Method and apparatus for automatically deploying end flaps of a closed bag

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and corresponding apparatus for automatically unfolding end flaps of closed bags, such as envelopes, pouches, or sachets made of thin and flexible materials (such as plastics, paper, fabrics, etc.), containing objects, such as, but not limited to, containers or supports for bottles, vials, flasks, etc. in the chemical, medical, and pharmaceutical fields, to facilitate identification of the end flaps so that they can be used for subsequent processing, particularly cutting the flaps. Background Technology

[0002] In the chemical, medical, and pharmaceutical fields, products and substances can be packaged in specialized containers suitable for containing single or multiple doses to facilitate sorting and administration.

[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] The transport and usual filling of these known containers are carried out by arranging them in an orderly manner within racks or pallets, which are also known in the English term "nest" as described by those skilled in the art, and housed within slightly larger pallets, which are also known in the English term "tub" as described by those skilled in the art.

[0005] To ensure that the contents of the container are protected from the risk of external contamination and to prevent leakage of the substances contained in the container (e.g., after breakage or damage during transportation), the barrel is sealed in a first bag or sachet, which is usually made of a thin and flexible polymer material, or even filter paper / Tyvek paper.

[0006] The first sealed bag containing the barrel is then sealed inside a second bag or sachet, which is also made of a thin and flexible polymer material to increase the safety factor, facilitate its transportation, and even allow for the application of barcodes or QR codes, which will greatly speed up the automatic identification of the contents of the sealed bag.

[0007] This type of packaging is highly efficient in automated processing lines, where various machines and industrial robots can identify and handle various barrels sealed in sealable bags without the need for external operator intervention, thus ensuring high execution speed and a high degree of processing safety, especially when operations must be carried out in a sterile environment.

[0008] Therefore, in order to remove a separate bucket from two sealed bags, it will be sufficient for the operator or automated machine to identify the end flap of each sealed bag, cut the end flap, and remove the contents. The end flap is usually located on one side of the sealed bag.

[0009] However, especially when using automated machines, the identification of the aforementioned end flaps can be particularly difficult when they are deformed or wrinkled, sometimes making it difficult or even impossible to automatically identify the flaps and, for example, open them by cutting.

[0010] In particular, according to document US 2022 / 227522, devices for orienting rigid or semi-rigid objects contained in sealed bags are known, in which a rotating brush is used to allow the object to be oriented in a particular direction, thereby positioning end flaps to be subsequently cut by the rotating brush due to their friction. However, the rotating brush generates a number of particles that contaminate the normally sterile environment in which these devices are normally operated.

[0011] Known devices are also unsuitable when it comes to moving, for example, delicate or fragile objects made of fragile materials such as glass and containing chemical and / or pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the relative height between the rotating brushes must be constantly adjusted and adapted to the actual size of the bags to be processed, thus proving the device inefficient and unreliable.

[0012] Another known device, for identifying the end flaps of a sealed bag, is equipped with a pointed tubular element or needle inserted into the bag to blow pressurized air into it, inflating the bag like a balloon to facilitate identification of the end flaps to be cut. Inserting the needle into the sealed bag means it must be sterilized before each use, making the method too lengthy and laborious.

[0013] However, when dealing with bags and containers that enclose chemical and / or pharmaceutical substances, even this solution proves less than ideal, as the bags and containers may react with the blown-in air, thereby impairing their quality and, in some cases, their usability.

[0014] According to document US 2012 / 023873, an apparatus for automatically processing bags is also known, the bags being configured to be processed in a controlled environment (a so-called "vacuum" environment) at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In practice, creating a vacuum in the environment containing the bag causes the expansion of a certain volume of air contained therein, which results in stretching of its outer surface and makes the end flaps subsequently identifiable.

[0015] However, this known equipment is very complex and expensive because it requires a factory to generate a vacuum or sufficient negative pressure and to keep the processing environment airtight; from a maintenance perspective, its operation is also particularly complex and therefore expensive.

[0016] Furthermore, a device with a rotary gripper is known, which is adapted to grip a portion of a bag by rotating itself and then pull the portion of the bag around an object contained within it. However, this known device is not suitable for effectively identifying end flaps, especially if the bag is particularly deformed or wrinkled.

[0017] So-called “stretching” devices are also known, which are used to pass a bag containing an object under a fixed robotic arm, for example by moving the object on a conveyor belt, the compression action of which stretches the outer surface of the containing bag.

[0018] The disadvantage of this type of solution is that it is unsuitable when the object contained in the sealed bag is rigid and therefore not suitable for deformation, thus risking even irreparable damage to its contents.

[0019] Other solutions known in the art for unfolding bags to hold objects are also described in patent documents US 2021 / 094719 and WO 2022 / 190148, the latter owned by the same applicant.

[0020] Therefore, there is a need for a device capable of automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag containing one or more objects to facilitate identification of the end flaps, particularly containers for use in the pharmaceutical, medical, and / or chemical fields. This device overcomes at least one drawback of the prior art and can operate on automated processing lines, especially when working in a sterile environment is required.

[0021] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to improve a method and provide a device for automatically unfolding end flaps of a closed bag containing at least one object, so as to facilitate identification of the end flaps of the bag, said object being, for example, a container for use in the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical fields.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to improve a method and provide a device for automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag containing at least one object (e.g., a container for use in the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical fields), which can operate automatically and without any operator intervention.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to improve a method and provide a device for automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag containing at least one object (e.g., a container for pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical applications) in a manner that ensures high hygiene standards and thus eliminates the risk of contamination of its contents.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to improve a method and provide a device for automatically deploying end flaps of a closed container that contains at least one object (e.g., a container for use in the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical fields) without the risk of damaging its contents.

[0025] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0026] The invention is set forth and defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0027] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives and in order to solve the aforementioned technical problems in a novel and original manner, while achieving considerable advantages compared to the prior art, the method according to the invention for automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag containing at least one article comprises the following steps: pressing two contact areas of opposing first and second surfaces of the bag against two corresponding opposing surfaces of at least one article by means of a pressing member; moving the contact areas against the corresponding surfaces of at least one article by means of the pressing member, wherein the movement step has a first component and a subsequent second component, the first component having a direction away from the position of the end flap in order to straighten it, and the subsequent second component toward the position of the end flap. Following the movement step is a sliding step of the pressing member on the first and second surfaces to unfold the end flap. During the movement of the contact areas, the pressing member holds the bag against the corresponding surface of at least one article located inside the bag. The contact areas are included in the bag and move together with the pressing member.

[0028] This achieves at least the following advantage: the ability to unfold the end flaps of the bag regardless of their shape, such as whether the end flaps flatten or wrinkle against at least one item. This is thanks to the step of moving the contact area away from the end flaps, thereby allowing them to be straightened, which in turn ensures that the flaps unfold by moving the pressing member toward the end flaps.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the device for automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag containing at least one article according to the invention comprises at least two pressing members, each pressing member being configured to press a contact area on a corresponding surface of the closed bag, wherein at least one article is inserted between the contact areas, and the closed bag is inserted between the pressing members, such that the pressing members operate on two opposite outer surfaces of the closed bag.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further includes: an actuator, with the pressing member connected to the actuator; and a controller programmed to control the movement of the pressing member to press it against the closed bag, causing the contact area to move in a first component and a subsequent second component, the first component moving away from the position of the end flap to straighten the end flap, and the subsequent second component moving towards or closer to the end flap until the end flap unfolds. Advantageously, the controller is programmed to maintain the pressing member pressed against the closed bag during the movement of the pressing member. The controller is advantageously connected to the actuator.

[0031] Advantageously, the pressing member comprises a pair of bars extending along respective longitudinal axes and preferably having a circular or annular cross-section. During their movement, at least one of the bars tilts its longitudinal axis toward the closed bag and / or tilts at an angle other than 90° relative to both directions of movement, such that the contact area affects at least one article along its entire width or more generally along its entire dimension parallel to the end flaps. The tilt of the bar toward the closed bag allows adjustment of its compressive force, particularly at its free end, while the tilt in the direction of movement allows for improved unfolding, depending on the geometry of the article.

[0032] In the latter case, the two rods can have the same tilt angle relative to the direction of movement, or they can have two different angles relative to the direction of movement. Attached Figure Description

[0033] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a device according to the invention for automatically unfolding end flaps of a closed bag; and - Figures 2A to 2E These are some variations of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic diagram and a partial front view of the equipment; - Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a plan view of the pressing component of a device for automatically unfolding the end flaps of a closed bag in two different orientations; and - Figures 4 to 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of the equipment during continuous operation.

[0034] We must clarify that the wording and terminology used in this specification, as well as the illustrations (and their manner of description) in the accompanying drawings, serve only to better illustrate and explain the invention. Their purpose is to provide non-limiting examples of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0035] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been 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 combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The device 10 according to the invention is configured to facilitate the automatic opening of a closed bag 11 containing at least one object 12, such as a container for use in the pharmaceutical, medical and / or chemical fields.

[0037] Before describing the device 10 in detail, examples of the bag 11 and the object 12 will now be described by way of non-limiting example.

[0038] Each object 12 may include or consist of a bucket 13, which in turn contains a nest plate, which may contain chemical and / or pharmaceutical products sealed in flasks, vials, bottles, etc.

[0039] For example, in medical applications, the standard size of object 12 can be approximately 65 × 40 × 30 cm.

[0040] For example, bag 11 may include or consist of a sealed bag formed of two parallel sheets 14, 15, which are joined together, for example, by electric welding along their peripheral edges to define an end flap 16, as is known in the art.

[0041] Each of the two sheets 14, 15 thus defines the corresponding outer surface of the bag 11. We must clarify that reference numerals 14, 15 will be used interchangeably to indicate the two sheets and the corresponding outer surfaces of the bag 11 defined thereby (also referred to as the first surface and the second surface, respectively).

[0042] It should be noted that in possible variations not shown in the accompanying drawings, bag 11 may have a shape different from the shape just described, for example, composed of different numbers of sheets, such as three, four or five.

[0043] In addition, the bag 11 typically has a sufficient capacity to hold more than the volume of the object 12 (e.g., at least 20% to 100%), so that the object 12 can move within the bag 11 while remaining sealed.

[0044] Bag 11 can be made of any thin, flexible, and deformable material, allowing it to conform to the shape of object 12, such as polymer materials, like nonwoven fabric made of high-density polyethylene fibers, which is tear-resistant but easy to cut.

[0045] In other words, during use, the bag 11 takes the shape of the object 12 contained therein, and may droop around it.

[0046] The device 10 includes a transfer device 20, which includes a receiving portion 21, the size of which is adapted to receive one closed bag 11 at a time. In the example shown, the receiving portion 21 is provided with a rotating arm 22 at one end.

[0047] The arm is configured to be in a first horizontal position in a first vertical plane P1. Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 9 ) and the second vertical position ( Figure 1 The dashed lines in the middle and Figure 10 Rotating between the first horizontal position, the closed bag 11 is positioned for automatic extension of the end flap 16, and in the second vertical position, it is directed toward a subsequent workstation or machine to automatically unload the closed bag 11. For this purpose, the receiving portion has at least one bottom 23 that is perpendicular to the plane in which the arm 22 rotates, such that when the arm 22 is in the first position ( Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 9 When it is horizontally oriented, and when arm 22 is in the second position ( Figure 10 When it is vertically oriented. The receiving part 21 also preferably includes the rear wall 24 to which the arm 22 is connected.

[0048] It should be noted that in the example shown, when the closed bag 11 is in the position for its end flaps 16 to unfold, the end flaps 16 are positioned upwards and are oriented substantially vertically. The article 12 is oriented substantially vertically, that is, its longitudinal axis X is substantially vertical.

[0049] In order to hold the item 12 in place, the device 10 includes a blocking member 25 configured to block the position of the item 12 during straightening (i.e., during the movement of the pressing member 30 described below). When the arm 22 is in a first horizontal position, the blocking member 25 is positioned along a first vertical plane P1 and in front of the receiving portion 21. The blocking member is in an inactive position in the first vertical plane P1 ( Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 ) and blocking position ( Figures 5 to 8 The blocking member 25 is movable between the closed bag 11 and the arm 22. In the inactive position, the blocking member is a distance away from the closed bag 11. In the blocking position, the blocking member contacts the article 12 to press the article 12 against the rear wall 24 of the receiving portion 21, thereby holding the article 12 in place. To avoid hindering the proper execution of the method steps, it is particularly advantageous that the blocking member 25 is positioned substantially at the lower edge of the article 12, or in any case at a distance from the end flap 16. For example, when the arm 22 is in the first position, the blocking member can be positioned flush with the bottom wall 23 of the receiving portion 21.

[0050] The device 10 also includes at least two pressing members 30, each pressing member being located in front of a corresponding outer surface 14, 15 of the bag 11. In particular, when the bag is in the position for automatically deploying the end flaps 16, each pressing member 30 is located in front of a corresponding surface 12A, 12B of the article 12. Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 9 The distance between the two pressing members 30 is adjustable so that it can be adapted to the size of the item 12 to be manipulated.

[0051] The two pressing members 30 are substantially identical to each other. Each of them includes a rod 31 mounted substantially at its first end 32A on a rod 32. The rod 31 has a circular or annular cross-section. In the example shown, the rod 31 is cantilevered on its corresponding rod 32, that is, it has a first end 31A attached to the corresponding rod 32 and a second end 31B that is spaced a distance from the rod 32 and is free. Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B ).

[0052] Rod 32 pivots at its other end 32B to actuator 40, which also serves as a support for pressing member 30. Actuator 40 is advantageously mounted on a support (not shown) that is vertically movable to allow vertical movement of pressing member 30 along the closed bag 11. It can be deduced that, since end flap 16 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of article 12), pressing member 30, particularly rod 31, will be moved in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to end flap 16. This feature is particularly advantageous regardless of the orientation of article 12 and end flap 16.

[0053] The rods 32 are rotatable in the same second vertical plane P2, which is parallel to the first vertical plane P1 and substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the end flap 16. Figure 1Rod 31 extends transversely to its corresponding rod 32 along its longitudinal axis Y; that is, each rod 31 may be perpendicular or inclined relative to its corresponding rod 32 at an angle other than 90°. In this way, the orientation of the rod 31 relative to the end flap 16 is substantially parallel or slightly inclined. Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2E That is, the angle perpendicular to or inclined to the direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis X of article 12, except for 90°. This inclination should be considered relative to a third vertical plane P3, which is perpendicular to the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 but parallel to the longitudinal axis X of article 12. This third plane P3 corresponds to... Figures 2A to 2E The plan view of the drawings.

[0054] Specifically, both rods 31 can be set to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the item 12, such as... Figure 2A As shown.

[0055] In a variant example, such as Figure 2B As shown, rod 31 is tilted at an angle other than 90° relative to its direction of movement (i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis X of article 12), but in any case in a manner that affects its entire width. For example, the tilt of rod 31 or its corresponding longitudinal axis Y relative to its direction of movement (i.e., relative to the longitudinal axis X of article 12) includes an angle α between 70° and 90°; that is, they are tilted at an angle of up to 20° relative to the perpendicular of the direction of movement.

[0056] In another variation, all rods 31 are inclined in the same direction but at two different angles. For example, the first rod 31 is inclined at a first angle α relative to the direction of movement, and the other rod 31 is inclined at a second angle β relative to the direction of movement, where β is different from α, for example, less than α. For instance, the value of α relative to the direction of movement can be between 70° and 90°, while the value of β relative to the direction of movement can be between 60° and 90°.

[0057] In another variation, rods 31 are all tilted but in opposite directions. Figure 2D The two angles of rod 31 relative to the direction of movement can be the same or different in absolute value.

[0058] Alternatively, one rod 31 can be positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the item 12, thus perpendicular to the direction of movement, while the other rod 31 is tilted at an angle other than 90°, for example, tilted at an angle α as described above. Figure 2E ).

[0059] Rods 31 have another degree of freedom, namely, they can be kept with their longitudinal axis Y parallel to the surfaces 12A and 12B of the article 12, or they can be kept with their longitudinal axis Y tilted toward the surfaces 12A and 12B. Figure 3A, Figure 3B By tilting the rod toward item 12, we mean that one of the ends 31A and 31B is closer to item 12 than the other end 31B or 31A.

[0060] The second tilt is considered to be in a fourth plane P4, which is perpendicular to the first vertical plane P1 and the second vertical plane P2, but perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the article 12. The fourth plane P4 is horizontal and corresponds to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The plane of the drawing is therefore perpendicular to the third plane P3, in which the previously described angles α and β are measured.

[0061] As described above regarding the orientation relative to the direction of movement, each rod 31 can be tilted independently of each other relative to the surfaces 12A, 12B of the article 12. It is advantageous to tilt the rod 31 so that its free end 31B is closer to the article 12 to better adjust the compressive force at that end. Since the rod 31 is cantilevered, this adjustment allows for uniform compression of the contact area C along the entire length of the rod 31. This adjustment also allows for compensation for any errors in the straightness of the rod 31. However, the rod can also be tilted so that its free end 31B moves away from the article 12.

[0062] Considering the two degrees of freedom mentioned above, it can be deduced that the rod 31 can be oriented substantially in a conical region, the tip of which is located at the attachment point between the rod 31 and the corresponding bar 32.

[0063] Preferably, the length of the rod 31 is greater than the width of the article 12 so as to affect its surfaces 12A, 12B over its entire width. This allows for maximizing the effect caused by the pressing member 30, as will be explained below. The rod 31 is configured to contact the respective contact areas C of the sheets 14, 15. Figures 5 to 7 The sheets 14 and 15 are in contact with the closed bag 11 and indirectly in contact with the article 12, wherein the surfaces 12A and 12B of the article 12 are partially compressed.

[0064] The rod 31 has an outer surface 33 made of a high-friction material (e.g., rubber). In this way, the rod 31 is prevented from sliding along the outer surfaces 14, 15 of the closed bag 11. The outer surface 33 can be irregular, for example, made of protrusions and notches, to increase friction with the material of the closed bag 11. As a non-limiting example, in Figure 1 In the middle, the outer surface 33 of the rod 31 includes several annular portions coaxial with the rod 31.

[0065] The device 10 also includes a controller 50 connected to the actuator 40. The controller 50 is programmed to control the movement of the pressing members 30 to press them against the closed bag 11 and the article 12 contained therein, and to determine the movement of the contact area C, which has a first component of a position away from the end flap 16 and a subsequent second component of a position towards the end flap 16. This movement occurs when the pressing members 30 are pressed against the article 12 to move the closed bag 11 relative to the article 12 contained therein.

[0066] Alternatively, the device 10 may be equipped with at least one sensor configured to detect the force applied by the pressing member 30 to the article 12 and the closed bag 11.

[0067] The operation of the device 10 corresponding to the method according to the invention includes the following steps. It must be clarified that the controller 50 is configured and programmed to control all movement of the pressing member 30 in the steps described below.

[0068] When arm 22 is in the first horizontal position ( Figure 4 When the device 10 is activated, the pressing members 30 are positioned a certain distance apart from each other, and the closed bag 11 is located in the receiving portion 21 between the pressing members 30. The blocking member 25 is a certain distance away from the closed bag 11, and the pressing members 30 do not contact it. The end flaps 16 of the bag 11 are wrinkled.

[0069] Control the blocking member 25 to contact the article 12, thereby positioning it against the rear wall 24 of the receiving portion 21. Figures 4 to 5 ) Blocking item 12.

[0070] At this time, the height of the actuator 40 is adjusted so that the pressing member 30, especially the rod 31, can contact the upper part of the article 12 near the end flap 16. An adjustment rod 31 is also provided relative to the direction of movement (e.g., Figures 2A to 2E (as shown) and the surface relative to article 12 (such as Figures 3A to 3B The orientation of the rods (as shown) is determined. These adjustments are performed manually, and once the desired positioning of the rods 31 has been identified, they are blocked by known components (e.g., key rings). Positioning is selected according to the format of the items 12, thus allowing for initial self-organizing adjustments for each item 12. It can be inferred that the positioning of the rods 31 cannot be changed during the operation of the device 10.

[0071] The controller 50 controls the movement of the pressing members 30 toward each other, so that the rod 31 contacts the opposite surfaces 12A, 12B of the article 12, thereby pressing against the surfaces of the sheets 14, 15 of the closed bag 11 at the contact area C.

[0072] Therefore, the position of the item 12 is set to be blocked by the blocking member 25 during the entire movement of the contact area C.

[0073] Then, the controller 50 controls the movement of the contact areas C by means of the pressing member 30 in order to determine a first stroke in which their movement has a first component relative to the end flap 16 to be deployed in the opposite direction or away from it. Figures 5 to 6 Specifically, the pressing member 30 moves along the surfaces 12A and 12B of the article 12 away from the end flap 16. It should be clarified that during this movement, the rod 31 remains pressed against the opposite surfaces 12A and 12B of the article 12 so as to move the contact area C.

[0074] This movement determines the movement of the upper portion of the closed bag 11 relative to the article 12, which causes the end flaps 16 to straighten, so that the end flaps 16 no longer wrinkle on their own if they have not been fully unfolded. This straightening means that the pressing member 30 is also able to interact with the end flaps 16.

[0075] To achieve this result, in the example shown in this article, the pressing member is moved until the bar 31 reaches essentially the center portion at the height of the article 12. Figure 6 That's enough. In other words, the first stroke begins in the part of item 12 closest to the end flap 16 and ends at most in the central part of the item.

[0076] More generally, the length of the first stroke of the rod 31 depends on the length of the end flap 16 to be straightened. The longer the end flap 16 to be straightened, the longer the first stroke of the rod 31 must be to achieve a satisfactory effect. Therefore, the first stroke may end near the flap opposite to the end flap 16, or it may end before the aforementioned central portion at the height of the article 12, that is, near the end flap 16.

[0077] Once the first stroke of the pressing member 30 has ended, and thus once the end flap 16 has been straightened, the controller 50 controls the movement of the contact area C by means of the pressing member 30 to determine the second stroke, in which they move toward or closer to the end flap 16, thereby reversing the direction of movement relative to the first stroke.

[0078] The second component of the movement of the contact area C ends when the rod 31 reaches the upper edge of the article 12 (i.e., the edge closest to the end flap 16). Having moved past this edge, the movement of the pressing member 30 continues toward the end flap 16. Then, the sliding step of the pressing member 30 on the first surface 14 and the second surface 15 of the bag 11 begins to determine the unfolding of the end flap 16, and thus its straightening.

[0079] In the example shown, rod 31 then moves upward ( Figures 6 to 7 (), until they reach the end wing 16, which is thus pressed between the two bars 31 from both sides.

[0080] As rod 31 continues to move upward, the end flap 16 unfolds until rod 31 passes the end of end flap 16. Figures 7 to 8 The fact that the article 12 and thus the closed bag 11 are held in place by the blocking member 25 facilitates this passage through the end. It can be inferred that the second stroke of movement preferably terminates beyond the end of the end flap 16.

[0081] At the end of the second component of the movement, the end flap 16 is arranged along a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the pressing member 30.

[0082] It must be clarified that the inclination of the rods 31 relative to the direction of movement does not change during the movement of the pressing member 30. Therefore, during its movement, the two rods 31 are perpendicular to or inclined at angles α and β other than 90° relative to the direction of movement. It can be configured that, during movement, at least one of the rods 31 is inclined at an angle α and β other than 90° relative to the direction of movement, or that both rods 31 are inclined at angles α and β other than 90° relative to the direction of movement. In the latter case, the angles α and β of the two rods 31 can be the same or different from each other, with angle β being, for example, greater in absolute value than angle α.

[0083] At this time, the reciprocating movement of the pressing member 30 and the direction of the blocking member 25 toward its inactive position can be controlled by the controller 50. Figure 9 The movement of the arm 22 and / or the rotation of the arm 22 toward its second vertical transfer position, so as to transfer the closed bag 11 toward a subsequent workstation or machine, for example, to cut the end flap 16, with the end flap 16 deployed.

[0084] Obviously, modifications and / or additions can be made to the device 10 and method as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0085] 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 other equivalent forms of methods and apparatus for automatically unfolding end flaps of a closed bag, which have the features set forth in the claims and thus fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0086] 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 defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for automatically unfolding an end flap (16) of a closed bag (11), wherein at least one article (12) is contained in the closed bag (11), the method comprising the steps of: The method is characterized by pressing two opposing contact areas (C) of the opposing first outer surface (14) and second outer surface (15) of the closed bag (11) against two corresponding opposing surfaces (12A, 12B) of the at least one article (12) by means of a pressing member (30), wherein the two opposing contact areas (C) are moved against the corresponding surfaces (12A, 12B) by means of the pressing member (30), wherein the moving step has a first component and a subsequent second component, the first component having a direction away from the end flap (16), the subsequent second component being toward the end flap (16), followed by a sliding step of the pressing member (30) toward the end flap (16) on the first surface (14) and the second surface (15) to unfold the end flap (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component begins in the region where the pressing member (30) presses against the first portion of the at least one article (12) closer to the end flap (16) and ends in the second portion of the at least one article (12) further away from the end flap (16).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The step of blocking the position of at least one article (12) by means of a blocking member (25) during the movement of the two opposing contact areas (C).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At the end of the sliding step, the end flap (16) is arranged on a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the pressing member (30).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pressing member (30) includes a pair of rods (31) that extend along a respective longitudinal axis (Y) and preferably have a circular or annular cross section, and wherein during the moving step, at least one of the rods (31) tilts its longitudinal axis (Y) toward the closed bag (11) and / or tilts at an angle (α, β) other than 90° relative to the direction of the moving step.

6. A device (10) for automatically unfolding an end flap (16) of a closed bag (11) containing at least one article (12), the device (10) comprising two pressing members (30), each pressing member being configured to press a contact area (C) on a corresponding face (12A, 12B) of the closed bag (11), wherein the at least one article (12) is inserted between the two pressing members, such that the pressing members (30) operate on opposing first outer surfaces (14) and second outer surfaces (15) of the closed bag (11), characterized in that It also includes an actuator (40) and a controller (50), the pressing member (30) being connected to the actuator (40), and the controller (50) being programmed to control the movement of the pressing member (30) to press the pressing member against the closed bag (11), thereby causing the contact area (C) to move with a first movement component and a subsequent second movement component, wherein the first movement component has a direction away from the end flap (16) and the subsequent second movement component is toward the end flap (16), followed by a sliding movement of the pressing member (30) toward the end flap (16) on the first surface (14) and the second surface (15) to cause the end flap (16) to unfold.

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a blocking member (25) configured to block the position of the at least one article (12) during the movement of the pressing member (30).

8. The device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Each pressing member (30) includes a rod (31) extending along the corresponding longitudinal axis (Y) and preferably having a circular or annular cross section.

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rod (31) has an outer surface (33) made of a high-friction material such as rubber.

10. The device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, At least one of the rods (31) tilts its longitudinal axis (Y) relative to the direction of movement at an angle (α, β) other than 90° and / or toward the closed bag (11).

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