WO2023007288A1 - Automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products - Google Patents

Automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023007288A1
WO2023007288A1 PCT/IB2022/056374 IB2022056374W WO2023007288A1 WO 2023007288 A1 WO2023007288 A1 WO 2023007288A1 IB 2022056374 W IB2022056374 W IB 2022056374W WO 2023007288 A1 WO2023007288 A1 WO 2023007288A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reel
machine
storage unit
replacement
supporting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/056374
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sauro Rivola
Fabio PASINI
Claudio MAZZOTTI
Alberto BONFINI
Original Assignee
I.M.A. Industria 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. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. filed Critical I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A.
Publication of WO2023007288A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023007288A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
    • B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
    • B65H19/12—Lifting, transporting, or inserting the web roll; Removing empty core
    • B65H19/123—Lifting, transporting, or inserting the web roll; Removing empty core with cantilever supporting arrangements

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an automatic machine for making filter bags containing infusion products (such as tea, coffee, camomile and the like).
  • the automatic machines for forming filter bags are provided with a plurality of reels for feeding various types of material necessary for forming filter bags.
  • Each reel is supported by a corresponding motor- driven shaft protruding from a wall of the machine frame.
  • each automatic machine is basically provided with at least one reel of filter paper (in some cases also two reels, of which one is for direct feeding and the other as reserve in the case of emptying the first reel) and a reel with strips of labels on which is added, in the case of packages with this option, also a reel of strips of material for wrapping the filter bags formed.
  • each automatic machine uses a large number of reels
  • each reel has, individually, a considerable weight
  • each automatic machine has a high production speed and it is therefore necessary to constantly change empty reels with new reels with a very high frequency.
  • a central unit connected to the automatic machines is used and with units movable along fixed rails or with wheels provided with an arm for picking up and releasing the reels.
  • the movable unit is programmed to pick up the replacement reels from a series of storage units positioned around the packaging machines and bring them to the packaging machines where the unit, using the pick-up and release arm (usually robotic), replaces the empty reel under the control of the central unit.
  • This second solution makes it possible to reduce the presence of personnel but forces the manufacturer to increase the volume occupied around the production lines (machines) so as to be able to locate the reel storage units necessary for the replacements in the machine as well as the spaces and structures necessary for moving the movable reel replacement units.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which overcomes the above- mentioned drawbacks.
  • the aim of this invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which is able to automate and speed up the reel changing process.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which is able to always guarantee the correct reel changing as a function of the needs of the machine with limited reaction times and with reduced overall dimensions. Said aims are fully achieved by the automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products according to the invention, as characterised in the appended claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of an automatic machine, in particular for forming filter bags for infusion products according to the invention
  • FIGS. 2 to 5 are partial schematic perspective views of a series of steps of a reel change from a first storage unit present on the automatic machine of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial schematic perspective view of the machine of the previous drawings with a robotic arm in a step of picking up a replacement reel from a second storage unit;
  • FIG. 7 and 8 are side views partly in cross section of two steps of changing the replacement reel on a supporting shaft referred to Figures 3 Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
  • the automatic machine according to the invention denoted in its entirety by the numeral 100, is used, in particular, for forming filter bags containing infusion products (such as tea, coffee, camomile and the like).
  • infusion products such as tea, coffee, camomile and the like.
  • the automatic machine 100 comprises a load-bearing frame 1 having a base 2, a vertical wall 3, a horizontal wall 4 facing the base 2 and a vertical front wall 5, defining a machine front, from which protrudes at least one motor-driven supporting shaft 6 which supports a respective reel 7 of wound material (in this case filter paper).
  • wound material in this case filter paper
  • the automatic machine 100 comprises a plurality of operating stations 8 positioned along the front wall 5 through which a processing path extends along which the material present on the reel 7 is unwound from the reel 7.
  • the operating stations 8 are schematically illustrated by way of example only and represent all devices which are able to form, along an operating path, the filter bags containing infusion products.
  • the automatic machine 100 preferably comprises a second shaft 22 supporting a further reel 23 with wound material defining, for example, pickup tags to be applied to the filter bags to be formed.
  • This second shaft 22 protrudes from the front wall 5 and parallel to the first supporting shaft 6.
  • the automatic machine 100 comprises a first storage unit 9 configured to house replacement reels 7a and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame 1 of the machine 100 and located close to the shaft 6 supporting the reel 7 (nearly empty and to be replaced).
  • the first storage unit 9 may be associated with one of the vertical 3 or horizontal 4 walls of the load- bearing frame 1 of the machine again close to the shaft 6 supporting the reel 7.
  • the automatic machine 100 also comprises a device 10 for picking and releasing replacement reels 7a (having, preferably, a motor-driven axis X10) configured for picking up a replacement reel 7a from the first storage unit 9 and positioning it on the supporting shaft 6.
  • a device 10 for picking and releasing replacement reels 7a (having, preferably, a motor-driven axis X10) configured for picking up a replacement reel 7a from the first storage unit 9 and positioning it on the supporting shaft 6.
  • the pick-up and release device 10 is positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame 1 close to the first storage unit 9.
  • the picking up device may be associated with one of the vertical 3 or horizontal 4 walls of the load- bearing frame 1 of the automatic machine 100.
  • the automatic machine 100 comprises a control unit 11 positioned on the automatic machine 100 and configured to activate the device 10 for picking up and releasing replacement reels 7a in the presence of a run out signal of the reel 7 present on the supporting shaft 6.
  • the automatic machine 100 has a storage unit integrated for replacement reels and a device which is able to replace the reels which are gradually used up without the need for external intervention.
  • the first storage unit 9 may be filled at the start of the operating activity of the automatic machine in such a way as to make the machine independent for a long operating period without the need for checks at predetermined times.
  • the machine in its entirety does not have a considerable increase in the overall size compared with prior art solutions and allows lines to be created alongside each other in automatic machines in reduced spaces.
  • the first storage unit 9 is associated with the at least one vertical side wall 3 of the machine 100 positioned close to the reel supporting shaft 6.
  • first storage unit 9 projects outwards from the frame 1 of the machine 100.
  • the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reels 7a is associated with the vertical front wall 5 of the machine and positioned close to the reel supporting shaft 6 and the first storage unit 9.
  • the pick-up and release device 10 projects outwards from the frame 1 of the machine 100.
  • the unit comprising the first storage unit 9 and the pick-up and release device 10 are close together in a compact structure projecting laterally and frontally from the machine frame.
  • the pick-up and release device 10 comprises a robotic arm 12 (with two or more axes of movement) having, at a relative free end, a gripper 13 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel 7a configured to engage/disengage in/from a central hole 14 or core of the replacement reel 7a.
  • the robotic arm 12 comprises the first motor-driven axis X10 protruding relative to the machine front and parallel to the axis of extension of the first shaft 6 supporting the reel and can therefore, with the remaining axes, have a 360° operation in such a way as to easily reach the first storage unit 9 and the shaft 6 in a fast and precise fashion.
  • the arm 12 has, for example, a gripper 13 with three claws configured to enter into the core of the reel, for a certain depth (see also Figure 7) and, by means of a movement of the claws radially away from each other, locking the reel for its handling and movement from the storage unit to the supporting shaft.
  • the machine 100 also comprises a reel pressing element 15 configured to stabilise the replacement reel 7a on the supporting shaft 6.
  • the reel pressing element 15 is carried by a tubular element 16 (shaft) associated outside the frame 1 of the machine and close to the first storage unit 9 and the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel 7a.
  • tubular element or shaft 16 is provided with means 17 for quick coupling and detachment of the reel pressing element 15 in such a way as to allow the picking up and repositioning by the pick up and release device 10.
  • the quick coupling and detachment means 17 comprise an annular plate having magnetic properties for retaining, in suspension, the reel pressing element 15.
  • tubular supporting shaft 16 is associated with the horizontal wall 4 of the frame 1 of the machine, in such a way as to position the reel pressing element 15 close to and above the pick-up and release device 10.
  • the reel pressing element 15 comprises a tubular cylinder body 15a (open at the two ends) with a diameter greater than a diameter of the shaft 6 supporting the reel and configured, in use, for being coupled with (the gripper 13) the robotic arm
  • the reel pressing element 15 (at one end of the tubular cylinder 15a) comprises a rigid ring 15b having a diameter greater than the diameter of the reel supporting shaft 6 and configured, in use, to be placed in contact with a flat surface 7a of the replacement reel in such a way as to allow, under the action of the robotic arm 12 of the pick-up and release device 10, a stable positioning, by axial sliding, of the replacement reel 7a on the supporting shaft 6 (see Figure 8).
  • the replacement reel 7a is picked up from the gripper 13 in the first storage unit 9 (see Figure 2) and the robotic arm positions it at the shaft 6 where it is partly inserted ( Figures 3 and 7).
  • the gripper 13 releases the replacement reel 7a and the robotic arm 12 moves to the reel pressing element 15, where the gripper
  • the robotic arm 12 detaches the reel pressing element 15 and transports it to the replacement reel 7a just inserted, partly, in the supporting shaft 6 (see Figure 5).
  • the robotic arm 12 presses on the reel pressing element 15 having the rigid ring 15b in contact with the flat outer surface of the reel 7a in such a way as to make it slide axially along the supporting shaft 6 until it is completely housed (Figure 8).
  • the automatic machine 100 comprises a second storage unit 18 for housing replacement reels (in this case, for example, reels 23 having strips of wound tags) associated with the at least one vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine and positioned close to the first storage unit 9.
  • the second storage unit 18 is located under the first storage unit 9 using the vertical surface of the wall 3.
  • the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel is associated with the frame 1 at an intermediate position between the first storage unit 9 and the second storage unit 18.
  • the robotic arm 12 can operate without distinction quickly and rapidly on both the storage units present on the automatic machine.
  • the first storage unit 9 comprises a rigid structure having a cradle portion 19 for supporting a plurality of replacement reels 7a, a side portion 20 for associating with the vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine and a rigid disc-shaped base 21 , supported by the cradle portion 19, for supporting the replacement reels 7a.
  • the second storage unit 18 also has a substantially similar structure.
  • the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel also comprises a box-shaped body 24 associated with the vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine 10 configured to support the robotic arm 12 (which protrudes from one side or surface of the box-shaped body 24 coplanar with the vertical front wall 5) and house the mechanical and electronic structures of the pick-up and release device 10.
  • the preset aims are achieved with an automatic machine structured in this way thanks to the synergic combination between the traditional machine combined with a group of storage units with robotic arms integrated in the machine.
  • This architecture makes it possible to obtain a compact system wherein the machine is substantially "self-sufficient" for many operating hours without the intervention of external robotic systems for reel changing, keeping the complex machine compact.
  • This type of structure creates a compact machine which only needs a single loading of a plurality of reels at the start of operation in such a way as to allow a long operating duration without the need for further constant checks or supplies.

Abstract

Described is an automatic machine comprising a load-bearing frame (1) having a base (2), at least one vertical side wall (3), a horizontal wall (4) facing the base (2), a vertical front wall (5), defining a machine front, from which a motor-driven supporting shaft (6) protrudes which supports a respective reel (7) of wound material; a plurality of operating stations (8) positioned on the front wall (5) through which a processing path extends along which said material proceeds whilst it is unwound from the reel (7); a first storage unit (9) configured to house replacement reels (7a) and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) of the machine and located close to the shaft (6) supporting the reel (7); a device (10) for picking up and releasing replacement reels configured for picking up one of the replacement reels (7a) from the first storage unit (9) and positioning it on the supporting shaft (6), this pick-up and release device (10) is positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) and located close to the first storage unit (9); a control unit (11) configured to activate the reel pickup and release device (10) in response to a run out signal of the reel (7) present on the supporting shaft (6).

Description

DESCRIPTION
AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR FORMING FILTER BAGS CONTAINING INFUSION PRODUCTS.
Technical field
This invention relates to an automatic machine for making filter bags containing infusion products (such as tea, coffee, camomile and the like).
Background art
It is known that the automatic machines for forming filter bags are provided with a plurality of reels for feeding various types of material necessary for forming filter bags. Each reel is supported by a corresponding motor- driven shaft protruding from a wall of the machine frame.
In particular, each automatic machine is basically provided with at least one reel of filter paper (in some cases also two reels, of which one is for direct feeding and the other as reserve in the case of emptying the first reel) and a reel with strips of labels on which is added, in the case of packages with this option, also a reel of strips of material for wrapping the filter bags formed.
It should be considered that:
- each automatic machine uses a large number of reels;
- each reel has, individually, a considerable weight;
- each automatic machine has a high production speed and it is therefore necessary to constantly change empty reels with new reels with a very high frequency.
Currently, the changing of reels can be performed manually or automatically.
In the first case, an operator operating the machine proceeds as follows:
- the operator is alerted that the reel of the automatic machine is empty;
- the core of the empty reel is removed from the shaft of the automatic machine; - a corresponding type of new reel to be replaced is picked up from a general storage unit or from an auxiliary storage unit;
- the new reel is coupled on the shaft of the automatic machine.
However, this replacement process has several drawbacks:
- high costs, since an operator must be present at each automatic machine for constant monitoring of the machine in view of the large number of types of reels to be replaced together with the high operating speed of the machine;
- large physical effort by the operator for carrying reels from the storage unit to the automatic machine at each replacing request;
- possible risk of a machine stoppage if an operator is responsible for several machines (which are also not close to each other) and the two machines have a simultaneously request for changing the reel;
- risk of error in the loading of the type of material in the reel.
In the second reel changing system, a central unit connected to the automatic machines is used and with units movable along fixed rails or with wheels provided with an arm for picking up and releasing the reels.
In this case, the movable unit is programmed to pick up the replacement reels from a series of storage units positioned around the packaging machines and bring them to the packaging machines where the unit, using the pick-up and release arm (usually robotic), replaces the empty reel under the control of the central unit.
This second solution makes it possible to reduce the presence of personnel but forces the manufacturer to increase the volume occupied around the production lines (machines) so as to be able to locate the reel storage units necessary for the replacements in the machine as well as the spaces and structures necessary for moving the movable reel replacement units.
These factors lead to increases in the overall costs of the lines without, however, justified increases in the productivity of the production lines. Aim of the invention
The aim of the invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which overcomes the above- mentioned drawbacks. In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which is able to automate and speed up the reel changing process.
A further aim of the invention is to provide an automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products which is able to always guarantee the correct reel changing as a function of the needs of the machine with limited reaction times and with reduced overall dimensions. Said aims are fully achieved by the automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products according to the invention, as characterised in the appended claims.
Brief description of the drawings
The features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of it, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a front schematic view of an automatic machine, in particular for forming filter bags for infusion products according to the invention;
- Figures 2 to 5 are partial schematic perspective views of a series of steps of a reel change from a first storage unit present on the automatic machine of Figure 1 ; - Figure 6 is a partial schematic perspective view of the machine of the previous drawings with a robotic arm in a step of picking up a replacement reel from a second storage unit;
- Figures 7 and 8 are side views partly in cross section of two steps of changing the replacement reel on a supporting shaft referred to Figures 3 Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
With reference to the accompanying drawings and with particular reference to Figure 1, the automatic machine according to the invention, denoted in its entirety by the numeral 100, is used, in particular, for forming filter bags containing infusion products (such as tea, coffee, camomile and the like).
The automatic machine 100 comprises a load-bearing frame 1 having a base 2, a vertical wall 3, a horizontal wall 4 facing the base 2 and a vertical front wall 5, defining a machine front, from which protrudes at least one motor-driven supporting shaft 6 which supports a respective reel 7 of wound material (in this case filter paper).
As illustrated, the automatic machine 100 comprises a plurality of operating stations 8 positioned along the front wall 5 through which a processing path extends along which the material present on the reel 7 is unwound from the reel 7.
The operating stations 8 are schematically illustrated by way of example only and represent all devices which are able to form, along an operating path, the filter bags containing infusion products.
It should be noted that the automatic machine 100 preferably comprises a second shaft 22 supporting a further reel 23 with wound material defining, for example, pickup tags to be applied to the filter bags to be formed.
This second shaft 22 protrudes from the front wall 5 and parallel to the first supporting shaft 6.
As illustrated, (see also Figures 2 to 6) the automatic machine 100 comprises a first storage unit 9 configured to house replacement reels 7a and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame 1 of the machine 100 and located close to the shaft 6 supporting the reel 7 (nearly empty and to be replaced).
In the drawings, by way of example, the first storage unit 9 may be associated with one of the vertical 3 or horizontal 4 walls of the load- bearing frame 1 of the machine again close to the shaft 6 supporting the reel 7.
The automatic machine 100 also comprises a device 10 for picking and releasing replacement reels 7a (having, preferably, a motor-driven axis X10) configured for picking up a replacement reel 7a from the first storage unit 9 and positioning it on the supporting shaft 6.
The pick-up and release device 10 is positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame 1 close to the first storage unit 9.
By way of a construction example, the picking up device may be associated with one of the vertical 3 or horizontal 4 walls of the load- bearing frame 1 of the automatic machine 100.
Moreover, the automatic machine 100 comprises a control unit 11 positioned on the automatic machine 100 and configured to activate the device 10 for picking up and releasing replacement reels 7a in the presence of a run out signal of the reel 7 present on the supporting shaft 6.
In other words, the automatic machine 100 has a storage unit integrated for replacement reels and a device which is able to replace the reels which are gradually used up without the need for external intervention.
The first storage unit 9 may be filled at the start of the operating activity of the automatic machine in such a way as to make the machine independent for a long operating period without the need for checks at predetermined times.
The machine in its entirety does not have a considerable increase in the overall size compared with prior art solutions and allows lines to be created alongside each other in automatic machines in reduced spaces.
As illustrated, the first storage unit 9 is associated with the at least one vertical side wall 3 of the machine 100 positioned close to the reel supporting shaft 6.
It should be noted that the first storage unit 9 projects outwards from the frame 1 of the machine 100.
Again as illustrated, the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reels 7a is associated with the vertical front wall 5 of the machine and positioned close to the reel supporting shaft 6 and the first storage unit 9.
In light of this, the pick-up and release device 10 projects outwards from the frame 1 of the machine 100.
The unit comprising the first storage unit 9 and the pick-up and release device 10 are close together in a compact structure projecting laterally and frontally from the machine frame.
It should be noted that the pick-up and release device 10 comprises a robotic arm 12 (with two or more axes of movement) having, at a relative free end, a gripper 13 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel 7a configured to engage/disengage in/from a central hole 14 or core of the replacement reel 7a.
The robotic arm 12 comprises the first motor-driven axis X10 protruding relative to the machine front and parallel to the axis of extension of the first shaft 6 supporting the reel and can therefore, with the remaining axes, have a 360° operation in such a way as to easily reach the first storage unit 9 and the shaft 6 in a fast and precise fashion.
The arm 12 has, for example, a gripper 13 with three claws configured to enter into the core of the reel, for a certain depth (see also Figure 7) and, by means of a movement of the claws radially away from each other, locking the reel for its handling and movement from the storage unit to the supporting shaft.
The machine 100 also comprises a reel pressing element 15 configured to stabilise the replacement reel 7a on the supporting shaft 6.
In light of this, the reel pressing element 15 is carried by a tubular element 16 (shaft) associated outside the frame 1 of the machine and close to the first storage unit 9 and the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel 7a.
It should be noted that the tubular element or shaft 16 is provided with means 17 for quick coupling and detachment of the reel pressing element 15 in such a way as to allow the picking up and repositioning by the pick up and release device 10.
According to an embodiment, the quick coupling and detachment means 17 comprise an annular plate having magnetic properties for retaining, in suspension, the reel pressing element 15.
It should be noted that the tubular supporting shaft 16 is associated with the horizontal wall 4 of the frame 1 of the machine, in such a way as to position the reel pressing element 15 close to and above the pick-up and release device 10.
As illustrated and in an example embodiment, the reel pressing element 15 comprises a tubular cylinder body 15a (open at the two ends) with a diameter greater than a diameter of the shaft 6 supporting the reel and configured, in use, for being coupled with (the gripper 13) the robotic arm
12 and carried to the supporting shaft 6 (see Figure 8).
The reel pressing element 15 (at one end of the tubular cylinder 15a) comprises a rigid ring 15b having a diameter greater than the diameter of the reel supporting shaft 6 and configured, in use, to be placed in contact with a flat surface 7a of the replacement reel in such a way as to allow, under the action of the robotic arm 12 of the pick-up and release device 10, a stable positioning, by axial sliding, of the replacement reel 7a on the supporting shaft 6 (see Figure 8).
In other words, the replacement reel 7a is picked up from the gripper 13 in the first storage unit 9 (see Figure 2) and the robotic arm positions it at the shaft 6 where it is partly inserted (Figures 3 and 7).
Subsequently, the gripper 13 releases the replacement reel 7a and the robotic arm 12 moves to the reel pressing element 15, where the gripper
13 couples with the central tubular element 15a (Figure 4).
At this point, the robotic arm 12 detaches the reel pressing element 15 and transports it to the replacement reel 7a just inserted, partly, in the supporting shaft 6 (see Figure 5).
In this position, the robotic arm 12 presses on the reel pressing element 15 having the rigid ring 15b in contact with the flat outer surface of the reel 7a in such a way as to make it slide axially along the supporting shaft 6 until it is completely housed (Figure 8).
The automatic machine 100 comprises a second storage unit 18 for housing replacement reels (in this case, for example, reels 23 having strips of wound tags) associated with the at least one vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine and positioned close to the first storage unit 9. In short, the second storage unit 18 is located under the first storage unit 9 using the vertical surface of the wall 3.
In light of this, the device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel is associated with the frame 1 at an intermediate position between the first storage unit 9 and the second storage unit 18.
In this way, the robotic arm 12 can operate without distinction quickly and rapidly on both the storage units present on the automatic machine.
By way of a construction example, the first storage unit 9 comprises a rigid structure having a cradle portion 19 for supporting a plurality of replacement reels 7a, a side portion 20 for associating with the vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine and a rigid disc-shaped base 21 , supported by the cradle portion 19, for supporting the replacement reels 7a.
The second storage unit 18 also has a substantially similar structure.
The device 10 for picking up and releasing the replacement reel also comprises a box-shaped body 24 associated with the vertical side wall 3 of the frame 1 of the machine 10 configured to support the robotic arm 12 (which protrudes from one side or surface of the box-shaped body 24 coplanar with the vertical front wall 5) and house the mechanical and electronic structures of the pick-up and release device 10.
The preset aims are achieved with an automatic machine structured in this way thanks to the synergic combination between the traditional machine combined with a group of storage units with robotic arms integrated in the machine. This architecture makes it possible to obtain a compact system wherein the machine is substantially "self-sufficient" for many operating hours without the intervention of external robotic systems for reel changing, keeping the complex machine compact. This type of structure creates a compact machine which only needs a single loading of a plurality of reels at the start of operation in such a way as to allow a long operating duration without the need for further constant checks or supplies.
Moreover, thanks to this system a layout out of the machine(s) is created with reduced overall dimensions and without the need to provide operating spaces around the machines occupied by reel storage units or by a large number of transit zones for carriages for transporting the reels from the storage units to the machines.

Claims

1. An automatic machine comprising:
- a load-bearing frame (1) comprising a base (2), at least one vertical side wall (3), a horizontal wall (4) facing the base (2), a vertical front wall (5), defining a machine front, from which protrudes at least one motor-driven supporting shaft (6) which supports a respective reel (7) of wound material;
- a plurality of operating stations (8) positioned on the front wall (5) through which a processing path extends along which said material proceeds while it is unwound from the reel (7);
- a first storage unit (9) configured to house replacement reels (7a) and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) of the machine and located close to the shaft (6) supporting the reel (7);
- a device (10) for picking up and releasing replacement reels configured for picking up one of the replacement reels (7a) from the first storage unit (9) and positioning it on the supporting shaft (6), said pick-up and release device (10) being positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) and located close to the first storage unit (9); and
- a control unit (11) configured for activating the device (10) for picking up and releasing reels in response to a run out signal of the reel (7) present on the supporting shaft (6).
2. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first storage unit (9) is associated with at least one vertical side wall (3) of the machine positioned close to the shaft (6) for supporting the reel; the first storage unit (9) protruding towards the outside of the frame (1) of the machine.
3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device (10) for picking up and releasing replacement reels is associated with the vertical front wall (5) of the machine, and positioned close to the shaft (6) supporting the reel and the first storage unit (9); the pick-up and release device (10) protruding towards the outside of the frame (1) of the machine.
4. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pick-up and release device (10) comprises a robotic arm (12) having, at a relative free end, a gripper (13) for picking up and releasing the replacement reel (7a) configured to engage/disengage in/from a central hole (14) or core of the replacement reel (7a).
5. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reel pressing element (15) configured to stabilise the replacement reel (7a) on the supporting shaft (6); the reel pressing element (15) being carried by a supporting element (16) associated outside the frame (1) of the machine, close to the first storage unit (9) and the pick-up and release device (10); the supporting element (16) being equipped with means (17) for quick coupling and detachment of the reel pressing element (15) in such a way as to allow it to be picked up and repositioned by the pick-up and release device (10).
6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the supporting element (16) is associated with the horizontal wall (4) of the frame (1) of the machine, in such a way as to position the reel pressing element (15) close to and above the pick-up and release device (10).
7. The machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the reel pressing element (15) comprises a cylindrical body (15a) with a diameter greater than a diameter of the reel supporting shaft (6) and configured, in use, for being coupled with the robotic arm.
8. The machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the reel pressing element (15) comprises a rigid ring (15b) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the reel supporting shaft (6) and configured, in use, to be placed in contact with a flat surface of the replacement reel (7a) in such a way as to allow, under the action of the pick-up and release device (10), a stable positioning, by axial sliding, of the replacement reel (7a) on the supporting shaft (6).
9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second storage unit (18) for housing replacement reels associated with the at least one vertical side wall (3) of the frame (1) of the machine and positioned close to the first storage unit (9).
10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the device (10) for picking up and releasing the replacement reel (7a) is associated with the frame (1) of the machine at an intermediate position between the first storage unit (9) and the second storage unit (18).
11. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first storage unit (9) comprises a rigid structure having a cradle portion (19) for supporting a plurality of replacement reels (7a), a side portion (20) fixed to the at least one vertical side wall (3) of the frame (1) of the machine and a rigid disc-shaped base (21), supported by the cradle portion (19), for supporting the replacement reels (7a).
PCT/IB2022/056374 2021-07-26 2022-07-11 Automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products WO2023007288A1 (en)

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IT102021000019877A IT202100019877A1 (en) 2021-07-26 2021-07-26 AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR FORMING FILTERS BAGS CONTAINING PRODUCTS FOR INFUSION.

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0337140A2 (en) * 1988-04-15 1989-10-18 Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.) Packing machine, particularly for cigarettes
GB2256180A (en) * 1991-04-04 1992-12-02 Focke & Co Apparatus for supporting and transporting reels of web-like packaging material.
US5653087A (en) * 1994-09-16 1997-08-05 Sasib S.P.A. Manufacturing machine designed to use reels of web material, in particular packaging machine for packaging cigarettes, or the like
EP0820944A1 (en) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-28 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Wrapping material supply unit
US20030032538A1 (en) * 2001-05-11 2003-02-13 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Method and unit for feeding packaging material to an operating unit
US20060051185A1 (en) * 2001-05-11 2006-03-09 Mario Spatafora Method and device for feeding reels to a machine
WO2016033004A1 (en) * 2014-08-28 2016-03-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Improved mandrel

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0337140A2 (en) * 1988-04-15 1989-10-18 Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.) Packing machine, particularly for cigarettes
GB2256180A (en) * 1991-04-04 1992-12-02 Focke & Co Apparatus for supporting and transporting reels of web-like packaging material.
US5653087A (en) * 1994-09-16 1997-08-05 Sasib S.P.A. Manufacturing machine designed to use reels of web material, in particular packaging machine for packaging cigarettes, or the like
EP0820944A1 (en) * 1996-07-03 1998-01-28 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Wrapping material supply unit
US20030032538A1 (en) * 2001-05-11 2003-02-13 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Method and unit for feeding packaging material to an operating unit
US20060051185A1 (en) * 2001-05-11 2006-03-09 Mario Spatafora Method and device for feeding reels to a machine
WO2016033004A1 (en) * 2014-08-28 2016-03-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Improved mandrel

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