EP0156718A1 - Wrapping method and machine, especially for fruits and vegetables in a foil of plastic material - Google Patents

Wrapping method and machine, especially for fruits and vegetables in a foil of plastic material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0156718A1
EP0156718A1 EP85400458A EP85400458A EP0156718A1 EP 0156718 A1 EP0156718 A1 EP 0156718A1 EP 85400458 A EP85400458 A EP 85400458A EP 85400458 A EP85400458 A EP 85400458A EP 0156718 A1 EP0156718 A1 EP 0156718A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
film
product
coating
support
plastic
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP85400458A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0156718B1 (en
Inventor
Carmelo D'urso
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Xeda International SA
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Xeda International SA
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Publication of EP0156718A1 publication Critical patent/EP0156718A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B33/00—Packaging articles by applying removable, e.g. strippable, coatings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/02—Packaging agricultural or horticultural products
    • B65B25/04—Packaging fruit or vegetables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for coating products, in particular fruit and vegetables using a plastic film, and a machine for carrying it out.
  • the invention aims to simplify the packaging of products, in particular fruit and vegetables, by coating them in a single operation.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a process for coating products, in particular fruit and vegetables, using a plastic film, characterized in that a surface film is formed by surface tension on support means.
  • liquid plastic material a product to be coated is brought into contact with the film by relative displacement of the pro duit and the film, the film is still deformed still in the liquid state under the action of the product and its progressive application to the product, the film closing on the product after it has passed through said support means in perfectly matching its shape, so as to completely coat it.
  • the film of liquid plastic is formed by immersing the support means in a bath of liquefied plastic material and then removing said means from the bath.
  • the invention also relates to a machine for implementing the method defined above, characterized in that it comprises means for conveying the products to be coated, means for forming a plastic film coating on at least one support, means for bringing the products into contact with the plastic film and means for causing relative displacement of the product and the film support to ensure the application of the film on said product .
  • a fruit 1 to be coated rolls on an inclined plane 2 towards a film 3 of liquid plastic material formed by surface tension on a support 4 in the form of a ring.
  • the shutter 6 is advantageously covered with a non-stick material such as Teflon, so that the plastic film 3 does not stick to the shutter 6.
  • the latter is actuated in rotation in the direction of the arrow F (FIG. .4) so that the fruit deforms the film 3 even more.
  • the oscillating flap 6 ends up completely disappearing in front of the fruit 1 which can thus continue its course, while the plastic film 3 closes thereon by surface tension and conforms perfectly to its shape.
  • the fruit 1 is then completely coated with the film 3 (Fig. 5).
  • FIG. 6 and 7 A machine intended to implement the process described above is shown in Fig. 6 and 7. It includes a ribbon conveyor, not shown, which sends the fruit and vegetables on an inclined surface divided into three channels 8 having a cross section the shape of a V.
  • the tank is provided with an electromagnetic level detector 12 which controls a filling system to keep the liquid level 11 in the tank 9 constant. It also has an electrical resistance 13 at its bottom for heating the bath 11.
  • a thermostat (not shown) acts on the electric current to keep the temperature of the bath constant 11.
  • a movable frame 14 mounted oscillating around a fixed axis 15 comprises two lateral arms 14a, 14b whose ends opposite the axis 16 are joined by a crosspiece 14c.
  • the cross-member 14c carries a series of rings 4 intended to be immersed in the tank 9.
  • the frame T4 comprises an actuating arm 14d secured to its end mounted on the oscillation axis 16.
  • Said arm 14d is biased by a return spring 17 fixed to a support 18 which is itself fixed to the chassis of the machine.
  • the lateral arm 14a carries, near the cross-member 14c of the frame, a toothed sector 19 fixed to said arm 14a.
  • This toothed sector 19 is engaged with a free wheel 21 carried by a shaft 22 on which are fixed as many plates or stop surfaces 23 as there are channels 8. These stop surfaces 23 are each biased by a return spring 24 to a position approximately perpendicular to the movable frame 14.
  • the shaft 22 is supported by bearings 26 fixed to a frame (not shown).
  • a flap 6 covered with Teflon is mounted oscillating around a fixed axis 7. It is connected to a connecting rod 27 via a crank 28.
  • the connecting rod 27 is connected to a second crank 29 integral in rotation with a cam 31 rotating about an axis stationary 32 driven for example by an electric motor (not shown).
  • the cam 31 is in contact with the arm 14d biased by the return spring 18.
  • the coating machine which has just been described, can be associated downstream a machine intended to deposit on the coated products, a layer of waxy emulsion forming a film having a lower gas permeability than that of the plastic used to form the coating film.
  • the movable frame 14 being initially in the high position, fruits 1 are conveyed in the various channels 8 of the inclined plane 2.
  • the first channel 8 for example, the first fruit 1 is stopped by the stop surface 23.
  • the cam 31 -then pushes on the arm 14Q against the return spring 17 forcing the movable frame 14 to rotate clockwise around the axis 16, so that the rings 4 are caused to plunge into the bath 11 containing the molten plastic.
  • the cam 31 continues to run and the lateral arm 14d under the action of the spring 17 causes the rings 4 to go back up to the almost vertical position.
  • a film of liquid plastic material is formed by surface tension inside each ring 4.
  • the toothed sector 19 meshes with the free wheel 21 which then turns counterclockwise of a watch driving with it against the spring 24, the stop surface 23 towards a roughly horizontal position.
  • the stop surface 23 allows the first fruit to pass.
  • the spring 24 urges the stop surface 23 towards its substantially vertical rest position thanks to the free wheel 21, thus blocking the second fruit.
  • the first fruit then continues its course on the inclined plane 2, comes into contact with the film 3, is enveloped by the latter, then comes into abutment against the oscillating flap 6 which is then parallel to the ring.
  • the cam 31 continuing its course then actuates the flap 6 via the linkage 29, 27, 28.
  • the flap 6 then switches to allow the first fruit coated with the film to pass through.
  • a film with a thickness of the order of 5 ⁇ 10 to 2 ⁇ 10 2 mm is obtained.
  • the cam 31 acts again on the arm 14d de- so that the rings 4 relapse into the room 1 1, while the linkage 29,27,28 traces the vibrating flap 6 in its vertical position. The cycle then repeats for all channels.
  • the products receive as a second protective skin which can be removed before consumption.
  • the water loss is greatly reduced and the freshness of the products is kept almost intact, which makes it possible to preserve the fruits before consumption for much longer without preventing the respiration of the product.
  • the film deposited by the process according to the invention can be removed completely by "peeling".
  • the polyethylene used is very permeable to gas and not very impermeable to water, and if the plastic film is coated with a layer of wax impermeable to gas by a conventional process, a double seal is obtained. In the case of fruit, where a delay in ripening is requested, this association is very interesting.
  • Both layers can be removed at the same time.
  • the means for stopping the products can be controlled by a photoelectric cell.
  • the movable frame 14 can be eliminated and replaced by an automatic device for plunging the rings 4 into the bath 11.
  • the rings 4 can moreover be replaced by U-shaped mounts.
  • Another advantage of the process according to the invention lies in the fact that a fungicidal and / or antioxidant preservative can be mixed with the plastic by addition to the bath, this product also being able to be removed in its entirety during removal of the coating film except for traces which have migrated onto the skin of the product.
  • the plastic material of the bath is a polyethylene polyethylene.
  • thiabendazole as a fungicide and ethoxyquin as an antioxidant.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Special Articles (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Abstract

La machine pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé comprend un procédé d'enrobage de produits, notamment pour fruits et légumes, dans une pellicule en matière plastique, caractérisé en ce qu'on forme par tension superficielle sur des moyens de support (4), une pellicule (3) en matière plastique liquide, on amène par un déplacement relatif un produit (1) et la pellicule (3) en contact l'un avec l'autre, ladite pellicule (3) se déformant sous l'action du produit (1) de façon à s'appliquer progressivement sur le produit (1) et à se refermer après le passage du produit (1) à travers les moyens de support (4) sur ledit produit en l'enrobant complétement.The machine for implementing this process comprises a process for coating products, in particular for fruit and vegetables, in a plastic film, characterized in that it is formed by surface tension on support means (4) , a film (3) made of liquid plastic, a product (1) and the film (3) are brought into relative contact with a relative movement, said film (3) being deformed under the action of product (1) so as to gradually apply to the product (1) and to close after the product (1) has passed through the support means (4) on said product by completely coating it.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé d'enrobage de produits notamment de fruits et légumes à l'aide d'une pellicule de matière plastique et une machine pour sa mise en oeuvre.The present invention relates to a process for coating products, in particular fruit and vegetables using a plastic film, and a machine for carrying it out.

On connait déjà des procédés d'enrobage de fruits et légumes dans une pellicule de matière plastique et notamment de polyéthylène.Processes are already known for coating fruits and vegetables in a plastic film, and in particular polyethylene film.

Ces procédés font toujours appel à des pellicules de matière plastique préformées qui servent ensuite à revêtir les produits que l'on désire conditionner. L'enrobage des produits par de tels procédés s'opère donc en deux temps, ce qui nécessite des investissements coûteux ainsi qu'un temps de conditionnement global relativement long.These processes always use preformed plastic films which are then used to coat the products which it is desired to package. The coating of the products by such processes therefore takes place in two stages, which requires costly investments as well as a relatively long overall conditioning time.

L'invention vise à simplifier le conditionnement de produits notamment de fruits et légumes en effectuant leur enrobage en une seule opération.The invention aims to simplify the packaging of products, in particular fruit and vegetables, by coating them in a single operation.

Elle vise ainsi à éviter les ruptures de charges inévitables lorsque l'on effectue séparément la fabrication des emballages plastiques et l'enrobage des produits à l'aide desdits emballages.It thus aims to avoid inevitable load breaks when the plastic packaging is manufactured and the products are coated using the said packaging.

Elle vise aussi à diminuer le prix de revient du conditinnement des produits ainsi qu'à améliorer les conditions sanitaires inhérentes à la manipulation de produits tels que les fruits et légumes par exemple, à augmenter leur durée de conservation tout en maintenant leur fraicheur quasiment intacte.It also aims to reduce the cost of packaging the products as well as to improve the sanitary conditions inherent in the handling of products such as fruits and vegetables for example, to increase their shelf life while keeping their freshness almost intact.

L'invention a donc pour objet un procédé d'enrobage de produits notamment de fruits et légumes à l'aide d'une pellicule en matière plastique, caractérisé en ce qu'on forme par tension superficielle sur des moyens de support, une pellicule en matière plastique liquide, on amène un produit à enrober en contact avec la pellicule par déplacement relatif du produit et de la pellicule, on provoque la déformation de la pellicule encore à l'état liquide sous l'action du produit et son application progressive sur le produit, la pellicule se refermant sur le produit après son passage à travers lesdits moyens de support en épousant parfaitement sa forme, de manière à l'enrober complètement.The subject of the invention is therefore a process for coating products, in particular fruit and vegetables, using a plastic film, characterized in that a surface film is formed by surface tension on support means. liquid plastic material, a product to be coated is brought into contact with the film by relative displacement of the pro duit and the film, the film is still deformed still in the liquid state under the action of the product and its progressive application to the product, the film closing on the product after it has passed through said support means in perfectly matching its shape, so as to completely coat it.

Selon une caractéristique particulière de l'invention, on forme la pellicule en matière plastique liquide en plongeant les moyens de support dans un bain de matière plastique liquéfiée puis en retirant lesdits moyens hors du bain.According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the film of liquid plastic is formed by immersing the support means in a bath of liquefied plastic material and then removing said means from the bath.

L'invention a également pour objet une machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé défini ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens d'acheminement des produits à'enrober, des moyens de formation d'une pellicule de matière plastique d'enrobage sur au moins un support, des moyens de mise en contact des produits avec la pellicule de matière plastique et des moyens pour provoquer un déplacement relatif du produit et du support de la pellicule pour assurer l'application de la pellicule sur ledit produit.The invention also relates to a machine for implementing the method defined above, characterized in that it comprises means for conveying the products to be coated, means for forming a plastic film coating on at least one support, means for bringing the products into contact with the plastic film and means for causing relative displacement of the product and the film support to ensure the application of the film on said product .

L'invention est exposée ci-après plus en détail à l'aide des dessins qui en illustrent un mode de réalisation, donné uniquement à titre d'exemple et sur lesquels :

  • - les Fig.1 à 5 illustrent des vues schématiques des différentes phases de l'enrobage d'un fruit par le procédé de l'invention;
  • - la Fig.6 est une vue en élévation d'une machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de l'invention;
  • - la Fig.7 est une vue en perspective d'une partie de la machine de la Fig.6.
The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of the drawings which illustrate an embodiment thereof, given solely by way of example and in which:
  • - Fig.1 to 5 illustrate schematic views of the different phases of the coating of a fruit by the method of the invention;
  • - Fig.6 is an elevational view of a machine for implementing the method of the invention;
  • - Fig.7 is a perspective view of a part of the machine in Fig. 6.

Ainsi qu'on peut le voir à la Fig,1, un fruit 1 à enrober roule sur un plan incliné 2 vers une pellicule 3 de matière plastique liquide formée par tension superficielle sur un support 4 en forme d'anneau.As can be seen in FIG. 1, a fruit 1 to be coated rolls on an inclined plane 2 towards a film 3 of liquid plastic material formed by surface tension on a support 4 in the form of a ring.

Lorsque le fruit 1 entre en contact avec la pellicule 3 (Fig.2), il commence à la déformer et celle-ci commence à adhérer à sa surface.When the fruit 1 comes into contact with the film 3 (Fig. 2), it begins to deform it and the latter begins to adhere to its surface.

Après avoir parcouru encore une faible distance, le fruit 1 entre en contact avec un volet escamotable 6 destiné à accompagner la suite de son déplacement pendant le processus d'enrobage.After having traveled a short distance again, the fruit 1 comes into contact with a retractable flap 6 intended to accompany the rest of its movement during the coating process.

Le volet 6 est avantageusement recouvert d'une matière anti-adhésive telle que du Téflon, de sorte que la pellicule de plastique 3 ne colle pas sur le volet 6. Celui-ci est actionné en rotation dans le sens de la flèche F (Fig.4) de sorte que le fruit déforme encore davantage la pellicule 3. Le volet oscillant 6 finit par s'effacer complètement devant le fruit 1 qui peut ainsi continuer sa course, tandis que la pellicule de matière plastique 3 se referme sur celui-ci par tension superficielle et épouse parfaitement sa forme.The shutter 6 is advantageously covered with a non-stick material such as Teflon, so that the plastic film 3 does not stick to the shutter 6. The latter is actuated in rotation in the direction of the arrow F (FIG. .4) so that the fruit deforms the film 3 even more. The oscillating flap 6 ends up completely disappearing in front of the fruit 1 which can thus continue its course, while the plastic film 3 closes thereon by surface tension and conforms perfectly to its shape.

Le fruit 1 est alors complètement enrobé par la pellicule 3 (Fig.5).The fruit 1 is then completely coated with the film 3 (Fig. 5).

Une machine destinée à mettre en oeuvre le procéoé décrit ci-dessus est représentée sur les Fig.6 et 7. Elle comprend un transporteur à ruban non représenté qui envoie les fruits et légumes sur une surface inclinée divisée en trois canaux 8 ayant en coupe transversale la forme d'un V.A machine intended to implement the process described above is shown in Fig. 6 and 7. It includes a ribbon conveyor, not shown, which sends the fruit and vegetables on an inclined surface divided into three channels 8 having a cross section the shape of a V.

A la sortie de ces canaux et au-dessous de ces derniers est placé un bac 9 en matériau réfractaire contenant un bain 11 de matière plastique fon- due, par exemple un copolymère de polyéthylène et d'acide acrylique dont la température de ramollissement est de l'ordre de 100*C et dont la température d'emploi est de 150 à 200'C.At the outlet of these channels and below them is placed a tank 9 made of refractory material silent containing a bath 11 of plastic f on- due, for example a copolymer of polyethylene and acrylic acid, the softening temperature is around 100 ° C and of which the working temperature is 150 to 200 'VS.

Le bac est muni d'un détecteur de niveau électromagnétique 12 qui commande un système de remplissage pour maintenir constant le niveau du liquide 11 dans le bac 9. Il comporte aussi dans son fond une résistance électrique 13 pour le chauffage du bain 11. Un thermostat (non représenté) agit sur le courant électrique pour maintenir constante la température du bain 11. Un cadre mobile 14 monté oscillant autour d'un axe fixe 15 comporte deux bras latéraux 14a,14b dont les extrémités opposées à l'axe 16 sont réunies par une traverse 14c. La traverse 14c porte une série d'anneaux 4 destinés à être plongés dans le bac 9. Le cadre T4 comporte un bras d'actionnement 14d solidaire de son extrémité montée sur l'axe d'oscillation 16.The tank is provided with an electromagnetic level detector 12 which controls a filling system to keep the liquid level 11 in the tank 9 constant. It also has an electrical resistance 13 at its bottom for heating the bath 11. A thermostat (not shown) acts on the electric current to keep the temperature of the bath constant 11. A movable frame 14 mounted oscillating around a fixed axis 15 comprises two lateral arms 14a, 14b whose ends opposite the axis 16 are joined by a crosspiece 14c. The cross-member 14c carries a series of rings 4 intended to be immersed in the tank 9. The frame T4 comprises an actuating arm 14d secured to its end mounted on the oscillation axis 16.

Ledit bras 14d est sollicité par un ressort de rappel 17 fixé à un support 18 qui est lui-même fixé au châssis de la machine. Le bras latéral 14a porte à proximité de la traverse 14c du cadre un secteur denté 19 fixé audit bras 14a.Said arm 14d is biased by a return spring 17 fixed to a support 18 which is itself fixed to the chassis of the machine. The lateral arm 14a carries, near the cross-member 14c of the frame, a toothed sector 19 fixed to said arm 14a.

Ce secteur denté 19 est en prise avec une roue libre 21 portée par un arbre 22 sur lequel sont fixées autant de plaquettes ou de surfaces d'arrêt 23 qu'il y a de canaux 8. Ces surfaces d'arrêt 23 sont sollicitées chacune par un ressort de rappel 24 vers une position à peu près perpendiculaire au cadre mobile 14.This toothed sector 19 is engaged with a free wheel 21 carried by a shaft 22 on which are fixed as many plates or stop surfaces 23 as there are channels 8. These stop surfaces 23 are each biased by a return spring 24 to a position approximately perpendicular to the movable frame 14.

L'arbre 22 est supporté par des paliers 26 fixés à un bâti (non représenté). Un volet 6 recouvert de Téflon est monté oscillant autour d'un axe fixe 7. Il est relié à une bielle 27 par l'intermédiaire d'une manivelle 28. A son extrémité opposée à la manivelle 28, la bielle 27 est reliée à une deuxième manivelle 29 solidaire en rotation d'une came 31 tournant autour d'un axe fixe 32 entrainé par exemple par un moteur électrique (non représenté). La came 31 est en contact avec le bras 14d sollicité par le ressort de rappel 18.The shaft 22 is supported by bearings 26 fixed to a frame (not shown). A flap 6 covered with Teflon is mounted oscillating around a fixed axis 7. It is connected to a connecting rod 27 via a crank 28. At its end opposite to the crank 28, the connecting rod 27 is connected to a second crank 29 integral in rotation with a cam 31 rotating about an axis stationary 32 driven for example by an electric motor (not shown). The cam 31 is in contact with the arm 14d biased by the return spring 18.

A la machine d'enrobage qui vient d'être décrite, peut être associée en aval une machine destinée à déposer sur les produits enrobés, une couche d'émulsion cireuse formant une pellicule ayant une perméabilité aux gaz inférieure à celle du plastique employé pour former la pellicule d'enrobage.With the coating machine which has just been described, can be associated downstream a machine intended to deposit on the coated products, a layer of waxy emulsion forming a film having a lower gas permeability than that of the plastic used to form the coating film.

Le fonctionnement de la machine décrite ci-dessus est le suivant.The operation of the machine described above is as follows.

Le cadre mobile 14 étant initialement en position haute, des fruits 1 sont acheminés dans les divers canaux 8 du plan incliné 2. Dans le premier canal 8 par exemple, le premier fruit 1 est arrêté par la surface d'arrêt 23. La came 31-pousse alors sur le bras 14Q à l'encontre du ressort de rappel 17 forçant le cadre mobile 14 à tourner dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre autour de l'axe 16, de sorte que les anneaux 4 sont amenés à plonger dans le bain 11 contenant la matière plastique fondue. La came 31 poursuit sa course et le bras latéral 14d sous l'action du ressort 17 fait remonter les anneaux 4 en position preque verticale. Lors du retrait des anneaux 4 hors du bain 11, une pellicule de matière plastique liquide se forme par tension superficielle à l'intérieur de chaque anneau 4. Lors de la remontée du cadre mobile 14, le secteur denté 19 engrène avec la roue libre 21 qui tourne alors dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre entrainant avec elle à l'encontre du ressort 24, la surface d'arrêt 23 vers une position à peu près horizontale. En s'effaçant, la surface d'arrêt 23 laisse passer le premier fruit. Une fois que le cadre mobile 14 a atteint sa position haute, le ressort 24 sollicite la surface d'arrêt 23 vers sa position de repos sensiblement verticale grâce à la roue libre 21, bloquant ainsi le deuxième fruit. Le premier fruit poursuit alors sa course sur le plan incliné 2, entre en contact avec la pellicule 3, se laisse envelopper par celle-ci, puis vient en butée contre le volet oscillant 6 qui se trouve alors parallèle à l'anneau. La came 31 poursuivant sa course actionne alors le volet 6 par l'intermédiaire de la tringlerie 29,27,28. Le volet 6 bascule alors pour laisser passer le premier fruit enrobé de la pellicule 3. Avec le copolymère de polyéthylène on obtient une pellicule d'une épaisseur de l'ordre de 5 10 à 2 x 10 2 mm. La came 31 agit de nouveau sur le bras 14d de- sorte que les anneaux 4 replongent dans le bain 11 tandis que la tringlerie 29,27,28 fait remonter le volet oscillant 6 dans sa position verticale. Le cycle se répète alors et ce pour tous les canaux.The movable frame 14 being initially in the high position, fruits 1 are conveyed in the various channels 8 of the inclined plane 2. In the first channel 8 for example, the first fruit 1 is stopped by the stop surface 23. The cam 31 -then pushes on the arm 14Q against the return spring 17 forcing the movable frame 14 to rotate clockwise around the axis 16, so that the rings 4 are caused to plunge into the bath 11 containing the molten plastic. The cam 31 continues to run and the lateral arm 14d under the action of the spring 17 causes the rings 4 to go back up to the almost vertical position. When the rings 4 are removed from the bath 11, a film of liquid plastic material is formed by surface tension inside each ring 4. When the movable frame 14 is raised, the toothed sector 19 meshes with the free wheel 21 which then turns counterclockwise of a watch driving with it against the spring 24, the stop surface 23 towards a roughly horizontal position. By erasing, the stop surface 23 allows the first fruit to pass. Once the movable frame 14 has reached its high position, the spring 24 urges the stop surface 23 towards its substantially vertical rest position thanks to the free wheel 21, thus blocking the second fruit. The first fruit then continues its course on the inclined plane 2, comes into contact with the film 3, is enveloped by the latter, then comes into abutment against the oscillating flap 6 which is then parallel to the ring. The cam 31 continuing its course then actuates the flap 6 via the linkage 29, 27, 28. The flap 6 then switches to allow the first fruit coated with the film to pass through. With the polyethylene copolymer, a film with a thickness of the order of 5 × 10 to 2 × 10 2 mm is obtained. The cam 31 acts again on the arm 14d de- so that the rings 4 relapse into the room 1 1, while the linkage 29,27,28 traces the vibrating flap 6 in its vertical position. The cycle then repeats for all channels.

Grâce au procédé de l'invention, les produits reçoivent comme une deuxième peau protectrice éliminable avant la consommation. On réduit ainsi les risques de pourrissement dans le cas des fruits et légumes, ainsi que les risques de contamination par manipulation et par contact mutuel. De plus, la perte en eau est fortement réduite et la fraicheur des produits est gardée quasiment intacte ce qui permet de conserver les fruits avant consommation pendant beaucoup plus longtemps sans empêcher pour autant la respiration du produit.Thanks to the process of the invention, the products receive as a second protective skin which can be removed before consumption. This reduces the risk of rotting in the case of fruits and vegetables, as well as the risk of contamination by handling and mutual contact. In addition, the water loss is greatly reduced and the freshness of the products is kept almost intact, which makes it possible to preserve the fruits before consumption for much longer without preventing the respiration of the product.

En outre, contrairement à l'enrobage par pulvérisation, la pellicule déposée par le procède suivant l'invention peut être retirée complètement par "épluchage".In addition, unlike spray coating, the film deposited by the process according to the invention can be removed completely by "peeling".

Le polyéthylène utilisé est très perméable au gaz et peu imperméable à l'eau, et si l'on revêt la pellicule de matière plastique d' une couche de cire imperméable au gaz par un procédé classique, on obtient une double étanchéité. Dans le cas de fruits, où un retard de mûrissement est demandé, cette association est très intéressante.The polyethylene used is very permeable to gas and not very impermeable to water, and if the plastic film is coated with a layer of wax impermeable to gas by a conventional process, a double seal is obtained. In the case of fruit, where a delay in ripening is requested, this association is very interesting.

Les deux couches peuvent être retirées en même temps.Both layers can be removed at the same time.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit et des modifications peuvent y étre apportées.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and modifications can be made to it.

Par exemple, les moyens d'arrêt des produits peuvent être commandés par une cellule photo-électrique.For example, the means for stopping the products can be controlled by a photoelectric cell.

Le cadre mobile 14 peut être supprimé et remplacé par un dispositif automatique de plongée des anneaux 4 dans le bain 11. Les anneaux 4 peuvent d'ailleurs être remplacés par des montures en U.The movable frame 14 can be eliminated and replaced by an automatic device for plunging the rings 4 into the bath 11. The rings 4 can moreover be replaced by U-shaped mounts.

Un autre avantage du procédé suivant l'invention réside dans le fait qu'un produit de conservation fongicide et/ou anti-oxydant peut être mélangé à la matière plastique par addition dans le bain, ce produit pouvant lui aussi être retiré dans sa totalité lors du retrait de la pellicule d'enrobage à l'exception de traces ayant migré sur la peau du produit. Dans l'exemple qui vient d'être décrit, la matière plastique du bain est un copolyéthylène de polyèthy- lèna.Another advantage of the process according to the invention lies in the fact that a fungicidal and / or antioxidant preservative can be mixed with the plastic by addition to the bath, this product also being able to be removed in its entirety during removal of the coating film except for traces which have migrated onto the skin of the product. In the example which has just been described, the plastic material of the bath is a polyethylene polyethylene.

Comme produits de conservation, on peut citer par exemple, le thiabendazole comme fongicide et l'éthoxyquine comme antioxydant.As preservatives, we can cite for example, thiabendazole as a fungicide and ethoxyquin as an antioxidant.

On peut également employer comme produit d'enrobage du polyéthylène pur et des autres copolymères à base de polyéthylène ainsi que d'autres matières plastiques ayant une caractéristique de perméabilité similaire.May also be employed as the coating of polyethylene produced per ur and other polyethylene-based copolymers, and other plastic materials having similar permeability characteristic.

En ce qui concerne les produits de conservation à incorporer à la pellicule protectrice déposée, conformément au procédé de l'invention, il est avantageux de disperser ces produits dans la masse en fusion à partir de laquelle sont préparés les granulés qui vont servir à constituer le bain de matière d'enrobage liquide.With regard to the preservation products to be incorporated into the protective film deposited, in accordance with the process of the invention, it is advantageous to disperse these products in the molten mass from which the granules which will serve to constitute the preparation are prepared. bath of liquid coating material.

Ces produits peuvent également être ajoutés dans le bain juste avant l'application sur les produits à enrober.These products can also be added to the bath just before application to the products to be coated.

L'invention qui vient d'être décrite est considérée comme étant appliquée à l'enrobage de fruits et légumes.The invention which has just been described is considered to be applied to the coating of fruits and vegetables.

On conçoit cependant qu'elle peut être utilisée pour le dépôt d'une pellicule de protection sur d'autres produits non alimentaires tels que des pièces mécaniques.It is understood, however, that it can be used for depositing a protective film on other non-food products such as mechanical parts.

Claims (15)

1. Procédé d'enrobage de produits, notamment pour fruits et légumes, dans une pellicule en matière plastique, caractérisé en ce qu'on forme par tension superficielle sur des moyens de support (4), une pellicule (3) en matière plastique liquide à partir d'un bain (1) de matière plastique, on amène par un déplacement relatif un produit (1) et la pellicule (3) en contact l'un avec l'autre, ladite pellicule (3) encore a l'état liquide se déformant sous l'action du produit (1) de façon à s'appliquer progressivement sur le produit (1) et à se refermer après le passage du produit (1) à travers les moyens de support (4) sur ledit produit en l'enrobant complètement, ladite pellicule pouvant être retirée-dans sa totalité.1. Method for coating products, in particular for fruit and vegetables, in a plastic film, characterized in that a surface film (3) made of liquid plastic is formed by surface tension on support means (4) from a bath (1) of plastic material, a product (1) and the film (3) are brought into contact with each other by a relative displacement, said film (3) still in the state liquid deforming under the action of the product (1) so as to apply gradually to the product (1) and to close after the product (1) has passed through the support means (4) on said product completely coating it, said film can be removed in its entirety. 2. Procédé d'enrobage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le bain (11) de matière plastique est un bain de polyéthylène ou d'un copolymère de polyéthylène fondu.2. Coating method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bath (11) of plastic material is a bath of polyethylene or of a molten polyethylene copolymer. 3. Procédé d'enrobage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce qu'on forme la pellicule (3) en matière plastique par plongée des moyens de support (4) dans le bain (11) de matière plastique puis par retrait desdits moyens de support hors du bain.3. Coating method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the plastic film (3) is formed by immersion of the support means (4) in the bath (11) of plastic material then by removing said support means from the bath. 4. Procédé d'enrobage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que lors du dépôt de la pellicule (3) sur le produit (1), le produit (1) est déplacé par rapport à la pellicule (3).4. Coating method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during the deposition of the film (3) on the product (1), the product (1) is displaced relative to the film ( 3). 5. Procédé d'enrobage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'après l'enrobage du produit (1) par la pellicule en matière plastique (3), on dépose sur cette pellicule une couche d'émulsion cireuse formant une pellicule ayant une perméabilité aux gaz inférieure à celle du plastique employé.5. Coating method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that after the coating of the product (1) with the film of material plastic (3), is deposited on this film a waxy emulsion layer forming a film having a lower gas permeability than that of the plastic used. 6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'on mélange a la matière plastique destinée à former la pellicule d'enrobage, au moins un produit de conservation, cette addition étant réalisée soit avant soit après la fusion de ladite matière plastique.6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plastic material intended to form the coating film is mixed with at least one preservative, this addition being carried out either before or after melting of said plastic. 7. Machine d'enrobage de produits, notamment de fruits ou légumes destinés à la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens (9,14) de formation d'une pellicule (3-) de matière plastique liquide d'enrobage sur au moins un support (4), des moyens (2) de mise en contact des produits (1) avec la pellicule de matière plastique liquide et des moyens (6) pour provoquer un déplacement relatif du produit (1) et du support de la pellicule (3) pour assurer l'application de la pellicule (3) sur ledit produit (1).7. machine for coating products, in particular fruit or vegetables intended for implementing the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (9,14) for forming a film (3- ) of liquid plastic material for coating on at least one support (4), means (2) for bringing the products (1) into contact with the film of liquid plastic material and means (6) for causing relative displacement of the product (1) and the film support (3) to ensure the application of the film (3) on said product (1). 8. Machine selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de formation de la pellicule (3) de matière plastique liquide d'enrobage comprennent un bac (9) contenant un bain (11) de matière plastique fondue et des moyens (14) de trempage dudit support (4) dans ledit bain (11) en vue de la formation de la pellicule (3) sur le support (4) par tension superficielle.8. Machine according to claim 7, characterized in that said means for forming the film (3) of liquid plastic coating material comprise a tank (9) containing a bath (11) of molten plastic material and means (14 ) soaking said support (4) in said bath (11) in order to form the film (3) on the support (4) by surface tension. 9. Machine suivant l'une des revendications 7 et 8. caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de mise en contact des produits (1) avec la pellicule de matière plastique sont constitués par un plan incliné (2) formé d'au moins un canal (8) en forme de V destiné à assurer l'acheminement des produits (1) jusqu'à l'emplacement du support (4) de ladite pellicule d'enrobage (3).9. Machine according to one of claims 7 and 8. characterized in that said means for bringing the products (1) into contact with the plastic film are constituted by an inclined plane (2) formed of at least one V-shaped channel (8) intended to convey the products (1) to the location of the support (4) of said coating film (3). 10. Machine suivant l'une des revendications 7 à 9, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens pour provoquer le déplacement relatif du produit (1) à enrober et du support (4) de la pellicule (3) comprennent un volet oscillant (6) disposé au-delà du support (4) et escamotable progressivement par un mécanisme à bielle- manivelle (27,28,29) pour permettre au produit (1) de traverser le support (4).10. Machine according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said means for causing the relative displacement of the product (1) to be coated and the support (4) of the film (3) comprise an oscillating flap (6) disposed beyond the support (4) and gradually retractable by a crank-link mechanism (27,28,29) to allow the product (1) to pass through the support (4). 11. Machine selon l'une des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de trempage (14) comprennent un cadre oscillant autour d'un axe fixe (16), le cadre (14) portant-des supports (4) de pellicules d'enrobage (3) associés à autant de canaux (8) en forme de V d'acheminement des produits (1) vers lesdits supports (4).11. Machine according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the dipping means (14) comprise a frame oscillating around a fixed axis (16), the frame (14) carrying-supports (4) coating films (3) associated with as many V-shaped channels (8) for conveying the products (1) to said supports (4). 12. Machine selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que les supports (4) sont constitués par des anneaux ou des montures en LI portés par une traverse (14c) dudit cadre oscillant (14).12. Machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the supports (4) are constituted by rings or frames in LI carried by a crosspiece (14c) of said oscillating frame (14). 13. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 12, caractérisée en ce qu'e'lle comporte en outre des moyens d'arrêt (23) des produits (1) avant leur enrobage, constitués par au moins une surface d'arrêt (23) sollicitée par un organe elasti- que de rappel (24) et fixée à un arbre (22) actionné par un mécanisme à secteur denté (19) et roue libre (21).13. Machine according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises stop means (23) of the products (1) before their coating, constituted by at least one surface of stop (23) urged by an elastic return member (24) and fixed to a shaft (22) actuated by a mechanism with toothed sector (19) and freewheel (21). 14. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte des moyens d'actionnement, des moyens de trempage (14) constitués par une came (31) d'actionnement du cadre oscillant (14) et un ressort (17) de rappel dudit cadre mobile (14), le mécanisme (27,2814. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises actuating means, dipping means (14) constituted by a cam (31) for actuating the oscillating frame (14) and a spring (17) for returning said movable frame (14), the mechanism (27, 28 29) d'actionnement du volet oscillant (6) étant entrainé par ladite came (31). 2 9) for actuating the oscillating flap (6) being driven by said cam (31).
EP85400458A 1984-03-12 1985-03-08 Wrapping method and machine, especially for fruits and vegetables in a foil of plastic material Expired EP0156718B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8403765A FR2560856B1 (en) 1984-03-12 1984-03-12 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR COATING PARTICULARLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN A PLASTIC FILM
FR8403765 1984-03-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0156718A1 true EP0156718A1 (en) 1985-10-02
EP0156718B1 EP0156718B1 (en) 1987-09-09

Family

ID=9301925

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85400458A Expired EP0156718B1 (en) 1984-03-12 1985-03-08 Wrapping method and machine, especially for fruits and vegetables in a foil of plastic material

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4631902A (en)
EP (1) EP0156718B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3560565D1 (en)
ES (1) ES8701652A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2560856B1 (en)
GR (1) GR850594B (en)
MA (1) MA20375A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA851795B (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB930482A (en) * 1960-04-05 1963-07-03 British Visqueen Ltd Packaging process
DE1921352A1 (en) * 1969-04-26 1970-11-05 Vogt Clarence W Coating or sealing device

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2333887A (en) * 1941-07-26 1943-11-09 Lorenz M Redlinger Protective coating and process of manufacture therefor
US2560487A (en) * 1947-06-17 1951-07-10 Robert B Shugart Fruit coating apparatus
US2622380A (en) * 1949-09-19 1952-12-23 Wingfoot Corp Method of wrapping articles
US2703760A (en) * 1952-01-25 1955-03-08 Johnson & Son Inc S C Method of coating fruits and vegetables
US3299195A (en) * 1963-02-19 1967-01-17 Eastman Kodak Co Method of encapsulating an article in a seamless unbroken clear film
US3404025A (en) * 1964-07-13 1968-10-01 Western Gear Corp Method and apparatus for coating a sheet or web
US3465495A (en) * 1965-08-16 1969-09-09 Sunkist Growers Inc Apparatus for boxing layers of articles such as fruit and the like
US3468099A (en) * 1966-01-25 1969-09-23 Clarence W Vogt Curtain depositing apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB930482A (en) * 1960-04-05 1963-07-03 British Visqueen Ltd Packaging process
DE1921352A1 (en) * 1969-04-26 1970-11-05 Vogt Clarence W Coating or sealing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES8701652A1 (en) 1986-12-16
DE3560565D1 (en) 1987-10-15
FR2560856A1 (en) 1985-09-13
MA20375A1 (en) 1985-10-01
ZA851795B (en) 1985-11-27
GR850594B (en) 1985-07-08
EP0156718B1 (en) 1987-09-09
ES541651A0 (en) 1986-12-16
US4631902A (en) 1986-12-30
FR2560856B1 (en) 1987-01-09

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