CA3133554C

CA3133554C - Sealing method and machine

Info

Publication number: CA3133554C
Application number: CA3133554A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Olivier Richart
Original assignee: Selenium Medical SAS
Priority date: 2019-06-10
Filing date: 2020-06-08
Publication date: 2026-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-08

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sealing a zone (20) of an object (22) intended to be covered by a sealing strip (3) which is adhesive when ultrasonically excited. Said method comprises feeding the sealing strip (3) between the object (22) and a sonotrode (5) having a linear application zone (51), bringing the linear application zone (51) of the sonotrode (5) into contact with the sealing strip (3) in order to adhere the zone of the sealing strip (3) which is in contact with the linear application zone (51) of the sonotrode (5) to a corresponding zone of the object (22), and moving the object (22) relative to the sonotrode (5) depending on the profile of the zone to be sealed so as to apply the sealing strip (3) to the zone (20) of the object (22) to be sealed. The invention also relates to a corresponding sealing machine.

Description

5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 1 PCT/FR2020/050971 Description Titre de ('invention : Procede et machine de scellage 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 1 PCT/FR2020/050971 Description Title of invention: Sealing method and machine

[0001] DOMAINE DE L’INVENTION [0001] SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] La presente invention conceme de maniere generale Ie scellage d’une partie d’un objet, telle qu’une partie d’un emballage. L’invention concerne plus particulierement un procede et une machine de scellage. [0002] The present invention relates generally to the sealing of a part of an object, such as a part of a package. The invention relates more particularly to a sealing method and machine.

[0003] ART ANTERIEUR [0003] PRIOR ART

[0004] On connaTt de la demande deposee sous Ie numero PCT/FR2017/052853, et publiee sous Ie numero WO2018078242A1, un emballage comprenant une coque inferieure et une coque superieure. La coque superieure comprend un capot et une partie de liaison qui se pr^sente sous la forme d’un corps traversant et qui est reliee au capot par une charniere. [0004] A package comprising a lower shell and an upper shell is known from application filed under number PCT/FR2017/052853 and published under number WO2018078242A1. The upper shell comprises a cover and a connecting part in the form of a through-body and connected to the cover by a hinge.

[0005] Le bord Iibre du capot et Ie bord Iibre superieur du corps traversant delimitent entre eux une fente peripherique qui s’etend d’une extremite de la charniere a I’extremite opposee de la charniere. II est prevu d’appliquer une bande de scellage qui relie les bords du capot et de la partie de liaison qui se font face sur toute la longueur desdits bords de manure A recouvrir ladite fente. [0005] The free edge of the cover and the upper free edge of the through body define between them a peripheral slot extending from one end of the hinge to the opposite end of the hinge. A sealing strip is to be applied which connects the edges of the cover and the connecting part that face each other along the entire length of said edges to cover said slot.

[0006] La partie de liaison est munie d’un element de rigidification qui permet a la bande de scellage d’etre appliquee sur la fente, sans risque de deformation de la fente grace a la rigidity conf6r6e a la coque superieure par I’6l6ment de rigidification. [0006] The connecting part is provided with a stiffening element which allows the sealing strip to be applied to the slot, without risk of deformation of the slot thanks to the rigidity conferred to the upper shell by the stiffening element.

[0007] Une telle conception de la coque superieure de I’emballage permet ainsi d’appliquer la bande sans risque de deformation de la fente, mais II convient aussi que le proc6d£ mSme selon lequel la bande de scellage est appliquee soit fiable. En effet, il peut exister un risque de mauvaise application de la bande de scellage sur I’objet notamment si la bande est appliqu6e avec des diff6rences d’adh^rence £ certains endroits. II est ainsi souhaitable de dSvelopper un procede et une machine correspondante qui permet d’appliquer de maniere fiable la bande de scellage pour obtenir I’etancheite souhaitee.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 2 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0007] Such a design of the upper shell of the packaging thus makes it possible to apply the strip without risk of deformation of the slot, but it is also important that the method by which the sealing strip is applied be reliable. Indeed, there may be a risk of incorrect application of the sealing strip to the object, particularly if the strip is applied with differences in adhesion in certain areas. It is therefore desirable to develop a method and a corresponding machine that allows the sealing strip to be applied reliably to obtain the desired seal. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 2 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0008] La presente invention a pour but de proposer un nouveau procede et une nouvelle machine permettant de pallier tout ou partie des problemes exposes cidessus. [0008] The present invention aims to propose a new method and a new machine to overcome all or part of the problems described above.

[0009] RESUME DE L’INVENTION [0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A cet effet, I’invention a pour objet un procede de scellage d’une zone d’un objet, dite zone a sceller, telle qu’une fente d’ouverture, ladite zone a sceller etant destine© a etre recouverte par une band© de scellage, caract6ris£ en ce que, la bande de scellage comprenant une matidre qui est adhesive a I’etat excite par ultrasons, ledit procede comprend les etapes suivantes : - amenee, par exemple a I’aide d’un galet rotatif, de la bande de scellage entre I’objet et une sonotrode qui presente une zone d’application lineique, - mise en appui de la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode avec la bande de scellage pour faire adherer la zone de la bande de scellage qui est en contact avec la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode, sur une zone correspondante de I’objet, - deplacement de I’objet relativement a la sonotrode en fonction du profil de la zone a sceller de maniere a appliquer la bande de scellage sur la zone a sceller de I’objet. [0010] To this end, the invention relates to a method for sealing an area of an object, referred to as the area to be sealed, such as an opening slot, said area to be sealed being intended to be covered by a sealing strip, characterized in that, the sealing strip comprising a material that is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, said method comprises the following steps: - bringing, for example by means of a rotating roller, the sealing strip between the object and a sonotrode which has a linear application area, - pressing the linear application area of the sonotrode against the sealing strip to make the area of the sealing strip that is in contact with the linear application area of the sonotrode adhere to a corresponding area of the object, - moving The object relative to the sonotrode according to the profile of the area to be sealed so as to apply the sealing strip to the area to be sealed of the object.

[0011] La bande de scellage peut ainsi etre appliquee de maniere fiable au niveau de la zone d’ouverture dudit emballage, avec une homogeneite d’adherence entre la bande et I’objet qui permet de beneficier d’une bonne etancheite au niveau de la zone sur laquelle la bande de scellage est appliquee. [0011] The sealing strip can thus be reliably applied to the opening area of said packaging, with a homogeneity of adhesion between the strip and the object which allows for good sealing at the level of the area on which the sealing strip is applied.

[0012] Le pnocSdG peut aussi comporter une ou plusieurs des caract&ristiques suivantes prises dans toute combinaison techniquement admissible. [0012] The pnocSdG may also include one or more of the following characteristics taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0013] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de (’invention, le deplacement de I’objet comprend un mouvement de rotation de I’objet autour d’un axe de rotation. [0013] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the displacement of the object includes a rotational movement of the object around an axis of rotation.

[0014] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, le deplacement de I’objet comprend un deplacement de I’objet selon une direction transversale a la direction de I’axe de rotation.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 3 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0014] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the displacement of the object comprises a displacement of the object along a direction transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 3 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0015] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de ('invention, Ie deplacement de I’objet comprend un deplacement de I’objet selon une direction parallele a la direction de I’axe de rotation. [0015] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the displacement of the object includes a displacement of the object along a direction parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0016] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, des ultrasons sont transmis par la sonotrode a la partie de la bande de scellage qui se presente entre I’objet et la sonotrode de sorte que ladite partie de la bande de scellage soumise aux ultrasons est collee sur I’objet, et Ie deplacement de I’objet entraine Ie defilement de la bande de scellage entre la sonotrode et I’objet. [0016] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, ultrasound is transmitted by the sonotrode to the part of the sealing strip that is between the object and the sonotrode so that said part of the sealing strip subjected to ultrasound is stuck to the object, and the movement of the object causes the sealing strip to slide between the sonotrode and the object.

[0017] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, I’eflbrt d’appui de la sonotrode sur I’objet est mesure a I’aide d’un capteur, tel qu’une jauge d’effort, et I’objet est deplace en fonction de I’effort d’appui mesure. [0017] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the force of support of the sonotrode on the object is measured using a sensor, such as a force gauge, and the object is moved according to the measured force of support.

[0018] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, la direction du segment de ligne d6fini par la zone d’application lin&que de la sonotrode est paralieie a la direction de rotation de I’objet. [0018] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the direction of the line segment defined by the linear application zone of the sonotrode is parallel to the direction of rotation of the object.

[0019] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de (’invention, la bande de scellage comprend une face munie de colie qui devient active lorsqu’elle soumise aux ultrasons de la sonotrode. [0019] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the sealing strip includes a face provided with a collar which becomes active when subjected to the ultrasound of the sonotrode.

[0020] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, I’objet est deplace au moins jusqu’a ce que la bande de scellage revienne sur elle-meme en etant collie par la sonotrode sur une partie de la bande de scellage ddjd coll6e sur I’objet. [0020] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the object is moved at least until the sealing strip returns to itself by being glued by the sonotrode onto a part of the sealing strip already glued onto the object.

[0021] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I’invention, Ie procede comprend une etape de coupe de la bande de scellage apres recouvrement par la bande de scellage de la zone a sceller de I’objet. [0021] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the method includes a step of cutting the sealing strip after covering the area to be sealed of the object with the sealing strip.

[0022] L'invention concerne 6galement une machine pour Ie scellage d’une zone, dite zone a sceller, d’un objet, ladite zone a sceller, telle qu’une fente d’ouverture, etant destinee a etre recouverte par une bande de scellage munie d’une matiere qui est adhesive a I’etat excite par ultrasons, caracterisee en ce que ladite machine comprend : - un systems de couplage permettant de tenir I’objet ; - une sonotrode qui presente une zone d’application lineique apte a venir en contact avec la bande de scellage pour, a I’etat actif de la sonotrode, faire5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 4 PCT/FR2020/050971 adherer la zone de la bande de scellage qui est en contact avec la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode, sur la zone a scellerde I’objet, - un dispositif d’amenee, par exemple a I’aide d’un galet rotatif, permettant d’amener la bande de scellage entre I’objet et une sonotrode ; - un systeme de ddplacement motorist permettant de ddplacer I’objet relativement £ la sonotrode, - une unite de pilotage configutee pour piloter Ie systeme de d6placement motorise de maniere a deplacer I’objet en fonction du profil de la zone a seelIer pour appliquer la bande de scellage sur la zone a sceller. [0022] The invention also relates to a machine for sealing an area, called the area to be sealed, of an object, said area to be sealed, such as an opening slot, being intended to be covered by a sealing strip provided with a material which is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, characterized in that said machine comprises: - a coupling system allowing the object to be held; - a sonotrode which has a linear application zone suitable for coming into contact with the sealing strip so that, in the active state of the sonotrode, the area of the sealing strip which is in contact with the linear application zone of the sonotrode adheres to the area of the object to be sealed, - a feeding device, for example using a rotating roller, allowing the sealing strip to be brought between the object and a sonotrode; - a motorized displacement system allowing the object to be moved relative to the sonotrode, - a control unit configured to control the motorized displacement system so as to move the object according to the profile of the area to be sealed in order to apply the sealing strip to the area to be sealed.

[0023] Selon un aspect particulier, Ie systeme de dOplacement motorist est pilots de mantere d maintenir I’objet en appui, par I’interm6diaire de la bande de scellage, contre la zone d’application de la sonotrode. [0023] According to a particular aspect, the motorized displacement system is controlled in such a way as to maintain the object in support, by means of the sealing strip, against the application area of the sonotrode.

[0024] Selon une caracteristique avantageuse de I'invention, la machine comprend un capteur d'effort agency pour mesurer I’effort d’appui entre I’objet et la sonotrode, et I’unite de pilotage est configure pour piloter Ie d6placement de I’objet en fonction de I’effort d’appui mesure. [0024] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the machine includes an agency force sensor to measure the support force between the object and the sonotrode, and the control unit is configured to control the displacement of the object as a function of the measured support force.

[0025] BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS [0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] D'autres caracteristiques et avantages de I'invention ressortiront encore de la description qui suit, laquelle est purement illustrative et non limitative et doit Stre lue en regard des dessins annexes, sur lesquels : [0027] - [Fig. 1] la figure 1 est une vue en perspective conformement £ un mode de realisation de I’invention, d’une coque superieure d’un emballage ptesentant une zone fendue £ sceller a I’aide d’une bande de scellage et d’un support destine e recevoir ladite coque pour permettre de la tenir lors de I’operation de scellage ; [0028] - [Fig. 2] la figure 2 est une vue en perspective conformement a un mode de realisation de I'invention, de la coque et du support de la figure 1 d retat tenu de la coque par ledit support, et d’une bande de scellage dont une partie est destinee a etre appliquee sur la zone fendue de la coque ; [0029] - [Fig. 3] la figure 3 est une vue en perspective conformement a un mode de realisation de ('invention, de la coque, du support et de la bande de scellage de la figure 2 a I’etat amene d’une partie de la bande de scellage sous la coque en vue5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 5 PCT/FR2020/050971 de (’application de ladite partie de bande de scellage sur la zone fendue a sceller, la sonotrode n’etant pas representee ; [0030] - [Fig. 4] la figure 4 est une vue en perspective conformement 3 un mode de realisation de I’invention, montrant la partie de la bande de scellage positionnee entre la sonotrode et la coque, en vue de demarrer Ie scellage par pre-collage de la bande de scellage en une position de la coque correspondant a une partie situee entre les extremites de la fente, qui forme une chamiere ; [0031] - [Fig. 5] la figure 5 est une vue en perspective conformement £ un mode de realisation de I’invention, de la coque sur son support, en cours de rotation sur elle-meme, tandis que la bande de scellage defile et s’enroule, par Ie mouvement de deplacement de la coque, sur la coque en etant collee sur la zone fendue de la coque a I’aide de la sonotrode ; [0032] - [Fig. 6] la figure 6 est une vue en perspective oonform6ment 3 un mode de realisation de I’invention, de la coque maintenue sur son support, £ la fin de (’operation d’application de la bande de scellage sur la coque, la bande de scellage etant revenue sur la zone initiale de scellage ; [0033] - [Fig. 7] la figure 7 est un schema de blocs pr6sentant differentes etapes d’un precede de scellage selon un mode de realisation de I’invention ; [0034] - [Fig. 8] la figure 8 est une vue schematique d’une bande de scellage, la partie de droite non encore sollicitee par la sonotrode etant representee differemment de la partie de gauche de la bande qui a ete sollicitee par la sonotrode et qui adhere ainsi e I’objet (non represente); [0035] - [Fig. 9] la figure 9 est une vue en perspective d’une coque superieure d’un emballage, telle que la coque de la figure 1, ladite coque superieure presentant une fente d’ouverture pouvant etre scellee par une bande de scellage selon un procede de scellage conforme e un mode de realisation de (’invention ; [0036] - [Fig. 10] la figure 10 est une vue en perspective de la coque superieure de la figure 9 a I’etat applique de la bande de scellage sur la fente d’ouverture; [0037] - [Fig. 11] la figure 11 est une vue en perspective d’une coque inferieure destinSe £ etre soud6e avec la coque superieure illustree en figure 10 pour former un emballage ;5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 6 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0038] - [Fig. 12] la figure 12 est une vue schematique d’une machine conforme a un mode de realisation de I’invention. [0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0027] - [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, of an upper shell of a package having a slotted area to be sealed with a sealing strip and a support intended to receive said shell to allow it to be held during the sealing operation; [0028] - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, of the shell and the support of Figure 1 d held of the shell by said support, and of a sealing strip, a part of which is intended to be applied to the split area of the shell; [0029] - [Fig. [3] Figure 3 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, of the shell, the support and the sealing strip of Figure 2 in the prepared state of a portion of the sealing strip under the shell in view of the application of said portion of the sealing strip to the slotted area to be sealed, the sonotrode not being shown; [0030] - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the portion of the sealing strip positioned between the sonotrode and the shell, in view of starting the sealing by pre-gluing the sealing strip in a position of the shell corresponding to a part located between the ends of the slot, which forms a groove; [0031] - [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, of the shell on its support, rotating on itself, while the sealing strip unwinds and wraps, by the movement of the shell, onto the shell, being glued to the slotted area of the shell using the sonotrode; [0032] - [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, of the shell held on its support, at the end of the operation of applying the sealing strip to the shell, the sealing strip having returned to the initial sealing area; [0033] - [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing different stages of a sealing process according to an embodiment of the invention; [0034] - [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a sealing strip, the right-hand part not yet induced by the sonotrode being represented differently from the left-hand part of the strip which has been induced by the sonotrode and which thus adheres to the object (not shown); [0035] - [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an upper shell of a package, such as the shell of Figure 1, said upper shell having an opening slot which can be sealed by a sealing strip according to a sealing process according to an embodiment of the invention; [0036] - [Fig. [10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the upper shell of Figure 9 with the sealing strip applied to the opening slot; [0037] - [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a lower shell intended to be welded with the upper shell illustrated in Figure 10 to form a package; 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 6 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0038] - [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a schematic view of a machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE [0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Le concept de I’invention est decrit plus completement ci-apres avec reference aux dessins joints, sur lesquels des modes de realisation du concept de ('invention sont montres. Sur les dessins, la taille et les tailies relatives des elements peuvent etre exagerees a des fins de clarte. Des numeros similaires font reference ci des ^foments similaires surtous les dessins. Cependant, ce concept de I’invention peut etre mis en oeuvre sous de nombreuses formes differentes et ne devrait pas etre interprets comme etant limite aux modes de realisation exposes ici. Au lieu de cela, ces modes de realisation sont proposes de sorte que cette description soit complete, et communiquent I'etendue du concept de I’invention aux hommes du metier. [0040] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar forms in all the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are proposed so as to make this description complete and to communicate the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0041] Une reference dans toute la specification S « un mode de realisation » signrfie qu'une fonctionnalite, une structure, ou une caracteristique particuliere decrite en relation avec un mode de realisation est incluse dans au moins un mode de realisation de la presente invention. Ainsi, I'apparition de I'expression « dans un mode de realisation » a divers emplacements dans toute la specification ne fait pas necessairement reference au meme mode de realisation. En outre, les fonctionnalites, les structures, ou les caracteristiques particulieres peuvent etre combinees de n'importe quelle maniere appropriee dans un ou plusieurs modes de realisation. [0041] A reference throughout specification S to "an embodiment" means that a particular function, structure, or feature described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various locations throughout specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular functions, structures, or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0042] En reference aux figures, on a represents une machine de scellage qui comprend un systeme de couplage d’objet en vue de pouvoir maintenir I’objet pendant une operation de scellage. Le systSme de couplage comprend un support 1 et un systeme de maintien permettant de maintenir I’objet sur le support 1 de scellage. [0042] With reference to the figures, a sealing machine is shown which includes an object coupling system for holding the object during a sealing operation. The coupling system includes a support 1 and a holding system for holding the object on the sealing support 1.

[0043] Dans I'exemple illustrS aux figures, le support 1 de scellage est solidaire d’un dispositif 10, appelS mandrin, qui prSsente un axe de rotation A1, et qui est dSpla^able par exemple par combinaison de chariots, selon des axes X et Z orthogonaux entre eux et 3 I’axe A1. L’axe Y du repSre XYZ illustrS sur les5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 7 PCT/FR2020/050971 figures 1 a 6 correspond a I’axe Al. En variante, on peut prevoir que Ie support de scellage soit monte sur un robot multi-axes. [0043] In the example illustrated in the figures, the sealing support 1 is integral with a device 10, called a mandrel, which has a rotation axis A1, and which is movable, for example, by a combination of carriages, along X and Z axes orthogonal to each other and to the axis A1. The Y axis of the XYZ coordinate system illustrated in figures 1 to 6 corresponds to the axis A1. Alternatively, the sealing support can be mounted on a multi-axis robot.

[0044] Le systeme de maintien peut etre par exemple un systeme d’aspiration et des orifices d’aspiration 12 debouchant au niveau de la partie du support destinee a etre engagee dans la partie creuse de I’objet. Ces moyens d’aspiration peuvent comprendre un dispositif de mise en depression (ou vide) permettant, par I’intemnediaire de conduits, d’aspirer au niveau des orifices d’aspiration 12 mSnag^s dans le support 1 pour g£n6rer un effet de succion permettant de maintenir I’objet plaque ou en appui centre le support. [0044] The holding system may, for example, be a suction system and suction ports 12 opening at the part of the support intended to be engaged in the hollow part of the object. These suction means may include a depressurization (or vacuum) device allowing, by means of conduits, suction at the suction ports 12 mSnag^s in the support 1 to generate a suction effect allowing the object to be held flat or supported centered on the support.

[0045] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, le support 1 de scellage presente une forme male qui est engagee dans une partie creuse de I’objet sur lequel la bande de scellage est destinee a etre appliquee. [0045] In the example illustrated in the figures, the sealing support 1 has a male form which is engaged in a hollow part of the object on which the sealing strip is intended to be applied.

[0046] Le support 1 de scellage est monte depla^able £ rotation autour d’un axe Y et d^pla^able ci translation dans un plan X, Z orthogonal ci I’axe Y. En particulier, le support 1 est monte depla^able selon une direction X et selon une direction Z orthogonale I’une par rapport a I’autre. [0046] The sealing support 1 is mounted to be moved by rotation around an axis Y and to be moved by translation in a plane X, Z orthogonal to the axis Y. In particular, the support 1 is mounted to be moved along a direction X and along a direction Z orthogonal to each other.

[0047] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, I’axe X est I’axe de defilement de la bande, de preference un axe horizontal. L’axe Z est I’axe orthogonal au plan dans lequel defile la bande, de preference I’axe vertical. L’axe Y correspond 3 I’axe autour duquel le support 1 est monte rotatif, de preference un axe horizontal orthogonal a l’axe de defilement de la bande de scellage. L’axe longitudinal de la bande de scellage est note A3. [0047] In the example illustrated in the figures, the X-axis is the axis of movement of the strip, preferably a horizontal axis. The Z-axis is the axis orthogonal to the plane in which the strip moves, preferably a vertical axis. The Y-axis corresponds to the axis around which the support 1 is rotatably mounted, preferably a horizontal axis orthogonal to the axis of movement of the sealing strip. The longitudinal axis of the sealing strip is denoted A3.

[0048] Lorsqu’il est fait teterence 3 une direction de d^placement selon une direction donnee, cela peut etre dans un sens et/ou dans I’autre selon cette direction. [0048] When a direction of displacement is made along a given direction, this can be in one direction and/or in the other along that direction.

[0049] Afin d’obtenir ces mobilites de deplacement, la machine peut comprendre un systeme de d^placement du mandrin auquel est fixe le support, qui comporte un premier chariot motorist (non reptesente) monte coulissant selon l’axe X et un deuxieme chariot motorise (non represente) monte coulissant selon l’axe Z. II peut etre prevu un troisieme chariot motorise monte coulissant selon l’axe Y. Ledit systeme de deplacement comporte aussi un moteur rotatif autour de l’axe A1 pour faire toumer le mandrin 10. Comme rappele ci-dessus, on peut en5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 8 PCT/FR2020/050971 variante prevoir que Ie systeme de deplacement soit realise sous la forme d’un robot multi-axes. [0049] In order to obtain these movement mobilities, the machine may include a chuck movement system to which the support is fixed, which comprises a first motorized carriage (not shown) mounted sliding along the X axis and a second motorized carriage (not shown) mounted sliding along the Z axis. A third motorized carriage mounted sliding along the Y axis may be provided. The said movement system also includes a motor rotating around the axis A1 to rotate the chuck 10. As mentioned above, it is possible to provide that the movement system is implemented in the form of a multi-axis robot.

[0050] Dans I'exemple illustte aux figures, I’objet 22 ptesente une zone 20, telle qu’une fente d’ouverture, destinee a etre recouverte par une bande de scellage 3 pour assurer I’etancheite de I’objet au niveau de cette fente. [0050] In the example illustrated in the figures, the object 22 has an area 20, such as an opening slot, intended to be covered by a sealing strip 3 to ensure the sealing of the object at the level of this slot.

[0051] La machine comprend un systeme d’amenee qui permet d'amener la bande de scellage 3 entre une sonotrode 5 (presentee ci-apres) et une zone de I’objet a sceller. Le systeme d’amenee peut comprendre un support de bande, qui se presente a la maniere d’un devidoir recevant la bande en rouleau, et un galet 4 rotatif. Le galet rotatif est un galet entraine en rotation sur lui-meme par un moteur. Le galet rotatif permet de faire avancer et derouler la partie de la bande de scellage qui repose sur ledit galet. [0051] The machine includes a feeding system that feeds the sealing strip 3 between a sonotrode 5 (shown below) and an area of the object to be sealed. The feeding system may include a strip support, which is shaped like a dispenser receiving the strip in roll form, and a rotating roller 4. The rotating roller is driven in rotation by a motor. The rotating roller advances and unwinds the portion of the sealing strip that rests on said roller.

[0052] La rotation du galet 4 (illustrg en figure 12) permet d’amener la bande de scellage 3 entre I’objet 22 et une sonotrode 5. [0052] The rotation of the roller 4 (illustrg in figure 12) allows the sealing strip 3 to be brought between the object 22 and a sonotrode 5.

[0053] La sonotrode 5 comprend un generateur d’ultrasons et un corps qui est soumis $ ces ultrasons pour restituer cette Energie vibratoire $ la bande de scellage 3 3 appliquer sur I’objet 22 afin d’exciter la code de la bande de scellage 3 et la rendre adhesive pour permettre le collage de la bande de scellage 3 appliqu^e sur I’objet 22. [0053] The sonotrode 5 includes an ultrasonic generator and a body which is subjected to these ultrasounds to restore this vibrational energy to the sealing strip 3 applied to the object 22 in order to excite the code of the sealing strip 3 and make it adhesive to allow the sealing strip 3 applied to the object 22 to stick.

[0054] La sonotrode 5 ptesente en particulier une zone d’application 51 destinee 3 venir en contact avec la bande de scellage 3. La zone d’application 51 peut fetre situSe sur un embout de forme, en un materiau qui conduit les ultrasons, applique au corps principal de la sonotrode. [0054] The sonotrode 5 particularly has an application area 51 intended to come into contact with the sealing strip 3. The application area 51 may be situated on a shaped tip, made of a material that conducts ultrasound, applied to the main body of the sonotrode.

[0055] Comme illustre a la figure 8 pour une portion de la bande de scellage, la bande de scellage 3 comprend une face munie de colie 320 qui devient active (c'est-3-dire adhesive), lorsqu’elle est soumise aux ultrasons de la sonotrode 5. La zone hachuree 321, situee en aval de la zone d'application de la sonotrode qui se presente sous la forme d’un segment de ligne SL51, illustre la partie de la bande dont la colle a ete activee suite a son defilement en continu contre la zone d’application de la sonotrode. La face de la bande munie de colle est ainsi destinee a etre positionnee en regard de la partie de I’objet a sceller.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 9 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0055] As illustrated in Figure 8 for a portion of the sealing strip, the sealing strip 3 comprises a face provided with glue 320 which becomes active (i.e., adhesive) when it is subjected to the ultrasound of the sonotrode 5. The hatched area 321, located downstream of the application area of the sonotrode which is in the form of a line segment SL51, illustrates the part of the strip whose glue has been activated following its continuous movement against the application area of the sonotrode. The adhesive side of the strip is thus intended to be positioned opposite the part of the object to be sealed. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 9 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0056] Preferentiellement, la bande de scellage 3 est une bande pelable. Une fois la bande appliquee, celle-ci peut etre retiree en tirant dessus pour la peler. On entend par pelable Ie fait que la bande ne se dechire pas lorsqu’on la retire, tandis que de la colle reste sur la zone de la coque precddemment sceliee. Selon un mode de realisation, ladite bande est par exemple en materiau synthetique non-tiss6 fabriqu6e a partir de fibres de polyethylene, usuellement vendue sous la marque deposee TYVEK. [0056] Preferably, the sealing strip 3 is a peelable strip. Once applied, the strip can be removed by pulling on it to peel it off. Peelable means that the strip does not tear when removed, while adhesive remains on the previously sealed area of the hull. In one embodiment, said strip is, for example, made of a non-woven synthetic material 6 manufactured from polyethylene fibers, usually sold under the registered trademark TYVEK.

[0057] A I’etat actif de la sonotrode, la zone d’application 51 de la sonotrode qui est en contact avec une zone correspondante de la bande de scellage, excite par ultrasons la colle qui est presente sur la bande de scellage 3 du cOte de I’objet 22, de maniere a faire fondre la colle (ce qui I’active) et a faire adherer sur I’objet la zone de la bande de scellage ainsi excitee. [0057] In the active state of the sonotrode, the application area 51 of the sonotrode which is in contact with a corresponding area of the sealing strip, excites by ultrasound the glue which is present on the sealing strip 3 on the side of the object 22, so as to melt the glue (which activates it) and to make the area of the sealing strip thus excited adhere to the object.

[0058] Selon Ie mode de realisation illustre aux figures, ladite zone d'application 51 de la sonotrode 5 est lineique. Le terme "lineique" est utilise par opposition e "surfacique". La portion d’extremite de la sonotrode 5 presente par exemple un profil courbe, tel qu’une forme semi-circulaire, dont la generatrice sommet forme un segment de ligne qui correspond au segment SL51 de la sonotrode (voir figure 8) applique sur la bande de scellage lorsque la bande de scellage defile entre la sonotrode 5 et I’objet 22. [0058] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the application zone 51 of the sonotrode 5 is linear. The term "linear" is used in contrast to "surface". The end portion of the sonotrode 5, for example, has a curved profile, such as a semi-circular shape, whose apex generatrix forms a line segment that corresponds to the SL51 segment of the sonotrode (see Figure 8) applied to the sealing strip when the sealing strip slides between the sonotrode 5 and the object 22.

[0059] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, la direction A51 du segment de ligne defini par la zone d’application 51 lineique de la sonotrode, est sensiblement parallele a I’axe A1 (direction Y) de rotation du support 1. [0059] In the example illustrated in the figures, the direction A51 of the line segment defined by the linear application zone 51 of the sonotrode, is substantially parallel to the axis A1 (Y direction) of rotation of the support 1.

[0060] La machine comprend une unite de pilotage 100 qui permet de piloter les deplacements du support 1 (en particulier les deplacements des chariots) notamment dans le plan X, Z, et 6ventuellement selon I’axe Y, et de piloter la rotation du support 1 par I’intermediaire du moteur auquel le support est couple, et de piloter le systeme d’amenee de la bande de scellage, par exemple en pilotant la rotation du galet 4. On peut prevoir egalement que I’unite de pilotage 100 permette de commander I’alimentation electrique de la sonotrode 5 pour I’activer en debut d’operation de scellage et la desactiver en fin de scellage. L’unite de pilotage 100 peut aussi piloter le fonctionnement d’un systeme de coupe (non represente) de la bande de scellage en fin d’operation de scellage.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 10 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0060] The machine includes a control unit 100 which allows the movement of the support 1 to be controlled (in particular the movement of the carriages) in particular in the X, Z plane, and possibly along the Y axis, and the rotation of the support 1 to be controlled by means of the motor to which the support is coupled, and the sealing strip feeding system to be controlled, for example by controlling the rotation of the roller 4. It can also be provided that the control unit 100 allows the electrical supply of the sonotrode 5 to activate it at the beginning of the sealing operation and deactivate it at the end of the sealing operation. The control unit 100 can also control the operation of a sealing strip cutting system (not shown) at the end of the sealing operation. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 10 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0061] Lors de (’operation de scellage, l’unite de pilotage 100 est configuree pour commander Ie deplacement du support 1. L’unite de pilotage peut controler aussi la pression d’appui de la sonotrode 5 sur la partie de la bande de scellage 3 a appliquer sur I’objet 22 a l’aide d’un vSrin (pilots par l’unite de pilotage) permettant un dSplacement de la sonotrode selon I’axe Z. [0061] During the sealing operation, the control unit 100 is configured to control the movement of the support 1. The control unit can also control the pressure of the sonotrode 5 on the part of the sealing strip 3 to be applied to the object 22 using a vSrin (pilots by the control unit) allowing a movement of the sonotrode along the Z axis.

[0062] Un capteur C15, illustre en figure 12, connects a l’unite de pilotage 100, permet de determiner I’effort d’appui entre Ie support 1 (ou I’objet 22) et la sonotrode 5 et de piloter Ie dSplacement du support 1 et/ou de la sonotrode 5, en particulier selon I’axe Z, pour maintenir une valeur d’appui de consigne afin d’avoir un effort d’appui homogSne au cours de I’opSration de scellage afin d’obtenir de bonnes conditions d’application de la bande de scellage sur I’objet. Le capteur C15 peut etre associe a la sonotrode 5 pour detecter I’effort d’appui exerce entre le support 1 et la sonotrode. Le capteur C15 peut etre une jauge d’effort. [0062] A sensor C15, illustrated in Figure 12, connected to the control unit 100, determines the bearing force between the support 1 (or the object 22) and the sonotrode 5 and controls the movement of the support 1 and/or the sonotrode 5, particularly along the Z-axis, to maintain a setpoint bearing force value in order to have a homogeneous bearing force during the sealing operation and thus obtain good application conditions for the sealing strip on the object. The sensor C15 can be associated with the sonotrode 5 to detect the bearing force exerted between the support 1 and the sonotrode. The sensor C15 can be a force gauge.

[0063] A I’Stat activS, la sonotrode 5 excite par ultrason la substance, ou code, presente sur la bande de scellage, ce qui la fait fondre et entraine I’adhesion par collage de la partie ainsi excilee de la bande sur I’objet 22. Le deplacement du support, notamment la rotation du support 1 de I’objet, entraine alors le defilement de la bande de scellage entre la sonotrode 5 et I’objet 22. La partie 32 de bande de scellage 3 qui se prSsente entre I’objet 22 et une sonotrode 5 est ainsi appliqu$e de manure continue sur la zone d seelIer de I’objet 22. [0063] When activated, the sonotrode 5 ultrasonically excites the substance, or code, present on the sealing strip, causing it to melt and resulting in the adhesion of the extruded portion of the strip to the object 22. The movement of the support, in particular the rotation of the support 1 of the object, then causes the sealing strip to slide between the sonotrode 5 and the object 22. The portion 32 of the sealing strip 3 that is positioned between the object 22 and a sonotrode 5 is thus continuously applied to the sealing area of the object 22.

[0064] Selon un aspect particulier, une fois le collage initie sur une partie de la bande de scellage 3, la bande de scellage 3 est liberee a mesure que le support 1 est deplace et tire sur la bande de scellage, par exemple du fait de I’enroulement de la bande de scellage sur le support. [0064] According to a particular aspect, once the bonding has been initiated on a part of the sealing strip 3, the sealing strip 3 is released as the support 1 is moved and pulls on the sealing strip, for example due to the winding of the sealing strip on the support.

[0065] L’unite de pilotage 100 permet de commander le deplacement en rotation du support 1,et done de I’objet 22 porte par le support 1, en combinaison avec ou independamment du deplacement du support 1 selon la direction X ou Z, et eventuellement Y. L’unite de pilotage commande le deplacement en rotation autour de I’axe Y et/ou en translation dans le plan X, Z, et eventuellement selon Y, en fonction du profil g6om6trique de la zone 3 sceller. On comprend ainsi qu’au cours de I’etape de scellage, le deplacement du support 1 peut etre un5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 11 PCT/FR2020/050971 deplacement a translation pour appliquer la bande sur une portion rectiligne de la zone a sceller ou une rotation, eventuellement combines avec un mouvement de translation, pour appliquer la bande sur une portion curviligne de I’objet. Comme rappete ci-dessus Ie dSplacement commands peut aussi tenir compte de I’effort de consigne S appliquer au niveau de la zone de contact entre la sonotrode 5 et la bande de scellage 3. [0065] The control unit 100 allows the rotational movement of the support 1, and therefore of the object 22 carried by the support 1, to be controlled in combination with or independently of the movement of the support 1 along the X or Z direction, and possibly Y. The control unit controls the rotational movement around the Y axis and/or the translational movement in the X, Z plane, and possibly along Y, according to the geometric profile of the area 3 to be sealed. It is thus understood that during the sealing step, the movement of the support 1 can be a translational movement to apply the tape to a straight portion of the area to be sealed, or a rotation, possibly combined with a translational movement, to apply the tape to a curved portion of the object. As recalled above, the commanded movement can also take into account the setpoint force S applied at the contact area between the sonotrode 5 and the sealing tape 3.

[0066] On peut prevoir que I’unite de pilotage 100 comprend une interface utilisateur permettant de rentrer ou de sSlectionner des donnSes correspondant au profil (c'est-S-dire la forme gSomStrique) de la zone S sceller de I’objet, pour permettre S I’unitS de pilotage 100 de piloter Ie systSme de dSplacement du support 1 de maniSre S appliquer de maniSre continue et homogSne la bande de scellage Ie long de la zone a sceller. Une memoire permet de stocker ledit profil ou une liste de profils. [0066] It can be foreseen that the control unit 100 includes a user interface for entering or selecting data corresponding to the profile (i.e., the geometric shape) of the area to be sealed of the object, to allow the control unit 100 to control the support movement system 1 so as to apply the sealing strip continuously and homogeneously along the area to be sealed. A memory allows the profile or a list of profiles to be stored.

[0067] Selon un aspect particulier, I’unitS de pilotage 100 est configurSe pour, en mSme temps qu’elle commands la rotation du support et done de I’objet sur luimeme, autour de l’axe Y, commander Ie dSplacement de I’objet dans Ie plan X, Z, et eventuellement selon I'axe Y, afin d’amener de maniere continue et reguliere la partie de I’objet correspondant a la zone destinee a recevoir la bande de scellage, en contact du segment actif de la sonotrode par I’intermediaire de la bande de scellage qui s’Stend entre la sonotrode et I’objet. [0067] According to a particular aspect, the control unit 100 is configured to, at the same time as it controls the rotation of the support and therefore of the object on itself, around the Y axis, control the displacement of the object in the X, Z plane, and possibly along the Y axis, in order to bring continuously and regularly the part of the object corresponding to the area intended to receive the sealing strip, into contact with the active segment of the sonotrode by means of the sealing strip which extends between the sonotrode and the object.

[0068] Selon un mode de realisation, on peut prSvoir que I’unite de pilotage 100 soit configuree pour deplacer Ie support 1 de I’objet aussi selon l’axe Y. Initialement pour bien positionner la sonotrode en regard de la fente et/ou au cours de (’operation de scellage si la position de la zone a sceller varie selon l’axe Y au cours de la rotation du support, c'est-S-dire si la forme de la zone S sceller varie selon l’axe Y de sorte qu’une adaptation de la position de I’objet (et done du support 1) est nScessaire au cours de I’opSration de scellage en fonction de la partie de la zone a sceller de I’objet qui se presente en regard de la sonotrode. [0068] According to one embodiment, it can be envisaged that the control unit 100 is configured to move the support 1 of the object also along the Y axis. Initially to properly position the sonotrode in relation to the slot and/or during the sealing operation if the position of the area to be sealed varies along the Y axis during the rotation of the support, that is to say if the shape of the area to be sealed varies along the Y axis so that an adaptation of the position of the object (and therefore of the support 1) is necessary during the sealing operation depending on the part of the area to be sealed of the object which is in relation to the sonotrode.

[0069] Grace au segment actif SL51 de la sonotrode 5 et a I’unite de pilotage 100 qui commande les deplacements du support, la bande de scellage 3 peut etre appliquSe de maniere fiable et efficace sans risque d’irrSgularitS ou de variation5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 12 PCT/FR2020/050971 d’adherence au niveau des differentes zones de la bande de scellage appliquee sur I’objet. [0069] Thanks to the active segment SL51 of the sonotrode 5 and the control unit 100 which controls the movements of the support, the sealing strip 3 can be applied reliably and efficiently without risk of irregularities or variation5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 12 PCT/FR2020/050971 of adhesion at the level of the different areas of the sealing strip applied to the object.

[0070] En effet, Ie d^placement pilots du support combing & I’utilisation d’une zone active de la sonotrode qui est lineique, permet que la bande de scellage defile en continu entre la sonde et I’objet. [0070] Indeed, the pilot displacement of the support combining & the use of an active zone of the sonotrode which is linear, allows the sealing strip to move continuously between the probe and the object.

[0071] Le controle de la vitesse de rotation du support 1 permet a la colle presente sur la face de la bande de scellage 3 opposee a celle en contact du segment actif SL51 de la sonotrode 5 d’etre suffisamment excitee pour adherer $ I’objet, et la continuite de deplacement (par notation et/ou translation du support) assure une adhesion homogene de la bande de scellage sur I'ensemble de la zone a sceller de I’objet. Avantageusement et comme explique ci-avant, la pression d’appui entre la sonotrode et le support est aussi controlee pour favoriser l’adhesion homogene de la bande de scellage a I’objet. Comme rappele ci-dessus, on peut ptevoir que la machine comprend un vdrin permettant de pousser la sonotrode, de mantere directe ou indirecte, contre la bande, avec une pression d’appui de valeur souhaitee. La pression d’appui est avantageusement regulee par I’unite de pilotage 100 pour etre maintenue a une valeur de reference memorisee, a I’aide du capteur 51 qui permet de mesurer la pression d’appui en cours. [0071] Controlling the rotational speed of the support 1 allows the adhesive on the face of the sealing strip 3 opposite the face in contact with the active segment SL51 of the sonotrode 5 to be sufficiently excited to adhere to the object, and the continuity of movement (by notation and/or translation of the support) ensures homogeneous adhesion of the sealing strip over the entire area of the object to be sealed. Advantageously, and as explained above, the pressure between the sonotrode and the support is also controlled to promote homogeneous adhesion of the sealing strip to the object. As mentioned above, the machine includes a cylinder for pushing the sonotrode, directly or indirectly, against the strip, with a desired pressure. The support pressure is advantageously regulated by the control unit 100 to be maintained at a memorized reference value, using the sensor 51 which allows the support pressure to be measured in progress.

[0072] Le segment actif SL51 de la sonotrode 5 est oriente selon une direction transversale, de preference perpendiculaire, a la direction de deplacement A3 de la partie de la bande de scellage 3 en cours de collage. [0072] The active segment SL51 of the sonotrode 5 is oriented in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular, to the direction of displacement A3 of the part of the sealing strip 3 being glued.

[0073] A I’inverse, I’usage d’une sonotrode surfacique risquerait d’entrainer des discontinuites de qualite d’adherence au niveau de la jonction entre deux zones de la bande correspondent 3 deux zones successivement soumises d une surface active de la sonde. En effet, il peut exister un risque de recouvrement partiel des deux zones excitees, la portion de recouvrement des deux zones ayant alors ete trop sollicitee par la sonotrode ce qui peut nuire a la qualite d’adherence ou collage sur I’objet, ou au contraire il peut exister un ecart entre les deux zones excitees, cet ecart correspondant a une zone non collee sur I’objet (c'est-a-dire non adherente) ce qui est prejudiciable a I’etancheite souhaitee.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 13 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0073] Conversely, the use of a surface sonotrode could lead to discontinuities in adhesion quality at the junction between two areas of the band corresponding to two areas successively subjected to an active surface of the probe. Indeed, there may be a risk of partial overlap between the two excited zones, the overlapping portion of which may have been excessively stressed by the sonotrode. This can impair the quality of adhesion or bonding to the object. Conversely, there may be a gap between the two excited zones, this gap corresponding to an area not bonded to the object (i.e., not adherent), which is detrimental to the desired seal. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 2020/249892 13 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0074] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, I’objet 22 sur lequel est applique la bande de scellage, comme detaille ci-apres, est une coque superieure d'un emballage. L’emballage comprend ainsi ladite coque superieure et une coque inferieure 21 destinSe d etre soud£e £ ladite coque superieure. Selon un mode de realisation, la partie d’extr6mite inferieure 26 de la coque superieure 22 est destinee e etre engag6e dans la coque inferieure 21. L’emballage est de preference destine £ contenir un produit ou piece 7 medicare). [0074] In the example illustrated in the figures, the object 22 to which the sealing strip is applied, as detailed below, is an upper shell of a package. The package thus comprises said upper shell and a lower shell 21 intended to be welded to said upper shell. According to one embodiment, the lower end portion 26 of the upper shell 22 is intended to be engaged in the lower shell 21. The package is preferably intended to contain a product or part (medicare).

[0075] L’objet 22 peut ainsi etre conforme e la coque superieure decrite dans la demande Internationale publiee sous Ie numero WO2018078242A1. [0075] Object 22 can thus conform to the upper shell described in the International Application published under number WO2018078242A1.

[0076] Selon un aspect particulier, l’emballage est con^u a des fins de preservation du caractere sterile dudit produit ou piece et en vue du deballage dudit produit ou piece dans des conditions aseptiques ou proches de I’asepsie. Ledit produit ou piece peut etre par example une piece solide, telle qu’une vis pour chirurgie, ou tout autre type d’objet, en particulier tout autre type d’implant. En outre, ledit produit peut etre un liquide ou une poudre. Ledit produit ou piece et, de preference, les differentes parties de l’emballage, sont sterilises par exemple par rayonnement. [0076] According to a particular aspect, the packaging is designed to preserve the sterility of said product or part and to allow for its unpacking under aseptic or near-aseptic conditions. Said product or part may be, for example, a solid object, such as a surgical screw, or any other type of object, in particular any other type of implant. Furthermore, said product may be a liquid or a powder. Said product or part, and preferably the various parts of the packaging, are sterilized, for example, by radiation.

[0077] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, la coque superieure 22 comprend une partie defermeture 24, appelee capot, et une partie de liaison 23, se presentant sous la forme d’un corps traversant, et reliee au capot 24 par une chamiere 25. [0077] In the example illustrated in the figures, the upper shell 22 includes a closing part 24, called a hood, and a connecting part 23, in the form of a through body, and connected to the hood 24 by a cleat 25.

[0078] La charniere 25, qui est de preference formee par une zone de matiere, par exemple plastique, continue entre Ie capot et la partie de liaison permet d’articuler Ie capot 24 par rapport a la partie de liaison 23 entre une position relev6e (ouverte) Iib6rant I’acces a I’interieur de la partie de liaison et une position abaissee (fermee) empechant I’acces a I’interieur de ladite partie de liaison. Prealablement au scellage, la charniere n’a pas ete sollicitee de sorte que Ie capot est en position « fermee » et que la zone de charniere presente une continuite de surface, sans pli, avec les zones voisines du capot et de la partie de liaison. Comme explique ci-apres, selon un mode de realisation, la sonotrode et la bande de scellage sont positionnees de maniere a initier Ie collage de la bande de scellage hors de la fente, sur la partie de la coque superieure qui forme la chamiere.5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 202W249892 14 PCT/FR2020/050971 [0078] The hinge 25, which is preferably formed by a continuous zone of material, for example plastic, between the cover and the connecting part, allows the cover 24 to be articulated relative to the connecting part 23 between a raised (open) position allowing access to the inside of the connecting part and a lowered (closed) position preventing access to the inside of said connecting part. Prior to sealing, the hinge has not been stressed so that the cover is in the "closed" position and the hinge zone presents a continuous surface, without creases, with the adjacent areas of the cover and the connecting part. As explained below, according to one embodiment, the sonotrode and the sealing strip are positioned so as to initiate the bonding of the sealing strip outside the slot, onto the part of the upper shell that forms the groove. 5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021-10-13 WO 202W249892 14 PCT/FR2020/050971

[0079] Dans I'exemple illustre a la figure 9, ladite partie de liaison 23 se presente sous la forme d’un tron^on de la coque superieure. La partie de liaison 23 est de forme generale cylindrique dont la paroi peripherique se developpe autour de I’axe d’ouverture de ladite coque superieure. [0079] In the example illustrated in Figure 9, said connecting part 23 is in the form of a section of the upper shell. The connecting part 23 is generally cylindrical in shape, the peripheral wall of which develops around the opening axis of said upper shell.

[0080] Comme evoque ci-dessus, une fois Ie procede de scellage achieve, la bande de scellage 3 relie, du cote exterieur de la coque superieure, les bords 231, 241 du capot et de la partie de liaison qui se font face a I’etatferme (ou abaisse) du capot, sur toute la longueur des bords et d’un bord & I’autre de manfere & sceller I’emballage. [0080] As mentioned above, once the sealing process is achieved, the sealing strip 3 connects, on the outside of the upper shell, the edges 231, 241 of the cap and the connecting part which face each other in the closed (or lowered) state of the cap, along the entire length of the edges and from one edge to the other in order to seal the package.

[0081] Selon un mode de realisation, Ie deplacement du support 1 de I’objet est pilote en combinaison avec I’activation de la sonotrode 5, au moins jusqu’a ce que la bande de scellage 3 revienne sur elle-meme en etant collee par la sonotrode 5 sur une partie de la bande de scellage 3 deja collee sur I’objet 22. Autrement dit, la bande de scellage 3 est appliquye par une de ses extrymitys sur la charnfere 25 de la coque, et s’ytend Ie long des bords de fente et revient s’appliquer sur la chamiere. [0081] According to one embodiment, the movement of the support 1 of the object is controlled in combination with the activation of the sonotrode 5, at least until the sealing strip 3 returns to itself by being glued by the sonotrode 5 onto a part of the sealing strip 3 already glued to the object 22. In other words, the sealing strip 3 is applied by one of its extremities to the rim 25 of the shell, and extends along the edges of the slot and returns to apply itself to the rim.

[0082] Ainsi, dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, la bande de scellage 3 est appliquee par une de ses extremites sur la chamiere 25, s’etend Ie long des bords respectivement du capot 24 et de la partie de liaison 23, qui s’etendent en regard I’une de I’autre, et revient s’appliquer sur la chamiere 25. Chaque bord s’arrete a la chamiere. [0082] Thus, in the example illustrated in the figures, the sealing strip 3 is applied by one of its ends to the cleat 25, extends along the edges respectively of the hood 24 and of the connecting part 23, which extend opposite each other, and returns to be applied to the cleat 25. Each edge stops at the cleat.

[0083] On obtient ainsi une tres bonne etancheite aux bacteries et au liquide, sans discontinuity Ie long de la zone d’ouverture de la coque superieure. A I’inverse, un chevauchement d’une extremity de la bande par elle-m&me au niveau d’une partie de la zone d’ouverture de I’emballage, risquerait de provoquer une mauvaise etancheite. [0083] This provides a very good seal against bacteria and liquid, without discontinuity along the opening area of the upper shell. Conversely, an overlap of one end of the strip by itself at the level of a part of the opening area of the packaging could cause a poor seal.

[0084] Avantageusement, la partie de liaison 23 de la coque superieure est munie d’un yfement de rigidification 290 ycarty de la charnfere. En particulier, la paroi pyriphyrique de la partie de liaison 23 est munie d’une collerette 290, de pryfyrence situye £ proximity du pourtour infyrieurde la coque supyrieure qui dyiimite I’ouverture de la coque supyrieure. Ladite partie de liaison 23 de la5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 15 PCT/FR2020/050971 coque superieure 22 est destines a etre fixee a la ooque inferieure 21, de preference par soudage. [0084] Advantageously, the connecting portion 23 of the upper shell is provided with a stiffening element 290 attached to the hull. In particular, the pyriphyric wall of the connecting portion 23 is provided with a collar 290, of which pyriphyracy is located near the lower periphery of the upper shell, which limits the opening of the upper shell. Said connecting portion 23 of the upper shell 22 is intended to be fixed to the lower shell 21, preferably by welding.

[0085] La collerette 290 est 6cart6e de la zone d’ouverture de la coque superieure delimitee entre Ie pourtour superieur 231 de la partie de liaison et Ie pourtour 241 correspondant du capot pour permettre a la bande de scellage 3 de recouvrir la zone d’ouverture definie entre lesdits pourtours. [0085] The collar 290 is 6-spaced from the opening area of the upper shell delimited between the upper perimeter 231 of the connecting part and the corresponding perimeter 241 of the hood to allow the sealing strip 3 to cover the opening area defined between said perimeters.

[0086] Selon un mode de realisation illustre a la figure 11, la coque inferieure 21 se pr6sente sous la forme d’un corps creux presentant une extremite fermee formant fond et une extremite opposee qui est ouverte. Ainsi chaque coque est consideree comme une coque ouverte au sens ou elle forme une cavite borgne et permet a I’etat assemble avec I’autre de definir une chambre fermee a I’etat applique de la bande de scellage comme detaille ci-apres. La portion d’extremite ouverte peut etre evasee de maniere a recevoir une partie de la coque superieure. [0086] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the lower shell 21 is in the form of a hollow body having a closed end forming a base and an opposite end which is open. Thus, each shell is considered an open shell in the sense that it forms a blind cavity and allows the assembled state with the other to define a closed chamber in the applied state of the sealing strip as detailed below. The open end portion can be flared so as to receive a part of the upper shell.

[0087] Dans I'exemple illustre aux figures, Ie pourtour du capot est de meme forme et de meme dimension que Ie pourtour superieur du corps de liaison. Ainsi, en position fermee du capot, lesdits pourtours sont situes en regard I’un de I’autre et forme ensemble ladite coque superieure en presentant une extremite fermee et une extremite opposee ouverte qui, a I’etat assemble de la coque superieure avec la coque inferieure, communique avec la coque inferieure. [0087] In the example illustrated in the figures, the perimeter of the hood is of the same shape and the same dimensions as the upper perimeter of the connecting body. Thus, in the closed position of the hood, said perimeters are situated opposite each other and together form said upper shell by presenting a closed end and an opposite open end which, in the assembled state of the upper shell with the lower shell, communicates with the lower shell.

[0088] L’unite de pilotage se presente par exemple sous la forme d’un processeur et d’une memoire de donnees dans laquelle sont stockees des instructions informatiques executables par ledit processeur, ou encore sous la forme d’un microcontrOleur. [0088] The control unit is presented for example in the form of a processor and a data memory in which computer instructions executable by said processor are stored, or in the form of a microcontroller.

[0089] Autrement dit, les fonctions et etapes decrites peuvent etre mise en oeuvre sous forme de programme informatique ou via des composants materiels (p. ex. des reseaux de portes programmables). En particulier, les fonctions et etapes opbrbes par l’unite de pilotage, notamment pour la commande des moteurs du systeme de ddplacement, peuvent etre r6alis6es par des jeux d’instructions ou modules informatiques implement's dans un processeur ou contrdleur ou etre r6alis6es par des composants eiectroniques d£di£s ou des composants de type5 10 15 20 25 30 CA 03133554 2021- 10- 13 WO 2020/249892 16 PCT/FR2020/050971 FPGA ou ASIC. II est aussi possible de combiner des parties informatiques et des parties electroniques. [0089] In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented as a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps operated by the control unit, especially for controlling the motors of the displacement system, can be implemented by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller, or by dedicated electronic components or components of type FPGA or ASIC. It is also possible to combine computer and electronic parts.

[0090] L’unite de pilotage est ainsi une unite 6lectronique et/ou informatique. Lorsqu’il est precise que ladite unite est configuree pour realiser une operation donnee, oela signifie que l’unite comprend des instructions informatiques et les moyens d’execution correspondants qui permettent de realiser ladite operation et/ou que I’unite comprend des composants electroniques correspondants. [0090] The control unit is thus an electronic and/or computer unit. When it is specified that said unit is configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which enable said operation to be performed and/or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

[0091] L’unite de pilotage permet ainsi de piloter des stapes de proc&te dont un exemple est schematise sous forme de blocs en figure 7. [0091] The control unit thus allows the control of process steps, an example of which is schematically represented in block form in figure 7.

[0092] Selon ce procede, a I’etape S10, 1’objet 22 est couple sur Ie support 1. A cet effet, I’unite de pilotage peut activer Ie systeme de maintien, par exemple un systeme d’aspiration pour maintenir I’objet 22 coupte au support 1. [0092] According to this method, at step S10, the object 22 is coupled to the support 1. For this purpose, the control unit can activate the holding system, for example a suction system to hold the object 22 coupled to the support 1.

[0093] A I’etape S20, I’unite pilotage 100 commande I’amenee, par exemple par mise en rotation du galet 4 rotatif, et eventuellement d’un devidoir, de la bande de scellage 3 entre I’objet 22 et la sonotrode 5. [0093] At step S20, the control unit 100 controls the supply, for example by rotating the rotary roller 4, and possibly a reel, of the sealing strip 3 between the object 22 and the sonotrode 5.

[0094] L’unite de pilotage 100 commande alors Ie positionnement d’une partie de I’objet 22, par exemple la chamiere 25, en appui sur Ie segment de ligne SL51 de la sonotrode 5 par I’intermediaire de la bande de scellage 3. [0094] The control unit 100 then controls the positioning of a part of the object 22, for example the chamber 25, in support on the line segment SL51 of the sonotrode 5 by means of the sealing strip 3.

[0095] L’activation de la sonotrode 5 permet au niveau de son segment lineique SL51 d’initialiser Ie collage de la bande de scellage sur I’objet. Tout en maintenant en appui I’objet 22 centre la sonotrode 5, par I’intermediaire de la bande de scellage 3 qui s’etend entre I’objet 22 et la sonotrode 5, a une valeur de consigne donnee, grace au capteur d’effort C15, l’unite de pilotage 100 commande Ie deplacement du support et done de I’objet 22 selon Ie profit de la zone a sceller, ce qui permet de faire defiler la bande de scellage 3 en continu devant la sonotrode 5 et d’appliquer la bande de scellage 5 en continu sur la zone a sceller qui se ptesente progressivement devant la sonotrode 5 grQce au deplacement pilote du support 1 (et done de I’objet 22 maintenu). Le deplacement pilote peut comprendre un mouvement de rotation S30 du support 1 sur lui-meme (autour de I’axe Y), un mouvement de translation S40 du support 1 selon I’axe X et/ou un mouvement de translation S50 du support 1 selon I’axe Z. Une fois achevSe l’application de la bande de scellage sur la zone $ sceller de17 I’objet, I’unite de pilotage 100 peut commander I’activation d’un systeme de coupe de la bande (non represente). L’objet 22 peut alors etre retire du support, par exemple apres inactivation du systeme de maintien. [0095] Activation of the sonotrode 5 allows, at the level of its linear segment SL51, the bonding of the sealing strip to the object to be initiated. While maintaining the support of object 22 centered on the sonotrode 5, by means of the sealing strip 3 which extends between object 22 and sonotrode 5, at a given setpoint value, thanks to the force sensor C15, the control unit 100 commands the movement of the support and therefore of object 22 according to the benefit of the area to be sealed, which allows the sealing strip 3 to run continuously in front of the sonotrode 5 and to apply the sealing strip 5 continuously on the area to be sealed which is presented progressively in front of the sonotrode 5 thanks to the pilot movement of the support 1 (and therefore of the object 22 being held). The pilot movement may include a rotational movement S30 of the support 1 about itself (around the Y-axis), a translational movement S40 of the support 1 along the X-axis, and/or a translational movement S50 of the support 1 along the Z-axis. Once the application of the sealing strip to the area to be sealed on the object 17 is complete, the pilot unit 100 can command the activation of a strip cutting system (not shown). The object 22 can then be removed from the support, for example, after deactivating the holding system.

[0096] L'invention n’est pas limitee aux modes de realisation illustres dans les dessins. [0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0097] De plus, Ie terme « comprenant » n’exclut pas d’autres elements ou etapes. En outre, des caracteristiques ou etapes qui ont ete decrites en reference a I’un des modes de realisation exposes ci-dessus peuvent egalement etre utilisees en combinaison avec d’autres caracteristiques ou etapes d’autres modes de realisation exposes ci-dessus. Selon certaines realisations, il est pourvu : [Realisation 1] Un procede de scellage d’une zone d’un objet, dite zone a sceller, ladite zone a sceller etant destinee a etre recouverte par une bande de scellage, la bande de scellage comprenant une matiere qui est adhesive a I’etat excite par ultrasons, ledit procede comprend les etapes suivantes : - amener la bande de scellage entre l’objet et une sonotrode qui presente une zone d’application lineique, - mettre en appui la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode avec la bande de scellage pour faire adherer une zone de la bande de scellage qui est en contact avec la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode, sur une zone correspondante de l’objet, et - deplacer l’objet relativement a la sonotrode en fonction d’un profil de la zone a sceller de maniere a appliquer la bande de scellage sur la zone a sceller de l’objet. [Realisation 2] Le procede selon la realisation 1, dans lequel Ie deplacement de l’objet comprend un mouvement de rotation de l’objet autour d’un axe de rotation. Date re?ue/Date received 2024-04-2217a [Realisation 3] Le procede selon la realisation 2, dans lequel Ie deplacement de I’objet comprend un deplacement de I’objet selon une direction transversale a la direction de I’axe de rotation. [Realisation 4] Le precede selon la realisation 2 ou 3, dans lequel le deplacement de I’objet comprend un deplacement de I’objet selon une direction parallele a la direction de I’axe de rotation. [Realisation 5] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 4, dans lequel des ultrasons sont transmis par la sonotrode a une partie de la bande de scellage qui se presente entre I’objet et la sonotrode de sorte que ladite partie de la bande de scellage soumise aux ultrasons est collee sur I’objet, et dans lequel le deplacement de I’objet entraine un defilement de la bande de scellage entre la sonotrode et I’objet. [Realisation 6] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 5, dans lequel un effort d’appui de la sonotrode sur I’objet est mesure a I’aide d’un capteur et dans lequel I’objet est deplace en fonction de I’effort d’appui mesure. [Realisation 7] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 2 a 6, dans lequel la direction d’un segment de ligne defini par la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode est parallele a la direction de rotation de I’objet. [Realisation 8] Le precede selon la realisation 5, dans lequel la bande de scellage comprend une face munie de colle qui devient active lorsqu’elle est soumise aux ultrasons de la sonotrode. [Realisation 9] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 8, dans lequel I’objet est deplace au moins jusqu’a ce que la bande de scellage revienne sur elle-meme en etant collee par la sonotrode sur une partie de la bande de scellage deja collee sur I’objet. [Realisation 10] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 9, dans lequel le precede comprend une etape de coupe de la bande de scellage apres recouvrement par la bande de scellage de la zone a scellerde I’objet. [Realisation 11] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 10, dans lequel ladite zone a sceller est une fente d’ouverture. Date re?ue/Date received 2024-04-2217b [Realisation 12] Le precede selon I'une quelconque des realisations 1 a 11, dans lequel ladite etape d’amener la bande de scellage est realisee a I’aide d’un galet rotatif. [Realisation 13] Une machine pour le scellage d’une zone, dite zone a sceller, d’un objet, ladite zone a sceller etant destinee a etre recouverte par une bande de scellage munie d’une matiere qui est adhesive a I’etat excite par ultrasons, ladite machine comprend : - un systeme de couplage permettant de tenir I’objet ; - une sonotrode qui presente une zone d’application lineique apte a venir en contact avec la bande de scellage pour, a un etat actif de la sonotrode, faire adherer une zone de la bande de scellage qui est en contact avec la zone d’application lineique de la sonotrode, sur la zone a sceller de I’objet ; - un dispositif d’amenee permettant d’amener la bande de scellage entre I’objet et la sonotrode ; - un systeme de deplacement motorise permettant de deplacer I’objet relativement a la sonotrode ; et - une unite de pilotage configuree pour piloter le systeme de deplacement motorise de maniere a deplacer I’objet en fonction d’un profil de la zone a sceller pour appliquer la bande de scellage sur la zone a sceller. [Realisation 14] La machine selon la realisation 13, dans laquelle la machine comprend un capteur d’effort agence pour mesurer un effort d’appui entre I’objet et la sonotrode, et dans laquelle I’unite de pilotage est configuree pour piloter le deplacement de I’objet en fonction de I’effort d’appui mesure. [Realisation 15] La machine selon la realisation 13 ou 14, dans laquelle ladite zone a sceller est une fente d’ouverture. [Realisation 16] La machine selon I'une quelconque des realisations 13 a 15, dans laquelle le dispositif d’amenee est un dispositif d’amenee a I’aide d’un galet rotatif. Date re?ue/Date received 2024-04-22[0097] Moreover, the term “including” does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set out above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set out above. According to some embodiments, it is provided: [Embodyment 1] A method for sealing an area of an object, called the area to be sealed, said area to be sealed being intended to be covered by a sealing strip, the sealing strip comprising a material that is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, said method comprises the following steps: - bringing the sealing strip between the object and a sonotrode which has a linear application area, - pressing the linear application area of the sonotrode against the sealing strip to make a portion of the sealing strip that is in contact with the linear application area of the sonotrode adhere to a corresponding area of the object, and - moving the object relative to the sonotrode according to a profile of the area to be sealed so as to apply the sealing strip on the area to be sealed of the object. [Realization 2] The method according to realization 1, in which the displacement of the object includes a rotational movement of the object about an axis of rotation. Date received 2024-04-2217a [Realization 3] The method according to realization 2, in which the displacement of the object includes a displacement of the object in a direction transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation. [Realization 4] The preceding method according to realization 2 or 3, in which the displacement of the object includes a displacement of the object in a direction parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation. [Emphasis 5] The preceding embodiment according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein ultrasound is transmitted by the sonotrode to a portion of the sealing tape that is positioned between the object and the sonotrode, such that said portion of the sealing tape subjected to the ultrasound adheres to the object, and wherein the displacement of the object causes the sealing tape to slide between the sonotrode and the object. [Emphasis 6] The preceding embodiment according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the bearing force of the sonotrode on the object is measured using a sensor, and wherein the object is displaced according to the measured bearing force. [Embodiment 7] The preceding embodiment according to any one of embodiments 2 to 6, in which the direction of a line segment defined by the linear application zone of the sonotrode is parallel to the direction of rotation of the object. [Embodiment 8] The preceding embodiment according to embodiment 5, in which the sealing strip includes a face equipped with adhesive that becomes active when subjected to the ultrasound of the sonotrode. [Embodiment 9] The preceding embodiment according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, in which the object is moved at least until the sealing strip folds back on itself, having been adhered by the sonotrode to a portion of the sealing strip already adhered to the object. [Realization 10] The preceding according to any one of realizations 1 to 9, in which the preceding includes a step of cutting the sealing strip after the sealing strip has covered the area to be sealed on the object. [Realization 11] The preceding according to any one of realizations 1 to 10, in which said area to be sealed is an opening slot. Date received/Date received 2024-04-2217b [Realization 12] The preceding according to any one of realizations 1 to 11, in which said step of bringing the sealing strip is carried out using a rotating roller. [Implementation 13] A machine for sealing an area, called the sealing area, of an object, said sealing area being intended to be covered by a sealing strip equipped with a material that is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, said machine comprises: - a coupling system for holding the object; - a sonotrode which has a linear application area adapted to come into contact with the sealing strip so as, in an active state of the sonotrode, to cause an area of the sealing strip which is in contact with the linear application area of the sonotrode to adhere to the sealing area of the object; - a feeding device for bringing the sealing strip between the object and the sonotrode; - a motorized movement system for moving the object relative to the sonotrode; and - a control unit configured to control the motorized movement system so as to move the object according to a profile of the area to be sealed in order to apply the sealing strip to the area to be sealed. [Emphasis 14] The machine according to embodiment 13, wherein the machine includes a force sensor arranged to measure a bearing force between the object and the sonotrode, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the movement of the object according to the measured bearing force. [Emphasis 15] The machine according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein said area to be sealed is an opening slot. [Emphasis 16] The machine according to any one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the feeding device is a feeding device using a rotating roller. Date received/Date received 2024-04-22

Claims

18 Claims 1. A method for sealing an area of an object, referred to as the area to be sealed, said area to be sealed being intended to be covered by a sealing strip, the sealing strip comprising a material that is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, said method comprising the following steps: - bringing the sealing strip between the object and a sonotrode which has a linear application area, - pressing the linear application area of the sonotrode against the sealing strip to make a portion of the sealing strip, which is in contact with the linear application area of the sonotrode, adhere to a corresponding area of the object, and - moving the object relative to the sonotrode according to a profile of the area to be sealed so as to apply the sealing strip to the area to be sealed seal the object.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the displacement of the object comprises a rotational movement of the object around an axis of rotation.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the displacement of the object comprises a displacement of the object along a direction transverse to the direction of the axis of rotation.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the displacement of the object comprises a displacement of the object along a direction parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein ultrasound is transmitted by the sonotrode to a portion of the sealing strip which is present between the object and the sonotrode such that said portion of the sealing strip subjected to ultrasound is stuck to the object, and wherein the movement of the object causes the sealing strip to slide between the sonotrode and the object.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the force exerted by the sonotrode on the object is measured using a sensor and wherein the object is displaced according to the measured force. Date received: 2024-04-2219

7. The preceding according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the direction of a line segment defined by the linear application zone of the sonotrode is parallel to the direction of rotation of the object.

8. The preceding according to claim 5, in which the sealing strip comprises a face provided with glue which becomes active when subjected to the ultrasound of the sonotrode.

9. The preceding one according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object is moved at least until the sealing strip returns to itself by being adhered by the sonotrode to a portion of the sealing strip already adhered to the object. 10.

The preceding one according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a step of cutting the sealing strip after covering the area to be sealed of the object with the sealing strip. 11.

The preceding one according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said area to be sealed is an opening slot. 12.

The preceding one according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said step of bringing the sealing strip is carried out using a rotating roller. 13.

A machine for sealing an area, called the sealing area, of an object, said sealing area being intended to be covered by a sealing strip provided with a material which is adhesive in the ultrasonically excited state, said machine comprising: - a coupling system for holding the object; - a sonotrode which has a linear application area suitable for contacting the sealing strip so as, in an active state of the sonotrode, to cause an area of the sealing strip which is in contact with the linear application area of the sonotrode to adhere to the sealing area of the object; - a feeding device for bringing the sealing strip between the object and the sonotrode; - a motorized movement system for moving the object relative to the sonotrode; and - a control unit configured to control the motorized movement system so as to move the object according to a profile of the area to be sealed in order to apply the sealing strip to the area to be sealed.

Date received/Date received 2024-04-2220 14.

The machine according to claim 13, wherein the machine comprises a force sensor arranged to measure a support force between the object and the sonotrode, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the displacement of the object as a function of the measured support force. 15.

The machine according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said area to be sealed is an opening slot. 16.

The machine according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the feeding device is a feeding device using a rotating roller.

Date received/Date received 2024-04-22