Method and related apparatus for producing packaging for liquid or paste products

Abstract

A method for creating a package for containing liquid or paste-like foods is described. The method comprises the steps of: providing a rotating member (4) that rotates around a rotation axis (4X), and comprising a plurality of molding mandrels (5) having first molding elements (5a) and second molding elements (5b) that face each other and are movable so as to change their relative distance (D); connecting a single sheet (3) to the molding mandrels (5); folding the single sheet (3) around the molding mandrels (5) to form a first front wall (3a) and a second opposing front wall (3b), a first side wall (3c) and a second side wall (3d), and a bottom wall (3f), thereby obtaining a cup-shaped container (C) having an internal cavity; and transferring the cup-shaped container (C) to a filling station (8) by a transfer device (7). The process includes the steps of: filling a cup-shaped container (C) at a filling station (8) by dosing a predetermined volume of food into the cavity; closing the container (C) to obtain a package (C1); measuring the weight of the package (C1) and checking whether the measured weight of the package matches a desired weight; if the measured weight of the package (C1) does not match the desired weight, adjusting the predetermined volume of food to be supplied in order to redefine the desired weight; and adjusting the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) facing it in order to change the volume of the cup-shaped container (C) in accordance with the changed volume of food supplied into the cavity of the container (C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for making a package having a prismatic shape for containing a liquid product or a paste product, particularly a liquid product or a paste product of the food type.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for making the aforementioned package having a prismatic shape for a liquid product or a paste product, particularly a liquid product or a paste product of the food type.

Background Art

[0003] In this specification, a liquid product or a paste product refers to a product that can be supplied to a package by a nozzle in either a cold or hot state, and includes, for example, processed cheese, butter, chocolate, marmalade, etc.

[0004] Packages of this kind are currently available in various sizes, such as a parallelepiped-shaped package or a triangular prism package.

[0005] Packages of this kind can be made from a single sheet that is appropriately shaped to obtain the required cylindrical shape and has a series of creases to ensure the correct folding of the sheet so that it can be filled with food and the associated sealing can be performed.

[0006] (For any prismatic shape) The following steps are performed to obtain these packages. That is, - a step of supplying a continuous film, and - a step of cutting the continuous film to form a plurality of single sheets each having crease lines designed to form folding lines for forming containers; - a step of connecting a single sheet to one forming mandrel that forms a plurality of forming mandrels arranged on a rotating member, and -The steps of folding a single sheet around a forming mandrel using a series of folding devices configured to wrap a single sheet around a forming mandrel, and folding it along fold lines so as to form at least a bottom wall and side walls, - A step of making a container from a single sheet folded onto a molded mandrel, wherein the container has an access opening on the opposite side of the bottom wall.

[0007] At this point, the opened container is removed from the mandrel and placed in a transfer unit configured to carry the container to a station for filling with food, where the product is dosed into the cavity of the opened container.

[0008] After filling, the container is closed by final sealing of the access opening at the associated closing station.

[0009] The completed packages are then subjected to controlled weighing, for example, randomly, to check for correct product dosing.

[0010] Currently, if the weight of the formed package does not meet the specifications, in addition to the potential disposal of the product, the dosing of the product needs to be adjusted to meet the specifications.

[0011] Weight variations in a single package can occur frequently, especially when changing product lots (or different products). This is because each lot of a product has, or may have, different densities, resulting in different weights under the condition that the volume of product dosing is the same.

[0012] Therefore, this factor necessitates either reducing the volume when the density increases, or increasing the volume when the density decreases, in order to maintain a constant weight of the resulting package.

[0013] The fact that the weight of the dosed product must be kept constant necessitates this volume variation, which presents several disadvantages when the same package is used. Specifically, - This is a reduction in the volume occupied by the product within the package, which in turn creates empty space inside the package, resulting in the presence of air, which shortens the period during which the product remains in its optimal state. - This is due to an increase in the volume occupied by the product within the package, which in turn causes the product to leak out of the container, resulting in the product being present in the sealing area, and thus degrading the quality of the seal due to the potential contact of the product with the outside of the package. [Overview of the project]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for making packaging for liquid or paste-like products, particularly for liquid or paste-like foods, that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing packaging for liquid or paste-like products that can maintain high productivity with reduced operating time, regardless of variations in the volume of the product being dosed.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing packaging for liquid or paste-like products that can accurately fit the package to the volume of a dosed product without affecting the structure of the apparatus and while maintaining high final package quality.

[0017] The aforementioned objective is fully achieved by the method and apparatus for producing packaging for liquid or paste-like products according to the present invention, as described in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] The features of the solution according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of its preferred non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] A schematic front view of an apparatus for making a package filled with a liquid or paste product according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A detailed top view of two stations forming the apparatus of FIG. 1 for forming creases and separating a single sheet from a continuous film. [Figure 2a] A single sheet with modified creases compared to that shown in FIG. 2, by the method and apparatus according to the present invention, is shown. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a rotating member provided with a forming mandrel forming the apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of two different annular frames for supporting forming elements defining the forming mandrel of the rotating member of FIG. 3 is shown. [Figure 5] A rear perspective view of the rotating member. [Figure 6] An enlarged detailed perspective view of a part of the forming mandrel. [Figure 7-8] Two different perspective views of the final package obtained by the apparatus and method according to the present invention are shown. [Figure 9] A detailed perspective view of a drawer for storing packages forming a transfer element of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 10] An exploded perspective view of a part of the components of the storage drawer of FIG. 9 is shown. [Figure 11-12] A perspective view in the linear direction of a sequence for forming a container around a mandrel forming a rotating member of the apparatus is shown. [Figure 13] The container at the outfeed from the mandrel is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Referring to the attached drawings, particularly Figure 1, the method and apparatus according to the present invention are shown as 100 in total and are used to make packaging for liquid or paste-like foods (for example, processed cheese, butter, chocolate, jam, etc., but not limiting the scope of the present invention).

[0020] Figure 2 shows a strip of continuous film 1 that is folded and cut to obtain a single sheet 3, and from the single sheet 3, it is possible to obtain a parallelepiped package C1 having opposing and identically sized first front walls 3a and second front walls 3b, opposing and identically sized first side walls 3c and second side walls 3d, and opposing and identically sized bottom walls 3f and top walls 3e.

[0021] Alternative embodiments (not illustrated) of those described above include the possibility of using pre-formed sheets or blanks removed from a storage unit instead of single sheets cut from a continuous film, but this does not limit the scope of protection of the invention. A method for making a package for containing liquid or paste-like food, as illustrated, includes the following steps (Figure 1).

[0022] The step of supplying continuous film 1.

[0023] The step of preparing a cutting station 2 to cut a continuous film 1 to form multiple single sheets 3.

[0024] (Not illustrated) Alternatively, - A step of preparing a storage unit for pre-formed blanks, - There may be a step of supplying a single blank.

[0025] A step of preparing a rotating member 4 which rotates around a rotation axis 4X (preferably in alternating or step-like motion) and comprises a plurality of molded mandrels 5 along its circumference.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each molding mandrel 5 comprises a first molding element 5a and a second molding element 5b facing each other.

[0027] Each of the molded elements 5a and 5b has a prismatic shape and extends radially with respect to the axis of rotation 4X.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one of the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b is movable so as to change the relative distance D between the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 of the rotating member 4.

[0029] The step of connecting a single sheet 3 to one of the multiple molding mandrels 5 at a first angled receiving position.

[0030] The steps of folding and partially sealing a single sheet 3 around a molding mandrel 5 by tightly wrapping the single sheet 3 around the molding mandrel 5 in order to form a first front wall 3a and a second front wall 3b facing each other, a first side wall 3c and a second side wall 3d facing each other, and a bottom wall 3f, thereby obtaining a cup-shaped container C from a single sheet 3 having an open end opposite the bottom wall 3f and an internal cavity.

[0031] Advantageously, the folding is performed using a plurality of folding devices 6a-6i that are arranged along a circular path through which the molding mandrel 5 passes and that interact with each molding mandrel 5.

[0032] Clearly, during folding in the molded mandrel 5, sealing is also performed on the bottom wall and at least one side wall.

[0033] The step involves transferring a cup-shaped container C from the molding mandrel 5 of the rotating member 4 to the filling station 8 using a transfer device 7. The transfer device receives the cup-shaped container C at a second angle release position, which is different from the first angle receiving position.

[0034] The step of filling a cup-shaped container C at a filling station 8 by dousing a predetermined volume of food into the internal cavity while keeping the open end facing upward.

[0035] After filling, the cup-shaped container C, filled with a predetermined volume of food, is closed by closing its top wall 3e to obtain package C1 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0036] Preferably, the package C1 is sealed airtight.

[0037] Finally, the weight of package C1 is measured, and it is checked whether the measured weight matches the desired weight.

[0038] If the measured weight of package C1 does not match the desired weight, an adjustment will be made. -In order to redefine the desired weight, adjust the volume of food to be supplied to the internal cavity of cup-shaped container C at the filling station, -The distance D between the first molding element 5a and its opposing second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 of the rotating member 4 is adjusted so as to change the volume of the cup-shaped container C to be formed in each molding mandrel 5 according to the volume of the modified food to be dosed into the internal cavity of container C.

[0039] Preferably, even if the volume of the cup-shaped container C to be formed on each molding mandrel 5 is changed, the size of the single sheet 3 cut at the cutting station 2 (in the direction of the surface enclosed by a constant perimeter) remains unchanged.

[0040] In other words, this method makes it possible to change the internal volume of container C, which should be formed without affecting the size of the sheet.

[0041] Checking the weight of the filled package C1 allows for adjustments to the volume to be dosed as needed, and consequently, adjustments to the formation of container C, i.e., changes to the effective volume inside the package, without the need to change the size of the sheet used.

[0042] The step of adjusting the distance D between the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 should be noted as changing the size of the opposing first side walls 3c and second side walls 3d and the size of the bottom wall 3f, so as to change only the width of the container C to be formed, while leaving the dimensions and shape of the first front wall 3a and the second front wall 3b unchanged (see also Figure 2a).

[0043] The method also includes the step of preparing a creasing station 9 to form creasing lines on each single sheet 1 using a creasing member 10, such that folding a single sheet 1 around a molding mandrel 5 occurs along the creasing lines.

[0044] The crease-forming station 9 is schematically shown in Figure 2, but this crease-forming station 9 may comprise multiple crease-forming units, each for a group of creases to be made on the sheet 1.

[0045] If the dosed volume is changed to restore the desired weight, the creasing member 10 of the creasing station 9 is adjusted to adjust the distance between the creasing lines according to the changed volume.

[0046] Based on this, the step of adjusting the crease-forming member 10 is performed in such a way that the size and shape of the first front wall 3a and the second front wall 3b remain unchanged, while changing the position of the crease lines that define the sizes of the opposing first side walls 3c and the second side walls 3d and the size of the bottom wall 3f.

[0047] In other words, in addition to changing the distance between the forming elements of the rotating member, the position of some of the sheet's fold lines is changed (without changing the sheet's perimeter) so that the sheet's side walls, bottom wall, and top wall can adapt to the change in the distance between the two forming elements.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the step of adjusting the distance between the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 is performed automatically by the central control unit 11, which obtains a measurement of the weight of the package C1.

[0049] Based on this, the step of adjusting the crease forming unit 10 is performed automatically using the central control unit 11.

[0050] The present invention provides an apparatus 100 for making a package for containing liquid or paste-like foods.

[0051] The apparatus 100 includes a supply station 12 configured to supply a continuous film 1 (shown as a block in Figure 1).

[0052] The apparatus 100 also includes a cutting station 2 configured to obtain single sheets 3 from a continuous film 1 supplied by a supply station 12. Preferably, the single sheets are of the same size.

[0053] The apparatus 100 also includes a rotating member 4 configured to rotate around a rotation axis 4X, the rotating member 4 comprising a plurality of molded mandrels 5 arranged circumferentially and projecting radially.

[0054] Each forming mandrel 5 is configured to receive a single sheet 3 in a flat form from the cutting station at a first angular receiving position (in this case, the first position is at the 8 o'clock position with respect to the circular path of the rotating member 4).

[0055] Each molding mandrel 5 comprises at least a first molding element 5a and a second molding element 5b facing each other.

[0056] As shown in the figure, there is an adjustment means 20, detailed below, configured to move at least one of the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b so as to change the mutual distance D between the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 of the rotating member 4.

[0057] The first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b are movable simultaneously or individually.

[0058] The apparatus 100 also includes a plurality of folding devices 6a-6i arranged along a circular path through which the molding mandrel 5 passes and interacting with each molding mandrel 5, to tightly wrap a single sheet 3 around the molding mandrel 5 to form opposite pairs of side walls 3c, 3d and front walls 3a, 3b and a bottom wall 3f, thereby obtaining a cup-shaped container C from the single sheet 3 having an open end opposite the bottom wall 3f and an internal cavity (in Figure 1 the folding devices are schematically shown as blocks, and the steps of folding the sheet are shown in Figures 11 and 13).

[0059] The folding device may also integrate a sealing function for sealing the bottom wall and at least one side wall. Alternatively, an autonomous sealing device may be provided.

[0060] The apparatus 100 also includes a transfer device 7.

[0061] The transfer device 7 is configured to receive the cup-shaped container C formed on the molded mandrel 5.

[0062] The transfer of the cup-shaped container C from the rotating member 4 to the transfer device 7 occurs at a second angular release position, which is different from the first angular receiving position (in this case, the second position is at the 6 o'clock position with respect to the circular path of the rotating member 4).

[0063] The device 7 moves the containers in succession toward the following, namely, - A filling station 8 configured to supply a predetermined volume of food into the internal cavity of a cup-shaped container C. - To obtain package C1, move towards sealing station 13 (see Figures 7 and 8), which is configured to seal a cup-shaped container C filled with a predetermined volume of food by closing the top wall 3e opposite the bottom wall 3f.

[0064] The ceiling station 13 is schematically shown in Figure 1, but this ceiling station 13 may include multiple folding and sealing units for closing the upper wall 3e.

[0065] The device 100 also includes a weighing station 14 configured to weigh package C1.

[0066] Furthermore, the device 100 includes an instruction and control unit 11 configured to check whether the weight of package C measured at the weighing station 14 matches a desired weight.

[0067] The control and command unit 11 is connected to at least the filling station 8 and the adjustment unit 20 and is configured to command the adjustment of a predetermined volume of food supplied to the internal cavity of a cup-shaped container C so as to redefine the desired weight of subsequent packages C1 if the measured weight of package C1 does not match the desired weight.

[0068] The command and control unit 11 is configured to control an adjustment unit 20 for adjusting the distance D between the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b of each molding mandrel 5 of the rotating member 4, so as to change the volume of the cup-shaped container C to be formed in each molding mandrel 5 according to the volume of food to be doused in the internal cavity of the container C.

[0069] Preferably, the size of the pair of front walls 3a and 3b remains unchanged.

[0070] The apparatus 100 also includes a creasing station 9 configured to form crease lines on each single sheet 3 using a creasing member 10 (as schematically shown), and it should be noted that the folding of the single sheet 3 around the forming mandrel 5 occurs along these crease lines.

[0071] Based on this, the command and control unit 11 is also connected to the fold-forming station 9.

[0072] It should be noted that the command and control unit 11 is configured to send commands to the fold-forming station 9 to leave the size and shape of the pair of front walls 3a, 3b unchanged, so as to change the position of the fold lines that define the size and shape of the opposing first side walls 3c, second side walls 3d and the size and shape of the bottom wall 3f when the volume of the dosed food is adjusted to define a desired weight.

[0073] In this way, the folded sheet 3 has folds that are positioned to correctly fit the new distance D between the two molded elements 5a and 5b while maintaining the same size and shape.

[0074] The station 12 for supplying continuous film, the creasing station 9 (and associated creasing member 10), and the cutting station 2 for single sheets 3 are located upstream of the rotating member 4 in order, as schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0075] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the rotating member 4 comprises a first annular frame 15, the first annular frame 15 having a plurality of first molding elements 5a (parallel hexagonal in shape) projecting radially from the first annular frame 15.

[0076] The rotating member 4 comprises a second annular frame 16, the second annular frame 16 having a plurality of second molding elements 5b (parallel hexagonal in shape) that project radially from the second annular frame 16.

[0077] The first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16 face each other (so that the pairs of first and second forming elements 5a and 5b that form the mandrel 5 coincide) and are rotated around a rotation axis 4X by a motor (not shown) using a cylinder 29.

[0078] As shown in the figure, there is a means 20 for axial adjustment of the first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16.

[0079] The adjustment unit 20 includes cam means configured to act on the respective flanges 17, 18 of the first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16, and to move the first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16 toward or toward each other, in order to adjust the distance D between the first forming element 5a and the second forming element 5b that define the plurality of forming mandrels 5.

[0080] Based on this, the cam mechanism includes a first rod 21 connected at one end to the flange 17 of the first annular frame 15.

[0081] The cam mechanism includes a second rod 22 connected at one end to the flange 18 of the second annular frame 16.

[0082] The first rod 21 and the second rod 22 are each equipped with a first cam follower slide 23 and a second cam follower slide 24 at their free ends, which are engaged with the respective helical cam profiles 25 extending around the cylindrical body 26.

[0083] The first slide 23 of the first rod 21 and the second slide 24 of the second rod 22 are configured to move the respective first rod 21 and second rod 22 along opposite directions as the cam profile 25 rotates, allowing the first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16 to move toward or away from each other.

[0084] In other words, the control unit 11 operates the rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the cylindrical body 26 to obtain the relative translation of the first slide 23 and the second slide 24, so as to allow the first annular frame 15 and the second annular frame 16 to be separated or brought together when a predetermined volume of food to be dosed is changed.

[0085] The control unit 11 also operates the movement of the creasing members 10 of the creasing station 9 to adapt a series of creasing members 10 parallel to the reference axes X2 and Y (for the unfolding of a single sheet 3 - see Figures 2 and 2a) to change the dimensions of the surface, which will later form the side walls 3c, 3d, bottom wall 3f and head wall 3e of the package C1. This enables winding with proper adhesion of the sheet 3 to the molding elements 5a and 5b.

[0086] As shown in Figure 3, there are multiple evenly spaced valve means 27 fixed to the arched support 30 along the circular path through which the molded mandrel 5 passes and in close proximity to the folding / sealing stations 6a-6i.

[0087] Each valve unit 27 is configured to generate negative flow pressure on the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b, if necessary, to obtain adhesion of at least a portion of the sheets defining the pair of front walls 3a and 3b of the container C to the corresponding outer surfaces of the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b.

[0088] Each molding element 5a, 5b is provided with labyrinthine grooves 31 on its outer surface to allow the passage of a suction flow for the correct adhesion of the front walls 3a, 3b of the sheet 3, so as to enable the precise and correct folding of the remaining walls of the sheet 3.

[0089] Based on this, at least one of the multiple valve units 27 is positioned close to a second angular position for releasing the container C from the molded mandrel 5 and is configured to reverse the direction of the flow from fluid suction to fluid discharge, or to interrupt fluid suction, so as to allow the discharge of the container C from the molded mandrel 5 toward the transfer device 7.

[0090] It should be noted that at least one of the first molding element 5a and the second molding element 5b is provided with a retaining gripper member 28 configured to hold at least a portion of the single sheet 3 with a molding mandrel 5.

[0091] The retaining gripper member 28 is movable between a position close to the first molding element 5a and / or the second molding element 5b in order to contact the molding mandrel 5 and hold a portion of the single sheet 3, and a position further away from the first molding element 5a and / or the second molding element 5b, respectively, in a first angular receiving position that allows the entry of the single sheet 3 in a flat form and a second angular position that allows the release of the container C.

[0092] The retaining gripper members 28 are actuated by a rotated shaft 19 to move each retaining gripper member 28 from a near position to a far position, and vice versa, depending on the angular position reached by the mandrel 5.

[0093] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the transfer device 7 (for example, a belt closed in a loop around a pair of pulleys, or a series of independent carriages moving on a closed-loop guide system) comprises a plurality of drawers 40, each drawer receiving a container C formed by a molded mandrel 5 of a rotating member 4.

[0094] Each drawer 40 is formed by a first half 41 and a second half 42, which are independent of each other, and together they form a sheet 43 that receives the container C.

[0095] The shapes of the two halves 41 and 42, as a whole, form the lining of an open-top parallelepiped.

[0096] Each first half 41 and second half 42 is associated with their respective rods 44 and 45, which are connected to an adjustment means 46 configured to change the distance D40 between the first half 41 and the second half 42.

[0097] Next, the adjustment means 46 is connected to the control unit 11 to allow changes in the volume inside the receiving sheet 43 according to the modified volume of food to be doused in the internal cavity of the container C.

[0098] As a non-limiting example, the adjustment means 46 comprises, for each rod 44 and 45, thrust springs 47-48 compressed along the respective rods 44 and 45 by contact surfaces 49 and 50, and respective toothed sectors 51, 52 that are directly associated with the vicinity of the free ends of the respective rods 44 and 45 and are movable together with the respective rods 44 and 45.

[0099] For example, spring 47 is compressed by two contact surfaces 49 and 50 mounted along rod 44, while spring 48 is compressed by a contact surface 49 mounted on rod 48 and a contact surface 50 formed by a plate housed in the support of container support unit 40 (visible in Figure 9 but not shown).

[0100] Between the two rods 44 and 45 is a rotating shaft 53 positioned perpendicular to the rods 44 and 45, the rotating shaft 53 having rings with complementary toothed sectors 54 and 55 that are opposite each other and designed to mesh with the respective toothed sectors 51 and 52 of the rods 44 and 45.

[0101] The rotating shaft 53 has a lever 56 fixed to the end furthest from the ring, which has toothed sectors 54 and 55.

[0102] The lever 56 is equipped with a contact roller 57, for example, on a contact guide (not shown).

[0103] Therefore, the position of the drawer 40 is given by the roller 57 contacting the guide, and this contact cancels out the thrust of the springs 47 and 48 acting on the rods 44 and 45 by the meshing of the toothed sector pairs 51, 52 and the toothed sector pairs 54, 55.

[0104] Fluctuations in the volume of sheet 43 may occur only in certain sections of the transfer device 7's path, for example, only at specific locations such as the zone where package C is transferred between the molding head 4 and the transfer device 7.

[0105] This volume adjustment of seat 43 is operated by control unit 11.

[0106] The control unit 11 acts on a drive unit 59 connected to a moving device 58 of a contact guide equipped with rollers 57 (both shown as blocks in Figure 10).

[0107] As the device 58 translates, the guide of the roller 57 moves, and therefore the lever 56 also moves to reach the desired height D40.

[0108] After the sheet 43 reaches this new size, the device 58 stops and returns to maintain this new position of the guide on which the roller 57 slides.

[0109] This adjustment action causes rods 44 and 45 to translate axially (in opposite directions) due to the meshing between the toothed sectors, changing the distance D40 between the two halves 41 and 42.

[0110] Figure 9 also shows an actuator 60 by a dotted line, which is positioned along the supply line of the drawer 40 after the container C has been filled with a single dose of product, and acts on at least one of the front walls of the container C (by a special structure of at least one of the halves 41 and 42 of the drawer 40).

[0111] The actuator 60 generates a temporary thrust in the filled container C to obtain optimal distribution of the product inside the container C before final sealing, so that the top of the product inside the container C has a uniform profile, preventing the creation of an empty area with the presence of air after the upper wall 3e of the container C is sealed.

[0112] Therefore, the described method and apparatus achieve a predetermined purpose by having a simple structure while being able to change / adapt the package volume according to the density of the product to be packaged.

[0113] Because the distance between the molding elements can be adjusted, it is possible to accurately obtain changes in the package volume.

[0114] Furthermore, without changing the perimeter of the sheet, and therefore the overall surface area of ​​the sheet, it is possible to automatically change the fold of the sheet upstream of the rotating member without changing the device.

[0115] This makes it possible to obtain a package with different widths, but where the larger sidewall has an equal area.

Claims

1. A method for making a package for containing liquid or paste-like foods, - A step of providing a rotating member (4) that rotates around a rotation axis (4X), comprising a plurality of molded mandrels (5) arranged in the circumferential direction and protruding in the radial direction, - The step of connecting a single sheet (3) to one of the multiple molded mandrels (5), - The steps of folding and partially sealing the single sheet (3) around the molding mandrel (5) by tightly wrapping the single sheet (3) around the molding mandrel (5) to form a first front wall (3a) and a second front wall (3b) facing each other, a first side wall (3c) and a second side wall (3d) facing each other, and a bottom wall (3f), thereby obtaining a cup-shaped container (C) from the single sheet (3) having an open end opposite the bottom wall (3f) and an internal cavity, - A transfer device (7) transfers the cup-shaped container (C) from the molding mandrel (5) to the filling station (8), - A step of filling the cup-shaped container (C) by providing a predetermined volume of food to the internal cavity at the filling station (8) while keeping the open end facing upwards, and thereafter, - To obtain a closed package (C1), the step of sealing the cup-shaped container (C) filled with the predetermined volume of food by closing the upper wall (3e) opposite the bottom wall (3f), - A step of measuring the weight of the package (C1) and checking whether the measured weight matches the desired weight, and if the measured weight of the package (C1) does not match the desired weight, - A step of preparing the predetermined volume of food to be supplied to the internal cavity of the cup-shaped container (C) at the filling station (8) in order to redefine the desired weight, A method comprising the step of adjusting the distance (D) between a first molding element (5a) and a second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) of the rotating member (4) in order to change the volume of the cup-shaped container (C) to be formed on each molding mandrel (5) in accordance with the changed volume of food to be supplied to the internal cavity of the container (C).

2. - The step of supplying a continuous film (1), The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of obtaining a plurality of single sheets (3) from the continuous film (1) at a cutting station (2) to be connected to the molding mandrel (5) of the rotating member (4).

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of keeping the size of the single sheet (3) obtained at the cutting station (2) unchanged even when the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the opposing second molding element (5b) is adjusted.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the package (C1) has a parallelepiped shape having a first front wall (3a) and a second front wall (3b), a first side wall (3c) and a second side wall (3d) and a bottom wall (3f) and a top wall (3e) of the same size, and the first front wall (3a) and the second front wall (3b) do not change size even when the predetermined volume of food supplied to the internal cavity of the container (C) and the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) are adjusted.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of adjusting the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) is to change only the width of the container (C) to be formed, while keeping the size and shape of the first front wall (3a) and the second front wall (3b) the same, by changing the size of the opposing first side wall (3c) and the second side wall (3d) and the size of the bottom wall (3f).

6. - A step of providing a fold-forming station (9) upstream of the rotating member (4), in which a fold-forming member (10) forms fold lines in each single sheet (3), so that the single sheet (3) is folded along the fold lines around the entire molding mandrel (5); and when the supplied volume is adjusted to redefine the desired weight, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of adjusting the fold-forming member (10) of the fold-forming station (9) to adjust the distance between the folds in accordance with the adjusted volume.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of adjusting the crease forming member (10) is performed by changing the position of the crease line that defines the size of the opposing first side wall (3c) and second side wall (3d) and the size of the bottom wall (3f), while keeping the size and shape of the first front wall (3a) and the second front wall (3b) as they are.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of adjusting the distance between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) is performed automatically by a central control unit (11) that obtains a measurement of the weight of the package (C1).

9. An apparatus for making a package for containing liquid or paste-like foods, - A rotating member (4) configured to rotate around a rotation axis (4X), comprising a plurality of molded mandrels (5) arranged circumferentially and projecting radially, wherein each molded mandrel (5) is configured to receive a single sheet (3) in a flat form at a first angular receiving position, - A plurality of folding devices (6a-6i) arranged along a circular path through which the molding mandrel (5) passes, each of which interacts with the molding mandrel (5), tightly winds the single sheet (3) around the molding mandrel (5), forming pairs of opposing side walls (3c, 3d), a front wall (3a, 3b), and a bottom wall (3f), thereby obtaining a cup-shaped container (C) from the single sheet (3) having an open end opposite the bottom wall (3f) and an internal cavity, - A transfer device (7) configured to receive the cup-shaped container (C) formed on the molded mandrel (5) at a second angle release position different from the first angle receiving position, wherein the cup-shaped container (C) is transferred - The container (C) is moved to a filling station (8) configured to provide a predetermined volume of food into the internal cavity of the cup-shaped container (C), - A transfer device (7) is configured to move the cup-shaped container (C) filled with a predetermined volume of food to a sealing station (13) which is configured to seal the upper wall (3e) opposite the bottom wall (3f) in order to obtain a closed package (C), Each forming mandrel (5) comprises a first forming element (5a) and a second forming element (5b) facing each other, and the apparatus further comprises - An adjustment unit (20) configured to move at least one of the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) so as to change the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) of the rotating member (4), - A weighing station (14) configured to weigh the package (C1), Apparatus comprising: a control and command unit (11) connected to at least the filling station (8) and the adjustment unit (20), configured to check whether the weight of the package (C1) measured by the weighing station (14) matches a desired weight, further configured to command the adjustment of a predetermined volume of food to be supplied to the internal cavity of the cup-shaped container (C) in order to redefine the desired weight of subsequent filled packages if the measured weight of the package (C1) does not match the desired weight, and further configured to command the adjustment unit (20) to adjust the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) of the rotating member (4) in order to change the volume of the cup-shaped container (C) to be formed in each molding mandrel (5) in accordance with the changed volume of food supplied to the internal cavity of the container (C).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a supply station (12) configured to supply a continuous film (1), and a cutting station (2) configured to cut the continuous film (1) to obtain a single sheet (3) to be received by the molding mandrel (5) of the rotating member (4).

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the adjustment of the distance (D) between the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) of each molding mandrel (5) specifies a change in the size of the opposing pair of side walls (3c, 3d) and the size of the bottom wall (3f) while keeping the size and shape of the opposing pair of front walls (3a, 3b) unchanged.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a creasing station (9) configured to form creasing lines in each single sheet (3) by a creasing member (10), wherein a control and command unit (11) is further connected to the creasing station (9), and the control and command unit (11) is configured to send commands to the creasing station (9) to change the position of the creasing lines that define the size of the opposing pair of side walls (3c, 3d) and the size of the bottom wall (3f) when the volume of the supplied food is adjusted to redefine the desired weight, and leaving the size and shape of the opposing pair of front walls (3a, 3b) unchanged.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the rotating member (4) comprises a first annular frame (15) having a plurality of first molding elements (5a) projecting radially from the first annular frame (15), and a second annular frame (16) having a plurality of second molding elements (5b) projecting radially from the second annular frame (16), and the first annular frame (15) and the second annular frame (16) face each other and are configured to rotate around the rotation axis (4X).

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the adjustment unit (20) comprises cam means configured to act on the respective flanges (17, 18) of the first annular frame (15) and the second annular frame (16) and to move the first annular frame (15) and the second annular frame (16) closer together or further apart from each other in order to adjust the distance (D) between the first forming element (5a) and the second forming element (5b).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein each molding element (5a, 5b) has grooves (31) on its respective surface to allow the passage of a suction flow that draws the pair of front walls (3a, 3b) of the sheet (3) in order to enable the precise and correct bending of the remaining walls of the sheet (3).

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a plurality of evenly spaced valve members (27) fixed along a circular path through which the molding mandrel (5) passes and near the folding device (6a-6i), each valve member (27) being configured to actuate a fluid vacuum source corresponding to the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) to obtain adhesion of at least a portion of the sheet defining the pair of front walls (3a, 3b) of the container (C) to the corresponding outer surfaces of the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b), as necessary.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein at least one of the first molding element (5a) and the second molding element (5b) comprises a retaining gripper member (28) configured to hold at least a portion of the single sheet (3) in contact with the molding mandrel (5), the gripper member (28) being movable between a position closer to the first molding element (5a) and / or the second molding element (5b) for holding the portion of the single sheet (3) in contact with the molding mandrel (5), and a position further away from the first molding element (5a) and / or the second molding element (5b) in a first angular receiving position that allows entry of the single sheet (3) in a flat form and a second angular releasing position that allows release of the container (C).

18. The transfer device (7) comprises a plurality of drawers (40), each drawer (40) being formed by a first half (41) and a second half (42) that are independent of each other and together form a receiving sheet for accommodating the container (C), at least one of the first half (41) and the second half (42) being associated with an adjustment means (46) configured to change the distance (D40) between the first half (41) and the second half (42), the adjustment means (46) being commanded by the control and command unit (11) to allow adjustment of the internal volume of the receiving sheet (43) in accordance with the changed volume of food supplied to the internal cavity of the container (C), according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

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