EP0903290A1 - Conditioning process and apparatus for products such as powders, in particular of a magnetic kind - Google Patents

Abstract

The system enables powder to be filled in calibrated containers and stabilized by magnets during process. The procedure provides treatment for a product (P') which may be in the form of small individual elements, or a powder. A frame (11) is provided with a number of apertures (14,14') formed in its surface. The upper surface is flat, and the apertures form spaces of predetermined calibrated volume (W,W'). The accurate filling of the apertures is achieved by vertical panels (15) which include lower edges which are in contact with the surface of the frame, thus ensuring accurate filling to a level top surface. Beneath the frame there is a system carrying a series of magnets (16) which are intended to stabilize the product within the apertures.

Description

The subject of the present invention is a method and a device for packaging of products, such as powders, especially magnetic powders. She relates more specifically to a method and a device for packaging of products, in the form of small individual elements, in the minus one volume conditioning unit V. Conditioning, in the sense of the invention is a bulk packaging, in disorder.

Said method and device of the invention are advantageously optimized when the products to be packaged have properties magnetic. They are particularly suitable, but not limited, to packaging of specific volumes of powders.

According to the prior art, the unit volumes of generally are prepared product to be conditioned, prior to packaging. Said volumes are, during said packaging, transferred into receptacles which are then closed to form the packaging units.

• constitution du réceptacle,
• dosage et libération du produit dosé dans ledit réceptacle,
• fermeture dudit réceptacle.

In fact, the packaging methods of the prior art generally include the following three steps:

• constitution of the receptacle,
• dosing and release of the product dosed in said receptacle,
• closing said receptacle.

These three stages can be implemented according to various variants, on different types of machines. They are generally implemented on production lines, at several positions.

1^ère étape :

le réceptacle est approvisionné à plat, à partir d'une bobine d'alimentation, et guidé par la machine pour être mis sous la forme d'un tube cylindrique vertical continu, qui est thermocollé sur lui-même selon une génératrice du cylindre;

2^ème étape :

un système de dosage volumétrique (ou pondéral) permet de libérer par gravité, dans l'axe du tube ainsi formé, les quantités unitaires successives de poudres prévues ;

3^ème étape :

une double barrette chauffante horizontale placée perpendiculairement à l'axe du tube et au-dessous du système de dosage, permet, en pinçant le tube, de générer une bande thermocollée étanche et de largeur suffisante, qui constitue, à la fois, la fermeture supérieure du sachet rempli précédent et la fermeture inférieure du sachet vide qui le suit ; ledit sachet vide se trouvant alors prêt, à son tour, pour son remplissage.

For the packaging of powders, for example salt, pepper or sugar, in mini-sachets, the following procedure is generally carried out:

Step ^1:

the receptacle is supplied flat, from a supply reel, and guided by the machine to be put in the form of a continuous vertical cylindrical tube, which is heat-sealed on itself according to a generator of the cylinder;

2 ^nd step :

a volumetric (or weight) metering system makes it possible to release by gravity, in the axis of the tube thus formed, the successive unit quantities of powders provided;

3 ^rd step :

a double horizontal heating strip placed perpendicularly to the axis of the tube and below the metering system, allows, by pinching the tube, to generate a tight heat-sealed band of sufficient width, which constitutes, at the same time, the upper closure of the previous filled sachet and the lower closure of the empty sachet that follows it; said empty sachet then being ready, in turn, for its filling.

At the same time as the fusing, the machine cuts allowing to individualize the sachets. This cutting is done according to the longitudinal axis of the heat-sealing strip produced by the heating bars, and perpendicular to the axis of the tube.

1^ère étape :

thermoformage des barquettes alvéolées: le film thermoformable est approvisionné à plat en bobine et passe d'abord au poste de thermoformage pour former les alvéoles, grâce à un moule qui travaille, pas à pas, en discontinu, plaquette par plaquette. On obtient alors une bande continue horizontale d'alvéoles;

2^ème étape :

un système de dosage, en général volumétrique, permet de libérer simultanément par gravité autant de doses individuelles qu'il y a d'alvéoles sur une plaquette d'alvéoles ;

3^ème étape :

operculage des alvéoles: l'opercule est approvisionné à plat à partir d'une deuxième bobine de film: le film d'operculage est guidé par la machine pour venir se positionner en continu et de manière synchronisée au-dessus des barquettes alvéolées remplies de produit. Un équipement permet alors, à raison d'une plaquette d'alvéoles à la fois, de thermocoller l'opercule sur la plaquette et de séparer les plaquettes successives l'une de l'autre par un système de découpe approprié. Si l'on souhaite obtenir des alvéoles individualisées, on fait intervenir un système de couteaux adéquat. On obtient ainsi des alvéoles operculées - en plaquettes ou individualisées - étanches et pleines de produit.

For the packaging of powders or granules, in thermoformed tray cells, the procedure is generally as follows:

Step ^1:

thermoforming of blister trays: the thermoformable film is supplied flat on a reel and first passes to the thermoforming station to form the blisters, thanks to a mold which works, step by step, batchwise, wafer by wafer. A horizontal continuous strip of cells is then obtained;

2 ^nd step :

a dosing system, generally volumetric, makes it possible to release simultaneously by gravity as many individual doses as there are cells on a wafer of cells;

3 ^rd step :

sealing of the alveoli: the cover is supplied flat from a second reel of film: the lidding film is guided by the machine to come to position itself continuously and synchronously above the alveolate trays filled with product . Equipment then makes it possible, at the rate of one wafer of cells at a time, to heat-seal the seal on the wafer and to separate the successive wafers from one another by an appropriate cutting system. If one wishes to obtain individualized cells, an adequate knife system is used. We thus obtain sealed cells - in blisters or individualized - tight and full of product.

Another such packaging process - whereby volumes units of products to be packaged are pre-formed; in this case for their transfer to the conditioning unit - is described in FR-A-2 673 469.

In general, the equipment of the prior art does not allow not to implement, under acceptable conditions, the packaging of powders with low particle size or low density. Such powders, particularly volatile, always pollute the heat-bonding areas between packaging units (such as sachets or blister trays) and there is therefore a risk of leakage at their level. Furthermore, we cannot totally avoid, especially in the context of thermoformed trays, the loss powder between the dosing station and the one closing the receptacles of the powder (that of the lidding). This loss of powder is detrimental both to level of compliance with the nominal weights provided as well as the cleanliness of all equipment.

According to the prior art, techniques have also been proposed for packaging bulk products without prior preparation of unit volumes of said products. There have thus been described in applications WO-A-95 31239 and WO-A-97 18991 processes during which cells are directly filled with such products; said cells themselves serving for volumetric dosing and packaging of said products. The methods described do not involve a dosing frame within the meaning of the invention (see below) and are not suitable for packaging in flexible sachets.

With particular reference to this technical problem of packaging of powders with low particle size or low density, the Applicant has developed a new process and its associated device. Said method and device, as will readily be understood by those skilled in the art at the reading their description below, suitable for the packaging of such powders and generally (a fortiori) for the packaging (in bulk) of all types of products in the form of small individual elements: powders, granules, pellets, balls, screws, nuts ... They are suitable for packaging of products, implemented without environmental pollution by said products, in particular at the heat bonding areas between the different packaging units and advantageously, for the packaging of precise quantities of said products.

• le positionnement à l'horizontale, sous un bâti de dosage, au contact de la face inférieure dudit bâti de dosage, d'un élément constitutif de ladite unité de conditionnement de volume V, ledit élément étant apte à recevoir un volume W, inférieur ou égal à V, de produit ; ledit bâti de dosage présentant une face inférieure dont la géométrie est adaptée à la forme dudit élément constitutif de ladite unité de dosage et étant percé d'au moins un orifice disposé en regard dudit élément constitutif de ladite unité de conditionnement - avantageusement disposé de façon centrée au dessus dudit élément - de sorte que ledit élément délimite, provisoirement, avec les parois dudit orifice, une cavité, fermée à sa base par ledit élément ; ladite cavité présentant un volume supérieur ou égal, avantageusement égal au volume W de produit conditionné, au final, dans ladite unité de conditionnement ;
• le remplissage de ladite cavité, ainsi provisoirement constituée, avec un volume W dudit produit ;
• la séparation dudit bâti dudit élément constitutif de ladite unité de conditionnement, par un déplacement vertical relatif d'au moins l'un de ces deux moyens, pour le dépôt, dans ou sur ledit élément constitutif de ladite unité de conditionnement, dudit volume W de produit ;
• et, généralement, la constitution d'une unité fermée de conditionnement de volume V, remplie dudit volume W de produit, par solidarisation d'un élément complémentaire audit élément constitutif de ladite unité chargé dudit volume W de produit.

The process of the invention - process for the packaging of products, in the form of small individualized elements or even of a powder, in at least one generally closed unit for packaging volume V (said unit being able in particular to consist of a sachet or a thermoformed cell of the prior art) - includes:

• the horizontal positioning, under a metering frame, in contact with the underside of said metering frame, of a component of said volume conditioning unit V, said element being capable of receiving a volume W, lower or equal to V, of product; said metering frame having a lower face, the geometry of which is adapted to the shape of said constituent element of said metering unit and being pierced with at least one orifice disposed opposite said constituent element of said packaging unit - advantageously centrally disposed above said element - so that said element temporarily defines, with the walls of said orifice, a cavity, closed at its base by said element; said cavity having a volume greater than or equal, advantageously equal to the volume W of product packaged, in the end, in said packaging unit;
• filling said cavity, thus provisionally constituted, with a volume W of said product;
• the separation of said frame from said component of said packaging unit, by a relative vertical displacement of at least one of these two means, for depositing, in or on said component of said packaging unit, said volume W of product;
• and, generally, the constitution of a closed unit for conditioning volume V, filled with said volume W of product, by securing an element complementary to said component of said unit loaded with said volume W of product.

Typically, as part of said conditioning process of the invention, there is no need to prepare, in a prior step independent, the volumes of product to be packaged; we constitute directly said volumes on the receptacle (the constituent element of the packaging) of product. To this end, a dosing frame is used, pierced with at least one suitable orifice, in contact with said receptacle. In fact, each product receptacle temporarily constitutes, as part of the the invention, at each orifice of the frame, a cavity closed at its base by said receptacle. The cavity, thus provisionally constituted, can then be filled, totally or partially.

According to an advantageous variant of implementation of the method of the invention, provision is made for the provisionally formed cavities to have the volume W and then filled to the brim (completely) said volume cavities W, to undoubtedly condition said packaging unit in each packaging unit volume W of product. For the dimensioning of said cavities, it is possible to modify the thickness of the frame and the dimension of the orifice (s) (diameter, if it is a circular opening (s)).

It is however in no way excluded from the scope of the invention to involve a frame whose orifice (s) generate (s) one (or more) cavity (ies) of greater volume to the volume W of product to be packaged. In this hypothesis, care is taken not to partially fill said generated cavity (ies) with a volume higher than W. In any event, it is perfectly excluded to fill out a cavity with a volume of product greater than that maximum (V) that can contain the final closed packaging unit. We understand that for reasons implementation practices, the variant that the cavities generated have volume W is preferred. For security reasons, we plan to advantageously W <V.

In the context of the process of the invention, cavities are therefore generated. dosing and product transfer by cooperating a frame - said dosing frame can also be seen as a tool for transferring given quantities of products generated within it - and a building block of the unity of final conditioning. Said element constitutes the bottom of said cavity, the product receptacle.

Said metering frame constitutes the centerpiece of the process (and of the device) of the invention. Through it, we have directly on or in the component of the dosing unit, the desired quantity (volume W) of product to be packaged ...

Once the cavity of a given volume has been arranged - by cooperation between the dosing frame and a component of a dosing unit - so we fill it, totally or partially, depending on the context, of a volume W (W≤V) of product. Said volume W of product rests on the bottom of said cavity, on said element constituting the dosing unit. The dosing frame is then retracted by a vertical displacement of the latter and / or of the constituent element of the unit of packaging loaded with the volume W of product. Such vertical displacement limits any product entrainment in space. Said product remains, according to configurations which depend on its nature, in particular its particle size, on the constituent element of the dosing unit.

• on peut prévoir de travailler avec un bâti fixe et dans cette hypothèse , on abaisse l'élément constitutif chargé de son volume W de produit ;
• on peut prévoir de relever le bâti (par translation verticale de celui-ci) du dessus dudit élément constitutif chargé ;
• on peut enfin prévoir de déplacer, simultanément ou non, le bâti vers le haut et l'élément constitutif chargé vers le bas.

The separation of said frame from said component of said metering unit can be implemented according to three main variants:

• we can plan to work with a fixed frame and in this case, we lower the component loaded with its volume W of product;
• provision may be made to raise the frame (by vertical translation thereof) from above said loaded component;
• one can finally provide for moving, simultaneously or not, the frame upwards and the loaded component element downwards.

The dosing frame thus retracted, we are then with the element constituting the dosing unit (the constituent elements of the dosing units) loaded with the desired volume (s) of product.

It is then usually enough to involve the complementary part of each component of a packaging unit to generate the said volume conditioning unit V, closed, loaded with a volume W of product.

We present this step of closing the packaging units as optional only insofar as the method of the invention can quite be implemented in certain circumstances, especially for a temporary packaging only of products, without said closing step. In such circumstances, we analyze the packaging process of the invention rather as an original method of transferring given volumes of products, not pre-constituted. In any event, the said conditions were thus conditioned produced in given volumes. This aspect of the invention is important but we generally understands that said method of the invention is implemented for the packaging of products in closed packaging units, waterproof.

The general principle of the process of the invention has been presented above, based on on the intervention of a dosing frame, speaking of the packaging of products in at least one packaging unit. It is not excluded to put in operates said process of the invention with frames which have a single orifice and under which we position, advantageously we scroll, elements constituting packaging units, for delivery thereon or in their within predetermined volumes of product. However, the skilled person realizes already the advantage of being able to fill simultaneously N constituent elements N dosing units via a frame comprising the N orifices adequate. Thus, according to an advantageous variant, the method of the invention includes the horizontal positioning of a plate with N elements constitutive of N conditioning units of respective volume Vi, 1 ≤ i ≤ N, under a frame pierced with N orifices; each of said N orifices of said frame being disposed opposite one of the N constituent elements of the N conditioning units of said plate - advantageously, centered - and having the dimensions suitable for constituting with said facing element a volume cavity adequate; said N packaging units advantageously having the same volume V and said frame advantageously having N identical orifices.

The process of the invention is implemented here on the N scale; advantageously with identical packaging units and orifices of the identical frames; orifices, in any event, liable to generate cavities of the same volume for the packaging of volumes W of products in plates with N packaging units. Thus, it advantageously intervenes a frame of constant thickness (at least at its orifices) which has, distributed in its mass, identical orifices (advantageously holes circulars of the same section).

It is obviously not in any way excluded from the scope of the invention to make intervene a frame pierced with different orifices, or even identical orifices in parts which have a different thickness. We can indeed wish packaging different volumes of the same product or even different products in packaging units of the same plate.

It is noted here that the generic term plaque is to be interpreted broadly. It designates a set comprising N constituent elements of N dosing units able to generate a set of N dosing units.

The process of the invention, implemented with an adequate dosing frame, can in fact be on the N scale, at each of the orifices passing through said built.

We have seen, in general, that the provisionally constituted cavities, can be fulfilled, totally or partially. They may, in any state of cause, be fulfilled independently of each other. We plan to do this adequate means for distributing product in said cavities formed temporarily. Within the framework of an advantageous variant of implementation of the method of the invention, the filling of the cavity (ies) is carried out by gravity according to the following protocol: the product is delivered, more or less uniformly on the upper face of the dosing frame (no special attempt is made to target the or the cavities), in excess; the excess part of the said product being then evacuated, by leveling or by any other suitable process, from said face upper of said frame. Said excess part of said product thus removed from the upper surface of the frame is advantageously recycled, or recovered directly, in the supply and distribution device for said product. Such a leveling ensures perfect filling of the cavity or cavities provisionally constituted, provided, of course, that a quantity has been provided sufficient product on the upper side of the frame.

This filling mode - total filling of cavities temporarily made up - is particularly suitable for powders, granules, beads ... It allows the packaging of precise quantities of product without the prior independent preparation of said precise quantities of product.

We have already seen above that once the cavity (ies) is constituted and filled, it is advisable to separate the frame from the constituent element of said unit of packaging or, quite naturally, of the plate comprising the N elements of the N packaging units. We can still talk here, in terms generic, to designate this constituent element or the plate comprising N component, support element or receptacle of the volume (s) of product (s) to be packaged.

• par abaissement dudit élément support ou réceptacle, notamment dans le cadre d'un bâti fixe ;
  ou
• par relèvement dudit bâti, monté mobile selon l'axe vertical (cette variante est particulièrement préférée).

According to two preferred implementation variants, said frame is separated from said support element or from the receptacle now loaded with the volume (s) of product to be packaged (“glued to its underside”):

• by lowering said support or receptacle element, in particular within the framework of a fixed frame;
  or
• by raising said frame, mounted movable along the vertical axis (this variant is particularly preferred).

It is not excluded, as already indicated, to translate along the vertical axis, simultaneously or not, the two elements: frame, support element or receptacle.

It has already been indicated, and those skilled in the art will readily understand it, that the process of the invention is suitable for packaging different types of product. Assuming that such products have properties magnetic, we can further optimize the implementation of said method. Indeed, by judiciously placing permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, we can stabilize the product volume (s) as well as possible in the provisionally constituted cavity (ies), on the other hand, in or on the said support element (s) or receptacle (s) separate from the frame. We can wish for such stabilization to be implemented at one of these levels only, or at these two levels. Such stabilization may prove particularly appropriate at the level of the support element (s) or receptacle (s). We can indeed estimate that the product, inside the (of) cavity (ies), is almost self-stabilized. In any event, we generally prefer, when magnets are involved in the implementation of the conditioning of the invention, involve them both at the level of (the) provisionally constituted cavity (ies) and at the level of the element (s), support (s) or receptacle (s) loaded; the goal being to stabilize, "to immobilize", the volume (s) of product involved. This stabilization prevents said product to "pollute" the ambient atmosphere, and more particularly the areas provided for the implementation of a subsequent heat sealing, and guarantees compliance of the nominal weight of product transferred until, in particular, the watertight closure of the packaging unit. Said product obviously does not meet this magnetic stress only if it has magnetic properties. We do so advantageously intervene magnets during the implementation of the method of the invention for conditioning metallic elements such as screws, nuts, metal-based tacks, powders ...

Advantageously, the intervention of magnets capable of progress to follow the product which, as seen below, is generally conditioned on a chain with several positions: permanent magnets or electromagnets, of adapted geometry, generally assembled in a network on a chain transfer so that there is always one of said magnets centered on the (s) product receptacle (s). The transfer movement of the magnet chain is synchronized with the transfer movements of the said receptacle (s) when it (s) progress (s) from one workstation to another, until generally the heat sealing station included. The magnet chain is advantageously designed to turn on itself with return by a lower strand or by a bar of square motion transfer, the assembly being generally placed inside a protective box. Said box can advantageously be maintained in overpressure to prevent any penetration of product (powder type) within it. The advantageous permanent magnets are advantageously designed in a highly efficient and stable magnetic material over time, such as for example, samarium-cobalt (SmCo 17) or neodymium-iron-boron.

In some contexts, we may also wish for the presence, in each packaging unit, of a volume (W≤V) of product and a certain volume of liquid.

The intervention of such a liquid (or mixture of liquids) may prove necessary for the conservation of said product, for the development of its action ... Thus, can the process of the invention also comprise the addition of liquid (usually a few drops) on the product to be packaged and more precisely on the volume (s) W of product located in the cavity (ies) temporarily constituted (s) and / or located on the support element (s) or receptacle (s) (the said element (s) constituting said packaging unit (s) loaded with product (s), separate from the frame). We do not naturally exclude that such a liquid can intervene upstream of product packaging.

The addition of another product cannot also be totally excluded solid at any post ...

We understand better the spirit of the previous paragraphs if we indicate here that the process of the invention may be perfectly suitable for packaging a magnetic powder (iron-based), oxygen absorber, which develops its action towards oxygen as soon as it is brought into contact with a few drops of a liquid.

Said powder, packaged according to the invention, which should be stored in waiting for the development of its action, protected from oxygen (under inert gas or vacuum) is advantageously used in the food industry. His intervention allows longer storage of food, such as meats, salads or others, packaged in plastic bags. This context of use does not illustrate than one outlet among others of products that can be packaged according to the invention.

In general, with reference to the process of the invention, it is possible to add that it is advantageously implemented on a chain of multi-station packaging, the constituent element of the unit (s) progressing from one station to another, continuous or step by step. The stations of such a packaging line can in particular be arranged in line or according to a carousel.

• au positionnement, de l'élément constitutif de l'unité de conditionnement ou de la plaque à N éléments constitutifs de N unités de conditionnement, sous le bâti, au contact de la face inférieure de celui-ci ; et au remplissage de la(des) cavités constituée(s) ;
• à la constitution, après séparation du bâti, de l'unité de conditionnement ou des N unités de conditionnement de la plaque (généralement par thermocollage).

It is easy to see that said chain generally includes corresponding positions:

• positioning, the component of the packaging unit or the plate with N components of N packaging units, under the frame, in contact with the underside thereof; and filling the constituted cavity (ies);
• to the constitution, after separation of the frame, of the conditioning unit or of the N conditioning units of the plate (generally by heat-bonding).

We now propose to specify two variants of implementation of the method of the invention, the first for product packaging in sachets, the second for product packaging in alveoli thermoformed trays.

• The method of the invention is advantageously implemented on a product packaging line (in particular of a powder) in sachets, with a mobile dosing frame, having the shape of a straight parallelepiped. Said right parallelepiped is pierced with N holes, advantageously of section circular of the same area, capable of generating cylindrical cavities of a volume corresponding to the volume (W) of product to be packaged in a sachet.

A first sheet of sachet film intended to generate the sheets lower of said bags is positioned under the underside of said frame for be able to receive the product in the form of N heap. Advantageously, the frame and the sheet were arranged, almost in contact with each other, so that the N pile of product (of the same volume W, advantageously) are centered on each of the sachets. It can be specified here that said sheet of film with sachets has generally the appearance of a stamp sheet.

From said first sheet of sachet film comprising these N piles of product, separated from the frame, we build the N sachets, by fusing flat on said first sheet a second sheet of sachet film intended to generate the upper leaves of said sachets. A plate of sachets is thus obtained. In since this is worked out flat, we talked about the bottom sheet and top sheet, but said sachets may well be symmetrical and have completely identical walls. The plate of sachets thus obtained is then cut out at the fusing areas between the bags designed to obtain filled, leak-proof sachet plates (plates to 6, 12 sachets for example) or even to obtain sachets, filled, sealed, individualized ...

This variant implementation of the method of the invention is particularly original insofar as, according to the prior art, as indicated in the preamble to this text, we operate with pre-made sachets (closed at their base, open at their upper end), scrolling along an axis vertical. According to this technique of the prior art, it is also dropped into said sachets of pre-constituted quantities of product ...

• The method of the invention is advantageously implemented on a product packaging line in sealed cells, with a frame mobile dosing unit, having protuberances on its underside (said frame dosage does not have a constant thickness and the protrusions they present have a shape adapted to match that of the cells to be filled). The holes in the frame pass through said frame at the level of these protuberances, advantageously so centered.

A plate of empty, open cells (plate or tray, usually obtained by thermoforming) is positioned under said fixed frame, perfectly fitted into the underside of said fixed frame. Via the holes of said frame, each of the cells is supplied with the product to be packaged. Advantageously, the provisionally formed cavities are completely filled in order to fill more or less the cells of the plate.

The plate is then separated from the frame and each of its cells is thus filled, open. To close the said cells, a operculum. This is supported at the ribs, between each cell. The alveoli plate thus obtained is then cut at the level of the zones of heat-bonding (between the cells) to obtain filled cell plates, waterproof (platelets with 6, 12 cells for example) or even to obtain filled, sealed, individualized cells.

In the context of the above two variants, provision is also made for obtaining strings of sealed sachets or alveoli (in any event, provide, in general, for obtaining strings of conditioning) ; strings easily manipulated for later use said sachets or cells and in particular for the introduction of the latter, to the unit, in product packaging. We are thinking particularly of context mentioned above of the magnetic powder, oxygen absorber, introduce, conditioned according to the invention, in primary packaging of food products to protect.

It is specified here that the concept of platelets in fact includes that of rosaries mentioned above.

In the context of this context, for the packaging according to the invention of said powder, it is preferred to use the first of the above variants - packaging in sachets - insofar as such sachets can have an exchange surface ( via the lower film and the upper film) between the conditioned powder and the exterior much greater than that presented by sealed cells of the same volume. For a determined oxygen absorption effect, less powder is thus used in the sachet.

The two implementation variants of the method of the invention described above may include other steps, especially for intervention within sachets or alveoli, with a certain amount of liquid (s).

a) positionnement (accostage) d'une plaque d'alvéoles vides ou positionnement d'une feuille de film à sachets, sous un bâti de dosage de forme adéquate ;

b) acheminement du produit sur la face supérieure du bâti de dosage et remplissage avec celui-ci des N cavités de volume unitaire W délimitées par les trous percés dans le bâti et respectivement le fond des alvéoles ou le film à sachets ;

c) élimination de l'excédent de produit par arasage de la face supérieure du bâti (action d'un racleur fixe ou mobile) et recyclage dudit produit excédentaire ;

d) «escamotage» du bâti et transfert de la plaque d'alvéoles ou de la feuille de film à sachets ;

e) dosage éventuel de quelques gouttes d'ingrédient liquide dans chaque alvéole ou sur chaque tas de poudre ;

f) thermocollage de l'opercule sur la plaque d'alvéoles remplies ou de la feuille supérieure sur la feuille inférieure comportant les N tas de produit ;

g) découpe des plaques d'alvéoles ou de sachets.

These two alternative embodiments of the process of the invention can be specified as follows, in particular in the context of the packaging of a product in the form of a powder, granules or small beads:

a) positioning (docking) of an empty cell plate or positioning of a sheet of sachet film, under a metering frame of suitable shape;

b) conveying the product on the upper face of the metering frame and filling therewith N cavities of unit volume W delimited by the holes drilled in the frame and respectively the bottom of the cells or the film of bags;

c) elimination of the excess product by leveling off the upper face of the frame (action of a fixed or mobile scraper) and recycling of said excess product;

d) “retraction” of the frame and transfer of the plate of cells or of the sheet of film with sachets;

e) optional dosing of a few drops of liquid ingredient in each cell or on each pile of powder;

f) heat sealing of the cover on the plate of filled cells or of the upper sheet on the lower sheet comprising the N piles of product;

g) cutting of the plates of cells or of sachets.

It is specified here, for all practical purposes, that, in general, during the cutting of formed closed packaging units, in the form especially of plates or individually, we obviously take care to respect the tightness of said units. The cutting systems used carry out principle said cuts around the longitudinal axis of each strip of fusing, provided sufficiently wide.

We now propose to describe the invention in its device aspect. Said device typically comprises the dosing frame which has already understood that it constitutes the essential element, the centerpiece of the invention. More specifically, said device comprises a metering frame, pierced with at least a calibrated orifice (having the desired shape and dimensions; generally a circular section), having an upper face, generally planar, and a underside whose shape is adapted to match that of said element constituting said packaging unit or that of said plate comprising the N components of N packaging units; element or plate called to position itself in contact with said lower face.

• en un parallélépipède droit percé de N orifices calibrés ;
• en un parallélépipède droit dont la face inférieure présente des protubérances, avantageusement à fond plat ; N orifices calibrés étant agencés au niveau de ces protubérances.

Said metering frame can, it is easily understood, exist in various variants. With reference to the two variants of the process of the invention described in detail above - packaging in sachets and in alveoli - it advantageously consists respectively:

• in a right parallelepiped pierced with N calibrated orifices;
• in a straight parallelepiped whose underside has protuberances, advantageously with a flat bottom; N calibrated orifices being arranged at these protuberances.

With regard to the calibration of the orifice (s) of the dosing frame, we have advantageously, it is intended to generate cavities of a volume W corresponding to the volume W of product to be packaged.

• l'apport et le maintien de l'élément constitutif de l'unité de conditionnement ou de la plaque comportant N éléments constitutifs de N unités de conditionnement, sous le bâti de dosage, au contact de celui-ci ;
• la distribution du produit à conditionner au niveau de la face supérieure dudit bâti de dosage ;
• la séparation dudit bâti de dosage dudit élément constitutif ou de ladite plaque (réceptacle du produit) ;
• l'éventuelle fermeture du(des) réceptacle(s) chargé(s) ;

lesdits moyens étant avantageusement agencés aux différents postes d'une chaíne.The device of the invention, useful for implementing the method of the invention obviously includes, moreover, means for:

• providing and maintaining the component of the packaging unit or the plate comprising N components of N packaging units, under the metering frame, in contact with the latter;
• dispensing the product to be packaged at the upper face of said metering frame;
• separation of said dosing frame from said component or from said plate (product receptacle);
• the possible closure of the loaded receptacle (s);

said means being advantageously arranged at the various stations of a chain.

• constituer, en amont, l'élément constitutif de l'unité de conditionnement ou la plaque comportant N éléments constitutifs de N unités de conditionnement (par exemple, un poste de thermoformage de plaques à alvéoles) ;
• distribuer du liquide sur le produit en cours de conditionnement ;
• stabiliser ledit produit en cours de conditionnement : on a développé ci-dessus l'éventuelle intervention avantageuse d'aimants permanents et/ou d'électro-aimants ;
• découper la plaque des N unités de conditionnement en plaquettes voire individualiser lesdites N unités de conditionnement de ladite plaque.

Said device can also include other means for, for example:

• constitute, upstream, the constituent element of the packaging unit or the plate comprising N constituent elements of N conditioning units (for example, a thermoforming station for cell plates);
• distribute liquid on the product being packaged;
• stabilize said product during packaging: the possible advantageous intervention of permanent magnets and / or electromagnets has been developed above;
• cutting the plate of N packaging units into plates or even individualizing said N packaging units of said plate.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. The said means of the said device are advantageously arranged in positions of a chain of conditioning.

It is emphasized that said device of the invention includes advantageously a magnet system for stabilizing the product during conditioning ; product which obviously has properties magnetic. These magnets (permanent magnets or electromagnets) are advantageously mounted on a mobile chain, synchronized with the advance of the plate with the N components of N packaging units (in the context of a packaging chain where said plate progresses by post to another), at the rate of a magnet centered under each of said N elements constituting the N packaging units (of the sealed bag or alveolus type, for example).

From the above elements, the skilled person is able to design an adequate device for the implementation of a complete cycle of packaging according to the invention in particular on a chain with several stations.

The invention, in its process and device aspects, is illustrated on the attached figures.

• sur la figure 1 : une étape de mise en oeuvre du conditionnement, selon l'invention, d'une poudre, dans les alvéoles d'une plaque à alvéoles thermoformée ;
• sur la figure 2, la même étape de mise en oeuvre du conditionnement, selon l'invention, d'une poudre, sur une feuille de film à sachets ;
• sur la figure 3, un cycle complet de conditionnement d'une poudre, selon l'invention ; conditionnement d'une poudre magnétique dans des sachets.

We have shown:

• in FIG. 1: a step of implementing the packaging, according to the invention, of a powder, in the cells of a thermoformed cell plate;
• in FIG. 2, the same step of implementing the packaging, according to the invention, of a powder, on a sheet of film with sachets;
• in FIG. 3, a complete packaging cycle for a powder, according to the invention; packaging of a magnetic powder in sachets.

Said step of implementing the packaging of the invention, illustrated in said Figures 1 and 2, is that of filling the cavities temporarily consisting of the deposit on the receptacle of the volumes W of product to be packaged.

In said FIG. 1 (section), there is shown at 1 the metering frame under the underside of which has been accosted a plate 2 with thermoformed cells 3, 3 ′. Said plate 2 fits perfectly on said underside (with a clearance minimum necessary) which has adequate protuberances. Said plate 2 a was brought, for its docking to frame 1, on a suitable transfer system.

There are shown, in fact, two cells 3, 3 'of said plate 2. We aim, according to the method of the invention, to be packaged in said cells 3, 3 'of said plate 2 of the volumes W of a powder P.

A suitable device made it possible to convey said powder P to the part top of frame 1 in a sufficient quantity so that the cavities of volume W generated by the orifices 4, 4 'of the frame and the bottom of the cells 3, 3' can be filled with said powder P by gravity (at least to the brim and without any lack of powder inside said orifices).

A scraper device 5 eliminates, once the cavities are filled, the excess powder by leveling off the upper surface of the frame 1. Said excess powder is advantageously recycled to the supply system in powder.

We have diagrammed in 6 permanent magnets possibly present to stabilize the volumes W of powder P. Said magnets 6 are capable of stabilize said volumes W but in any event do not freeze them totally. Once the dosing frame 1 separated from the plate 2 in the cells 3.3 'from which the volumes W of powder P have been transferred, said volumes W crash ...

It is understood that according to Figure 1, said metering frame 1 is movable and that consequently said separation is implemented by raising said frame. Said plate 2, loaded, in its cells 3, 3 ′, with volumes W of powder P is located then free.

In Figure 2 (section), there is shown at 11, the metering frame speaker. Said frame is a straight parallelepiped. It is pierced with holes 14, 14 '. he suitable for depositing, on a sheet of film of sachets 12 of heaps of a powder P ', of volume W '. In 15 there are shown synchronized scrapers for leveling the upper surface of the frame 11. Said bag film sheet 12 evolves over a non-magnetic stainless steel sheet. We have indeed considered the context of conditioning of a magnetic powder P ', with the intervention of permanent magnets 16 arranged in a box 17. Said magnets 16 are assembled in a network on a chain of transfer to follow the volumes W 'of powder P', since their constitution (at filling station for provisionally formed cavities: filling station shown in Figure 2) until the bags are closed (at a later post of production of sachets filled with volumes W 'of powder P': item not shown in said FIG. 2: station C in FIG. 3).

Said filling station, represented in FIG. 2, can completely integrate into a high-speed production chain of powder sachets magnetic, as shown schematically in Figure 3.

en 12, la feuille de film à sachets (feuille inférieure) ;

en 17, le caisson renfermant les aimants permanents, plus précisément le réseau d'aimants permanents. Le mouvement de transfert de la chaíne d'aimants est évidemment synchronisé avec l'avance des sachets lorsqu'ils progressent d'un poste de travail aux suivants.

In said FIG. 3, we find:

at 12, the sheet of sachet film (lower sheet);

in 17, the box containing the permanent magnets, more precisely the network of permanent magnets. The transfer movement of the magnet chain is obviously synchronized with the advance of the bags when they progress from one workstation to the next.

en A : le poste de remplissage (et transfert) de la poudre P' (voir figure 2) ;

en B : un poste de dosage de liquide. Quelques gouttes de liquide sont ajoutés sur les tas 20 de poudre P' constitués ; tas 20 de volume W' ;

en C : le poste de thermocollage de la feuille supérieure de film à sachet 21 sur ladite feuille inférieure 12;

en D: le poste de découpe de la plaque 22 de sachets ainsi constituée en plaquettes.

In said FIG. 3, said successive workstations have been identified by capital letters. So, we find

in A: the filling station (and transfer) of the powder P '(see Figure 2);

in B: a liquid dosing station. A few drops of liquid are added to the piles 20 of powder P ′ constituted; heap 20 of volume W ';

in C: the heat-sealing station of the upper sheet of sachet film 21 on said lower sheet 12;

in D: the station for cutting the plate 22 of sachets thus formed into plates.

Downstream of said cutting station D, plates 23 of bags are obtained.

Those skilled in the art when considering these figures have no shortage of seize all the interest of the invention.

Claims (13)

Method for packaging products (P; P '), in the form of small individualized elements or even a powder, in at least one volume conditioning unit V, characterized in that it comprises: positioning horizontally, under a metering frame (1; 11), in contact with the underside of said metering frame (1; 11), of a component of said volume conditioning unit V, said element being able to receive a volume W, less than or equal to V, of product (P; P '); said metering frame (1; 11) having a lower face whose geometry is adapted to the shape of said component of said metering unit and being pierced with at least one orifice (4; 14) disposed opposite said component of said conditioning unit - advantageously arranged centrally above the bottom of said element - so that the bottom of said element temporarily defines, with the walls of said orifice (4; 14), a cavity, closed at its base by said element; said cavity having a volume greater than or equal, advantageously equal, to the volume W of product packaged, in the end, in said packaging unit; filling said cavity thus provisionally formed, with a volume W of said product (P; P '); the separation of said frame (1; 11) from said component of said packaging unit, by a relative vertical displacement of at least one of these two means, for depositing in or on said component of said packaging unit , of said volume W of product (P; P '); and, generally, the constitution of a closed unit for conditioning volume V, filled with said volume W of product, by securing an element complementary to said component of said unit loaded with said volume W of product. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises horizontal positioning of a plate (2; 12) comprising N elements constitutive of N conditioning units of respective volume Vi, 1 ≤ i ≤ N, under a frame (1; 11) pierced with N orifices (4; 14); each of said N orifices (4; 14) of said frame (1; 11) being disposed opposite one of the N elements constituting the N conditioning units of said plate (2; 12) - advantageously, so centered - and having the appropriate dimensions to constitute with said element opposite a cavity of adequate volume; said N packaging units advantageously having the same volume V and said frame (1; 11) having advantageously N identical orifices (4; 14). Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the filling of the provisionally constituted cavity (ies) is carried out by gravity: of the product (P; P ') being delivered in excess on the upper face of said frame (1; 11) and the excess part of said product being removed from said face superior. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is implemented with a fixed frame (1); said component of said conditioning unit or said plate (2; 12) comprising the N constituent elements of the N packaging units being lowered for its separation of said fixed frame (1); or in that it is implemented with a mobile frame (11), said movable frame (11) being raised for separation from said element constituting said packaging unit or said plate (2; 12) comprising the N components of the N packaging units. Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, for the packaging of products (P; P ') having magnetic properties, characterized in that it further comprises stabilization, by attraction magnetic, of said product (P; P ') in the cavity (ies) provisionally incorporated (s) and / or, advantageously and, in or on the said element (s) component (s) of said packaging unit (s) loaded with said product (P; P '), until, advantageously, the constitution of said (said) closed packaging unit (s). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises the addition of liquid to the product (P, P ') found in the provisionally constituted cavity (ies) and / or in or on the said element (s) constituting said packaging unit (s) loaded (s) with said product (P; P '). Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is implemented on a packaging line at several stations (A, B, C, D); said component of said unit (s) of progressing from one station to another, continuous or step by step. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is implemented, on a packaging line for a product (P '), in sachets; with a movable dosing frame (11), having the form a right parallelepiped; a first sheet (12) of film with sachets intended for generate the lower sheets of said sachets being positioned under the face lower of said frame (11) for receiving the product (P ') in the form of N heap; and in that said sachets are formed - flat - by fusing for a second sheet (21) of sachet film intended to generate the upper sheets of said sheets sachets on said first sheet (12); the plate (22) of sachets thus obtained then being cut out at the heat-sealing zones between the sachets to obtain bags of filled, leakproof sachets or said sachets, filled, waterproof, individualized. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is implemented, on a packaging line for a product (P), in sealed cells; with a mobile dosing frame (1), presenting on its underside of the protrusions - the orifices (4,4 ') passing through said frame (1) at level of these protuberances -; a plate (2) of empty cells (3.3 ′), open being perfectly fitted under said fixed frame (1) for filling said cells (3; 3 ') by said product (P); and in that said sealed cells, are formed by heat sealing a cover on the plate (2) of cells fulfilled; said plate (2) thus obtained is then cut at the level of heat-bonding zones between the cells to obtain blister cards filled, sealed or said filled, sealed, individualized cells. Device useful for implementing the method according to one any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a frame of dosage (1; 11), pierced with at least one calibrated orifice (4; 14), having one face generally planar upper and an adapted lower face to match that of said component of said packaging unit or that of said plate (2; 12) comprising N elements constituting N units of conditioning ; element or plate (2; 12) called to position itself in contact with said lower face. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said frame of metering (11) is a right parallelepiped pierced with N calibrated orifices (14; 14 '). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said frame of metering (1) is a straight parallelepiped, the underside of which has protuberances, advantageously with a flat bottom; N calibrated orifices (14; 14 ') being arranged at these protrusions. Device according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a magnet system (6; 16) for the product stabilization (P; P ') during packaging.

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