Sealing assembly for a machine for making pods with extracted products

Abstract

This invention describes a sealing assembly for sealing a single package (C) containing a predetermined number of products (1) arranged within a tubular packaging strip (2) advancing along a forward advancing direction (A). The assembly (100) includes a first sealing device (3) and a second sealing device (4) continuously positioned along the forward advancing direction (A) and configured to seal portions of the tubular packaging strip (2). The first sealing device (3) and the second sealing device (4) each include a first pair of sealing heads (5) and a second pair of sealing heads (6) operated by corresponding motion devices (7, 8), the motion devices being configured to cause the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6) to... The movement of the sealing heads (5, 6) is synchronized so that each pair of sealing heads (5, 6) cyclically performs sealing and positioning steps. In the sealing step, a pair of sealing heads (5 or 6) moves closer to each other to seal the tubular packaging strip (2) and simultaneously advances along the forward direction (A) to drag the tubular packaging strip (2) in the forward direction (A). In the positioning step, a pair of sealing heads (5 or 6) moves away from each other and moves backward in the opposite direction to the forward direction (A). The corresponding moving devices (7, 8) are synchronized so that at least one pair (5 or 6) of the first and second pairs of sealing heads is in the sealing step to perform continuous advancement of the tubular packaging strip (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealing assembly for a machine for manufacturing pods containing extracted products. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the market for extracts such as coffee, barley coffee, tea, and chamomile, so-called single-dose pods are also used to manufacture extracts.

[0003] These capsules, which can be used for single-use preparation, consist of two filter media, one placed on top of the other and sealed together to enclose a typically circular dose of product in the center.

[0004] One of the existing technological machines that produce and package these pods by operating in alternating motion (that is, stepwise) includes:

[0005] - A feed station for feeding the first continuous strip of filter material;

[0006] - A forming station for forming (pre-forming) a series of circular cavities on a first strip;

[0007] - Dosing and feeding stations for dispensing and feeding product doses into each cavity formed on the first strip;

[0008] - A feed station for feeding a second continuous strip of filter material, the second continuous strip being configured to be positioned on a first strip on which the product dosage is set;

[0009] - A joining station for sealing together a first and a second continuous strip of filter material;

[0010] - A cutting station for cutting two strips of filter material to at least partially form individual pods;

[0011] - An outlet / receiver station for discharging / receiving individual pods from / on the horizontal feed line of the strip;

[0012] - A packaging station used to wrap individual pods in a packaging film, which wraps and closes the pods.

[0013] The discharge / receiving station and the packaging station, which are of particular interest in this specification, are interconnected so that the pods can be removed from the pod forming line and the individual pods can be positioned in the packaging film and then the packaging film can be sealed.

[0014] The aforementioned discharge / receive and packaging stations include:

[0015] - A separation element for the pods, configured to separate the pods from the excess portion (waste) of the continuous strip of filter material, and to guide the pods (in a direction below and transverse to the arrival surface of the continuous strip) towards

[0016] - A rotating wheel or roller, designed to receive each pod and rotate each pod by a predetermined angle, which enables the pod to be aimed.

[0017] - A gripper configured to pick up a single pod, rotate it at a right angle, and position it in an outer packaging film folded into a "C" shape by dropping it vertically;

[0018] - A sealing unit, which is designed to close the packaging film and form a single package with a pod.

[0019] Although the aforementioned machines have good reliability, they exhibit technical limitations due to their reduced productivity.

[0020] Specifically, all the operating stations constituting the machine operate in an alternating or stepwise manner to feed the pods moving along the feed line, the number of pods being such that they can be properly manipulated by the aforementioned receiving and packing stations, which also move in an alternating manner.

[0021] To improve productivity, for example, the pod feed line can be doubled so that two pods are placed side by side simultaneously for discharge and packaging.

[0022] However, this plan would require completely doubling the number of components at the discharge and packaging stations.

[0023] This increase in components at the discharge and packaging stations will lead to an increase in machine size and cost that cannot be offset by an increase in machine productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0024] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing assembly for manufacturing a machine with a pod containing an extracted product, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0025] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a sealing assembly and a machine for manufacturing pods with extracted products, which can maintain a reduced overall size while increasing the productivity of the machine.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing pods with extracted products, the structure of which allows the operating line to be highly flexible according to production requirements.

[0027] The objective is fully achieved by the sealing assembly according to the invention, as characterized in the appended claims, and the machine for producing pods with extracted products. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The features of the machine will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the machine, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] - Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a machine for manufacturing pods with extracted products, in which a sealing assembly according to the invention is applied;

[0030] - Figures 2 to 6 The sealing assembly according to the invention is shown in the corresponding operating steps; Figure 2 It's a 3D image. Figures 4 to 7 This is the front view;

[0031] - Figures 7 to 9 It shows Figures 2 to 6 The operation screen for the sealing head of the sealing assembly;

[0032] - Figure 10 This is a rear-view perspective view of the motion mechanism of the sealing assembly;

[0033] - Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are front views of sealing assemblies with two different configurations in the sealing head, designed to reach the clean position of the sealing head. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Refer to the attached diagram, especially Figure 1 as well as Figures 3 to 9 The sealing assembly (generally marked 100) according to the invention is used to dispense individual packages C having a predetermined number of products 1 arranged in a tubular packaging strip 2 fed along the forward advancing direction A.

[0035] As described in more detail below, the sealing assembly 100 can be applied to a machine 101 for manufacturing pods with extracted food (in... Figure 1 (shown as a whole in the middle).

[0036] Component 100 includes a first sealing device 3 configured to seal a portion of the tubular packaging strip 2.

[0037] The first sealing device 3 is positioned along the forward advancing direction A and includes a first pair of sealing heads 5.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the sealing assembly 100 also includes a second sealing device 4 positioned along the forward advancing direction A and including a second pair of sealing heads 6.

[0039] The first pair of sealing heads 5 and the second pair of sealing heads 6 are driven by corresponding motion devices 7 and 8, which are configured to synchronize the movement of the first pair of sealing heads 5 and the second pair of sealing heads 6, such that each pair of sealing heads 5 and 6 performs cyclical operations:

[0040] - Sealing step, wherein a pair of sealing heads of 5 or 6 approach each other to seal the tubular packaging strip 2, and simultaneously feed along the forward advancing direction A, such that the tubular packaging strip 2 is dragged along the forward advancing direction A during the sealing step, and

[0041] - Positioning step, in which a pair of 5 or 6 sealing heads are spaced apart from each other and move backward in the opposite direction to the forward advancing direction A.

[0042] Similarly, as shown in the figure, the corresponding motion control devices 7 and 8 are synchronized, such that at least one pair of the first pair of sealing heads 5 or the second pair of sealing heads 6 is (always) in the sealing step to continuously feed the tubular packaging strip 2.

[0043] In other words, the two pairs of sealing heads are configured to achieve sealing of the product packaging and feeding of the tubular packaging strip in a synchronized manner (e.g., Figures 7 to 9 (As clearly shown in the image).

[0044] Therefore, each motion device 7, 8 is controlled by a control unit 9 (in... Figure 11 (shown in a box) Control unit 9 is configured to command one pair 5 or 6 of the first pair of sealing heads or the second pair of sealing heads to perform a sealing step, while the other pair 6 or 5 of the first pair of sealing heads and the second pair of sealing heads performs a positioning step to maintain the continuous dragging of the tubular packaging strip 2.

[0045] Therefore, each motion device 7, 8 includes a motion component driven by the drive mechanism 14 via the motor shaft 10, so that the corresponding sealing head pair 5, 6 moves by rotational translational motion.

[0046] As shown in the figure, for each of the sealing heads in each pair of sealing heads 5 and 6, each moving device 7 and 8 includes:

[0047] - Motor shaft 10 (connected to control unit 9);

[0048] - Two first lever mechanisms 11, which form a corresponding four-bar linkage between the motor shaft 10 and the corresponding sealing head, allow for the rotational and translational movement of the sealing head;

[0049] - A second lever mechanism 12, which is inserted between two first lever mechanisms 11 kinematically connected between the respective sealing head and the motor shaft 10, allows the respective sealing head to be pushed onto the tubular packaging strip 2 during the sealing step;

[0050] - Multiple cam elements 13 are arranged between the drive mechanism 14 and the motor shaft 10, allowing the movements of the two first lever mechanisms 11 and the second lever mechanism 12 to be synchronized.

[0051] Essentially, the first lever mechanism 11 causes each sealing head to move by its rotational translational motion, while the second lever mechanism 12 allows the correct pressure to be applied to the tubular packaging strip 2.

[0052] Each cam element 13 in Figure 11 As shown, it may include a cam profile that is keyed to a corresponding drive mechanism 14 and contacts a corresponding cam follower roller connected to a first lever mechanism 11 and a second lever mechanism 12 via a drive shaft 10.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 9 As shown, during the sealing step, the aforementioned motion devices 7 and 8 of each pair of sealing heads 5 and 6 are commanded to bring one pair of sealing heads 5 or 6 from the first pair of sealing heads or the second pair of sealing heads from the distant position to the near position to seal the tubular packaging strip 2, and simultaneously cause the tubular packaging strip 2 to move along the forward direction A (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0054] In other words, according to Figures 2 to 9 The diagram and arrows F5 and F6 showing the trajectory indicate that:

[0055] - The first pair of sealing heads 5 has just finished packaging C and is moving away from strip 2, while the second pair of sealing heads 6 closes on strip 2 and begins sealing and dragging the relevant packaging strip. Figure 3 and Figure 7 );

[0056] - The first pair of sealing heads 5 moves backward (relative to the forward direction A) to reach the new package to be formed, but is overtaken by the package to be formed C1, which will be executed by the second pair of sealing heads 6, which has already completed the production of the related package C while dragging the strip 2. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 );

[0057] - The second head 6 moves backward (relative to the forward direction A) to reach the new package to be formed, but is surpassed by the package C formed by the first pair of sealing heads 5, which has already completed the production of the related package C while dragging the strip 2. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 ).

[0058] It should be noted that the first sealing device 3 and the second sealing device 4 are configured to seal the tubular packaging strip 2 on the three sides forming the U-shaped profile.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, component 100 includes a reinforcing frame 15 associated with each motor shaft 10 and configured to reinforce a first pair of sealing heads 5 and a second pair of sealing heads 6.

[0060] The frame 15 has the shape of a closed loop bridge and protrudes beyond the operating area through which the tubular packaging strip 2 passes.

[0061] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the sealing assembly 100 also includes a clutch assembly 16 configured to temporarily disengage the motion devices 7, 8 of the sealing heads 5, 6 from the corresponding motor shafts 10, thereby allowing the sealing heads to rotate freely to place them in a cleaning / maintenance position that allows for cleaning and maintenance of the sealing heads.

[0062] Therefore, the clutch assembly 16 includes a control lever 17 and a motion transmission belt 19. The control lever 17 acts on the motion devices 7 and 8 through a series of pulleys 18. The series of pulleys 18 are keyed to the motion devices 7 and 8 through a motion mechanism. The motion transmission belt 19 is connected in a loop on the pulleys 18.

[0063] The control lever 17 can rotate about axis X to allow the first pair of sealing heads 5 and the second pair of sealing heads 6 to move synchronously to the above-mentioned cleaning / maintenance position.

[0064] like Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the sealing head can stop in a fixed sealing position, and then move to the raised position first by rotating rod 17 so that the two heads of each pair are only partially facing each other (that is, offset), and then move to the clean position.

[0065] The lever 17 acts on a corresponding cam device 28, which is dedicated to this function and connected to the corresponding motor shaft 10, via pulley 18 and transmission belt 19.

[0066] The present invention provides a machine 101 equipped with a sealing assembly 100 for producing and packaging pods (with extracted product) (see [link]). Figure 1 ).

[0067] Machine 101 can be used to manufacture pods for extracts of products such as, but not limited to, coffee, barley coffee, tea, and chamomile.

[0068] These single-use pods consist of two filter media, one placed on top of the other and sealed together to enclose a typically circular dose of product in the center.

[0069] Machine 101 extends along the relevant propulsion line and includes a series of essentially continuous operating stations.

[0070] Machine 101 includes a first feed station 20 (with a feed reel) configured to feed a first continuous strip S1 (filter material).

[0071] Machine 101 includes a dispensing station 21, which is configured to dispense products on a first continuous strip S1.

[0072] In addition, machine 101 includes a second feed station 22 (with a feed reel) configured to feed a second continuous strip S2 (of filter material) to position the second continuous strip S2 on a first continuous strip S1 having a product dosage.

[0073] Machine 101 also includes a joining station 23 configured to seal (typically heat-seal) a first continuous strip S1 and a second continuous strip S2 together to form a continuous strip N comprising a plurality of pods arranged along a plurality of adjacent lines and advanced on a advancing plane P.

[0074] Machine 101 also includes a cutting station 24 (comprising a pair of rotating blades) configured to cut individual pods 1 from the continuous belt N.

[0075] Machine 101 also includes an insertion station 25, which is configured to insert pods into tubular packaging strips 2.

[0076] Machine 101 includes a sealing station 26, which is configured to dispense a single package C having a predetermined number of pods.

[0077] Machine 101 also includes a cutting station 27, which is arranged downstream of sealing station 26 and configured to separate the dispensed individual packages C from one another.

[0078] As shown in the figure, sealing station 26 includes sealing assembly 100 as shown so far.

[0079] According to a non-limiting example embodiment not fully shown, the insertion station 25 may include a plurality of gripper units that rotate continuously about a rotation axis and along a plane parallel to the propulsion plane P of the product 1.

[0080] Each clamping unit is configured to clamp and release a single pod 1.

[0081] The tubular packaging strip 2 is folded along the fold edge, so that the two parts of the packaging strip overlap to form an opening opposite the fold line and positioned facing the insertion station 25.

[0082] The tubular packaging strip 2 is continuously advanced by a propulsion device (pair of rollers) along a plane coplanar with the rotation plane of the plurality of gripper units and in phase with the aforementioned sealing head pair 5 and 6.

[0083] The gripper unit is configured to clamp multiple individual products (pods) 1 that are placed side by side on a common line of products delivered from the cutting station 27 substantially simultaneously, and after the gripper unit rotates at an angle, release them continuously and in a predetermined order between two stacked portions of the tubular packaging strip 2.

[0084] In other words, the group of products 1 (in this case, three in a row) obtained from the feeder of the cutting station is picked up almost simultaneously by the existing gripper (which can move continuously) and moved directly into the packaging strip, which also moves continuously until the sealing assembly (which also operates continuously). And all the stations before the cutting station operate in a step-by-step or discontinuous motion.

[0085] This “hybrid” approach allows for the formation of multi-row pod strips, which are then quickly and precisely picked up by the gripper unit and subsequently positioned within the packaging strip, as described below, with the packaging strip positioned next to the cutting station and coplanar with the rotation plane of the gripper unit.

[0086] The strip 2 advances continuously to the sealing assembly 100, which, as mentioned, allows the packaging C to be formed and allows the strip 2 to be continuously dragged until the packaging is cut.

[0087] The present invention also provides a method for sealing a single portion of a package containing a predetermined number of products.

[0088] The method includes the following steps:

[0089] -Prepare a tubular packaging strip 2 containing a row of adjacent products 1.

[0090] - Advance the tubular packaging strip 2 along the forward advancing direction A;

[0091] -The tubular packaging strip 2 is sealed by means of a first sealing device 3 and a second sealing device 4 arranged along the forward advancing direction A; the first sealing device 3 and the second sealing device 4 seal the corresponding alternating portions of the tubular packaging strip 2, and the sealing is performed simultaneously with the dragging of the tubular packaging strip 2 along the forward advancing direction A;

[0092] - Synchronize the two sealing devices 3 and 4 such that at least one of the first sealing device 3 and the second sealing device 4 performs a sealing step and simultaneously performs a dragging step to ensure the continuous advancement of the tubular packaging strip 2 along the forward advancing direction A.

[0093] It should be noted that when one of the first sealing device 3 and the second sealing device 4 seals and drags the tubular packaging strip (2), the other sealing device 4 or 3 moves backward in the opposite direction to the forward advancing direction A.

[0094] Therefore, the first sealing device 3 and the second sealing device 4 seal the tubular packaging strip 2 on the three sides forming the U-shaped profile.

[0095] Similarly, in view of this, a tubular strip 2 is obtained by folding the packaging strip along the fold line, and by overlapping two parts of the packaging strip, the packaging strip forms a continuous U-shaped bag, leaving an opening opposite the fold line.

[0096] As already mentioned, Product 1 is a pod containing food materials.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly for sealing a single package (C) containing a predetermined number of products (1) arranged within a tubular packaging strip (2) advancing in a forward advancing direction (A), the assembly (100) comprising a first sealing device (3) configured to seal a portion of the tubular packaging strip (2), wherein the first sealing device (3) is arranged along the forward advancing direction (A) and includes a first pair of sealing heads (5), characterized in that, The sealing assembly further includes a second sealing device (4) arranged along the forward advancing direction (A) and including a second pair of sealing heads (6), the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6) being operated by corresponding moving devices (7, 8), the moving devices (7, 8) being configured to synchronize the movement of the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6), such that each pair of sealing heads (5, 6) cyclically performs a sealing step and a positioning step, in which the pair of sealing heads (5 or 6) approaches each other to seal the tubular package. The tubular packaging strip (2) is loaded and simultaneously advanced along the forward advancing direction (A) to drag the tubular packaging strip (2) in the forward advancing direction (A) during the sealing step. In the positioning step, the pair of sealing heads (5 or 6) move away from each other and backward in the opposite direction to the forward advancing direction (A), and the corresponding motion devices (7, 8) are synchronized such that at least one pair (5 or 6) of the first pair of sealing heads and the second pair of sealing heads is in the sealing step to perform continuous advancement of the tubular packaging strip (2).

2. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each motion device (7, 8) is controlled by a control unit (9), which is configured to command one of the first pair of sealing heads or one of the second pair of sealing heads (5 or 6) to perform the sealing step, while the other pair of the first pair of sealing heads and the second pair of sealing heads (6 or 5) performs the positioning step in order to maintain the continuous dragging of the tubular packaging strip (2).

3. The sealing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each motion device (7, 8) includes a motion component driven by a drive mechanism (14) via a motor shaft (10) to move a corresponding pair of sealing heads (5, 6) in a rotational translational motion.

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 3, wherein, For each sealing head of each pair of sealing heads (5, 6), each moving device (7, 8) includes: -The motor shaft (10); - Two first lever mechanisms (11) form a corresponding four-bar linkage between the motor shaft (10) and the corresponding sealing head, allowing the rotational translational movement of the sealing head; - A second lever mechanism (12) is inserted between the two first lever mechanisms (11) kinematically connected between the respective sealing head and the motor shaft (10), allowing the respective sealing head to be pushed onto the tubular packaging strip (2) during the sealing step; - Multiple cam elements (13) are arranged between the drive mechanism (14) and the motor shaft (10) to allow the movement of the two first lever mechanisms (11) and the second lever mechanism (12) to be synchronized.

5. The sealing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, During the sealing step, the motion device (7, 8) of each pair of sealing heads (5, 6) is commanded to bring one pair (5 or 6) of the first pair of sealing heads and the second pair of sealing heads from a distant position to a close position to seal the tubular packaging strip (2), and at the same time, the tubular packaging strip (2) is moved along the forward advancing direction (A).

6. The sealing assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a reinforcing frame (15) associated with each motor shaft (10) and configured to reinforce the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6).

7. The sealing assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a clutch assembly (16) configured to temporarily disengage the motion devices (7, 8) of the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6) from the corresponding motor shafts (10), thereby allowing the sealing heads to rotate freely to place them in a cleaning / maintenance position that allows for cleaning or maintenance of the sealing heads.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The clutch assembly (16) includes a command lever (17) and a transmission belt (19). The command lever (17) acts on the motion device (7, 8) via a series of pulleys (18) kinematically keyed to the motion device (7, 8). The transmission belt (19) is connected to the pulleys (18) in an annular configuration. The command lever (17) is rotatable about an axis (X) to allow the first pair of sealing heads (5) and the second pair of sealing heads (6) to move synchronously to the cleaning / maintenance position.

9. The sealing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first sealing device (3) and the second sealing device (4) are configured to seal the tubular packaging strip (2) on the three sides forming the U-shaped profile.

10. A machine for producing and packaging pods, comprising: - First feed station (20), which is configured to feed the first continuous strip (S1); - Dispensing station (21), which is configured to dispense products on the first continuous strip (S1); - A second feed station (22) is configured to feed a second continuous strip (S2) to place the second continuous strip on top of the first continuous strip (S1) having a product dose; - A junction station (23) configured to seal the first continuous strip (S1) and the second continuous strip (S2) together to form a continuous strip (N), the continuous strip (N) comprising a plurality of pods arranged along a plurality of adjacent lines advancing on a propulsion plane (P); - A cutting station (24) configured to cut individual pods (1) from the continuous strip (N); - Insertion station (25), which is configured to insert the pod into the tubular packaging strip (2); - A sealing station (26) configured to dispense a single package (C) containing a predetermined number of pods; - A cutting station (27), which is arranged downstream of the sealing station (26), and is configured to separate the dispensed individual packages (C) from one another. The sealing station (26) is characterized in that it includes a sealing assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for sealing a single portion of a package having a predetermined number of products, comprising the steps of: -Prepare a tubular packaging strip (2) containing a row of adjacent products (1); - Advance the tubular packaging strip (2) along the forward advancing direction (A); -The tubular packaging strip (2) is sealed by means of a first sealing device (3) and a second sealing device (4) arranged along the forward propulsion direction (A), the first sealing device (3) and the second sealing device (4) sealing corresponding alternating portions of the tubular packaging strip (2), the sealing being performed simultaneously with the dragging of the tubular packaging strip (2) along the forward propulsion direction (A); - Synchronize the two sealing devices (3, 4) such that at least one of the first sealing device (3) and the second sealing device (4) performs a sealing step and simultaneously performs a dragging step to ensure the continuous advancement of the tubular packaging strip (2) along the forward advancing direction (A).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, When one of the first sealing device and the second sealing device (3 or 4) seals and drags the tubular packaging strip (2), the other sealing device (4 or 3) moves backward in the opposite direction to the forward propulsion direction (A).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The first sealing device and the second sealing device (3 or 4) seal the tubular packaging strip (2) on the three sides forming the U-shaped profile.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The tubular strip (2) is obtained by folding the packaging strip along the fold line, and by overlapping two parts of the packaging strip, the packaging strip forms a continuous U-shaped bag, leaving an opening opposite the fold line.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The product (1) is a pod of food material.

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