Machine and method for binding

Abstract

The machine for binding a binding wire (F) around a bar (B), includes a feeder (12), to feed the binding wire (F); a winding guide (13), configured to receive the binding wire (F) from the feeder (12) and to guide the binding wire (F) around the bar (B), so as to wind the binding wire (F) around the bar (B); a cutter (14), arranged between the feeder (12) and the winding guide (13), to cut the binding wire (F) to size; a binding assembly (15), configured to tension the binding wire and to twist two flaps (F1, F2) of the binding wire (F) together, in which the binding assembly (15) includes a retaining device (152) configured to hold the two flaps (F1, F2) of the binding wire (F), the retaining device (152) being rotatable, relative to the winding guide (13), about a rotational axis (R), so as to twist the two flaps (F1, F2) of the binding wire (F) with each other, and in which the binding assembly (15) is movable, relative to the winding guide (13), between a proximal position, in which the retaining device (152) is in close proximity to the winding guide (13), and a distal position, in which the retaining device (152) is distant from the winding guide (13), so as to tension the binding wire (F).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] MACHINE AND METHOD FOR BINDING

[0003] Technical field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention concerns a machine and a method for binding. In particular, the invention concerns a machine for binding a binding wire around a bar and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar.

[0005] Prior Art

[0006]

[0002] In the field of metallurgy, bars, such as steel bars, are made for reinforcing concrete in civil construction. The bars produced are typically collected, or grouped, into bundles, in which the bars are all arranged parallel to each other. This facilitates the storage and transportation of the bars themselves and, in general, their logistics process. In the storage phase, bundles can be stacked or piled parallel to each other, forming stacks or piles of bundles. Moreover, to improve bar logistics, bundles can be labeled so that a range of information can be associated with each bundle and, in particular, with the bars in it. For example, labeling can be used to identify the production lot, production date, material, consignee, and / or other technical and commercial characteristics of the bars contained in the bundle.

[0007]

[0003] In some cases, the labeling step may be done by manually applying labels (e.g., adhesive paper labels) directly to the bar bundles, which is labor-intensive.

[0008]

[0004] In other cases, such as in the field of agricultural packaging, binding machines capable of applying adhesive labels, for example, automatically to the binding material are known. An example of this type of binding machine is illustrated in patent application EP 2 707 297 A1. Specifically, after pressing and binding a bale of straw, the binding material is lifted by means of a lifting mechanism, from the bale to a labeling device, so as to apply an adhesive label to it, before being returned to its initial position. However, in order to reliably accomplish the lifting and labeling movement, a plurality of sometimes movable components are required that take up a lot of space in the installation, e.g., lifting arms, tensioning devices, and means for feeding and securing labels.

[0009]

[0005] Patent application US 5,947,166 A illustrates another machine for binding a binding wire around a bar comprising a feeder to feed the binding wire; a winding guide to wind the wire around the bar; a cutter to cut the binding wire to length; and a binding assembly to tie two ends of the binding wire together.

[0010]

[0006] Another example of a binding machine is illustrated in patent application WO 2023 154 652 A2, in which the label is mechanically coupled to the binding material, in contact with the object to be bound and labeled.

[0011]

[0007] In the examples of the known art, whether in the case of automatic application or manual application, the label is in contact, or in close proximity, with the object to be bound and labeled. This can lead to damage, or soiling, of the label itself during transport and storage, often causing it to become illegible.

[0012] Disclosure

[0013]

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to make available a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar, and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar, which overcome the drawbacks of the known technique mentioned above.

[0014]

[0009] In particular, it is the purpose of the present invention to provide a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar, and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar, which will make an improved support on which to apply the label, so that such a label will not be damaged or soiled during transport and storage of the bar.

[0015]

[0010] In addition, it is the purpose of the present invention to make available a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar, and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar, which will make an improved support on which to apply a label, so that the label will be particularly visible even if the bars, or bundles of bars, are piled or stacked.

[0016]

[0011] Moreover, it is the purpose of the present invention to make available a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar, and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar, which realize an improved support on which to apply a label quickly and easily.

[0017]

[0012] In addition, it is the purpose of the present invention to make available a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar, and a method for binding a binding wire around a bar, to apply a label automatically, easily and quickly.

[0018]

[0013] Said purposes are fully achieved by a binding machine, and a related method, for binding a binding wire around a bar, which are characterized by what is contained in the claims below.

[0019]

[0014] In the remainder of this description, reference will be made primarily to a binding machine, and a related method, for binding a binding wire around a bar. However, it should be kept in mind how the binding machine, and the related method, which is the subject of the present invention, could be applied to binding a binding wire around one or more bars, in particular, around a bundle of bars, always remaining within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. More generally, it should be borne in mind how the binding machine, and the related method, which is the subject of the present invention, could be applied to binding a binding wire around any object or set of objects such as, for example, packages, boxes, or tubes, always remaining within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0020]

[0015] Specifically, this description provides a binding machine for binding a binding wire around a bar.

[0021]

[0016] Specifically, the binding machine may include a feeder, to feed the binding wire, or wire for short. The binding wire can be made of different materials, such as steel or iron. The feeder can be, for example, a drawing means, presenting, for example, two wheels, one driving and one idler, that cooperate to move along a feeding path the binding wire.

[0022]

[0017] Moreover, the binding machine may include a winding guide, configured to receive the binding wire from the feeder and to guide the binding wire around the bar, so as to wind the binding wire around the bar. Specifically, the guide can be substantially circular, or hook-shaped, and can be arranged around the bar to be tied (or bundle of bars), so as to guide the wire around the bar. In this way, the binding wire can wrap around at least a portion of the bar to be tied.

[0023]

[0018] In addition, the binding machine may include a cutter, arranged between the feeder and the winding guide, to cut the binding wire to size. Specifically, the cutter (or also cut-off machine) may include one or more blades to cut the binding wire to a predetermined size.

[0024]

[0019] In addition, the binding machine may include a binding unit, which is configured to tension the binding wire and to twist two ends of the binding wire together. Tensioning the binding wire has the effect of wrapping (i.e. , bringing into contact) the binding wire over at least a portion of the bar to be bound. The portion of the wire that does not wrap around the bar defines two flaps of the binding wire. These flaps can be twisted together so as to tie the binding wire around the bar. In fact, twisting the two flaps has the effect of tightening the binding wire around the bar, or bars, in case one wants to form a bundle of bars.

[0025]

[0020] Specifically, the binding assembly may include a retaining device configured to retain the two ends of the binding wire. "Retaining" means "to bind to itself by means of a constraint, that is, a mechanical coupling. The retaining device may, for example, be a gripper. In this case, there would be a force coupling (sometimes, even shape coupling, depending on the shape and conformation of the gripper) between the retaining device and the two flaps. In another example, the retaining device may be a hook, or a hole. In this case there would be a shape constraint. The constraint between the retaining device and the two flaps of the binding wire can be exerted, for example, only with respect to certain relative movements, and / or directions of movement.

[0026]

[0021] More specifically, the retaining device can be rotatable, relative to the winding guide, around a rotational axis, so as to twist the two ends of the binding wire together.

[0027]

[0022] Advantageously, the binding assembly can be movable, relative to the winding guide, between a proximal position, in which the retaining device is in close proximity to the winding guide, and a distal position, in which the retaining device is away from the winding guide, so as to tension the binding wire. With the two flaps restrained, i.e., constrained, to the retaining device, the movement of moving the binding assembly away from the winding guide allows the binding wire to be tensioned around the bar, while maintaining the maximum length of the two binding wire flaps that do not wrap around the bar. In this way, the portion of the binding wire that can be twisted is maximized, and it is an excellent support for a possible label. In fact, a possible label, coupled to the end of the twisted flaps, would be located away from the bar, or bundle of bars, being particularly visible when stacking multiple bundles. In addition, the label would not be ruined or soiled by rubbing against other bars, again in the case of stacking multiple bundles.

[0028]

[0023] Advantageously, the winding guide can be configured to guide the wire on a winding plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar. Moreover, the axis of rotation can lie on the winding plane, in particular, so as to be parallel to the axis of symmetry of the loop that the binding wire forms around the bar. In addition, the binding assembly can be movable, relative to the winding guide, along the axis of rotation, between the proximal and distal positions. In this configuration, the binding machine is particularly compact and efficient.

[0029]

[0024] More advantageously, the retaining device may include a hook presenting a throat. The plane of symmetry of the hook may be parallel to the axis of rotation of the retaining device. When the binding assembly is in the proximal position and, in particular, the plane of symmetry of the hook is perpendicular to the plane of winding, the feeder can be configured to feed the binding wire to the winding guide by passing it inside the throat, according to a passing direction, and the winding guide can be configured to guide the binding wire by passing it inside the throat, according to the passing direction. In this way, an eyelet is formed at the end of the two twisted binding wire ends. The eyelet is particularly suitable for applying a label to it easily and quickly, either manually or automatically.

[0030]

[0025] Advantageously, the hook may comprise a main body and a closure element. The main body may comprise the hook throat, while the closure element may be movable relative to the main body, between a closed position, in which it holds the two flaps of the binding wire inside the throat, and an open position, in which the two flaps of the binding wire are free to exit the throat. In this way, it is assured that the two flaps do not come out of the hook throat during the movements of the binding assembly, while it is sure that the two flaps of the binding wire can be gotten out.

[0031]

[0026] More advantageously, the closure element can include a push element. The push element can be configured to push the two binding wire flaps out of the hook throat when the closure element moves from the closed position to the open position. This ensures that the two flaps exit the hook throat, without getting stuck in the hook itself, at the end of the binding and, possibly, labeling operations.

[0032]

[0027] Specifically, the retaining device may include a gripper to clamp and release a label. The gripper includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws may each comprise a respective hook, as described above. The first and second jaws are movable, relative to each other, between a clamping position, in which the hooks are clamped together so that the label can be clamped, and a releasing position, in which the hooks are spaced apart so that the label can be released.

[0033]

[0028] Advantageously, the hooks can be arranged symmetrically with each other. Specifically, they can be arranged side by side and parallel to each other with respect to their planes of symmetry.

[0034]

[0029] Advantageously, the relative movement between the first and second jaws is coordinated with the relative movement between the main body and the closure element, so that when the first and second jaws move from the clamping position to the releasing position, the closure element moves from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa. This ensures that when the gripper is opened, the label and twisted ends of the binding wire are ejected from the hook throats before they can get caught in the hook throats.

[0035]

[0030] In particular, the first and / or second jaw may comprise a respective hook, the main body of each hook being able to serve as the first and / or second jaw of the gripper. When the label is clamped by the gripper, that is, by the main body of each hook, a portion of the label may be at the throat of each hook.

[0036]

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for binding a binding wire around a bar. The method for binding may include the following steps: feeding the binding wire; guiding the binding wire around the bar by means of a winding guide; cutting the binding wire to length; tensioning the binding wire; twisting two ends of the binding wire together; and applying a label to the end of the two twisted ends of the binding wire. Moreover, the binding step may include a sub-step in which an eyelet is created at the end of the two flaps of the binding wire so that the label can be applied to the eyelet, quickly and easily. The application of the label to the eyelet can be done either manually or automatically.

[0037]

[0032] More advantageously, the method may additionally include the following steps: restraining the binding wire, by means of a retaining device; and moving, relative to the winding guide, the retaining device, from a proximal position, in which the retaining device is arranged close to the winding guide, to a distal position, in which the retaining device is arranged away from the winding guide, so as to tension the binding wire.

[0038]

[0033] In addition, the retaining device may include a hook presenting a throat. The binding wire can be fed by passing it inside the throat, according to a passing direction. Moreover, after being guided around the bar, the binding wire may be guided by passing it inside the throat, according to the passing direction.

[0039] Description of the drawings

[0040]

[0034] The details of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the binding machine, illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings, in which:

[0041] - Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a binding machine according to the invention in a first configuration; - Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the binding machine according to the invention in a second configuration;

[0042] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first detail of the binding machine according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0043] - Figure 3a shows an enlarged detail of Figure 3, and

[0044] - Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second detail of the binding machine according to the invention in a second configuration.

[0045]

[0035] Furthermore, in the following description, directional terminology, such as "right," "left," "front," "rear," "base," "top," "bottom," "side," etc., is used with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings. Since components and / or elements and / or forms of embodiments of the present invention may be positioned and / or operated in various different orientations, the directional terminology is used purely for illustrative and nonlimiting purposes.

[0046] Description of embodiments of the invention

[0047]

[0036] With particular reference to these figures, a binding machine according to the invention has been referred to in the whole as 1 .

[0048]

[0037] The binding machine 1 may include a frame 11 to connect and support one or more parts of the binding machine 1.

[0049]

[0038] Moreover, the binding machine 1 may include a feeder 12 to feed a binding wire F. The feeder 12 may have a driving wheel 121 and an idler wheel 122. The driving wheel 121 and the idler wheel 122 cooperate to feed the binding wire F along a feeding direction. The driving wheel 121 can be set into rotation by a first actuator M1 , in particular, an electric motor such as, for example, an asynchronous motor or a DC motor. The feeder 12 can provide storage for the binding wire F.

[0050]

[0039] In addition, the binding machine 1 can include a winding guide 13. The winding guide 13 can be configured to be arranged around one or more bars B (not shown in the figure) to be tied by the binding wire F. For example, the winding guide 13 may have a circular, semicircular or hook shape so that it can surround, at least partially, the bar B to be tied. In particular, the winding guide may be configured to guide the wire on a winding plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In particular, the bar B may be moved, relative to the winding guide 13, in such a way that the winding guide 13 may surround, at least partially, the bar B itself. For example, the bar B may be moved, relative to the winding guide 13, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar B itself, so that it is positioned substantially in the center of the area surrounded, at least partially, by the winding guide 13. In another example, the bar B may be moved, relative to the winding guide 13, along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar B itself, so as to be positioned substantially in the center of the area surrounded, at least partially, by the winding guide 13. The winding guide 13 may have a first winding guide portion 131 and a second winding guide portion 132 movable relative to the first winding guide portion 131. In this way, the winding guide 13 can move from an open position, in which the second portion of the guide 132 is distal to the first portion of the guide 131 , to a closed position, in which the second portion of the guide 132 is proximal (e.g., contiguous) to the first portion of the guide 131 , and vice versa. Advantageously, the winding guide 13 can be advantageously maintained in the open position during the introduction of the bar B into the area surrounded by the winding guide 13, while it can be advantageously maintained in the closed position during the binding step of the bar B. Advantageously, the winding guide 13 can assume the open position, the closed position or an intermediate position between the open and closed positions depending on the size or number of B bars to be tied. The binding wire F, pushed by the feeder 12 may, for example, contact a surface of the winding guide 13, such surface guiding the binding wire F around the bar B to be tied.

[0051]

[0040] The bar B can be supported, at the winding guide 13, by the frame 11 or by an additional support, e.g., not part of binding machine 1 , and not shown in the figure.

[0052]

[0041] Moreover, the bar B to be tied can be fed to the binding machine 1 , so that it is brought to the winding guide 13, via a known feeding system, not shown in the figure.

[0053]

[0042] The binding machine 1 may include a cutter 14 to cut the binding wire F to size. The cutter 14 can be arranged along the feeding direction of the binding wire F, specifically, between the feeder 12 and the winding guide 13. Once a predetermined length of the binding wire F has been fed by the feeder 12 to the winding guide 13, the cutter 14 performs the cutting of the binding wire F, so as to separate a portion of the binding wire F useful for binding the bar B. The cutter 14 may have, for example, one blade and a striker, or two blades. Moreover, the cutter 14 may have an actuator to move at least one blade relative to the striker or the additional blade.

[0054]

[0043] The binding machine 1 can include a binding unit 15.

[0055]

[0044] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 3, the binding assembly 15 may include a main support 151. The main support 151 may be movably coupled to the frame 11 along a tensioning axis T. More specifically, the main support 151 may be movable between a position proximal to the winding guide 13 and a position distal to the winding guide 13. The tensioning axis T can be parallel to the winding plane, defined by the winding guide 13. This makes the machine particularly simple and compact. In addition, the tensioning axis T can be parallel to a support plane of the binding machine 1 such as, for example, a floor. This makes the machine especially simple and compact. The main support 151 can be coupled to the frame 11 via a system of skids and linear guides, and be moved by, for example, a second actuator M2, in particular, a piston or an electric motor, more particularly, a synchronous motor or stepper motor.

[0056]

[0045] With particular reference to the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the binding assembly 15 can include a retaining device 152. The retaining device 152 can be coupled to the main support 151 in a rotatable manner so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation R. Specifically, the retaining device 152 can be coupled via a rotary joint, and be put into rotation by, for example, a third actuator (not shown in the figure), in particular, an electric motor, more specifically, a synchronous motor or stepper motor. The rotation axis R can coincide with the tensioning axis T. This makes the machine particularly compact and efficient.

[0057]

[0046] With special reference to Figure 3 and 4, the retaining device 152 may include a hook 153. The hook 153 may include a throat 1531. The hook 153 is configured to engage the binding wire F. The term "hooking" refers to retaining by, for example, form and / or force coupling the binding wire F. In particular, the hook 153 can be arranged so that its plane of symmetry is parallel to the axis of rotation R.

[0058]

[0047] With particular reference to Figure 4, the hook 153 may include a main body 1532 having the throat 1531. In addition, the hook 153 may comprise a closure element 1533. The closure element may be movable relative to the main body 1532, between a closed position, in which it prevents or retains the binding wire F within the throat 1531 , and an open position, in which the binding wire F is free to exit the throat 1531 , and vice versa. For example, the closure element can be hinged to the main body 1532. By rotating about the hinge axis, the closure element 1533 can move from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa. Taking as reference a view perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the hook 153, in the closed position, the closure element 1533 substantially closes the throat 1531 , while, in the open position, the closure element 1533 does not substantially close the throat 1531. To "retain the binding wire F inside the throat 1531" should be understood to mean that the binding wire F cannot exit along a direction parallel to the plane of symmetry of hook 153.

[0059]

[0048] Moreover, the closure element 1533 can include a push element 1534. The push element 1534 may be configured to push the binding wire F out of the throat 1531 of the hook 153 when the closure element 1533 transitions from the closed position to the open position. For example, the closure element 1533 may have a surface configured to contact the binding wire F during the rotation of the closure element so as to push it out of the throat 1531 during the rotation itself. The rotation of the closure element 1533 can be accomplished by an additional actuator. For example, a motor may be used, in particular, an electric motor, connected directly to the coupling hinge between the closure element 1533 and the main body 1532. In another example, a linear actuator, in particular, a piston, and a mechanical crank may be used to transform the linear motion of the linear actuator into a rotation of the closure element 1533 relative to the main body 1532. It is apparent that it is possible to replace the rotation of the closure element 1533 relative to the main body 1532 with a linear motion, or roto-translatory motion, to move the closure element 1533 from the open position to the closed position, while remaining within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0060]

[0049] With particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the retaining device 152 may include a gripper to clamp and release a label E. The gripper may include a first jaw and a second jaw that are movable, relative to the first jaw, between a clamping position and a release position. The first and second jaws of the gripper may be relatively movable along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation R. Moreover, the first and second jaws of the gripper can be coupled via a spring system 154. The spring system 154 can be configured to hold the gripper in the release position. A cam system 155 can be used to overcome the force exerted by the spring system 154 and bring the first and second jaws of the gripper closer together, so as to move the gripper between a clamping position and a release position. The first and / or second jaws may comprise a cam profile

[0061] 1551 , thus functioning as yielders. The cam system 155 may comprise one or two movers

[0062] 1552, e.g., "wheel" movers, acting on the cam profile 1551 of the first and / or second jaw of the gripper, respectively. The linear motion of the movers 1552 can be realized by a fourth actuator P, more specifically a linear actuator, more specifically a piston. Advantageously, the fourth actuator P and, in particular, the linear movement of the movers 1552, can also be used to drive the movement of the closure element 1533, so as to synchronize the movement of the gripper, between the clamping position and the release position, and the movement of the closure element 1533, between the closed position and the open position, respectively. The first and / or second jaws may include a respective hook 153. In particular, the main body 1532 of each hook 153 may serve as the first and / or second jaw of the gripper. When the label is clamped by the gripper, i.e., by the main body 1532 of each hook 153, a portion of the label E may be at the throat 1531 of each hook 153.

[0063]

[0050] The binding machine 1 may also include a printing system 16 of the label E. The printing system 16 may include a printer 161 to print the label E. In addition, the printing system may include a transport system 162 of the label E to take the label from the printer 161 and place it between the first and second clamp jaws.

[0064]

[0051] The following will describe an example of the operation of the binding machine 1 according to the invention.

[0065]

[0052] With special reference to Figure 1 , through the linear movement of the main support 151 along the tensioning axis T, the retaining device 152 can be arranged in the proximal position with respect to the winding guide 13. In particular, the hook 153 can be arranged along the feeding direction of the binding wire F.

[0066]

[0053] In addition, through the rotary movement of the retaining device 152 around the rotating axis R, the symmetry plane of the hook 153 can be positioned to be perpendicular to the winding plane defined by the winding guide 13.

[0067]

[0054] In this configuration, the binding machine 1 can be configured so that, by operating the first actuator M1 , the feeder 12 feeds the binding wire F to the winding guide 13 by passing it, according to a passing direction, through the throat 1531.

[0068]

[0055] In addition, still in the same configuration, the binding machine 1 can be configured so that the winding guide 13 guides the binding wire F, fed by the feeder 12, around the bar B to be tied and then through the throat 1531 again, according to the direction of passage.

[0069]

[0056] Once the binding wire wraps around the bar B to be tied and passes inside the throat 1531 of the hook 153 so that the retaining device 152 holds the binding wire F, the cutter 14 can cut the binding wire F to size.

[0070]

[0057] If present, the closure element 1533 is in the closed position.

[0071]

[0058] With particular reference to Figure 2, by operating the second actuator M2, the main support 151 is moved along the tensioning axis T, from the proximal position to the distal position, relative to the winding guide 13. In this way, the binding wire F, held by the retaining device 152, is tensioned, i.e., a portion of the binding wire F, surrounding the bar B to be tied, contacts the bar B itself, and two flaps F1 , F2 of the binding wire F are tensioned between the bar B and the hook 153.

[0072]

[0059] By actuating the third actuator, the hook 153 is rotated around the axis of rotation R. In this way, the two flaps F1 , F2 are twisted so that the binding wire F is tied around the bar B. The two flaps F1 , F2 thus twisted form a long support. Such a support is particularly suitable for use as a label support, so that the label is distant from the bar B and, therefore, particularly visible if the bar B is stacked to other bars B, or bundles of bars B. In addition, the label tends not to get dirty or damaged, lasting longer.

[0073]

[0060] With particular reference to Figure 3, an eyelet O is formed at the end of the two flaps F1 , F2 thus twisted. The presence of the eyelet O makes it very easy to attach the label E to the two twisted flaps F1 , F2, simplifying labeling operations, both in the case of manual labeling and in the case of automatic labeling.

[0074]

[0061] If present, the closure element 1533 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0075]

[0062] In a second example, through the linear movement of the main support 151 along the tensioning axis T, the retaining device 152 can be placed in the position distal to the winding guide 13.

[0076]

[0063] Specifically, the retaining device 152 may include the gripper. The gripper may comprise the first and second jaws. The first and / or second jaw may comprise a respective hook 153.

[0077]

[0064] The movers 1552 do not act on the cam profiles 1551 of the first and second jaws, so, under the action of the spring system 154, the gripper is in the released position and the closure element 1533 is in the open position.

[0078]

[0065] The hooks 153 can be arranged along the feeding direction of the binding wire F.

[0079]

[0066] In addition, through the rotary movement of the retaining device 152 around the rotating axis R, the symmetry plane of the hooks 153 can be positioned to be perpendicular to the winding plane defined by the winding guide 13.

[0080]

[0067] The printer 161 can print the label E to be applied to the eyelet O.

[0081]

[0068] The transport system 162 can take the label E from the printer 161 and transport it to the gripper, so that it is placed between the first and second jaws.

[0082]

[0069] Then the movers 1552 are moved, for example linearly, by the fourth actuator P, so as to act on the cam profiles 1551 of the first and second jaws. The gripper moves from the release position to the clamping position, clamping the label E, and the closure element 1533 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0083]

[0070] A portion of the label E is located at the throats 1531 of the hooks 153. The portion of the label located at the throats 1531 can be pre-punched, or it can be not pre-punched.

[0084]

[0071] Then, by the linear movement of the main support 151 along the tensioning axis T, the retaining device 152 can be placed in the proximal position relative to the winding guide 13.

[0085]

[0072] In this configuration, the binding machine 1 can be configured so that, by operating the first actuator M1 , the feeder 12 feeds the binding wire F to the winding guide 13 by passing it, according to a passing direction, through the throats 1531.

[0086]

[0073] In addition, still in the same configuration, the binding machine 1 can be configured so that the winding guide 13 guides the binding wire F, fed by the feeder 12, around the bar B to be tied and then through the throats 1531 , again, according to the direction of passage.

[0087]

[0074] Tie wire F, passing through the throats 1531 , also passes through the label E. If the label E is pre-punched, the binding wire F will pass in the label hole, passing through it. If the label E is not pre-punched, the binding wire F will punch the label, passing through it.

[0088]

[0075] Once the binding wire wraps around the bar B to be tied and passes inside the throat 1531 of the hook 153 so that the retaining device 152 holds the binding wire F, the cutter 14 can cut the binding wire F to size.

[0089]

[0076] With particular reference to Figure 2, by operating the second actuator M2, the main support 151 is moved along the tensioning axis T, from the proximal position to the distal position, relative to the winding guide 13. In this way, the binding wire F, held by the retaining device 152, is tensioned, i.e., a portion of the binding wire F, surrounding the bar B to be tied, contacts the bar B itself, and two flaps F1 , F2 of the binding wire F are tensioned between the bar B and the hook 153.

[0090]

[0077] By operating the third actuator, the hooks 153 are rotated around the axis of rotation R. In this way, the two flaps F1 , F2 are twisted so that the binding wire F is tied around the bar B. The two flaps F1 , F2 thus twisted form a long support. Such a support is particularly suitable for use as a label support, so that the label is distant from the bar B and, therefore, particularly visible in case the bar B is stacked to other bars B, or bundles of bars B. In addition, the label tends not to get dirty or damaged, lasting longer.

[0091]

[0078] With special reference to Figure 3, an eyelet O is formed at the end of the two flaps F1 , F2 thus twisted. The label results coupled to the two flaps F1 , F2 via the eyelet O, easily and securely.

[0092]

[0079] When the rotation of the hooks 153 around the axis of rotation R is finished, the movers 1552 are moved, by means of the fourth actuator P, so that they no longer act on the cam profiles 1551 of the first and second jaws. Under the action of the spring system 154, the gripper moves from the clamp position to the release position, releasing the label, and at the same time the closure element 1533 moves from the closed position to the open position, releasing and pushing the two flaps F1 , F2 out of the throats 1531. This ensures that the two flaps F1 , F2 do not get caught in the hooks 153 during the label release phase.

[0093]

[0080] The machine described as an example is susceptible to many modifications and variations according to different requirements.

[0094]

[0081] In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and size, can be any as needed.

[0095]

[0082] Where the technical features mentioned in each claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and consequently they have no limiting value on the purpose of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims

Claims1. A machine for binding a binding wire (F) around a bar (B), comprising:- a feeder (12), to feed the binding wire (F);- a winding guide (13), configured to receive the binding wire (F) from the feeder (12) and to guide the binding wire (F) around the bar (B), so as to wind the binding wire (F) around the bar (B);- a cutter (14), arranged between the feeder (12) and the winding guide (13), to cut the binding wire (F) to size;- a binding assembly (15), configured to tension the binding wire and to twist two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) together, wherein the binding assembly (15) comprises a retaining device (152) configured to hold the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F), the retaining device (152) being rotatable, relative to the winding guide (13), about a rotational axis (R), so as to twist the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) together, and wherein the binding assembly (15) is movable, relative to the winding guide (13), between a proximal position, in which the retaining device (152) is in close proximity to the winding guide (13), and a distal position, in which the retaining device (152) is distant from the winding guide (13), so as to tension the binding wire (F).

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the retaining device (152) comprises a hook (153) having a throat (1531), and wherein, when the binding assembly (15) is in the proximal position, the feeder (12) is configured to feed the binding wire (F) to the winding guide (13) by passing it inside the throat (1531 ), according to a passing direction, and the winding guide (13) is configured to guide the binding wire (F) by passing it inside the throat (1531 ), according to the passing direction, the hook (153) being configured to hold the two edges (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) during the rotation of the retaining device (152), forming an eyelet (O).

3. The machine of claim 2, wherein the hook (153) comprises a main body (1532) and a closure element (1533), the main body (1532) comprising the throat (1531 ), and the closure element (1533) being movable relative to the main body (1532), between a closed position, in which it holds the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) inside the throat (1531 ), and an open position, in which the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) are free to exit the throat (1531 ).

4. The machine of claim 3, wherein the closure element (1533) comprises a push element (1534), the push element (1534) being configured to push the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) out of the throat (1531 ) of the hook (153) when the closure element (1533) moves from the closed position to the open position.

5. The machine of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the retaining device (152) comprises a gripper for clamping and releasing a label (E), the gripper comprising a first jaw and a second jaw movable, relative to the first jaw, between a clamping position and a release position, the first and / or second jaw comprising a respective hook (153), the hook (153) being configured such that a portion of the label (E), when clamped, is located at the throats (1531 ) of the hook (153), such that the binding wire (F), passing through the throat (1531 ) of the hook (153), also passes through the label (E).

6. The machine of claim 5 when it depends on claims 3 or 4, wherein the relative movement between the first and second jaws is coordinated with the relative movement between the main body (1532) and the closure element (1533), so that when the first and second jaws move from the clamping position to the releasing position, the closure element (1533) moves from the closing position to the opening position, and vice versa.

7. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding guide (13) is configured to guide the binding wire (F) on a winding plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar (B), in which the axis of rotation (R) lies on the winding plane, and in which the binding assembly (15) is movable, relative to the winding guide (13), along the axis of rotation (R), between the proximal and distal positions.

8. A method for binding a binding wire (F) around a bar (B), including the following steps:- feeding the binding wire (F);- guiding the binding wire (F) around the bar (B), via a winding guide (13);- retaining the binding wire (F), by means of a retaining device (152);- cutting the binding wire (F) to length;- moving, relative to the winding guide (13), the retaining device (152), from a proximal position, where the retaining device (152) is arranged close to the winding guide (13), to a distal position, where the retaining device (152) is arranged distant from the winding guide (13), so as to tension the binding wire (F); and- twisting two edges (F1 , F2) of the binding wire (F) together, so as to tie the binding wire (F) around the bar (B).

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the following steps:- creating an eyelet (O) at the end of the two flaps (F1 , F2) of the twisted binding wire (F); and- applying a label (E) to the eyelet (O).

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the following steps:- clamping the label (E) using a gripper,- passing the binding wire (F) through the label (E) so that the label is at the eyelet (O); and- releasing the label (E).

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