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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine (10) for bagging products, comprising: - a storage tray (40) receiving a product (P) to be bagged, - a bagging tray (30) aligned with the storage tray along a bagging axis (X30) and receiving a bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath, - two shaping arms (50) each comprising a side wall (52) and intended to be inserted into the bag and to keep the latter open. To automate the closing of the bags, the two shaping arms are movable along and perpendicular to the bagging axis and each comprise a spacer rod (54) extending from the side wall and designed to be inserted into the bag and to flatten the front end (22B) of the latter when they are spaced apart from each other. The bagging machine also comprises a closing device (42) disposed between the storage tray and the bagging tray, for closing the front end of the bag.

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 artisanal bakeries or shopping centers, but does not allow a bagging rate compatible with its use in an industrial environment, in particular because the closing of the bags is carried out manually, by an operator.

[0005] The invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new bagging machine with improved speed.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a product bagging machine, comprising: a storage tray, extending along a storage plane and configured to receive a product to be bagged; a bagging tray, aligned with the storage tray along a bagging axis and extending along a bagging plane, the bagging tray being configured to receive a bag formed from a tubular sheath, the bag being configured to have a closed rear end and a front end, the front end facing the storage tray;

[0007] - two shaping arms, each shaping arm comprising a side wall, the side walls of the two shaping arms being configured to be introduced into the bag by its front end and to keep the bag open; and - a closing device, arranged between the storage tray and the bagging tray, the closing device being configured to close the front end of the bag.

[0008] In addition: the two shaping arms are movable along the bagging axis; the two shaping arms are movable perpendicular to the bagging axis and parallel to the storage plane.

[0009] According to the invention, each shaping arm further comprises a spacer rod, extending from the side wall along the bagging axis towards the bagging tray, the spacer rods of the two shaping arms being configured to be introduced into the bag by its front end and to flatten its front end when the two shaping arms are moved perpendicular to the bagging axis so as to be moved away from each other.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the introduction of a product into the bag is facilitated by the side walls of the conformers which keep the bag open, then the closing of the bag is facilitated by the spacer rods which flatten the front end of the bag, thus making it possible to automate the closing of the bag.

[0011] 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:

[0012] - The bagging tray is movable along an axis perpendicular to the bagging plane.

[0013] - A height of the spacer rod of each shaping arm, measured perpendicular to the storage plane, is less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0014] - The bagging machine further includes a gripper configured to grip the leading end of the bag and to hold the bag positioned on the bagging tray.

[0015] - The bagging machine further comprises an introduction arm, movable along the bagging axis and configured to introduce the product to be bagged into the bag.

[0016] - The bagging tray includes a conveyor belt configured to discharge the bagged product in the bag out of the bagging tray.

[0017] - The bagging machine further comprises a blower system, adapted to inflate the bag using at least one air flow directed along the bagging axis towards the front end of the bag. - The bagging machine further comprises a forming plate, extending along a sheath axis parallel or oblique to the bagging axis, configured to receive the bag formed from a tubular sheath, the forming plate being juxtaposed with the bagging plate along a transfer axis perpendicular or oblique to the bagging axis; and a transfer device, configured to transfer the bag from the forming plate to the bagging plate along the transfer axis.

[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 and consisting of: positioning a bag formed from a tubular sheath on the bagging tray; moving the two shaping arms along the bagging axis so as to introduce the spacer rods and the side walls of the two shaping arms into the bag; moving the two shaping arms perpendicular to the bagging axis and parallel to the storage plane by moving the two shaping arms away from each other so as to conform the bag to the size of the product to be bagged;

[0019] - introducing into the bag a product to be bagged previously placed on the storage tray by moving the product to be bagged along the bagging axis, the product to be bagged being guided into the bag by the two shaping arms; moving the two shaping arms along the bagging axis so as to remove the side walls of the two shaping arms from the bag while maintaining the spacer rods of the two shaping arms in the bag; moving the two shaping arms perpendicular to the bagging axis and parallel to the storage plane by moving the two shaping arms away from each other so as to flatten the front end of the bag with the spacer rods of the two shaping arms; and closing the front end of the bag using the closing device.

[0020] Advantageously, the bagging tray is movable along an axis perpendicular to the bagging plane and the closing device comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw movable perpendicular to the storage plane, configured to close the front end of the bag by clamping the front end of the bag between them at the storage plane. In addition, during the introduction of the product to be bagged placed on the storage tray into the bag, the bagging tray is arranged so that the bagging plane coincides with the storage plane. Furthermore, during the closing of the front end of the bag using the closing device, the bagging tray is arranged so that the bagging plane is offset from the storage plane and a median plane of the bag to be bagged coincides with the storage plane.

[0021] 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:

[0022] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bagging machine according to the invention, in a step of positioning a first bag on a forming plate of the bagging machine. A detail A is shown on a larger scale;

[0023] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of blocking the first bag using a blocker of the bagging machine;

[0024] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of transferring the first bag to a bagging tray of the bagging machine;

[0025] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of moving away from the blocker;

[0026] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of conforming the first sachet using two conforming arms;

[0027] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of inserting a food product into the first bag;

[0028] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of exit of the shaping arms from the first bag;

[0029] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of flattening a front end of the first bag;

[0030] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of closing the front end of the first bag and simultaneously positioning a second bag on the forming tray;

[0031] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of releasing the first bag and simultaneously blocking the second bag on the forming plate using the blocker; and

[0032] [Fig. 1 1] Figure 1 1 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a step of evacuating the first bag and simultaneously transferring the second bag to the bagging tray.

[0033] 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 products packaged in presentation trays P, made of cardboard. In the figures, the presentation trays P are shown empty. In practice, the presentation trays P are filled with products, food or not, before being bagged.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the remainder of the description, the presentation trays P are referred to as “products P”. It is understood that, although the bagging machine is described in the case where products are packaged in presentation trays P, it can also be used for bagging loose products, i.e. products not arranged in presentation trays.

[0036] The bagging machine 10 comprises a frame partially represented by support elements 18 and a bag forming system not shown. In a manner not shown, all the elements of the bagging machine 10 are connected by the frame, which can be composed of different metal parts, or of synthetic material, of parts machined into profiles, so as to ensure its operation.

[0037] The bagging machine 10 comprises a forming plate 20, formed by a flat surface extending generally along a horizontal forming plane P20 and perpendicular to a vertical axis Z.

[0038] The bag forming system comprises, for example, a tubular sheath wound on a reel, a mechanism for driving the sheath from the reel allowing the sheath to be unwound onto the forming plate 20, a device for opening the sheath and a bag forming device which makes it possible to form a bag 22 from the sheath, using means for cutting, folding and welding the sheath. This bag forming system is, for example, in accordance with the known system of EP-A-2 511 188.

[0039] The forming plate 20 defines a sheath axis X20, which corresponds to a sheath unwinding axis and which is parallel to the forming plane P20 and orthogonal to the vertical axis Z.

[0040] The bag 22 obtained by this bag forming system is positioned on the forming plate 20, as shown in FIG. 1, extends along a sheath axis X20 and has a rear end 22A which is closed and a front end 22B which is open at the end of the bag formation.

[0041] 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 opaque.

[0042] Preferably, the bagging machine 10 comprises a first blower system, not shown, for shaping the sheath 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. The first blower system comprises a tube and a fan which generates an air flow directed by the tube in a direction oblique to the sheath axis X20, which makes it possible to keep the bag 22 in shape, by inflating it with air, so as to keep its front end 22B open.

[0043] Preferably, the bagging machine 10 comprises a locking member, not shown, adapted to lock the bag 22 in position against the forming plate 20, after its formation.

[0044] 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 is parallel to the formation plane P20 and orthogonal to the vertical axis Z and the bagging axis X30 is parallel to the sheath axis X20.

[0045] Advantageously, the bagging tray 30 is movable perpendicular to the bagging plane P30, that is to say, in the example, along the vertical axis Z. In Figures 1 to 7 and 11, the bagging tray 30 is arranged so that the bagging plane P30 coincides with the formation plane P20. In Figures 8 to 10, the bagging tray 30 is arranged so that the bagging plane P30 is arranged lower than the formation plane P20, along the vertical axis Z.

[0046] The bagging tray 30 is juxtaposed with the forming tray 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 tray 30 and forming tray 20 are located side by side.

[0047] 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.

[0048] This transfer device 32 advantageously comprises a clamp 34 and a blocker 36. In Figures 1 to 6, the clamp 34 is barely visible, because it is hidden by the bag 22. The clamp 34 is better visible in Figures 7 and 8.

[0049] The gripper 34 is movable along the transfer axis Y30 and is configured to grip the front end 22B of the bag 22 when the bag is formed on the forming plate 20 and to cause the bag to undergo a translational movement from the forming plate to the bagging plate, according to the arrow F1 in FIG. 3.

[0050] 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, i.e. parallel to the forming plane P20. 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. Furthermore, the fact that the first blower system inflates the bag 22 tends to press the bag against the blocker 36, which promotes this adhesion.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Thus, the transfer device 32 is configured so that the gripper 34 grips the bag 22 in a position shown in FIG. 1, located opposite the forming tray 20 along the sheath axis X20. Then, the blocker 36 comes into contact with the bag 22 in a position shown in FIG. 2. Then, the gripper and the blocker move along the transfer axis to a position shown in FIG. 3, which is located opposite the bagging tray 30 along the bagging axis X30.

[0053] The bagging machine 10 also includes a storage tray 40 for the products P.

[0054] The storage tray 40 is formed by a flat surface which is, in the example, generally horizontal. Thus, the storage tray 40 extends along a storage plane P40. In the example, the storage plane P40 is the same as the formation plane P20.

[0055] The bagging machine 10 also comprises an introduction arm 41, which is movable along the bagging axis X30 and which makes it possible to introduce the products P into the bags 22 by exerting on the products P a force parallel to the axis X30, directed towards the bagging tray 30. In a variant of the invention not shown, the bagging machine 10 does not comprise an introduction arm 41 and the bagging of a product P into a bag 22 is carried out manually by an operator.

[0056] Advantageously, the storage tray 40 is formed by a conveyor belt, which facilitates the introduction of the products P into the bags 22. In a variant not shown, the bagging machine 10 does not include an introduction arm and the introduction of the products P into the bags 22 is done solely using the conveyor belt.

[0057] Furthermore, the products P are arranged on the storage tray 40 either manually, by an operator, or automatically, for example by being guided to the storage tray by a conveyor belt.

[0058] In a variant not shown, the bagging tray 30 and the storage tray 40 extend in planes which are inclined relative to the horizontal, or even vertical, the bagging tray being located lower than the storage tray, allowing the insertion of a product P into a bag 22 by gravity. In such a variant the bagging axis X30 and the sheath axis X20 are not parallel.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The transfer of the bag 22 formed on the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 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.

[0062] The bagging machine 10 comprises a bag closing device 42.

[0063] 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 P20 along which the forming tray 20 and the storage tray 40 extend. The closing device 42 performs a welding operation of the front end 22B of the bag 22 and possibly a preliminary 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. 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. The lower jaw 42A is clearly visible in FIG. 9, whereas it is partially masked by the bagging tray 30 in the other figures.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a second blower system 48, comprising two tubes visible in the figures and a fan not shown. The fan generates two air flows directed by the two tubes in two directions oblique to the bagging direction X30 and oriented towards the bagging tray 30. The second blower system 48 makes it possible to keep the bag 22 in shape on the bagging tray 30 by inflating it with air, so as to keep its front end 22B open, facilitating the insertion of a product P. The two tubes of the second blower system are arranged on either side of the introduction arm 41, along the transfer axis Y30.

[0066] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the second blower system 48 comprises a single tube and generates an air flow directed by the tube in a direction oblique to the bagging direction X30.

[0067] The bagging machine 10 also comprises two shaping arms 50, which are shown on a larger scale in the detail view of FIG. 1.

[0068] Each shaping arm extends along the bagging axis X30 and is movable along the bagging axis X30 and along the transfer axis Y30.

[0069] Each shaping arm 50 has a side wall 52 and a spacer rod 54.

[0070] The side wall 52 of each shaping arm 50 has the shape of a flat plate, which extends in a plane parallel to the bagging axis X30 and oblique to the vertical axis Z so that the side walls 52 of the two shaping arms converge towards each other while moving away from the storage plane P40. The side wall 52 of each shaping arm 50 thus forms an angle α with the vertical axis Z, the angle α preferably being between 0° and 20°, for example equal to 10°.

[0071] In a variant of the invention not shown, the side wall 52 of each shaping arm 50 has the shape of a flat plate, which extends in a plane parallel to the bagging axis X30 and parallel to the vertical axis Z.

[0072] In a variant of the invention not shown, the side wall of each shaping arm 50 extends in a plane oblique to the bagging axis X30 and parallel or oblique to the vertical axis Z, so that the side walls 52 of the two shaping arms converge towards each other in the direction of a bag 22 placed on the bagging tray 30.

[0073] Preferably, a height H52 of each side wall 52, measured along the vertical axis Z, is greater than or equal to 30 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 50 mm. In practice, the height of the side walls 52 is adapted to correspond approximately at least to the height of the products to be bagged in the bags 22.

[0074] The spacer rod 54 of each shaping arm 50 extends from the side wall 52 of the shaping arm along the bagging axis X30 towards the bagging tray 30. In the example, a height H54 of each spacer rod 54, measured along the vertical axis Z, is less than or equal to 5 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1 mm. In practice, the height of the spacer rods 54 is chosen to be as low as possible while providing the spacer rods with sufficient rigidity so as not to deform during their use described below. In the example, the spacer rods 54 have a flat rod shape, extending substantially in the storage plane P40.Thus, a length L54 of the spacer rods, measured along the bagging axis X30, preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm, and a width £54 of the spacer rods, measured along the transfer axis Y30, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm, are greater than the height H54 of the spacer rods.

[0075] In practice, each shaping arm 50 can be formed by cutting and bending a sheet metal plate, the height H54 being equal to the thickness of the sheet metal plate.

[0076] Advantageously, each shaping arm 50 has an insertion guide 56, which extends the side wall 52 opposite the spacer rod 54 along the bagging axis X30. In the example, each insertion guide 56 is formed by a rounded wall, the insertion walls of the two shaping arms diverging from each other away from the spacer rods. Thus, the insertion guides 56 converge in the direction of the bags 22 in place on the bagging tray 30.

[0077] The bagging machine 10 also comprises a control unit 100, shown only in FIG. 1, comprising for example processors, memories, sensors, configured to control in particular the operation of the first blower system, the second blower system 48, the introduction arm 41, the bagging tray 30 and the shaping arms 50. The control unit 100 is adapted to communicate with the different 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.

[0078] Advantageously, the control unit 100 is configured to trigger the unwinding of the sheath onto the forming tray 20 and the formation of a second bag 22 on the forming tray during the bagging of a product P 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 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.

[0079] A method of bagging products using the bagging machine 10 is now described from Figures 1 to 11, Figure 1 showing the initial state of the bagging machine 10, in which a first bag 22 is positioned on the forming platen 22, after having been formed from a tubular sheath.

[0080] In this initial state, the air flow generated by the first blower system keeps the first bag 22 open. In addition, the first bag 22 is held in position on the forming plate 22 by the clamp 34 of the transfer device, which grips the front end 22B of the first bag, and possibly by the locking member.

[0081] From this initial state, the method comprises a first step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 2. During this first step, the blocker 36 is actuated along the vertical axis Z until the flat plate 38 comes into contact with the first bag 22, as shown by an arrow F2 in Figure 2. The first bag 22 is then both held by the clamp 34 and blocked by the blocker 36.

[0082] During a second step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 3, the gripper 34 moves along the transfer axis Y30 along the arrow F1 to bring the first bag 22 onto the bagging tray 30, to a bagging position in which the first bag 22 is aligned with the bagging axis X30, i.e. until the first bag is positioned on the bagging tray 30. Simultaneously, the blocker 36 moves along the transfer axis Y30, also along the arrow F1, in a movement synchronized with that of the gripper 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, which keeps the first bag open by inflating it. Preferably, the actuators of the clamp 34 and the blocker 36 are controlled by one another to allow the simultaneous movement of the blocker and the clamp along the transfer axis Y30.During this movement, the first bag 22 is successively inflated by the first blower system 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.

[0083] During a third step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 4, once the first bag 22 is positioned on the bagging tray 30, the blocker 36 is moved along the vertical axis Z as shown by an arrow F3, so as to be moved away from the first bag 22. The first bag is then only held in position by the clamp 34. Then, the two shaping arms 50 are moved along the bagging axis X30 so as to be introduced into the first bag 22, that is to say so as to introduce the spacer rods 54 and the side walls 52 into the first bag, as shown by an arrow F4 in Figure 4.

[0084] During a fourth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 5, the two shaping arms 50 are moved perpendicular to the bagging axis X30, that is to say along the transfer axis Y30, by moving the two shaping arms away from each other so as to separate the first bag 22 using the side walls 52, as shown by two arrows F5 and F5' in Figure 5. The first bag 22 is thus kept open by the second blower system 48 and by the side walls 52 of the two shaping arms 50. Advantageously, during the movement of the shaping arms 50 in the fourth step, the two shaping arms move at the same speed.

[0085] This spacing of the first bag makes it possible to center the bag 22 relative to the shaping arms 50 along the transfer axis Y30 and also makes it possible to conform the bag to the size of the product P to be bagged, which facilitates the introduction of the product to be bagged into the first bag. By "conforming the bag to the size of the product to be bagged" is meant that the spacing of the shaping arms 50 from each other makes it possible to adjust the width of the opening of the bag 22 to the width of the product P to be bagged. The spacing of the shaping arms is therefore chosen according to the size of the product to be bagged.

[0086] Furthermore, during the fourth step, the blocker 36 is moved along the transfer axis Y30 until it returns above the forming plate 20, as represented by an arrow F6 in Figure 5.

[0087] During a fifth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 6, the product P previously placed on the storage tray 40 is introduced into the first bag 22, being both moved by the conveyor belt formed by the storage tray 40 and pushed by the introduction arm 41. This movement of the product P and the introduction arm 41 is carried out according to an arrow F7 shown in Figure 6, directed along the bagging axis X30. This introduction of the product P into the first bag is facilitated by the two shaping arms 50, which guide the product P between them. In addition, the insertion guides 56 make it possible to center the product P relative to the shaping arms 50 and therefore relative to the first bag 22. During the introduction of the product P into the first bag 22, the first bag is held in position on the bagging tray 30 by the clamp 34 and by the shaping arms 50.

[0088] After inserting the product P into the first bag 22, the clamp 34 of the transfer device 32 releases the first bag 22 and returns to its position opposite the forming tray 20. The first bag 22 is then held on the bagging tray 30 by the weight of the product P which has just been bagged.

[0089] The fact that the second blower system 48 comprises two tubes arranged on either side of the introduction arm 41 is particularly advantageous for inflating and keeping open the first bag 22 during the third, fourth and fifth steps. Indeed, the two tubes of the second blower system are also arranged on either side of the product P, so that the air flows generated towards the first bag 22 are not blocked by the presence of the introduction arm 41 and the product P, because these air flows circulate on the sides of the product P.

[0090] £50 is a width separating the two formers 50 at the end of the fourth step, that is to say during the fifth step, measured along the transfer axis Y30 at the ends of the side walls from which the spacer rods 54 extend. In the case where the side walls 52 are oblique with respect to the vertical axis Z, as in the example of the figures, the width £50 is measured, along the vertical axis Z, at the point of the side walls furthest from the spacer rods 54, that is to say at the point where the side walls are closest to each other. The width £50 is chosen according to the type of product P to be bagged.Preferably, when the product to be bagged is packaged in a presentation tray P, as in the example, the width 50 separating the two formers 50 is strictly less than a width £P of the presentation tray P measured along the transfer axis Y30, when the presentation tray is arranged on the storage tray 40. During the fifth step, when the presentation tray P is forced by the introduction arm 41 to move between the two formers 50, the presentation tray is then deformed, so that its upper part, that is to say its part furthest from the formation tray 40, is tightened. In other words, the shape of the presentation tray P is constrained during its introduction into the first bag 22.

[0091] In a variant of the invention not shown, the width £50 is greater than or equal to the width £P of the product P, in particular when the product to be bagged is bagged in the first bag 22 without a presentation tray, so as to allow the introduction of the product P into the first bag 22 without deformation of the product.

[0092] During a sixth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 7, after a product P has been inserted into the first bag 22, the two shaping arms 50 are moved along the bagging axis X30 so as to remove the side walls 52 of the two shaping arms from the first bag 22, while maintaining the spacing rods 54 of the two shaping arms in the first bag. This movement is carried out according to an arrow F8 shown in Figure 7. Thus, the spacing rods 54 are arranged at the front end 22B of the first bag 22, inside the first bag.

[0093] At the end of the sixth step, the shape of the presentation tray P is no longer constrained by the side walls 52 of the shaping arms 50, so that the presentation tray P returns to its initial, unconstrained shape. Thus, the upper part of the presentation tray is no longer tightened. When the presentation tray P returns to its initial shape, its size increases. In a particularly advantageous manner, the dimensions of the first bag 22 are provided such that, when returning to its initial shape, the forming tray P tightens the first bag 22. In other words, the dimensions of the first bag 22 are provided such that the presentation tray P can only be inserted into the first bag when the shape of the presentation tray P is constrained, with its upper part tightened.

[0094] During a seventh step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 8, the two shaping arms 50 are moved perpendicular to the bagging axis and parallel to the storage plane, i.e. along the transfer axis Y30, moving the two shaping arms away from each other, so as to flatten the front end 22B of the first bag 22 using the spacer rods 54. These movements of the shaping arms are represented by two arrows F9 and F9' in Figure 8. In other words, the two spacer rods are moved away from each other until a distance D54 separating the two spacer rods, measured along the transfer axis Y30, is approximately equal to a width L22 of the first bag 22 when the latter is laid flat. At the end of this operation, the front end 22B of the first bag is thus laid flat.In addition, this flattening of the front end of the first bag also allows the first bag to be stretched, ensuring that the first bag does not form unsightly folds around the product P.

[0095] Particularly advantageously, during the seventh step, the bagging tray 30 is moved along the vertical axis Z so as to descend, that is to say so as to move the bagging plane P30 below the formation plane P20 and the storage plane P40. In practice, the bagging tray 30 descends along the vertical axis Z until a median plane P22 of the first bag 22 in which the product P is bagged coincides with the storage plane P40. Thus, thanks to this movement, the spacer rods 54 which extend substantially in the storage plane P40 are located, along the vertical axis Z, at the median plane of the first bag, which makes it possible to more effectively tension the first bag around the product P.

[0096] Advantageously, simultaneously with the separation of the two shaping arms from each other, in other words in masked time, the introduction arm 41 is moved away from the first bag 22 and from the storage tray 40 along the bagging axis X30 to release the storage tray 40 and allow the arrival of a new product to be bagged on the storage tray.

[0097] During an eighth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 9, the lower jaw 42A and upper jaw 42B of the closing device 42 are actuated according to vertical arrows F10 and F10' so as to move towards each other until they come into contact and grip between them the front end 22B of the first bag 22, then so as to close the front end 22B of the first bag 22, for example by welding or gluing. In practice, the jaws of the closing device 42 come into contact at the storage plane P40, which corresponds substantially to the median plane P22 of the first bag. Thus, at the end of the eighth step, the front end 22B of the first bag 22 is closed, and the product P is bagged and can no longer be removed from the first bag without tearing the first bag.

[0098] Thanks to the flattening of the front end 22B of the bag, carried out in the previous step by the spacing rods 54 of the shaping arms 50, the closing of the front end of the first bag 22 is carried out in a reliable and qualitative manner, that is to say without risk of partial closing or poorly carried out closing, and without risk of formation of folds at the front end of the bag. Advantageously, simultaneously with the closing of the first bag 22, in other words in masked time, a second bag 22 is formed and positioned on the forming plate 20, being kept open by the first blower system, and a new product P to be bagged is placed on the storage plate 40, then the introduction arm 41 returns to position behind the new product P, in order to be able to push the new product P into the second bag 22.The part of the bagging machine aligned with the forming axis X20 and the storage tray 40 then being in the same configuration as in figure 1.

[0099] During a ninth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 10, the lower jaw 42A and upper jaw 42B of the closing device 42 are actuated according to vertical arrows F11 and F11' so as to move away from each other, thus releasing the first bag 22.

[0100] Advantageously, simultaneously with the opening of the jaws 42A, 42B of the closing device 42, in other words in masked time, the blocker 36 is actuated along the vertical axis Z until the flat plate 38 comes into contact with the second bag 22, as represented by the arrow F12. The second bag 22 is then both held by the clamp 34 and blocked by the blocker 36.

[0101] During a tenth step, the outcome of which is shown in Figure 11, the first bag 22 containing the product P is evacuated by the conveyor belt from the bagging tray 30 along the transfer axis Y30, as shown by the arrow F13, and the second bag 22 is transferred from the forming tray 20 to the bagging tray 30, as shown by the arrow F14, according to a movement similar to that shown by the arrow F1 in Figure 3.

[0102] Advantageously, during the tenth step, the bagging tray 30 rises along the vertical axis Z so as to resume its position prior to the seventh step, that is to say so as to move the bagging plane P30 until it coincides with the formation plane P20 and the storage plane P40.

[0103] These steps are then repeated to form new bags 22 and then bag products P in these bags.

[0104] 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 design of the side walls 52 and the spacer rods 54 of the shaping arms 50 which makes it possible to automate the closing of the front end 22B of the bag 22, because the centering of the product P and the bag by the side walls then the flattening of the front end of the bag by the spacer rods makes it possible to precisely control the positioning of the front end of the bag and therefore to ensure correct positioning of the front end of the bag relative to the jaws 42A and 42B of the closing device 42. It is thus no longer necessary to manually close the bag 22, which represents a significant time saving.

[0105] Furthermore, stretching the bag 22 around the product P and flattening its front end 22B before closing it makes it possible to obtain a bag whose aesthetic appearance is pleasant, because it does not form folds, on the contrary having a stretched appearance, and has a closure at its front end which is flat and without defects. This aesthetic appearance is further improved when, as in the example, a presentation tray P is bagged while being deformed by the shaping arms 50, so as to stretch the bag 22 when the presentation tray returns to its initial shape. Thus, the bag 22 is stretched over its entire length.

[0106] In addition, the simultaneous performance of tasks, which is enabled by the offset 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, enabled 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 bending 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 tray 20 and the bagging tray 30.

[0107] 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°. Furthermore, 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°.

[0108] In a variant of the invention that is not shown, 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 sheath axis X20 and to the vertical axis Z, but is carried out by a translational movement along a transfer axis oblique to the sheath axis. By "oblique" is meant here that an angle oriented from the sheath axis X20 towards a projection of the transfer axis in the forming plane P20 is between +45° and +135°.

[0109] In a variant of the invention not shown, the lower jaw 42A of the closing device 42 is not movable along the vertical axis Z, but is fixed, being arranged substantially at the level of the storage plane P40.

[0110] 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 storage tray (40), extending along a storage plane (P40) and configured to receive a product (P) to be bagged; a bagging tray (30), aligned with the storage tray (40) along a bagging axis (X30) and extending along a bagging plane (P30), the bagging tray being configured to receive a bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath, the bag being configured to have a closed rear end (22A) and a front end (22B), the front end facing the storage tray (40); - two shaping arms (50), each shaping arm comprising a side wall (52), the side walls of the two shaping arms being configured to be introduced into the bag (22) by its front end (22B) and to keep the bag open; and - a closing device (42), arranged between the storage tray (40) and the bagging tray (30), the closing device being configured to close the front end (22B) of the bag (22), in which: the two shaping arms (50) are movable along the bagging axis (X30); the two shaping arms (50) are movable perpendicular to the bagging axis and parallel to the storage plane (P40); characterized in that each shaping arm (50) further comprises a spacer rod (54), extending from the side wall (52) along the bagging axis (X30) towards the bagging tray (30), the spacer rods of the two shaping arms being configured to be introduced into the bag (22) by its front end (22B) and to flatten its front end when the two shaping arms (50) are moved perpendicular to the bagging axis (X30) so as to be moved away from each other.

2. Bagging machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bagging tray (30) is movable along an axis (Z) perpendicular to the bagging plane (P30).

3. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which a height (H54) of the spacer rod (54) of each shaping arm (50), measured perpendicular to the storage plane (P40), is less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1 mm.

4. The bagging machine (10) of claim 1, further comprising a gripper (34) configured to grip the front end (22B) of the bag (22) and to hold the bag positioned on the bagging tray (30).

5. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an introduction arm (41), movable along the bagging axis (X30) and configured to introduce the product (P) to be bagged into the bag (22).

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

7. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a blower system (48), adapted to inflate the bag (22) using at least one air flow directed along the bagging axis (X30) towards the front end (22B) of the bag.

8. Bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a forming plate (20), extending along a sheath axis (X20) parallel or oblique to the bagging axis (X30), configured to receive the bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath (14), the forming plate (20) being juxtaposed with the bagging plate (30) along a transfer axis (Y30) perpendicular or oblique to the bagging axis (X30), and - 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).

9. Method for bagging products to be bagged with a bagging machine (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising successive steps triggered by a control unit (100) and consisting of: positioning a bag (22) formed from a tubular sheath on the bagging tray (30); moving (F4) the two shaping arms (50) along the bagging axis (X30) so as to introduce the spacer rods (54) and the side walls (52) of the two shaping arms into the bag (22); - moving (F5, F5') the two shaping arms (50) perpendicular to the bagging axis (X30) and parallel to the storage plane (P40) by moving the two shaping arms away from each other so as to conform the bag (22) to the size of the product (P) to be bagged; - introducing (F7) into the bag (22) 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), the product to be bagged being guided in the bag by the two shaping arms (50); moving (F8) the two shaping arms (50) along the bagging axis (X30) so as to remove the side walls (52) of the two shaping arms from the bag (22) while maintaining the spacer rods (54) of the two shaping arms in the bag; - moving (F9, F9') the two shaping arms (50) perpendicular to the bagging axis (X30) and parallel to the storage plane (P40) by moving the two shaping arms away from each other so as to flatten the front end (22B) of the bag (22) with the spacer rods (54) of the two shaping arms; and closing (F10) the front end (22B) of the bag (22) using the closing device (42).

10. Bagging method according to claim 9, the bagging machine (10) being further according to claim 2, wherein: the closing device (42) comprises a lower jaw (42A) and an upper jaw (42B) movable perpendicular to the storage plane (P40), configured to close the front end (22B) of the bag (22) by enclosing between them the front end of the bag at the storage plane; during the introduction of the product (P) to be bagged arranged on the storage tray (40) into the bag (22), the bagging tray (30) is arranged so that the bagging plane (P30) coincides with the storage plane (P40); and during the closing of the front end (22B) of the bag (22) using the closing device (42), the bagging tray (30) is arranged so that the bagging plane (P30) is offset from the storage plane (P40) and a median plane (P22) of the bag (22) to be bagged is merged with the storage plane.

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