FR2845662A1 - Cradle for food packaging closing device comprises closed frame delimiting large imprint receiving container, transverse partition pivoted about sliding spindle with locking stud engaging button hole and locked in it by partition sliding - Google Patents

Abstract

The cradle (3) comprises a closed frame delimiting a large imprint for receiving a container. There is a transverse partition (14) pivoted about an articulation spindle (15) having a retracted position relative to the large imprint and a sealing position where the partition delimits with the frame a small imprint. The partition spindle is able to slide and the partition is fitted with a locking stud (19) able to engage in an open button hole (21) and be locked in it by the sliding movement of the partition. An Independent claim is included for a container closing device.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of packaging.

  of various products and more particularly, of food products within the framework of

  artisanal or semi-industrial manufacturing.

  In the above field, it is known to use containers of various shapes which should be closed or sealed after filling in order to preserve the integrity of their content. It is known for example a container of the tray type having a peripheral area and which is closed by means of a heat-sealable lid fixed on this area and constituted for example by a

  cover or by a film previously cut.

  In order to carry out the operation of heat-sealing the lid on a container, the state of the art has proposed numerous alternative embodiments of closure devices. In general, a closure device has a base equipped with a cradle delimiting an imprint for receiving a container. On this base is fixed a tilting frame from a raised position to a lowered position in which the heating means are pressed against the cover and the

  container to close. Conventionally, there are different container sizes, the size of which depends on the volume of the packaged food products.

  So that the support cradle can receive different container formats, the state of the art has proposed various technical solutions. Thus, for example, patent 20 FR 2 332 178 describes a cradle comprising a closed frame delimiting a large receiving imprint for a container. A transverse partition is pivotally mounted around a hinge pin mounted on the closed frame. This transverse partition has a retracting position relative to the large imprint allowing the housing of a container of format substantially equal to this large imprint. The transverse partition also has a sealing position in which the partition defines with the closed frame at least a small imprint for receiving a container of reduced size. This transverse partition is actuated by a control handle accessible from the outside of the cradle. The base of the partition

  movable bears against the free end of a leaf spring.

  It appears that this technical solution is not entirely satisfactory in practice because the correct positioning of the partition cannot be guaranteed over time as it depends on the correct position of the control handle and the state of the leaf spring which inevitably degrades during these stresses. In addition, this solution has a relatively high cost and a

significant bulk.

  The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks set out above by proposing a new cradle for a closure device, adapted to allow containers of various sizes to be received while being simple in design,

  quick and user-friendly, and with a limited cost.

  The present invention therefore relates to a cradle for a device for closing containers of different sizes, comprising: - a closed frame delimiting a large receiving imprint for a container and intended to support by its edges, a container, - and a transverse partition mounted pivoting about an articulation axis and having on the one hand, a retracting position relative to the large imprint and on the other hand, a sealing position in which the partition 15 delimits with the closed frame at least a small imprint and ensures by its rim associated with the edges of the closed frame, the support of a container in the small imprint. According to the invention, the axis of articulation of the transverse partition is slidably mounted and in that the transverse partition is equipped on both sides, with a suitable locking stud, during the pivoting of the partition of its 20 retracting position to its sealing position, to engage in at least one open buttonhole and then be locked in said buttonhole

  by a sliding movement of said partition.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a device for closing the

  containers equipped with a cradle according to the invention.

  Various other characteristics emerge from the description given below in

  reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples,

  embodiments of the subject of the invention.

  Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a container closure device

  equipped with a cradle according to the invention.

  Fig. 2 is a top view of a cradle according to the invention

defining a small footprint.

  Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a cradle according to the invention

defining a large footprint.

  Figs. 4 and 5 are elevation views of a cradle showing the passage

  from a large footprint to a small footprint.

  Fig. 6 is an elevational view showing an alternative embodiment of the

cradle according to the invention.

  Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a device for sealing various containers and designated as a whole by the reference 1. Such a device comprises a base 2 equipped with a cradle 3 according to the invention, adapted to receive a container intended to be closed by a cover 5 such as a cover or as illustrated in the drawing, by a film wound on a reel 6 supported by the base 2. In a conventional manner, the base 2 is used for mounting a movable frame 7 provided with means 9 for fixing the cover on the container 4. The chassis 7 is connected to the base 2 so that it can be moved between an open position and a sealing position in which the fixing means 9 are applied against the cover. In known manner, these fixing means 9 can be produced by

a thermally regulated plate.

  As can be seen more precisely from FIGS. 2 and 3, the cradle 3 according to the invention comprises a closed frame 11 delimiting a large reception imprint 12 for a container of the same format represented by the reference 41 in FIG. 3. In a conventional manner, this frame 11 has a substantially rectangular shape with preferably rounded angles. It can thus be considered that the closed frame 11 has two longitudinal sides 11, connected by two transverse sides 112. Preferably, this closed frame 11 is made of sheet steel of thin stainless steel with an equally low height. The closed frame 11 has upper flanges 11 'intended to receive a wing or a peripheral area 4' presented by each container 41 which is thus supported on

its periphery by the frame 11.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the cradle 3 30 comprises a transverse partition 14 mounted to move and pivot on an articulation axis 15 which is offset with respect to the transverse partition 14. For this purpose, the transverse partition 14 is provided on either side with a branch or lug 17, thus together forming a kind of U-shaped swing. Preferably, the swing, namely the partition 14 and the lugs 17 are made of thin sheet metal. As is clear from FIG. 3, the branches 17 of the swing have a sufficient length so as to allow the transverse partition 14 to be able to be established below the bottom of a container 41 occupying the large imprint 12 delimited by the frame 11. As can be seen clearly from FIG. 3, the transverse partition 14 is therefore able to occupy a retracting position relative to the large footprint 12 to allow the free housing of a container 41 of large

format and great depth.

  In the example illustrated, the hinge pin 15 is made up of two parts to each form a pin extending laterally at the free end of a branch 17 and being engaged in a slot 18 arranged in a longitudinal side 11, of the closed frame. According to a characteristic of the invention, the hinge pin 15 is slidably mounted, that is to say with a possibility of translation, 15 in the direction, for example longitudinal y of the closed frame 11 which is parallel to the longitudinal sides 11s. For this purpose, the length of the light 18 is greater than the diameter of the axis 15 to allow a linear movement of the axis 15 inside

light 18.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the transverse partition 14 is equipped on either side with a locking stud 19 capable of cooperating each with

  an open buttonhole 21. In the illustrated embodiment, each open buttonhole 21 is produced on a longitudinal side 11, of the closed frame 11.

  Each open buttonhole 21 is formed by an engagement channel 22 open from the underside of the closed frame 11 and adapted to allow engagement 25 of a locking stud 19 when the swing pivots along its axis of articulation ( Fig. 4, 5). Each engagement channel 22 is extended in a substantially perpendicular direction, by a locking channel 23 extending substantially parallel to the sliding direction y. Each locking channel 23 into which an engagement channel 22 opens is capable of receiving a stud 19 following a backward movement placing it back from the engagement channel 22. In this position for blocking the studs 19 inside the locking channels 23, the flange 14 'of the transverse partition 14 extends at the same level as the flanges 11' of the closed frame 11. In this position, the transverse partition 14 defines with the closed frame 11 a small footprint 24 suitable for

  receive a small container 42.

  The transition from a large footprint 12 to a small footprint 24 follows

  directly from the above description.

  From the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the swing and more particularly the transverse partition 14 is taken by a user to be pivoted in a direction represented by the arrow fn. In this position, the axis 15 is in abutment at the bottom of its lumen 18 so that each stud 19 is able to penetrate inside an engagement channel 22 and come into abutment at the bottom of the channel to establish itself at the level of the locking channel 23. The operator then slides the partition 14 in the direction y, in the direction of the arrow f2, allowing each stud 19 to escape from the engagement channel 22 and to enter a locking channel 23 to be locked in position. The movement of movement 15 of the swing, according to arrow f2, is possible taking into account the sliding mounting of the hinge pin 15 inside the opening 18. In this position illustrated in FIG. 5, the transverse partition 14 delimits with respect to a transverse edge a small imprint 24 able to receive a container of small format designated by the

reference 42.

  It should be noted that the passage from a receiving position from a small container 42 to a large container 41 is carried out in the reverse manner by moving the transverse partition 14 in the direction of the arrow B3 opposite to the direction arrow f2 to allow disengaging the locking pins 19 from the locking channels 23. When the pins 19 arrive at the engagement channels 25 22, the swing naturally falls by gravity to occupy its position

  retraction as illustrated in FIG. 3.

  As is apparent from the above description, the cradle 3 according to

  the invention makes it possible to quickly and easily change the format of the receiving imprints of the containers while being simple in design. This operation consists in taking the transverse partition 14 and moving it in the direction of the arrow f1 to ensure that the hinge pin 15 is at the bottom of the lumen 18 so as to correctly position the studs 19 so that '' they enter the engagement channels 22. When the pins 19 are in abutment at the bottom of the channel 22, a simple sliding movement of the partition 14 in the direction of the arrow f2 to bring the pins 19 into abutment on the bottom locking channels 23 allows correct and precise positioning of the transverse partition 14. The withdrawal of the transverse partition 14 is obtained by the application of a thrust force in the opposite direction

according to arrow f3.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the transverse partition 14 has at its ends, for example rounded portions 14, of connection with the closed frame 11. In the example illustrated, it should be noted that the hinge axis 10 15 and the open buttonhole 21 are made on the closed frame 11. Of course, it

  provision may be made to mount the pin 15 and / or the open buttonhole 21 on the base 2.

  In the embodiment described above, the transverse partition 14 is able to delimit a small footprint 24. Of course, provision can be made, as illustrated in FIG. 6, several open buttonholes 21, for example 15 a second pair, offset with respect to the first pair and with respect to the articulation axis 15. In this case, the light 16 has a length adapted to allow the movement of the axis 15 in order to allow on the one hand the engagement of the locking pins 19 in the engagement channels 22 and their penetration inside the locking channels 23. The transverse partition 14 delimits a small imprint of different size relative to that 24 delimited by the partition with the locking pins 19 engaged in the open buttonholes of the

  first pair as shown in Figs. 1 to 5.

  Advantageously, the production of the closed frame 11 in the form of a thin sheet makes it possible to mount, if necessary, a U-shaped seal on the flanges 11 ′. According to this variant, the flange 14 'of the transverse partition 14 is

also with the same seal.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the cradle 3 is preferably instantly removable relative to the base 2. For this purpose, the cradle 3 is mounted

  by means of any suitable fixing means.

  Preferably, the cradle 3 is mounted near a system 30 for cutting a sealing film 5. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, such a cutting system 30 is formed by two sheets 31 mounted parallel to each other and with a transverse side 112. The sheets 31 define between them a channel 32 for receiving a cutting tool 33 forming part of the movable frame 7. This cutting tool 33 is inserted between two counter plates 34 intended during the cutting operation of the sealing film, to

  come to bear on the sheets 31 in order to keep the film in position.

  The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown since various

  modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims (12)

  1 - Cradle for a device for closing containers of different sizes, comprising: - a closed frame (11) delimiting a large imprint (12) for receiving a container (41) and intended to support by its edges, a container, - and a transverse partition (14) pivotally mounted about a hinge pin (15) and having on the one hand, a retracting position relative to the large imprint and on the other hand, a sealing position in which the partition (14) defines with the closed frame at least one small imprint (24) and provides by its rim associated with the edges of the closed frame, the support of a container (42) in the small imprint, characterized in that the hinge pin (15) of the transverse partition (14) is slidably mounted and in that the transverse partition (14) is fitted on either side with a locking stud (19) suitable, during pivoting of the partition (14) from its retracting position to its opercula position 15 ge, to come engage in at least one open buttonhole (21) to then be locked in said buttonhole by a sliding movement of said partition (14).   2 - Cradle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least a second pair of open buttonholes (21) capable of receiving the locking pins (19) of the transverse partition (14), offset with respect to the first pair of buttonholes open and at the hinge pin (15) so that the transverse partition (14) delimits a small imprint of a different size compared to that delimited by the partition with the locking pins engaged in the buttonholes first pair.   3 - Cradle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis   articulation (15) is slidably mounted inside a light (18).   4 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the partition   transverse (14) is mounted on two legs (17) together constituting a swing.   5 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the partition   transverse (14) has at its ends, parts (141) for connection with the closed frame (11).   6 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the   buttonholes (21) are arranged on the closed frame (11) while the hinge pin (15) of the transverse partition (14) is mounted in a slot (18)   fitted in the closed frame (11).   7 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each   buttonhole (21) is formed by an engagement channel (22) for a locking pin (19), each engagement channel (22) being extended by a locking channel (23) extending in the sliding direction of the partition transverse (14).   8 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the frame   closed (11) is made of thin sheet metal as well as the swing carrying the partition transverse (14).   9 - Cradle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame   closed (11) and the transverse partition (14) are fitted with a seal.   10 - Device for closing containers, comprising a base (2) on which is mounted a movable frame provided with means (9) for fixing a cover (5) on a container, characterized in that the base (2) comprises a cradle (3) conform to one of claims 1 to 9.   11 - Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the cradle (3) is removable relative to the base (2).   12 - Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the cradle (3) is mounted near a cutting system (30) of a sealing film, formed of two sheets (31) mounted parallel between them and with one side (112) of the cradle, the sheets (31) delimiting between them a channel (32) for receiving a cutting tool (33) 25 forming part of the movable frame and inserted between two counter-sheets (34 ) intended for   of the sealing film cutting operation, coming to bear on the sheets (31).