Portable machinery for strapping a strap of paper material and use of a relative strap of paper material

Abstract

The present invention consists of a suitable machinery capable of strapping objects through the use of a strap of paper material. This machine is of the portable type, and comprises a through-path for strap insertion / exit including first through-channel (C1) and one second through-channel (C2), a closure unit (20), a strap pulling unit (60), a seat (50) into which a clip (100) can be inserted, and a deformation matrix unit (52, 52').

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic machines for strapping objects in general, for example pallets, cases, boxes, etc.

[0002] In particular, the field of the invention relates to an innovative strapping machine which enables the use of straps also of materials different from traditional plastic material, thereby also obtaining optimization in terms of environmental impact.Brief outline of known art

[0003] The operation of strapping is an operation which consists in wrapping an object with a strip or tape or cable in general (named strap in general) which is clamped around the object. Objects of any type may be strapped, among which, for example, a pallet with a load placed on the pallet, for example to stabilize firmly the load on the pallet. Objects such as piles of products may also be strapped to clamp them together for transport.

[0004] Strapping of plastic material in all its possible forms and derivations of use practically predominates the technical field of strapping.

[0005] A plastic strap is essentially constituted of a tape of plastic material which is produced to be wound on a storing reel. Then the reel is installed on a specific automatic machine and is unrolled with an automatic system which pushes the strap into a conduit which passes around the object to be strapped.

[0006] The plastic strap is easily usable both on automatic, semiautomatic machines and on portable manual, electric equipment or simply with lever-operated mechanical clamping.

[0007] The strap of plastic material is found both in small packages for civil use and storage use (cardboard boxes for manual movement from a warehouse to another one), and for industrial use for packaging of medium and big packages of material or of cases and pallets.

[0008] In its most extreme applications, it is also used for transport of heavy materials and packaging of machineries and equipment.

[0009] The strap of plastic material has many advantages in its daily use.

[0010] For example, one of these advantages is that it may be readily managed by packaging machines automatically.

[0011] These machines, well-known for long a time now, have a conduit used to wind the strap and which then houses the strap. This channel is generally with a square or rectangular section. It is made by three fixed walls and a movable wall maintained in position by a spring preloading.

[0012] Pushed by a simple pulley system, the strap travels all the perimeter part of the machinery simply with a thrust inside the conduit.

[0013] When the strap head has travelled all the perimeter circuit, it overlaps its "end" and the tensioning mechanism starts through a change in the travel direction of the pushing pulleys and the exceeding part is tensioned. The conduit with the sprung wall buckles under traction of the strap and lets the movable wall open. The strap begins to be tensioned (controlled by the opposite traction of the pulleys) and it is brought to the maximum desired traction to then have the two overlapping portions of strap heat-sealed by using a simple system with electrical resistance.

[0014] Thanks to this solution, the machines currently in use are simple and cheap, ensuring that this solution is well-established.

[0015] More in particular, the technology of use of the plastic strap is the outcome of more than fifty years on the market and is also the outcome of many passages of technical improvements which have followed through the years. This process brought to the creation of tens of producers of machines and plants which propose solutions worldwide from the simple machine with the value of a few hundred euros up to production plants with high productivity and wide list of accessories and functionalities.

[0016] The plastic strap, besides having such a shape as to be readily "pushed" into a conduit of irregular shapes (and therefore it may be readily managed in the path at 360 degrees), has also a high storing ratio on the storage reel, it does not leave empty spaces and it may be readily overlapped layer after layer.

[0017] Moreover, the plastic strap, even if it is kept rolled on its support for months, when it is unrolled, it has no unevenness and it has memorized its preliminary wrapped shape only in a small and insignificant part, that is the one closer to the reel core. This end part has a small residual bending which however does not represent any issue for the automatic strapping machine.

[0018] Not least, the strap of plastic material has a great advantage when the two hems must be joined. In fact, a simple and cheap thermal welding (resistance with electrical pulse) is sufficient to join two straps in a reliable and safe way. Moreover, no added consumption material is provided because clips or metallic staples or other accessories must not be used to join two hems of the strap.

[0019] However, this solution, although being characterized by many advantages, is not exempt from technical inconveniences.

[0020] In particular, it is clear that the packaging mechanism based on the use of plastic material has a strong environmental impact, above all in the light of current laws on the use of "disposable" plastic materials.

[0021] Disposing plastic straps after use has many issues and management costs.

[0022] The strap of plastic material, just because of its advantages linked to its "metal strap" shape (that is, with very reduced and thin section), is rigid in its transversal section but very flexible in its longitudinal section, thus having many management issues when it is removed from the product for which it has been used.

[0023] In fact, the plastic strap tends to create "clouds" of uneven material, very hard to be compacted, and above all, they get stuck everywhere while being moved.

[0024] In conclusion, the management after use, besides being an environmental issue is also an operational issue of logistic management.

[0025] An example of strapping machinery with big sizes is for example described in the publication DE2518211.

[0026] Then, in order to strap objects of smaller sizes there are also portable strapping machines which an operator may readily transport and use with only one hand.

[0027] However, also these portable machines have a limited functionality and are formulated to use straps of plastic material.Summary of the invention

[0028] Therefore, an aim of the present invention is to provide an automatic strapping machine of the portable type which resolves the aforesaid technical disadvantages at least partially.

[0029] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide an innovative strapping machine of the portable type and which, at the same time, enables to strap by using a strap not necessarily made of plastic but also of other materials different from plastic and environmentally friendly, such as a paper material (for example just a strap made of paper, for example a paper rope).

[0030] These and other aims are achieved through the present strapping machine of a product in general (or simply a strapping machine or whatever), according to claim 1.

[0031] This machine is of the portable type.

[0032] Therefore, it is advantageously transportable by an operator.

[0033] In addition, it comprises: A through-path (C1, C2) of insertion / exit of a tape for strapping (i.e., the strap).

[0034] In this way, advantageously, an operator may insert the tape for strapping.

[0035] In particular, advantageously, said path is developed from an entry point (In) of the machine towards an exit point (Ex).

[0036] In all aforesaid cases, advantageously, said through-path may comprise one first through-channel (C1) and one second through-channel (C2).

[0037] Preferably said first through-channel and the second through-channel are separated from each other and independent, preferably placed parallelly to each other.

[0038] In addition, the machine comprises: A closure unit (20) .

[0039] Advantageously, the closure unit is configured to lock said strap in a passage point thereof within the machine.

[0040] In this way, the tape may be pulled by pulling it through the other free unconstrained portion.

[0041] Therefore, advantageously, the closure unit acts on one of said at least two channels (C1, C2) for locking, in use, the tape passing into said channel.

[0042] In this way, the tape passing into the other channel is free to execute pulling.

[0043] Advantageously, said closure unit (20) is movable between an intercepting position of the support plane (23) for locking the tape and a lifted position for releasing the channel.

[0044] More specifically, advantageously and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this closure unit may comprise a lock (21) arranged to intercept one between said two through-channels (C1, C2) for locking, in use, the tape passing into said channel.

[0045] Advantageously, said lock (21) is movable between said intercepting position of a support plane (23) of said channel (C1, C2) for locking and said lifted position for releasing the channel.

[0046] In addition, said machine comprises a pulling unit (60) of the tape.

[0047] Advantageously, it is useful for pulling the tape which wraps the product in order to strap at a required tensioning value.

[0048] Advantageously, this traction unit (60) is therefore arranged to intercept the other channel (C1, C2) (i.e., the other channel free from the closure unit, or, in other words, where the closure unit is not present) and with said pulling unit (60) movable between an intercepting position of the support plane (23) for pulling the tape and a lifted position for releasing the channel.

[0049] Advantageously, in a preferred solution, this pulling unit may comprise a pulling system (R1, R2) arranged to intercept the other channel (C1, C2) on one side of the previous one where said closure unit (20) acts, in particular where said lock (21) acts.

[0050] Advantageously, said pulling system (R1, R2) is movable between said intercepting position of the support plane (23) for pulling the tape and said lifted position for releasing the channel.

[0051] In addition, said machine comprises a seat (50) into which a clip (100) can be inserted, said seat (50) being aligned with said path of insertion / exit of a tape.

[0052] In addition, the machine comprises a deformation matrix unit (52, 52') configured to flatten and deform in use the clip (100) inserted into said seat.

[0053] According to this solution all aforesaid technical inconveniences are resolved.

[0054] Given that the machine in question is of the portable type, it allows an operator to move it readily and change its position if needed, being able to handle it and use it simply with only one hand.

[0055] In addition, the machine is simple given that it does not provide any welding section but, on the contrary, it uses a clip for locking the two portions of the tape to each other.

[0056] Furthermore, this allows use of materials which cannot be welded to each other, such as a paper rope (or tape or whatever) and therefore a tape in general not treated with covering materials which may be welded to each other.

[0057] This allows the proposed solution to have a low environmental impact and therefore being absolutely environmentally friendly.

[0058] Advantageously, a manual lever (22) may be comprised for moving said lock (21) between said two positions.

[0059] Therefore, once the tape has been passed, the operator may lock a part thereof manually to pull it and to then unlock the whole when strapping has been completed.

[0060] The solution with manual lever confers simplicity and reliability to the machine object of the invention.

[0061] Advantageously, said through-path comprises a dividing wall (17) which separates the first channel (C1) from the second channel (C2).

[0062] In this way, there are two different paths for inserting the tape by avoiding overlapping of the tapes and allowing precise insertion into the clip of the strap (i.e., the tape).

[0063] Advantageously, in a possible solution, the pulling system (R1, R2) may comprise at least one rotatable wheel (R1, R2) movable between a position in which it intercepts the support plane (23) of the channel and a lifted position.

[0064] In this way, when it intercepts the plane 23, the wheel, at the moment when it is driven into rotation, pulls the tape passing into the channel and resting on this plane 23.

[0065] Advantageously, a further manual lever (63) may be provided for moving said rotatable wheel (R1, R2) between said two positions.

[0066] In this way, the operator may bring the wheels to the contact position for pulling with a simple and reliable solution.

[0067] In order to make the machine portable and usable also with only one operator's hand, it comprises at least one handle (11) for allowing, as mentioned, its movement / lifting.

[0068] Advantageously, the machine may comprise a button panel for its activation / programming.

[0069] In addition, advantageously, the machine may comprise a motherboard for its programming / functioning.

[0070] Advantageously, the machine may comprise a screen for displaying one or more programming / functioning parameters.

[0071] Advantageously, the machine may comprise at least one battery 10, preferably at least one rechargeable battery.

[0072] The object of the present invention is also an assembly comprising a portable strapping machine as per one or more of the previous features and a clip (100).

[0073] According to the invention, advantageously, the clip may be configured to be inserted into the seat (50) of said machine.

[0074] Advantageously, the machine is without a welding section, using instead a clip.

[0075] Advantageously, according to a further feature of the invention, said clip (100) may form two different through-channels (C1', C2').

[0076] In this way, a portion of tape passes through one channel and the other portion of tape passes through the other channel.

[0077] Advantageously, this solution prevents the two tapes from overlapping each other, thereby allowing low thicknesses.

[0078] Advantageously, the clip (100) may be metallic, for example aluminum (preferred material) or other metals or alloys in general such as copper.

[0079] Advantageously, the clip comprises a dividing wall (105) which separates said two different channels from each other.

[0080] The dividing wall forms a reinforcement core and at the same time determines the formation of two different channels separated from each other.

[0081] An object of the present invention is also the use of a strap in the form of a paper rope for strapping a product with a machine according to one or more of the previous features or with an assembly according to one or more of the previous features.

[0082] An object of the present invention is also a method for strapping a product with a strapping machine according to one or more of the previous features and comprising the following operations: Arranging the machine with its support surface resting on a surface of the object to be strapped; Arranging a clip (100) in the seat (50) aligned with the channels (C1, C2) of the machine; Inserting the free end of the strap into one of the two channels (C1, C2) until letting it exit the channel (C1) of the machine; Wrapping the product by pulling the free end of said strap which slides freely along the channel (C1) into which it has been inserted and inserting again the free end of the strap into the other channel (C2) of the machine until it exits said channel; Activating the machine which performs in succession: Pulling of the tape; Flattening of the clip.

[0083] According to this solution, an operator alone may simply and quickly strap a product, besides by using a non-weldable strap.

[0084] Advantageously, pulling the tape occurs by activating the closure unit (20) which activates the lock (21) by driving it into the locking position of the strap passing into a channel of the machine and by activating the pulling unit (60) of the machine which acts on the free portion of the strap passing into the other channel of the machine.

[0085] Advantageously, flattening of the clip (100) occurs by activating the deformation matrix unit of the machine which flattens the clip only after a predetermined pulling value of the tape has been reached which may be set at one or more desired values.

[0086] For example, these values may be set with a suitable button panel of the machine.

[0087] These inserted programming values may be for example visible on a screen which said machine may be equipped with.

[0088] Advantageously, according to a feature of the invention, the used clip comprises a first channel (C1') and a second channel (C2') separated from each other by a dividing wall (105).

[0089] In this way, advantageously, the clip is configured in such a way that, when it is inserted into the seat (50), each of said first channel (C1') and second channel (C2') is aligned with a channel (C1, C2) of the machine such that passage of the strap into the channels of the machine causes a passage of the strap into said first and second channel of the clip (100).

[0090] This ensures the tapes not to overlap with each other and therefore, as mentioned, it allows maintenance of low thicknesses of the clip.

[0091] A further object of the invention is a clip (100) for a strapping machine comprising: A first surface (101); A second surface (102); Said first surface (101) and second surface (102) being spaced from each other and connected to each other through two lateral walls (103) and (104) in such a way that a through-channel is formed for allowing, in use, passage of a strap; According to this feature of invention, there is at least one dividing wall (105) which subdivides said through-channel into two separated through-channels (C1', C2') parallel to and independent from each other.

[0092] Advantageously, the plan shape of the clip may be rectangular or quadrangular.

[0093] Advantageously, which clip may be of metallic material.

[0094] Advantageously, said metallic material may be aluminum or copper.

[0095] An object of the invention is also the use of the clip (100) according to one or more of the previous features for strapping a product.

[0096] A further object of the invention is a method for strapping a product through the use of a clip (100) according to one or more of the previous characterizing claims.

[0097] Advantageously, the method comprises the step of passing a tape around the product with said tape which is inserted into a channel (C1', C2') of the clip and, after having wrapped the product, with said tape which is made enter again the other channel (C1', C2') of the clip by its free end.

[0098] Therefore, the operation of flattening said clip follows in such a way that the two portions of tape are locked into the clip.

[0099] Advantageously, before the flattening step and after passage of the tape into the channels of the clip, a pulling operation of the tape follows in order to clamp it at the correct desired tension around the product to be strapped.

[0100] Advantageously, said tape is fully of non-weldable paper material.

[0101] Thus, advantageously, said paper tape is not covered by any layer of weldable material and it is fully and exclusively of paper material.Brief description of the drawings

[0102] Additional features and advantages of the present machinery according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given only by way of non-exhaustive example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: Figures from 1 to 3 show different overall 3D views of the portable strapping machine according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a detail of attachment of the rechargeable battery 10; Figure 5 shows a 3D view of the strapping machine in which the outer covering has been removed in order to better highlight the inner components thereof; Figure 6 is a detail relative to the lever unit 20 of closure of the rope which is necessary to create the constraint point of the tape (i.e., the strap); Figure 7 is a further 3D view which shows the inner components which better highlights some parts thereof; Figure 7A is a detail of the components activated through the lever of cycle reactivation; Figure 8 shows the strap in its preferred configuration and usable with the present machine; Figure 9 shows the deformation matrix unit; Figure 10 shows the further manual lever 63 which activates the pulling system of the tape; Figures 11 and 13 show the pulling system which comprises, in the preferred solution, two wheels (R1, R2) rotatably driven by a motor, while figure 12 shows the entry to the two channels (C1, C2) where the strap is inserted. Description of some preferred embodiments

[0103] Therefore, the present invention concerns a strapping machine 1 of the portable type.

[0104] Therefore, as shown in the view of figure 1, there is a handle 11 through which an operator may maneuver the strapping machine for performing this strapping operation manually.

[0105] Therefore, the handle is connected to the frame which is self-supporting per se. In this way, the operator may readily maneuver the strapping machine object of the invention, that is s / he may readily lift and move the machine by grasping it through said handle. Obviously, the frame forms a support for all inner components which will be described in detail below.

[0106] Therefore, the strapping machine 1 is of such sizes and wight that it allows a manual operation in which the operator may readily grasp the strapping machine with a hand and move / lift it where necessary by performing the necessary operations described below.

[0107] Just because of its portability, the strapping machine object of the invention is equipped with a battery pack 11 preferably of the rechargeable type (see figure 2), for example a single battery 10.

[0108] Therefore, the batteries may be easily removed to be then recharged when needed.

[0109] Therefore, the machine, object of the invention, has a series of units which are listed here and described in detail with reference to the appended drawings: Battery unit (10, 12); Closure unit 20 - creation of the constraint point of the tape; Cycle reactivation unit (30, 31); Manual cycle start command unit; Deformation matrix unit 52; Crushing and cutting unit; Controlled pulling unit (60); Microprocessor board unit; Display (screen) unit and programming button panel;

[0110] Figure 5, as well as other figures, shows an overall view of the machine with different exposed inner parts, given that the outer covering has been removed, thereby allowing description of the above-mentioned units for the most part.BATTERY UNIT:

[0111] Going back to the description, in more detail, with the battery unit (10, 12), it has already been introduced in the previous paragraphs.

[0112] With specific reference to figure 4, it shows a detail of the battery 10 which may be locked to a slide support 12, for example, through insertion of the battery into the slide 12 by sliding.

[0113] A battery charger (not shown in figure) may be provided as accessory and therefore the machine may be equipped with supplied double battery, thus allowing a user to change the battery when needed by charging the battery out of power into the battery charger.CLOSURE UNIT 20 - CONSTRAINT POINT:

[0114] This unit 20 is highlighted in figure 5 with number 20. A further enlarged view is in figure 6. Therefore, this unit is formed by a vertically movable lock 21 (see the double direction of arrow in figure 6), so it can be lifted from, and lowered towards, a plane 23.

[0115] The lock 21 moves thanks to an activation lever 22 of manual type. In fact, the lever 22 is connected to the lock 20 in a kinematic way, such that by rotating the lever in a direction the lock 21 is lowered and by rotating the lever in the opposite direction the lock 20 is lifted.

[0116] The lock 20 is lowered or lifted with respect to the support plane 23 which then, as described in detail below, forms a sliding way for the strap, that is the tape (the tape usable with the present machine is preferably of non-weldable material and in particular in the form of paper rope). The pins 24 and 25 (see figure 5) act as sliding guide for correct vertical movement of the lock 21 towards the support plane 23 or to move away from it.

[0117] Figure 6 highlights in greater detail the lever 22 which is connected in a kinematic way, by hinging, to a support 26 fixed to the frame of the machine. In this way, the lever may be rotated with respect to its connection point to the frame. More particularly, the lever 22 is hinged further to a second lever (22') which is fixed to an arm 27 rigidly connected in its turn to the lock 21 and sliding into the support 26. A leverage (called toggle-linkage) follows such that by rotating the lever 22 with respect to its support 26 one determines lifting or lowering of the arm 27 with consequent lifting / lowering motion of the lock 21.

[0118] Substantially, the mechanism of figure 6 is a simple toggle-linkage mechanism (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The toggle -linkage mechanism creates such a condition that the greater is the pulling on the tape and the greater is the pushing action to which the tape is subject thereby remaining constrained to the point.

[0119] In this way, when the lock 21 is lowered in contact with the surface of the support plane 23, a constraint point may be created. In particular, when the tape passes into its insertion path over the support plane 23 and under the lock 21, this tape may be locked by simply acting on the lever 22 and lowering the lock 21 in contact with the support plane 23 thereby locking the tape.

[0120] As well highlighted in figure 6, for a better hold, the part of support plane 23 under the body 21 may be knurled thereby creating an uneven surface (23') like a saw tooth. In the same way, the surface of the body 21 which abuts against this portion of support plane may have a complementary knurling (23'') such that they couple each other in perfect contact and thus well holding the tape between them.CYCLE REACTIVATION UNIT:

[0121] The reactivation lever is shown in figure 5 with the number 30. Therefore, the lever acts on an arm 31 which is movable in this way from / towards the support plane 23 (see the double direction of arrow applied to the arm 31).

[0122] The rope (or tape or whatever) is in fact very uneven, and this causes twisting issues. Therefore, an insertion and exit pilot path of the tape must be created in the clip given that, otherwise, letting the rope pass from the entry towards the exit of the clip would be very difficult, above all if the rope has a head strand due to a minimum physiological split-up. Therefore, as shown in figure 7, a pilot channel has been made upstream and downstream of the positioning point of the clip through the unit (32, 33) movable through the pin 31 which may be activated manually in turn with the lever 30. This pilot channel works as a straw by favoring entry and guided path of the tape. This has remarkably reduced the insertion issues of the tape, but, on the contrary, an opening of this guided path is required for extracting the clip and rope once the crimping operation (i.e., closure of the clip and therefore completion of the strapping operation) has been completed.

[0123] Starting from a normally open path, the lever 30, when it has been lowered, lowers the component 33 which overlaps the dividing wall 17 and closes the channel around the clip, thus actually creating said two pilot paths as also described better in figure 7A.

[0124] At the end of the crimping cycle, there is an automatic wind-up unhooking when, at the end of cycle, the rope must be extracted with the clip clamped to the rope.MANUAL CYCLE START COMMAND UNIT:

[0125] The machine has obviously control electronics which allows its starting, its control and therefore its functionality.

[0126] For this purpose, as shown in figure 5, there is a first command unit 40 comprising a button panel on the left of the handle and a further second command unit 45 formed by a second button panel, on the right of the handle.

[0127] Through these buttons the machine may be activated in its operational cycle.

[0128] Therefore, the two command units comprise a certain number of buttons, each of which is designated to a certain operation.

[0129] Having said that, the unit of buttons 40 on the left of the lever as per figure 5 has a greater size than the buttons 45.

[0130] The reason for having two units with buttons of different sizes is to allow flexibility to the machinery, therefore an operator may activate the necessary buttons also in the event of use of gloves. Thus, the unit of buttons 40 is of greater sizes than the unit of buttons 45 and therefore they may be activated more readily also in the event of use of gloves. In addition, the first unit 40 is placed near the handle (left side with reference to figure 5) in order to allow pressure of the buttons 40 by simply using the thumb while the operator holds the machine with the hand through the handle.

[0131] As shortly described below, clearly the strapping machine is equipped with electronics necessary to its functioning.

[0132] The big buttons and the small ones may have the same functions or different functions.

[0133] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the small buttons allow programming of the pulling force and allow diagnostics and monitoring (therefore a service button panel). The button panel with big buttons is an operational button panel (start / stop / reset).

[0134] The machine is obviously equipped with a screen (display).DEFORMATION MATRIX UNIT (52, 52')

[0135] Still with reference to figure 5, it shows the housing 50 where the clip is placed which will be described in detail immediately below. For this purpose, there is a sort of elastic peg 51 which is necessary to hold the clip when the clip is inserted into the housing, thereby maintaining it in position into the housing 50.

[0136] The clip is preferably metallic and represents a deformable annular body under pressure (see for example figure 8). When it is inserted into the housing 50 of figure 5, the clip actually intercepts the passage path of the tape.

[0137] Therefore, when two portions of tape pass through the path, they will pass through the clip such that, going on flattening the clip, it clamps the two portions of the tape to each other.

[0138] Substantially, the use of a clip is necessary to join the two hems of the tape which wraps the product together by clamping them, thereby completing the strapping process. This is necessary because of the fact that materials constituting the strap and which are used with this machine are not weldable. In fact, the machine is suitable for strapping a strap in the form of paper rope (or tape or whatever), for example.

[0139] Therefore, the machine in question has no welding section and may only strap by using the clip. This does not exclude the use of straps of weldable materials but, obviously, since the machine does not have a welding section, will anyway have to join the two portions of strap together by using the clip and through its consequent deformation always and no matter what.

[0140] For the sake of clarity, figure 8 shows a clip 100 which may be used in the present machine and specifically made for this machine (even if other clips may be used). This clip is to be inserted into the passage channel of the tape and therefore it must be actually inserted into the housing 50.

[0141] In fact, going back to figure 5, it shows the passage channel of the strap (i.e., the tape) and which channel is delimited on the bottom by the support plane 23 and above by the remaining part of the machine. Figure 11 and even better figure 13 further show this passage channel clearly.

[0142] For the sake of clarity, figure 5 highlights the channel, which is however subdivided into two paths of channel different and separated from each other, indicated as (C1) and (C2), and separated from a dividing wall 17.

[0143] In this way, there are actually two different passage channels of the tape parallel to each other.

[0144] In fact, as better clarified in the functioning below, the machine described here is placed resting on the object to be strapped.

[0145] The tape, for example a flat tape of paper which may be unwound from a mother reel, is taken by an end thereof by unrolling it from the mother reel and inserted into the channel (C1) thereby passing through the whole channel from the entry (In) towards the exit (Ex) of the machine (see always figure 5 and figure 12). The operation occurs manually with the operator which pushes the tape (having a certain thickness) into the channel (C1) until letting it exit from the exit (Ex) and being able to pull it with a hand. When it is pulled, the purpose is to pull the end to wrap with the tape the product to be strapped on which the machine is resting. Therefore, once the product has been wrapped, this end will be brought again facing the entry (In) side but now it will be pushed along the channel (C2) to then exit from the side of (Ex).

[0146] In this way, the tape (possibly still connected to the mother reel from which it originates and is unrolled) has wrapped the product and passes through the two channels (C1, C2) thereby having two portions of tape placed in parallel to each other into the channel (C1) and into the channel (C2) inside the machine.

[0147] In this step of passage of the tape, the clip 100 is obviously placed into the channel 50, therefore the tape passes through the two channels of the clip.

[0148] Therefore, now it is clear the reason of its shape which provides, as shown in figure 8, two different through-channels (C1', C2') of the clip and which are placed aligned with the relative channels (C1, C2) of the machine when the clip is inserted into the seat 50 of the machine.

[0149] In this way, during passage of the tape into the channels (C1, C2), the tape actually also passes through the respective through-channels (C1', C2'). In other words, the tape head which is inserted into the channel C1 passes through the channel (C1') of the clip and, once it is wrapped around the product and inserted again into the other channel (C2), it passes through the channel (C2') of the machine until its exit.

[0150] Pulling of the tape follows which is necessary to clamp the product to be strapped with the desired tension and the subsequent deformation of the clip into its seat 50 by a deformation matrix 52. The deformation matrix is a sort of press 52 which is moved vertically in a lowering motion, to flatten the clip, and a lifting motion to allow releasing of the tape and the flattened clip and anyway also in order to insert a new clip.

[0151] Figure 5 shows the area in which the deformation matrix 52 is placed, which is better highlighted in the detail of figure 9.

[0152] Therefore, figure 9 shows a section where the seat 50 is highlighted in which the clip 100 shown in section is placed. Given that the clip 100 is shown in section, figure 9 highlights for clarity purpose the through-channel (C1', C2') formed by it and aligned with the through-channel (C1, C2) of the machine.

[0153] Therefore, both figure 9 and figure 13 show the deformation matrix 52 which is moved in its lowering / lifting motion to perform flattening. Therefore, the deformation matrix is made up of a fixed lower part and the movable upper one.

[0154] More in detail, the movable part is anchored to a ball screw, preferably with right pitch, which is in its turn stiffly constrained to the second ball screw with pitch opposite to the previous one.

[0155] When the cycle starts, the screw of the matrix starts from an intermediate position and descends towards the pushing matrix. At the same time the twin screw (with inverse pitch) moves upwards. Once the run has stopped and therefore after complete pushing of the clip, the motion is inverted and the matrix moves upwards, while then slide of the cutter descends. In this step, the rope is cut. Then both are brought to a half-run condition, and a new cycle may be started again. It is practically a twin mechanism of counterposed return / descent with intermediate stop for insertion and extraction of the clip.

[0156] Therefore, more particularly, in the channel 50, under the deformation matrix 52, there is a corresponding part 52' such that the clip 100 is flattened between these two elements, that is the fixed corresponding part 52' and the deformation matrix 52 which is movable.

[0157] Both this corresponding part 52', as well as the deformation matrix 52, have preferably a contact surface with the clip which has a wavy conformation, with waving complementary to each other.

[0158] In this way, the clip 100 is deformed not only by simply flattening it but rather by flattening it and conferring this wavy conformation upon flattening it.

[0159] In fact, one may see how the corresponding part 52' has a contact surface with the clip (that is where the clip rests) having a series of peaks spaced out by hollows like a sort of sinusoid. The same occurs in the deformation matrix 52 in which instead a hollow is placed in correspondence of a peak of the hollow 52 such that when the deformation matrix 52 contacts the corresponding surface 52' a peak of it is inserted into the hollow of the other.

[0160] This wavy conformation like a sinusoid allows better locking of the two parts of tape together through indeed the clip just because this flattened conformation has been conferred to the clip 100 with a sort of waving which retraces the shapes of peak and hollow described above.CRUSHING AND CUTTING UNIT:

[0161] The crushing and cutting unit allows controlled pressure of the clip and the contextual cut of the rope, in order to complete the cycle.

[0162] The crushing unit is controlled by a microprocessor and allows control of the pressure exerted by the deformation matrix (high twisting torque of the crushing screw and also at the same time the cutting force). Cutting is managed automatically by a servo "cutter" controlled and subject to direct control by a microprocessor.CONTROLLED TAPE PULLING UNIT:

[0163] The pulling unit 60 must be excluded during operations of insertion of the rope. For this purpose, a system with sliding carriage and manual lifting lever has been projected for managing insertion or exclusion of the pulling unit.

[0164] More in particular, figure 10 shows a pulling unit comprising a motor 60 which controls in rotation a couple of wheels (R1, R2) which are responsible for pulling of the rope (or tape, or whatever). The whole may be shifted vertically.

[0165] More in particular, the motor 60' is fixed to a plate 61 mounted slidingly through a couple of guides 62.

[0166] Therefore, a further lever 63 allows manual lifting of the whole unit constituted by the motor 60' and by the wheels to which it is connected thereby excluding this pulling unit and releasing the passage channel of the tape during its insertion. Once the tape has been passed, the operator acts again on the lever 63 thereby lowering the whole unit and bringing the wheels into contact with the channel.

[0167] Like the solution of the lever 22, the lever 63 (shown as well in figure 5) is connected in a kinematic way, through hinging, to a support 66 fixed to the frame of the machine. In this way, the lever may be rotated with respect to its connection point to the frame. In its turn, the lever 63 is hinged with a second lever (63') which is fixed to an arm 67 which is in its turn connected rigidly to the plate 61. A leverage is obtained such that lifting or lowering the plate 61 which runs along its guides 62 is determined by rotating the lever 63 with respect to its support 66 thereby with a corresponding lifting / lowering motion of the whole unit.

[0168] As already mentioned, said pulling unit is partially shown in figure 5 and highlights a motor 60 which activates two rotatable wheels (R1, R2) placed side by side.

[0169] The wheels intercept the channel C2 such that, when they intercept said channel C2, they are placed in contact with the portion of tape which runs along said channel C2, after its passage by the operator. By activating the wheels into rotation, they pull the portion of tape thereby causing pulling.

[0170] As mentioned above, the wheels, besides rotating around their axis of central symmetry through the motor 60 for pulling, may be lifted / lowered with the system of plate and guides described above, in order to bring these wheels from a position of contact with the channel C2 to a lifted position from it during operations of passage of the tape into the channel C2 and vice versa.

[0171] Therefore, figure 13 shows the couple of wheels (R1, R2) which comes into contact with the channel (C2) for tensioning the tape.

[0172] In fact, in the detail of figure 11, one of the two wheels which comes into contact into the channel (C2) is visible.

[0173] The double-wheel solution is preferable because, given the unevenness of the rope, sliding issues would be possible with a single wheel. In this way, if the rope starts sliding, there is a second wheel which helps letting the more yielding segment of rope pass and drives into pulling the twin wheel.

[0174] Therefore, the solution with two wheels is preferred even if single-wheel solutions are not excluded and therefore having at least one wheel (R1, R2).MICROPROCESSOR BOARD UNIT:

[0175] The portable strapping machine, object of the invention, is obviously equipped with microprocessor.

[0176] The microprocessor board allows control of all operations of controlled pulling, pushing and cutting of the rope. The microprocessor also controls the correct value of excitation current of the motors and performs control of the sequence of operations.DISPLAY UNIT AND PROGRAMMING BUTTON PANEL:

[0177] A display allows seeing values and operative conditions controllable through the button panels 40 and 45 already introduced.CLIP:

[0178] A further feature of the invention concerns the clip usable, for example in this specific machine.

[0179] However, usability of other different clips in said machine is not excluded, as long as they are fit to be inserted into the seat 50 and therefore compatible with said machine.

[0180] In addition, this clip, described below in detail, may in theory be replicated in different shapes and / or sizes for example to be fit to possible further machineries.

[0181] Having said that, said clip has a generally rectangular or quadrangular plan shape, as one may infer from figure 8.

[0182] Therefore, it comprises two flat surfaces overlapping at a certain distance from each other, that is the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. As mentioned, these two surfaces may have a quadrangular or rectangular plan shape.

[0183] Said two surfaces 101 and 102 are spaced from each other through two lateral walls 103 and 104 in such a way that a through-channel is formed.

[0184] Then a dividing wall 105 is present which generates formation of two different through-channels (C1', C2') separated from each other, preferably parallel to each other.

[0185] This wall is connected vertically to said two surfaces 101 and 102 and has also the function of central reinforcement.

[0186] The constructive material is a deformable material which maintains this deformation. For example, a metallic material such as aluminum is preferably used.

[0187] Aluminum is a resistant material but at the same time it is easily deformable thereby allowing a crushing operation (that is pushing and therefore deformation of the clip around the strap) with a reduced deformation energy. This implies a lower consumption of energy by the battery and therefore a better duration.

[0188] Therefore, the size of the clip is such that, when it is inserted into the seat 50, each of its two different channels is aligned with a channel (C1, C2) forming the insertion path of the strap. Therefore, the dividing wall 105 will be aligned with the dividing wall 17 shown in figure 5 which in the segment of insertion of the clip is obviously interrupted.

[0189] This conformation with two different through-channels separated by the dividing wall 105 allows each of the two through portions of tape in a channel to prevent from overlapping to each other or coming into contact with each other. In other words, the two portions of tape remain separated from each other. This guarantees the possibility to produce clips as thin as possible thereby maintaining low thicknesses. Having a low thickness of the clip is important in the event of, for example, subsequent stacking of strapped products given that, when the clip has low thickness, products can remain overlapped on each other (stacked) in a firmer way.

[0190] In addition, this solution with two different and separated channels increases resistance given that the two portions of strap are not overlapping thereby being subject to lower wear, because they are not in contact with each other.

[0191] In fact, the applicant found that just this conformation with double channel with reinforcement wall 105 which shapes two different and separated channels has allowed obtainment of a clip which has a good deformation, a crimping without release, a flat profile, a good behavior in all sections of the rope and lastly also a fair aesthetic appearance.

[0192] In addition, the inner reinforcement wall 105 allows crushing independently from the two ropes. In fact, only the lateral part is pushed thus determining a kind of double clip welded in the center.EXAMPLE OF FUNCTIONING:

[0193] The operator who must strap a product, for example a pile of products, takes the machine by the handle 11 and places said machine, object of the invention, resting on the top of the object to be strapped with its support surface (see figure 1) in contact with and resting on the top of the product.

[0194] Initially, the lever 22 and the lever 63, both shown in figure 1, are lifted thereby releasing the channels (C1) and (C2) for passage of the tape. The lever 22 in this lifted position lifts the lock 21 while the lever 63 lifts the two wheels (R1, R2) being part of the pulling system (R1, R2).

[0195] One proceeds with inserting the clip 100 into the channel 50 (this operation may also be performed in advance).

[0196] At this point the tape (i.e., the strap) may be passed into the channels (C1) and (C2) for wrapping the product on top of which the described machine is resting.

[0197] In particular, as already described, the tape, for example a flat tape of paper which may be unwound from a mother reel (not shown in figure for the sake of simplicity) is taken by an end thereof by the operator and is unwound from said mother reel. The free end of this tape is inserted into the channel (C1) which is a through one given that the rope closure lever unit, commanded by the lever 22, is lifted.

[0198] The tape passes through the whole channel (C1) from the entry (In) towards the exit (Ex) of the machine (see also figure 5). The operation occurs manually with the operator who pushes the tape (having a certain stiffness) into the channel (C1) until letting it exit the exit (Ex) and being able to pull it with a hand. Once it has exited the channel (C1), the tape is pulled by its end in order to wrap the product to be strapped on which the machine is resting. Obviously, the tape which passes from the channel (C1) is preferably still connected to the mother reel from which it is unwound.

[0199] Once the product has been wrapped, therefore, this free end is brought again in front of the entry (In) side of the machine but now it is pushed along the channel (C2) to then exit the (Ex) side.

[0200] In fact, in this step, the channel (C2) is through and free given that the lever 63 is in lifted position thereby lifting the whole pulling unit.

[0201] In this way, the tape (possibly still connected to the mother reel from which it originates and it is unrolled) has wrapped the product and passes through the two channels (C1, C2) thereby having two portions of tape placed in parallel to each other in the channel (C1) and in the channel (C2) .

[0202] In this step, the clip 100 is placed obviously into the channel 50 thereby having two portions of tape passing into the two channels of the clip in this passage.

[0203] In particular, during passage of the tape into the channels (C1, C2) actually the tape also passes through the respective through-channels (C1', C2') of the clip which are aligned with the channels (C1, C2).

[0204] At this point, the machine may be started.

[0205] The operator lowers the levers 22 and 63 whereby, by lifting the lever 22, s / he determines lock of the portion of tape which passes into the channel (C1) and by lowering the lever 63 s / he brings the pulling wheels (R1, R2) into contact with the other portion of tape present in the channel (C2).

[0206] At this point, by means of the button panel, the machine is activated which activates the wheels for pulling. The wheels rotate in contact with the portion of the tape passing into the channel (C2) thereby letting the tape slide into the channel (C2) and pulling the excess of tape at a programmable pulling value of the tape (it is reminded that the other portion of tape passing into the channel C1 is locked).

[0207] In this way, the tape which passes around the product in a loose way is recovered and tensioned at the desired value around the product.

[0208] Once the desired pulling value has been reached, the section which pushes the clip is activated automatically, thereby completing the strapping operation by crushing the clip in which the paper tape is constrained to the clip.

[0209] The inner reinforcement wall 105 of the clip allows independent crushing of the two ropes. In fact, preferably only the lateral part of the clip 100 is pushed thus determining a kind of double clip welded in the center.

[0210] Then the tape is cut automatically to separate the part of tape from the mother reel.

[0211] Therefore, this machine allows an operator to readily strap products by carrying the machine manually where it is necessary, since it has weight and contents suitable for its maneuverability by an operator which grasps it and moves it by the handle 11.

[0212] Therefore, the machine allows use of ropes as straps, for example in the form of thin tape, of paper material, for example paper.

[0213] Thanks to the clip, any welding operation is avoided at all and therefore non-weldable materials may be used, such as paper indeed.

[0214] Therefore, the paper strap is not covered, like in the known art, by any layer of heat-sealable material but, on the contrary, it is without any covering layer of heat-sealable material given that joining occurs only and exclusively by means of the clip.

Claims

1. A strapping machine (1) of the portable type and comprising: - A through-path (C1, C2) of insertion / exit of a tape for strapping, said path being developed from an entry point (In) of the machine towards an exit point (Ex) and comprising at least one first through-channel (C1) and at least one second through-channel (C2); - A closure unit (20) arranged to intercept one between said at least two through-channels (C1, C2) for locking, in use, the tape passing into said channel, said closure unit (20) being movable between an intercepting position for locking the tape and a lifted position for releasing the channel; - A pulling unit (60) of the tape arranged to intercept the other channel (C1, C2) and with said pulling unit (60) movable between an intercepting position for pulling the tape and a lifted position for releasing the channel; - A seat (50) into which a clip (100) can be inserted, said seat (50) being aligned with said through-path (C1, C2) of insertion / exit of a tape; - A deformation matrix unit (52, 52') configured to flatten and / or deform the clip (100) in use inserted into said seat.

2. The machine, according to claim 1, wherein said closure unit (20) comprises a lock (21) movable between said intercepting position of the support plane (23) of said channel (C1, C2) for locking and said lifted position for releasing the channel and wherein the pulling unit (60) comprises a pulling system (R1, R2) movable between said intercepting position of the support plane (23) for pulling the tape and said lifted position for releasing the channel.

3. The machine, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a manual lever (22) is comprised for moving said closure unit (20) between said two positions, preferably for moving said lock (21) between said two positions.

4. The machine, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a manual lever (63) is provided for moving said pulling unit (60) between said two positions, preferably for moving the pulling system between said two positions.

5. The machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the pulling unit comprises at least one rotatable wheel (R1, R2) movable between said position in which it intercepts the support plane (23) of the channel and said lifted position, preferably said pulling system comprises said at least one rotatable wheel.

6. The machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said through-path comprises a dividing wall (17) which separates said first through-channel (C1) from the second through-channel (C2), preferably said two through-channels being parallel to each other.

7. The machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising at least one handle (11) for allowing a movement / lifting of said machine.

8. The machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising a button panel (40, 45) for its activation and / or programming.

9. The machine, according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising a motherboard for its programming and / or functioning.

10. An assembly comprising a machine as per one or more of the previous claims and a clip (100) configured to be inserted into the seat (50) of said machine, said clip (100) forming two different through-channels (C1', C2'); preferably the clip (100) being metallic, for example aluminum.

11. The assembly, according to claim 10, wherein the clip comprises a dividing wall (105) which separates said two different channels from each other.

12. The use of a strap in the form of a paper rope for strapping a product with a machine according to one or more of the previous claims or with an assembly according to one or more of the previous claims.

13. A method for strapping a product with a strapping machine according to one or more of the previous claims and comprising the following operations: - Arranging the machine with its support surface resting on a surface of the object to be strapped; - Arranging a clip (100) in the seat (50) aligned with the channels (C1, C2) of the machine; - Inserting the free end of the strap into one of the two channels (C1, C2) until letting it exit the channel (C1) of the machine; - Wrapping the product by pulling the free end of said strap which slides freely along the channel (C1) into which it has been inserted and inserting again the free end of the strap into the other channel (C2) of the machine until it exits said channel; - Activating the machine which performs in succession: - Pulling of the tape; - Flattening of the clip.

14. The method, according to claim 13, wherein pulling the tape occurs by activating the closure unit (20) which moves to the locking position of the strap passing into a channel (C1, C2) of the machine and subsequently by activating the pulling unit (60) of the machine which acts on the free portion of the strap passing into the other channel (C1, C2) of the machine by executing its pulling which clamps the strap around the product and wherein flattening of the clip (100) occurs by activating the deformation matrix unit of the machine which flattens the clip (100) only after a predetermined pulling value of the tape has been reached which may be set at one or more desired values.

15. The method, according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the used clip comprises a first channel (C1') and a second channel (C2') separated from each other by a dividing wall (105) and with the clip configured in such a way that when it is inserted into the seat (50) each of said first channel (Cl') and second channel (C2') is aligned with a channel (C1, C2) of the machine such that passage of the strap into the channels of the machine causes a passage of the strap into said first and second channel of the clip (100).

Images