Method and apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of closed bags

Abstract

The method for automatically unfolding an end flap (16) of a closed bag (11), containing at least one article (12) therein, comprises the steps of pressing, by means of pressing members (30), two contact regions (C) of a first (14) and a second (15) opposite surfaces of said bag (11) against two respective opposite faces (12A, 12B) of said at least one article (12).

Description

[0001] “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY UNFOLDING AN END FLAP OF CLOSED BAGS”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a method and the corresponding apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of closed bags, such as for example envelopes, bags or sachets made of thin and flexible material, such as plastic, paper, fabric or suchlike, containing objects, for example, but not limited to, containers or supports for bottles, vials, flasks or suchlike, in the chemical, medical and pharmaceutical sectors, in order to facilitate the identification of the end flap to make it available for a subsequent treatment, in particular cutting the flap.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known that in the chemical, medical and pharmaceutical fields, products and substances can be packaged inside dedicated containers, suitable to contain single or multiple doses, to facilitate the operations of sorting and administering them.

[0006] These known containers can for example be bottles, flasks, vials, syringes, cartridges, for example those used in the syringes themselves for the administration of anesthetics or other drugs, and suchlike.

[0007] The transport and, often, the filling of these known containers are carried out by arranging them in an orderly manner inside racks, or trays, also known to the people of skill in the art by the English term “nest”, housed inside slightly larger trays, also known to the people of skill in the art by the English term “tubs”.

[0008] To guarantee the contents of the containers are safeguarded from the risk of external contamination, and to prevent the leakage of substances contained inside the containers, for example following breakage or damage during transport, the tubs are sealed inside a first bag, or envelope, usually made of thin and flexible polymeric material, or even with filter / Tyvek paper.

[0009] The first envelope containing the tub is in turn sealed inside a second bag or envelope, also made of thin and flexible polymeric material, in order to increase the safety factor, facilitate its transport and even allow, for example, the application of barcodes or QR codes on the second envelope, which will make the automated recognition of the envelope’s contents considerably faster. This type of packaging is very efficient in automatic processing lines, where the various machinery and industrial robots can recognize and treat the various tubs sealed inside the envelopes without requiring the intervention of external operators, guaranteeing a great speed of execution and a high level of safety for the process, especially when having to operate in a sterile environment.

[0010] To extract the individual tubs from the two envelopes, it will therefore be sufficient for an operator, or automated machine, to identify the end flap of each envelope, which is usually arranged on one side thereof, cut it and extract the contents.

[0011] However, especially when using an automated machine, the identification of the aforementioned end flap could be particularly difficult, in the event that it has been deformed or wrinkled, sometimes making it difficult, or even impossible, to automatically recognize the flap and open it, for example by cutting.

[0012] In particular, from document US 2022 / 227522 an apparatus for orienting a rigid or semi-rigid object contained in an envelope is known, wherein rotating brushes are used that allow to orient the object in a certain direction, whereby the end flap is positioned so as to then be cut as a result of it rubbing against the rotating brushes, which however generate a lot of particles that pollute the usually sterile environment in which these apparatuses normally operate.

[0013] The known apparatus is also unsuitable when it comes to moving delicate or fragile objects, for example made of a frangible material such as glass for example, and containing chemical and / or pharmaceutical products. In addition, the relative height between the rotating brushes would have to be constantly modified and adapted to the actual sizes of the envelopes to be treated, the apparatus thus proves to be inefficient and unreliable.

[0014] An apparatus is also known which, in order to identify the end flap of a sealed envelope, is provided with a pointed tubular element, or needle, which is inserted inside the envelope to blow pressurized air inside it and inflate it, like a balloon, to facilitate the identification of the end flap to be cut. The insertion of this needle inside the sealed bag implies that it has to be sterilized before each use, thus making the corresponding method too long and laborious.

[0015] However, even this solution proves to not be very suitable when it is necessary to treat bags and containers that enclose chemical and / or pharmaceutical substances inside them, which could for example react with the insufflated air, thus compromising their quality and in some cases their usability.

[0016] From document US 2012 / 023873 an apparatus is also known for the automatic treatment of bags configured to work in controlled environments at pressures below atmospheric pressure, in so-called “vacuum” environments. In fact, creating a vacuum in the environment which the bag is contained in causes an expansion of the volume of air contained therein, which causes a stretching of the outer surfaces thereof and makes it possible to subsequently identify the end flap.

[0017] However, this known apparatus is very complex and expensive because it requires a plant to create the vacuum, or an adequate depression, and to keep the work environments air tight; its operation is also particularly complex, and therefore expensive, also from a maintenance point of view.

[0018] In addition, an apparatus is known having a rotating gripper suitable to grip a portion of the bag, by rotating on itself, then pulling a part of it around the object contained inside it. However, this known apparatus is not suitable to identify the end flap effectively, especially if the bag is particularly deformed or crumpled.

[0019] So-called “stretching” apparatuses are also known, which provide to make the bag containing an object pass under a fixed mechanical arm, for example by moving the object on conveyor belts, whose compressive action stretches the outer surface of the containing envelope.

[0020] This type of solution has the disadvantage of being unsuitable in the event that the objects contained inside the envelopes are rigid, and therefore not suited to deformations, thus risking damaging their contents even irreparably.

[0021] Other solutions known in the art for unfolding a bag containing an object are also described in patent documents US 2021 / 094719 and WO 2022 / 190148, the latter being owned by the same Applicant.

[0022] There is therefore the need to provide an apparatus capable of automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag containing one or several objects, in particular containers for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors, in order to facilitate the identification of the end flap, which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art and which is able to operate on an automated processing line, in particular when there is a requirement to work in a sterile environment. One purpose of the present invention is therefore to perfect a method and provide an apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag containing at least one object, for example a container for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors, in order to facilitate the identification of the bag’s end flap.

[0023] Another purpose of the present invention is to perfect a method and provide an apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag containing at least one object, for example a container for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors, which can operate in an automated manner and without needing any intervention by an operator.

[0024] Another purpose of the present invention is to perfect a method and provide an apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag containing at least one object, for example a container for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors, in which high hygiene standards are guaranteed, and which therefore do not subject the contents thereof to the risk of contamination.

[0025] Another purpose of the present invention is to perfect a method and provide an apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed container containing at least one object, for example a container for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors, without the risk of damaging its contents.

[0026] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0027] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0029] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a method according to the present invention for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag, containing at least one article therein, comprises the steps of pressing, by means of pressing members, two contact regions of a first and a second opposite surfaces of the bag against two respective opposite faces of the at least one article; moving, by means of the pressing members, the contact regions against the respective faces of the at least one article, wherein this moving step has a first component having a direction oriented away from the position of the end flap so as to straighten it, and a subsequent second component oriented towards the position of the end flap. The moving step is followed by a sliding step of the pressing members on the first and second surfaces to cause the unfolding of the end flap. During the movement of the contact regions, the pressing members keep the bag pressed against the corresponding surfaces of the at least one article located inside the bag. The contact regions are comprised in the bag and move together with the pressing members.

[0030] This achieves at least the advantage of being able to unfold the bag’s end flap regardless of its shape, for example whether it is flattened or crumpled against the at least one article. This is thanks to the step of moving the contact regions away from the end flap, allowing it to be straightened, which in turn guarantees that the flap is unfolded by the movement of the pressing members towards the end flap.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus according to the invention for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag containing at least one article therein comprises at least two pressing members, each configured to press a contact region on a respective face of the closed bag with the at least one article interposed therebetween, the closed bag being interposed between the pressing members so that these operate on two opposite outer surfaces of the closed bag.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an actuator which the pressing members are connected to, and a controller programmed to control the movement of the pressing members so as to press them against the closed bag to cause a movement of the contact regions with a first component oriented away from the position of the end flap, so as to straighten it, and a subsequent second component of the movement oriented towards, or moving closer to, the end flap until it is unfolded. Advantageously, the controller is programmed to keep the pressing members pressed against the closed bag during their movement. The controller is advantageously connected to the actuator.

[0033] Advantageously, the pressing members comprise a pair of bars extending along a respective longitudinal axis and preferably having a round or circular crosssection. During their movement, at least one bar of the pair of bars has its longitudinal axis inclined towards the closed bag, and / or inclined by an angle other than 90° with respect to the two directions of the movement, so that the contact regions affect the at least one article along its entire width or, more generally, along its entire dimension parallel to the end flap. The inclination of the bars towards the closed bag allows to adjust their compression force, especially at their free end, while the inclination in the directions of the movement allows to improve the unfolding, depending on the geometry of the article.

[0034] In the latter case, both bars can have the same angle of inclination with respect to the directions of the movement, or two different angles with respect to the directions of the movement.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0037] - fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag, according to the present invention; and

[0038] - figs. 2A-2E are schematic and partial front views of the apparatus of fig. 1, in accordance with some variants of the invention;

[0039] - figs. 3A and 3B are plan views of pressing members of the apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of a closed bag, in two different orientations; and

[0040] - figs. 4-10 are schematic lateral views of the apparatus of fig. 1 in successive operating phases.

[0041] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0042] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0043] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention is configured to facilitate the automatic opening of a closed bag 11 containing at least one object 12, for example a container for the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical sectors.

[0044] Before describing the apparatus 10 in detail, an example of the bag 11 and the object 12 will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example.

[0045] Each object 12 can comprise, or consist of, a tub 13, which in turn contains a nest, which in turn can contain chemical and / or pharmaceutical products enclosed in flasks, vials, bottles or suchlike.

[0046] For example, in a pharmaceutical sector application, the standard sizes of an object 12 can be approximately 65 x 40 x 30 cm.

[0047] The bag 11, for example, can comprise or consist of an envelope formed by two parallel sheets 14, 15 joined together, for example by electro-welding, along their perimeter edges, so as to define an end flap 16, as is known in the art.

[0048] Each of the two sheets 14, 15 thus defines a respective outer surface of the bag 11. We must clarify that reference numbers 14, 15 will be used indifferently to indicate both the sheets and also the corresponding outer surface of the bag 11 defined thereby, also called first and second surface, respectively.

[0049] It should be noted that in possible variants, not shown in the attached drawings, the bag 11 could have different shapes from the one just described, for example consisting of a different number of sheets, for example three, four or five.

[0050] Furthermore, the bag 11 normally has a containing capacity sufficiently greater than the volume of the object 12, for example at least 20%, up to 100%, so that the latter, while remaining sealed in the bag 11, can move therein.

[0051] The bag 11 can be made of any thin, flexible and deformable material whatsoever, so that it can adapt to the shape of the object 12, such as for example polymeric material, for example a non-woven fabric, consisting of high-density polyethylene fibers, anti-tear but easily cut.

[0052] In other words, during use the bag 11 takes the shape of the object 12 contained therein, possibly sagging around it.

[0053] The apparatus 10 comprises a transfer device 20 comprising a receptacle 21 with sizes suitable to receive one closed bag 11 at a time. This receptacle 21 is, in the example shown, provided with a rotating arm 22 at one end. The arm is configured to rotate in a first vertical plane Pl between a first horizontal position (figs. 1 and 4-9), in which the closed bag 11 is in position for the automatic extension of the end flap 16, and a second vertical position (dashed line in fig. 1 and fig. 10), in which the automatic unloading of the closed bag 11 towards a subsequent operating station or machine is carried out. For this purpose, the receptacle has at least one bottom 23 which is perpendicular to the plane in which the arm 22 rotates, so that it is oriented horizontally when the arm 22 is in the first position (figs. 1 and 4-9), and vertically when the arm 22 is in the second position (fig. 10). The receptacle 21 also preferably comprises a rear wall 24 to which the arm 22 is connected.

[0054] It should be noted that in the example shown, when the closed bag 11 is in position for the unfolding of its end flap 16, the latter is positioned upward and oriented substantially vertical. The article 12 is oriented substantially vertically, that is, with a longitudinal axis X thereof substantially vertical.

[0055] In order to be able to keep the article 12 in position, the apparatus 10 comprises a blocking member 25 configured to block the position of the article 12 during the straightening, that is, during the movement of pressing members 30 described below. The blocking member 25 is located along the first vertical plane Pl and in front of the receptacle 21 when the arm 22 is in the first horizontal position. The blocking member is movable in the first vertical plane Pl between an inactive position (figs. 1 , 4 and 9), in which it is at a distance from the closed bag 11 , and a blocking position (figs. 5-8), in which it is in contact with the article 12 so as to press it against the rear wall 24 of the receptacle 21 and thus keep it in position. So as not to hinder the correct execution of the steps of the method, it is particularly advantageous for the blocking member 25 to be positioned substantially at the lower edge of the article 12, or in any case at a certain distance from the end flap 16. For example, the blocking member can be positioned flush with the bottom wall 23 of the receptacle 21 when the arm 22 is in the first position.

[0056] The apparatus 10 also comprises at least two pressing members 30, each located in front of a respective outer surface 14, 15 of the bag 11, in particular each pressing member 30 is in front of a respective face 12A, 12B of the article 12 when the bag is in position for the automatic unfolding of the end flap 16 (figs. 1 and 4- 9). The distance between the two pressing members 30 is adjustable so that it can be adapted to the sizes of the article 12 to be manipulated.

[0057] The two pressing members 30 are substantially identical to each other. Each of them comprises a bar 31 mounted on a rod 32, substantially at a first end 32A thereof. The bars 31 have a round or circular cross-section. In the example shown, the bars 31 are mounted cantilevered on their respective rods 32, that is, they have a first end 31A attached to the corresponding rod 32 and a second end 3 IB free and at a distance from the rod 32 (figs. 1, 3 A and 3B).

[0058] The rod 32 is pivoted, at its other end 32B, to an actuator 40 that also serves as a support to the pressing members 30. The actuator 40 is advantageously mounted on a support, not shown in the drawings, vertically movable so as to be able to move the pressing members 30 vertically along the closed bag 11. It can be inferred that, since the end flap 16 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12, the pressing members 30, in particular the bars 31 , will be moved in directions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end flap 16. This characteristic is particularly advantageous regardless of the orientation of the article 12 and of the end flap 16.

[0059] The rods 32 are both rotatable in a same second vertical plane P2, parallel to the first vertical plane P 1 and substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the end flap 16 (fig. 1). The bars 31 extend with their longitudinal axis Y transverse from their respective rod 32, that is, each bar 31 is perpendicular or inclined by an angle that can be other than 90° with respect to the corresponding rod 32. In this way, the bars 31 are substantially parallel or slightly inclined with respect to the orientation of the end flap 16 (figs. 1 and 2A-2E), that is, perpendicular or inclined by an angle other than 90° with respect to the direction of the movement, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12. This inclination is to be considered with respect to a third vertical plane P3 which is perpendicular to the first and second planes PI, P2 but parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12. This third plane P3 corresponds to the plane of the sheet in figs. 2A-2E.

[0060] Specifically, it is possible to provide that both bars 31 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12, as shown in fig. 2A.

[0061] In one variant, shown in fig. 2B, the bars 31 are instead inclined by an angle other than 90° with respect to the directions of their movement, that is, with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12, but in such a way as to in any case affect its entire width. For example, the bars 31, or their respective longitudinal axis Y, are inclined by an angle a comprised between 70° and 90° with respect to the directions of their movement, that is, with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12; that is, they are inclined by an angle of up to 20° with respect to the perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0062] In another variant, the bars 31 are both inclined in the same direction, but with two different angles. For example, a first bar 31 is inclined by a first angle a with respect to the direction of movement, and the other bar 31 is inclined by a second angle p with respect to the direction of movement, where P is different from, for example smaller than, a. By way of example, the value of a can be between 70° and 90° with respect to the direction of movement, while the value of p can be between 60° and 90° with respect to the direction of movement.

[0063] In yet another variant, the bars 31 are both inclined but in opposite directions (fig. 2D). The two angles of the bars 31 with respect to the direction of movement can be the same as each other in absolute value, or different from each other.

[0064] It can also be provided that one bar 31 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12, therefore with respect to the direction of movement, while the other is inclined by an angle other than 90°, for example by the angle a as above (fig. 2E).

[0065] The bars 31 have another degree of freedom, that is, they can be kept with the longitudinal axis Y parallel to the faces 12A, 12B of the article 12, or they can be with the longitudinal axis Y inclined towards the faces 12A, 12B (figs. 3 A, 3B). By inclined towards the article 12 we mean that one of the ends 31 A, 3 IB of the bar is closer to the article 12 than the other end 3 IB, 31 A.

[0066] This second inclination is to be considered in a fourth plane P4 which is perpendicular to the first and second vertical planes Pl, P2, but perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12. The fourth plane P4, which is horizontal, and which corresponds to the plane of the sheet in figs. 3A and 3B, is therefore perpendicular with respect to the third plane P3 in which the previously described angles a, P, are measured.

[0067] As already described for the above mentioned orientation with respect to the directions of movement, each bar 31 can be inclined independently of the other with respect to the faces 12A, 12B of the article 12. It is advantageous to incline the bars 31 so as to bring their free ends 3 IB closer to the article 12, so as to better adjust the compression force at this end. Since the bars 31 are mounted cantilevered, this adjustment allows to compress a contact region C uniformly along the entire length of the bars 31. This adjustment also allows to compensate for any errors in the straightness of the bars 31. However, it is also possible to incline the bars so as to move their free end 3 IB away from the article 12.

[0068] Considering the two degrees of freedom described above, it can be inferred that the bars 31 can be oriented substantially in a conical region whose tip is located at the attachment between the bar 31 and the corresponding rod 32.

[0069] Preferably, the length of the bars 31 is greater than the width of the article 12, so as to affect its faces 12 A, 12B over their entire width, which allows to maximize the effect caused by the pressing members 30, as will be explained below. The bars 31 are configured to come into contact with the closed bag 11 and, indirectly, with the article 12, at respective contact regions C (figs. 5-7) of the sheets 14, 15, in which the sheets 14, 15 are locally compressed against the faces 12 A, 12B of the article 12.

[0070] The bars 31 have an outer surface 33 made of a high friction material, for example rubber. In this way, the bars 31 are prevented from sliding along the outer surfaces 14, 15 of the closed bag 11. It is possible to provide that the outer surface 33 is irregular, for example made of bumps and notches, so as to increase the friction with the material of the closed bag 11. By way of a non-limiting example, in fig. 1 the outer surface 33 of the bars 31 comprises several annular sections coaxial to the bar 31.

[0071] The apparatus 10 also comprises a controller 50 connected to the actuator 40. The controller 50 is programmed to control the movement of the pressing members 30 so as to press them against the closed bag 11 and the article 12 contained therein, and to determine a movement of the contact regions C that has a first component oriented away from the position of the end flap 16 and a subsequent second component oriented towards the position of the end flap 16. This movement is carried out while the pressing members 30 are pressed against the article 12, so as to move the closed bag 11 relative to the article 12 contained therein.

[0072] It can also be provided that the apparatus 10 is equipped with at least one sensor configured to detect the force exerted by the pressing members 30 against the article 12 and the closed bag 11.

[0073] The operation of the apparatus 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps. We must clarify that the controller 50 is configured and programmed to control the pressing members 30 in all their movements in the steps described below.

[0074] The apparatus 10 is set up with the pressing members 30 at a distance from each other and the closed bag 11 located in the receptacle 21, between the pressing members 30, while the arm 22 is in the first horizontal position (fig. 4). The blocking member 25 is at a distance from the closed bag 11 and the pressing members 30 are not in contact with it. The end flap 16 of the bag 11 is crumpled on itself.

[0075] The blocking member 25 is controlled so as to bring it into contact with the article 12 and thus block it in position against the rear wall 24 of the receptacle 21 (figs. 4-5).

[0076] At this point, the height of the actuator 40 is adjusted so that the pressing members 30, in particular the bars 31, can contact the article 12 at an upper portion thereof, near the end flap 16. It is also provided to adjust the orientation of the bars 31 , both with respect to the directions of movement (as shown in figs. 2A-2E) and also with respect to the surfaces of the article 12 (as shown in figs. 3A-3B). These adjustments are carried out manually, and once the desired positioning of the bars 31 has been identified, they are blocked by means of known members, for example key rings. The positioning is chosen according to the format of article 12, it is therefore possible to make an initial ad hoc adjustment for each article 12. It can be inferred that the positioning of the bars 31 can no longer be changed during the operation of the apparatus 10.

[0077] The controller 50 controls the movement of the pressing members 30 towards each other, so that the bars 31 come into contact with the opposite faces 12 A, 12B of the article 12, pressing against said faces the sheets 14, 15 of the closed bag 11 at the contact regions C.

[0078] It is thus provided to block, by means of the blocking member 25, the position of the article 12 during the entire movement of the contact regions C.

[0079] The controller 50 then controls, by means of the pressing members 30, the movement of the contact regions C so as to determine a first stroke in which their movement has a first component oriented in the opposite direction, or away, with respect to the end flap 16 to be unfolded (figs. 5-6). In particular, the pressing members 30 are moved along the faces 12 A, 12B of the article 12 away from the end flap 16. It should be clarified that during this movement the bars 31 are kept pressed against the opposite faces 12 A, 12B of the article 12, so as to move the contact regions C.

[0080] This movement determines a movement of the upper portion of the closed bag 11 relative to the article 12, which causes a straightening of the end flap 16 which, if not yet sufficiently unfolded, is in any case no longer crumpled on itself. This straightening means that the pressing members 30 are also able to interact with the end flap 16.

[0081] To achieve this result, in the example shown here it is sufficient to move the pressing members until the bars 31 reach a substantially central portion, in height, of the article 12 (fig. 6). In other words, the first stroke begins in a portion of the article 12 closest to the end flap 16, and ends in a central portion of the article, at most.

[0082] More generally, the length of the first stroke of the bars 31 depends on the length of the end flap 16 to be straightened. The longer the latter, the longer the first stroke of the bars 31 has to be in order to achieve a satisfactory effect. This first stroke can therefore end in proximity to the flap opposite the end flap 16, or it can end before the aforementioned central portion in height of article 12, that is, in proximity to the end flap 16.

[0083] Once the first stroke of the movement of the pressing members 30 has ended, and therefore once the end flap 16 has been straightened, the controller 50, by means of the pressing members 30, controls the movement of the contact regions C so as to determine a second stroke, in which they are moved towards, or closer to, the end flap 16, reversing the direction of the motion with respect to the first stroke.

[0084] This second component of the movement of the contact regions C concludes when the bars 31 reach the upper edge of the article 12, that is, its edge closest to the end flap 16. Having moved past this edge, the movement of the pressing members 30 continues, oriented towards the end flap 16. A sliding step of the pressing members 30 on the first and second surfaces 14, 15 of the bag 11 then begins, so as to determine the unfolding of the end flap 16, and therefore its straightening.

[0085] In the example shown, the bars 31 are then moved upwards (figs. 6-7) until they reach the end flap 16, which is therefore pressed between the two bars 31 from both sides.

[0086] Continuing the movement of the bars 31 upwards results in the unfolding of the end flap 16, until the bars 31 go past the end of the end flap 16 (figs. 7-8). This going past the end is facilitated by the fact that the article 12, and therefore also the closed bag 11, is held in position by the blocking member 25. It can be inferred that the second stroke of the movement preferably ends beyond the end of the end flap 16.

[0087] At the end of this second component of the movement, the end flap 16 is arranged along a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the pressing members 30.

[0088] We must clarify that during the movement of the pressing members 30, the inclination of the bars 31 with respect to the directions of movement is not changed. Therefore, during their movement, both bars 31 are perpendicular, or inclined, by an angle a, [3 other than 90° with respect to the directions of movement. It can be provided that, during the movement, at least one of the bars 31 is inclined by an angle a, P other than 90° with respect to the directions of movement, or that both bars 31 are inclined by an angle oc, P other than 90° with respect to the directions of movement. In the latter case, the angles oc, P of the two bars 31 can be the same as each other or different, the angle P being, for example, greater, in absolute value, than the angle oc.

[0089] At this point, it is possible to control, by means of the controller 50, the reciprocal away movement of the pressing members 30 and the movement of the blocking member 25 towards its inactive position (fig. 9), and / or the rotation of the arm 22 towards its second vertical transfer position, so as to transfer the closed bag 11, with the end flap 16 unfolded, towards a subsequent operating station or machine, for example to cut the end flap 16.

[0090] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the apparatus 10 and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0091] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of method and apparatus for automatically unfolding an end flap of closed bags, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0092] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method for automatically unfolding an end flap (16) of a closed bag (11) containing at least one article (12) therein, said method comprising the steps of pressing, by means of pressing members (30), two opposite contact regions (C) of a first (14) and a second (15) opposite outer surfaces of said closed bag (11) against two respective opposite faces (12 A, 12B) of said at least one article (12), said method being characterized by further comprising a step of moving, by means of said pressing members (30), said two opposite contact regions (C) against said respective faces (12A, 12B), wherein said moving step has a first component having a direction oriented away from the position of said end flap (16), and a subsequent second component oriented towards said end flap (16), followed by a sliding step of said pressing members (30) on said first (14) and second (15) surfaces towards said end flap (16) to cause the unfolding of said end flap (16).

2. Method as in claim 1, characterized in that said first component starts in a region in which said pressing members (30) press against a first portion of said at least one article (12) closer to said end flap (16) and ends in a second portion of said at least one article (12) further away from said end flap (16).

3. Method as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a step of blocking the position of said at least one article (12), by means of a blocking member (25), during said movement of said two opposite contact regions (C).

4. Method as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the end of said sliding step, said end flap (16) is arranged on a plane parallel to the direction of movement of said pressing members (30).

5. Method as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pressing members (30) comprise a pair of bars (31) extending along a respective longitudinal axis (Y) and preferably having a round or circular cross-section, and in that during said moving step, at least one bar of said pair of bars (31) has its longitudinal axis (Y) inclined towards said closed bag (11) and / or inclined by an angle (a, |3) other than 90° with respect to the direction of said moving step.

6. Apparatus (10) for automatically unfolding an end flap (16) of a closed bag (11) containing at least one article (12) therein, said apparatus (10) comprising two pressing members (30) each configured to press a contact region (C) on a respective face (12A, 12B) of said closed bag (11) with said at least one article(12) interposed therebetween, so that said pressing members (30) operate on a first (14) and a second (15) opposite outer surfaces of said closed bag (11), characterized by further comprising an actuator (40) which said pressing members (30) are connected to, and a controller (50) programmed to control the movement of said pressing members (30) so as to press them against said closed bag (11) to cause a movement of said contact regions (C) with a first movement component having a direction oriented away from said end flap (16), and a subsequent second movement component oriented towards said end flap (16), followed by a sliding movement of said pressing members (30) on said first (14) and second (15) surfaces towards said end flap (16) to cause the unfolding of said end flap (16).

7. Apparatus (10) as in claim 6, characterized by further comprising a blocking member (25) configured to block the position of said at least one article (12) during the movement of said pressing members (30).

8. Apparatus (10) as in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each pressing member (30) comprises a bar (31) extending along a respective longitudinal axis (Y) and preferably having a round or circular cross-section.

9. Apparatus (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said bar (31) has an outer surface (33) made of a high friction material, such as, for example, rubber.

10. Apparatus (10) as in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one of said bars (31) has its longitudinal axis (Y) inclined by an angle (a, (3) other than 90° with respect to the directions of said movement and / or inclined towards said closed bag (11).