EP3583036B1 - 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 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3583036B1 EP3583036B1 EP18704071.2A EP18704071A EP3583036B1 EP 3583036 B1 EP3583036 B1 EP 3583036B1 EP 18704071 A EP18704071 A EP 18704071A EP 3583036 B1 EP3583036 B1 EP 3583036B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- box
- shaped
- case
- sachets
- 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.)
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- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 53
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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.
- US 2011/0005174 discloses a method and device for inserting tube bags, containing fragile packaging goods, into cartons.
- Each carton is held ready on a packing station, such that the bags can be inserted into the carton by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher.
- such carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton at a predetermined feed plane.
- US 6,094,885 discloses a packaging station including a device for assisting the removal of articles from a fist conveying system into a container, and for reorienting the container for loading onto a second conveying system.
- the device comprises a base, a platform pivotally connected to the base, and an actuating mechanism configured to operatively pivot the platform.
- the platform has a panel and a lip operatively configured to cooperatively support and retain the container in a substantially inclined position, substantially adjacent to the first conveying system, for facilitating loading of articles into the container.
- the actuating mechanism pivots the platform and thus the container such that the panel assumes a substantially horizontal position for loading the container onto the second conveying system.
- US 5,778,640 discloses an apparatus and method for packing stand-up pouches into cartons, where flexible pouches are placed in a vertical position in a carton by tilting the carton and its open top on its side, and placing and pushing multiple rows of overlapping flexible pouches into the carton.
- the row is picked up by a thin vacuum head on the end of a robotic arm, and moved and placed into the tilted carton with the sequence being repeated with subsequent rows until the carton is filled and tilted back into position.
- the vacuum pick-up head is a thin, cantilevered head which is caused to tilt during the transfer from a pick-up station to the carton.
- 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 supporting 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.
- the positioning members comprise at least one first surface to which said flank of said box-shaped case adheres, wherein said fist surface is inclined by said pre-established angle with respect to said horizontal plane.
- the positioning members comprise inclination means suitable to selectively bring said first surface from a position in which said flank is substantially parallel to said horizontal plane, and in which the insertion of the sachets onto said box-shaped case is carried out, to a position in which said flank is inclined by a pre-established angle with respect to said horizontal plane.
- the inclination means comprise a fixed element, integral with the framework of the packaging unit, and conveyor means, provided with a plurality of housings for respective box-shaped cases; the conveyor means are movable with respect to said fixed element; the fixed element is shaped in such a way as to determine a change in the inclination of said flanks when the box-shaped cases come in contact with it, pulled by said conveyor means.
- a packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, and the like, in box-shaped, which is not part of the 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 3a. 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 5b 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 ⁇ 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 ⁇ 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 3c 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 3c 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 ⁇ 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 ⁇ 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. 4 Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1, which is not part of the 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, which is not part of the 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, which is not part of the invention, in which the positioning members 7 are incorporated in the packaging machine conveyor means 10.
- 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 3a 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 ⁇ 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 ⁇ 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 ⁇ is 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, which is not part of 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 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle ⁇ 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 3a 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).
- FIG. 9 Another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of 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, which is not part of 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 3a 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 3a 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 3a is inclined by a predetermined angle ⁇ 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, which is not part of 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 ⁇ 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.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
Description
- 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.
- 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.
-
US 2011/0005174 discloses a method and device for inserting tube bags, containing fragile packaging goods, into cartons. - Each carton is held ready on a packing station, such that the bags can be inserted into the carton by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher.
- In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags within the carton, such carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton at a predetermined feed plane.
-
US 6,094,885 discloses a packaging station including a device for assisting the removal of articles from a fist conveying system into a container, and for reorienting the container for loading onto a second conveying system. - The device comprises a base, a platform pivotally connected to the base, and an actuating mechanism configured to operatively pivot the platform.
- The platform has a panel and a lip operatively configured to cooperatively support and retain the container in a substantially inclined position, substantially adjacent to the first conveying system, for facilitating loading of articles into the container. The actuating mechanism pivots the platform and thus the container such that the panel assumes a substantially horizontal position for loading the container onto the second conveying system.
-
US 5,778,640 discloses an apparatus and method for packing stand-up pouches into cartons, where flexible pouches are placed in a vertical position in a carton by tilting the carton and its open top on its side, and placing and pushing multiple rows of overlapping flexible pouches into the carton. - The row is picked up by a thin vacuum head on the end of a robotic arm, and moved and placed into the tilted carton with the sequence being repeated with subsequent rows until the carton is filled and tilted back into position.
- The vacuum pick-up head is a thin, cantilevered head which is caused to tilt during the transfer from a pick-up station to the carton.
- 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 supporting 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.
- The positioning members comprise at least one first surface to which said flank of said box-shaped case adheres, wherein said fist surface is inclined by said pre-established angle with respect to said horizontal plane.
- The positioning members comprise inclination means suitable to selectively bring said first surface from a position in which said flank is substantially parallel to said horizontal plane, and in which the insertion of the sachets onto said box-shaped case is carried out, to a position in which said flank is inclined by a pre-established angle with respect to said horizontal plane.
- The inclination means comprise a fixed element, integral with the framework of the packaging unit, and conveyor means, provided with a plurality of housings for respective box-shaped cases; the conveyor means are movable with respect to said fixed element; the fixed element is shaped in such a way as to determine a change in the inclination of said flanks when the box-shaped cases come in contact with it, pulled by said conveyor means.
- 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.
- 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:
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Figures 1 to 3 are schematic and partially cross-sectioned side views of the packaging unit, which is not part of 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, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 5 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 6 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of 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, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 9 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 10 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 11 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of the invention; -
Figure 12 is a schematic and partially cross-sectioned side view of another embodiment of the packaging unit, which is not part of the invention. - With reference to the accompanying
Figure 1 , a packaging unit for bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks, and the like, in box-shaped, which is not part of the 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 oneflank 3a. Moreover, the supportingmeans 2 support thecase 3 in an open configuration at oneside 3b, through which thesachets 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 ormore sachets 4 into thecase 3. - The insertion of the
sachets 4 takes place through the aforementionedopen side 3b. Theinserting station 5 comprises inserting means 6. - Moreover, the
inserting station 5 can comprise, for example, acollection portion 5a of thesachets 4 to be inserted into thecase 3. - The inserting means 6 are suitable for pushing one or
more sachets 4 onwards into the inside of thecase 3 through the aforementionedopen 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 5b of any type known in the art. - According to one aspect of the present invention, the supporting
means 2 comprise positioningmembers 7. - The
positioning members 7 are suitable for positioning thecase 3 in a configuration in which the supportingflank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle α 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 thesachets 4 placed therein may accidentally move or partially or completely come out of thecase 3 during the operating steps of packaging unit 1 operation. - According to one aspect of the invention, the
positioning members 7 comprise at least afirst surface 7a, to which the supportingflank 3a of thecase 3 adheres. - Said
first surface 7a is inclined by the aforementioned predetermined angle α with respect to the horizontal plane A. - In the specific embodiment shown in
Figures 1-3 , , thepositioning members 7 comprise at least one wedge-shapedelement 8. - The wedge-shaped
element 8 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaidfirst 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 asecond surface 7b. - The bottom 3c of the
case 3 rests on thesecond surface 7b. - The
second surface 7b may be perpendicular to thefirst surface 7a, or it may also be inclined by a certain angle with respect to thefirst surface 7a. - According to another aspect of the invention, the
positioning members 7 comprise at least oneabutment element 9 for the bottom 3c of thecase 3. - The
abutment element 9 comprises the aforementionedsecond surface 7b. - The
abutment element 9 can be fixed, for example with respect to thewedge element 8 and therefore also with respect to the insertingstation 5. - The
abutment element 9 can also be movable towards or away from the insertingstation 5. - This allows the
case 3 to be positioned at different distances from the insertingstation 5, or this may allowcases 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 thecase 3 with the supportingflank 3a inclined by a predetermined angle α with respect to the horizontal plane A allows thesachets 4 to be retained inside thecase 3 in a particularly stable configuration, in which any vibrations or inertial actions transmitted to thesachets 4, due to the operation of the packaging unit 1, can not cause displacements such as to cause instability or poor balance conditions inside thecase 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 insertingstation 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 insertingstation 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 insertingstation 5; eachcase 3 is taken, for example, from a store by the conveyor means 10, which lead it to the insertingstation 5 in a box-like configuration - substantially a parallelepiped with anopen side 3b. - The
positioning members 7 allow thecase 3 to be kept resting on theflank 3a in an inclined configuration according to the angle α with respect to the horizontal plane A: this ensures, once thecases 3 are filled with thesachets 4 through the insertingmeans 6, that thesachets 4 stay always inside thecase 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, which is not part of the invention, is illustrated in
Figure 4 . - This embodiment differs from that of
Figures 1-3 in that thepositioning members 7 further comprise lateral abutment means 11 for thecase 3. - The lateral abutment means 11 prevent any accidental movement of the
case 3 transversely to the direction of insertion of thesachets 4 inside it. - Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1, which is not part of the invention, is illustrated in
Figure 5 . - In this embodiment, the
positioning members 7 comprise at least oneplate element 12. - The
plate element 12 comprises an upper face, which in turn comprises the aforesaidfirst surface 7a. - Moreover, the
aforesaid plate element 12 comprises anabutment element 9, which defines asecond surface 7b on which thebottom 3c of thecase 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, which is not part of the invention, in which thepositioning 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 inFigures 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 aplate 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 theplate element 12 from a position in which the supportingflank 3a of thecase 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which the insertion of thesachets 4 inside thecase 3 is carried out, to a position in which the supportingflank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle α with respect to said horizontal plane A. - This means that, in practical operation, the
sachets 4 are inserted into thecase 3 when the latter is in a horizontal configuration (i.e. with thesupport 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 α with respect to the horizontal plane A once the sachets 4 (all or only some of them) have been inserted into thecase 3. - The advantages of this solution mainly consist in the fact that insertion of the
sachets 4 in thecase 3 occurs in a facilitated condition: normally, the insertingmeans 6 work in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction, and therefore insertingstations 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 thecase 3 only when a certain number ofsachets 4 has been inserted inside it, or when thecase 3, already filled withsachets 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; thebase 14 can be connected to the conveying means ofcases 3, or it can also be released from same. Moreover, the inclination means 13 comprise anarticulation axis 15 provided between the base 14 and theplate element 12 on which thecase 3 rests. - At the
articulation axis 15, actuator means may be provided which rotate theplate element 12 with respect to thebase 14. - This allows the predetermined angle α to be varied according to the different application requirements, for example when the dimensions of the
case 3, the number ofsachets 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 thecases 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 theflanks 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 thecases 3 with respect to the fixed element. - Another embodiment of the packaging unit 1, which is not part of the invention, is shown in
Figure 8 . - In this embodiment, the
positioning members 7 comprise vacuum-operatedgripping means 16. - The vacuum gripping means 16 are suitable for keeping the
case 3 in a configuration in which the supportingflank 3a is inclined to a predetermined angle α with respect to the horizontal plane A. - The vacuum gripping means 16 comprise at least one gripping
surface 17 suitable for adhering to the supportingflank 3a of thecase 3. - The embodiment of
Figure 8 comprises a wedge-shapedelement 8 such as that described with reference to the embodiments ofFigures 1-4 ; the grippingsurface 17 is contained in the upper surface of the wedge-shapedelement 8. - The gripping
surface 17 can comprise holes oropenings 18 through which the vacuum gripping means 16 act, throughrespective 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, thepositioning 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, which is not part of the invention, is shown in
Figure 9 . - This embodiment differs from that of
Figure 8 in that thepositioning members 7 comprise aplate element 12 retaining the supportingflank 3a of thecase 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 ofFigure 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, which is not part of the present invention, is shown in
Figure 10 . - In this embodiment, the
positioning members 7 comprise at least a first supportingelement 20 and a second supportingelement 21 of theflank 3a of thecasing 3. The first supportingelement 20 and the second supportingelement 21 comprise respective end portions supporting theflank 3a of thecase 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 inFigure 10 , anabutment element 9 of the type described above can be added to the supportingelements station 5. - This allows
cases 3 of different sizes to be retained. - The first supporting
element 20 and the second supportingelement 21 can be mutually connected to each other by acentral section 22, or by other connecting elements. - The supporting
elements 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 supportingelement 21 is selectively movable between a lowered position, in which theflank 3a of thecase 3 is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the horizontal plane A, and in which thesachets 4 are inserted into thecase 3, to a raised position in which theflank 3a is inclined by a predetermined angle α 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, which is not part of the invention, which differs from that ofFigure 10 in that in thepositioning members 7 thesecond support element 21 is substantially at the same height as thecentral section 22; moreover, theabutment element 9 is made to be integral with the samecentral section 22. - This is a simplified solution with respect to that of
Figure 10 , but less versatile in terms of dimensions of thecases 3. - In the embodiment shown in
Figure 12 , thepositioning members 7 are incorporated in the conveyor means 10 of thecases 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); thepositioning members 7 comprise afirst edge 23 and asecond edge 24 of the belt, or chain, or strap, which reach different heights with respect to the horizontal plane A, and therefore allow thecase 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 α 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 (7)
- Unit (1) for packaging bags, sachets, sticks, flowpacks or the like (4) in box-shaped cases (3), comprising means (2) for supporting at least one box-shaped case (3) while said box-shaped case (3) is open at one side (3b) and while said means (2) are in abutment with one flank (3a) of said box-shaped case (3), 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), said supporting means (2) comprising positioning members (7) of said box-shaped case (3) in a configuration in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre-established angle (α) with respect to a horizontal plane (A), wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one first surface (7a) to which said flank (3a) of said box-shaped case (3) adheres, said first surface (7a) being inclined by said pre-established angle (α) with respect to said horizontal plane (A), and 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 said box-shaped case (3) is carried out, to a position in which said flank (3a) is inclined by a pre-established angle (α) with respect to said horizontal plane (A), characterized in that 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 box-shaped 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 (3a) when said box-shaped cases (3) come in contact with said fixed element, when said box-shaped cases (3) are pulled by said conveyor means.
- Unit according to claim 1, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one plate element (12) provided with an upper face comprising said first surface (7a).
- Unit according to claim 1 , wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one second surface (7b), on which the bottom (3c) of the box-shaped case (3) is suitable to abut.
- Unit according to claim 3, wherein said positioning members (7) comprise at least one abutment element (9) for the bottom (3c) of the box-shaped case (3), said abutment element (9) comprising said second surface (7b).
- Unit according to claim 4, wherein said abutment element (9) is fixed or shiftable in approaching or moving away from said insertion station (5), in order to position the box-shaped case (3) at different distances from said insertion station (5) and/or in order to house box-shaped cases (3) of different size.
- Unit according to claim 1, wherein said fixed element is shaped like a profile of a linear cam, and wherein said box-shaped cases (3), pulled by said conveyor means, act as followers, so that the inclination of said flanks (3a) varies due to the relative motion of said box-shaped cases (3) with respect to said fixed element.
- Packaging machine, comprising at least one packaging unit (1) according to one of the claims 1-6, and conveyor means (10) of the box-shaped 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.
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 EP3583036A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
EP3583036B1 true 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)
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 |
-
2017
- 2017-01-02 IT IT102017000000175A patent/IT201700000175A1/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-01-02 WO PCT/IB2018/050009 patent/WO2018122822A1/en unknown
- 2018-01-02 EP EP18704071.2A patent/EP3583036B1/en active Active
- 2018-01-02 ES ES18704071T patent/ES2893023T3/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2018122822A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
IT201700000175A1 (en) | 2018-07-02 |
EP3583036A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
ES2893023T3 (en) | 2022-02-07 |
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