Machine for bagging products and method for bagging products to be bagged with such a machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine (10) for bagging products, comprising a forming tray (20), extending along a sheath axis (X20), receiving a bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath (14), the bag extending along the sheath axis (X20); and a storage tray (40), receiving a product (P) to be bagged. To improve the bagging rate, the bagging machine (10) further comprises a bagging tray (30), aligned with the storage tray along a bagging axis (X30) parallel or oblique to the sheath axis. The bagging tray is juxtaposed with the forming tray along a transfer axis (Y30) perpendicular or oblique to the bagging axis and to the sheath axis, and the bagging machine further comprises a transfer device (32) configured to transfer the bag (22) from the forming tray (20) to the bagging tray (30) along the transfer axis.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Product bagging machine and method of bagging products to be bagged with such a machine

[0002] The present invention relates to a product bagging machine, as well as to a method of bagging products to be bagged with such a bagging machine.

[0003] For bagging products, in particular food products such as bread, it is known, in particular from EP-A-2860 117, to use a bagging machine for packaging bread in bags formed from a sheath wound on a reel. When bagging bread, the sheath is unrolled onto a tray, shaped using a blower system so that the end of the bread can be inserted into the sheath, then the sheath is locked in position and then cut, folded and sealed to form a bag with a closed rear end and an open front end. The bread can then be inserted by an operator or a conveyor belt into the bag. The front end of the bag is then closed by an operator, then the bag is evacuated from the tray and this process is repeated to bag a new loaf.

[0004] This machine is satisfactory when used in artisan bakeries or shopping centers, but does not allow bagging speeds compatible with its use in an industrial environment.

[0005] Furthermore, to carry out operations such as closing the bag with a clip or by a welding operation, it is desirable to have a larger technical space near the open end of the bag, which current bagging machines do not have.

[0006] The invention seeks to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new bagging machine with improved speed, in which additional space is available to carry out additional operations on the bag after its formation.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a product bagging machine, comprising a forming tray, extending along a sheath axis, configured to receive a bag formed from a tubular sheath, the bag being configured to extend along the sheath axis and to have a closed rear end and a front end; and a storage tray, configured to receive a product to be bagged.

[0008] According to the invention:

[0009] - the bagging machine further comprises a bagging tray, aligned with the storage tray along a bagging axis parallel or oblique to the sheath axis,

[0010] - the bagging tray is juxtaposed with the forming tray along a transfer axis perpendicular or oblique to the bagging axis and to the sheath axis, and - the bagging machine further comprises a transfer device, configured to transfer the bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray along the transfer axis

[0011] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to shift the formed bag to the side reliably and precisely, which allows additional operations to be carried out, such as, for example, closing the bag. The juxtaposition of the forming and bagging trays also makes it possible to start forming a new bag simultaneously with the introduction of a product into a first bag, which saves time.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the bagging machine comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0013] - The transfer device comprises: o a gripper, movable in translation along the transfer axis, the gripper being configured to grip an edge of the front end of the bag when the bag is positioned on the forming tray and to subject the bag to a translational movement along the transfer axis from the forming tray to the bagging tray, and o a blocker, movable in translation along the transfer axis and along an extension axis perpendicular to the transfer axis and to the sheath axis, the blocker being configured to guide the movement of the bag during its translational movement from the forming tray to the bagging tray.

[0014] - The blocker comprises a flat plate extending parallel to the transfer axis and the sheath axis, configured to be in contact with the bag during its translational movement from the forming platen to the bagging platen.

[0015] - The bagging machine further comprises a locking member aligned with the forming plate along the sheath axis and configured to lock the front end of the bag in position when the bag is positioned on the forming plate.

[0016] - The bagging machine further comprises a rotary device describing a loop passing opposite the forming plate then the bagging plate and at least two clamps fixed to the rotary device. The blocking member is formed by one of the clamps fixed to the rotary device and located opposite the forming plate and the clamp of the transfer device is formed by one of the clamps fixed to the rotary device and moving from the forming plate to the bagging plate.

[0017] - The bagging tray is formed by a conveyor belt configured to discharge the bagged product in the bag from the bagging tray. - The bagging machine further comprises a first blower system, adapted to inflate the bag when the bag is positioned on the forming tray using an air flow directed along the duct axis towards the front end of the bag and a second blower system, adapted to inflate the bag when the bag is positioned on the bagging tray using an air flow directed along the bagging axis towards the front end of the bag.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for bagging products to be bagged with a bagging machine as described above, comprising successive steps triggered by a control unit consisting of:

[0019] - position a first bag formed from a tubular sheath on the forming plate;

[0020] - transfer the first bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray using the transfer device;

[0021] - insert into the first bag a product to be bagged previously placed on the storage tray by moving the product to be bagged along the bagging axis; and

[0022] - simultaneously with the introduction of the product to be bagged into the first bag, position a second bag formed from the tubular sheath on the forming plate.

[0023] Advantageously, the transfer of the first bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray using the transfer device is carried out using the successive actions consisting of:

[0024] - grasp one edge of the front end of the first bag using the pliers and bring the blocker closer to the first bag by a translational movement along the extension axis;

[0025] - move the first bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray by a synchronized translational movement of the gripper and the blocker along the transfer axis;

[0026] - move the blocker away from the first bag by a translational movement along the extension axis, and the clamp releases the edge of the front end of the first bag after the introduction of the product to be bagged into the first bag.

[0027] Advantageously, the first bag is positioned on the forming tray by the locking member, which locks the front end of the first bag in position; the transfer of the first bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray further comprises, after the edge of the first bag is gripped by the gripper and the blocker is brought closer to the first bag and before the first bag is moved from the forming tray to the bagging tray, an action consisting of actuating the locking member to release the front end of the first bag. In addition, the second bag is positioned on the forming tray by the locking member, which locks the front end of the second bag in position.

[0028] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bagging machine according to the invention, in a configuration prior to the creation of a bag;

[0030] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of blocking one end of a sheath on a forming plate of the bagging machine;

[0031] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of forming a first bag by cutting, folding and welding the sheath;

[0032] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of holding the first formed bag;

[0033] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of transferring the first formed bag from the forming tray to a bagging tray;

[0034] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of forming another bag by cutting, folding and welding the sheath, simultaneously with the introduction of a loaf into the first bag;

[0035] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of closing the first bag;

[0036] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the forming plate, a portion of the bagging plate and a sheath locking member, belonging to the bagging machine of Figure 1;

[0037] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a step of locking the sheath on the forming plate;

[0038] [Fig 10] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a step of gripping an edge of the first bag formed from the sheath by a transfer device;

[0039] [Fig 1 1] Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a step of recoil of the locking member;

[0040] [Fig 12] Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a step of transferring the first bag and simultaneous blocking of the sheath by the blocking member;

[0041] [Fig 13] Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing a step of returning the transfer device to the initial position; [Fig 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of a bagging machine according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0042] A bagging machine 10 is shown in Figure 1. The bagging machine 10 is intended to be installed, for example, in an artisanal or industrial bakery or a bakery department of a supermarket. The bagging machine 10 is intended for bagging products, for example food products. In the example of the figures, the bagging machine 10 allows the bagging of breads P.

[0043] The invention is applicable to any type of food product, such as delicatessen meats of various shapes, pastries, biscuits, or confectionery, fruits and vegetables, or any other baggable product. The invention is also applicable to any type of non-food baggable product.

[0044] The bagging machine 10 comprises a frame (not shown) and at least one reel 12, shown only in FIG. 1, which is rotatably mounted relative to the frame and which supports a wound tubular sheath 14. The bagging machine 10 comprises a mechanism for driving the sheath 14 from the reel 12, including in the example several rollers 16, including slack rollers intended to unwind and guide the sheath 14 and drive rollers. The bagging machine 10 further comprises an opening device 18, allowing the opening of the sheath 14. For clarity of the drawing, the reel 14 is shown only in FIG. 1.

[0045] The bagging machine 10 comprises a forming plate 20, formed by a flat surface extending generally along a forming plane P20, on which the tubular sheath 14 is positioned for the formation of a bag 22.

[0046] The bagging machine 10 comprises a bag forming device 24, making it possible to form bags from the sheath 14, comprising means for cutting, folding and welding the sheath 14 capable of forming bags 22 from the sheath 14. The device 24 comprises jaws movable along a vertical axis Z, capable of cutting the sheath 14, members for folding the sheath portion cut at its end and heating means capable of welding the folded portion to the unfolded portion of the sheath 24, in particular according to a technique known from EP-A-2 511 188.

[0047] The forming plate 20 defines a sheath axis X20, which corresponds to an unwinding axis of the sheath 14 and which is parallel to the forming plane P20 and orthogonal to the vertical axis Z.

[0048] The bag 22 thus extends along the sheath axis X20 and thus comprises a rear end 22A which is closed by the device 24 and a front end 22B which is open at the end of the formation of the bag. As visible in FIG. 4, the ends 22A and 22B of the bag 22 are arranged along the sheath axis X20

[0049] Preferably, the sheath and the bag 22 formed from the sheath are made with two distinct faces, for example with a back face made of paper and a front face made of polypropylene. The front face of the bag 22 is preferably transparent. In the figures, the front face of the bag 22 is shown transparent.

[0050] The bagging machine 10 comprises a first blower system 26 for shaping the sheath 14 when the latter is positioned on the forming plate 20 and also for shaping the bag 22 when the latter is positioned on the forming plate 20, after its formation by the bag forming device 24. The first blower system 26 comprises a tube visible in FIGS. 1 to 7 and a fan not shown, which generates an air flow directed by the tube in a direction oblique to the sheath axis X20, which makes it possible to maintain the shape of the sheath 14, then the bag 22, by inflating them with air, so that they have a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular section.

[0051] The bagging machine 10 comprises a locking member 28 adapted to lock the sheath 14 in position against the forming plate 20 before the sheath 14 is cut, folded and welded by the bag forming device 24, and then to lock the bag 22 in position against the forming plate 20, after its formation. In the example, the locking member 28 is a flat pad capable of being inserted into the sheath 14 by its front end 22B when it is shaped by the first blower system 26 and of clamping the sheath 14 against the forming plate 20. Thus, the locking member 28 makes it possible to lock the front end 22B of the sheath 14, then of the bag 22, in position on the forming plate 20, in other words, to position the front end of the sheath on the forming plate.

[0052] The locking member 28 is movable along the sheath axis X20 to allow its introduction into the sheath 14 and along the vertical axis Z to allow the locking and release of the front end 22B of the sheath then of the bag 22. The locking member 28 is thus aligned with the forming plate 20 along the sheath axis X20.

[0053] The locking member 28 is clearly visible in Figures 8 to 13.

[0054] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a bagging plate 30, which extends along a bagging plane P30 and which defines a bagging axis X30. In the example, the bagging plane P30 coincides with the forming plane P20 and the bagging axis X30 is parallel to the sheath axis X20. The bagging plate 30 is juxtaposed with the forming plate 20 along a transfer axis Y30 which is perpendicular to the sheath axis X20 and to the vertical axis Z. In other words, the bagging 30 and forming 20 plates are located side by side.

[0055] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a transfer device 32 for transferring the bag 22 formed on the forming plate 20 to the bagging plate 30, in other words for moving the bag 22 along the transfer axis Y30.

[0056] This transfer device 32 advantageously comprises a clamp 34 and a blocker 36. In FIG. 1, the clamp 34 is barely visible, because it is masked by the blocking member 28. The clamp 34 is better visible in FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0057] The gripper 34 is movable along the transfer axis Y30 and is configured to grip an edge 22C of the front end 22B of the bag 22 when the bag is formed on the forming plate 20 and to subject the bag to a translational movement from the forming plate to the bagging plate, according to the arrow F1 in FIG. 5. By "edge", we mean the first centimeters of the bag located at its front end 22B, for example the two centimeters of the bag closest to its front end.

[0058] The blocker 36 is movable in translation along the transfer axis Y30 and along the vertical axis Z. The blocker is configured to guide the movement of the bag during its translational movement from the forming plate to the bagging plate. For this purpose, the blocker 36 comprises a flat plate 38 extending parallel to the transfer axis Y30 and to the sheath axis X20. The vertical axis Z forms an extension axis of the blocker 36. The flat plate 38 is configured to be in contact with the bag during its translational movement from the forming plate 20 to the bagging plate 30, this contact creating sufficient adhesion between the plate and the bag to allow the blocker to guide the movement of the bag. In addition, the first blower system 26, which inflates the bag 22, makes it possible to press the bag against the blocker 36, which promotes this adhesion.

[0059] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the blocker 36 is equipped with a suction system, generating suction at the level of the flat plate 38 reinforcing the adhesion between the flat plate and the bag. In a non-shown variant of the invention, the transfer device 32 does not comprise a blocker 36 but comprises a suction system integrated into the forming tray 20 and the bagging tray 30. In such a variant, the forming tray 20 is formed by a conveyor belt whose direction of circulation is along the transfer axis Y30 and the movement of the bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray is guided by the movement of the conveyor belts forming the forming tray and the transfer tray, the bag being held against the conveyor belts by the suction system.

[0060] Thus, the transfer device 32 is configured so that the gripper 34 grips the bag 22 in a position shown in FIG. 3, located opposite the forming plate 20 along the sheath axis X20. Then, the blocker 36 comes into contact with the bag 22 in a position shown in FIG. 4. Then, the gripper and the blocker move along the transfer axis to a position shown in FIG. 5, which is located opposite the bagging plate 30 along the bagging axis X30. The operation of the transfer device 32 is described in more detail below.

[0061] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a storage tray 40 for products, which are in the example loaves P. The storage tray 40 may be solely intended for manually sliding the products towards the bags 22, as shown in the figures.

[0062] In a variant not shown, the storage tray 40 may also include an insertion mechanism such as a product conveyor belt or a pushing member, allowing a product to be automatically inserted into the bag 22.

[0063] The storage tray 40 is formed by a flat surface which is, in the example, generally horizontal. Preferably, the storage tray is located generally in the same plane as the forming tray 20 and bagging tray 30. The storage tray 40 extends in this example opposite the forming tray 20 and the bagging tray 30, but may extend only opposite the bagging tray 30.

[0064] In a variant not shown, the bagging tray 30 and the storage tray 40 extend in the same plane which is inclined relative to the horizontal, or even vertical, the bagging tray being located lower than the storage tray, allowing the insertion of a product into the bag 22 by gravity. In such a variant the bagging axis X30 and the sheath axis X20 are not parallel.

[0065] In a variant not shown, the forming tray 20, the bagging tray 30 and the storage tray 40 extend in the same plane which is inclined relative to the horizontal, or even vertical, allowing the insertion of a product into the bag 22 by gravity. In such a variant, the flat plate 38 of the blocker 36 extends parallel to this plane. Preferably, in such a variant, the extension axis of the blocker 36 is not the vertical axis Z, but an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the forming, bagging and storage trays extend.

[0066] Advantageously but optionally, the bagging tray 30 is formed by a conveyor belt whose direction of circulation is oriented along the axis Y30, opposite the forming tray 20, thus allowing the bags 22 containing the products to be evacuated from the bagging machine 10, for example towards a basket not shown. Alternatively, the direction of circulation of the conveyor belt is oriented along the axis X30, opposite the storage tray 40.

[0067] The transfer of the bag 22 formed on the forming plate 20 to the bagging plate 30 makes it possible to make a large space available for carrying out operations on the bag 22, such as for example easy bagging, in particular in the case of bagging multiple or delicate products, but also the closing of the bag 22 by a clip, by a flat welding operation, or by folding and welding operations similar to those carried out by the bag forming device 24.

[0068] Preferably, the bagging machine 10 comprises a device 42 for closing the bags 22, comprising a lower jaw 42A and an upper jaw 42B, located above the lower jaw 42A, configured to perform a vertical movement of mutual approach in the direction of the plane P30 along which the bagging tray 30 extends. The closing device 42 performs a welding operation of the front end 22B of the bag 22, and possibly a prior folding operation of the front end of the bag, making it possible to close the bag 22 once a product P has been inserted therein. Advantageously, the closing device 42 is located, along the bagging axis X30, in a space located between the bagging tray 30 and the storage tray 40.

[0069] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the closing device 42 is configured to close the bags 22 by means other than welding. For example, the closing device closes the bags 22 using a clip or a flexible tie surrounding the front end 22B of the bag 22, using a label stuck to the bag, or with any other closing method.

[0070] According to an optional aspect, the bagging machine 10 comprises a labeling system 44 configured to deposit labels 46 on the sheath 14 prior to its unwinding onto the forming plate 20. In the example, the labeling system 44 is arranged in the sheath axis X20, upstream of the opening device 18 in the direction of unwinding of the sheath 14. In a variant of the invention not shown, the bagging machine comprises a labeling system configured to deposit labels on the bag 22 after bagging a product in the bag.

[0071] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a second blower system 48, comprising a tube visible in FIGS. 1 to 7 and a fan not shown which generates an air flow in a direction oblique to the bagging direction X30 and which makes it possible to keep the bag 22 in shape on the bagging plate 30 by inflating it with air, so that it has a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular section facilitating the insertion of a product, such as a loaf of bread P.

[0072] In a variant of the invention not shown, the second blower system 48 comprises two tubes and the fan thus generates two air flows directed by the two tubes in two oblique directions relative to the bagging direction X30 and oriented towards the bagging tray, the two tubes being arranged on either side of a product arranged on the storage tray 40. Thus, the two air flows make it possible to keep the bag 22 inflated without being blocked by the presence of a product on the storage tray.

[0073] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a control unit 100, shown only in FIG. 1, comprising for example processors, memories, sensors, configured to control the operation of the sheath drive mechanism, the bag forming device 24, the first blower system 26, the second blower system 48, the sheath locking member 28 and the transfer device 32. The control unit 100 is adapted to communicate with the various components of the bagging machine 10 by electrical signals via wired or wireless links. The control unit 100 may also comprise a human-machine interface allowing a user to vary the operating parameters of the bagging machine. For clarity of the drawing, the control unit 100 is shown only in FIG. 1.

[0074] Advantageously, the control unit 100 is configured to trigger the unwinding of the sheath 14 onto the forming tray 20 and the formation of a second bag 22 on the forming tray during the bagging of a product in a first bag 22 already formed and located on the bagging tray 30 and previously transferred from the forming tray 20 by the transfer device 32. This unwinding of the sheath 14 and this formation of a second bag 22 in parallel with the bagging of a product in the first bag 22 makes it possible to carry out two operations in masked time and to increase the work rate, a second bag 22 arriving directly on the bagging tray 30 as soon as the first filled and closed bag is evacuated from this bagging tray.The bagging machine 10 may for this purpose comprise a sensor for transferring a bag 22 to the bagging tray 30, triggering at the level of the control unit 100 the unwinding of the sheath 14 by the drive mechanism as soon as the first bag has left the forming tray 20.

[0075] Preferably, the bagging machine 10 also comprises a system for bagging products of various sizes, in particular by making it possible to adjust the length of the bags 22 to be manufactured. For this purpose, the forming plate 20 comprises a fixed part 20A and a movable part 20B. The movable part 20B is movable relative to the fixed part 20A along the sheath axis X20. The movable part 20B is partly retractable under the fixed part 20A, so that a length L20 of the forming plate 20, along the sheath axis X20, is variable. This makes it possible to adjust the length of sheath 14 unwound on the forming plate 20 and the final length of the bag 22 formed therein. The mechanism for driving the sheath 14 from the reel 12, as well as the bag-forming device 24, are integral with the mobile part 20B of the forming plate 20, this assembly thus moving according to the double arrow F2 in figure 1.This movement is preferably implemented using a linear actuator such as a cylinder, a chain, a belt or any other suitable mechanism that can be controlled from the control unit 100.

[0076] In a variant not shown, the training plate 20 is formed by a canvas which can be rolled up on a winder, the length of which is variable by winding or unwinding.

[0077] In a manner not shown, all the elements of the bagging machine 10 are connected by the frame, which may be composed of different metal parts, or of synthetic material, machined parts or profiles, so as to ensure its operation.

[0078] The operation of the bagging machine 10 is now described from Figures 2 to 7, Figure 1 representing the initial state of the bagging machine 10, in which the tubular sheath 14 is not yet unwound onto the forming plate 20. In other words, in the configuration of Figure 1, no bag is yet formed.

[0079] In Figure 2, the sheath 14 is unwound along the sheath axis X20, until one end 14A of the sheath 14 approaches the locking member 28 of the axial end of the forming plate 20. The locking member 28 is then actuated, according to the arrow F3, to penetrate into the sheath 14 and lock the lower part of the end 14A of the sheath against the forming plate 20. At the same time, the air flow generated by the first blower system 26 keeps the sheath 14 open so as to allow the locking member 28 to enter the sheath.

[0080] In Figure 3, the formation of a first bag 22 is carried out by the actuation of the bag-forming device 24, represented by a double arrow F4. During this step, the end 14A of the sheath 14, which corresponds to the front end 22B of the first bag being formed, remains locked in position against the plate 10 under the action of the locking member 28.

[0081] In Figure 4, the bag forming device 24 is reopened, as shown by a double arrow F5, which allows the rear end 22A of the newly formed first bag 22 to be released. In addition, the blocker 36 is actuated along the vertical axis Z until the flat plate 38 contacts the first bag 22, as shown by the arrow F6. In Figure 5, the first bag 22 that has been formed on the forming platen 20 is gripped by the gripper 34 of the transfer device 32 and released by the blocking member 28, then the gripper 34 moves along the transfer axis Y30 according to the arrow F1 to bring the first bag 22 onto the bagging platen 30, to a bagging position in which the first bag 22 is aligned with the bagging axis X30.Simultaneously, the blocker 28 moves along the transfer axis Y30 according to the arrow F7, in a movement synchronized with that of the clamp 34, to guide the movement of the first bag 22. The first bag 22 is then opposite the storage tray 40 and the second blower system 48. During this movement, the first bag 22 is successively inflated by the first blower system 26 then by the second blower system 48. Advantageously, the first and second blower systems are located sufficiently close to each other, so that the first bag 22 is permanently inflated, which tends to press the bag against the flat plate 38 of the blocker 36, promoting adhesion between the first bag and the flat plate.

[0082] In Figure 6, once the first bag 22 is positioned on the bagging tray 30, the blocker 26 is moved along the vertical axis Z as represented by an arrow F8, so as to be moved away from the first bag 22. The first bag is then only held in position by the clamp 34.

[0083] The first bag 22 being kept open by the second blower system 48, a product such as a loaf P previously placed on the storage tray 40 is inserted into the first bag according to the arrow F9 in FIG. 6, along the bagging axis X30. Synchronously or in other words in masked time, that is to say simultaneously, the sheath 14 has been unwound onto the forming tray 20 and the bag forming device 24 is actuated, according to the double arrow F10, to form a second bag 22, the part of the bagging machine aligned with the axis X20 then being in the same configuration as in FIG. 3. This second bag is held in position by the blocking member 28.

[0084] In Figure 7, a loaf P having been inserted into the first bag 22, the first bag is closed by the closing device 42 by actuating the jaws 42A and 42B according to the double arrow F11. This closing is triggered by an operator by an action on the control unit 100, or on a device communicating with the control unit, such as a button, a motion detector, etc. Alternatively, this closing is triggered automatically.

[0085] During this time, the bag forming device 24 is opened, as represented by a double arrow F12, which allows the rear end 22A of the newly formed second bag 22 to be released. This second bag is kept open by the first blower system 26. Furthermore, during this time, the blocker 36 is moved along the transfer axis Y30, according to the arrow F13, until it returns above the second formed bag.

[0086] In a manner not shown, the first bag 22 containing the bread P is evacuated by the conveyor belt from the bagging tray 30 along the transfer axis Y30 and the second bag 22 is transferred from the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 30, according to a movement similar to that represented by the arrow F1 in Figure 5. The closing of the first bag 22 triggers the release of the first bag by the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 and the return of the latter to its position opposite the forming tray 20.

[0087] These steps are then repeated to form new bags and then bag products into these bags.

[0088] Figures 8 to 13 show in more detail the sequence of movement of the locking member 28 and the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32. As best seen in these figures, the locking member 28 comprises a pad 28A.

[0089] In Figure 8, in an initial state which corresponds to an intermediate state between Figures 1 and 2 described above, the sheath 14 is unwound on the forming plate 20 and is held open by the first blower system 26 and the locking member 28 is in a raised and retracted position relative to the end 14A of the sheath 14. The clamp 34 comprises a lower jaw 34A and an upper jaw 34B. In the initial state, the lower jaw 34A is in a low position relative to the forming plane P20 and the upper jaw 34B is in a high position relative to the forming plane P20 and retracted relative to the end 14A of the sheath 14.

[0090] In Figure 9, the locking member 28 enters the sheath 14 by a translational movement along the sheath axis X20 represented by an arrow F14, then the shoe 28A presses the end 14A of the sheath 14 against the forming plate 20, by a downward translational movement along the vertical axis Z represented by an arrow F15. At the end of the movement of the locking member 28, the end 14A of the sheath is held in position on the forming plate 20, as shown in Figure 2. The bag forming device 24 is then actuated, as shown in Figure 3, to form the first bag 22 from the sheath 14.

[0091] In Figure 10, in a step which corresponds to that of Figure 4, the clamp 34 grasps the edge 22C of the front end 22B of the first bag 22 in order to initiate the transfer of the first bag 22 to the bagging tray 30. To do this, the lower jaw 34A describes an upward movement along the vertical axis Z represented by the arrow F16 and comes to position itself under the edge 22C. At the same time, the upper jaw 34B describes a movement along the sheath axis X20 represented by the arrow F17 towards the inside of the first bag 22 and comes to position itself under the locking member 28 and above the edge 22C of the first bag 22. The shoe 28A forms, relative to the locking member 28, an internal space in which the upper jaw 34B is housed in its movement according to the arrow F17. From this moment, the edge 22C of the first bag 22 is both blocked against the forming plate 20 by the shoe 28A and pinched by the jaws 34A and 34B of the gripper 34.

[0092] In Figure 11, in a step which corresponds to an intermediate step between those of Figures 4 and 5, the locking member 28 releases the front end 22B of the first bag 22, by a first upward movement along the vertical axis Z represented by the arrow F18, then by a second movement along the sheath axis X20 represented by the arrow F19, until it resumes its position of Figure 8. In this state, the edge 22C of the first bag 22 remains pinched between the jaws 34A and 34B of the clamp 34.

[0093] In the next step, in Figure 12, the first bag 22 is moved along the arrow F20 by the movement of the gripper 34 along the transfer axis Y30, as well as by the movement of the blocker 36 not visible in this figure, until it is located on the bagging tray 30, that is to say aligned with the bagging axis X30. This movement along the arrow F20 is the same as the movement along the arrow F1 mentioned above.

[0094] The forming plate 20 being released, a new portion of the sheath 14 is unwound onto the forming plate, as represented by the arrow F21, then blocked against the forming plate by the blocking member 28, as represented by the arrow F22, according to the same operation as that described with reference to FIG. 9. Furthermore, the blocker 36 is moved away from the first bag 22.

[0095] After the first bag 22 has been moved and the sheath has been unwound, the state of the bagging machine 10 corresponds to that of FIG. 6. The first bag is then ready to receive a product.

[0096] In Figure 13, when a product has been bagged in the first bag 22 and when the first bag has possibly been closed, the first bag is released by the gripper 34 which is then moved to its initial position of Figure 8 according to the arrow F23. The first bag 22 is evacuated and the gripper 34 is ready to grip the second bag 22 which is being formed at the forming plate 20.

[0097] The different movements of the locking member 28 and of the clamp 34 and of the blocker 36 of the transfer device 32 can be obtained by means of different actuators such as electric, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, or other types of linear actuators or even rotary actuators. Preferably, the actuators of the clamp 34 and of the blocker 36 are controlled by one another to allow the simultaneous movement of the blocker and of the clamp along the transfer axis Y30.

[0098] The bagging machine 10 makes it possible to obtain a higher product bagging rate than the machines known from the prior art, thanks in particular to the simultaneous performance of tasks, which is made possible by the offsetting of the bagging tray 30 next to the forming tray 20, along the transfer axis Y30. The reliable and precise movement of the bags 22 from the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 30, made possible by the cooperation between the clamp 34 and the blocker 36 of the transfer device 32, also contributes to this increase in the bagging rate. Indeed, the blocker 36 makes it possible to guide the movement of a bag 22 driven by the clamp 34, preventing the bag from deforming or folding under the effect of the speed of its movement. The presence of the blocker 36 therefore makes it possible to increase the speed of movement of a bag 22 between the forming plate 20 and the bagging plate 30.

[0099] Furthermore, the design of the locking member 28 and the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 also makes it possible to increase the bagging rate of the bagging machine 10, due to their cooperation in holding and moving the bags 22. In particular, the fact that the clamp 34 is housed under the locking member 28, in the internal space formed by the pad 28A, makes it possible to operate the clamp and the locking member simultaneously without risk of collision.

[0100] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the bagging axis X30 and the sheath axis X20 are not parallel to each other, but are oblique to each other. By "oblique" is meant here that an angle oriented from the sheath axis X20 to a projection of the bagging axis X30 in the formation plane P20 is between -45° and +45°. In such a variant, the transfer axis Y30 may not be perpendicular to the sheath axis X20 and the bagging axis X30, but be oblique to the sheath axis X20 and / or to the bagging axis X30. By "oblique" is meant here that an angle oriented from the sheath axis X20 to a projection of the transfer axis Y30 in the formation plane P20 is between +45° and +135°, and that an angle oriented from a projection of the transfer axis Y30 in the formation plane P20 to a projection of the bagging axis X30 in the formation plane P20 is between +45° and +135°.

[0101] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the transfer of a bag 22 from the forming plate 20 to the bagging plate 30 is not carried out by a translational movement along an axis perpendicular to the bagging axis X30 and to the vertical axis Z, but is carried out by a translational movement along a transfer axis oblique to the bagging axis. By "oblique" is meant here that an angle oriented from the sheath axis X20 to a projection of the transfer axis in the forming plane P20 is between +45° and +135°.

[0102] In a variant of the invention not shown, the bagging planes P30 and formation planes P20 are not merged, while being parallel.

[0103] A second embodiment of the bagging machine 10 of the invention is shown in Figure 14. In this embodiment, the elements common to the first embodiment bear the same references and operate in the same way.

[0104] This second embodiment relates to the structure and operation of the locking member 28 and the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32. In this embodiment, the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 does not describe back and forth movements between its position opposite the forming plate 20 and its position opposite the bagging plate 30.

[0105] The clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 and the locking member 28 are formed by at least two clamps 50A and 50B fixed on a rotating device, for example a belt 52 or a chain, describing a loop between a pulley 54A and a pulley 54B driven by a motor 56, for example an electric motor.

[0106] The first clamp 50A and the second clamp 50B are located in Figure 14 on an upper strand 52A of the belt 52, which is located substantially at the height of the planes P20 and P30 and which has a direction of movement represented by the arrow F24, while a lower strand 52B of the belt 52, located below the planes P20, P30, moves in the opposite direction according to the arrow F25. A third clamp 50C and a fourth clamp 50D are located on the lower strand of the belt 52.

[0107] Thus, the clamps 50A, 50B, 50C 50D fixed to the rotary device describe a loop and describe a loop movement passing opposite the forming plate 20 then the bagging plate 30.

[0108] The belt 52, and thus the clamps 50A, 50B, 50C 50D, describes an alternating movement alternating between displacement phases and immobilization phases.

[0109] The first gripper 50A, located opposite the forming plate 20, forms the locking member 28 and grips the edge 22C of the front end 22B of the bag 22 located on the forming plate, while the second gripper 50B is located opposite the bagging plate 30 and forms the gripper 34 of the transfer device 32 in a position corresponding to the end of the transfer of the bag 22 located on the bagging plate 30, from the forming plate 20. During the formation of the bag 22, the belt 52 is stationary, allowing the first gripper 50A to grip the edge of the sheath, then the edge 22C of the front end 22B of the bag 22, during the formation of the bag. Once the bag 22 is formed, the belt 52 moves, the upper strand 52A moving according to the arrow F24.Given the movement of the belt 52, the first clamp 50A which forms the locking member 28 then plays the role of the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 and is moved towards the bagging tray 30 by the actuation of the belt 52, which causes the first clamp 50A to describe a movement along the transfer axis Y30, according to the arrow F24. This translational movement along the transfer axis makes it possible to subject the bag located on the forming tray 20 to a translational movement as far as the bagging tray 30, since the edge 22C of the bag has previously been gripped by the first clamp 50A.

[0110] By this movement of the belt 52, the third clamp 50C, which was neither opposite the forming plate 20 nor opposite the bagging plate 30, but on the lower strand 52B, is then positioned opposite the forming plate 20 along the sheath axis X20 so as to be ready to play the role of the blocking member 28. In this embodiment, since the blocking member is mobile, it does not press the sheath 14 then the bag 22 against the forming plate 20, but the sheath 14 then the bag 22 are only held in position above the forming plate.

[0111] Once the bag 22 has been moved to the bagging tray 30, the movement of the belt 52 is interrupted, thus allowing the bagging of a product into the bag. Simultaneously, a second bag is formed on the forming tray 20 and is gripped by the third clamp 50C which acts as the locking member 28.

[0112] Then, when the bag 22 present on the bagging tray 30 has been filled with a product and can be released, the clamp 50B releases the edge 22C of the front end 22B of the bag 22 and is moved towards its initial position by a rotation of the belt 52 following a path located under the planes P20, P30 along the lower strand 52B, as represented by the arrow F25.

[0113] In other words, each of the clamps 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, during its movement along the upper strand 52A of the belt 52, successively takes on the role of the blocking member 28, when the clamp 50A, 50B, 50C or 50D is opposite the forming plate 20 and when the belt 52 is stationary, then the role of the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32, when the clamp 50A, 50B, 50C or 50D moves from the forming plate 20 to the bagging plate 30 while being driven by the movement of the belt 52. When a clamp 50A, 50B, 50C or 50D moves along the lower strand 52B of the belt 52, it does not contribute to the movement or blocking of the bags 22.

[0114] Thus, instead of comprising a fixed clamp along the transfer axis Y30 forming the locking member 28 and a movable clamp along the transfer axis Y30 forming the clamp of the transfer device, as in the first embodiment, the bagging machine 10 of the second embodiment comprises a plurality of clamps 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, that is to say at least two clamps, which perform cyclic paths during which the clamps form in turn a locking member then a transfer member, then again a locking member.

[0115] Advantageously, in the second embodiment, the movement of a bag 22 from the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 30 is guided by a blocker, the design and operation of which are identical to those of the blocker 36 described in the first embodiment. Thus, in the second embodiment, the transfer device 32 is formed, for the movement of a bag 22, by the blocker 36 and by the gripper among the grippers 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D carrying out the transfer movement of this bag 22 from the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 30. For the clarity of the drawing, the blocker is not shown in FIG. 14.

[0116] In a variant not shown of the second embodiment, the bagging machine 10 comprises a closing plate, which is juxtaposed with the bagging plate 30 along the transfer axis Y30, opposite the forming plate 20. In such a variant, when the bag 22 present on the bagging plate 30 has been filled with a product, the gripper 50B does not release the edge 22C of the front end 22B of the bag 22, but drives the bag 22 in a translational movement along the arrow F24 so as to move the bag filled with the product from the bagging plate 30 to the closing plate, on which the bag 22 is then closed.

[0117] The design of the bagging machine 10 according to the second embodiment is particularly advantageous for increasing the bagging rate of the bagging machine, in particular because it makes it possible to simultaneously implement the formation of a first bag, the bagging of a product in a second bag and possibly the closing of a third bag in which a product is bagged.

[0118] Any feature described for one embodiment or variation in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variations described above, as long as technically feasible.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Product bagging machine (10), comprising: a forming plate (20), extending along a sheath axis (X20), configured to receive a bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath (14), the bag (22) being configured to extend along the sheath axis (X20) and to have a closed rear end (22A) and a front end (22B), and - a storage tray (40), configured to receive a product (P) to be bagged, characterized in that the bagging machine (10) further comprises a bagging tray (30), aligned with the storage tray (40) along a bagging axis (X30) parallel or oblique to the sheath axis (X20), - the bagging tray (30) is juxtaposed with the forming tray (20) along a transfer axis (Y30) perpendicular or oblique to the bagging axis (X30) and to the sheath axis (X20), and the bagging machine (10) further comprises a transfer device (32), configured to transfer the bag (22) from the forming tray (20) to the bagging tray (30) along the transfer axis (Y30).

2. Bagging machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device (32) comprises: a gripper (34), movable in translation along the transfer axis (Y30), the gripper being configured to grip an edge (22C) of the front end (22B) of the bag (22) when the bag is positioned on the forming plate (20) and to subject the bag to a translational movement along the transfer axis from the forming plate to the bagging plate (30), and a blocker (36), movable in translation along the transfer axis (Y30) and along an extension axis (Z) perpendicular to the transfer axis and to the sheath axis (X20), the blocker being configured to guide the movement of the bag (22) during its translational movement from the forming plate (20) to the bagging plate (30).

3. Bagging machine (10) according to claim 2, wherein the blocker (36) comprises a flat plate (38) extending parallel to the transfer axis (Y30) and to the sheath axis (X20), configured to be in contact with the bag (22) during its translational movement from the forming plate (20) to the bagging plate (30).

4. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a locking member (28) aligned with the forming plate (20) along the sheath axis (X20) and configured to lock the front end (22B) of the bag (22) in position when the bag is positioned on the forming plate.

5. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 2 and 3 considered in combination with claim 4, further comprising a rotary device (52) describing a loop passing opposite the forming plate (20) then the bagging plate (30) and at least two clamps (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) fixed to the rotary device, in which the blocking member (28) is formed by one of the clamps (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) fixed to the rotary device (52) and located opposite the forming plate (20), and in which the clamp (34) of the transfer device (32) is formed by one of the clamps (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D) fixed to the rotary device (52) and moving from the forming plate (20) to the bagging plate (30).

6. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bagging tray (30) is formed by a conveyor belt configured to evacuate the product (P) bagged in the bag (22) from the bagging tray (30).

7. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first blower system (26), adapted to inflate the bag (22) when the bag is positioned on the forming plate (20) using an air flow directed along the sheath axis (X20) towards the front end (22B) of the bag and a second blower system (48), adapted to inflate the bag when the bag is positioned on the bagging plate (30) using an air flow directed along the bagging axis (X30) towards the front end of the bag.

8. Method for bagging products to be bagged with a bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising successive steps triggered by a control unit (100) consisting of: positioning a first bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath (14) on the forming plate (20); transferring (F1) the first bag from the forming tray to the bagging tray (30) using the transfer device (32); - introducing (F9) into the first bag a product (P) to be bagged previously placed on the storage tray (40) by moving the product to be bagged along the bagging axis (X30); and simultaneously with the introduction into the first bag of the product to be bagged, positioning a second bag (22) formed from the tubular sheath (14) on the forming tray (20).

9. Bagging method according to claim 8, the bagging machine (10) being further according to claim 2, wherein the transfer of the first bag (22) from the forming tray (20) to the bagging tray (30) using the transfer device (32) is carried out using the successive actions consisting of: gripping (F17, F18) an edge (22C) of the front end (22B) of the first bag (22) using the gripper (34) and bringing (F6) the blocker (36) closer to the first bag by a translational movement along the extension axis (Z); - moving (F1) the first bag (22) from the forming tray (20) to the bagging tray (30) by a synchronized translational movement of the clamp (34) and the blocker (36) along the transfer axis (Y30); - moving (F8) the blocker (36) away from the first bag (22) by a translational movement along the extension axis (Z), and in which the clamp (34) releases the edge (22C) of the front end (22B) of the first bag (22) after the introduction into the first bag of the product (P) to be bagged.

10. The bagging method of claim 9, the bagging machine (10) being further according to claim 4, wherein the first bag (22) is positioned on the forming tray (20) by the locking member (28), which locks in position the front end (22B) of the first bag, wherein the transfer of the first bag (22) from the forming tray (20) to the bagging tray (30) further comprises, after the edge (22C) of the first bag (22) is gripped by the gripper (34) and the blocker (36) is brought closer to the first bag and before the first bag is moved from the forming tray to the bagging tray, an action consisting of: actuating the locking member (38) to release the front end of the first bag, and wherein the second bag (22) is positioned on the forming plate (20) by the locking member (38), which locks the front end (22B) of the second bag in position.

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