EP3583036A1 - Packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases - Google Patents

Packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases

Info

Publication number
EP3583036A1
EP3583036A1 EP18704071.2A EP18704071A EP3583036A1 EP 3583036 A1 EP3583036 A1 EP 3583036A1 EP 18704071 A EP18704071 A EP 18704071A EP 3583036 A1 EP3583036 A1 EP 3583036A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
case
sachets
flank
unit according
positioning members
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP18704071.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3583036B1 (en
Inventor
Davide Martelli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Logomat Srl
Original Assignee
Logomat Srl
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Logomat Srl filed Critical Logomat Srl
Publication of EP3583036A1 publication Critical patent/EP3583036A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3583036B1 publication Critical patent/EP3583036B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • 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
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
    • B65B35/40—Arranging and feeding articles in groups by reciprocating or oscillatory pushers
    • 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
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • 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
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/061—Filled bags

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a unit for the packaging of bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases.
  • the present invention relates to a unit for packaging bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like, e.g. containing pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, chemical, and other products, supplied in granular, powder, liquid, viscous or solid form, in tablets, and the like, in box-shaped cases, the latter being, for example, in the shape of a parallelepiped but also other shapes.
  • sachets means, for convenience, bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, or the like.
  • sachets are in turn packaged for sale in cases, for example of cardboard or other suitable material, by packaging machines of a known kind.
  • cases are box-like and have substantially a parallelepiped shape, or even different shapes.
  • the sachets to be packaged are fed in a predetermined number to one or more respective inserting stations, which are generally movable along a predetermined feeding path.
  • cartons are initially contained in a store in which they are, for example, in a flattened configuration, or they are stored directly in the form of semi-finished blanks.
  • Each case is taken from the store, formed and/or opened by respective opening means, and conveyed with an open side to a respective inserting station, at which the sachets are inserted into the case by means of inserting means.
  • each case rests on one side parallel to the ground, and has one open side facing the station, through which the sachets are let in.
  • the sachets which have an irregular shape, or in any case a shape not suitable for their stacking one on top of the other, can accidentally slip one with respect to the other, especially if the case has not been completely filled yet: this can cause incorrect packaging of the sachets, or damage to the sachets and/or the cases, or even - if the sachets accidentally come out of the case - jamming of the machine, with subsequent downtime and service costs.
  • the here above described phenomenon can be further amplified by the fact that often, the sachets will contain powdery or granular material which is free to move, and consequently, change in an unpredictable manner the position of the centre of gravity of the sachet itself.
  • the aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.
  • one object of the present invention is to develop a packaging unit that allows for the correct insertion of sachets and the like into respective box-shaped cases, preventing their incorrect positioning inside the case itself and/or accidental sliding out.
  • Another object of the present invention is to make a packaging unit available which allows the aforementioned purposes to be achieved via a technical solution characterised by low costs and by a simple and effective use.
  • the packaging unit comprises support means for at least one box-shaped case open at one side and resting on one flank, and a station for inserting one or more sachets, or the like, inside the case itself.
  • the inserting station comprises inserting means suitable for pushing one or more sachets, or the like, onwards into the inside of the case through the aforementioned open side.
  • the supporting means comprise positioning members of the case in a configuration in which the supporting flank is inclined to a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • Figures 1 to 3 are schematic and partially cross-sectioned side views of the packaging unit according to the invention, in respective successive steps of inserting the sachets, or the like, into a box-like case;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit
  • Figure 5 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit.
  • Figure 1 1 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit
  • Figure 12 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention.
  • a packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, and the like, in box-shaped cases according to the present invention is wholly indicated with reference number 1.
  • the packaging unit 1 comprises supporting means 2 for at least one box-shaped case 3.
  • the supporting means 2 support the case 3 resting on one flank 3 a. Moreover, the supporting means 2 support the case 3 in an open configuration at one side 3b, through which the sachets 4, or the like, must be inserted.
  • sachets 4 shall mean, for convenience, bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, or the like: therefore the list of possible types of container will not be repeated each time, in order not to weigh down the reading.
  • the unit 1 further comprises an inserting station 5 of one or more sachets 4 into the case 3.
  • the inserting station 5 comprises inserting means 6.
  • the inserting station 5 can comprise, for example, a collection portion 5a of the sachets 4 to be inserted into the case 3.
  • the inserting means 6 are suitable for pushing one or more sachets 4 onwards into the inside of the case 3 through the aforementioned open side 3b.
  • the inserting means 6 may comprise, for example, a pusher or other similar elements.
  • the inserting station 5 may be fixed; or it may be movable, and paired with respective feeding means 5 b of any type known in the art.
  • the supporting means 2 comprise positioning members 7.
  • the positioning members 7 are suitable for positioning the case 3 in a configuration in which the supporting flank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to a horizontal plane A.
  • each case 3 in the aforesaid inclined configuration prevents that the sachets 4 placed therein may accidentally move or partially or completely come out of the case 3 during the operating steps of packaging unit 1 operation.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least a first surface 7a, to which the supporting flank 3a of the case 3 adheres.
  • Said first surface 7a is inclined by the aforementioned predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least one wedge-shaped element 8.
  • the wedge-shaped element 8 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaid first surface 7a.
  • the wedge-shaped element 8 comprises a lower face parallel or substantially parallel to the aforesaid horizontal plane A.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least a second surface 7b.
  • the bottom 3 c of the case 3 rests on the second surface 7b.
  • the second surface 7b may be perpendicular to the first surface 7a, or it may also be inclined by a certain angle with respect to the first surface 7a.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least one abutment element 9 for the bottom 3 c of the case 3.
  • the abutment element 9 comprises the aforementioned second surface 7b.
  • the abutment element 9 can be fixed, for example with respect to the wedge element 8 and therefore also with respect to the inserting station 5.
  • the abutment element 9 can also be movable towards or away from the inserting station 5.
  • the positioning of the case 3 with the supporting flank 3a inclined by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A allows the sachets 4 to be retained inside the case 3 in a particularly stable configuration, in which any vibrations or inertial actions transmitted to the sachets 4, due to the operation of the packaging unit 1 , can not cause displacements such as to cause instability or poor balance conditions inside the case 3 itself.
  • An object of the present invention is also a packaging machine comprising at least one packaging unit 1 having the features described above.
  • the packaging machine comprises conveyor means 10 of each case 3 from and/or towards the inserting station 5.
  • the conveyor means 10 can be, for example, of the belt, chain, strap type, or the like.
  • the positioning members 7 can be connected to the conveyor means 10.
  • the positioning members 7 can be released from the aforementioned conveyor means 10, that is, in a fixed position with respect to the inserting station 5.
  • the operation of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, entirely intuitive.
  • the sachets 4 are fed in a predetermined number to the inserting station 5; each case 3 is taken, for example, from a store by the conveyor means 10, which lead it to the inserting station 5 in a box-like configuration - substantially a parallelepiped with an open side 3b.
  • the positioning members 7 allow the case 3 to be kept resting on the flank 3a in an inclined configuration according to the angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A: this ensures, once the cases 3 are filled with the sachets 4 through the inserting means 6, that the sachets 4 stay always inside the case 3, without being able in any way to move uncontrollably or even come out, for example, due to the vibration generated during the operation of the packaging machine.
  • FIG. 1 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • This embodiment differs from that of Figures 1-3 in that the positioning members 7 further comprise lateral abutment means 11 for the case 3.
  • the lateral abutment means 11 prevent any accidental movement of the case 3 transversely to the direction of insertion of the sachets 4 inside it.
  • FIG. 5 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 5.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least one plate element 12.
  • the plate element 12 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaid first surface 7a.
  • the aforesaid plate element 12 comprises an abutment element 9, which defines a second surface 7b on which the bottom 3c of the case 3 rests.
  • the plate element 12 can be of any shape and size, without any particular limitations.
  • the plate element 12 can be supported by fixed parts of the packaging unit 1, or by the base of the packaging machine.
  • the plate element 12 could be replaced by another element having a different shape but technically equivalent thereto.
  • Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the positioning members 7 are incorporated in the packaging machine conveyor means 10. More in detail, the conveyor means 10 - e.g. of the belt, chain, strap type, or the like - comprise the positioning members 7, and in particular the cross section of the conveyor means 10 is substantially wedge shaped, like in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4.
  • the conveyor means 10 e.g. of the belt, chain, strap type, or the like - comprise the positioning members 7, and in particular the cross section of the conveyor means 10 is substantially wedge shaped, like in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4.
  • FIG. 7 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 7.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise a plate element 12, or an element technically equivalent to it.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise inclination means 13.
  • the inclination means 13 are suitable for selectively bringing the first surface 7a of the plate element 12 from a position in which the supporting flank 3 a of the case 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which the insertion of the sachets 4 inside the case 3 is carried out, to a position in which the supporting flank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to said horizontal plane A.
  • the sachets 4 are inserted into the case 3 when the latter is in a horizontal configuration (i.e. with the support side 3a parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A), and the same is then brought to the inclined position by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A once the sachets 4 (all or only some of them) have been inserted into the case 3.
  • the advantages of this solution mainly consist in the fact that insertion of the sachets 4 in the case 3 occurs in a facilitated condition: normally, the inserting means 6 work in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, and therefore inserting stations 5 of a pre-existing type can be used.
  • inclination means 13 of the case 3 can be operated only when necessary: for example, it is possible to choose to tilt the case 3 only when a certain number of sachets 4 has been inserted inside it, or when the case 3, already filled with sachets 4, is about to be transferred to a downstream operating station, or in any other operating phase in which this may be of some use.
  • the inclination means 13 can comprise, for example, a base 14; the base 14 can be connected to the conveying means of cases 3, or it can also be released from same. Moreover, the inclination means 13 comprise an articulation axis 15 provided between the base 14 and the plate element 12 on which the case 3 rests.
  • actuator means may be provided which rotate the plate element 12 with respect to the base 14.
  • predetermined angle a This allows the predetermined angle a to be varied according to the different application requirements, for example when the dimensions of the case 3, the number of sachets 4 contained, and other things, vary.
  • the inclination means 13 can comprise a fixed element, integral with the framework of the packaging unit, and conveyor means, provided with a plurality of housings for respective cases 3.
  • the conveyor means are movable with respect to the fixed element; the latter is shaped in such a way as to determine a change in the inclination of the flank 3a when the cases 3 come into contact with it, pulled by the conveyor means.
  • the fixed element can be shaped like a profile of a linear cam, in which the cases, pulled by the conveyor means, act as followers; therefore, the inclination of the flanks 3a of the cases shifts from a horizontal position to an inclined one and vice versa, in the production steps in which this is required, due to the relative motion of the cases 3 with respect to the fixed element.
  • FIG. 8 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 8.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise vacuum-operated gripping means 16.
  • the vacuum gripping means 16 are suitable for keeping the case 3 in a configuration in which the supporting flank 3 a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
  • the vacuum gripping means 16 comprise at least one gripping surface 17 suitable for adhering to the supporting flank 3 a of the case 3.
  • the embodiment of Figure 8 comprises a wedge-shaped element 8 such as that described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-4; the gripping surface
  • the gripping surface 17 can comprise holes or openings 18 through which the vacuum gripping means 16 act, through respective channels 19.
  • the vacuum gripping means 16 allow the case 3 to be kept in the desired position in a more stable and safe manner; thanks to this, the positioning members 7 can be constructively simpler (for example, an abutment element may not be necessary for the bottom of the case 3).
  • FIG. 9 Another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is shown in Figure 9.
  • This embodiment differs from that of Figure 8 in that the positioning members 7 comprise a plate element 12 retaining the supporting flank 3a of the case 3.
  • the vacuum gripping means 16 with characteristics similar to those described for the previous embodiment operate through the plate element 12.
  • the packaging unit 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 9 can further incorporate inclination means 13 such as those of the embodiment of Figure 7.
  • the solution adopted is especially advantageous since the vacuum gripping means 16 firmly retain the case 3 and prevent accidental movements during its inclination operation.
  • FIG. 10 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 10.
  • the positioning members 7 comprise at least a first supporting element 20 and a second supporting element 21 of the flank 3 a of the casing 3.
  • the first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 comprise respective end portions supporting the flank 3a of the case 3, positioned at different heights with respect to the horizontal plane A.
  • the first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 can be mutually connected to each other by a central section 22, or by other connecting elements.
  • the supporting elements 20,21 can be connected to the conveyor means 10 of the cases 3 - as shown in Figure 10 - or they can be released from same.
  • At least one of the first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 is selectively movable between a lowered position, in which the flank 3 a of the case 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which the sachets 4 are inserted into the case 3, to a raised position in which the flank 3 a is inclined by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
  • the first supporting element 20 in particular can be selectively movable between the two above mentioned positions.
  • Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention which differs from that of Figure 10 in that in the positioning members 7 the second support element 21 is substantially at the same height as the central section 22; moreover, the abutment element 9 is made to be integral with the same central section 22.
  • the positioning members 7 are incorporated in the conveyor means 10 of the cases 3.
  • Figure 12 shows as a cross section an example in which the conveyor means 10 comprise a belt, or a chain, a strap, or the like (seen in cross- section); the positioning members 7 comprise a first edge 23 and a second edge 24 of the belt, or chain, or strap, which reach different heights with respect to the horizontal plane A, and therefore allow the case 3 to be positioned in the desired inclined configuration.
  • the predetermined angle a can be comprised between 1 ° and 70°.
  • the invention greatly limits the risk that the sachets inserted in the case can move or come out accidentally during the packaging operation steps.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

A packaging unit (1) of bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, and the like (4), in box-shaped cases (3), comprising supporting means (2) for at least one box-shaped case (3) open at one side (3b) and resting on one flank (3a), and an inserting station (5) of one or more sachets (4), or the like, into the case (3). The inserting station (5) comprises inserting means (6) suitable for pushing one or more sachets (4), or the like, onwards into the inside of the case (3) through the aforementioned open side (3b). The supporting means (2) comprise positioning members (7) of the case (3) ina configuration in which said flank (3 a) is inclined to a predetermined angle (α) with respect to a horizontal plane (A).

Description

"PACKAGING UNIT FOR BAGS, SACHETS, STICKS, FLOWPACKS AND THE LIKE IN BOX-SHAPED CASES."
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a unit for the packaging of bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases.
More in detail, the present invention relates to a unit for packaging bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like, e.g. containing pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, chemical, and other products, supplied in granular, powder, liquid, viscous or solid form, in tablets, and the like, in box-shaped cases, the latter being, for example, in the shape of a parallelepiped but also other shapes.
BACKGROUND ART
In various manufacturing fields, such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, chemical ones, and others, various products supplied in granular, powder, liquid, viscous or solid form, in tablets, and the like are pre-packaged in so-called "sticks", i.e. in sealed sachets, as single doses or otherwise, for convenience of use or administration, for adequate preservation of the products, or for the special shape in which they are supplied.
It should be noted that hereafter in this description the generic term "sachets" means, for convenience, bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, or the like.
These sachets are in turn packaged for sale in cases, for example of cardboard or other suitable material, by packaging machines of a known kind.
Generally, cases are box-like and have substantially a parallelepiped shape, or even different shapes.
In these machines, the sachets to be packaged are fed in a predetermined number to one or more respective inserting stations, which are generally movable along a predetermined feeding path.
Typically, cartons are initially contained in a store in which they are, for example, in a flattened configuration, or they are stored directly in the form of semi-finished blanks.
Each case is taken from the store, formed and/or opened by respective opening means, and conveyed with an open side to a respective inserting station, at which the sachets are inserted into the case by means of inserting means.
At the inserting station, each case rests on one side parallel to the ground, and has one open side facing the station, through which the sachets are let in.
Once it has been filled with sachets, the case is then conveyed to downstream sealing stations, for final packaging.
The handling of the cases along their respective feeding paths, as well as the vibrations generated by the operation of the machine itself, can cause accidental movements of the sachets that had been just inserted into the cases.
Therefore the sachets, which have an irregular shape, or in any case a shape not suitable for their stacking one on top of the other, can accidentally slip one with respect to the other, especially if the case has not been completely filled yet: this can cause incorrect packaging of the sachets, or damage to the sachets and/or the cases, or even - if the sachets accidentally come out of the case - jamming of the machine, with subsequent downtime and service costs.
It should be added that the here above described phenomenon can be further amplified by the fact that often, the sachets will contain powdery or granular material which is free to move, and consequently, change in an unpredictable manner the position of the centre of gravity of the sachet itself.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.
Within such technical aim, one object of the present invention is to develop a packaging unit that allows for the correct insertion of sachets and the like into respective box-shaped cases, preventing their incorrect positioning inside the case itself and/or accidental sliding out.
Another object of the present invention is to make a packaging unit available which allows the aforementioned purposes to be achieved via a technical solution characterised by low costs and by a simple and effective use.
This aim and these objects are achieved by the packaging unit of bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases according to the attached claim 1.
The packaging unit comprises support means for at least one box-shaped case open at one side and resting on one flank, and a station for inserting one or more sachets, or the like, inside the case itself.
The inserting station comprises inserting means suitable for pushing one or more sachets, or the like, onwards into the inside of the case through the aforementioned open side.
According to the invention, the supporting means comprise positioning members of the case in a configuration in which the supporting flank is inclined to a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
This aim and these objects are also achieved by a packaging machine comprising the packaging unit according to the attached claim 1.
Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
The features of the invention will be better understood by any person skilled in the art from the following description and accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:
Figures 1 to 3 are schematic and partially cross-sectioned side views of the packaging unit according to the invention, in respective successive steps of inserting the sachets, or the like, into a box-like case;
Figure 4 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 5 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 6 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention;
Figure 7 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention;
Figure 8 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 9 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 10 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 1 1 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit;
Figure 12 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.
With reference to the accompanying Figure 1, a packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, and the like, in box-shaped cases according to the present invention is wholly indicated with reference number 1.
The packaging unit 1 comprises supporting means 2 for at least one box-shaped case 3.
In particular, the supporting means 2 support the case 3 resting on one flank 3 a. Moreover, the supporting means 2 support the case 3 in an open configuration at one side 3b, through which the sachets 4, or the like, must be inserted.
In the rest of this description the generic term of sachets 4 shall mean, for convenience, bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, or the like: therefore the list of possible types of container will not be repeated each time, in order not to weigh down the reading.
The unit 1 further comprises an inserting station 5 of one or more sachets 4 into the case 3.
The insertion of the sachets 4 takes place through the aforementioned open side 3b. The inserting station 5 comprises inserting means 6.
Moreover, the inserting station 5 can comprise, for example, a collection portion 5a of the sachets 4 to be inserted into the case 3.
The inserting means 6 are suitable for pushing one or more sachets 4 onwards into the inside of the case 3 through the aforementioned open side 3b. The inserting means 6 may comprise, for example, a pusher or other similar elements.
The inserting station 5 may be fixed; or it may be movable, and paired with respective feeding means 5 b of any type known in the art.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the supporting means 2 comprise positioning members 7.
The positioning members 7 are suitable for positioning the case 3 in a configuration in which the supporting flank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to a horizontal plane A.
As will be better illustrated below, the positioning of each case 3 in the aforesaid inclined configuration prevents that the sachets 4 placed therein may accidentally move or partially or completely come out of the case 3 during the operating steps of packaging unit 1 operation.
According to one aspect of the invention, the positioning members 7 comprise at least a first surface 7a, to which the supporting flank 3a of the case 3 adheres.
Said first surface 7a is inclined by the aforementioned predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
In the specific embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, and according to one aspect of the invention, the positioning members 7 comprise at least one wedge-shaped element 8.
The wedge-shaped element 8 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaid first surface 7a.
Furthermore, the wedge-shaped element 8 comprises a lower face parallel or substantially parallel to the aforesaid horizontal plane A.
According to another aspect of the invention, the positioning members 7 comprise at least a second surface 7b.
The bottom 3 c of the case 3 rests on the second surface 7b.
The second surface 7b may be perpendicular to the first surface 7a, or it may also be inclined by a certain angle with respect to the first surface 7a.
According to another aspect of the invention, the positioning members 7 comprise at least one abutment element 9 for the bottom 3 c of the case 3.
The abutment element 9 comprises the aforementioned second surface 7b.
The abutment element 9 can be fixed, for example with respect to the wedge element 8 and therefore also with respect to the inserting station 5.
The abutment element 9 can also be movable towards or away from the inserting station 5.
This allows the case 3 to be positioned at different distances from the inserting station 5, or this may allow cases 3 of different sizes to be accommodated.
As can be easily understood by observing the operating sequence shown in Figures 1-3, the positioning of the case 3 with the supporting flank 3a inclined by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A allows the sachets 4 to be retained inside the case 3 in a particularly stable configuration, in which any vibrations or inertial actions transmitted to the sachets 4, due to the operation of the packaging unit 1 , can not cause displacements such as to cause instability or poor balance conditions inside the case 3 itself.
An object of the present invention is also a packaging machine comprising at least one packaging unit 1 having the features described above.
The packaging machine comprises conveyor means 10 of each case 3 from and/or towards the inserting station 5.
The conveyor means 10 can be, for example, of the belt, chain, strap type, or the like.
According to one aspect of the invention, the positioning members 7 can be connected to the conveyor means 10.
In other embodiments of the invention, the positioning members 7 can be released from the aforementioned conveyor means 10, that is, in a fixed position with respect to the inserting station 5.
The operation of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, entirely intuitive.
The sachets 4 are fed in a predetermined number to the inserting station 5; each case 3 is taken, for example, from a store by the conveyor means 10, which lead it to the inserting station 5 in a box-like configuration - substantially a parallelepiped with an open side 3b.
The positioning members 7 allow the case 3 to be kept resting on the flank 3a in an inclined configuration according to the angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A: this ensures, once the cases 3 are filled with the sachets 4 through the inserting means 6, that the sachets 4 stay always inside the case 3, without being able in any way to move uncontrollably or even come out, for example, due to the vibration generated during the operation of the packaging machine.
Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 4.
This embodiment differs from that of Figures 1-3 in that the positioning members 7 further comprise lateral abutment means 11 for the case 3.
The lateral abutment means 11 prevent any accidental movement of the case 3 transversely to the direction of insertion of the sachets 4 inside it.
Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 5.
In this embodiment, the positioning members 7 comprise at least one plate element 12.
The plate element 12 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaid first surface 7a.
Moreover, the aforesaid plate element 12 comprises an abutment element 9, which defines a second surface 7b on which the bottom 3c of the case 3 rests.
The plate element 12 can be of any shape and size, without any particular limitations.
The plate element 12 can be supported by fixed parts of the packaging unit 1, or by the base of the packaging machine.
Moreover, the plate element 12 could be replaced by another element having a different shape but technically equivalent thereto.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the positioning members 7 are incorporated in the packaging machine conveyor means 10. More in detail, the conveyor means 10 - e.g. of the belt, chain, strap type, or the like - comprise the positioning members 7, and in particular the cross section of the conveyor means 10 is substantially wedge shaped, like in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4.
Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 7.
In this embodiment, the positioning members 7 comprise a plate element 12, or an element technically equivalent to it.
Moreover, the positioning members 7 comprise inclination means 13.
The inclination means 13 are suitable for selectively bringing the first surface 7a of the plate element 12 from a position in which the supporting flank 3 a of the case 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which the insertion of the sachets 4 inside the case 3 is carried out, to a position in which the supporting flank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to said horizontal plane A.
This means that, in practical operation, the sachets 4 are inserted into the case 3 when the latter is in a horizontal configuration (i.e. with the support side 3a parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A), and the same is then brought to the inclined position by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A once the sachets 4 (all or only some of them) have been inserted into the case 3.
The advantages of this solution mainly consist in the fact that insertion of the sachets 4 in the case 3 occurs in a facilitated condition: normally, the inserting means 6 work in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, and therefore inserting stations 5 of a pre-existing type can be used.
Furthermore, another important advantage consists in that the inclination means 13 of the case 3 can be operated only when necessary: for example, it is possible to choose to tilt the case 3 only when a certain number of sachets 4 has been inserted inside it, or when the case 3, already filled with sachets 4, is about to be transferred to a downstream operating station, or in any other operating phase in which this may be of some use.
The inclination means 13 can comprise, for example, a base 14; the base 14 can be connected to the conveying means of cases 3, or it can also be released from same. Moreover, the inclination means 13 comprise an articulation axis 15 provided between the base 14 and the plate element 12 on which the case 3 rests.
At the articulation axis 15, actuator means may be provided which rotate the plate element 12 with respect to the base 14.
This allows the predetermined angle a to be varied according to the different application requirements, for example when the dimensions of the case 3, the number of sachets 4 contained, and other things, vary.
In another embodiment of the invention, the inclination means 13 can comprise a fixed element, integral with the framework of the packaging unit, and conveyor means, provided with a plurality of housings for respective cases 3.
More in detail, the conveyor means are movable with respect to the fixed element; the latter is shaped in such a way as to determine a change in the inclination of the flank 3a when the cases 3 come into contact with it, pulled by the conveyor means. For example, the fixed element can be shaped like a profile of a linear cam, in which the cases, pulled by the conveyor means, act as followers; therefore, the inclination of the flanks 3a of the cases shifts from a horizontal position to an inclined one and vice versa, in the production steps in which this is required, due to the relative motion of the cases 3 with respect to the fixed element.
Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 8.
In this embodiment, the positioning members 7 comprise vacuum-operated gripping means 16.
The vacuum gripping means 16 are suitable for keeping the case 3 in a configuration in which the supporting flank 3 a is inclined to a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
The vacuum gripping means 16 comprise at least one gripping surface 17 suitable for adhering to the supporting flank 3 a of the case 3. The embodiment of Figure 8 comprises a wedge-shaped element 8 such as that described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-4; the gripping surface
17 is contained in the upper surface of the wedge-shaped element 8.
The gripping surface 17 can comprise holes or openings 18 through which the vacuum gripping means 16 act, through respective channels 19.
The vacuum gripping means 16 allow the case 3 to be kept in the desired position in a more stable and safe manner; thanks to this, the positioning members 7 can be constructively simpler (for example, an abutment element may not be necessary for the bottom of the case 3).
Another embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is shown in Figure 9.
This embodiment differs from that of Figure 8 in that the positioning members 7 comprise a plate element 12 retaining the supporting flank 3a of the case 3.
The vacuum gripping means 16 with characteristics similar to those described for the previous embodiment operate through the plate element 12.
The packaging unit 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 9 can further incorporate inclination means 13 such as those of the embodiment of Figure 7.
In the latter case, the solution adopted is especially advantageous since the vacuum gripping means 16 firmly retain the case 3 and prevent accidental movements during its inclination operation.
Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 10.
In this embodiment, the positioning members 7 comprise at least a first supporting element 20 and a second supporting element 21 of the flank 3 a of the casing 3. The first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 comprise respective end portions supporting the flank 3a of the case 3, positioned at different heights with respect to the horizontal plane A.
This solution is simpler and lighter than the solution comprising a wedge-shaped element; the case 3 is supported only at very limited portions of its outer surface. As shown in Figure 10, an abutment element 9 of the type described above can be added to the supporting elements 20, 21, e.g. movable towards or away from the inserting station 5.
This allows cases 3 of different sizes to be retained.
The first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 can be mutually connected to each other by a central section 22, or by other connecting elements.
The supporting elements 20,21 can be connected to the conveyor means 10 of the cases 3 - as shown in Figure 10 - or they can be released from same.
In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 is selectively movable between a lowered position, in which the flank 3 a of the case 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which the sachets 4 are inserted into the case 3, to a raised position in which the flank 3 a is inclined by a predetermined angle a with respect to the horizontal plane A.
For example, the first supporting element 20 in particular can be selectively movable between the two above mentioned positions.
In this way, a result similar to that obtained thanks to the actuation of the inclination means 13 is obtained.
Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the packaging unit 1 according to the invention which differs from that of Figure 10 in that in the positioning members 7 the second support element 21 is substantially at the same height as the central section 22; moreover, the abutment element 9 is made to be integral with the same central section 22.
This is a simplified solution with respect to that of Figure 10, but less versatile in terms of dimensions of the cases 3.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the positioning members 7 are incorporated in the conveyor means 10 of the cases 3.
More in detail, Figure 12 shows as a cross section an example in which the conveyor means 10 comprise a belt, or a chain, a strap, or the like (seen in cross- section); the positioning members 7 comprise a first edge 23 and a second edge 24 of the belt, or chain, or strap, which reach different heights with respect to the horizontal plane A, and therefore allow the case 3 to be positioned in the desired inclined configuration.
It is specified that in all the previously described embodiments of the invention the predetermined angle a can be comprised between 1 ° and 70°.
It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the intended purposes.
The invention greatly limits the risk that the sachets inserted in the case can move or come out accidentally during the packaging operation steps.
This result is obtained with technically simple and effective solutions, easily adoptable even in pre-existing packaging machines or packaging units.
In the event that the technical characteristics mentioned in the attached claims are followed by reference numbers, such reference numbers are introduced for the sole purpose of further clarifying the claims, and they consequently do not have any limiting effect.
The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but various equivalent versions are possible still within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Packaging unit (1) of bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like (4) in box-shaped cases (3), comprising supporting means (2) for at least one box-shaped case (3) open at one side (3b) and in abutment on one flank (3a), and a station (5) for inserting one or more sachets (4), or the like, within the case (3), said insertion station (5) comprising insertion means (6) suitable to push one or more sachets (4), or the like, towards the interior of the case (3) through said open side (3b), characterized in that said supporting means (2) comprise positioning members (7) of the case (3) in a configuration in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre- established angle (a) with respect to a horizontal plane (A).
2. Unit according to claim 1 , wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one first surface (7a) to which said flank (3a) of the case (3) adheres, said first surface (7a) being inclined by said pre-established angle (a) with respect to said horizontal plane (A).
3. Unit according to claim 2, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise inclination means (13) suitable to selectively bring said first surface (7a) from a position in which said flank (3a) is substantially parallel to said horizontal plane (A) and in which the insertion of the sachets (4) into the case (3) is carried out, to a position in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre-established angle (a) with respect to said horizontal plane (A).
4. Unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one plate element (12) provided with an upper face comprising said first surface (7a).
5. Unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one wedge shaped element (8) provided with a lower face parallel, or substantially parallel, to said horizontal plane (A), and with an upper face that comprises said first surface (7a).
6. Unit according to one of the claims 2-5, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one second surface (7b), on which the bottom (3 c) of the case (3) is suitable to abut.
7. Unit according to claim 6, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one abutment element (9) for the bottom (3c) of the case (3), said abutment element (9) comprising said second surface (7b).
8. Unit according to claim 7, wherein said abutment element (9) is fixed or shiftable in approaching or moving away from said insertion station (5), in order to position the case (3) at different distances from said insertion station (5) and/or in order to house cases (3) of different size.
9. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise vacuum-operated gripping means (16) suitable to retain said case (3) in a configuration in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre-established angle (a) with respect to said horizontal plane (A).
10. Unit according to claim 9, wherein said vacuum-operated gripping means (16) comprise at least one gripping surface (17) suitable to adhere to said flank (3 a) of the case (3).
11. Unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one first supporting element (20) and one second supporting element (21) of said flank (3 a) of the case (3), said first and second supporting element (20,21) comprising respective end portions supporting said flank (3a), positioned at different heights with respect to said horizontal plane (A).
12. Unit according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one from among said first supporting element (20) and second supporting element (21) is selectively movable between a lowered position, in which said flank (3a) is substantially parallel to said horizontal plane (A) and in which the insertion is carried out of the sachets (4) into the case (3), and a raised position in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre-established angle (a) with respect to said horizontal plane (A).
13. Unit according to claim 2, wherein said inclination means (13) comprise a fixed element, integral with the framework of the packaging unit, and conveyor means, provided with a plurality of housings for respective cases (3), said conveyor means being movable with respect to said fixed element, said fixed element being shaped in such a way as to determine a change in the inclination of said flanks (3 a) when said cases (3) come in contact with it, pulled by said conveyor means.
14. Unit according to claim 13, wherein said fixed element is shaped like a profile of a linear cam, and wherein said cases (3), pulled by said conveyor means, act followers, so that the inclination of said flanks (3 a) varies due to the relative motion of said cases (3) with respect to said fixed element.
15. Packaging machine, comprising at least one packaging unit (1) according to one of the claims 1-14.
16. Machine according to claim 15, comprising conveyor means (10) of the cases (3) from and/or towards said insertion station (5), wherein said positioning members (7) are connected to said conveyor means (10), or incorporated in said conveyor means (10).
EP18704071.2A 2017-01-02 2018-01-02 Packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases Active EP3583036B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102017000000175A IT201700000175A1 (en) 2017-01-02 2017-01-02 GROUP OF PACKAGING OF ENVELOPES, BAGS, STICKS, FLOWPACKS AND SIMILAR IN BOXES BOXES
PCT/IB2018/050009 WO2018122822A1 (en) 2017-01-02 2018-01-02 Packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3583036A1 true EP3583036A1 (en) 2019-12-25
EP3583036B1 EP3583036B1 (en) 2021-06-16

Family

ID=58671787

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18704071.2A Active EP3583036B1 (en) 2017-01-02 2018-01-02 Packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks and the like in box-shaped cases

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3583036B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2893023T3 (en)
IT (1) IT201700000175A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018122822A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5778640A (en) * 1996-11-07 1998-07-14 Blueprint Automation, Inc. Apparatus and method for packing stand-up pouches into cartons
US6094885A (en) * 1998-07-28 2000-08-01 Payless Shoesource, Inc. Packaging station
US7096650B2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-08-29 Blueprint Holding B.V. Device for filling a carton
DE102008010432A1 (en) * 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Focke & Co.(Gmbh & Co. Kg) Method and device for inserting (hose) bags into cartons

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018122822A1 (en) 2018-07-05
IT201700000175A1 (en) 2018-07-02
EP3583036B1 (en) 2021-06-16
ES2893023T3 (en) 2022-02-07

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