U.S. patent application number 12/450239 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for machine for filling envelopes or bags also in controlled atmosphere.
Invention is credited to Gino Rapparini.
Application Number | 20100192524 12/450239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39687106 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100192524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rapparini; Gino |
August 5, 2010 |
MACHINE FOR FILLING ENVELOPES OR BAGS ALSO IN CONTROLLED
ATMOSPHERE
Abstract
A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, consisting of a prismatic wheel (G), having polygonal
shape and provided on each side with at least a couple of opposite
prehensile equipments (M), whose mutual horizontal distance can be
regulated to handle bags or envelopes having different
dimensions.
Inventors: |
Rapparini; Gino; (Bologna,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL A. FATTIBENE;FATTIBENE & FATTIBENE
2480 POST ROAD
SOUTHPORT
CT
06890
US
|
Family ID: |
39687106 |
Appl. No.: |
12/450239 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 17, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2008/000612 |
371 Date: |
February 24, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/512 ;
53/284.7; 53/384.1; 53/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 43/60 20130101;
B65B 31/046 20130101; B65B 43/465 20130101; B65B 43/50 20130101;
B65B 31/024 20130101; B65B 43/16 20130101; B65B 59/003 20190501;
B65B 59/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/512 ; 53/570;
53/284.7; 53/384.1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/02 20060101
B65B031/02; B65B 43/50 20060101 B65B043/50; B65B 59/00 20060101
B65B059/00; B65B 43/46 20060101 B65B043/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2007 |
IT |
BO2007A000203 |
Claims
1) A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, characterized by the fact that it consists of a
prismatic wheel (G), having a polygonal shape and equipped on each
side with at least a couple of opposite prehensile equipments (M),
wherein the mutual horizontal distance between the at least a
couple of opposite prehensile equipments (M) can be regulated to
handle bags or envelopes (S) having different dimensions.
2) A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that on the
upper basis of said prismatic wheel (G) are set up, parallel to
each side of the polygon, movable bars (P) whose radial
synchronized excursions determine the simultaneous opening of the
couple of opposite prehensile equipments (M) and contrast the
relative compression return springs (H).
3) A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, as in claim 2, characterized by the fact that the
radial excursions of the movable bars (P) are actuated by internal
radial pushers that exert their push (E) on the mid point of said
moving bars (P) contrasting with the traction springs (K).
4) A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the
opposite prehensile equipments (M), especially pivoted, are
steadily inclined (M'') by the push (We) exerted on rolls (R), then
later brought back steadily to the initial conditions by the push
(WI) exerted on the rolls (R) with the goal of optimizing the
opening or the closing of the mouths of bags and envelopes.
5) A machine for filling bags or envelopes, also under controlled
atmosphere, as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that during
the unfolding of the technological process, in the different phases
of initial insertion, opening, closing, filling, re-closing and
final sealing, the bag or envelope is always protected inside a
bell (C; C), kept saturated by the controlled flow of inert gas
(N.)
6) A machine for filling bags or envelopes as in claim 5,
characterized by the fact that the bell has a toroidal tunnel
shape.
7. A machine for filling bags or envelopes comprising: a wheel; a
polygonal form having a plurality of sides mounted on said wheel;
opposing prehensile equipment mounted on each of the plurality of
sides of said polygonal form, said opposing prehensile equipment
having a horizontal distance there between, whereby a predetermined
size bag may be held between said opposing prehensile equipment;
and means for adjusting the horizontal distance, whereby the
horizontal distance can be regulated to handle bags or envelopes
having different dimensions.
8. A machine for filling bags or envelopes as in claim 7 further
comprising: means for inclining a stance of said opposing
prehensile equipment, whereby a mouth of the predetermined size bag
is held open.
9. A machine for filling bags or envelopes as in claim 8 wherein:
said means for inclining a stance of said opposing prehensile
equipment comprises rollers.
10. A machine for filling bags or envelopes as in claim 7 further
comprising: a bell covering said polygonal form, whereby an inert
gas can be contained while a bag or envelope is filed.
11. A machine for filling bags or envelopes in a controlled
atmosphere comprising: a wheel; a polygonal form having a plurality
of sides mounted on said wheel; opposing prehensile equipment
mounted on each of said plurality of sides of said polygonal form,
said opposing prehensile equipment having a horizontal distance
there between, whereby a predetermined size bag may be held between
said opposing prehensile equipment; a bell capable of holding an
inert gas and open on a bottom side placed over said polygon form
and said opposing prehensile equipment; an oscillating arm provided
with suction cups, said oscillating arm positioned to pivot upward
towards the bottom side of said bell and place the predetermined
size bag between said opposing prehensile equipment, wherein said
oscillating arm picks up a predetermined size bag and orients a
mouth of the predetermined size bag past the bottom side of said
bell, whereby the mouth of the predetermined size bag may be held
within the inert gas; means for inclining a stance of said opposing
prehensile equipment, whereby a mouth of the predetermined size bag
is held open; means for filing the predetermined size bag; and
means for sealing the predetermined size bag, whereby the
predetermined size bag is held open, filed, and sealed in the inert
gas or controlled atmosphere.
Description
FIELD OF THE ART
[0001] The present invention refers to the technological field of
machines for the automatic filling of envelope or bags containers.
In particular, the present invention concerns a filling machines of
envelopes or bags also under controlled atmosphere, having a
vertical axis wheel structure.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Several types of envelopes or bags filling machines, with
horizontal conveyers, are known.
Such filling machines are usually cumbersome and demand complex
interventions for the change of the envelopes' or bags' dimensions.
Furthermore, the known filling machines present problems for
adjusting them to the filling of envelopes or bags under controlled
atmosphere.
[0003] The problem to be solved, is to realize a universal filling
machines that could fill, with simple adjustments, envelopes or
bags of different dimensions, also under controlled atmosphere.
[0004] The solution proposed is a based on a structure having
polygonal wheel protected in the upper zone with a bell, kept under
controlled atmosphere, inside which the envelopes or bags are
inserted from the bottom up with their upper edge still closed, to
be then opened, filled, re-closed and sealed.
[0005] Each side of the polygonal wheel is set up with at least a
couple of opposite prehensile equipments having the following
features: [0006] they are simultaneously closed by springs that
keep the bags in a steady catching position; [0007] they can be
simultaneously opened, in proximity of the feeding station, to
allow the initial insertion of the empty bags or envelopes; [0008]
they can be simultaneously opened, in proximity of the loading
station, for the final removal of the envelopes or bags filled and
sealed; [0009] they are symmetrically opposite with respect to the
middle point of their mutual horizontal distance; [0010] such
mutual horizontal distance is initially adjustable to handle
envelopes or bags of different dimensions; [0011] they can be
simultaneously inclined to improve the opening of the mouth of the
envelope or bag being caught; [0012] they are simultaneously
brought back to the initial position removing such inclination to
optimize the closing of the mouth of the envelope or of the filled
bag; [0013] each prehensile equipment needs to be opened upon
command, and then to be closed by the spring and to remain steadily
closed under the action the said spring; [0014] it needs to
translate tangentially and parallel to the sides of the polygon;
[0015] it needs to be inclined and remain steadily inclined while
converging towards the mid point of the mutual horizontal distance
with respect to the opposite matching prehensile equipment; [0016]
It needs to steadily eliminate such inclination and regain the
initial position, reciprocally parallel to the opposite matching
equipment.
[0017] The operational combination of the all the features
described above is realized, in the finding object of the present
industrial invention, with bars having such a length to allow the
simultaneity of intervention on the couple of opposite prehensile
equipment.
[0018] The solution proposed solves entirely all the technological
issues outlined above, offering a very compact universal industrial
realization, with the lowest dimensions and the highest operational
versatility, in the various phases of the different technological
processes of filling and conditioning, also under controlled
atmosphere.
DESCRIPTION
[0019] The present invention is now disclosed with reference to the
schematic figures of the drawings attached, as a unrestricting
example.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows an initial perspective view of the filling
machine of envelopes and bags. It can be noticed the structure of
the prismatic wheel has a polygonal form set up on each side with
the operational equipment of the filling process. It should be
noticed the entry of the empty bag S inside the start station for
the feeding, and the removal of the filled and sealed bag S''' in
the final exit station.
[0021] The FIG. 1bis indicates the filling machine protected by a
bell (C) especially shaped and maintained saturated by a neutral
fluid (N).
[0022] The FIG. 1ter shows a tunnel shaped bell (C').
[0023] FIG. 2 schematizes the set-up of each side of the prismatic
wheel (G) with couples of opposite and closed prehensile equipments
(M), whose horizontal mutual distance is regulated to handle bags
or envelopes (S) having very large dimensions.
[0024] FIG. 3 schematizes the regulation of the reciprocal
horizontal distance of the prehensile closed opposite equipments
(M) to handle bags or envelopes (S) having small dimensions.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows the upper basis of the prismatic wheel (G) set
up with moving bars (P), parallel to each side of the polygon,
whose synchronized radial excursions cause, with their action, the
simultaneous opening of the couple of opposite prehensile
equipments (M) contrasting the relative compression return springs
(H).
[0026] FIG. 5 shows the case in which the same set-up of the FIG. 4
remains unchanged even when the reciprocal horizontal distance of
the opposite prehensile equipments M is regulated to handle bags or
envelopes (S) having reduced dimension.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows the loading of the bag or envelope (S) in the
first station. It can be noticed the intervention of the arm (B)
oscillating around the pivot (F). It can be also noticed that the
prehensile equipments (M') are simultaneously opened by the bar
kept in position (P') by the pushing device indicated by the radial
arrow (E), placed in the middle point of said bar.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows the bag or the envelope S already placed
between the two opposite prehensile equipments M' kept
simultaneously open by the bar in position P'.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows the bag or the envelope (S) already caught
simultaneously by both the opposite prehensile equipments (M), kept
closed by the relative compression return springs (H).
[0030] FIG. 9 shows the following operational phase in the second
station. In this station it can be noticed that the suction cups
(V) are approaching the bag or envelope to be opened (S), while in
the previous station the oscillating arm (B) is loading a new
bag.
[0031] FIG. 10 shows in the second station the opening of the mouth
of the envelope or bag (S'). It can be noticed that during the
intervention of the suction cups (V) from the outside the
prehensile equipments (M'') are steadily inclined simultaneously
through the intervention schematized by the arrows (We), which
indicate a push exerted on the pivoted rolls (R). Still in FIG. 10
one can notice that the oscillating arm (B) is again proceeding
downwards.
[0032] FIG. 11 shows the position of the machine in the next
station. It can be noticed that the bag or envelope S', with the
mouth already open but without the suction cups, is in rest
position awaiting to be filled.
[0033] FIG. 12 shows the bag or envelope S' already filled. It can
be noticed that during the unfolding of the production process, the
operations described above are repeated.
[0034] FIG. 13 shows the next phase and illustrates the bag S''
with the mouth re-closed for the elimination of the inclination of
the prehensile equipments (M) by means of the pushing action
schematized by the arrows (Wi) upon the rolls (R).
[0035] FIG. 14 shows the next station, in which the bag or envelope
is sealed by the thermo-sealing pincers T.
[0036] FIG. 15 shows the final station and highlights the envelope
or the bag (S''') already fully filled, closed and sealed, ready to
be discharged.
[0037] FIG. 16 shows the final station and represents the already
discharged bag or envelope (S'''). One can notice, also in this
FIG. 16, that the oscillating arm (B) is illustrated in a slightly
lower position.
[0038] FIG. 17 shows a variation for the handling of bag or
envelopes in a double row.
[0039] FIG. 18 shows a further variation for the handling of bag or
envelopes in a triple row.
[0040] FIG. 19a, b, c, d, e, f show polygonal wheels with a
different number of sides.
[0041] FIG. 20 shows in a schematic diametric section the wheel (G)
covered with a bell C kept saturated with inert gas (N), which is
lighter than the air. It should be highlighted the fact the flow of
inert gas is fed continuously and especially controlled by the
device (A).
[0042] It should be noticed that the mouth (D) of the bag or
envelope (S), sustained by suction cups (V') applied to the branch
(Z) of the oscillating arm (B), lies further ahead of said suction
cups.
[0043] FIG. 21 shows the circumstance in which, while the
oscillating arm B has assumed the horizontal position, the branch
(Z) has placed itself vertically introducing from the bottom up the
envelope or the bag (S) inside the open prehensile equipment M',
with the upper edge (D) of the still closed bag or envelope (S)
higher up into the bell (C) saturated with neutral gas (N).
[0044] FIG. 22 highlights the circumstance that the bag or envelope
(S') inside the bell C is inflated with a stream (Q) of the same
inert gas N that maintains saturated said bell (C).
[0045] FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 show in section the operational phases
of the wheel (G) protected by the tunnel-shaped bell (C').
[0046] In all figures each single detail is marked as follows:
[0047] A is a device that maintains inside the bell (C) an
atmosphere of inert gas lighter that air. [0048] B indicates an
oscillating arm provided with suction cups to introduce the bags or
envelopes (S) inside the starting station. [0049] C is a bell
covering the wheel (G). [0050] C' is a bell shaped as a toroidal
tunnel. [0051] D is the upper edge of the bag or envelope (S).
[0052] E indicates emblematically the radial excursion of the bar
(P'). [0053] F is the pivot of the oscillating arm B. [0054] G is
the polygonal wheel. [0055] H are compression springs that contrast
the opening of the couples of opposite prehensile equipments (M).
[0056] K indicates traction springs that contrast the radial
excursions (E) of the bars (P). [0057] L indicates a track on to
the upper wall of the wheel G, which guides the radial excursions E
of the bars P. [0058] M indicates prehensile equipments in closed
position. [0059] M' indicates prehensile equipments in open
position. [0060] M'' indicates prehensile equipments in inclined
stance to open the mouth of the bag or envelope (S'). [0061] N is
the neutral gas saturating the bell (C). [0062] O indicates the
orientation of the rotation of the wheel (G). [0063] P indicates
the moving bars in rest position placed parallel to the sides of
the polygonal wheel (G). [0064] P' indicate movable bars in
operating position to open simultaneously the couple of opposite
prehensile equipments (M'). [0065] Q indicates the conduit that
introduces inert gas directly inside the bag or the envelope.
[0066] R indicates rolls to incline and to eliminate the
inclination of the prehensile equipment. [0067] S indicates a bag
or envelope in closed starting position. [0068] S' indicates a bag
or envelope with the mouth in opening position. [0069] S''
indicates a bag or envelope with mouth re-closed preset for the
thermo-sealing. [0070] S''' indicates the finished bag or envelope.
[0071] T indicates a device for the thermo-sealing of the mouth of
bag or envelope S'''. [0072] V indicates the suction cups that open
the mouth (Z) of the bag or envelope. [0073] V' indicates the
suction cups on the oscillating arm B. [0074] We represents
emblematically the push that realizes the inclination of opposite
prehensile equipments (M''). [0075] Wi represents emblematically
the push that eliminates the inclination of the opposite prehensile
equipments. [0076] Z indicates the folded branch of the oscillating
arm (B).
[0077] The clearness of the figures and their descriptive synthesis
highlights the original characteristics of the present finding. It
needs to be highlighted the obvious circumstance that the
dimensioning and the structural proportioning of the various
operational equipments could be adapted to the evolving market
needs.
[0078] It is understood that the polygon could have a number of
sides that is different from the illustrated and the packages could
be envelopes, small or large bags with gussets having large
dimensions and being fed by near or remote production plants.
[0079] Now that all the specific peculiarities have been disclosed
in the figures and the description, any average technician expert
in the field will be able to realize, without any inventive effort,
but with simple logical deductions, filling machines for envelopes
or bags, even under controlled atmosphere, with polygonal wheel
structure, set up on each side of the polygon with equipments
having the features can be deduced from those basically described,
illustrated and hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *