Title of Invention	AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CORRUGATED SHEET-LIKE ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR PACKAGING, THERMAL INSULATION, SOUNDPROOFING, AND THE LIKE
Abstract	An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprising elements (2) for continuously corrugating a first ribbon (3) that moves longitudinally, a feeder (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step with the first ribbon (3) , and a device (40) for joining one another the first and second ribbons (3, 30) in discrte regions.

Title of Invention

AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CORRUGATED SHEET-LIKE ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR PACKAGING, THERMAL INSULATION, SOUNDPROOFING, AND THE LIKE

Abstract

An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprising elements (2) for continuously corrugating a first ribbon (3) that moves longitudinally, a feeder (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step with the first ribbon (3) , and a device (40) for joining one another the first and second ribbons (3, 30) in discrte regions.

Full Text	AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CORRUGATED SHEET- LIKE ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR PACKAGING, THERMAL INSULATION, SOUNDPROOFING, AND THE LIKE Technical Field The present invention relates to an automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like. Background Art Patent GB 1110287 discloses a sheet made of thermoplastic resin, which is extruded with a corrugated profile and on which corrugations are provided in a direction that is substantially parallel to the extrusion direction. A substantially flat sheet is connected to the resulting corrugated sheet, for example by lamination; such flat sheet can be made of the most disparate materials and can be obtained for example by means of expanded plastic material. This embodiment has the drawback of producing a manufactured article that is difficult to store, since the coupled sheet that is provided cannot be rolled up because the corrugations lie substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the ribbon. Because of this problem, the article in this embodiment has not achieved an acceptable diffusion among users, since it was not practically possible to perform industrial-level production. Disclosure of the Invention The aim of the invention is to solve the problem described above, by providing an automatic machine that allows to provide corrugated sheet-like elements automatically, providing a continuous and industrially valid production. Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an automatic machine that allows to continuously connect a corrugated sheet-like element to at least one flat sheet-like element, leading directly to a finished manufactured article that can be stored in relatively limited spaces. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic machine that thanks to its particular constructive characteristics is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic machine that can be easily obtained starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials and is also competitive from a merely economical standpoint. This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises means for continuously corrugating a first ribbon that moves longitudinally, means for feeding a second flat ribbon in step with said first ribbon, and means for joining one another said first and second ribbons in discrete regions. Brief Description of the Drawings Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of the automatic machine; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the automatic machine; Figure 3 is an elevation view of a detail of the means for continuously corrugating the first ribbon; Figure 4 is a plan view of the end part of the means for continuously corrugating the first ribbon; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the end part of the means for continuously corrugating a ribbon; Figure 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the machine, with the application of a flat ribbon on both sides; Figure 7 is an elevation view of different means for actuating the lower bars; Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the means for actuating the lower bars upon insertion of the bars between the ribbons; Figures 9 and 10 are views of two different possible couplings between the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor for providing a different type of corrugation; Figures 11 to 19 are views of further possible embodiments of a variously corrugated sheet-like element. Ways of carrying out the Invention With reference to the figures, the automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprises a supporting framework, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, which supports means, generally designated by the reference numeral 2, for continuously corrugating a first ribbon. Said means for continuously corrugating a first ribbon are constituted by a reel 5 for dispensing the first ribbon 3, which is supported so that it can rotate on the supporting framework 1 and feeds a ribbon preferably made of expanded plastic material. It is also possible to feed a first ribbon and at least one first adjacent ribbon, so as to have a longitudinal separation line on the ribbons 3 that will be corrugated. The corrugating means 2 are constituted by an upper conveyor, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, and by a lower conveyor 11. The upper conveyor is constituted by an upper chain 12, which continuously winds around gears 13 that are arranged at the ends and are connected to motor means that determine the type of movement and the speed of the ribbon. The upper conveyor 10 has a plurality of upper rods or bars 14, which are connected to lateral arms 15 that protrude from coupling blocks 16, which in practice are associated with the links of the chain 12, so as to always lie substantially at right angles to the orientation of the chain. The upper rods 14 engage the upper face of the first ribbon 3 and move in a longitudinal direction in step with the lower conveyor 11, which has a lower chain 20 that winds around lower gears 21, which are motorized so as to produce synchronous motion between the lower chain 20 and the upper chain 12. Means for actuating lower rods 24 are connected to the chain 20 and are constituted for example by a plurality of lower cylinders 23, which are arranged at right angles to the extension of the chain 20 and support a plurality of lower rods 24, which are moved along directions that are substantially parallel to the direction of the upper rods 14, so as to be intercalated between said rods. In greater detail, the lower branch of the upper conveyor 10 in practice intersects the upper branch of the lower conveyor 11, so that the upper rods 14 and the lower rods 24 are mutually alternated and engage mutually opposite sides of the first ribbon 3, which accordingly assumes an undulated shape, for example a sinusoidal shape. The lower rods 24 have a movement that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the ribbon for the reasons that will become better apparent hereinafter and in order to be able to disengage from the first ribbon when required. The machine further comprises an auxiliary chain 25, which moves synchronously with respect to the chain 20 and is arranged on the side of the upper conveyor that lies opposite the side where the cylinders 23 are provided. The auxiliary chain supports a plurality of guiding elements 26, which are in step with the cylinders 23, in order to support the free end of the lower rods 24 in the extracted position. The automatic machine further comprises means for feeding 29 a second flat ribbon in step with the first ribbon. Said feeding means are constituted by a reel 29 for dispensing a second ribbon 30, which, is supported by the framework 1 and feeds the ribbon 30 on a coupling roller 31 that is positioned below the upper rods, proximate to the upper branch of the first conveyor. With this arrangement, the second ribbon 30 is arranged laterally adjacent to the lower face of the first ribbon 3, which has assumed an undulated configuration, so that a series of lower rods 24 remains inserted in the cavities formed between the first ribbon 3 and the second ribbon 30. . Furthermore the machine has joining means that provide the mutual coupling in discrete regions between the first ribbon 3 and the second ribbon 30. Said joining means, in a preferred embodiment, are constituted by a hot air blower 40, which, in practice produces a localized melting of the plastic material that constitutes the first and second ribbons, achieving coupling by contact at the roller 31 over which the second ribbon is passed upon contact with the lower bend of the first ribbon. In this coupling step, the upper rods 14 in practice press the first ribbon onto the second ribbon, thus facilitating the coupling to the second ribbon, which is flat. Proximate to the end of the upper branch of the lower conveyor 11, the lower rods must be extracted from the cavities and therefore disengage from the two coupled ribbons, which as shown in the drawings, assume a configuration that forms a plurality of cavities. The rods 24 remain retracted within the corresponding cylinders 23 until they arrive proximate to the end of the lower branch of the lower conveyor, in which the rods are extracted from the cylinders and arrange themselves so that they can lie below the first ribbon and above the second ribbon. With the arrangement described above, therefore, a machine can be obtained that is capable of continuously and automatically joining one another two ribbons of" expanded plastic material, one of which is corrugated so as to obtain, between the first and second ribbons, a plurality of side-by-side cavities, which allow to reduce the weight of the resulting article and to provide in practice a plurality of chambers that form a valid barrier both for soundproofing and for thermal insulation. According to what is shown in Figure 6, another embodiment of the machine is provided which, together with the same components described earlier for coupling the first and second ribbons, has a station 60 for coupling an additional flat ribbon 61, obviously on the opposite side with respect to the side provided with the second ribbon 30. For this purpose, a second hot air blower 62 is provided, which produces a localized melting of the additional ribbon 61 in order to achieve coupling to the corrugated ribbon 3 at a coupling ribbon 63 that lies above the article being produced and is arranged along the extension of the upper conveyor 10. Advantageously, over a certain extent, the rods 24 are left within the bends so as to facilitate dimensional stability during coupling and are then extracted in order to allow separation by extracting the rods at the upper end branch of the lower conveyor, which in this case is extended with respect to the upper conveyor. Advantageously, as shown more clearly in Figures 7 to 8, different means are provided for the actuation of the rods 24, such means being constituted by carriages 70 that can move in a direction that is substantially parallel to the advancement of the rods and are supported by two guiding bars 71, which move in step with the lower conveyor so as to allow the insertion and extraction of the rods in the intended manner. In order to move the rods 24, above the carriages 70, which are provided with engagement pins 75, there are actuation conveyors 80, which are provided with flaps 81 that are uniformly spaced, move in the direction of motion of the rods 24, and engage in succession the pins 75 so as to provide, in the intended spaces, the translational motion of the rods 24, which are made to enter and exit the bends formed by the ribbon being corrugated. The provided arrangement allows to achieve rapid movement with very simple means. Advantageously, said actuation means or conveyors 80 are provided at the end portion of the upper branch of the lower conveyor, where extraction is performed, and at the lower portion of the lower branch of the lower conveyor, where insertion is performed. The machine also allows to vary at will the breadth of the bends of the ribbon being corrugated, and for this purpose distance variation means 90 are provided that allow to modify at will the mutual distance between the lower conveyor 11 and the upper conveyor 10. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, it is also possible to change at will the mutual spacing between the rods, so as to be able to vary, according to the manufacturing requirements, both the dimensions and the spacing of the bends provided on the corrugated ribbon 10. It should be noted, and it is a very important aspect, that the machine described above allows to continuously provide a ribbon in which the corrugated layer is obtained by continuously undulating a flat sheet, with bends that lie substantially at right angles to the direction of extension of the ribbon; moreover, the bends are connected in discrete regions to at least one other flat sheet. Furthermore, the possibility to couple a plurality of ribbons in successive steps allows to obtain a very wide range of products that are always differentiated. From what has been described above, it is therefore evident that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that the machine described above allows to provide automatically and continuously the coupling of two or more ribbons of expanded plastic material, thus obtaining a manufactured article that is particularly practical and valid from a functional and commercial standpoint. The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Several possible embodiments of the corrugated sheet-like element are illustrated with reference to Figures 11 to 19; said element is produced by using an apparatus of the type described above, which can have additional processing stations or in which a sheet-like element that has already been processed is inserted instead of one of the ribbons. Figure 11 illustrates a corrugated sheet-like element, designated by the reference numeral 50, in which an additional corrugated layer is inserted and is coupled to the flat ribbon, on one side of which a corrugated ribbon had already been provided. Figure 12 is a view of a corrugated sheet-like element 51 in which, on the opposite sides of the flat ribbon, there are corrugated ribbons having different corrugation pitches. In Figure 13, the sheet-like element 52 has corrugated elements connected to the sides of the flat ribbon; one of said corrugated elements has an alternating pitch, i.e., a bend is formed between spaces in which, instead of the bend, contact is provided between the flat ribbon and the corrugated ribbon and covers an extent that corresponds to a spacing pitch, i.e., a region in which a corrugation could be provided. In Figure 14, the sheet-like element 53 is provided by means of two flat ribbons, between which a corrugated ribbon is arranged. Figure 15 is a view of a sheet-like element 54 in which there is an alternation of corrugated ribbons and flat ribbons; the sheet-like element 55 of Figure 16 also has an alternation of corrugated ribbons and flat ribbons, with corrugated ribbons that have different spacing pitches and widths. In Figure 17, the sheet-like element 56 is provided by coupling to the flat ribbon a corrugated ribbon with alternating pitch; Figure 18 instead illustrates a sheet-like element 57 in which a corrugated ribbon with alternating pitch is provided between two flat ribbons. Figure 19 is a view of the sheet-like element 58, in which there are flat ribbons between which different types of corrugated ribbon, such as for example a corrugated ribbon with uniform pitch and a corrugated ribbon with alternating pitch, are alternated. The articles described above can be produced by providing additional stations on the machine described above, or it is possible to use the same type of machine, in which a manufactured article is fed which is constituted by the coupling of a plurality of previously provided ribbons, so as to obtain the chosen combination. All the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and. individual characteristics given in relation to specific examples may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiments. In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MI2003A000930 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. WE CLAIM: --------- 1. An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet- like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprising means (2) for continuously corrugating at least one first ribbon (3) that moves longitudinally, means for feeding (29) a second flat ribbon (30) in step with said first ribbon (3), and means for joining (40) one another said at least one first (3) and second (30) ribbons in discrete regions, said means (2) for continuously corrugating at least one first ribbon (3) comprise a reel (5) for dispensing said at least one first ribbon (3) to be inserted between an upper conveyor (10) and a lower conveyor (11), said upper conveyor (10) has a plurality of upper rods (14) that can be arranged so as to be intercalated between lower rods (24) supported by said lower conveyor (11), the upper rods (14) and the lower rods (24) being mutually alternated and mutually engaging apposite sides of the first ribbon (3) which accordingly assumes an undulateed shape characterised in that said lower rods (24) can move along directions that are substantially parallel to the direction of said upper rods (14) and are substantially perpendicular to the advancement direction of said conveyors (10, 11). 2. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step with the first ribbon (3) are laterally adjacent to the lower surface of the first ribbon (3), which has assumed an undulated configuration, so that a series of lower rods (24) remains inserted in cavities formed between the first ribbon (3) and the second ribbon (30). 3. The automatic machine as claimed in the preceding claims? wherein said upper conveyor (10) has a plurality of said upper rods (14), which are supported by lateral arms (15) that protrude from coupling blocks (16) that are associated with the links of a continuous upper chain (12), said arms (15) being arranged substantially at right angles to the orientation of said chain (12). 4. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lower conveyor (11) has a lower chain (20) to which a plurality of said lower rods (24) connected to means (23) for the actuation of said lower rods (24) is connected. b. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a lower branch of said upper conveyor (10) intersects an upper branch of said lower conveyor (11) in order to arrange said upper rods (14) and said lower rods (24) so that they are mutually alternated. 6. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises an auxiliary chain (25) that can move in step with said lower chain (20) and supports a plurality of guiding elements (26) that can engage the end of said lower rods (24) in a position in which they are extracted from said actuation means comprising cylinders (23). 7. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said means for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step with said first ribbon comprise a reel (29) for dispensing a second ribbon (30) that winds onto a coupling roller (31) that is arranged proximate to the upper branch of said lower conveyor (11) below said lower rods (24). 8. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said means for joining one another said first ribbon and said second ribbon in discrete regions comprise a hot air blower (40), which acts between said first ribbon (3) and said second ribbon (30) before the coupling between said second ribbon (30) and the lower bends of said first ribbon (3). 9. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lower rods (24) accommodated in the cavities formed between said first ribbon (3) and said second ribbon (30) are extracted from said cavities proximate to the end of said upper branch of the lower conveyor (11). 10. The automatic machine as claimed in one of claims 7-10, wherein said lower rods (24) are extracted from said cylinders (23) proximate to the end of the lower branch of said lower conveyor (11). 11. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising means for introducing an additional ribbon (61) with a longitudinal motion, means for the corrugation of said additional ribbon (61) being further provided. 12. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising means for feeding (64) an additional flat ribbon. 13. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein it feeds a corrugated sheet-like element (3, 30) produced earlier for coupling to an additional ribbon (61). 14. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising , at the end of said upper conveyor (10), a station (60) for the coupling of an additional flat ribbon (61) on the side that lies opposite the one provided with said second ribbon (30). 15. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a second hot air blower (62) that acts between said additional flat ribbon (61) and the corrugated sheet-like element (3, 30) that exits from said upper conveyor (10). 16. The machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising said means (70, 80) for the actuation of said lower rods (24) at the end of the upper branch of said lower conveyor (11). 17. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein said rod actuation means (70, 80) comprise carriages (70) that can move along directions that are substantially parallel to the advancement of said rods (24), said carriage (70) being supported by two guiding bars (71) that can move in step with said lower conveyor (11) for the insertion and extraction of said rods (24) respectively at the end of the lower branch and at the end of the upper branch of said lower conveyor (11). 18. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 17, comprising said carriages (70), pins (75) for engaging an actuation conveyor (80), which is provided with flaps (81) that are uniformly spaced and move in the direction of motion of said rods (24), said flaps (81) engaging in succession said pins (75), for the translational motion of said rods (24) in the direction for insertion and extraction with respect to the corrugated ribbon being formed. 19. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising means (VO) for mutually varying the distance between said lower conveyor (11) and said upper conveyor (10) in order to change the breadth of the bends being provided on said at least one first longitudinally moving ribbon. 20. A method for providing corrugated sheet-like elements whereby it provides on a ribbon (3) that advances continuously, corrugations along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the advancement direction and in that it stably connects the ribbon (3) thus corrugated to a flat ribbon (30) that advances continuously. 21. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein coupling between said corrugated ribbon (3) and said flat ribbon (30) is provided at the ends of the bends of said corrugated ribbon (3). 22. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein it provides for corrugating at least two ribbons arranged side by side and separated along a line that is substantially parallel to the advancement line of said ribbon, the corrugated and mutually separated ribbons being connected to a single flat ribbon. 23. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling between the respective ribbons is provided by localized melting. 24. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said ribbons (3, 30) are made of expanded material An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprising elements (2) for continuously corrugating a first ribbon (3) that moves longitudinally, a feeder (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step with the first ribbon (3) , and a device (40) for joining one another the first and second ribbons (3, 30) in discrte regions.

Full Text

AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR PRODUCING CORRUGATED SHEET-
LIKE ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY FOR PACKAGING, THERMAL
INSULATION, SOUNDPROOFING, AND THE LIKE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an automatic machine for producing
corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal
insulation, soundproofing and the like.
Background Art
Patent GB 1110287 discloses a sheet made of thermoplastic resin,
which is extruded with a corrugated profile and on which corrugations are
provided in a direction that is substantially parallel to the extrusion
direction.
A substantially flat sheet is connected to the resulting corrugated
sheet, for example by lamination; such flat sheet can be made of the most
disparate materials and can be obtained for example by means of expanded
plastic material.
This embodiment has the drawback of producing a manufactured
article that is difficult to store, since the coupled sheet that is provided
cannot be rolled up because the corrugations lie substantially parallel to the
longitudinal extension of the ribbon.
Because of this problem, the article in this embodiment has not
achieved an acceptable diffusion among users, since it was not practically
possible to perform industrial-level production.
Disclosure of the Invention
The aim of the invention is to solve the problem described above, by
providing an automatic machine that allows to provide corrugated sheet-like
elements automatically, providing a continuous and industrially valid
production.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an automatic
machine that allows to continuously connect a corrugated sheet-like element
to at least one flat sheet-like element, leading directly to a finished
manufactured article that can be stored in relatively limited spaces.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic
machine that thanks to its particular constructive characteristics is capable
of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic
machine that can be easily obtained starting from commonly commercially
available elements and materials and is also competitive from a merely
economical standpoint.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent
hereinafter are achieved by an automatic machine for producing corrugated
sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation,
soundproofing and the like, according to the invention, characterized in that
it comprises means for continuously corrugating a first ribbon that moves
longitudinally, means for feeding a second flat ribbon in step with said first
ribbon, and means for joining one another said first and second ribbons in
discrete regions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will
become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive
embodiment of an automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like
elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation, soundproofing and
the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of the automatic machine;
Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the automatic machine;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of a detail of the means for continuously
corrugating the first ribbon;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the end part of the means for continuously
corrugating the first ribbon;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the end part of the means for
continuously corrugating a ribbon;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the machine,
with the application of a flat ribbon on both sides;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of different means for actuating the
lower bars;
Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the means for actuating the
lower bars upon insertion of the bars between the ribbons;
Figures 9 and 10 are views of two different possible couplings
between the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor for providing a
different type of corrugation;
Figures 11 to 19 are views of further possible embodiments of a
variously corrugated sheet-like element.
Ways of carrying out the Invention
With reference to the figures, the automatic machine for producing
corrugated sheet-like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal
insulation, soundproofing and the like, comprises a supporting framework,
generally designated by the reference numeral 1, which supports means,
generally designated by the reference numeral 2, for continuously
corrugating a first ribbon.
Said means for continuously corrugating a first ribbon are constituted
by a reel 5 for dispensing the first ribbon 3, which is supported so that it can
rotate on the supporting framework 1 and feeds a ribbon preferably made of
expanded plastic material.
It is also possible to feed a first ribbon and at least one first adjacent
ribbon, so as to have a longitudinal separation line on the ribbons 3 that will
be corrugated.
The corrugating means 2 are constituted by an upper conveyor,
generally designated by the reference numeral 10, and by a lower conveyor
11.
The upper conveyor is constituted by an upper chain 12, which
continuously winds around gears 13 that are arranged at the ends and are
connected to motor means that determine the type of movement and the
speed of the ribbon.
The upper conveyor 10 has a plurality of upper rods or bars 14, which
are connected to lateral arms 15 that protrude from coupling blocks 16,
which in practice are associated with the links of the chain 12, so as to
always lie substantially at right angles to the orientation of the chain.
The upper rods 14 engage the upper face of the first ribbon 3 and
move in a longitudinal direction in step with the lower conveyor 11, which
has a lower chain 20 that winds around lower gears 21, which are motorized
so as to produce synchronous motion between the lower chain 20 and the
upper chain 12.
Means for actuating lower rods 24 are connected to the chain 20 and
are constituted for example by a plurality of lower cylinders 23, which are
arranged at right angles to the extension of the chain 20 and support a
plurality of lower rods 24, which are moved along directions that are
substantially parallel to the direction of the upper rods 14, so as to be
intercalated between said rods.
In greater detail, the lower branch of the upper conveyor 10 in
practice intersects the upper branch of the lower conveyor 11, so that the
upper rods 14 and the lower rods 24 are mutually alternated and engage
mutually opposite sides of the first ribbon 3, which accordingly assumes an
undulated shape, for example a sinusoidal shape.
The lower rods 24 have a movement that is perpendicular to the
direction of motion of the ribbon for the reasons that will become better
apparent hereinafter and in order to be able to disengage from the first
ribbon when required.
The machine further comprises an auxiliary chain 25, which moves
synchronously with respect to the chain 20 and is arranged on the side of the
upper conveyor that lies opposite the side where the cylinders 23 are
provided.
The auxiliary chain supports a plurality of guiding elements 26,
which are in step with the cylinders 23, in order to support the free end of
the lower rods 24 in the extracted position.
The automatic machine further comprises means for feeding 29 a
second flat ribbon in step with the first ribbon.
Said feeding means are constituted by a reel 29 for dispensing a
second ribbon 30, which, is supported by the framework 1 and feeds the
ribbon 30 on a coupling roller 31 that is positioned below the upper rods,
proximate to the upper branch of the first conveyor.
With this arrangement, the second ribbon 30 is arranged laterally
adjacent to the lower face of the first ribbon 3, which has assumed an
undulated configuration, so that a series of lower rods 24 remains inserted in
the cavities formed between the first ribbon 3 and the second ribbon 30. .
Furthermore the machine has joining means that provide the mutual
coupling in discrete regions between the first ribbon 3 and the second
ribbon 30.
Said joining means, in a preferred embodiment, are constituted by a
hot air blower 40, which, in practice produces a localized melting of the
plastic material that constitutes the first and second ribbons, achieving
coupling by contact at the roller 31 over which the second ribbon is passed
upon contact with the lower bend of the first ribbon.
In this coupling step, the upper rods 14 in practice press the first
ribbon onto the second ribbon, thus facilitating the coupling to the second
ribbon, which is flat.
Proximate to the end of the upper branch of the lower conveyor 11,
the lower rods must be extracted from the cavities and therefore disengage
from the two coupled ribbons, which as shown in the drawings, assume a
configuration that forms a plurality of cavities.
The rods 24 remain retracted within the corresponding cylinders 23
until they arrive proximate to the end of the lower branch of the lower
conveyor, in which the rods are extracted from the cylinders and arrange
themselves so that they can lie below the first ribbon and above the second
ribbon.
With the arrangement described above, therefore, a machine can be
obtained that is capable of continuously and automatically joining one
another two ribbons of" expanded plastic material, one of which is
corrugated so as to obtain, between the first and second ribbons, a plurality
of side-by-side cavities, which allow to reduce the weight of the resulting
article and to provide in practice a plurality of chambers that form a valid
barrier both for soundproofing and for thermal insulation.
According to what is shown in Figure 6, another embodiment of the
machine is provided which, together with the same components described
earlier for coupling the first and second ribbons, has a station 60 for
coupling an additional flat ribbon 61, obviously on the opposite side with
respect to the side provided with the second ribbon 30.
For this purpose, a second hot air blower 62 is provided, which
produces a localized melting of the additional ribbon 61 in order to achieve
coupling to the corrugated ribbon 3 at a coupling ribbon 63 that lies above
the article being produced and is arranged along the extension of the upper
conveyor 10.
Advantageously, over a certain extent, the rods 24 are left within the
bends so as to facilitate dimensional stability during coupling and are then
extracted in order to allow separation by extracting the rods at the upper end
branch of the lower conveyor, which in this case is extended with respect to
the upper conveyor.
Advantageously, as shown more clearly in Figures 7 to 8, different
means are provided for the actuation of the rods 24, such means being
constituted by carriages 70 that can move in a direction that is substantially
parallel to the advancement of the rods and are supported by two guiding
bars 71, which move in step with the lower conveyor so as to allow the
insertion and extraction of the rods in the intended manner.
In order to move the rods 24, above the carriages 70, which are
provided with engagement pins 75, there are actuation conveyors 80, which
are provided with flaps 81 that are uniformly spaced, move in the direction
of motion of the rods 24, and engage in succession the pins 75 so as to
provide, in the intended spaces, the translational motion of the rods 24,
which are made to enter and exit the bends formed by the ribbon being
corrugated.
The provided arrangement allows to achieve rapid movement with
very simple means.
Advantageously, said actuation means or conveyors 80 are provided
at the end portion of the upper branch of the lower conveyor, where
extraction is performed, and at the lower portion of the lower branch of the
lower conveyor, where insertion is performed.
The machine also allows to vary at will the breadth of the bends of
the ribbon being corrugated, and for this purpose distance variation means
90 are provided that allow to modify at will the mutual distance between the
lower conveyor 11 and the upper conveyor 10.
As shown in Figures 9 and 10, it is also possible to change at will the
mutual spacing between the rods, so as to be able to vary, according to the
manufacturing requirements, both the dimensions and the spacing of the
bends provided on the corrugated ribbon 10.
It should be noted, and it is a very important aspect, that the machine
described above allows to continuously provide a ribbon in which the
corrugated layer is obtained by continuously undulating a flat sheet, with
bends that lie substantially at right angles to the direction of extension of the
ribbon; moreover, the bends are connected in discrete regions to at least one
other flat sheet.
Furthermore, the possibility to couple a plurality of ribbons in
successive steps allows to obtain a very wide range of products that are
always differentiated.
From what has been described above, it is therefore evident that the
invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular the fact is
stressed that the machine described above allows to provide automatically
and continuously the coupling of two or more ribbons of expanded plastic
material, thus obtaining a manufactured article that is particularly practical
and valid from a functional and commercial standpoint.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous
modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the
appended claims.
Several possible embodiments of the corrugated sheet-like element
are illustrated with reference to Figures 11 to 19; said element is produced
by using an apparatus of the type described above, which can have
additional processing stations or in which a sheet-like element that has
already been processed is inserted instead of one of the ribbons.
Figure 11 illustrates a corrugated sheet-like element, designated by
the reference numeral 50, in which an additional corrugated layer is inserted
and is coupled to the flat ribbon, on one side of which a corrugated ribbon
had already been provided.
Figure 12 is a view of a corrugated sheet-like element 51 in which, on
the opposite sides of the flat ribbon, there are corrugated ribbons having
different corrugation pitches.
In Figure 13, the sheet-like element 52 has corrugated elements
connected to the sides of the flat ribbon; one of said corrugated elements has
an alternating pitch, i.e., a bend is formed between spaces in which, instead
of the bend, contact is provided between the flat ribbon and the corrugated
ribbon and covers an extent that corresponds to a spacing pitch, i.e., a region
in which a corrugation could be provided.
In Figure 14, the sheet-like element 53 is provided by means of two
flat ribbons, between which a corrugated ribbon is arranged.
Figure 15 is a view of a sheet-like element 54 in which there is an
alternation of corrugated ribbons and flat ribbons; the sheet-like element 55
of Figure 16 also has an alternation of corrugated ribbons and flat ribbons,
with corrugated ribbons that have different spacing pitches and widths.
In Figure 17, the sheet-like element 56 is provided by coupling to the
flat ribbon a corrugated ribbon with alternating pitch; Figure 18 instead
illustrates a sheet-like element 57 in which a corrugated ribbon with
alternating pitch is provided between two flat ribbons.
Figure 19 is a view of the sheet-like element 58, in which there are
flat ribbons between which different types of corrugated ribbon, such as for
example a corrugated ribbon with uniform pitch and a corrugated ribbon
with alternating pitch, are alternated.
The articles described above can be produced by providing additional
stations on the machine described above, or it is possible to use the same
type of machine, in which a manufactured article is fed which is constituted
by the coupling of a plurality of previously provided ribbons, so as to obtain
the chosen combination.
All the details may further be replaced with other technically
equivalent elements, and. individual characteristics given in relation to
specific examples may actually be interchanged with other different
characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiments.
In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the
specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any
according to requirements.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MI2003A000930
from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by
reference.
WE CLAIM:
---------
1. An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-
like elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation,
soundproofing and the like, comprising means (2) for continuously
corrugating at least one first ribbon (3) that moves
longitudinally, means for feeding (29) a second flat ribbon (30)
in step with said first ribbon (3), and means for joining (40)
one another said at least one first (3) and second (30) ribbons
in discrete regions, said means (2) for continuously
corrugating at least one first ribbon (3) comprise a reel (5) for
dispensing said at least one first ribbon (3) to be inserted
between an upper conveyor (10) and a lower conveyor (11), said
upper conveyor (10) has a plurality of upper rods (14) that can
be arranged so as to be intercalated between lower rods (24)
supported by said lower conveyor (11), the upper rods (14) and
the lower rods (24) being mutually alternated and mutually
engaging apposite sides of the first ribbon (3) which
accordingly assumes an undulateed shape characterised in that
said lower rods (24) can move along directions that are
substantially parallel to the direction of said upper rods
(14) and are substantially perpendicular to the advancement
direction of said conveyors (10, 11).
2. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said means (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon (30) in step
with the first ribbon (3) are laterally adjacent to the lower
surface of the first ribbon (3), which has assumed an undulated
configuration, so that a series of lower rods (24) remains
inserted in cavities formed between the first ribbon (3) and the
second ribbon (30).
3. The automatic machine as claimed in the preceding
claims? wherein said upper conveyor (10) has a plurality of said
upper rods (14), which are supported by lateral arms (15) that
protrude from coupling blocks (16) that are associated with the
links of a continuous upper chain (12), said arms (15) being
arranged substantially at right angles to the orientation of said
chain (12).
4. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein said lower conveyor (11) has a lower
chain (20) to which a plurality of said lower rods (24)
connected to means (23) for the actuation of said lower rods (24)
is connected.
b. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein a lower branch of said upper conveyor
(10) intersects an upper branch of said lower conveyor (11) in
order to arrange said upper rods (14) and said lower rods (24) so
that they are mutually alternated.
6. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of
the preceding claims, wherein it comprises an auxiliary chain
(25) that can move in step with said lower chain (20) and supports
a plurality of guiding elements (26) that can engage the end of
said lower rods (24) in a position in which they are extracted
from said actuation means comprising cylinders (23).
7. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein said means for feeding a second flat
ribbon (30) in step with said first ribbon comprise a reel (29)
for dispensing a second ribbon (30) that winds onto a coupling
roller (31) that is arranged proximate to the upper branch of
said lower conveyor (11) below said lower rods (24).
8. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein said means for joining one another
said first ribbon and said second ribbon in discrete regions
comprise a hot air blower (40), which acts between said first
ribbon (3) and said second ribbon (30) before the coupling
between said second ribbon (30) and the lower bends of said
first ribbon (3).
9. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein said lower rods (24) accommodated in
the cavities formed between said first ribbon (3) and said second
ribbon (30) are extracted from said cavities proximate to the end
of said upper branch of the lower conveyor (11).
10. The automatic machine as claimed in one of claims 7-10,
wherein said lower rods (24) are extracted from said cylinders
(23) proximate to the end of the lower branch of said lower
conveyor (11).
11. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, comprising means for introducing an
additional ribbon (61) with a longitudinal motion, means for the
corrugation of said additional ribbon (61) being further
provided.
12. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, comprising means for feeding (64) an
additional flat ribbon.
13. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, wherein it feeds a corrugated sheet-like
element (3, 30) produced earlier for coupling to an additional
ribbon (61).
14. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, comprising , at the end of said upper conveyor
(10), a station (60) for the coupling of an additional flat ribbon
(61) on the side that lies opposite the one provided with said
second ribbon (30).
15. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of the
preceding claims, comprising a second hot air blower
(62) that acts between said additional flat ribbon (61) and the
corrugated sheet-like element (3, 30) that exits from said upper
conveyor (10).
16. The machine as claimed in one or more of the preceding
claims, comprising said means (70, 80) for the actuation of said
lower rods (24) at the end of the upper branch of said lower
conveyor (11).
17. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein
said rod actuation means (70, 80) comprise carriages (70) that
can move along directions that are substantially parallel to the
advancement of said rods (24), said carriage (70) being supported
by two guiding bars (71) that can move in step with said lower
conveyor (11) for the insertion and extraction of said rods (24)
respectively at the end of the lower branch and at the end of the
upper branch of said lower conveyor (11).
18. The automatic machine as claimed in claim 17,
comprising said carriages (70), pins (75) for engaging an
actuation conveyor (80), which is provided with flaps (81)
that are uniformly spaced and move in the direction of motion of
said rods (24), said flaps (81) engaging in succession said pins
(75), for the translational motion of said rods (24) in the
direction for insertion and extraction with respect to the
corrugated ribbon being formed.
19. The automatic machine as claimed in one or more of
the preceding claims, comprising means (VO) for mutually
varying the distance between said lower conveyor (11) and said
upper conveyor (10) in order to change the breadth of the bends
being provided on said at least one first longitudinally
moving ribbon.
20. A method for providing corrugated sheet-like elements
whereby it provides on a ribbon (3) that advances continuously,
corrugations along a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the advancement direction and in that it stably
connects the ribbon (3) thus corrugated to a flat ribbon (30)
that advances continuously.
21. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding
claims, wherein coupling between said corrugated ribbon (3) and
said flat ribbon (30) is provided at the ends of the bends of
said corrugated ribbon (3).
22. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding
claims, wherein it provides for corrugating at least two ribbons
arranged side by side and separated along a line that is
substantially parallel to the advancement line of said ribbon,
the corrugated and mutually separated ribbons being connected to
a single flat ribbon.
23. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding
claims, wherein the coupling between the respective ribbons is
provided by localized melting.
24. The method as claimed in one or more of the preceding
claims, wherein said ribbons (3, 30) are made of expanded material

An automatic machine for producing corrugated sheet-like
elements, particularly for packaging, thermal insulation,
soundproofing and the like, comprising elements (2) for
continuously corrugating a first ribbon (3) that moves
longitudinally, a feeder (29) for feeding a second flat ribbon
(30) in step with the first ribbon (3) , and a device (40) for
joining one another the first and second ribbons (3, 30) in
discrte regions.

Documents:

2048-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27-1.pdf

2048-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 26.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

2048-kolnp-2005-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

233034

Indian Patent Application Number

2048/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

13/2009

Publication Date

27-Mar-2009

Grant Date

25-Mar-2009

Date of Filing

19-Oct-2005

Name of Patentee

INTERWAVE S. R. L.

Applicant Address

VIA VERDI 25/B, 24100 BERGAMO

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	FABIO ANGELO GRITTI	VIA ANTONIO LOCATELLI, 85 24055 COLONGO AL SERIO
2	ROBERTO GRITTI	VIA CREMA, 73-24055 COLONGO AL SERIO

PCT International Classification Number

B31F 1/30,B29C 53/28

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2004/004331

PCT International Filing date

2004-04-23

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	MI2003 A000930	2003-05-08	Italy