EP3201093B1

EP3201093B1 - Apparatus for handling packaged products and corresponding method

Info

Publication number: EP3201093B1
Application number: EP15790670.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pietro Donati
Original assignee: Universal Pack SRL
Current assignee: Universal Pack SRL
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2015-09-30
Publication date: 2019-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-30
Also published as: EP3201093A1; ES2726232T3; WO2016051356A1; TR201907665T4

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an apparatus for handling packaged products, in particular products packaged inside wrappings or envelopes which are made connected to each other to define a strip of a plurality of packaged products, consecutive to each other.
In particular, the apparatus according to the present invention is configured to handle at least one strip of a plurality of packaged products in order to fold the strip in an orderly manner and obtain a pile or packet of packaged products to be sent to the subsequent packaging into containers or packages in general.
The present invention also concerns a method for handling packaged products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to package products in wrappings or envelopes, made for example by reciprocally connecting at least two adjacent sheets, between which the products to be packaged are positioned.
The packaged products are thus obtained in the form of strips of wrappings or envelopes, consecutive and reciprocally connected to each other.
It is also known that the first packaging of the packaged products into wrappings or envelopes is performed by machines known as vertical form fill and seal machines, which once they have obtained the one or more parallel strips of wrappings transfer them to a second packaging station to package them in containers or packagings.
The second packaging step of the strips usually provides to fold each wrapping that makes up the strips over on themselves, in a zigzag configuration, to define an orderly pile or packet of the strip. The pile or packet thus obtained is then put for example in a container, or packaged in a package.
The operations to fold the strips are usually performed using handling apparatuses interposed between the fill and seal machine and the final packaging machine.
Known handling apparatuses comprise a conveyor member configured to move the strips of packaged products in first direction. The strips are discharged through a discharge end of the conveyor member JP S50 13189 A discloses such an apparatus whereby packages connected in a strip are discharges at the end of a conveyor in a zigzag fold of single packages.
In correspondence with the discharge end of the conveyor member a platform is provided, to collect the packaged products; the reception plane of the products is located under and parallel to the advance plane of the strips on the conveyor member.
A partition cooperates with the collection platform, and is located substantially orthogonal to the plane of the collection platform and defines an abutment to the advance of the strips.
When the discharge is started of one of the strips by the conveyor member, the partition is positioned in direct proximity to the discharge end of the conveyor member. The partition defines a zone of interference against which the end edge of the strip strikes, allowing the first wrapping of the strip to fold. The first wrapping rests against the partition with a vertical orientation. The other wrappings of the strip, due to the thrust and advance imparted by the conveyor member, are folded one over the other and over the first wrapping in a zigzag configuration, also thanks to the presence of lines of weakening or intended folding, provided between adjacent wrappings.
The packet has the wrappings disposed in a vertical orientation, that is, orthogonal to the platform, and most times this can entail a need to overturn the pile of wrappings, in order to send them to the subsequent packaging.
However, with this known handling apparatus, it is not possible to generate zigzag folds for example every two or more wrappings, but only with every wrapping, given that the folding is induced not only by the presence of the partition but also by the presence of each line of weakening which separates adjacent wrappings. This generates piles or packets of wrappings that can even have quite considerable sizes in height or thickness, and are difficult to package in flow-pack machines or horizontal single-row packaging machines. It is therefore necessary to use bulky containers or wrappings that make the operations to store and transport the packagings obtained both complex and costly.
Furthermore, the known apparatus is often affected by blockages or problems connected to the zigzag folding of the wrappings. This often entails wastage or, worse, the need to stop the production cycle to intervene manually to remove these disadvantages.
This known apparatus also has low productivity, connected to its great sensitivity to dirt and, if several strips of envelopes are fed, the difficulty of synchronizing the folding of the wrappings in the collection platform.
A solution is also known of an apparatus for handling packaged products which provides to feed the strip, in a substantially vertical or sub-vertical direction, using conveyor rolls.
In proximity to the exit zone of the strip from the conveyor rolls a conveyor belt is provided, located substantially horizontal and suitable to receive the wrappings of packaged products fed by the conveyor rolls.
The wrappings, discharged by the conveyor rolls, are disposed resting on the conveyor belt in a horizontal orientation. The alternate drive of the conveyor belt, first in one direction and then in the other, causes the wrappings to be folded over each other in a zigzag, defining substantially horizontal piles of wrappings and with folds performed every two or more wrappings.
However, this known handling apparatus often suffers blockages due to the difficulty in managing the folding of the wrappings of the strips. This causes great wastage connected to the incorrect folding of the wrappings, which must have extremely accentuated lines of folding or weakening between adjacent wrappings in order to ensure they are correctly folded. This is not possible for some types of wrappings, because it would not guarantee the correct preservation or protection of the product packaged inside the wrapping.
One purpose of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus for handling packaged products that allows to fold wrappings of a strip in multiple configurations of zigzag folding.
Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus for handling packaged products that is extremely reliable and effective.
Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain an apparatus for handling packaged products that has high productivity and efficiency, that is, that allows to increase the speed of feed of the strips while still guaranteeing that the folds are made correctly.
Another purpose is to perfect a method for handling packaged products that is efficient, reliable and effective, and allows to increase the productivity of packaging plants for packaged products.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.
In accordance with the above purposes, an apparatus is configured to handle packaged products in wrappings connected to each other to define at least one strip of a plurality of packaged products.
The apparatus comprises a conveyor member configured to make at least one strip advance on an advance plane defined by the conveyor member, and to discharge it in proximity to a discharge end thereof, and a temporary containing zone located under the advance plane and in correspondence with the discharge end, provided with a reception surface having a longitudinal extension at least equal to the length or a multiple of the length of the wrappings, and configured to receive the wrappings from the conveyor member.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a movement member configured to move at least one of either the temporary containing zone or the discharge end so that the reception surface alternately assumes a first position in which it is at least partly under the advance plane, and a second position in which it protrudes from the discharge end and is outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member at least for the longitudinal extension.
The alternate movement of the discharge end and/or the temporary containing zone allows to fold the wrappings of each strip over on themselves, in a zigzag configuration, disposing them directly resting on the reception surface in a horizontal position. The horizontal position allows the apparatus according to the present invention to make the folds on the wrappings with every wrapping or every multiple of wrappings, in this way increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the apparatus in use.
Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention is very simple and efficient and allows to increase productivity.
According to a first form of embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a platform located under the advance plane and in correspondence with the discharge end, a first partition and a second partition located facing and distanced at least by the longitudinal extension from the first partition. The platform, the first partition and the second partition together define the temporary containing zone.
According to a possible form of embodiment, the movement member is connected to the conveyor member and is configured to move the discharge end alternately.
According to a variant, which can possibly be combined with the forms of embodiment described here, the movement member is configured to move the first partition and the second partition with respect to the platform and to displace the temporary containing zone alternately between the first and second position.
According to another form of embodiment, the temporary containing zone is defined by a platform located under the advance plane and in correspondence with the discharge end, and by a first partition associated with the platform. The movement member is configured to move the first partition and the platform and to alternately displace the temporary containing zone and the reception surface between the first position and the second position.
By suitably coordinating the movements of the platform of the first partition and the conveyor member, it is possible to fold the strip of wrappings according to predetermined configurations. The first partition defines a reference for positioning the strip and the packets that are gradually formed, whereas the platform, apart from supporting the packet, follows the distribution of the wrappings which on each occasion are positioned one on top of the other in order to define the packet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some forms of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

fig. 1 is a lateral view of an apparatus for handling packaged products according to a possible form of embodiment of the present invention;
fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the apparatus in fig. 1 in a first operating condition;
figs. 3, 4 and 5 are views of the apparatus in fig. 2 in different operating conditions;
fig. 6 is a lateral view of an apparatus for handling packaged products according to an alternative form of fig. 1;
figs. 7-10 are views of the apparatus in fig. 6 in different operating conditions;
fig. 11 shows a possible variant of the apparatus in fig. 6;
fig. 12 is a plan view of a part of the apparatus in fig. 1;
fig. 13 is a plan view of a part of the apparatus in fig. 1 according to a possible variant of fig. 12;
fig. 14 is a section view from XIII to XIII of fig. 13 of the part of the apparatus in fig. 13 in a first operating condition;
fig. 15 is a section view from XIII to XIII of fig. 13 of the apparatus in fig. 1 in a second operating condition;
fig. 16 is a plan view of a part of the apparatus in fig. 1 according to a possible variant of figs. 12 and 13;
fig. 17 is a section view from XVI to XVI of fig. 16 of the part of the apparatus in fig. 16 in a first operating condition;
fig. 18 is a section view from XVI to XVI of fig. 16 of the part of the apparatus in fig. 16 in a second operating condition;
fig. 19 is a lateral view of an apparatus for handling packaged products according to an alternative form of fig. 1;
figs. 20-22 are views of the apparatus in fig. 19 in different operating conditions;
figs. 23-25 are enlarged views of steps of a method for handling packaged products, not of the invention.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one form of embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other forms of embodiment without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME FORMS OF EMBODIMENT

With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus for handling packaged products is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 10, and is configured to handle at least one strip 11 of a plurality of packaged products in wrappings 12 or envelopes, to define piles or packets 20 of wrappings 12 folded over on themselves in a zigzag configuration. The packaged products in each wrapping 12 are separated from each other by lines of weakening made between adjacent wrappings, and around which it is possible to fold the strip 11 to obtain the packets 20 (figs. 5, 9, 10, 11, 21, 22 and 25) as described hereafter.
According to the forms of embodiment shown in figs. 1-5, the apparatus 10 comprises a conveyor member 13 configured to feed at least one strip 11, generally a plurality of strips 11 located parallel to each other, in a direction of feed D and on an advance plane 14.
The strips 11 are discharged in proximity to a discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13.
The conveyor member 13 can comprise at least one of either a conveyor belt, a rollerway, a plurality of belts or bands which together define the advance plane 14.
According to a possible solution, the conveyor member 13, or at least the advance plane 14 defined by it, can be inclined, with its discharge end 15 downward. This allows to facilitate the folding of the strips 11.
The apparatus 10 also comprises, in an offset position under the advance plane 14 defined by the conveyor member 13, and in proximity to the discharge end 15 thereof, a platform 16 configured to receive the wrappings 12 which are discharged on each occasion by the conveyor member 13.
In a possible solution, the platform 16 can be located substantially parallel to the advance plane 14.
However, it is not excluded, in possible variants, that the platform 16 can be inclined toward the discharge end 15 or in an opposite direction with respect to the advance plane 14, to possibly optimize the folding of the strips 11.
According to some forms of embodiment, for example the one shown in fig. 2, the platform 16 can be distanced from the advance plane 14 by a distance H substantially equal to, or from about 0.5 to 1 times the length L of the individual wrapping 12 that is made to advance. This condition allows to ensure a correct folding of the wrappings 12, as will be described hereafter, and to prevent blockages.
At least a first partition 17 is associated to the platform 16, and is located transverse to the direction of feed D and to the plan development of the platform 16.
The first partition 17 defines on the platform 16 a temporary containing zone 19, facing during use toward the discharge end 15 of the wrappings 12 of each strip 11, and configured to contain a plurality of wrappings 12 folded over on themselves to define a packet 20.
The temporary containing zone 19 is provided with a reception surface 35 on which, during use, the folded wrappings 12 are disposed.
According to one implementation of the present invention, the reception surface 35 has a longitudinal extension K which is at least equal to the length L or a multiple of the length L of the wrappings 12.
According to a possible implementation, the longitudinal extension K is at least equal to K= n·L +Δ, where

n: is an integer greater than or equal to 1
L: is the length of the wrappings
Δ: is a length comprised between 5 and 20 mm to ensure the wrappings are contained inside the temporary containing zone 19.

In particular, if the reception surface 35 has a length equal to L, packets 20 are obtained in the temporary containing zone 19 with a zigzag fold with every wrapping 12.
If the reception surface 35 has a length equal to a multiple of L, packets 20 are obtained in the temporary containing zone 19 with a zigzag fold with every multiple of wrapping 12.
According to a possible solution, the first partition 17 is located substantially orthogonal to the plan development of the platform 16 and the direction of feed D.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a movement member 21 is associated with the first partition 17 and the platform 16, configured to move alternately the temporary containing zone 19 and hence the reception surface 35 defined thereby between a first position (figs. 1, 2 and 4) in which it is at least partly under the advance plane 14, and a second position (fig. 3) in which it protrudes from the discharge end 15 and is outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member 13 for at least said longitudinal extension K.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 1-4, it is provided that the movement member 21 is configured to move the first partition 17 and the platform 16 so as to define an alternate movement of the temporary containing zone 19 and take the reception surface 35 to the first and second position.
According to a possible formulation of the present invention, the platform 16 and the first partition 17 are moved in a direction of movement Y substantially parallel to the direction of feed A defined by the conveyor member 13. The platform 16 and the first partition 17 are moved alternately first in one sense and then in the other sense of the direction of movement Y, to allow to make the folding operations on the wrappings 12.
In particular, as can be seen from figs. 2-4, when a first end of the strip 11 is discharged through the discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13, the temporary containing zone 19 is positioned in its first position (fig. 2 or 4), that is, it is at least partly under the plan bulk of the advance plane 14.
Due to the effect of the advance imparted by the conveyor member 13 and/or the effect of its own weight and/or possible members that will be described hereafter, the first end of the strip 11 is folded downward and rests at least with its terminal edge on the first partition 17. The first partition 17 defines a barrier against the advance of the strip 11 and a reference for the controlled positioning of the wrappings 12 inside the temporary containing zone 19.
In this position the first end of the strip 11 can be discharged from the discharge end 15 and toward the first partition 17 with an angle of inclination α (fig. 2) with respect to the plane of the platform 16, with an amplitude comprised between 20° and 60°. This promotes a correct positioning of the wrappings 12 in the temporary containing zone 19, preventing problems of blockages of the apparatus 10 and optimizing the handling speeds of the wrappings 12.
According to a possible solution, in the first position, the temporary containing zone 19 is substantially below the advance plane 14: by substantially we mean that at least 40% of its reception surface 35 for the wrappings 12 is located below the advance plane 14. This position of the temporary containing zone 19 allows to guarantee the correct positioning of the wrappings 12 inside it, and against the first partition 17.
Once the first end of the strip 11 is positioned resting in the temporary containing zone 19 and in contact with the first partition 17, the platform 16 and the first partition 17 are moved by the movement member 21 away from the discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13.
In this way the wrappings 12 rest, with their surface development, on the platform 16 and in the temporary containing zone 19.
The entity of movement of the platform 16 and the first partition 17 is such that at least one wrapping 12 of the strip 11 is disposed resting in the temporary containing zone 19. According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 2-5, the entity of the movement is such that two wrappings 12 are disposed resting in the temporary containing zone 19. However, it cannot be excluded that, in other forms of embodiment, the movement of the platform 16 allows to accommodate more than two wrappings 12.
Once the temporary containing zone 19 is positioned completely outside the plan bulk of the advance plane 14, that is, in its second position, the movement member 21 inverts the motion.
The platform 16 and the first partition 17 are moved nearer to the discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13.
The inversion of motion induces a fold in the strip 11, around their line of weakening, of the subsequent wrappings 12 fed. The latter rest on the wrappings 12 previously positioned on the platform 16.
Once the platform 16 and the first partition 17 are repositioned in their first condition, the movement member 21 again inverts the motion (fig. 4), to move the platform 16 and the first partition 17 away from the discharge end 15.
In this way the folding is induced of the subsequent wrappings 12 fed above the wrappings 12 already resting on the platform 16.
Therefore, with an alternate movement of the platform 16 and the first partition 17 in opposite senses of the direction of movement Y, it is possible to obtain a zigzag folding of the strip 11, with every wrapping 12 or multiple of wrappings 12, in order to obtain packets 20 of wrappings 12 in the temporary containing zone 19.
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 1-4, the movement member 21 is configured to move the platform 16 and first partition 17 in a synchronous manner, that is, keeping their reciprocal position unchanged. This allows to reduce the operating times for folding the strips 11.
According to possible forms of embodiment, the movement member 21 can comprise at least one of either a linear actuator, a kinematic mechanism, a rack mechanism, a worm screw mechanism, belts, chains or cables, a rotary motor, a guide, a slider or possible combinations thereof.
According to the solution shown in figs. 1-5, the movement member 21 comprises a belt 22 wound between two pulleys 23 and selectively movable between the two pulleys 23 by a rotary motor 24 associated to one of the two pulleys 23.
On one of the two branches of the belt 22 a slider 25 is attached, which due to the effect of the movement of the belt 22 is moved linearly in the direction of movement Y.
The alternate movement of the slider 25 determines the movement, in the direction of movement Y, of the platform 16 and the first partition 17.
It is quite obvious that to obtain packets 20 folded in a zigzag configuration it is necessary to correctly coordinate the speeds of feed of the strips 11 in the conveyor member 13 with the speeds of movement and inversion of motion that are imparted by the movement member 21.
According to the solution shown in figs. 1-5, the slider 25 is solidly attached to the platform 16 while the first partition 17 is in turn installed on the platform 16. According to a variant, not shown in the drawings, both the platform 16 and the first partition 17 are installed solid with the slider 25.
According to a possible form of embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises an expulsion member 26 provided to discharge from the temporary containing zone 19 the packet 20 of wrappings 12 generated.
According to possible solutions, the expulsion member 26 is configured to discharge the packets 20 of wrappings 12 generated in a direction of discharge W, substantially parallel to the direction of movement Y, and possibly away from the discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13.
According to possible forms of embodiment, the expulsion member 26 can be attached to the platform 16 and be mobile therewith.
According to a possible solution, the expulsion member 26 can be configured to thrust the packets 20, which are generated on each occasion, toward a discharge zone 30 located downstream of the platform 16.
The discharge zone 30 can comprise a conveyor belt, a conveyor or a positioning station for the packets 20, for example to position them in containers or packages.
The expulsion member 26 can be positioned under the conveyor member 13 to contain the overall bulk of the apparatus 10.
The expulsion member 26 can comprise a barrier or second partition 27 and an actuator 28 configured to move the second partition 27 and to determine the expulsion of the packets 20 from the temporary containing zone 19.
The second partition 27 can be located during use facing the first partition 17 and turned toward the temporary containing zone 19.
According to possible solutions, the second partition 27, together with the first partition 17, can define the temporary containing zone 19 in the platform 16. In this latter case, the second partition 27 is distanced from the first partition 17 by a distance substantially equal to the longitudinal extension K. This not only allows to control the correct positioning of the wrappings 12, during the folding operations, but also to limit the downtimes in moving the second partition 27 during the expulsion operations.
The second partition 27 is located substantially resting on, or raised by some millimeters from, the platform 16, in order to guarantee the subsequent transfer of the packets 20.
The apparatus 10 can also comprise an activator/de-activator device 29, associated with the first partition 17 and configured to take the latter to an active position (figs. 1-4) in which it delimits with the platform 16 the temporary containing zone 19, and an inactive position (fig. 5) in which the first partition 17 is taken to a position of non-interference with the movement of the expulsion member 26 and the packets 20 generated.
The activator/de-activator device 29 can be configured to move the first partition 17 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of the platform 16 and distant from it.
In the inactive position the first partition 17 can be positioned, for example, raised with respect to the platform 16, thus allowing the passage under it of the packets 20 generated, the second partition 27 and the actuator 28.
The activator/de-activator device 29 can be chosen from a group comprising a linear actuator, a kinematic mechanism, a rack mechanism, a worm screw mechanism, or possible combinations thereof.
According to a possible solution, the activator/de-activator device 29 can be attached to the platform 16.
According to the forms of embodiment shown in figs. 6-10, another form of embodiment of the handling apparatus according to the present invention is described, according to an alternative embodiment.
In particular, the handling apparatus shown in figs. 6-10 is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 110 and, like the forms of embodiment described above, comprises a conveyor member 13 configured to feed strips 11 of packaged products in wrappings 12 in a direction of feed D and to discharge them in proximity to a discharge end 15.
In this form of embodiment too, the apparatus 110 comprises a platform 116 located under the advance plane 14 of the conveyor member 13 and in correspondence with the discharge end 15 and configured to receive the wrappings 12 from the conveyor member 13.
The platform 116 can have the same characteristics, reciprocal positions and orientations as described above with reference to the platform 16.
Unlike the forms of embodiment described in figs. 1-5, the platform 116 is in a fixed position, for example with respect to a support frame of the apparatus 110.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 110 comprises a first partition 117 and a second partition 118, located facing and reciprocally distanced from each other.
The first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are associated to the platform 116 to define with it at least a temporary containing zone 119 of the wrappings 12 of the strip 11.
A reception surface 35 is defined on the platform 116, between the first partition 117 and the second partition 118, and is suitable to receive, during use, the wrappings 12 folded over on each other.
The temporary containing zone 119 and the reception surface 35 can have substantially the same characteristics as described above for the temporary containing zone 19 of the forms of embodiment shown with reference to figs. 1-5.
According to possible solutions, the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are located substantially transverse to the plane of the platform 116 and the direction of feed D.
Possible solutions can provide that the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are positioned substantially orthogonal to the plane of the platform 116 and the direction of feed D.
The first partition 117 and the second partition 118 can be reciprocally distanced from each other by a longitudinal extension K substantially equal to or a whole multiple of the length L of each wrapping 12.
According to possible solutions, which can also be combined with the forms of embodiment described here, the longitudinal extension K can have substantially the same characteristics as the longitudinal extension K described with reference to the forms of embodiment in figs. 1-5.
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 6-10, the apparatus 110 comprises a movement member 121 associated with the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 and configured to move them alternately with respect to the platform 116 and to move the temporary containing zone 119 between a first position (figs. 6, 7 and 9) in which it is at least partly under the advance plane 14, and a second position (fig. 8) in which it protrudes from the discharge end 15 and is outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member 13.
The alternate movement of the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 between the first position and the second position allows to discharge into the temporary containing zone 119 the wrappings 12 of one or more strips 11, folding them in a zigzag configuration.
In this form of embodiment too, the folding of the wrappings 12 can be performed with every wrapping 12 or multiple of wrappings 12.
In this case too, the movement member 121 is configured to move the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 in a direction of movement Y which is substantially parallel to the direction of feed D.
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 6-10, the movement member 121 is positioned under the platform 116 to reduce the bulk of the apparatus 110.
In particular, when the strip 11 is discharged from the discharge end 15, the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are positioned so as to dispose the temporary containing zone 119 in its first position (figs. 6 and 7).
In this position, the wrappings 12 rest on the platform 116 due to their own weight and/or by means of members that will be described hereafter.
In this condition the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are moved away from the discharge end 15 to take the temporary containing zone 119 to its second position (fig. 8). Due to the effect of the thrust imparted by the conveyor member 13, the strip 11 of wrappings 12 allows the wrappings 12 to be disposed completely resting on the bottom of the platform 116 so as to fill the temporary containing zone 119.
When the temporary containing zone 119 reaches its second position (fig. 8), it is located outside the plan bulk of the advance plane 14, and the movement member 121 inverts the motion of the first partition 117 and the second partition 118 to move the temporary containing zone 119 nearer to the discharge end 15 of the conveyor member 13. The first partition 117 thrusts the wrappings 12 deposited on the platform 116 nearer to the discharge end 15, obliging subsequent wrappings 12 to fold above those already deposited in the temporary containing zone 119.
Once the temporary containing zone 119 reaches its first position, under the advance plane 14, the movement member 121 again inverts the motion. The second partition 118 thrusts the packet 20 of wrappings 12 that is forming on the platform 116 away from the discharge end 15. This allows subsequent wrappings 12 fed to fold above those already deposited.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 6-10, the movement member 121 comprises a worm screw 141 and drive members 142 connected to the worm screw 141 to make it selectively rotate.
In the solution shown in figs. 6-10, the worm screw 141 is located substantially parallel to the longitudinal development of the platform 116 and under it.
The drive members 142 in this case comprise a first pulley, solid with the worm screw 141, a second pulley associated with a rotary motor, and a belt that transmits motion from the second pulley to the first pulley and hence to the worm screw 141.
At least one slider 143 is associated with the worm screw 141, in this case two sliders 143, which are screwed onto the worm screw 141 and are moved along the axial extension of the latter by the action of the drive members 142.
The first partition 117 and the second partition 118 are each installed on one of the two sliders 143 and are mobile with them.
The actuation of the worm screw 141 in one direction or the other, although determining the movement of the sliders 143, allows to keep the reciprocal distance unchanged between the first partition 117 and second partition 118.
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 6-10, the apparatus 110 comprises an expulsion member 126 configured to discharge the packets 20 that are generated in the temporary containing zone 119 and to transfer them to a discharge zone 30 as described above.
The expulsion member 126 can be configured to thrust the packets 20 present in the temporary containing zone 119 in a direction of discharge W.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 6-10, the expulsion member 126 is connected to the second partition 118 and is configured to move it to the discharge zone 30.
The first partition 117 is in turn associated with an activator/de-activator device 29, similar to the one described with reference to the forms of embodiment in figs. 1-5, and having the same functions.
In particular, the activator/de-activator device 29 takes the first partition 117 to a condition of non-interference with the movement of the second partition 118.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 6-10, the second partition 118 is installed on sliding guides, not visible in the drawings, made on the respective slider 143.
An actuator 144 is connected to the second partition 118, suitable to make the second partition 118 slide with respect to the slider 143 with a motion independent of the first partition 117.
In this way, by activating the actuator 144 it is possible to take the second partition 118 beyond the position of the first partition 117 and allow to transfer the packets 20 to the discharge zone 30.
However, it is not excluded, in other forms of embodiment, not shown in the drawings, that the expulsion member 126 is provided with its own components suitable to determine the translation of the packets 20 to the discharge zone 30.
Fig. 11 shows a possible variant of the apparatus 110 described with reference to figs. 6-10.
In this form of embodiment, the movement member 121 comprises a support element 150 on which the first partition 117 and second partition 118 are installed in a fixed position, both reciprocal and also with respect to the support element 150.
The support element 150 is positioned under the plane defined by the platform 116 and is selectively slidable parallel thereto, in alternate directions, to allow to generate packets 20 of wrappings 12.
The first partition 117 and second partition 118, together with the platform 116, define the temporary containing zone 119.
The movement member 121 in this case also performs the function of an expulsion member, providing a movement of the support element 150 beyond the first position or second position of the temporary containing zone 119 and toward the discharge zone 30.
In particular, the movement member 121 translates together the first partition 117 and second partition 118 in the discharge zone 30. One of either the first partition 117 or the second partition 118, in this case the first partition 117, thrusts the packets 20 generated to the discharge zone 30, as shown in fig. 11 by lines of dashes.
The discharge zone 30 can be provided with its own devices to receive and deliver the packets 20, configured both to receive the packets 20 from the temporary containing zone 119 and also to deliver them, for example, to a container or package.
With reference to figs. 19-22, an apparatus 210 is described for handling packaged products according to another form of embodiment, which can possibly be combined with the forms of embodiment described here.
The handling apparatus shown in figs. 19-22 is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 210 and comprises a conveyor member 213 defining an advance plane 214 on which strips 11 of packaged products in wrappings 12 are fed in the direction of feed D and to discharge them in proximity to a discharge end 215.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 19-22, which can possibly be combined with the forms of embodiment described here, the conveyor member 213 is associated with a movement member 221 configured to move the discharge end 215 alternately and, in possible forms of embodiment, to determine a lengthening/shortening of the overall length of the advance plane 214.
According to the forms of embodiment in figs. 19-22, the conveyor member 213 comprises a conveyor belt 237 wound in a closed ring around return pulleys 238. Some of the return pulleys 238 are installed in a fixed position on a support structure 239, while other return pulleys 238 are installed on a slider 240 of the movement member 221, translating with respect to the support structure 239.
At least one of the return pulleys 238, installed on the slider 240, defines the discharge end 215 and, together with a return pulley 238 associated with the support structure 239, defines one branch of the conveyor belt 237 which during use constitutes the advance plane 214 for the strips 11 of wrappings 12.
The movement member 221 comprises motors configured to translate the slider 240 in a direction parallel to the direction of feed D of the strips 11.
According to possible solutions, the slider 240 can be installed on sliding guides 241, disposed substantially parallel to the direction of feed D.
By commanding the movement of the slider 240 along the sliding guides 241, it is possible to move the discharge end 215 in a direction parallel to the direction of feed D.
Drive members 242 are associated with the conveyor belt 237, and are provided to drive the conveyor belt 237 and determine a translation of the strips 11 of wrappings 12 in the direction of feed D.
Tensioning devices can also be associated with the conveyor belt 237, configured to keep the conveyor belt 237 at a predetermined tension during use.
According to one solution, the apparatus 210 also comprises, in an offset position under the advance plane 214 defined by the conveyor member 213, and in proximity to the discharge end 215, a temporary containing zone 219, provided to accommodate the wrappings 12 discharged by the conveyor member 213.
According to the forms of embodiment shown in figs. 19-22, the temporary containing zone 219 is defined by a platform 216 provided with a reception surface 35 on which, during use, the wrappings 12 that are discharged are disposed.
The temporary containing zone 219 is also delimited by a first partition 217 and a second partition 218, located facing each other and reciprocally distanced by a longitudinal extension K, substantially equal to or a whole multiple of the length L of the wrapping 12.
The first partition 217 and second partition 218 are located aligned parallel to the direction of feed D.
According to possible solutions, the longitudinal extension K can have substantially the same characteristics as the longitudinal extension K described with reference to the forms of embodiment in figs. 1-5.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the movement member 221 during use is configured to move alternately the discharge end 215 of the conveyor member 213 so that the reception surface 35 of the wrappings 12 alternately assumes a first position in which it is at least partly under the advance plane 214 of the conveyor member 213 (fig. 19), and a second position in which it protrudes from the discharge end 215 and is positioned outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member 213 (figs. 20 and 21).
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 19-22, the temporary containing zone 219 is located in a fixed position with respect to the direction of feed D, although it is not excluded that, in other forms of embodiment, which can be combined with the forms of embodiment described above, the temporary containing zone 219 can be selectively movable with respect to the conveyor member 213 to take the reception surface 35 to the first or second position.
According to possible solutions, the platform 216 can be selectively movable vertically so as to move the reception surface 35 selectively nearer to/away from the advance plane 214.
According to a possible implementation, shown for example in figs. 19-22, a translation device 243 is connected to the platform 216 and is configured to translate it in a direction orthogonal to the reception surface 35, nearer to/away from the advance plane 214. This allows, during the discharge operations of the strips 11, to vary, even continuously, the reciprocal distance between the advance plane 214 and the platform 216.
This allows to move the platform 216 directly into proximity with the discharge end 215 of the strips 11, and to distance the platform 216 from the advance plane 214 as the packet 20 being formed gradually increases in height. In this way it is possible to manage the zigzag folding of the wrappings 12 correctly, preventing any blockages.
According to one possible implementation, the reception surface 35 of the wrappings 12 is positioned with respect to the advance plane 214 at a distance substantially equal to or less then the length L of each wrapping 12. This condition ensures that the strips 11 are contained laterally during folding.
According to possible solutions, an activator/de-activator device 29 is associated with the first partition 217, substantially the same as the one described with reference to figs. 1-5.
According to another form of embodiment, an expulsion member 126 can be associated with the second partition 218, provided to move the second partition 218 toward a discharge zone 30 located downstream of the temporary containing zone 219.
The expulsion member 126 can be substantially the same as the expulsion member 126 described with reference to figs. 6-10.
According to a variant, not shown in the drawings, and as an alternative to the activator/de-activator device 29 and the expulsion member 126, the platform 216 can comprise two support planes located adjacent to each other.
Displacement members are connected to the support planes, configured to move the support planes to a first operating condition in which they define together the reception surface 35, and a second operating condition in which the support planes are distanced from each other to allow to discharge the packets 20 from the temporary containing zone 219 to a zone below the reception surface 35. In the zone below the reception surface 35, containers can be present for the direct collection of the packets, or a transporter to transfer the packets to a packaging line. The displacement members can be configured to move the support planes guillotine-wise, that is, sliding one plane with respect to the other in a reciprocal movement towards/away from each other, or a hatch-wise movement, for example making each support plane rotate around a perimeter edge. In this form of embodiment, the first partition 217 and the second partition 218 can be located in a fixed position with respect to the platform 216.
According to the forms of embodiment in figs. 19-22, the method for handling the wrappings 12 provides to move the discharge end 215 to a position at least partly overlapping the temporary containing zone 219.
In particular, it provides that the first wrapping 12 of the strip 11 discharged is disposed resting against the edge defined between the first partition 217 and the platform 216. In this position, the first wrapping 12 is located angled with respect to the platform 216 by an angle comprised between 20° and 45°.
In this condition, the discharge end 215 is translated by the movement member 221 to take the reception surface 35 to its second position, where it is totally outside the plan bulk of the advance plane 214.
In this condition, the conveyor member 213 continues to feed the strip 11 in the direction of feed D, depositing in this case two wrappings 12 on the reception surface 35.
Subsequently, the discharge end 215 is moved by the movement member 221 toward the first partition 217, to take the reception surface 35 to the first position and to fold other wrappings 12 above the wrappings 12 already deposited.
By repeating alternately the steps reported above, it is possible to fold the wrappings 12 to obtain one or more packets 20 in the temporary containing zone 219.
Once the packets 20 have been generated in the temporary containing zone 219, the activator/de-activator device 29 takes the first partition 217 to its inactive condition so as to allow a movement of the expulsion member 126 that is not interfering.
The expulsion member 126 translates the second partition 218, thrusting the packets 20 from the temporary containing zone 219 to the discharge zone 30.
According to the forms of embodiment in figs. 19-22, the discharge zone 30 comprises a support platform 36 on which the packets 20 are temporarily positioned. The support platform 36 can be provided with a plane, opening guillotine-wise or hatch-wise to determine the discharge of the packets 20 into containers disposed under the support platform 36 (fig. 22).
According to possible solutions, the apparatus 10, 110 (figs. 1-11 and 19-25) can be provided with a device to trigger the folding 31, 131, positioned in correspondence with the discharge end 15, 215 of the conveyor member 13, 213 and configured to determine the folding of the wrappings 12 of the strips 11 according to a programmed pattern.
According to some solutions, shown for example with reference to figs. 1-11 and 19-22, the device to trigger the folding 31 comprises a shaped arm 32 pivoted with a first end in proximity to the discharge end 15, 215 of the conveyor member 13, 213 and provided at the other end with a terminal suitable to contact the wrappings 12 to induce them to fold.
The device to trigger the folding 31 also comprises an actuator 33, provided to selectively move the shaped arm 32, for example to make it rotate around a first end thereof. It is therefore possible to selectively move the shaped arm 32 into correspondence with the strip 11 to induce the folding thereof only when required.
According to a possible variant not of the invention, shown in figs. 23-25, the device to trigger the folding 131 can comprise a cylinder 135 in correspondence with a first end of a support arm 136.
The support arm 136 is pivoted in correspondence with a second end 137, opposite the first end. The support arm 136 is selectively rotatable around the second end 137 to take the cylinder 135 in proximity to the discharge end 215 of the conveyor member 13, 213 and to exert a folding action and possibly a pressure on the wrappings 12 that are fed.
This type of device to trigger the folding 131 allows to start folding the strip 11 of wrappings 12 by positioning the edge of the first wrapping 12 of the strip 11 resting against the edge formed between the second partition 218 and the platform 216.
The first wrapping 12 is deposited in proximity to the second partition 218 and toward the first partition 217.
When the subsequent wrappings 12 of the strip 11 are being delivered to the first partition 217, the device to trigger the folding 131 is raised (fig. 24) and the discharge end 215 is translated toward the first partition 217 to take the reception surface 35 to its first position, that is, a position at least partly under the advance plane 14 of the conveyor member 213.
Once they have reached this position, the direction of movement of the discharge end 215 is inverted to deposit another layer of wrappings 12 above the wrappings 12 already deposited, and thus obtain the packet 20 of wrappings 12.
At the moment when it is necessary to invert the motion in proximity to the second partition 218, the device to trigger the folding 131 is re-activated to oblige the wrapping 12 being discharged to position itself in proximity to the second partition 218 (fig. 25).
In possible forms of embodiment, (figs. 1-10 and figs. 19-22), the conveyor member 13, 213 comprises a presser device 34 positioned in correspondence with the discharge end 15, 215 of the conveyor member 13, 213 and configured to ensure that the strips 11 adhere on the advance plane 14, 214 of the conveyor member 13, 213, so as to guarantee the correct feed of the wrappings 12 toward the temporary containing zone 19, 119, 219. According to the forms of embodiment in figs. 1-10 and 19-22, the presser device 34 comprises a roller mounted on a shaft around its axis of symmetry and selectively pressed against the conveyor member 13, 213. The roller can be installed idle on the shaft, that is, free to rotate around its axis of rotation, or it can be motorized for example with a speed of rotation synchronized with the speed of feed of the conveyor member 13,213.
The apparatus 10, 110 according to the present invention can be configured to handle a single strip 11 at a time, or in other forms of embodiment for example shown in figs. 12-18, several strips 11 at the same time.
If the apparatus 10, 110 is configured to handle several strips 11 at a time, the conveyor member 13 can be governed by synchronization devices 60 located upstream of the conveyor member 13 (fig. 1).
The synchronization devices 60 are configured to make available to the conveyor member 13 all the strips 11 aligned with their head and tail. This allows the conveyor member 13 to synchronize the delivery in the temporary containing zone 19, 119 of all the wrappings 12 of the strips 11, preventing any blockages or obstructions.
According to the form of embodiment in fig. 12, the synchronization devices 60 comprise a plurality of feed lines 61, one for each strip 11 of wrappings 12 fed.
Each feed line 61 is configured to feed a single strip 11 toward the conveyor member 13, 213. Each feed line 61 comprises its own drive members, indicated in fig. 12 by the references M1, M2, M3 and M4, which are configured to activate one feed line 61 independently of the other.
The feed lines 61 can comprise one of either a conveyor belt, a rollerway, a plurality of support and transport belts for a strip, or possible combinations thereof.
The synchronization devices 60 also comprise detectors 62 configured to detect for each feed line 61 at least the head ends of each strip 11.
The detectors 62 can be chosen from a group comprising at least a TV camera, a photocell, an optical sensor, an electric sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor or similar or comparable detectors suitable for the purpose.
In particular, by coordinating the detections made by the detectors 62, it is possible to command the actuation, in each feed line 61, of the drive members M1, M2, M3 and M4, for example slowing down, accelerating or stopping the feed lines 61 so that they supply to the conveyor member 13, 213 all the strips 11 aligned with their head.
Figs. 13-18 show forms of embodiment of possible variants of fig. 12, in which the synchronization devices 60 comprise one or more feed lines 61 to feed each strip 11. The feed lines 61 in this case can be governed by a single drive member that determines the activation of the feed lines 61.
In this case too, detectors 62 are provided to detect the presence of one end of the strips 11.
The synchronization devices 60 also comprise a holding member 63, associated with each feed line 61 and configured to selectively and independently retain each strip 11 in order to prevent its advance along the feed line 61.
According to the form of embodiment in figs. 13-15, the holding member 63 is configured to selectively retain the tail ends of each strip 11. In particular, as soon as the detector detects the presence of the head end of the strip 11, it commands the activation of the holding member 63 to constrain the movement thereof along the feed line 61.
As soon as all the strips 11 are aligned with their head end, the holding member 63 is ordered to de-activate, to allow to activate the strips 11 on the conveyor member 13.
According to possible solutions, the holding member 63 shown in figs. 13-15 comprises a fixed buffer 64, positioned above the feed lines 61, and a presser element 65 associated with each feed line 61 and able to be selectively activated to take the wrappings 12 to cooperate with the buffer 64 and to selectively stop the movement of the strips 11.
Figs. 14 and 15 show respectively the condition of free movement of the strips 11 along the feed lines 61 and the condition where the strips 11 are retained due to the action of the presser element 65 and the buffer 64.
According to the form of embodiment shown in figs. 16-18, the holding member 63 comprises, for each feed line 61, a lifting element 66 to lift the strips 11 from the respective feed line 61.
In particular, when the detectors 62 of one feed line 61 detect the presence of the head or tail end of a strip 11, they command the activation of the lifting element 66. In this condition the strip 11 is lifted from the feed line 61 and held stationary.
As soon as all the strips 11 of the feed lines 61 are aligned with their head or tail end, the lifting element 66 is commanded to de-activate, in order to return all the strips 11 simultaneously resting on the feed lines 61 and therefore to feed them to the conveyor member 13 disposed downstream.
It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10, 110, 210 for handling packaged products and the corresponding method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of the apparatus 10, 110, 210 for handling packaged products and the corresponding method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

Apparatus for handling products packaged in wrappings (12) connected to each other to define at least a strip (11) of a plurality of packaged products, said apparatus comprising a conveyor member (13; 213) configured to make at least one strip (11) advance on an advance plane (14; 214) defined by said conveyor member (13; 213), and to discharge it in proximity to a discharge end (15; 215) thereof, and a temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219) located under the advance plane (14; 214) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15; 215), provided with a reception surface (35) having a longitudinal extension (K) at least equal to the length (L) or a multiple of the length (L) of the wrappings (12), and configured to receive said wrappings (12) from the conveyor member (13; 213), characterized in that it comprises a movement member (21; 121; 221) configured to move at least one of either the temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219) or said discharge end (15; 215) so that said reception surface (35) alternately assumes a first position in which it is at least partly under the advance plane (14; 214), and a second position in which it protrudes from the discharge end (15; 215) and is outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member (13; 213) at least for said longitudinal extension (K).
Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a platform (16; 116; 216) located under the advance plane (14; 114) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15; 215), a first partition (17; 117; 217) and a second partition (27; 118; 218) located facing and distanced at least by said longitudinal extension (K) from the first partition (17; 117; 217), said platform (16; 116; 216), said first partition (17; 117; 217) and said second partition (27; 118; 218) together defining said temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219).
Apparatus as in claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a translation device (243) connected to said platform (216) and configured to translate the latter in a direction orthogonal to said reception surface (35), toward/away from said advance plane (214).
Apparatus as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said platform (216) comprises two support planes located adjacent to each other, movement members being connected to said support planes and configured to take said support planes to a first operating condition in which they define together said reception surface (35) and a second operating condition in which the support planes are distanced from each other to allow the packets (20) to be discharged from said temporary containing zone (219).
Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said movement member (221) is connected to said conveyor member (213) and is configured to move alternately said discharge end (215).
Apparatus as in any claim from 1 to 4, characterized in that said movement member (121) is configured to move the first partition (117) and the second partition (118) with respect to the platform (116) in order to move the reception surface (35) comprised between the first partition (117) and the second partition (118), alternately between the first position and the second position.
Apparatus as in claim 1, characterized in that said temporary containing zone (19) is defined by a platform (16) provided with said reception surface (35), located under the advance plane (14) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15), and by a first partition (17) associated with said platform (16), and in that said movement member (21) is configured to move the first partition (17) and the platform (16) in order to move the reception surface (35) alternately between the first position and the second position.
Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises an expulsion member (26; 126) provided to discharge said packets (20) of wrappings (12) from said temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219).
Apparatus as in claim 2 and 8, characterized in that said expulsion member (126) is connected to said second partition (27; 118; 218) and is configured to move the latter toward a zone (30) for discharging said packets (20).
Apparatus as in claim 7 and 8, characterized in that said expulsion member (26) comprises a barrier (27) and an actuator (28) configured to move said barrier (27) and to determine the expulsion of said packets (20) from the temporary containing zone (19), said barrier (27) being located during use facing said first partition (17) and turned toward the temporary containing zone (19).
Apparatus as in claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises an activator/de-activator device (29), associated with said first partition (17; 117; 217) and configured to take the latter to an active position in which it delimits with said platform (16; 116; 216) the temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219), and an inactive position in which the first partition (17; 117; 217) is taken to a position of non-interference with the movement of said expulsion member (26; 126) and of said packets (20).
Apparatus as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it is configured to handle several strips (11) at a time, and in that said conveyor member (13; 213) is governed by synchronization devices (60) located upstream of the conveyor member (13; 213) and configured to make available on each occasion to the conveyor member (13; 213) all the strips (11) aligned with their head and tail.
Method for handling products packaged in wrappings (12) connected to each other to define at least one strip (11) of a plurality of packaged products, said method comprising the advance in a conveyor member (13; 213) and on an advance plane (14, 214) of at least one strip (11), the discharge of said strip (11) in proximity to a discharge end (15; 215) of the conveyor member (13; 213), and the reception of said wrappings (12) on a reception surface (35) of a temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219) located under the advance plane (14; 214) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15; 215), said reception surface (35) having a longitudinal extension (K) at least equal to the length (L) or a multiple of the length (L) of the wrappings (12), characterized in that it comprises the movement, with a movement member (21, 121; 221), of at least one of either the temporary containing zone (19; 119; 219) or the discharge end (15; 215) to alternately take the reception surface (35) between a first position in which it is at least partly under the advance plane (14; 214), and a second position in which it protrudes from the discharge end (15; 215) and is outside the plan bulk of the conveyor member (13) at least for said longitudinal extension (K).
Method as in claim 13, characterized in that the movement member (221) moves said discharge end (215) in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of advance (D) of said strip (11) on said conveyor member (213).
Method as in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said temporary containing zone (19) is defined by a platform (16) located under the advance plane (14) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15), and by a first partition (17) associated with said platform (16), and in that the movement member (21) moves the first partition (17) and the platform (16) in order to move the temporary containing zone (19) and the reception surface (35) alternately between the first position and the second position.
Method as in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it provides a platform (116) located under the advance plane (14) and in correspondence with said discharge end (15), a first partition (117) and a second partition (118) located facing and reciprocally distanced from the first partition (117), said platform (116), said first partition (117) and said second partition (118) defining at least a temporary containing zone (119) of said wrappings (12) of the strip (11), and in that the movement member (21) moves the first partition (117) and the second partition (118) with respect to the platform (116) and moves the temporary containing zone (119) and the reception surface (35) alternately between the first position and the second position.