ES2784907T3 - Filter Bag Making Machine with Stacking Station - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine for forming filter bags (1) containing infusion products, comprising: - a shaping unit (2) configured to form individual pieces of tubular filter paper having at least one chamber (3) containing a dose (D1 ) of infusion product; - a carousel (4) that rotates around a first axis (4X) designed to receive from the shaping unit (2), and carry, the pieces of filter paper to a plurality of stations arranged one after the other and configured to form a filter bag (1); - an orientation drum (5), positioned next to the carousel (4) and rotating around a second axis (5X) parallel to the first axis (4X), and comprising a plurality of cavities (6), being designed each cavity (6) for housing a filter bag (1) and being movable between a receiving position and a releasing position by an angle (α) relative to the receiving position; - a conveyor unit (7) configured to take from the carousel (4), transport and release the filter bag (1) in one of the plurality of cavities (6) in the receiving position; - a stacker unit (8) having an open area (8a) to receive the filter bag (1) in the release position; characterized in that the drum (5) comprises, for each cavity (6), a first retention element (9) and a second retention element (11) configured to make contact with and retain the filter bag (1) within the cavity (6) between the reception position (9) of a given cavity (6) and a second reception element (11) of a cavity (6) adjacent to the given cavity (6) that moves by rotating around a shared axis (X9b) of rotation.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Filter Bag Making Machine with Stacking Station

Technical field

This invention relates to a machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products.

The expression "infusion products" means products such as tea, coffee, chamomile (powder, granules, or leaves).

Previous technique

Advantageously, a machine according to the invention is used to form filter bags of the so-called two-lobe type, that is, filter bags containing a single piece of filter paper that defines two separate and closed chambers. Each chamber contains one dose of infusion product. The two chambers are bent towards each other forming a single upper end (in the shape of a flipped "V") and a lower end in the shape of a "W".

For example, the filter bag can be equipped with a thread for association with a grip tag.

A type of machine for forming this type of filter bag is known from patent document EP765274 (in the name of the same applicant).

That patent document describes a structured machine along a forming and feeding line in which they are positioned:

- a station for feeding a filter paper web along a feeding surface;

- a station for feeding doses of product on the filter paper weft at predetermined distances; - a station designed to close the weft by itself, wrap the product doses and, subsequently, longitudinally join the weft;

- a station for folding individual pieces of filter paper with double chamber;

- a carousel equipped with radially protruding clamps, positioned below the folding station and configured to receive individual pieces of folded filter paper; the carousel, gradually moved around a horizontal axis, moves each piece of filter paper near the stations arranged one behind the other to associate a thread to the piece of filter paper, properly wrapped around the piece of filter paper, and a label associated in turn with the thread.

In some machine solutions, depending on the type of filter bag, there may be:

- yet another station for the transverse closing of the ends of the piece before or at the same time as the separation of the remaining film; or

- a station for bending the open ends of the two chambers of the piece along the path of the carousel. If necessary, there may also be a station for applying a wrapping material to the filter bag thus obtained along the path of the carousel.

Furthermore, the carousel transfers the filter bag thus formed into a release and orientation unit configured to release the filter bag to a stacker unit. Of particular interest in this specification is this last release and orientation unit.

The release and orientation unit (shown by patent document EP762973 in the name of the same applicant) comprises:

- a drum, positioned next to the carousel, comprising a plurality of housing cavities, arranged circumferentially and each one designed to house and retain by interference a filter bag while the drum rotates in a gradual manner;

- a conveyor unit that takes the filter bag from a gripper of the carousel, and transports (with a basically rectilinear movement) over the drum;

- means for placing the filter bag in a corresponding cavity of the drum when the cavity is in a Default transfer position during drum rotation.

The drum, moved gradually around an axis parallel to the axis of the carousel, has precisely the function of receiving, rotating and releasing the filter bags inside the stacking unit to prepare groups of filter bags for their final packaging.

The stacking unit comprises a fixed tubular conduit oriented in a radial direction relative to the drum, and having an end opening positioned opposite the surface of the drum.

The positioning means comprise a compacting head positioned above the drum that can push the filter bag into the cavity.

Finally, the orientation and release unit comprises an element for the expulsion of the filter bag, when the respective cavity of the drum is positioned opposite the stacker unit.

The ejection element has a push head and an actuator element configured to couple the push head to the bottom of each head, when the latter is in front of the stacker unit.

Each cavity has a plurality of through holes in it, made in its lower part, which can be engaged by means of the push head to allow contact with the filter bag and the consequent ejection impulse from the cavity towards the stacker unit. .

Both for market strategies and to increase the infusion quality of each individual filter bag, it is necessary that in each chamber the amount of product that constitutes the individual dose is increased, which, in fact, has generated inconveniences in the machine.

In fact, this modification has generated a significant increase in the weight of the filter bag as a whole (adding the weight of the two chambers) and, for this reason, operational difficulties have been encountered.

More specifically, the structure of the orientation and release unit is designed to obtain a positioning and a corresponding release of the individual filter bag using the partial elastic deformability of the filter bag, that is, the guarantee of a correct housing of the bag. Filter is left to the abrupt engagement force generated on the filter bag.

The latter, in fact, is forced into the cavity of the drum and is subsequently expelled out of the cavity by itself to fall into the stacker unit.

However, an increase in the weight of the filter bag can cause problems to position the filter bag within the cavity of the drum during the gradual rotation of the latter due to the centrifugal forces applied to the filter bag. Similarly, in the passage for the expulsion of the filter bag, an incorrect positioning of the filter bag or a greater resistance of the filter bag against the impulse generated by the ejection head can cause breaks in the filter bag.

In other words, the current structure of the orientation and release unit does not guarantee a correct stability of the filter bag in the drum cavity nor its integrity during the release towards the stacker unit.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a machine for forming filter bags for infusion products that can overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. More specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a machine for forming filter bags for infusion products that can operate at a high production speed even with heavy and large filter bags.

These objectives are fully achieved by means of the machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products according to this invention as characterized in the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred non-limiting embodiment thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products according to this invention;

figure 2 illustrates a front perspective view of part of the machine of figure 1, in particular, a drum for the orientation of the filter bags;

figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the drum of figure 2;

Figures 4 and 5 show the drum of the previous drawings, with an ejection element in two different configurations;

figure 6 shows a perspective view, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others, of a kinematic diagram of the control means present on the drum;

Figures 7 to 9 illustrate front views of an operating diagram of the drum of the aforementioned drawings in corresponding operating positions.

Detailed description of the embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular to Figure 1, the machine according to the invention, labeled 100 in its entirety, is used to form filter bags 1 containing infusion products. The expression "infusion products" means products such as tea, coffee, chamomile (powder, granules, or leaves). Preferably, but not necessarily, the filter bag 1 formed by means of a machine according to the invention comprises a piece of filter paper with an elongated (tubular) shape having at least two chambers 3, 30 with doses D1 and D2 corresponding infusion products separated from each other along the piece of filter paper.

More specifically, in an area of the machine 100 the two chambers 3, 30 are bent towards each other forming an upper end 1a (in the shape of a flipped "V") and a lower end 1b in the shape of a " W ».

The machine 100 comprises a forming unit 2 (illustrated schematically with a block in figure 1) configured to form individual pieces of tubular filter paper, each having at least one chamber 3 containing the dose D1 of infusion product (preferably two chambers 3, 30 with corresponding doses D1, D2) distributed between the upper end 1a and the closed lower end 1b of the piece of filter paper.

The machine 100 comprises a carousel 4 designed to receive the pieces of filter paper from the forming unit 2. The carousel 4 is positioned downstream of the forming unit 2 with respect to the feeding direction of the filter bag 1 being formed.

The carousel 4 rotates around a first axis 4X to bring the piece of filter paper to a plurality of stations arranged one after the other (not illustrated) and configured to form a filter bag 1. Advantageously, the stations in succession are designed to apply a thread and a label to the piece of filter paper to obtain a filter bag 1.

In light of this, the carousel 4 is moved by an intermittent or gradual movement, and rotates in an anti-clockwise direction looking at figure 1.

It should be mentioned that the carousel 4 comprises a plurality of radial gripping arms 4a defining individual housings for the pieces of filter paper. As illustrated, the machine 100 comprises a drum 5 for the orientation of the filter bags 1, positioned next to the carousel 4 and rotating around a second axis 5X parallel to the first axis 4X of the carousel 4.

The drum 5 comprises a plurality of cavities 6 designed to house a corresponding filter bag 1. The cavities 6 are arranged circumferentially in the drum 5.

Preferably, drum 5 comprises four cavities 6 spaced from each other at equal angular intervals along drum 5.

It should be mentioned that the drum 5 is moved intermittently, or in a gradual manner, and rotates around the second axis X5 synchronized with the carousel 4 in a direction, preferably clockwise / counterclockwise (in the same direction as the direction of the carousel 4).

Furthermore, the machine 100 comprises a conveyor unit 7 configured to take from the carousel 4 (in particular from a gripper 4a), transport and release the filter bag 1 to a free cavity 6 located in a receiving position during the rotation of the drum 5 ( see figures 1 to 3).

The machine 100 also comprises a stacking element 8 positioned below the drum 5, in a cavity 6 located in a release position. The release position is rotated an angle a relative to the release position. reception.

The stacker unit 8 having an open area 8a to receive the filter bag 1.

As illustrated, the drum 5 comprises, for each cavity 6, a first retention element 9 and a second retention element configured to retain the filter bag 1 within the cavity 6 between the receiving position and the releasing position.

Again, as illustrated, a first retainer 9 of a given cavity 6 and a second retainer 11 of an adjacent cavity 6 can be rotatable about a shared axis of rotation X9b. Preferably, the first rotating element 9 and the second rotating element comprise, for each cavity 6, respective active portions 9a, 11a, which are configured to retain corresponding opposite portions of the filter bag 1.

Preferably, the drum 5 comprises control means 10 connected to respective supporting and driving portions 9b and 11b of the first 9 and second retaining element 11 of each cavity 6 to allow a synchronized movement of the respective active portions 9a, 11a.

In light of this, the control means 10 is configured to move, in synchronization with the rotation of the drum 5, between a first operative position, where the active portions 9a, 11a are spaced apart from the cavity 6 and allow this last receiving or releasing the filter bag 1, and a second operative position, where the active portions 9a, 11a are configured to retain the filter bag 1 within the cavity 6.

Thanks to the retention elements 9, 11, the positioning and retention of the filter bag 1 is safe regardless of the dimensions and weight of the filter bag 1.

The presence of the retention elements 9, 11 guarantees a high stability of the filter bag 1 inside the cavity 6 even at high operating speeds (with rotation of the drum).

Preferably, the first 9 and the second retention element 11 contact and retain using the respective active portions 9a, 11a, respectively, an upper end 1a and a lower end 1b of the filter bag 1 housed in the cavity 6.

Advantageously, the first 9 and the second retaining element 11 are circumferentially positioned on the drum 5, mutually opposite the ends of the cavity 6 (see Figures 1 to 9).

Advantageously, the active portion 11a of the second retention element 11 is designed to come into contact with the lower end 1b of the filter bag 1. In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the active portion 9a of the first retention element 9 enters into contact with the lower end 1b of the filter bag 1, while the active portion 11a of the second retention element 11 comes into contact with the upper end 1a of the filter bag.

Basically, the first retention element 9 and the second retention element 11 of a cavity 6 form a pair designed to retain a filter bag 1 housed in the cavity 6 in any orientation.

Each retention element 9, 11 of each pair is connected to the control means 10 configured to allow a synchronized movement of the respective active portions 9a, 11a between the first and second operative positions of the first 9 and the second retention element 11 In other words, the control means 10 allow the movement of the active portions 9a, 11a of the retention elements 9, 11 to receive and release (first operative position of the retention elements 9 and 11), or to retain (second operative position of the retention elements 9 and 11) the filter bag 1 housed in the cavity 6.

As already mentioned, a first retention element 9 of a given cavity 6 and a second retention element 11 of an adjacent cavity 6 can be moved by rotating about a shared axis of rotation X9b.

The shared axis X9b of rotation is defined by at least one shaft 12 to which corresponding bearing and drive portions 9b, 11b of the first retaining element 9 of a cavity 6 and the second retaining element 11 of an adjacent cavity 6 are connected .

The active portion 9a, 11a comprises at least one pin 13, 14 and the supporting and actuating portion 9b, 11b comprises at least one flanged body 15, 16 connected to the control means 10 and to the at least one pin 13, 14 .

Advantageously, the active portion 9a of the first retention element 9 comprises a plurality of first pins Advantageously, the active portion 11a of the second retention element 11 comprises a plurality of second pins 14.

Advantageously, the at least one pin 13 of a first retaining element 9 of a cavity 6 and the at least one pin 14 of a second retaining element 11 of an adjacent cavity 6 are positioned mutually alternately.

In other words, the first pins 13 and the second pins 14 are positioned in such a way as to create an alternation of full and empty spaces where the empty spaces defined by the first pins 13 are intermeshed by means of the second pins 14 and vice versa.

Preferably, each pin (13 or 14) is arched such that it reaches or leaves the filter bag 1 (with a rotary motion) passing beyond the outer perimeter of the cavity 6.

Preferably, the machine 100 comprises an ejection element 17 designed to eject the filter bag 1 from a cavity 6 of the drum 5 in the direction of the stacker unit 8 when the cavity unit 6 is positioned in the release position. In light of this, the cavity 6 has a lower part 6a with at least one slot 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower part 6a has two slots 18.

The ejection element 17 can be moved between an inoperative position away from the at least one slot 18 and an operative position where the ejection element 17 engages with the at least one slot 18 to push the filter bag 1 towards the stacker unit 8. The retention elements 9, 11 are positioned in the first operative position when the ejection element 17 is in an operative position.

In other words, the grooves 18 can mesh with the ejector element 17; more specifically, in the second operative position the ejection element 17 engages with the grooves 18, passing past them.

Preferably, the ejection element 17 comprises an operating head 17a having two walls configured to mesh with the grooves 18.

The operating head 17a is connected to at least one arm 17b connected to and controlled by control means to move the head 17a, in synchronization with the movement of the drum 5, between the remote inoperative position and the operating position.

Again, as illustrated, the control means 10 is arranged inside the drum 5 and is configured to synchronize the movement of the first 9 and the second retaining element 11 of a cavity 6 along directions V9, V11 of rotation. opposed to reach the corresponding first and second operating positions.

Again, as illustrated, the control means 10 is configured to determine the movement of the first 9 and the second retention element 11 located on the shared axis X9b according to the directions V9, V11, of rotation opposite each other. the other to reach the corresponding first and second operating positions.

Advantageously, the control means 10 are configured to rotate all the first retention elements 9 according to a first direction V9 and all the second retention elements 11 according to a second direction V11. Advantageously, the first direction V9 is opposite to the second direction V11.

It should be mentioned that the control means 10 of the retaining elements 9, 11 are positioned circumferentially inside the drum 5.

In a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, the control means 10 comprise two series of kinematic mechanisms serving a single operating component.

More specifically, each first retaining element 9 (in the illustrated case there are four) is keyed to shaft 12 with flanged body 15.

The shaft 12 has, at one end, a crank 19 equipped with a cam follower roller 20 restrained and slidable along a profile of the eccentric 21 formed on a plate 22 lateral to the drum 5 and fixed in relation to drum 5.

In light of this, the crank 19 and the cam follower 20 form the first control mechanism.

The profile of the eccentric 21 is configured to move the first retaining element 9 from the first to the second operating position and vice versa after reaching a predetermined angular position of the cam follower roller 20 and to maintain this position until a subsequent angular position has been reached. . It should be mentioned that the control means 10 comprise a second kinematic mechanism comprising, for each shaft 12, a connecting body 23 keyed in the shaft 12 and next to the flanged body 15 of the first retaining element 9. The first end of a connecting rod 24 it is hinged on the connecting body 23. The second end of the connecting rod 24 is hinged with respect to the flanged body 16 of the second retention element 11 which, together with the first retention element 9, forms a pair.

In light of this, the rotation of the shaft 12 allows a direct command (that is, of rotation) of the first retention element 9 and an indirect order of rotation of the second retention element 11: in this way, the pair of locking elements retention is synchronized to obtain the first or second operating position.

This description clearly shows how, thanks to the machine structured in this way, the filter bag 1 is always kept in a safe condition within the cavity 6, between the receiving position and the releasing position.

In addition, the entire transport and orientation unit of the filter bag is compact and small in size.

Claims (10)

1. A machine for forming filter bags (1) containing infusion products, comprising: - a shaping unit (2) configured to form individual pieces of tubular filter paper having at least one chamber (3) containing a dose (D1) of infusion product; - a carousel (4) that rotates around a first axis (4X) designed to receive from the shaping unit (2), and carry, the pieces of filter paper to a plurality of stations arranged one after the other and configured to form a filter bag (1); - an orientation drum (5), positioned next to the carousel (4) and rotating around a second axis (5X) parallel to the first axis (4X), and comprising a plurality of cavities (6), being designed each cavity (6) for housing a filter bag (1) and being movable between a receiving position and a releasing position at an angle (a) relative to the receiving position; - a conveyor unit (7) configured to take from the carousel (4), transport and release the filter bag (1) in one of the plurality of cavities (6) in the reception position; - a stacker unit (8) having an open area (8a) to receive the filter bag (1) in the release position; characterized in that the drum (5) comprises, for each cavity (6), a first retention element (9) and a second retention element (11) configured to make contact with and retain the filter bag (1) within the cavity (6) between the receiving position (9) of a given cavity (6) and a second receiving element (11) of a cavity (6) adjacent to the given cavity (6) that moves by rotating around a shared axis (X9b) of rotation. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first (9) and the second retention element (11), comprise, for each cavity (6), respective active portions (9a, 11a) that are configured to retain opposite portions corresponding to the filter bag (1); control means (10) connecting to respective supporting and actuating portions (9b, 11b) of the first (9) and second retaining element (11) of each cavity (6) to allow a synchronized movement of the active portions (9a, 11a) respective between a first operating position, where the active portions (9a, 11a) are spaced apart from the cavity (6) and allow the latter to receive or release the filter bag (1), and a second position operative, wherein the active portions (9a, 11a) are configured to retain the filter bag (1) within the cavity (6). The machine according to claim 2, wherein the shared axis (X9b) of rotation is defined by at least one shaft (12) to which corresponding bearing and drive portions (9b, 11b) of the first retaining element are connected (9) of a given cavity (6) and the second retention element (11) of an adjacent cavity (6). The machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control means (10) are arranged inside the drum (5) and are configured to synchronize the movement of the first (9) and the second retaining element (11) of a cavity (6) along opposite directions (V9, V11) of rotation to reach the corresponding first and second operating positions. The machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the active portion (9a, 11a) comprises at least one pin and the supporting and actuating portion (9b, 11b) comprises at least one flanged body (15, 16) connected to the control means (10) and to the at least one plug. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the at least one pin (13) of a first retaining element (9) of a given cavity (6) and the at least one pin (14) of a second retaining element (11) of a cavity (6) adjacent to the given cavity (6) are positioned in a mutually alternating manner. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an ejection element (17) configured to eject the filter bag (1) from a cavity (6) of the drum (5) in the direction of the stacker unit (8) when the cavity (6) is positioned in the release position. The machine according to claim 7, wherein each cavity (6) has a lower part (6a) with at least one slot (18), and wherein the ejection element (17) can be moved between an inoperative position away of the at least one slot (18) and an operative position where the ejection element (17) engages with the at least one slot (18) to push the filter bag (1) towards the stacker unit (8); the retention elements (9, 11) being spaced from the cavity (6) to allow the latter to release the filter bag (1) when the ejection element (17) is in the operative position. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavities (6) are arranged circumferentially in the drum (5). The machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the control means (10) are circumferentially positioned within the drum (5).