WO2018015917A1 - Machine pour la production de poches filtrantes comprenant des produits de perfusion et ayant une enveloppe de suremballage - Google Patents

Machine pour la production de poches filtrantes comprenant des produits de perfusion et ayant une enveloppe de suremballage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018015917A1
WO2018015917A1 PCT/IB2017/054399 IB2017054399W WO2018015917A1 WO 2018015917 A1 WO2018015917 A1 WO 2018015917A1 IB 2017054399 W IB2017054399 W IB 2017054399W WO 2018015917 A1 WO2018015917 A1 WO 2018015917A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
gripper
condition
machine
respective bag
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/054399
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roberto Conti
Original Assignee
I.M.A. Inudstria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by I.M.A. Inudstria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. filed Critical I.M.A. Inudstria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A.
Priority to ES17745517T priority Critical patent/ES2832892T3/es
Priority to EP17745517.7A priority patent/EP3487767B1/fr
Publication of WO2018015917A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018015917A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B29/00—Packaging of materials presenting special problems
    • B65B29/02—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
    • B65B29/04—Attaching, or forming and attaching, string handles or tags to tea bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B65B11/38—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths in a combination of straight and curved paths
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B29/00—Packaging of materials presenting special problems
    • B65B29/02—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package
    • B65B29/028—Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package packaging infusion material into filter bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/16—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/10—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles
    • B65B35/26—Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by rotary conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/10—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged
    • B65B57/12—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a machine for forming filter-bags containing infusion products and with an overwrap envelope.
  • infusion products means products such as tea, coffee, camomile (in powder, granules, or leaves).
  • Each filter bag contains at least a dose of product enclosed in a corresponding lobe of the filter bag.
  • the filter bag comprises a piece of filter material and may be for example single-lobed or double-lobed.
  • the piece of filter material of the single-lobed type defines a chamber designed to contain a dose of product, whilst the piece of filter material of the two- lobed type defines two chambers designed to contain two respective doses of product.
  • the two chambers with doses are folded towards each other forming a single upper end (in the shape of an upturned "V") and a bottom end in the shape of a "W.
  • these machines each form filter-bags through the handling of a piece of filter material, suitably folded, and (if present) of a sheet of overwrapping material which surrounds the folded piece.
  • Each packaged bag may comprise, in addition to the folded piece, a thread and, if necessary, a label.
  • the thread by means of knotting, connects the piece of folded filter material to the label.
  • the automatic machines forming this type of the filter bag comprise, amongst other things, a rotary carousel equipped with a plurality of grippers each of which is designed to adopt a retaining condition and a releasing condition of a respective bag.
  • the carousel rotates about an axis of rotation (usually horizontal), in such a way as to cause a movement of each of the grippers along an operating path (arc-shaped/circular), so that each respective bag is transported by the respective gripper along the path, whilst it is retained by the corresponding gripper.
  • filter bag For simplicity, from when a generic piece of filter material in a tubular shape and containing the two doses of infusion product enter into the operating path it may be known as the "filter bag”.
  • the filter bag when it leaves the operating path, and once it has been subject to a plurality of operating steps, may then be called “packaged filter bag”.
  • the machine comprises a plurality of stations distributed along the operating path to perform respective operating steps on the respective bag.
  • the machine is configured in such a way that the carousel rotates in a stepwise fashion, in such a way that the respective bag is, in sequence, in each of these operating stations and for a certain interval of time, so as to be subjected to the respective operating step.
  • One of these stations may be, for example, an infeed station to allow the entrance of a piece of filter material, from which is derived the respective filter bag, in this operating path.
  • the infeed station can also perform, advantageously, the folding of the piece, in such a way that the piece is already folded at the start of the operating path defined by the carousel.
  • Another of these stations may be, for example, an station for application of the thread and/or a label.
  • Another of these stations may be, for example, a knotting station for knotting the thread to the respective piece and/or to the label.
  • Another of the stations is a wrapping station configured to operate, on the respective bag, at least according to a wrapping mode, in accordance with which the respective bag is picked up by the respective gripper, wrapped in a respective sheet of overwrapping material fed by respective unwinding means, and repositioned in the respective gripper.
  • the wrapping station comprises gripping means (usually a further gripper) controlled by a first mechanical cam unit able to orient the gripping means towards and away from the gripper of the carousel and a second mechanical cam unit, in a synchronised fashion with the first cam unit, to allow the gripping by the gripper of the bag and a subsequent release of the bag wrapped by the sheet of overwrapping material always to the same gripper.
  • gripping means usually a further gripper
  • a first mechanical cam unit able to orient the gripping means towards and away from the gripper of the carousel
  • a second mechanical cam unit in a synchronised fashion with the first cam unit, to allow the gripping by the gripper of the bag and a subsequent release of the bag wrapped by the sheet of overwrapping material always to the same gripper.
  • Another of these stations may be, for example, a joining station, configured to cause the closing the sheet of overwrapping material positioned around the bag.
  • the respective bag has become, together with the thread, label and the sheet of overwrapping material, a packed overwrapped filter bag.
  • the machine also has one or more sensors which are able to detect whether the filter bag, whilst it is moved between these stations or whilst it is in one of them, or in any case whilst it is located along the operating path, has at least one defect.
  • the at least one defect in the production process of the machine, may require, normally, the rejection of the filter bag itself.
  • the defect may relate to any component applied during the operating path, therefore, the piece of filter material, the doses of infusion product, the thread and/or the label, for example their mutual arrangement and/or any incorrect knotting.
  • the packaged filter bag exits from the operating path through an outfeed station, which typically directs it, for example, towards a stacker. If, on the other hand, at least one defect has been detected such as to require the rejection, the packaged filter bag is carried to a rejection station, which typically determines the ejection from the production line.
  • the filter bag to be rejected remains on the carousel until reaching a position along the path in which there is an ejector device.
  • a problem which the machine has is due to the fact that the wrapping station is configured so as to provide for the wrapping, by means of the sheet of overwrapping material, even on a defective filter bag, which will then be rejected.
  • the continuation of the packaging of the defective filter bag may result, during all the operating steps performed by the stations of the machine (after the operation in which the defect is created), in damage to one or more components of these stations, which operate, automatically, on this defective bag.
  • the operation for joining (sealing) between the sheet of overwrapping material and the defective filter bag by the joining station is risky, since this may cause the dispersion of residue deriving from the filter paper of the folded piece and/or from the label and/or from the infusion material.
  • the dispersion may cause soiling such as to require and/or cause the total stoppage of the machine to allow the cleaning of the station in question.
  • An aim of this invention is to provide an automatic machine for packaging filter-bags each wrapped by a sheet of overwrapping material which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.
  • a further aim of this invention is to provide an automatic machine for packaging filter-bags each wrapped by a sheet of overwrapping material which is able to reduce the waste of material for the sheets of overwrapping material and increase the functional safety of the machine.
  • Another aim of this invention is to provide an automatic machine for packaging filter-bags each wrapped by a sheet of overwrapping material which is able to maintain the operating steps necessary for packaging filter-bags and is simultaneously able to actuate various operations on the defective filter-bags within the operating steps set up.
  • a further aim of this invention is to provide a method for packaging filter- bags each wrapped in a sheet of overwrapping material which detects at least one defect present in any bag positioned along the operating path of the machine and at the same time is also able to reduce the waste of sheets of overwrapping material, avoiding the wrapping of the defective bag which is subsequently rejected.
  • a further aim of this invention is to provide a method for packaging filter- bags each wrapped in a sheet of overwrapping material which avoids damage to the machine used to perform the packaging, despite the presence of one or more defective bags being processed along the operating path of the machine.
  • FIG. 1 shows a general diagram of a possible embodiment of a machine according to this invention, configured to perform a series of operating steps on each bag of a plurality of filter-bags;
  • FIGS. 2a to 2f show respective sub-steps of an operating step performed by a specific station of the machine, according to a first mode according to which this operating step may occur;
  • FIG. 3a to 3d show respective sub-steps of the operating step performed by the specific station of the machine, according to a second mode according to which this operating step may occur.
  • this description relates to a machine for packaging filter-bags each wrapped in a sheet of overwrapping material.
  • the filter bag illustrated is of the two-lobed type purely by way of example and without restricting the scope of the invention.
  • This filter bag contains two doses of infusion product housed in corresponding chambers.
  • the two chambers are folded towards each other forming a single upper end (in the shape of an upturned "V") and a bottom end in the shape of a "W”.
  • the machine is denoted in its entirety by the numeral 1 .
  • the machine 1 comprises a control system, which may perform control functions for one or more of the components of the machine 1 .
  • the control system is configured in such a way that all the operations and/or movements which are described below can be performed automatically and in predefined sequences.
  • control system comprises:
  • control units for controlling these motors and/or several actuators
  • the control system also allows the setting up of at least one or more parameters for setting up the control by the user, for example through at least one interface.
  • the machine 1 comprises a fixed frame, not shown, relative to which all the movements described below occur, and which supports one or more of the components described below.
  • a filter bag 4 is shown in Figures 2a to 2f. As will be described in more detail below, the filter bag 4 is deemed to not have any defect such as to require the rejection.
  • FIG. 3a to 3d Another filter bag 4' is shown in Figures 3a to 3d. As will be described in more detail below, the filter bag 4' is deemed to have at least one defect such as to require the rejection.
  • the machine 1 comprises a rotary carousel 2 that rotates about an axis (preferably horizontal).
  • the rotary carousel 2 is equipped with a plurality of grippers 3 each of which is designed to adopt a retaining condition in which it is designed to retain a respective bag 4.
  • Each gripper 3 is designed to adopt a release position, wherein it is not designed to retain a respective bag 4, and in particular it is designed to release it in the case it was previously retained by it.
  • Figure 1 indicates only some of the grippers 3, whilst the other drawings indicate only a specific gripper 3 which is located in a predetermined position of the machine 1 .
  • Each gripper 3 may comprise, for example, two retaining portions, labelled 3a and 3b, which may adopt a mutual close position and a spaced apart position.
  • the gripper 3 When the retaining portions 3a and 3b (prongs) are in a mutual close position, the gripper 3 is in its retaining condition, as for example in Figures: 2a, 2e, 2f, 3a, 3c and 3d.
  • the gripper 3 When the retaining portions 3a and 3b are in a mutual spaced apart position, the gripper 3 is in its release condition, as for example in Figures: 2b, 2c, 2d, and 3b.
  • the relative movement between the retaining portions 3a and 3b of the gripper 3, such as to cause the passage from the retaining condition to the release position, is indicated generically by the arrows X of Figure 1 .
  • the relative movement between the retaining portions 3a and 3b of the gripper 3, such as to cause the passage from the release condition to the retaining position, is generically opposite to the arrows X of Figure 1 .
  • the carousel 2 rotates in the direction which is suitable for rotating about an axis of rotation R (preferably horizontal).
  • the rotation of the carousel 2 causes a movement of each of the grippers 3 along an operating path.
  • the direction of travel of the path by each of the grippers 3, caused by the rotation of the carousel 2 may be considered substantially along the edge of the carousel 2 and, in Figure 1 , in a anticlockwise direction.
  • the machine 1 comprises a plurality of stations distributed along the operating path P, shown schematically as blocks 5a to 5g. Each of these stations 5a to 5g is configured to perform at least one relative operating step on each bag 4 one after the other.
  • the position of the stations 5a to 5g of Figure 1 are non-limiting examples.
  • the stations 5a to 5g are arranged around the carousel 2 translated in an anticlockwise direction to allow better viewing of the components of the station 5d, but their angular positions relative to the carousel 2 may be different from that described, without thereby limiting the scope of the invention.
  • the machine 1 is configured to rotate the carousel 2 in a stepwise fashion, and therefore in a discontinuous manner, in such a way that each bag 4 can be in sequence in each of the operating stations 5a to 5g, for a certain length of time which can allow the performance of the respective operational step.
  • the stepwise rotation of the carousel 2 also means that at each step several bags 4 transported by respective grippers 3 are simultaneously in several respective operating stations 5a to 5g, in such a way that the machine 1 simultaneously performs several respective operational steps on several respective bags 4.
  • the first station 5a may be configured to allow the entrance of a piece of filter material in a, for example, tubular configuration (that is, for example, closed by a longitudinal seal and having inside it, in one example, two doses of infusion product), from which is obtained a respective bag 4, in the operating path.
  • a piece of filter material hereafter referred to only as piece for simplicity of description
  • From when it enters the operating path of the carousel 2 can be considered to be a respective filter bag 4.
  • the second station 5b may be configured to perform the winding of at least one stretch of thread to the respective bag 4 with relative knotting of an end of the thread to the top (folded) of the bag 4.
  • the third station 5c may be configured to perform the positioning of the label on the top of the bag 4 and the relative knotting between the other end of the thread and the label with its simultaneous association with the top of the bag 4.
  • the fourth station 5d is a wrapping station configured to operate, on each respective bag 4, at least according to a wrapping method or according to a rejection method.
  • the wrapping station 5d in the embodiment shown of the machine 1 comprises a gripping unit 9, means 6 for unwinding a piece or web of heat- sealable film, and a system 10 for moving the gripper element 9.
  • the operating station 5e after the wrapping station 5d is a station designed to perform an operating step in which the sheet of overwrapping material F is closed, by sealing, around the filter bag.
  • the station 5g is used, as described in more detail below, as a rejection station for ejection of a defective bag, whilst the station 5f is used, as described in more detail below, as an outfeed station for the outfeed of a packaged bag which is not defective.
  • the bag 4 After returning to the wrapping station 5d, during its operating step, if this occurs according to the wrapping mode, the bag 4 is:
  • the unwinding means 6 are configured for feeding a web N from which is obtained the sheet of overwrapping material F.
  • the sheet F is a portion of the web N which surrounds the bag 4.
  • the portion of the web N is separated, preferably during the wrapping or before the wrapping from the remaining part of the web N, in such a way as to make the respective sheet of overwrapping material F which surrounds the respective bag 4.
  • the bag which is now that indicated with the numeral 4', since in that case it is to be considered as having at least one defect such as to require the rejection, is kept in position in the respective gripper 3, or relative to the respective gripper 3.
  • the unwinding means 6 are deactivated.
  • the unwinding means 6 preferably comprise a feed and/or unwinding device.
  • the control system of the machine 1 is configured to operate the wrapping station 5d according to one of these modes.
  • the control system is configured to operate the wrapping station 5d according to one or the other of these mode on the basis of and/or as a function of at least one detection of at least one defect in the respective bag 4 or 4', the at least one defect being such as to require the rejection of the bag 4'.
  • the type of defect which is such as to require the rejection of the respective bag 4' is set by the user, using the selections in terms of configuration of the control system and/or by means of the setting parameters set by the user and "entered" in the control system.
  • Figures 2a to 2f illustrate the wrapping mode of the operating step performed by the wrapping station 5d, and, therefore, the bag labelled 4 is to be considered as not defective.
  • Figures 3a to 3d illustrate the rejection mode of the operating step performed by the wrapping station 5d, and, therefore, the bag labelled 4' is to be considered as defective at least at a level such as to require the rejection.
  • the machine control system comprises at least a sensor 7. In the case illustrated there are one or more sensors, for example, three, 7, 7', 7", distributed between the operating stations 5a to 5c.
  • the control system comprises at least one control unit 8, operatively interposed between the at least one sensor 7 and the at least one wrapping station 5d.
  • the sensor 7 is operatively active in at least one detecting point P situated along the operating path defined by the carousel 2.
  • the sensor 7 is therefore mounted in the machine 1 in such a way as to be designed to detect the at least one defect in a bag 4 or 4' transiting or at least positioned at the detecting point P.
  • Figure 1 shows the further sensors 7' and 7" operating in the respective detection points P' and P".
  • the at least one detection point P is situated between the application station 5b and the knotting station 5c.
  • the detection point P might be in any other position along the operating path. In any case, once the bag 4 or 4' starts to be subjected to the operating step of the wrapping station 5d, the at least one possible defect must have been detected by at least one sensor.
  • the sensor 7 is configured to generate at least one detection signal U indicating at least a possible defect present in the respective bag 4 or 4'.
  • the control unit 8 is configured to receive the at least one detection signal U and to send to the wrapping station 5d at least one control signal C.
  • the at least one control signal C is designed to operate the wrapping station 5d according to this wrapping mode or according to this rejection mode.
  • the control signal C is a function at least of the detection signal U.
  • the control signal C is designed to ensure that the wrapping station 5d performs its operating step, on the non-defective bag 4, according to the wrapping mode.
  • the control signal C is designed to ensure that the wrapping station 5d performs its operating step, on the defective bag 4, according to the rejection mode.
  • the operating station 5e after the wrapping station 5d is a station designed to perform an operating step in which the sheet of overwrapping material F is closed and joined around the filter bag 4.
  • the joining station 5e can equally operate when the defective filter bag 4' is in the same joining station 5e, without any drawbacks, thanks to the absence of a sheet of overwrapping material F around the defective filter bag 4', which is not affected by sealing units present in the joining station 5e.
  • the wrapping station 5d comprises a pickup unit 9 designed to adopt a gripping condition, in which it is designed to grip a bag 4, and a release position, wherein it is not designed to grip the bag 4. in particular it is designed to release it.
  • the pickup unit 9 may comprise, for example, two prongs or gripping portions, labelled 9a and 9b, which may adopt a mutual close position and a spaced apart position.
  • the pickup unit 9 When the gripping portions 9a and 9b are in a mutual position where they are close together, the pickup unit 9 is in its gripping condition, as for example in Figures: 1 , 2b-2f and 3b-3d. When the gripping portions 9a and 9b are in a mutual position where they are spaced apart, the pickup unit 9 is in its release condition, as for example in Figures 2a and 3a.
  • the relative movement between the gripping portions 9a and 9b of the pickup unit 9, such as to cause the passage from the gripping (or retaining) condition to the release position, is indicated generically by the arrows Y of Figure 1.
  • the relative movement between the gripping portions 9a and 9b of the pickup unit 9, such as to cause the passage from the release condition to the gripping condition is generically opposite to the arrows Y of Figure 1 .
  • the pickup unit 9 is designed to be positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to each respective gripper 3, when the respective gripper 3 is operatively positioned along the operating path, at the wrapping station 5d.
  • FIG. 1 This distal position is shown in Figures 1 , 2c, 2f and 3d.
  • the proximal position is shown in Figures 2b, 2d and 2e, as well as in Figures 3b and 3c.
  • Figures 2a and 3a show the pickup unit 9 in an intermediate position between the proximal position and the distal position, and Figures 2a and 3a show it moving from the distal position to the proximal position.
  • Figures 2a and 3a show the pickup unit 9 whilst it is passing from its release condition to its gripping condition.
  • the movement from the distal position to the proximal position of the pickup unit 9 is indicated generically by the arrow Z of Figure 1 .
  • the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the proximal position to the distal position is generically opposite the arrow Z of Figure 1.
  • the pickup unit 9 is to be considered in a distal position relative to the gripper, amongst the grippers shown in Figure 1 , which is, in the situation of Figure 1 , at the wrapping station 5d, and which is one of those indicated in Figure 1.
  • the machine 1 comprises a movement system 10 configured for causing a movement of the gripping unit 9 from the distal position to the proximal position and vice versa.
  • the movement system 10 is also configured to cause the passage of the pickup unit 9 from its release condition to its gripping condition and vice versa.
  • the movement system 10 is configured to cause the passage of the pickup unit 9 from its release condition to its gripping condition or vice versa, even at least partly simultaneously with the movement of the pickup unit 9 from its position distal to its proximal position and/or from its position proximal to its distal position.
  • the movement system comprises at least one cam unit 10a.
  • the at least one cam unit 10a (preferably of a mechanical type) is designed to rotate about an axis of rotation R', which is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the carousel 2.
  • the movement system 10 comprises a kinematic transmission mechanism 10b (preferably an electric cam) operatively interposed between the at least one cam unit 10a and the pickup unit 9 and interacting with the cam unit 10a.
  • a kinematic transmission mechanism 10b preferably an electric cam
  • the transmission mechanism 10b is configured so as to cause the movement of the pickup unit 9 from its distal position to its proximal position or vice versa.
  • the at least one cam unit 10a may for example comprise a double cam or a desmodromic cam.
  • the movement system 10 is configured to ensure that each actuation of the transmission mechanism 10b (and rotation of the cam unit 10a, in at least a first angular interval) corresponds with the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the distal position to the proximal position, as is the case for example:
  • the movement system 10 is configured to ensure that each actuation of the transmission mechanism 10b (and rotation of the cam unit 10a, in at least a second angular interval) corresponds with the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the proximal position to the distal position, as is the case for example:
  • the movement system 10 is configured to ensure that each actuation of the transmission mechanism 10b (and rotation of the cam unit 10a, in at least a third angular interval) corresponds with the passage of the pickup unit 9 from the release condition to the gripping condition, as is the case for example:
  • the movement system 10 is configured to ensure that each actuation of the transmission mechanism 10b (and rotation of the cam unit 10a, in at least a fourth angular interval) corresponds with the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the gripping condition to the release condition, as is the case for example, as occurs, for example, between the situation of Figure 1 and the situation of Figure 2a or 3a.
  • the at least a first angular interval can be superposed at least partly with the at least a third angular interval or with the at least a fourth angular interval, in such a way that the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the distal position to the proximal position can be performed at least partly superposed on the passage of the pickup unit 9 from its release condition to its gripping condition or, respectively, from its gripping condition to its release condition.
  • the at least a second angular interval can be superposed at least partly with the at least a third angular interval or with the at least a fourth angular interval, in such a way that the movement of the pickup unit 9 from the proximal position to the distal position can be performed at least partly superposed on the passage of the pickup unit 9 from its release condition to its gripping condition or, respectively, from its gripping condition to its release condition.
  • angular intervals are to be considered relative to an initial angular reference position of the at least one cam unit 10a relative to a reference system fixed relative to the fixed frame of the machine and relative to an instant of reference referred to the operating step which is performed by the wrapping station 5d at each passage of a bag 4 or 4' in the wrapping station 5d.
  • the movement towards and away from the pickup unit 9 to the gripper 3 is controlled by the transmission mechanism 10b (electrical cam), while the condition for gripping or releasing the pickup unit 9 is given by the cam unit 10a.
  • the control system of the machine 1 (not illustrated) is configured to control the movement system 10 and the other one or more motors and/or actuators of the machine 1 in such a way as to obtain the synchronisation between the following movements and/or operations:
  • the control system by means of the control unit 8 and the at least one sensor 7, is configured to obtain this synchronisation in such a way that the wrapping station 5d performs its operating step, on each respective bag 4 or 4', according to the wrapping mode or according to the rejection mode, depending on whether at least one defect such as to require the rejection has been detected or not in the bag 4 or 4' by the sensor 7.
  • the control system of the machine 1 is therefore configured so that if the filter bag 4 which is in the wrapping station 5d has been detected as not defective or, in any case, not to the point to be rejected, the wrapping station 5d performs the relative operating step on the bag 4 in accordance with the wrapping mode.
  • This wrapping mode in an example embodiment of the machine 1 , comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the pickup unit 9 picks up the respective bag 4, as shown in Figure 2b; - the pickup unit 9 moves again towards the distal position, in such a way as to leave the space for the positioning of the web overwrapping material N;
  • the pickup unit 9 is moved again towards the proximal position, in such a way that the respective filter bag 4 intercepts the web N and is wrapped by a portion of the web N which will to make, once separated from the remaining part of the web N, the respective sheet of overwrapping material F, as shown in Figure 2d;
  • the gripper 3 adopts again its retaining condition
  • the pickup unit 9 adopts again the release condition and moves again towards the distal position, to reach the situation of Figure 2f.
  • the gripper 3 returns to its retaining condition before the pickup unit releases the respective bag 4 wrapped by the sheet F. It should be noted that in the situation of Figure 2f the pickup unit 9 is in its gripping condition, so that between the situation of Figure 2e and the situation of Figure 2f the pickup unit 9, in the example of operation of the machine 1 shown in the accompanying drawings, has passed from its gripping condition to its releasing condition, and again to its gripping condition.
  • the unwinding means 6 are configured for positioning a web N of overwrapping material between the proximal and distal positions of the pickup unit 9 and transversally to the movement of the pickup unit 9 from this distal position to the proximal position, as shown in Figure 2c.
  • the pickup unit 9 which is gripping the bag 4
  • the bag 4 intercepts the web N and is wrapped by a portion of the web N. That portion of the web N is cut and separated from the remaining part of the web N preferably simultaneously with the wrapping, thus making the respective sheet of overwrapping material F which wraps the respective bag 4.
  • the control system of the machine 1 is therefore configured so that if the filter bag 4' which is in the wrapping station 5d has been detected as being defective at least to a point such as to require rejection, the wrapping station 5d performs the relative operating step on the defective bag 4' in accordance with the rejection mode.
  • This rejection mode in an example embodiment of the machine 1 , comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the pickup unit 9 is moved from the position distal to the proximal position, and the gripping unit 9 passes from its release condition to its gripping condition, as shown in Figure 3a, in order to pick up the bag 4'; - the respective gripper 3 passes from its retaining condition to its release position, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b;
  • the pickup unit 9 maintains in position relative to the gripper 3 and/or in the gripper 3 the respective bag 4', as shown in Figure 3b;
  • the pickup unit 9 remains in the proximal position and in the gripping condition for at least a period of time during which other operating stations of the machine 1 perform the respective operations on other bags 4 or 4';
  • the gripper 3 adopts again its retaining condition
  • the pickup unit 9 adopts again the release condition and moves again towards the distal position, to reach the situation of Figure 3d.
  • the control system of the machine 1 is configured so that if the filter bag 4' which is in the wrapping station 5d is defective to the point of requiring rejection, the unwinding means 6 are deactivated, in such a way that it does not cause the escape of the web N, which would interfere with the pickup unit 10 and/or with its movement system 1 1 , whilst the wrapping station 5d operates on the defective bag 4'.
  • the control system in order to perform the operating step of the wrapping station 5d according to the rejection mode, must not vary the control part of the carousel 2 and the grippers 3, but may only vary the control part of the movement system 10 and of the unwinding means 6 of the web of overwrapping material N.
  • This structure has the advantage of not modifying the system of mechanical cams present in the station and correlated with the cam units of the carousel and of the other stations.
  • the block A denotes, only schematically and generically, the actuating means of the wrapping station 5d.
  • the actuating means comprise, in the case shown in Figure 1 , the motor or actuator which rotates at least one cam unit 10a, the motor of the transmission system 10b, the motor or actuator which determines the feeding of the web N by the unwinding means 6.
  • the block is only shown in order to highlight that the control unit 8 command and/or controls the wrapping station 5d.
  • this invention relates to a method for packaging filter-bags 4 or 4' each wrapped by a sheet or bag of overwrapping material F and containing at least a respective dose of infusion product.
  • the method comprises the following steps:
  • At least one of the operating steps is performed by a wrapping station 5d and, for each respective bag 4 or 4', it occurs according to a wrapping mode, in accordance with which the bag 4 is picked up by the respective gripper 3, wrapped in a respective sheet of overwrapping material F fed by respective unwinding means 6, and repositioned in the respective gripper 3, or according to a rejection mode, in accordance with which the unwinding means 6 are deactivated and the respective bag 4' is kept in position in the respective gripper 3.
  • This operating step carried out by the wrapping station 5d is performed according to the wrapping mode if this detecting step does not detect the presence of at least one defect such as to require the rejection of the respective bag, in this case Figures 2a-2f indicate a bag with the numeral 4.
  • This operating step is carried out by the wrapping station 5d according to the rejecting mode if this detecting step detects the presence of at least one defect such as to require the rejection of the respective bag, in this case Figures 3a to 3d indicate a bag with the numeral 4'.
  • the method preferably comprises a control step in which a control system operates the wrapping station 5d, for each respective bag 4 or 4', according to one of these modes, as a function of the detection.
  • the control step preferably comprises the following sub-steps:
  • a control unit 8 designed to send to the wrapping station 5d at least one control signal C to operate the wrapping station 5d according to the wrapping mode, if the detection signal does not indicate the presence of the at least one defect, or according to the rejection mode, if the detection signal indicates the presence of the at least one defect.
  • the at least one control signal C may comprise, for each detection signal U, a plurality of control signals, for example at least one designed to control the unwinding means 6 and at least one designed to control the movement system 10.
  • each of them can send at least a respective detection signal U to the control unit 8, representing the presence or absence of at least one defect in a bag 4 or 4' which transits in the respective detection points P, P' and P" associated with the respective sensors 7, 7' and 7'.
  • the operating step carried out by the wrapping station 5d comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the operating step performed by the wrapping station comprises the following sub-steps:
  • the control system receives the corresponding signal and prepares the wrapping station for a rejection operating mode condition.
  • the pickup unit Upon the arrival of the gripper with a defective bag in the wrapping station, the pickup unit moves towards and locks the top of the bag (according to the standard operations) whilst the gripper of the carousel, as per normal operation, opens.
  • control unit is programmed to prevent both the command for immediate moving away of the pickup unit 9 on the transmission unit 10b (electrical cam) and the command for activation of the means 6 for unwinding the sheet of overwrapping material.
  • the transmission system 10b is programmed to keep the pickup unit 9 in a position proximal to the gripper 3, whilst, as per mechanical phase profile, the cam units 10a keep the pickup unit in the locked position of the defective bag.
  • the system Upon completion of the operating steps on the other stations of the machine, the system allows the gripper of the carousel to return to the gripping condition of the defective bag (not wrapped), whilst the pickup unit 9 (thanks to the cam 10a in synchrony with the gripper) releases the defective bag and the transmission unit 10b is enabled to return to the distal position (spaced apart) from the gripper.
  • the machine has these main advantages:
  • Figure 1 also shows, along the operating path, the outfeed station 5f and the ejection station 5g following the joining station 5e, which can be present in the machine 1 in an example embodiment of it.
  • the outfeed station 5f is configured for allowing the outflow of each bag 4 packaged and not defective in such a way that it remains along the production line, for example in such a way that it is transferred towards stations for stacking and packaging in boxes (not illustrated).
  • the ejection station 5g is configured for allowing the outflow of each defective bag 4' in such a way that it passes beyond the outfeed station 5f and, therefore, in such a way that it is rejected.
  • each bag 4 or 4' is subjected, between the wrapping station 5d and the outfeed 5f or ejection 5g stations, to the operating step which is performed by the joining station

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une machine (1) destinée à emballer des poches filtrantes (4; 4') enveloppées chacune dans une feuille de matériau de suremballage (F) et contenant une dose respective de produit de perfusion, comprenant : un carrousel rotatif (2) équipé d'une pluralité d'organes de préhension (3) qui sont chacun conçus pour adopter un état de retenue et une position de libération d'une poche respective (4; 4'), le carrousel (2) tourne autour d'un axe de rotation (R) de façon à provoquer un déplacement de chacun des organes de préhension (3) le long d'un trajet de fonctionnement de sorte que chaque poche (4; 4') est transportée par l'organe de préhension (3) le long du trajet; une pluralité de stations réparties le long du trajet de fonctionnement pour effectuer une pluralité d'étapes opératoires sur chaque poche (4; 4'); et au moins l'une des stations étant une station d'enveloppement (5d) conçue pour opérer, sur la poche (4; 4'), selon un mode d'enveloppement, selon lequel la poche (4; 4') est saisie par l'organe de préhension (3), enveloppée dans une feuille de matériau de suremballage (F) alimentée par des moyens de déroulement (6), et repositionnée dans l'organe de préhension respectif (3); la station d'emballage (5d) est conçue pour opérer, sur la poche (4; 4'), selon un mode de rejet, selon lequel les moyens de déroulement (6) sont désactivés et la poche respective (4; 4') est maintenue en position dans l'organe de préhension respectif (3).
PCT/IB2017/054399 2016-07-21 2017-07-20 Machine pour la production de poches filtrantes comprenant des produits de perfusion et ayant une enveloppe de suremballage WO2018015917A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES17745517T ES2832892T3 (es) 2016-07-21 2017-07-20 Máquina para producir bolsas de filtro con productos de infusión y con sobre envolvente
EP17745517.7A EP3487767B1 (fr) 2016-07-21 2017-07-20 Machine pour la production de poches filtrantes comprenant des produits de perfusion et ayant une enveloppe de suremballage

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102016000076443A IT201600076443A1 (it) 2016-07-21 2016-07-21 Macchina per la produzione di sacchetti-filtro con prodotti da infusione e con busta di sovraincarto.
IT102016000076443 2016-07-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018015917A1 true WO2018015917A1 (fr) 2018-01-25

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PCT/IB2017/054399 WO2018015917A1 (fr) 2016-07-21 2017-07-20 Machine pour la production de poches filtrantes comprenant des produits de perfusion et ayant une enveloppe de suremballage

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3487767B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2832892T3 (fr)
IT (1) IT201600076443A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2018015917A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200346796A1 (en) * 2019-05-02 2020-11-05 Teepack Spezialmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Device and method for making a pouch provided with a wrapping and containing a brewable material
US11708184B2 (en) 2020-08-31 2023-07-25 Teepack Spezialmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for manufacturing a pouch accommodated in a wrapping
CN116873289A (zh) * 2023-09-08 2023-10-13 四川纤谷之星科技有限公司 一种高性能纤维包装设备及方法
CN117485657A (zh) * 2023-12-29 2024-02-02 常州丽声科技有限公司 一种高密封性的货品打包封装装置

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WO1996031398A1 (fr) * 1995-04-04 1996-10-10 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Appareil permettant d'obtenir une repartition homogene d'une substance non coherente dans un sachet
EP1173364A1 (fr) * 2000-02-22 2002-01-23 I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.p.A. Procede et dispositif de rejet de sachets d'infusion dans une machine de production
EP1189810A1 (fr) * 1999-04-29 2002-03-27 Maisa Italia S.R.L. Machine de conditionnement de sacs filtrants

Patent Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996031398A1 (fr) * 1995-04-04 1996-10-10 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Appareil permettant d'obtenir une repartition homogene d'une substance non coherente dans un sachet
EP1189810A1 (fr) * 1999-04-29 2002-03-27 Maisa Italia S.R.L. Machine de conditionnement de sacs filtrants
EP1173364A1 (fr) * 2000-02-22 2002-01-23 I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.p.A. Procede et dispositif de rejet de sachets d'infusion dans une machine de production

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200346796A1 (en) * 2019-05-02 2020-11-05 Teepack Spezialmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Device and method for making a pouch provided with a wrapping and containing a brewable material
US11685561B2 (en) * 2019-05-02 2023-06-27 Teepack Spezialmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Device and method for making a pouch provided with a wrapping and containing a brewable material
US11708184B2 (en) 2020-08-31 2023-07-25 Teepack Spezialmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg Device for manufacturing a pouch accommodated in a wrapping
CN116873289A (zh) * 2023-09-08 2023-10-13 四川纤谷之星科技有限公司 一种高性能纤维包装设备及方法
CN116873289B (zh) * 2023-09-08 2023-11-10 四川纤谷之星科技有限公司 一种高性能纤维包装设备及方法
CN117485657A (zh) * 2023-12-29 2024-02-02 常州丽声科技有限公司 一种高密封性的货品打包封装装置
CN117485657B (zh) * 2023-12-29 2024-03-15 常州丽声科技有限公司 一种高密封性的货品打包封装装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2832892T3 (es) 2021-06-11
IT201600076443A1 (it) 2018-01-21
EP3487767A1 (fr) 2019-05-29
EP3487767B1 (fr) 2020-09-02

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