U.S. patent application number 15/506710 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for apparatus for producing packages of infusion products.
This patent application is currently assigned to AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MECCAINCHE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A S.P.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A . S.P.A.. Invention is credited to Daniele Coi, Stefano Nanni, Giacomo Noferini, Mario Spatafora.
Application Number | 20170233120 15/506710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51799141 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spatafora; Mario ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
Apparatus for producing packages of infusion products
Abstract
An apparatus for producing packages of infusion products, such
as a bag filled with a dosed quantity of a product, a tag and a
length of thread attached at opposite ends to the bag and to the
tag respectively, includes a forming group of the filled bag, a
feeding group of the formed bag and of the tag, a cutting and
feeding group of the length of thread, and a sewing head of the
length of thread to the bag and to the tag.
Inventors: |
Spatafora; Mario; (Granarolo
Dell'Emilia - Bologna, IT) ; Coi; Daniele; (Bologna,
IT) ; Noferini; Giacomo; (Castenaso - Bologna,
IT) ; Nanni; Stefano; (Treviolo - Bergamo,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A .
S.P.A. |
Bologna |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MECCAINCHE
AUTOMATICHE A.C.M.A S.P.A.
|
Family ID: |
51799141 |
Appl. No.: |
15/506710 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
July 28, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/001546 |
371 Date: |
February 24, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/134.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/808 20130101;
B65B 61/06 20130101; B65B 61/065 20130101; B65B 29/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 29/04 20060101
B65B029/04; B65D 85/808 20060101 B65D085/808; B65B 61/06 20060101
B65B061/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2014 |
IT |
BO2014A000468 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for producing packages of infusion products, said
packages comprising a bag (3) filled with a dosed quantity of a
product, a tag (4), and a length of thread (2) attached at opposite
ends to said bag (3) and said tag (4) respectively, said apparatus
comprising: a forming group (30) of said filled bag (3), said
forming group (30) defining a forming carousel and carrying a
plurality of forming units (31), wherein said forming carousel (30)
carries at least part of a cutting device (35) and rotates in a
continuous motion around a rotation axis (36); an auxiliary cutting
group (80) movable with an oscillating motion and cooperating with
said cutting device (35) carried by said forming carousel (30) in
said continuous rotation motion; and a folding group (50) rotating
around an axis parallel to said forming carousel (30) and
cooperating with said forming units (31), said auxiliary cutting
group (80) and said folding group (50) being arranged around said
forming carousel (30), respectively in correspondence with a
cutting station (110) and a folding station (100) of said bag (3),
wherein each of said forming units (31) comprises a body (32)
rotating with respect to an axis parallel to the rotation axis (36)
of said forming carousel (30), carrying, a movable receiving system
(33) of a single length (6b) of tube (6a) forming a single bag (3),
and a folding system (34) folding a base (3a) of said bag (3), said
folding group (50) comprising a counter-folding element (54)
cooperating with said folding system (34) for forming said base
(3a) of said bag (3).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said receiving
system (33) defines a pair of pallets (37) alternatingly movable
between a receiving configuration (37a), in correspondence with
which the length (6b) of tube (6a), containing a pair of doses (5),
is received and supported, extending on an operative surface of
each pair of pallets (37), and a forming configuration (37b), in
correspondence with which said pallets (37) of said pair are
brought reciprocally close to each other to feed a corresponding
portion of said length (6b) of tube to a folding and cupping of
said base (3a) of said bag (3) and a forming of said bag (3).
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said folding system
(34) and said counter-folding element (54) are arranged at opposite
parts of said operative surface to support said pallets (37), in an
intermediate position between said pallets (37) of said pair.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said folding system
(34) is activated by a pushing element (42), alternating between a
withdrawn rest configuration (34a), and an extracted folding
configuration (34b), so as to intercept a central portion of said
length (6b), progressively folding said length (6b) by cooperation
with said counter-folding element (54) carried by said forming
carousel (50) in correspondence with said folding station
(100).
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said forming
carousel (50) rotates in a continuous motion.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said forming
carousel (50) comprises a plurality of folding units (51), each
folding unit (51) comprising a platform (52) rotating according to
an axis parallel to the rotation axis of said folding carousel
(50), and a gripping system (53) of said bag (3), arranged on said
platform (52), to effect, in correspondence with said folding
station (100), a tracking motion between said forming unit (31) and
said folding unit (51), cooperating with each other.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said gripping system
(53) comprises a pair of clamps, between which said counter-folding
element (54) is positioned, said clamps (53) being movable between
an open configuration (53a), in correspondence with which said
clamps (53) are open at an inlet of said folding station (100) and
said counter-folding element (54) is arranged for encountering said
folding system (34) carried by said cooperating forming unit (31),
causing the folding of the base (3a) of the bag (3), and a closed
configuration (53b), in correspondence with which said clamps (53)
receive, and withhold therebetween, said bag (3) from said
cooperating forming unit (31).
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an
auxiliary gripping system (57) associated with said gripping system
(53), said auxiliary gripping system (57) being alternatingly
movable in a coordinated way with respect to said gripping system
(53) between a distanced configuration (57a), in correspondence
with which said auxiliary gripping system (57) is further away and
idle at sides of said counter-folding element (54) and said
gripping system (53) is in said open configuration (53a), and an
approach abutment configuration (57b), in correspondence with which
said auxiliary gripping system (57) abuts said base (3a) on
opposite sides, folded on said folding system (34), and said
counter-folding element (54) and said gripping system (53) are
activated towards said closed configuration (53a) to block and
receive said bag (3) being formed.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said auxiliary
cutting group (80) comprises a contrast element (82) and an
activating system (83), acting in correspondence with said cutting
station (110), said contrast element (82) being activated by said
activation system (83) in a cooperation movement with cutting
system (81) carried by said cutting device (35) integral with said
forming carousel (30).
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said activating
system (83) comprises a lever system (84) and a pushing system (85)
effecting, in suitable synchronism, a combined oscillation motion,
in an opposite direction, in an operative run, with respect to the
rotation of said forming group (30), and an alternating radial
motion, with respect to the rotation axis (36) of the same forming
group (30).
11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said cutting system
comprises a blade, and wherein said contrast element (82) comprises
a head (86) sliding inside a hollow body (87) defining a top (92)
having a transversal opening (93), configured to encounter said
blade (81) of said cutting device (35), or effecting a cutting of
said tube (6a) of a belt (6) in said length (6b).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing
packages of infusion products, in particular tea and similar
products.
KNOWN ART
[0002] Apparatuses for packaging infusion products, such as
chamomile, tea and similar herbs, are known. These products are
usually contained in dosed amounts inside specific bags of material
permeable to liquids, usually called "filters". In addition to
filters, the packaging of these products usually comprises the
application of a specific tag, normally made of paper, attached to
the filter by means of a suitable length of thread, to allow the
handling of the product. Finally, the packaging of infusion
products envisages a protective envelope wrapped around the single
filter-bag and a packet, for example made of cardboard, in which a
plurality of protective envelopes containing the single filter-bags
is inserted.
[0003] Automatic packaging lines are known for packaging these
products, in which a plurality of operative groups is suitable for
effecting the various packaging operations in a coordinated manner:
feeding a dosed quantity of product on a strip made of permeable
material, unwound from a respective reel, forming the single
filter-bag containing the dosed amount of product, closing the
filter-bag, feeding a strip of material for tags, unwound from a
further respective reel, separation of the single tags from the
above strip, feeding and cutting the joining thread to size,
joining each tag and each bag to the respective ends of a cut
length of thread, forming single protection envelopes around the
bags joined to the tag, packaging in cardboard boxes.
[0004] Patent EP 1384665, for example, describes an apparatus for
producing filter-bags containing an infusion product, comprising a
group for preparing and feeding the materials used for producing
filter-bags, among which a strip of filter-paper, a dosing group,
suitable for positioning doses of infusion product on the strip of
filter-paper, a formation group, a dividing group and a cutting
group. In the formation group, the strip of filter-paper is folded
over itself so as to form a tube in which doses of infusion product
are placed, the tube then being progressively closed by gluing the
longitudinal edges. The dividing group subsequently divides the
tube by means of transversal seams upstream and downstream of
respective doses of infusion product, and the cutting group then
separates the filter-bags thus formed.
[0005] The forming of the filter-bags represents a crucial phase in
the packaging of infusion products. Effecting a correct forming of
each filter-bag containing a dosed quantity of product, in fact,
requires complex forming groups, whose functioning can negatively
influence the overall production rate, due to the complexity of the
phases to be effected. The groups suitable for effecting the
forming of filter-bags, moreover can consequently be extremely
complex.
[0006] In particular, at the high velocities required by this
specific production field, the components of the various operating
groups involved in the formation phase of the bag, in particular
the cutting blades for the separation of the material into single
filter-bags, are subject to considerable wear and therefore require
frequent substitution, thus increasing the production costs.
[0007] The construction complexity of the formation group in known
packaging machines, moreover, is proportionate to the risk that the
same phase entails. In particular, the risk of undesired
dispersions of product must be limited, which not only represents a
waste of raw material, but can also foul the apparatus,
jeopardizing its efficient functioning.
[0008] Further documents of the known art have been taken into
consideration.
[0009] GB 1 381 799 A, for example, discloses an apparatus for the
production of containers similar to bags with two compartments
containing infusion material, such as tea, in which the bag filled
with doses also comprises a tag and a length of thread attached at
its ends, on the one hand, to the tag, and on the other, to the
bag. The apparatus also comprises a rotating shaping turret and
formation equipment.
[0010] WO 00/17055 A2 relates to a machine for attaching a tag to a
bag using an intermediate thread. Said machine comprises a series
of formation elements positioned on a turret.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,728 A illustrates a machine for
producing double-chamber bags containing infusion material in which
a transporting wheel carries a series of arms which effect various
formation phases of the bags.
[0012] DE 195 32 816 A1 also discloses a machine for producing
double-chamber bags equipped with a transporting wheel carrying
arms which effect various formation phases of the bags,
collaborating with a specifically designed stationary cover.
[0013] The known methods and equipment, however, do not satisfy the
production requirements either in terms of velocity or quality of
the results obtained.
PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The objective of the present invention is to solve the
problems indicated above, by conceiving an apparatus that allows
the packaging of infusion products to be optimally effected.
[0015] Within this objective, a further objective of the present
invention is to provide an apparatus for the packaging of infusion
products operating under safe and high-speed conditions.
[0016] The above objectives are achieved, according to the present
invention, by an apparatus for the packaging of infusion products
according to the enclosed claims.
[0017] In short, the apparatus according to the invention, suitable
for obtaining infusion products of the type comprising a bag filled
with a dosed quantity of product, a tag and a length of thread
attached at opposite ends to the bag and tag, comprises at least a
forming group of a filled bag, defining a rotating carousel in a
continuous motion around a rotation axis and associated with an
auxiliary cutting group and a folding group. The auxiliary cutting
groups and folding group are positioned around the forming
carousel, in correspondence with a cutting station and a folding
station, respectively.
[0018] The forming carousel comprises a plurality of forming units
rotating with respect to axes parallel to said rotation axis of the
carousel.
[0019] According to the invention, the above forming group also
comprises a cutting device carrying a plurality of blades, each
blade being interposed between two adjacent forming units.
[0020] It should be pointed out that the above auxiliary cutting
groups cooperating with the above forming carousel, is activated by
activation means according to a combined oscillation and insertion
movement into the interposed space, from one side to the opposite
side of a forming unit, so as to interact with the above blades for
the cutting of single lengths of tubular packaging material, in
particular already prepared with doses of the desired product.
[0021] According to a prerogative of the invention, the auxiliary
cutting group comprises an abutment element with respect to the
above blades, forming a head containing an opening on the top. The
abutment element is therefore suitable for being inserted in the
space interposed between a pair of adjacent forming units,
intercepting a length of packaging material, preferably wound as a
tube, and effecting its cutting due to the insertion of the above
blade in the opening of the head of the abutment element.
[0022] The cutting of the packaging material into single lengths to
be folded, is effected so as to maintain the integrity of the
blade, as it avoids any harmful impact. More specifically, the
cutting is effected by interposing the material on the abutment
element and inserting the blade into the opening, consequently with
the sole abutment of the flexible material to be cut.
[0023] The apparatus therefore allows the packaging material to be
cut with a continuous movement of the forming carousel, without
stoppages, allowing high production yields to be obtained, without
jeopardizing the integrity of the cutting elements.
[0024] It should also be noted that a further extremely
advantageous aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the
folding of the bag is effected safely and efficiently, reducing the
risk of leakage of the product from the packaging tube, to the
minimum.
[0025] This is due in particular to the fact that each forming unit
comprises withholding means cooperating with receiving means of the
tubular lengths, containing dosed quantities of product. Said
withholding means can define gripping elements suitable for
withholding the end edges of the single lengths.
[0026] Furthermore, leakage of the product is also avoided thanks
to the provision, in the folding units carried by the folding
group, of clamping elements, suitable for blocking respective
portions of a length of material, abutting corresponding areas of
the above receiving means, on which the length is arranged in the
folding phase. Said blocking action also allows the folding phase
to be effected, by juxtaposing the receiving means, so as to fold
the length of material, thus closing the bag formed inside the
above clamps carried by the folding group in a closed
configuration.
[0027] The forming units are suitable for being rotatingly
activated on the forming carousel, according to an axis parallel to
the rotation axis of the folding carousel, so as to allow a
tracking and cooperation motion of the respective units, for the
forming and folding of the bag.
[0028] Said tracking motion, thanks to the above withholding means
and above-mentioned blockage grippers, allows the product to be
safely withheld inside the packaging material, so as to avoid any
waste of product, which could be dispersed inside the apparatus,
jeopardizing its functioning.
[0029] According to a prerogative of the invention, the folding
group or carousel, preferably in a continuous rotation movement,
carries a plurality of clamp gripping means, suitable for safely
withholding the bags being formed against the respective receiving
means of the forming units moved by the above-mentioned forming
carousel, during the folding phase.
[0030] The above-mentioned clamp gripping means cooperate with
respective auxiliary gripping means, preferably in the form of
pincers, to firmly block the bag being formed, specifically during
the folding phase. The auxiliary gripping means can form respective
auxiliary pincers, whose activation is coordinated with that of the
clamps cited above. Said auxiliary pincers are preferably
articulated to the clamps, in each folding unit.
[0031] Furthermore, the above auxiliary gripping means are suitable
for intercepting and blocking, in an appropriate phase relation,
the base of the bag being formed, in abutment with respective
folding and counterfolding means for the base itself, carried by
the forming carousel and folding carousel respectively.
[0032] The above auxiliary gripping means therefore contribute to
firmly blocking the bag being formed, while it is being handled by
the various units mentioned above.
[0033] Furthermore, the above auxiliary gripping means withhold the
base of the bag, preventing the entry of traces of product in the
fold being formed at the base of the bag. Thanks to the presence of
the above gripping means and auxiliary gripping means, the bag
being formed is safely manipulated at each moment of the folding
phase, or more specifically, refolding of the two lobes.
[0034] It should also be noted that the presence of the auxiliary
gripping means, suitable for firmly withholding the base of the
bag, advantageously guarantees the formation of a "neat" fold at
the base of the bag, free of product. This circumstance therefore
ensures the forming of an orderly bag, filled with infusion product
in a concentrated and compact way, inside the respective lobes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The characteristics of the invention will appear more
evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus for packaging infusion products according to the
invention, indicatively illustrated in the enclosed drawings, in
which:
[0036] FIG. 1 shows schematic front view of the apparatus according
to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the forming
group, suitable for being used in the same apparatus;
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further portion
associated with the above-mentioned forming group;
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a further portion of the same
forming group in an operative phase;
[0040] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 5I show a detail of
the above-mentioned forming group, in consecutive operating forming
phases of a filter-bag.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0041] With particular reference to the above figures, the
apparatus for producing packages of infusion products, such as, for
example, tea, chamomile, herbal teas or other infusions, is
indicated as a whole with 1.
[0042] In particular, the apparatus 1 operates on a length of
thread 2, a bag 3 and a tag 4, for sewing the same length of thread
2, at opposite ends, preferably onto both the bag 3 and tag 4 (see
in particular FIGS. 1, 3 and 5A). The bag 3 is also suitable for
being appropriately filled, before the above sewing operation, with
a dosed quantity or dose of product 5.
[0043] More specifically, the bag 3 can have, for example, as in
the case illustrated, a so-called "two-lobed" conformation. In
practice, each bag 3 is formed by the folding of a pair of
respective containment portions, in each of which a single dose 5
of product is inserted. The bag 3, usually made of filter paper,
permeable to water or other infusion liquid, can have, for example,
a bellows-like fold 3a at the base, whereas at the opposite closing
end 3b, it can have one or more folded flaps to ensure the sealing
of the product contained therein (see FIG. 3, in addition to FIGS.
5C to 5I).
[0044] The tag 4 is preferably made of paper or similar material,
suitable for containing printed identifying information of the
product. The length of thread 2, connecting the bag 3 and the tag
4, serves for allowing the product to be handled in the infusion
phase, to avoid direct contact with the infusion liquid, which
generally has a high temperature.
[0045] The apparatus 1 therefore comprises a dosing group of the
infusion product, suitable for dosing single quantities or doses 5
of product, positioning them on a strip 6 of suitable material,
preferably filter paper, unwound from a respective reel 7
schematized, for the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 1. In practice,
the single doses 5 are neatly arranged in succession on the strip
6, preferably fed on a substantially horizontal run.
[0046] Downstream of the dosing group 10, the apparatus 1 comprises
a longitudinal sealing group 20, suitable for folding the doses 5
and reciprocally closing the longitudinal edges of the strip 6
being unwound, so as to form a tube 6a containing in its interior,
the doses 5 prepared by the dosing group 10 (see, in particular,
FIG. 1).
[0047] Downstream of the sealing group 20, the apparatus 1
comprises a forming group 30 of the single bags 3 starting from the
tube 6a previously sealed longitudinally by the sealing group 20.
More specifically, if the package to be produced envisages the
formation of a two-lobed bag, as previously indicated, the forming
group 30 separates the tube 6a into single lengths 6b, each
containing a pair of doses 5, and bellow-folds the above lengths 6b
separated in correspondence with a portion of base 3a interposed
between the doses 5, so as to form the desired bag 3.
[0048] The apparatus 1 also comprises a closing station 40 of the
closing end 3b of the bag 3, opposite the base 3a, in
correspondence with which the folding is effected, for example, of
a pair of side flaps and a third flap, for refolding the two
previous flaps, so as to seal the respective portions of tube 6a or
lobes, each containing a dose 5. Different conformations of the
closing end 3b of the bag 3 can obviously be envisaged, in any case
suitable for adequately sealing the bag 3, to avoid the undesired
leakage of the product.
[0049] The closing station 40 is preferably positioned in
correspondence with a folding carousel 50 of the bags 3, which also
effects the folding of the same formed bags and tags 4 at the
subsequent stations.
[0050] The apparatus 1 also comprises a cutting and feeding group
60 of the lengths of thread 2 and a sewing head 70 suitable for
sewing respective ends of the lengths of thread 2 in correspondence
with the bags 3 and tags 4. In particular, the sewing head 70 is
preferably interposed between the folding carousel 50 and the
cutting and feeding group 60 of the lengths of thread 2.
[0051] The folding carousel 50, as also the sewing head 70, is
preferably activated in a continuous rotating movement, according
to respective parallel axes, for example, horizontal. The cutting
and feeding group 60 can also comprise a rotating carousel,
preferably stepped and positioned, for example, according to an
axis 61 perpendicular to the rotation axis of the sewing head
70.
[0052] Finally, the apparatus 1 can also comprise one or more
further groups, suitable for positioning the thread around the bag
3, packaging each bag 3 in an outer protective envelope, and boxing
a certain number of bags 3 in specific box-shaped packages.
[0053] More specifically, the forming group 30 of the bags 3
defines a rotating carousel, preferably in a continuous movement,
peripherally carrying a plurality of forming units 31. In the case
illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the forming carousel 30 carries
four forming units 31. A different number and arrangement of
forming units 31 can obviously be envisaged.
[0054] Each forming unit 31 comprises a body 32 carrying movable
receiving means 33 of the single length 6b of tube 6a, destined for
forming a single bag 3, and folding means 34, for folding the base
3a of the bag 3. The forming carousel 30 also comprises at least
part of a cutting device 35 of the tube 6a into single lengths 6b,
destined for being folded for the formation of each bag 3.
[0055] The bodies 32 or bases on which the receiving means are
positioned, are also arranged peripherally with respect to the
forming carousel 30, rotating and movable with respect to this, so
as to allow the same forming units 31 to acquire a tracking motion
with respect to further cooperating devices, for the forming of
single bags 3, as described hereunder.
[0056] More specifically, the receiving means 33 of the forming
carousel 30 define a pair of tile-shaped arms or pallets, suitable
for being activated in synchronism and in a suitable phase
relation, for receiving a length 6b of tube 6a coming from the
sealing group 20, cut according to what is described hereunder by
the cutting device 35, withholding it and folding it for the
forming of the bag 3.
[0057] Each receiving means 33 therefore forms a pallet 37 which
extends substantially orthogonally from a stem 38 pivoted to the
body 32. The pallet 37 has a flattened curved shape, with a
convexity facing the outside of the forming carousel 30.
Furthermore, the pallet 37 of each tile-shaped element 33 can
define a notch 39, appropriately formed on the free edge, suitable,
if necessary, for avoiding interference with activation components
of the folding means 34, as described in more detail hereunder.
[0058] It should be pointed out that the pallets 37 of each
tile-shaped element 33 are alternatingly rotated around the
respective fulcrum axis, between a receiving configuration 37a of a
length of tube 6a, in correspondence with which a length 6b of tube
6a, containing a pair of doses 5, is received and supported,
extending on each pair of pallets 37, and a forming configuration
37b, in correspondence with which the pallets 37 are rotated so as
to converge in mutual approach, for feeding a corresponding portion
of tube length 6b to the folding or "cupping" phase of the base 3a
of the bag 3 and forming phase of the bag 3. In particular, it
should be noted that in the above receiving configuration 37a, the
pallets 37 externally define an ideal continuous curved operating
surface, so as to be able to receive and support a length 6b of
tube 6a in a substantially extended arrangement. Vice versa, in the
above forming and convergence configuration 37b of the pallets 37,
the continuity of the curvature of the above receiving surface is
interrupted, for folding the bag 3 in the formation phase (see FIG.
5A, in which both configurations, acquired by different forming
units 31, are illustrated).
[0059] The tile-shaped elements 33 also comprise withholding means
41 suitable for adequately and securely withholding the ends of a
respective length 6b of tube 6a, containing a pair of doses 5, to
avoid undesired movements and leakage of product, during the
forming phases of the bag 3. The withholding means 41 are
preferably produced by means of a gripper element, for example in
the form of a plate, arranged in correspondence with each stem 38
of the tile-shaped elements 33. Each plate 41 is preferably
withheld by return means of the elastic type and alternatingly
activated between a withholding position 41a, in response to the
stem 38 for firmly holding an end edge of the length 6b of tube 6a,
and a release position 41b, rotated and diverging from the stem 38
itself.
[0060] It should be pointed out that the folding means 34 for
folding the base 3a of the bag also operate between the pallets 37
of each forming unit 31. More specifically, the folding means 34
are preferably suitable for separating the two lobes of the bag 3
being formed by folding the base 3a with a "W"-shaped fold. The
result is the formation of the above-mentioned "cupping" of the
base 3a of the bag.
[0061] The folding means 34 comprise a folding element positioned
in the centre of each forming unit 31, suitable for cooperating
with a counter-folding element 54, carried, on the contrary, by the
folding carousel 50, as described in more detail hereunder, for
effecting the forming of the base 3a.
[0062] More specifically, in order to form the above W, the folding
element 34 and counter-folding element 54 are arranged on opposite
sides with respect to the operating surface of the pallets 37, in
an intermediate position between the two pallets 37 of each
tile-shaped element 33. The folding element 34, in particular, is
activated by an specific pusher element 42, to be movable with
respect to the body 32, alternating between a withdrawn, rest
configuration 34a (see FIG. 5C) and an extracted, folding
configuration 34b (see FIG. 5F). In practice, the folding element
34 is situated inside the operating surface defined by the pallets
37 in the rest configuration, whereas it emerges from the above
surface in the folding configuration 34b, to intercept the centre
portion of the length 6b, progressively causing its folding. More
specifically, the folding organ 34 forms a U-shaped profile,
defined by a pair of folding walls 55, substantially parallel,
emerging at the sides of an intermediate cavity 56. The walls 55
extend transversally substantially corresponding to the transversal
extension of the pallets 37, so as to integrally interact with the
length 6b of tube 6a.
[0063] The counter-folding element 54, which, on the other hand, is
carried by the folding carousel 50, defines a folding knife, having
a thickness which is such as to interact with the above-mentioned
cavity 56. In short, the knife 54 is inserted inside the cavity 56,
during the folding operations of the base 3a of the bag, to create
the so-called cupping. The cusps of said "W"-shaped cupping are
therefore produced by contrast, exerted by the tops of the
above-mentioned walls 55, in the folding phase of the two lobes of
the tube length 6b, as described hereunder.
[0064] The folding carousel 50, which is suitable for being
rotatingly activated in an appropriate rotation phase relation of
the forming carousel 30, peripherally carries a plurality of
movable folding units 51 with respect to the carousel 50 itself.
Each folding unit 51 is carried by a platform 52 rotating around an
axis parallel to the rotation axis of the folding carousel 50, and
also to the rotation axis 36 of the forming carousel 30, to allow
the "tracking" of each forming unit 31 on the part of a respective
folding unit 51.
[0065] The forming units 31 and folding units 51 therefore
cooperate in correspondence with a rotation section in which they
are substantially facing each other, and also in reciprocal
tracking motion, in correspondence with which a folding station 100
(see FIG. 5A) of the bag 3 (see FIG. 3) is defined. More
specifically, "tracking" motion refers to a motion whereby the
cooperating operating units are at a relative zero velocity.
[0066] Each folding unit 51 therefore comprises gripping means 53
of the bag 3, associated with the above counter-folding means or
knife 54, arranged on the platform 52. More specifically, the
gripping means 53 form a pair of clamps, between which the
counter-folding knife 54 is positioned. The clamps 53 can be moved
between an open configuration 53a, in correspondence with which the
clamps 53 are open and the folding unit 51 is at the entrance of
the above-mentioned folding station 100 (see FIG. 5A), and a closed
configuration 53b, in correspondence with which the clamps 53
receive and withhold the bag 3 from the respective forming unit 31
(see FIG. 5C). More specifically, when the clamps 53 are in the
open configuration 53a, the knife 54 is interposed between the
clamps 53, arranged for encountering the cavity 56 of the folding
means 34, and creating the cupping of the base 3a of the bag 3.
[0067] The clamp gripping means 53 are associated with auxiliary
gripping means 57 actuated in a coordinated way with the same
gripping means 53, for an effective blockage and consequently an
effective forming, in particular of the base 3a of the bag 3. The
auxiliary gripping means 57 preferably define auxiliary pincers
having a pair of branches articulated, at one end, to the
respective branches of the clamps 53. In this way, the motion of
the auxiliary gripping means 57 is coordinated with that of the
clamps 53.
[0068] The auxiliary pincers 57 can in fact be moved from an
inactive distanced configuration 57a, coordinated with the above
open configuration 53a of the clamps 53, in which the end portions
of the branches of the auxiliary pincers 57 are arranged at the
sides of the counter-folding element 54, and an approach abutment
configuration 53b, that operates when the clamps 53 are activated
towards the above closed configuration 53b; in correspondence with
the approach configuration 53b, the end portions of the auxiliary
pincers 57 are reciprocally juxtaposed, so as to abut the side
flaps of the bellow-fold being formed against the side walls 55, at
the base 3a of the bag 3 (see FIGS. 5A to 5I).
[0069] In short, whereas on the one hand, the gripping ends of the
clamps 53 are suitable for interacting with respective terminal
portions of the length 6b of tube 6a, suitable for defining the
closing end 3b of the formed bag 3, the end portions of the
auxiliary pincers 57 are suitable for interacting, at the sides of
the folding element 34 and counter-folding element 54, for blocking
the portion of bag 3 suitable for forming the base 3a.
[0070] In practice, the branches of the auxiliary pincers 57, when
approaching each other in the approach configuration 57b, press
corresponding portions of tube length 6b against the side walls 55
of the folding element 34 in an active extracted configuration,
therefore blocking the base 3a of the bag 3 being formed.
[0071] It should also be pointed out that said blocking, combined
with the blocking of the opposite ends of each lobe of the bag 3
against the receiving means 33, on the part of the clamps 53,
guarantees, at each moment, a secure and total control in the
handling of the bag 3 and its contents, in the forming phase.
[0072] It should be noted, moreover, that the auxiliary pincers 57
ensure the formation of a "neat" fold at the base 3a of the bag 3.
The base 3a is in fact progressively "stretched" or adhered,
starting from the cusps towards the sides of the bellow-fold, to
the side walls 55 of the folding element 34, thus preventing the
infusion product from leaking inside the fold, preferably
bellow-shaped, being formed. The latter is therefore completely
free of traces of product. This circumstance allows an orderly and
compact final conformation of the packaged product to be
obtained.
[0073] Finally, the forming carousel 30, in particular by means of
a cutting device 35 carried by it, cooperates with an auxiliary
cutting group 80, for dividing the tube 6a into single lengths 6b
to be sent to the receiving means 33. More specifically, a cutting
station 110 (see FIG. 5A) is defined upstream of the folding
station 100, according to the rotation direction of the forming
carousel 30, in correspondence with which the cutting device 35
interacts with the above-mentioned auxiliary group 80.
[0074] The cutting device 35 preferably defines a plurality of
cutting blades 81 arranged radially with respect to the axis 36 of
the forming carousel 30 and rotatingly carried by the same
carousel. More specifically, each cutting blade 81 is interposed
between each forming unit 31 and the adjacent unit. The cutting
blades 81 therefore extend radially, with the cutting end arranged
peripherally. The cutting end of each blade 81 preferably
intercepts the circular profile which ideally encloses, at least in
correspondence with the cutting station 110, the operating surfaces
of the receiving means 33.
[0075] The auxiliary cutting group 80 substantially comprises a
contrast element 82 and activation means 83. The contrast element
82 is, in fact, suitable for being activated by the above
activation means 83 in a cooperation motion with the blades 81 for
cutting the tubular strip 6a into single lengths 6b. The activation
means 83 comprise for example a leverage 84 and pushing means 85,
suitable for effecting, in appropriate synchronism, a combined
oscillation movement, in the opposite direction, in the operating
run, with respect to the rotation of the forming group 30, and an
alternating radial movement, with respect to the rotation axis 36
of the same forming group 30 (see FIG. 4).
[0076] In short, the cutting station 110 covers a certain portion
of the angular path completed, due to the continuous rotation, by
the forming units 31 of the forming carousel 30. Said interaction
span between a respective forming unit 31 and the contrast element
82 substantially corresponds to the angular distance that affects
the single forming unit 31. In practice, in fact, the contrast
element 82 can be moved in oscillation, alternatingly to interact
with each side of a single length 6b of tubular strip 6a.
[0077] More specifically, the leverage 84, comprising for example a
plurality of articulation components, activates, in oscillation,
the contrast element 82 from a first side of the forming unit 31 to
the opposite side, specifically in an inverse direction with
respect to the rotation of the carousel 30 itself. An alternating
movement in a radial direction, with respect to the rotation axis
36, is combined, in a suitable phase relation, with this angular
motion, with the help of the above-mentioned pushing means 85.
[0078] The contrast element 82 comprises a head 86 sliding inside a
hollow body 87 defining at least a pair of fork-shaped side walls
88. The above side walls 88 of the hollow body 87 are distanced so
as to occupy the space interposed 89 between two adjacent forming
units 31, and intercept the edge of each of these. More
specifically, each side wall 88 is suitable for encountering the
above edge of a tile-shaped element 33 with a respective end, in an
area adjacent to the stem 38.
[0079] The head 86, sliding inside the hollow body 87, on the other
hand, has a conformation which is such as to suitably block the
interposed space 89, inserting itself in its interior.
Consequently, with the help of the above-mentioned pushing means
85, the head 86 can be alternatingly activated between a withdrawn
configuration 86a, inside the hollow body 87, diverted from the
above interposed space 89, and an extracted configuration 86b, in
correspondence with which the head 86 occupies the above interposed
space 89, closing it. In the above extracted configuration 86b, the
head 86 of the contrast element 82 therefore protrudes from the
side walls 88 of the hollow body 87.
[0080] It should be pointed out that the head 86 externally
comprises a first lateral side 90 and a second lateral side 91,
preferably flat, suitable for sliding on the side surfaces of the
corresponding stems 38 of the two forming units 31 affected by
interaction with the abutment element 82, so as to intercept the
free space 89 and deliver an edge of the length 6b of the tubular
strip 6a in the separation phase, to the withholding means 41. The
abutment element 82 also comprises a top 92 on which there is an
opening 93, which passes through the head 86 and which is suitable
for receiving, for an adequate length, a respective longitudinal
end of the blade 81.
[0081] In short, the head 86 is suitable for being alternatingly
activated according to a combined movement which comprises, in
addition to the above-mentioned oscillation, a radial component,
suitable for allowing the insertion of the blade 81 into the
transversal opening 93. During the cutting run, the top 92
progresses radially towards the blade 81, effecting, first of all,
the abutment of a tube length 6a resting on the operating surfaces
of two adjacent forming units 31, and then, the cutting, when the
head 86 advances radially stretching the tube 6a against the blade
81 and inserting the latter inside the opening 93 (see in
particular FIG. 4).
[0082] The functioning of the apparatus for the packaging of
infusion products can be clearly understood from the above
description.
[0083] The strip 6 is continuously unwound from the bobbin 7,
passing through the dosing group 10, suitable for arranging the
doses 5 of product, in succession, and also the sealing group 20,
suitable for folding the strip 6 on the same doses 5, so as to
obtain a tube 6a.
[0084] The tube 6a then reaches the inlet of the forming station
positioned downstream of the sealing group 20, where it is taken
over by a respective forming group 31 of the forming carousel 30
activated in continuous rotation.
[0085] More specifically, a length of tube 6a, containing a pair of
doses 5 adequately spaced, is wound, resting on the operating
surfaces of the tile-shaped elements 33 of the forming unit 31
which is situated at the inlet of the cutting station 100 (see FIG.
5A). In this circumstance, the tube 6a has a first cut end,
withheld by the withholding means 41, in correspondence with a
first side of the forming unit 31.
[0086] In the subsequent phase, the abutment element 82 is
activated in the operative cutting run, for engagement of the space
interposed 89 between two adjacent units 31, opposed with respect
to the above first side of the forming unit 31, to effect the
separation of a length 6b of strip 6 from the remaining tube 6b
being unwound. The blade 81 of the cutting device 35, brought into
rotation by the same forming carousel 30, is positioned in
correspondence with this interposed space 89.
[0087] More specifically, in this phase, following the
above-mentioned oscillation motion, the abutment element is brought
in correspondence with the space 89. The side walls 88 are brought
close to the two forming units 31 involved in the separation,
intercepting the tube 6a. Due to the combined movement of the
abutment element 82, the side walls 88 of the hollow body 87 block
portions of tube 6a against the respective operative rest surfaces
of the tile-shaped elements 33.
[0088] The head 86 of the abutment element 82 is then pushed by the
pushing means 85 from the withdrawn configuration 86a to the
extracted configuration 86b. During this run, the top 92 intercepts
the length of tube 6a interposed between the above-mentioned
blocked portions, stretches it, unit it receives the blade 81 in
the opening 93, thus effecting the separation cutting of the tube
6a into a single length 6b (see FIGS. 5A and 5B).
[0089] It should be noted that in the insertion phase of the head
86 in the interposed space 89, the edges of the cut length 6b are
progressively folded in abutment of adjacent stems 38, under the
sliding of the lateral sides 90, 91 of the head 86 on the stems 38
themselves. The edged folded over the stems 38 are finally withheld
by the withholding means 41 which, in a suitable phase relation,
are activated from the open configuration 41a to the closed
withholding configuration 41b (see FIG. 5B).
[0090] The length 6b of strip thus withheld at the ends is then
moved forward, stretched on the operating surfaces of the
respective pair of tile-shaped elements 33. In this phase, the
abutment element 82 continues in its combined movement, following
the return run, leaving the interposed space 89 distanced from the
operative surfaces of the tile-shaped elements 33. The abutment
element 82 then oscillates, moving towards the following space 89,
according to the rotation direction of the forming carousel 30 (see
FIG. 5C).
[0091] The length 6b of tube 6a, on the other hand, continues its
rotation towards the folding station 100, in correspondence with
which it is destined to interact with the folding unit 51.
[0092] It should be pointed out that in this phase, at the inlet of
the forming station 100, the folding device 34 is arranged in the
withdrawn configuration 34a, and is therefore inside the operating
surface defined by the pallets 37. Analogously, the folding unit 51
suitable for cooperating with the forming unit 31 at the inlet of
the folding station 100, is arranged with the gripping means 53 in
the open configuration 53a and with the auxiliary gripping means 57
in the distanced configuration 57a (see FIG. 5C).
[0093] The pallets 37 carrying the length 6b of tube 6a, containing
the relative doses 5, subsequently move into the folding station
100, contemporaneously with the clamps 53 in the open configuration
53a, until they are substantially facing each other parallel.
[0094] The folding element 34 is contemporaneously activated by the
respective activating means, to progressively intercept the
overlying length 6b, as can be seen in FIGS. 5D and 5E. In the same
figures, it can also be observed that contemporaneously with the
phase described, upstream of the forming unit 31, the abutment
element 82 is in the oscillation phase towards the interposed space
89 between a further pair of forming units 31, whereas downstream,
an already formed bag 3 is closed between the clamps 53 in a closed
configuration 53b.
[0095] In the subsequent phase, the clamps 53 are progressively
closed, whereas the pallets 37 are moved towards each other in the
forming configuration 37b, so as to accompany the advance movement
of the folding element 34 which can therefore entrain a portion of
length 6b, lifting it from the operating surface of the same
pallets 37, recovering material due to this approach movement. The
folding element 34 therefore progressively acquires the extracted
configuration 34b (see FIG. 5F).
[0096] In the following phase, the folding element 34 reaches and
cooperates with the counter-folding element 54, so as to create the
W shape of the base 3a of the bag 3. At the same time, in a
suitable phase relation, the auxiliary gripping means 57 are
activated, to progressively encounter, on opposite sides, the base
3a being formed, in abutment of the side walls 55 of the folding
element 34. The base 3a folded by the folding element 34 and by the
counter-folding element 54 is finally blocked by the auxiliary
means 57 in an approach configuration 57b (see FIGS. 5F, 5G and
5H).
[0097] The clamps 53 then reach the operating surface of the
pallets 37, close to the edges adjacent to the stem 38, so as to
block the length 6b against the same surface. The blockage effected
by the clamps 53, in the closing phase, avoids the undesired
leakage of product from the length 6b. As soon as the ends of the
length 6b are blocked by the clamps 53, the withholding means 41
are activated in the opening configuration 41b, to release the
terminal edges of the length 6b itself (see FIG. 5H). It should be
noted that at this point, the folding element 34 can initiate its
return run towards the withdrawn configuration 34a.
[0098] Finally, the clamps 53 continue with sliding the ends on the
operating surface of the pallets 37, until the formed bag 3 has
been completely closed (see FIG. 5I). The folding unit 51 can then
continue its rotation, carrying the formed bag 3 towards the
subsequent operating stations of the packaging apparatus,
preferably containing further gripping means for receiving and
gripping a tag 4 (see FIG. 3).
[0099] The packaging apparatus, as also the forming unit described
for illustrative purposes, can undergo numerous modifications and
variants according to the various requirements.
[0100] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials
used, as also the form and dimensions, can vary according to
requirements.
[0101] When the technical features in each claim are followed by
reference signs, said reference signs have been included for the
sole purpose of providing a better understanding of the claims and
consequently they have no limiting value with respect to the
purpose of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by
said reference signs.
* * * * *