WO2024089641A1

WO2024089641A1 - Packaging machine

Info

Publication number: WO2024089641A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/060811
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca GIACOMONI
Original assignee: AMORUSO, Domenico
Priority date: 2022-10-27
Filing date: 2023-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

A packaging machine (10), in particular intended to wrap one or more objects (100) with a tape (11) of packaging material, comprising a support structure (2) configured to accommodate at least one reel (3) of tape (11) of packaging material and including handling means (4) configured to handle said support structure (2); at least one guiding member (5) mechanically connected to said support structure (2) and extending overhanging with respect to said support structure (2) along a Z axis; deflecting means (6) configured to deflect the tape (11) of packaging material; characterized in that said deflecting means (6) are slidingly coupled to said at least one guiding member (5) and by the fact that said deflecting means (6) are movable between a proximal position wherein said deflecting means (6) are moved close to said support structure (2) and a distal position wherein said deflecting means (6) are moved away from said support structure (2) to wrap said one or more objects with said tape (11) of packaging material at least partially along said axis Z.

Description

PACKAGING MACHINE DESCRIPTION

Field of technology

[001] The present invention relates to a packaging machine, in particular a machine designed to wrap objects of various type with at least one tape of packaging material, according to the preamble of independent claim number 1.

[002] More specifically, the packaging machine according to the invention finds advantageous use in the field of automatic and/or semi-automatic machines, in particular in packaging machines intended for wrapping objects with any type of packaging, with the particular purpose of preventing their accidental and undesirable movement during their transport.

[003] Therefore, the packaging machine object of the present invention is advantageously inserted in the sector of production and commercialization of packaging machines intended for wrapping with a tape of packaging material, 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 types, such as, for example, parcels and/or crates and/or boxes and/or any other object suitable for containing products intended to be moved, for example, by road transport (e.g. by truck) or by ship, or by air or other.

State of the art

[004] It is well known in the technical field of reference that packaging machines suited to wrap objects of various types, e.g. crates and/or parcels and/or boxes and/or the like, with a wrapping of packaging material (e.g. a flexible polymer film tape), either individually or in groups (e.g. by stacking several objects on top of each other or side by side) to keep them together during their transport.

[005] Typically, the machine of the known type wraps one or more objects together in such a way to keep them in a desired position, in particular that they remain compact (i.e. held together) and easily movable and/or transportable, in particular arranged on a pallet.

[006] The machine of the known type comprises a support structure and carries mounted handling means, e.g. wheels and/or rollers and/or the like to move the machine on the ground around the object to be wound.

[007] The machine further comprises a guiding member, having an elongated form extending substantially vertically from the support structure and substantially orthogonal to the ground. The guiding member slidingly carries mounted a packaging unit. In more detail, the packaging unit is configured to accommodate a reel of packaging material, for example a flexible film tape made of polyethylene or the like, such as in particular HDPE or LDPE. The reel is rotatably mounted on the packaging unit, and extends along an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of the guiding member (i.e. vertically).

[008] The packaging 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.

[009] Typically, a wrapping operation comprises the steps performed by an operator in which he unwinds a free flap of the film tape from the reel and attaches it to the side surface of the object (or of the objects) to be wrapped, normally at a lower end proximal to the pallet or the ground.

[0010] Next, the operator moves the machine around the object (or objects) by dragging the tape of packaging material, which remains attached to the object itself at its free flap. [0011] In this way, during the movement of the known machine, the tape is unwound from the reel and lies on the surface of the object to be wrapped.

[0012] Conveniently, the operator moves the machine of known type around the object to be wrapped, so that at least one complete turn is made around the object.

[0013] The machine normally includes means of actuation associated with the packaging unit and suited to move the unit itself along the guiding member.

[0014] The operator controls (e.g. by means of a control panel) the activation of the actuating means to move the packaging 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.

[0015] In this way, the tape of packaging material wraps the object by making turns at different heights, thus enveloping its side surface.

[0016] In other words, in order to wrap objects, the machine of a known type performs a substantially circular roundabout movement around the object to be wrapped, and simultaneously the wrapping unit performs a rectilinear translatory movement, in particular from a lowered position to a raised position. In this way, a substantially helicoidal trajectory of the packaging unit, and thus of the tape of packaging film integral with it, around the objects to be wrapped is obtained.

[0017] In order to make more layers of packaging material and thus increase safety during transport of the objects, at the end of the wrapping step, the packaging unit is moved from the raised position to the initial lowered position while maintaining the movement of the machine around the objects. In this way, an additional layer of packaging 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 a number of times equal to the number of layers of tape of packaging film to be deposited around the object.

[0018] The packaging machine of the known type briefly described so far has proved in practice not without its drawbacks.

[0019] The main drawback lies in the fact that the packaging machine of known type is cumbersome as the packaging unit can reach a large weight and size (i.e. outer diameter of the reel and height).

[0020] A further drawback lies in the fact the packaging machine of known type is uneasy to use by an operator because the packaging machine of known type is unstable with the packaging unit in proximity of its raised position.

[0021] A further drawback lies in the fact the packaging machine of known type has a low autonomy. In fact, the packaging unit is heavy and can be moved several times along the axis of the guiding member in order to deposit several layers of packaging material tape around the surface of the object to be wrapped. Such movement is energyconsuming, as it requires energy sources (e.g. batteries) to power said above-mentioned these large and therefore bulky, heavy and expensive actuators.

[0022] A further drawback lies in the fact the packaging machine of known type is not very stable. In fact, as mentioned above, the guiding member can reach a height of up to 2 meters and, with the packaging unit in proximity of its raised position, the machine can become unbalanced and thus unsafe and/or unreliable. In addition, as mentioned above, the packing unit can reach a mass of over 50 kg, which can cause the guiding member to fail or the entire machine to tip over with potential harmful consequences for an operator.

[0023] A further drawback lies in the fact the packaging machine of known type is heavy, as it requires a rigid and strong support structure, capable of supporting moving masses of considerable size, for the reasons stated above. This results in a high overall weight of the machine.

[0024] A further drawback lies in the fact the packaging machine of known type is expensive, as it requires actuating means to move the packaging unit as well as large size (i.e. high power and size) on the ground and therefore very expensive means to move the machine.

Purposes of the invention

[0025] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that makes possible to overcome and remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the above- mentioned known technique.

[0026] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is cheap and simple to manufacture.

[0027] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is lightweight.

[0028] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is easy to use.

[0029] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is stable in operation.

[0030] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide packaging machine that is cost-effective.

[0031] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

[0032] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that is compact and space-saving, in particular one that is easy to transport or ship.

[0033] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that can be made easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0034] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine that presents an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in terms of construction and function, compared to known traditional solutions.

Summary of the invention

[0035] All of the above purposes, either singly or in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following detailed description are achieved, according to the invention, with a packaging machine 1 having the characteristics set forth in independent claim 1.

[0036] In particular, the aforesaid purposes are achieved by a packaging machine 10, in particular intended to wrap one or more objects 100 with a tape 11 of packaging material, comprising a support structure 2 configured to accommodate at least one reel 3 of tape 11 of packaging material and comprising handling means 4 configured to move said support structure 2; at least one guiding member 5 mechanically connected to said support structure 2 and extending overhanging with respect to said support structure 2 along a Z axis; deflecting means 6 configured to deflect said tape 11 of packaging material; wherein said deflecting means 6 are slidingly coupled to said at least one guiding member 5 and by the fact that said deflecting means 6 are movable between a proximal position wherein said deflecting means 6 are mode close to said support structure 2 and a distal position wherein said deflecting means 6 are moved away from said support structure 2 to wrap said one or more objects with said tape 11 of packaging material at least partially along said Z axis.

[0037] Advantageously, said support structure 2 defines a housing compartment 7, extending along an axis W, so as to contain at least partially said reel 3; said deflecting means 6 being mechanically separated from said housing compartment 7.

[0038] Advantageously, said Z-axis of said guiding member 5 is substantially orthogonal to said axis W of said housing compartment 7 of said support structure 2 to facilitate unwinding of said tape 11 of packaging material from said reel 3.

[0039] Advantageously, said deflecting 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 winding direction, such that, in use, said exit direction N is directed toward said one or more objects 100 to be wound.

[0040] Advantageously, said deflecting means 6 comprising a frame 61 ; a first roller 62 rotatably mounted on said frame 61 and configured to rotate about an axis V substantially parallel to said axis W; a second roller 63 rotatably mounted on said frame 61 and configured to rotate about an axis II substantially orthogonal to said axis W and substantially parallel to said axis Z of said guiding member 5.

[0041] Advantageously, said deflecting means 6 comprise a third roller 64 rotatably mounted on said frame 61 and configured to rotate about an axis K; said axis K being inclined by a first angle 0 with respect to said axis V of said first roller 62 and by a second angle 0' with respect to said axis II of said second roller 63.

[0042] Advantageously, the packaging machine 10 comprises first actuating means 8 mechanically connected with said deflecting means 6 to move said deflecting means 6 along said guiding member 5; at least one electronic control unit, electronically connected with said first actuating means 8 and configured to control the activation and/or operation of said first actuating means 8.

[0043] Advantageously, said first actuating means 8 comprises at least one first motor

81 mechanically mounted on said support structure 2; at least one transmission group

82 housed within said guiding member 5 and mechanically connected to said first motor 81 and said deflecting means 6.

[0044] Advantageously, said transmission group 82 comprises at least one movable body 83 disposed at least partially parallel to said axis Z and mechanically linked to said deflecting means 6 by at least one connecting element 84 placed crossing said guiding member 5.

[0045] Advantageously, said transmission group 82 comprises at least a first rotating element 821 housed within said guiding member 5 at a first end of said guiding member 5 and rotatable about an axis T orthogonal to said axis Z; at least a second rotating element 822 housed within said guiding member 5 at a second end of said guiding member 5 and rotatable about an axis S orthogonal to said axis Z; said movable body

83 is a flexible and elongated body, looped at least partially around said first rotating element 821 and said second rotating element 822; at least one between said first rotating element 821 and said second rotating element 822 being mechanically connected to said first motor 81 .

Brief description of the drawings

[0046] The present invention is herein further elucidated in some of its preferred forms of practical embodiment, set forth for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 A shows a perspective view of a packaging machine object of the present invention, in particular, it is shown in use, side by side with objects to be packaged;

Figure 1 B shows a further perspective view of the machine illustrated in figure 1A;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the machine illustrated in figure 1A, with some parts removed to better highlight others;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the machine according to the invention, concerning deflecting means;

Figures 4A, 4B show further detailed perspective views of the deflecting means illustrated in figure 3, engaged by a tape of packaging material; Figure 4C shows a perspective view of the deflecting means illustrated in figures 4A and 4B with some parts removed to better highlight others;

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the packaging machine with a guiding member arranged in a partially folded configuration;

Figure 5B shows a further perspective view of the packaging machine illustrated in figure 5A;

Figure 6A shows a perspective view of the packaging machine in a folded configuration;

Figure 6B shows a further perspective view of the packaging machine illustrated in figure 6A, placed on a pallet and inside a box for its transport;

Figure 7A shows a perspective view of the guiding member, which is also object of the present invention;

Figure 7B shows a perspective view of a detail of the guiding member illustrated in figure 7A;

Figure 7C shows an exploded perspective view of the guiding member’s detail shown in figure 7B;

Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the guiding member’s detail illustrated in Figures 7B and 7C in its partially folded configuration;

Figure 8B shows a further perspective view of guiding member’s detail illustrated in figure 8A in its folded configuration;

Figure 9A shows a longitudinal sectional view of the guiding member illustrated in figure 7A;

Figure 9B shows a longitudinal sectional view of guiding member’s detail illustrated in figure 9A;

Figure 9C shows a further longitudinal sectional view of a further detail of the guiding member illustrated in figure 9A.

Detailed description of the invention

[0047] With reference to the attached figures, a packaging machine, which is the subject of the present invention, referred to as 10, in particular a machine 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.

[0048] The packaging machine 10 according to the invention finds advantageous use in the sector of production and commercialization of automatic and/or semi-automatic machines. In particular, the packaging machine 10, which is the subject matter of the present invention insets itself in the sector of the packaging and wrapping machines, for wrapping, preferably by means of a tape of packaging material, objects of various nature such as those mentioned above.

[0049] More in detail, the tape of packaging material is preferably a flexible film made of polymeric material (e.g., HDPE and/or LDPE and/or similar), or paper, or any other material suitable for wrapping one or more objects and keeping them together during their transport.

[0050] The term 'packaging machine' is therefore to be intended, for the purposes of the present description, as any machine, apparatus or device, preferably automatic, suited to wrap a tape of flexible material around at least one object.

[0051] The packaging machine 10, in particular intended to wrap one or more objects 100 with a tape 11 of packaging material, comprises a support structure 2.

[0052] More in detail, the support structure 2 is configured to house at least one reel 3 of tape 11 of packaging material.

[0053] More in detail, the support structure 2 defines a housing compartment 7, extending along a axis W, so as to contain at least partially the reel 3.

[0054] Preferably, the reel 3 is substantially cylindrical in shape, intended to be arranged along an axis substantially parallel to the axis W, and is configured to rotate about said axis parallel to the axis W itself.

[0055] Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises at least two rollers 71 , 72, and preferably four rollers 71 , 72, 73 and 74, in particular in correspondence of the housing compartment 7, in particular intended to support the aforementioned reel 3.

[0056] Advantageously, the rollers 71 , 72, 73 and 74 are substantially cylindrical in shape and rotatable around respective axes (not shown in the attached figures) that are substantially parallel to the axis W.

[0057] In particular, said at least two rollers 71 , 72 are configured to support the reel 3 and allow it to rotate around the axis W to unwind the tape 11.

[0058] More in detail, the rollers 71 , 72, 73 and 74 are idle rotatably mounted on the support structure 2 and rotate around their respective axes dragged by the rotation of the reel 3 during the unwinding of the tape 11.

[0059] Preferably, the support structure 2 is made of metal material, in particular of bent sheet metal, such as steel or similar. In this way, the support structure 2 is light and at the same time rigid and strong.

[0060] The support structure 2 also includes handling means 4 configured to move the support structure 2 itself.

[0061] Preferably, the handling means 4 comprise wheels (and/or rollers and/or the like) 200 rotatably constrained to the support structure and configured to rest on the ground and to allow the machine 10 to move forward.

[0062] Conveniently, the handling means 4 comprise at least one electric motor 41 , (e.g., an asynchronous or brushless type motor), mechanically connected to at least one of the wheels 200, and in particular at least one front wheel.

[0063] Preferably, the handling means 4 comprise at least one reduction gear 42 (e.g., of the epicyclic or worm type) placed as a mechanical connection between the electric motor 41 and at least one of the wheels 200, configured to reduce the speed of the electric motor 41. Preferably, the reduction gear is mounted on the support structure 2.

[0064] Preferably, the handling means 4 further comprise a transmission member, for example a pinion (e.g. a toothed wheel or a pulley or any other transmission member known in itself to the person skilled in the art and therefore not further described) mechanically connected to the reduction gear 42 and configured to connect at least one of the wheels 200 to the reduction gear 42, to allow the packaging machine 10 to be moved on the ground and in particular around one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.

[0065] In addition, the packaging machine 10 comprises at least one guiding member 5 mechanically connected to the support structure 2 and extending overhanging with respect to the support structure 2 along an axis Z.

[0066] More in detail, the axis Z of the guiding member 5 is substantially orthogonal with respect the axis W of the housing compartment 7 of the support structure 2. In this way, the unwinding of the tape 11 of packaging material from the reel 3 is simple and easy to perform.

[0067] In fact, reel 3 unwinds by rotating around its horizontal axis W, facilitating the unwinding of the tape directly towards the deflecting means 6, as described in more detail below, making such unwinding simple and easy.

[0068] In particular, the reel 3 has an orientation of its axis substantially parallel to the axis W, which makes the path of tape 11 short and direct since the number of changes of direction of the tape 11 itself is minimized.

[0069] The packaging machine 10 also includes deflecting means 6 configured to divert the tape 11 of packaging material.

[0070] More in detail, the deflecting means 6 are slidingly coupled to at least one guiding member 5.

[0071] Preferably, the sliding coupling between the deflecting means 6 and the guiding member 5 is of prismatic type.

[0072] In particular, the deflecting 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 is susceptible to being moved slidingly along the axis Z.

[0073] More in detail, the sleeve 84 is essentially tubular in shape and is internally hollow to slidingly accommodate the guiding member 5.

[0074] 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 itself and in particular substantially square or rectangular or circular.

[0075] Preferably, the sleeve 84 is made substantially to size with the guiding member 5, i.e., in other words it has a shape of its 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 section of the guiding member 5.

[0076] Preferably, the inner walls of the sleeve 84 comprise anti-friction elements, in particular skids 841 in polymeric material, in particular with low friction coefficient, for example polyethylene 1000 (PE 1000) and/or the like. In particular, such skids 841 are mechanically mounted on the inner surfaces of the sleeve 84 and configured to reduce the friction generated by the sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5.

[0077] More in detail, the deflecting means 6 are movable between a proximal position in which the deflecting means 6 are moved close to the support structure 2 and a distal position in which the deflecting means 6 are moved away from the support structure 2.

[0078] In this way, the packaging machine 10 wraps one or more objects 100 with the tape 11 of packaging material, at least partially, along the axis Z.

[0079] Advantageously, the deflecting means 6 are mechanically separated from the housing compartment 7.

[0080] In this way, the movement of the deflecting means 6 along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 is simple and quick as this provision obviates the drawbacks of the known technique by not requiring the movement of the reel 3 with respect to the support structure 2.

[0081] More specifically, the deflecting 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 different from the unwinding direction M, so that, in use, the exit direction N is directed towards one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.

[0082] In this way, the unwinding direction M of 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 tape 11.

[0083] More in detail, the deflecting 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. Preferably, the first roller 62 and the second roller 63 have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0084] The deflecting means 6 further comprise a second roller 63 rotatably mounted on the frame 61 and configured to rotate about an axis II substantially orthogonal to the axis W and substantially parallel to the axis Z of the guiding member 5.

[0085] Conveniently, the sleeve 84 is mechanically constrained to the frame 61.

[0086] Preferably, the frame 61 comprises a first supporting arm 611 rotatably mounted the first roller 62 and extending transversely with respect to the axis Z and preferably substantially horizontally.

[0087] Furthermore, preferably, the frame 61 comprises a second supporting arm 612 rotatably mounted the second roller 63 and extending parallel with respect to the axis Z and preferably substantially vertically. Conveniently, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first arm 611 and the second arm 612 are mechanically connected at their respective ends.

[0088] The first roller 62 (and the first arm 611) can be arranged above or below the second roller 63 (and the second arm 612) without thereby falling outside the scope of protection of the present privative.

[0089] In other words, the deflecting means 6 can be arranged in such a way that the second roller 63 extends from an edge of the first roller 62, in particular upwards, or, in a further embodiment, downwards from the first roller 62, i.e. rotated by 180°.

[0090] Furthermore, the first and second rollers 62, 63 may be arranged in any suitable configuration to allow the tape 11 to be deflected and in particular its deflection towards the objects 100 to be wrapped. [0091] Preferably, the tape 11 is deflected by the deflecting means 6, in particular by passing at least partially around the first roller 62 and the second roller 63, defining the exit direction N substantially orthogonal with respect to the axis Z. In this way, a surface of the same tape 11 exiting the deflecting means 6 is substantially parallel to the surface of one or more objects 100 to be wrapped.

[0092] Operatively, the tape 11 exiting reel 3 first winds and engages the first roller 62 maintaining the unwind direction M and then winds and engages the second roller 63 varying its direction, transverse to the unwind direction, defining the aforementioned exit direction N.

[0093] 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.

[0094] More specifically, the deflecting means 6 also include a third roller 64 rotatably mounted on the frame 61 and configured to rotate around an axis K.

[0095] In particular, the axis K is inclined by a first angle 0 with respect to the axis V of the first roller 62 and by a second angle 0' with respect to the axis II of the second roller 63.

[0096] Preferably, the third roller 64 extends between two opposing ends, wherein a first end is rotatably constrained to the first arm 611 and a second end is rotatably constrained to the second arm 612. More specifically, the first end of the third roller 64 is rotatably constrained at a free end of the first arm 611 (opposite to the end constrained to the second arm 612) and the second end of the third roller 64 is rotatably constrained at a free end of the second arm 612 (opposite to the end constrained to the first arm 611).

[0097] 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 having essentially a triangular shape.

[0098] Preferably, the sum of the first angle 0 and the second angle 0' is 90°.

[0099] Preferably, the first angle 0 and the second angle 0' are substantially between 30° and 60°, in particular the first angle 0 and the second angle 0' are preferably substantially 45°.

[00100] The packaging machine 10 also comprises first actuating means 8 mechanically connected to the deflecting means 6 to move them along the axis Z of the guiding member 5.

[00101] The packaging machine 10 further comprises at least one electronic control unit, electronically connected to the first actuating means 8 and configured to control the activation and/or operation of the first actuating means 8.

[00102] More in detail, the first actuating means 8 comprise at least one first motor 81 mechanically mounted on the support structure 2 and at least one transmission group 82 housed within said guiding member 5 and mechanically connected to said first motor 81 and said deflecting means 6.

[00103] In more detail, the transmission group 82 comprises at least one movable body 83 arranged at least partially parallel to the axis Z and mechanically constrained to the deflecting means 6 by at least one connecting element placed across the guiding member 5.

[00104] Preferably, the movable body 83 can be a chain or a belt.

[00105] Preferably, the guiding element 5 is equipped with a light 500 passing through and arranged parallel to the axis Z, crossed by the connecting element.

[00106] More in detail, the connecting element is arranged to cross the light 500 and is mechanically constrained on one side to the sleeve 84 of the deflecting means 6 and on the other side to the movable body 83 of the transmission group 82. In this way, with the movement of the movable body 83 coincides an equal movement of the deflecting means 6 along the guiding member 5.

[00107] In more detail, the transmission group 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.

[00108] The transmission group 82 further preferably comprises at least one second rotating element 822, which is 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.

[00109] In particular, at least one of the first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822 is mechanically connected to the first motor 81.

[00110] In more detail, the movable body 83 is a flexible and elongated body, loopwrapped at least partially around the first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822.

[00111] Preferably, the first rotating element 821 and the second rotating element 822 comprise a first pinion and a second pinion respectively. In this case, the movable element 83 is preferably a chain engaging aforementioned first and second pinion.

[00112] Otherwise, 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) engaging the aforementioned first and second pulleys.

[00113] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a guiding member 5 for a packaging machine 10, preferably of the type described above, and of which the same numerical references will be retained for simplicity of exposition.

[00114] As mentioned above, the guiding member 5 in question is advantageously employable in a plurality of automatic and/or semi-automatic machines, such as in particular machines for packaging and wrapping objects of various types (e.g., crates, boxes, parcels, etc.). Preferably, the guiding member 5 object of the invention is employable in a packaging machine 10 of the type described above and also object of the present invention.

[00115] Obviously, all of the features described with reference to the packaging machine 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 an object of the present invention. [00116] Conveniently, the guiding member 5 in question can advantageously be used for the movement of at least one element along a prevailing movement direction, in particular rectilinear.

[00117] In the following, specific reference will be made to a guiding member 5 intended to be mounted on a machine 10, in particular a packaging and/or wrapping machine, intended to slidingly mount deflecting means 6, for example for a tape 11 of packaging material.

[00118] Obviously, the guiding member 5 in question may, however, be advantageously mounted on any other type of automatic and/or semi-automatic machine 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 the present invention.

[00119] The guiding member 5 for a packaging machine 10, preferably intended to slidingly mount deflecting means 6 for a tape 11 of packaging material, has an elongated shape and extends along a prevailing axis Z.

[00120] The guiding member 5 comprises at least a first longitudinal section 20. The guiding member 5 further comprises at least one second longitudinal section 30. The guiding member 5 further comprises articulation means 40 mechanically interposed between said first section 20 and said second section 30 and configured to move said first section 20 with respect to said second section 30 between a folded position, wherein said second section 30 is moved close to said first section 20, and a extended position, wherein said second section 30 is aligned with said first section 20 along said prevailing axis Z.

[00121] Preferably, according to the aforementioned extended configuration illustrated in the attached figure 1 , the first longitudinal section 20 extends along a substantially rectilinear axis parallel to the prevailing axis Z of the guiding member 5.

[00122] Preferably, the first longitudinal section 20 is substantially tubular in shape and has a cross-section (i.e. a cross-section carried out 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.

[00123] In this way, the first longitudinal section 20 defines internally a housing volume suitable for accommodating suitable transmission members 82, for example pinions, belts or chains, for the movement of, for example, the aforementioned deflecting means 6 sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 (as described in more detail below).

[00124] Preferably, the first longitudinal section 20 is made of metallic material, for example preferably steel or similar.

[00125] Preferably, the second longitudinal section 30 is tubular in shape and has a cross-section (i.e. carried out along a direction orthogonal to the prevailing axis Z) having a substantially rectangular or square or circular shape. The shape of the tubular crosssection of the first longitudinal section 20 is preferably square.

[00126] Advantageously, the first section 20 and the second section 30 have the same shape and preferably the same external dimensions.

[00127] In this way, the second longitudinal section 30 defines internally a housing volume suitable for housing the aforementioned transmission members, for example pinions, belts or chains, suitable for the movement of, for example, deflecting means 6 sliding along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 (as described in more detail below).

[00128] Preferably, the second longitudinal section 30 is made of metal material, for example preferably steel or similar.

[00129] 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. Further, the articulation means 40 are rotatably connected to the first coupling portion 50 and the second coupling portion 60. [00130] In this way, the first section 20 and the second section 30 can rotate and be arranged in the above-mentioned folded configuration. This configuration allows 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 easily and quickly, for example it can be accommodated in a shipping crate or parcel, particularly on standard-sized pallets.

[00131] Preferably, the articulation means 40 are 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 and, preferably, made of metallic material, e.g. steel or the like.

[00132] Advantageously, the articulation means 40 comprise at least one longitudinal intermediate section 80, interposed between said first coupling portion 20 and said second coupling portion 30 and configured to distance said first coupling portion 50 and said second coupling portion 60.

[00133] Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal section 80 comprises a third 110 coupling portion and a fourth 120 coupling portion.

[00134] More in detail, 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.

[00135] More in detail, 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.

[00136] In particular, the pins 45 mechanically connect the above-mentioned portions by means of threaded elements 451 , for example screws, in particular preferably hexagon socket countersunk head screws. In this way, there are no protruding portions that can cause impacts and/or collisions with surrounding portions of the guiding member 5.

[00137] In this way, the rotation of the first section 20 and the second section 30 is quick and easy.

[00138] 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.

[00139] Preferably, the first section 20 may rotate relative to the intermediate section 80 by an angle of about 90° in both directions of rotation. Similarly, preferably, the second section 30 may rotate relative to the intermediate section 80 by an angle of about 90° in both directions of rotation.

[00140] Advantageously, the guiding member 5 further comprises blocking means 70 configured to be mechanically coupled to the articulation means 40. In particular, with the first section 20 and the second section 30 in an extended position.

[00141] In this way, when the blocking means 70 are coupled to the articulation means 40, the guiding member 5 is in an extended configuration. Otherwise, when the blocking means 70 are not coupled to the articulation 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 aforementioned folded configuration.

[00142] Advantageously, the blocking means 70 comprise at least two covering elements 90', 90" accommodated to size between the first longitudinal section 20 and the second longitudinal section 30 to define the substantially continuous outer surface.

[00143] Preferably, cover elements 90', 90" are mechanically connected by means of threaded elements, in particular screws, preferably hexagon socket countersunk screws. [00144] In this way, there are no protruding portions from the outer surface of the guiding member 5.

[00145] Preferably, the 90', 90" covering elements are symmetrical to each other and shaped in a basically “C”-shape.

[00146] Preferably, the 90', 90" covering elements are made of metal material, in particular steel or similar.

[00147] Preferably, the covering elements 90', 90" of the blocking means 70 comprise at least two plates and preferably at least four plates, in accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the attached figures. The at least four plates have a bent shape and are preferably made of metallic material, in particular steel.

[00148] Preferably the at least four plates, with the guiding member 5 in the extended configuration, cover at least partially the first coupling portion 50 and the second coupling portion 60.

[00149] Preferably, the at least four plates are symmetrical with respect to the axis Z and are mechanically coupled through fastening means 701 , for example threaded elements, in particular screws, preferably hexagon socket countersunk screws.

[00150] In this way, the head of the screws does not protrude, along a direction orthogonal to the axis Z, beyond the external profile of the guiding member 5 in the extended configuration. In other words, the screw head, once screwed in, does not obstruct the movement of the deflecting means 6 preferably coupled to the guiding member 5.

[00151] Advantageously, the blocking means 70 can be mechanically coupled in a removable manner between the first section 20 and the second section 30 and can be configured to block the articulation means 40 in such a way that the first section 20 and the second section 30 are in an extended position.

[00152] Furthermore, the blocking means 70 can be mechanically decoupled to release the articulation means 40 in such a way that the first section 20 is movable with respect to the second section 30 to reach the folded position.

[00153] In this way, the intermediate section 80 allows a greater movement amplitude than the first section 20 and the second section 30.

[00154] In this way, the guiding member 5 can be folded, in particular a rotation of the first longitudinal section 20 with respect to the first coupling portion 50 and of the second longitudinal section 30 with respect to the second coupling portion 60. Such movements allow the guiding member to assume a folded configuration, thereby resulting to be compact and space-saving.

[00155] Advantageously, the blocking means 70 are configured to cover, at least partially, the articulation means 40 in a extending position.

[00156] 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 which may cause obstructions and hinder the movement of the deflecting means 6.

[00157] More in detail, the blocking means 70 together with the first section 20 and the second section 30 in an extended configuration define a substantially continuous outer surface.

[00158] In this way, the deflecting means 6 can slide along the axis Z of the guiding member 5 without encountering obstacles.

[00159] Advantageously, the at least one intermediate section 80 extends along the axis Z by 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. [00160] 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 impacts.

[00161] From what has been described, it is clear that the packaging machine, according to the invention, is particularly advantageous because:

- it is able to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks of the above-mentioned known technique;

- it is light and easy to use, in fact the deflecting means are moved independently of the movement (i.e. rotation around the axis W) of the reel;

-it is compact and space-saving, in fact it can be moved and transported by means of a conventional, standard-type crate and/or parcel and/or box;

- it enables low power consumption and thus a high lifetime of the battery(ies) with which it is equipped;

- it is structurally strong and reliable;

- it is functionally completely reliable;

- it is cheap to implement;

- it is industrially feasible with traditional manufacturing systems and known construction techniques;

- it is easily maintained;

- it can be easily disassembled and folded back on itself so that it can be housed in a conventional shipping container;

- it presents an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in terms of construction and function, compared to known traditional solutions.

[00162] It is clear from the above description how the packaging machine that is the subject of the present invention achieves its intended purposes.

[00163] The present invention has been illustrated and described in its preferred embodiment, but it is understood that variations in execution may be made to it in practice, without going beyond the scope of protection of this patent for industrial invention.

Claims

1) Packaging machine (10), in particular intended to wrap one or more objects (100) with a tape (11) of packaging material, comprising:

- a support structure (2) configured to accommodate at least one reel (3) of tape (11) of packaging material and including handling means (4) configured to handle said support structure (2);

- at least one guiding member (5) mechanically connected to said support structure (2) and extending overhanging with respect to said support structure (2) along an axis Z;

- deflecting means (6) configured to deflect the tape (11) of packaging material; characterized in that said deflecting means (6) are slidingly coupled to said at least one guiding member (5) and in that said deflecting means (6) are movable between a proximal position wherein said deflecting means (6) are moved close to said support structure (2) and a distal position wherein said deflecting means (6) are moved away from said support structure (2) to wrap said one or more objects with said tape (11) of packaging material at least partially along said axis Z.

2) Packaging machine (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said support structure (2) defines a housing compartment (7), extending along an axis W, so as to contain at least partially said reel (3); said deflecting means (6) being mechanically separated from said housing compartment (7).

3) Packaging machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said axis Z of said guiding member (5) is substantially orthogonal with respect to said axis W of said housing compartment (7) of said support structure (2) for facilitating the unwinding of said tape (11) of packaging material from said reel (3).

4) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deflecting means (6) are configured to receive said tape (11) along an unwinding direction (M) starting 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 towards said one or more objects (100) to be wrapped.

5) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deflecting means (6) comprise: a frame (61); a first roller (62) rotatably mounted on said frame (61) and configured to rotate about an axis V substantially parallel to said axis W; a second roller (63) rotatably mounted on said frame (61) and configured to rotate about an axis II substantially orthogonal to said axis W and substantially parallel to said axis Z of said guiding member (5).

6) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deflecting means (6) comprise a third roller (64) rotatably mounted on said frame (61) configured to rotate about an axis K; said axis K being inclined by a first angle (0) with respect to said axis V of said first roller (62) and by a second angle (0') with respect to said axis II of said second roller (63).

7) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first roller (62), said second roller (63) and said third roller (64) are arranged on said frame (61) in such a way as to form a structure having substantially a triangular shape.

8) Packing machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sum of said first angle (0) and said second angle (0') is equal to 90°.

9) Packing machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first angle (0) and second angle (0') are substantially between 30° and 60°.

10) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: first actuating means (8) mechanically connected to said deflecting means (6) in order to move said deflecting means (6) along said guiding member (5); at least one electronic control unit, electronically linked to said first actuating means (8) and configured to control the activation and/or operation of said first actuating means (8).

11) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuating means (8) comprise: at least one first motor (81) mechanically mounted on said support structure (2); at least one transmission group (82) housed within said guiding member (5) and mechanically connected to said first motor (81) and to said deflecting means (6).

12) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmission group (82) comprises at least one movable body (83) arranged at least partially parallel to said axis Z and mechanically constrained to said deflecting means (6) by means of at least one connecting element (84) placed at a crossing of said guiding member (5).

13) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said transmission group (82) comprises: at least one first rotating element (821), housed within said guiding member (5) in correspondence of a first end of said guiding member (5) and rotatable about an axis T orthogonal to said axis Z; at least a second rotating element (822), housed within said guiding member (5) at a second end of said guiding member (5) and rotatable about an axis S orthogonal to said axis Z; said movable body (83) is a flexible, elongated body, loop-wrapped at least partially around said first rotating element (821) and said second rotating element (822); at least one of said first rotating element (821) and said second rotating element (822) being mechanically connected to said first motor (81).

14) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support structure (2) comprises at least two rollers (71 , 72) configured to support said reel (3) and allow it to rotate about the axis (W) to unwind said tape (11).

15) Packaging machine (10) according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reel (3) unwinds by rotating about its horizontal axis (W), facilitating the unwinding of the tape directly towards said deflecting means (6).

16) Packaging machine (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said tape (11) is deflected by means of said deflecting means (6), by passing at least partially around said first roller (62) and said second roller (63), defining the exit direction (N) substantially orthogonal with respect to the axis (Z).