IT201800010132A1 - METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING PAPER STRAWS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for an INDUSTRIAL INVENTION PATENT entitled:

“METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING STRAWS

ON PAPER "

FIELD OF THE TROVATO

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for making paper straws. In greater detail, the invention relates to a small bench machine for manufacturing paper straws and the related production method. The invention therefore finds application in the catering, food and beverage sectors.

STATE OF THE ART

In the food and beverage sector, industrial equipment for making paper straws is known, in which a paper ribbon, unwound from a reel, is rolled several times in a spiral direction around a central body, defining a straw.

Patent document TWM543012U describes a system for manufacturing straws in paper material, in which a ribbon is repeatedly wrapped around a central core, to define a paper cylinder having a spiral structure. The extremal portions of the edges of the rolled tape are mutually superimposed in such a way as to allow mutual engagement through a heat sealing process. The manufacturing method and the equipment allow high productivity and are intended for the production of large quantities of straws for the industrial sector.

The Applicant points out that the method for making spiral straws provides for a large-sized apparatus, suitable for industrial environments but not suitable for its use in common spaces, such as for example catering premises or private premises. The Applicant also notes that this method provides for a continuous operation of the equipment, making it suitable in areas where high productivity is required: this method and equipment is therefore not suitable for the production of individual straws at the customer's request.

The equipment for the production of straws by spiral winding foresees the continuous overlapping of the lateral portions of the belt: this determines, on the one hand, a considerable consumption of material, and on the other, the adoption of real production machines in order to to be able to increase hourly productivity and consequently reduce the unit price of the product for the purpose of subsequent marketing. This leads to both an increase in the consumption of necessary material and the need for high productivity in the face of high sales volumes.

PURPOSE OF THE FIND

The object of the present invention is to substantially solve at least one of the drawbacks and / or limitations described above.

A first object of the present invention provides for a method and an apparatus suitable for manufacturing a limited number of paper straws, in particular for manufacturing individual straws at each customer's request.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a method and an equipment suitable for reducing the consumption of material during the construction cycle of each individual straw.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a method and a sufficiently flexible equipment to allow the creation of individual straws possibly having different dimensions, as requested by the customer.

A further object of the invention provides to provide an apparatus, for the production of paper straws, having compact dimensions and low weight, in particular an apparatus that can be easily transported by hand.

It is also an objective to provide equipment whose initial purchase cost is contained, in which the cost of the straw will be economical and above all guarantees hygiene with non-contaminated straws.

Another goal is to intrigue and interest the hypothetical customer in an instructive way.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide an equipment, for the production of paper straws, which can be easily operated by a user (for example directly by a customer of the restaurant business) who is not expert in the construction of straws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and therefore not limitative in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during an initial processing step;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws according to the present invention during a paper sheet feeding step;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws according to the present invention during an initial phase of wrapping the paper sheet;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during an advanced stage of wrapping the paper sheet;

Figure 8 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during a phase of complete winding of the paper sheet;

Figure 10 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 9; Figure 10A is a detailed view of the section of Figure 10, in which it is highlighted

the portion of mutual overlapping of the edges of the paper sheet;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during a phase of

binding of the paper sheet;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of a part of the equipment in figure 11; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws according to the present invention during a phase

final realization of the straw;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws according to the present invention during a straw ejection step;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a straw ejection step;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with a further embodiment of the present

invention during a paper sheet feeding step;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with an optional embodiment of the present invention during a paper sheet feeding step; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a straw made using a

apparatus and a method in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 19 is a detailed perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during a phase of complete wrapping of the paper sheet;

Figure 20 is a detailed perspective view of an apparatus for making paper straws in accordance with the present invention during a binding step of the paper sheet.

CONVENTIONS

It should be noted that in the present detailed description corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same numerical references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention through non-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relating to the object of the invention could only concern schematic representations.

DEFINITIONS

Control unit

The equipment described and claimed herein includes at least one control unit responsible for controlling the operations carried out by the equipment. The control unit can obviously be a single one or be made up of a plurality of distinct control units depending on the design choices and operational needs.

The term control unit refers to an electronic component which can comprise at least one of: a digital processor (for example comprising at least one selected from the group among: CPU, GPU, GPGPU), a memory (or memories), a analog type circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processing units with one or more analog type circuits. The control unit can be "configured" or "programmed" to perform some phases: this can be practically achieved by any means that allows the control unit to be configured or programmed. For example, in the case of a control unit comprising one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs can be stored in appropriate memory banks connected to the CPU or CPUs; The program or programs contain instructions which, when executed by the CPU (s), program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described in relation to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is or includes analog type circuitry, then the control unit circuit may be designed to include circuitry configured, in use, to process electrical signals so as to perform the steps related to the control unit. control unit. The control unit can comprise one or more digital units, for example of the microprocessor type, or one or more analog units, or a suitable combination of digital and analog units; the control unit can be configured to coordinate all the actions necessary for the execution of an instruction and sets of instructions.

Motor

The term actuator means any device capable of causing movement on a body, for example upon command of the control unit (receipt by the motor of a command sent by the control unit). The motor can be an electric motor, with direct or alternating current, having characteristics of power, speed and torque according to the design needs. The motor can define a rotary movement and comprise a reducer, for example consisting of one or more gears connected to each other: the reducer can be a speed reducer, in order to increase the output torque. The motor can also define a linear or rectilinear movement on a body.

The motor can also be operated by means of a preloaded spring, for example a torsional spring.

Actuator

The term actuator means any device capable of causing movement on a body, for example upon command of the control unit (receipt by the actuator of a command sent by the control unit). The actuator can be electric, pneumatic, mechanical (for example with spring), or of another type. The actuator can define a linear, rectilinear or circular movement. The actuator can also include a reducer, for example consisting of one or more gears connected to each other: the reducer can be a speed reducer, in order to increase the output torque.

ASPECTS OF THE FIND

A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing straws (50) comprising at least the following steps:

providing a discrete sheet (1) of paper material, said sheet extending at least between a first and a second extremal portion (2, 3); providing a winding body (11) extending along an axis (A); wrap said sheet (1) entirely around the winding body (11) to substantially define a cylindrical body (5) in paper material in which the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) face each other to define a portion of mutual overlap (4), optionally called first and second extremal portions (2, 3) extending along a main development axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11);

binding the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3) in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define a straw (50) extending between a first and a second free edge (51, 52) substantially circular.

In a 2nd aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said portion of mutual overlap (4) extends between the first and second free edges (51, 52) of the straw (50) along a rectilinear direction.

In a 3rd aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial dimension, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending in length along its own axis (A).

In a 4th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the step of entirely wrapping the discrete sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11) comprises the steps of:

● approach, optionally contact, the discrete sheet (1) to the winding body (11), the sheet having a main development axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), the sheet being optionally in a flat condition;

● push the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) by means of at least one pusher (13) moving towards and away from the winding body (11).

In a 5th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said at least one pusher extends substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the sheet being interposed between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (11) .

In a 6th aspect in accordance with aspect 4 or 5, the step of bringing the discrete sheet (1) closer to the winding body (11) provides for arranging a center line portion of the sheet (1) in correspondence with the winding body (11) such that the winding body (11) is interposed between the first and the second extremal portion (2, 3) of the sheet (1) with respect to an axis passing through the winding body (11).

In a 7th aspect in accordance with aspects 5 or 6, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a base pusher (13a).

In an 8th aspect in accordance with aspects 5, 6 or 7, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a first lateral pusher (13b).

In a 9th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 5 to 8, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a second lateral pusher (13c).

In a 10th aspect in accordance with aspects 7, 8 or 9, the step of pushing the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) comprises a first pushing step of the base pusher (13a), optionally of a portion of the base pusher (13a) in which said portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the central portion of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define a first partial winding arc. In an 11th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the step of pushing the discrete sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11) comprises a second pushing step of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of a portion of the first lateral pusher (13b) in which said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the first extremal portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define a second partial winding arc greater than, and including, the first partial winding arc.

In a 12th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the step of pushing the discrete sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11) comprises a third pushing step of the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally of a portion of the second lateral pusher (13c) in which said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the second extremal portion (3) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), and in which the sheet (1) is optionally wrapped completely or almost completely around the winding body (11).

In a 13th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 7 to 12, the base pusher (13a) is movable by translation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 14th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 8 to 13, the first lateral pusher (13b) is movable by rotation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 15th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 9 to 14, the second lateral pusher (13c) is movable by rotation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 16th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 9 to 15, the winding body (11) being at least partially interposed between the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A) of the winding body (11).

In a 17th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 9 to 16, the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close to the distal position, rotate in the opposite direction.

In an 18th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the step of binding the first with the second extremal portion (2, 3) comprises at least the steps of:

bringing the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) of the discrete sheet (1) into contact with each other;

heat-seal or glue together said extremal portions (2, 3).

In a 19th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the heat-sealing phase includes the phases of:

interposing at least part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) between the winding body (11) and a heat sealing element (21);

exert a thrust by means of the heat-sealing element (21) on the mutual overlapping portion (4) to allow the welding of the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3), optionally to allow the sealing of the first extremal portion ( 2) with the second extremal portion (3).

In a 20th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the heat-sealing element (21) is a heat-sealing bar, the binding step including a step of moving said heat-sealing bar between:

a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are spaced apart; and

a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are close to each other, in which the heat-sealing bar exerts a thrust on the mutual overlapping portion (4) at least when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing bar and the winding body (11).

In a 21st aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the step of preparing a sheet (1) provides a step of providing a tape (1a) moved along an unwinding direction (UD), the tape (1a) being unwound by a reel (31) movable by rotation around an axis of rotation (B) or the tape (1a) being folded into overlapping flaps to define a stack of continuous sheets. In a 22nd aspect in accordance with the previous aspect:

● the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape is perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the tape (1a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); or

● the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape is parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the tape (1a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis rotation (B) perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11).

In a 23rd aspect in accordance with aspect 21 or 22, the method comprises a step of cutting the web (1a) to make a transversal cut, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1a) to define the discrete sheet (1), optionally the cut made during the step of cutting the tape (1a) is parallel to the rotation axis (B) of the reel (31).

In a 24th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the step of cutting the tape (1a) precedes the step of wrapping the sheet (1) around the winding body (11).

In a 25th aspect in accordance with any of the previous aspects 7 to 24, the method comprises a step of moving an actuation member (14), connected to at least one of the base pusher (13a), the first lateral pusher (13b) and the second lateral pusher (13c), along a predefined linear trajectory between: ● a back position, in which the actuation member (14) determines the distal positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to the winding body (11); and

● u a thrust position in which the drive member (14) determines the close positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 26 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, along said predefined linear trajectory from the backward to the thrust position, the actuation member (14) determines in order: the movement of the base pusher to define the first phase of thrust; the movement of the first lateral pusher to define the second thrust phase; the movement of the second lateral pusher to define the third thrust phase;

In a 27 ° aspect in accordance with aspect 25 or 26, along said predefined linear trajectory from the backward to the thrust position, the actuating member (14) determines in order: the reaching of the close position by the pusher of base (13a); reaching the close position by the first lateral pusher (13b); optionally the reaching of the close position by the second lateral pusher (13c).

In a 28th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the method comprises a step of expelling the straw (50), said step comprising moving the straw (50) along the axis (A) of the winding body (11) between a first position in which the straw (50) surrounds the winding body (11), and a second position in which at least part of the straw (50) exceeds beyond the length extension of the winding body (11), the straw (50) emerging externally from a support structure (60), optionally a transparent support structure (60), defining an internal volume in particular containing any of the elements introduced in any one of the preceding claims.

In a 29 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the step of moving the straw (50) comprises a step of pushing said straw (50), optionally by means of a movable sleeve or a movable stop element (111) and / or a blower (112) defining a flow of gas, optionally air, along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11).

In a 30 ° aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11) has a first radial dimension, the method further comprising:

provide an auxiliary winding body (11 ') extending along an axis (A') and having a second radial dimension, the first radial dimension being different from, in particular greater than, the second radial dimension to allow to define straws (50) having different radial dimensions, optionally different diameters.

In a 31 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the method comprises a step of selectively directing the discrete sheet (1), and optionally the web (1a), towards the winding body (11) or towards the winding body auxiliary (11 '), the method comprising the step of entirely wrapping the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) or the auxiliary winding body (11').

A 32nd aspect refers to an apparatus (100) for making straws (50) comprising a support structure (60), defining an internal volume, and carrying:

a feeding station (30) configured to prepare at least one discrete sheet (1) of paper material, said discrete sheet having at least a first and a second extremal portion (2,3);

a forming station (10) comprising at least one winding body (11) extending along an axis (A) and configured to receive said discrete sheet (1) in winding, to define a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first and second extremal portion (2, 3) face each other to define a portion of mutual overlap (4), optionally called first and second extremal portion (2, 3) extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11);

a constraint station (20) configured to constrain the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3) in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define a straw (50) extending between a first and a second edge free (51, 52) substantially circular.

In a 33 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said portion of mutual overlap (4) extending between the first and second free edges (51, 52) of the straw (50) along a rectilinear direction.

In a 34th aspect in accordance with aspect 32 or 33, the feeding station (30) is configured to provide a tape (1a) to be fed along an unwinding direction (UD).

In a 35 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the feeding station (30) comprises a support (32) configured to carry a reel (31) of tape (1a) and to allow it to rotate around an axis of rotation (B), said reel (31) being configured to unwind consecutive portions of tape (1a) along the unwinding direction (UD).

In a 36 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the feeding station (30) comprising at least one motor (39), optionally connected to the support (32), configured to rotate said coil (31) in a direct or indirectly, for example by dragging the tape, to unwind consecutive portions of tape (1a).

In a 37th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects from 32 to 36, the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial dimension, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending along its own axis (A), and has a surface external lateral (12) configured to receive in winding, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), the sheet (1).

In a 38th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects 32 to 37, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one pusher (13) configured to exert a thrust on the sheet (1) towards the winding body (11) to allow it to be wound around the latter, the at least one pusher (13) being movable towards and away from the winding body (11).

In a 39 ° aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, the at least one pusher (13) extends substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the sheet being configured to interpose between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body In a 40 ° aspect in accordance with aspect 38 or 39, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a base pusher (13a) configured to exert, during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), a push on the sheet (1).

In a 41 ° aspect according to aspect 38, 39 or 40, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a first lateral pusher (13b) configured to exert, during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1).

In a 42nd aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 38 to 41, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a second lateral pusher (13c) configured to exert, during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1).

In a 43 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 40 to 42, the base pusher (13a) is movable for translation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 44th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 41 to 43, the first lateral pusher (13b) is movable by rotation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 45 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 42 to 44, the second lateral pusher (13c) is movable by rotation between a close position and a position distal with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 46 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 42 to 45, the winding body (11) is at least partially interposed between the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A).

In a 47th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 41 to 46, the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close to the distal position, rotate in the opposite direction.

In a 48th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 40 to 47, the base pusher (13a) extends in length along a path substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the base pusher (13a) optionally presenting a concave abutment portion or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11).

In a 49th aspect in accordance with any of aspects 40 to 48, the base pusher (13a), optionally the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a), is configured to press a midline portion of the discrete sheet ( 1) against the winding body (11) to define at least a first partial winding arc of the sheet (1) around the winding body (11).

In a 50th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 41 to 49, the first lateral pusher (13b) extends in length along a path substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the first lateral pusher (13b) optionally presenting a concave abutment portion or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11).

In a 51st aspect in accordance with aspects 49 or 50, the first side pusher (13b), optionally the abutment portion of the first side pusher (13b), is configured to press the first extremal portion (2) of the discrete sheet ( 1) against the wrapping body (11) to define a second partial wrapping arc of the sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11) which is larger than and including the first partial wrapping arc.

In a 52 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 42 to 51, the second lateral pusher (13c) extends in length along a path substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the second lateral pusher optionally presenting a portion of concave abutment or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11).

In a 53 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 42 to 52, the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally the abutment portion of the second lateral pusher (13c), is configured to press the second extremal portion (3) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), optionally to completely wrap the sheet (1) around the winding body (11).

In a 54th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 32 to 53, the equipment comprises an actuation member (14) connected to the base pusher (13a).

In a 55th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 32 to 54, the apparatus comprises an actuation member (14) connected to the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally to the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) .

In a 56th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 40 to 55, the drive member (14) is movable along a predefined linear trajectory between:

a rearward position, in which the actuation member (14) is configured to determine the distal positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), with respect to the winding body (11); and

a thrust position, in which the actuation member (14) is configured to determine the close positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) , with respect to the winding body (11).

In a 57th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, along said predefined linear trajectory from the rear position to the end position, the drive member (14) is configured to determine in order:

the movement of the base pusher (13a) from the distal to the close position to define the first partial wrapping arc of the sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11); And

the movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) from the distal to the close position to define the second partial wrapping arc of the sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11); And

optionally the movement of the second lateral pusher (13c) from the distal to the close position to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), optionally in which the sheet (1) is completely wrapped around the winding body (11).

In a 58th aspect in accordance with aspects 56 or 57, the equipment includes at least one actuator (19) connected to the drive member (14) and configured to determine its movement between the rear position and the thrust position. In a 59th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 54 to 58, the drive member (14) has a coupling mechanism (80) for connection to the base pusher (13a), such that:

a movement of the drive member (14) along a first initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the base pusher (13a) from its distal position up to the close one;

a further movement of the actuation member (14), along a further stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the base pusher (13a), but determines a configuration modification of the coupling mechanism (80), called further section being distinct and subsequent with respect to said first initial section.

In a 60 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said coupling mechanism (80) defines a yielding constraint and comprises at least one spring or a deformable bushing at least partially interposed between the actuation member (14) and the base pusher (13a).

In a 61 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 54 to 60, the drive member (14) has a first compensator mechanism (81) for coupling with the first lateral pusher (13b), such that:

a movement of the drive member (14) along a second initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) from its distal position up to the close one;

a further movement of the drive member (14), along a further section of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the first lateral pusher (13b), said further section being distinct and subsequent with respect to said second initial section.

In a 62 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said first compensating mechanism (81) defines a yielding constraint and comprises at least one spring or a deformable bushing at least partially interposed between the actuation member (14) and the first lateral pusher (13b).

In a 63rd aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 54 to 62, the drive member (14) has a second compensating mechanism for connection with the second lateral pusher (13c), such that:

a movement of the drive member (14) along a second initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the second lateral pusher (13c) from its distal position up to the close one;

a further movement of the drive member (14), along a further section of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the second lateral pusher (13c), said further section being distinct and subsequent with respect to said second initial section.

In a 64 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said second compensating mechanism defines a yielding constraint and comprises at least a spring or a deformable bush at least partially interposed between the actuation member (14) and the second lateral pusher (13c) .

In a 64 ° aspect according to any one of the aspects 54 to 63, the predefined linear trajectory, along which the driving member (14) is movable, is substantially perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body ( 11), optionally the actuation body (14) being movable towards and away from the winding body (11).

In a 65 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 54 to 64, the drive member (14) is moved by means of an actuator (19).

In a 66 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 32 to 65, the constraint station (20) comprises a heat-sealing element (21) configured to contact with at least a part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) interposed between said heat sealing element (21) and the winding body (11). In a 67th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the heat sealing element (21) is:

movable along a direction parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), optionally the restraining station (20) comprising an actuator (29) connected to the heat sealing element (21) and configured to control its movement at least during the step of bonding the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3); and / or

movable along a direction perpendicular to the winding body (11). In a 68 ° aspect in accordance with aspects 66 or 67, the constraint station (20) comprises an actuator (29) connected to the heat-sealing element (21) and configured to control its movement between:

a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat sealing element (21) are spaced apart; and

a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing element (21) are close to each other, the heat-sealing element (21), at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, by exerting a thrust on the mutual overlap (4) when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing element (21) and the winding body (11), optionally said heat-sealing element (21) being a heat-sealing bar extending along the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and facing the latter.

In a 69 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 66 to 68, the at least one pusher (13), in particular the second lateral pusher (13c), is the heat sealing element (21).

In a 70 ° aspect according to any one of the aspects 32 to 69, the apparatus comprises at least one cutting station (40) comprising at least one cutting tool chosen from a rotating or translating blade, said cutting station (40 ) being configured to define a cut on at least a portion of the tape (1a), said cut being transverse, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape (1a).

In a 71 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the cutting station (40) comprises at least one actuator (49) configured to move the cutting tool along a direction parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the body winding (11) or perpendicular to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11).

In a 72 ° aspect according to any one of the aspects 32 to 71, the apparatus comprises at least one driving roller (15), optionally a pair of driving rollers (15), movable for rotation and arranged between the feeding station ( 30) and the forming station (10), the at least one driving roller (15) being configured to contact the web (1a) or the discrete sheet (1) arriving from the feeding station (30), and to define its advancement towards the forming station (10).

In a 73rd aspect according to any one of the aspects 32 to 72, the apparatus comprises at least one control unit (70) connected to at least one of the cutting station (40), the winding station (10) , the binding station (20), the feeding station (30).

In a 74th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said control unit (70) is configured for:

or controlling the feeding station (30) to arrange consecutive portions of tape (1a) along the unwinding direction (UD);

o activate the cutting station (40) to define the cutting of said tape (1a) parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11) to define the sheet (1);

o activate the actuator (19) of the drive member (14) to move it from the rear position to the thrust position;

or activating the constraint station (20) to constrain the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3) in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define the straw (50).

In a 75th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 70 to 74, the step of activating the cutting station (40) precedes the step of activating the actuator (19) of the operating member (14).

In a 76th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 32 to 75, the winding body (11) of the forming station (10) has a first radial dimension, optionally a first diameter, the forming station (10) comprising further an auxiliary winding body (11 ') configured to receive in winding the ribbon (1a) or the discrete sheet (1).

In a 77 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the auxiliary winding body (11 ') extends along an axis (A') and has a second radial dimension, optionally a second diameter, different from the first radial dimension, optionally with respect to the first diameter, to define straws (50) having different radial dimensions.

In a 78 ° aspect according to aspect 76 or 77, the apparatus (100) comprises a diverter configured to define a first condition, in which said diverter is configured to direct the discrete sheet (1) towards the winding body (11), and a second condition, in which said diverter is configured to direct the discrete sheet (1) towards the auxiliary winding body (11 '). In a 79 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, said diverter is connected to at least one of the winding body (11) and the auxiliary winding body (11 ') and configured to move the latter to define said first and second condition.

In an 80th aspect in accordance with any one of aspects 32 to 79, the support structure (60) defines an envelope containing at least the feeding station (30), the forming station (10) and the binding station ( 20); the support structure (60) comprising at least a side wall (61), a base wall and a top wall connected to the side wall to limit an access of a user subject to the substantially closed internal volume. In an 81 ° aspect in conjunction with the previous aspect, at least one wall of the support structure (60) is at least partially transparent to allow, from the outside of the support structure (60), a display of the internal volume.

In an 82 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 41 to 81, at least one of the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the body of winding (11), and in height between a base portion, optionally around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet (1) and push it towards the winding body (11) at least during a operating condition of the apparatus (100), said abutment portion being optionally at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11).

In an 83 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 66 to 82, the heat sealing element (21) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet (1) to press it against a lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11), said abutment portion optionally being at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the body of winding (11).

In an 84 ° aspect in accordance with aspect 82, the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher (13b) comprises a plurality of protuberances (17a) and hollows (17b). In an 85 ° aspect in accordance with aspect 82 or 83, the abutment portion of the heat-sealing element (21) has a plurality of protuberances (22a) and hollows (22b).

In an 86th aspect in accordance with aspects 84 or 85, the apparatus defines an interpenetration condition in which the slots (17b) and the protrusions (17a) of the first lateral pusher (13b) are configured to couple by insertion respectively with the protuberances (22a) and with the slots (22b) of the heat-sealing element (21), at least when the heat-sealing element (21) and the first lateral pusher (13b) are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body ( 11), for example during a binding step of the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) of the sheet (1).

In an 87th aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 82 to 86, the abutment portion of the second lateral pusher (13c) comprises a plurality of protuberances (17a) and hollows (17b); the abutment portion of the heat-sealing element (21) has a plurality of protuberances (22a) and hollows (22b).

In an 88 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the apparatus defines an interpenetration condition in which the slots (17b) and the protrusions (17a) of the second lateral pusher (13c) are configured to couple by insertion respectively with the protuberances (22a) and with the slots (22b) of the heat-sealing element (21), at least when the heat-sealing element (21) and the second lateral pusher (13c) are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body (11 ), for example during a binding step of the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) of the sheet (1).

In an 89 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 86 to 88, said interpenetration condition defines a band, extending along the axis (A) of the winding body (11), along which, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, the protuberances (17a) of the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) and of the heat sealing element (21) are active in thrust on the sheet (1), in particular they are active in thrust on the portion of mutual overlap (4).

In a 90 ° aspect in accordance with any one of the aspects 40 to 89, the base pusher (13a) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet (1) to press it against a lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11), said abutment portion optionally being at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11).

In a 91 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a) comprises a plurality of protuberances (18a) and hollows (18b). In a 92 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the apparatus defines an interpenetration condition in which the slots (17b) and the protuberances (17a) of the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are configured to couple by insertion respectively with the protuberances (18a) and with the slots (18b) of the base pusher (13a), at least when the base pusher (13a) and the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body (11).

In a 93rd aspect in accordance with any one of aspects 32 to 92, the apparatus comprises a locking system (33) interposed between the feeding station (30) and the forming station (10) and configured to lock the tape (1a) arriving from the feeding station (30) so as to allow the cutting operation by the cutting station (40) and define the discrete sheet (1).

In a 94 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the locking system (33) comprises a pair of plates facing each other and between which the belt (1a) is configured to transit at least during one operating condition of the apparatus, said plates being relatively movable to each other between a close position, in which the tape (1a) is pressed between said plates to allow their locking and cutting, and a distal position, in which the tape (1a) is free to transit between said plates.

In a 95 ° aspect according to aspect 93 or 94, the apparatus comprises at least one actuator (34) connected to the locking system (33) and configured to determine its movement between the close and distal position, said actuator ( 34) being connected to a control unit (70) configured to synchronize the movement of the plates of the locking system (33) at least with the activation of the cutting station (40).

In a 96 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects 41 to 95, the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are constrained by rotation to the base pusher (13a), optionally the first and the second lateral pusher ( 13b, 13c) are movable by rotation with respect to the base pusher (13a) around the same axis.

In a 97 ° aspect according to any one of the aspects 54 to 96, the actuation member (14) comprises connecting rods with the at least one pusher (13), in particular with the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), configured to transmit the motion of the actuation member (14) to the at least one pusher (13a), in particular to at least one of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c).

In a 98th aspect according to any one of the aspects 32 to 54, the apparatus comprises at least one support (16) configured to support at the forming station (10) at least one discrete sheet (1) to allow a subsequent one. winding around the winding body (11), said support (16) having one or more openings suitable for allowing the at least one pusher (13) to pass through, in particular the base pusher (13a) and the first and / or or of the second pusher (13b, 13c), at least during the transition from the distal to the close position.

In a 99 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the support (16) is at least partially interposed between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (11), in particular between the base pusher (13a) and the winding body (11). In a 100 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 32 to 99, the rotation axis (B), around which the coil (31) is configured to rotate, is:

parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), in which the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape (1a) is substantially perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); or

perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), in which the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape (1a) is substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11).

In a 101st aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 32 to 100, the equipment (100) is configured to implement the method for making straws (50) in accordance with any of the aspects from 1 to 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and an apparatus for making straws according to different embodiments of the same invention are described below.

Method for making straws

The method for making straws 50 is specifically designed to be adopted in a small bench machine for the repeated and in need of single paper straws.

The method provides for providing, at a forming station 10, a discrete sheet 1 of paper material, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, coming from a feeding station 30.

The discrete sheet 1 is made of material suitable for contact with food and has a multilayer structure in thickness comprising a first layer of paper material and at least a second layer of plastic material bonded to the first paper layer, consequently making the discrete sheet waterproof at least to liquids. The plastic material layer can comprise a thin polyethylene film applied to only one (polythene paper) or to both faces (bipolythenated paper) of the discrete sheet 1. In one embodiment it is envisaged to use a heat-sealable sheet 1 with possibly the possibility to be printed with logos or various designs and colors.

The discrete sheet, as shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, extends at least between a first extremal portion 2 and a second extremal portion 3, preferably parallel to each other and extending rectilinearly. The first and second extremal portions 2, 3 define in turn respectively a first extremal edge and a second extremal edge: the first and second extremal portion 2, 3 define a surface portion of the discrete sheet 1, while the first and the second extremal edge define a perimeter line of the sheet. The first and second extremal portions 2, 3 are interconnected by a pair of lateral edges 6, opposite each other with respect to the body of the sheet and preferably parallel to each other. In a preferential embodiment, the first and second extremal edges are perpendicular to the lateral edges 6. Consequently, the discrete sheet has a rectangular shape.

The method provides for unwinding a continuous ribbon 1a of paper material along an unwinding direction UD, from the feeding station 30 to a cutting station 40, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 17: the ribbon 1a can be unwound from a reel or roller 31 (see Figure 1) movable by rotation around a rotation axis B, or the tape 1a can be folded into overlapping flaps to define a stack of continuous sheets (see Figure 16). The belt 1a can be moved by means of a motor 39 connected to the reel 31 which allows it to rotate, or, in combination, the belt 1a is moved by means of one or more driving rollers 15 arranged downstream of the reel 31 or of the stack of continuous sheets. : as shown in Figure 3, a preferential form comprises a pair of driving rollers 15 facing each other and parallel to each other, rotated by one or more electric motors 15a connected to the driving rollers 15 directly or by means of a reducer. The drive rollers can be made of metal or plastic material, and can provide a rubbery outer layer to improve adhesion with the belt 1a or with the sheet 1. During a feeding step of the belt 1a, the latter is interposed and pressed between a pair of drive rollers 15 which determine its advancement.

A cutting station 40, downstream of the feeding station 30, is therefore adapted to separate the discrete sheets 1 from the belt 1a, defining a transversal cut, in particular perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the belt 1a, as shown in Figure 7 If the strip 1a is unwound from the reel 31, the cut is substantially parallel to the axis B of the reel 31. The cut, defining the second extremal portion 3 of the discrete sheet 1, is carried out by moving a cutting tool, for example a fixed or rotating blade, along the width of the belt 1a. Alternatively, a cutting tool extends entirely along the width of the strip, measured parallel with respect to the axis B if it is unwound from a reel 31 or measured perpendicular to the unwinding direction of the strip 1a itself: the cutting tool is therefore movable moving towards and away from the belt 1a defining a cut by truncation.

Alternatively, the feeding station 30 can directly supply one or more discrete sheets, therefore without the need for the presence of a cutting station 40. The method can also comprise a step of blocking the tape 1a coming from the feeding station 30 by means of a system block 33, so as to allow the cutting operation by the cutting station 40 and define the discrete sheet 1. The blocking phase allows to keep the belt 1a in the correct position during the cutting phase: the blocking system 33 provides for example a pair of plates, between which the sheet 1 slides, facing each other and moving relative to each other between a distal position and a close position. The plates of the locking system 33 are moved by means of an actuator 34 shown in Figure 5. Obviously, other tape locking systems can be used as long as they allow a precise cut (without tearing) of the tape.

In order to make the straw in its final form, the method comprises at least one step of entirely wrapping the discrete sheet 1 around a winding body 11, to initially form a cylindrical body 5 in which the first and second extremal portions 2, 3 are facing each other to define a portion of mutual overlap 4. In greater detail, the first and second extremal portions 2, 3 extend along a main axis of development substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The body of winding 11, arranged in correspondence with a forming station 10 downstream of the feeding station 30 with respect to the unwinding direction UD, extends in length along a respective main development axis A and has a substantially cylindrical radial dimensions, in particular it has a cylindrical shape.

To carry out the winding step, the discrete sheet 1 initially approaches the winding body 11, the sheet being preferably flat and having its own main axis of development substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11: in particular the first and the second extremal portion 2, 3 of the sheet 1 extend substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. In accordance with the preferential form shown in the attached figures, the method provides for bringing a mid-line portion of the discrete sheet 1 close to the body of winding, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in which the center line portion extends along a main development axis of the discrete sheet 1 substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The center line portion therefore extends substantially parallel to the first and second extremal portion 2, 3 of the discrete sheet 1 and is interposed between them.

The step of completely wrapping the discrete sheet 1 around the winding body 11 further comprises the step of pushing the discrete sheet 1 around the winding body 11 by means of at least one pusher 13 moving towards and away from the winding body 11, in which the pusher 13 extends substantially parallel to the winding body 11 both when placed in a stasis condition and during its own movement. The discrete sheet 1, during the winding step, is interposed between the pusher 13 and the winding body 11.

In a preferential form shown in the attached figures, the pusher 13 comprises a base pusher 13a, a first lateral pusher 13b, and optionally a second lateral pusher 13c, each able to define a part of the wrapping of the sheet 1 around the winding body 11. The winding body 11 is interposed, with respect to a plane passing through the axis A of the winding body 11 itself, between the first and the second lateral pusher 13b, 13c.

The step of pushing the discrete sheet 1 around the winding body 11 comprises a first step of pushing the base pusher 13a onto the discrete sheet, shown in Figure 5 and in a sectional view in Figure 6. In greater detail, the first step provides for a thrust of an abutment portion of the base pusher 13a on the central portion of the discrete sheet 1 against the winding body 11, to define a first partial winding arc. During the first pushing phase, the discrete sheet 1 is clamped between the base pusher 13a and the winding body 11: the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a preferably has an arched concave shape or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body 11 , in such a way as to partially adapt to the lateral surface of the wrapping body and flex the interposed sheet 1, defining the first partial wrapping arc. The first partial winding arc has an angular extension between 20 ° and 150 °, in particular between 90 ° and 135 °. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the attached figures, the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a is not arched or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body: in this case the first thrust phase does not define any partial winding arc of the sheet 1. In particular, the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a can be flat, so as to allow only the locking of the sheet 1 against the winding body 1, while maintaining the flatness of the sheet 1.

The first pushing phase involves movement along a predetermined linear trajectory of the base pusher 13, between a distal position and a position close to the winding body 11: the linear movement trajectory is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11.

The method therefore comprises a second pushing phase, shown in Figures 7 and 8, of the first lateral pusher 13b on the first extremal portion 2 of the discrete sheet 1 towards the winding body 11, to define a second partial winding arc greater than the first partial winding arc; the second arch is greater in extension than the first as it is the sum of the first arch and the new arched portion defined by the first lateral pusher. In greater detail, the second phase provides for a thrust of an abutment portion of the first lateral pusher 13b on the first extremal portion 2 of the sheet 1 until the first extremal portion 2 comes into contact with the winding body 11. The abutment portion it can be concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body 11. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8, the second partial winding arc can have an angular extension between 120 ° and 350 °. In a preferential embodiment, the second pushing phase takes place by rotating the first lateral pusher 13b, around an axis of rotation C, between a distal position and a position close to the winding body 11: in the close position, the sheet 1 is interposed and pressed between the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher 13b and the winding body 11. In a preferential embodiment, the method comprises a third thrusting step, shown in Figures 9 and 10, of the second lateral pusher 13c on the second portion extremal 3 of the discrete sheet 1 towards and against the winding body 11, to define the cylindrical body 5, in which the sheet is completely or almost completely wrapped around the winding body 11. In greater detail, the third phase provides for a thrust of an abutment portion of the second lateral pusher 13c on the second extremal portion 3 of the sheet 1, in which the abutment portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body 11. The third pushing phase takes place by rotating the second lateral pusher 13c, around a rotation axis, in particular the same rotation axis C around which the first lateral pusher 13b rotates, between a distal position and a position close to the winding body 11. During the second and third thrusting phases, and in particular during the passage from the distal to the close position, the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c rotate in the opposite direction.

The first and second extremal portions 2, 3 of the sheet 1 are, in a preferential embodiment, substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. Consequently, the mutual overlapping portion 4, defined by the final winding step, has a substantially rectangular shape and extends along a rectilinear trajectory for a length equal to the distance between the lateral edges 6 of the sheet.

The winding step may further comprise a step of moving an actuation member 14, connected to the base pusher 13a and to the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c, along a predefined linear trajectory. The actuation member 14 is movable between a retracted position, in which the actuation member determines the distal positions of the base pusher 13a and of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to the winding body 11, and a position of thrust in which the actuation member 14 determines the close positions of the base pusher 13a and of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to the winding body 11. In an optional embodiment, the actuation member 14 can be connected only to a pusher 13 or to the base pusher 13a and to the first lateral pusher 13b, causing its movement. In greater detail, the actuation member 14, along said predefined linear trajectory from the backward to the thrust position, determines in order the movement of the base pusher 13a to define the first thrust phase, the movement of the first lateral pusher 13b a defining the second thrust phase, the movement of the second lateral pusher 13c to define the third thrust phase. In other words, the movement of a single drive member 14 determines the movement of the pushers 13 adapted to implement the steps of wrapping the sheet 1 around the winding body 11. The step of moving the drive member 14 can be implemented by an actuator 19 connected to the latter and to a control unit 70 configured to control its activation.

The method further comprises a step of binding, at a binding station 20, the first extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50, shown in figure 13, 14 and 18, extending between a first and a second free edge 51, 52 substantially circular, as shown schematically in Figures 11 and 12. The portion of mutual overlap 4, shown in a detailed section in Figure 10A and in Figure 18, extends entirely between the first and second free edges 51, 52 of the straw 50 along a rectilinear direction, substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11.

During the bonding step, schematically shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first extremal portion 2 is placed in contact with each other with the second extremal portion 3, and they are heat-sealed or glued together. In greater detail, to heat seal at least part of the mutual overlap portion 4 is interposed between the winding body 11 and a heat seal element 21, and a thrust is exerted by means of the heat seal element 21 on the mutual overlap portion 4 to allow welding of the extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3, in particular to allow the sealing of the first extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3. In accordance with the present embodiment, the method provides for a step of heating the heat-sealing element 21 at a predetermined temperature, such that a contact between the heat sealing element 21 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 of the paper material locally determines its sealing. In greater detail, the heat-sealing element 21 locally determines the fusion of the plastic layer of the paper material, and consequently the welding between the first extremal portion 2 and the second extremal portion 3.

In a preferential embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 is a heat-sealing bar, arranged adjacent to the winding body 11 and extending along a direction parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The heat-sealing bar is moved between a distal position in in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are spaced apart, and a close position in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are close to each other. The movement of passage between the distal position and the close position is preferably perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11 and determined by the operation of an actuator 29 or an electric motor. In the close position, the heat-sealing bar exerts a thrust on the mutual overlapping portion 4 when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing bar and the winding body. In a preferential embodiment, the winding body 11 is interposed between the base pusher 13a and the heat-sealing bar. In an optional embodiment, the third thrust step to allow the complete wrapping of the sheet 1 around the wrapping body 11 can be implemented by the welding element 21: during its own movement, the welding element 21 defines both a thrust on an extremal portion of the sheet 1 approaching the winding body 11, determining its winding, is the binding step.

In a different embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 can have a smaller dimension than the extension of the winding body 11 and be movable along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11 when it is in the close position, so as to weld successive sections of the mutual overlapping portion gradually.

As previously mentioned, the bonding step can alternatively comprise a step of gluing the first extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3 of the sheet 1: the method therefore comprises placing a predetermined quantity of glue on the first and / or second extremal portion 2.3 to allow mutual adhesion.

There is also a step for expelling the straw 50, shown in Figures 14 and 15, so that the latter emerges with respect to a support structure 60, which defines a casing containing the feeding station 30, the station the forming station 10, the binding station 20, an ejection mechanism 110 and, in accordance with a preferential embodiment, the cutting station 40. The ejection step allows a user to grasp the straw 50 just created and remove it definitively from the housing for its use.

The expulsion step takes place with a movement of the straw 50 along the axis A of the winding body 11 between a first position, in which the straw 50 surrounds the winding body 11 (see Figure 13), and a second position in which at least part of the straw 50 exceeds beyond the extension in length of the winding body 11, in particular in which the straw 50 emerges from the support structure 60 (see Figures 14 and 15).

The movement can comprise a step of pushing, for example by means of a sleeve or abutment element 111, the first or second circular free edge 51, 52 of the straw 50 along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. In In greater detail, Figure 14 shows an abutment element sliding within a guide formed in the winding body 11 along its axis A. The thrust phase can be implemented by activating an actuator 113 or an electric motor.

The handling step could alternatively include a step of pushing the straw 50 by means of a flow of gas, for example air, along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11, as shown schematically in figure 15. The gas flow it can be determined by activating a blower or compressor 112, for example driven by an electric motor.

In an alternative configuration, the method provides for the possibility of wrapping the tape or the discrete sheet selectively around the winding body 11 extending along an axis A and having a first radial bulk, or around an auxiliary winding body 11 'extending along a axis A 'and having a second radial dimension, in which the first radial dimension is different from the second radial dimension, so as to define straws 50 having different radial dimensions, in particular different diameters. The winding body 11 and the auxiliary winding body 11 ', are both arranged within the same support structure 60 and have the axes A and A' substantially parallel to each other. The simultaneous presence of two (or even more) winding bodies within the same support structure 60 therefore allows the creation of straws with different diameters, depending on the choice made by a user. The method therefore provides for selectively directing the tape 1a or the discrete sheet 1 towards the winding body 11, or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. In one embodiment, the winding body 11 and the auxiliary winding body 11 'are movable, so that each can be arranged, when necessary, in correspondence with the forming station 10, interposing between the pushers 13 and receiving the sheet in winding 1.

According to a first embodiment, the method provides that the unwinding direction UD of the tape 1a is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11, as shown in Figure 1. If the tape is unwound from a reel 31, the The rotation axis B of the reel 31 is substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The cut defined by the cutting station 40 therefore determines a width of the discrete sheet 1, the width being measured perpendicular to a development axis main part of sheet 1: in particular the width of the sheet defines the distance between the first and the second extremal portion 2, 3.

According to a second embodiment, the method provides that the unwinding direction UD of the tape 1a is substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11, as shown in figure 17. If the tape 1a is unwound from a reel 31, the axis B of rotation of the reel 31 is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11. According to the second embodiment, the step of arranging the tape 1a to advance along the unwinding direction UD, can comprise the step to unwind a portion of tape 1a equal to a predetermined length X, in which the latter defines the entire extension of the first and second extremal portions 2, 3 (ie the length of the finished straw 50). Subsequently, the method comprises the step of cutting the tape 1a perpendicular to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 (see figure 17), to define the discrete sheet 1. The predetermined length X can be set by a user through a graphic interface. In this way, straws of any length can be made simply by varying the unwinding step X.

In other words, the second embodiment represents a feeding station rotated by 90 ° with respect to the first embodiment, and in particular in which the unwinding direction of the strip UD is parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. This allows to making straws 50 having different lengths, depending on the request received from a user, simply by varying the length of the portion unwound of the tape 1a from the feeding station 30.

Both the first and the second embodiment are in accordance with the possibility of providing a step of wrapping the sheet 1 around the winding body 11, or the auxiliary winding body 11 ', as previously described, in such a way that it can also vary the radial dimension of the straws.

The processing steps described above can be implemented by means of one or more control units 70, connected to the feeding station 30, to the cutting station 40, to the binding station 20, or to the ejection mechanism 111, 112. In particular the control unit 70 can be connected to the motor 15a of the drive rollers 15, to the actuator 19 of the drive member 14, to the actuator 29 of the welding element 21, to the motor 39 of the reel 31, to the actuator 49 of the station 40, to the actuator 113 of the ejection station 110.

Equipment

Below we describe an apparatus 100 for making a straw 50: optionally, the apparatus 100 is configured to implement the method previously described. As indicated above, the equipment is in fact a small bench machine for the manufacture of paper straws one at a time and at the direct request of the user / operator.

The apparatus 100 comprises a support structure 60, as shown in figures 14 and 15, defining an internal volume suitable for housing the elements and stations described below.

The support structure 60 comprises at least one side wall, for example formed by four flat panels joined together, and a top wall connected to the side wall to limit the access of a user to the internal volume. The support structure 60 may comprise a base wall connected to the side wall to define a substantially closed internal volume.

In a preferential embodiment, the support structure 60 is made at least in part of transparent material in such a way as to allow a user to view the internal volume from the outside. In particular, at least one side wall of the support structure 60 is at least partly made of transparent material, for example glass or plastic.

Preferably, the structure will be compact in order to be placed on any counter of a bar or similar commercial establishment and has a reduced size, for example included in one or more of the following dimensions:

a width between 10 cm and 100 cm; and / or

a length or depth between 10 cm and 100 cm; and / or

a height between 10 cm and 100 cm.

The apparatus 100 comprises the feeding station 30 configured to house or support the tape 1a or at least the discrete sheets 1b in paper material of the type described above. The feeding station 30 comprises at least one support 32, as shown in Figure 3, configured to carry a reel 31 of tape 1a and to allow it to rotate around an axis of rotation B. The reel 31, movable by rotation around the axis B, is configured to unwind consecutive portions of tape 1a along an unwinding direction UD. In accordance with the first embodiment, the support 32 is configured to accommodate a reel 31 having the axis of rotation B parallel to the winding body 11. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the support 32 is configured to accommodate a reel 31 having the axis of rotation B perpendicular to the winding body 11.

The feeding station 30 can comprise a motor 39 located in correspondence with the support 32 and, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus 100, connected to the reel 31: the motor 39 is therefore configured to rotate the reel 31 so as to unwind consecutive portions of the belt 1a.

Alternatively, the feeding station 30 comprises an idle support 32 which allows the free rotation of the reel 31: alternatively, the support 32 can comprise a brake configured to, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, inhibit or limit the rotation of the reel 31, in order to maintain a tension along the unwound portion of tape 1a.

The feeding station 30 can comprise, alternatively to the support 32, a storage volume configured to house a stack of discrete sheets (not shown in the attached figures) or a belt 1a folded into overlapping flaps to define a stack of continuous sheets.

The apparatus 100 can comprise at least one drawing roller 15, shown in Figure 3, movable by rotation and arranged between the feeding station 30 and the forming station 10, and configured to contact the web 1a or the discrete sheet 1 for defining its advancement towards the forming station 10, in particular towards the winding body 11 or towards an auxiliary winding body 11 '. In a preferential embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a pair of drawing rollers 15 facing each other and parallel and in which the belt 1a or the discrete sheet 1b is configured to be arranged in interposition between the pair of drawing rollers 15. L The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one motor 15a connected to at least one driving roller 15 and configured to rotate the driving roller 15.

A control unit 70 of the apparatus 100 is connected to the motor 15a of the driving roller 15 and is configured to drive it in rotation to define the advance (for a predefined amount) or stop of the web 1a or of the sheet 1. L The apparatus 100 may further comprise a locking system 33 configured to stop the web 1a so as to allow the cutting operation by the cutting station 40, to define the discrete sheet 1. The locking system 33 allows to maintain the tape 1a in the correct position during the cutting step and comprises, in a preferential embodiment, a pair of plates, between which the sheet 1 is configured to slide, facing each other and moving relative to each other between a distal position (figure 1 ) and a close position (figure 5). In the close position, the sheet 1 interposed between the two plates is blocked, allowing it to be cut. The plates of the locking system 33 can be moved, between the distal and the close position, by means of an actuator 34.

The apparatus further comprises the cutting station 40, comprising at least one cutting tool chosen from a rotating or translating blade, and configured to define a cut on at least a portion of the strip 1a unwound from the feeding station 30. The cut thus defined it is transversal, in greater detail perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the tape 1a, to define the discrete sheet 1.

The cutting station 40 preferably comprises at least one actuator 49 configured to move the cutting tool along a direction parallel (as shown in figure 5) or perpendicular (not shown in the attached figures) with respect to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11.

The apparatus 100 also comprises the forming station 10 having at least one winding body 11 extending along an axis A and having a first radial bulk. Further geometric characteristics relating to the winding body 11 have been previously described. In particular, the winding body 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape: optionally, a section perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body can have a circular, triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular shape or a combination thereof. Obviously, however, a cylindrical or elliptical space, or in any case with a curved outer surface, is preferable to correspondingly define a section of the wall of the similar straw. It should also be noted that the winding body 11 can assume this bulk by adopting corresponding sectors whose external surface defines an envelope of the described geometry while presenting surface discontinuities (voids); think for example of a plurality of circular sectors spaced from each other by their respective radial grooves. The winding body 11 is configured to receive in winding the tape 1a or the discrete sheet 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and consequently the straw 50 made of paper material. The apparatus 100 can comprise, in addition to the winding body 11, an auxiliary winding body 11 ', extending along an axis A' and having a second radial dimension different from the first radial dimension of the winding body 11. The auxiliary winding body 11 'is configured to receive in winding the tape 1a or the discrete sheet 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and consequently the straw 50 made of paper material. A straw 50, made by winding around the winding body 11, has a radial size, more particularly a diameter, different from a straw made by winding around the auxiliary winding body 11 '. The equipment therefore comprises a diverter configured to direct the discrete sheet 1 towards the winding body 11, or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. Alternatively, the diverter is configured to move the winding body 11 and the auxiliary winding body 11 'so that each can be arranged in correspondence with the forming station 10 to receive the sheet 1 in winding. In one embodiment, the roller driver 15 can define the diverter itself adapted to direct the strip 1a or the discrete sheet 1 towards the winding body 11 or towards an auxiliary winding body 11 '. In an optional embodiment, the auxiliary winding body 11 'is a cylindrical sleeve coaxial to the winding body 11 and having a larger diameter than the latter, such that the winding body 11 can be inserted inside the winding body 11. auxiliary winding 11 ': in this configuration, the auxiliary winding body 11' is configured to slide on the winding body 11 along the axis A, between an operating position and a waiting position, in which in the operating position the winding body auxiliary 11 'surrounds the winding body 11, such that the sheet is wound around the radial dimension defined by the auxiliary winding body 11'. In the rest position, on the other hand, the auxiliary winding body 11 'is at least partially removed from the winding body 11, such that the sheet is wrapped around the radial space defined by the winding body 11.

Alternatively, the apparatus 100 comprises the winding body 11 separate and distinct from the auxiliary winding body 11 ', both movable and configurable to be arranged one at a time at the forming station 10 to receive the sheet 1 in winding.

In a further alternative configuration, the apparatus 100 comprises a winding body 11 (or two bodies 11 'or more) having a wedge or lobe structure, configured to vary its radial dimensions (embodiment not shown in the attached figures). In particular, the lobes of the winding body 11 are movable with respect to each other, between a first position in which the radial dimension of the winding body is minimal, and at least a second position in which the radial dimension is greater. This embodiment is not shown in the attached figures. The apparatus can also comprise a user interface configured to provide, to a user, at least one information representative of one or more diameters of the straw 50. The user interface can be defined by one or more selection buttons of a respective diameter of the straw. straw 50, a screen or a touch screen. In particular, the buttons, the screen or the touch screen can comprise an image representative of a diameter of the straw, so as to allow the user to choose the desired size. The equipment includes at least one pusher 13, of the type previously described in relation to the method, configured to exert a thrust on the sheet 1 towards the winding body 11 to allow it to be wound around the latter. The pusher is movable towards and away from the winding body 11, and extends substantially parallel to the winding body 11 or alternatively to the auxiliary winding body 11 ': the sheet is configured to interpose itself, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus 100, between the pusher 13 and the winding body 11.

In a preferential embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base pusher 13a and at least a first lateral pusher 13b configured to exert, during an operating condition of the apparatus, a thrust on the sheet 1 to determine its winding.

The base pusher 13a is movable between a position close to (Figures 5 and 6) and distal (Figures 3 and 4) with respect to the winding body 11 along a substantially rectilinear trajectory and perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11. The pusher base 13a has an abutment portion configured to contact a central portion of the sheet 1 when the latter is interposed between the base pusher 13a and the winding body, in which the abutment portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the body 11. The base pusher 13a extends for a length, measured parallel to the winding body 11, equal to or greater than the main extension dimension of the sheet 1, in particular the base pusher 13a extends for a length equal to or of the extension of the first or second extremal portion of the sheet 1. The base pusher 13a also extends in height between a base portion and the one stop configured to contact and press the sheet 1 against a lateral surface 12 of the winding body 11.

The first lateral pusher 13b is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body 11, and extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The first lateral pusher 13b is it also extends in height between a base portion, around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet 1 and push it towards the winding body 11 at least during an operating condition of the apparatus. The abutment portion can be partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 11.

The apparatus comprises, in accordance with a preferential embodiment, a second lateral pusher 13c configured to exert, during an operating condition of the apparatus, a thrust on the sheet 1 to complete the wrapping of the sheet 1 around the wrapping body 11. The second lateral pusher 13c is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body 11, and extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The second lateral pusher 13c is it also extends in height between a base portion, around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet 1 and push it towards the winding body 11 at least during an operating condition of the apparatus. The abutment portion can be partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 11. The first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c, in the transition from the close to the distal position, are configured to rotate in the opposite direction.

In an embodiment not shown in the attached figures, the base pusher 13a, the first lateral pusher 13b and the second lateral pusher 13c can each be moved by means of a respective actuator connected to the control unit 70 configured to synchronize its activation. .

Alternatively, as shown in each of the attached figures, the first and / or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are pivoted to the base pusher 13a, being movable by rotation with respect to the latter. In particular, the first and the second lateral pusher rotate around the same axis of rotation C and are directly connected to the base pusher 13a. Consequently, a movement of the base pusher 13a causes a consequent movement of the first lateral pusher 13b, and, if present, of the second lateral pusher 13c. The winding body 11 is at least partially interposed between the first and the second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to a plane passing through the axis A.

The equipment also comprises an actuation member 14 connected to the base pusher 13a and to the first lateral pusher 13b: optionally the actuation member can also be connected to the second lateral pusher 13c. The actuation member 14 is movable along a predefined linear trajectory between a rearward position, in which the actuation member 14 is configured to determine the distal positions of the base pusher 13a and of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to the winding body 11, and a thrust position in which the actuation member 14 is configured to determine the close positions of the base pusher 13a and of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to the winding body 11. actuator 14 constitutes a single body connected to the first lateral pusher 13b, and optionally to the second lateral pusher 13c, by means of one or more connecting rods.

The actuation member 14, when moved along the predefined linear trajectory from the backward to the thrust position, is configured to determine in order:

● the movement of the base pusher 13a from the distal to the close position to define the first partial winding arc of the sheet 1 around the winding body 11; And

● the movement of the first lateral pusher 13b from the distal to the close position to define the second partial wrapping arc of the sheet 1 around the wrapping body 11. If the second lateral pusher 13c is not present, the second arc of partial winding defined by the first lateral pusher 13b defines the cylindrical body 5, in which the sheet 1 is completely or almost completely wrapped around the winding body 11. The actuation member 14 is configured to further determine the movement of the second lateral pusher 13c , if the latter is present, from the distal to the close position to substantially define the cylindrical body 5 made of paper material, in which the sheet 1 is completely or almost completely wrapped around the winding body 11.

In greater detail and in accordance with the preferential embodiment shown in the attached figures, the actuation member 14 is configured to determine the reaching of the close position, in the following order, by the base pusher 13a (figure 6), of the first lateral pusher 13b (figure 8) and finally, if present, of the second lateral pusher 13c (figure 10). The side pushers 13b and 13c move almost simultaneously, but one of the two can complete the pressing of the sheet 1 on the winding body before the other and also have a compensation system (described below and indicated with the reference 81 in the figure) . The slight offset of movement can have two reasons: on the one hand it serves to avoid exerting too high pressures, also due to small asymmetries of the device, assembly tolerances, different wear of the materials or the like, on the other it allows the correct bending sequence and overlapping of the first and second extremal portions 2, 3 which must overlap one another without interfering with each other during the movement towards the winding body 11.

The actuation member 14 has a coupling mechanism 80 which connects it with the base pusher 13a, such that a movement of the actuation member 14 along an initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the base pusher 13a from its distal position to the close one, while a further movement of the actuation member 14 in addition to said initial portion does not cause any movement of the base pusher 13a (the pusher 3a is in fact abutting against the body 11 which is fixed to the device frame). In other words, the actuation member 14, during its own movement, initially causes a movement of the base pusher 13a up to a point where the latter reaches the position close to the winding body: further moving the actuation member 14 , the winding body 11 does not allow the base pusher 13a to proceed further. The coupling mechanism between the actuation member 14 and the base pusher 13a comprises, as shown in detail in figure 6, a spring interposed between the base pusher 13a and the actuation member 14, decoupling, in addition to a predefined stroke (and beyond a predefined force applied), the two movements. The coupling mechanism 80 in fact includes a telescopic coupling between two sliding elements one in the other and engaged, one to the drive member 14, the other to the base pusher 13a. The two sliding elements are held at the maximum distance between them by the preloaded spring. When the base pusher 13a abuts against the winding body 11, a further movement of the actuation member 14 towards the winding body 11 results in a greater thrust force of the base pusher 13a, until the thrust exceeds the elastic resistance of the spring. At this point the spring begins to yield and the sliding elements slide into each other.

The actuation member 14 has a first compensating mechanism 81 for connection with the first lateral pusher 13b, such that a movement of the actuation member 14 along an initial stretch of its own predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the first lateral pusher 13b from its distal position to the near one, while a further movement of the actuation member 14 in addition to said initial portion does not cause any further movement (rotation) of the first lateral pusher 13b. In other words, the actuation member 14, during its own movement, initially determines a movement of the first lateral pusher 13b up to a point where the latter reaches the position close to the winding body, acting in thrust on the sheet 1: by further moving the actuation member 14, the winding body 11 does not allow the first lateral pusher 13b to proceed further. The first compensating mechanism 81 for coupling between the actuation member 14 and the first lateral pusher 13b comprises, as shown in detail in figure 6, a spring interposed between the first lateral pusher 13b, optionally between a connecting rod connected to the first lateral pusher 13b , and the actuation member 14, effectively decoupling the two movements.

The actuation member 14 can optionally have a second compensating mechanism with the second lateral pusher 13c (not shown in the attached figures) such that a movement of the actuation member 14 along an initial section of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the second lateral pusher 13c from its distal position up to the close one, by acting in thrust on the sheet 1, while a further movement of the actuation member 14 in addition to said initial portion does not cause any further movement of the second lateral pusher 13c. In other words, the actuation member 14, during its own movement, initially causes a movement of the second lateral pusher 13c up to a point where the latter reaches the position close to the winding body: further moving the actuation member 14 , the winding body 11 does not allow the second lateral pusher 13c to proceed further. The equipment includes an actuator 19 connected to the actuation member 14 and configured to determine its movement between the retracted position and the thrust position. The actuator 19 is also connected to a control unit 70 configured to synchronize its activation at least with the cutting station 40. The predefined linear trajectory, along which the actuation member 14 is movable towards and away from the body of winding 11, is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11.

The apparatus comprises an actuator, preferably connected to a control unit 70, which can be operated manually by the user and configured to allow the latter to activate the apparatus and allow the implementation of the processing steps for the construction of at least one straw 50. The actuator comprises one or more buttons, or a touch screen. The apparatus 100 is therefore configured to produce, at each actuation of the activator, a predefined number of straws 50 between 1 and 5, in particular between 1 and 2 and in detail a single straw for activation having the pre-selected diameter among those available. After having produced the predefined number of straws 50, the apparatus 100 is configured to stop waiting for a new actuation of the activator to make further straws 50. The apparatus also includes the constraint station 20 configured to constrain the extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3 in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define a straw 50 extending between a first and a second free edge 51, 52 substantially circular.

The binding station 20 comprises the previously described heat-sealing element 21 configured to contact, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, with at least a part of the mutual overlapping portion 4 interposed between the heat-sealing element 21 and the winding body 11 The heat sealing element 21 can be movable along a direction parallel to the winding body 11, or movable along a direction perpendicular to the winding body 11. The heat sealing element 21 extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11 and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet 1 to press it against a lateral surface 12 of the winding body 11: the abutment portion can be at least partially concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 11.

The binding station 20 can comprise an actuator 29 connected to the heat-sealing element 21 and configured to control its movement at least during the step of binding the first extremal portion 2 with the second extremal portion 3. In particular, the heat-sealing element is movable between a distal position, in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing element 21 are spaced apart, and a close position, in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing element 21 are close to each other: during constraint phase, the portion of mutual overlap 4 is interposed between the heat-sealing element and the winding body 11. The heat-sealing element 21, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, is therefore configured to exert a thrust on the portion of mutual overlap 4 when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing element 21 and the winding body 11. In a real form preferentially, the heat-sealing element 21 is a heat-sealing bar extending along the axis A and adjacent to the winding body 11. In greater detail, the heat-sealing element 21 extends in height between a base portion and a portion of the abutment, the latter configured to contact the sheet 1 to press it against a lateral surface 12 of the winding body 11. The abutment portion of the heat-sealing bar faces the winding body 11 and has a concave shape or at least partially counter-shaped to the body winding 11.

The abutment portion of the heat-sealing element 21 also has a plurality of protuberances 22a and hollow 22b, defining, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, a toothing (see figures 19 and 20). Similarly, the abutment portion of the first and / or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c comprises a plurality of protuberances 17a and hollow 17b defining, in accordance with the preferential embodiment, a respective toothing (see figures 19 and 20) conforming to the toothing present on the heat-sealing element 21. The apparatus has an interpenetration condition in which the hollows 17b and the protrusions 17a of the first and / or the second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are configured to couple by insertion respectively with the protuberances 22a and the slots 22b of the heat-sealing element 21, at least when the heat-sealing element 21 and the first and / or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body 11. This condition of interpenetration occurs for example during a binding step of the first and second extremal portions 2, 3 of sheet 1.

In the condition of interpenetration shown in figure 19, the protuberances 17a, 22a and the slots 17b, 22b respectively of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c and of the welding element 21 define a band, extending along the axis A of the body 11, along which, at least during one operating condition of the apparatus, the protrusions 17 of the first lateral pusher 13b, of the second lateral pusher 13c and of the heat-sealing element 21 are active in thrust on the sheet 1. The teeth present on the pushers and on the welding element 21 allow the pushers 13 to maximize the extension of their action, until reaching an area in which the first and second extremal portion 2, 3 of the sheet 1 define the portion of mutual overlap 4, on the which welding element 21 is configured to act. It is therefore evident how the coupling between the teeth allows the co-presence of the pushers 13 and the welding element 21.

A toothing similar to what has just been described is present on the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a, which comprises a plurality of protuberances 18a and hollow 18b. The apparatus therefore has a condition of interpenetration in which the slots 17b and the protrusions 17a of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are configured to couple by insertion respectively with the protuberances 18a and with the slots 18b of the base pusher 13a, at least when the base pusher 13a and the first and / or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body 11.

The apparatus 100 also comprises a support 16 partially interposed between the base pusher 13a and the winding body 11 and configured to support at least one discrete sheet 1 to allow a subsequent winding around the winding body 11. The support 16 emerges from the side opposite the feeding station 30 to support the sheet during handling before winding. The support 16 has one or more openings (in detail a plurality of windows) suitable for allowing the passage through the crossing of at least one pusher 13, in particular of the base pusher 13a, of the first side pusher 13b and optionally of the second side pusher 13c, at least during their transition from distal to close position. The support extends below the winding body 11 so as to support the discrete sheet 1 arriving from the feeding station 30 or the cutting station 40.

The apparatus 100 also comprises an ejection station 110 of the type as previously described in the section relating to the method.

The equipment 100 also includes the control unit 70 configured to implement the method steps previously described.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Method for making straws (50) comprising at least the following steps: providing a discrete sheet (1) of paper material, said sheet extending at least between a first and a second extremal portion (2, 3); providing a winding body (11) extending along an axis (A); wrap said sheet (1) entirely around the winding body (11) to substantially define a cylindrical body (5) in paper material in which the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) face each other to define a portion of mutual overlap (4), optionally called first and second extremal portions (2, 3) extending along a main development axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); constraining the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3) in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define a straw (50) extending between a first and a second free edge (51, 52) substantially circular, said mutual overlapping portion (4) extending between the first and second free edges (51, 52) of the straw (50) along a rectilinear direction. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial dimension, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending in length along its own axis (A), in which the step of entirely wrapping the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) comprises the steps of: approach, optionally contact, the discrete sheet (1) to the winding body (11), the sheet having a main development axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), the sheet being optionally in a flat; pushing the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) by means of at least one pusher (13) moving towards and away from the winding body (11), in particular said at least one pusher extending substantially parallel to the winding body ( 11), the sheet being interposed between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (11), in which the step of bringing the discrete sheet (1) closer to the winding body (11) provides for arranging a central portion of the sheet (1) in correspondence with the winding body (11) such that the winding body (11) is interposed between the first and second extremal portion (2, 3) of the sheet (1) with respect to an axis passing through the winding body (11), the at least one pusher (13) comprising a base pusher (13a), a first lateral pusher (13b), and optionally a second lateral pusher (13c), the step of pushing the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) including: a first thrust phase of the base pusher (13a), optionally of a portion of the base pusher (13a) in which said portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the central portion of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define a first partial winding arc; a second thrust phase of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of a portion of the first lateral pusher (13b) in which said portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the first extremal portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define a second partial winding arc greater than, and including, the first partial winding arc; a possible third thrust phase of the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally of a portion of the second lateral pusher (13c) in which said portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the second extremal portion (3 ) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), and in which the sheet (1) is optionally wrapped completely or almost completely around the winding body (11). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the base pusher (13a) is movable by translation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11), the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) being movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11), the winding body (11) being at least partially interposed between the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A) of the winding body (11), optionally in which the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close to the distal position, rotate in the opposite direction. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of securing the first and second end portions (2, 3) comprises at least the steps of: bringing the first and second extremal portions (2, 3) of the discrete sheet (1) into contact with each other; heat-seal or glue together said extremal portions (2, 3), the heat-sealing step comprising the steps of: interposing at least part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) between the winding body (11) and a heat sealing element (21); exert a thrust by means of the heat-sealing element (21) on the mutual overlapping portion (4) to allow the welding of the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3), optionally to allow the sealing of the first extremal portion ( 2) with the second extremal portion (3), in which the heat-sealing element (21) is a heat-sealing bar, the binding step comprising a step of moving said heat-sealing bar between: a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are spaced apart; and a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are close to each other, in which the heat-sealing bar exerts a thrust on the mutual overlapping portion (4) at least when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing bar and the winding body (11). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of preparing a sheet (1) provides a step of providing a tape (1a) moved along an unwinding direction (UD), the tape (1a) being unwound by a reel (31) movable by rotation around an axis of rotation (B) or the tape (1a) being folded into overlapping flaps to define a stack of continuous sheets, in which: ● the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape is perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the tape (1a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); or ● the unwinding direction (UD) of the tape is parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the tape (1a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis rotation (B) perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), the method comprising a step of cutting the web (1a) to make a transverse cut, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1a) to define the discrete sheet (1), optionally said step of cutting the tape (1a) preceding the step of wrapping the sheet (1) around the winding body (11). Method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a step of moving an actuation member (14), connected to the base pusher (13a) and to the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), along a trajectory linear default between: a rearward position, in which the actuation member (14) determines the distal positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to the winding body (11); and a thrust position in which the actuation member (14) determines the close positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to the winding body (11); along said predefined linear trajectory from the rear position to the thrust position, the actuating member (14) determining in order: the movement of the base pusher to define the first thrust phase; the movement of the first lateral pusher to define the second thrust phase; the movement of the second lateral pusher to define the third thrust phase; optionally along said predefined linear trajectory from the backward position to the thrust position, the actuating member (14) determining in order: the reaching of the close position by the base pusher (13a); reaching the close position by the first lateral pusher (13b); optionally the reaching of the close position by the second lateral pusher (13c) 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of expelling the straw (50), said step comprising moving the straw (50) along the axis (A) of the winding body (11) between: a first position in which the straw (50) surrounds the winding body (11); and a second position in which at least part of the straw (50) exceeds beyond the length extension of the winding body (11), the straw (50) emerging externally from a support structure (60), optionally a support structure (60 ) transparent, defining an internal volume in particular containing any of the elements introduced in any one of the preceding claims, the step of moving the straw (50) comprising a step of pushing said straw (50), optionally by means of a movable sleeve or a movable stop element (111) and / or a blower (112) defining a flow of gas, optionally air , along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the winding body (11) has a first radial dimension, the method further comprising: provide an auxiliary winding body (11 ') extending along an axis (A') and having a second radial dimension, the first radial dimension being different from, in particular greater than, the second radial dimension to allow to define straws (50) having different radial dimensions, optionally different diameters; the method comprising a step of selectively directing the discrete sheet (1), and optionally the tape (1a), towards the winding body (11) or towards the auxiliary winding body (11 '), the method comprising the step of entirely wrapping the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) or the auxiliary winding body (11 '). 9. Apparatus (100) for making straws comprising a support structure (60), defining an internal volume, and carrying: a feeding station (30) configured to prepare at least one discrete sheet (1) of paper material, said discrete sheet having at least a first and a second extremal portion (2,3); a forming station (10) comprising at least one winding body (11) extending along an axis (A) and configured to receive said discrete sheet (1) in winding, to define a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first and second extremal portion (2, 3) face each other to define a portion of mutual overlap (4), optionally called first and second extremal portion (2, 3) extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); a constraint station (20) configured to constrain the first extremal portion (2) with the second extremal portion (3) in correspondence with the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define a straw (50) extending between a first and a second edge free (51, 52) substantially circular, said portion of mutual overlap (4) extending between the first and second free edges (51, 52) of the straw (50) along a rectilinear direction. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the feeding station (30) is configured to provide a web (1a) to be fed along an unwinding direction (UD), said feeding station (30) comprising a support (32) configured to carry a reel (31) of tape (1a) and to allow it to rotate around an axis of rotation (B), said reel (31) being configured to unwind consecutive portions of tape (1a) along the unwinding direction (UD), the feeding station (30) comprising at least one motor (39), optionally connected to the support (32), configured to rotate said reel (31) in direct or indirect way, for example by dragging the belt, to unwind consecutive portions of the belt (1a), in which the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial dimensions, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending along its axis (A), and presenting an external lateral surface (12) configured to receive in winding, at least during an operating condition of the equipment (100), sheet (1). 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, comprising at least one pusher (13) configured to exert a thrust on the sheet (1) towards the winding body (11) to allow it to be wound around the latter, the at least one pusher (13) being movable towards and away from the winding body (11), and extending substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the sheet being configured to be interposed between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding (11). wherein the at least one pusher (13) comprises a base pusher (13a) and at least a first lateral pusher (13b), optionally a first and a second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), configured to exercise, during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1), in which the base pusher (13a) is movable by translation between a position close to and distal to the winding body (11), the base pusher (13a) extending in length along a path substantially parallel to the winding body (11) and optionally presenting a concave abutment portion or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), the base pusher (13a), optionally the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a), being configured to press a central portion of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define at least a first partial wrapping of the sheet (1) around the winding body (11); the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) being movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11), the first lateral pusher (13b) extending in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the body winding (11) and optionally presenting a concave abutment portion or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body (11), the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher (13b), being configured to press the first extremal portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11) to define a second partial wrapping arc of the sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11) greater than, and comprising the first partial wrapping arc, the wrapping body (11) being at least partially interposed between the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A), optionally in which the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close to the distal position, rotate in the opposite direction. 12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 11, comprising an actuation member (14) connected to the base pusher (13a) and to the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally to the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), and movable along a predefined linear trajectory between: a rearward position, in which the actuation member (14) is configured to determine the distal positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), with respect to the winding body (11); and a thrust position, in which the actuation member (14) is configured to determine the close positions of the base pusher (13a) and of the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) , with respect to the winding body (11); along said predefined linear trajectory from the retracted position to the end position, the actuation member (14) being configured to determine in order: the movement of the base pusher (13a) from the distal to the close position to define the first arc of partial wrapping of the sheet (1) around the winding body (11); And the movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) from the distal to the close position to define the second partial wrapping arc of the sheet (1) around the wrapping body (11); And optionally the movement of the second lateral pusher (13c) from the distal to the close position to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), optionally in which the sheet (1) is completely wrapped around the winding body (11), the equipment comprising at least one actuator (19) connected to the drive member (14) and configured to determine its movement between the rear position and the thrust position. 13. Apparatus according to the previous claim, in which the drive member (14) has a coupling mechanism (80) for connection to the base pusher (13a), such that: a movement of the drive member (14) along a first initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the base pusher (13a) from its distal position up to the close one; a further movement of the actuation member (14), along a further stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the base pusher (13a), but determines a configuration modification of the coupling mechanism (80), called further section being distinct and subsequent with respect to said first initial section; wherein said coupling mechanism (80) defines a yielding constraint, said coupling mechanism (80) comprising at least a spring or a deformable bushing at least partially interposed between the drive member (14) and the base pusher (13a); in particular in which the drive member (14) has a first compensator mechanism (81) for coupling with the first lateral pusher (13b), such that: a movement of the drive member (14) along a second initial stretch of its predefined linear trajectory, determines a movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) from its distal position up to the close one; a further movement of the drive member (14), along a further section of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the first lateral pusher (13b), said further section being distinct and subsequent with respect to said second initial section, in which said first compensator mechanism (81) defines a yielding constraint and comprises at least a spring or a deformable bushing at least partially interposed between the drive member (14) and the first lateral pusher (13b). 14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 13, wherein the support structure (60) defines an envelope containing at least the feeding station (30), the forming station (10) and the binding station (20 ); the support structure (60) comprising at least a side wall (61), a base wall and a top wall connected to the side wall to limit a user subject's access to the substantially closed internal volume, in which one wall is at least in transparent part to allow, from the outside of the support structure (60), a visualization of the internal volume. 15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, in which at least one of the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), and in height between a base portion, optionally around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet (1) and push it towards the winding body (11) at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), the abutment portion of the first and / or second lateral thruster (13b; 13c) comprises a plurality of protuberances (17a) and hollows (17b); said abutment portion being optionally at least partially concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11) and in which the base pusher (13a) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ) and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured to contact the sheet (1) to press it against a lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11), said abutment portion optionally being at least partially concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11), the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a) comprising a plurality of protuberances (18a) and hollows (18b); the apparatus defining a condition of interpenetration in which the slots (17b) and the protrusions (17a) of the first and / or the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are configured to couple for insertion respectively with the protuberances (18a) and with the slots (18b) of the base pusher (13a), at least when the base pusher (13a) and the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body (11). 16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, in which the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are constrained by rotation to the base pusher (13a), the first and the second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) being movable by rotation with respect to the base pusher (13a) around the same axis, the actuation member (14) comprising connecting rods with the first and / or second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), configured to transmit the motion of the actuation member (14) to at least one of the first and second lateral thrusters (13b, 13c).