U.S. patent application number 12/167507 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for machine for packing products in envelopes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Marchesini Group S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Giuseppe Monti.
Application Number | 20090013655 12/167507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39739731 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090013655 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Monti; Giuseppe |
January 15, 2009 |
Machine For Packing Products In Envelopes
Abstract
The machine comprises: folder means forming a
vertically-developing continuous tubular package; first welding
organs acting on vertical edges of the continuous tubular package
for closing the package; a first station, situated below the folder
means, in which second welding organs operate, with a horizontal
motion performed transversal of the continuous tubular package, to
define consecutive envelopes; a second station, underlying the
first station, in which the cutting organs operate, with a
horizontal motion which is transversal of the continuous tubular
package to separate an envelope occupying a lowest position in a
line of the envelopes; drawing organs, for gripping the lower flap
of the lowest envelope in the line, at the second station, for
determining a descent by a step of the line of envelopes and the
continuous tubular package, in phase relation with the inoperative
positions of the first welding organs and the second welding organs
as well as the cutting organs.
Inventors: |
Monti; Giuseppe; (Pianoro
(Bologna), IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM J. SAPONE;COLEMAN SUDOL SAPONE P.C.
714 COLORADO AVENUE
BRIDGE PORT
CT
06605
US
|
Assignee: |
Marchesini Group S.p.A.
Pianoro (Bologna)
IT
|
Family ID: |
39739731 |
Appl. No.: |
12/167507 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/567 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 51/303 20130101;
B65B 9/213 20130101; B65B 61/28 20130101; B65B 9/2014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/567 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/10 20060101
B65B009/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 10, 2007 |
IT |
BO2007A 000468 |
Claims
1). A machine for packing products in envelopes, the machine being
of a type which comprises: folder means, supplied in inlet with a
continuous sheet unwinding from a reel, which folder means form, in
outlet, a continuous tubular package developing vertically from
above in a downwards direction; means for lowering the continuous
tubular package in steps corresponding to a length of envelope;
first welding organs acting on superposed vertical edges of the
continuous tubular package for closing the continuous tubular
package; second welding organs acting transversally of the
continuous tubular package in order to separate an internal volume
of an envelope, underlying the second welding organs, from an
internal volume of the overlying continuous tubular package, and
defining a succession of the envelopes arranged in a line,
proceeding in a downwards direction; dispensing means, activated in
phase relation with the first and second welding organs, for
introducing, in each of the envelopes, before closure thereof, a
batched quantity of a product; cutting organs for separating an
envelope occupying a lowest position in the line, wherein the
machine it comprises: a first station, situated below the folder
means, in which second welding organs operate, with a horizontal
motion performed in phase relation with a pause of the continuous
tubular package; a second station, underlying the first station, in
which the cutting organs operate, with a horizontal motion
performed in phase relation with a pause of the continuous tubular
package; drawing organs identifying the means for descending, for
gripping a lower flap of the lowest envelope in the line, at the
second station, for determining a descent by a step of the line and
the continuous tubular package, in phase relation with the
inoperative positions of the first welding organs and the second
welding organs as well as of the cutting organs.
2). The machine of claim 1, wherein the cutting organs comprise
cutters for direct cutting, constituted by a blade and a
counter-blade, working in mutual opposition, with a horizontal
motion impressed by actuator means therefor, between an inoperative
open position and an operative closed position, in phase relation
with a pause of the continuous tubular package.
3). The machine of claim 1, wherein the cutting organs comprise
sawtooth cutters for a jagged cut obtained by laceration of the
material of the envelopes, which saw-tooth cutters are activated in
a horizontal motion impressed by actuator means, between an
inoperative open position and an operative closed position, in
phase relation with a pause of the continuous tubular package.
4). The machine of claim 1, wherein the drawing organs comprise a
group, at a top of which group pliers are associated, jaws of which
pliers face upwards, towards a lower flap of the envelope with the
group and the pliers activated, in a phase relation, by relative
actuator means, which define for the group vertical runs between a
raised position and a lowered position and for the pliers a closed
gripping configuration and an open release position.
5). The machine of claim 4, wherein the raised position is
regulated such that the pliers advance above the cutting line of
the cutting organs at the second station, and in that the lowered
position is fixed at a height such that the run corresponds to the
predetermined step.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the technical sector of automatic
machines for packing loose products in envelopes made of soft
materials, also known by experts in the sector as stick-packs.
[0002] By way of example, liquids are inserted into these
envelopes, or more or less viscous liquid solutions, pastes,
granular substances or powder substances, etc.
[0003] The above-mentioned machines, in a very widespread
embodiment, similar among other things to machines for soft
packages of greater dimensions, exhibit a vertical development with
an exit of the full envelopes in the lower zone. In the upper part
of the machine, there is a specially-shaped folding organ which
receives a continuous sheet unwinding from a reel and guides the
sheet to progressively form a continuous tubular package,
developing vertically in a downwards direction.
[0004] The tubular package is made to descend in a
step-advancement, the step corresponding to the desired length of
each single envelope, and is welded along the vertical edges,
specially superposed, as well as transversally welded in accordance
with the above-mentioned step, to divide the internal volume of an
envelope from the internal volume of the overlying tubular package,
in phase relation with the action of the dispensing means to
insert, in each of the envelopes, a batched quantity of
product.
[0005] In the machine, a sort of a string is produced, constituted
in the upper part by the continuous tubular package and in the
lower part by a certain number of full envelopes arranged in a
line.
[0006] One by one the full envelopes reach the lowest position of
the string and are cut off from the envelope located immediately
above and sent towards the exit.
[0007] In some embodiments the cut envelopes are released by force
of gravity onto a slid or a conveyor belt which removes them; in
other embodiments handling organs are included, for example of the
pick and place type, or anthropomorphic organs, which remove each
single cut envelope and deposits it in a predetermined downstream
position.
[0008] In a first known-type machine of the above-described type,
schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, the
step-advancement of the tubular package 1, the transversal welding
of the package 1 for the definition of the package 10, and the
shearing-off of the package 1 are performed by a single operating
group G, in which the welding heads 21, 22, once locked on the
tubular package 1, are translated downwards by a step P, thus also
functioning as drawing organs; cutters 30, housed in the welding
heads 21, 22, are activated in step relation with the bottom dead
centre, for cutting off the envelope 10.
[0009] In the above-described machine, the cutter 30 must have
saw-toothed blades which give a jagged cut (not illustrated),
obtained by cutting the material of the envelopes 10.
[0010] Because of this, fragments of the above-cited material are
produced, which sometimes can negatively affect the functionality
of the welding heads 21, 22, with obvious drawbacks for the welding
of the envelopes 10.
[0011] In another known-type machine, schematically illustrated in
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, for realising straight cutting lines between one
envelope 10 and another, the cutters 30 are positioned externally
of the group G comprising the welding and drawing heads 21, 22; for
a straight cut, a blade 31 has to work in opposition to a
counter-blade 32, which cannot be in direct contact with the
welding heads 21, 22 in order to prevent deformations caused by the
heat of the welding heads 21, 22, with the consequent possibility
of malfunctioning.
[0012] In consequence of the above-mentioned constructional
constraint, the cutting station ST is positioned below the welding
heads 21, 22 by at least a step lower with respect to the bottom
dead centre reached by the welding heads 21, 22 during the
drawing.
[0013] In the above-mentioned machines, as described, the outlet
station SU of the full envelopes 10 is in an inferior position,
with a vertical development which depends on the size of the
discharge organs of the envelopes 10; the consequent increase of
size in terms of height, which the solution with the straight
cutters incurs, has an effect on the positioning height of the
folder and the further organs situated in the upper part of the
machine, among which the product batching group.
[0014] Obviously this causes some problems for the operator as
regards visual control of the functionality of the organs located
higher up.
[0015] In practice, it is possible that only a single step P in
addition for the staggering of the cutting station ST is not
sufficient to contain the sizes of the various support and movement
organs, if the minimum length of the envelopes which the machine
can pack is particularly small, in which case the above-mentioned
drawback is amplified.
[0016] As a further drawback, clearly visible in FIG. 2C, an
operating condition comes about in which the welding heads and the
cutters are open at the same time, such that considerable portion
of the string of envelopes is left with no guide, and can oscillate
out of control, causing malfunctioning or jamming in the
machine.
[0017] The envelopes realised using the above machines are widely
used in the food sector (for example for sugar sachets) and also in
the cosmetic field, while they are not yet very widely used in the
pharmaceutical field, although interest in them in that field is on
the increase.
[0018] In accordance with the type of product to be contained, and
the specific requests of the field of application, the
characteristics of the material the envelopes are made of varies;
in particular, for the pharmaceutical sector, the use of resistant
materials is required, which must be non-toxic and which must
guarantee a perfectly hermetic weld.
[0019] With these requirements, the use of a machine of the first
type can give rise to two kinds of drawbacks: [0020] the time in
which the welding and drawing heads are in contact with the ends of
the envelopes can be too long and can cause an unacceptable heating
of the product with possible alterations thereof; [0021] the
material of the envelopes, if very strong, is not liable to cutting
by sawtooth cutters.
[0022] The first of the drawbacks remains unchanged even with
machines of the second type, while the other drawback is resolved
at the cost of the drawbacks inherent in the conformation of the
machine with straight cutters, to which reference was made
previously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a
machine for packing products in envelopes conformed such as to
obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular to contain the
size in terms of height and to be adaptable to sawtooth cutters or
blade-counterblade cutters for either jagged or straight cuts.
[0024] A further aim of the invention consists in providing a
machine in which the line of envelopes formed, before arriving in
the cutting zone, is not excessively long such that the segment of
the string which is momentarily lacking in a guide is as short as
possible.
[0025] A still further aim of the invention relates to the will to
contain to a minimum the contact time of the welding heads with the
envelopes, such as not to cause heating of the product and thus
render the machine suitable also for use in the pharmaceutical
sector.
[0026] The machine comprises: folder means forming a
vertically-developing continuous tubular package; first welding
organs acting on vertical edges of the continuous tubular package
for closing the package; a first station, situated below the folder
means, in which second welding organs operate, with a horizontal
motion performed transversal of the continuous tubular package, to
define consecutive envelopes; a second station, underlying the
first station (S1), in which the cutting organs operate, with a
horizontal motion which is transversal of the continuous tubular
package to separate an envelope occupying a lowest position in a
line of the envelopes; drawing organs, for gripping the lower flap
of the lowest envelope in the line, at the second station, for
determining a descent by a step of the line of envelopes and the
continuous tubular package, in phase relation with the inoperative
positions of the first welding organs and the second welding organs
as well as the cutting organs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The characteristics of the invention will emerge from the
following description of a preferred embodiment of the machine, in
agreement with what is set out in the appended claims and with the
aid of the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:
[0028] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D schematically illustrate some organs
of a first machine of known type, mentioned in the preamble hereto,
in successive operating stages;
[0029] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C schematically illustrate some organs of
a second machine of known type, mentioned in the preamble hereto,
in successive operating stages;
[0030] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C schematically illustrate some organs of
the machine of the invention in successive operating stages, alike
to those illustrated for the known-type machines, in order to
illustrate the differences thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The machine of the present invention exhibits, in its
entirety, a vertically-developing configuration, with the folder
located high up and the outlet of the full envelopes in the lower
zone, similarly to known-type machines.
[0032] For this reason of similarity no representation of overall
views has been submitted, as well as those organs of the machine
which, not being strictly pertinent to the invention, would not be
of any benefit for the ends of the description thereof.
[0033] In FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, relating to the present machine, a
schematic illustration is made of only the zone in which the
envelopes are formed and cut, as in FIGS. 1A, 2B and 2C and 2A, 2B
and 2C, which illustrate the corresponding zones of known machines,
such that the advantages provided by the solution of the invention
will be evident.
[0034] To facilitate a direct comparison between the known
solutions and the present solution, the same numerical references
have been used where possible.
[0035] In all the above-mentioned figures, 1 denotes a continuous
tubular package, developing vertically from the top downwards,
obtained starting from a continuous sheet unwinding from a reel and
guided to fold upon itself by the folder means.
[0036] The vertical edges of the continuous tubular package 1 are
superposed and stably joined by first welding organs, not
illustrated as of known type; the package 1 is then moved downwards
in steps P corresponding to the length of the envelopes 10 which
are to be obtained, as described herein below.
[0037] The machine of the invention comprises a first station S1
below the folder, a second station S2 below the first station S1
and drawing organs 40, for the step-descent of the continuous
tubular package 1.
[0038] Welding organs 20 are provided in the first station S1,
which welding organs 20 act transversally of the continuous tubular
package 1, defining consecutive envelopes 10; during operation, the
action of the second welding organs 20 is to separate the internal
volume of the underlying envelope 10, which in this way is sealed,
from the internal volume of the overlying tubular package 1 and, at
the same time, the bottom of the new envelope 10 being formed is
closed.
[0039] Thus, along the vertical progression of the machine, the
"string" as mentioned above is formed, constituted in the upper
part by the continuous tubular package 1 and, in the lower part, by
a certain numbers of full envelopes 10 arranged in a row; in the
example shown in the figures, the number of envelopes 10 varies
from one to two, apart from the one under formation, as specified
herein below.
[0040] The second welding organs 20 are constituted, for example,
by two opposite heat-welding heads 21, 22 which are horizontally
mobile between an inoperative open position X1 and an operative
closed position X2, by the action of actuator means (not
illustrated), activated in phase relation with the pause of the
continuous tubular package 1.
[0041] Before being closed, each envelope 10 receives a batched
quantity of liquid product, in a paste form or granular form, or
powder form, by means of known dispensing means (not illustrated),
partially inserted in the tubular package 1 in the zone comprised
between the folder and the 10 first welding organs.
[0042] The dispensing means are activated in phase relation with
the closure of the heads 21, 22, such that the product introduced
is located by force of gravity on the bottom of the envelope under
formation.
[0043] Cutting organs 30 are located in the second station S2,
which cutting organs 30 separate the envelope 10* which (in turn
with the others) occupies the lowest position in the line, from the
envelopes 10 located above the lowest one; the cutting operation,
done in known way, is performed at about halfway up the heat-welded
strip of the heads 21, 22.
[0044] The cutting organs 30 comprise, in a first example shown in
the figures, cutters for straight cutting constituted by a blade 31
and a counter-blade 32, activated in opposition thereto, with a
horizontal movement impressed by relative actuator means (not
illustrated), between an inoperative open position K1 and an
operative closed position K2, in 25 phase relation with the pause
of the continuous tubular package.
[0045] Alternatively it is possible to include the use of saw-tooth
cutters such as the ones described in the preamble with reference
to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.
[0046] The drawing organs 40 grip the lower flap 10A of the
envelope 10* situated at the lower end of the line, when the
envelope 10* is in the second station S2 in order to determine a
descent by one step P of the line and the continuous tubular
package 1, in phase relation with the 5 inoperative open positions
of the first and the second welding organs 20 as well as the
cutting organs 30.
[0047] The drawings organs 40, in a preferred embodiment, comprise
a vertically-mobile group 41, at a top of which pliers 42 are
associated, jaws of which face upwards towards the lower flap
10A.
[0048] The group 41 and the pliers 42 are activated, in phase
relation, by relative actuator means, not illustrated, which
define, for the group 41, a run between a raised position A and a
lowered position B and vice versa and, for the pliers 42, a closed
gripping configuration C and an open release position R.
[0049] The raised position A is regulated such that the pliers 42
advance the cutting line T of the cutters 31, 32 to the second
station S2, while the lowered position B is fixed at a level at
which the run corresponds to the predetermined step P, i.e. the
length of an envelope 10.
[0050] The functioning of the machine will now be described,
explaining the operation of the illustrated and described
organs.
[0051] FIG. 3A illustrates the stage at which the tubular package 1
and the underlying consecutive envelopes 10 are paused, with the
group 41 lowered in the relative position B and the pliers 42 open
in the release configuration R.
[0052] The heat-welding heads 21, 22 present in the first station
S1, are in the respective closed operating position X2 to complete
the sealing of the immediately-underlying envelope 10 and realise
the closing of the bottom of the overlying new envelope 10 under
formation.
[0053] Contextually, the cutters 31, 32 are in the relative closing
operating position K2 in order to cut the final envelope 10* of the
line from the immediately-overlying one.
[0054] The last envelope 10*, once cut, can be gripped by sucker
organs 50, 5 associated to a known handler, such as is illustrated,
or alternatively, can be left to fall towards a slide (not
illustrated).
[0055] The above-described stage, when compared with the prior art,
reveals that: [0056] with respect to the known technical solution
of FIG. 1A, the cutting stage of the last envelope 10* is advanced
(which in the solution of FIG. 1A will happen only afterwards--see
FIG. 1C); the last envelope 10*, if sucker organs 50 are included,
has a controlled position, differently to the other solution where
it dangles with no guide; [0057] with respect to the known
technical solution of FIG. 2A, there is a smaller number of
envelopes (10) (one instead of two, for example) comprised between
the heat-welding heads 21, 22 and the cutters 31, 32, thanks to the
fact that in the invention these are both in a fixed vertical
position, given that the descent of the string is performed by the
drawing organs 40, differently to the other solution in which the
welding heads 21, 22 themselves descend in the closed position (see
FIG. 2B) in order to perform the descent.
[0058] FIG. 3B illustrates the stage in which both the heat-welding
heads 21, 22 and the cutters 31, 32 are open in the respective
inoperative position K1, X1, while the group 41 has lifted into the
raised position A and the pliers 42, in phase relation, have been
closed in the gripping configuration C to grip the lower flap 10A
of the last envelope 10*.
[0059] The above-described stage, if compared with the
corresponding stages in the prior art, shows that: [0060] with
respect to the known technical solutions of FIGS. 1B, 2B there is
an advancing of the stage of opening the heat-welding heads 21, 22,
thus with less heat transmission to the contents of the envelopes
10; in the solution in which the cutters 30 are housed in the
welding heads, [0061] indeed, a further closing time is required
for the heads in order to enable the cutters 30 to perform their
task, which is done only in the following stage illustrated in FIG.
1C.
[0062] FIG. 3C illustrates the stage at which both the heat-welding
heads 21, 22 and the cutters 31, 32 are still opening the
respective inoperative position K1, X1 thereof, while the group 41
has descended into the lowered position B thereof, with the pliers
42 closed, drawing downwards, by a step P, the last envelope 10*
and the tubular package 1.
[0063] The above-described stage, if compared with the
corresponding stages 15 in the prior art, shows that: with respect
to the known technical solutions of FIGS. 1D, 2C, the string is
retained and guided by the drawing organs 40 instead of being free
to oscillate out of control; in the solution of FIG. 2C, the length
of the portion of string which is free is particularly high, with a
greater risk of malfunctioning.
[0064] From the above comparison the positive characteristics of
the machine of the invention emerge, which fully attain the aims
set in the preamble hereto, firstly as they enable the height of
the machine to be contained, especially in comparison to the prior
art of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, and enable the length of the string
momentarily left unguided to be kept to a minimum.
[0065] A further positive characteristic of the machine relates to
the versatility offered by the fact that it can be equipped with
either saw-tooth cutters or blade-counterblade cutters,
respectively for jagged cuts or straight cuts, differently to the
known solution of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.
[0066] A further characteristic, consequent to using a string
drawing system which is separate from the welding heads, consists
in obtaining a minimum contact time of the welding heads with the
envelopes, thus preventing product heating and, therefore,
rendering the machine perfectly suitable for use in the
pharmaceutical sector.
[0067] The above-cited advantageous characteristics are obtained
with a technical solution which is simpler with respect to the
prior art, thanks to the fact that the welding heads and the
cutters have to be activated only horizontally and only the cutters
have to be vertically regulated according to the length of the
envelopes.
[0068] The above is, however, provided by way of non-limiting
example and therefore any variations in the form of the described
organs are to be considered as falling within the ambit of
protection of the invention, as described in the following
claims.
* * * * *