RU2573773C2 - Device and method for closing of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: packaging industry.

SUBSTANCE: device for closing of containers includes the bearing body with the holding structure for reception of the first semi-shell of one of containers with the second semi-shell hingedly attached to the first semi-shell and protruding from one side of the bearing body, and also the tilting element with the pushing element which is selectively put in action for advance to the bearing body for the purpose of transfer to the second semi-shell of the named movement of closing by tilting. The method of closing of containers consists in that the first semi-shell of one container is placed in the bearing body with the holding structure for the first semi-shell with the second semi-shell, hingedly attached to the first semi-shell; the tilting element is fitted with the pushing element, moved with advancing towards the side of the bearing body; the pushing element is moved to the side of the bearing body for transfer of the closing movement by tilting of the second shell hingedly attached to the first shell where the pushing element comprises a pair of pushing elements implemented with a possibility of arrangement above the second shell.

EFFECT: use of this group of inventions allows to substitute manual operations by automatic ones.

9 cl, 5 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods for closing containers of the type that can be used, for example, to insert so-called "surprises" into food products such as chocolate eggs and the like.

However, a reference to this possible field of application should not be considered limiting the scope of the description.

Description of the Related Art

Shell containers, including the first and second cup-shaped half-shells, connected to each other in the relative position of the neck portions, providing frontal conjugation, are known in numerous embodiments, as evidenced by extensive patent documents, including, for example, documents WO-A-2005 / 044677, WO-A-2005/110880 and WO-A-2007/074355. In particular, the last two of the mentioned documents illustrate containers in which the first and second half-shells are connected to each other by means of an elastic element serving as a hinge and suitable for receiving in various ways.

The general problem of facilitating the operation of such containers, especially with regard to filling and closing operations, has already attracted attention.

Documents EP-A-0631932, EP-A-0631933 and EP-A-0631934 testify to developments in this direction.

Among them, the document EP-A-0631932 is devoted to the problem of connecting the two cupped sections of which the container consists, respectively serving as the body and the lid of the container, under closing conditions. It follows from the solution described in EP-A-0631932 that the aforementioned closing movement is obtained as a result of the approaching movement between the two portions of the container previously supported in the frontal alignment state, while the part serving as a lid is located above the part serving as container body.

Although there are automated solutions similar to those described in the previously mentioned document, most conventional solutions still provide that the closing operation is carried out manually. This decision reveals various shortcomings: firstly, the use of logistics related to the fact that the container contains various components of surprises and related to containers, where filling and closing operations are carried out before returning closed and filled containers to their places of use. In addition, manual operation does not guarantee perfect quality control.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, there is a need to replace manual operations with operations that can be carried out automatically to facilitate integration with places of use, while achieving the advantage of turning the methods and times of their operations into completely definable and reproducible.

The present invention aims to provide an answer to such needs in connection with the operation of closing the shell-shaped container.

In accordance with this invention, this problem is solved by a device having the distinguishing features specifically specified in the claims.

The invention also relates to a corresponding method. The claims form an integral part of the technical description provided herein in connection with the invention.

Brief description of the attached drawings

The invention will now be described solely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, including FIG. 1-5 depicting a structure and sequential steps according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

In the following description, in order to provide an in-depth understanding of the embodiments, various specific details are illustrated. Embodiments may be obtained without one or more specific details or by other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, a detailed description of the structures, materials or operations is not shown or not given in order to avoid ambiguity in various aspects of the embodiments.

A reference to an “embodiment” in this description indicates that a particular configuration, design, or characteristic described in connection with the described embodiment is present in at least one embodiment. Therefore, expressions such as “in an embodiment”, possibly present in various parts of this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, specific configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The positions given here are used only to facilitate the work of the reader, and therefore they are not limiting the scope of protection or the range of embodiments.

This detailed description relates to a device 10 that can be used to close a shell container C of the type commonly referred to as a “barrel”.

In various embodiments, the device 10 is itself suitable for working with just one container C at a time.

At the same time, various embodiments provide that the device 10 is capable of operating simultaneously with several containers C parallel to each other: in the embodiments shown in the drawings, the device 10 operates in parallel with groups of containers C including containers in an amount of N equal to 5. Various embodiments provide the possibility of parallel operation with containers, the number N of which differs from 5.

In the examples discussed here, within the shell-shaped container C, two half-shells C1 and C2 with barrel-shaped elements and cap end portions can be distinguished.

For brevity reasons, such half-shells in the following text will hereinafter be referred to as the “body” (half-shell C1) and the “cover” (half-shell C2).

This distinction is used only for ease of description. In the case of the barrel C illustrated here, the body C1 has a skirt surface (the term “skirt surface” is used here to indicate a side surface adjacent to the neckline of the body C1), with a length greater than that of the surface of the cover skirt C2. In different embodiments, the size ratios in question may be different (for example, the two surfaces of the skirts may be identical to each other). It also takes into account the fact that the container C may have a shape different from the shape illustrated here, for example, such as an oval shape (or shape of a shank), a spherical shape, a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, etc.

In addition, in the examples presented here, the housing C1 and the cover C2 are connected to each other by a flexible element C3 serving as a hinge. The hinge C3 is also suitable for manufacture in accordance with various methods: see, for example, the previously mentioned documents WO-A-2005/110880 and WO-A-2007/074355.

In the embodiments discussed here, the housing C1 has a collar portion C12, and the connection of the cover C2 to the housing C1 is obtained by inserting the collar portion C12 (which protrudes from the neck of the housing C1) into the neck portion of the cover C2.

In various embodiments, the device 10 includes one or more blocks 12, each of which includes one or more cavities 14 for receiving the bodies C1 of containers C.

In the embodiment discussed here, the blocks 12 are arranged in a “train” structure that intersects the device 10 along a moving path that is generally horizontal, and - with respect to the embodiments discussed here - moves from right to left. Naturally, a reference to this possible moving configuration is made completely in order to give an example of the fact that, for example, the blocks 12 can be transported by another transport structure or can be built into it, for example, it can be a rotary table structure. In addition, a reference to the trajectory of movement with a constant direction of transportation is made only to give an example in which the block or blocks 12 can be moved alternately.

The embodiments discussed here provide for the use of several blocks 12, each of which is equipped (in accordance with a configuration generally similar to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine) with a certain number of cavities 14 equal to 5. Obviously, any or every body 12 can include a different number of cavities 14.

The cavities 14 reproduce in approximately complementary manner the configuration of the container body C1 of the container C, whereby the containers C1 of the container C can be enclosed therein. The insertion of the container bodies C1 of the containers C into the respective holding structures formed by the cavities 14 provided in the block or blocks 12 can be carried out automatically a device, such as a robot, which is not shown in the drawings, but - ideally - can be located in the lower right (in relation to the point of view of the drawings) part.

In various embodiments, the configuration of the cavities 14 (for reasons of simplicity, in the following text, when linked to the drawings, reference will be made to the presence of several blocks 12, each of which is equipped with a plurality of cavities 14) is such that when inserted into the corresponding cavity 14 serving in As a retaining structure, the body C1 of the container C projects slightly relative to the cavity 14.

In various embodiments (intended for closing containers C, in which the connection of the body C1 and the cover C2 is obtained by fitting the collar portion C12 protruding from the edge of the neck of the body C1 in the neck of the cover C2), the cavities 14 are designed so that when the body C1 is inserted into the cavity 14, the collar portion C12 protrudes almost completely from the cavity 14, as schematically illustrated in the lower right part of FIG. one.

In a non-exclusive embodiment, the dimensions of the cavities 14 make it possible to expose them, as applied to the C1 bodies inserted into them, to a “strong” fixing effect: in other words, each C1 body is inserted with counteraction (ie, “tightened”) cavity 14 serving as a retaining structure.

As you can see when considering the lower right side of the drawings, illustrating the state in which containers C - open are moving towards the closing device 10, the body C1 and the cover C2 of each container C are located side by side relative to each other, while the edges of their necks are essentially coplanar and almost touch in the area of the hinge represented by the hinge C3, and the collar part C12 of the housing C1 protrudes relative to the common plane of the edges of the neck of the housing C1 and the cover C2, at least generally limited top body plane 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, which should be understood as examples, it was assumed that the containers C, as they move to the device 10, were pre-filled (when working in the usual way) so that they contained:

- a leaflet F (it can be, for example, a leaflet containing instructions for assembling a “surprise” inserted in container C) folded and / or folded to form an approximately tubular shape;

- node or sections K1, K2, etc. a small toy or entertainment item designed to be inserted inside container C.

Leaflet F can be inserted, for example, in accordance with the decision described in the patent application for the invention filed on the same day by the same applicant.

In various embodiments, the container body C1 of the container C can be at least partially deformed by slightly crushing (ovulating) the neck portion to facilitate insertion of articles K1, K2, etc.

As can be seen in the various drawings (in particular, the lower right part can be referred to), a single or each block 12 serves as a carrier body in which one or more structures (cavities 14) are provided, each of which is arranged to be placed in her first half-shell C1 of one of the containers C with a second shell C2, pivotally attached (in the hinge C3) to the first half-shell and freely protruding from one side of the supporting body 12.

The containers C are inserted into the cavities 14 of the blocks 12 so that the body C1 and the lid C2 are located next to each other, the edges of their necks being approximately coplanar, i.e. are located in a common plane (horizontal in the example considered here), approximately indicated by the flat upper surface of blocks 12. Thus, the edges of the necks of the half-shells C1 and C2 are approximately tangent to each other in the hinge area represented by the hinge C3, while the collar part C12 protrudes relative to the common plane of the edges of the neck of the body C1 and cover C2.

In various embodiments, the operation of closing the containers C requires the intervention of two devices 112 and 114, hereinafter for brevity reasons, referred to as the “edge device” (device 112) and the “final closing device” (device 114).

Thus, as previously mentioned, the embodiments illustrated here provide that the device 10 operates simultaneously with the containers C in an amount of N equal to 5. In the illustrated examples, both the canting device 112 and the final closing device 114 have a corresponding number of active elements ( fingers 120 of the tilting device and the clamping elements 140 of the device 114, which will be discussed in more detail below).

If the device 10 is designed to operate simultaneously with containers C, the number of which differs from five, then the number of such active elements can be changed. In the following description, references will mainly be made to methods of manipulating only one container C, but it is clear that these links can be extended to the number N, which is almost infinite, of containers C.

In the embodiments illustrated here, the active elements or fingers 120 of the edging device 112 — in their entirety — form a structure that may be termed a crest or fork. The fingers 120 extend starting from a common base plate 122 carried by the rod 124a of the actuator 124 and are arranged to come closer to the block 12 and away from this block, which is currently aligned with the device 10 (in accordance with the methods described in more detail below) under the controls of the control unit K, for example, such as a personal computer for industrial use, which also controls the operation of the final closing device 114.

The fingers 120 are mounted on the plate 122 in such a way that when the actuator 124 advances the plate 122 to the block 12 currently in front of the device 112 (see, for example, the sequence of Figs. 2-3), each of the fingers 120 interacting with one neighboring finger 120, ends on top of each side on the lid C2 of one of the containers C, inserted into the cavity 14 of the body 12 in question.

In the presence of the number N of containers C intended for simultaneous manipulation of them, it is possible to provide N pairs of fingers 120 (a pair of fingers for each of the N containers C) mounted on the plate 122, and therefore, in total 2N fingers 120 are obtained.

In various embodiments, the number of fingers 120 can also be reduced by allowing each finger 120 to be enclosed in a matrix mounted on the plate 122, with the exception of two fingers 120 in the end position of the matrix, for simultaneous operation with two adjacent containers C. Thus, each of the fingers 120 located in the "internal position" (i.e., not the end position) of the matrix must be able to simultaneously work with two lids C2 of two containers C, simultaneously locked in the closing position. In this case, instead of using 2N (ten in the example illustrated here) fingers 120, N + 1 fingers will be enough for this case: this is due to the fact that each of the fingers in the internal position of the matrix will be able to work simultaneously with two adjacent containers C.

In various embodiments, the implementation of this configuration can be replaced by a rod, the shape of which is made suitable for receiving part (arc) of the cover C2. In this configuration, the number of rods (fingers) may be equal to the number of canted lids C2.

In different embodiments, the path of advancement of the “active” part of the overturning device 112 (in practice, in the direction of movement of the shaft 124a of the actuator 124) is obtained along a path forming an angle α relative to the horizontal direction (i.e., more generally, with respect to the common plane of the mouth sections of the body C1 and the cover C2 of the containers C, enclosed in the cavities of 14 blocks 12).

In the illustrated embodiments (the same working methods can be achieved even in the case of a structure or geometry having at least some differences), the fingers 120 are approximately cylindrical bodies with a distal end, preferably rounded,

extending along the respective axes lying in a common plane, in which also lies the axis of the shaft 124a of the actuator 124. This common plane (fingers) 120 (s) forms a dihedral angle with an opening angle equal to α relative to the aforementioned common plane (s) of the neck sections of the bodies C1 and lids C2 of containers C subject to a closing movement.

The closing movement of the containers C is obtained essentially as a result of the tilting of the caps C2 onto the bodies C1, and such a tilting movement occurs around the hinged area identified by the hinge C3.

This tilting movement is achieved due to the fact that the fingers 120 (or, more precisely, the distal ends of the fingers 120) advance towards the block 12, where the containers C are located, by means of a movement which, due to the angle of inclination α, has:

- as a horizontal component, through which the fingers 120 - and in particular their distal ends - reach the block 12 on the side with which the lids C2 protrude after tilting,

- and lifting - from bottom to top - component (detected in the vertical direction), causing the movement of the fingers 120, and in particular their distal ends, to the upper plane of the bodies 12, i.e. to the common plane of the edges of the necks of the bodies C1 and covers C2 located next to them.

The sequence of FIG. 1-3 illustrates methods for carrying out the aforementioned tilting movement of covers C2 under conditions of closing onto bodies C1.

As a result of the actuation caused by block K, the actuator 124 (usually a jet actuator, such as a hydraulic jack) is activated by pushing forward and up the assembly (usually positioned “below” containers C located in blocks 12) formed by plate 122 and fingers 120 mounted thereon. Advancement of fingers 120 allows the distal ends of the fingers to mesh with caps C2 (as mentioned previously, each cap C2 can be engaged with pairs located on top of each side of it finger 120 (or - as mentioned before - using a single rod of a proper shape)). Thus, the caps C2 are lifted and edged onto the bodies C1 due to the rotation of these covers around the center of rotation (more precisely, the center of rotation), identified by the area of hinging of the cover C2 to the body C1, represented by the hinge C3.

As a result of this movement, each lid C2 follows in accordance with the movement of gradual tilting around a horizontal axis located essentially in the hinge region C3. Such a tilting movement causes a gradual movement of the lid C2 over the body C1 of the container C, and the collar part C12 of the body C1 penetrates the neck portion of the lid 2.

In FIG. 2 shows an intermediate step of the aforementioned tilting movement, in which the edge of the neck of each lid (first located in a horizontal plane common with the plane in which the edge of the neck of the corresponding body C1 lies), gradually turning up, finishes the rise, being located in an approximately vertical plane. All this then follows the aforementioned tilting movement up to a state in which the neck edge of cover C2 is again in a horizontal plane essentially corresponding to the common plane of the edge of the neck of body C1: however, this is the final coplanar state (with cover C2 closed on the body 1) - is achieved after the cover C2 rotates 180 ° relative to the - initial - coplanar state (with cover C2 located on the side of the body C1), subject to the traction provided the distal ends of the fingers 120.

During the aforementioned tipping movement (again, see the sequence of FIGS. 1-3), the distal ends of the pair of fingers 120, which are engaged with each cover C2 behind it, exert traction in a position generally eccentric with respect to the polar region C2. The sequence of FIG. 1-3 shows that each lid C2 is subjected to the traction exerted by the distal ends of the fingers 120, applied to the lid and including:

- a horizontal component (acting from left to right - in relation to the viewpoint according to the drawings) having the effect of translational movement of the cover C2 over the corresponding housing C1, and

- the vertical component, which is first directed upward and which, after zeroing (in practice, approximately after reaching the position shown in Fig. 2), gradually turns downward, making an increasing contribution to the traction action of the cover C2 reaching the body C1 with a guarantee of insertion of the collar part C12 to the edge of the neck of the cover C2.

The experiments conducted by the applicant show that the aforementioned tipping movement is obtained in an extremely accurate and definite way preventing the presence of the sheet F, as well as preventing the components or elements K1, K2, etc. present in the body C1 from interfering with the closing movement of the container C.

Not wanting to be limited to any specific theory regarding the subject under discussion, the applicant considers such a result to be reproducible in a specifically accurate and reliable way when, like a usual situation, the container C is made of flexible material (for example, thin plastic). In the presence of a flexible material, the tilting movement to close the lid C2 in accordance with the conditions presented here probably provides a gradual elastic deformation of the collar portion C12 - in the sense of at least a slight deformation (or creating an oval). This deformation begins when the collar portion C12 begins to penetrate into the neck portion of the lid C2, and this movement of penetration proceeds gradually (see, in particular, the sequence of Figs. 1-3) until it unconditionally terminates when the lid C2 will be completely superimposed, closing the C1 housing. At the same time, the fact that each cover C2 is “turned over” by a pair of fingers 120 of the matrix, which have an effect on the cover C2, located on top of both sides on it, guarantees - even in the presence of a flexible material - the exact operation of centering the cover C2 relative to the ones acting on it fingers 120.

The final closing device 114, which includes one or more clamping elements 140 (the number N of which is equal to the number of containers C that must be closed simultaneously: N = 5 in the example considered here), which, immediately after turning over the covers C2 in the closing position to the corresponding the bodies C1 (see FIG. 3) are lowered from top to bottom by one or more actuators 142 (for example, hydraulic jet actuators also controlled by the K unit) in order to consolidate the caps C2 into closed position on the bodies C1.

This direct action during consolidation of the closed state of containers C may lead to single lowering movements (see the sequence of Figs. 3-4) or to a sequence of lowering movements occurring one after another (for example, this may be a lowering movement repeated two or three times) for ensure accurate clamping of the covers C2 in the closed state at the edges of the necks of the corresponding housings C1 without leaving room for residual unintentional withdrawal.

In various embodiments, the hold-down members 140 are typically also concave, with the concavity facing blocks 12 where the containers C are located in the closed state. In various embodiments, the overall development of concavity can lead to the development of a V- or U-shaped concavity (expanding downward, i.e. mainly to containers C). This concave configuration also allows each of the pressure members 140 to be arranged on top of each side on the lid C2, which is consolidated in the closed position of the container C, providing an automatic centering function.

Upon completion of the closing operation, block K interferes with the operation of the overturning device 112 and the operation of the final closing device 114, returning the first to the retracted position (i.e. back and down with respect to the state shown in the accompanying drawings) and returning the second up.

All this provides a "train" for advancing blocks 12, which allows the stage of advancement of previously closed containers C from device 10 and the promotion of a new block 12 containing one or more new containers C to be closed to device 10.

In addition, it should be noted that the operation of the return or “re-initiation” of the devices 112 and 114 can occur simultaneously or almost simultaneously, as presented here in the sequence of FIGS. 4 or 5, or in successive steps. In particular, it is possible to provide for the fingers 120 of the tilting device 112 to return back and down before lowering the pressing elements 140 on the containers C.

In various embodiments, the canting device 112 may be mounted on a supporting structure (not shown in the drawings) of a floating type, i.e. such that provides a predetermined movement of the rotation of the matrix of fingers 120 up or down in the direction of changing the angle α shown in FIG. 1 to allow adaptation to C2 covers having different shapes and sizes. Again, it should be appreciated that the containers C may have a shape different from the barrel shape illustrated here, and may have, for example, generally cylindrical shapes, polygonal shapes, implied for body C1 and / or lid C2.

Without prejudice to the principle of the invention, within the scope of the claims of the invention defined by the appended claims, its details and embodiments may be changed - even significantly - with respect to those described here solely by way of non-limiting example.

Claims (9)

1. A device for closing containers (C) made of flexible material and including the first (C1) and second (C2) cup-shaped half-shells connected by their respective neck sections in a relative position (C12), providing for frontal conjugation as a result of the closing movement of the canting leading to the tilting of said second half-shell (C2), located on the side of said first half-shell (C1), to said first half-shell (C1), including:
- a supporting body (12) with a retaining structure (14) for receiving said first half-shell (C1) of at least one of said containers (C) with said second half-shell (C2) pivotally attached (C3) to said first half-shell (C1) and protruding from one side of said supporting body (12), and
- an overturning element (112), including at least one pushing element (120), selectively actuated to advance to said side of the carrier body (12) to communicate the said second half-shell (C2) pivotally attached (C3) to said first half-shell (C1), said tilting movement for closing the container,
where said pushing element (120) includes at least one pair of pushing elements configured to be arranged on top of one side and on the other side of said second half-shell (C2) during said tilting movement. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting body (12) defines a common plane in which the neck sections of said first (C1) and said second (C2) half shells are located when said second half shell (C2) is pivotally attached (C3 ) to said first half-shell (C1), protrudes from one side of said carrier body (12), while said at least one pushing element (120) is movable to bring together said side of said carrier body (12) and said common plane R position determined by said supporting body (12), occurring along a trajectory passing at an angle (α) relative to said common location plane defined by said supporting body (12). 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one pushing member (120) is finger-shaped. 4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which said pushing element includes at least one rod, the shape of which provides reception of at least a portion of said second half-shell (C2). 5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which:
- said supporting body (12) includes a plurality of retaining structures (14) for the corresponding plurality of containers (C), and
- said canting element (112) includes a matrix of pushing elements (120) for interacting with said plurality of containers (C). 6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, including an element (114) for final closing, including at least one clamping element (140), actuated to move to the said carrier body (12) to consolidate the second half-shells (C2) in its closed position after tilting to the corresponding first half-shell (C1). 7. The device according to claim 6, in which said at least one clamping element (140) has a substantially concave shape, preferably a V-shape. 8. The device according to claim 6, in which said element (114) for final closing includes a plurality of said clamping elements (140) for acting on respective containers (C) in said plurality. 9. The method of closing containers (C) made of flexible material and including the first (C1) and second (C2) cup-shaped half-shells connected by their respective neck sections in a relative position (C12), which provides for frontal conjugation as a result of the tilting closing movement, leading to the tilting of the said second half-shell (C2), pivotally attached (C3) to the said first half-shell (C1) and located on the side of it, on the said first half-shell (C1), namely:
- positioning said first half-shell (C1) of one of said containers (C) in a carrier body (12) with a retaining structure (14) for a first half-shell (C1) with said second half-shell (C2) pivotally attached (C3) to said first half-shell (C1) protruding from one side of said supporting body (12),
- provide the canting element (112) with at least one pushing element (120), moving with the advancement to the said side of the supporting body (12), and
- promoting said at least one pushing member (120) to said side of the carrier body (12) for communicating said closing movement by tilting said second half-shell (C2) pivotally attached (C3) to said first half-shell (C1),
where said pushing element (120) includes at least one pair of pushing elements configured to be arranged on top of one side and on the other side of said second half-shell (C2) during said tilting movement.

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