MACHINE FOR FEEDING TAPE MATERIAL

Abstract

The machine for dispensing tape material comprises a feed roller for feeding tape material (4) wound on a reel and pulling means predisposed to unwind said tape material (4) from said reel of tape material and to convey it towards an exit opening (3) of the machine. The machine comprises cut means predisposed to cut a strip of tape material (4).

Claims

1. A machine for dispensing tape material comprising: a feed roller configured to feed a tape material, unwinding said tape material from a reel; a cut means for cutting of said tape material; at least one measuring device for acquiring at least one figure correlatable with a measure of one dimension of a body to which a strip of said tape material is intended to be applied, said strip having a length proportioned to said dimension to be measured; a transmission means for transmitting said at least one figure; a control unit comprising a receiving unit configured to receive said at least one figure transmitted by said transmission, said control unit being configured to determine a value of said proportioned length and to control feeding of said strip of said tape material; a command means for operating dispensing of said tape material; an auxiliary measuring device configured to cooperate with said measuring device for acquiring a further figure correlatable to said measure of said dimension of said body and transmitted by said transmission means to said control unit to determine said value of said proportioned length.

2. A machine according to claim 1, further comprising a supplementary command sensor configured to detect an input signal and to convert said input signal in an output signal addressed to said control unit, to perform unwinding of a completion portion of said strip of said tape material, said unwinding of said completion portion of said strip of tape material being subsequent to the unwinding of a starting portion of said strip of said tape material operated by said command means, said starting portion of said strip of said tape material and said completion portion of said strip of said tape material extending together for said proportioned length.

3. A machine for dispensing tape material comprising: a feed roller configured to feed a tape material, unwinding said tape material from a reel; a cut means for cutting said tape material; at least one measuring device for acquiring at least one figure correlatable with a measure of a dimension of a body on which a strip of said tape material is to be applied, with a length proportioned to said dimension to be measured; a transmission means for transmitting said at least one figure; a control unit comprising a receiving unit configured to receive said at least one figure transmitted by said transmission means, said control unit being further configured to determine a value of said proportioned length and to control dispensing of said strip of said tape material; a command means for operating the dispensing of said strip of said tape material; a supplementary command sensor configured to detect an input signal and to convert said input signal in an output signal addressed to said control unit, to perform unwinding of a completion portion of said strip of tape material, said unwinding of said completion portion of said strip of said tape material being subsequent to unwinding of a starting portion operated by said command means, said starting portion and said completion portion extending together for said proportioned length.

4. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said supplementary command sensor is adapted to be operated via a pulling action exerted on said starting portion of said tape material.

5. A machine according to claim 4, wherein said supplementary command sensor comprises a photodetector sensor, said input signal being a light signal and said output signal being an electric signal, said photodetector sensor being associated with a shutter member adapted to be operated via said pulling action exerted on said unwound starting portion of said tape material.

6. A machine according to claim 4, wherein said command sensor is one of a reflection photoswitch, a magnetic sensor and an electric contacts sensor.

7. A machine according to claim 3, further comprising a fixed reference element configured to define a reference system for said at least one measuring device, said fixed reference element defining an abutment for positioning said body with respect to said at least one measuring device.

8. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said at least one measuring device comprises a transducer member predisposed to generate a signal addressed to said body and to receive said signal reflected by said body, wherein a control and processing unit, connected with said transducer member, predisposed is configured to control providing said signal as output and to process said signal reflected by said body so as to extract said at least one figure correlatable with said dimension of said body.

9. A machine according to claim 3, further comprising a case, said feed roller and said cut means being housed inside said case, said case having an exit opening for dispensing said tape material, said at least one measuring device being included in said case.

10. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said at least one measuring device comprises an ultrasound transducer member.

11. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said transmission means is one of a wired transmission means and a wireless transmission means.

12. A method for dispensing strips of tape material, the method comprising the steps of: arranging a machine for dispensing tape material, said machine comprising a feed roller configured to feed said tape material, unwinding said tape material from a reel, said machine further comprising a cut means for cutting said tape material, a measuring device for acquiring at least one figure correlatable with measurement of one dimension of a body to which a strip of said tape material is intended to be applied, having a length proportioned to said dimension to be measured, said machine further comprising an auxiliary measuring device configured to cooperate with said measuring device for acquiring a further figure correlatable with said dimension of said body, a transmission means for transmitting said figure and said further figure, acquired by said measuring device and by said auxiliary measuring device and a control unit comprising a receiving unit configured to receive said figure and said further figure through said transmission means, said control unit being configured to determine a value of said proportioned length and to control dispensing of said strip of tape material, said machine further comprising a command means for operating said dispensing of said strip of tape material; interposing said body between said measuring device and said auxiliary measuring device; providing a respective signal directed to a respective facing surface of said interposed body as output via each said measuring device and said auxiliary measuring device; receiving on each said measuring device and said auxiliary measuring device a respective signal reflected by each surface said body; extracting from each reflected signal said figure and said further figure, correlatable with said dimension of said body to be measured; transmitting said figure and said further figure to said control unit via said transmission means, said control unit receiving said figure and said further figure via a receiving unit; processing said figure and said further figure via said control unit to determine the value of said proportioned length; operating said command means, to command the dispensing of said strip of tape material, having said proportioned length, determined by said control unit.

13. A method for dispensing strips of tape material, the method comprising the steps of: arranging a machine for dispensing tape material, said machine comprising a feed roller configured to feed said tape material, unwinding said tape material from a reel and at least one measuring device for acquiring at least one figure correlatable with a measurement of one dimension of a body to which a strip of said tape material is to be applied, said strip of said tape material having a length proportioned to said dimension to be measured, said machine further comprising a transmission means for transmitting said at least one figure acquired by said at least one measuring device and a control unit comprising a receiving unit configured to receive said at least one figure from said transmission means, said control unit being configured to process said proportioned length and to control dispensing of said strip of tape material, said machine further comprising a command means for operating dispensing of at least one starting portion of said strip of material of proportioned length and a supplementary command sensor configured to detect an input signal and to convert said input signal in an output signal addressed to said control unit, for unwinding a completion portion of said strip of tape material, said at least one starting portion and said completion portion of said strip extending together for said proportioned length; placing said body frontally to said measuring device in abutment against a reference element; transmitting a signal directed towards a facing surface of said body via said measuring device; receiving on said measuring device a signal reflected by said facing surface of said body; extracting said at least one figure correlatable with said measurement of said body to be measured from said reflected signal; transmitting said at least one figure to said control unit via said transmission means, said control unit receiving said at least one figure via a receiving unit; processing at least one figure via said control unit, wherein said control unit determines a value of said proportioned length; operating said command means to perform the dispensing of said starting portion of said strip of tape material; exerting a pulling action on said starting portion, so as to operate said supplementary command sensor and to transmit said output signal to said control unit; dispensing said completion portion of said strip via said control unit.

14. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said body is a container.

15. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said body is a container.

16. A method according to claim 12, wherein said body is a container.

17. A method according to claim 13, wherein said body is a container.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Details of the invention shall be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the machine for dispensing tape material, illustrated for indicative purposes in the attached drawings, wherein:

[0061] FIGS. 1 and 3 respectively show a perspective view of the machine for dispensing tape material according to the invention, according to respective embodiments;

[0062] FIGS. 2 and 4 respectively show a perspective view of the dispensing machine in a different solution, according to different embodiments.

BEST MODE

[0063] With particular reference to such figures, the machine for dispensing tape material according to the present invention has been indicated with 1.

[0064] The machine 1 is predisposed to dispense strips of tape material to be used, for example, to carry out the closure of containers and similar items.

[0065] The machine for dispensing tape material 1 preferably comprises a case 2 which frontally defines an exit opening 3 for dispensing the tape material 4.

[0066] Inside the case 2 a feed roller is preferably placed for feeding the above mentioned tape material through the exit opening 3.

[0067] In practice, the tape material 4 is usually wound on a reel inserted on the feed roller, not shown in the figures, arranged for example in a housing chamber shaped by the case 2.

[0068] The tape material 4 can be for example gummed paper, adhesive tape or of other kind, suitable for the scope.

[0069] Downstream of the feed roller the machine 1 comprises pulling means, not shown as well, predisposed to unwind by pulling the tape material 4 from the coil and to convey it towards the exit opening 3.

[0070] The machine 1 further comprises a control unit configured for driving, through a suitable operation member, the pulling means. Moreover, the control unit is provided with a receiving unit for the figures transmitted by at least one measuring device, as it is better described in the following.

[0071] It is possible to provide that the control unit is associated with a panel with function of interface for the operator, being further equipped with command means, for example a dispensing button for commanding the dispensing of a strip of tape material, having a predetermined length. As an alternative to the button or touch command, it is possible to provide a foot operated command connected with the control unit for operating the dispensing of a strip of predetermined length.

[0072] It is also possible to provide that the control panel comprises a starting button predisposed to allow the dispensing of a starting portion of a strip of tape material having a predetermined length. This starting portion can serve as pulling flap for the user, as it is better described in the following.

[0073] The machine comprises as well cut means, not shown in the figures, predisposed to perform the cutting of the tape material 4 to obtain strips of tape material, of a predetermined length. The cut means are fixed preferably at the exit opening 3.

[0074] The machine comprises, according to a particular embodiment, preferably at the exit opening 3, a supplementary command sensor, for example a photodetector sensor, preferably having an integrated light source, predisposed to detect an emitted light signal and to convert it in an electric signal. This converted electric signal is suitably addressed to the control unit of the machine to allow the completion of the dispensing of the strip of tape material of predetermined length, as it is better explained in the following. A shutter member, not shown in figures, is further associated with the photodetector sensor. The shutter member can be operated by a pulling action exerted on the tape material.

[0075] In particular, the shutter member can be operated, for example, upon manual application of the above mentioned pulling force at a starting fed portion of tape material, between a first position approached to the sensor, for hindering the reception of the light signal, and a second position, spaced from the sensor, to allow the reception of the light signal. The shutter member is represented, for example, by a lever member associated with the case 2.

[0076] As an alternative, the supplementary command sensor can be a reflection photoswitch, an electric contacts sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0077] The machine 1 comprises at least one measuring device 5 for measuring the dimensions of a body, for example a container 6. The container 6 is predisposed to be placed, for example by hand, in a zone close to the machine 1. As an alternative, the container 6 is fed to the above mentioned zone by feeding means, for example at pitch.

[0078] The measuring device 5 can be placed externally to the case 2 (see FIG. 1) or, alternatively, included in the case 2, preferably arranged inside it (see FIG. 3).

[0079] The measuring device 5 comprises a transducer member, not shown in the figures, predisposed to generate a signal which can be suitably addressed towards a surface facing the container 6 and to receive the signal reflected by the same surface of the container 6. The transducer member is for example an ultrasound transducer. As an alternative, the transducer member can be of the type known as sonar.

[0080] Preferably, the ultrasound transducer member works on distances comprised between 2 cm and 300 cm.

[0081] The measuring device 5 further comprises an electronic control and processing unit, connected with the transducer member, predisposed to control the outputting of the signal an to process the reflected signal acquired by the transducer member so as to extract at least one figure correlatable with a dimension of the container 6 to be measured.

[0082] The electronic unit of the measuring device 5 preferably comprises a micro-controller, known per se and therefore not described in detail, programmed for executing the above mentioned functions.

[0083] The machine 1 comprises as well transmission means 7, for connection between the measuring device 5 and the receiving unit of the above mentioned control unit.

[0084] The at least one figure extracted from the reflected signal is transferred by means of transmission means 7 to the receiving unit of the machine 1. In the case illustrated in FIG. 1 the transmission means 7 are realized by wiring, in particular by a cable. As an alternative, the data transmission may take place over the air, that is in the absence of wires. In this case, it is possible to provide the use of a data transmission standard for wireless systems, known as bluetooth.

[0085] The machine 1 preferably comprises a reference element 8, predisposed to define a spatial reference system for the measuring device 5. In practice, the container 6 is predisposed in abutment against the abutment element 6, to be easily measured by the measuring device 5 (see FIG. 1).

[0086] The functioning of the machine for dispensing tape material is described in the following.

[0087] In a starting step, the dispensing machine 1 is arranged for dispensing a strip of tape material.

[0088] Subsequently, the container 6 being measured is placed in a position facing the measuring device 5, preferably in abutment against the reference element 8.

[0089] The subsequent step provides to operate the measuring device 5, transmitting a signal towards the facing surface of the container 6 being measured and to receive, on the same device 5, the signal reflected by the same surface.

[0090] Subsequently, the measuring device 5 extracts, according to the reflected signal, at least one figure correlatable with the dimension of the container 6 being measured and transmits, by means of the transmission means 7, the same figure to the control means.

[0091] The control unit determines the value of the proportioned length of the strip of tape material to be dispensed.

[0092] This proportioned length can be for example represented by the dimension of the container, being measured, increased of the length of respective ends, to be folded on opposite faces in order to ensure a safe closure of the container 6.

[0093] The command means are operated, for example intervening on the start button, and a starting portion of tape material is dispensed by the feed roller of the machine 1.

[0094] The already unwound starting portion is grasped and subjected to a pulling action, preferably by hand, causing in this way the operation of the supplementary command sensor.

[0095] The operation of the supplementary command sensor, which produces the conversion of the input signal, for example a light signal, into an exit signal, for example an electric signal, operates the control unit of the machine, which controls the dispensing of the completion portion of the strip of proportioned length.

[0096] The dispensing of the completion portion can be started for example by exerting a further pulling action on the already dispensed starting portion.

[0097] According to an alternative embodiment of the machine for dispensing of tape material according to the invention, it is possible to provide that the machine 1 comprises, for defining a spatial reference signal and for an accurate measuring, an auxiliary measuring device 5, alternatively to the abutment element 8 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0098] In the above mentioned alternative embodiment, the machine 1 comprises an auxiliary measuring device 5 cooperating with the measuring device 5, and entirely similar thereto, both structurally and functionally.

[0099] In fact, also the auxiliary measuring device 5 is predisposed to emit a signal towards a facing surface of the container 6 and to process the signal reflected by the same surface for transmitting at least one respective further figure to the receiving unit of the machine 1. This figure extracted by the measuring device 5 and said further figure extracted by the auxiliary measuring device 5 are transmitted and integrated for determining, by means of the control unit, the value of the length proportioned to the dimension of the container 6 to be measured.

[0100] In this solution, suitable for dispensing any type of tape material, it is possible to provide the presence, as an alternative or as an addition, of the supplementary command sensor, previously described.

[0101] Also for this solution, as well as for the previously described solution, it is possible to provide that at least one measuring device 5, 5 is included or inserted inside the case 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively).

[0102] The functioning of the dispensing machine for tape material according to the above mentioned embodiment provides the following steps.

[0103] After having arranged the machine 1, the container 6, on which the strip of the cited tape material of a length proportioned to a dimension of the same container 6 is intended to be applied, is interposed between the measuring device 5 and the auxiliary measuring device 5.

[0104] Each prepared measuring device 5, 5 firstly transmits a respective signal directed towards a respective facing surface of the interposed container 6, and then receives a respective signal reflected by the respective facing surface of the container 6.

[0105] Subsequently, each reflected signal is processed by each measuring device 5, 5, and at least one figure correlatable with the dimension of the container to be measured is transmitted by means of the transmission means 7 by each measuring device 5, 5 to the control unit of the machine 1, which receives by means of the receiving unit.

[0106] The control unit processes the received figures, thus determining the value of the length for the strip to be dispensed, proportioned to the received figures.

[0107] Finally, the command means are operated, preferably through the cited dispensing button or through the foot operated command, and the dispensing of the above mentioned strip of tape material is commanded, with the proportioned length, determined by the control unit. Preferably, the length of the strip is substantially equal to the measured dimension of the container 6 or increased of ends, to ensure an optimal wrapping.

[0108] Lastly, the cut means of the machine 1 carry out the cutting of the strip of fed tape material.

[0109] The dispensing machine of tape material reaches the scope of easing the dispensing of strips of tape material.

[0110] The dispensing machine is easy to use. As a matter of facts, the operator shall simply push a command member, for example a button or a foot operated command, to operate the required dispensing of the required strip, without any other operation, in particular, without the need of setting, often in subjective way, the length optimal for the container.

[0111] This feature is particularly advantageous in case of sequences of containers to be treated, having different sizes: the operator shall not worry about setting anytime a different value of optimal length, as the machine automatically detects the required measure and the proportioned length, for each case.

[0112] The machine according to the invention, in the different described and/or disclosed embodiments, allows to speed up in considerable manner the production process, thus increasing the performance thereof.

[0113] A further aspect to be considered is that, in a very versatile way, the machine allows to dispense in an efficient way different kind of tape material.

[0114] The machine described by way of example is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations according to the different needs.

[0115] In practice, the used materials as well as the size and shape may vary according to the needs.

[0116] Should the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and thus they shall not be deemed limiting the scope of the element identified by such reference signs by way of example.