EP1851113B1 - Method and plant for packaging of filled flexible bags - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for packaging of flexible bags (1), filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, characterised in that a packaging box (7) is fitted on an introduction tube (12), essentially extending the whole height of said box (7), a flexible bag (1) is dispensed from a supply point for flexible bags (1) into said packaging box (7) through a funnel (10) and the introduction tube (12) which forms an extension and removing the packaging box (7), containing the flexible bag (1) for said introduction tube (12). The invention further relates to a plant for the packaging of flexible bags (1) filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, carrying out said method.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an installation for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid product or not, food or other, aseptic or not.

The present invention relates to the field of processes and installations for the packaging of flexible bags, liquid product, or semi-liquid, or other food or other.

Already known multiple products packaged in flexible pockets of variable capacity. They are provided with a bung designed to receive a shutter, usually in the form of a dispensing valve, intended to facilitate the discharge of said product.

These flexible bags are designed by superposition of at least two films of synthetic material, mono or multilayer depending on the product contained. After filling, they are packaged in containers, usually in the form of cardboard boxes, or even synthetic material. Precisely, the cartoning technique usually adopted consists of preforming packaging cartons that are suitable for the capacity of the flexible bags, then conveying them to the filling unit of said bags.

In particular, once these are filled and closed by a shutter, they are successively brought to a cartoning station or, by means of a conveyor, they are poured into a funnel under which has been arranged, previously, a preformed cardboard with suitable dimensions (see eg. WO 98/33708 ).

In this regard, this carton while being closed at its lower part, has, in its upper part, flaps of closure kept as far as possible open and away from the trajectory of the further, through the funnel itself.

It is understood that at its mouth communicating with a cardboard, the funnel must be defined of small section, to be certain of the insertion of a flexible pocket without addicted in this cardboard, while passing through the preserved opening at the level of the latter.

However, in the case of flexible bags of small volume, it increases the risk of their blocking in the funnel, the weight is not sufficient to force their passage through the latter, whose section is reduced.

Anyway, under the effect of its fall and in contact with the cardboard the flexible bag undergoes significant friction that can lead to local damage and therefore a risk of leakage.

Moreover, this risk is all the more important that to ensure the introduction, in a certain way, the flexible bag in the carton, it is poured vertically into the latter. Therefore, it can be considered that said flexible bag is handled with brutality, resulting in a significant number of defective packaging. To this is added the problem related to the risk of clinging to one of the walls of the carton of the closure, in this case the valve equipping, generally, the bung of the flexible bag, during this fall in position vertical. Depending on the case, not only this brakes the progression of the flexible bag and increases the risk of blockage, creates a risk of leakage, but, in addition, may have the effect of changing its positioning in the package.

The present invention aims to remedy all of the aforementioned drawbacks through a packaging process of flexible pouches and an installation for its implementation whose particularity lies in the fact that a flexible bag is introduced into a carton using not only a funnel, but also through a tube introduction extending the latter so as to extend substantially over the entire height of the carton. Thus, on almost the entire fall of the flexible bag, it is not in contact with the walls of the cardboard and is not likely to be injured.

Moreover this flexible pouch evolves along the walls of the funnel and the introduction tube whose surface can be treated so as to avoid any attachment or injury of this flexible pouch.

In addition, to be sure that at the time of engagement in the carton, the introduction tube easily penetrates into the latter, through the part ajar left by the closure flaps in the upper portion of the carton, said tube At its end opposite the funnel, the introduction chute may have a cross-section that is substantially smaller than that inside the carton, while maintaining, over a large part of its height and, in particular, at the junction with the funnel, a section adjusted to this section inside the carton, so as to offer the flexible bag a free passage as important as possible.

It is in the context of a second inventive step, that one imagined to take advantage of this facility of insertion of a flexible pocket in its packaging, thanks to the funnel and its tube of introduction, to ensure the packaging in a form for less stress said flexible pouch.

In particular, it has been thought to incline the cardboard so that the flexible bag is not simply dumped in free fall in the latter, but comes naturally insert by sliding.

This way of doing apart from the fact that it avoids damaging a flexible pouch, considerably reduces the risk of attachment of the plug and its shutter at the entrance to the carton.

As for the installation allowing the implementation it can be designed in a linear manner or in the form of a rotary station whose means which compose it, in particular, the means of taking care of a preformed carton, its commitment on the tube for introducing a funnel, its tilt in inclined position, its recovery and its evacuation, are controlled by cams, more particularly fixed or moving cams, concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotary station.

The invention provides a significant productivity gain, in the preferred embodiment in the form of a continuous rotating packing line, in comparison with traditional linear lines, or with respect to packing lines. sequential rotating.

The advantages which derive from the present invention essentially consist in that, not only is the packaging of the flexible paperboard bags easier, but, in addition, the risks of deterioration are lower, despite production rates that may be higher than in the past.

• on engage un carton d'emballage sur un tube d'introduction s'étendant sensiblement sur toute la hauteur dans ce carton d'emballage ;
• depuis un poste d'alimentation en poches souples, on déverse une telle poche souple dans ledit carton d'emballage au travers d'un entonnoir et du tube d'introduction qui en constitue le prolongement ;
• on retire le carton d'emballage, contenant la poche souple dudit tube d'introduction.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a process for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid product, food or other, aseptic or not, characterized in that:

• a packaging carton is engaged on an introduction tube extending substantially the full height in this packaging carton;
• from a flexible bag feeding station, such a flexible bag is poured into said carton through a funnel and the introduction tube which constitutes the extension thereof;
• the carton is removed containing the flexible bag of said introduction tube.

The invention also relates to an installation for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid product, food or other, aseptic or not, for the implementation of the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a unit wrapping machine comprising a flexible bag feed station, a preformed carton or carton blank feed station, a loading station and a finishing and / or evacuation station, characterized by the fact that at least at the loading station it comprises a designed introduction tube capable of being engaged substantially over the entire height in a carton of packaging and forming the extension of a funnel through which is designed to be discharged a flexible pouch in said carton.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description relating to exemplary embodiments given by way of indication and not limitation.

• la figure 1 représente, de manière schématisée, l'emballage d'une poche souple, partant d'une découpe de carton repliée de manière à former un carton d'emballage dans lequel est déversée une poche souple par l'intermédiaire d'un entonnoir prolongé d'un tube d'introduction, et autour duquel tube le carton peut être formé
• la figure 2 représente, de manière schématisée et en vue de côté, un poste de chargement de carton pour la réception de poches souples remplies dans une première position inférieure d'arrivée de carton ;
• la figure 3 représente, de manière analogue à la figure 2, le même ensemble, dans une position supérieure du carton ;
• la figure 4 représente, de manière analogue aux figures 2 et 3, le même poste dans la position basculée de recueil d'une poche souple remplie, et, de manière partielle, le poste d'alimentation de cette dernière ;
• la figure 5 représente, de manière schématisée partielle, en élévation et en section verticale, une installation avec une table rotative selon l'invention, représentée dans l'axe A-A du poste d'alimentation en poche souple remplie ;
• la figure 6 représente, de manière schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus, l'installation représentée à la figure 5.

The understanding of this description will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 schematically represents the packaging of a flexible bag, starting from a folded cardboard blank to form a packaging cardboard into which is poured a flexible bag through an extended funnel of an introduction tube, and around which tube the carton can be formed
• the figure 2 schematically and in a side view, a carton loading station for receiving filled flexible bags in a first lower cardboard delivery position;
• the figure 3 represents, in a similar way to figure 2 , the same set, in an upper position of the cardboard;
• the figure 4 represents, in a similar way to Figures 2 and 3 the same station in the tilted position of collecting a filled flexible bag, and partially, the supply station of the latter;
• the figure 5 shows schematically in partial elevation and in vertical section, an installation with a rotary table according to the invention, shown in the axis AA of the filled flexible bag feed station;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, the installation shown in FIG. figure 5 .

The present invention relates to a method and an installation for the packaging of flexible bags filled with liquid or non-liquid product, food or other, aseptic or not.

In a preferred embodiment, such an installation is continuously rotatable, with cam control means of the various operating devices. In another embodiment, the installation can be performed in linear form continuously.

In the usual manner, the flexible bags 1 intended to contain liquid or non-liquid products, in particular of the food or other type, consist of at least two films made of synthetic material or the like, of mono or multilayer type, superimposed and welded at the periphery of the to define a container.

At least one of the films is further pierced with an opening for receiving a bung 2, receiving a shutter type distribution valve or other.

A filling unit 3 is specially designed to ensure the filling of these pockets 1, also called outres, this, as the case may be, either through the plug 2 or an opening that is then closed by welding when this filling operation is complete.

Anyway, at the outlet of the filling unit 3, these flexible bags 1 are evacuated towards a packaging station 4. In this respect, if this packing station 4 can be of linear type according to a particular embodiment of the invention, it is in the form of a rotary table 5 with multiple positions 6 for the removal of the flexible bags 1 in cardboard packs 7 or the like.

According to a first embodiment, at this packaging unit 4, the packaging boxes 7 arrive preformed at a cardboard supply station 8 to then be brought to a loading station 9 under a funnel 10 for introducing a flexible bag 1.

Thus, during the next step, such a flexible pouch 1 is discharged by gravity, and on the fly, passing through the funnel 10, in said carton 7, kept ajar in its upper part 11.

This carton 7 is then conveyed to the next evacuation and / or finishing station, where it can be, as the case may be, directly evacuated, or undergo one or more finishing operations, for example pressing the well in the carton 7, closing of its upper part 11, equipment of a handle, marking, etc.

Advantageously, the flexible bag 1 is introduced into this packaging carton 7 via the funnel 10, but also an introduction tube 12 which extends in its lower part. This introduction tube 12 is designed capable of diving into this packaging carton 7, substantially over the entire height of the latter. This introduction tube 12 prevents the friction of the bag against the cardboard 7, and in particular against a connecting tab on which is generally closed such a cardboard 7 during its shaping.

Thus, passing from the cardboard supply station 8 to the loading station 9, it is subjected to an upward movement to be engaged on this introduction tube 12, knowing, of course, that it is still possible to move more early the latter and the funnel 10 associated with it to obtain the desired result.

The advantage of extending the funnel 10 by an introduction tube 12 is that during the fall of the flexible bag 1, it does not rub along the inner walls of the carton 7 and does not risk of being injured by the latter especially at the junction with the flaps which surmontent and which contribute to its closure in the upper part 11.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at this packaging unit 4, such a packaging carton 7 can be preformed around said insertion tube 12 constituting, substantially, a forming mandrel. Thus, as schematically represented in the figure 1 , at this packing unit 4 are carried flexible bags 1 from the filling unit 3, knowing that it is still fed with cardboard blanks 13.

As rightly represented schematically in this figure 1 , one of these cuts 13 is, first of all, folded around the forming mandrel defined by the introduction tube 12 so as to preform the packaging carton 7 which is ensured, moreover, the closure at its lower part.

Thus, the installation for carrying out the method according to this embodiment comprises, in this case, a feed station made of cardboard blanks 13 and a preforming station 14 at the output of which the packing box 7 accesses at the loading station 9 where, already being engaged on this introduction tube 12, it is presented under the supply station 8 in filled flexible bags 1.

It is understood that, without changing the spirit of the invention, it is possible both to engage the packaging carton 7 on the introduction tube 12, that to proceed to the reciprocal maneuver, that is to say say a commitment of the introduction tube 12 under the carton 7.

Such a flexible pouch 2 falls, again, by gravity into this packaging carton 7, guided by the introduction funnel 10 and said introduction tube 12.

At the level of a finishing station and / or evacuation 15, the packing box 7, by a descent movement relative to the funnel 10 is disengaged from the introduction tube 12 allowing its closure in the lower part.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, at the loading station 9, the carton 7 is presented in an inclined position to ensure the introduction of a filled flexible bag 1.

These flexible bags 1 are discharged from the filling unit 3 by a conveyor 16 which ensures their routing in the direction a flexible bag feeding station 17 at the packaging unit 4.

In a preferred embodiment as visible in the figure 5 this flexible bag feeding station 17 consists of at least one conveyor belt that can also be defined by the conveyor 16 which ensures the evacuation of these flexible bags at the outlet of the filling unit 3.

The speed of this conveyor 16 can be modulated and / or programmed. In this regard, the drive of this conveyor can be provided by means of a brushless type motor with electronic commutation.

According to another feature of the invention, the flexible bags 1 are communicated through said conveyor 16, a substantially parabolic trajectory which substantially constitutes the extension of the funnel 10 when a carton 7, engaged on the introduction tube 12 , is presented in tilted position.

As has already been explained above, this feature can be associated with a rotary machine as shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings as well as a linear machine.

Thus, at the flexible pouch supply station 17, each filled flexible pouch 1 is conveyed and released, through the conveyor 16, in an initial direction tangent to the profile of the latter in its downstream portion.

This pocket falls, under the effect of gravity, following a substantially parabolic trajectory into the entrance of the funnel 10.

In order to obtain an easy introduction of a filled flexible pouch, minimizing its deformation, the packing unit according to the invention is designed to present the funnel 10 in a direction inclined close to the tangent to the trajectory of the flexible bag 1 at the time of its release at the output of the conveyor 16.

This arrangement makes it possible to avoid the pivoting of the flexible pouch 1 when it is introduced into the carton 7. Furthermore, its fall is gentle and of limited height, while avoiding any shock of the plug and its shutter, in this case the distribution valve, against the wall of the funnel 10.

Such a deposit on the fly makes it possible to obtain a high rate while preserving the filled flexible pouch 1 during its packaging.

• ■ un poste d'alimentation 8 en carton 7 ou en découpe de carton 13 ;
• ■ éventuellement un poste de préformage 14 ;
• ■ un poste de chargement 9 pour la prise en charge du carton préformé 7 en vue, d'une part, de son engagement sur le tube d'introduction 12 correspondant à l'entonnoir 10 et, d'autre part, pour l'amener dans une position inclinée ;
• ■ un poste de finition et/ou d'évacuation 15, au niveau duquel les cartons d'emballage 7 sont dégagés du tube d'introduction 12 pour être évacués, selon le cas, avant ou après sa fermeture en partie supérieure ;

dans le cas d'une conception sous forme rotative, cette unité d'emballage 4 comporte une table rotative 5 pourvue de plusieurs stations 18 identiques réparties autour d'un même axe de rotation 19 et susceptible, de définir, tour à tour, le poste d'alimentation 8, le poste de chargement 9, et le poste de finition et/ou d'évacuation 17. Il convient d'ores et déjà de préciser qu'il s'agit là, d'une énumération des postes composant l'unité d'emballage 4 qui n'est nullement limitative.Thus, if, in general, a packaging unit 4, according to the invention comprises:

• A feeding station 8 made of cardboard 7 or cardboard cutter 13;
• ■ possibly a preforming station 14;
• ■ a loading station 9 for taking charge of the preformed carton 7 in order, on the one hand, of its engagement on the introduction tube 12 corresponding to the funnel 10 and, on the other hand, to bring it in an inclined position;
• ■ a finishing station and / or evacuation 15, at which the packaging cartons 7 are released from the introduction tube 12 to be evacuated, as the case may be, before or after its closure in the upper part;

in the case of a design in rotary form, this packaging unit 4 comprises a rotary table 5 provided with several identical stations 18 distributed around the same axis of rotation 19 and likely to define, in turn, the post 8, the loading station 9, and the finishing station and / or evacuation 17. It should already be clarified that this is an enumeration of the positions comprising the packaging unit 4 which is not limiting.

Nevertheless, each station 18 comprises, mounted on a support 20, mobile at least in inclination, or even vertically or in a vertical component movement, a funnel 10 that extends an introduction tube 12, as well as means 21 for handling, as the case may be, a preformed carton 7 or a cardboard blank 13. These means of taking care of 21 have the function of either simply taking a preformed carton to engage it on the introduction tube 12 and the subsequent release, or to ensure the folding of said cardboard blank 13 on said introduction tube 12 defining, in this case, a forming mandrel.

Note that in the case of a simple handling of preformed cardboard 7, as shown in the Figures 2 to 4 attached drawings, the support means 21 may be pneumatic suckers type to allow them to grab a cardboard, hold it and engage it on the introduction tube 12, then later to release it and ensure its evacuation.

Such a station 18 may also receive additional means for pressing the filled flexible bag 1, closing the carton after filling, or even means for equipping it with a handle, at the time of this closure.

The mobile support 20 furthermore includes tilting means 22 through which the cardboard 7, inserted on the insertion tube 12, can be presented in an inclined position, under the feed station 17 in a flexible bag 1.

Advantageously, the tilting means 22, as well as the support means 21, or the not shown means of finishing, are controlled by cams of the fixed and / or mobile cam type distributed concentrically around the axis 19. of the rotary table 5.

Of course, other embodiments are of course conceivable.

In this regard, if the mobile support 20 is equipped with tilting means 22, it can still be provided with control means in axial displacement of the funnel 10 and its introduction tube 12, this to give the latter a vertical or vertical component displacement which may contribute, as the case may be, to presenting the packaging carton 7 in the path of the flexible bag 1 and / or to its engagement and its disengagement from the introduction tube 12.

In order to reduce the risk of damage to the flexible bag 1 during its collection in the funnel 10, then in the carton 7, the inner surface of this funnel 10, just like that of the introduction tube 12, is advantageously treated so as to promote the sliding of the flexible bag 1 when falling.

Note that if said insertion tube 12 may, in the case where it constitutes a forming mandrel of the carton 7, be strictly adapted to the internal section of the latter, when these cartons 7 arrive preformed at the level of the unit d 4, this insertion tube 12 may be provided with a frustoconical section 24 in its lower end portion 23, intended to promote its engagement between the flaps 25 at the time of its engagement in the carton 7.

In sum, except in this lower end portion 23, the introduction tube 12 may have a section strictly adapted to the inner section of the packaging carton 7 so as to preserve, at its junction with the funnel 10 , a maximum section opening opening for the flexible bag 1.

To note again as visible in the Figures 2 to 5 , that the frustoconical section at the lower end portion 23 of the introduction tube 12 can be defined, substantially, by means of corner pieces 26 intended, again, to promote engagement in the carton 7.

According to the invention, the operation of the packaging unit 4 is subject to suitable management and control means allowing a perfect synchronism between the arrival of the flexible bags 1 through the feed station 17 and the provision stations 18 in front of each of the positions they have to define. Such management and control means also advantageously ensure the synchronization of the movements of the support means 21 of the preformed boxes 7 or of the cardboard blanks 13 with respect to the tilting means 22 and the different means of finishing represented.

In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the stations 18 relative to the feed station 17 is continuous.

The execution of a rotary table with continuous movement is a particularly economical solution, and provides a high speed of operation, at the same time as easy maintenance.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present invention satisfactorily addresses the disadvantages of the state of the art in the field.

Claims (21)

1. Method for packaging flexible bags (1) filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, wherein:

   - a package cardboard box (7) is inserted onto an insertion tube (12) extending substantially over the full height into this package cardboard box (7) ;

   - from a flexible-bag supply station (1) such a flexible bag (1) is dropped into said package cardboard box (7) through a funnel (10) and the insertion tube (12) forming the extension of the latter ;

   - the package cardboard box (7) containing the flexible bag (1) is removed from the insertion tube (12).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein during a first step and starting from a cardboard cut-out (13) the package cardboard box (7) is pre-shaped around the insertion tube (12) forming a shaping core.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for dropping a flexible bag (1) into a package cardboard box (7), the latter is presented in an inclined position.
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein during its dropping, the flexible bag (1) is subjected to a substantially parabolic path and the funnel (10) is presented by inclining the package cardboard box (7) in an inclined direction close to the tangent line to said path of the flexible bag (1).
5. Method according to claim 3, wherein the package cardboard box (7) is brought on the path of the flexible bag (1) through control means for the axial displacement of the funnel (10) and its insertion tube (12) according to a vertical movement.
6. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for controlling the displacement are used, as the case may be, for inserting or removing the package cardboard box (7) with respect to the insertion tube (12).
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dropping of the filled flexible bags (1) into the package cardboard box (7) occurs on-the-fly.
8. Method according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the package cardboard boxes (7) are subjected to a continuous rotary motion.
9. Plant for packaging flexible bags (1) filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, for the implementation of the method according to any of the preceding claims, including a packaging unit (4) comprising a flexible-bag supply station (17), a station (8) for supplying preformed package cardboard boxes (7) or cardboard cut-outs (13), a loading station (9) and a finishing and/or evacuation station (15), wherein the plant includes, at least at the level of the loading station (9), an insertion tube (12) designed capable of being inserted substantially over the full height into a package cardboard box (7) and forming the extension of a funnel (10) through which a flexible bag (1) is designed capable of being dropped into said package cardboard box (7).
10. Plant according to claim 9, wherein the plant includes means (21) for receiving a cardboard box (7) with a view to inserting it onto the insertion tube (12) and subsequently removing it from the latter.
11. Plant according to claim 10, wherein the receiving means (21) are designed capable of ensuring the reception of a cardboard cut-out (13) at the level of a supply station (8) and permitting its folding on the insertion tube (12) forming a shaping core.
12. Plant according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein it includes a support (20) movable at least in inclination, thanks to tilting means (22) and on which is mounted the funnel (10) extended by an insertion tube (12) in order to present a package cardboard box (7) in an inclined position.
13. Plant according to any of the claims 9 through 12, wherein it includes means for controlling the axial displacement of the funnel (10) and the insertion tube (12).
14. Plant according to any of claims 9 through 13, wherein the plant is designed in the form of a rotary table (5) provided with several identical stations (18) distributed around one and the same axis of rotation (19) and capable of defining, successively, the supply station (8), the loading station (9) and the finishing and/or evacuation station (15), each station (18) including, on the one hand, a support provided with tilting means (22) and on which is mounted a funnel (10) extended by an insertion tube (12) and, on the other hand, means (21) for receiving, as the case may be, a pre-shaped cardboard box (7) or a cardboard box cut-out (13).
15. Plant according to claim 14, wherein said station (18) is designed capable of being provided with means for controlling the axial displacement of the funnel (10) and the insertion tube (12) according to a vertical displacement or a displacement with a vertical component.
16. Plant according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a station (18) also includes additional means for closing the cardboard box after filling and/or means for providing said cardboard box (7) with a seizing handle at the time of the closing.
17. Plant according to any of claims 9 through 12, wherein the plant is of the linear type.
18. Plant according to any of claims 9 through 17, wherein the station for supplying flexible bags (1) is formed by a conveyor belt (16) capable of ensuring the conveying and the evacuation of a flexible bag (1) by imparting to same a path to which the funnel (10) is substantially tangent and onto the insertion tube (12) of which is inserted a package cardboard box (7) presented in an inclined position.
19. Plant according to any of claims 14 through 16, wherein the tilting means (22), as well as the receiving means (21), even the finishing means, are controlled by cams, such as fixed and/or movable cams, distributed concentrically around the axis (19) of the rotary table (5).
20. Plant according to one of the claims 14, 15, 16, 18 or 19, wherein the rotation of said rotary table (5) is continuous.
21. Plant according to any of claims 14 through 20, wherein the inner surface of the funnel (10) and/or of the insertion tube (12) is treated in order to enhance the sliding of the flexible bag (1) during its fall.

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