WO2013088401A2

WO2013088401A2 - A device for making a transversal end fin in a product wrapper

Info

Publication number: WO2013088401A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/057327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Gorrieri
Original assignee: So.Te.Ma. Pack S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-12-15
Filing date: 2012-12-14
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: WO2013088401A3; ITBO20110719A1; EP2791013A2

Abstract

A device (7) for making a transversal end fin (13h) in a product wrapper comprises means (82a, 82a) for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the respective transversal face of the product, the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) being driven by corresponding means for movement along a respective path towards and away from each other. The means for movement of the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) advantageously move the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) along a translational path lying in a respective plane.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A DEVICE FOR MAKING A TRANSVERSAL END FIN IN A PRODUCT

WRAPPER

Technical field

This invention relates to a device for making a transversal end fin in a product wrapper. Background art

Known from the prior art are devices for making a transversal end fin in a product wrapper, the fin being obtained by joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the corresponding transversal face of the product.

These prior art devices are used in apparatuses for packaging products in respective wrappers and, more in detail, comprise means for closing and heat sealing opposed wrapper end flaps protruding from the wrapper, these closing and heat sealing means being driven by corresponding means for movement along a respective path towards and away from each other.

More specifically, in these prior art devices, the drive means of the closing and joining means move the closing and joining means along opposed circumferential paths whose axis of rotation is parallel to the transversal face of the product to be packaged.

The rotary movement of the closing and joining means or jaws is such that the closing jaws themselves are on the perpendicular trajectory of the flaps to be joined practically only at the point where the flaps themselves are in contact with each other and joined.

In practice, the path of prior art closing and joining means is the combination of a movement perpendicular to the product and a longitudinal movement directed towards the selfsame product. This jaw movement is imparted by the jaws themselves to the wrapper flaps to be joined when the flaps are moved towards each other. The resulting fin seals are not well made and convey a sense of neglect and poor quality which also detracts from the value of the packaged product.

The arcuate path followed by the closing and joining jaws of the prior art devices may also lead to problems when engaging the protruding flaps of very tall packages, with the consequent risk that the transversal end fin will be ineffectual as a closure for the wrapper, causing the badly made packages to be rejected.

According to another viewpoint, the prior art devices for making a transversal end fin in a product wrapper are relatively inflexible in use since they do not allow the transversal end fin of the wrapper to be made in any form different from that for which they were specifically designed.

Aim of the invention

This invention proposes a novel solution, alternative to the solutions known up to now, and/or, more specifically, aims to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks, and/or to meet one or more of the needs mentioned in or inferable from the above.

Accordingly provided is a device for making a transversal end fin in a product wrapper, the fin being obtained by joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the respective transversal face of the product; the device being preferably usable in an apparatus for placing the product in the wrapper and comprising means for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally, the closing and joining means being driven by corresponding means for movement along a respective path towards and away from each other; characterized in that the means for movement of the closing and joining means move the closing and joining means along a translational path lying in a respective plane.

That way, it is possible to handle products of any size and, in all cases, to seal the wrapper with fine-quality, neat end fins. Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects of the device are set out in the appended claims and the technical features and advantages are also apparent from the detailed description which follows of a non-limiting example embodiment of it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1A to 1 F are perspective views illustrating the steps in the making of a fin seal package;

- Figure 2A is a schematic side view showing an apparatus designed to make a fin seal package;

- Figure 2B is a schematic top view illustrating the end part of this preferred embodiment of the packaging apparatus, showing in particular the zone where the transversal fins are made;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device for making a transversal fin;

- Figure 4A is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the device for making a transversal fin;

- Figure 4B is side view of the preferred embodiment of the device, with the closing and joining jaws in the close-together condition;

- Figures 5 and 6 are side views corresponding to the view of Figure 4A and illustrating a transversal fin made in packages of different sizes. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a preferred embodiment 9 of an apparatus for making a package comprising a wrapper, in particular in the form of a sheet or film, especially a sheet or film of plastic material, placed round a respective product, where the wrapper is of the type known as "fin seal" in the jargon of the trade.

The apparatus provides a package C through a plurality of product wrapping steps which are schematically illustrated in Figures 1A to 1 F, which show the steps of making a fin seal package.

In practice, thanks to the apparatus 9, a product 11 , preferably in the form of a packet or box-shaped element, is placed in a respective protective wrapper 13.

As illustrated, the product 11 has opposite transversal end faces 11a, 11b, between which respective longitudinal faces extend, the latter comprising opposite main faces, normally the wide front and rear product faces 11c, 11 d, and opposite narrower faces 11e, 11f, extending between the main faces 11c, 11d.

The product wrapper 11 is in turn preferably in the form of a sheet or length of film, especially of plastic material, in particular polypropylene, which can be conveniently heat sealed and which is wrapped round the product to be packaged, defining corresponding superposed panels or portions, preferably in contact with the respective faces of the wrapped product.

Of the superposed panels, the ones superposed on the transversal end faces 11a, 11b are denoted by the reference labels 13a, 13b, whilst those superposed on the opposite main faces 11c, 11d and on the opposite lateral faces 11e, 11f of the product are denoted by the reference labels 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f.

In practice, the longitudinal seal or join of the package is in the form of a respective fin 13g which protrudes laterally from the wrapper itself and which is located at a respective lateral face 11e of the product, the longitudinal fin 3g being obtained by joining, in particular by heat-sealing, lateral wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g placed opposite each other and joined, as illustrated in Figure 1 B.

The longitudinal fin 13g is then folded and joined, in particular by heat- sealing, to the wrapper flap 13e which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding lateral face of the product, in particular the lateral face 11e of the product. The package C also comprises first and second transversal end seals which are, respectively, in the form of respective transversal end fins 13h, 13h, which close the wrapper round the product and which are obtained by joining, in particular by heat-sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps 13'h, 13'h protruding longitudinally beyond the corresponding transversal face 11a, 11b of the product.

Each transversal end fin 13h, 13h is folded on the respective wrapper flap 13a, 13b which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding transversal product face 11a, 11b and joined thereto, in particular by heat sealing, as may be inferred from Figure F.

As illustrated, the fins 13h, 13h have a respective central portion 131, 131 and opposite lateral tabs 13i, 13Ϊ, which protrude laterally or transversely beyond the lateral product faces 11e, 11f and which are advantageously folded on the corresponding wrapper flap 13e, 13f which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding lateral product face 11e, 11f and joined thereto, in particular by heat sealing, as may be inferred from Figure 1 F.

As illustrated in Figure 2A, the apparatus comprises a mounting frame 12 for a plurality of assemblies designed to make the package and having respective operating units or devices which are driven by corresponding drive means.

Advantageously, the frame 12 has a separating wall 12a between the operating units and the respective drive means.

The separating wall 12a is, as illustrated, a longitudinal wall which extends in height, that is, vertically.

More specifically, as illustrated, the apparatus 9 comprises a unit 14 for feeding the product 11 to be packaged, a unit 16 for wrapping the wrapper into a tube shape round the product, and a unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product.

As may be inferred from Figure 2A, the unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product comprises means 181 for feeding the product. The means 181 for feeding the product are designed to transport the products between a plurality of stations where the ends of each wrapper are closed round each product.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 181 for feeding the product are designed to convey the products while keeping them, in line with and spaced from each other.

More specifically, the means 181 for feeding the product are in the form of a conveyor belt 181a defining a surface 181b on which the product rests and having a plurality of protrusions 181c, in particular equispaced protrusions, for engaging the back of each product.

In practice, the conveyor belt 181 is an endless conveyor belt which moves with alternating feed motion such that product feed steps are alternated with dwell steps at operating stations where process steps are performed on the product.

The unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product comprises, in particular, a unit, or device, 7 for mutually coupling respective wrapper end flaps 13'h, 13'h protruding longitudinally from the respective transversal face 11a, 11b of the selfsame product, this unit, or device, being designed to define a respective transversal seal, in the shape of a fin, which closes the end of the wrapper, as illustrated in Figure 1 D.

More in detail, the coupling device 7 comprises respective means 82a, 82a for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, wrapper end flaps 13'h, 13'h protruding longitudinally beyond the transversal face 11a, 11b of the product, in particular to define the transversal fin for closing the wrapper round the product.

More specifically, the device 7 for making or defining a transversal end fin comprises, as may be inferred from Figure 4A, means 82a, 82a for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the transversal face of the product, these closing and joining means being driven by corresponding means for movement along a respective path towards and away from each other.

Advantageously, the means for movement of the closing and joining means 82a, 82a move the closing and joining means 82a, 82a along a translational path lying in a respective plane P, as may be inferred from Figures 4A and 4B.

That way, it is possible to handle products of any size and, what is more, to make neat, fine quality fins.

In effect, the translational movement of the joining means allows the protruding flaps to be firmly engaged and moved towards the desired point of mutual contact and joining thereof.

In practice, the movement means of the closing and joining means 82a, 82a move the closing and joining means 82a, 82a along a translational path lying in a respective plane P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the product or package or to the protruding flaps 13'h to be joined.

More specifically, as may be well inferred, the joining means comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws 82a, 82a for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper.

In practice, the closing and joining means comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws 82a, 82a for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper and which are movable simultaneously towards and away from each other along a defined path.

Advantageously, the closing and joining means comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws 82a, 82a for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper and which are movable along opposite paths lying in a single plane P.

Advantageously, as illustrated, means 82a, 82a are provided for closing and joining, in particular for heat sealing, the longitudinally protruding end flaps of the wrapper, these closing and joining means 82a, 82a being carried on respective mounting means 82b which can be conveniently coupled to the frame of the apparatus.

Advantageously, means 82a, 82a are provided for closing and joining the longitudinally protruding end flaps of the wrapper and which can be positioned vertically at a desired position to make the transversal fin at any point on the perpendicular extension of the transversal face of the product. Advantageously, the coupling unit or device 7, in particular the pairs of opposed closing and joining jaws 82a, 82a, are carried on a respective mounting means, or mount 82b, which also mounts a specific drive means, or motor 82c.

More specifically, the electric drive motor 82c of the coupling device 7 is a brushless motor.

As illustrated, the mounting frame 12 of the apparatus comprises secondary supporting means 12b, 12b located at the front of the frame wall 12a.

The secondary supporting means 12b, 12b are, in particular, supported in cantilevered fashion by the frame wall 12a thanks to corresponding transversal supporting rods 12c, 12c mounted on the separating wall 12a. More specifically, the secondary supporting means comprise a first and a second elongate supporting plate 12b, 12b, which extend longitudinally along the length of the wall 12a which they are mounted on.

More specifically, the elongate plates 12b, 12b extend parallel to each other and to the separating wall 12a.

The secondary supporting means 12b, 12b mount the unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product and, thus, also mount this coupling device 7.

The secondary supporting means, in particular the first and second elongate plates 12b, 12b also support the product feed means 181 at the unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product.

As illustrated, the unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product comprise a first and a second unit 7, 7 for mutually coupling respective wrapper end flaps which protrude longitudinally from opposite transversal faces 11a, 1 b of the product.

More specifically, the pairs of opposed closing and joining jaws 82a, 82a are carried on respective mounting means 82b which can be coupled to apparatus frame, in particular, to the secondary supporting means or mount 12b, 12b of the frame.

Thus, the mounting means 82b of the coupling unit 7 also mount transmission means 82d by which movement is imparted from the drive means 82c to the closing and joining means, that is, to the opposed closing and joining jaws 82a, 82a.

Thus, the frame, or rather, the secondary frame supporting means, or mount, 12b, 12b, has respective fastening or connecting means for the supporting means 82b of the coupling unit 7.

More specifically, the fastening means for the supporting means 82b of the coupling unit 7 are in the form of corresponding holes into which matching connecting screws 182 can be inserted, as will become clearer as this description continues.

More specifically, the movement means of the first and second sealing means are designed to move the respective sealing body 82a, 82a alternatingly between an advanced position and a withdrawn or spaced apart position, where the next product can pass through freely and be positioned.

Common drive means 82c are thus provided for the first and second sealing means 82a, 82a.

The movement means of the first and second sealing means comprise a common rotary element 82e to which the respective sealing body or jaw 82a, 82a is eccentrically connected, so as to move the selfsame sealing body 82a, 82a alternatingly between a position where it is close to the other sealing body for joining the wrapper flaps and a spaced apart position away from the other sealing body for allowing the next product to be inserted.

In practice, the rotary element 82e, driven by the motor 82c, carries a first and second eccentric 82f, 82g at the opposite lateral ends of it.

In practice, the shaft of the motor 82c rotates alternatingly for a desired angular extent and causes the rotary element 82e and the eccentrics 82f, 82g to move accordingly, so as to drive the respective sealing element or jaw 82a, 82a.

The rotary element 82e mounts a respective pulley 82p which meshes with a belt 82q driven by a respective pulley 82r which is integral with the shaft of the drive motor 82c.

Each eccentric 82f, 82g thus has a corresponding eccentric fastening pin for a corresponding end of a respective conrod 82h, 82h whose other end

821, 821 is connected to a pin which is integral with a corresponding slider 82m, 82m which, in particular, runs vertically in corresponding guides, in particular extending perpendicularly to the jaws 82a, 82a located on the mounting means, or plate, 82b of the unit or device 7.

As illustrated, the joining jaws 82a, 82a are carried on the respective sliders or slides 82m, 82m.

Advantageously, as mentioned, the mounting means, or plate, 82b of the coupling device 7 is connected to the frame 12b through the agency of corresponding connecting means which allow it to be positioned at a desired position in height.

More specifically, the mounting means, or plate, 82b of the coupling device 7 is connected to the frame through the agency of corresponding connecting means 182 which can be locked to and unlocked from the frame 12b of the apparatus this device is associated with and which defines the connecting means of the vertical sliding means of the mounting plate, or means 82c.

More specifically, the mounting plate, or means 82b of the device 7 is connected to the frame through the agency of corresponding connecting means consisting of connecting screws 182, which are inserted into corresponding holes, not illustrated, in the frame 12b, and into vertically oblong holes 83 made in the mounting plate, or means 82b of the device 7 and which allow the mounting plate, or means 82b to slide vertically relative to the connecting screws 182. In practice, loosening the screws 182, with wide heads 182a, unlocks the respective mounting plate, or means 82b of the device 7 relative to the frame 12b of the apparatus and the mounting plate, or means 82b, that is the lip defining the oblong holes 183, can thus be made to slide on the shank of the connecting screws 182, until reaching a new vertical working position, where the screws 182 can be retightened in order to lock the respective mounting plate, or means 82b of the device 7 relative to the frame 12b of the apparatus.

As mentioned, first and second opposed units or devices 7, 7 are provided for joining opposed transversal fins protruding from corresponding transversal faces of the product.

More specifically, and advantageously, first and second opposed units or devices 7, 7 are provided for joining opposed transversal fins protruding from corresponding transversal faces 11a, 11b of the product, the units or devices 7, 7 being positionable at different heights in order to make transversal fins 13h, 13h at different heights.

Means are also advantageously provided for adjusting the stroke of the respective closing and joining surface 82a, 82a between an open position allowing insertion of the protruding wrapper flaps to be joined and a closed position where the flaps are engaged and joined.

The means for adjusting the stroke between the opposed closing and joining surfaces 82a, 82a of the laterally protruding flaps of the wrapper are in the form of a means for adjusting the stroke of both of the closing and joining surfaces or jaws 82a, 82a.

More specifically, the means for adjusting the stroke of the opposed closing and joining surfaces 82a, 82a are in the form of means for adjusting the angle of rotation of the respective eccentric which drives the respective closing and joining jaw 82a, 82a, that is, the respective, or in particular, common rotary element 82e, that is, the shaft of the drive means or motor 82c, especially of the common drive means or motor 82c.

In effect, as may be inferred also from Figures 5 and 6, the distance "d" between the joining jaws or surfaces 82a, 82a may be varied in such a way as to adapt it to the size of the package to be made, so that the time taken for the jaws to be drawn together can be made advantageously longer for packages of smaller or reduced size.

In practice, the means for closing and joining the flaps defining the transversal fin comprise opposed first and second heated sealing elements or bodies 82a, 82a, these closing and joining means 82a, 82a being movable in a plane P parallel to the respective transversal end face 11a, 11b of the product, there being provided, in practice, an upper sealing jaw 82a and a lower sealing jaw 82b.

Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2B, each sealing body or jaw 82a extends along the line of product feed or extension so that the closing and joining operation is performed at a plurality of successive product dwell stations, and in particular, at two corresponding successive stations.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. In particular, one skilled in the art could easily imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements. .

Claims

1. A device (7) for making a transversal end fin (13h) in a product wrapper, the fin (13h) being obtained by joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps (13'h) protruding longitudinally beyond the respective transversal face (11a, 11b) of the product; the device (7) being preferably usable in an apparatus (10) for placing the product in the wrapper and comprising means (82a, 82a) for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally, the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) being driven by corresponding means for movement along a respective path towards each other for joining and away from each other; characterized in that the means for movement of the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) move the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) along a translational path lying in a respective plane (P).

2. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the movement means of the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) move the closing and joining means (82a, 82a) along a translational path lying in a respective plane (P) perpendicular to the axis of the product or package or to the protruding flaps to be joined.

3. The device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining means (82a, 82a) comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws (82a, 82a) for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the closing and joining means comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws (82a, 82a) for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper and which are movable simultaneously towards and away from each other along a defined path.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the closing and joining means comprise a respective pair of opposed jaws (82a, 82a) for engaging the opposed end flaps of the wrapper and which are movable in opposite directions along paths lying in the same plane.

6. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (82a, 82a) for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the transversal face of the product, these closing and joining means being mounted on respective supporting means (82b) which are connectabie or fixable to the frame of the apparatus.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (82a, 82a) for closing and joining, in particular by heat sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps protruding longitudinally beyond the transversal face of the product, these closing and joining means being positionable vertically at a desired position in order to make the transversal fin at any desired point along the perpendicular extension of the transversal face (11a, 11 b) of the product.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the pair of opposed closing and joining jaws (82a, 82a) are mounted on a respective supporting means (82b) connectabie to a secondary supporting means, or mount, (12b, 12b) of the frame, positioned and supported at the front by a respective wall ( 2a) of the frame.

9. The device according to any of the claims from 6 to 8, characterized in that the supporting means (82b) supports the transmission means (82d) by which movement is imparted to the closing and joining means (82a, 82a).

10. The device according to any of the claims from 6 to 9, characterized in that the supporting means (82b) supports the drive means, or motor (82c) of the closing and joining means (82a, 82a).

11. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing and joining means of the flaps defining the transversal fin comprise opposed first and second heated joining means or elements (82a, 82a).

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing and joining means are movable in a plane parallel to the respective transversal end face (11a, 1b) of the product.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises shared transmission means by which movement is imparted to both the first and second closing and joining means (82a, 82a).

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the movement means of the first and second sealing means comprise a rotatable element (82e) which the respective jaw (82a, 82a) is eccentrically connected to in such a way as to move the jaw (82a, 82a) itself between a close-up joining position and a spaced-apart position. 5. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the stroke of the respective closing and joining surface (82a, 82a) between an open position allowing insertion of the protruding flaps to be joined and a closed position where the flaps are engaged and joined.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that the means for adjusting the stroke between the opposed closing and joining surfaces (82a, 82a) of the laterally protruding flaps of the wrapper are in the form of a means for adjusting the stroke of both of the closing and joining surfaces or jaws (82a, 82a).

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the means for adjusting the stroke between the opposed closing and joining surfaces (82a, 82a) of the laterally protruding flaps of the wrapper are in the form of a means for adjusting the angle of rotation of the respective eccentric which actuates the respective closing and joining jaw (82a, 82a), or the respective rotation element (82e), or the shaft of the drive means or motor (82c).

18. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the supporting means or plate (82b) of the device is connected to the frame through corresponding connecting means which are positionable in height at a desired position and which are, in particular, in the form of corresponding fastenable/unfastenable connecting means (182) defining means for vertically sliding the supporting means or plate (82c).

19. The device according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises opposed first and second closing and joining units (7, 7) for opposite transversal fins (13h, 13h) protruding from corresponding transversal faces (11a, 11b) of the product, each of the units (7, 7) being positionable at a height different from the height of the other so as to make transversal fins (13h, 13h) at different heights.

20. The device characterized in that it is made according to any of the preceding claims and/or as described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.