Machine for forming bags with infused or extracted products

Abstract

A machine for forming bags (1) with an infused or extracted product is described, the machine comprising a station (2) for forming and feeding individual sheets (3) to be used for packaging; a U-folding station (4) for folding the individual sheets (3); a unit (8) for sealing the two side edges (3a, 3b) of the individual sheets (3) to form a bag (1) having a bottom closed by folding, two closed sides for sealing and an open end or mouth (3d) opposite the bottom; a second turntable (9) rotating about a second rotation axis (9X), the second turntable being equipped with a plurality of radial grippers (10) each configured to receive an already formed bag (1); the second turntable (9) rotating about the second axis (9X) to define a circular path (P) for each gripper (10) so as to allow a series of grippers (10) to be reached successively. a further station; a dispensing station (11) having at least a first device (12) for dispensing a first infusion or extraction product supplied by gravity along a dispensing trajectory (T) toward an open opening 3d of the bag (1) and a second dispensing device (13) configured to prepare a dosed amount of a second infusion or extraction product; a conveying element (14) positioned between the first dispensing device (12) and the second dispensing device (13), the conveying element having at least one container (15) for receiving a dosed amount of the second infusion product from the second dispensing device (13); the conveying element (14) being configured to move the container (15) from a position for loading the dosed amount of the second product to a position for unloading the second product in an area consistent with the dispensing trajectory (T), the container (15) discharging the dosed amount of the second product from this position into the bag (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for forming bags with infused or extracted products. Background Art

[0002] The bag type according to the invention is obtained from a sheet of material obtained from a metal film, such as aluminium, but the material that can be used may even be different but have similar characteristics to the metal film.

[0003] Into the bag is added a single powder or granular product or a composite mixture of a main base product and an auxiliary product (eg aromatized product).

[0004] Each bag has a quadrilateral shape, closed by three seals, two seals on the sides and one seal on the top, while the bottom is formed by folding the sheet into a "U" shape and has a partially embedded shape.

[0005] These bags typically have a side weakening line near the top seal to allow tearing of the bag opening.

[0006] To obtain bags of this type, an automatic machine is used, which consists of:

[0007] - a station for feeding a continuous strip of packaging material along a feed direction;

[0008] - a cutting station configured for separating individual sheets from the continuous band;

[0009] - a station for folding individual U-shaped sheets, the station comprising a folding device and a first turntable rotating about a first rotation axis, the first turntable being equipped with radial grippers, each radial gripper being configured to receive a corresponding sheet folded into a "U" shape and to keep the closed bottom of the "U" of the individual sheet embedded inwardly;

[0010] - a unit for sealing the two side edges of the sheet folded into a "U" shape; the sealing unit is positioned along the rotation path of the first turntable;

[0011] - a second turntable rotating about a second axis, the second turntable being equipped with a plurality of radial grippers, each radial gripper being configured to receive a sheet folded into a "U" shape and sealed at the sides; the sheet being positioned on a corresponding gripper with its open end or mouth facing the outside of the gripper; the second turntable rotating about the second axis so as to define an arcuate path for each gripper, thus allowing successive access to a series of further stations, that is to say:

[0012] - a station for dispensing at least one brewed product supplied through the open mouth of the U-shaped sheet, the station comprising at least one dispensing device;

[0013] - a station for closing the mouth of the sheet by sealing;

[0014] - a station for cutting, using a cutting element, the excess material present between the sealing line and the free end of the sheet or bag thus formed;

[0015] - A station for collecting the formed bags.

[0016] It should be noted that there may be two stations sealing the sheets one after the other. The first station performs an ultrasonic seal using a unit comprising an ultrasonic generator, while the second station performs a heat seal superimposed on the first seal to ensure a strong closure line.

[0017] Furthermore, at least the group of stations positioned close to the second turntable and the second turntable itself are arranged in a closed space and in a controlled atmosphere or environment (through the presence of nitrogen) to maintain a high integrity of the product added to the sheet and to increase the time of integrity of the bags themselves, as they will have a predetermined amount of nitrogen inside.

[0018] The dispensing station of particular interest in this specification comprises a device for dispensing the product positioned above the second turntable so as to allow a dosed amount of the product to fall into each individual bag in transit and held by a corresponding gripper configured to hold the mouth of the bag in an open position.

[0019] The dispensing device is provided with a product discharge channel.

[0020] Currently, one of the biggest market demands for the types of products packaged in these bags is the ability to mix a primary product with a secondary product (e.g. to aromatize or complement the primary product).

[0021] However, the current separate dosing devices used in such machines for needs of this type do not have the technical feature to be able to mix the two products, which usually have different particle sizes for each dose, before dosing.

[0022] Furthermore, the dimensions of the machine in the dispensing area do not allow different release points to be provided for the two different products along the path of the second carousel. Summary of the invention

[0023] The aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for forming bags with infused or extracted products which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0024] More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a machine for forming bags for infusion or extraction of products which makes it possible to improve the production quality of the bags and the productivity of the machine through greater flexibility of the dosing stations.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for forming bags with infused or extracted products that is able to maintain a high production speed but expands the operating possibilities and the types of products formed.

[0026] The above objects are fully achieved by a machine for forming bags with infusion or extraction products according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a machine for forming bags with infused or extracted products according to the invention, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 , a front view, in particular an enlarged detail of a station for dosing an infusion or extraction product;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a perspective view from below of an enlarged detail of a dispensing station;

[0031] Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view from below of a dispensing station in two different operating configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular with reference to Figure 1 , the machine according to the invention, referenced as a whole at 100, is used to form bags 1 containing an infusion or extraction product.

[0033] These bags 1 are made of a single sheet of packaging material obtained from a metal film (eg aluminium) or even from a different material if they have similar properties to the metal film.

[0034] As shown, the machine 100 comprises a first station 2 for forming and feeding individual sheets of packaging material 3 .

[0035] As further shown in the figure, the machine 100 comprises a second station 4 for U-folding the individual sheets 3, the second station 4 comprising a folding device 5 and a first turntable 6 rotating about a first rotation axis 6X.

[0036] The first turntable 6 is equipped with a plurality of first radial grippers 7 , each radial gripper being configured to receive a corresponding individual sheet 3 .

[0037] The machine 100 also comprises a unit 8 for sealing the two side edges of the individual sheets 3 positioned in corresponding first radial grippers 7 so as to obtain a bag 1 having a bottom closed by folding, two opposite sides closed by sealing and an open mouth 3d opposite the closed bottom.

[0038] As shown again in the figure, the machine 100 comprises a second turntable 9 rotating about a second rotation axis 9X, the second turntable 9 being equipped with a plurality of second radial grippers 10 , each second radial gripper 10 being configured to receive a bag 1 .

[0039] The bag 1 is positioned on the corresponding second radial holder 10 with its opened mouth 3 d facing the outside of the second radial holder 10 .

[0040] As shown, the second turntable 9 rotates about the second axis 9X to define a circular path P for each second radial gripper 10 , allowing a series of further stations to be reached successively along the feeding direction A.

[0041] Along the feeding direction A, the second radial gripper 10 reaches the following stations.

[0042] A dispensing station 11 comprising at least one device 12 for dispensing an infusion or extraction product fed by gravity along a dispensing trajectory T towards the open mouth 3d of the individual sheets (see also Figure 2 ); supplied through the opened mouth 3d of the bag 1.

[0043] The first closing station 27 is used to close the opened mouth 3d of the bag 1 protruding from the second radial gripper 10 by means of a transverse sealing line L.

[0044] A cutting station 28 for cutting the edge of the excess material present between the transverse sealing line and the free end of the bag formed in this way uses a cutting element 29 which is positioned radially relative to the second axis of rotation 9X of the second carousel 9 .

[0045] The above-mentioned unit 8 for sealing the side of the sheet 3 can be along the path of the first turntable 6 and close to the first turntable 6 in the first embodiment, or also along the path of the first turntable 6 in the second embodiment, but directly inserted on the turntable 6.

[0046] A second embodiment of the sealing unit 8 may comprise one or more sealing units positioned on each of the plurality of first radial grippers 7 present on the first rotary carousel 6. In this way, the transport time can also be used to seal the side of each sheet 3 directly on each first radial gripper 7.

[0047] Preferably, the machine 100 also comprises an intermediate turntable 30 for delivering the individual sheets 3 from the first turntable 6 (after folding and sealing of the sides of the individual sheets 3 ) to the second turntable 9 .

[0048] Preferably, the machine 100 comprises a second closing station 31 interposed between the first closing station 27 and the cutting station 28 .

[0049] In view of this, the first closing station 27 comprises an ultrasonic sealing unit 27 a forming a transverse closing line L of the bag 1 .

[0050] The second closing station 31 comprises a heat-sealing unit 31 a forming a transverse sealing band superimposed on the transverse closing line L of the bag 1 .

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the dosing device 11 comprises a second dosing device 13 positioned next to the first dosing device 12, the second dosing device 13 being configured for preparing a dose of a second infusion or extraction product.

[0052] As further shown, the dispensing station 11 comprises a conveying element 14 positioned between the first dispensing device 12 and the second dispensing device 13 , the conveying element having at least one container 15 for receiving a dose of the second infusion product from the second dispensing device 13 .

[0053] The conveying element 14 is configured to move the container 15 from a position for loading the dosed second product to a position for unloading the second product into a region coinciding with the dosing trajectory T, from which the container 15 discharges the dosed second product into the bag 1 .

[0054] Thanks to this structure, it is possible to quickly and easily operate to make bags with different products (same and different particle sizes) without the products coming into contact before being dispensed into the bag.

[0055] Preferably, the dispensing devices are of different types, for example one device may operate using gravity or weight dispensing, while another may use volumetric type dispensing: in this way, various types of products can be used in combination or separately according to production needs.

[0056] Preferably, the conveying element 14 comprises a rotation shaft 16 rotating about a third rotation axis 16X transverse to the above-mentioned second rotation axis 9 x of the second turntable 9 , and at least one support arm 17 integral with the rotation shaft 16 and supporting the container 15 .

[0057] In view of this, the support arm 17 is rigid and integral with the rotation shaft 16 in such a manner as to extend along a plane perpendicular to the third rotation axis 16X of the rotation shaft 16 .

[0058] It should be noted that the support arm 17 has a container 15 for accommodating a dose of the second product at the associated free end so as to allow the container 15 to move during the rotation of the rotating shaft 16 from a loading position for receiving a dose of the second product when the container 15 is located below an area for receiving a dose from the second dispensing device 13 to a discharging position for discharging the received dose of the second product when the container 15 is inserted between the first dispensing device 12 and the open mouth 3d of the bag 1 in line with the dispensing trajectory T, and vice versa.

[0059] The container 15 has a preferably cylindrical shape.

[0060] Preferably, (see Figure 3 ), the conveying element 14 comprises at least one pair of support arms 17, 17' which are angularly spaced apart from each other.

[0061] In view of this, each support arm 17, 17' is equipped with a corresponding container 15 at its free end so as to allow the simultaneous positioning of a container 15 positioned in the area for loading / receiving the second product and a container 15 of another support arm 17 or 17' located in a position for discharging a dosed amount of the second product into the bag 1 as required.

[0062] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the conveying element 14 comprises two pairs of support arms 17, 17' angularly spaced from each other.

[0063] Each pair of support arms 17 , 17 ′ is integral with each other and angularly spaced apart from each other to form a “V” shape with the apex of the connection at the third rotation axis 16X of the rotation shaft 16 .

[0064] This solution allows a greater rotation of the shaft between doses and makes the entire conveying element more balanced during rotation. Preferably, each container 15 has an open bottom 15a (circular) engaged by a selection device 18, the selection device 18 being configured to open or close the bottom 15a according to the position adopted by the container 15 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0065] In view of this, the selection device 18 can be of the guillotine type (only as a non-limiting embodiment) and comprises a plate 19 which can slide in two directions parallel to the extension of the support arms 17, 17' and has an opening 20 close to its first end (in this case, the opening is circular to correspond to the circular bottom 15a of the container 15).

[0066] The selection device 18 comprises a control element 21 which is associated with the slidable plate 19 and is configured for moving the slidable plate 19 from a closed position ( Figure 4) moves to the open position of the bottom 15a of the container 15 ( Figure 5 ), in the closed position of the bottom 15a of the container 15, a portion of the entire surface of the plate 19 is engaged with the bottom 15a of the container 15, and in the open position of the bottom 15a of the container 15, the opening 20 of the plate 19 coincides with the open bottom 15a of the container 15 to allow the dosing amount of the second product to pass through.

[0067] It should be noted that the plate 19 is equipped with a slide 22 connected to a guide 23 integral with the supporting arms 17 , 17 ′ so as to allow the plate 19 to slide between an open position and a closed position of the seat 15 a of the container 15 .

[0068] Preferably, the selection device 18 includes an elastic element 24 (e.g. a spring) inserted between the second end of the plate 19 and the protruding contact surface 25 of the support arm 17, 17', which elastic element 24 is configured to return the plate 19 to the closed position of the bottom 15a of the container 15 when the control element 21 is deactivated.

[0069] This arrangement allows the use of a simplified single phase actuator to achieve an overall light weight arm without excessive vibration or flexure.

[0070] It should be noted that the container 15 , located in a discharge position for discharging the second product in a zone coinciding with the dispensing trajectory T, defines the extension of the discharge end 26 of the first dispensing device 12 .

[0071] This positioning of the container 15 always allows accurate dosing of both products (when necessary) and in any case also allows dosing of a single product (again using the first dosing device) which slides over the container 15 (with the plate 19 in the open state).

[0072] The machine constructed in this way achieves the pre-set objectives thanks to the dosing station being equipped with two separate dosing devices which are positioned side by side but are independent in their function in preparing the respective dosing quantities.

[0073] The presence of a conveying element enables both dosed quantities to have a single dosing point, thus reducing the overall dimensions of the machine and increasing the operating flexibility of the machine, which is able to produce bags with either a single or double product.

Claims

1. A machine for forming bags (1) with an infused or extracted product, said machine comprising at least: - a first station (2) for forming and feeding individual sheets (3) of packaging material; a second station (4) for U-folding the individual sheets (3), the second station (4) comprising a folding device (5) and a first turntable (6) rotating about a first axis of rotation (6X), the first turntable (6) being equipped with a plurality of first radial grippers (7), each of the first radial grippers (7) being configured to receive a corresponding individual sheet (3); - a sealing unit (8) for sealing the two side edges (3a, 3b) of the individual sheets (3) positioned in the corresponding first radial holders (7) so as to form a bag (1) having a bottom closed by folding, two opposite sides closed by sealing and an open mouth (3d) opposite to the bottom of the bag; - a second turntable (9) rotating about a second rotation axis (9X), the second turntable (9) being equipped with a plurality of second radial grippers (10), each second radial gripper being configured to receive the already formed bag (1); the bag (1) being positioned on the corresponding second radial gripper (10) with its open mouth (3d) facing the outside of the second turntable (9); the second turntable (9) rotating about the second rotation axis (9X) causing each second radial gripper (10) to move along a path (P) passing through at least one dispensing station (11), the dispensing station having at least a first dispensing device (12), the first dispensing device (12) being configured to feed a first infusion or extraction product into the open mouth (3d) of the bag (1) by gravity along a dispensing trajectory (T); Characterized in that the dispensing station (11) further comprises: - a second dosing device (13) configured to prepare a dose of a second infusion or extraction product; - a conveying element (14) positioned between the first dispensing device (12) and the second dispensing device (13), the conveying element (14) having at least one container (15) for receiving a dose of a second infusion product from the second dispensing device (13); the conveying element (14) is configured to move the container (15) from a position for loading the dose of the second product to a position for unloading the second product at an area intersecting the dispensing trajectory (T), the container (15) discharging the dose of the second product from the position for unloading the second product into the bag (1).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The conveying element (14) comprises a rotating shaft (16) rotating around a third rotating axis (16X) transverse to the second rotating axis (9X) of the second turntable (9), and at least one supporting arm, wherein the third rotating axis (16X) is transverse to the second rotating axis (9X) of the second turntable (9), and the supporting arm is connected to the rotating shaft (16) and supports the container (15).

3. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The support arm extends along a plane perpendicular to a third rotation axis (16X) of the rotation shaft (16); the support arm moves the container (15) to the associated free end so as to allow the container (15) to move from a loading position to a discharge position during the rotation of the rotation shaft (16), in which the container (15) receives the dosed amount of the second product when it is located below the second dispensing device (13), and in the discharge position, the container (15) discharges the dosed amount of the second product when it is positioned between the first dispensing device (12) and the open mouth (3d) of the bag (1) in line with the dispensing trajectory (T).

4. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The conveying element (14) comprises at least one pair of support arms angularly spaced apart from each other; each support arm carries a corresponding container (15) at its free end so as to allow simultaneous positioning of a container (15) of one of the pair of support arms in the loading position and a container (15) of the other of the pair of support arms in the unloading position during rotation of the rotation axis (16).

5. The machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The conveying element (14) comprises two pairs of support arms angularly spaced from each other, each pair of support arms being integral with each other and angularly spaced from each other to form a "V" shape with its apex at a third rotation axis (16X) of the rotation shaft (16).

6. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that Each container (15) has an open bottom (15a) coupled to a selection device (18), the selection device being configured to open or close the bottom (15a) of the container depending on the position of the container (15).

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The selection device (18) is of the gate type and comprises: a plate (19) which is slidable in two directions parallel to the extension of the support arm and has an opening (20) at the associated first end; a control element (21) which is associated with the slidable plate (19) and is configured to move the slidable plate (19) from a closed position of the bottom (15a) of the container (15) to an open position of the bottom (15a) of the container (15), in which a portion of the entire surface of the plate (19) closes the bottom (15a) of the container (15), in which the opening (20) of the plate (19) is aligned with the open bottom (15a) of the container (15) to allow the release of the dosed amount of the second product.

8. The machine according to claim 7, characterized in that The plate (19) is equipped with a slide (22) connected to a guide (23) integral with the support arm so as to allow the plate (19) to slide between an open position and a closed position of the bottom (15a) of the container (15).

9. The machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that An elastic element (24) is interposed between a second end of the plate (19) opposite to the first end and a protruding contact surface (25) of the support arm, and the elastic element (24) is configured to push the plate (19) to a closed position at the bottom (15a) of the container (15) when the control element (21) is deactivated.

10. The machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that When the container (15) is in the discharge position for discharging the dosed amount of the second product into the bag (1), the container (15) intersects with the extension of the discharge end (26) of the first dispensing device (12).

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