| CLAIMS 1. Method for manufacturing straws (50) in paper material comprising the following steps: providing a web (1 a) or at least one discrete sheet (1 b) of paper material, said web or discrete sheet extending at least between a first and a second end portion (2, 3); providing a winding body (1 1) extending along an axis (A); completely winding said web or discrete sheet (1a, 1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) for defining a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first and the second end portion (2, 3) are mutually facing for defining a mutual overlapping portion (4), optionally said first and second end portions (2, 3) extending along a main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ); constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining 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 straight direction. 2. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of completely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) comprises the steps of: bringing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) close, optionally in contact, to the winding body (11), optionally the discrete sheet (1 b) having a main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally being in a flat condition; pressing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 ) around the winding body (11 ) by means of at least one pusher (13) movable close to and away from the winding body (11 ), in particular said at least one pusher (13) extending in length substantially parallel to the winding body (11 ), the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) being interposed between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (11), wherein: - according to a first configuration, the winding body (1 1) is movable by rotation around its own axis of rotation (A), said at least one pusher (13) comprising one or more rollers (140) arranged around the winding body (11) and movable by rotation about its own axis of rotation (D) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), said one or more rollers (140) being further movable by translation with respect to the winding body (11) between a distal position and a close position, in particular, at least during the step of winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ), the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) being interposed, in particular interposed in contact, between the winding body (1 1 ) and said one or more rollers (140); or - according to a second configuration, the winding body (11 ) is fixed, in particular the winding body (11 ) being fixed by rotation and optionally also fixed by translation, said at least one pusher (13) comprising a base pusher (13a) movable by translation with respect to the winding body (11 ) between a distal position and a close position, and a first lateral pusher (13b) and optionally a second lateral pusher (13c) movable by rotation with respect to the winding body (1 1 ) between a distal position and a close position, in particular, at least during the step of winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ), the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) being interposed, in particular interposed in contact, between the winding body (11 ) and said base pusher (13a), first lateral pusher (13a) and second lateral pusher (13b). 3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding body (11 ) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, optionally a cylindrical or slightly frusto-conical shape, extending in length along its own axis (A) and wherein the mutual overlapping portion (4) has a substantially rectangular shape extending by a length equal to the distance between the first and second free edge (51, 52) of the straw (50), optionally the mutual overlapping portion (4) extends perpendicularly to the first and second free edges (51 , 52) of the straw (50). 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of constraining the first end portion (2) with the second portion (3) comprises at least the steps of: placing the first end portion (2) in contact with the second end portion (3); heat-sealing or gluing said first and second end portions (2, 3) together, said 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 ); activating the heat-sealing element (21 ) on the mutual overlapping portion (4) to allow the welding of the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3), optionally to allow sealing of the first end portion with the second end portion, wherein the heat-sealing element (21 ) is: a heat-sealing bar configured to reach a predetermined welding temperature, wherein the constraining step comprises a step of moving said heat-sealing bar between: - a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are mutually spaced; and - a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are joined together, 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 ); or a laser or ultrasound device, in particular wherein said laser or ultrasound device is configured to determine the welding between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) at a distance, optionally said laser or ultrasound device determining said welding without contacting the first and/or second end portion (2, 3). 5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of providing a web (1 a) to be fed along an unwinding direction (UD), the web (1 a) being a continuous web unwound from a reel (31 ) movable by rotation around an axis of rotation (B) or the web (1 a) being folded in layers overlapping each other for defining a stack of continuous sheets, wherein: • the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ) and optionally, if the web (1 a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ); or • the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the web (1 a) is unwound from a reel (31 ), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ), the method comprising a step of cutting the web (1 a) for defining, at the second end portion (3), a transverse cut, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a), optionally said cutting step preceding or partially overlapping the step of winding said discrete sheet (1 b) about the winding body (11). 6. Method according to any one of the previous claims, comprising the steps of: • winding the web (1 a) around the winding body (1 1) for defining the cylindrical body (5); • cutting said web (1 a) parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11), the cutting step being subsequent to or partially overlapping the winding step (1 a), optionally the cutting step being subsequent to the step of constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4); or the steps of: • unwinding the web (1 a) along the unwinding direction (UD), the latter being parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ); • cutting a portion of web (1 a) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ), for defining a discrete sheet (1 b), said cut defining a lateral edge (6) of the discrete sheet (1 b) extending between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3); • winding said discrete sheet around the winding body (11 ) for defining the cylindrical body (5), the cutting step preceding the winding step (1 a) and/or the constraining step. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step for ejecting 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 (1 1 ); 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 supporting structure (60), optionally a transparent supporting structure (60), defining an inner volume in particular containing any one of the elements introduced in any one of the preceding claims, the step of moving the straw (50) comprising at least one step between: pushing said straw (50), optionally by means of an abutment element (1 11 ) and/or by a gas flow, optionally air, along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ). 8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, according to the first configuration, the step of completely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ) comprises the steps of: rotating the winding body (11) about the axis (A) to allow the drive of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) during the winding step, said rotating step defining: a complete rotation, optionally a 360° rotation, of the winding body (11 ) about its axis (A); and an additional rotation to the complete rotation for defining the mutual overlapping portion (4), said additional rotation being in particular less than 90°, optionally less than 45°, optionally less than 25°. 9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a preparation sub-step for moving said one or more rollers (140) from the distal to the close position, in particular along a substantially straight direction towards the winding body (1 1 ), said preparation step being prior to the winding step and optionally to the step of bringing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) close to the winding body (1 1 ), in particular, according to the first configuration, the step of pressing the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) by at least one pusher (13) comprising the preparation sub-step; the step of entirely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ) further comprising the step of placing said one or more rollers (140) in rotation, at least when the latter are arranged in their close position, for guiding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11). 10. Method according to claim 2 wherein, according to the first configuration, the winding step provides for pressing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) on the winding body (1 1 ) by means of said one or more rollers (140) at least when the latter are arranged in the close position, in particular, said one or more rollers (140) causing a thrust on the winding body (1 1 ). 11. Method according to claim 2, wherein a rotation of said one or more rollers (140) is determined by a motor, in particular an electric motor, connected to said one or more rollers (140) by means of a belt, chain or toothed coupling, the rotation of the winding body (11) being determined by contact with at least one of said one or more rollers (140). 12. Method according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the rotation of the winding body (11) is determined by a motor, in particular an electric motor, connected to the winding body (11 ) by means of a belt, chai n or toothed coupling, the rotation of said one or more rollers (140) being determined by contact with the winding body (1 1 ). 13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, optionally according to the first configuration, the winding body (11 ) comprises a groove (13) extending along the axis (A), said groove (13) being arranged on a side surface (12) of the winding body (1 1) for defining a seat, the method comprising a step of inserting at least a part of the first end portion (2) into the groove (13) of the winding body (1 1 ) for defining a constraint, optionally a rotational constraint, between the winding body (1 1 ) and the first end portion (2) and allow the drive of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) during the winding step, in particular, said insertion step being prior to the winding step. 14. Method according to claim 2, wherein, according to the second configuration, the step of bringing the discrete sheet (1 b) close to the winding body (11 ) provides for arranging a center line portion of the discrete sheet (1 b) at the winding body (11) such that the winding body (11) is interposed between the first and second end portion (2, 3) of the discrete sheet (1 b) with respect to an axis passing through the winding body (11 ), the step of pressing the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) comprising: a first step of pressing the base pusher (13a), optionally a portion of the base pusher (13a), wherein said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11 ), on the center line portion of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (11) for defining a first partial winding arc of the discrete sheet; a second step of pressing the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally a portion of the first lateral pusher (13b), wherein said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the first end portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (1 1 ) for defining a second partial winding arc of the discrete sheet larger than and comprising the first partial winding arc; a possible third step of pressing the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally a portion of the second lateral pusher (13c), wherein said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (1 1 ), on the second end portion (3) of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (11 ) for substantially defining the cylindrical body (5), and wherein the discrete sheet (1 b) is optionally wound completely or almost completely around the winding body (1 1 ). 15. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the first pressing step comprises the translation of the base pusher (13a) from its distal position to the one close to the winding body (1 1 ), said translation being in particular defined along a substantially straight trajectory; - the second pressing step comprises the rotation of the first lateral pusher (13b) from its distal position to the close one with respect to the winding body (11); - optionally, the third pressing step comprises the rotation of the second lateral pusher (13c) from its distal position to the close one with respect to the winding body (11), wherein the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close position to the distal one, rotate in the opposite direction, the winding body (11 ) being at least partly interposed between the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), optionally the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) being both movable by rotation by an angle between 10° and 180° in absolute value, in particular between 15° and 90° in absolute value, optionally the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) being movable by rotation around a same axis of rotation (C), optionally said axis of rotation (C) being passing through the base pusher (13a). 16. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, 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 predefined linear trajectory between: a retreated position, wherein 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 wherein 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 retreated position to the thrust position, the actuation member (14) determining in order: the movement of the base pusher (13a) to define the first thrust step; the movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) to define the second thrust step; the movement of the second lateral pusher (13c) to define the third thrust step; optionally along said predefined linear trajectory from the retreated position to the thrust position, the actuation member (14) determining in order: the attainment of the close position by the base pusher (13a); the attainment of the close position by the first lateral pusher (13b); optionally the attainment of the close position by the second lateral pusher (13c). 17. Apparatus (100) for the manufacture of straws comprising a supporting structure (60), defining an inner volume and bearing: a feeding station (30) configured for providing a web (1 a) or at least one discrete sheet (1 b) of paper material, said web or discrete sheet having at least a first end portion (2) and a second end portion (3); a forming station (10) comprising at least one winding body (11 ) extending along an axis (A) and configured for receiving in winding said web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b), for defining a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) are mutually facing for defining a mutual overlapping portion (4), optionally said first and second end portion (2, 3) extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ); a constraining station (20) configured for constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining a straw (50) extending in length 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 straight direction, at least one pusher (13) configured for exerting a thrust on the web (1a) or on the discrete sheet (1 b) towards the winding body (1 1 ) to allow it to be wound around the latter, the at least one pusher (13) being movable towards and away from the winding body (1 1 ). 18. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the feeding station (30) is configured for allowing the unwinding of the web along an unwinding direction (UD), said feeding station (30) comprising a support (32) configured for carrying a reel (31) of web (1 a) and for allowing a rotation about an axis of rotation (B), said reel (31) being configured for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1 a), the feeding station (30) comprising at least one motor (39) connected to the support (32) and configured for rotating said reel (31) in a direct or indirect manner, for example by pulling the web (1 a), for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1 a), wherein the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending along its own axis (A), the winding body (11) having an outer side surface (12) configured for receiving in winding, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), the discrete sheet (1 b) or the web (1 a). 19. Apparatus according to the preceding claims 17 or 19, wherein: according to a first configuration, the winding body (11 ) is movable by rotation around its own axis of rotation (A) and the at least one pusher (13) comprises one or more rollers (140) arranged around the winding body (1 1 ) and movable by rotation about its own axis of rotation (D) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), said rollers in particular being further movable by translation with respect to the winding body (1 1 ) between a distal position and a close position and vice versa; - according to a second configuration, the winding body (1 1 ) is fixed, in particular the winding body (11 ) being fixed by rotation, in particular not rotatable, and optionally also fixed by translation, said at least one pusher (13) extending substantially parallel to the winding body (11) and comprising a base pusher (13a) movable by translation with respect to the winding body (1 1) between a distal position and a close position, and a first lateral pusher (13b) and optionally a second lateral pusher (13c) movable by rotation with respect to the winding body (11 ) between a distal position and a close position, in which said rotation determines the movement between the distal position and the close position or vice versa. 20. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, which, when according to the first configuration, comprises at least one motor (19) connected to the winding body (11) and configured for rotating said winding body (11) about its axis (A) to drive the web or the discrete sheet (1a, 1b) and allow the winding thereof. said winding body (11) being configured for determining the rotation of said one or more rollers (140) at least when the latter are arranged in close position, in particular the rotation of the winding body (11) being transmitted by mutual contact to said one or more rollers (140). 21. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, which, when according to the first configuration, comprises at least one motor (141) connected to said one or more rollers (140) by means of a belt, chain or toothed coupling, and configured for placing them in rotation around its own axis of rotation (D) to contribute to the pulling of the web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) and allow the winding thereof, said one or more rollers (140) being configured for determining the rotation of the winding body (11) at least when said one or more rollers (140) are arranged in the close position, in particular the rotation of said one or more rollers (140) being transmitted by mutual contact to the winding body (11), in particular by direct contact to the winding body (11) or by interposed presence of the web (1 a) or discrete sheet (1 b). 22. Apparatus according to claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein said one or more rollers (140) are movable each between the distal position and the close position and vice versa along a substantially straight translation direction, in particular said translation direction passing through the rotation axis (A) of the winding body (11), optionally, said substantially straight translation direction being the only degree of freedom which allows said rollers (140) to move between the close position and the distal position and vice versa. 23. Apparatus according to claim 19, 20, 21 or 22, wherein said one or more rollers (140), when arranged in the distal position or in the close position, are located on a circumference having the center at the axis of rotation (A) of the winding body (11), in particular, said one or more rollers (140), when arranged in the distal position or in the close position, are each located at the same distance from the axis (A) of the winding body (11). 24. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 19 to 23, wherein said one or more rollers (140) are radially arranged around the winding body (1 1 ), in particular being angularly equally spaced apart. 25. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 19 to 24, wherein the rollers (140) are in a number comprised between 2 and 10, in particular between 3 and 8. 26. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 19, wherein: - the base pusher (13a) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (1 1) and optionally has a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (1 1 ), the sheet being configured for interposing between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (11 ), the base pusher (13a), optionally the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a), being configured for pressing, when placed in the close position, a center line portion of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (11 ) defining at least a first partial winding arc of the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11); - the first lateral pusher (13b) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (1 1 ) and optionally has a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11 ), the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher (13b), being configured for pressing, when arranged in the close position, the first end portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (11) to define a second partial winding arc of the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1) greater than, and comprising, the first partial winding arc; - the second lateral pusher (13c) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (11) and optionally has a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally the abutment portion of the second lateral pusher (13c), being configured for pressing, when placed in the close position, the second end portion (3) of the discrete sheet (1 b) against the winding body (11) defining a second partial winding arc of the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ) greater than, and comprising, the second partial winding arc; the winding body (11 ) being at least partly interposed between the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A), optionally wherein the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close position to the distal one or vice versa, rotate in the opposite direction. 27. Apparatus according to claims 19 and 26, 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 retreated position, wherein the actuation member (14) is configured for determining 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 wherein the actuation member (14) is configured for determining 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 retreated position to the travel end position, the actuation member (14) being configured for determining 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 discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ); and the movement of the first lateral pusher (13b) from the distal to the close position to define the second partial winding arc of the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding 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 discrete sheet (1 b) is completely wound around the winding body (11 ), the apparatus comprising at least one actuator (19) connected to the actuation member (14) and configured for determining the movement thereof between the retreated position and the thrust position. 28. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation member (14) has a coupling mechanism (80) for connection to the base pusher (13a), such that: a movement of the actuation member (14) along a first initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes the base pusher (13a) to move from its distal position to the close one; a further movement of the actuation member (14), along a further section of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the base pusher (13a), but causes a modification of the configuration of the coupling mechanism (80), said further section being distinct and successive 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 bush at least partially interposed between the actuation member (14) and the base pusher (13a); in particular wherein the actuation member (14) has a first compensator mechanism (81 ) for coupling with the first lateral pusher (13b), such that: a movement of the actuation member (14) along a second initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes the first lateral pusher (13b) to move from its distal position to the close one; a further movement of the actuation 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 successive with respect to said second initial section, wherein said first compensator mechanism (81) 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 first lateral pusher (13b). 29. Apparatus according to the preceding claims 17 to 28, wherein the constraining station (20) comprises a heat-sealing element (21 ) configured for allowing the sealing of the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3), optionally for allowing the sealing of the first end portion with the second end portion, the heat-sealing element (21) being: - a heat-sealing bar configured for reaching a predetermined welding temperature, said bar being movable along a direction perpendicular to the winding body (1 1 ) between a distal position, in which the winding body (1 1 ) and the heat-sealing bar are spaced from each other, and a close position, in which the winding body (11 ) and the heat-sealing bar are brought together, in which the heat-sealing bar is configured for exerting a thrust on the mutual coupling portion (4) at least when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing bar and the winding body (1 1 ), optionally the constraining station (20) comprising an actuator (29) connected to said heat-sealing element (21) and configured for controlling the movement thereof at least during the step of constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3); or a laser or ultrasound device, in particular wherein said laser or ultrasound device is configured to determine at a distance the welding between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3), optionally said laser or ultrasound device determining said welding without directly contacting the first and the second end portion (2, 3). 30. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 29, comprising at least one cutting station (40) comprising at least one cutting tool selected from a rotating or translating blade, said cutting station (40) being configured for defining a cut on at least a portion of the web (1a), said cut being transversal, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a), the cutting station (40) comprising at least one actuator (49) configured for moving the cutting tool along a direction: parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), optionally said cut being carried out at the second end portion (3); or perpendicular to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11). 31. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 30, comprising: • at least one driving roller (15), optionally a pair of driving rollers (15), movable by rotation and arranged between the feeding station (30) and the forming station (10), the at least one driving roller (15) being configured for contacting the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) coming from the feeding station (30), and for defining the advancement thereof towards the forming station (10); and • a control unit (70) connected to the cutting station (40), to the winding station (10), to the constraining station (20) and optionally to the feeding station (30), wherein, according to the first configuration, said control unit (70) is configured for: controlling the feeding station (30) for providing consecutive portions of web (1 a); optionally moving the one or more rollers (140) from the distal to the close position; controlling the rotation of the winding body (11) and optionally the rotation of the one or more rollers (140) for driving the web (1 a) about the winding body (1 1 ) for defining the cylindrical body (5), the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a) being perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); after the step of controlling the rotation of the winding body (11), the control unit (70) being configured for: activating the cutting station (40) for defining the cutting of said web (1a) optionally parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ); activating the constraining station (20) for constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining the straw (50), wherein the step of activating the cutting station (40) being prior, simultaneous with or subsequent to the step of activating the constraining station (20). 32. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 31 , wherein the winding body (11) of the forming station (10) has a first radial size, optionally a first diameter, the forming station (10) further comprising an auxiliary winding body (11 ') configured for receiving in winding the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b), wherein the auxiliary winding body (11 ') extends along a axis (A1) and has a second radial size, optionally a second diameter, different from the first radial size, optionally with respect to the first diameter, for defining straws (50) having different radial sizes, the apparatus (100) comprising a diverter movable at least between: a first position, in which said diverter is configured for directing the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) towards the winding body (11 ); and a second position, in which said diverter is configured for directing the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) towards the auxiliary winding body (11'). 33. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 32, wherein the supporting structure (60) defines a casing containing at least the feeding station (30), the forming station (10) and the constraining station (20); the supporting structure (60) comprising at least one side wall (61 ), a base wall and a top wall connected to the side wall for limiting an access of a subject user to the substantially closed inner volume, wherein a wall is at least partly transparent to allow a visualization of the inner volume from the outside of the supporting structure (60). 34. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 33, comprising one or more thrust springs (140b) active on said one or more rollers (140), said thrust springs (140b) being configured for imposing on each roller (140) a thrust towards and in approach to the winding body (1 1 ), optionally said thrust being transversely oriented, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the axis (D) of each roller (140). 35. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 34, comprising at least one actuation bar (90) arranged at at least one end of the winding body (11 ) and movable by rotation around the axis (A) of the winding body (11) wherein each roller (140) comprises a cylindrical body extending in length between a first and a second end along a direction substantially parallel to the winding body (11 ), wherein said cylindrical body comprises at least one coupling portion (140a) at the first and/or second end, in particular emerging from said cylindrical body, optionally said coupling portion (140a) having a cylindrical shape and having a smaller radial size than a radial size of the cylindrical body of the roller (140) itself; wherein said actuation bar (90) comprises one or more elongated grooves (91) housing the coupling portions of the rollers (140), said actuation bar (90) being configured for rotating between a first angular position and a second angular position and vice versa, wherein such a rotation respectively determines the passage of the rollers (140) from the close position to the distal position and vice versa. 36. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein each of said one or more grooves (91) comprises a ramp defining a supporting portion, in particular a supporting surface, suitable for contacting with the coupling portion (140a) of one of said one or more rollers (140), said supporting portion having a minimum distance section and a maximum distance section with respect to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), such that: - when the actuation bar (90) is in the first angular position, the coupling portion (140a) of a roller between said one or more rollers (140) is positioned at said minimum distance section, said roller (140) being placed close to the winding body (11); - when the actuation bar (90) is in the second angular position, the coupling portion (140a) of a roller between said one or more rollers (140) is positioned at said maximum distance section, said roller (140) being disposed in the distal position with respect to the winding body (11 ). |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws. In greater detail, the invention relates to a small bench-type machine for manufacturing paper straws and the relative production method. The invention therefore finds application in the restaurant, food and beverage industry.
PRIOR ART
In the food and beverage industry, industrial equipment for making paper straws is known, in which a paper web, unwound from a reel, is wound several times following a spiral direction around a central body defining a straw.
The patent document TWM543012U describes a system for manufacturing straws in paper material, in which a web is repeatedly wound around a central core, to define a paper cylinder having a spiral structure. The end portions of the edges of the rolled web are mutually overlapped in such a way as to allow mutual engagement thereof by means of a heat-sealing process. The manufacturing method and the apparatus allow a high productivity and are intended for the production of large quantities of straws for industrial purposes.
The Applicant notes that the method of manufacturing 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 restaurant premises or private premises. Moreover, this method provides a continuous operation of the apparatus, making it suitable in areas in which high productivity is required: this method and apparatus are therefore not suitable for making individual straws at the request of the Customer.
The apparatuses for making straws by means of spiral winding provide for the continuous overlapping of the lateral portions of the web: this determines, on the one hand, a considerable consumption of material, on the other, the adoption of real production machines to be able to increase hourly productivity and consequently reduce the unit price of the product for the purpose of subsequent marketing. This leads both to an increase in the consumption of material required, and to the need of having high productivity with high sales volumes.
Document CH264925A is directed to a method and a device for making tubular bodies by winding a sheet material. The sheet material is wound around a cylindrical body having a predefined diameter and length, for example having a diameter equal to 2.5 cm and a length of 20 cm. During the winding step, the sheet material is guided by the further rollers arranged laterally to the cylindrical body and movable by rotation. A further heatable lateral roller can be moved towards the cylindrical body to determine the welding of the sheet material.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to substantially solve the drawbacks and/or limitations set forth above.
A first object of the present invention provides a method and an apparatus suitable for making a limited number of paper straws, in particular for making individual straws at each customer request.
A further object of the invention provides to provide a method and an apparatus suitable for reducing the consumption of material during the manufacturing cycle of each individual straw.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus sufficiently flexible to allow the manufacture of individual straws possibly having different sizes, as requested by the customer.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws having compact dimensions and low weight, in particular an apparatus which is easily transportable by hand.
It is also an object to provide a device whose initial purchase cost is limited, in which the cost of the straw is low and above all ensures hygiene with uncontaminated straws.
Another object is to intrigue and interest the hypothetical customer in an instructive manner.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws, which can be easily operated by a user (for example directly by a catering customer) who is not skilled in the manufacture 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 and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which figures 1 to 22 are according to a first configuration of the present invention, while the figures 23 to 42 are according to a second configuration of the present invention:
> Figure 1 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of partial winding of the web to define the straw.
Figure 2 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of constraining the web to define the straw.
> Figure 3 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of cutting the web to define the straw. > Figure 4 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of partial winding of the discrete sheet to define the straw.
> Figure 5 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of an abutment element.
> Figure 6 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of a blower.
Figure 7 A is a perspective view of the winding body according to the present invention during a step of complete winding of the web.
> Figure 7B is a schematic top view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to the present invention comprising two winding bodies having different diameters.
> Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are detailed views of sequential winding steps of the paper material according to the present invention.
Figures 9A and 9B are detailed views of an embodiment of the winding body according to the present invention.
> Figure 9C is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention in which the winding body has an external guide.
> Figures 9D, 9E and 9F are sectional views of the apparatus of figure 9C during sequential winding steps of the paper material according to the present invention.
Figure 10 is a front view of a straw manufactured by a method and an apparatus according to the present invention.
> Figure 11 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention during a step of partial winding of the discrete sheet to define the straw.
> Figure 12 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention during a step of constraining the discrete sheet to define the straw.
> Figure 13 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of an abutment element.
> Figure 14 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to a further embodiment of the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of a blower. Figure 15 is a front view of an apparatus configured for implementing a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a web cutting step. > Figure 16 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of partial winding of the discrete sheet to define the straw.
> Figure 17 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of constraining the discrete sheet to define the straw.
Figure 18 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of an abutment element.
Figure 19 is a front view of an apparatus configured for the implementation of a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of ejection of the straw by means of a blower.
Figures 20A and 20B are sectional lateral views of an apparatus configured for implementing a method according to the present invention, in which the rollers are arranged respectively in a close position and in a distal position with respect to the winding body.
> Figures 21 A and 21 B are lateral views of an apparatus configured for implementing a method according to two different embodiments of the present invention.
> Figure 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus configured for implementing a method according to the present invention.
The following figures show an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the second configuration of the present invention.
> Figure 23 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during an initial processing step.
> Figure 24 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 23.
Figure 25 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a step of feeding the paper sheet.
Figure 26 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 25.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during an initial winding step of the paper sheet.
> Figure 28 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 27.
Figure 29 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during an advanced winding step of the paper sheet. > Figure 30 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 29.
> Figure 31 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a step of complete winding of the paper sheet.
> Figure 32 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 31.
> Figure 32A is a detailed view of the section of figure 32, showing the portion of mutual overlap of the edges of the paper sheet.
Figure 33 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a step of constraining the paper sheet.
> Figure 34 is a sectional view of a part of the apparatus of figure 33.
Figure 35 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a final manufacturing step of the straw.
> Figure 36 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during an ejection step of the straw.
> Figure 37 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during an initial processing step.
> Figure 38 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of feeding the paper sheet.
> Figure 39 is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention during a step of feeding the paper sheet.
> Figure 40 is a perspective view of a straw manufactured by an apparatus and a method according to the present invention.
Figure 41 is a detailed perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a step of complete winding of the paper sheet.
> Figure 42 is a detailed perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing paper straws according to the present invention during a step of constraining the paper sheet.
CONVENTIONS
It should be noted that in the present detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated by the same reference numerals. The figures may illustrate the object of the invention by representations that are not in scale; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relating to the object of the invention may relate solely to schematic representations. DEFINITIONS
Control unit: The apparatus described and claimed herein includes at least one control unit designed to control the operations performed by the apparatus. The control unit can clearly be only one or be formed by a plurality of different control units according to the design choices and the operational needs. The term control unit means an electronic component which can comprise at least one of: a digital processor (for example comprising at least one selected from the group of: CPU, GPU, GPGPU), a memory (or memories), an analog circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processing units with one or more analog circuits. The control unit can be "configured" or "programmed" to perform some steps: this can be done in practice by any means that allows configuring or programming the control unit. 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 to the CPUs; the program or programs contain instructions which, when executed by the CPU or the CPUs, 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 circuitry, then the control unit circuit may be designed to include circuitry configured, in use, for processing electrical signals so as to perform the steps related to control unit. The control unit may 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 for coordinating all the actions necessary for executing an instruction and instruction sets.
Motor: The term actuator means any device capable of causing movement on a body, for example on a command of the control unit (reception by the motor of a command sent by the control unit). The motor can be an electric motor, with direct or alternating current, having features of power, speed and torque depending on the design requirements. 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 driven by a spring, for example a torsion spring, preloaded.
Actuator: The term actuator means any device capable of causing movement on a body, for example on a command of the control unit (reception by the actuator of a command sent by the control unit). The actuator can be of an electric, pneumatic, mechanical (for example with a spring) type, or of another type. The actuator can define a linear, rectilinear or circular movement. The actuator can further 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. ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION FIRST CONFIGURATION
The aspects of the invention are listed below according to a first configuration.
A 1 st aspect relates to a method for manufacturing straws (50) comprising the step of providing a web or at least one discrete sheet (1a, 1 b) of paper material, said web or discrete sheet extending at least between an end portion (2) and a second end portion (3).
In a 2nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises the step of providing a winding body (11 ) extending along an axis (A).
In a 3rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises the step of completely winding said web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) around the winding body (11 ) to define a cylindrical body (5) made of material paper in which the end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) face each other to define a portion of mutual overlap (4).
In a 4th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said first and second end portions (2, 3) being substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 5th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises the step of constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining a straw (50) extending between a first and a second free edge (51 , 52) substantially circular.
In a 5A aspect according to the preceding aspect, the straw (50) has a substantially cylindrical shape extending along an axis parallel, optionally congruent, to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ).
In a 5B aspect according to aspect 5 or 5A, the straw (50) is concentric to the winding body (1 1 ), optionally the straw (50) has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the winding body (11).
In a 6th aspect according to the aspect 5, 5A or 5B, said mutual overlapping portion (4) extending between the first and second free edges (51 , 52) of the straw (50) along a straight direction.
In a 7th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 3 to 6, the mutual overlapping portion (4) has a substantially rectangular shape extending by a length equal to the distance between the first and the second free edge (51 , 52) of the straw (50).
In an 8th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the mutual overlapping portion (4) extends perpendicularly to the first and second free edges (51 , 52) of the straw (50).
In a 9th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 2 to 8, the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending in length along its axis (A).
In a 10th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 2 to 9, the winding body is movable by rotation around its own axis (A).
In an 11th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 3 to 10, the step of completely winding the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) comprises the steps of: bringing the end portion (2) of the web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) close to the winding body (11); rotating the winding body (11 ) about the axis (A) to allow the drive of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) during the winding step.
In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the rotating step defines:
a complete rotation, optionally a 360° rotation, of the winding body (1 1 ) about its axis (A); and an additional rotation to the complete rotation for defining the mutual overlapping portion (4), said additional rotation being less than 90°, optionally less than 45°, optionally less than 25°.
In a 13th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 2 to 1 1 , the winding body (11 ) comprises a groove (13) extending along the axis (A), said groove (13) being arranged on a side surface (12) of the winding body (11) for defining a seat.
In a 14th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises a step of inserting at least a part of the end portion (2) into the groove (13) of the winding body (1 1 ) for defining a constraint between the winding body (11 ) and the end portion (2) and allow the drive of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) during the winding step.
In a 15th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 5 to 14, the step of constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) comprises at least the steps of:
placing the end portion (2) in contact with the second end portion (3);
heat-sealing or gluing together said first and second end portions (2, 3).
In a 16th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said heat-sealing step comprises the steps of:
interposing at least part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) between the winding body (11 ) and a heat-sealing element (21);
exerting a thrust by means of the heat-sealing element (21) on the mutual overlapping portion (4) to allow the welding of the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3), optionally to allow sealing of the end portion with the second end portion
or
activating the heat-sealing element (21), said heat-sealing element being a laser or ultrasound device configured in particular to determine the welding between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) at a distance, optionally said laser or ultrasound device determining said welding without contacting the first and/or second end portion (2, 3).
In a 17th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the heat-sealing element (21) is a heat-sealing bar, the constraining step comprising a step of moving said heat-sealing bar between:
a distal position in which the winding body (1 1 ) and the heat-sealing bar are mutually spaced; and a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are joined together, 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 (1 1 ).
In an 18th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises the step of providing a web (1 a) to be fed along an unwinding direction (UD), the web (1 a) being a continuous web unwound from a reel (31) movable by rotation around an axis of rotation (B) or the web (1 a) being folded in layers overlapping each other for defining a stack of continuous sheets.
In a 19th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises a step of cutting the web (1 a) for defining, at the second end portion (3), a transversal cut, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a), optionally said cutting step being prior or partially overlapping the step of winding said web (1 a) or discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ).
In a 20th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 18 to 19, the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ) and optionally, if the web (1a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ); or the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the web (1 a) is unwound from a reel (31 ), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 21st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 19 to 20, the step of cutting the web (1a) defines a discrete sheet (1 b) separated from the web (1 a), the method comprising the step of winding said discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) to define the cylindrical body (5),
the cutting step preceding the step of winding said discrete sheet (1 b) about the winding body (1 1).
In a 22nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises the steps of:
winding the web (1a) around the winding body (11 ) for defining the cylindrical body (5);
cutting said web (1a) parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11);
the cutting step being subsequent to or partially overlapping the step of winding the web (1 a).
In a 23rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the cutting step is subsequent to the step of constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4).
In a 24th aspect according to aspect 22, the cutting step is prior to the step of constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4).
In a 25th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises the steps of:
unwinding the web (1 a) along the unwinding direction (UD), the latter being parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11); cutting a portion of web (1 a) for defining a discrete sheet (1 b), said cut defining a lateral edge (6) of the discrete sheet (1 b) extending between the end portion (2) and the second end portion (3);
winding said discrete sheet around the winding body (11) for defining the cylindrical body (5); the cutting step being prior to the step of winding the web (1 a).
In a 26th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises a step for ejecting the straw (50), said step comprising moving the straw (50) along the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 27th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises a step for ejecting 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 (1 1 ), the straw (50) emerging externally from a supporting structure (60), optionally a transparent supporting structure (60), defining an inner volume in particular containing any one of the elements introduced in any one of the preceding aspects.
In an 27bis aspect according to the preceding aspect, the winding body (11 ) comprises a slot and a sleeve emerging from the slot radially away from the axis (A) of the winding body, the sleeve being movable with respect to the winding body along the slot at least in the longitudinal direction along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A), the ejection step of the straw (50) comprising the longitudinal movement of the sleeve to push a free edge (51 , 52) of the straw (50) for move the straw from the first to the second position.
The sleeve emerges from the winding body both in the first and in the second operating position and therefore pushes the straw out of the device.
In a 28th aspect according to any one of the two preceding aspects, the step of moving the straw (50) comprises a step of pushing said straw (50), optionally by means of a sleeve and/or by means of a flow of gas, optionally air, along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1).
In a 29th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of moving the straw comprises a step of pushing the first or second free edge (51 , 52) of the straw (50) through a sleeve.
In a 30th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11 ) has a first radial size.
In a 31st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises a step of providing an auxiliary winding body (1 1 ') extending along an axis (A') and having a second radial size, the first radial size being different from, in particular greater than, the second radial size to allow defining straws (50) having different radial sizes, optionally different diameters. In a 32nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the method comprises a step of selectively directing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) towards the winding body (11) or towards the auxiliary winding body (11')·
In a 33rd aspect according to aspect 31 or 32, the method comprises the step of entirely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) or the auxiliary winding body (1 1 1 ).
In a 34th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) have a multilayer structure in thickness comprising a first layer of paper material and at least a second layer, constrained to said first layer, in plastic material, optionally said plastic material comprising polyethylene.
In a 35th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the web or discrete sheet (1a, 1 b) comprises a paper layer and two layers of plastic material.
In a 36th aspect according to aspect 34 or 35, the web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) is substantially impermeable to liquids.
In a 37th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 34 to 36, the web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) is made of polythene-lined paper.
In a 38th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11) has a diameter of between 2 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 8 mm.
In a 39th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the auxiliary winding body (1 G) has a diameter of between 2 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 8 mm.
It should be noted in this regard that the larger diameters are typically designed for denser beverages such as milkshakes or granitas. When there are two (or more) auxiliary winding elements (11 , 11'), one will have a diameter in the lower range (ex. 2-5 mm), the other in the upper range (ex. 6-10 mm).
In a 40th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, at least during the step of rotating the winding body (11), a cylindrical outer side surface (12) of the winding body (1 1 ) is adherent to the web or to the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) to allow it to be pulled.
In a 41st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, an outer side surface (12) of the winding body (11 ) comprises a layer of rubber material adapted to increase an adhesion with the sheet or the web to allow the pulling of the web or discrete sheet during the winding step.
In a 42nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the web extends in width, measured perpendicularly with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web, between a pair of side edges, said width being between 4 mm and 300 mm.
In a 43rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the end portion and the second end portion extend for a length between 100 mm and 300 mm. In a 44th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the end portion and the second end portion of the discrete sheet (1 b) are connected through a lateral edge (6), said lateral edge 6 extending for a length of between 9 mm and 25 mm.
In a 45th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the straw has a length, measured along a main extension axis thereof, comprised between 100 mm and 300 mm, in particular in a neighborhood of 200 mm.
In a 46th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the straw has a diameter of between 3 mm and 8 mm.
In a 47th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the discrete sheet (1 b) has a basis weight of between 50 and 90 g/m 2 .
In a 48th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the discrete web (1 a) has a basis weight between 50 and 90 g/m 2 .
In a 49th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of cutting the web is carried out by means of a blade movable by rotation or translation, or a laser.
In a 50th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, comprising a step of varying the radial size of the winding body (11) to define different radial sizes, optionally diameters, of the straw (50).
In a 51 st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (1 1 ) extends in length along its own axis (A), said length being at least twice, optionally at least three times, with respect to a maximum radial size thereof.
In a 52nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the distance between the first and second circular free edge (51 , 52) of the straw (50) is equal to the extension of the first and/or second end portion (2, 3).
In a 53rd aspect, an apparatus (100) is provided for the manufacture of straws comprising a supporting structure (60), defining an inner volume and bearing:
a feeding station (30) configured for providing a web (1 a) or at least one discrete sheet (1 b) of paper material, said web or discrete sheet having at least one end portion (2) and a second end portion (3);
a forming station (10) comprising at least one winding body (11) extending along an axis (A) and configured for receiving in winding said web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b), for defining a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) are mutually facing for defining a mutual overlapping portion (4), optionally said end portions being substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11).
In a 54th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus (100) comprises a constraining station (20) configured for constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining 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 straight direction.
In a 55th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 54, the feeding station (30) is configured for allow the unwinding of the web along an unwinding direction (UD).
In a 56th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 55, the feeding station (30) comprises a support (32) configured for carrying a reel (31) of web (1a) and for allowing a rotation about an axis of rotation (B), said reel (31) being configured for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1a).
In a 57th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 55, the feeding station (30) comprises at least one motor (39) connected to the support (32) and configured for rotating the reel (31) for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1a).
In a 58th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 57, the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending along its own axis (A) and movable by rotation around said axis (A).
In a 59th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 58, the winding body (11) has an outer side surface (12) configured for receiving in winding, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), the discrete sheet or the web.
In a 60th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the outer lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11) comprises a layer of rubber material adapted to increase an adhesion with the web or sheet (1a, 1 b) to allow the pulling of the web or of the discrete sheet.
In a 61st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 60, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one motor (19) connected to the winding body (11) and configured for rotating said winding body (11) about its axis (A) to drive the web or discrete sheet (1a, 1 b) and allow the winding thereof.
In a 62nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 61, the constraining station (20) comprises a heat-sealing element (21) configured for contacting at least a part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) interposed, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), between said heatsealing element (21) and the winding body (11).
In a 63rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 62, the heat-sealing element (62) is movable:
along a direction parallel to the winding body (11), optionally the constraining station (20) comprising an actuator (29) connected to the heat-sealing element (21) and configured for controlling the movement thereof at least during the step of constraining the second end portion (3) with the end portion (2); or
along a direction perpendicular to the winding body (11), optionally the constraining station (20) comprising an actuator (29) connected to the heat-sealing element (21) and configured for controlling the movement thereof between:
a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing element (21 ) are mutually spaced; and
a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing element (21 ) are placed side by side, the heat-sealing element (21 ), at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, exerting a thrust on the mutual coupling portion (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 configured for reaching a predetermined welding temperature and extending along the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ) and facing the latter,
or
a laser or ultrasound device, in particular wherein said laser or ultrasound device is configured to determine the welding between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) at a distance, optionally said laser or ultrasound device determining said welding without contacting the first and/or second end portion (2, 3).
In a 64th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 63, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one cutting station (40) comprising at least one cutting tool selected from a rotating or translating blade and a laser, said cutting station (40) being configured for defining a cut on at least a portion of the web (1 a), said cut being transversal, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a).
In a 65th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the cutting station (40) comprises at least one actuator (49) configured for moving the cutting tool along a direction:
parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11), optionally said cut being carried out at the second end portion (3); or
perpendicular to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 66th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 65, the apparatus (100) comprises a control unit (70) connected to the cutting station (40) and configured for activating said cutting station (40 ) to define the cutting of the web (1 a). In a 67th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 66, the apparatus (100) comprises a control unit (70) connected to the motor (39) of the feeding station (30), said control unit (70) being configured for controlling the feeding station (30) to provide consecutive portions of web (1 a).
In a 68th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 67, the apparatus comprises a control unit (70) connected to the motor (19) of the forming station (10) and configured for controlling the rotation of the winding body (1 1 ) to pull the web (1 a) around the winding body (1 1 ) to define the cylindrical body (5).
In a 69th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 68, the apparatus comprises a control unit (70) connected to the constraining station (20) and configured for activating the constraining station (20) to constrain the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) to define the straw (50).
In a 70th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 69,
the apparatus (100) comprises a control unit (70) connected to the cutting station (40), to the winding station (10), to the constraining station (20) and optionally to the feeding station (30), said control unit (70) being configured for:
optionally controlling the feeding station (30) for providing consecutive portions of web (1 a);
controlling the rotation of the winding body (11 ) for driving the web (1 a) about the winding body (11 ) for defining the cylindrical body (5), the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a) being perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11);
after the step of controlling the rotation of the winding body (11 ), the control unit (70) being configured for:
activating the cutting station (40) for defining the cutting of said web (1 a) parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 );
activating the constraining station (20) for constraining the end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining the straw (50),
wherein the step of activating the cutting station (40) being prior or subsequent to the step of activating the constraining station (20).
In a 71st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 70,
the apparatus (100) comprises a control unit (70) connected to the feeding station (30), to the cutting station (40), to the winding station (10), and to the constraining station (20), said unit control (70) being configured for:
controlling the feeding station (30) for providing consecutive portions of web (1 a);
activating the cutting station (40) to cut said web (1 a) to define a discrete sheet (1 b);
after the cutting step, the control unit (70) being configured for: controlling the rotation of the winding body (1 1 ) for pulling said discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) to define the cylindrical body (5);
activating the constraining station (20) for constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining the straw (50).
In a 72nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 71 , the apparatus (100) comprises a guide (114) adjacent to the winding body (1 1 ) and configured for guiding the web (1 a) or the sheet discrete (1 b) around the winding body (11) allowing the winding thereof, the discrete sheet or the web being configured to pass, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus (100), between said guide (114) and the winding body (11), optionally said guide (1 14) having a cylindrical shape and developing in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body (11), in particular said guide (114) being fixed.
In an aspect 72A according to aspect 72, said guide (114) has a greater radial size than a radial size of the winding body to define an interspace between the outer surface (12) of the winding body (11) and an inner surface of said guide (114).
In an aspect 72B according to aspects 72 or 72A, the guide (114) comprises a slit (1 14) configured for allowing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) to access the winding body (11), said slit (1 14a) extending in length along a direction substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), in particular said slit extending along a substantially straight direction and having an extension equal to or greater than a length of the straw to be manufactured.
In a 73rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, said guide comprises an abutment portion extending at least partially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body and having a concave curved surface facing an outer side surface (12) of the winding body (11).
In a 74th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 73, the winding body (11) of the forming station (10) has a first radial size, optionally a first diameter,
the forming station (10) further comprising an auxiliary winding body (11 ') configured for receiving in winding the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b), wherein the auxiliary winding body (11 ') extends along a axis (A 1 ) and has a second radial size, optionally a second diameter, different from the first radial size, optionally with respect to the first diameter, for defining straws (50) having different radial sizes, optionally the first radial size being greater than the second radial size.
In a 75th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 74,
the apparatus (100) comprises a diverter movable at least between:
a first position, in which said diverter is configured for directing the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) towards the winding body (11); and a second position, in which said diverter is configured for directing the web or the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) towards the auxiliary winding body (11 ').
In a 76th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 75,
the apparatus (100) comprises a user interface configured for providing, to a user subject, at least one information representative of a diameter of the straw (50), said user interface comprising at least one of: one or more push-buttons; a display; a touch screen.
In a 77th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus comprises a control unit (70) configured for receiving from the user subject, via said user interface, at least one signal representative of the desired diameter of the straw (50), said control unit (70) being configured for controlling the diverter in the first or second position.
In a 78th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 77, the apparatus (100) comprises an actuator, optionally connected to a control unit (70), operable, optionally manually, by a user subject and configured for allowing the user subject to activate the apparatus (100) to manufacture at least one straw (50), said actuator comprising one or more push-buttons or a touch screen.
In a 79th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus (100) is configured for providing, at each actuation of the activator, a predefined number of straws (50) between 1 and 5, optionally said predefined number of straws (50) being between 1 and 2.
In an 80th aspect according to any one of the two preceding aspects, the apparatus (100) is configured for stopping after having produced a predefined number of straws (50) and awaiting a new actuation of the activator to manufacture further straws (50 ).
In an 81st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 80, the winding body (11 ) comprises a groove (13) extending along the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), said groove (13) being configured for: receiving in insertion at least a part of the end portion (2) of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b); optionally removably constraining at least a part of the end portion (2) to the winding body (11) to allow the discrete sheet or the web to be pulled at least during the rotation of the winding body (11).
The groove 13 has in particular an extension equal to or greater than a length of the straw to be manufactured.
In an 82nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 81 , the auxiliary winding body (1 T) comprises a groove extending along the axis (A) of the auxiliary winding body (1 T), said groove being configured for:
receiving in insertion at least a part of the end portion (2) of the web or of the discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b); optionally removably constraining at least a part of the end portion (2) to the auxiliary winding body (1 1’) to allow the discrete sheet or the web to be pulled at least during the rotation of the auxiliary winding body (11’).
In an 83rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 82, the apparatus (100) comprises an ejection system (1 10) of the straw (50) configured for 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 ), optionally the straw (50), in said first position, being arranged entirely inside the support structure (60); and
a second position in which at least part of the straw (50) exceeds beyond the extension in length of the winding body (11), the straw (50) emerging, in said second position, at least in part from the support structure (60) to allow a user to grip said straw (50).
In an 84th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the ejection system (110) comprises at least one between:
an abutment element (1 11), optionally a sleeve (111), movable along the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and configured for exerting a thrust on the straw (50) during the passage between said first and second position; and
a gas blower (1 12), optionally an air blower, configured for generating a flow of gas to define the passage of the straw (50) from the first to the second position.
In an 85th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 84, the apparatus (100) comprises an ejection system (1 10) of the straw (50) configured for moving the straw (50) along the axis ( A) of the auxiliary winding body (11’) between:
a first position in which the straw (50) surrounds the auxiliary winding body (11’), optionally the straw (50), in said first position, being arranged entirely inside the support structure (60); and
a second position in which at least part of the straw (50) exceeds beyond the extension in length of the auxiliary winding body (11’), the straw (50) emerging, in said second position, at least in part from the support structure (60) to allow a user to grip said straw (50).
In an 86th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the ejection system (110) comprises at least one between:
an abutment element or a sleeve (11 1 ), movable along the direction of the axis (A’) of the winding body (1 1’) and configured for exerting a thrust on the straw (50) during the passage between said first and second position; and
a gas blower (1 12), optionally an air blower, configured for generating a flow of gas to define the passage of the straw (50) from the first to the second position. In an 87th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 86, the apparatus comprises at least one driving roller (15), optionally a pair of driving rollers (15), movable by rotation and arranged between the feeding station (30) and the forming station (10), the at least one driving roller (15) being configured for contacting the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) coming from the feeding station, and for defining the advancement thereof towards the forming station, in particular towards the winding body (11 ) or towards the auxiliary winding body (1 1’).
In an 88th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one motor (15a) connected with the at least one driving roller (15) and configured for rotating said at least one driving roller (15 ).
In an 89th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus (100) comprises a control unit (70) connected to the motor (15a) of the at least one driving roller (15) and configured for controlling said motor (15a) to define the advancement or the stop of the web (1 a) or of the sheet (1 b).
In a 90th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 87 to 89, the at least one driving roller (15) defines the diverter, the at least one driving roller (15) being movable between the first position, in which the driving roller directs the web (1 a) or the sheet (1 b) towards the winding body (11 ), and the second position, in which the at least one driving roller (15) directs the web (1 a) or the sheet (1 b) towards the auxiliary winding body (11 ').
In a 91st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 90, the support structure (60) defines a casing containing at least the feeding station (30), the forming station (10) and the constraining station (20); the support structure (60) comprising at least one lateral wall (61 ) and a top wall connected to the lateral wall to limit access by a user to the internal volume.
In a 92nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the support structure (60) comprises a base wall connected to the lateral wall, the support structure defining a substantially closed internal volume.
In a 93rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 92, at least one lateral wall (61 ) of the support structure (60) is at least partly transparent to allow, from outside the support structure (60), viewing the internal volume.
In a 94th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 93, the feeding station (30) of the apparatus (100) comprises at least one reel (31) configured for providing the web (1 a), optionally for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1 a).
In a 95th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 53 to 93, the feeding station (30) of the apparatus (100) comprises discrete sheets (1 b).
In a 96th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one pusher (13) configured for exerting a thrust on the web (1 a) or on the discrete sheet (1 b) 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 97th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of completely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) further comprises the step of pressing the web
(l a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) by means of at least one pusher (13) movable towards and away from the winding body (11), in particular said at least one pusher extending in length substantially parallel to the winding body (11).
In a 98th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said at least one pusher (13) comprising one or more rollers (140) arranged around the winding body (11 ) and movable by rotation about a rotation axis thereof ( D) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ).
In a 99th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the rollers (140) are further movable by translation with respect to the winding body (11 ) between a distal position and a close position.
In a 100th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said one or more rollers (140) are arranged in the close position at least during the step of winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b).
In one aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the one or more rollers (140) are arranged in the distal position at least during the ejection step of the straw (50).
In a 102nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the web (1 a), or the discrete sheet (1 b), is interposed, in particular interposed in contact, between the winding body (1 1 ) and said one or more rollers (140).
In a 103rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of pressing the discrete sheet
(l b) around the winding body (11) by means of at least one pusher (13) comprises a preparation sub-step for moving said one or more rollers (140) from the distal to the close position, optionally said preparation step being prior to the winding step and optionally to the step of bringing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) close to the winding body (11 ).
In a 104th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects , step of entirely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ) further comprises the step of placing said one or more rollers (140) in rotation about their axis of rotation, optionally at least when the latter are arranged in their close position, for guiding the web (1a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 105th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding step provides for pressing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) on the winding body (11 ) by means of said one or more rollers (140).
In a 106th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said rollers (140) determining, when arranged in the close position, a thrust on the web or discrete sheet (1 a, 1 b) and/or on the winding body (1 1 ), in particular, said thrust being radially directed to the winding body (11). In a 107th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said one or more rollers (140) are movable each between the distal position and the close position and vice versa along a substantially straight translation direction, in particular said translation direction passing through the rotation axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 108th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said substantially straight translation direction is the only degree of freedom which allows said rollers (140) to move between the close position and the distal position and vice versa.
In a 109th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein said one or more rollers (140), when arranged in the distal position or in the close position, are located on a circumference having its center at the axis of rotation (A) of the winding body (11).
In a 1 10th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said one or more rollers (140), when arranged in the distal position or in the close position, are each located at the same distance from the axis (A) of the winding body (11).
In a 111th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the one or more rollers (140) are radially arranged around the winding body (11 ), in particular being angularly equally spaced apart.
In a 112th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said rollers (140) are in a number comprised between 2 and 10, in particular between 3 and 8.
In a 113th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the rotation of said one or more rollers (140) is determined by a motor (141 ), in particular an electric motor, connected to said one or more rollers (140) by means of a belt, chain or toothed coupling.
In a 114th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the rotation of the winding body (11 ) is determined by contact, in particular by direct contact or by interposed presence of the web (1 a) or of the discrete sheet (1 b), with at least one of said one or more rollers (140).
In a 115th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 1 12, the rotation of the winding body (1 1 ) is determined by the motor (19), in particular by the electric motor (19), connected to the winding body (1 1 ) by means of a belt, chain or toothed coupling, the rotation of said one or more rollers (140) being determined by contact, in particular by direct contact or by interposed presence of the web (1 a) or of the discrete sheet (1 b), with the winding body (11).
In a 116th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus comprises a control unit (70) connected to the motor (141 ) of said one or more rollers (140).
In a 117th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit (70) is configured to move the one or more rollers (140) from the distal to the close position. In a 118th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the control unit (70) is configured for moving in rotation the one or more rollers (140) each around its own axis of rotation (D).
In a 119th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each roller (140) comprises a cylindrical body extending in length between a first and a second end along a direction substantially parallel to the winding body (11), wherein said cylindrical body comprises at least one coupling portion (140a) at the first and/or second end of said cylindrical body, optionally said coupling portion (140a) having a cylindrical shape and having a smaller radial size than a radial size of the cylindrical body of the roller (140) itself.
In a 120th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus (100) comprises one or more thrust springs (140b) active on said one or more rollers (140), said thrust springs (140b) being configured for imposing on each roller (140) a thrust towards and in approach to the winding body (11), optionally said thrust being transversely oriented, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the axis (D) of each roller (140).
In a 121th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one actuation bar (90) arranged at at least one end of the winding body (11) and movable by rotation around the axis (A) of the winding body (11), wherein said actuation bar (90) comprises one or more elongated grooves (91) housing the coupling portions (140a) of the rollers (140).
In a 122nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said actuation bar (90) is configured for rotating between a first position and a second angular position and vice versa, wherein this rotation determines respectively the passage of the rollers (140) from the close position to the distal position and vice versa.
In a 123 aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, said one or more grooves (91) comprises a ramp (92) defining a supporting portion, in particular a supporting surface, adapted to contact the coupling portion (140a) of one of said one or more rollers (140), said supporting portion having a minimum distance section and a maximum distance section with respect to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), such that when the actuation bar (90) is in the first angular position, the coupling portion (140a) of a roller between said one or more rollers (140) is positioned at said minimum distance section, said roller (140) being arranged in the close position with respect to the winding body (11), whereas when the actuation bar (90) is in the second angular position, the coupling portion (140a) of a roller between said one or more rollers (140) is positioned at said maximum distance section, said roller (140) being arranged in the distal position with respect to the winding body (11 ).
In a 124th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, each groove (91) accommodates a respective coupling portion (140a) of a roller (140). In a 125th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the number of grooves (91) is equal to the number of rollers (140).
In a 126th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein said one or more rollers (140) have only the degree of rotational freedom around their own axis (D) and the degree of translational freedom along a substantially straight trajectory between the distal position and the close position.
In a 127th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the one or more rollers (140) have a length substantially equal to the length, measured along the axis (A), of the winding body (11 ).
ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION SECOND CONFIGURATION
The aspects of the invention are listed below according to a second configuration.
A 1st 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 end portion (2, 3);
providing a winding body (11 ) extending along an axis (A);
completely winding said sheet (1 ) around the winding body (11) for substantially defining a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first and the second end portion (2, 3) are mutually facing for defining a mutual overlapping portion (4), optionally said first and second end portions (2, 3) extending along a main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11);
constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining a straw (50) extending between a first and a second free edge (51 , 52) substantially circular. In a 2nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, said mutual overlapping portion (4) extends between the first and second free edges (51 , 52) of the straw (50) along a straight direction.
In a 3rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11 ) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending in length along its axis (A).
In an aspect 3b, the winding body 1 1 is fixed, in particular the winding body is not movable by rotation and optionally also by translation.
In an 4th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of completely winding the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11) comprises the steps of:
• bringing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 b) close to the winding body (11), optionally contacting, the discrete sheet (1 b) having a main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11), the sheet optionally being in a flat condition; • pressing the web (1 a) or discrete sheet (1 b) around the winding body (11 ) by means of at least one pusher (13) movable towards and away from the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 5th aspect according to the preceding 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 according to aspect 4 or 5, the step of bringing the discrete sheet (1) close to the winding body (1 1 ) provides for arranging a center line portion of the sheet (1 ) at the winding body (11) such that the winding body (11) is interposed between the first and second end portion (2, 3) of the sheet (1 ) with respect to an axis passing through the winding body (11).
In a 7th aspect according to aspects 5 or 6, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a base pusher (13a).
In an 8th aspect according to aspects 5, 6 or 7, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a first lateral pusher (13b).
In a 9th aspect according to any one of aspects 5 to 8, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a second lateral pusher (13c).
In a 10th aspect according to aspects 7, 8 or 9, the step of pressing the discrete sheet (1 ) around the winding body (11 ) comprises a first thrust step of the base pusher (13a), optionally of a portion of the base pusher (13a) in which said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the center line portion of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (1 1 ) to define a first partial winding arc.
In an 11th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of pressing the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11 ) comprises a second step of pressing the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally a portion of the first lateral pusher (13b), wherein said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11 ), on the first end portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1 ) against the winding body (11) for defining a second partial winding arc larger than and comprising the first partial winding arc.
In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of pressing the discrete sheet (1 ) around the winding body (11) comprises a third step of pressing the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally a portion of the second lateral pusher (13c), wherein said portion is concave or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11), on the second end portion (3 ) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11 ) for substantially defining the cylindrical body (5), and wherein the sheet (1) is optionally wound completely or almost completely around the winding body (11 ).
In a 13th aspect according to any one of aspects 7 to 12, the base pusher (13a) is movable by translation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11). In a 14th aspect according to any one of aspects 8 to 13, the first lateral pusher (13b) is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 15th aspect according to any one of aspects 9 to 14, the second lateral pusher (13c) is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 16th aspect according to one any of the aspects 9 to 15, the winding body (11 ) being at least partly interposed between the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 17th aspect according to any one of aspects 9 to 16, the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close position to the distal one, rotate in the opposite direction.
In an 18th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of constraining the first with the second end portion (2, 3) comprises at least the steps of:
contacting the first and second end portions (2, 3) of the discrete sheet (1);
heat-sealing or gluing together said end portions (2, 3).
In a 19th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the heat-sealing step comprises the steps of:
interposing at least part of the mutual overlapping portion (4) between the winding body (11) and a heat-sealing element (21);
exerting a thrust by means of the heat-sealing element (21) on the mutual overlapping portion (4) to allow the welding of the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3), optionally to allow sealing of the first end portion with the second end portion (3),
or
activating the heat-sealing element (21 ), said heat-sealing element (21 ) being a laser or ultrasound device configured to determine the welding between the first end portion (2) and the second end portion (3) optionally at a distance, optionally said laser or ultrasound device determining said welding without contacting the first and/or second end portion (2, 3).
In a 20th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the heat-sealing element (21) is a heat-sealing bar, the constraining step comprising a step of moving said heat-sealing bar between:
a distal position in which the winding body (1 1 ) and the heat-sealing bar are mutually spaced; and a close position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing bar are joined together, 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 (1 1 ).
In a 21st aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the step of providing a sheet (1) i nvolves a step of providing a web (1 a) moved along an unwinding direction (UD), the web (1a) being unwound from a reel (31 ) movable by rotation about a rotation axis (B) or the web (1 a) being folded into layers superimposed on each other to define a stack of continuous sheets.
In a 22nd aspect according to the preceding aspect:
• the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the web (1 a) is unwound from a reel (31), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ); or
• the unwinding direction (UD) of the web is parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11) and optionally, if the web (1 a) is unwound from a reel (31 ), the latter has the axis of rotation (B) perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ).
In a 23rd aspect according to aspects 21 or 22, the method comprises a step of cutting the web (1 a) to make a transversal cut, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a) for defining the discrete sheet (1 ), optionally the cut made during the step of cutting the web (1 a) is parallel to the axis of rotation (B) of the reel (31 ).
In a 24th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of cutting the web (1 a) is prior to the step of winding the sheet (1) around the winding body (11).
In a 25th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 7 to 24, the method comprises a step of moving a driving 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 retreated position, wherein 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 wherein 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 a 26th aspect according to the preceding aspect, along said predefined linear trajectory from the retreated position to the thrust one, the actuation member (14) determines in order: the movement of the base pusher to define the first thrust step; the movement of the first lateral pusher to define the second thrust step; the movement of the second lateral pusher to define the third thrust step;
In a 27th aspect according to aspect 25 or 26, along said predefined linear trajectory from the retreated to the thrust position, the actuation member (14) determines in order: the attainment of the close position by the base pusher (13a); the attainment of the close position by the first lateral pusher (13b); optionally the attainment of the close position by the second lateral pusher (13c).
In a 28th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprises an ejection step of 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 extension in length 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 one of the elements introduced in any one of the preceding claims.
In a 29th aspect according to the preceding 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 abutment 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 30th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (11) has a first radial size, the method further comprising:
providing an auxiliary winding body (11') extending along an axis (A') and having a second radial size, the first radial size being different from, in particular greater than, the second radial size to allow defining straws (50) having different radial sizes, optionally different diameters.
In a 31st aspect according to the preceding 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 auxiliary winding body (11'), the method comprising the step of entirely winding the discrete sheet (1) around the winding body (11) or the auxiliary winding body (11').
A 32nd aspect relates to an apparatus (100) for manufacturing straws (50) comprising a supporting structure (60), defining an inner volume and bearing:
a feeding station (30) configured for providing at least one discrete sheet (1) of paper material, said discrete sheet having at least a first and a second end portion (2, 3);
a forming station (10) comprising at least one winding body (11) extending along an axis (A) and configured for receiving in winding said discrete sheet (1), for defining a cylindrical body (5) made of paper material in which the first and second end portion (2, 3) are mutually facing for defining a mutual overlapping portion (4), optionally said first and second end portion (2, 3) extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11);
a constraining station (20) configured for constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining a straw (50) extending between a first and a second free edge (51, 52) substantially circular.
In a 33rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, said mutual overlapping portion (4) extending between the first and second free edges (51 , 52) of the straw (50) along a straight direction. In a 34th aspect according to aspect 32 or 33, the feeding station (30) is configured for feeding a web (1a) to be fed along an unwinding direction (UD).
In a 35th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the feeding station (30) comprises a support (32) configured for carrying a reel (31 ) of web (1 a) and for allowing a rotation about an axis of rotation (B), said reel (31) being configured for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1 a) along the unwinding direction (UD).
In a 36th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the feeding station (30) comprising at least one motor (39), optionally connected to the support (32), configured for rotating said reel (31) in a direct or indirect manner, for example by pulling the web, for unwinding consecutive portions of web (1 a).
In a 37th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 32 to 36, the winding body (11) has a cylindrical radial size, optionally a cylindrical shape, extending along its own axis (A), and has an external lateral surface (12) configured for receiving in winding, at least during an operative condition of the apparatus (100), the sheet (1).
In a 38th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects 32 to 37, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one pusher (13) configured for exerting 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 (1 1 ).
In a 39th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the at least one pusher (13) extends substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the sheet being configured for interposing between the at least one pusher (13) and the winding body (1 1 ) .
In a 40th aspect according to aspect 38 or 39, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a base pusher (13a) configured for exerting, during an operative condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1 ).
In a 41 st aspect according to aspects 38, 39 or 40, the at least one pusher (13) comprises a first lateral pusher (13b) configured for exerting, during an operative condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1).
In a 42nd aspect according to any one of aspects 38 to 41 , the at least one pusher (13) comprises a second lateral pusher (13c) configured for exerting, during an operative condition of the apparatus (100), a thrust on the sheet (1).
In a 43rd aspect according to any one of aspects 40 to 42, the base pusher (13a) is movable by translation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11).
In a 44th aspect according to any one of aspects 41 to 43, the first lateral pusher (13b) is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (11 ). In a 45th aspect according to any one of aspects 42 to 44, the second lateral pusher (13c) is movable by rotation between a close position and a distal position with respect to the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 46th aspect according to one any of the aspects 42 to 45, the winding body (1 1 ) being at least partly interposed between the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) with respect to a plane passing through the axis (A).
In a 47th aspect according to any one of aspects 41 to 46, the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c), in the passage from the close position to the distal one, rotate in the opposite direction.
In a 48th aspect according to any one of aspects 40 to 47, the base pusher (13a) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (11), the base pusher (13a) optionally having a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 49th aspect according to any one of the aspects 40 to 48, the base pusher (13a), optionally the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a), is configured for pressing a center line 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 (1 1 ).
In a 50th aspect according to any one of the aspects 41 to 49, the first lateral pusher (13b) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (1 1 ), the first lateral pusher (13b) optionally having a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (1 1).
In a 51st aspect according to aspects 49 or 50, the first lateral pusher (13b), optionally the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher (13b), is configured for pressing the first end portion (2) of the discrete sheet (1 ) against the winding body (1 1) to define a second partial winding arc of the sheet (1) around the winding body (11 ) greater than, and comprising, the first partial winding arc.
In a 52nd aspect according to any one of aspects 42 to 51 , the second lateral pusher (13c) extends in length along a trajectory substantially parallel to the winding body (11 ), the second lateral pusher optionally having a concave abutment portion or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body (11 ).
In a 53rd aspect according to any one of aspects 42 to 52, the second lateral pusher (13c), optionally the abutment portion of the second lateral pusher (13c), is configured for pressing the second end portion (3) of the discrete sheet (1) against the winding body (11 ) to substantially define the cylindrical body (5), optionally to completely wind the sheet (1) around the winding body (11).
In a 54th aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 53, the apparatus comprises an actuation member (14) connected to the base pusher (13a).
In a 55th aspect according to any one of 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 according to any one of aspects 40 to 55, the actuation member (14) is movable along a predefined linear trajectory between:
a retreated position, wherein the actuation member (14) is configured for determining 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 wherein the actuation member (14) is configured for determining 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 according to the preceding aspect, along said predefined linear trajectory from the retreated position to the travel end position, the actuation member (14) is configured for determining 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 winding arc of the sheet (1) around the winding 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 wound around the winding body (1 1 ).
In a 58th aspect according to aspects 56 or 57, the apparatus comprises at least one actuator (19) connected to the actuation member (14) and configured for determining the movement thereof between the retreated position and the thrust position.
In a 59th aspect according to any one of aspects 54 to 58, the actuation member (14) has a coupling mechanism (80) for connection to the base pusher (13a), such that:
a movement of the actuation member (14) along a first initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes the base pusher (13a) to move from its distal position to the close one;
a further movement of the actuation member (14), along a further section of its predefined linear trajectory, does not cause any further movement of the base pusher (13a), but causes a modification of the configuration of the coupling mechanism (80), said further section being distinct and successive with respect to said first initial section.
In a 60th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said coupling mechanism (80) 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 base pusher (13a). In a 61st aspect according to any one of aspects 54 to 60, the actuation member (14) has a first compensator mechanism (81) for coupling with the first lateral pusher (13b), such that:
a movement of the actuation member (14) along a second initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes the first lateral pusher (13b) to move from its distal position to the close one;
a further movement of the actuation 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 successive with respect to said second initial section.
In a 62nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, said first compensator mechanism (81 ) 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 first lateral pusher (13b).
In a 63rd aspect according to any one of aspects 54 to 62, the actuation member (14) has a second compensator mechanism for connection with the second lateral pusher (13c), such that:
a movement of the actuation member (14) along a second initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes the second lateral pusher (13c) to move from its distal position to the close one;
a further movement of the actuation 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 successive with respect to said second initial section.
In a 64th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said second compensator 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 64th aspect according to any one of aspects 54 to 63, the predefined linear trajectory, along which the actuation member (14) is movable, is substantially perpendicular to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), optionally the actuation body (14) being movable towards and away from the winding body (11).
In a 65th aspect according to any one of aspects 54 to 64, the actuation member (14) is moved by an actuator (19).
In a 66th aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 65, the constraining station (20) comprises a heatsealing element (21 ) configured for contacting 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 according to the preceding aspect, the heat-sealing element (21 ) is:
movable along a direction parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ), optionally the constraining station (20) comprising an actuator (29) connected to the heat-sealing element (21) and configured for controlling the movement thereof at least during the step of constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3); and/or movable along a direction perpendicular to the winding body (11).
In a 68th aspect according to aspects 66 or 67, the constraining station (20) comprises an actuator (29) connected to the heat-sealing element (21) and configured for controlling the movement thereof between: a distal position in which the winding body (11) and the heat-sealing element (21) are mutually spaced; and
a close position in which the winding body (1 1 ) and the heat-sealing element (21 ) are placed side by side, the heat-sealing element (21), at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, exerting a thrust on the mutual overlapping portion (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 69th aspect according to any one of aspects 66 to 68, the at least one pusher (13), in particular the second lateral pusher (13c), is the heat-sealing element (21 ).
In a 70th 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 selected from a rotating or translating blade, said cutting station (40) being configured for defining a cut on at least a portion of the web (1a), said cut being transversal, optionally perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a).
In a 71st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the cutting station (40) comprises at least one actuator (49) configured for moving the cutting tool along a direction parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11) or perpendicular to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11).
In a 72nd 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 by rotation and arranged between the feeding station (30) and the forming station (10), the at least one driving roller (15) being configured for contacting the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet (1 ) coming from the feeding station (30), and for defining the advancement thereof towards the forming station (10).
In a 73rd aspect according to any one of 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 constraining station (20), the feeding station (30).
In a 74th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said control unit (70) is configured for:
o controlling the feeding station (30) for providing consecutive portions of web (1 a) along the unwinding direction (UD);
o activating the cutting station (40) for defining the cutting of said web (1 a) parallel to the direction of the axis (A) of the winding body (11) for defining the sheet (1); o activating the actuator (19) of the actuation member (14) to move it from the retreated position to the thrust position;
o activating the constraining station (20) for constraining the first end portion (2) with the second end portion (3) at the mutual overlapping portion (4) for defining the straw (50).
In a 75th aspect according to any one of aspects 70 to 74, the step of activating the cutting station (40) is prior to the step of activating the actuator (19) of the actuation member (14).
In a 76th aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 75, the winding body (11) of the forming station (10) has a first radial size, optionally a first diameter, the forming station (10) comprising further an auxiliary winding body (11 ') configured for receiving in winding the web (1a) or the discrete sheet (1).
In a 77th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the auxiliary winding body (11 ') extends along an axis (A 1 ) and has a second radial size, optionally a second diameter, different with respect to the first radial size, optionally with respect to the first diameter, to define straws (50) having different radial sizes.
In a 78th aspect according to aspect 76 or 77, the apparatus (100) comprises a diverter configured for defining a first condition, in which said diverter is configured for directing the discrete sheet (1) towards the winding body (1 1 ), and a second condition, in which said diverter is configured for directing the discrete sheet (1) towards the auxiliary winding body (11 ').
In a 79th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said diverter is connected to at least one of the winding body (11 ) and the auxiliary winding body (11 ') and configured for moving the latter to define said first and second condition.
In an 80th aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 79, the support structure (60) defines a casing containing at least the feeding station (30), the forming station (10) and the constraining station (20); the support structure (60) comprising at least one lateral wall (61), a base wall and a top wall connected to the lateral wall to limit access by a user to the substantially closed internal volume.
In an 81 st aspect according to the preceding aspect, at least one wall of the support structure (60) is at least partly transparent to allow, from outside the support structure (60), viewing the internal volume.
In an 82nd aspect according to any one of aspects 41 to 81 , at least one of the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), and in height between a base portion, optionally around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured for contacting the sheet (1 ) and pressing it towards the winding body (11) at least during an 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 83rd aspect according to any one of 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 for contacting the sheet (1 ) for pressing it against a lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11), said abutment portion being optionally at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11 ).
In an 84th aspect according to aspect 82, the abutment portion of the first lateral pusher (13b) comprises a plurality of protuberances (17a) and slots (17b).
In an 85th aspect according to aspects 82 or 83, the abutment portion of the heat-sealing element (21 ) has a plurality of protuberances (22a) and slots (22b).
In an 86th aspect according to aspects 84 or 85, the apparatus defines an interpenetration condition in which the slots (17b) and the protuberances (17a) of the first lateral pusher (13b) are configured for coupling 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 lateral pusher (13b) are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body (11), for example during a constraining step of the first and second end portions (2, 3) of the sheet (1).
In an 87th aspect according to any one of aspects 82 to 86, the abutment portion of the second lateral pusher (13c) comprises a plurality of protuberances (17a) and slots (17b); the abutment portion of the heatsealing element (21 ) has a plurality of protuberances (22a) and slots (22b).
In an 88th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the apparatus defines an interpenetration condition in which the slots (17b) and the protuberances (17a) of the second lateral pusher (13c) are configured for coupling 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 constraining step of the first and second end portion (2, 3) of the sheet (1).
In an 89th aspect according to any one of 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 heatsealing element (21) are active in thrust on the sheet (1), in particular are active in thrust on the mutual overlapping portion (4).
In a 90th aspect according to any one of aspects 40 to 89, the base pusher (13a) extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ) and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured for contacting the sheet (1 ) for pressing it against a lateral surface (12) of the winding body (11 ), said abutment portion being optionally at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body (11). In a 91st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the abutment portion of the base pusher (13a) comprises a plurality of protuberances (18a) and slots (18b).
In a 92nd aspect according to the preceding 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 for coupling 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 (1 1 ).
In a 93rd aspect according to 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 for locking the web (1 a) 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 94th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the locking system (33) comprises a pair of plates facing each other and between which the web (1 a) is configured for passing at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, said plates being relatively movable between a close position, in which the web (1 a) is pressed between said plates to allow the locking and cutting operation thereof, and a distal position, in which the web (1a) is free to pass between said plates.
In a 95th aspect according to aspects 93 or 94, the apparatus comprises at least one actuator (34) connected to the locking system (33) and configured for determining the movement thereof between the close position and the distal position, said actuator ( 34) being connected to a control unit (70) configured for synchronizing the movement of the plates of the locking system (33) at least with the activation of the cutting station (40).
In a 96th aspect according to any one of aspects 41 to 95, the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are constrained by rotation to the base pusher (13a), optionally the first and second lateral pusher (13b, 13c) are movable by rotation with respect to the base pusher (13a) around a same axis (C).
In a 97th aspect according to any one of 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 for transmitting 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 aspects 32 to 54, the apparatus comprises at least one support (16) configured for supporting at the forming station (10) at least one discrete sheet (1 ) to allow a subsequent winding thereof around the winding body (11), said support (16) having one or more openings adapted to allow the passage in crossing of the at least one pusher (13), in particular of the base pusher (13a) and of the first and/or of the second pusher (13b, 13c), at least during the passage from the distal to the close position.
In a 99th aspect according to the preceding 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 100th aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 99, the rotation axis (B), around which the reel (31 ) is configured to rotate, is:
parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (1 1 ), in which the unwinding direction (UD) of the web (1 a) 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 web (1 a) is substantially parallel to the axis (A) of the winding body (11 ).
In a 101st aspect according to any one of aspects 32 to 100, the apparatus (100) is configured for implementing the method for manufacturing straws (50) according to any one of aspects 1 to 31.
In a 102nd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the winding body (1 1 ) is fixed in particular both by rotation and by translation.
In a 103rd aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the at least one pusher (13) has a length substantially equal to the length, measured along the axis (A), of the winding body (11 ).
In a 104th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the base pusher (13a) has a length substantially equal to the length, measured along the axis (A), of the winding body (11 ).
In a 105th aspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the first lateral pusher (13b) has a length substantially equal to the length, measured along the axis (A), of the winding body (11 ).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following describes a method and an apparatus for manufacturing straws according to different embodiments of the invention.
Method for manufacturing straws first configuration
The method for manufacturing straws 50 is specifically designed to be used in a small bench-top machine for repeated as needed manufacture of individual paper straws.
The present method, according to the first configuration, provides to arrange, at a feeding station 30, a web or at least a discrete sheet 1 a, 1 b made of paper material, as shown in figures 1 to 22.
The web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b are made of material suitable for contact with food and have a multilayer structure in thickness comprising a first layer of paper material and at least a second layer of plastic material constrained to the first paper layer, thus making the web or the discrete sheet impermeable to at least liquids. The layer of plastic material may comprise a thin film of polyethylene applied to only one (polythene-coated paper) or to both faces (bipolitenated paper) of the web or discrete sheet. In one embodiment it is provided to use a heat-sealing paper roll with the possibility of being printed with logos or various designs and colors.
The web and the discrete sheet, as shown for example in detail in figures 4, 8A, 8B and 10, extend between a first end portion 2 and a second end portion 3, preferably parallel to each other and extending in a straight manner. The first and second end portions 2, 3 in turn define respectively a first end edge 2a and a second end edge 3a: the end portions 2, 3 define a surface portion of the web or of the discrete sheet, while the end edges 2a , 3a define a perimeter line of the web or sheet. The first end portion 2 and the second end portion 3 are interconnected with each other by a pair of lateral edges 6, opposite to each other with respect to the body of the discrete sheet or web and preferably parallel to one another. In a preferential embodiment, the first end edge 2a and the second end edge 3a are perpendicular to the lateral edges 6. As a result, the discrete sheet has a substantially rectangular shape.
The method provides to unwind the continuous web along an unwinding direction UD, shown in figures 1 to 6 and in figure 20: the web 1 a may be unwound from a reel or a roller 31 (see figures 1 and 15) movable by rotation around a rotation axis B, or the web 1 a may be folded into layers superimposed on each other to define a stack of continuous sheets (not shown in the accompanying figures). Alternatively, the method provides the step of arranging one or more discrete sheets 1 b and moving them towards the winding body 11 along an unwinding direction UD, as shown in figures 1 1 to 14.
In order to make the straw in its final shape, the method comprises at least one step of entirely winding the discrete strip 1 a, 1 b around a winding body 11 which extends along a respective axis A. The winding body 11 , arranged at a forming station 10, has a substantially cylindrical radial size or, in particular a cylindrical shape, extending in length along its own axis A. According to the present first configuration, the winding body 11 is movable to rotation around its own axis A in order to allow the winding of the web or sheet. In greater detail, the winding body 11 has only the degree of rotational freedom around its own axis A: further radial or translational movements of the winding body 11 are prevented.
To carry out the winding step, the method provides for bringing the first end portion 2 of the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b closer to the winding body 1 1 , as shown in figure 8A. In an embodiment, this step provides for the insertion of at least a part of the first end portion 2 inside a groove 13 formed in the winding body 11 to define a seat, as shown in detail in figures 9A and 9B: the groove 13 defines a rotational constraint between the first end portion 2 and the winding body 1 1 , which allows the web or the discrete sheet 1 a, 1 b to be pulled during the winding step. During a subsequent step of ejection of the straw, described in detail below, the groove 13 allows the straw to move axially along the winding body 11 , also allowing the ejection thereof. After approaching the first end portion 2 of the web or discrete sheet to the winding body 11 , the method provides for a rotation of the winding body 1 1 around its own axis A to allow pulling, in particular the advancement, of the web or of the discrete film 1 a, 1 b: consecutive steps of the winding of the web 1 a or of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 are shown in the sectional views of figures 8A, 8B and 8C.
The rotation of the winding body 1 1 may take place, in an embodiment, by actuation of a motor 19, in particular an electric motor 19 connected to the winding body 1 1 and adapted to rotate the winding body about its own axis A. The motor 19 may be connected to the winding body by gear wheels or by a belt, or alternatively a chain, engaged to a pulley keyed at one end of the winding body 1 1 and to a pulley keyed to the motor 19 itself.
The rotation of the winding body 1 1 will generally be a complete rotation, that is a rotation of 360°, of the winding body 11 around its own axis A, so as to allow a complete winding of the web or discrete sheet around the winding body 1 1. An additional rotation will therefore be provided to define a mutual overlapping portion 4 between the first end portion 2 and the second end portion 3. The additional rotation may be of the extent necessary to allow an easy subsequent coupling of the superimposed layers, advantageously it will take place by a further angle preferably lower than 90°, in particular lower than 45° or 25°: figures 2, 7, 12, 17 and, in greater detail, figure 8C, show a final step of winding the web or discrete sheet around the winding body 11 , to define a cylindrical body 5 made of paper material having the mutual overlapping portion 4 in which the first end portion 2 and the second end portion 3 face each other.
During the winding step, a cylindrical outer side surface 12 of the winding body 11 adheres to the web or discrete sheet 1 a, 1 b to allow it to be pulled: figures 8A-8C schematically show the winding steps in which a space has been inserted between the winding body 11 and the sheet or web 1 a, 1 b solely for reasons of clarity: during the winding steps, in fact, the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b adhere to the winding body 1 1. The contact between the web 1 a, or the discrete sheet 1 b, with the winding body 11 determines in fact a rotational coupling by friction which allows it to be pulled during the rotation of the winding body 1 1.
The first and second end portions 2, 3 extend, in a preferential embodiment, substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. Consequently the mutual overlapping portion 4 has a substantially rectangular shape and extends by a length equal to the distance between the lateral edges 6 of the sheet or web.
The step of winding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 comprises the step of approaching, optionally contacting, the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b to the winding body 1 1 : the approach step preferably provides for maintaining the web 1 a or sheet 1 b in a flat condition. Furthermore, the winding step comprises the step of pressing the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11 by means of at least one pusher 13 movable towards and away from the winding body 11 , in which the pusher extends in length substantially parallel to the winding body 11. According to the first configuration described herein, the pusher 13 comprises one or more rollers 140 shown in figures 7B, 8A- 8C, 9A, 9B and in greater detail in figures 20 to 22, arranged radially around the winding body 11 and movable by rotation about its own axis of rotation D substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. In other words, this pushing step involves the passage of the web 1 a or of the sheet 1 b between the winding body 11 and the rollers 140, in which the rotation of the winding body 11 around its own axis of rotation A and the rotation of the rollers 140 around its own axis of rotation D determines the advancement and winding of the web 1 a or of the sheet 1 b. Moreover the rollers 140, being arranged radially around the winding body 11 , allow guiding the web 1 a or of the sheet 1 b around the winding body 11. In fact, the winding step therefore provides for the rotation of the winding body 11 and the rotation of the rollers 140, at least when the latter are arranged in their close position.
The winding step also provides for moving the rollers 140 with respect to the winding body 11 from a distal position, in which the rollers 140 are moved away from the winding body 11, to a close position, in which the web 1 a or the sheet 1 b are interposed in contact between the winding body 1 1 and the rollers 140, and in which optionally the rollers 140 are in contact with the winding body 1 1. In particular the rollers 140, when arranged in the distal position, allow a subsequent removal of the straw 50 from the winding body 11 while, when arranged in the close position, cause a pressure on the web 1 a or on the discrete sheet 1 b to allow it to be pulled and wound around the body 1 1. In other words, during the winding step, the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b is interposed under pressure between the rollers 1 1 , arranged in the close position, and the winding body 11 : this causes the adhesion by friction of the web 1 a or of the discrete sheet 1 b with the winding body 11, so as to allow it to be pulled during the winding step.
The method provides to move the rollers 140 between the distal position and the close position, and vice versa, each along a respective substantially rectilinear direction E, in which this rectilinear direction is in particular directed towards the axis A of the winding body 1 1 : in greater detail, this rectilinear direction passes through the axis A of the winding body 11 as shown in figure 20.
The method further comprises a step of constraining, at a constraining station 20, the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50 extending between a first and a second free edge 51 , 52 substantially circular, as shown schematically in figures 2, 12 and 17. The mutual overlapping portion 4 extends between the first and second free edges 51 , 52 of the straw 50 along a straight direction.
During the constraining step, the first end portion 2 is contacted with the second end portion 3, as shown in figure 8C, and they are either heat-sealed or bonded to each other. In greater detail, for heat-sealing, at least part of the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed between the winding body 1 1 and a heat-sealing element 21 , and a thrust is exerted by means of the heat-sealing element 21 on the mutual overlapping portion 4 to allow the welding of the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3, in particular to allow the end portion to be sealed with the second end portion. According to the present embodiment, the method provides a step of heating the heat-sealing element 21 to a predetermined temperature, such that a contact between the heat-sealing element 21 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 of the paper material determines the local welding thereof. 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 end portion 2 and the second end portion 3. In a preferential embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 is a heatsealing bar, arranged adjacent to the winding body 1 1 and extending along a direction parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1. The heat-sealing bar is moved between a distal position in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are spaced apart from each other, and a close position in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are brought together. The passage movement between the distal position and the close position is preferably perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11 and determined by the actuation of an actuator or of an electric motor 29. In the close position, the heat-sealing bar exerts a thrust on the mutual coupling portion 4 when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing bar and the winding body. In a different embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 may have a smaller size than the extension of the winding body and may 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 gradually weld a mutual overlapping portion.
As previously mentioned, the constraining step may alternatively comprise a step of gluing the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3: the method therefore provides for a predetermined amount of glue to be placed on the second end portion to allow mutual adhesion thereof.
Alternatively, for heat-sealing, at least part of the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed between the winding body 1 1 and a heat-sealing element 21 configured for emitting a radiation at a distance, such as for example ultrasound or laser, at the mutual overlap portion 4: this radiation is adapted to locally determine, at the mutual overlapping portion 4, a temperature rise sufficient to allow the welding between the first and second end portions 2, 3. In this embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 does not need to attain a predetermined welding temperature but is configured for determining such remote heating. In other words, the mutual overlapping portion 4 is spaced from the radiation source of the heat-sealing element 21 : however, the heat-sealing element 21 preferably comprises a thrust element configured for contacting the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 so as to allow welding thereof. In particular, during the constraining step, the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed under pressure between the winding body 11 and such a thrust element. The method further comprises a step of cutting, at a cutting station 40, the continuous web 1a defining a transverse cut, in particular perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a, as shown in figures 3 and 15. The cut thus defined is made at the second end portion 3 of the web 1 a. The step of cutting takes place for example by moving a cutting tool, for example a fixed or rotating blade along the portion of web on which it is desired to carry out the cutting. In the case where the feeding station 30 provides discrete sheets 1 b, the method may not include the cutting step.
The method further provides for an ejection step, implemented at an ejection station 1 10, of the straw 50 so that the latter emerges with respect to a support structure 60, shown schematically in figures 1 to 6 and 11 to 19, which defines a casing containing the feeding station, the forming station, the constraining station, the ejection station and, according to an optional embodiment, the cutting station. The ejection step allows a user to grasp the straw just created and remove it definitively from the housing for its use.
The ejection 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 figures 3, 12 and 17), 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 5, 6, 13, 14, 18 and 19).
The movement may comprise a step of pushing, for example by means of a sleeve 111 , the first or second free circular edge 51 , 52 of the straw 50 along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The pushing step may be implemented by activating an actuator or an electric motor 119: in particular, as shown in figures 5, 6, 13, 14, 18 and 19, the electric motor provides for rotating a threaded bar, which defines a linear movement of the sleeve 1 11 parallel to the axis A.
The step of moving could alternatively provide 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 figures 6, 14 and 19. The gas flow may be determined by activating a blower or compressor 112 for example driven by an electric motor.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown schematically in figure 7b, the method provides the possibility of winding the web or discrete sheet around the winding body 11 extending along an axis A and having a first radial size, or around an auxiliary winding body 1 T extending along an axis A' and having a second radial size, in which the first radial size is different from the second radial size so as to define straws 50 having different radial dimensions, in particular different diameters. The winding body 1 1 and the auxiliary winding body 1 T are both arranged inside the same support structure 60. The method provides for selectively directing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 1 1 or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. The simultaneous presence of two (or even more) winding bodies inside the same support structure 60 therefore allows producing straws having different diameters, depending on the choice made by a user subject.
The previously described processing steps may be implemented by one or more control units 70, connected to the feeding station, to the cutting station, to the constraining station, or to the ejection station and shown schematically in figure 3.
Two embodiments of the method for manufacturing the straw 50 are described below, in which both embodiments are according to the first configuration just described.
First configuration method - First embodiment
According to a first embodiment, shown in figures 1 to 6 and from 11 to 14, of the first configuration, the method comprises the processing steps described above. In particular, the first embodiment provides for arranging the web 1a or the discrete sheet 1 b in advancement along the unwinding direction UD, in which the latter is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11. If the web 1 a is unwound from the reel 31 , the latter has the rotation axis B parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1 as shown in figures 1 to 6.
The method therefore includes the further processing steps in the following order:
winding the web 1 a around the winding body 1 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 (see figures 1 and 2);
constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50 (see figure 2);
cutting the web 1 a parallel to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 1 1 (see figure 3). Alternatively, the method may instead comprise the further processing steps in the following order:
winding the web 1 a around the winding body 1 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 (see figures 1 and 2);
cutting the web 1 a parallel to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 : the cutting step may be completely subsequent or partially superimposed to the winding step;
constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50.
The method may further provide the further processing steps in the following order:
cutting the web 1 a parallel to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 to define a discrete sheet 1 b separated from the web 1 a, in which the discrete sheet has the features described above (see figure 4); winding the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and the mutual overlapping portion 4; the cutting step may be completely prior or partially superimposed to the winding step;
constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50.
First configuration method Second embodiment
According to a second embodiment, shown in figures 15 to 19, of the first configuration, the method provides for arranging the web 1 a or discrete sheets 1 b in advancement along the unwinding direction UD, in which the latter is substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. If the web 1 a is unwound from the reel 31, the latter has the rotation axis B perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11.
Subsequently, the method comprises further processing steps in the following order:
cutting the web 1a perpendicularly to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 1 1 (see figure 15), to define a discrete sheet 1 b: in particular, the cut defines one of the two lateral edges 6 of the discrete sheet placed in connection with the first and second end portion (2, 3);
winding the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 to define the cylindrical body 5 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 (see figures 16 and 17);
constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50 (see figures 17 and 18).
The step of arranging the web 1 a in advancement along the unwinding direction UD may comprise the step of unwinding a portion of web 1 a equal to a predetermined length X, in which the latter defines the entire extension of the first end edge 2a and of the second end edge 3a (i.e. the length of the finished straw). Subsequently, the method comprises the step of cutting the web 1a perpendicularly to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 (see figure 15), to define a discrete sheet 1 b, in which the second end portion 3 and the first end portion 2 of the discrete sheet 1 b have an extension equal to the predetermined length X. The predetermined length X may be set by a user subject through a graphic interface. In this way, straws of any length may be made, simply by varying the unwinding pitch 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 web UD is parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1. This allows manufacturing straws 50 having different lengths, depending on the request received from a user subject, simply by varying the length of the unwound portion of web 1 a from the feeding station 30. The present second embodiment is also according to the possibility of providing a step of winding the web 1 a or the sheet 1 b around the winding body 11 , or the auxiliary winding body 11 ', as described above, so as to be able to also vary the radial size of the straws.
Apparatus first configuration
The following describes an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a straw 50 according to the above method description and shown schematically in figures 1 to 22. As previously indicated, the apparatus is in fact a small bench-top machine for the manufacture of paper straws one at a time and upon direct request of the user/operator.
The apparatus 100 comprises a support structure 60, as shown in figure 1 , defining an internal volume adapted to house the elements and stations described below.
The support structure 60 comprises at least one lateral wall 61 , for example formed by four flat panels joined together as shown in figure 1 , and a top wall connected to the lateral wall to limit access by a user subject to the internal volume. The support structure 60 may comprise a base wall connected to the lateral wall to define a substantially closed internal volume.
In a preferential embodiment, the support structure 60 is at least partly made of transparent material so as to allow a user to view the internal volume from the outside. In particular, at least one lateral wall 61 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 able to be rested on any counter of a bar or similar business 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 for housing or supporting the web 1a or at least the discrete sheets 1 b in paper material of the type described above. The feeding station 30 comprises at least one support 32, as shown in figures 1 and 15, configured for carrying a reel 31 of web 1 a and for allowing it to rotate about a rotation axis B. The reel 31 , movable by rotation around the axis B is configured for unwinding consecutive portions of web 1 a along an unwinding direction UD. According to the first embodiment, the support 32 is configured for housing a reel 31 having the axis of rotation B parallel to the winding body 1 1. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the support 32 is configured for housing a reel 31 having the rotation axis B perpendicular to the winding body 11.
The feeding station 30 may comprise a motor 39 located at 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 for rotating the reel 31 so as to unwinding consecutive portions of the web 1a. Alternatively, the feeding station 30 comprises an idle support 32, not comprising any motor: in this case the support 32 may comprise a brake configured for, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, inhibit or limit the rotation of the reel 31 , to order to maintain a tension along the unwound portion of web 1 a.
The feeding station may comprise, alternatively to the support 32, a storage volume configured for housing a stack of discrete sheets (as shown schematically in figure 11) or a web folded in layers superimposed on each other to define a stack of continuous sheets.
The apparatus 100 further comprises the forming station 10 having at least one winding body 1 1 extending along an axis A and having a first radial size. Further geometric features 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 may have a circular, triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular shape or a combination thereof. Obviously, however, a cylindrical or elliptical footprint, or in any case a curved outer surface is preferable for correspondingly defining a similar section of the wall of the straw. It should also be noted that the winding body can take up this space by adopting corresponding sectors whose outer surface defines an envelope of the described geometry while having (empty) surface discontinuities; let us consider, for example, a plurality of circular sectors spaced apart from one another by respective radial grooves. The winding body 1 1 is configured for receiving in winding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b to define the cylindrical body 5 and consequently the straw 50 made of paper material.
The apparatus 100 may comprise, in addition to the winding body 11 , an auxiliary winding body 11 ', extending along an axis A' and having a second radial size different from the first radial size of the winding body 11 , as shown in figure 7B. The auxiliary winding body 1 T is configured for receiving in winding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b 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 1 1 , has a radial dimension, more particularly a diameter, different with respect to a straw made by winding around the auxiliary winding body 11'.
The apparatus therefore comprises a movable diverter between a first position, in which the diverter is configured for directing the web or discrete sheet towards the winding body 1 1 , and a second position, in which it is configured for directing the web or the discrete sheet towards the auxiliary winding body 1 1 '.
The winding body 1 1 may also have, at its own lateral surface, an outer layer of rubber material adapted to increase adhesion with the web or sheet 1 a, 1 b and to ensure the pulling thereof during the winding step.
In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a winding body 11 (or two bodies 11’ or more) having a structure with segments or lobes, configured for varying the radial size thereof (embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures). In particular, the lobes of the winding body are movable with respect to one another, between a first position in which the radial size of the winding body are minimum, and at least a second position in which the radial size is greater. This embodiment is not shown in the accompanying figures.
The apparatus 100 may comprise at least one motor 19 connected to the winding body 11 and configured for rotating the winding body 11 about its axis A to drive the web or discrete sheet 1 a, 1 b and allow the winding thereof.
The apparatus further comprises at least one pusher 13 configured for exerting a thrust on the web 1 a or on the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 1 1 to allow it to be wound around the latter. The pusher 13 allows, in other words, guiding the belt 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body during the winding step.
According to the present first configuration, the pusher 13 comprises one or more rollers 140 shown in figures 7B, 8A-8C, 9A, 9B and in greater detail in figures 20 to 22, arranged around the winding body 11 and movable by rotation about its own axis of rotation D parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1 , as shown in figures 7A to 9B and 20 to 22. The rollers have a substantially cylindrical shape, extend in length parallel to the winding body 11 and are arranged radially around the winding body. In an embodiment shown in figures 7A to 9B, the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of rollers 140 around the winding body 11 : alternatively, as shown in figures 20 to 22, the apparatus may comprise a lower number of rollers 140, for example a number of rollers 140 comprised between two and six, in greater detail three rollers 140. The rollers 140 may be mutually angularly spaced around the winding body 1 1 or may be arranged only at a limited angular arc.
The rollers 140 may be made of metallic material, such as for example steel or aluminum, or they may be made of plastic or composite material. In greater detail, each roller 140 comprises a cylindrical body extending in length between a first and a second end along a direction substantially parallel to the winding body 1 1 , wherein the cylindrical body has at one of its ends at least one coupling portion 140a. In particular, the coupling portion 140a has a cylindrical or polygonal shape and has a smaller radial size than a radial size of the cylindrical body of the roller 140 itself.
In an embodiment, the rotation of the rollers 140 is determined by a motor 141 , in particular an electric motor 141 , connected to one or more of the rollers 140 by means of a toothed coupling or, as shown in figure 21A, by a belt or a chain. In particular, each roller 140 comprises, at one end thereof, a pulley engaged by a belt or chain to the motor 141. According to this embodiment, the winding body 11 may be idle (the apparatus may therefore not comprise the motor 19 previously described) and its rotation may be determined by contact with at least one of said rollers 140 or through an intermediate presence of the web 1 a or discrete sheet 1 b.
Alternatively, if the winding body 11 is connected and moved in rotation by the motor 19 as shown in figure 21 B, the rotation of the rollers 140 may be determined by contact with the winding body 1 1 or by interposing the presence of the web 1a or discrete sheet 1 b. In other words, in this embodiment, the rollers 140 are idle and are not connected directly to a motor.
The motor 141 of the rollers 140 or the motor 19 of the winding body 11 are configured to determine the winding of the web 1 a or of the discrete sheet 1 b at a predefined speed, or in any case selectable by a user.
The rollers are also movable with respect to the winding body 1 1 between a distal position, shown in figure 20B in which the rollers 140 are moved away from the winding body 11 , to a close position, shown in figure 20A in which the rollers are side by side or in contact with the winding body 1 1. Each roller 140 is movable between the distal position and the close position, and vice versa, along a respective substantially rectilinear direction E, in which this rectilinear direction is in particular directed towards the axis A of the winding body 1 1 : in greater detail, this rectilinear direction passes through the axis A of the winding body 11 as shown in figure 20. Alternatively, this direction may be defined by any trajectory that allows the rollers to vary their distance, along their entire length development, from the winding body. In a preferential embodiment, the rollers are movable from a height of between 1 mm and 20 mm between the distal position and the close position, in greater detail between 2 and 15 mm. The rollers 140 are also configured for moving between the distal position and the position close together simultaneously, such that when a roller 140 is in its close position, all the rollers 140 are in the same close position so that each roller 140 acts in thrust on the web 1 a or sheet 1 b during the winding steps.
Alternatively, the complete movement of each roller 140 between the distal position and the close position takes place in successive instants, such that for example a roller 140 can be arranged in the close position while a further one on the 140 can still be arranged in the distal position: according to this embodiment, it is possible that the roller 140 configured for coming into contact first with the web 1 a or with the discrete sheet 1 b, is the first roller 140 to be moved from the distal position to the close one, and so on the subsequent rollers as web 1a or discrete sheet 1 b advances.
As previously described, the rollers 140 are arranged around the winding body 11 : in greater detail, as shown in figures 20A and 20B, the rollers 140, when arranged in the close position, have the rotation axes D located on a virtual circumference of radius R’ centered on the axis A of the winding body, while, when arranged in the distal position, they have the rotation axes D located on a virtual circumference of radius R" also centered on the axis A of the winding body, in which R">R'. The apparatus may further comprise one or more thrust springs 140b, shown schematically in figure 22, active on each roller 140 and configured for determining, on each roller 140, a thrust towards and in approach of the winding body 1 1 : in a condition of rest, these springs allow the rollers 140 to be stably positioned in their own position close to the winding body 1 1. Preferably, each roller 140 is pushed towards the winding body 11 by two or more springs acting on it, as shown in figure 22: in this configuration, each roller 140b is pushed by three springs 140b substantially equidistant from each other.
The apparatus further comprises an actuation bar 90, shown in figures 20A and 20B, arranged at at least one end of the winding body 11 and movable by rotation around the axis A of the winding body 1 1 between a first position (figure 20A) and a second position (figure 20B): this actuation bar 90 is connected to the rollers 140 and configured for determining respectively, following its own rotation, the passage of the rollers 140 from the close position (figure 20A) to the distal position (figure 20B ) and vice versa.
In particular, the actuation bar 90 comprises one or more grooves 91 , shown in the figures 20A to 22, of elongated shape hosting the coupling portions of the rollers 140: each groove 91 comprises a ramp 92 defining a supporting portion, in particular a supporting surface, adapted to contact the coupling portion 140a of a roller 140, in which the supporting portion has a minimum distance section and a maximum distance section with respect to the axis A of the winding body 11. The minimum distance and maximum distance sections are placed at the end portions of each groove 91 , such that when the actuation bar 90 is in the first angular position (see figure 20A), the coupling portion 140a of a roller 140 is positioned at the minimum distance section, thus determining the close position of this roller 140. On the contrary, when the actuation bar 90 is in the second angular position (see figure 20B), the coupling portion 140a of a roller 140 is positioned at the maximum distance section, thus determining the distal position of this roller 140.
The springs 140b acting on a roller 140 determine the pressure contact between the respective coupling portion 140a of this roller 140 and the supporting portion of the ramp 92 of the groove 91 of the actuation rod 90.
According to the preferential embodiment, the rollers 140 have only a degree of rotational freedom around their own axis of symmetry D and a degree of translational freedom along a substantially rectilinear direction directed towards the axis A of the winding body 1 1.
The apparatus may further comprise an actuator 93 (not shown in the accompanying figures) connected to the actuation bar 90 and configured for determining the movement of the bar 90 from the first to the second position and vice versa, so as to consequently determine the movement of the rollers 140 respectively from their close position to the distal one. The actuator 93 is also connected to the control unit 70, in which the latter is configured for controlling the activation thereof. The forming station 10 may also comprise a guide 1 14, shown in figures 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F, adjacent to the winding body 1 1 and configured for guiding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11 allowing the winding thereof. The discrete sheet or the web are then configured for passing, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus 100, between the guide 114 and the winding body 1 1. The guide has a substantially cylindrical shape and a larger radial size than the winding body 11 , so as to define an interspace between the outer surface 12 of the winding body 1 1 and an inner surface of the guide 114 which allows the transit of the paper material. In the embodiment shown in figures 9C to 9F, the guide is a cylinder, located outside the winding body 11 , extending in length along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11 : in particular the winding body 1 1 and the guide 114 are concentric at said axis A.
The guide 114 further comprises a slit 114a configured for allowing the passage of the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b towards and in approach to the winding body 11 : the slit 114a extends along a substantially rectilinear direction parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11.
Figures 9D, 9E and 9F show successive winding steps of the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 : in particular figure 9D shows a step of inserting the first end portion 2 inside the groove 13 of the winding body 1 1 to allow the paper material to be pulled during the rotation of the winding body 11 : in this step, the web or discrete sheet 1 a, 1 b passes through the slit 114a of the guide 1 14.
Figure 9E shows a step of advanced winding of the paper material around the winding body 11 , in which the web or discrete sheet is movable through the slit 114a of the guide 114. The inner surface of the guide 114 also allows guiding the paper material in winding to the body 11.
Figure 9F shows instead an end step of winding the paper material around the winding body 11 , to define the mutual overlapping portion 4 between the first and second end portions 2, 3. In this end step, the winding body 1 1 , as described in detail above in the method section, has rotated by an angle greater than 360° (measured with respect to the insertion step of figure 9D) so as to allow the overlapping of the first and second end portion 2, 3.
In a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a heat-sealing element configured for defining the welding between the first and second end portions 2, 3 directly inside the groove 13 of the winding body 11 : in particular, the heat-sealing element may comprise a punch adapted to pass through the slit 114a of the guide 1 14 and lie within the groove 13 of the winding body 11 to define the weld.
The guide comprises a fixed abutment portion extending at least partially parallel to the axis A of the winding body and having a concave curved surface facing an outer side surface 12 of the winding body 11. The apparatus 100 may comprise at least one driving roller 15, shown in figure 7B, movable by rotation and arranged between the feeding station 30 and the forming station 10, and configured for contacting the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b coming from the feeding station 30 to define its advancement towards the forming station 10, in particular towards the winding body 1 1 or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. In a preferential embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a pair of driving rollers 15 facing each other and parallel and in which the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b is configured for being arranged in interposition between the pair of driving rollers 15. The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one motor 15a connected with at least one driving roller 15 and configured for rotating 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 for controlling it in rotation to define the advancement (by a predefined extent) or the stopping of the web 1 a or of the discrete sheet 1 b.
In an embodiment, the driving roller 15 can define the diverter adapted to direct the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 1 1 or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. The driving roller 15 is therefore movable between the first position of the diverter, in which the driving roller directs the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 11 , and the second position of the diverter, in which the driving roller 15 directs the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '.
The apparatus may further comprise a user interface configured for providing, to a user subject, at least one information representative of one or more diameters of the straw 50. The user interface may be defined by one or more push-buttons for selecting a respective diameter of the straw 50, a screen or a touch screen. In particular, the buttons, the screen or the touch screen may comprise an image representative of a straw diameter, so as to allow the user subject to choose the desired size. A control unit 70 is therefore configured for receiving from the user subject, via the user interface, at least one signal representative of the desired diameter of the straw 50 and for controlling the diverter in the first or second position (or further positions where the apparatus allows forming straws with numerous different diameters). The apparatus comprises an actuator, preferably connected to a control unit 70, which can be operated manually by the user subject and configured for allowing 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 includes one or more push-buttons, or a touch screen. The apparatus 100 is therefore configured for providing, 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 per activation having the pre-selected diameter among those available. After producing the predefined number of straws 50, the apparatus 100 is configured for stopping waiting for a new actuation of the activator to make further straws 50.
The apparatus also comprises the constraining station 20 configured for constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 for defining a straw 50 extending between a first and a second free edge 51 , 52 substantially circular. The constraining station 20 comprises the previously described heat-sealing element 21 configured for contacting, 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 heatsealing element 21 may be movable along a direction parallel to the winding body 11 , or movable along a direction perpendicular to the winding body 11.
The constraining station 20 may comprise an actuator 29 connected to the heat-sealing element 21 and configured for controlling the movement thereof at least during the step of constraining the second end portion 3 with the first end portion 2. 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 from each other, and a close position, in which the winding body 1 1 and the heat-sealing element 21 are joined together. The heatsealing element 21 , at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, is configured for exerting a thrust on the mutual coupling portion 4 when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing element 21 and the winding body 1 1. In a preferential embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 is a heat-sealing bar extending along the axis A and adjacent to the winding body 1 1. In greater detail, the heat-sealing bar faces the winding body 11.
The apparatus further comprises the cutting station 40, comprising at least one cutting tool to be chosen between a rotating or translating blade and configured for defining a cut on at least a portion of the web 1 a unwound from the feeding station 30. The cut thus defined is transversal, in greater detail perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a.
The cutting station 40 preferably comprises at least one actuator 49 configured for moving the cutting tool along a direction parallel, according to a first embodiment, or perpendicular to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 according to a second embodiment.
The apparatus 100 further comprises an ejection station 1 10 of the type as previously described in relation to the method.
The apparatus 100 also comprises the control unit 70 configured for implementing the previously described method steps.
The following describes a method and an apparatus for manufacturing straws according to a second configuration of the present invention.
Method for manufacturing straws - second configuration
The method for manufacturing straws 50, according to the second configuration, is specifically designed to be used in a small bench-top machine for repeated as needed manufacture of individual paper straws. The method provides to arrange, at a forming station 10, a web 1a or a discrete sheet 1 b of paper material, as shown in figures 25 and 26, coming from a feeding station 30.
The web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b 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 constrained to the first paper layer, thus making the discrete sheet impermeable to at least liquids. The layer of plastic material may comprise a thin film of polyethylene applied to only one (polythene -coated paper) or to both faces (bipolitenated paper) of the web 1 a or discrete sheet 1 b. In an embodiment, it is provided to use a web 1 a or discrete sheet 1 b which can be heat-sealed with the possibility of being printed with logos or various designs and colors.
The discrete sheet, as shown in detail in figures 25 and 26, extend at least between a first end portion 2 and a second end portion 3, preferably parallel to each other and extending in a straight manner. The first and second end portions 2, 3 in turn define respectively a first end edge and a second end edge 2a, 3a: the first and second end portions 2, 3 define a surface portion of the discrete sheet 1 b, while the first and second end edges define a perimeter line of the sheet. The first and the second end portion 2, 3 are interconnected with each other by a pair of lateral edges 6, opposite to each other with respect to the body of the sheet and preferably parallel to one another. In a preferential embodiment, the first and the second end edge are perpendicular to the lateral edges 6. As a result, the discrete sheet has a rectangular shape. The method provides to unwind a continuous web 1a of paper material along an unwinding direction UD, from the feeding station 30 to a cutting station 40, as shown in figures 23, 25 and 39: the web 1 a may be unwound from a reel or roller 31 (see figure 23) movable by rotation about a rotation axis B, or the web 1a may be folded into layers superimposed on each other to define a stack of continuous sheets (see figure 38). The web 1 a may be moved by means of a motor 39 connected to the reel 31 which allows it to be rotated, or in combination the web 1 a is moved by one or more driving rollers 15 arranged downstream of the roller 31 or of the stack of continuous sheets: as shown in figure 25, a preferential embodiment 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 driving rollers may be made of metallic or plastic material, and may have an outer rubber layer to improve adhesion with the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b. During a step of feeding the web 1a, the latter is interposed and pressed between a pair of driving rollers 15 which determine the advancement thereof.
A cutting station 40, downstream of the feeding station 30, is therefore adapted to separate the discrete sheets 1 b from the web 1a, defining a transverse cut, in particular perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a, as shown in figure 29. If the web 1 a is unwound from the reel 31 , the cut is substantially parallel to the axis B of the reel 31. The cut, defining the second end portion 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b, is carried out by moving a cutting tool, for example a fixed or rotating blade, along the width of the web 1 a. Alternatively, a cutting tool extends entirely along the width of the web, measured parallel to the axis B if it is unwound from a reel 31 or measured perpendicularly with respect to the unwinding direction of the web itself: the cutting tool is therefore movable approaching and moving away from the web 1 a defining a cut by shearing.
Alternatively, the feeding station 30 may directly feed one or more discrete sheets, without therefore the need for the presence of a cutting station 40.
The method may further comprise a step of locking the web 1 a coming from the feeding station 30 by means of a locking system 33, so as to allow the cutting operation by the cutting station 40 and define the discrete sheet 1. The locking step allows the web 1 a to be kept in the correct position during the cutting step: the locking system 33 provides for example a pair of plates, between which the web 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 an actuator 34 shown schematically in figure 27. Obviously other web locking systems may be used as long as they allow a precise cut (without tearing) of the web.
In order to make the straw in its final form, the method comprises at least one step of entirely winding the discrete sheet 1 b around a winding body 1 1 , to initially form a cylindrical body 5 in which the first and second end portions 2, 3 are facing each other to define a mutual overlapping portion 4. In greater detail, the first and second end portions 2, 3 extend along a main development axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The winding body 11 , arranged at a forming station 10 downstream of the feeding station 30 with respect to the unwinding direction UD, extends in length along a respective main extension axis and has a substantially cylindrical radial size, in particular has a cylindrical shape. In the present second configuration, the winding body 11 has no degrees of freedom, neither rotational nor translational: in other words the winding body 11 is fixed, in particular fixed with respect to the casing 60.
To carry out the winding step, the discrete sheet 1 b is initially approached to the winding body 11 , the sheet being preferably planar and having its own main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11 : in particular, the first and second end portions 2, 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b extend substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1. According to the preferential embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the method provides for bringing a center line portion of the discrete sheet 1 b closer to the winding body, as shown in figures 25 and 26, in which the center line portion extends along an extension axis of the discrete sheet 1 b substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The center line portion therefore extends substantially parallel to the first and second end portions 2, 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b and is interposed between them. The step of completely winding the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 also comprises the step of pressing the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 by means of at least one pusher 13 movable towards and away from the winding body 11 , in which the pusher 13 extends substantially parallel to the winding body 1 1 both when placed in a stationary condition and during its movement. The discrete sheet 1 , during the winding step, is interposed between the pusher 13 and the winding body 1 1.
In a preferential embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the pusher 13 comprises a base pusher 13a, a first lateral pusher 13b, and optionally a second lateral pusher 13c, each adapted to define a part of the winding of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11. The winding body 1 1 is interposed, with respect to a plane passing through the axis A of the winding body 11 itself, between the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c.
The step of pressing the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11 comprises a first step of pressing the base pusher 13a onto the discrete sheet, shown in figure 27 and in a sectional view in figure 28. In greater detail, the first step provides for a thrust of an abutment portion of the base pusher 13a on the center line portion of the discrete sheet 1 b against the winding body 11 , to define a first partial winding arc. During the first thrust step, the discrete sheet 1 b is locked between the base pusher 1 3a and the winding body 11 : the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a preferably has a concave arcuate shape or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body 11 , so as to partially adapt to the lateral surface of the winding body and bend the interposed discrete sheet 1 b, defining the first partial winding arc. The first partial winding arc has an angular extension of between 20° and 150°, in particular between 90° and 135°. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures, the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a is not arcuate or at least partly counter-shaped to the winding body: in this case the first thrust step does not define any partial winding arc of the discrete sheet 1 b. In particular, the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a may be flat, so as to allow only the locking of the discrete sheet 1 b against the winding body 1 , maintaining the planarity of the sheet 1.
The first thrust step provides a movement along a predetermined rectilinear trajectory of the base pusher 13a, between a distal position and a position close to the winding body 11 : the linear trajectory of movement is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11.
The method therefore comprises a second thrust step, shown in figures 29 and 30, of the first lateral pusher 13b on the first end portion 2 of the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 1 1 , to define a second greater partial winding arc than the first partial winding arc; the second arc is greater in extension than the first in that it is the sum of the first arc and of the new arcuate portion defined by the first lateral pusher. In greater detail, the second step provides for a thrust of one abutment portion of the first lateral pusher 13b on the first end portion 2 of the discrete sheet 1 b until the first end portion 2 comes into contact with the winding body 11. The abutment portion may be concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body 11. In the preferential embodiment shown in figure 30, the second partial winding arc may have an angular extension of between 120° and 350°. In a preferential embodiment, the second thrust step takes place by rotating the first lateral pusher 13b, about a rotation axis C, between a distal position and a position close to the winding body 11 : in the close position, the discrete sheet 1 b 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 thrust step, shown in figures 31 and 32, of the second lateral thruster 13c on the second end portion 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b towards and against the winding body 1 1 , to define the cylindrical body 5, in which the sheet is wound completely or almost completely around the winding body 11. In greater detail, the third step provides for a thrust of an abutment portion of the second lateral pusher 13c on the second end portion 3 of the sheet 1 , in which the abutment portion is concave or at least partially counter-shaped to the winding body 1 1. The third thrust step 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 thrust steps, 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 lateral pusher 13b, 13c are both movable by rotation around a same axis C, between the distal position and the close position and vice versa, by an angle between 10° and 180° in absolute value, in particular between 15° and 90° in absolute value. In particular, the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c have a single degree of freedom, with respect to the base pusher 13a, defined by the rotation about the axis C.
The first and second end portions 2, 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b 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 by 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 retreated 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 1 1 , 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 1 1. In an optional embodiment, the actuation member 14 may be connected only to a pusher 13 or to the base pusher 13a and to the first lateral pusher 13b, determining the movement thereof. In greater detail, the actuation member 14, along said predefined linear trajectory from the retreated position to the thrust one, determines in order: the movement of the base pusher 13a to define the first thrust step, the movement of the first lateral pusher 13b to define the second thrust step, the movement of the second lateral pusher 13c to define the third thrust step. In other words, the movement of a single actuation member 14 determines the movement of the pushers 13 adapted to implement the winding steps of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11. The step of moving the actuation member 14 may be implemented by an actuator 14a connected to the latter and to a control unit 70 configured for controlling the activation thereof.
The method further comprises a step of constraining, at a constraining station 20, the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 to define the straw 50, shown in figure 35, 36 and 40, extending between a first and a second free edge 51 , 52 substantially circular, as shown schematically in figures 33 and 12. The mutual overlapping portion 4, shown in a detail section in figure 32A and in figure 40, extends entirely between the first and second free edge 51 , 52 of the straw 50 along a rectilinear direction, substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11.
During the constraining step, shown schematically in figures 33 and 34, the first end portion 2 is placed in contact with the second end portion 3, and they are heat-welded or bonded to each other. In greater detail, for heat-sealing, at least part of the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed between the winding body 11 and a heat-sealing element 21 , and a thrust is exerted by means of the heat-sealing element 21 on the mutual overlapping portion 4 to allow the welding of the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3, in particular to allow the first end portion 2 to be sealed with the second end portion 3. According to the present embodiment, the method provides a step of heating the heat-sealing element 21 to a predetermined temperature, such that a contact between the heat-sealing element 21 and the mutual overlapping portion 4 of the paper material determines the local welding thereof. In greater detail, the heatsealing element 21 locally determines the fusion of the plastic layer of the paper material, and consequently the welding between the first end portion 2 and the second end 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 1 1. The heatsealing bar is moved between a distal position in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are spaced apart from each other, and a close position in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing bar are brought together. The passage movement between the distal position and the close position is preferably perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11 and determined by the actuation of an actuator 29 or of 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 heatsealing bar. In an optional embodiment, the third thrust step to allow the complete winding of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 1 1 may be implemented by the heat-sealing element 21 : during its movement, the heat-sealing element 21 defines both a thrust on an end portion of the discrete sheet 1 b approaching the winding body 1 1 determining the winding thereof, and the constraining step.
In a different embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 may have a smaller size than the extension of the winding body 11 and may be movable along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1 when it is in the close position, so as to gradually weld consecutive sections of the mutual overlapping portion.
Alternatively, for heat-sealing, at least part of the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed between the winding body 1 1 and a heat-sealing element 21 configured for emitting a radiation at a distance, such as for example ultrasound or laser, at the mutual overlap portion 4: this radiation is adapted to locally determine, at the mutual overlapping portion 4, a temperature rise sufficient to allow the welding between the first and second end portions 2, 3. In this embodiment, the heat-sealing element 21 does not need to attain a predetermined welding temperature but is configured for determining such remote heating. In other words, the mutual overlapping portion 4 is spaced from the radiation source of the heat-sealing element 21 : however, the heat-sealing element 21 preferably comprises a thrust element configured for contacting the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 so as to allow welding thereof. In particular, during the constraining step, the mutual overlapping portion 4 is interposed under pressure between the winding body 11 and such a thrust element.
As previously mentioned, the constraining step may alternatively comprise a step of gluing the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 of the sheet 1 : the method then comprises arranging a predetermined amount of glue on the first and/or on the second end portion 2, 3 to allow mutual adhesion thereof.
There is also a step for ejecting the straw 50, shown in figures 36 and 37, so that the latter emerges with respect to a support structure 60, which defines a casing containing the feeding station 30, the forming station 10, the fixing station 20, an ejection mechanism 1 10 and, according to 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 ejection step takes place at an ejection station 1 10 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 1 1 (see figure 35), 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 36 and 37).
The movement may comprise a step of pushing, for example by means of a sleeve or abutment element 111 , the first or second free circular edge 51, 52 of the straw 50 along a direction substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. In greater detail, figure 36 shows an abutment element slidable within a guide formed in the winding body 11 along its axis A. The thrust step may be implemented by activating an actuator 119 or an electric motor.
The step of moving could alternatively provide 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 37. The gas flow may be determined by activating a blower or compressor 112 for example driven by an electric motor.
In an alternative configuration, the method provides the possibility of winding the web or discrete sheet selectively around the winding body 1 1 extending along an axis A and having a first radial size, or around an auxiliary winding body 1 T extending along an axis A and having a second radial size, in which the first radial size is different from the second radial size so as to define straws 50 having different radial dimensions, in particular different diameters. The winding body 11 and the auxiliary winding body 1 are both arranged inside 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 inside the same support structure 60 therefore allows producing straws having different diameters, depending on the choice made by a user subject. The method then provides for selectively directing the web (1 a) or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 11 or towards the auxiliary winding body 11 '. In one embodiment, the winding body 11 and auxiliary winding body 1 T re movable, so that each can be arranged, when necessary, at the forming station 10, interposing itself between the pushers and receiving in winding the discrete sheet 1 b. According to a first embodiment, the method provides that the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11 , as shown in figure 23. If the web is unwound from a reel 31 , 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 perpendicularly with respect to a main extension axis of the sheet 1 : in particular, the width of the sheet defines the distance between the first and second end portion 2, 3.
According to a second embodiment, the method provides that the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a is substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11 , as shown in figure 39. If the web 1 a is unwound from a reel 31 , the rotation axis B 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 web 1 a in advancement along the unwinding direction UD may comprise the step of unwinding a portion of web 1 a equal to a predetermined length X, in which the latter defines the entire extension of the first and of the second end portion 2, 3 (i.e. the length of the finished straw 50). Subsequently, the method comprises the step of cutting the web 1 a perpendicularly to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 11 (see figure 39), to define the discrete sheet 1. The predetermined length X may be set by a user subject through a graphic interface. In this way, straws of any length may be made, simply by varying the unwinding pitch 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 web UD is parallel to the axis A of the winding body 1 1. This allows manufacturing straws 50 having different lengths, depending on the request received from a user subject, simply by varying the length of the unwound portion of web 1 a from the feeding station 30.
Both the first and the second embodiments are according to the possibility of providing a step of winding the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11 , or the auxiliary winding body 1 1 ', as described above, so as to be able to also vary the radial size of the straws.
The previously described processing steps may be implemented by one or more control units 70, connected to the feeding station 30, to the cutting station 40, to the constraining station 20, or to the ejection mechanism 111 , 112. In particular, the control unit 70 may be connected to the motor 15a of the driving rollers 15, to the actuator 14a of the actuation member 14, to the actuator 29 of the heat-sealing element 21 , to the motor 39 of the reel 31 , to the actuator 49 of the cutting station 40, to the actuator 1 19 of the ejection station 1 10.
Apparatus - second configuration
The following describes an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a straw 50 according to the second configuration: optionally the apparatus 100 is configured for implementing the method described above. As previously indicated, the apparatus is in fact a small bench-top machine for the manufacture of paper straws one at a time and upon direct request of the user/operator.
The apparatus 100 comprises a support structure 60, as shown in figures 36 and 37, defining an internal volume adapted to house the elements and stations described below.
The support structure 60 comprises at least one lateral wall, for example formed by four flat panels joined together and a top wall connected to the lateral wall to limit access by a user subject to the internal volume. The support structure 60 may comprise a base wall connected to the lateral wall to define a substantially closed internal volume. In a preferential embodiment, the support structure 60 is at least partly made of transparent material so as to allow a user to view the internal volume from the outside. In particular, at least one lateral 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 able to be rested on any counter of a bar or similar business 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 for housing or supporting the web 1a or at least the discrete sheets 1 b in paper material of the type described above. The feeding station 30 comprises at least one support 32, as shown in figure 25, configured for carrying a reel 31 of web 1 a and for allowing it to rotate about a rotation axis B. The reel 31 , movable by rotation around the axis B is configured for unwinding consecutive portions of web 1 a along an unwinding direction UD. According to the first embodiment, the support 32 is configured for housing a reel 31 having the axis of rotation B parallel to the winding body 1 1. Alternatively, according to the second embodiment, the support 32 is configured for housing a reel 31 having the rotation axis B perpendicular to the winding body 11.
The feeding station 30 may comprise a motor 39 located at 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 for rotating the reel 31 so as to unwinding consecutive portions of the web 1a.
Alternatively, the feeding station 30 comprises an idle support 32 which allows free rotation of the reel 31 : alternatively, the support 32 may comprise a brake configured for, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus, inhibit or limit the rotation of the reel 31 , to order to maintain a tension along the unwound portion of web 1 a.
The feeding station 30 may comprise, alternatively to the support 32, a storage volume configured for housing a stack of discrete sheets (not shown in the accompanying figures) or a web 1 a folded in layers superimposed on each other to define a stack of continuous sheets.
The apparatus 100 may comprise at least one driving roller 15, shown in figure 25, movable by rotation and arranged between the feeding station 30 and the forming station 10, and configured for contacting the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b to define 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 driving rollers 15 facing each other and parallel and in which the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b is configured for being arranged in interposition between the pair of driving rollers 15. The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one motor 15a connected with at least one driving roller 15 and configured for rotating 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 for controlling it in rotation to define the advancement (by a predefined extent) or the stopping of the web 1 a or of the discrete sheet 1 b.
The apparatus 100 may further comprise a locking system 33 configured for stopping the web 1 a so as to allow the cutting operation by the cutting station 40, to define the discrete sheet 1. The locking system 33 allows the web 1 a to be maintained in the correct position during the cutting step and comprises, in a preferential embodiment, a pair of plates, between which the web 1 a is configured to slide, facing each other and mutually movable relatively between a distal position (figure 23) and a close position (figure 27). In the close position, the web 1 a interposed between the two plates is locked, allowing it to be cut. The plates of the locking system 33 may 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 to be chosen between a rotating or translating blade and configured for defining a cut on at least a portion of the web 1a unwound from the feeding station 30. The cut thus defined is transversal, in greater detail perpendicular, with respect to the unwinding direction UD of the web 1 a to define the discrete sheet 1.
The cutting station 40 preferably comprises at least one actuator 49 configured for moving the cutting tool along a parallel direction (as shown in figure 27) or perpendicular (not shown in the accompanying figures) with respect to the direction of the axis A of the winding body 1 1.
The apparatus 100 further comprises the forming station 10 having at least one winding body 1 1 extending along an axis A and having a first radial size. Further geometric features 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 may have a circular, triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular shape or a combination thereof. Obviously, however, a cylindrical or elliptical footprint, or in any case a curved outer surface is preferable for correspondingly defining a similar section of the wall of the straw. It should also be noted that the winding body 1 1 can take up this space by adopting corresponding sectors whose outer surface defines an envelope of the described geometry while having (empty) surface discontinuities; let us consider, for example, a plurality of circular sectors spaced apart from one another by respective radial grooves. The winding body 1 1 is configured for receiving in winding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b to define the cylindrical body 5 and consequently the straw 50 made of paper material. The apparatus 100 may comprise, in addition to the winding body 11 , an auxiliary winding body 11', extending along an axis A' and having a second radial size different from the first radial size of the winding body 11. The auxiliary winding body 11’ is configured for receiving in winding the web 1 a or the discrete sheet 1 b 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 dimension, more particularly a diameter, different with respect to a straw made by winding around the auxiliary winding body 11 '.
The apparatus then comprises a diverter configured for directing the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 11 , or towards the auxiliary winding body 1 T. Alternatively, the diverter is configured for moving the winding body 1 1 and the auxiliary winding body 1 T so that each can be arranged at the forming station 10 to receive the sheet 1 in winding. In an embodiment, the driving roller 15 can define the diverter itself adapted to direct the web 1a or the discrete sheet 1 b towards the winding body 1 1 or towards an auxiliary winding body 1 1 '.
In an optional embodiment, the auxiliary winding body 1 T 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 auxiliary winding body 1 1 ': in this embodiment, the auxiliary winding body 11' is configured for sliding on the winding body 11 along the axis A, between an operative position and a waiting position, in which in the operative position the auxiliary winding body 1 T surrounds the winding body 11 , such that the sheet is wound around the radial dimension defined by the auxiliary winding body 1 T. In the rest position instead, the auxiliary winding body 1 T is at least partially extracted from the winding body 11 , such that the sheet is wound around the radial dimension defined by the winding body 11.
Alternatively, the apparatus 100 comprises the winding body 1 1 separate and distinct from the auxiliary winding body 1 1 ', both movable and configurable to arrange themselves one at a time at the forming station 10 to receive the sheet 1 in winding.
In a further alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a winding body 11 (or two bodies 1 T or more) having a structure with segments or lobes, configured for varying the radial size thereof (embodiment not shown in the accompanying figures). In particular, the lobes of the winding body 1 1 are movable with respect to one another, between a first position in which the radial size of the winding body are minimum, and at least a second position in which the radial size is greater. This embodiment is not shown in the accompanying figures.
The apparatus may further comprise a user interface configured for providing, to a user subject, at least one information representative of one or more diameters of the straw 50. The user interface may be defined by one or more push-buttons for selecting a respective diameter of the straw 50, a screen or a touch screen. In particular, the buttons, the screen or the touch screen may comprise an image representative of a straw diameter, so as to allow the user subject to choose the desired size.
The apparatus comprises at least one pusher 13, of the type previously described in relation to the method, configured for exerting a thrust on the discrete sheet 1 b 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 1 1 , and extends substantially parallel to the winding body 1 1 or as an alternative to the auxiliary winding body 1 : the sheet is configured for interposing, at least during an operating condition of the apparatus 100, between the pusher 13 and the winding body 1 1.
In a preferential embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base pusher 13a and at least a first lateral pusher 13b configured for exerting, during an operative condition of the apparatus, a thrust on the discrete sheet 1 b to determine its winding.
The base pusher 13a is movable between a close position (figures 27 and 28) and a distal position (figures 25 and 26) with respect to the winding body 11 along a substantially rectilinear trajectory and perpendicular to the axis A of the winding body 11. The base pusher 13a has an abutment portion configured to contact a middle portion of the discrete sheet 1 b 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 winding body 11. The base pusher 13a extends by 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 by a length equal to or greater than the extension of the first or second end portion of the sheet 1. The base pusher 13a also extends in height between a base portion and the abutment portion configured for contacting and press the discrete sheet 1 b 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 position distal to the winding body 1 1 , and extends in length along an axis substantially parallel to the axis A of the winding body 11. The first lateral pusher 13b also extends in height between a base portion, around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured for contacting the discrete sheet 1 b and pressing it towards the winding body 11 at least during an operative condition of the apparatus. The abutment portion may be partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 11.
The apparatus comprises, according to a preferential embodiment, a second lateral pusher 13c configured for exerting, during an operative condition of the apparatus, a thrust on the discrete sheet 1 b to complete the winding of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11. The second lateral pusher 13c is movable by rotation between a close position and a position distal 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 also extends in height between a base portion, around which it is movable by rotation, and an abutment portion configured for contacting the discrete sheet 1 b and pressing it towards the winding body 1 1 at least during an operative condition of the apparatus. The abutment portion may be partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 11. The first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c, in the passage from the close position to the distal one, are configured for rotating in the opposite direction.
In an embodiment not shown in the accompanying 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 con nected to the control unit 70 configured for synchronizing the activation thereof.
Alternatively, as shown in each of the accompanying 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 second lateral pusher rotate around a same rotation axis 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 partly interposed between the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c with respect to a plane passing through the axis A.
The apparatus further comprises an actuation member 14 connected to the base pusher 13a and to the first lateral pusher 13b: optionally the actuation member may also be connected to the second lateral pusher 13c. The actuation member 14 is movable along a predefined linear trajectory between a retreated position, in which the actuation member 14 is configured for determining 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 for determining 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. The actuation member 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 rearward to the thrust position, is configured for determining 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 discrete sheet 1 b 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 winding arc of the discrete sheet 1 b around the winding body 11. If the second lateral pusher 13c is not present, the second partial winding arc defined by the first lateral pusher 13b defines the cylindrical body 5, in which the discrete sheet 1 b is completely or almost completely wound around the winding body 11. The actuation member 14 is configured for further determining the movement of the second lateral pusher 13c, if the latter is present, from the distal position to the close one to substantially define the cylindrical body 5 made of paper material, in which the discrete sheet 1 b is completely or almost completely wound around the winding body 11.
In greater detail and according to the preferential embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the actuation member 14 is configured for determining the attainment of the close position, in the following order, by the base pusher 13a (figure 28) of the first lateral pusher 13b (figure 30) and finally, if present, of the second lateral pusher 13c (figures 32 and 32A). The lateral pushers 13b and 13c move almost simultaneously, but one of the two can complete before the other the pressing of the discrete sheet 1 b on the winding body and also have a compensation system (described hereinafter and indicated with the reference numeral 81 in the figure). The slight movement offset may have two reasons: on the one hand it serves to avoid exerting too high pressures, also due to small device dissymmetries, assembly tolerances, different wear of the materials or the like, on the other hand it allows the correct bending and overlapping sequence of the first and second end portions 2, 3 which must overlap one another without interfering with one another 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 section of its predefined linear trajectory causes a movement of the base pusher 13a from its distal position up to the close one, while a further movement of the actuation member 14 in addition to said initial section does not cause any movement of the base pusher 13a (the pusher 13a is in fact abutting against the body 11 which is fixed to the device frame). In other words, the actuation member 14, during its movement, initially causes a movement of the base pusher 13a to a point where the latter reaches the position close to the winding body: by 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 28, a spring interposed between the base pusher 13a and the actuation member 14, decoupling, beyond a predefined stroke (and beyond a predefined applied force), the two movements. The coupling mechanism 80 in fact comprises a telescopic coupling between two elements sliding one inside the other and engaged, one with the actuation member 14, the other with the base pusher 13a. The two sliding elements are kept at the maximum distance from each other by the preloaded spring. When the base pusher 13a abuts on the winding body 1 1 , 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 force exceeds the elastic resistance of the spring. At this point, the spring begins to yield and the sliding elements slide one into the other. The actuation member 14 has a first compensator mechanism 81 for connection with the first lateral pusher 13b, such that a movement of the actuation member 14 along an initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes a movement of the first lateral pusher 13b 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 further movement (rotation) of the first lateral pusher 13b. In other words, the actuation member 14, during its movement, initially causes a movement of the first lateral pusher 13b to a point where the latter reaches the close position with respect to the winding body, acting on thrust on the sheet 1 : by further moving the actuation member 14, the winding body 1 1 does not allow the first lateral pusher 13b to proceed further. The first compensator mechanism 81 for coupling between the actuation member 14 and the first lateral pusher 13b comprises, as shown in detail in figure 28, a spring interposed between the first lateral pusher 13b, optionally between a link connected to the first lateral pusher 13b , and the actuation member 14, effectively decoupling the two movements.
The actuation member 14 may optionally present a second compensator mechanism with the second lateral pusher 13c (not shown in the accompanying figures) such that a movement of the actuation member 14 along an initial section of its predefined linear trajectory causes a movement of the second lateral pusher 13c from its distal position up to the close one, acting in thrust on the sheet 1 , while a further movement of the actuation member 14 in addition to said initial section does not cause any further movement of the second lateral pusher 13c. In other words, the actuation member 14, during its movement, initially causes a movement of the second lateral pusher 13c to a point where the latter reaches the position close to the winding body: by further moving the actuation member 14, the winding body 11 does not allow the second lateral pusher 13c to proceed further.
The apparatus comprises an actuator 14a connected to the actuation member 14 and configured for determining the movement thereof between the retreated position and the thrust position. The actuator 14a is also connected to a control unit 70 configured for synchronizing the activation thereof at least with the cutting station 40.
The predefined linear trajectory, along which the actuation member 14 is movable towards and away from the winding body 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 subject and configured for allowing 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 includes one or more push-buttons, or a touch screen. The apparatus 100 is therefore configured for providing, 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 per activation having the pre-selected diameter among those available. After producing the predefined number of straws 50, the apparatus 100 is configured for stopping waiting for a new actuation of the activator to make further straws 50.
The apparatus also comprises the constraining station 20 configured for constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end portion 3 at the mutual overlapping portion 4 for defining a straw 50 extending between a first and a second free edge 51 , 52 substantially circular.
The constraining station 20 comprises the previously described heat-sealing element 21 configured for contacting, 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 heatsealing element 21 may 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 1 1 and in height between a base portion and an abutment portion configured for contacting the discrete sheet 1 b for pressing it against a lateral surface 12 of the winding body 1 1 : the abutment portion may be at least partly concave or counter-shaped to the winding body 1 1.
The constraining station 20 may comprise an actuator 29 connected to the heat-sealing element 21 and configured for controlling the movement thereof at least during the step of constraining the first end portion 2 with the second end 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 from each other, and a close position, in which the winding body 11 and the heat-sealing element 21 are joined together: during the constraining step, the mutual overlapping portion 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 for exerting a thrust on the mutual overlapping portion 4 when the latter is interposed between the heat-sealing element 21 and the winding body 1 1. In a preferential embodiment, 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 an abutment portion, the latter configured for contacting the discrete sheet 1 b 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 partly counter-shaped to the winding body 11.
The abutment portion of the heat-sealing element 21 also has a plurality of protuberances 22a and slots 22b, defining, according to the preferential embodiment, a toothing (see figures 41 and 42). Similarly, the abutment portion of the first and/or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c comprises a plurality of protuberances 17a and slots 17b defining, according to the preferential embodiment, a respective toothing (see figures 41 and 42) according to the toothing present on the heat-sealing element 21. The apparatus has an interpenetration condition in which the slots 17b and the protuberances 17a of the first and/or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are configured for coupling 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 and/or second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are arranged simultaneously in the position close to the winding body 11. This interpenetration condition occurs for example during a constraining step of the first and second end portions 2, 3 of the sheet 1.
In the interpenetration condition shown in figure 41 , the protuberances 17a, 22a and the slots 17b, 22b respectively of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c and of the heat-sealing element 21 define a band, extending along the axis A of the winding body 1 1 , along which, at least during an operative condition of the apparatus, the protuberances 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 toothings on the pushers and on the heat-sealing element 21 allow the pushers 13 to maximize the extent of their action, until they reach an area in which the first and second end portions 2, 3 of the discrete sheet 1 b define the mutual overlapping portion 4, on which the heat-sealing element 21 is configured to act. It is therefore evident that the coupling between the toothing allows the copresence of the pushers 13 and of the heat-sealing element 21.
A toothing similar to that just described is present on the abutment portion of the base pusher 13a, which has a plurality of protuberances 18a and slots 18b. The apparatus therefore has an interpenetration condition in which the slots 17b and the protuberances 17a of the first and second lateral pusher 13b, 13c are configured for coupling 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 further comprises a support 16 partially interposed between the base pusher 13a and the winding body 1 1 and configured for supporting at least one discrete sheet 1 b to allow a subsequent winding thereof around the winding body 11 . The support 16 emerges from the opposite side to the feeding station 30 to support the sheet during the movement before the winding. The support 16 has one or more openings (in detail a plurality of windows) adapted to allow the passage of at least one p usher 13, in particular of the base pusher 13a, of the first lateral pusher 13b and optionally of the second lateral pusher 13c, at least during their passage from the distal to the close position. The support extends below the winding body 11 so as to support the discrete sheet 1 b arriving from the feeding station 30 or from the cutting station 40.
The apparatus 100 further comprises an ejection station 1 10 of the type as described above in the method section. The apparatus 100 also comprises the control unit 70 configured for implementing the previously described method steps.