Reinforcing machine for positioning corner reinforcements

Abstract

Reinforcing machine for positioning corner reinforcements (Rs), comprising: a rest surface (2) for an object (P); at least one magazine (3), adapted to contain at least one reinforcement profile (R); a cutting means (31) adapted to cut the reinforcement profile (R) at a cutting surface (C), in order to separate a reinforcement (Rs) from the reinforcement profile (R); a feeding means (32), adapted to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward along a direction transverse to the cutting surface; a positioner (33), configured to pick up a reinforcement (Rs) and to position the reinforcement (Rs) in contact with or in proximity to the object (P).

Description

[0001] REINFORCING MACHINE FOR POSITIONING CORNER REINFORCEMENTS

[0002] The present invention relates to a reinforcing machine for positioning corner reinforcements. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a packaging machine equipped with the reinforcing machine.

[0003] The present invention is particularly useful for packaging flat products, stacked together. For example, the packaging machine is particularly effective for packaging ceramic tiles, whereas the reinforcing machine is particularly useful for positioning corner reinforcements in the tile package. The currently most popular method for packaging ceramic tiles involves forming packs comprising some tiles stacked on top of each other. A pack of tiles is contained by means of a package, typically made of die-cut cardboard, which wraps only the side edges and an upper and lower peripheral frame of the pack itself.

[0004] The package comprises four sides each of which comprises a side portion, which defines a side flank of the package, an upper portion, which defines an upper surface of the package, and a lower portion, which defines a lower surface of the package. The upper portion and the lower portion are substantially parallel to each other, while the side portion is perpendicular to the previous ones. The four sides are arranged according to a rectangle.

[0005] Each side of the package, seen in section according to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension thereof, has a substantially C- shaped profile, with an opening facing the other sides and the central area of the package. In a known way, this conformation allows the package to contain a pack of tiles along the perimeter, covering the side surfaces of the tiles and a peripheral frame of the upper tile and the lower tile of the pack.

[0006] Each side of the package consists of a blank which is provided with three flaps, separated by fold lines. Each blank is structured to be folded at its own fold lines so as to assume a C-shape with the opening facing the other sides of the package.

[0007] In many cases it is necessary to provide a reinforcement in the corner area of the pack.

[0008] Currently, the reinforcements consist of preformed elements, for example L-shaped, which are placed at the corners of the pack. Normally, the reinforcements are positioned inside the package, in direct contact with the stack of slabs or tiles. After positioning the reinforcements, the package is closed so as to contain both the pack of slabs or tiles and the reinforcements.

[0009] Current machines are suitable for positioning pre-packaged reinforcements, i.e. with pre-established dimensions and pre-established conformation. In particular, with the height of the tile pack being known, the machines are loaded with reinforcing elements which are shaped to cover the tile pack heightwise. Positioning means then takes the reinforcements from special magazines and position them at the corners of the pack.

[0010] In the event of a change in size, with a variation in the height of the packs, it is also necessary to modify the conformation of the reinforcements, that is, it is necessary to load the machines with reinforcements of different height. It is therefore evident that, in the context of flexible production, the current machines are not able to effectively manage the packaging of packs of variable height.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to offer a reinforcing machine and a packaging machine that are able to overcome the drawbacks of currently available machines.

[0012] An advantage of the reinforcing machine according to the present invention is to allow the positioning of corner reinforcements suitable for the protection of packs of variable height within a production cycle.

[0013] Another advantage of the reinforcing machine according to the present invention is that it can be effectively integrated into packaging machines already in operation. Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in a non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, in which: figure 1 shows an open package for an object (P) in the form of a stack of tiles, with reinforcements positioned at the corners of the object; figure 2 shows the package of figure 1 in a closed configuration; figure 3 shows a schematic isometric view of the machine according to the present invention; figure 4 shows an enlarged view of figure 3.

[0014] The machine and the method according to the present invention are particularly useful for packaging parallelepiped-shaped objects (P).

[0015] By parallelepiped-shaped object is meant an object (P) that has two main surfaces or faces (F), parallel to each other, and four side surfaces or flanks (S), lying on surfaces substantially perpendicular to the faces (F), which extend along the perimeter of the faces and join the faces to each other.

[0016] Objects that are particularly suitable to be packaged with the machine and the method according to the present invention are in the form of quadrangular, rectangular or square slabs, which have two main surfaces or faces (F), with greater area, parallel to each other, and four side surfaces or flanks (S), substantially perpendicular to the faces and with lower area than the faces, which extend along the perimeter of the faces and join the faces to each other. The distance between the faces of the product is much less than the lengths of the sides of the faces.

[0017] In the continuation of the description, object (P) will be understood indifferently as a single product, such as a ceramic slab or tile, or a number of products arranged stacked or superimposed on each other at their faces (F), with the flanks (S) arranged substantially aligned and coplanar with each other. The so arranged products define an object (P) in the form of a pack having two faces (F), defined respectively by the upper face of the upper product of the stack and by the lower face of the lower product of the stack, and four flanks (S), formed by the flanks (S) of the products superimposed or stacked on each other. Two adjacent flanks (S) are joined at edges (E), substantially perpendicular to the faces (F).

[0018] In the continuation of the description, by mentioning the flanks (S) or edges (E) it will be possible to indicate both the flanks (S) or edges (E) of a single object (P), and the flanks (S) or edges (E) of an object (P) in the form of a pack of products. In the same way, by mentioning the faces (F) it will be possible to indicate both the faces (F) of a single object (P), and the faces (F) of an object (P) in the form of a pack of products.

[0019] The reinforcing machine according to the present invention is particularly suitable for positioning corner reinforcements (Rs) obtained from a reinforcement profile (R). Said reinforcement profile (R) is preferably in the form of a prism with a longitudinal axis (Y). Preferably, the reinforcement profile has a cross-section, i.e. a L-shaped section made on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y). In an alternative form, the reinforcement profile (R) could have a rectangular cross-section.

[0020] The reinforcing machine according to the present invention comprises a rest surface (2) for an object (P). Preferably, but not necessarily, the rest surface (2) is movable forward along a conveyance direction (A).

[0021] The reinforcing machine comprises at least one magazine (3), adapted to contain at least one reinforcement profile (R). The magazine (3) has a longitudinal axis (Y) and is configured to contain at least one reinforcement profile (R) arranged with its longitudinal axis (Y) parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the magazine (3). The magazine (3) can be arranged with the longitudinal axis (Y) vertically or horizontally.

[0022] Cutting means (31 ) is adapted to cut the reinforcement profile (R) at a cutting surface (C), in order to separate a reinforcement (Rs) from the reinforcement profile (R). The reinforcement (Rs), cut to size, is intended to be positioned at an edge (E) or a face (F) of the object (P), in order to protect it from impacts. In the embodiment depicted, in which the magazine (3) is arranged vertically, the cutting surface (C) is arranged above the rest surface (2), at a height contained by the latter, so that the reinforcement (Rs), after cutting, is deposited on the rest surface (2).

[0023] In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment depicted, the cutting means (31 ) is positioned so that the cutting surface (C) is at one end of the magazine (3). Preferably, the cutting surface (C) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the magazine (3). In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment depicted, the cutting means comprises a blade (31 a), movable on the cutting surface (C) over a cutting stroke between a forward position and a rearward position. By passing from the rearward position to the forward position, the blade (31 a) intercepts and cuts the reinforcement profile (R). The blade (31 a) is controlled by an actuator of known type. The blade and the actuator of the cutting means is controlled by the aforementioned control module, which activates both according to a predetermined work sequence.

[0024] The reinforcing machine comprises a feeding means (32), adapted to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward along a direction transverse to the cutting surface. The feeding means (32) can be actuated in order to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward by an adjustable stroke, so as to cause a portion of the reinforcement profile (R) of the desired length to project beyond the cutting surface (C). In other words, the feeding means is configured to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward over a stroke corresponding to the height to be given to the reinforcement (Rs), which height is measured along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the reinforcement profile (R).

[0025] In the case of a corner reinforcement, the desired height for the reinforcement (Rs) substantially depends on the length of the edge (E) to be protected. In the case of a surface reinforcement, the desired height for the reinforcement (Rs) substantially depends on the height of the face (F) to be protected. To this end, a control module, not shown, is arranged to receive input information relating to the length of the edge (E) to be protected or to the height of the face (F). The control module is also adapted to control the feeding means (32) in order to obtain a forward stroke of the profile (R) corresponding to the height that is intended to be given to the reinforcement (Rs).

[0026] In the embodiment depicted, the feeding means (32) is substantially made by the cutting means (31 ). In particular, the blade (31 a), in the forward position, is arranged below the magazine (3) and the profile (Rs) rests thereon. When the blade moves into the rearward position, the reinforcement profile (R) goes down by gravity by a stretch corresponding to the desired height for the reinforcement (Rs), resting on the rest surface (2), i.e. on the package (100) which is in the open configuration. Subsequently, the blade (31 a) runs the cutting stroke from the rearward position to the forward position, sectioning the reinforcement (Rs) at the desired height. To allow the adjustment of the cutting height of the reinforcement (Rs), the cutting means (31 ) is vertically movable by means of adjustment means known in the art and not shown in detail.

[0027] A positioner (33) is configured to pick up a reinforcement (Rs) and to position the reinforcement (Rs) in contact with a surface of the object (P), i.e. in contact with an edge (E) or a face (F).

[0028] Preferably, the positioner (33) is located downstream of the cutting surface (C) relative to the feed direction of the reinforcement profile (R). This allows the positioner (33) to be able to intervene after cutting the reinforcement (Rs), directly in proximity to the latter.

[0029] In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment depicted, the positioner (33) comprises a slider (34), movable along a trajectory that passes in proximity to the cutting surface (C), downstream of the latter relative to the feed direction of the reinforcement profile (R). In this way, the slider (34) is able to come into contact with a reinforcement (Rs). The slider (34) is movable between at least an initial position, in which it is at a greater distance than the position in which the reinforcement (Rs) is envisaged to be placed, and a final position, in which the reinforcement (Rs) is envisaged to be placed. The slider is activated to run a forward stroke from the initial position to the final position, during which it intercepts the reinforcement (Rs) and brings it towards the object (P), and a return stroke, at the end of which it returns to the initial position.

[0030] In the embodiment depicted, in which the magazine (3) is vertical, the slider (34) is movable above the rest surface (2), in order to operate on a reinforcement (Rs) arranged on the rest surface (2).

[0031] The operation of the operating unit (10) comprising the magazine (3), the cutting means (31 ), the feeding means (32) and the positioner (33) is as follows.

[0032] Starting from an initial condition in which the reinforcement profile (R) is located inside the magazine (3), the feeding means (32) is activated to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward over a stroke sufficient for the reinforcement profile (R) to reach a cutting position in which it protrudes from the cutting surface (C) by a portion of desired height. When the cutting position is reached, the cutting means (31 ) that separates the reinforcement (Rs) from the reinforcement profile (R) is activated. Subsequently, the positioner (33) is activated, which brings the reinforcement (Rs) into the desired position in contact with or at least in proximity to the object (P). The cutting means (31 ) and the positioner (33) then return to the initial position.

[0033] In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment depicted, the reinforcing machine comprises four operating units (10), each of which comprises: a magazine (3); a cutting means (31 ); a feeding means (32); a positioner (33); having the characteristics described above. These operating units are arranged substantially at the vertices of a quadrilateral, so that each of them is able to position a reinforcement (Rs) at one of the four edges (E) or one of the four flanks (S) of the object (P). The four operating units, preferably, operate simultaneously.

[0034] Preferably the operating units are movable at least on one surface, to allow the mutual distances between the operating units to be adjusted. This allows the positioning of the reinforcements (Rs) to be adapted to objects of different size and dimensions. The operating units are movable by means of motor means and guides known in the art and not shown in detail.

[0035] The reinforcing machine according to the present invention finds useful and advantageous use in a packaging machine for ceramic slabs or tiles.

[0036] The packaging machine comprises a conveyance surface (21 ), movable along a conveyance direction (A). For example, the rest surface (2) comprises a motorised belt or a roller conveyor, or a pair of motorised belts or other equivalent device, known in the art.

[0037] The rest surface (2) of the reinforcing machine is aligned and coplanar with the conveyance surface (21 ) of the packaging machine. In the embodiment depicted, the rest surface (2) of the reinforcing machine is defined by a portion of the conveyance surface (21 ). In other words, the reinforcing machine is arranged along the conveyance surface (21 ). In this case, the operating units (10) present are located above the conveyance surface (21 ). In a possible further embodiment, the rest surface (2) and the conveyance surface (21 ) are distinct from each other, that is, they are separate devices, despite being aligned and coplanar.

[0038] The packaging machine further comprises a closing device (5), adapted to fold into a closed configuration a package (100) comprising four sides that are foldable so as to overlap at least partially at respective sides of an object (P).

[0039] In an embodiment particularly used in the ceramic sector, a package (100) is configured to wrap only the flanks (S) and an upper and lower peripheral frame of the faces (F) of the object. The package comprises four sides each of which comprises a side portion, which defines a side flank of the package, an upper portion, which defines an upper surface of the package, and a lower portion, which defines a lower surface of the package. The upper portion and the lower portion are substantially parallel to each other, while the side portion is perpendicular to the previous ones. The four sides are arranged according to a rectangle. The various flaps are separated from each other by fold lines. In particular, each side of the package consists of a blank which is provided with three flaps, separated by fold lines. Each blank is structured to be folded at its own fold lines so as to assume a C-shape with the opening facing the other sides of the package. In the flat configuration, the sides are connected to each other at end areas, so as to form a rectangle.

[0040] Each side and the package in general can assume a flat configuration, in which the sides are flat and coplanar with each other, and a folded or closed configuration, in which the package assumes the configuration summarized above. In the closed configuration, each side of the package, seen in section according to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension thereof, has a substantially C-shaped profile, with an opening facing the other sides and the central area of the package. Knownly, this conformation allows the package to contain a single ceramic slab or a stack of ceramic slabs or tiles. In both cases, the package contains the object (P) along the perimeter, covering the flanks (S) thereof and a peripheral frame of the upper and lower faces (F).

[0041] The closing device (5), known in the art, basically folds the sides of the package (100) from the flat configuration to the closed configuration. To this end, the closing device (5) comprises at least one folder (51 ) for each side of the package. In its essential structure, each folder pushes the respective side of the package upwards and towards the object (P). Since the closing device (5) intervenes after the object (P) has been positioned on the package (100) in a flat configuration, the action of each folder (51 ) causes the respective side of the package (100) to fold at the folding lines described above, so that the side assumes the closed configuration C that wraps the flanks (S) of the object (P), in a manner known in the art.

[0042] The reinforcing machine according to the present invention is arranged upstream of the closing device (5) relative to the forward direction along the conveyance direction (A). This with the aim of positioning the reinforcements (Rs) onto the package (100) in a flat configuration, so that the reinforcements themselves are enclosed by the package as the latter assumes the closed configuration.

[0043] The packaging of a product (P) takes place through a method comprising the following steps.

[0044] Initially, a package (100) is arranged, in a flat configuration, on the conveyance surface (21 ) or on the rest surface (2). Next, an object (P) is arranged on the package (100).

[0045] The method provides for a step of cutting at least one reinforcement (Rs) from a reinforcement profile (R). This step can take place before, at the same time or after the steps described above.

[0046] After the object (P) is deposited on the package (100), the method provides for a step of positioning the envisaged reinforcements (Rs) in proximity to or in contact with the object (P), above the package (100). As already highlighted, the envisaged reinforcements (Rs) can be placed, for example, in proximity to or in contact with an edge (E) of the object (P) and / or in contact with a flank (S) of the object (P).

[0047] After positioning the envisaged reinforcements (Rs), the method provides for closing the package (100), so that the reinforcement (Rs) or reinforcements (Rs) are inside the package (100), in contact with the product (P). Optionally, before the step for closing the package (100), a gluing step may be envisaged, during which a gluing material is deposited at the areas of the package (100) intended to overlap each other.

[0048] In the attached representations, the step of cutting at least one reinforcement (Rs) from a reinforcement profile (R) comprises the steps of cutting four reinforcements (Rs), intended to be positioned at respective areas of the object (P). The reinforcements (Rs) are cut from respective reinforcement profiles (Rs), as in the attached representations, or could be cut from the same reinforcement profile (R), not illustrated.

[0049] Each reinforcement (Rs) is subsequently positioned in proximity to or in contact with the object (P), above the package (100). The package (100) is then closed, so that the reinforcements (Rs) are inside the package (100) in contact with the object (P).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A reinforcing machine for positioning corner reinforcements (Rs), comprising: a rest surface (2) for an object (P); at least one magazine (3), adapted to contain at least one reinforcement profile (R); characterised in that it comprises: a cutting means (31 ) adapted to cut the reinforcement profile (R) at a cutting surface (C), in order to separate a reinforcement (Rs) from the reinforcement profile (R); a feeding means (32), adapted to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward along a direction transverse to the cutting surface; a positioner (33), configured to pick up a reinforcement (Rs) and to position the reinforcement (Rs) in contact with or in proximity to the object (P)-2. The reinforcing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting means (31 ) is positioned so that the cutting surface (C) is at one end of the magazine (3).

3. The reinforcing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeding means (32) can be actuated in order to translate the reinforcement profile (R) forward by an adjustable stroke, so as to cause a portion of the reinforcement profile (R) of the desired height to project beyond the cutting surface (C).

4. The packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein: said feeding means (32) is obtained by means of said cutting means (31 ), comprising a blade (31 a) movable between a forward position, in which it is disposed below the magazine (3), and a rearward position, in which it is not disposed below the magazine (3); in the forward position of the blade (31 a), the profile (Rs) rests on the blade (31 a); in the rearward position of the blade (31 a), the reinforcement profile (R) isfree to descend by gravity for a pre-established length.

5. The machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioner (33) is located downstream of the cutting surface (C) relative to the feed direction of the reinforcement profile (R).

6. The machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioner (33) comprises a slider (34), movable along a trajectory that passes in proximity to the cutting surface (C), downstream of the latter relative to the feed direction of the reinforcement profile (R), so that the slider (34) is able to come into contact with a reinforcement (Rs).

7. The reinforcing machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising four operating units, each of which comprises: a magazine (3); a cutting means (31 ); a feeding means (32); a positioner (33); according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said operating units are substantially disposed at the vertices of a quadrilateral.

8. The reinforcing machine according to claim 7, wherein said operating units are movable at least on a plane to allow an adjustment of the reciprocal distances between the operating units themselves.

9. A packaging machine for packaging ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising: a conveyance surface (21 ), movable along a conveyance direction (A); a closing device (5), adapted to fold into a closed configuration a package (100) comprising four sides that are foldable so as to overlap at least partially at respective sides of the object (P); a reinforcing machine according to one of the preceding claims, disposed upstream of the closing device (5) relative to the feed direction along the conveyance direction (A); wherein the rest surface (2) of the reinforcing machine is aligned and coplanar with said conveyance surface (21 ) or is defined by a portion of said conveyance surface (21 ).

10. A method for packaging objects (P), comprising the following steps: disposing a package (100) in a flat configuration, the package comprising four sides that are foldable so as to overlap at least partially at respective sides of an object (P), on a rest surface (2) or on a conveyance surface (21 ); disposing an object (P) on the package (100); cutting at least one reinforcement (Rs) from a reinforcement profile (R); positioning the reinforcement (Rs) over the package (100), in contact with or in proximity to the object (P); closing the package (100), so that the reinforcement (Rs) is inside the package (100) in contact with the product (P).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of cutting at least one reinforcement (Rs) from a reinforcement profile (R) comprises the steps of: cutting four reinforcements (Rs) from respective reinforcement profiles (Rs) or from a same reinforcement profile (R); positioning each reinforcement (Rs) over the package (100), in proximity to or in contact with the object (P); closing the package (100), so that the reinforcements (Rs) are inside the package (100) in contact with the object (P).

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