ES2358504B1

ES2358504B1 - APPLICATOR DEVICE OF CLOSURE ELEMENTS FOR PACKAGING DURING THEIR MANUFACTURING IN CONTINUOUS.

Info

Publication number: ES2358504B1
Application number: ES200901442A
Authority: ES
Inventors: Jordi Font Lletche
Original assignee: Volpak SA
Current assignee: Volpak SA
Priority date: 2009-06-18
Filing date: 2009-06-18
Publication date: 2012-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-18
Also published as: ES2358504A1

Abstract

Dispositivo aplicador de elementos de cierre en envases durante su fabricaciÃ³n en continuo, que comprende un carro desplazable segÃºn un movimiento vertical en vaivÃ©n provisto de una tenaza dotada de dos brazos alargados y dotados en sus extremos de sendos adaptadores para agarrar el elemento de cierre, y una pinza de sujeciÃ³n giratoria entre una posiciÃ³n de recogida, en la que es susceptible de agarrar un elemento de cierre de un cargador-posicionador, y una posiciÃ³n de entrega, en la que el elemento de cierre puede ser transferido a la tenaza para su desplazamiento vertical, en el que los adaptadores quedan dispuestos fuera de la proyecciÃ³n vertical de las pinzas de sujeciÃ³n cuando Ã©stas adoptan su posiciÃ³n de entrega, siendo ademÃ¡s la distancia que separa los brazos de la tenaza cuando Ã©sta adopta la posiciÃ³n cerrada, suficiente para que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n pueda abrirse entre los brazos de la tenaza y mientras el carro se desplaza en sentido descendente.Device for applying closure elements in containers during continuous manufacturing, comprising a movable carriage according to a vertical movement in reciprocating provided with a pincer provided with two elongated arms and provided at their ends with two adapters to grip the closure element , and a rotating clamp between a pick-up position, in which it is capable of grasping a closing element of a loader-positioner, and a delivery position, in which the closing element can be transferred to the pliers for its vertical displacement, in which the adapters are arranged outside the vertical projection of the clamps when they adopt their delivery position, and the distance between the arms of the pliers is also when it adopts the closed position, enough so that the clamp can open between the arms of the pliers and while the carriage moves in direction or descending

Description

Dispositivo aplicador de elementos de cierre en envases durante su fabricaciÃ³n en continuo. Sector tÃ©cnico de la invenciÃ³n Device for applying closure elements in containers during continuous manufacturing. Technical sector of the invention

La invenciÃ³n se reﬁere a un dispositivo aplicador de elementos de cierre en envases durante su fabricaciÃ³n en continuo, destinado a montarse en una mÃ¡quina automÃ¡tica de fabricaciÃ³n de envases a partir de al menos una banda continua de material termo-soldable. Antecedentes de la invenciÃ³n The invention relates to a device for applying closure elements in containers during continuous manufacturing, intended to be mounted on an automatic machine for manufacturing packages from at least one continuous web of heat-weldable material. Background of the invention

Se conocen en la actualidad diferentes dispositivos para la aplicaciÃ³n automatizada de elementos de cierre en envases fabricados en continuo, y mÃ¡s en particular para su aplicaciÃ³n inclinada con respecto de la vertical. Different devices are now known for the automated application of closure elements in continuously manufactured containers, and more particularly for their inclined application with respect to the vertical.

De forma convencional, los dispositivos aplicadores conocidos comprenden un cargador-posicionador de elementos de cierre, en el cual dichos elementos de cierre se apilan y se orientan convenientemente, que actÃºa a modo de dispensador. En una variante de interÃ©s, los dispositivos comprenden dos pinzas, siendo la primera una pinza giratoria entre una posiciÃ³n de recogida, en la que agarra el elemento de cierre dispensado por el cargador-posicionador, y una posiciÃ³n de transferencia, en la dispone el elemento de cierre en una posiciÃ³n adecuada para ser transferida a una segunda pinza, desplazable verticalmente, que transporta el elemento de cierre, sin variar si inclinaciÃ³n, hasta el envase en curso de fabricaciÃ³n, momento en el que el elemento de cierre es liberado. Conventionally, known applicator devices comprise a loader-positioner of closing elements, in which said closing elements are stacked and conveniently oriented, which acts as a dispenser. In a variant of interest, the devices comprise two clamps, the first one being a rotating clamp between a collection position, in which it grabs the closing element dispensed by the loader-positioner, and a transfer position, in the arrangement the closure element in a position suitable for transferring to a second vertically movable clamp, which transports the closure element, without varying if tilting, to the packaging in the process of being manufactured, at which point the closure element is released.

Las maniobras de arranque y paro del movimiento de las pinzas en este tipo de dispositivo son siempre secuenciales, de modo que la segunda pinza no inicia su desplazamiento vertical descendente hasta que la primera pinza, una vez transferido el elemento de cierre, no se retira en direcciÃ³n a su posiciÃ³n de recogida. AdemÃ¡s, hasta que la segunda pinza no alcanza su posiciÃ³n de transferencia, con posterioridad a liberar el elemento de cierre, la primera pinza no puede alcanzar su posiciÃ³n de transferencia con un nuevo elemento de cierre agarrado pues en caso contrario interferÃa con la segunda pinza. The start and stop maneuvers of the movement of the clamps in this type of device are always sequential, so that the second clamp does not start its downward vertical movement until the first clamp, once the closing element is transferred, is not removed in address to your pickup position. In addition, until the second clamp does not reach its transfer position, after releasing the closing element, the first clamp cannot reach its transfer position with a new closed clamping element since otherwise it interfered with the second gripper.

Este hecho conlleva que la cadencia de este tipo de dispositivos aplicadores sea lento, condicionando el ritmo de producciÃ³n de envases cuyo avance por la cadena de estaciones de trabajo de la mÃ¡quina podrÃa ser mÃ¡s rÃ¡pido. This fact means that the rate of this type of applicator device is slow, conditioning the rate of production of packages whose progress through the chain of work stations of the machine could be faster.

Por otro lado, el sistema de accionamiento de las pinzas tambiÃ©n condiciona la cadencia del dispositivo. De hecho, para compensar los tiempos de espera en el movimiento de las pinzas, se ha han venido montando mecanismos de accionamiento hidrÃ¡ulico (neumÃ¡tico), independientes para cada pinza, con menores inercias y mayor rapidez de movimiento. No obstante, las soluciones obtenidas no resultan del todo satisfactorias pues las trayectorias que siguen las pinzas no son demasiado largas. On the other hand, the clamp drive system also conditions the cadence of the device. In fact, to compensate the waiting times in the movement of the clamps, hydraulic (pneumatic) drive mechanisms have been assembled, independent for each clamp, with lower inertia and faster movement. However, the solutions obtained are not entirely satisfactory because the paths that the tweezers follow are not too long.

Es por lo tanto un primer objetivo de la invenciÃ³n dar a conocer un dispositivo que optimice la cadencia de entrega de los elementos de cierre. Es tambiÃ©n un objetivo de la presente invenciÃ³n un dispositivo mÃ¡s simple, que por ejemplo prescinda de detectores de posiciÃ³n hasta la fecha necesarios para desencadenar la orden de accionamiento de cualquiera de las pinzas, en funciÃ³n de la posiciÃ³n que ocupan las otras pinzas, o incluso de medios de accionamiento independientes para el desplazamiento de las pinzas. It is therefore a first objective of the invention to disclose a device that optimizes the delivery rate of the closure elements. It is also an objective of the present invention a simpler device, which for example dispenses with position detectors to date necessary to trigger the order of operation of any of the clamps, depending on the position occupied by the other clamps, or even independent drive means for moving the clamps.

ExplicaciÃ³n de la invenciÃ³nExplanation of the invention

El dispositivo aplicador de elementos de cierre segÃºn la invenciÃ³n comprende un carro desplazable segÃºn un movimiento vertical en vaivÃ©n y provisto de unos medios de sujeciÃ³n adaptados para agarrar ﬁrmemente un elemento de cierre cuando el carro adopta la posiciÃ³n extrema superior, para desplazarlo durante su movimiento descendente hasta que el carro alcanza su posiciÃ³n extrema inferior, y para liberarlo a continuaciÃ³n para su aplicaciÃ³n en el envase. El dispositivo comprende ademÃ¡s una estructura de soporte para una pinza de sujeciÃ³n, montada giratoriamente en dicha estructura de soporte entre una posiciÃ³n de recogida, en la que es susceptible de agarrar un elemento de cierre de un cargador-posicionador, y una posiciÃ³n de entrega, en la que el citado elemento de cierre puede ser transferido a los citados medios de sujeciÃ³n para su desplazamiento vertical. The closing element applicator device according to the invention comprises a movable carriage according to a vertical movement in reciprocating and provided with fastening means adapted to firmly grip a closing element when the carriage adopts the upper extreme position, to move it during its movement descending until the car reaches its lower extreme position, and then release it for application in the container. The device further comprises a support structure for a clamp, rotatably mounted on said support structure between a pick-up position, in which it is capable of grasping a closing element of a loader-positioner, and a position of delivery, in which said closure element can be transferred to said fastening means for vertical displacement.

En esencia, el dispositivo se caracteriza porque los medios de sujeciÃ³n del carro comprenden una tenaza dotada de dos brazos alargados y dotados en sus extremos de sendos adaptadores, para agarrar el elemento de cierre, que quedan dispuestos fuera de la proyecciÃ³n vertical de las pinzas de sujeciÃ³n cuando estas adoptan su posiciÃ³n de entrega, siendo ademÃ¡s la distancia que separa los brazos de la tenaza cuando Ã©sta adopta la posiciÃ³n cerrada, de agarre, suﬁciente para que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n pueda abrirse en la posiciÃ³n de entrega y desplazarse en direcciÃ³n a su posiciÃ³n de recogida permaneciendo dispuesta, al menos durante unos instantes, entre los brazos de la tenaza y mientras el carro se desplaza en sentido descendente, sin verse obstaculizado su desplazamiento. In essence, the device is characterized in that the means for holding the carriage comprise a pincer provided with two elongated arms and provided at their ends with two adapters, for gripping the closure element, which are arranged outside the vertical projection of the clamps clamping when they adopt their delivery position, being in addition the distance that separates the arms from the pliers when it adopts the closed position, of grip, sufficient so that the clamp can open in the delivery position and move in the direction of its pick-up position, being arranged, at least for a few moments, between the arms of the pliers and while the carriage moves downwards, without being hindered.

De acuerdo con otra caracterÃstica de la invenciÃ³n, el carro estÃ¡ dotado de una leva sobre la que desliza un correspondiente seguidor de leva vinculado a la estructura de soporte y que, mediante transmisiÃ³n mecÃ¡nica, acciona el movimiento de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n. According to another feature of the invention, the carriage is provided with a cam on which a corresponding cam follower linked to the support structure slides and which, by mechanical transmission, drives the movement of the clamp.

En una variante de la invenciÃ³n, la leva estÃ¡ formada por una ranura guiadora de material plÃ¡stico, y el correspondiente seguidor de leva estÃ¡ constituido por un vÃ¡stago introducido en la citada ranura, sÃ³lidamente unido a una palanca articulada en la estructura ﬁja. In a variant of the invention, the cam is formed by a guiding groove of plastic material, and the corresponding cam follower is constituted by a rod inserted in said groove, solidly connected to a lever articulated in the fixed structure.

De forma preferida, la ranura guiadora comprende sendos tramos extremos rectos, esencialmente verticales, y un tramo central curvo, cÃ³ncavo-convexo. Preferably, the guide groove comprises both straight, essentially vertical, end sections and a curved, concave-convex central section.

SegÃºn otra caracterÃstica de la invenciÃ³n la longitud de los brazos de la tenaza es tal que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n puede disponerse en su posiciÃ³n de entrega, entre los brazos de la tenaza, cuando el carro estÃ¡ en su posiciÃ³n inferior y la tenaza adopta una cualquiera de sus posiciones abierta, de liberaciÃ³n, o cerrada, de agarre. According to another characteristic of the invention, the length of the pincer arms is such that the clamp can be arranged in its delivery position, between the pincer arms, when the carriage is in its lower position and the pincer adopts a any of its open, release, or closed, grip positions.

De acuerdo con una variante de realizaciÃ³n, los brazos de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n estÃ¡n dotados de un rebaje en su cara exterior, en aquella porciÃ³n que queda dispuesta entre los brazos de la tenaza cuando la pinza adopta la posiciÃ³n de entrega. Breve descripciÃ³n de los dibujosAccording to a variant embodiment, the arms of the clamp are provided with a recess in its outer face, in that portion that is arranged between the arms of the pliers when the clamp adopts the delivery position. Brief description of the drawings

En los dibujos adjuntos se ilustra, a tÃtulo de ejemplo no limitativo, una forma de realizaciÃ³n del dispositivo segÃºn la invenciÃ³n. En concreto: The attached drawings illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the device according to the invention. Specific:

Las Figs. 1a y 1b son sendas vistas en alzado y en perspectiva de un dispositivo segÃºn la invenciÃ³n, en la que las tenazas adoptan la posiciÃ³n cerrada y agarran un elemento de cierre, inmediatamente antes de iniciarse el movimiento de descenso del carro; Figs. 1a and 1b are elevational and perspective views of a device according to the invention, in which the pliers adopt the closed position and grab a closing element, immediately before the carriage lowering movement begins;

La Fig. 2 es una vista segÃºn el plano de corte AA de laFig. 3; y Fig. 2 is a view according to the cutting plane AA of the Fig. 3; Y

Las Figs. 3, 4 y 5 ilustran la secuencia de movimientos de las tenazas y la pinza de sujeciÃ³n durante el descenso del carro, cuando Ã©ste alcanza su posiciÃ³n extrema inferior e inmediatamente antes de alcanzar de nuevo su posiciÃ³n extrema superior. DescripciÃ³n detallada de los dibujosFigs. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate the sequence of pincer movements and the clamp during lowering of the carriage, when it reaches its lower extreme position and immediately before reaching its upper extreme position again. Detailed description of the drawings

En las Figs. 1 y 2 se muestra un dispositivo 1 destinado a montarse en una mÃ¡quina automÃ¡tica para la fabricaciÃ³n, llenado y cierre de envases ﬂexibles del tipo de los que comprenden dos paredes ﬂexibles entre las cuales se dispone un elemento de cierre 2. El elemento de cierre 2 representado en las ﬁguras, a modo de ejemplo, estÃ¡ constituido por un cuerpo de soporte, de secciÃ³n transversal elÃptica y sobre el que se aplican y termo-soldan las paredes del envase, en el que centradamente estÃ¡ dispuesta una extensiÃ³n tubular, a modo de espita. Naturalmente, la forma del elemento de cierre 2 no condiciona el objeto de la invenciÃ³n, tambiÃ©n apto para aplicar elementos de cierre de otras formas o caracterÃsticas. In Figs. 1 and 2 shows a device 1 intended to be mounted on an automatic machine for the manufacture, filling and closing of flexible containers of the type comprising two flexible walls between which a closing element 2 is arranged. closure element 2 represented in the ﬁ gures, by way of example, is constituted by a support body, of elliptical cross-section and on which the walls of the container are applied and heat-welded, in which a centrally arranged tubular extension, like a spigot. Naturally, the shape of the closure element 2 does not condition the object of the invention, also suitable for applying closure elements of other shapes or characteristics.

El dispositivo 1 de las Figs. 1a y 1b comprende un carro 3, desplazable segÃºn un movimiento vertical en vaivÃ©n, que estÃ¡ provisto de unos medios de sujeciÃ³n constituidos por una tenaza 6, cuyos brazos 7a y 7b estÃ¡n dotados en sus extremos de sendos adaptadores 8a y 8b, adaptados para agarrar ﬁrmemente un elemento de cierre 2 cuando la pinza 6 adopta su posiciÃ³n cerrada. Los adaptadores 8a y 8b estÃ¡n unidos a los brazos 7a y 7b, respectivamente, de forma separable, pudiendo ser reemplazados fÃ¡cilmente por otro juego de adaptadores en funciÃ³n del elemento de cierre 2 que deba ser aplicado a los envases. The device 1 of Figs. 1a and 1b comprises a carriage 3, movable according to a reciprocating vertical movement, which is provided with fastening means constituted by a pincer 6, whose arms 7a and 7b are provided at their ends with two adapters 8a and 8b, adapted to firmly grip a closure element 2 when the clamp 6 adopts its closed position. The adapters 8a and 8b are attached to the arms 7a and 7b, respectively, in a separable way, being able to be easily replaced by another set of adapters depending on the closing element 2 that must be applied to the containers.

AdemÃ¡s de la tenaza 6, el dispositivo 1 tambiÃ©n comprende una estructura de soporte, destinada a montarse de forma ﬁja respecto del chasis de la mÃ¡quina, sobre la que estÃ¡ montada una pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 giratoria alrededor del eje de giro 4a. Dicha pinza 4 estÃ¡ adaptada para sujetar un elemento de cierre 2 y para transportarlo desde una posiciÃ³n de recogida hasta una posiciÃ³n de entrega, en la que es susceptible de ser transferida a la tenaza 6 cuando el carro 3 estÃ¡ en su posiciÃ³n extrema superior, para su posterior desplazamiento vertical, en sentido descendente y en direcciÃ³n al envase, todo ello tal y como se describe en detalle a continuaciÃ³n. In addition to the pliers 6, the device 1 also comprises a support structure, intended to be fixedly mounted with respect to the machine chassis, on which a clamp 4 rotatable around the shaft is mounted Turn 4a. Said clip 4 is adapted to hold a closing element 2 and to transport it from a collection position to a delivery position, in which it is capable of being transferred to the pincer 6 when the carriage 3 is in its uppermost position. , for subsequent vertical displacement, downwards and in the direction of the container, all as described in detail below.

En la situaciÃ³n representada en las Figs. 1a y 1b, el elemento de cierre 2 acaba de ser transferido a la tenaza 6. Se observa que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 todavÃa estÃ¡ la posiciÃ³n de entrega, y que adopta su posiciÃ³n abierta. Por lo que respecta al carro 3, Ã©ste estÃ¡ en su posiciÃ³n extrema superior, y la tenaza 6 adopta su posiciÃ³n cerrada, en la que sus brazos 7a y 7b estÃ¡n suﬁcientemente cercanos como para que los adaptadores 8a y 8b sujeten ﬁrmemente el elemento de cierre 2 que serÃ¡ aplicado en el envase. In the situation represented in Figs. 1a and 1b, the closure element 2 has just been transferred to the pliers 6. It is noted that the clamp 4 is still in the delivery position, and that it adopts its open position. As regards carriage 3, it is in its uppermost position, and the pincer 6 adopts its closed position, in which its arms 7a and 7b are sufficiently close so that adapters 8a and 8b hold ﬁ rmly the closure element 2 that will be applied to the package.

Cabe destacar que en la situaciÃ³n representada, los adaptadores 8a y 8b quedan dispuestos fuera de la proyecciÃ³n vertical de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4, y que la distancia que separa los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6 es suﬁciente para que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 pueda adoptar su posiciÃ³n abierta a pesar de que el carro 3 inicie su desplazamiento en direcciÃ³n descendente (ver Fig. 2), desplazando a su vez a la tenaza 6, sin esperar a que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 se retire fuera de la proyecciÃ³n vertical de la tenaza 6. It should be noted that in the situation shown, the adapters 8a and 8b are arranged outside the vertical projection of the clamp 4, and that the distance separating the arms 7a and 7b from the pliers 6 is sufficient for the clamp 4 can adopt its open position even though the carriage 3 begins its movement in the downward direction (see Fig. 2), moving in turn to the pincer 6, without waiting for the clamp 4 to withdraw out of the projection vertical pincer 6.

En efecto, se observa en la Fig. 3 como el carro 3 ha iniciado su desplazamiento en sentido descendente, tal y como indica la ﬂecha A de la Fig. 3, a la vez que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 ha iniciado su movimiento de giro en direcciÃ³n a su posiciÃ³n de recogida, tal y como indica la ﬂecha B. En este instante, la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 permanece dispuesta entre los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6. Con el propÃ³sito de ajustar al mÃ¡ximo el espacio que separa la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 de los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6, y reducir al mÃ¡ximo las dimensiones del dispositivo 1, los brazos de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 estÃ¡n dotados de un rebaje 11 es su cara exterior, que coincide con aquella porciÃ³n de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 que durante unos instantes queda dispuesta entre los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6 cuando la pinza. De hecho, se aprecia en la Fig. 2 que cada uno de los brazos de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 se desplaza en el huelgo que existe entre uno de los brazos de la tenaza y el correspondiente adaptador. In fact, it can be seen in Fig. 3 how the carriage 3 has started its downward movement, as indicated by arrow A of Fig. 3, while the clamp 4 has started its turning movement in the direction of their pick-up position, as indicated by arrow B. At this time, the clamp 4 remains disposed between the arms 7a and 7b of the pliers 6. With the purpose of adjusting the space that is maximized separate the clamp 4 from the arms 7a and 7b of the pliers 6, and minimize the dimensions of the device 1, the arms of the clamp 4 are provided with a recess 11 is its outer face, which coincides with that portion of the clamp 4 which for a few moments is arranged between the arms 7a and 7b of the pliers 6 when the clamp. In fact, it can be seen in Fig. 2 that each of the arms of the clamp 4 is moved in the gap between one of the arms of the pliers and the corresponding adapter.

La Fig. 4 muestra la situaciÃ³n en la que el carro 3 ha alcanzado su posiciÃ³n extrema inferior, inmediatamente antes de que la tenaza 6 adopte su posiciÃ³n abierta, para liberar el elemento de cierre 2. Con carÃ¡cter simultÃ¡neo, en el ejemplo representado la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 estÃ¡ en su posiciÃ³n de recogida, habiÃ©ndose desplazado en la direcciÃ³n que indica la ﬂecha B, y adopta su posiciÃ³n cerrada para agarrar un nuevo elemento de cierre 2, el primero de la pila de elementos de cierre contenidos en el cargador-posicionador Fig. 4 shows the situation in which the carriage 3 has reached its lower extreme position, immediately before the pincer 6 adopts its open position, to release the closing element 2. With simultaneous character, in the an example shown the clamp 4 is in its collection position, having moved in the direction indicated by arrow B, and adopts its closed position to grab a new closing element 2, the first of the stack of elements of close contents in the loader-positioner

5. 5.

En la Fig. 5 se ha representado la situaciÃ³n en la que el carro 3 ya ha iniciado su desplazamiento ascendente en direcciÃ³n al extremo superior de su trayectoria, tal y como indica la ﬂecha A de la Fig. 5, mientras la tenaza 6 continÃºa adoptando su posiciÃ³n abierta despuÃ©s de liberar el elemento de cierre 2. Por lo que respecta a la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4, Ã©sta ya ha girado hasta su posiciÃ³n de entrega, en el sentido que indica la ﬂecha B, colocÃ¡ndose el nuevo elemento de soporte 2 en la posiciÃ³n adecuada para ser sujetada por la tenaza 6 cuando el carro 3 alcance el citado punto extremo superior. Durante los instantes ﬁnales de su trayectoria, los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6 de deslizan por fuera de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4, que queda dispuesta, a le espera, entre dichos brazos 7a y 7b. The situation in which the carriage 3 has already started its upward movement in the direction of the upper end of its trajectory is shown in Fig. 5, as indicated by arrow A of Fig. 5, while the pliers 6 continues to adopt its open position after releasing the closure element 2. As regards the clamp 4, it has already turned to its delivery position, in the direction indicated by arrow B, placing the new support element 2 in the proper position to be held by the pliers 6 when the carriage 3 reaches said upper end point. During the final moments of its trajectory, the arms 7a and 7b of the pliers 6 slide out of the clamp 4, which is arranged, waiting for it, between said arms 7a and 7b.

Cabe destacar aquÃ que los brazos 7a y 7b de la tenaza 6 son lo suﬁcientemente alargados como para que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 pueda disponerse en su posiciÃ³n de entrega, y abierta, a pesar de que el carro 3 estÃ© todavÃa cercano a su posiciÃ³n extrema inferior o incluso en la citada posiciÃ³n extrema inferior. It should be noted here that the arms 7a and 7b of the pliers 6 are sufficiently elongated so that the clamp 4 can be arranged in its delivery position, and open, even though the carriage 3 is still close to its position lower end or even in said lower end position.

Con el propÃ³sito de coordinar los movimientos de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 y del carro 3, y por ende de la tenaza 6, en lugar de accionar el carro3yla pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 mediante elementos de actuaciÃ³n individuales, ventajosamente se provee al carro 3 de de una leva 9, formada en el ejemplo de los dibujos por una ranura guiadora, sobre la que desliza un correspondiente seguidor de leva 10, constituido por un vÃ¡stago introducido en la citada ranura y dotado en su extremo de unos medios de rodadura convencionales, sÃ³lidamente unido a una palanca 10a articulada a la estructura ﬁja sobre la que estÃ¡ montada giratoriamente la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4. Esta palanca 10a trasmite mecÃ¡nicamente su movimiento de giro a la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4, que adopta una posiciÃ³n angular predeterminada segÃºn la posiciÃ³n instantÃ¡nea del carro 3. In order to coordinate the movements of the clamp 4 and of the carriage 3, and therefore of the pliers 6, instead of driving the carriage 3 and the clamp 4 by means of individual actuators, the carriage 3 of a cam 9, formed in the example of the drawings by a guide groove, on which a corresponding cam follower 10 slides, constituted by a rod inserted in said groove and provided at its end with conventional rolling means, solidly connected to a lever 10a articulated to the fixed structure on which the clamp 4 is rotatably mounted. This lever 10a mechanically transmits its rotational movement to the clamp clamp 4, which adopts a predetermined angular position according to the instant car position 3.

Para reducir inercias que puedan diﬁcultar el arranque y el paro del carro 3, la leva 9, en este caso la ranura guiadora, es de material plÃ¡stico. To reduce inertia that can make starting and stopping carriage 3 difficult, cam 9, in this case the guide groove, is made of plastic material.

Se aprecia en especial en las Figs. 1a y 1b, que la ranura guiadora comprende sendos tramos extremos rectos, esencialmente verticales, y un tramo central curvo, cÃ³ncavo-convexo. Mientras los tramos rectos hacen que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 se mantenga en sus posiciones de recogida y entrega cuando el carro 3 inicia sus desplazamientos ascendentes y descendentes, respectivamente, el tramo central provoca que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n 4 gire alrededor de su eje de giro 4a en un sentido u otro, segÃºn el sentido de desplazamiento del carro 3. It is especially appreciated in Figs. 1a and 1b, that the guide groove comprises two straight, essentially vertical, end sections and a curved, concave-convex central section. While the straight sections cause the clamp 4 to remain in its pick-up and delivery positions when the carriage 3 begins its upward and downward movements, respectively, the central section causes the clamp 4 to rotate around its axis of rotation. 4a in one direction or another, depending on the direction of travel of the car 3.

Claims

za downwards, without being hindered

1. Device (1) closure element applicator

(2) in containers during continuous manufacturing, which includes

--: un carro (3) desplazable segÃºn un movimiento vertical en vaivÃ©n, provisto de unos medios de sujeciÃ³n adaptados para agarrar ﬁrmemente un elemento de cierre cuando el carro adopta la posiciÃ³n extrema superior, para desplazarlo durante su movimiento descendente hasta que el carro alcanza su posiciÃ³n extrema inferior, y para liberarlo a continuaciÃ³n para su aplicaciÃ³n en el envase, y a movable carriage (3) according to a reciprocating vertical movement, provided with fastening means adapted to firmly grasp a closing element when the carriage adopts the upper end position, to move it during its downward movement until the carriage reaches its lower extreme position, and then release it for application in the container, and

--: una estructura ﬁja de soporte para una pinza de sujeciÃ³n (4), montada giratoriamente en dicha estructura de soporte entre una posiciÃ³n de recogida, en la que es susceptible de agarrar un elemento de cierre de un cargador-posicionador (5), y una posiciÃ³n de entrega, en la que el citado elemento de cierre puede ser transferido a los citados medios de sujeciÃ³n para su desplazamiento vertical, caracterizado porque los medios de sujeciÃ³n del carro comprenden una tenaza a fixed support structure for a clamp (4), rotatably mounted on said support structure between a pick-up position, in which it is capable of grasping a closing element of a loader-positioner (5), and a position of delivery, in which said closure element can be transferred to said holding means for vertical displacement, characterized in that the means for holding the carriage comprise a pincer

(6) equipped with two elongated arms (7a, 7b) and provided at their ends with two adapters (8a, 8b), to grip the closing element, which are arranged outside the vertical projection of the clamping clamps when they adopt its delivery position, being in addition the distance that separates the arms from the pincer when it adopts the closed position, of grip, sufficient so that the clamp can open in the delivery position and move in the direction of its Pick-up position remaining arranged, at least for a few moments, between the arms of the pliers and while the car is moving.

2. 2.: Dispositivo (1) segÃºn la reivindicaciÃ³n 1, caracterizado porque el carro (3) estÃ¡ dotado de una leva (9) sobre la que desliza un correspondiente seguidor de leva (10) vinculado a la estructura de soporte y que, mediante transmisiÃ³n mecÃ¡nica, acciona el movimiento de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n (4). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carriage (3) is provided with a cam (9) on which a corresponding cam follower (10) slides linked to the support structure and which, by means of mechanical transmission Unique, it activates the movement of the clamp (4).

3. 3.: Dispositivo (1) segÃºn la reivindicaciÃ³n anterior, caracterizado porque la leva (9) estÃ¡ formada por una ranura guiadora de material plÃ¡stico, y el correspondiente seguidor de leva (10) estÃ¡ constituido por un vÃ¡stago introducido en la citada ranura, sÃ³lidamente unido a una palanca (10a) articulada en la estructura ﬁja. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cam (9) is formed by a guiding groove of plastic material, and the corresponding cam follower (10) is constituted by a rod introduced into said slot, solidly attached to a lever (10a) articulated in the fixed structure.

4. Four.: Dispositivo (1) segÃºn la reivindicaciÃ³n anterior, caracterizado porque la ranura guiadora comprende sendos tramos extremos rectos, esencialmente verticales, y un tramo central curvo, cÃ³ncavo-convexo. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guide groove comprises both straight, essentially vertical end sections, and a curved, concave-convex central section.

5. 5.: Dispositivo (1) segÃºn una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque la longitud de los brazos (7a, 7b) de la tenaza (6) es tal que la pinza de sujeciÃ³n (4) puede disponerse en su posiciÃ³n de entrega, entre los brazos de la tenaza, cuando el carro (3) estÃ¡ en su posiciÃ³n inferior y la tenaza adopta una cualquiera de sus posiciones abierta, de liberaciÃ³n, o cerrada, de agarre. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the arms (7a, 7b) of the pliers (6) is such that the clamp (4) can be arranged in its delivery position, between the Pincer arms, when the carriage (3) is in its lower position and the pincer adopts any of its open, release, or closed, grip positions.

6. 6.: Dispositivo (1) segÃºn una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los brazos de la pinza de sujeciÃ³n (4) estÃ¡n dotados de un rebaje (11) en su cara exterior, en aquella porciÃ³n que queda dispuesta entre los brazos (7a, 7b) de la tenaza Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arms of the clamp (4) are provided with a recess (11) in its outer face, in that portion that is arranged between the arms (7a , 7b) of the pliers

(6) when the clamp adopts the delivery position.

SPANISH PATENTS AND BRANDS OFFICE

Application No.: 200901442

SPAIN

Date of submission of the application: 06.19.2009

Priority Date:

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

51 Int. Cl.: B65B7 / 28 (2006.01) B65H5 / 10 (2006.01)

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

CategorÃa Category: Documentos citados Reivindicaciones afectadas Documents cited Claims Affected

X A A X A A: US 2002103064 A1 (KONDO MASAKATSU et al.) 01.08.2002, pÃ¡ginas 1-3; figuras 1-5; pÃ¡rrafos [5-47]. ES 2150205 T3 (VOLPAK SA) 16.11.2000, columnas 5-6; figuras 1,5. US 2004065525 A1 ( BONATTI DAVIDE et al.) 08.04.2004, columnas 17-21; figuras 1-3. 1 1-6 1-6 US 2002103064 A1 (KONDO MASAKATSU et al.) 01.08.2002, pages 1-3; Figures 1-5; paragraphs [5-47]. ES 2150205 T3 (VOLPAK SA) 16.11.2000, columns 5-6; figures 1.5. US 2004065525 A1 (BONATTI DAVIDE et al.) 08.04.2004, columns 17-21; Figures 1-3. 1 1-6 1-6

CategorÃa de los documentos citados X: de particular relevancia Y: de particular relevancia combinado con otro/s de la misma categorÃa A: refleja el estado de la tÃ©cnica O: referido a divulgaciÃ³n no escrita P: publicado entre la fecha de prioridad y la de presentaciÃ³n de la solicitud E: documento anterior, pero publicado despuÃ©s de la fecha de presentaciÃ³n de la solicitud Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the technique O: referred to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

El presente informe ha sido realizado • para todas las reivindicaciones • para las reivindicaciones nÂº: This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Fecha de realizaciÃ³n del informe 26.04.2011 Date of completion of report 26.04.2011: Examinador C. Espejo RodrÃguez PÃ¡gina 1/4 Examiner C. Espejo RodrÃguez Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Application number: 200901442

Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) B65B, B65H Electronic databases consulted during the search (database name and, if possible, terms of

search used) INVENES, EPODOC

State of the Art Report Page 2/4

WRITTEN OPINION

Application number: 200901442

Date of Written Opinion: 04.24.2011

Statement

Novedad (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986): Reivindicaciones Reivindicaciones 1-6 SI NO Claims Claims 1-6 IF NOT

Actividad inventiva (Art. 8.1 LP11/1986) Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986): Reivindicaciones Reivindicaciones 2-6 1 SI NO Claims Claims 2-6 1 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).

Opinion Base.-

This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published.

State of the Art Report Page 3/4

WRITTEN OPINION

Application number: 200901442

1. Documents considered.-

Below are the documents pertaining to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion.

Documento Document: NÃºmero PublicaciÃ³n o IdentificaciÃ³n Fecha PublicaciÃ³n Publication or Identification Number Publication Date

D01 D01: US 2002103064 A1 (KONDO MASAKATSU et al.) 01.08.2002 US 2002103064 A1 (KONDO MASAKATSU et al.) 01.08.2002

D02 D02: ES 2150205 T3 (VOLPAK SA) 16.11.2000 ES 2150205 T3 (VOLPAK SA) 16.11.2000

D03 D03: US 2004065525 A1 (BONATTI DAVIDE et al.) 08.04.2004 US 2004065525 A1 (BONATTI DAVIDE et al.) 08.04.2004

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulation of execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement

The object of the invention is a device for applying closure elements in containers, during continuous manufacturing, comprising a fixed structure with a clamp (with recess in its outer face), rotatably mounted on said structure, which catches the closing element of a loader-positioner and transfers it by means of a horizontal rotational movement to another carriage for vertical displacement and subsequent application in the container. The second carriage is provided with a movable element according to a reciprocating vertical movement, presenting fastening means comprising a pincer provided with two elongated and endowed arms, these in turn, at their ends of two adapters to grip the closure element transferred from the clamp that has rotated horizontally of the fixed structure. The adapters of the vertically movable carriage are arranged outside the vertical projection of the rotating clamps of the fixed structure when they adopt their delivery position, furthermore being the distance that separates the arms from the vertical displacement pliers when it is adopted. the closed position, of grip, sufficient so that the clamp of the fixed structure can open in the delivery position and rotate in the direction of the collection position, and can also remain arranged, at least for a few moments, between arms of the vertical displacement pliers, without seeing their displacement hindered. The object of the invention also claims a cam through which a cam follower is constituted, in turn constituted by a rod solidly connected to an articulated lever of the fixed structure linked to the movement of the clamp of the structure. fixed. The guide groove of the rod comprises both straight, essentially vertical end sections and a central-curved, concave-convex section,

Document D01 is considered the closest to the state of the art and discloses a device for applying closure elements in packages, during continuous manufacturing, comprising a fixed structure with a feeder where the vertically arranged container closures and which are transferred horizontally and linearly by means of a push head located in a fixed structure. The thrust head has a type of pincer adapted to the shape of the container closure, to be able to transfer it to a second carriage provided with a movable element according to a rotational vertical movement, which once in the lower position releases the closure element for application in the container. The feature of moving the closure element first longitudinally and linearly without any turning movement and then transferring it vertically to the bottom of the system by means of a rotating arm described in D01 provides the same advantages as the present application. The person skilled in the art could therefore consider as a normal design option to include that the first movement is horizontal and the second vertical in vain to solve the same problem posed, that is, improvement in the delivery rate of the closing elements to the container, optimizing the production equipment. Accordingly, the object of claim 1 is considered to be new but has no inventive activity.

Document D02 discloses a method of applying closure elements in containers, during continuous manufacture, applicable to automatic packaging machines for bags from a sheet of heat-sealable material. The closure element is applied to the package by means of a positioner-loader mechanism and a linear rotary introducer mechanism. The introducer device is rotatable and comprises two pincer arms arranged opposite at an angle of 180 [deg.] C., and with the ability to rotate around an axis whose function is to move the closing element from the positioner to position it in the container. In another embodiment of the procedure (Fig. 5), the replacement of the rotary device by a thrust head that performs a linear displacement from the feeder of the closure element to the container is disclosed.

Document D03 discloses a rotating device that by means of pliers catches and moves containers from an upper position to a linear tape located in a lower position. This device is associated with a rotational movement while vertical to deposit the container from a higher level to a lower level and thus allow the container to continue in its production chain to the next phase.

Documents D02 and D03 are not considered relevant enough to affect the novelty and inventive activity of the application, so they reflect only the state of the art of the field to which the invention belongs.

None of the cited documents taken alone or in combination reveals the invention defined in dependent claims 2 to 6, and claims 2 to 6 are considered to have inventive activity as well as novelty and industrial applicability

State of the Art Report Page 4/4