means 6 and on the other side to the movable body 83 of the transmission assembly 82. Thus, the movement of the movable body 83 coincides with an equal movement of the deflection means 6 along the guiding member 5.
More specifically, the transmission assembly 82 comprises at least one first rotating element 821, housed within the guiding member 5 at a first end of the guiding member 5 and rotatable about an axis T orthogonal to the axis Z.
The transmission assembly 82 also preferably comprises at least one second rotating element 822, housed within the guiding member 5 at a second end of the guiding member 5 and rotatable about an axis S orthogonal to the axis Z.
In particular, at least one of either the first rotating element 821 or the second rotating element 822 is mechanically connected to the first motor 81.
More specifically, the movable body 83 is a flexible, elongated body, wound in a ring at least partially around the first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822.
The first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822 preferably comprise a first pinion and a second pinion respectively. In this case, the movable element 83 is preferably a chain that engages the above-mentioned first and second pinions.
In contrast, the first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822 comprise a first pulley and a second pulley respectively. In this case, the movable element 83 is preferably a belt (which may be smooth, either trapezoidal or flat, or toothed) that engages the above-mentioned first and second pulleys.
Conveniently, the electronic control unit is programmed to move the first actuation means 8 and the second actuation means 15 in a synchronised manner.
More clearly, the linear movement of the deflection means 6 along the guiding member 5 and the rotary movement of the platform 4 (and in particular of the rotatable body 41 of the platform 4) are made so that the packing material tape 11 defines a helical path around the objects 100.
Obviously, the rotational speed of the platform 4 can be changed based on the lateral dimensions of the objects 100 to be packed and, preferably, the sliding speed of the deflection means 6 on the guiding member 5 can be changed based on the vertical dimensions of the objects 100 to be packed.
Preferably, the guiding member 5 that is the subject of this invention can be used in packing equipment 10 of the type described above and it is also the subject of this invention.
Obviously, all the features described with reference to the packing equipment 10, taken alone or in any combination thereof, should also be understood to be described with reference to the guiding member 5, which is also the subject of this invention.
Conveniently, the guiding member 5 in question can be used for the movement of at least one element along a prevailing, in particular rectilinear, direction of movement.
In the following, specific reference will be made to a guiding member 5 intended to be mounted on an equipment 10, in particular packing and/or winding equipment, intended to slidably mount deflection means 6, for example for packing material tape 11.
Obviously, the guiding member 5 in question may, however, be advantageously mounted on any other type of automatic and/or semi-automatic equipment for the handling of members of various types and intended for any other purpose or use without thereby falling outside the scope of protection of this patent application.
The guiding member 5 for packing equipment 10, preferably intended to slidably mount deflection means 6 for packing material tape 11, has an elongated shape and extends along a prevailing axis Z.
The guiding member 5 comprises at least one first longitudinal section 20. The guiding member 5 comprises at least one second longitudinal section 30. The guiding member 5 also comprises joint means 40 mechanically interposed between said first section 20 and said second section 30 and configured to move said first section 20 relative to said second section 30 between a bent position, wherein said second section 30 is close to said first section 20, and an extended position, wherein said second section 30 is aligned with said first section 20 along said prevailing axis Z.
In accordance with the above-mentioned extended configuration illustrated in the attached figure 1, the first longitudinal section 20 preferably extends along an substantially rectilinear axis parallel to the prevailing axis Z of the guiding member 5.
Preferably, the first longitudinal section 20 is substantially tubular in shape and has a cross section (i.e. a section made along a direction orthogonal to the prevailing axis Z) having a substantially rectangular or square or circular shape. Preferably, the first longitudinal section 20 is internally hollow.
In this way, the first longitudinal section 20 defines a housing volume inside that is suitable for accommodating suitable transmission members 82, for example pinions, belts or chains, for the movement of, for example, the above-mentioned deflection means 6 sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 (as described in more detail below).
Preferably, the first longitudinal section 20 is made of metal material, for example, preferably, steel or the like.
Preferably, the second longitudinal section 30 is tubular and has a cross section (that is, a section made along a direction orthogonal to the prevailing axis Z) having a substantially rectangular or square or circular shape. The shape of the tubular cross section of the first section 20 is preferably square.
Advantageously, the first section 20 and the second section 30 have the same shape and preferably the same external dimensions.
In this way, the second longitudinal section 30 internally defines a housing volume that is suitable for accommodating the above-mentioned transmission members, for example pinions, belts or chains, for the movement of, for example, the deflection means 6 sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 (as described in more detail below).
Preferably, the second longitudinal section 30 is made of metal material, for example, preferably, steel or the like.
Advantageously, the first longitudinal section 20 comprises at least one first coupling portion 50 and the second longitudinal section 30 comprises at least one second coupling portion 60. In addition, the joint means 40 are rotatably connected to the first coupling portion 50 and the second coupling portion 60.
In this way, the first section 20 and the second section 30 can rotate and be arranged in the above-mentioned bent configuration. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the guiding member 5 with respect to its longitudinal extension. Advantageously, the guiding member 5 can be moved and transported quickly and easily, for example it can be housed in a shipping crate or package, particularly on standard-sized pallets.
The joint means 40 are preferably connected to the first coupling portion 50 and the second coupling portion 60 by at least two corresponding rotoidal couplings, for example pins 45, preferably cylindrical ones, and, preferably, made of metal material, e.g. steel or the like.
Advantageously, the joint means 40 comprise at least one longitudinal intermediate section 80, interposed between said first section 20 and said second section 30 and configured to move said first coupling portion 50 and said second coupling portion 60 apart.
Advantageously, the longitudinal intermediate section 80 comprises a third coupling portion 110 and a fourth coupling portion 120.
More specifically, the third coupling portion 110 is rotatably coupled with the first coupling portion 50 of the first longitudinal section 20 and the fourth coupling portion 120 is rotatably coupled with the second coupling portion 60 of the second longitudinal section 30.
More specifically, the cylindrical pins 45 mechanically connect the first coupling portion 50 of the first section 20 to the third coupling portion 110 of the intermediate section 80, and also connect the second coupling portion 60 of the second section 30 to the fourth coupling portion 120 of the intermediate section 80.
In particular, the pins 45 mechanically connect the above-mentioned portions by means of threaded elements 451, for example screws, preferably countersunk hex head screws. In this way, there are no protruding portions that could cause impacts and/or collisions with surrounding portions of the guiding member 5.
This makes the rotation of the first section 20 and the second section 30 quick and easy.
Preferably, the first section 20 and the second section 30, by means of the at least two rotoidal couplings, can rotate relative to each other by an angle of about 180° in both directions of rotation.
Preferably, the first section 20 can rotate with respect to the intermediate section 80 by an angle of approximately 90° in both directions of rotation. In the same way, the second section 30 can preferably rotate with respect to the intermediate section 80 by an angle of approximately 90° in both directions of rotation.
Advantageously, the guiding member 5 also comprises locking means 70 configured to be mechanically coupled with the joint means 40. In particular, with the first section 20 and the second section 30 in an extended position.
In this way, when the locking means 70 are coupled to the joint means 40, the guiding member 5 is in an extended configuration. Otherwise, when the locking means 70 are not coupled to the joint means 40, the first section 20 and the second section 30 are free to rotate around the pins 45 in such a way as to allow the guiding member 5 to assume the above-mentioned bent configuration.
Advantageously, the locking means 70 comprise at least two covering elements 90', 90" housed to size between the first longitudinal section 20 and the second longitudinal section 30 to define the essentially continuous outer surface.
The covering elements 90', 90" are, preferably, mechanically connected by means of threaded elements, in particular screws, preferably countersunk hex head screws.
In this way, there are no protruding portions from the outer surface of the guiding member 5.
The covering elements 90', 90" are preferably symmetrical to each other and essentially C-shaped.
Preferably, the covering elements 90', 90" are made of metal material, in particular steel or the like.
Preferably, the covering elements 90', 90" of the locking means 70 comprise at least two plates and preferably at least four plates, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures. The at least four plates have a bent shape and are preferably made of metal material, particularly steel.
Preferably, the at least four plates, with the guiding member 5 in the extended configuration, at least partially cover the first coupling portion 50 and the second coupling portion 60.
The at least four plates are preferably symmetrical with respect to the axis Z and are mechanically coupled by fastening means 701, for example threaded elements, in particular screws, preferably countersunk hex head screws.
In this way, the screw head does not protrude overhanging, along a direction orthogonal to the axis Z, beyond the outer profile of the guiding member 5 in the extended configuration. In other words, the screw head, once screwed in, does not impede the movement of the deflection means 6 preferably coupled to the guiding member 5.
Advantageously, the locking means 70 are mechanically coupled in a removable manner between the first section 20 and the second section 30 and configured to lock the joint means 40 in such a way that the first section 20 and the second section 30 are in an extended position.
In addition, the locking means 70 are mechanically decoupleable to release the joint means 40 in such a way that the first section 20 is movable relative to the second section 30 to reach the bent position.
In this way, the intermediate section 80 allows a greater breadth of movement than the first section 20 and the second section 30.
In this way, the guiding member 5 can be bent, in particular a rotation of the first longitudinal section 20 relative to the first coupling portion 50 and of the second longitudinal section 30 relative to the second coupling portion 60. These movements allow the guiding member to assume a bent configuration, making it compact and not bulky.
Advantageously, the locking means 70 are configured to cover, at least partially, the joint means 40 in an extended position.
In this way, the outer surface of the guiding member 5 is continuous. Therefore, there are no discontinuities along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 that could cause obstacles and hinder the movement of the deflection means 6.
More specifically, the locking means 70 together with the first section 20 and the second section 30 in an extended configuration define a substantially continuous outer surface.
In this way, the deflection means 6 can slide along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 without encountering obstacles.
Advantageously, the at least one intermediate section 80 extends along the axis Z for a length equal to at least twice the extension along the axis Z of the first coupling portion 50 and/or the second coupling portion 60.
In this way, the first longitudinal section 20 and the second longitudinal section 30 can rotate with respect to their respective coupling portions by an angle of approximately 180° without impact.
This invention also relates to a method for packing objects, preferably implemented by means of packing equipment of the type described above, the numerical references of which will be retained for simplicity of explanation.
Obviously, all the technical features described with reference to the equipment 10 are to be understood, taken alone or in any combination thereof, with reference to the method described below too.
The method that is the subject-matter of this invention comprising at least the operational steps.
The method comprises a step a) of arranging one or more objects 100 on a platform 4 of packing equipment 10.
The method also comprises a step b) of arranging at least one reel 3 of packing material tape 11, with at least one free edge mechanically connected to said one or more objects 100 to be packed.
In step b), the packing material tape 11 engages deflection means 6 configured to deflect the packing material tape 11 from an unwinding direction M to an exit direction N so that said tape 11 faces said one or more objects 100 to be packed.
The method also comprises a step c) of rotating said platform 4 around an substantially vertical axis of rotation Y, wherein said tape 11 is deflected by said deflection means 6 and is wrapped around said one or more objects 100.
The method according to the invention preferably comprises a step d) of moving said deflection means 6 along a guiding member 5, parallel to a substantially vertical axis Z, for wrapping said one or more objects with said packing material tape 11 at least partially along said axis Z.
Advantageously, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, said guiding member 5 remains stationary with respect to the rotation of said platform 4.
In other words, the rotation of the platform 4 (and in particular its rotatable body 41) occurs with respect to the guiding member 5.
Advantageously, the linear movement of said deflection means 6 along said guiding member 5 is synchronized with respect to the rotation of said platform 4 so as to wrap said tape 11 around said one or more objects 100 along a substantially helicoidal path.
Advantageously, said unwinding direction M of said tape 11 from said reel 3 is substantially vertical and said exit direction N is substantially horizontal, for intercepting said one or more objects 100 arranged side by side with said deflection means 6.
It is clear from what has been described that the packing equipment, as well as the packing method, according to the invention are particularly advantageous in that:

they are able to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above;
the equipment is light and easy to use, as the deflection means are moved independently of the movement (i.e. rotation around the axis W) of the reel and the platform;
the equipment is compact and not bulky;
the equipment and the method allow for low energy consumption;
the equipment is structurally resistant and reliable;
the equipment and the method are functionally completely reliable;
the equipment is inexpensive to make;
the equipment is industrially feasible with conventional manufacturing systems and known construction techniques;
the equipment is easily disassembled and thus easily serviced;
the equipment has an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in terms of construction and function, compared to known conventional solutions.

It is clear from the above description how the packing equipment that is the subject-matter of this invention achieves the intended purposes.
This invention has been illustrated and described in a preferred embodiment thereof, but it is understood that implementation variants can be applied thereto in practice, yet without departing from the scope of protection of this patent for an industrial invention.

Claims

A method for packing objects, comprising at least the operational steps:
a) arrangement of one or more objects (100) on a platform (4) of packing equipment (10);

b) arrangement of at least one reel (3) of tape (11) of packing material, with at least one free edge mechanically connected to said one or more objects (100) to be packed; wherein said tape (11) of packing material engages deflection means (6) configured to deflect said tape (11) of packing material from an unwinding direction (M) to an exit direction (N) so that said tape (11) faces said one or more objects (100) to be packed;

c) rotation of said platform (4) around a substantially vertical axis of rotation Y, wherein said tape (11) deflected by said deflection means (6) is wrapped around said one or more objects (100).
Method for packing according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step d) of moving said deflection means (6) along a guiding member (5), parallel to a substantially vertical axis Z, for wrapping said one or more objects with said tape (11) of packing material at least partially along said axis Z;
wherein said guiding member (5) remains stationary with respect to the rotation of said platform (4).
Method for packing according to claim 2, characterized in that the linear movement of said deflection means (6) along said guiding member (5) is synchronized with respect to the rotation of said platform (4) so as to wrap said tape (11) around said one or more objects (100) along a substantially helicoidal path.
Method for packing according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unwinding direction (M) of said tape (11) from said reel (3) is substantially vertical and said exit direction (N) is substantially horizontal, for intercepting said one or more objects (100) arranged side by side with said deflection means (6).
A packing equipment (10), particularly intended to wrap one or more objects (100) with a tape (11) of packing material, comprising:
- a support structure (2) configured to house at least one reel (3) of tape (11) of packing material;

- at least one guiding member (5) extending overhanging with respect to said support structure (2) along a substantially vertical axis Z;

- deflection means (6) configured to deflect the tape (11) of packing material, slidably coupled to said at least one guiding member (5) and movable between a proximal position wherein said deflection means (6) are moved closer to said support structure (2) and a distal position wherein said deflection means (6) are moved away from said support structure (2) to wrap said one or more objects with said tape (11) of packing material at least partially along said axis Z;

- at least one platform (4), configured to be arranged side by side with said support structure (2) and to rotate around an axis Y of rotation substantially parallel to said axis Z of said guiding member (5);
said platform (4) being intended to support said one or more objects (100) to be packed;
said tape (11) deflected by said deflection means (6) being intended to wrap said one or more objects (100) rotating around said axis Y of rotation on said platform (4).
Packing equipment (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that said deflection means (6) are configured to receive said tape (11) along an unwinding direction (M) from said housing compartment (7) and to deflect said tape (11) along an exit direction (N) different from said unwinding direction (M), so that, in use, said exit direction (N) is directed toward said one or more objects (100) to be wrapped.
Packing equipment (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said deflection means (6) comprise:
- a frame (61);

- a first roller (62) rotatably mounted on said frame (61) and configured to rotate around an axis V substantially parallel to said axis W;

- a second roller (63) rotatably mounted on said frame (61) and configured to rotate around an axis U substantially orthogonal to said axis Wand substantially parallel to said axis Z of said guiding member (5).
The packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the claims from 5 to 7, characterized in that said deflection means (6) comprise a third roller (64) mounted on said frame (61) extending along an axis K;
said axis K being inclined by a first angle (θ) with respect to said axis V of said first roller (62) and by a second angle (θ') with respect to said axis U of said second roller (63).
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the claims from 5 to 8, characterized in that said first roller (62), said second roller (63) and said third roller (64) are arranged on said frame (61) so as to form a structure that substantially has a triangular shape.
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:
- first actuation means (8) mechanically connected to said deflection means (6) for moving said deflection means (6) along said guiding member (5);

- second actuation means (15) mechanically connected to said platform (4) and configured to move said platform (4) in rotation around said axis Y of rotation;

- at least one electronic control unit, electronically connected to said first actuation means (8) and to said second actuation means (15) and configured to control the activation of said first actuation means (8) and said second actuation means (15), so that said tape (11) is wound around said one or more objects (100) along a substantially helicoidal path.
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said tape (11) is deflected using the deflection means (6), by the at least partial passage around the first roller (62) and the second roller (63), defining said exit direction (N) basically orthogonal to the axis Z.
The packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said tape (11) leaving said reel (3) winds and engages first said first roller (62), maintaining the unwinding direction M, and then winds and engages said second roller (63), changing its direction, transverse to said unwinding direction, defining said exit direction N.
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (61) comprises:
- a first, load-bearing arm (611) mounted in a rotatably manner on said first roller (62) and extending transverse to the axis Z and, preferably, substantially horizontally;

- a second, load-bearing arm (612) rotatably mounted on said second roller (63) and extending parallel to the axis Z;
said first arm (611) and said second arm (612) are mechanically connected at their respective ends.
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third roller (64) is mounted, fixed, on the frame (61).
Packing equipment (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said third roller (64) extends between two opposite ends, wherein a first end is attached to said first arm (611) and a second end is rotatably attached to said second arm (612).