Apparatus and method for automatically stretching an opening flap of a reclosable package

Abstract

Apparatus (10) and method for stretching an opening flap (20) of a closed package (11) containing at least one object (12). The apparatus comprises a blowing device (22) configured to cooperate with a gas-permeable portion (21) of the package (11) to blow gas under pressure into the package (11) so as to enable the opening flap (20) to be identified and to be used for its subsequent handling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and a corresponding method for automatically stretching a flap onto a sealed package having at least a portion made of a breathable material, such as a bag, sack, or pouch made of a thin, flexible material like plastic, paper, fiber, or synthetic material. The package may contain an object and be suitably treated to facilitate identification of one of its flaps, the object being, for example, but not limited to, containers or holders of bottles, vials, flasks, etc., from the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic fields. In this specification and the appended claims, breathable means a material that allows air or other gases to pass through while preventing the passage of liquids and microorganisms. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic fields that products and substances can be packaged in specialized containers suitable for containing single or multiple doses to facilitate the sorting and administration of the dosage.

[0003] These known containers can be, for example, bottles, flasks, vials, syringes, cartridges, such as those used in syringes for administering anesthetics or other drugs.

[0004] These known containers are transported by arranging them neatly in shelves or pallets (the English term "nest" as well known to those skilled in the art), which are housed in slightly larger tubs (the English term "tub" as well known to those skilled in the art).

[0005] To protect the contents of the container from the risk of external contamination and to prevent leakage of the substances contained within the container (e.g., breakage or damage that may occur subsequently during transport), the pallet is sealed within a first package or bag, which is typically made of a thin, flexible polymeric material, or at least in part of a breathable material as defined above, such as filter paper, or a composite of high-density polyethylene fibers, such as the well-known Tyvek spunbond polypropylene fiber.

[0006] Therefore, the composition and molecular structure of these special materials make them ideal for use in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic fields, as they can even be processed and handled in controlled and / or sterile environments.

[0007] An example of this type of packaging is described in US document US 2011 / 0139050 A1, wherein the first package configured to contain a medical device is formed of a bag provided with a breathable membrane made of one of the materials described above to allow sterilizing gases to pass through the bag.

[0008] In addition, in some solutions, the first package containing the pallet is instead sealed inside a second package or bag made of a similar material to the first package to increase security, thereby facilitating transportation and allowing, for example, the application of barcodes or QR codes on the second package, which would make the automatic identification of the contents of the package faster.

[0009] Furthermore, any pressure difference, such as the pressure difference between the external environment and the interior of each package, will not cause the latter to expand, because the air contained inside will flow freely from the inside to the outside and also through the micropores present in the material, thereby improving the transportability and ease of storage of the package and the objects contained therein.

[0010] This type of packaging is also highly efficient, especially on automated processing lines, where various industrial machines and robots can identify and handle various sealed pallets within the packaging without the intervention of external operators, and ensure high-speed execution and high safety during processing, especially when operation is required in a sterile environment.

[0011] In order to remove individual objects from each package, the operator or automated equipment will simply need to identify the opening flap of each package (which is usually located on one side of the latter) to cut it open and remove the contents.

[0012] However, especially when using automated machines, it can be particularly difficult to identify the opening cap when it is deformed or wrinkled, sometimes making it difficult or even impossible to automatically identify the cap itself and open it, for example, by cutting it open.

[0013] Specifically, a device is known from document DE 102014201967 A1, which is provided with a pointed tubular element or needle for identifying the opening of a sealed package. The pointed tubular element or needle is inserted into the package itself to blow air or other gas into it under pressure and inflate it like a balloon, thereby facilitating the identification of the opening to be cut open.

[0014] However, inserting the needle into the sealed packaging means that it must be sterilized before each use, for example by washing it in an alcohol solution or by heating the tip itself, making the corresponding methods too lengthy and laborious.

[0015] Furthermore, this known technical solution is not well-suited when dealing with packaging and containers containing chemical, pharmaceutical, and / or cosmetic substances that may, for example, react with blown-in air or be damaged by needles during puncture, thus jeopardizing their quality and, in some cases, their usability.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need for a device capable of stretching open caps of closed packages containing more than one object (especially containers for chemical, medical, pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic applications), thereby facilitating the identification of open caps. This overcomes at least one drawback of the prior art and can be operated on automated processing lines, especially when processing is required in a sterile environment. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object (e.g., a container for chemical, medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications), thereby facilitating the identification of the opening cap of the package.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object (e.g., a container for the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic fields), which can operate in an automated manner without operator intervention.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object (e.g., a container for use in the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic fields) that ensures high hygiene standards and therefore does not expose the contents to the risk of contamination.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object, wherein the apparatus is capable of expanding the interior of the package without requiring perforation in the package.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object (e.g., a container for the pharmaceutical industry), wherein the apparatus is capable of expanding the interior of the package without subjecting the apparatus or one or more of its components to repeated sterilization.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a corresponding method for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object (e.g., a container for use in the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic fields) without the risk of damaging its contents.

[0023] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages.

[0024] To achieve the aforementioned objective, an apparatus is provided for stretching the opening cap of a closed package containing at least one object, wherein the package has at least one ventilated portion made of a ventilated material. The apparatus includes a support device configured to hold the package, together with the object contained therein, at least temporarily in a stable position, the ventilated portion being in an accessible location, and further includes a blowing device configured to be coupled to the ventilated portion without penetrating or entering the package, thereby selectively blowing gas under pressure through the ventilated portion into the package, causing the package to inflate until the opening cap is stretched, so that the opening cap can be identified and used for subsequent processing, particularly cutting the stretched cap. The blowing device is coupled to the ventilated portion to blow gas under pressure while the package is held in the stable position by the support device.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further includes a moving device configured to selectively control relative movement between the blowing device and the breathable portion of the package, thereby bringing the blowing device into contact with the breathable portion to create a sealed connection, at least temporarily but stably.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the blowing device includes a coupling device configured to selectively create a temporary connection with the breathable portion of the package.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the air-blowing device includes an air-blowing chamber configured to communicate with the ventilated portion, wherein the air-blowing chamber is isolated from the outside by a connection between the air-blowing chamber and the ventilated portion. In other words, the air-blowing chamber and the connecting device are arranged correspondingly.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the blowing device further includes a sealing device, which preferably corresponds to the blowing chamber and is associated with the coupling device, and is configured to contact the ventilated portion of the package and create a seal, particularly an airtight seal, in the coupling area between the blowing device and the ventilated portion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the device further includes a compressor configured to supply gas at a defined pressure.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, there is one or more discharge ports in the blowing chamber that are fluidly connected to the compressor device.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, at least the blowing device is associated with a robot, or with a part of a robot, or with a robotic arm.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the support device includes a support mechanism that in turn includes a lower wall, two side walls, and a rear wall that together define a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber having dimensions that allow for proper and stable storage of the package containing the object, and the ventilated portion being in an accessible position. In other words, the ventilated portion faces outward, i.e., on the side opposite to the rear wall.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the device is sized and configured to be inserted into a containment chamber for sterilization and / or a controlled atmosphere.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for stretching an open cap of a closed package containing at least one object and having at least one breathable portion made of a breathable material, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0035] a) The package containing the at least one object is arranged on a support device such that it is held in a stable position at least temporarily, with the ventilated portion in an accessible location;

[0036] b) Provide a gas blowing device, particularly positioning it in front of the ventilated portion of the package;

[0037] c) Connect the air-blowing device to the ventilated portion of the packaging, such that the air-blowing device contacts the ventilated portion to create at least a temporary but stable sealed connection without penetrating the packaging and therefore not entering the packaging; and subsequently

[0038] d) While keeping the blowing device continuously outside the packaging, drive the blowing device to generate a gas flow under pressure inside the packaging through the vent, thereby inflating the packaging until the opening cap is stretched so that the opening cap can be identified and used for subsequent processing, particularly cutting open the stretched cap.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one object includes a tray, also known as a nest, that holds multiple containers.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a unit is provided for stretching and cutting open an opening lid of a package containing at least one object, wherein the package has at least one breathable portion made of a breathable material. The unit includes the device described above, and a cutting device configured to cut the opening lid after it has been stretched by the device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some possible embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] - Figure 1 A side view of the apparatus according to the invention for automatically stretching and closing a package under first operating conditions, which also shows the package containing an object inside;

[0043] - Figure 2 For the second operating condition Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0044] - Figure 3 For the third operating condition Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0045] - Figure 4 For the fourth operating condition Figure 1 A side view of the device;

[0046] - Figure 5 For those at the magnification ratio Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the first details of the equipment;

[0047] - Figure 6 For those at the magnification ratio Figure 1 A perspective view of the second detail of the device;

[0048] - Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the packaging at an enlarged scale, the packaging being able to be made of... Figure 1 The equipment in which the package contains an object is processed;

[0049] - Figure 8 For included in the ability to be contained by Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the objects in the packaging being processed by the equipment in the process;

[0050] - Figure 9 A schematic side view of a unit including the device according to the invention for stretching and cutting open the opening cap of a closed package.

[0051] It is important to clarify that in this specification and claims, the terms "horizontal," "high," "internal," "external," and "lower," along with their angles of deviation, serve only to better illustrate the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and must not be used in any way to limit the scope of the invention itself or the area of ​​protection defined by the appended claims. For example, the term "vertical" refers to a plane orthogonal to the horizon, or even a plane inclined at a certain degree relative to the horizon, such as up to 20°.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "packaging" and "bag" are considered synonyms.

[0053] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain dimensions or features in the accompanying drawings may have been enlarged, distorted, or shown in an unconventional or disproportionate manner to provide a more easily understood version of the invention.

[0054] When dimensions and / or numerical values ​​are specified in the following description, the dimensions and / or numerical values ​​provided are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention, unless such dimensions and / or numerical values ​​are present in the appended claims.

[0055] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The device 10 according to the invention is configured to facilitate the automatic opening of a closed package 11 containing at least one object 12 (e.g., a container for chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications). For example, the device 10 can be arranged in an automated processing line of a known type, or in an automated processing line that will be developed in the future and is not shown in the figures.

[0057] For symbolic and non-limiting purposes, before describing the device 10 in detail, we will now describe examples of the package 11 and the object 12.

[0058] 12 per object Figure 8 It can include or be composed of a first rigid or semi-rigid container 13 that is substantially parallelepiped in shape, wherein, as is known in the prior art, other containers, such as basins 15, can be arranged, which in turn include shelves, trays or nests 16, which can in turn contain chemical products and / or pharmaceuticals packaged in flasks, vials, bottles, etc., collectively indicated by 17.

[0059] For example, in pharmaceutical applications, the standard size of object 12 can be approximately 65×40×30cm.

[0060] For example, package 11 ( Figure 7 It can comprise a bag formed of two sheets 18, 19, which are parallel to each other and joined together, for example by welding along their edges, to define an opening flap 20, or a folded flap, as known in the prior art.

[0061] Therefore, the outer surface of each of the two sheets 18, 19 defines the outer surface of the package 11.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one breathable portion 21 of at least one of the two sheets 18, 19 of the packaging 11 is made of the breathable material as described above.

[0063] In the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein, the breathable portion 21 exists only in the lower region of the sheet 18. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the entire sheet 18 and / or 19 may be made of the breathable material as described above.

[0064] The presence of at least one breathable portion 21 with a filtering function also facilitates the transport and storage of the package 11 containing the object 12, for example, when the pressure of the external environment differs from the pressure inside the package 11, even by only a few bar. For example, in air transport, this phenomenon can cause the package 11 to swell, rupture, or explode, thus posing a risk of irreparable damage to the object 12 contained within it. The bag is designed to maintain the sterility of its contents; damage or breakage outside of its designated environment will render it ineffective, and the contained product will become unusable.

[0065] Please note that in other possible embodiments of the invention not shown in the accompanying drawings, the package 11 may have a shape different from the shape just described, and / or consist of a different number of sheets (e.g., more than three).

[0066] Furthermore, the package 11 typically has a capacity large enough to accommodate the object 12, allowing the latter to move within it with sufficient clearance while remaining sealed. For example, the volume of the package 11 is at least 20% and up to 100% larger than the volume of the object 12.

[0067] Other parts of the packaging 11, different from the breathable part 21, can be made of any suitable thin, flexible and deformable material, so that it can adapt to the shape of the object 12, such as polymeric materials, such as tear-resistant but easy-to-cut nonwoven fabric composed of high-density polyethylene fibers.

[0068] In other words, during use, the packaging 11 typically takes the shape of the object 12 contained therein, and may collapse around it.

[0069] Device 10 includes air blowing device 22 ( Figures 1 to 5 The blowing device 22 is configured to blow pressurized gas through the vent 21 into the package 11, and it will not enter the package 11, nor even one of its components, as will be described in detail below. The gas can be a suitable sterilizing gas of the type commonly used for its sterilizing properties, or air, or a mixture thereof.

[0070] Specifically, the air blowing device 22 includes a connector 23 ( Figure 5 The connector 23 is configured to contact the breathable portion 21 and form a connection with the breathable portion 21, preferably a sealed connection.

[0071] In this case, the connector 23 includes a front surface 24 in which an air chamber or recess 25 is formed, the width of which is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the vent portion 21.

[0072] The sealing packing 26 is arranged on the front surface 24 corresponding to the periphery of the air chamber 25 and is adapted to contact the outer surface of the vent 21, thereby forming an airtight connection with the vent 21 during use, that is, preventing the air blown into the vent 21 from dispersing into the external environment.

[0073] The filler 26 is conveniently made of rubber, silicone or other yielding or deformable material, and it protrudes a few millimeters, for example 1 to 10 mm, relative to the front surface 24 of the connector 23.

[0074] There is one or more discharge holes 28 inside the air blowing chamber 25. Figure 5 Only one of them is visible, the discharge port 28 is fluidly connected to a flexible type of pipe 29, which in turn connects to a known type of compression device 30, such as a compressor ( Figure 1 It consists of and is configured to supply gas at a defined pressure (e.g., between approximately 0.1 bar and approximately 6 bar). The number, size, and location of both the exhaust port 28 and the conduit 29 can vary depending on the size of the blow-in chamber 25 and / or the pressure of the blow-in gas.

[0075] The air blowing device 22 is configured to move between an idle position and an operating position, in which the head 23 is away from the air vent 21. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the operating position, the same head 23 contacts the ventilated portion 21, and vice versa. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Movement between the two positions can be carried out in any known manner, such as by an actuation device 32 or a robotic arm 31 controlled by an automated robot.

[0076] The device 10 also includes a support device 33 ( Figures 1 to 4 The package 11 and the object 12 contained therein are configured to support the package 11 and the object 12 contained therein in a defined operating position so as to allow the blowing device 22 to cooperate with the venting portion 21 to highlight the opening cap 20, as will be described in detail below.

[0077] Support device 33 includes lower wall 34 ( Figure 6 The two side walls 35 and 36 and the rear wall 37 together define a receiving chamber 38, the size of which allows for the proper and stable storage of the package 11, with the object 12 inside, against the lower wall 34 and the rear wall 37, and especially the ventilated portion 21 arranged in an accessible position. Figure 1 Specifically, the ventilated wall 21 can face outward, that is, the opposite side to the rear wall 37.

[0078] In the embodiments described herein, support device 33 ( Figures 1 to 4 The rear wall 37 is fixed in a certain position relative to the air blowing device 22, and can be arranged parallel to the vertical plane or tilted a few degrees backward relative to the latter.

[0079] In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the support device 33 may be mounted, for example, at the end of a robotic arm or an automated robot of a known type not shown in the figures, and configured to tilt the support device 33 as needed, and / or to temporarily contact the ventilated portion 21 of the package 11 with the blowing device 22, or alternatively, to carry the package 11 containing the object 12 to a workstation arranged downstream of the device 10 once the opening cap 20 of the package 11 has been stretched.

[0080] Furthermore, according to other alternative embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the sidewalls 35 and 36 may be movable and associated with suitable command devices to selectively clamp the package 11 and the object 12 contained therein during the step of inflating the package 11 itself, as described in detail below.

[0081] In addition, the device 10 includes a sensor 40, which is of a known type, mounted above the blowing device 22 and configured to detect the inflation status of the package 11.

[0082] Sensor 40 is electrically connected to control unit 41 ( Figure 1 It is configured to receive signals from the control unit 41 and send corresponding actuation signals to the compression device 30 and the actuation device 32.

[0083] The functions of the device 10 described so far (and the corresponding methods for making it work) are as follows.

[0084] First, in the first operating step, at the first operating position, the package 11, together with the object 12 contained therein, is arranged and positioned on the support device 33. Figure 1 On the surface, for example, by known types of automated devices, such as conveyor belts, robotic arms, or automated robots. Movement methods that do not produce particulate matter, such as planar motors, will be preferred. However, it must be clear that the operation of positioning the package 11 together with the object 12 contained therein can also be done manually.

[0085] In this first operating position, the package 11 and the object 12 are at least temporarily held in place, such that the ventilated portion 21 of the package 11 is in an accessible position, i.e., facing outwards, i.e., facing the air blowing device 22.

[0086] Therefore, the second sheet 19 of the packaging 11 will contact the rear wall 37 of the support device 33, the opening cap 20 will face upwards, and the object 12 contained in the packaging 11 will thus be stably and temporarily positioned on the support device 33. Furthermore, the venting portion 21 does not contact the walls 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the support device 33, and can therefore be used to contact the air blowing device 22.

[0087] Subsequently, in the next step, relative movement is made between the air blowing device 22 and the ventilated portion 21 of the packaging 11, thereby bringing the air blowing device 22 into contact with the ventilated portion 21. Figure 2 And a at least temporary but stable sealed connection is created between them, continuously keeping each part of the blowing device 22 outside the packaging 11. In this way, the blowing device 22 does not pass through the packaging 11 and does not enter its interior.

[0088] Specifically, in the embodiments described herein, the control unit 41 drives the robotic arm 31 via the actuation device 32, the robotic arm 31 moving the blowing device 22 from its head 23 away from the idle position of the ventilated portion 21 ( Figure 1 ) Carry to its operating location ( Figure 2 This allows the connector 23 to come into contact with the ventilated portion 21.

[0089] In other completely equivalent embodiments, the support device 33 can move against the air blowing device 22.

[0090] That is, the blowing device 22 can be held in the proper position and the package 11 can come into contact with the blowing device 22.

[0091] Specifically, the filler 26 will adhere to the outer surface of the venting portion 21, thus ensuring an airtight seal between the air chamber 25 and the venting portion 21.

[0092] To ensure proper connection between the connector 23 and the ventilated portion 21 of the packaging 11, the robotic arm 31 will conveniently apply force to the air blowing device 22, thereby ensuring that the filler 26 adheres correctly to the ventilated portion 21 itself. The same force also needs to ensure sufficient resistance to the opposite thrust, which is caused by the gas flow under pressure at the outlet of the air blowing device 22 and the inflation of the packaging 11.

[0093] If the air blowing device 22 is mounted on the robotic arm of a robot (e.g., an anthropomorphic one), the latter can be programmed to automatically bring the connector 23 into contact with the ventilated portion 21 of the package 11 containing the object 12.

[0094] Subsequently, while it remains in its operating position, the blowing device 22 is driven in such a way that an airflow or other gas flow is introduced through the vent 21 under pressure within the package 11, thus causing the package 11 to expand, thereby enabling the opening cap 20 to be better identified (at least relative to the remainder of the package 11) and to be used for its possible subsequent processing.

[0095] Specifically, when the control unit 41 receives a start signal from at least one possible proximity sensor, the control unit 41 is able to issue an instruction to the compression device 30, wherein the proximity sensor is of a known type and is not shown in the figures, and is suitable for detecting that contact has occurred between the blowing device 22 and the venting portion 21.

[0096] The activation of the compression device 30 generates a gas flow, which, under pressure, flows through the pipe 29 into the discharge port 28 of the blowing chamber 25 and enters the packaging 11 through the vent 21.

[0097] Therefore, the upper part of the packaging 11 is inflated, and the sheets 18 and 19 and the upper opening cap 20 are stretched to make the cap more visible and easier to identify and available for subsequent processing.

[0098] When the internal volume of the package 11 reaches the programmed and desired value, the inflation sensor 40 sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 41, which then deactivates the compression device 30, thereby interrupting the flow of gas under pressure into the package 11.

[0099] Therefore, even for known types of devices or automated machines, or for devices or automated machines that will be developed in the future that will be able to automatically open the opening cover 20 itself, the identification of the opening cover 20 is easier, faster, and more intuitive.

[0100] Subsequently, the connector 23 and the ventilated portion 21 of the package 11 separate, and the blowing device 22 returns to its idle position via the actuator 32 commanded by the control unit 41. Figure 4 ).

[0101] Therefore, the package 11 containing the object 12 can be picked up and moved, for example by moving components (e.g., conveyors or hydrodynamic clamps mounted on, for example, robotic arms or automated robots), toward a subsequent cutting station or any other workstation.

[0102] Through examples, especially referring to Figure 9 Device 10 can be advantageously used in the context of a unit for stretching and cutting open the opening cap 20, which as a whole is identified by reference numeral 50 and, for the sake of brevity, will also be referred to as "unit" hereinafter. Unit 50 includes device 10. In the example shown, robotic arm 31 is associated with robot 51, such as a robot with six degrees of freedom comprising multiple reciprocating articulated arms.

[0103] Unit 50 also includes a cutting device 52 of a known type, which is not described in detail herein. The cutting device 52 includes a movable or fixed cutting blade, or an equivalent cutting or shearing member capable of cutting open the opening cap 20 to separate it from the packaging and thus determine its opening.

[0104] Depending on the configuration of the cutting device 52, the unit 50 may include a gripping member 53 configured to grip the free end of the opening cap 20 at least during cutting, thereby keeping it sufficiently stretched and thus facilitating the cutting operation performed by the cutting device 52.

[0105] As is clear from the foregoing description, the device 10 described above and the unit 50 including the device 10 are configured to also be inserted into a sterile and / or controlled atmosphere compartment or workspace.

[0106] It is clear that modifications and / or additions to components or steps of the apparatus 10, unit 50, and method described so far may be made without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0107] It is also clear that although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art will certainly be able to implement many other equivalent forms of devices and / or methods for automatically stretching and closing packaging caps, all of which fall within the scope and domain of the invention.

[0108] In the appended claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are for ease of reading only and shall not be regarded as limiting factors with respect to the scope of protection thereby defined.

Claims

1. A unit (50) for stretching and cutting open a flap (20) of a package (11) containing at least one object (12), wherein the package (11) has at least one breathable portion (21) made of a breathable material, characterized in that, The unit includes a device (10) for stretching the opening cap (20) and a cutting device (52) configured to cut the opening cap (20) after it has been stretched by the device (10), wherein the device (10) includes: - A support device (33) configured to hold the package (11) together with the object (12) contained therein in a stable position, at least temporarily, with the ventilated portion (21) in an accessible position. - An air blowing device (22), configured to be connected to the vent (21) without passing through the package (11) and thus not entering the package (11), and configured to selectively blow gas through the vent (21) into the package (11) under pressure, thereby inflating the package (11) until the opening cap (20) is stretched so that the opening cap (20) can be identified and can be used for subsequent cutting of the stretched opening cap (20), the air blowing device (22) being connected to the vent (21) thereby performing the blowing of pressurized gas when the package (11) is held in the stable position by the support device (33).

2. The unit (50) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device (10) further includes a moving device (31, 32, 41) configured to selectively control the relative movement between the blowing device (22) and the ventilated portion (21) of the package (11), thereby bringing the blowing device (22) into contact with the ventilated portion (21) to create a sealed connection, at least temporarily but stably.

3. The unit (50) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The blowing device (22) includes a coupling device (24) configured to selectively create a temporary connection with the breathable portion (21) of the package (11).

4. The unit (50) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air blowing device (22) includes an air blowing chamber (25) configured to communicate with the ventilated portion (21), and the air blowing chamber (25) is isolated from the outside through the connection between the air blowing chamber (25) and the ventilated portion (21).

5. The unit (50) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The device (10) includes a compressor unit (30) configured to supply gas at a defined pressure, wherein there is one or more discharge ports (28) fluidly connected to the compressor unit (30) in the blowing chamber (25).

6. The unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The blowing device (22) also includes a sealing device (26) configured to contact the breathable portion (21) of the package (11) and to create a seal relative to the outside in the connection area between the blowing device (22) and the breathable portion (21).

7. The unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, At least the blowing device (22) is associated with a robot or with a robotic arm.

8. The unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The support device (33) includes a support mechanism that in turn includes a lower wall (34), two side walls (35, 36) and a rear wall (37) that together define a receiving chamber (38) having dimensions that allow the package (11) to be stored correctly and stably, the package (11) containing the object (12) inside, and the ventilated portion (21) being in an accessible position.

9. The unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The device (10) is sized and configured to be inserted into a containment chamber for sterilization and / or controlled atmosphere.

10. A method for stretching an opening cap (20) of a closed package (11) comprising at least one object (12) and having at least one breathable portion (21) made of a breathable material, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) The package (11) containing at least one object (12) is arranged on the support device (33) so that it is held in a stable position at least temporarily, with the ventilated portion (21) in an accessible position; b) Gas blowing device (22); c) Connect the air blowing device (22) to the ventilated portion (21) of the package (11) such that the air blowing device (22) contacts the ventilated portion (21) to create at least a temporary but stable connection without passing through the package (11) and therefore not entering the package (11); and subsequently d) Drive the air blowing device (22) so that the air blowing device (22) is continuously held outside the package (11) so that a gas flow is generated through the vent (21) under pressure inside the package (11) so that the package (11) expands until the opening cap (20) is stretched so that the opening cap (20) can be identified and can be used for subsequent cutting. e) Cut the opening cap (20) after it has been stretched.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The at least one object includes a nest that contains multiple containers.

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