ES2879844T3 - Packaging machine to make a container that includes a flexible material bag filled with a dose of liquid or semi-liquid product - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging machine (1) to manufacture a container (50) that includes a bag (40) of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product and coupled with a respective spout (30), the machine (1) being configured to receive the empty bag (40) with an open upper end, and the respective spout (30) and move them along a packaging path (P), characterized in that the packaging machine comprises: - a sealing device (221) movable along the packaging path (P) and configured to seal the bag (40) along its open top end, around the spout (30); - a dispensing device (25) that can be moved along the packaging path (P), wherein the dispensing device (25) is configured to fill the dose of product in the sealed product in the sealed bag (40) through the spigot (30).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Packaging machine to make a container that includes a flexible material bag filled with a dose of liquid or semi-liquid product

Technical field

The present invention relates to a packaging machine and a method for manufacturing a container that includes a bag made of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product and coupled with a respective spigot. The term "loose product" means a product with low cohesion, that is, low adhesion between its constituent parts and, therefore, without its own shape: it can be a liquid, semi-liquid, grated or powdered product.

Previous technique

In the field of packaging for loose food products, there are prior art packages that consist of a bag made of flexible material (preferably heat-sealable) coupled to a spigot made of rigid or semi-rigid material, which is used by a consumer to extract the product. from the bag, for consumption.

From patent document EP3257764A1 an automatic packaging machine is known for manufacturing a container including a bag of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product, in the name of the Applicant himself. The machine comprises, in a rotating carousel, at least one filling device designed to feed the product dose into the bag through its open upper end, and at least one sealing device designed to seal the filled bag by sealing at the open top end, after administering the product dose. There is also an embodiment where the sealing device is associated with a device for feeding a cap. This solution has several drawbacks: firstly, when filling and then sealing the upper end of the bag, the filling can only be carried out to a level considerably lower than the maximum capacity of the bag, so that the liquid does not interfere with the back sealing and hygiene levels are kept high. Furthermore, filling must be carefully controlled to avoid product fouling the flaps of the upper end of the bag that will later be sealed, to avoid sealing defects. Furthermore, the bag must necessarily be oriented during filling with the open side in its vertical upper part, to prevent the product from escaping during filling or subsequent sealing; This orientation imposes limits on the maximum amount of product that can be placed in the bag.

Patent document US4283901A provides a rotary machine for filling a bag with a cap associated with a spout, formed in advance, removing the cover from the spout and filling the bag through the spout; This machine must be supplied with bags already formed, with the respective spigots already attached; As a consequence, it must be integrated into a production line that provides another machine dedicated to the formation of the bags, with the consequent increase in the overall dimensions and the complication of the production line. Furthermore, if the already formed bag remains empty for a long time before being fed to the filling machine, the walls can stick together causing the product to leak out of the spout, during filling. Document WO 2005/014399 A1 further discloses a packaging machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a packaging machine and a method for manufacturing a container that includes a bag made of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product, which overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

These objectives are fully achieved by the packaging machine and the method for manufacturing a package according to the invention, as characterized in the appended claims.

The packaging machine according to the invention is configured to manufacture a package including a bag and a spout. The bag is made of flexible material, preferably heat sealable. The bag is preferably formed from a multilayer sheet, comprising a layer of metallic material (eg aluminum) and a layer of plastic material. The spigot is preferably formed of rigid plastic material; the spigot is shaped to associate with a cover (preferably by screwing in).

The machine is configured to receive the empty bag, with an open top end. The bag in one embodiment is formed by a sheet of multilayer material folded over itself (such that one edge of the bag is defined by the fold line) and sealed at two of the remaining edges, leaving one remaining edge open; in this case, the open edge defines the open upper end. In another embodiment, the bag is formed by a sheet of multilayer material folded over itself and sealed at the remaining edges, leaving one corner (and part of the edges adjacent to it) open; in this case, the angle defines the upper open end. In another embodiment, the bag being fed is fully open (that is, it is composed of a sheet folded back on itself); in this case, the open top end is one of the open sides.

The machine is configured to receive, for each bag, a respective spigot.

The machine is configured to move the bag and spout along a packaging path.

The machine comprises (at least) one sealing device. The sealing device can be moved along the packaging path. The sealing device is configured to seal the bag along its open upper end, around the spout. Thus, the upper end flaps are stably attached to the spout, at the spout, and to each other, in the area where there is no spout. In one embodiment, the upper end of the bag has a central part and two side parts (between which the central part is located); the two flaps at the top end, in the middle, are sealed to the spigot, while the side parts are sealed to each other. In this way, the bag is stably attached to the spout: in fact, the spout is sealed between one flap and the other of the upper end. Furthermore, the bag is closed: the only passage left between the inside of the bag and the outside is defined by the spout opening.

The machine comprises a dispenser device. The dispenser device can be moved along the packaging path. The dispensing device is configured to introduce the dose of product into the sealed bag (that is, into its interior space) through the spout. Therefore, the product passes, due to the dispensing device, through the opening of the spout and enters the interior of the bag. In this way, the bag can be filled to its maximum capacity. Furthermore, the seal (or the seal) does not interfere with the product (which is introduced later, with the bag already sealed), and a clean surface can be sealed, with better results both in the quality of the seal and in the levels of hygiene of the container.

In one embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a straw. The straw has one end (bottom) configured to be inserted into the opening of the spout to distribute the dose of product within the bag. The product passes through the inner channel of the straw and leaves the straw inside the bag (or in the spout), without dispersing to the outside and / or generating splashes.

In one embodiment, the straw (or its inner channel) has a product passage cross-section that is less than the opening of the spout. In this way, as the product is inserted into the bag, the air or gas initially present in the bag escapes through the spigot (out of the straw).

In another embodiment, the additional straw comprises an additional channel for ventilating the air or gas initially present in the bag. The additional channel can be next to the channel or be concentric, inside or outside of it. The additional channel is dimensioned to penetrate the bag only in an upper zone, which will not fill with the liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a packaging carousel (hereinafter also referred to as a "carousel"). The packaging carousel includes a plurality of seats (hereinafter also referred to as "seats") that are angularly spaced. Each seat is configured to receive (and retain) a bag and a respective spout. Each seat (or processing unit) comprises a respective sealing device and a respective filling device. The sealing device and the filling device are on board the packaging carousel, repeated at each seat (or processing unit) of the packaging carousel. The sealing device and the filling device of each seat (or processing unit) rotate on the carousel together with the respective seat (or processing unit). The packaging path extends along a circular periphery of the packaging carousel (from a corner for loading the bags and spigots to a corner for unloading the finished packages).

In one embodiment, the machine comprises a control unit programmed to successively activate, for each packaging seat, first the sealing device and then the dispenser device, during a rotation of the packaging carousel (and therefore a movement towards ahead of the bag and spigot along the packaging path). In one embodiment, the control unit controls, prior to activation of the sealing device, a grasping of the spout and its insertion into the open end of the bag, by means of a spout pick-up element.

In one embodiment, the control unit is programmed to activate the sealing device of each packaging seat when the respective packaging seat is in (or enters) a first circular sector of the carousel (the first circular sector is the same for all the seats). In one embodiment, the control unit is programmed to activate the filling device of each packing seat when the respective packing seat is in (or enters) a second circular sector of the carousel (the first circular sector is the same for all the seats). The second circular sector is downstream of the first circular sector in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel. In each seat there is therefore first an activation of the sealing device and then (when the sealing is completed) an activation of the filling device.

In one embodiment, each packaging seat includes an arm to support the bag. The bag support arm is configured to support the bag (during sealing and during filling). The arm for supporting the bag is also configured to move the bag along a radial direction, formed along a radius of the packaging carousel, from a first radial position to a second radial position. The sealing device of each seat is configured to seal the bag positioned in the first radial position. The distributor device for each seat it is configured to fill the bag positioned in the second radial position. The second radial position is different from the first. In this way, the sealing device and the filling device do not mechanically interfere with each other.

In one embodiment, each packaging seat includes a spout gripper. The spout pick-up member is movable along the packaging path (along with the respective seat) and is configured to receive and retain the spout. Furthermore, the spout pick-up member is preferably configured to move the spout along a vertical direction (parallel to the force of weight) to insert it, at least partially into the open upper end of the bag. This move includes a descent. This movement is prior to sealing. The spout gripper is preferably configured to insert the spout (at least partially) into the open end of the bag when the bag is in the first radial position. The collection element of the spout is preferably associated with the sealing device: indeed, the control unit first commands the collection unit to place the spout inside the upper end of the bag and then, while the collection element retains the spout in position, commands the sealing device to seal the upper end of the bag around the spout.

In one embodiment, the sealing device includes a first clamp (or first clamps) configured to close the upper end of the bag around the spout. The first clip in one embodiment surrounds the pickup member of the spout.

In one embodiment, the sealing device includes one or more electrical resistors (preferably integrated in the first clamp) configured to heat seal the upper end of the bag (while being kept closed, that is, the flaps are kept closed, by the action of the first clamp).

In another embodiment, the sealing device includes one or more ultrasound emitters (preferably integrated in the first clamp), configured to ultrasound seal the upper end of the bag (while being kept closed, that is, the flaps remain closed, by the action of the first clamp).

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a package that includes a bag made of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product coupled to a respective spout.

The method comprises a step of receiving the empty bag, with an open upper end, and the respective spout in a packaging machine.

The method comprises a step of collecting the bag. The method comprises a step of gripping the respective spigot. The method comprises a step of moving the bag and the respective spout within the packaging machine along a packaging path. The movement is preferably continuous.

The method comprises a step of inserting the spout into the open upper end of the bag.

The method comprises a step of sealing the bag along its open upper end, around the spigot, by means of a sealing device of the machine. The sealing is done simultaneously with the movement of the bag and the spout along the packaging path.

The method comprises a step to insert the dose of product into the bag, by means of a dispensing device of the machine. Introduction (also called filling) occurs during movement of the bag and spout along the packaging path.

The stage of introducing the dose of product into the bag follows the stage of sealing the bag.

Preferably, the step of introducing the product dose into the bag comprises passing the product dose through the spout.

Preferably, the step of introducing the dose of product into the bag comprises inserting a straw of the dispensing device into the bag, through the spout, to guide the product, through the straw and through the spout, into out of the bag.

Preferably, the movement step comprises a rotation of a packaging carousel. Preferably, the packaging path extends along the circular periphery of the packaging carousel. The packaging carousel includes a plurality of angularly spaced packaging seats.

In one embodiment, the packaging carousel rotates continuously (around its own central axis of symmetry) during the bag receiving steps, sealing the bag and introducing the dose of product into the bag.

Each packing seat receives a respective bag and a respective spout. The reception takes place in a seat at the same time, when it passes a certain angular position of the packaging carousel. Each packaging seat includes a respective sealing device and a respective filling device. For each packaging seat, the sealing device is activated first, and then the dispenser device, during the rotation of the carousel. The sealing device and the dispensing device are activated (by the control unit) on one seat at a time, when it passes the corresponding (predetermined) angular positions on the carousel.

In one embodiment, the step of sealing the bag is performed when the bag is in a first radial position. In one embodiment, the step of inserting the product dose into the bag is performed when the bag is in a second radial position. The second radial position is different from the first.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of transferring the bag and spout from the first radial position to the second radial position, after the sealing step and before the step of introducing the product dose into the bag.

In one embodiment, the seal includes a heat seal along a seal zone. The sealing zone is defined by the upper end of the bag. In this case, preferably, during the transfer of the bag and the spout from the first radial position to the second radial position, there is a cooling of the sealing zone, before the step of inserting the product dose into the bag ( or filling). This makes it possible to avoid placing the product in a bag with overheated edges, which would cause the product to overheat. Furthermore, the pre-fill cooling prevents the bag from wrinkling in the heat-sealed zone.

In one embodiment, the bag has a rectangular shape and is sealed around the spout such that the spout is sealed along one side of the rectangular shape. In this embodiment, during the step of introducing the dose of product into the bag, the bag is oriented such that the long side on which the spout is sealed is at the top vertical of the bag. The bag is elongated along a respective axis (parallel to a pair of sides of the bag, preferably the long sides); in this case, the axis of the bag during the step of introducing the dose into the bag is parallel to the vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the bag has a rectangular shape and is sealed around the spout such that the spout is sealed at a corner of the rectangular shape. In this embodiment, during the step of introducing the dose of product into the bag, the bag is inclined such that the corner where the spout is sealed is at a vertical top of the bag. In this case, the axis of the bag (parallel to a pair of sides of the bag, preferably the long sides) during the step of introducing the dose into the bag is oriented at an angle of between

20 ° and 80 ° relative to the vertical direction (preferably 45 °; in one embodiment, 30 °; in another embodiment, 60 °).

In this way, if the spout is sealed along one side of the bag or if the spout is sealed in a corner of the bag, during filling, the spout is at the apex of the bag, allowing maximum filling. of the internal space of the bag.

The characteristics of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred and non-limiting embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a packaging machine for manufacturing a package comprising a bag associated with a respective spout, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the packaging machine of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the packaging machine of Figure 1 in a step of gripping the spigot;

Figure 4 illustrates the detail of Figure 3 in a step of inserting the spout into an open upper end of the bag;

Figure 5 illustrates the detail of Figure 3 in a stage of sealing the bag;

la figura 3 en

una etapa de enfriamiento de la bolsa;Figure 6 illustrates the detail of

figure 3 in

a stage of cooling the bag;

Figure 7 illustrates the detail of Figure 3 in a step of introducing the product dose into b Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a container according to the present invention, including a bag and a spout, in two corresponding embodiments.

Preferred Forms of Carrying Out the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, number 1 indicates a packaging machine according to the present invention. The packaging machine 1 is configured to manufacture a container 50. The container 50 includes a bag 40 filled with a dose of product and a spout 30, coupled to the bag 40. The spout 30 is configured to mate (preferably, screwed on) to a lid, to close the container 50.

The machine 1 comprises a device 6 for introducing bags. The bag introduction device 6 is configured to receive the empty bags 40. The empty bags 40 have one end (the upper end) open.

The empty bags 40 preferably have a rectangular shape and are closed on three sides, while a

side is open and constitutes the open upper end. The device 6 preferably receives the bags 40 stacked (that is, arranged in stacks, that is, packages). Alternatively, device 6 can receive bags 40 from a conveyor belt.

The machine 6 comprises a wheel 4 for feeding bags 40. The wheel 4 receives the bags 40 from the device 6 for introducing the bags 40. Preferably, the device 6 delivers to the wheel 4 the bags 40 oriented parallel to a vertical direction V. Wheel 4 comprises a plurality of seats 4A of feed wheel 4, in each of which a bag 40 is received and retained (eg, sucking in air and creating a vacuum). The wheel 4 rotates around its own axis of rotation (preferably vertical). In one embodiment, wheel 4 rotates counterclockwise (viewed from above).

The machine 1 comprises a packaging carousel 2. The packaging carousel 2 rotates around its own axis of rotation (preferably vertical). In one embodiment, the packaging carousel 2 rotates clockwise (viewed from above).

The wheel 4 is configured to feed the bags 40, received from the device 6 for introducing the bags 40, to the packaging carousel 2. More specifically, each bag 40 is fed to a seat of the packaging carousel 2 (the packaging carousel 2 comprises a plurality of angularly spaced seats).

The machine 1 comprises a wheel 3 to feed the taps 30. The wheel 3 rotates about its own axis of rotation. Wheel 3, in one embodiment, rotates counterclockwise (viewed from above). The wheel 3 for feeding the spouts 30 comprises a plurality of seats 3A, each of which is configured to receive, retain and move a spout 30. The wheel 3 is configured to feed the spouts 30 to the packaging carousel 2. Each spout 30 is fed to a seat of the packaging carousel 2. Thus, each seat of the packaging carousel 2 receives a spigot 30 from the wheel 3 to feed the spouts 30 and a bag 40 from the wheel 4 to feed the bags 40.

The packaging carousel 2 is configured to fill the bags 40 with a dose of product and to seal the upper end around the respective spout 30, thus producing the finished package 50 (into which the lid is screwed, within the machine 1 or downstream of it).

The machine 1 comprises a transfer wheel 5. The transfer wheel 5 rotates around its own axis of rotation (preferably vertical). In one embodiment, the transfer wheel 5 rotates counterclockwise (viewed from above). The transfer wheel 5 comprises a plurality of seats 5A, each of which is configured to receive, hold and move a container 50 from the packaging carousel 2. The transfer wheel 5 is configured to transfer the containers 50 from the carousel. transfer 2 to a downstream machine, which may be, for example, a machine configured to screw the caps onto the spigots 30.

The packaging carousel 2 defines a packaging path P. The packaging path P extends along a circular periphery of the packaging carousel 2 from an angle a to receive the caps 30 and the bags 40 to an angle Z at the end. of the introduction of the product in the bags 40.

Each seat of the packaging carousel 2 comprises an end 21.

The machine 1 comprises a unit 220 for collecting the spout 30 for each seat of the packaging carousel 2. The collecting element 220 of the spout 30 is connected to the end 21 (supported by the end 21). Pickup element 220 is configured to receive spout 30 (from wheel 3 to feed spout 30) and retain it. The pickup element 220 is in the form of a clamp, with an open position, to receive the spout 30, and a closed position, to retain and move it.

The machine 1 comprises an arm 24 for each seat of the packaging carousel 2. The arm 24 is configured to receive the bag 40 (from the wheel 4 to feed the bags 40) and retain it.

The collection element 220 is configured to move the spout 30, toward the bag 40, to insert it into the open upper end. This movement of the spigot 30 by the pick-up element 220 occurs along a vertical direction V, from top to bottom. The insertion of the spout 30 into the upper end of the bag 40 occurs when the respective seat of the packaging carousel 2 is at an insertion angle p. The insertion angle p is downstream of the reception angle a in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel 2 (along the packaging path P).

The machine 1 comprises a sealing device 221 for each seat of the packaging carousel 2. The sealing device 221 is connected to the end 21. The sealing device 221 is mounted at the end of the first clamps 22 (or first clamp 22 ), connected to the end 21. The first clamps 22 surround the collecting element 220 of the spout 30. Inside the sealing device 221 heating elements (for example, electrical resistances) are placed. The first clamps 22 have an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the first clamps 22, the sealing device 221 is at rest (the clamps 22 are open during gripping and insertion of the spout 30). The machine control unit 1 controls a closing of the first Tweezers 22, to press the sealing device 221 into contact with the open end of the bag 40, when the respective seat is located at the beginning of the sealing angle y. The first clamps 22 remain closed until the respective seat reaches a predetermined end of the sealing angle 8, where the control unit controls the opening of the first clamps 22. The angle y is located downstream of the insertion angle p in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel 2. The end of the sealing angle 8 lies downstream of the start of the sealing angle and in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel 2. A first circular sector of the packaging carousel 2 is defined between the start of the seal angle y and the end of the seal angle 8 at which the seal (or seal) occurs. The control unit is programmed to activate the sealing device 221 of each seat of the packaging carousel 2 when the seat is within (ie, enters) the first circular sector.

Simultaneously with the opening of the first clamps 22 that support the sealing device 221, the control unit also commands the opening of the collecting element 22 of the spout 30. Indeed, when the bag 40 reaches the angle 8, the sealing is complete and spout 30 is stably attached (by sealing) to bag 40, thus arm 24 that initially supported bag 40 also supports respective spout 30.

Bag 40, during the steps of grasping and inserting spout 30, and sealing, is in a first radial position. The first clips 22 are positioned such that they interact with the bag 40 in the first radial position. Therefore, the first clamps 22 are placed in the first radial position.

When each seat of the packaging carousel 2 is at angle 8, the arm 24, using a first actuator 241 and a second actuator 242 of the seat, to which the arm 24 is connected, moves the bag 40 along one direction radial R, from the first radial position to a second radial position (as soon as the first clamps 22 release the bag 40). The radial direction R is defined along a radius of the packaging wheel 2. The second radial position according to one embodiment is further from the center of the packaging carousel 2 with respect to the first radial position.

The machine 1 comprises second clamps 23 for each seat of the packaging carousel 2. The second clamps 23 are positioned in such a way that they interact with the bag 40 in the second radial position. In other words, the second clamps 23 are positioned in the second radial position. The second clamps 23 can be operated in a closed position and in an open position.

The control unit is configured to control the closing of the second clamps 23 when the respective seat of the packaging carousel 2 is located at angle 8, as soon as the bag 40 has been transferred to the second radial position. The second clips 23 are made of electrically conductive material to cool the upper end of the bag 40 that has been sealed.

The machine 1 comprises a dispenser device 25 for each seat of the packaging carousel 2. The dispenser device 25 is integrated in the end 21. The dispenser device 25 comprises a straw 251. The straw 251 is configured to be passed through by the product. The straw 251 has an end 251A. The straw 251 is elongated (at least partially) along the vertical direction V and the end 251A is the lower end. The lower end 251A of the straw 25 has a width less than the diameter of the straw 30 (the diameter of its opening), to be able to penetrate inside and leave enough space outside the straw 25 for the exit of air during filling. of the bag 40. The lower end 251A of the straw 25 is configured to insert into the opening of the spout 30, to distribute the dose of product within the bag 40.

Distributor device 25 has an activated position and an deactivated position. In the activated position, the straw 251 is lowered so that the lower end 251A penetrates the spout 30.

The control unit is configured to control an activation of the dispenser device 25 and therefore a movement of the straw along the vertical direction V from top to bottom, when the respective seat of the packaging carousel 2 is located in a start of the fill angle £. The start of the fill angle £ is downstream of the end of the seal angle 8 in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel 2. Between the end of the seal angle 8 and the start of the fill angle £ there is a cooling of the sealed end .

The control unit is designed to command a deactivation of the dispensing device 25, hence a lifting of the straw 251, when the respective seat is located at one end of the filling angle Z. The end of the filling angle Z is current below the start of the filling angle £ in the direction of rotation of the packing carousel 2. Between the start of the filling angle £ and the end of the filling angle Z there is a second circular sector of the packing carousel 2. For each seat of the packing carousel 2. packaging carousel 2, filling (inserting the product dose) occurs when the seat is in the second sector; thus, the control unit is programmed to activate the distributor device 25 when the seat is in (or enters) the second sector. The second sector is downstream of the first sector, in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel 2.

The control unit is configured to control an opening of the second grippers 23 when the respective seat of the packaging carousel 2 reaches the transfer wheel 5.

The bag 4 preferably has a rectangular shape. The bag 4 preferably has a wide base (by a double fold of the sheet from which the bag 40 is formed). Bag 40 is preferably symmetrical about an axis A of bag 40.

In one embodiment, the open top end into which spout 30 is inserted and sealed is the side of bag 40 opposite the base. This shape of the container 50 is also called the first format. In this embodiment, the bag 40 is received and held at each seat of the packaging carousel 2 with its axis A parallel to the vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the open upper end into which spout 30 is inserted and sealed is a corner portion of bag 40 (not adjacent to the base). This shape of the container 50 is also called the first format. In this embodiment, the bag 40 is received and held in each seat of the packaging carousel 2 with its axis A oblique with respect to the vertical direction.

The machine according to the present invention is configured to control both the bags 40 in which the spout 30 must be sealed along the side (first format) and the bags 40 in which the spout 30 must be sealed in the corner part (second format). The control unit is configured to receive an adjustment relative to the format (eg, first format or second format) and to arrange the seats of the carousel 2 to make packages 50 of the desired format.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a container 50 that includes a bag 40 filled with a dose of product coupled with a respective spout 30.

The method comprises a step for feeding the empty bag 40 to an introduction device 6 of a packaging machine 1.

The method comprises a step for transferring the empty bag 40 from the inserter 6 to a wheel 4 for feeding the bags 40. The method comprises a step for feeding the bag 40 to a packaging carousel 2; the feeding is produced by means of the wheel 4 to feed the bags 40.

The method comprises a step to feed a respective spout 30 to a wheel 3 to feed the spouts 30. The method comprises a step to feed the spout 30 to the packaging carousel 2, by means of the wheel 3 to feed the spigots 30.

The packaging carousel 2 rotates continuously in its direction of rotation. The carousel 2 comprises a plurality of seats.

The method comprises a step for gripping the spout 30 by a pick-up member 220 of a seat of the packaging carousel 2.

The method comprises a step to grasp the bag 40 by an arm 24 of the seat of the packaging carousel 2. The bag 40 is received by the carousel 2 with the upper end open (that is, with the upper end flaps separated and spaced apart). .

A bag 40 and a respective spout 30 are collected at each seat when an angle a of the carousel 2 (the receiving angle) passes.

The method comprises a step of inserting the spout 30 into the respective bag 40. The insert preferably comprises a vertical movement (lowering) of the collection element 220 of the spout 30. In one embodiment, the insert comprises a vertical movement (lifting) of the arm 24 that supports the bag 40. In one embodiment, the insert comprises both a vertical movement (lifting) of the arm 24 that supports the bag 40 as a vertical movement (lowering) of the collection element 220 of the spout 30.

The spout 30 is inserted into the bag 40 for each seat when it passes an angle p of the carousel 2 (the angle of insertion). The method comprises a step of sealing the bag 40 along its open upper end, around the spout 30. The sealing is performed by a sealing device 221, provided in each seat of the carousel 2. For each seat, the device seal 221 is activated when the seat passes an angle y of carousel 2 (the start of the sealing angle) and deactivates when it passes an angle 8 of carousel 2 (the end of the sealing angle).

In one embodiment, the sealing is done by heat sealing. In this embodiment, the method comprises a step of cooling the heat-sealed zone, from the end of the sealing angle 8 (also called the beginning of the cooling angle) of the carousel 2 and a subsequent angle £ (the beginning of the filling angle or the end of cooling angle). The method comprises a step of moving bag 40 and spout 30 along a radial direction R from a first radial position (in which bag 40 has been sealed to spout 30 along its upper end) to a second radial position (where bag 40 will be filled). Movement along the radial direction R occurs, for each seat, when the seat passes the end of the sealing angle 8 (or start of the cooling angle).

The method comprises a step of inserting the dose of product into bag 40 (also known as the step of filling bag 40). The introduction of the dose of product into the bag 40 occurs through the spout 30, by means of a dispensing device 25 that delivers the product to the bag 40 through the spout 30. For each seat, the dispensing device 25 is activated when the seat passes the beginning of the fill angle £ and is deactivated when the seat passes the next end of the fill angle Z. Thus, the introduction of the product dose into the bag 40 occurs when the seat is in the circular sector between the start of the fill angle £ and the end of the fill angle Z.

continuation

Claims (16)

1. A packaging machine (1) for manufacturing a container (50) that includes a bag (40) of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product and coupled with a respective spigot (30), the machine (1) being configured to receive the empty bag (40) with an open upper end, and the respective spigot (30) and move them along a packaging path (P), characterized in that the packaging machine comprises: - a sealing device (221) movable along the packaging path (P) and configured to seal the bag (40) along its open upper end, around the spout (30); - a dispensing device (25) that can be moved along the packaging path (P), wherein the dispenser device (25) is configured to fill the product dose into the sealed product in the sealed bag (40) through the spout (30). The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device (25) comprises a straw (251) having an end (251A) configured to be inserted into an opening of the spout (30) to fill the dose of product in the bag (40). The machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the straw (251) has a product flow cross-sectional size that is smaller than the opening of the spout (30). The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a rotary packaging carousel (2) having a plurality of angularly spaced packaging seats, wherein each packaging seat is configured to receive a respective bag (40) and a respective spout (30) and includes a respective sealing device (221) and a respective filling device (25), wherein the packaging path (P) extends along a circular periphery of the packaging carousel (2). The machine (1) according to claim 4, comprising a control unit programmed to activate the sealing device (221) and the dispensing device (25), one after the other in succession for each packaging seat, during the rotation of the packaging carousel (2). The machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate the sealing device (221) of each packaging seat when the respective packaging seat is located in a first circular sector of the packaging carousel (2) and to activate the distributor device (25) of each packaging seat when the respective packaging seat is located in a second circular sector of the packaging carousel (2), where the second circular sector is downstream of the first circular sector in the direction of rotation of the packaging carousel (2). The machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each packaging seat includes an arm (24) for supporting the bag (40) and is configured to move the bag along a radial direction (R), defined along a radius of the packaging carousel (2), from a first radial position to a second radial position, wherein the sealing device (221) of each packaging seat is configured to seal the bag (40) arranged in the first radial position, and the dispensing device (25) of each packaging seat is configured to fill the bag (40) arranged in the second radial position. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein each packaging seat includes a pick-up element (220) for picking up the spout (30) and configured to receive and retain the spout (30 ) and move it along a vertical direction (V) parallel to the force of the weight, such that it is inserted at least partially into the open upper end of the bag (40). The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing device (221) includes a first clamp (22), configured to close the upper end of the bag (40) around the spout (30), and one or more electrical resistors integrated in the first clamp (22) and configured to heat seal the upper end of the bag (40) around the spout (30). 10. A method for manufacturing a container (50) that includes a bag (40) of flexible material filled with a dose of loose product and coupled with a respective spigot (30), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving the empty bag (40), with an open upper end, and the respective spigot (30) in a packaging machine (1); - moving the bag (40) and the respective spout (30) along a packaging path (P) within the packaging machine (1); - sealing the bag (40) along its open upper end, around the spout (30) by means of a sealing device (221) that is part of the machine (1) while the bag (40) and the spout ( 30) move along the packaging path (P); - fill the dose of product in the bag (40) by means of a dispenser device (25) that is part of the machine (1) while the bag (40) and the spout (30) travel along the packaging path (P); characterized in that the step of filling the product dose in the bag (40) follows the step of sealing the bag (40). The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of filling the product dose into the bag (40) comprises passing the product dose through the spout (30). The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the movement step comprises the continuous rotation of a packaging carousel (2), the circular periphery of which defines the packaging path (P), wherein the packaging carousel (2) includes a plurality of angularly spaced packaging seats, wherein each packaging seat receives a respective bag (40) and a respective spout (30) and includes a respective sealing device (221) and a respective filling device ( 25), wherein, for each packaging seat, the sealing device (221) is activated first, and then the dispensing device (25), while rotating the packaging carousel (2). The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of sealing the bag (40) is performed when the bag (40) is in a first radial position, and the step of filling the product dose in the bag ( 40) is performed when the bag (40) is in a second radial position, different from the first, and the method comprises a step of transferring the bag (40) and the spout (30) from the first radial position to the second position radial, after the sealing stage and before the stage of filling the product dose in the bag (40). The method according to claim 13, wherein the sealing step includes heat sealing a sealing area of the bag (40) and wherein the sealing area is cooled while the bag (40) and the spigot (30) are transferred from the first radial position to the second radial position. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the bag (40) is rectangular in shape and is sealed around the spout (30) such that the spout (30) is sealed along on one side of the rectangular shape and where, during the stage of filling the product dose in the bag (40), the bag (40) is oriented with its axis of symmetry (A) parallel to a vertical direction (V ), parallel to the force of the weight. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the bag (40) is rectangular in shape and is sealed around the spout (30) such that the spout (30) is sealed in a angle with the rectangular shape and where, during the stage of filling the product dose in the bag (40), the bag (40) is oriented with its axis of symmetry (A) inclined in a vertical direction (V), parallel to the force of the weight.