EP2167386B1 - Apparatus for fixing an end of a strip of wrapping material in a product wrapping machine - Google Patents
Apparatus for fixing an end of a strip of wrapping material in a product wrapping machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2167386B1 EP2167386B1 EP07790117A EP07790117A EP2167386B1 EP 2167386 B1 EP2167386 B1 EP 2167386B1 EP 07790117 A EP07790117 A EP 07790117A EP 07790117 A EP07790117 A EP 07790117A EP 2167386 B1 EP2167386 B1 EP 2167386B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- wrapping
- elongated element
- strip
- wrapper
- operating unit
- Prior art date
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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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
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/02—Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
- B65B11/025—Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders by webs revolving around stationary articles
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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
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/04—Applying separate sealing or securing members, e.g. clips
- B65B51/06—Applying adhesive tape
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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
- B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
- B65B2210/14—Details of wrapping machines with web dispensers for application of a continuous web in layers onto the articles
- B65B2210/18—Details of wrapping machines with web dispensers for application of a continuous web in layers onto the articles the web dispenser being mounted on a rotary ring
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the sector for automated wrapping of products in wich wrapping machines form around the products containment and protective wrappers by wrapping achieved by repeatedly wrapping a continuous strip of wrapping material around them.
- the invention relates to an apparatus for fixing an end of the strip of wrapping material to the wrapper, at the end of the wrapping and by adhesion.
- the main aims of the invention are therefore to provide a simplification of the fixing process; to provide a simplification of the apparatuses used to carry out said process; and to provide shorter operating cycles, at least as regards the fixing operations. All of this to allow savings relative to the process; savings relative to construction of the apparatuses; and to increase their level of reliability compared with prior art apparatuses, considering the possibility that such machines and apparatuses may be used in packaging lines with a high operating rate and/or continuous cycle, that is to say, under heavy duty operating conditions.
- the numeral 2 denotes as a whole a conventional wrapping machine for packaging products 3 - arranged, for example, in the form of a vertical stack - in a wrapper 4.
- the wrapper 4 is formed by the machine 2 directly on the products 3 by gradually and repeatedly wrapping the products 3 with a continuous strip 5 of wrapping material, consisting for example of a long film of plastic material, which can stretch elastically.
- the wrapping machine 2 has [ Figure 2 ] a vertical frame 37 and a horizontal annular structure 8 which: is inside the fame 37; and can move in a guide longitudinally relative to the vertical part of the frame 37.
- the annular structure 8 supports means 35 for dispensing the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material, said means being movable on the annular structure 8 and powered in such a way that they describe a corresponding circular trajectory.
- the products 3 to be wrapped, resting on a horizontal platform, or on an equivalent roller table, are positioned inside the frame 37, substantially centred relative to the latter, that is to say in a substantially central position relative to the annular structure 8.
- the annular structure 8 supports an apparatus, labelled 1 as a whole, for fixing to the wrapper 4, at the end of wrapping, and using methods described below, one end 6 [ Figure 4 ] of the strip 5 of wrapping material, so as to definitively close the wrapper 4 on the product 3 at the end of wrapping.
- the apparatus 1 which is the specific subject matter of the present invention, basically comprises: a first elongated element, labelled 7 as a whole; an operating unit labelled 9; (and as is better illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 ) operating unit 9 presser means and movement means, respectively labelled 12 and 13 as a whole; and a gripper, labelled 32 as a whole.
- the first elongated element 7 is supported in such a way that it projects cantilever-style from the annular structure 8 of the machine 2 by structural elements not illustrated for the sake of greater clarity. It has the shape of a parallelepiped with a polygonal outline, quadrangular, and a hollow tubular structure.
- said first elongated element 7 preferably consists of two separate component parts 16 and 17, mounted coaxially and one guided on the other. Said parts 16 and 17 can move axially relative to one another, so that the first elongated element 7 is rendered telescopic by activating suitable actuators not shown in the drawings, for example housed in the tubular cavity.
- the first elongated element 7 has a first end 36 hinged to a fixed part of the annular structure 8 of the machine 1, and a second, opposite end 38 free to project cantilever-style from the annular structure 8.
- the hinged end 36 has an arm 39.
- the first elongated element 7 in one of said limit positions is in the non-operating condition, lying horizontal and substantially inside the vertical space occupied by the annular structure 8.
- the first elongated element 7 in the other position, is angled in such a way that it is vertical, protecting downwards cantilever-style and being located in the space in a substantially intermediate position between the products 3 and the means 35 for dispensing the strip 5 of wrapping material, the latter means in turn being supported by the annular structure 8 close to its perimeter, as shown for example in Figures 3 and 4 .
- a second elongated element 27, also having the structure of a tubular parallelepiped, has a first end 40 hinged to the annular structure 8 and supports the operating unit 9 at its second free end 42.
- the second element 27 also has an arm 41 1 for the connection of an actuator element not illustrated in the drawings. Activation of the arm 41 allows the second elongated element 27 to rotate about its hinge point and extend at an angle and parallel with the first elongated element 7 between limit positions, substantially corresponding to those of the first elongated element 7.
- Figure 1 shows how in its non-operating condition, the second elongated element 27 is angled horizontally and lies in a vertical plane, substantially parallel with a corresponding plane containing the first elongated element 7. Then, the second elongated element 27 with a 90° rotation [ Figure 7 ] is brought into the operating condition so that its operating unit 9 can be placed against a flat face 15 of the first elongated element 7.
- the operating unit 9 supported by the second elongated element 27 comprises in particular [ Figures 11 , 12 and 13 ]: a flange 43, supporting a pin 44 which supports a reel 10 of adhesive tape in such a way that it projects cantilever-style.
- the operating unit 9 also has a supporting surface 18 with which vacuum means 19 are associated, the latter including a vacuum chamber 20 behind the surface 18 and communicating with the surrounding outside environment via through-holes 21, which pass through the surface 18.
- the operating unit 9 also includes a pair of rollers 22 which rotate freely about their axis of rotation, respectively positioned parallel with one another at two opposite sides of the supporting surface 18.
- the operating unit 9 also includes second cutting means 23 comprising a blade 24 supported adjacent to the supporting surface 18, which can move on command, transversally to the surface 18 between a non-operating position, back from the surface 18 and retracted in the unit 9, and an operating position, forward relative to the surface 18.
- the blade 24 can advantageously be activated by means of a single-acting linear actuator, whose normal state keeps the blade 24 in the back position and whose activated state vice versa causes the blade 24 to come out beyond the surface 18.
- the end stretch 11 is therefore held by the operating unit 9 flat opposite the face 15 of the first elongated element 7 when the unit 9 is in the operating condition shown in Figures 6 and 7 .
- the flange 43 of the operating unit 9 is mounted on a first linear guide 25, straight and substantially at a right angle to the face 15 of the first elongated element 7. Said connection of the flange 43 and the guide 25 allows the operating unit 9 to move relative to the first elongated element 7 so that it is drawn near to or moves away from it, when suitable actuator means 45 [clearly shown in Figure 10 ] are activated.
- suitable actuator means 45 [clearly shown in Figure 10 ] are activated.
- the flange 43, the guide 25 and the relative actuator means 45 therefore form a kind of example and more specific embodiment of the pressure means 12 already defined in more general terms.
- the accompanying drawings also show how the second elongated element 27 also comprises two separate component parts 46 and 47, having a polygonal outline, which are coaxially connected, one guided on the other, so as to also render the second element 27 telescopic upon activation of an actuator, not visible in the drawings, for example housed in the second elongated element 27 itself.
- Said embodiment of the second element 27 in practice forms a second guide 26 which provides a solid and specific example embodiment of movement means 13 designed to allow the operating unit 9 to move relative to the first elongated element 7, longitudinally and parallel with its face 15.
- Figure 5 also shows means 14 for compacting the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies by forcing the longitudinal edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5 towards one another.
- Said means 14 are preferably associated with the means 35 for dispensing the strip 5 of wrapping material and comprise: a pair of adjacent rollers 28 transversal to the opposite longitudinal edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5; a pair of female screws 29, each supporting a roller 28; and a powered shaft 30 with threads in opposite directions, on which the female screws 29 engage.
- Rotation of the shaft 30 therefore causes movements in opposite directions of the two female screws 29 which, when moved towards one another, cause the rollers 28 to push against the edges 49 and 50 of the strip 5 with a corresponding reduction in their distance from one another and consequently compacting the strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies.
- the apparatus 1 has a strip 5 gripper, labelled 32 as a whole, in particular comprising two flat jaws 32a and 32b parallel and opposite one another and able to move relative to one another thanks to a linear guide 63.
- the gripper 5 also has cutting means, labelled 34 as a whole.
- Figures 11 , 12 and 13 show in particular that the cutting means 34 comprise a blade 57 supported by a plate 58 mounted in such a way that it can move guided on two parallel rods 59 fixed to one of the jaws 32a.
- Two springs 60 mounted coaxially on the rods 59, interact on one side with the jaw 32a and on the other with the plate 58, pushing the blade into a position away from the jaw 32a.
- a linear actuator 61 connected to the plate 58, when activated allows the blade 57 to be pushed against the reaction of the springs 60, making it move first towards the jaw 32a and then come out of the jaws 32a and 32b through a pair of slots 62a and 62b correspondingly made in them in a position in front of the blade 57.
- Figure 7 and the diagram in Figure 8 show how the apparatus 1 may also comprise a roller 51, movable and powered.
- the roller 51 is housed in a spatial angle 55 delimited on one side by the wrapper 4 and on the other side by the end 6 of the strip 5 and having a vertex 56 substantially associated with the first elongated element 7.
- the roller 51 as described in detail below, may be moved in such a way that it is positioned parallel with the elongated elements 7 and 27 and in a suitable position relative to the trajectory of extension of the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material extending from the dispenser means 35 in such a way as to promote optimum and secure strip 5 gripping by the gripper 32.
- the first elongated element 7 is issued a command to move to a position parallel with the axis 3a [ Figure 2 ] and is also axially extended by a length selected according to the features of the wrapping to be produced [ Figure 3 ].
- the further continuation of the wrapping means that the first elongated element 7 is wrapped together with the product 3 by a predetermined number of coils.
- Figure 6 shows how the parts 16 and 17 of the first elongated element 7 slide out axially relative to one another and the second elongated element 27 is rotated 90° and moved in front of the first elongated element 7.
- Figure 7 shows how the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material, for the end part wrapping the first elongated element 7, is located in an intermediate position between the two elongated elements 7 and 27.
- Figure 9 shows how afterwards the second elongated element 27 is also slid out, therefore having its component parts 46 and 47 positioned one after the other.
- the operating unit 9 is still positioned in such a way that is distant from the first elongated element 7 and holds against the face 15 of the first elongated element 7 the stretch 11 of adhesive tape, which the rollers 22 and the surface 18 extend under and which is held in a stable position in front of them by the vacuum through the holes 21 in the surface 18.
- the unit 9 [ Figure 10 ] is then moved forward along the first guide 25, moving towards the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material, until it makes contact with the face 15 of the first elongated element 7. Said forward movement brings the operating unit 9 into the conditions in Figure 11 , where an initial part of the initial stretch of adhesive tape is made to adhere to the wrapper 4.
- a subsequent command issued to the second elongated element 27 causes the part 47 to move relative to the part 46 of the second elongated element 27 whilst the operating unit 9 continues to unwind the stretch 11 of adhesive tape from the reel 10 and stretch it bridge-style on the end 6 of the continuous strip 5 of wrapping material.
- the gripper 32 While said movement is performed, the gripper 32, connected to the flange 43, goes around the end 6, on three sides, with its open jaws 32a, 32b, as illustrated in Figure 11 .
- the gripper 32 clamps the jaws 32a and 32b on the end 6; then the blade 57 of the relative cutting means 34 is issued the command to move forward through the slots 32a and 32b, so as to cut the strip 5 of wrapping material, of which, as shown in Figure 13 , a part closest to the reel 53 of film remains held by the gripper 32, and the part furthest from it remains fixed to the wrapper 4 by the stretch 11 of adhesive tape meanwhile still connected to its dispenser reel 10.
- strip 5 compacting before fixing it to the wrapper 4 with the stretch 11 of adhesive tape offers the additional advantage of limiting the maximum axial travel of the component parts 46 and 47 of the second elongated element 27, allowing great simplification, in terms of construction, of the embodiment of the movement means 13. Also, by generally reducing the operating strokes of the moving parts of the apparatus 1, it speeds up the relative wrapping cycles.
- Figure 8 shows how for some product 3 dimensions and due to a purely geometrical problem there may be cases in which the end 6 of the strip 5 of wrapping material is too close to the final coils of the wrapper 4 which precede it.
- the gripper 32 may not be able to position its jaws 32a and 32b solely around the end 6, since it may also interfere with the coils of the wrapper 4.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Packaging Of Special Articles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to the sector for automated wrapping of products in wich wrapping machines form around the products containment and protective wrappers by wrapping achieved by repeatedly wrapping a continuous strip of wrapping material around them. The invention relates to an apparatus for fixing an end of the strip of wrapping material to the wrapper, at the end of the wrapping and by adhesion.
- There are prior art apparatuses for the wrapping technique referred to above, which fix the end of the strip of wrapping material by means of a succession of steps involving:
- forming a special pocket in the wrapper, exploiting the elasticity of the film material and with the aid of certain mechanical elements which intervene during wrapping;
- inserting the end of the strip of wrapping material in the pocket and releasing it there; and
- releasing of the wrapping web by the mechanical elements, so that, due to the elastic return of the material of which the strip is made, the pocket closes on itself, gripping the end of the wrapping web which is therefore definitively fixed to the wrapper. A description of such a known technique may be found for example in document
RN2006A000066 US 2006/0272286 discloses an adhesive Tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper. This machine comprises an adhesive tape applying mechanism, which applies adhesive tape when it is pressed against and displaced relative to an object. - The prior art described above has provide fully satisfactory practical results.
- However, it is susceptible of further improvements at least as regards: reduction of the complexity of the fixing process; reduction of the complexity of the apparatuses which carry it out; and the general reduction of the operating cycle times.
- The main aims of the invention are therefore to provide a simplification of the fixing process; to provide a simplification of the apparatuses used to carry out said process; and to provide shorter operating cycles, at least as regards the fixing operations. All of this to allow savings relative to the process; savings relative to construction of the apparatuses; and to increase their level of reliability compared with prior art apparatuses, considering the possibility that such machines and apparatuses may be used in packaging lines with a high operating rate and/or continuous cycle, that is to say, under heavy duty operating conditions.
- The invention, in accordance with the above aims, has technical features which are clear from the content of the claims herein, in
particular claim 1, and from any of the claims directly or indirectly dependent onclaim 1. - The advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a diagram of a wrapping machine equipped with an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, shown in a non-operating condition; -
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a wrapping machine equipped with the apparatus in accordance with the invention, shown in a first step of transition to an operating condition; -
Figure 3 is a view of the machine in which the apparatus is extending closer to the operating condition; -
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the apparatus corresponding to that ofFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a partial view of the machine ofFigure 1 , with some parts cut away to better illustrate some functional aspects; -
Figure 6 is a view of the machine in which the apparatus is in the operating condition; -
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the machine corresponding to that ofFigure 6 ; -
Figure 8 is a diagram of the operating principle of a particular component part of the apparatus; -
Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the machine ofFigure 1 , showing the apparatus in a step characteristic of its operating condition; -
Figure 10 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the machine ofFigure 9 , seen from a different viewpoint and illustrated in its operating condition; -
Figure 11 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention; -
Figure 12 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, seen from a different viewpoint to that ofFigure 11 ; -
Figure 13 is a detailed enlarged perspective view of a part of the apparatus in accordance with the invention, during a significant operating step; -
Figure 14 is a perspective view corresponding to that ofFigure 13 , showing an apparatus operating condition which comes after that ofFigure 13 . - With reference to
Figure 1 in the accompanying drawings, the numeral 2 denotes as a whole a conventional wrapping machine for packaging products 3 - arranged, for example, in the form of a vertical stack - in awrapper 4. Thewrapper 4 is formed by the machine 2 directly on the products 3 by gradually and repeatedly wrapping the products 3 with acontinuous strip 5 of wrapping material, consisting for example of a long film of plastic material, which can stretch elastically. - More specifically, the wrapping machine 2 has [
Figure 2 ] avertical frame 37 and a horizontalannular structure 8 which: is inside thefame 37; and can move in a guide longitudinally relative to the vertical part of theframe 37. Theannular structure 8 supports means 35 for dispensing thecontinuous strip 5 of wrapping material, said means being movable on theannular structure 8 and powered in such a way that they describe a corresponding circular trajectory. - The products 3 to be wrapped, resting on a horizontal platform, or on an equivalent roller table, are positioned inside the
frame 37, substantially centred relative to the latter, that is to say in a substantially central position relative to theannular structure 8. -
Strip 5 dispensing by the dispenser means 35 during their circular movement and the simultaneous movement of theannular structure 8, suitably composed and co-ordinated so that they are kinematically synchronised, cause repeated wrapping operations with thestrip 5 of wrapping material, one after another, consequently forming awrapper 4 on the products 3 by wrapping [Figure 4 ]. - Returning to
Figures 1 and2 , it may be seen that theannular structure 8 supports an apparatus, labelled 1 as a whole, for fixing to thewrapper 4, at the end of wrapping, and using methods described below, one end 6 [Figure 4 ] of thestrip 5 of wrapping material, so as to definitively close thewrapper 4 on the product 3 at the end of wrapping. - The
apparatus 1, which is the specific subject matter of the present invention, basically comprises: a first elongated element, labelled 7 as a whole; an operating unit labelled 9; (and as is better illustrated inFigures 10 and11 )operating unit 9 presser means and movement means, respectively labelled 12 and 13 as a whole; and a gripper, labelled 32 as a whole. - The first
elongated element 7 is supported in such a way that it projects cantilever-style from theannular structure 8 of the machine 2 by structural elements not illustrated for the sake of greater clarity. It has the shape of a parallelepiped with a polygonal outline, quadrangular, and a hollow tubular structure. - In particular, said first
elongated element 7 preferably consists of twoseparate component parts parts elongated element 7 is rendered telescopic by activating suitable actuators not shown in the drawings, for example housed in the tubular cavity. - The first
elongated element 7 has afirst end 36 hinged to a fixed part of theannular structure 8 of themachine 1, and a second,opposite end 38 free to project cantilever-style from theannular structure 8. Thehinged end 36 has anarm 39. Actuator means not illustrated, suitably connected to thearm 39 and acting on it, allow thefirst element 7 to be angled by rotating it about the hinge axis between two limit positions, separated by an angle of approximately 90° and clearly visible by comparingFigures 1 and2 . - More specifically, in one of said limit positions the first
elongated element 7 is in the non-operating condition, lying horizontal and substantially inside the vertical space occupied by theannular structure 8. In contrast, in the other position, the firstelongated element 7 is angled in such a way that it is vertical, protecting downwards cantilever-style and being located in the space in a substantially intermediate position between the products 3 and themeans 35 for dispensing thestrip 5 of wrapping material, the latter means in turn being supported by theannular structure 8 close to its perimeter, as shown for example inFigures 3 and4 . - A second
elongated element 27, also having the structure of a tubular parallelepiped, has afirst end 40 hinged to theannular structure 8 and supports theoperating unit 9 at its secondfree end 42. Thesecond element 27 also has anarm 41 1 for the connection of an actuator element not illustrated in the drawings. Activation of thearm 41 allows the secondelongated element 27 to rotate about its hinge point and extend at an angle and parallel with the firstelongated element 7 between limit positions, substantially corresponding to those of the firstelongated element 7. -
Figure 1 shows how in its non-operating condition, the secondelongated element 27 is angled horizontally and lies in a vertical plane, substantially parallel with a corresponding plane containing the firstelongated element 7. Then, the secondelongated element 27 with a 90° rotation [Figure 7 ] is brought into the operating condition so that itsoperating unit 9 can be placed against aflat face 15 of the firstelongated element 7. - The
operating unit 9 supported by the secondelongated element 27 comprises in particular [Figures 11 ,12 and13 ]: aflange 43, supporting apin 44 which supports areel 10 of adhesive tape in such a way that it projects cantilever-style. Theoperating unit 9 also has a supportingsurface 18 with which vacuum means 19 are associated, the latter including avacuum chamber 20 behind thesurface 18 and communicating with the surrounding outside environment via through-holes 21, which pass through thesurface 18. - The
operating unit 9 also includes a pair ofrollers 22 which rotate freely about their axis of rotation, respectively positioned parallel with one another at two opposite sides of the supportingsurface 18. - The
operating unit 9 also includes second cutting means 23 comprising ablade 24 supported adjacent to the supportingsurface 18, which can move on command, transversally to thesurface 18 between a non-operating position, back from thesurface 18 and retracted in theunit 9, and an operating position, forward relative to thesurface 18. Theblade 24 can advantageously be activated by means of a single-acting linear actuator, whose normal state keeps theblade 24 in the back position and whose activated state vice versa causes theblade 24 to come out beyond thesurface 18. - An end stretch 11 of adhesive tape from the
reel 10, after being unwound from thereel 10, goes around therollers 22 being positioned at a tangent to them and at a tangent to thesurface 18 between them. Theend stretch 11 is therefore held by theoperating unit 9 flat opposite theface 15 of the firstelongated element 7 when theunit 9 is in the operating condition shown inFigures 6 and7 . - The
flange 43 of theoperating unit 9 is mounted on a firstlinear guide 25, straight and substantially at a right angle to theface 15 of the firstelongated element 7. Said connection of theflange 43 and theguide 25 allows theoperating unit 9 to move relative to the firstelongated element 7 so that it is drawn near to or moves away from it, when suitable actuator means 45 [clearly shown inFigure 10 ] are activated. Theflange 43, theguide 25 and the relative actuator means 45 therefore form a kind of example and more specific embodiment of the pressure means 12 already defined in more general terms. - The accompanying drawings also show how the second
elongated element 27 also comprises twoseparate component parts second element 27 telescopic upon activation of an actuator, not visible in the drawings, for example housed in the secondelongated element 27 itself. Said embodiment of thesecond element 27 in practice forms asecond guide 26 which provides a solid and specific example embodiment of movement means 13 designed to allow theoperating unit 9 to move relative to the firstelongated element 7, longitudinally and parallel with itsface 15. -
Figure 5 also shows means 14 for compacting thecontinuous strip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies by forcing thelongitudinal edges strip 5 towards one another. Said means 14 are preferably associated with themeans 35 for dispensing thestrip 5 of wrapping material and comprise: a pair ofadjacent rollers 28 transversal to the oppositelongitudinal edges strip 5; a pair offemale screws 29, each supporting aroller 28; and apowered shaft 30 with threads in opposite directions, on which thefemale screws 29 engage. Rotation of theshaft 30 therefore causes movements in opposite directions of the twofemale screws 29 which, when moved towards one another, cause therollers 28 to push against theedges strip 5 with a corresponding reduction in their distance from one another and consequently compacting thestrip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies. - As indicated, the
apparatus 1 has astrip 5 gripper, labelled 32 as a whole, in particular comprising twoflat jaws linear guide 63. Thegripper 5 also has cutting means, labelled 34 as a whole. -
Figures 11 ,12 and13 show in particular that the cutting means 34 comprise ablade 57 supported by aplate 58 mounted in such a way that it can move guided on twoparallel rods 59 fixed to one of thejaws 32a. Two springs 60 mounted coaxially on therods 59, interact on one side with thejaw 32a and on the other with theplate 58, pushing the blade into a position away from thejaw 32a. Alinear actuator 61, connected to theplate 58, when activated allows theblade 57 to be pushed against the reaction of thesprings 60, making it move first towards thejaw 32a and then come out of thejaws slots 62a and 62b correspondingly made in them in a position in front of theblade 57. -
Figure 7 and the diagram inFigure 8 show how theapparatus 1 may also comprise aroller 51, movable and powered. Theroller 51 is housed in aspatial angle 55 delimited on one side by thewrapper 4 and on the other side by theend 6 of thestrip 5 and having avertex 56 substantially associated with the firstelongated element 7. Theroller 51, as described in detail below, may be moved in such a way that it is positioned parallel with theelongated elements continuous strip 5 of wrapping material extending from the dispenser means 35 in such a way as to promote optimum andsecure strip 5 gripping by thegripper 32. - Operation of the wrapping machine 2 and the
relative apparatus 1 is now described starting with the initial machine 2 condition corresponding toFigure 1 , in which a generic product 3 to be wrapped is inside theframe 37 and substantially centred with the central, vertical axis 3a of the frame. Theapparatus 1, as a whole, is angled horizontally - in the non-operating condition - inside the vertical space occupied by the horizontalannular structure 8. When the annular structure moves and when the wrappingmaterial strip 5 dispenser means 35 rotate on said structure, thewrapper 4 is generated in the form of a succession of coils which gradually wrap the product 3 and tighten around it due to the tension applied to them and due to the elasticity of the material of which the strip is made. - Before wrapping is complete, that is to say, before a predetermined number of
wrapper 4 final coils have been deposited, the firstelongated element 7 is issued a command to move to a position parallel with the axis 3a [Figure 2 ] and is also axially extended by a length selected according to the features of the wrapping to be produced [Figure 3 ]. The further continuation of the wrapping means that the firstelongated element 7 is wrapped together with the product 3 by a predetermined number of coils. Therefore [Figure 4 ], some of said final coils of thewrapper 4 being formed tighten against theface 15 of the firstelongated element 7, but remain distanced from the coils previously tightened on the product 3, from which they are separated by a sort ofspacer air space 52, substantially between the firstelongated element 7 and the product 3 behind it. It should be noticed that due to the distance between the product 3 and the firstelongated element 7, the wrapping conditions being equal, the coils which also wrap the firstelongated element 7 have an enlarged circumference compared to those already deposited in direct contact with the product 3. - As wrapping continues [
Figure 6 ], theparts elongated element 7 slide out axially relative to one another and the secondelongated element 27 is rotated 90° and moved in front of the firstelongated element 7.Figure 7 shows how theend 6 of thestrip 5 of wrapping material, for the end part wrapping the firstelongated element 7, is located in an intermediate position between the twoelongated elements Figure 9 shows how afterwards the secondelongated element 27 is also slid out, therefore having itscomponent parts - Meanwhile the
operating unit 9 is still positioned in such a way that is distant from the firstelongated element 7 and holds against theface 15 of the firstelongated element 7 thestretch 11 of adhesive tape, which therollers 22 and thesurface 18 extend under and which is held in a stable position in front of them by the vacuum through theholes 21 in thesurface 18. - The unit 9 [
Figure 10 ] is then moved forward along thefirst guide 25, moving towards theend 6 of thestrip 5 of wrapping material, until it makes contact with theface 15 of the firstelongated element 7. Said forward movement brings theoperating unit 9 into the conditions inFigure 11 , where an initial part of the initial stretch of adhesive tape is made to adhere to thewrapper 4. - A subsequent command issued to the second
elongated element 27 causes thepart 47 to move relative to thepart 46 of the secondelongated element 27 whilst theoperating unit 9 continues to unwind thestretch 11 of adhesive tape from thereel 10 and stretch it bridge-style on theend 6 of thecontinuous strip 5 of wrapping material. - While said movement is performed, the
gripper 32, connected to theflange 43, goes around theend 6, on three sides, with itsopen jaws Figure 11 . - At the end of the second
elongated element 27 retraction step, thegripper 32 clamps thejaws end 6; then theblade 57 of the relative cutting means 34 is issued the command to move forward through theslots strip 5 of wrapping material, of which, as shown inFigure 13 , a part closest to thereel 53 of film remains held by thegripper 32, and the part furthest from it remains fixed to thewrapper 4 by thestretch 11 of adhesive tape meanwhile still connected to itsdispenser reel 10. - Then, while the product 3 is definitively wrapped and while the
continuous strip 5 of wrapping material remains held by thegripper 32, performing movements which are the opposite of those previously described, theapparatus 1 returns to the condition shown inFigure 1 ready to start a new wrapping cycle. It should be noticed that after the firstelongated element 7 has been axially retracted, if necessary accompanied by movement of theannular structure 8 towards the top of theframe 37, when theair space 52 is abandoned by the firstelongated element 7, as a result of their elasticity the coils of thewrapper 4 relevant to saidair space 52 are tightly clamped on the product 3 due to the discharge of elastic energy previously accumulated. - Returning to
Figure 14 , it may be seen that to allow thewrapper 4 to be fixed with aminimum length stretch 11 of adhesive tape, before theapparatus 1 intervenes themeans 35 for dispensing thestrip 5 of wrapping material compact thestrip 5 of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies, as shown inFigure 5 . - As said Figure clearly shows, before the
apparatus 1 intervenes theend 6 of thecontinuous strip 5 of wrapping material contracts in the plane in which it lies due to therollers 28 which after being suitably caused to rotate by theshaft 30 are moved forward in opposite directions to one another by thefemale screws 29 which support them. - It should be noticed that
strip 5 compacting before fixing it to thewrapper 4 with thestretch 11 of adhesive tape, as well as the advantage of reducing the quantity of adhesive tape needed for wrapping operations, offers the additional advantage of limiting the maximum axial travel of thecomponent parts elongated element 27, allowing great simplification, in terms of construction, of the embodiment of the movement means 13. Also, by generally reducing the operating strokes of the moving parts of theapparatus 1, it speeds up the relative wrapping cycles. -
Figure 8 shows how for some product 3 dimensions and due to a purely geometrical problem there may be cases in which theend 6 of thestrip 5 of wrapping material is too close to the final coils of thewrapper 4 which precede it. - Should this occur, during
apparatus 1 operation thegripper 32 may not be able to position itsjaws end 6, since it may also interfere with the coils of thewrapper 4. - To prevent this, the presence of the
roller 51 and its pressure against thewrapper 4, also promoted by the elasticity of the material, allow theend 6 of thestrip 5 of wrapping material to be clearly diverted relative to the previous wrapping coils, widening thespatial angle 55 in which theroller 51 is housed, that is to say, guaranteeing the conditions for absolutely certain andregular wrapper 4end 6 gripping by thegripper 32, whatever the actual dimensions of the product 3 to be wrapped. - The invention described above is susceptible of evident industrial application. The invention may also be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.
- Amongst the many alternative embodiments, one may be represented by way of example only by the
elongated elements - Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.
Claims (15)
- An apparatus for wrapping products (3) with a wrapper (4) created by wrapping the products (3) by wrapping around them a continuous strip (5) of wrapping material dispensed from a relative reel (53); the apparatus (1) having first cutting means (34) for separating from the reel (53) an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material and being designed to fix said end (6) to the wrapper (4) at the end of wrapping, the apparatus (1) being characterised in that it comprises
a first elongated element (7), supported by the machine (2) structure (8), being movable between a non-operating condition relative to product (3) wrapping and an operating condition, in which the first elongated element (7) together with the product (3) has the continuous strip (5) wrapped around it;
an operating unit (9) having a reel (10) of adhesive tape, from which an end stretch (11) of adhesive tape is unwound, being held so that it lies flat in front of the first elongated element (7), the strip (5) of wrapping material being inserted between the stretch (11) and the first elongated element (7);
presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) designed to press the operating unit (9) against the wrapper (4) in contact with the first elongated element (7);
movement means (13; 46, 47) designed to impart to the operating unit (9) a movement along a direction transversal to the direction of wrapping of the continuous strip (5) of wrapping material; and
second cutting means (23; 24) for cutting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape and separating it from the dispenser reel (10). - The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (14; 28, 29, 30) for compacting the strip (5) of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies, moving its longitudinal edges (49, 50) towards one another.
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the first elongated element (7) is hinged to a wrapping machine (2) structure (8), so that it can move at an angle to the product (3) and can therefore be angled for the non-operating or operating condition.
- The apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the first elongated element (7) has a telescopic structure, designed to allow the first elongated element (7) to have selectively variable lengths depending on the wrapping requirements, said elongated element (7) comprising at least two coaxial parts (16, 17), able to move relative to one another, one guided on the other, and at least one flat face (15) facing the operating unit (9) and substantially parallel with the end stretch (11) of the adhesive tape dispensed from the reel (10).
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating unit (9) has a surface (18) supporting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape, and vacuum means (19; 20, 21), associated with the surface (18) and designed to hold the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape in direct contact with the surface (18), said operating unit (9) including a pair of rollers (22), which can rotate freely about their axis of rotation, respectively positioned on both sides of the supporting surface (18) and designed to extend under the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape so that it is in front of the supporting surface (18).
- The apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the vacuum means (19; 20, 21) include a vacuum chamber (20), behind the surface (18) and communicating with the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape by means of holes (21) passing through the surface (18).
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the cutting means (23; 24) include a blade (24), with activation one way controlled, which when activated is brought into a position adjacent to the surface (18) supporting the end stretch (11) of adhesive tape.
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) include at least a first guide (25) angled transversally to the first elongated element (7) when the latter is in its operating condition relative to the products (3); the first guide (25) supporting the operating unit (9) in a condition in which it can move in both directions allowing the operating unit (9) to move towards or away from the first elongated element (7); the presser means (12; 25, 43, 45) including actuator elements (45) for pushing the operating unit (9) against the first elongated element (7), or vice versa, for moving the operating unit away from it.
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the movement means (13; 46, 47) include a second guide (26) angled parallel with the first elongated element (7) when the latter is in its operating condition; the second guide (26) supporting the operating unit (9) in a condition in which it can move in both directions allowing a movement parallel with the first elongated element (7); the movement means (13; 46, 47) including actuator elements for powering the operating unit (9) relative to the second guide (26) and a second elongated element (27) comprising coaxial parts (46, 47) which can move relative to one another, parallel with the first elongated element (7), in such a way as to form the second guide (26) for movement of the operating unit (9), said second elongated element (27) being hinged to the wrapping machine (2) structure (8) so that it can move at an angle to the product (3), and can therefore be angled for a non-operating condition distanced from the products (3) and vice versa for an operating condition in which it is close to the products (3).
- The apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the means (14; 28, 29, 30) for compacting the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material include a pair of rollers (28); a pair of female screws (29), each respectively supporting a roller (28) belonging to said pair at such an angle that it is transversal to the longitudinal edges (49, 50) of the strip (5) of wrapping material; and a single powered shaft (30) with which the female screws (29) engage, rotation of the shaft (30) causing the female screws (29) to move in opposite directions to one another, designed to cause, when they are moved towards one another, the action of the rollers (28) against the longitudinal edges (49, 50) of the strip (5) of wrapping material and the consequent compacting of the strip (5) in the plane in which it lies.
- The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the operating unit (9) includes at least one gripper (32) for gripping and retaining the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material during product (3) wrapping, said gripper (32) being supported by the operating unit (9).
- The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises a roller (51) designed to be inserted between part of the wrapper (4) already formed on the product (3) and the end (6) of the strip (5) still being unwound from the relative reel (53), the roller (51) being able to move between said part of the wrapper (4) and said end (6) in such a way as to vary the distance between one and the other.
- A method - in a product (3) wrapping machine (2) in which a wrapper (4) is obtained by wrapping the products (3) by repeatedly wrapping around them a continuous strip (5) of wrapping material - for fixing an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material by connecting it to the wrapper (4) at the end of wrapping, characterised in that it comprises the steps of positioning a first elongated element (7), supported by the machine (2) structure (8), in an operating condition relative to the product (3) during wrapping; wrapping an end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material around the elongated element together with the product (3); extending a stretch (11) of adhesive tape, transversally to the end (6) of the strip (5) of wrapping material, in contact with the first elongated element (7), in such a way as to make it adhere to the wrapper (4); cutting the stretch (11) of adhesive tape, fixed to the wrapper (4), thus separating it from a remaining part of the tape supported by a feed reel (10); cutting the strip (5) of wrapping material, fixed to the wrapper (4) and simultaneously held by a gripper (32) in such a way as to create two separate ends, one fixed to the to the wrapper (4), the other held by the gripper (32).
- The method according to claim 13, characterised in that it comprises a step of compacting the strip (5) of wrapping material in the plane in which it lies (18) transversally to the direction of wrapping, said compacting step preceding the step of extending the stretch (11) of adhesive tape on the wrapper (4).
- The method according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises a step in which a movable roller (51), inserted between the wrapper (4) already formed on the product (3) and an end (6) of the strip (5) which creates the wrapper (4), is moved relative to the product (3) so as to vary the distance between the wrapper (4) and the end (6), said roller (51) being moved within a spatial angle (55) delimited by the wrapper (4) and the end (6) and having a vertex (56) substantially associated with the first elongated element (7), the roller (51) being designed to be associated with the wrapper (4) or with the end (6) in such a way as to vary the amplitude of said angle (55).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IT2007/000385 WO2008146315A1 (en) | 2007-06-01 | 2007-06-01 | Apparatus for fixing an end of a strip of wrapping material in a product wrapping machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2167386A1 EP2167386A1 (en) | 2010-03-31 |
EP2167386B1 true EP2167386B1 (en) | 2011-08-03 |
Family
ID=38947672
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07790117A Not-in-force EP2167386B1 (en) | 2007-06-01 | 2007-06-01 | Apparatus for fixing an end of a strip of wrapping material in a product wrapping machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2167386B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE518758T1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2370444T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008146315A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180127122A1 (en) | 2016-11-06 | 2018-05-10 | Encore Packaging Llc | Automated Box or Object Wrapping |
CN110466816B (en) * | 2019-07-16 | 2021-07-06 | 佛山市南海洋宝塑胶制品有限公司 | PVC board is around membrane machine |
CN111806793B (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2021-12-14 | 台州市振新金属制品有限公司 | Can be according to sticky tape coiler of express delivery box height automatically regulated winding number of turns |
CN115180206B (en) * | 2022-08-16 | 2023-09-29 | 绵阳高新区鸿强科技有限公司 | Full-automatic pipe winding machine and pipe winding method |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS60144268A (en) * | 1983-12-31 | 1985-07-30 | Kawanoe Zoki Kk | Method of trailing end of sheet wrapped around cylinder |
JPH05310211A (en) * | 1992-05-07 | 1993-11-22 | Honshu Paper Co Ltd | Method for packing stacked articles |
US20060272286A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2006-12-07 | Tuan-Mei Chiu Chen | Adhesive tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper |
-
2007
- 2007-06-01 ES ES07790117T patent/ES2370444T3/en active Active
- 2007-06-01 EP EP07790117A patent/EP2167386B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2007-06-01 WO PCT/IT2007/000385 patent/WO2008146315A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-06-01 AT AT07790117T patent/ATE518758T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE518758T1 (en) | 2011-08-15 |
ES2370444T3 (en) | 2011-12-16 |
EP2167386A1 (en) | 2010-03-31 |
WO2008146315A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
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