Control mechanism for the tilting device of the strapping machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a control mechanism for a tilting device of a strapping machine. The control mechanism includes a planetary transmission, a traction mechanism, a tension roller, a locking device, and a control device. The locking device includes a ring and a torsion spring. The ring is centered relative to the main shaft and integral with an outer crown. The torsion spring is constrained between a fixed point of the tilting device and the control device, centered on the main shaft, and configured to tighten or widen around the ring. This invention further discloses a tilting device including this control mechanism and a strapping machine including the tilting device. The control mechanism for the tilting device of the strapping machine can improve the efficiency of tension release of the tension roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control mechanism for a tilting device for a strapping machine.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a control mechanism for a tilting device for at least a semi-automatic (preferably automatic) strapping machine, which is adapted to allow common operations of tensioning and connecting straps via the two edges of the welded strap. Background Technology

[0003] As is well known, in the field of goods transportation and packaging, the packaging of the aforementioned goods is safely sealed or enclosed, for example, by using polymer films of different thicknesses or by using simple cardboard containers, polymer tapes or strips (called belts).

[0004] In order to perform its function, the belt is tensioned on the packaging and connected at the ends, thereby locking the same belt on the packaging.

[0005] In particular, the tensioning and welding stages cannot be performed manually by the operator, but require a special tool called a strapping machine.

[0006] Strapping machines are automatic or semi-automatic machines used to seal specific products for transport purposes, as described above, and to perform their tensioning processes vertically and horizontally.

[0007] In essence, a strapping machine includes at least a welding assembly and a tensioning assembly.

[0008] The welding assembly includes a mechanism adapted to lock at least two edges of the strip, thereby joining at least two edges of the strip at a fixed point. Therefore, the connection is typically achieved by subjecting the blocking edges to a continuous motion capable of generating friction, and by generating the heat required to melt the strip and the joining strip.

[0009] At the end of the coupling operation, the operator can unlock the mechanism via a mechanical lever or, more rarely, via an electronic button, and thus also unlock the belt.

[0010] On the other hand, the tensioning assembly includes a tilting element around an axis, which is arranged in the advance position on the strapping machine and is specifically referred to as a tilting device.

[0011] The process involves rubbing the locking belt at least two edges and subjecting them to opposing tensions created by rotating rollers, causing one portion of the belt to slide on top of the other until the entire belt reaches a predetermined tension.

[0012] This operation is also performed with the help of operator instructions (usually at least one electronic button), who gives commands to lock and tension the belt.

[0013] The tilting mechanism includes a variety of transmission elements adapted to transmit motion from the motor to the tilting device and from the tilting device to the tension roller.

[0014] Therefore, a traditional strapping machine includes at least one drive motor or servo motor suitable for driving the welding device, tensioning assembly and mechanical rod to release the strap after the connection is completed.

[0015] The described known area includes some important drawbacks.

[0016] Specifically, the actual tilting device, which includes planetary gears, is operated by a lever system that moves the tilting device around its own axis and simultaneously locks the outer crown of the planetary gears.

[0017] In this configuration, the outer crown must be provided with double teeth so that locking can be performed by locking the outer gear that contacts the outer teeth of the outer crown of the planetary mechanism.

[0018] The locking gear is, in turn, blocked by the toothed wheel and the control lever, preventing the rotation of the toothed wheel (as shown). Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the control lever will interfere with the toothed wheel after it is controlled.

[0019] In addition to the double-toothed section (inner and outer) on the outer crown of the planetary mechanism, the system also involves inefficient locking of the tension roller. In fact, when the operating lever moves the control lever, the toothed wheel does not stop immediately during its travel until the tip of the control lever makes step contact with the toothed wheel.

[0020] Therefore, during the release phase of the operation, the tension roller can perform rotation caused by the slippage between the control lever and the toothed wheel, which causes irregular wear of the control lever in a gradually descending manner, and in some cases may also involve involuntary deformation of the tensioned area. Summary of the Invention

[0021] In this context, the technical objective of the present invention is to design a control mechanism for a tilting device of a strapping machine that can substantially eliminate at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0022] Within the scope of the technical task described, an important objective of the present invention is to obtain a control mechanism for a tilting device of a strapping machine that allows for improved efficiency in tension release of the tension roller.

[0023] Furthermore, within the scope of the aforementioned technical tasks, an important objective of the present invention is to obtain a control mechanism for a tilting device that allows for reducing or completely eliminating the possibility of slippage between the control lever and the locking gear.

[0024] Another important objective of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism for a tilting device that improves the response speed of the tilting device to user commands given to the strapping machine, the commands relating to locking or moving the tilting device.

[0025] Finally, another objective of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism for a tilting device of a strapping machine that allows for the avoidance of the use of a double-toothed crown, is simple, and allows for quick maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of the control device for the tilting device of the strapping machine according to the present invention is shown, wherein the tensioning roller and the deceleration device from the transfer roller device are also visible;

[0028] Figure 2 Details of the control mechanism for the tilting device for a strapping machine according to the present invention are shown;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view from the rear of a strapping machine including a control mechanism for a tilting device according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a side view of a strapping machine including a control mechanism for a tilting device for a strapping machine according to the present invention, wherein the tilting device moves closer to the support area of ​​the strapping machine.

[0031] Figure 5a A side view of a strapping machine including a control mechanism for a tilting device for a strapping machine according to the present invention is shown, wherein the actuating lever is in a second position, the control lever is in an actuated position, and the tilting mechanism is lowered;

[0032] Figure 5b A side view of a strapping machine including a control mechanism for a tilting device for a strapping machine according to the present invention is shown, wherein the actuating lever is in a third position, the control lever is in an actuated position and the tilting mechanism is lowered;

[0033] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a strapping machine including a control mechanism for a tilting device according to the present invention is shown; and

[0034] Figure 7 This refers to a strapping machine that includes a control mechanism for tilting, the control mechanism being of known technology, wherein a control lever interferes with a toothed wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with “about” or other similar terms (such as “approximately” or “substantially”), should be considered to exclude measurement errors or inaccuracies caused by production and / or manufacturing mistakes, and, most importantly, to exclude minor differences between the value, measurement, shape, or associated geometric reference. For example, if these terms are associated with a value, they preferably indicate a difference of no more than 10% of the value itself.

[0036] Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first,” “second,” “higher,” “lower,” “primary,” and “secondary” do not necessarily indicate order, priority, or relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated, the measurements and data reported herein should be considered as performed in accordance with the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0038] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the control mechanism of the tilting device for a strapping machine according to the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 1 throughout the text.

[0039] Therefore, the control mechanism 1 is preferably included within the tilting device 10.

[0040] Meanwhile, the tilting device 10 is included in the strapping machine 100.

[0041] A strapping machine 100 is essentially a tool that allows a user (usually an operator) to seal packages through a thin element or tape (called a belt).

[0042] The tapes widely used in the packaging industry are polymer tapes, which are designed to wrap around the object to be packaged, thereby sealing the packaging.

[0043] Specifically, the strapping machine 100 is adapted to tension the strap and weld it to predetermined points on the strap itself. For welding and tensioning, the strapping machine is provided with guide areas where the edges of two spaced intervals of the strap are arranged and overlapped.

[0044] When one edge is substantially blocked, the other edge of the belt moves, thus subjecting the belt to the required tension. Subsequently, the opposite portions of the two belt edges are subjected to friction, and due to the heat generated by the friction, they weld together.

[0045] The foregoing brief description of the strapping machine 100 is described in detail below in terms of its construction aspects relevant to the objectives of the present invention. In order to realize the strapping machine 100 including the control mechanism 1 according to the invention, it is advantageous to remember what is already known to those skilled in the art and what already exists in the current state of the art.

[0046] In this sense, an example of a strapping machine similar to strapping machine 100 is the ITA27 product sold by Itatools®. Other similar examples also appear in patent applications US-A-2018194497 and EP-A-2285691.

[0047] Furthermore, the strapping machine 100 is preferably battery powered, but it can also be powered in different ways, as long as it works for the present invention.

[0048] As is well known, the strapping machine 100 preferably includes a tensioning assembly 101 and a welding device. Preferably, the tensioning assembly 101 and the welding assembly are constrained to the frame 103. Furthermore, the strapping machine 100 is preferably equipped with a body suitable for covering at least a portion of the tensioning assembly, the welding assembly, and the frame 103.

[0049] The frame 103 is preferably a structure suitable for accommodating and constraining the components constituting the strapping machine 100. Clearly, the frame 103 can be a single component or several components that constrain each other sequentially.

[0050] Therefore, frame 103 essentially supports tensioning assembly 101.

[0051] Therefore, frame 103 also defines a support region 103a. The support region 103a is part of frame 103, and the strap is typically processed by strapping machine 100 within this support region.

[0052] Therefore, the strapping machine 100 typically also defines a support surface. The support surface is essentially the portion of the support area 103a where the strap is located (e.g., planar or with low curvature). Furthermore, the strap itself defines a processing trajectory, which is preferably at least partially aligned with the support surface (along which the strap is positioned).

[0053] The tensioning assembly 101 preferably includes each component capable of transmitting the energy or motion required to drive the parts in contact with the belt.

[0054] Therefore, the tensioning assembly 101 is preferably adapted to control the locking and tensioning of at least a portion of the belt. Thus, the tensioning assembly 101 is operatively connected to the tilting device 10.

[0055] In particular, the tensioning assembly 101, which includes at least one motor and a transmission device, is configured to move at least a portion of the tilting device 10, as will be described in detail below.

[0056] Therefore, the frame 103 also supports the tilting device 10.

[0057] The tilting device 10, as the term suggests, is an element substantially adapted to tilt or, more precisely, to rotate about a predetermined axis under command. Thus, preferably, the tilting device 10 defines a tilting axis 1a.

[0058] The tilting axis 1a is preferably an axis around which the tilting device 10 can rotate relative to the frame 103 of the strapping machine 100. Preferably, the tilting axis 1a is substantially transverse relative to the processing path of the belt, so that by rotating about the tilting axis 1a, the tilting device 10 can rise or fall, or move away from or towards the belt.

[0059] Therefore, the tilting device 10 includes at least one tension roller 11.

[0060] The tension roller 11 is essentially an annular component adapted to interact with the belt. Specifically, the tension roller 11 is adapted to contact the belt, thereby pulling and tensioning one end of the belt.

[0061] Furthermore, the tilting device 10 also includes at least one support structure 12. The support structure 12 is preferably configured to support components of the tilting device. Therefore, the support structure 12 is configured to support at least a portion of the control mechanism 1 and the tension roller 11. In other words, the function performed by the support structure 12 in the tilting device 10 is the same as the function performed by the frame 103 in the strapping machine 100.

[0062] Therefore, the support structure 12 is integrated with the tilting device 10 and determines the movement of the tilting device 10. When the tilting device 10 rotates about the tilting axis 1a, the support structure 12 moves about the tilting axis 1a.

[0063] Before describing the control mechanism 1 in detail, please remember that a strapping machine typically includes a drive mechanism adapted to move the tilting device 10 about the tilting axis 1a.

[0064] Therefore, it is well known that the strapping machine 100 includes a universal actuation rod 102. Consequently, the frame 103 also supports the actuation rod 102.

[0065] Specifically, the actuating rod 102 is constrained to the frame 103 in a compliant manner, thereby enabling it to rotate relative to the frame 103 about the actuation axis 1b. Therefore, the actuation axis 1b is preferably parallel to the tilt axis 1a.

[0066] Therefore, the actuator 102 is configured as at least part of the movement control mechanism 1, for better explanation later.

[0067] The above description is generally applicable to most semi-automatic strapping machines.

[0068] The strapping machine 100, and in particular the tilting device 10, advantageously includes different mechanisms.

[0069] The control mechanism 1 is preferably composed of some known components connected to the innovative element.

[0070] Among the known components, the control mechanism 1 includes a planetary transmission device 2, a traction mechanism 3, and a tensioning wheel 4.

[0071] The planetary transmission 2 is suitable for transmitting the motion of components along multiple stages. In particular, the planetary transmission 2 mainly includes an inner crown 20, multiple intermediate gears 21, and an outer crown 22.

[0072] In addition, the planetary transmission device 2 defines the main axis 2a.

[0073] The main axis 2a is preferably positioned such that the inclined axis 1a is parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0074] Therefore, the main axis 2a is preferably parallel to the actuation axis 1b.

[0075] As is well known, in the planetary transmission device 2, the inner crown 20 and the outer crown 22 are arranged concentrically around the main axis 2a, with each other as the center. The intermediate gear 21 preferably transmits motion between the inner crown 20 and the outer crown 22.

[0076] Therefore, the intermediate gear is arranged around the inner crown 20 and rotates proportionally to the rotation of the inner crown, which may move or in turn move the outer crown 22.

[0077] The traction mechanism 3 is preferably operably connected to the intermediate gear 21 and to the tension roller 11.

[0078] Furthermore, the traction mechanism is configured to transmit the motion of the intermediate gear 21 around the main axis 2a to the tension roller 11.

[0079] The traction mechanism 3 may essentially comprise a satellite carrier and at least one transmission element. Therefore, the traction mechanism 3 can be at least partially constrained integrally to the intermediate gear 21 by the transmission element and operatively connected to the tension roller 11. Thus, the traction mechanism 3 may include constraint components, more specifically, a rotating shaft or pin for each intermediate gear 21, such that each intermediate gear 21 can rotate freely about the shaft without moving the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3, and / or the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3 can be moved when rotating relative to the main axis 2a.

[0080] As previously mentioned, the traction mechanism 3 is actually configured to transmit the motion of the intermediate gear 21 about the main axis 2a directly or preferably indirectly to the tension roller 11.

[0081] Therefore, the traction mechanism 3 drives the tension roller 11 to rotate around the main axis 2a in proportion to the intermediate gear 21.

[0082] Of course, the traction mechanism 3 can be directly connected to the tension roller 11, or it can be connected to the tension roller 11 through a reduction mechanism or a second transmission stage (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In any case, the tension roller 11 and the deceleration mechanism (if present) are not part of the control mechanism 1, but rather the terminals to which the control mechanism 1 is connected.

[0083] The tensioning pulley 4 is preferably a rotating component, adapted to allow movement of the tensioning roller 11 upon command, thereby placing the belt under tension. In particular, the tensioning pulley 4 is an element that allows the movement of the tensioning assembly 101 to be transmitted to the control mechanism 1.

[0084] Therefore, the tensioning wheel 4 is centered on the main axis 2a.

[0085] Furthermore, preferably, the main axis 2a is separated from the inclined axis 1a, so that the tension wheel 4 can move with respect to at least two degrees of freedom.

[0086] In particular, preferably, the tensioning wheel 4 and the tensioning roller 11 (the tensioning wheel 4 indirectly transmits motion to the tensioning roller 11) are capable of self-rotation (specifically, rotation about the main axis 2a) to allow tensioning of the possible belt that comes into contact with the tensioning roller 11 moved by the tensioning wheel 4, and the tensioning wheel and the tensioning roller 11 are capable of moving along a curved trajectory (basically an arc) when the tensioning wheel 4 rotates relative to the inclined axis 1a.

[0087] Therefore, in essence, the tilting device 10 is adapted to move toward the belt, thereby arranging the tension roller 11 in a manner that is attached to or away from the belt.

[0088] Of course, when the tension roller 11 is attached to the belt, the tension wheel 4 also moves toward the belt that is integral with the tension roller 11 without contacting the belt, since it is the component responsible for transmitting motion.

[0089] Therefore, in other words, the tilting device 10 is adapted to move toward the belt, thereby arranging the tensioner 4 closer to or further away from the belt.

[0090] In addition, the tensioning wheel 4 is integrally constrained to the inner crown 20 and operably connected to the tensioning assembly 101.

[0091] In this way, the tensioning wheel 4 transmits the motion generated by the tensioning assembly 101 to the inner crown 20.

[0092] Therefore, when the strapping machine 100 controls the tensioning, the tensioning assembly 101 controls the movement of the tensioning wheel 4, which transmits its movement to the inner crown 20, which then transmits its movement to the intermediate gear 21, and so on to the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3, and finally to the tensioning roller 11.

[0093] In order to achieve this transfer, the outer crown 22 must be kept locked.

[0094] Therefore, the outer crown 22 performs a second control independent of the tensioning assembly 101. In fact, it is sufficient for the outer crown 22 to be released when it intends to immediately separate the rotation of the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3 as the tensioning wheel 4 rotates, so that the intermediate gear 21 begins to rotate about its own axis without rotating about the main axis 2a.

[0095] This block is typically made using the aforementioned mechanical device.

[0096] On the other hand, the control mechanism 1 includes a locking device 6 and a control device 5.

[0097] The control device 5 is preferably configured to interact with the actuation rod 102 of the strapping machine 100. Furthermore, the control device is operatively connected to the locking device 6, thereby transmitting at least a portion of the movement of the actuation rod 102 to the locking device 6.

[0098] In addition, the control device 5 defines at least a stationary position and a first actuation position.

[0099] Of course, in the stationary position, the control device 5 is not operated by the actuator 102. In the operating position, the control device 5 performs the first predetermined movement applied by the actuator 102.

[0100] More specifically, the control device 5 includes at least one control lever 50.

[0101] The control lever 50 is constrained to the support structure 12 of the tilting device 10 in a manner that meets the requirements. Furthermore, the control lever 50 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 5a.

[0102] The rotation axis 5a is determined by the constraint between the control rod 50 and the support structure 12. In particular, it is preferred that the rotation axis 5a is parallel to the main axis 2a.

[0103] In any case, the control lever 50 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 5a at least during the first predetermined movement applied by the actuating lever 102.

[0104] Therefore, the control device 5 also includes a transmission gear 51.

[0105] The transmission gear 51 is preferably centered on the main axis 2a.

[0106] In addition, the transmission gear 51 is constrained to a part of the locking device 6, as shown below.

[0107] Therefore, the transmission gear 51 includes at least a portion adapted to interact with the control lever 50. Conversely, the control lever 50 includes a toothed portion 50a.

[0108] The toothed portion 50a is preferably operably connected to the transmission gear 51. In this way, the toothed portion 50a transmits a first predetermined movement about the rotation axis 5a to the transmission gear 51. Therefore, the transmission gear 51 rotates about the main axis 2a relative to the fixed point of the tilting device 10, or more precisely relative to a point present on the support structure 12.

[0109] The control device 5 is not only adapted to move a portion of the locking device 6 in proportion to the movement applied by the actuating rod 102, but also adapted to allow the movement of the tilting device 10, and therefore adapted to allow the movement of the support structure 12, the control mechanism 1 and the tensioning roller 11 about the tilting axis 1a.

[0110] In this regard, in particular, the support structure 12 includes a guide 120, and the control lever includes a slider 52.

[0111] The guide 120 substantially has a cavity in which the slider 52 can move in a controlled manner. Therefore, the guide 120 preferably defines a first end 121 and a second end 122.

[0112] Ends 121 and 122 are essentially the range within which slider 52 can move internally.

[0113] Therefore, when the control device 5 moves from the rest position to the actuated position, the slider 52 is configured to move from the first end 121 to the second end 122.

[0114] Therefore, the actuating rod 102 is configured to move the support structure 12 about the inclined axis 1a by utilizing the slider 52 locked at the second end 122.

[0115] Preferably, the slider 52 is positioned near the end of the control lever 50, which is configured to interact with the actuating lever 102. Thus, when the actuating lever 102 lifts the tilting device 10 using the control lever 50, the lever point is positioned near the slider 52, and more specifically, near the second end 122.

[0116] Therefore, the control device 5 allows the actuator 102 to essentially define three related positions.

[0117] The actuator 102 defines the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0118] In the first position, the actuator 102 does not interact with the control device 5, and the control device 5 is in a stationary position.

[0119] In the second position, the actuating rod 102 interacts with the control device 5, which is in the actuated position, and the tilting device 10 is arranged near the support area 103a, particularly its connection to the belt.

[0120] In the third position, the actuating rod 102 interacts with the control device 5, which is in the actuated position, and the tilting device 10 is moved away from the support area 103a, thereby releasing the belt.

[0121] Therefore, preferably, the actuating rod 102 is configured to move the tilting device 10 completely around the tilting axis 1a by moving from the second position to the third position, and vice versa.

[0122] All movements of the actuator 102 are performed around the actuation axis 1b. Furthermore, preferably, the first, second, and third positions are reached sequentially from the first to the third and from the third to the first.

[0123] Therefore, when the control device 5 moves from the rest position to the actuated position, or more precisely when the actuating rod 102 moves from the first position to the second position, the slider 52 moves from the first end 121 to the second end 122.

[0124] Furthermore, the movement of the tilting device 10 is opposite to that of the reversing device 104.

[0125] Therefore, the strapping machine 100 includes a reversing device 104. The reversing device 104 is preferably resilient and is arranged between the frame 103 and the support structure 12.

[0126] Specifically, when the actuating rod 102 moves from the second position to the third position, the reversing device is configured to reverse the movement of the tilting device 10 about the tilting axis 1a.

[0127] Thus, when the actuating rod 102 returns from the third position to the second position, the tilting device 10 is pushed against the belt on the support area 103a.

[0128] Locking device 6, configured to interact with control device 5, is preferably operably connected to outer crown 22.

[0129] Furthermore, the locking device 6 is preferably configured to provide at least one locked state and an unlocked state.

[0130] In the locked state, the locking device 6 and the outer crown 22 are coupled to provide overall constraint. In the unlocked state, at least a portion of the locking device 6 is decoupled from the outer crown 22, allowing them to move independently.

[0131] These states are achieved through particularly advantageous devices.

[0132] The locking device 6 actually includes a ring 60 and a torsion spring 61.

[0133] The ring 60 is preferably centered on the main axis 2a and is integral with the outer crown 22. Therefore, the movement of the outer crown 22 also depends on the movement of the ring 60.

[0134] The torsion spring 61 is preferably constrained between the fixed point of the tilting device 10 and the control device 5.

[0135] Basically, the fixed point is any point on the support structure 12, or more precisely, the fixed structure of the tilting device 10 that can move completely around the tilting axis 1a.

[0136] Therefore, the torsion spring 61 is centered on the main axis 2a and is configured to tighten around the ring 60 to achieve a locked state or to widen around the ring 60 to achieve a released state.

[0137] In other words, by radially decreasing or increasing the torsion spring 61 about the main axis 2a, the torsion spring 61 generates or does not generate friction on the wall of the ring 60, wherein the friction on the wall of the ring 60 is opposite to the rotation of the ring itself and blocks or does not block the outer crown 22.

[0138] More specifically, the torsion spring 61 defines a first end 61a and a second end 61b.

[0139] The first end 61a is integrated with the fixed point on the tilting device 10 (i.e., any point on the support structure 12).

[0140] Therefore, the fixing point of the tilting device 10 is defined by the constraint point between the first end 61a and the support structure 12 on the tilting device 10.

[0141] The second end 61b is integrated with at least a portion of the control device 5.

[0142] Thus, when the control device 5 moves from the stationary position to the operating position, the ends 61a and 61b move relative to each other, causing the locking device 6 to move from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0143] Obviously, if device 5 moves from the actuated position to the stationary position, then locking device 6 moves from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0144] More specifically, the second end 61b is constrained to the transmission gear 51. Thus, when the actuating rod 102 moves from the first position to the second position, the rotation of the transmission gear 51 is controlled by the toothed portion 51a, and the control rod 50 rotates about the rotation axis 2a, causing the control device 5 to move from the rest position to the actuated position, corresponding to the rotation of the second end 61b about the main axis 2a.

[0145] Therefore, when the transmission gear 51 rotates about the main axis 2a relative to the fixed point on the tilting device 10, the transmission gear will drag the second end 61b.

[0146] Of course, the ring 60, the torsion spring 61, and the drive gear 51 can be configured in various ways. Preferably, in a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the drive gear 51, the ring 60, and the torsion spring 61 are arranged concentrically, and the drive gear 51 surrounds the torsion spring 61 to cover the torsion spring.

[0147] The operation of the control mechanism 1, which was described earlier in terms of structure, is as follows.

[0148] Basically, as soon as the strapping machine 100 commands the tilting device 10 to separate from the belt, the control mechanism 1 allows the rotation of the tension roller 11 to be unlocked relative to the rotation of the tensioning wheel 4. In fact, the actuating lever 102 moves from the first position to the second position before reaching the third position, causing the control device 5 to move from the rest position to the actuated position.

[0149] In the actuated position, the drive gear 51 rotates, the torsion spring 61 widens on the ring 60, and the ring 60 is released to allow the outer crown 22 to rotate proportionally with the intermediate gear 21.

[0150] Therefore, the intermediate gear 21 rotates about its own axis, and the rotation of the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3 about the main axis 2a is released from the rotation of the tension wheel 4, or more precisely, from the rotation of the inner crown 20, so that the tension roller 11 is also unlocked or released relative to the rotation of the inner crown 20. Thus, the second-stage satellite is stationary, i.e., the gears of the reduction mechanism, because they are integrated with the transmission element of the traction mechanism 3, and the tension roller 11 can rotate about the main axis 2a in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the traction belt, and thus release tension to enable the tilting device 10 to be opened.

[0151] The one-way rotation of tensioner 4 can prevent this direction of rotation.

[0152] The control mechanism 1 described in the invention has significant advantages.

[0153] In fact, the control mechanism 1 used for the strapping machine allows for the reduction or complete elimination of the possibility of slippage between the control lever and the locking device.

[0154] Another important advantage of the present invention is that the control mechanism 1 improves the response speed of the tilting device 10 to commands issued by the user to the strapping machine 100, which involve locking or moving the tilting device 10 itself.

[0155] Furthermore, the control mechanism 1 avoids the use of a double-toothed crown and can be easily installed on a conventional strapping machine because it can effectively cooperate with components of common concept (such as tension assembly 101, actuation rod 102, tension roller 11 and reversing device 104), avoiding major structural modifications to the strapping machine 100.

[0156] This invention allows for variations that fall within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0157] In this context, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements, and the material, shape, and size can be arbitrary.

Claims

1. A control mechanism (1) for a tilting device (10) of a strapping machine (100), comprising: Planetary transmission (2), which defines the main axis (2a) and includes an inner crown (20), a plurality of intermediate gears (21) and an outer crown (22). A traction mechanism (3) is operatively connected to the intermediate gear (21) and the tension roller (11) of the tilting device (10), and is configured to transmit the motion of the intermediate gear (21) about the main axis (2a) to the tension roller (11). The tension wheel (4), centered on the main axis (2a) inherently constrained to the inner crown (20) and operably connected to the tensioning assembly (101) of the strapping machine (100), transmits the motion of the tension wheel (4) applied by the tensioning assembly (101) to the inner crown (20). A locking device (6), operably connected to the outer crown (22), and configured to achieve at least: In the locked state, wherein the locking device (6) and the outer crown (22) are coupled to establish a constrained connection. In the unlocked state, at least a portion of the locking device (6) is decoupled from the outer crown (22), thereby enabling independent movement. A control device (5), configured to interact with the actuating rod (102) of the strapping machine (100), is operatively connected to the locking device (6) to transmit at least a portion of the movement of the actuating rod (102) to the locking device (6), and the control device (5) defines at least one rest position and a first actuated position, wherein the control device (5) performs a first predetermined movement applied by the actuating rod (102). Its features are, The locking device (6) includes: The ring (60), centered on the main axis (2a) and integral with the outer crown (22), and A torsion spring (61), which is constrained between the fixed point of the tilting device (10) and the control device (5) and centered on the main axis (2a), is configured to tighten around the ring (60) to achieve the locked state, or to widen around the ring (60) to achieve the released state.

2. The control mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring (61) defines a first head (61a) and a second head (61b), the first head (61a) being integral with the tilting device (10), and the second head (61b) being integral with at least a portion of the control device (5), such that when the control device (5) moves from the rest position to the actuated position and vice versa, the heads (61a, 61b) are movable relative to each other, such that the locking device (6) changes from the locked state to the unlocked state, and vice versa.

3. The control mechanism (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (5) defines a rotation axis (5a) parallel to the main axis (2a) and includes at least one control lever (50) and a transmission gear (51), the control lever (50) being configured to rotate about the rotation axis (5a) at least during the first predetermined movement, the transmission gear (51) being centered on the main axis (2a) and constrained to the second head (61b), the control lever (50) including a toothed portion (50a) operably connected to the transmission gear (51) to transmit the first predetermined movement about the rotation axis (5a) to the transmission gear (51), thereby causing the transmission gear (51) to rotate about the main axis (2a) relative to a fixed point of the tilting device (10) by pulling the second head (61b).

4. The control mechanism (1) according to claim 3, wherein the transmission gear (51), the ring (60) and the torsion spring (61) are arranged concentrically, and the transmission gear (51) surrounds the torsion spring (61) to cover the torsion spring (61).

5. A tilting device (10) comprising a control mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tension roller (11) is centered on the main axis (2a), a support structure (12) is configured to support at least a portion of the mechanism (1) and the tension roller (11), the first head (61a) is constrained to the support structure (12), and the fixing point of the tilting device (10) is defined by a constraint point between the first head (61a) and the support structure (12) on the tilting device (10).

6. A strapping machine (100) including a tilting device (10) according to claim 5, the tensioning assembly (101) including at least one motor and a transmission device, the tensioning assembly (101) being configured to move the tensioning wheel (4) on command, the actuating rod (102) being configured to move the control device (5) and the frame (103) on command, the frame (103) being configured to support the tilting device (10), the tensioning assembly (101) and the actuating rod (102) and defining a support area (103a) configured to store a portion of the strap, the tilting device (10) constraining the frame (103) in a permissible manner so as to be rotatable relative to the frame (103) about a tilting axis (1a) parallel to the main axis (2a), and the actuating rod (102) constraining the frame (103) in a permissible manner so as to be rotatable relative to the frame (103) about an actuation axis (1b) parallel to the main axis (2a).

7. The strapping machine (100) according to claim 6, wherein the actuating rod (102) defines at least: In the first position, the actuating rod (102) does not interact with the control device (5), and the control device (5) is in a stationary position. In the second position, the actuating rod (102) interacts with the control device (5), which is in the operating position, and the tilting device (10) is close to the support area (103a) and attached to the belt. In the third position, the actuating rod (102) interacts with the control device (5), the control device (5) is in the actuated position, and the tilting device (10) is removed from the support area (103a). Furthermore, the actuating rod (102) is configured to move the tilting device (10) only about the tilting axis (1a) by means of the movement from the second position to the third position and vice versa.

8. The strapping machine (100) of claim 7, wherein the support structure (12) includes a guide (120) defining a first end (121) and a second end (122), the control device (5) includes a slider (52) configured to move from the first end (121) to the second end (122) when the control device (5) moves from the rest position to the actuated position and the actuating rod (102) moves from the first position to the second position, and the actuating rod (102) is configured to move the support structure (12) about the inclined axis (1a) by utilizing the slider (52) which is locked correspondingly to the second end (122).

9. The strapping machine (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control device (5) includes at least one control lever (50), the control lever (50) including a slider (52), and the slider (52) is arranged near an end of the control lever (50) configured to interact with an actuating lever (102).

10. The strapping machine (100) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a reversing device (104) elastically disposed between a portion of the frame (103) and the support structure (12), and configured to reverse the movement of the tilting device (10) about the tilting axis (1a) when the actuating rod (102) moves from the second position to the third position, such that when the actuating rod (102) returns to the second position, the tilting device (10) is pushed against the strap on the support area (103a).

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