Apparatus, machine and method for packaging a load

Abstract

A packaging machine (100) for packaging a load (200) with a paper strip (50), the packaging machine comprising: a table (120) supporting the load (200) and rotatable about a packaging axis (W); the invention relates to an unwinding device (1), comprising a support frame (2) for rotatably supporting a roll (51) of a paper strip, and a roller device (20) for unwinding and guiding the paper strip (50); moving means (101) comprising a moving carriage (102) which is movable parallel to the packaging axis (W) and supports the unwinding device (1) in a rotatable manner about an inclined axis (S); the unwinding device (1) comprises a first coupling element (3) fixed to the support frame (2) and a second coupling element (4) fixed to the moving carriage (102); the first coupling element (3) and the second coupling element (4) are connected to each other at respective upper portions (3a, 4a) by means of a coupling pin (5) in a rotatable manner about an inclined axis (S); the unwinding device comprises a spherical support element (6) interposed between the lower portion (3b) of the coupling element (3) and the lower portion (4b) of the coupling element (4) so as to support the weight of the unwinding device (1) in a slidable manner together with said coupling pin (5) and so as to facilitate a rotation of the unwinding device about said inclined axis (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus, a machine and a method for packaging a load using a paper strip. Background Art

[0002] The packaging of products, usually packages and bags, using paper sheets and strips is known in the packaging field. In particular, the packaging using kraft paper, also known as wrapping paper, is widely used because this paper is characterized by: high resistance, especially to pulling and puncture and tearing; and longitudinal and transverse elasticity. Kraft paper can be smooth or can have folds or microfolds that enhance the elasticity of the kraft paper.

[0003] Due to its mechanical properties and its complete recyclability, kraft paper can also be effectively used for packaging palletized loads, i.e. loads formed by a single product or by a plurality of products grouped and arranged on a pallet, in place of the cold-stretchable plastic material films commonly used. In fact, the need to reduce the use and consumption of plastics is increasingly being felt in the field of packaging palletized products, which, as is known, will significantly lead to environmental pollution if not properly handled, especially disposed of. On the contrary, paper is an eco-friendly and eco-sustainable material that can be obtained by recycling existing paper and can be obtained through sustainable products.

[0004] Known packaging machines for packaging with paper generally comprise an unwinding device which is movable parallel to and / or about a packaging axis and which supports a reel of a paper strip from which it is unwound for packaging around a load, so as to form a series of strips or bands, generally with a spiral tendency, by a combination of relative linear and rotational movements between the unwinding device and the load.

[0005] In packaging machines provided with a rotary table supporting the load, during the packaging cycle the load rotates about a vertical packaging axis, while the unwinding device moves in an alternating motion along a fixed column of the packaging machine parallel to the packaging axis.

[0006] In packaging machines with a horizontal rotating ring or rotating arm, the load remains stationary during packaging, while the unwinding device moves relative to the load in rotation about the vertical packaging axis and in translation parallel to the load. To this end, the unwinding device is fixed to the ring structure or to an arm rotatably supported by the machine frame so as to rotate around the load.

[0007] In packaging machines with a vertical rotating ring, the load is moved horizontally by the ring structure, while an unwinding device fixed to the ring structure rotates around a horizontal axis.

[0008] The unwinding device is usually provided with a series of rollers for transferring the paper strip unwound from the reel towards the load during unwinding.

[0009] In order to avoid wrinkles and creases in the paper during packaging, the unwinding device is usually mounted on the packaging machine so that it can be tilted about a horizontal axis by an angle approximately equal to the packaging angle of the spiral, which, as is well known, is a function of the vertical linear displacement of the unwinding device in the packaging rotation.

[0010] To this end, different solutions are known for tilting the unwinding device, which are generally rather complex and expensive since they comprise motors or mechanical systems with elastic means.

[0011] At the end of packaging, the paper strip must be fixed to the load and then cut to obtain a first paper sheet or end fixed to the load and a second paper end connected to the reel and held by specific gripping means. In particular, the first paper end is positioned on the load by suitable pressing means and fixed by glue or adhesive to the paper layer already wrapped around the load.

[0012] Also included is a cutting device for cutting the paper strip.

[0013] A problem with the known pressing and cutting devices of packaging machines is that it is difficult to cut the paper accurately and correctly and to achieve optimal adhesion of the first end of the paper obtained by cutting to the load.

[0014] EP 3835220 discloses a machine for packaging one or more products with a material strip, the machine comprising: a support on which a main reel is rotatably positioned, from which the material strip is unwound; a vertical guide; and a packaging head, which can be moved along the vertical guide. The packaging head comprises at least one packaging / unwinding roller, which can rotate in one direction to allow a predetermined length of material strip to be wrapped around the packaging / unwinding roller, and which can rotate in the opposite direction to be able to unwind the strip wrapped around the packaging / unwinding roller at least partially, so that a pre-fixed length of strip can be unwound from the main reel to be wrapped around the packaging / unwinding roller, thereby performing packaging by unwinding at least a portion of the aforementioned strip. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to improve the known packaging machine and packaging method for packaging a load using a paper strip, as well as a packaging device that can be associated with a packaging machine and is used to distribute the paper strip for packaging a load.

[0016] Another object is to provide a packaging machine, an unwinding device capable of being associated with the packaging machine and a packaging method which allow any type of load to be securely and tightly packaged by means of a paper strip, avoiding the formation of wrinkles and creases on the strip during packaging and reducing and substantially eliminating the risks of paper breakage or tearing.

[0017] Another object is to provide a packaging machine, a packaging device capable of being associated with a packaging machine, and a packaging method, which allow optimal fixing of the bands or strips of various paper bands wrapped around a load and in particular optimal fixing of the ends of such paper bands, so as to achieve a secure, tight and strong packaging of the load, in particular of a palletized load formed by a plurality of products grouped and stacked on a pallet.

[0018] A further object is to provide a packaging machine, a packaging device capable of being associated with the packaging machine and a packaging method which allow precise and accurate cutting of the paper strip at the end of packaging and optimal fixing of the ends of the paper strip obtained by cutting to the side walls of the load.

[0019] A further object is to provide a packaging machine and an unwinding device which have a simple and economical construction, and precise and reliable operation.

[0020] In a first aspect of the present invention, a packaging machine according to claim 1 is provided.

[0021] In a second aspect of the present invention, an unwinding device according to claim 12 is provided which can be associated with a packaging machine.

[0022] In a third aspect of the invention, a method for packaging a load according to claim 16 is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0024] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging machine of the present invention, in particular, the packaging machine is provided with an unwinding device for a paper strip-like member of the present invention;

[0025] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective side view of a packaging machine, particularly showing an unwinding device;

[0026] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1A partial side view of a packaging machine;

[0027] - Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the unwinding device of the present invention;

[0028] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Stereoscopic images of the unwinding device from different angles;

[0029] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top plan view of an unwinding device;

[0030] - Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are Figure 1 A front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a coupling element of an unwinding device;

[0031] - Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 a rear view of the coupling element;

[0032] - Fig.10 is based on Fig. 9 The cross section of plane XX;

[0033] - Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is shown by Figure 1 Schematic front view of the corresponding steps of the packaging cycle of a load performed by the packaging machine;

[0034] - Fig.13 is a partial perspective view of the packaging machine of the present invention, particularly showing the system for pressing and cutting the paper strip in an operating configuration;

[0035] - Fig.14 In the operating configuration without the upper cover Fig.13 Another partial stereoscopic view of the pressing and cutting system from a different angle;

[0036] - Fig.15 yes Fig.13 An enlarged partial perspective view of the pressing and cutting system of FIG. 1 , showing an upper covering device associated with the cutting device;

[0037] - Fig.16 is associated with a paper strip and lacks an upper covering device Fig.13 A top partial plan view of the pressing and cutting system;

[0038] - Fig.17 The upper cover device is missing Fig.13 A partial perspective view of a pressing and cutting system, particularly showing a cutting device;

[0039] - Fig.18 It is a perspective view of a packaging machine according to the invention associated with a supply unit for adhesive material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 17 The packaging machine 100 of the present invention is arranged to package a load 200 using a paper strip 50 unwound from a reel 51. The paper strip 50 is, for example, a strip of kraft paper that is known and commercially available.

[0041] The packaging machine 100 comprises a table 120 suitable for supporting a load 200, for example formed by a single product or by a plurality of products grouped and arranged on a tray, and the table 120 can rotate around a packaging axis W, in particular, the packaging axis W is substantially vertical. The packaging machine 100 also comprises an unwinding device 1 and a moving device 101 for supporting the unwinding device 1 and moving the unwinding device 1 parallel to the packaging axis W.

[0042] In particular, the unwinding device 1 comprises a support frame 2, which is arranged to rotatably support a paper roll 51 and a roller device 20 for unwinding a paper strip 50 from the roll 51 and guiding the paper strip 50, in particular, the roller device 20 is used to unwind the paper strip 50 from the roll 51 and guide the paper strip 50 towards the load 200 during packaging of the load 200. The moving device 101 comprises a moving carriage 102, which is movable parallel to the packaging axis W, in particular, the moving carriage 102 is movable parallel to the packaging axis W along a support column 103 of the packaging machine 100, and the moving carriage 102 supports the packaging device 1 in a rotatable manner about a tilting axis S, in particular, the tilting axis S is substantially orthogonal to the packaging axis W.

[0043] With particular reference Figures 3 to 10 , the unwinding device 1 comprises a first coupling element 3 fixed to the supporting frame 2 and a second coupling element 4 fixed to the moving carriage 102. The first coupling element 3 and the second coupling element 4 are connected to each other by means of a coupling pin 5 at the respective upper parts 3a, 4a in a manner rotatable about the tilting axis S. More precisely, the coupling pin 5 is mounted on a respective rolling bearing 28 mounted on a respective seat formed on the upper parts 3a, 4a of the first coupling element 3 and the upper parts 4a of the second coupling element 4.

[0044] Between the lower parts 3 b, 4 b of the coupling elements 3, 4 a spherical support element 6 is arranged for supporting the weight of the unwinding device 1 in a slidable manner in cooperation with the coupling pin 5 and for facilitating the rotation of the unwinding device 1 about the tilting axis S during a packaging cycle of the load 200.

[0045] More precisely, the spherical supporting element 6 is rotatably housed in a seat 7 , which is for example fixed in a corresponding lower portion 4 b of the second coupling element 4 , so as to abut against the rear wall 3 c of the first coupling element 3 .

[0046] Alternatively, the spherical supporting element 6 may be rotatably housed in a seat 7 fixed in a corresponding lower portion 3 b of the first coupling element 3 to abut against the rear wall 4 c of the second coupling element 4 .

[0047] The unwinding device 1 also includes an abutment pin 8, which is particularly substantially parallel to the tilting axis S, is fixed to the corresponding rear wall 3c of the first coupling element 3 or the corresponding rear wall 4c of the second coupling element 4, and is configured to engage in a groove 9 formed in the corresponding rear wall 4c of the second coupling element 4 or the corresponding rear wall 3c of the first coupling element 3 to limit the tilting of the unwinding device 1 around the tilting axis S.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the abutment pin 8 is fixed to the rear wall 3c of the first coupling element 3, and a slot 9 is formed in the rear wall 4c of the second coupling element 4, in particular, the slot 9 is a through slot.

[0049] The groove 8 has an arcuate shape and, in particular, extends along an arc of a circumference having a center substantially coinciding with the tilting axis S. As shown in FIG.

[0050] The slot 8 has a longitudinal dimension or length so as to allow the unwinding device 1 to be able to rotate about the tilting axis S in two directions (reference plane H) relative to the reference plane H passing through the tilting axis S and the abutment pin 8 and relative to the packaging axis W. Fig.11 Counterclockwise and Fig.12 The first maximum inclination angle α1 corresponds to the maximum inclination angle of the unwinding device 1 during the upward movement of the unwinding device 1 in one step of the packaging cycle of the load 100, while the second maximum inclination angle α2 corresponds to the maximum inclination angle of the unwinding device 1 during the downward movement of the unwinding device 1 in another step of the packaging cycle of the load 100.

[0051] As better explained in the following description, the unwinding device 1 is arranged during the packaging of the load 200 by means of the same paper strip 50 being tilted so that the paper strip is also tilted relative to the packaging axis W (more precisely, the longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip is tilted) by an angle that is substantially equal to the packaging angle β of the paper strip 50 around the load 200 (at most equal to the first maximum tilt angle α1 or the second maximum tilt angle α2) so as to avoid the formation of wrinkles and / or creases on the paper strip 50 itself.

[0052] As is known, the wrapping angle β or spiral wrapping angle β is the angle formed by the longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip 50 relative to a reference plane M, which is orthogonal to the wrapping axis W, i.e. the reference plane M is substantially horizontal, and the wrapping angle β is a function of the vertical linear displacement of the unwinding device 1 during the wrapping rotation.

[0053] The maximum inclination angles α1, α2 are between 2° and 10° (sexagesimal degrees). The first maximum inclination angle α1 and the second maximum inclination angle α2 may be the same or different, for example, the second maximum inclination angle α2 may be smaller than the first maximum inclination angle α1.

[0054] Each coupling element 3, 4 comprises a corresponding elongated metal profile having a "U"-shaped cross section and formed by a corresponding bottom wall 13, 43 and two side walls 14, 44. The two bottom walls 13, 43 of the coupling elements 3, 4 are facing each other, and the coupling pin 5, the abutment pin 8 are fixed on the bottom walls 13, 43, the groove 9 is formed on the bottom walls 13, 43, and the spherical support element 6 is fixed on the bottom walls 13, 43.

[0055] The roller arrangement 20 of the unwinding device 1 comprises a plurality of guide rollers 21 and an unwinding roller 22 which are controllable in terms of rotational speed. In particular, the unwinding roller 2) is associated with a brake or a motor in order to control the traction or "pull" of the paper strip 50 during the packaging cycle, in particular to keep the value of said traction within a predetermined range, in order to avoid, on the one hand, the breakage of the paper strip and, on the other hand, the loose packaging of the load.

[0056] With particular reference Figure 2 26 , the unwinding device 1 further comprises at least one dispensing unit 15 for the adhesive substance, which is adjustably fixed to the support rod 26 and is adjacent to the guide roller 21 of the roller device 20 , on which the paper strip 50 leaving the unwinding device 1 is packaged.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the unwinding device 1 is provided with a pair of dispensing units 15, each of which is arranged to dispense dots of adhesive substance or lines of adhesive substance having a fixed length onto a portion of the paper strip 50 intended to be packed onto the edge 200a of the load 200. The adhesive substance is, for example, a cold glue, which is supplied to the dispensing units 15, for example, by an external supply unit 60 separate and independent from the packaging machine, such as Fig.18 as shown in .

[0058] The supply unit 60 for supplying glue to the dispensing unit 15 comprises: a movable carriage 61 with wheels, which accommodates the glue tank; a pump, which is used to extract glue from the tank and convey the glue under pressure to the dispensing unit 15; and a local control unit, such as a corresponding industrial computer or PLC, which is connected to the control unit of the packaging machine 100 to control the operation of the pump, in particular to supply glue to the dispensing unit 15 when needed.

[0059] Alternatively, the feeding unit 60 may be mounted directly on the packaging machine 100 , for example the feeding unit 60 is associated with the unwinding unit 1 .

[0060] With particular reference Figures 13 to 17 The packaging machine 100 of the present invention also includes a pressing and cutting system 10 for a paper strip 50, which includes a pressing device 11 and a cutting device 12, which are respectively configured to: at the end of the packaging cycle, press a portion of the paper strip 50 against the load 200, more precisely against the side wall of the load 200; and then cut the paper strip 50 to form a first paper end fixed to the load 200 (fixed to the side wall of the load 200) and a second paper end connected to the reel 50, in particular, the second paper end is held by a suitable clamping device 130 of a known type of the packaging machine 100 and not described in detail, which is placed adjacent to the rotating table 120.

[0061] The pressing device 11 includes at least one pair of pressing rollers 31, which are mounted on the mounting frame 38 of the pressing and cutting system 10 in an unloaded manner, i.e., in a manner that allows free rotation around the corresponding longitudinal axis, and are adjacent to each other and parallel to the packaging axis W.

[0062] The cutting device 12 includes at least one blade 32, which is mounted on a drive carriage 33, which moves linearly, in particular parallel to the packaging axis W, so that in operation, the blade 32 can abut the paper strip 50 and cut the paper strip 50 along a cutting direction T, which is transverse to the outer longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip, in particular, the cutting direction T is roughly orthogonal to the outer longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip.

[0063] The cutting device 12 further comprises a guide element 34, which is provided with a substantially flat abutment wall 34a parallel to the packaging axis W, and which is configured to engage with and guide the paper strip 50 from the unwinding device 1 and moving toward the pressing device 11. The blade 32 is adjacent to the guide element 34, and the blade 32 is arranged along a cutting plane T1 and can move along the cutting plane T1, which is substantially parallel to the packaging axis W, that is, the cutting plane T1 is substantially vertical, and the cutting plane T1 is inclined relative to the abutment wall 34a of the guide element 34 by a cutting angle γ, which is between 70° and 90° ( Fig.16 ).

[0064] As better explained in the following description, by means of a specific arrangement of the guide element 34 and the blade 32, the paper strip 50 properly stretched between the cutting device 12 and the unwinding apparatus 1 can be cut quickly, cleanly and precisely.

[0065] The blade 32 is reversibly fixed to the drive carriage 33 so that it can be easily and quickly replaced when the blade is worn and / or damaged.

[0066] The cutting device 12 comprises a drive device 35 arranged to move a drive carriage 33 linearly along a cutting direction T. In the embodiment shown, the drive device 35 comprises a rotary electric motor 36 suitable for driving in rotation, via a motion transmission device 37, a screw-nut device 39 of known type and not described in detail, which is associated with the drive carriage 33 and operates the same.

[0067] The pressing and cutting system 10 comprises a first support arm 16, which is mounted in a rotatable manner about a first rotation axis X1, in particular mounted in a rotatable manner about the first rotation axis X1 on the base 140 of the packaging machine 100, so as to rotate the entire pressing and cutting system 10 to be in an operating position A, in which the pressing device 11 and the cutting device 12 are closer to the load 200. The first support arm 16 is also arranged to rotate the pressing and cutting system 10 to a non-operating position not shown in the figure, in which the pressing device 11 and the cutting device 12 are spaced apart from the load 100 so as not to interfere with the packaging of the load 200.

[0068] The pressing and cutting system 10 further comprises a second support arm 17 which is slidably supported by the first arm 16 and supports the pressing device 11 and the cutting device 12 at a free end 17a of the second support arm 17. In particular, the second support arm 17 is linearly movable so as to allow the pressing device 11 to abut against the load 200 when the first support arm 16 is rotated to the operating position A.

[0069] The pressing and cutting system 10 further comprises a cover device 40 arranged to house and enclose the drive device 35 and provided with a housing 41 capable of housing and enclosing the blade 32 arranged in the non-operating position B. Thus, the blade 32 is inaccessible to the operator for the safety and security of the operator.

[0070] Sensor means of known type, not shown in the figures, are associated with the cutting means 12 and are configured to detect at least the inoperative position B of the blade 32 and preferably the start and end stroke positions of the drive carriage 33 .

[0071] The operation of the packaging machine 100 of the invention consists in that during a packaging cycle of the load 200 , the unwinding device 1 delivers the paper strip 50 unwound from the reel 50 , by rotation of a packaging axis W about a turntable 120 , around which the load 200 is positioned.

[0072] The initial end of the paper strip 50 is pre-fixed to the load 200 by means of a clamping device 130, which is arranged in a raised position to hold the initial end of the paper strip (for example, obtained by cutting the paper strip in a previous packaging cycle) so that: according to the well-known mode used in rotary table packaging machines, this initial end is covered and pressed by one or more paper strips wrapped around the load.

[0073] During packaging, the unwinding device 1 is moved by the moving device 101 in a reciprocating motion parallel to the rotation axis W, so that the load 200 is wrapped by a plurality of partially overlapping paper strips or ribbons having a spiral tendency, by a combination of relative linear and rotational motions between the unwinding device and the load. In particular, the paper strips 50 are wrapped at a predetermined wrapping angle β, which is a function of the vertical linear displacement of the unwinding device 1 in the wrapping rotation.

[0074] Since the unwinding device 1 is mounted on the mobile slide 102 of the mobile device 101 in a rotatable manner around the tilting axis S, during packaging, the unwinding device 1 can be tilted by the same paper strip being packaged so that the paper strip is tilted relative to the packaging axis W (more precisely, the longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip is tilted) at a tilting angle α that is approximately equal to the packaging angle β to avoid the formation of wrinkles and / or creases on the paper strip 50 itself.

[0075] In particular, the unwinding device 1 can be tilted in a smooth and stable manner during packaging by means of a first coupling element 3 and a second coupling element 4, respectively fixed to the support frame 2 and the mobile carriage 102 of the unwinding device 1, which are connected to each other in a rotatable manner around the tilting axis S by means of a coupling pin 5 and by providing a spherical support element 6. It should be noted that the spherical support element 6, which is placed between the lower part 3b of the coupling element 3 and the lower part 4b of the coupling element 4, in addition to allowing the weight of the unwinding device 1 to be supported in a slidable manner in cooperation with the coupling pin 5, also allows the unwinding device 1 to be rotated precisely and accurately, thereby in particular avoiding linear movements parallel to the tilting axis S, which could impair the correct dispensing of the paper strip.

[0076] During packaging, the dispensing unit 15 supplied by the supply unit 60 intermittently dispenses adhesive substance onto the paper strip 50 leaving the unwinding device 1. More precisely, the dispensing unit 15 is activated and controlled so as to deliver dots of adhesive substance or lines of adhesive substance having a fixed length onto a portion of the paper strip 50 intended to be packaged on the edge 200a of the load 200 (i.e., a vertical line defined at the junction of two corresponding side walls).

[0077] Extensive tests carried out by the applicant have shown that when the overlapping strips or bands of paper strip 50 are bonded and held together primarily at the edges 200a of the load 200, the resulting package is more stable, strong and secure.

[0078] After the packaging of the load 200 with a defined number of strips or bands of paper strip 50 is completed, the rotary table 120 stops and the unwinding device 1 is arranged in a lowered position. The pressing and cutting system 10 is activated so as to press the portion of the paper strip coming from the packaging device 1 against the side wall of the load 100 with the pressing rollers 31 of the pressing device 11.

[0079] More precisely, the first support arm 16 of the pressing and cutting system 10 is rotated about the first rotation axis X1 to the operating position A, and the second support arm 17 is moved linearly toward the load 200 to push the paper strip against the side wall of the load 200 by the pressing roller 31. The portion of the paper strip that is pushed against the load 200 was previously sprayed by the adhesive substance dispensing unit (leaving from the unwinding device). The pressing device 11 maintains pressure for a defined time interval (for example from 4s to 10s) to allow the adhesive substance to clamp the portion of the paper strip and firmly combine the portion of the paper strip with the underlying paper strip.

[0080] At the same time, the cutting device 12 is activated to cut the paper strip and form a first paper end fixed to the load 200 (fixed to the side wall of the load 200) and a second paper end connected to the reel 50. In particular, the second paper end is held by the clamping device 130 of the packaging machine 100 activated in the raised position so as to clamp and hold the paper strip.

[0081] More precisely, the blade 32 of the cutting device 12 mounted on the driving carriage 33 moves from the non-operating position B along the cutting direction T substantially orthogonal to the outer longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip-like member to intercept and cut the paper strip-like member 50, in particular, the blade 32 of the cutting device 12 mounted on the driving carriage 33 moves from the non-operating position B along the cutting direction T substantially orthogonal to the outer longitudinal edge 50c of the paper strip-like member in a downward motion to intercept and cut the paper strip-like member 50. The paper strip-like member abuts and engages the abutment wall 34a of the guide element 34 which is substantially flat and parallel to the packaging axis W, and the blade 32 is inclined relative to the abutment wall 34a of the guide element 34 by a cutting angle γ, which is between 70° and 90°. Therefore, by the specific arrangement of the guide element 34 and the blade 32, the paper strip-like member 50 appropriately stretched between the cutting device 12 and the unwinding device 1 can be cut quickly, cleanly and accurately.

[0082] It should be noted that, in the inoperative position B, the blade 32 is housed in the housing 41 of the cover device 40 , so that the blade 32 is not accessible to an operator.

[0083] The invention also relates to an unwinding device 1 that can be associated with a packaging machine 100 for dispensing a paper strip 50 for packaging a load 200 .

[0084] Especially in Figures 2 to 10The unwinding device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and described above comprises a support frame 2 arranged to rotatably support a reel 51 of a paper strip 50 and a roller device 20 for unwinding the reel 51 and guiding the paper strip 50. The unwinding device 1 comprises in particular a first coupling element 3 fixed to the support frame 2 and a second coupling element 4 which can be fixed to a moving device 101 of a packaging machine 100 so as to enable the unwinding device 1 to be moved at least parallel to a packaging axis W, in particular, the packaging axis W being substantially vertical.

[0085] The first coupling element 3 and the second coupling element 4 are connected to each other at the respective upper parts 3a, 4a by a coupling pin 5 in a rotatable manner about a tilting axis S, in particular, the tilting axis S is substantially orthogonal to the packaging axis W. A spherical support element 6 is placed between the lower part 3b of the coupling element 3 and the lower part 4b of the coupling element 4 for supporting the weight of the unwinding device 1 in a slidable manner in cooperation with the coupling pin 5 and for facilitating the rotation of the unwinding device 1 about the tilting axis S during operation.

[0086] In particular, the spherical support element 6 is rotatably accommodated in a seat 7 , for example fixed to a respective lower portion 4 b of the second coupling element 4 , and is configured to abut against the rear wall 3 c of the first coupling element 3 .

[0087] The unwinding device 1 further comprises an abutment pin 8 which is fixed to the respective rear wall 3c of the first coupling element 3 or the respective rear wall 4c of the second coupling element 4 and is configured to engage in a slot 9 formed in the respective rear wall 4c of the second coupling element 4 or the respective rear wall 3c of the first coupling element 3 to limit the tilting of the unwinding device 1 about the tilting axis S, in particular, the slot 9 is a through slot. The abutment pin 8 is substantially parallel to the tilting axis.

[0088] The unwinding device 1 is therefore rotatable about the tilting axis S in both rotational directions relative to a reference plane H passing through the tilting axis S and the abutment pin 8 up to a first maximum tilting angle α1 and a second maximum tilting angle α2 , respectively.

[0089] The maximum inclination angles α1 and α2 are between 2 and 10.

[0090] Each coupling element 3, 4 comprises a corresponding elongated metal profile having a "U"-shaped cross section and formed by a corresponding bottom wall 13, 43 and two side walls 14, 44. The two bottom walls 13, 43 of the coupling elements 3, 4 are facing each other, the coupling pin 5, the abutment pin 8 are fixed on the bottom walls 13, 43, the groove 9 is formed on the bottom walls 13, 43, and the spherical support element 6 is fixed on the bottom walls 13, 43.

[0091] The unwinding device 1 of the present invention can be installed on a rotating table type packaging machine. In particular, the unwinding device 1 of the present invention can be fixed to the mobile slide of the mobile device 101 of the packaging machine, and the mobile slide can move parallel to the packaging axis W. In particular, the mobile slide can move parallel to the packaging axis W along the support column.

[0092] Alternatively, the unwinding device 1 can be mounted on a packaging machine having a horizontal rotating ring or rotating arm, wherein the load remains stationary during packaging, while the unwinding device moves relative to the load in a rotational manner around a vertical packaging axis and in a translational manner along the vertical packaging axis. In particular, the unwinding device 1 can be fixed to an annular structure, or to an arm rotatably supported by the machine frame, so as to rotate around the load.

[0093] The unwinding device 1 of the invention can also be mounted on a vertical packaging machine with a rotating ring, wherein the load is moved horizontally by the ring structure, while the unwinding device fixed to the ring structure rotates around a horizontal axis.

[0094] Finally, the unwinding device 1 can be installed on a self-propelled packaging machine, or a self-propelled packaging robot. In particular, the unwinding device 1 can be slidably connected to a vertical upright fixed to a self-propelled slide or trolley, which is provided with a traction wheel powered by a motor and a guiding device including one or more steerable wheels and is operated by a steering wheel.

[0095] The present invention also relates to a method for Figures 1 to 17 The packaging machine 1 shown in the figure is used to pack a load 200 with a paper strip 50. The method comprises the following steps:

[0096] - wrapping the paper strip 50 unwound from the reel 51 around the load 200 by rotating one of the load 200 and the unwinding device 1 supporting the reel 51 of the packaging machine 100 relative to the other about the wrapping axis W;

[0097] - during said wrapping, adjusting the inclination of the paper strip 50 relative to the wrapping axis W, by inclining the unwinding device 1 about the inclination axis S by an angle substantially equal to the wrapping angle β of the paper strip 50 around the load 200, in order to avoid bends and / or folds on the paper strip 50;

[0098] - delivering dots of adhesive substance or lines of adhesive substance of fixed length to the portion of the paper strip 50 intended to be wrapped on the edge 200 a of the load 200 .

[0099] In particular, the adjustment by tilting the unwinding device 1 is achieved in that the paper strip 50 is wrapped around the load 200 , the unwinding device 1 being free to rotate about the tilting axis S.

[0100] The method also includes: during the packaging of the load 200 using the paper strip 50, adjusting the traction or "pulling" force applied by the paper strip 50 to the load 200 to avoid the rupture of the paper strip 50 (in the case of excessive traction or tension) or loose packaging of the load (in the case of insufficient traction or tension); in particular, during the packaging of the load 200 using the paper strip 50, by adjusting the rotation speed of the unwinding roller 22 of the roller device 20 of the unwinding device 1, the traction or "pulling" force applied by the paper strip 50 to the load 200 is adjusted to avoid the rupture of the paper strip 50 (in the case of excessive traction or tension) or loose packaging of the load (in the case of insufficient traction or tension).

Claims

1. A packaging machine (100) for packaging a load (200) using a paper strip (50) unwound from a reel (51), the packaging machine (100) include: a table (120) suitable for supporting the load (200) and rotatable about a packaging axis (W), - an unwinding device (1) comprising a support frame (2) arranged to rotatably support the reel (51) of the paper strip and a roller device (20) for unwinding the paper strip (50) from the reel (51) and for guiding the paper strip (50); - a moving device (101) comprising a moving carriage (102) movable parallel to the packaging axis (W) and supporting the unwinding device (1) in a rotatable manner about a tilting axis (S), in particular, the tilting axis (S) being substantially orthogonal to the packaging axis (W); It is characterized in that the unwinding device (1) includes a first connecting element (3) fixed to the supporting frame (2) and a second connecting element (4) fixed to the movable slide (102), and the first connecting element (3) and the second connecting element (4) are connected to each other in a rotatable manner around the tilting axis (S) at the corresponding upper parts (3a, 4a) by connecting pins (5); the unwinding device (1) also includes a spherical supporting element (6), which is placed between the lower part (3b) of the connecting element (3) and the lower part (4b) of the connecting element (4), and the spherical supporting element (6) is capable of supporting the weight of the unwinding device (1) in a slidable manner in cooperation with the connecting pin (5), and the spherical supporting element (6) promotes the rotation of the unwinding device (1) around the tilting axis (S) during the packaging cycle of the packaging machine (100).

2. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 1, in, The spherical supporting element (6) is rotatably accommodated in a seating portion (7), the seating portion (7) being fixed to a corresponding lower portion (4b) of the second coupling element (4) or a corresponding lower portion (3b) of the first coupling element (3), and the spherical supporting element (6) is configured to slidably abut against a rear wall (3c) of the first coupling element (3) or a rear wall (4c) of the second coupling element (4).

3. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The unwinding device (1) comprises an abutment pin (8), which is fixed to the corresponding rear wall (3c) of the first coupling element (3) or the corresponding rear wall (4c) of the second coupling element (4), the abutment pin (8) is substantially parallel to the tilting axis (S), and the abutment pin (8) is configured to engage with a groove (9) formed in the corresponding rear wall (4c) of the second coupling element (4) or the corresponding rear wall (3c) of the first coupling element (3) to limit the tilting of the unwinding device (1) around the tilting axis (S).

4. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 3, in, The unwinding device (1) is capable of rotating about the tilting axis (S) in two rotation directions at a maximum of a first maximum tilting angle (α1) and a second maximum tilting angle (α2), respectively, relative to a reference plane (H) passing through the tilting axis (S) and the abutment pin (8). In particular, the maximum tilting angles (α1, α2) are in a range between 2° and 10°.

5. A packaging machine (100) according to any preceding claim, in, The roller device (20) comprises a plurality of guide rollers (21) controllable in terms of rotation speed and an unwinding roller (22), in particular the unwinding roller (22) being associated with a brake or a motor in order to control the traction of the paper strip (50) during a packaging cycle.

6. A packaging machine (100) according to any preceding claim, in, The unwinding device (1) comprises at least one dispensing unit (15) for adhesive material, in particular, at least one of the dispensing units (15) is adjustably fixed to a support rod (16) and is adjacent to a guide roller (21) of a roller device (20), and the paper strip (50) leaving the unwinding device (1) is wound around the guide roller (21); in particular, the dispensing unit (15) is arranged to deliver dots of adhesive material or lines of adhesive material with a fixed length to a portion of the paper strip (50) for being packaged on an edge (200a) of the load (200).

7. A packaging machine (100) according to any preceding claim, comprising a pressing and cutting system (10), the pressing and cutting system (10) comprising a pressing device (11) and a cutting device (12), the pressing device (11) and the cutting device (12), respectively used to press a part of the paper strip (50) against the load (200) at the end of a packaging cycle, and to cut the paper strip (50) to form a first paper end fixed to the load (200) and a second paper end connected to the reel (50), in particular, the second paper end is held by a suitable clamping device (130) of the packaging machine (100).

8. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 7, in, The pressing device (11) comprises a pair of pressing rollers (31), which are mounted in an unloaded manner on a mounting frame (38) of the pressing and cutting system (10), and the pair of pressing rollers (31) are adjacent to each other and parallel to the packaging axis (W).

9. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 7 or 8, in, The cutting device (12) comprises at least one blade (32), which is mounted on a driving carriage (33), and the driving carriage (33) is capable of linear movement, in particular, the driving carriage (33) is capable of linear movement parallel to the packaging axis (W); the blade (32) is configured to abut the paper strip (50) and cut the paper strip (50) along a cutting direction (T), wherein the cutting direction (T) is transverse to an outer longitudinal edge (50c) of the paper strip (50), in particular, the cutting direction (T) is substantially orthogonal to the outer longitudinal edge (50c) of the paper strip (50).

10. The packaging machine (100) according to claim 9, in, The cutting device (12) comprises a guiding element (34), the guiding element (34) being provided with an abutment wall (34a) which is substantially flat and parallel to the packaging axis (W), and the guiding element (34) being configured to engage with the paper strip (50) which moves from the unwinding device (1) toward the pressing device (11) and to guide the paper strip (50) which moves from the unwinding device (1) toward the pressing device (11); the blade (32) being positioned adjacent to the guiding element (34) and the blade (32) being arranged along a cutting plane (T1) and being movable along the cutting plane (T1), the cutting plane (T1) being substantially parallel to the packaging axis (W) and being inclined at a cutting angle (γ) relative to the abutment wall (34a) of the guiding element (34), the cutting angle (γ) being between 70° and 90°.

11. The packaging machine (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, in, The pressing and cutting system (10) comprises a first support arm (16) and a second support arm (17), wherein the first support arm (16) is mounted in a rotatable manner about a first rotation axis (X1) so as to rotate the pressing and cutting system (10) to an operating position (A), in which the pressing device (11) and the cutting device (12) are closer to the load (200), and the second support arm (17) is supported by the first support arm (16) in a slidable manner, the second support arm (17) has a free end (17a) for supporting the pressing device (11) and the cutting device (12), and the second support arm (17) is capable of linear movement to allow the fixing device (11) to abut against the load (200), in particular, the second support arm (17) is capable of linear movement to allow the fixing device (11) to abut against the load (200) when the first support arm (16) is arranged in the operating position (A).

12. An unwinding device (1) capable of being associated with a packaging machine (100) in order to convey a paper strip (50) for packaging a load (200), the unwinding device (1) comprising a support frame (2) arranged to rotatably support a reel (51) of the paper strip (50) and roller means (20) for unwinding the paper strip (50) from the reel (51) and guiding the paper strip (50), It is characterized in that The unwinding device (1) comprises a first coupling element (3) fixed to the supporting frame (2) and a second coupling element (4) which can be fixed to a moving device (101) of the packaging machine (100) so as to enable the unwinding device (1) to be moved at least parallel to a packaging axis (W), the packaging axis (W) being in particular substantially vertical, the first coupling element (3) and the second coupling element (4) being connected to each other at the respective upper parts (3a, 4a) by a coupling pin (5) in a manner rotatable about a tilting axis (S). , and the unwinding device (1) includes a spherical support element (6), which is placed between the lower part (3b) of the connecting element (3) and the lower part (4b) of the connecting element (4) so ​​as to support the weight of the unwinding device (1) in a slidable manner in cooperation with the connecting pin (5) and to facilitate the rotation of the unwinding device (1) around the tilting axis (S) during the packaging cycle of the packaging machine (100), in particular, the tilting axis (S) is substantially orthogonal to the packaging axis (W).

13. Unwinding device (1) according to claim 12, in, The spherical supporting element (6) is rotatably accommodated in a seating portion (7), the seating portion (7) being fixed to a corresponding lower portion (4b) of the second coupling element (4) or a corresponding lower portion (3b) of the first coupling element (3), and the spherical supporting element (6) is configured to slidably abut against a rear wall (3c) of the first coupling element (3) or a rear wall (4c) of the second coupling element (4).

14. The unwinding device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the unwinding device (1) comprises an abutment pin (8), which is fixed to the corresponding rear wall (3c) of the first connecting element (3) or the corresponding rear wall (4c) of the second connecting element (4), the abutment pin (8) is substantially parallel to the tilting axis (S), and the abutment pin (8) is configured to engage with a groove (9) formed in the corresponding rear wall (4c) of the second connecting element (4) or the corresponding rear wall (3c) of the first connecting element (3) to limit the tilting of the unwinding device (1) around the tilting axis (S).

15. Unwinding device (1) according to claim 14, in, The unwinding device (1) is capable of freely rotating about the tilting axis (S) in two rotational directions at most by a first maximum tilting angle (α1) and a second maximum tilting angle (α2), respectively, relative to a reference plane (H) passing through the tilting axis (S) and the abutment pin (8), in particular, the maximum tilting angles (α1, α2) are between 2° and 10°.

16. A method for packaging a load (200) with a paper strip (50) by means of a packaging machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method include: - wrapping the paper strip (50) unwound from the reel (51) around the load (200) by rotating one of the load (200) and an unwinding device (1) of the packaging machine (100) supporting the reel (51) relative to the other about a wrapping axis (W); - during the wrapping, adjusting the inclination of the paper strip (50) relative to the wrapping axis (W) by inclining the unwinding device (1) about the inclination axis (S) at an inclination angle (α) approximately equal to the wrapping angle (β) of the paper strip (50) around the load (200) in order to avoid the formation of wrinkles and / or folds on the paper strip (50); - delivering dots of adhesive substance or lines of adhesive substance of fixed length to the portion of the paper strip (50) intended to be wrapped on the edge (200a) of the load (200).

17. The method according to claim 16, in, The adjustment by tilting the unwinding device (1) is performed in such a way that the paper strip (50) is wrapped around the load (200), the unwinding device (1) being free to rotate around the tilting axis (S).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising: include: During the process of packaging the load (200) using the paper strip (50), the traction force applied by the paper strip (50) to the load (200) is adjusted to avoid the breakage of the paper strip (50) or the loose packaging of the load (200); in particular, during the process of packaging the load (200) using the paper strip (50), the traction force applied by the paper strip (50) to the load (200) is adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the unwinding roller (22) of the roller device (20) of the unwinding device (1) to avoid the breakage of the paper strip (50) or the loose packaging of the load (200).

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