ES2713450T3 - Apparatus to pack with a film - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging apparatus associable with a packaging machine (100), specifically, a packaging machine, for packaging with a film (50) made of plastic material groups (61) of products (60), comprising: - conveyor means (21, 22, 23) for supporting and moving said groups (61) of products (60) along a longitudinal advance direction (A) and forming a plane (20) for supporting said products (60); - a film supply unit (2) (50) arranged below said support plane (20) to dispense film parts (51) with a defined length through a transverse opening (24) of said conveyor means ( 21, 22, 23) for attachment to said groups (61) of products (60); - a packaging unit (3) comprising a plurality of cross bars (4), each supported by at least one respective rod (5), said cross bars (4) being arranged to collect said parts (51) of film that they leave said transverse opening (24) and pack with said film parts (51) said groups (61) of products (60), cube means (8) rotatable about an axis of rotation (X) and which support said rods (5) of said cross bars (4) are slidable so that said rods (5) are linearly and transversely movable with respect to said axis of rotation (X) and rotatably about said axis (X) of rotation, consequently said transverse bars (4) moving along a defined closed-loop packaging path (T); and - guide means (6, 7) attached to said rods (5) and / or to said cross bars (4) to guide the latter along said packaging path (T) by changing the distance of said cross bars (4 ) to said axis (X) of rotation during the rotation of said respective rods (5); said apparatus (1) being characterized by the fact that said rods (5) can be detachably connected to said hub means (8) to change the number of said rods (5) and of said respective transverse bars (4) and the angular distance between said rods (5) around said axis (X) of rotation according to the dimensions of the products (60) and / or a step (p) between successive groups (61) of products (61) in said plane (20 ) of support, wherein - each transverse bar (4) is fixed to an end part (15) of a respective rod (5) that is removably connected to said hub means (8) by means of an arm (28) of respective support suitable for slidingly supporting said rod (5) transversely, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to said axis (X) of rotation, - said hub means (8) comprise a central body (27) which is connected rotatably to frame means (10) of said packaging unit (3) alr around said axis (X) of rotation and comprises fixing means (26) for removably fixing a desired number of support arms (28) for respective rods (5), said fixing means comprising a plurality of elements (26 ) of fixation, which are angularly and mutually separated around said axis (X) of rotation, a support arm (28) being reversibly fixed to a respective fixing element (26).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for packing with a film

The invention relates to an apparatus for packaging products with a plastic film and, specifically, refers to a packaging apparatus that is associable to a thermo-retractable plastic film packaging machine, specifically, a packaging machine. packaging.

The known packaging machines allow packaging of groups of products of various shapes and dimensions, such as bottles, cans, jars, boxes, etc., with a film or sheet made of thermo-retractable plastic material, that is, a material that is suitable for retract or contract with heat, in order to pack, compact and block products between sr

Known packaging machines comprise a transport system that moves the products to be packaged through a series of functional stations.

Downstream with respect to a station of composition, in which the products are divided and separated into groups with a desired composition (for example, in two or more adjacent rows, each row comprising two or more products), a station of packaging in which the groups of products are packed successively and individually with a part of plastic film having a suitable length to form respective packages or containers. In a later heating station (tunnel or shrinking furnace), the part of the film that wraps the products shrinks thanks to the heat, in order to tightly pack the products and produce the final package or package.

The packaging station includes a film supply unit, which collects the film from a reel and cuts a film part with an adequate length, and a packaging unit, which collects and folds around the group of products said film part obtained and dispensed by the supply unit. The supply unit is arranged below a transport or support plane of the packaging machine, on which the products move along a forward direction. Through a first opening or slot of the conveyor plane, which is transverse with respect to the advancement direction, the film part is dispensed by the supply unit in order to intercept the moving products. More precisely, a first front wing of the film part is introduced below the group of moving products, which move the film along the forward direction.

The packaging unit is provided with a plurality of transverse crossbars or crossbars that are movable longitudinally along a closed loop path around the group of products, for the purpose of picking up, supporting and guiding the film part on the group of products and around it. More precisely, once the group of products passes beyond the first transverse aperture, a transverse bar exits the conveyor plane through said first transverse aperture in order to intercept and elevate a rear wing of the film part and fold the latter over the products, moving along a first part of the closed loop path. A second transverse opening, which is disposed downstream with respect to the first transverse opening, allows the transverse bar to enter below the conveyor plane and introduce the second rear wing of the film part below the group of products, said second overlapping rear wing with respect to the first front wing. The two overlapping wings of the film are blocked by the weight of the products. Below the conveyor plane, inside the machine, the crossbar completes its closed loop path covering its second part. Therefore, the film unrolled along the same direction of longitudinal advance wraps the products.

At the end of the packaging, a package or container is obtained that leaves the product group open laterally. Different solutions are known for moving the crossbars for packing purposes with the film along the second closed loop path.

A first solution comprises two drive chains that are arranged in parallel and opposite in both sides of the conveyor plane and provided with links to which the transverse bars, substantially separated, are fixed. The trajectory of movement of the transverse bars coincides with the trajectory of the chains.

In a second solution, the transverse bar is arranged in cantilever fixed to the end of an arm or rod that is mounted in a hub about an axis that is horizontal and transverse with respect to the conveyor plane in order to rotate in a substantially vertical plane . The trajectory of movement of the transverse bar that is fixed to the rotating rod is circular or elliptical.

Generally, in the known packing units, the rod supports two respective transverse bars at the opposite ends, the distance of which is consequently fixed and equal to the length of the rod itself and to the distance between the two transverse openings of the conveyor plane . In some Specific applications, it is possible to disassemble one of the two transverse bars.

It is possible to use a second rod, which is opposite with respect to the first rod and parallel with respect to it, to support the transverse bars at both ends and obtain a higher rigidity and resistance of the movement mechanism, without modifying its kinematics .

In packaging machines it is known that the products to be packaged have different dimensions and sizes, for example, bottles or cans or cans.

The products with different heights require modifying the position and / or trajectory of the transversal bars, specifically, changing their distance to the conveyor plane in order to apply and bend the film correctly.

Furthermore, in order to increase the production speed of the packaging machine in the case of products of small dimensions, it is also necessary to modify the packaging step, that is, the distance between two successive groups of products and, consequently, between two successive transverse bars.

In the packing units equipped with chains to move the crossbars it is possible to modify the height of the latter with respect to the conveyor plane during packaging with the film (according to the height of the product) and / or modify the pitch between the crossbars (according to the dimensions) modifying the number of transverse bars mounted along the chain path.

Therefore, these packing units are configurable according to the size of the product or package, although they make it impossible for the packaging machine to operate at high speeds, due mostly to the vibrations produced by the mechanisms and the operation of the chains. that move the crossbars. In the manufacture of high-speed machines, solutions are used in which the chains slide inside shaped channels, however, in these cases it is not possible to modify the trajectory of the crossbars simply and quickly.

The packing units equipped with rotating rods to support the cross bars have a simpler and cheaper structure and allow to obtain a greater precision of movement, although they do not allow to modify the angular distance between the cross bars (since only one configuration is possible). with two transversal bars at 180 ° or with a single transversal bar) and, therefore, do not allow to modify the step or the distance between two groups of successive products.

There are packaging units in which the rod and the rotating transverse bars are connected and move by means of movement adjustment means so that the transverse bars can move according to paths that are not circular, but are arc-shaped and are adjustable depending on the size of the product. More precisely, the cross bars move along an arc-shaped path with a distance to the conveyor plane that is variable and selectable. An apparatus of this type is described in EP 1256519, by the same applicant, or in US 2004/083689 A1. However, these packaging units with rotating rods to support the crossbars are complex and require, under the conveyor plane, sufficient space for the rod and the rotating transverse bars in all possible configurations. Furthermore, said packing units do not allow modifying the number of transversal bars and the corresponding angular distance in order to modify the pitch or the distance between the products to be packaged.

An object of the invention is to improve the known packaging units or apparatuses that are associable to packaging machines, specifically, packaging machines, to pack with a film made of heat shrinkable plastic groups of products to be packaged.

Another objective is to make a versatile and flexible packaging apparatus that allows to bend and wind the film accurately and effectively around products that have a different size and / or size and / or to modify quickly and easily the packaging step, that is, the distance between the products to be packaged, specifically, to optimize the speed of production of the packaging machine.

Another objective is to provide a packaging apparatus having a structure that is simple, compact, with especially small overall dimensions and, at the same time, with accurate and reliable operation.

Said objectives and additional ones can be achieved by means of a packaging apparatus according to one or more of the claims described below.

The packaging apparatus of the invention is associable to a packaging machine, specifically, a packaging machine, for packaging a group of products with a film made of plastic material, and comprises conveyor means for supporting and moving the products as length of a longitudinal feed direction and form a support plane for the products, a film delivery unit arranged below the support plane for dispensing a fish part with a defined length through a transverse opening of the conveyor means for attachment to said products, and a packaging unit for collecting the part of the film leaving the transverse aperture and packing the products with said film part.

The packaging unit comprises a plurality of cross bars supported by respective rods and suitable for collecting, supporting and guiding respective film parts around the product groups. The transverse bars are transverse, specifically, orthogonal, with respect to the direction of advance, and parallel with respect to the support plane.

The packaging unit also comprises hub means rotatable about the axis of rotation and slidably supporting the rods so that the latter are movable linearly and transversely with respect to the axis of rotation and rotatably about said axis of rotation, the transverse bars being movable along a closed loop packing path. More precisely, the rods can be detachably connected to the hub means to allow changing the number of said rods and respective crossbars and the angular distance between the rods about the axis of rotation according to the dimensions of the groups of products. and / or a step between the successive groups of products in the support plane.

The packaging apparatus also includes flange means attached to the rods and / or cross bars to guide the latter along the packing path by changing the distance of the cross bars to the axis of rotation during the rotation of the respective rods.

Therefore, the packing path of the transverse bar is not a circular path, but an arc-shaped and shaped path defined by the grna means, easily replaceable. More precisely, the grna means are interchangeable, easily replaceable to change or modify the packing path, specifically, to change a first functional section of said trajectory that extends over the support plane. In this way, it is possible to change the displacement and the position of the transverse bar with respect to the support plane according to the dimensions or the size of the products to be packaged.

The products with a considerable height, for example, bottles for beverages, with respect to products with a shorter height, such as cans or cans, require a part of film with a greater length and, consequently, a first functional section of the packing path with a larger extension for packing and a larger distance of the cross bar to the support plane in said first functional section.

The operation of the change of size, that is to say, the substitution of the grinding means, is easy and simple and requires a minimum downtime of the packaging machine.

It is also possible, by a suitable selection of the grna means, to create the packing paths that are more efficient and suitable for the products to be packaged, not only according to size and size, but also according to the step between two successive groups of products. products.

It is possible to change the pitch of the products in the packaging machine, since the packaging apparatus of the invention also allows the passage to be changed quickly and easily, that is to say, the angular distance between two successive transverse bars. In fact, it is possible to easily change the number of cross bars, that is, the number of rods fixed to the hub means. More precisely, the support arms of the cube means, which slidably support the rods, can be easily assembled or disassembled to be angularly relocated, in a smaller or larger number, in order to allow fixing a different number of corresponding crossbars and rods.

Alternatively, the hub means may comprise central bodies that can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled and interchanged with a plurality of central bodies with a different number of support arms in order to change the number of transverse bars.

Therefore, by changing the number of crossbars and the corresponding angular distance, it is possible to change the pitch between the successive groups of products and, therefore, increase or decrease the speed of the packaging machine according to the size of the products.

Thanks to the packaging apparatus of the invention, the packaging machine, comprising said apparatus, is suitable for packaging a wide range of products with different dimensions, while optimizing the speed or rate of production. More precisely, with a product of small size it is possible to reduce the passage between the groups of products and increase the speed of the machine (up to values that are not suitable for large products) in order to increase productivity.

It should be noted that the packaging apparatus of the invention has a simple and compact structure and also makes it possible to reduce and limit the overall dimensions of the packaging apparatus below the plane of support, inside the packaging machine. This is possible thanks to the transverse bars move separately and not connected, since each transverse bar is fixed to a respective rod or a pair of opposite rods, and it is possible to design a second return design of the packing path that be compact. In contrast, in known packaging apparatuses, each rod supports two separate transverse bars at the opposite ends and the trajectory of the transverse bar below the support plane (second return section) is a consequence of the trajectory of the transverse bar that it moves on the support plane (first functional section) and imposed by the characteristics of the group of products to be packed. More precisely, in the packaging apparatus of the invention, thanks to the rods being slidably connected to the hub means and, therefore, during rotation, they are movable linearly and transversely, specifically, orthogonally , with respect to the axis of rotation, the second return section of the packaging path may have a limited extent. Specifically, the second return section can extend to a limited extent below the support plane, since the rods move linearly inwardly along the respective support arms, towards the axis of rotation. Therefore, the overall dimensions of the grna means and the rods below the support plane are substantially defined by the length of the support arms of the hub means, said length being much shorter than the summed length of the arms. of support and the rods in the position of maximum extension in the first functional section of the packing path. It is possible to improve the understanding and implementation of the invention by referring to the attached drawings, which show an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging apparatus of the invention installable in a packaging machine;

- Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- figure 3 is a sectional view along the line IN-IN of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 associated with a group of products to be packed and in a functional stage;

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the packaging apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a different configuration of the apparatus of Figure 5 associated with a group of products to be packed and in a functional stage.

With reference to figures 1 to 6, the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention associated with a packaging machine 100, specifically, a packaging machine, for packaging with a particle 50 made of plastic material, in a specific manner, is shown. , of the retractable thermal type, groups 61 of products 60 in order to form respective packages or packages of products. More precisely, the packaging apparatus 1 can be used and installed in a packaging station of the packaging machine 100, arranged between a station of composition or shaping of groups of products to be packed, in which the products are divided and they separate to form groups with a desired composition, and a successive heating station, in which the particle that packages each group of products 60 contracts and retracts due to the heat to tightly pack the products and produce the package.

The composition station and the heating station are of known type and are not shown in the figures.

The packaging apparatus 1 comprises conveying means 21, 22, 23 for supporting and moving groups 61 of products 60 along a longitudinal and substantially horizontal advancing direction A, a particle supply unit 2 for dispensing parts 51 of Unit with a defined length and a suitable unit 3 for collecting the parts 51 of the package and packing with the latter the groups 61 of products 60.

Referring to the embodiment shown in the figures, the conveyor means comprise three different conveyors or conveyor belts arranged in alignment and in succession along the forward direction A.

A first conveyor 21 receives the group 61 of products 60 from the forming station arranged upstream and transfers said group 61 of products 60 to a second successive conveyor 22 which moves the products 60, while the latter are packed by means of the part 51 of FIG. . A third conveyor 23 receives the group 61 of products 60 packed with the key 51 and displaces said group 61 of products towards the successive heating station arranged downstream.

The three conveyors 21, 22, 23 which move the products 60 along the feed direction A at the same speed have respective support surfaces forming a substantially horizontal support plane 20 for said products 60.

The supply unit 2, of known type and not shown in detail in the figures, is arranged below the support plane 20 and comprises means for unwinding the plastic film 50 from a reel and for cutting a portion 51 thereof with a suitable length and in such a way as to allow the group 61 of products 60 to be packaged properly and completely. The supply unit 2 dispenses the cut film part 51 through a transverse opening 24 of the conveying means 21, 22, 23 for its retention and connection to the products 60.

More precisely, the supply unit 2 dispenses the film portion 51 so that a first front flange thereof is introduced below the products 60 which move on the conveyor means 21, 22, 23. The transverse aperture 24 is a groove or slit that is transverse, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to the direction of advance A, and separates the first conveyor 21 from the second conveyor 22. An additional transverse opening 25 is arranged to separate the second conveyor 22 from the third conveyor 23. The additional transverse opening 25 is a respective slot or slit that is transverse, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to the forward direction A.

The packaging unit 3 includes a plurality of transverse cross bars or bars 4 that are arranged transversely, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to the forward direction A for collecting, supporting and guiding respective film portions 51 around the groups 61. of products 100. Each transverse bar 4 is connected to an end portion 15 of a respective rod 5 mounted rotatably about a turning axis X, which is substantially horizontal and transverse, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to the direction A forward. In this way, the rods 5 rotate in an almost vertical plane and the respective transverse bars 4 are fixed to the rods 5 to be parallel with respect to the axis X of rotation and parallel with respect to the support plane 20.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the packaging unit 3 comprises three transverse bars 4 which are angularly spaced around the X axis, specifically 120 °, and are connected to a pair of respective rods 5. More precisely, each transverse bar 4 is supported and fixed at its opposite ends to two respective rods 5, which are both rotatable about the axis X and are arranged in parallel and mutually facing the two opposite sides of the conveyor means, specific shape, of the second conveyor 22. The rods 4 on each side of the conveying means 21, 22, 23 are angularly spaced apart by themselves 120 ° about the X axis.

Alternatively, the cross bars 4 can be cantilevered only to a respective rod 5, the rods 5 being arranged in this case only on one side of the conveyor means 21, 22, 23.

Therefore, during the rotation of the rods 5 about the axis of rotation X, the cross bars 4 move along a defined closed-loop packing path T, around the group of products 60 that move in the second conveyor 22 along the forward direction A and through the transverse openings 24, 25 of the support plane 20, as explained in more detail in the following description.

The packing path T of the transverse bars 4 comprises a first functional section T1 extending over the support plane 20 and the products 60 and a second return section T2 extending below the support plane 20.

The packaging unit 3 also includes hub means 8 rotatable about the axis of rotation X and slidingly supporting the rods 5, so that the latter are movable linearly and transversely with respect to the axis X of rotation, specifically, orthogonally with respect to the latter, and rotatably about the X axis of rotation.

The apparatus includes gripping means 6, 7 attached to the rods 5 and / or the crossbars 4 to guide the latter along the packing path T, changing the distance of the crossbars 4 to the axis X of rotation during the rotation of the rods 5, that is, during the movement of the transverse bars 4 along the packing path T.

The rods 5 can be detachably connected to the hub means 8 to change the number of rods 5 and respective crossbars 4 and the angular distance between the rods 5 about the axis X of rotation according to the dimensions of the groups 61 of products 60 and / or a step or distance p between two successive groups 60 of products 61 in the support plane 20, as explained in more detail in the following description.

More precisely, each transverse bar 4 is fixed to the end portion 15 of the respective rod 5 detachably connected to the hub means 8 by a respective support arm 28 for slidably supporting said rod 5 transversely, in a way specific, orthogonally, with respect to the X axis of rotation.

The cube means 8 comprise at least one central body 27 which is rotatably connected to frame means 10 of the packaging unit 3 so as to rotate about the axis of rotation X and driven by drive means 35, comprising, for example, an electric rotary motor. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the hub means 8 comprises two central bodies 27 which are rotatably connected to the frame means 10 on opposite sides of the conveyor means 21, 22, 23 and are both driven by the means 35 of drive.

Each central body 27 comprises fixing means 26 for removably fixing a desired number of support arms 28. Each support arm 28 is arranged to slidably support a respective rod 5 that is movable linearly along an adjustment direction, almost orthogonal with respect to the axis X of rotation. Specifically, the support arms 28 are fixed tangentially to the central body 27. Alternatively, the support arms 28 can be fixed radially to the central body 27.

In the embodiment shown, the support arms 28 are provided with respective carriages 29, for example, provided with sliding rollers or spheres, slidably joined and supporting the corresponding rods 5, formed by suitable shaped rods. The linear connection between the carriages 29 and the shaped bars of the rods 5 guarantees the linear sliding of the latter along the adjustment direction and in parallel with respect to the support arm 28.

The support arms 28 can easily be disassembled from the fixing means 26 of the central body 27, which comprise fixing elements, such as holes for screws, stops and similar elements, for their angular arrangement in a smaller or larger number and for allow to set a different number of rods 5 and corresponding crossbars 4. More precisely, the fastening means comprise a plurality of fastening elements 26 angularly and mutually spaced apart about the axis of rotation X and a support arm 28 which can be fixed reversibly to a respective fastening element 26.

As shown in Figure 4, each fixing element 26 includes, for example, a group of fixing holes for screws, stops and similar elements disposed in a wall of the central body 27, said groups of fixing holes allowing said each central body 27 of the hub means 8 three support arms 28 that are spaced apart angularly and regularly from each other, specifically, 120 ° or, as shown in Figure 6, two support arms 28, spaced apart from each other angular and regularly, specifically, 180 °.

However, the number and angular distribution of the groups of fixing holes 26 in the central bodies 27 can be such as to allow a larger number of support arms 28, i.e. of transverse bars 4, for example, four. or five.

In fact, it is possible to select the number of crossbars 4 according to step p and the size of the groups 61 of products 60 to be packaged, for example, it is possible to increase it to reduce the step p between two successive groups of products 60 in order to increase the speed and productivity of the packaging machine 100.

In a variant of the packaging apparatus, not shown in the figures, the hub means 8 comprise at least one central body 27, more precisely, two central bodies 27 arranged on opposite sides of the conveying means 21, 22, 23, each central body 27 being provided with an established number of support arms 28 for the respective rods 5 and transverse bars 4 and, in this case, removably and reversibly fixed to the frame means 10 and interchangeable with additional central bodies 27 with a different number of support arms 28. In this case, the support arms 28 are fixed to the central body 27 or form a single body with it. The central body 27 can be separated, for example, along the axis X of rotation.

The grinding means comprise at least one bar element 6 arranged on the side of the conveyor means 21, 22, 23 and provided with an annular seat 11, which extends along the packing path T and is suitable for receiving A connection element 14 fixed to each transverse bar 4 or corresponding rod 5 is slidably mounted. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, the end 15 of each rod 5 comprises a shaped part, for example, a shaped portion of the lever, to which the respective transverse bar 4 and the respective connection element 14 are fixed. Alternatively, the connecting element 14 can be directly associated with the transverse bar 4, fixed at one of its ends.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping means comprise two grid elements 6, 7 which are arranged facing the frame means 10 and fixed thereto on opposite sides of the conveyor means 21, 22, 23. Specifically, the The gripping means comprise, in addition to the gripping element 6, an additional gripping element 7 provided with an additional seat 12, substantially symmetrical with respect to the seat 11 and arranged to slidably receive the corresponding connection elements 14 of the rods 5.

The two gm elements 6, 7 support and gm the opposite ends of the transverse bars 4 and, more precisely, the ends 15 of the pair of rods 5 of each transverse bar 4.

Each element 6, 7 of gma comprises, for example, an element with a respective curvilinear shape forming a closed and shaped loop and is provided with an annular groove 11, 12 forming the seat suitable for receiving the connection elements 14 of the end portions 15 of the rods 5, said connecting elements 14 comprising, for example, respective rollers or wheels mounted freely on the end portions 15.

Each element 6, 7 of gma is essentially a positive cam or a channel cam which is provided with a respective slot or seat 11, 12 (channel) to which the rollers 14 of the rods 5 are connected. In this way, during the rotation around the axis X of rotation, each rod 5, which is joined by the end part 15 by the roller 14 relative to the seat 11, 12 of the elements 6, 7 of gma, slides linearly and orthogonally with respect to the axis X of rotation, allowing the transverse bar 4 to move along the packing path T, which coincides with the path or path of the seat 11, 12.

Each element 6, 7 of gma comprises a first upper part 16, 17, suitable for supporting and guiding the transverse bars 4 along the first functional section T1 of the packing path T, and a second suitable lower part 18, 19 to support and guide the crossbars 4 along the second return part T2 of the packaging path T.

The first upper part 16, 17 is detachably connected to the second lower part 18, 19 to form the respective element 6, 7 of gma and is interchangeable with one of a plurality of first upper parts with different annular seats 11, 12 respectively in order to change or modify the first functional section T1 of the packaging path T and, thus, the position of the transverse bar 4 with respect to the support plane 20, specifically, according to the size or size of the 60 products to be packed.

In addition, it is possible to dismantle the second lower part 18, 19 of the packaging unit to modify the second return section T2 of the packaging path T.

In a version of the apparatus 1 not shown in the figures, the first upper part 16, 17 and the second lower part 18, 19 are fixed to form a single body. In this case, the entire gm element 6, 7 is removably attached to the frame means 10 of the packaging unit 3 and is interchangeable with one of a plurality of gm elements with different respective seats 11, 12 for change and modify the packing path T.

Figure 6 shows a different configuration of the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention, wherein the packaging unit 3 comprises two transverse bars 4 supported by two pairs of respective rods 5, angularly 180 ° apart. In this variant, two respective support arms 28 are fixed to the means 26 for fixing two central bodies 27 of the hub means 8, and are tangentially fixed and angularly 180 ° apart. The two transverse bars 4 are supported and guided by the respective ends by the two elements 6, 7 of gma. More precisely, the rollers 14 of the end parts 15 of the rods 5 slide into the interior of the seats 11, 12 of the gm elements 6, 7, causing the rods to slide in the support arms 28 during the turn around the X axis. The different number of crossbars 4 and the corresponding angular distance (180 °) make it possible to increase the pitch p between two successive groups of products 60, for example, because the latter have larger dimensions. With regard to the configuration with small steps, shown in Figure 4, it is possible to reduce the speed of the machine so as not to destabilize the products 60 during their movement.

The number of crossbars 4 can increase according to the step and the size of the groups of products to be packed to allow to reduce, in this case, the passage between two successive groups of products 60 and increase the speed and productivity of the packaging machine 100 .

The operation of the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention mounted on a packaging machine 100, specifically, in a packaging station thereof, comprises moving the groups 61 of products 60 from the forming station along the first conveyor 21 to the second conveyor 22, in the support plane 20. In the transverse opening 24, disposed between the first conveyor 21 and the second conveyor 22, a front or front part of the product group retains a portion 51 of the film 50 with a suitable length dispensed by the supply unit 2. More precisely, a first front flange of the film part 51 is inserted below the group 61 of moving products 60 and is moved along the forward direction A.

Once the product group is transferred to the second conveyor 22, a transverse bar 4 supported by a pair of respective rods 5 leaves the support plane 20 through the transverse aperture 24 to intercept and elevate a second rear wing of the part 51 of film and fold the latter over the group 61 of products 60 that move along the first functional stretch T1 of the closed-loop packing path T and longitudinally around it.

More precisely, the transverse bar 4 is supported by the opposite ends and moves along the packing path T by a respective pair of rods 5, rotatable about the axis X of rotation and linearly slidable and orthogonally with respect to the same. More precisely, the linear movement of the rods 5 during the rotation is carried out by the connection elements 14 slidably connected to the seats 11, 12 of the grid elements 6, 7. Basically, the grna elements 6, 7 are two positive cams provided with respective grooves or seats 11, 12 to which said connection elements 14 are connected.

With the continuation of the movement along the packing path T, the transverse bar 4 returns below the plane of motion 20 through the additional transverse opening 25 to introduce the second rear wing of the film part 51 below the group of 60 products, said second rear wing overlapping with respect to the first front wing. The two overlapping wings of the film part 51 are blocked by the weight of the products.

Below the support plane 20, inside the packaging machine 100, the transverse bar 4 completes the packaging path T covering the second return section T2.

It should be noted that the packing path T of the transverse bar 4 is not a circular path, but a shaped path that is defined by the gripping means 6, 7, which can be easily replaced. More precisely, the upper parts 16, 17 of the grid elements 6, 7, which grind the rods 5 and, thus, the cross bars 4, along the first functional section T1, are interchangeable, easily replaceable. for first upper parts 16, 17 with different seats 11, 12, for the purpose of exchanging or modifying said first functional section T1. In this way, it is possible to change the displacement and the position of the transverse bar 4 with respect to the support plane 20 according to the dimensions or the size of the products 60 to be packaged.

Products with a considerable height, for example, bottles for beverages, with respect to products with a shorter height, such as cans or cans, require a film portion 51 with a longer length and, consequently, a first functional section T1. with a larger extension for packing and a larger distance of the transverse bar 4 to the support plane 20 in said first section T1.

The operation of the change of size, that is to say, the replacement of the first upper parts 16, 17 (or, alternatively, of the totality of the elements 6, 7 of grna) is easy and simple and requires a minimum of inactivity of the packaging machine 100.

It is also possible, by a suitable selection of the seats 11, 12 of the grid elements 6, 7, to create the packing paths T which are more efficient and suitable for the products to be packaged, not only according to the dimensions and size, but also according to step p between two successive groups of products 60.

In fact, it is possible to change the pitch of the groups 61 of products 60 in the packaging machine 100, since the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention allows to quickly and easily modify the number of crossbars 4, that is, the number of rods 5 fixed to hub means 8.

More precisely, the support arms 28, thanks to the fixing means 26, can be assembled or disassembled quickly and easily with respect to the central bodies 27 of the cube means 8 to be angularly relocated, in a smaller number or more large, and to allow to set a different number of rods 5 and corresponding crossbars 4.

Therefore, by changing the number of cross bars 4 and the corresponding angular distance, it is possible to change the pitch p between two successive groups of products 60 and, thereby, increase or decrease the speed of the packaging machine 100 according to the invention. size of the product. Thanks to the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention, the packaging machine 100 allows a wide range of products 60 and groups 61 of products 60 to be packaged with different dimensions, while optimizing the speed or rate of production. More precisely, with products of small size it is possible to reduce the step p between the groups of products and increase the speed of the machine (up to values that are not suitable for large products) in order to increase productivity.

Finally, it should be noted that the packaging apparatus 1 of the invention has a simple and compact structure and also allows to reduce and limit the overall dimensions of the packaging unit 3 below the support plane 20, inside the packaging machine 100 .

Thanks to the rods 5, which are slidably connected to the hub means 8 and, thus, move linearly during the rotation about the axis of rotation X, transversely, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to the latter, the second return section T2 of the packing path T It may have a limited extension. More precisely, said second return section T2 extends to a limited extent below the support plane 20, since the rods 5 move linearly along the respective support arms 28 inward towards the X axis of rotation, so that the end portions 15 are disposed adjacent the carriages 29. Therefore, the general dimensions of the means 6, 7 of gma and the rods 5 below the support plane 20 are substantially defined by the length of support arms 28, which is much shorter than the summed length of the support arms 18 and the rods 5 in the maximum extension position in the first functional section T1.

Claims (12)

Packaging apparatus associable to a packaging machine (100), specifically, a packaging machine, to pack with a film (50) made of plastic material groups (61) of products (60), comprising: - conveyor means (21, 22, 23) for supporting and moving said groups (61) of products (60) along a direction (A) of longitudinal advance and forming a plane (20) for supporting said products (60) ); - a unit (2) for supplying the film (50) disposed below said support plane (20) for dispensing film parts (51) with a defined length through a transverse opening (24) of said conveying means ( 21, 22, 23) for joining said groups (61) of products (60); - a packaging unit (3) comprising a plurality of transverse bars (4), each supported by at least one respective rod (5), said transverse bars (4) being arranged to collect said film parts (51) that out of said transverse aperture (24) and pack with said film parts (51) said groups (61) of products (60), hub means (8) rotatable about a pivot axis (X) and supporting sliding said rods (5) of said transverse bars (4) so that said rods (5) are movable linearly and transversely with respect to said axis (X) of rotation and rotatably about said axis (X) of rotation, said transverse bars (4) moving accordingly along a defined closed-loop packing path (T); and - grna means (6, 7) attached to said rods (5) and / or said transverse rods (4) to guide the latter along said packing path (T) by changing the distance of said transverse rods (4). ) to said axis (X) of rotation during the rotation of said respective rods (5); said apparatus being characterized (1) by the fact that said rods (5) can be removably connected to said means (8) hub to change the number of said rods (5) and said respective transverse bars (4) and angular distance between said rods (5) about said axis (X) of rotation according to the dimensions of the products (60) and / or a step (p) between successive groups (61) of products (61) in said plane (20) ) of support, where - each transverse bar (4) is fixed to an end part (15) of a respective rod (5) that is detachably connected to said hub means (8) by means of a respective supporting arm (28) suitable for supporting said rod sliding form (5) transversely, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to said axis (X) of rotation, - said hub means (8) comprise a central body (27) that is rotatably connected to frame means (10) of said packing unit (3) about said pivot axis (X) and comprises means (26) ) to fix in a removable manner a desired number of support arms (28) for respective rods (5), said fixing means comprising a plurality of fixing elements (26), which are angularly and mutually spaced around said axis (X) of rotation, a support arm (28) being reversibly fixed to a respective fixing element (26). 2. Packing apparatus associated to a packaging machine (100), specifically, a packaging machine, for packaging with a film (50) made of plastic material groups (61) of products (60), comprising: - conveyor means (21, 22, 23) for supporting and moving said groups (61) of products (60) along a direction (A) of longitudinal advance and forming a plane (20) for supporting said products (60) ); - a unit (2) for supplying the film (50) disposed below said support plane (20) for dispensing film parts (51) with a defined length through a transverse opening (24) of said conveying means ( 21, 22, 23) for joining said groups (61) of products (60); - a packaging unit (3) comprising a plurality of transverse bars (4), each supported by at least one respective rod (5), said transverse bars (4) being arranged to collect said film parts (51) that out of said transverse aperture (24) and pack with said film parts (51) said groups (61) of products (60), hub means (8) rotatable about a pivot axis (X) and supporting sliding said rods (5) of said transverse bars (4) so that said rods (5) are movable linearly and transversely with respect to said axis (X) of rotation and rotatably about said axis (X) of rotation, said transverse bars (4) moving accordingly along a defined closed-loop packing path (T); and - grna means (6, 7) attached to said rods (5) and / or said transverse bars (4) to guide the latter along said packing path (T) by changing the distance of said bars transverse (4) to said axis (X) of rotation during the rotation of said respective rods (5); said apparatus being characterized (1) by the fact that said rods (5) can be removably connected to said means (8) hub to change the number of said rods (5) and said respective transverse bars (4) and angular distance between said rods (5) about said axis (X) of rotation according to the dimensions of the products (60) and / or a step (p) between successive groups (61) of products (61) in said plane (20) ) of support, where - each transverse bar (4) is fixed to an end part (15) of a respective rod (5) that is detachably connected to said hub means (8) by means of a respective supporting arm (28) suitable for supporting said rod sliding form (5) transversely, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to said axis (X) of rotation, - said hub means (8) comprise at least one central body (27) that is rotatably connected to frame means (10) of said packing unit (3) around said axis (X) of rotation and is equipped of a defined number of support arms (28) for respective rods (5), said central body (27) being releasably secured to said frame means (10) and being interchangeable with one of a plurality of central bodies (27). ) with a different number of support arms (28). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said transverse bars (4) are transverse, specifically, orthogonally, with respect to said advancement direction (A) and parallel with respect to said support plane (20). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transverse bar (4) is fixed to end portions (15) of a respective pair of rods (5) detachably connected to said hub means (8) through respective support arms (28) on opposite sides of said conveyor means (21, 22, 23). Apparatus according to claim 4, depending on claim 4 of claim 1, wherein said hub means (8) comprises two central bodies (27) rotatably connected to the frame means (10) around said axis ( X) of rotation on opposite sides of said conveying means (21, 22, 23), wherein each central body (27) comprises fixing means (26) for reversibly fixing a desired number of support arms (28) and rods (5). Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein claim 4 according to claim 2, wherein said hub means (8) comprises two central bodies (27) rotatably connected to the frame means (10) around said axis ( X) of rotation on opposite sides of said conveyor means (21, 22, 23), wherein each central body (27) is detachably fixed to said frame means (10) and is interchangeable with one of a plurality of bodies central (27) with a different number of support arms (28). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping means comprise a gripping element (6, 7) that is arranged on one side of said conveyor means (21, 22, 23) and provided with a seat (11). , 12) extending along said packing path (T) and arranged to slidably receive a connection element (14) of said rod (5) and / or said transverse bar (4). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping means comprise a pair of grid elements (6, 7) arranged on opposite sides of said conveyor means (21, 22, 23) and provided with seats (11, 12) that extend along said packing path (T) and arranged to slidably receive connecting elements (14) of said rod (5) and / or said transverse bar (4). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said gripping element (6, 7) comprises a first upper part (16, 17) suitable for supporting and guiding said transverse bar (4) along a first functional section. (T1) of said packing path (T) extending over said support plane (20), and a second lower part (18, 19) to support and guide said transverse bar (4) along a second section (T2) return of said packaging path (T) extending below said support plane (20). Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein said crane element (6, 7) is removably attached to the frame means (10) of said packaging unit (3) and is interchangeable with one of a plurality of grid elements provided with respective seats in order to modify said packing path (T), specifically, according to the size of said products (60). Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said first upper part (16, 17) of said crane element (6, 7) is detachably connected to said second lower part (18, 19) and is interchangeable with one of a plurality of first upper parts for the purpose of modifying said first section (T1) of said packaging path (T), specifically, according to the size of said products (60). 12. Packing packaging machine for packaging a plurality of products (60) with a film (50) made of plastic material, comprising a packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11.