WO2024018303A1 - System and method for the production of eco-sustainable food container cases for powdered products and the product thus obtained - Google Patents

System and method for the production of eco-sustainable food container cases for powdered products and the product thus obtained Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024018303A1
WO2024018303A1 PCT/IB2023/056420 IB2023056420W WO2024018303A1 WO 2024018303 A1 WO2024018303 A1 WO 2024018303A1 IB 2023056420 W IB2023056420 W IB 2023056420W WO 2024018303 A1 WO2024018303 A1 WO 2024018303A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cases
sealing
case
support
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/056420
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Angelo GARUTI
Manuela GARUTI
Original Assignee
F.Lli Garuti S.R.L.
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 F.Lli Garuti S.R.L. filed Critical F.Lli Garuti S.R.L.
Publication of WO2024018303A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024018303A1/en

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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
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/004—Closing boxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B50/76—Opening and distending flattened articles
    • B31B50/78—Mechanically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B50/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B31B50/84—Forming or attaching means for filling or dispensing contents, e.g. valves or spouts
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
    • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • B65B43/145—Feeding carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
    • B65B43/265—Opening, erecting or setting-up boxes, cartons or carton blanks
    • 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
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2110/00—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2110/30—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers having a polygonal cross section
    • B31B2110/35—Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers having a polygonal cross section rectangular, e.g. square
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2120/00—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2120/30—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers collapsible; temporarily collapsed during manufacturing
    • B31B2120/302—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers collapsible; temporarily collapsed during manufacturing collapsible into a flat condition

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of the production of complex packaging and food packaging.
  • the object of this patent application is a system associated with a method for the production of food packaging containers, exclusively molded and shaped in paper and paperboard and pure cellulose, through which to offer the market an eco-sustainable solution within a circular economy.
  • the traditional Italdroghe glass jars may be mentioned, designed to contain an extremely wide assortment of spices and aromatic herbs and provided with flip-top caps which ensure freshness of the product over time and include versions with dispenser and with grinder.
  • Landpack automatic packaging machine with multiple lanes, for high-speed liquids (Model: LD-560L- 8) widely used for food, medicine, chemical liquid products such as mouthwash, ketchup, flavors, sauces, pastries, shampoo, creams, body wash liquids and the like.
  • Landpack packing machine for 5g to 500g powder sachets (Model: LD-320D/380D) suitable for packing fine powder products such as coffee powder, spices, milk powder, flour, fruit powder, seasoning, chemical medical powder, etc. It integrates measuring, bagging, packing, sealing and date stamping of each sachet.
  • the aforementioned machines are designed to produce packaging in the form of sealed sachets.
  • a novelty in the field of spice packaging is represented by the “Ubena” clip sachets packaging.
  • This line includes bags resealable with an aroma-saving clip on each package, which takes up little space in the kitchen, convenient for learning more about exotic spices and ideal for tasting.
  • CA3139472A1 which describes a package for preserving products such as vegetables, fruit, aromatic herbs, spices and/or flowers, and a related method. Inside the package there is a volume adapted to contain a portion of product and a polymeric film atmosphere, provided with at least a perforation which allows gaseous exchange with the atmosphere to form a controlled atmosphere package.
  • the packaging material has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), a carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO2TR), and an oxygen transmission rate (O2TR), where the WVTR of the packaging material is between 50 and 1200 ml/(m ⁇ 2>.24 hours), the CO2TR of the packaging material is greater than 1000 ml/(m ⁇ 2>.24 hours).
  • WVTR water vapor transmission rate
  • CO2TR carbon dioxide transmission rate
  • O2TR oxygen transmission rate
  • a weighing box fixedly mounted at the bottom of a funnel.
  • a new packaging system associated with a method for the production of biodegradable, recyclable and eco-sustainable food container cases for products in powder or granular consistency.
  • the aforesaid system allows for a plurality of production steps during which the aforesaid cases are opened, sealed and filled for distribution.
  • the system object of the present invention is divided into:
  • - a distribution module which allows the input, by means of a conveyor belt or a sliding plane, of stacks of cases, still closed, which enter the packaging system through a gate;
  • each still closed case is picked up from the conveyor belt by means of a first support and, by means of a second support, each of them is opened, until forming a parallelepiped open at the upper and lower ends;
  • a positioning station comprising: (i) a positioner consisting of a piston, preferably damped, for welding, in a stable manner, a lower portion of each case and (ii) a support for applying a plug to be applied to each case.
  • the latter engaging with the surface of the plug, in a stable and reversible manner, carries out a ultrasonic heat sealing thereof in an inclination with respect to the horizontal plane of 90° on the upper edge of the case, determining the stable engagement of the two portions;
  • a filling module which, through a filling support, is designed to insert a predetermined quantity of product to be stored, until each case is filled up to the upper edge;
  • a closing station comprising: (i) a closing support, installed above the conveyor belt which moves the cases during the various production steps and which, by lowering itself on them, brings the two open flaps together in the upper edge of each case, positioning them parallel to one another other, ready to be sealed and, (ii) a sealing support, installed immediately after said closing support installed to seal the flaps until completely closed;
  • an output station which, through a printing device, stamps the batch and expiration date on one of the flaps and which, at the end of production, via the aforementioned conveyor belt, transfers the container cases thus produced outside the packaging system.
  • first opening module In an advantageous version, in each of the aforesaid distribution module, first opening module, positioning station, filling module, closing station and output station, the following are installed:
  • the aforementioned positioning station comprises:
  • each compression plate - a plurality of mutually independent damping springs included in each compression plate which impart a compression force modulated according to the positioning of the lower portion of each case.
  • the entire system can possibly be associated with at least a software application, which can be installed on electronic devices, which advantageously allows remote activation of the production steps and management of the entire system, verifying the parameters and consumption in all production steps.
  • this application allows the tracking of the product container cases, via a barcode applied to them, ensuring that each external user knows for the benefit of the environment:
  • the aforesaid method comprises a ventilation and decontamination step K of each of the tools included in the production stations and used in the production steps.
  • the container cases obtained following the steps of the above method, preferably consist of a layer of a monocoated cardboard with a 300g/sqm grammage, disposable paper or any other type of biodegradable cardboard and/or made of plant and biodegradable material to contain and preserve dry, powdered and/or granular food products.
  • the cases comprise a plug provided with a multiple dispenser of powdered and/or granular product arranged to pour a predetermined amount of product, measured by the plug itself.
  • FIGURE 1 shows a schematic view of the system 100 of the present invention according to a first embodiment during a first processing step: it should be noted that the distribution module 200 comprises a gate 102, through which the closed cases 1.1 enter inside the machine 100.
  • the opening module 300 of the cases 1.1 should also be noted, which comprises a first support 103 which picks up each and transfers it onto a second support 104 for opening the container cases;
  • FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates the positioning station of the machine 100 of the present invention: here a plurality of positioners 450 consisting of at least a piston 420 comprising a plate 430, damped, weld in a stable manner a lower portion 1.2 of each case;
  • FIGURE 3 schematically shows the filling module 500 comprising a filling support 510 which fills each case 1.1 from top to bottom;
  • FIGURE 4 shows a closing station 600 comprising a closing support 605 arranged above the conveyor belt which, when lowered, approaches two open flaps 1.4 of the upper edge 1.3 of each case 1.1 preparing them to be sealed; subsequently a sealing support 610 arranges the welding of the aforementioned flaps 1.4 until they are completely closed;
  • FIGURE 5 shows the output station 700 comprising a printing device 710 which applies the batch and expiration date on one of the flaps 1.4 of the case;
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the container case 1.1 of the present invention, comprising a plug 15, the lower portion 1.2, the upper edge 1.3 comprising at least two flaps 1.4;
  • FIGURE 7 shows a block diagram of the method of the present invention from step A to step K.
  • Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 show in sequence: distribution module 200; first opening module 300; positioning station 400; filling module 500; closing station 600 and output station 700 included in the packaging system 100 object of the present invention. It allows the packaging and mechanical sealing of container cases 1.1, in Fig. 6, whose peculiar feature is that of retaining powdered and/or granular food products: the case 1.1 thus configured is provided with a plug 15 with a product dispenser which allows the metering of said granular and/or powdered product in a predetermined amount.
  • the entire container case 1.1 is preferably made of a layer of monocoated cardboard with a 300g/sqm grammage, with disposable paper or with any other type of biodegradable cardboard and/or made of plant and biodegradable material.
  • the system 100 in question is associated with a software application, which can be installed on electronic devices, which allows remote activation and monitoring of the production steps, verifying the parameters and consumption during the processing step.
  • the container cases 1.1, once produced, are traced through the same application by means of a barcode: this allows each external user to know the origin, materials and eco-disposal methods of the cases 1.1.
  • the aforementioned system 100 is associated with a method, represented in Fig. 7 and structured, as anticipated, in six macro-stations each of which is provided with a water detector to signal any liquid leaks and a humidity and temperature detector to signal any sudden changes in temperature and increases in humidity, in order to avoid damage to the container cases 1.1 produced or to the stations themselves, preserving the integrity thereof during all production steps.
  • Each station is assigned a step of the aforementioned method, starting from the input step A of the container cases 1.1 still closed and organized in stacks, which advance above a conveyor belt or sliding plane, crossing a gate 102 to enter inside the packaging system 100.
  • the opening step B of the aforementioned cases 1.1 takes place through the aforementioned first opening module 300: it comprises a first support 103 which in a first step picks up, one at a time, the still closed cases 1.1, while in a step C, it transfers them in a second support 104 which proceeds to open them up to form a parallelepiped open on the lower portion 1.2 and on the upper edge 1.3.
  • the aforesaid second support 104 transfers to the positioning station 400, where the first welding step D of the aforesaid lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1 takes place: in this station, a plurality of damped pistons 420, comprising a positioner 450 and a compression plate 430 connected to them, move by exerting an opposite motion, one towards the other in a vertical direction by exerting a predetermined force suitable for stably welding the aforementioned lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1.
  • Each compression plate 430 comprises a plurality of mutually independent damping springs which impart a compression force modulated according to the positioning of the lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1 with respect to the positioner 450.
  • a second welding step E takes place in the same positioning station 400 and is aimed at fixing a plug 15 on the corresponding portion of the case 1.1; by means of an application support 410, preferably included below the piston 420, after having engaged, in a stable and reversible manner, with the surface of the plug 15, it carries out an ultrasonic heat sealing, determining its stable engagement on the case 1.1.
  • This application support 410 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to have the plug 15 with an inclination with respect to the upper edge 1.3 of the corresponding case 1.1 of 90°.
  • the subsequent filling step F is aimed at filling each container case 1.1 with a predetermined amount of product to be stored: in a filling module 500 comprising a filling support 510, with the sliding of the conveyor belt or sliding plane the vacant volume of each of the cases 1.1 from the upper edge 1.3 is filled.
  • a closing station 600 the steps of closing G and sealing H take place: firstly by means of a closing support 605, arranged above the conveyor belt, the two open flaps 1.4 of each case 1.1 are brought together and, once in parallel position, they are welded by means of a sealing support 610, until completely closed.
  • step I an indication showing the batch and expiration date of the product is applied to one of the flaps 1.4 of the upper edge 1.2 of the cases 1.1 while, in step J, the container cases 1.1, ready for distribution, are transported by the conveyor belt, through the output station 700 outside of the packaging system 100 in question.
  • a ventilation and decontamination step K takes place for each of said distribution module 200, first opening module 300, positioning station 400, filling module 500, closing station 600 and output station 700 and related tools employed in each of the steps.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Abstract

System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, comprising: distribution module (200) of closed cases (1.1) through a gate (102); opening module (300) comprising a first support (103) and a second support (104) adapted to open said cases (1.1); positioning station (400), adapted to weld each case (1.1) and constrain a plug (15) with the corresponding portion of said case (1.1); filling module (500) adapted to fill each of said cases (1.1) up to the upper edge (1.3); closing station (600) comprising a closing support (605) and a sealing support (610) adapted to approach two open flaps (1.4) and seal them until closed; output station (700) comprising a printing device (710) adapted to apply batch and expiration date on one of the flaps (1.4).

Description

"System and method for the production of eco-sustainable food container cases for powdered products and the product thus obtained”
Description
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of the production of complex packaging and food packaging. In more detail, the object of this patent application is a system associated with a method for the production of food packaging containers, exclusively molded and shaped in paper and paperboard and pure cellulose, through which to offer the market an eco-sustainable solution within a circular economy.
Prior art
To date, science, technology and innovation are projected into the field of sustainable food packaging in exponential development.
Among the widely used examples of packaging for spices, the traditional Italdroghe glass jars may be mentioned, designed to contain an extremely wide assortment of spices and aromatic herbs and provided with flip-top caps which ensure freshness of the product over time and include versions with dispenser and with grinder.
Among the machines used for the production of new packaging one may mention a Landpack automatic packaging machine, with multiple lanes, for high-speed liquids (Model: LD-560L- 8) widely used for food, medicine, chemical liquid products such as mouthwash, ketchup, flavors, sauces, pastries, shampoo, creams, body wash liquids and the like.
Another well-known model is the Landpack packing machine for 5g to 500g powder sachets (Model: LD-320D/380D) suitable for packing fine powder products such as coffee powder, spices, milk powder, flour, fruit powder, seasoning, chemical medical powder, etc. It integrates measuring, bagging, packing, sealing and date stamping of each sachet.
The aforementioned machines are designed to produce packaging in the form of sealed sachets.
A novelty in the field of spice packaging is represented by the “Ubena” clip sachets packaging. This line includes bags resealable with an aroma-saving clip on each package, which takes up little space in the kitchen, convenient for learning more about exotic spices and ideal for tasting.
Among the patents relating to this field the following may be mentioned: CA3139472A1 which describes a package for preserving products such as vegetables, fruit, aromatic herbs, spices and/or flowers, and a related method. Inside the package there is a volume adapted to contain a portion of product and a polymeric film atmosphere, provided with at least a perforation which allows gaseous exchange with the atmosphere to form a controlled atmosphere package. The packaging material has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), a carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO2TR), and an oxygen transmission rate (O2TR), where the WVTR of the packaging material is between 50 and 1200 ml/(m<2>.24 hours), the CO2TR of the packaging material is greater than 1000 ml/(m<2>.24 hours).
Another patent is CN212922044U which describes a highly efficient packaging device for the production of spices, comprising:
- a base;
- a production box fixed in the upper part of the base, a conveyor belt placed within a case, movably mounted in the upper part of the base;
- a weighing box fixedly mounted at the bottom of a funnel.
US2022063856A1, another patent in this field, claims a method of producing packages containing liquid food products from a web of packaging material.
In the light of the prior art, it can be stated that in almost all cases, innovative packaging is made with plastic components only, at most with more components including materials that are in any case polluting. The result is a non-recyclable product, which does not keep pace with the needs of the historical moment we are experiencing. From an examination of the solutions applied to date, it is possible to highlight that each of the machines on the market, to date, is unsuitable for entering a circular economy and for being built with low environmental impact; for these reasons, by virtue of the system and the method associated with it, described in detail below, it will be possible to solve the above drawbacks.
Description of the invention
According to the present invention , a new packaging system is provided associated with a method for the production of biodegradable, recyclable and eco-sustainable food container cases for products in powder or granular consistency.
The aforesaid system allows for a plurality of production steps during which the aforesaid cases are opened, sealed and filled for distribution. In this case, the system object of the present invention is divided into:
- a distribution module which allows the input, by means of a conveyor belt or a sliding plane, of stacks of cases, still closed, which enter the packaging system through a gate;
- a first module for opening the aforementioned cases, where each still closed case is picked up from the conveyor belt by means of a first support and, by means of a second support, each of them is opened, until forming a parallelepiped open at the upper and lower ends;
- a positioning station comprising: (i) a positioner consisting of a piston, preferably damped, for welding, in a stable manner, a lower portion of each case and (ii) a support for applying a plug to be applied to each case. The latter, engaging with the surface of the plug, in a stable and reversible manner, carries out a ultrasonic heat sealing thereof in an inclination with respect to the horizontal plane of 90° on the upper edge of the case, determining the stable engagement of the two portions;
- a filling module which, through a filling support, is designed to insert a predetermined quantity of product to be stored, until each case is filled up to the upper edge;
- a closing station comprising: (i) a closing support, installed above the conveyor belt which moves the cases during the various production steps and which, by lowering itself on them, brings the two open flaps together in the upper edge of each case, positioning them parallel to one another other, ready to be sealed and, (ii) a sealing support, installed immediately after said closing support installed to seal the flaps until completely closed;
- an output station which, through a printing device, stamps the batch and expiration date on one of the flaps and which, at the end of production, via the aforementioned conveyor belt, transfers the container cases thus produced outside the packaging system.
In an advantageous version, in each of the aforesaid distribution module, first opening module, positioning station, filling module, closing station and output station, the following are installed:
- at least a water detector which signals leakage of liquids inside them, avoiding the risk of damage both to the container cases and to the whole system in each of the production steps;
- at least a humidity and temperature detector which, by signaling sudden changes in temperature and increases in humidity, once again prevents damage to the products during the production steps.
Possibly and advantageously, the aforementioned positioning station comprises:
- compression means which ensure correct sealing of the plug on the corresponding portion of the container case;
- a compression plate connected to said piston which is moved in a vertical direction, with a predetermined force to press the lower portion of each case, inversely to the motion of the piston, sealing and correcting any imperfections in the closure of said lower portion of each case;
- a plurality of mutually independent damping springs included in each compression plate which impart a compression force modulated according to the positioning of the lower portion of each case.
The entire system can possibly be associated with at least a software application, which can be installed on electronic devices, which advantageously allows remote activation of the production steps and management of the entire system, verifying the parameters and consumption in all production steps.
Also possibly, this application allows the tracking of the product container cases, via a barcode applied to them, ensuring that each external user knows for the benefit of the environment:
- the batch of origin of each container case;
- the materials used in the production;
- the methods of eco-disposal.
The system described up to now is associated with an advantageous mechanical packaging and sealing method divided into the following steps:
- an input step A of the container cases into the distribution module;
- a step B of opening the cases through said first opening module;
- a step C of transferring the cases into the aforesaid second support and opening them;
- a first welding step D of said lower portion of the cases, in the positioning station;
- a second welding step E of the plug through said application support;
- a filling step F of each case by means of said filling support;
- a closing step G in which the two upper, open flaps of each case are brought together and positioned parallel;
- a sealing step H in which said flaps 1.4 are welded by means of the aforesaid sealing support;
- a first step of completion of the production I of printing batch and expiration date on one of said flaps;
- a second step of completion of the production J in which the container cases are transported outside the packaging system.
In a further version, the aforesaid method comprises a ventilation and decontamination step K of each of the tools included in the production stations and used in the production steps.
The container cases, obtained following the steps of the above method, preferably consist of a layer of a monocoated cardboard with a 300g/sqm grammage, disposable paper or any other type of biodegradable cardboard and/or made of plant and biodegradable material to contain and preserve dry, powdered and/or granular food products.
Finally, in a further advantageous version, the cases comprise a plug provided with a multiple dispenser of powdered and/or granular product arranged to pour a predetermined amount of product, measured by the plug itself.
The advantages offered by the present invention are clear in the light of the above description and will be even clearer from the accompanying figures and the related detailed description.
Figure imgf000008_0001
The invention will hereinafter be described in at least a preferred embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying figures, in which:
- FIGURE 1 shows a schematic view of the system 100 of the present invention according to a first embodiment during a first processing step: it should be noted that the distribution module 200 comprises a gate 102, through which the closed cases 1.1 enter inside the machine 100. The opening module 300 of the cases 1.1 should also be noted, which comprises a first support 103 which picks up each and transfers it onto a second support 104 for opening the container cases;
- FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates the positioning station of the machine 100 of the present invention: here a plurality of positioners 450 consisting of at least a piston 420 comprising a plate 430, damped, weld in a stable manner a lower portion 1.2 of each case;
- FIGURE 3 schematically shows the filling module 500 comprising a filling support 510 which fills each case 1.1 from top to bottom;
- FIGURE 4 shows a closing station 600 comprising a closing support 605 arranged above the conveyor belt which, when lowered, approaches two open flaps 1.4 of the upper edge 1.3 of each case 1.1 preparing them to be sealed; subsequently a sealing support 610 arranges the welding of the aforementioned flaps 1.4 until they are completely closed;
- FIGURE 5 shows the output station 700 comprising a printing device 710 which applies the batch and expiration date on one of the flaps 1.4 of the case;
- FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the container case 1.1 of the present invention, comprising a plug 15, the lower portion 1.2, the upper edge 1.3 comprising at least two flaps 1.4;
- FIGURE 7 shows a block diagram of the method of the present invention from step A to step K.
Detailed description of the invention
The present invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of the figures, which illustrate some embodiments relative to the present inventive concept.
Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 show in sequence: distribution module 200; first opening module 300; positioning station 400; filling module 500; closing station 600 and output station 700 included in the packaging system 100 object of the present invention. It allows the packaging and mechanical sealing of container cases 1.1, in Fig. 6, whose peculiar feature is that of retaining powdered and/or granular food products: the case 1.1 thus configured is provided with a plug 15 with a product dispenser which allows the metering of said granular and/or powdered product in a predetermined amount.
The entire container case 1.1 is preferably made of a layer of monocoated cardboard with a 300g/sqm grammage, with disposable paper or with any other type of biodegradable cardboard and/or made of plant and biodegradable material.
The system 100 in question is associated with a software application, which can be installed on electronic devices, which allows remote activation and monitoring of the production steps, verifying the parameters and consumption during the processing step. The container cases 1.1, once produced, are traced through the same application by means of a barcode: this allows each external user to know the origin, materials and eco-disposal methods of the cases 1.1.
The aforementioned system 100 is associated with a method, represented in Fig. 7 and structured, as anticipated, in six macro-stations each of which is provided with a water detector to signal any liquid leaks and a humidity and temperature detector to signal any sudden changes in temperature and increases in humidity, in order to avoid damage to the container cases 1.1 produced or to the stations themselves, preserving the integrity thereof during all production steps.
Each station is assigned a step of the aforementioned method, starting from the input step A of the container cases 1.1 still closed and organized in stacks, which advance above a conveyor belt or sliding plane, crossing a gate 102 to enter inside the packaging system 100.
The opening step B of the aforementioned cases 1.1 takes place through the aforementioned first opening module 300: it comprises a first support 103 which in a first step picks up, one at a time, the still closed cases 1.1, while in a step C, it transfers them in a second support 104 which proceeds to open them up to form a parallelepiped open on the lower portion 1.2 and on the upper edge 1.3.
By sliding vertically, the aforesaid second support 104 transfers to the positioning station 400, where the first welding step D of the aforesaid lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1 takes place: in this station, a plurality of damped pistons 420, comprising a positioner 450 and a compression plate 430 connected to them, move by exerting an opposite motion, one towards the other in a vertical direction by exerting a predetermined force suitable for stably welding the aforementioned lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1. Each compression plate 430 comprises a plurality of mutually independent damping springs which impart a compression force modulated according to the positioning of the lower portion 1.2 of each case 1.1 with respect to the positioner 450.
A second welding step E takes place in the same positioning station 400 and is aimed at fixing a plug 15 on the corresponding portion of the case 1.1; by means of an application support 410, preferably included below the piston 420, after having engaged, in a stable and reversible manner, with the surface of the plug 15, it carries out an ultrasonic heat sealing, determining its stable engagement on the case 1.1.
This application support 410 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to have the plug 15 with an inclination with respect to the upper edge 1.3 of the corresponding case 1.1 of 90°.
The subsequent filling step F is aimed at filling each container case 1.1 with a predetermined amount of product to be stored: in a filling module 500 comprising a filling support 510, with the sliding of the conveyor belt or sliding plane the vacant volume of each of the cases 1.1 from the upper edge 1.3 is filled. In a closing station 600, the steps of closing G and sealing H take place: firstly by means of a closing support 605, arranged above the conveyor belt, the two open flaps 1.4 of each case 1.1 are brought together and, once in parallel position, they are welded by means of a sealing support 610, until completely closed. The final production steps are provided in an output station 700 where, through a printing device 710, in step I an indication showing the batch and expiration date of the product is applied to one of the flaps 1.4 of the upper edge 1.2 of the cases 1.1 while, in step J, the container cases 1.1, ready for distribution, are transported by the conveyor belt, through the output station 700 outside of the packaging system 100 in question. At the end of production, a ventilation and decontamination step K takes place for each of said distribution module 200, first opening module 300, positioning station 400, filling module 500, closing station 600 and output station 700 and related tools employed in each of the steps. Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants may be made to the invention described thus far which are apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection that is provided by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims stem (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted retain powdered and/or granular food products, characterized in that it comprises:
- a module (200) for distributing at least a stack of closed cases (1.1) inserted on a conveyor belt or a sliding plane on which said closed cases (1.1) are advanced by pushers connected to a chain; said sliding plane being adapted to convey a stack of closed cases (1.1) within said system (100) passing through a gate (102);
- a first module (300) for opening each of said closed cases (1.1), comprising a first support (103) adapted, in a first step, to pick up a closed case (1.1) from said stack of cases and transfer it to a second support (104); said second support (104) being adapted to open each of said cases (1.1) and transfer them sliding vertically on an axis, to a positioning station (400);
- a said positioning station (400), adapted to stably seal a lower portion (1.
2) of each case (1.1) and constrain a plug (15) with the corresponding portion of said underlying case (1.1); said positioning station (400) comprising a positioner (450) comprising a plunger (420), preferably damped, and an application (410) for supporting said plug (15) adapted to be stably and reversibly engaged with the surface of said plug (15) and carry out a ultrasonic heat sealing; said application support (410) being inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to have the plug (15) with a 90° inclination with respect to the upper edge (1.3) of the corresponding case (1.1); said application support (410), being adapted to compress a portion of the edge of said plug (15) on the corresponding case portion (1.1) determining the stable engagement of the two portions;
- a filling module (500) comprising a filling support (510) adapted to fill up each of said cases (1.1), arranged on said conveyor belt or sliding plane; said filling support (510) being adapted to fill said cases (1.1) open on said upper edge (1.3), with a predetermined amount of product to be stored, such to fill each of said cases (1.1) in a predetermined manner or up to the upper edge (1.3);
- a closing station (600) comprising a closing support (605) arranged on said conveyor belt and adapted to be lowered and approach two open flaps (1.4), comprised in said upper edge (1.3) of each case (1.1), positioning them parallel to each other, ready to be sealed; said closing station (600) comprising at least a sealing support (610), installed immediately downstream of said closing support (605) and being adapted to seal said flaps (1.4) comprised in said upper edge (1.
3) of each case (1.1), until full closing;
- an output station (700) comprising a printing device (710) adapted to stamp batch and expiration date on at least one of said flaps (1.
4). System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that each of said distribution module (200), first opening module (300), positioning station (400), filling module (500), closing station (600) and output station (700) comprise at least a water detector adapted to indicate possible leakage of liquids and preventing said container cases (1.1) from being damaged in all production steps. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each of said distribution module (200), first opening module (300), positioning station (400), filling module (500), closing station (600) and output station (700) comprise at least a humidity and temperature detector adapted to indicate possible heat excursions and humidity increases, so as to prevent said produced container cases (1.1) from being damaged and maintain the wholeness thereof during all production steps. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said filling module (500) is adapted to fill up the vacant volume of each of said container cases (1.1) with a product to be stored.
5. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said positioning station (400) further comprises compression means adapted to ensure the correctness of the sealing between each container case (1.1) and the corresponding plug (15) and therefore the sealing.
6. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said compression means comprise, at each container case (1.1), a compression plate (430) connected to said plunger (420) adapted to move said plate (430) in the vertical direction for pressing inversely to the motion of said plunger (420), with a predetermined force, said lower portion of each case (1.1), sealing it and correcting possible defects that occur in said positioning station (400).
7. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to the preceding claim 6, characterized in that each compression plate (430) comprises a plurality of mutually independent damping springs adapted to impart a modulated compression force as a function of the positioning of said lower portion (1.2) of each case (1.1).
8. System (100) for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is associated with at least a software application, which can be installed on electronic devices, adapted to activate and manage said system (100) from a remote position, verifying the parameters and consumptions thereof when processing and monitoring the production; said application being further adapted to track said container cases (1.1), once produced, through a barcode, so as to allow each external user to verify the source thereof, the relative materials and environmental-friendly disposal method. Method for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products characterized in that it has a packaging system (100), according to the preceding claims 1 to 8 and in that it comprises the following steps:
(a) a step (A) for the input of said container cases (1.1) still closed, organized in stacks, within said distribution module (200) by means of said conveyor belt or sliding plane, in said step (A), said stack of closed cases (1.1) enters into said system (100) passing through a gate (102);
(b) a step (B) for opening said cases (1.1) through said first opening module (300) which - using said first support (103) - picks up each closed case (1.1) from said stack of cases;
(c) a step (C) for transferring to said second support (104) during which each of said cases (1.1) is opened until it forms an open parallelepiped on the ends of said lower portion (1.2) and upper edge (1.3);
(d) a step (D) for sealing said lower portion (1.2) of each case (1.1) in said positioning station (400), during which a plurality of plungers (420), having a positioner (450) and at least a compression plate (430) connected to said plunger (420) drive each other with an opposite motion, one towards the other in vertical direction exerting a predetermined force adapted to seal said lower portion (1.2) of each case (1.1);
(e) a second step (E) for sealing the plug (15) during which, in said positioning station (400) a plug (15) is constrained on the corresponding case portion (1.1) through said application support (410) adapted to be stably and reversibly engaged with the surface of said plug (15) and carry out an ultrasonic heat sealing, determining the stable engagement on the corresponding case portion (1.1);
(f) a filling step (F) during which each case (1.1) is filled up with a predetermined amount of product by means of said filling support (510);
(g) a closing step (G) in which the two open upper flaps (1.4) of each case (1.1) are approached and positioned parallel to each other by means of said closing support (605);
(h) a sealing step (H) in which said flaps (1.4) are welded by means of said sealing support (610), until full closing;
(i) a first production completion step (I) designated for the exit of said sealed container cases (1.1): in this step, by means of said printing device (710), it applies and indication showing the batch and expiration date on one of said flaps (1.4);
(j) a second production completion step (J) in which the container cases (1.1), ready for distribution, are conveyed on said conveyor belt, through said output station (700) until outside said system (100). Method for the mechanical packaging and sealing of container cases (1.1) adapted to retain powdered and/or granular food products, according to the preceding claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a step (K) for ventilating and decontaminating each of said tools used in each of said distribution module (200), first opening module (300), positioning station (400), filling module (500), closing station (600) and output station (700). Container case (1.1) for food products, characterized in that it is produced by means of said packaging system (100) associated with said method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 and in that it:
- contains dry powdered and/or granular food products;
- comprises at least a plug (15) adapted to allow the dosage of a predetermined amount of product;
- is entirely made of monocoated cardboard with a 300g/sqm grammage, disposable paper or any other type of biodegradable cardboard and/or made of plant and biodegradable material. Container case (1.1) for food products, according to the preceding claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a plug (15) provided with a powdered and/or granular product multiple metering device.
PCT/IB2023/056420 2022-07-22 2023-06-21 System and method for the production of eco-sustainable food container cases for powdered products and the product thus obtained WO2024018303A1 (en)

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IT102022000015441A IT202200015441A1 (en) 2022-07-22 2022-07-22 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ECO-SUSTAINABLE FOOD CONTAINERS FOR POWDERED PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT OBTAINED THUS
IT102022000015441 2022-07-22

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US3280531A (en) * 1962-06-22 1966-10-25 Jagenberg Werke Ag Method and apparatus for the manufacture, filling and closing of liquidtight containers
KR19990084596A (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-12-06 오군재 Paper pack packaging process including spout hole drilling process and apparatus therefor
DE102004013991A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-10-20 Sig Technology Ltd A method of manufacturing a carton / plastic composite package provided with a pouring element and package produced thereafter
US9956721B2 (en) * 2014-09-18 2018-05-01 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Sonotorode
US20190225359A1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2019-07-25 Krones Ag Installation for the treatment of containers, and method for packaging filled containers
CA3139472A1 (en) 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Bastiaan Rinke Antony GROENEWEG Package for preserving respiring produce and method
CN212922044U (en) 2020-08-25 2021-04-09 浙江裕昌慎香料有限公司 Efficient packing apparatus for spices production
US20220063856A1 (en) 2018-12-21 2022-03-03 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. A method for producing packages and a system thereof

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3280531A (en) * 1962-06-22 1966-10-25 Jagenberg Werke Ag Method and apparatus for the manufacture, filling and closing of liquidtight containers
KR19990084596A (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-12-06 오군재 Paper pack packaging process including spout hole drilling process and apparatus therefor
DE102004013991A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2005-10-20 Sig Technology Ltd A method of manufacturing a carton / plastic composite package provided with a pouring element and package produced thereafter
US9956721B2 (en) * 2014-09-18 2018-05-01 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Sonotorode
US20190225359A1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2019-07-25 Krones Ag Installation for the treatment of containers, and method for packaging filled containers
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CA3139472A1 (en) 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Bastiaan Rinke Antony GROENEWEG Package for preserving respiring produce and method
CN212922044U (en) 2020-08-25 2021-04-09 浙江裕昌慎香料有限公司 Efficient packing apparatus for spices production

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