Packaging by wrapping products using a strip made of semi-extensible paper material

Abstract

The present invention relates to packaging by wrapping a group or sub-batches (101) of products (1) in order to form a sub-batch (101) or a batch (100), using a strip (2) made of semi-extensible paper material, and relates to a station (5) which has means (50) for feeding a reel (21) unwound longitudinally in the form of a strip (2) along a path (C), cutting means (52) upstream of each tubular strip (2) for forming a sleeve (20), and means (53) for wrapping the products (1) using the strip (2), and which has a device (6) for forming and sealing the strip (2) into a tube using a shaper (62) that is located along the path (C) and on the side of the face (24) of the strip (2) and extends to means (63) for sealing the two overlapping longitudinal edges (23) by pressing against the shaper (62). The invention also relates to a facility and to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Packaging by wrapping products using a semi-stretchable paper material band

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the packaging of products in batches. For the purposes of this invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a carton or can, or even a package. A product can be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite materials, paper or cardboard, metal, or glass. A product can be rigid or semi-rigid.

[0005] Such a container is intended to hold, but is not limited to, gases, fluids, liquids, powders, or granules, particularly those of agri-food or cosmetic nature. Examples include a packet of coffee granules or flour, an aerosol can, a bottle of fruit juice, a carton of milk, a bottle of shower gel, a jar of cream, etc.

[0006] Furthermore, a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. In addition, a product can have a rounded cross-section, generally circular or oval in shape, or a polygonal cross-section, such as a rectangle or a square.

[0007] As is well known, within an industrial production line, products can undergo several different successive treatments, such as the manufacturing of the container, for example during a plastic injection molding or stretch blow molding operation in the case of a plastic bottle, followed by filling and then sealing with a cap, as well as labeling. After these treatments, the products are said to be "finished".

[0008] For handling purposes, such finished products are packaged into batches. Furthermore, each batch comprises several products, arranged in a matrix, generally rectangular in shape, often square or rectangular, with columns and rows. For example, a typical batch contains six products in two rows and three columns.

[0009] Additionally, each group of products can be held below by means of a support forming a base, for example a cardboard tray.

[0010] Once the products are grouped, each group can be wrapped to form a batch, in particular covered with a film, in order to hold the products together and to facilitate the handling of such a batch thus obtained.

[0011] State of the art Currently, there are various techniques for coating groups of products to form a batch.

[0012] A widely used technique involves wrapping product groups using a shrink-wrapping step, preferably a shrink-wrapping step, with a sheet of heat-shrinkable plastic film. This sheet is positioned around each product group, which then undergoes a heating step so that the film shrinks and conforms to the overall external shape of the products.

[0013] This type of wrapping, using film or shrink wrap, employs a plastic film, primarily derived from petrochemicals, which are polluting, although the emergence of bioplastics significantly reduces the environmental impact. Furthermore, the heating process is extremely energy-intensive.

[0014] Another known technique involves securing a group of products by strapping or banding using plastic or composite materials, such as braided plastic fiber bands or adhesive tape. Such a band is placed around the products, and tension is applied before the ends of the band are sealed, often through heat sealing.

[0015] While using a thin, narrow band saves a considerable amount of plastic material, strapping does not allow for the proper holding of batches of more than four products, especially when dealing with containers having a rounded cross-section, whether it is generally circular or ovoid, and even more so in the case of containers made of plastic material.

[0016] An alternative technique involves securing a group of products by applying a band made from a material based on plant cellulose fibers, such as paper or cardboard, free of plastic or petrochemical derivatives. This technique is called "banding" and consists of encircling a group of products with at least one band of paper material and sealing the overlapping ends of the band.

[0017] However, such a paper material offers little tear resistance, primarily transverse, although the plant fibers provide high tensile strength in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, this paper material has limited elasticity, making it difficult to use for wrapping product groups to form batches.

[0018] To overcome this lack of flexibility in paper material, there are solutions targeting materials designed to be semi-elastic, once again incorporating plastic or composite compounds.

[0019] Furthermore, banding presents drawbacks related to continuous processing at a high speed along the production line. Indeed, banding a group of products to form each batch requires a significant amount of time, during which the band is cut to the correct length and unrolled to encircle the group of products, then sealed at its ends. During this time, the group of products is stationary, necessitating the addition of buffer zones upstream and / or downstream to the production line to maintain the continuity and high speed required by the other stations on the production line.

[0020] In particular, sealing a paper-based strip requires gluing, which necessitates a drying time to achieve the mechanical strength required to hold the products in batches. This drying time for the paper adhesive is therefore poorly suited to the high production line speeds.

[0021] An alternative is to multiply the number of strapping stations, which complicates logistics, in particular the supply of consumable reels for each station.

[0022] Another solution is to seal the tape using alternative techniques, such as heat sealing or heat bonding. However, these techniques involve applying a coating to the tape, such as a plastic coating, which then raises issues regarding the paper tape's recyclability.

[0023] Furthermore, banding the tape is likely to displace the products ordered in the matrix, altering this configuration, which is undesirable.

[0024] Description of the invention

[0025] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to package a group of products to form a batch by coating with at least one strip using a material based on plant cellulosic fibers, such as paper, but which has specific elasticity characteristics, giving it a semi-extensible character to paper.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention provides for a specific application of such a semi-stretchable band around a group of products. This is achieved by first preparing the band by sealing two opposite edges of the band, which then forms a closed, continuous tube. This tube is then cut into a sleeve before being fitted or threaded vertically from top to bottom around the group of products. In other words, the band is unrolled, then shaped and sealed into a tube, which is subsequently cut to form a sleeve that is then applied around the products; these steps are performed continuously.

[0027] Preparing the tape in the form of a continuous tube before its use as a packaging device allows for a high production rate to be maintained, while also allowing, where necessary, for a drying time to be maintained for the tape after its formation into a tube.

[0028] In particular, the semi-extensible nature of the paper material used allows the lower edge of the sleeve to be slightly spread apart when putting it on, and then once put on the sleeve to return to its place around the products by applying a peripheral force to hold the products together.

[0029] This type of wrapping optimizes production speed by, firstly, wrapping the belt into a sleeve during product movement and, secondly, minimizing or even eliminating downtime for each product group through a continuous or short operation to wrap the sleeve around the group. Specifically, the belt is formed in a tubular shape before being cut into a sleeve, which saves time during the unwinding of the tubular belt, particularly the time required for the sealing of its longitudinal edges to take effect.

[0030] To this end, according to one aspect, the invention relates to a device for forming and sealing a strip of semi-stretchable paper material into a sleeve, said strip being fed from at least one reel unwound along a path from said reel downstream, said forming and sealing device comprising along said path

[0031] - means for folding two longitudinal edges of said strip towards one face of said strip;

[0032] - means of tubularly forming said strip, by overlapping the two longitudinal edges of said strip;

[0033] - means of sealing said two longitudinal edges of said tubular strip into a tube.

[0034] Such a forming-sealing device is characterized in that said forming means include

[0035] - a conformer in the form of at least one longitudinal element situated along the path and on the side of said face of the strip and extending to the sealing means; and in that said sealing means include

[0036] - at least one sealing element for the two overlapping longitudinal edges by pressing against said former.

[0037] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, within such a forming-sealing device, said sealing element comprises one of the following sealing tools: bonding, heat bonding, heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

[0038] According to one embodiment, said sealing means comprise, downstream of said sealing member, at least one pressing member for the two longitudinal edges sealed in overlap by pressing against said former.

[0039] According to one embodiment, said forming means are provided to be adjustable between different formats, through said former provided to be adjustable in at least one transverse direction.

[0040] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a packaging station for wrapping a group or sub-batches of products to form a sub-batch or batch, using a semi-stretchable paper material band, said packaging station comprising

[0041] - means for supplying semi-extensible paper material from at least one reel, said supply means being provided with at least one unwinder for each reel unwound longitudinally in the form of at least one strip along a path from said reel downstream;

[0042] - located downstream, cutting means upstream of each tubular strip to form a sleeve;

[0043] - located downstream at the end of said path, means for coating at least one group or sub-batch of products by means of said at least one belt; characterized in that it comprises, between the feeding means and the coating means,

[0044] - a device for forming and sealing said semi-extensible paper material strip into a tube, according to the invention; and in that

[0045] - the coating means include means for applying, preferably by threading, each sleeve around each group or sub-batch of products, said application means being mobile along a downward vertical displacement from top to bottom to a final position, and vice versa.

[0046] According to additional, non-limiting features, within such a packaging station, said application means comprise means for spreading a downstream end of each sleeve from an initial configuration to a spread configuration by deforming the semi-extensible paper material; the spreading means ensuring transverse traction during said vertical movement and releasing said traction in the final position, the sleeve returning to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products of said group or sub-batch. In another aspect, the invention relates to a packaging installation for wrapping groups or sub-batches of products to form a sub-batch or a batch, comprising:

[0047] - at least one module for grouping said products into successive groups of a determined number of said products;

[0048] - at least one packaging module by coating each of the product groups in a sub-batch or batch;

[0049] - means of conveying products in a longitudinal direction from an entry to an exit on a transport route through at least said grouping and packaging modules; characterized in that

[0050] - each packaging module includes a packaging station according to the invention, said packaging station being located along the transport route of the products.

[0051] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of packaging by coating a group or sub-batches of products to form a sub-batch or batch, using a semi-extensible paper material strip, in which

[0052] - products are transported through movement along a longitudinal direction on a transport route, said products being grouped into groups or sub-batches;

[0053] - semi-stretchable paper material is supplied from at least one reel, at least one strip of paper unwound longitudinally along a path from said reel downstream;

[0054] - a tubular forming and sealing of said at least one strip into a tube;

[0055] - downstream at the end of the path, at least one group or sub-batch of products is coated using said at least one tubular strip cut in the form of a sleeve, to form respectively a sub-batch or a batch.

[0056] Such a packaging process is characterized in that, during the forming and sealing of said product, at least one strip is formed into a tube:

[0057] - a tubular longitudinal folding and forming of said strip is carried out, by overlapping the opposite longitudinal edges of said strip;

[0058] - then the two opposite longitudinal edges of the tubular strip are sealed to form a tube; in that, during the coating,

[0059] - at least one cut is made from each tubular strip to form each sleeve;

[0060] - at least one sleeve is threaded around each group or sub-batch of products, by vertical downward movement from top to bottom; and in that the tubular forming-sealing of said at least one strip into a tube is carried out continuously along the transport path of the products.

[0061] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, within such a process

[0062] - to apply each sleeve, during the displacement, at least one downstream end of each sleeve is moved from an initial configuration to a moved configuration by applying a transverse pull to said downstream end;

[0063] - then, at the end of the movement, said traction is released so that the sleeve returns to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products of said group or sub-batch.

[0064] According to one embodiment, to apply each sleeve, during movement, said sleeve is spread apart from the downstream end to an upstream end.

[0065] According to one embodiment, said at least one cut is made before said sleeve is put around each group or sub-batch of products, preferably after the sleeve returns to its initial configuration.

[0066] According to one embodiment, said at least one cut is made after said sleeve is put around each group or sub-batch of products, preferably after the sleeve returns to its initial configuration.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the coating of the group or sub-batch of products is carried out continuously during said movement of said group or sub-batch of products.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the steps of said conditioning process are reproduced, to carry out a coating of at least two sub-batches to form a batch.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the steps of said conditioning process are reproduced, to thread two sleeves around each group or sub-batch of products.

[0070] Presentation of the drawings

[0071] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0072] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a simplified side view of an embodiment of the coating packaging station, showing in particular the positioning of the forming-sealing device along the product conveyor; [Fig. 2] schematically represents a simplified detail view of an embodiment of a device for folding and sealing a strip into a tube, showing in particular means for folding, forming and sealing a strip to conform it into a tube;

[0073] [Fig. 3] schematically represents an example of the architecture of a packaging installation for groups of products to form batches, showing in particular the step of threading one or two sleeves around a group of products, said sleeve having been previously cut;

[0074] [Fig. 4] schematically represents another example of the architecture of a packaging line for coating groups of products into sub-batches to form lots, showing in particular the step of threading a sleeve around a group of products to form each sub-batch, then threading another sleeve around several sub-batches to form said lot, each sleeve having been cut prior to threading; and

[0075] [Fig. 5] schematically represents yet another example of the architecture of a packaging installation by coating groups of products to form batches, showing in particular the step of threading the tubular strip around a group of products, the said sleeve having been cut after threading.

[0076] Detailed description

[0077] The present invention relates to the packaging of product 1 in batches of 100.

[0078] For the purposes of this invention, the term "product" encompasses an individual object. Such a product 1 is a container, such as a bottle or flask, or a carton or can, or even a bag or package. A product 1 can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic or composite material, paper or cardboard, metal, or glass. Preferably, a product 1 is made of plastic, in particular PET (polyethylene terephthalate). A product 1 can be rigid or semi-rigid.

[0079] Such a container is intended to hold, but is not limited to, gases, fluids, liquids, powders, or granules, particularly those of agri-food or cosmetic nature. Examples include a packet of coffee granules or flour, an aerosol can, a bottle of fruit juice, a carton of milk, a bottle of shower gel, a jar of cream, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, a product 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or asymmetrical, regular or irregular. In addition, a product 1 can have a rounded cross-section, generally circular or ovoid in shape, or a polygonal cross-section, notably rectangular or square.

[0081] Furthermore, once packaged, each batch 100 comprises at least two products 1, preferably more, grouped and held together. A batch 100 may also comprise several sub-batches 101, gathered and held together. Each sub-batch 101 is obtained from a group of products 1.

[0082] A batch of 100 therefore presents products 1 assembled according to a matrix configuration, generally of overall parallelepiped shape, often square or rectangular, according to columns and rows.

[0083] As an example, a typical lot 100 groups six products 1 in two rows and three columns, forming a "pack".

[0084] The units of a batch of 100 can also be arranged in a staggered pattern, with columns or rows offset from one another. Staggering a batch of 100 offers more points of contact between the grouped units. Furthermore, the additional friction between the units increases the strength of the batch. Staggering also optimizes the space between units, thus increasing storage capacity. This allows for more batches of 100 to be positioned and stacked on a pallet.

[0085] In addition, each batch of 100 products can be held below by means of a support forming a base, or above by means of a lid, for example by means of a cardboard tray.

[0086] The present invention relates to the packaging of a group of products 1 to form a batch 100 or sub-batch 101 by banding, namely by coating with at least one band 2.

[0087] Said at least one band 2 ensures the holding together of a group of products 1, or of several sub-batches 101, in a compact manner.

[0088] The term "compact" refers to a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101 containing products 1 that are placed close together and positioned side by side, joined to one another. The coated products 1 in batch 100 or sub-batch 101 are thus bonded together, forming a single, compact batch 100. The products 1 in such a batch 100 are therefore inseparable, unless the batch 100 is intentionally dismantled to extract one or more products 1.

[0089] Further on, each band 2 wraps around a batch 100 or sub-batch 101 by encircling and enclosing them, in the manner of a loop or band, hereinafter referred to as "sleeve 20". Thus, each band 2 in sleeve 20 wraps around a batch 100 or sub-batch 101 in a transverse direction, preferably perpendicular or essentially perpendicular, with respect to a principal direction P of each of the products 1.

[0090] In particular, each product 1 has a body 3, with a base 30 on which it rests and a peripheral wall 31 at its base. The principal direction P of a product 1 therefore extends from the base 30 medianally with respect to the peripheral wall 31.

[0091] It should be noted that directions and senses can be understood in relation to this principal direction P of the products 1, particularly when said principal direction P extends vertically or substantially vertically. For example, the term "up" refers to the upper direction of the principal direction P, while the term "down" refers to the opposite and lower direction.

[0092] Therefore, each sleeve 2 20 surrounds a batch 100 or sub-batch 101 of products 1 in contact with at least part of the peripheral wall 31 of the products 1. In addition, this sleeve 2 20 extends in a plane orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to said principal direction P of the products 1. In particular, when the products 1 are arranged vertically, the sleeve 2 20 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0093] That being said, the invention specifically aims at the packaging by coating of a group or sub-batch 101 of products 1 to form a sub-batch 101 or a batch 100, by means of a strip 2 of semi-extensible paper material, namely that said strip 2 is made essentially of cellulose fibers, and that it has higher elongation at break and tensile strength properties than a standard paper.

[0094] In this context, the term "paper" falls within the specific field of product packaging 1 and is limited to wrapping papers. The term "paper" excludes cardboard, corrugated cardboard, and flat cardboard.

[0095] Furthermore, such semi-stretchable paper is made from cellulose fibers. Preferably, strip 2 is composed mainly of biodegradable and recyclable components. For example, the paper used in the invention may be kraft paper or a derivative of kraft paper.

[0096] The strength or elasticity of paper are characteristics that can be improved during manufacturing, for example by adding a weave or specific fibers. The fibers can also be oriented longitudinally or transversely to improve resistance to elongation before breakage, depending on the direction of orientation.

[0097] The elasticity properties of the semi-stretchable paper strip 2 are measured perpendicular and / or parallel to the main direction P of the products 1 to be coated.

[0098] The semi-stretchable paper used in the invention is a high-strength paper, notably due to its elastic properties. It also possesses high mechanical strength characteristics while remaining very lightweight. Thanks to this choice of paper, the band 2 is sufficiently flexible to encircle all the products 1 or sub-batches 101 forming sub-batch 101 or batch 100, by pressing against the peripheral wall 31 of said products 1, perpendicular to the principal direction P, that is, orthogonally to the height of the products 1. Furthermore, the increased strength of each band 2 contributes to the solidity of batch 100. According to another additional feature, the semi-stretchable paper band 2 has a tensile energy index of at least 180 joules per square meter (J / m²). 2 ), preferably of 240 J / m 2under temperate conditions. The energy at break (EAT) index, also known as the energy absorbed at break (EAB) index, is the primary index for measuring the strength of a material, particularly paper. It is measured in accordance with ISO 1924-3:2005, which concerns the determination of tensile properties for paper and board. It can be measured at any time, whether after production or after it has been applied to a group of products forming a sub-batch or batch. It can also be measured after a batch has been dismantled. In other words, regardless of the measurement conditions (temperature and relative humidity) or when the measurement is taken on a sample of the strip, it exhibits an energy at break index of at least 180 J / m².This index corresponds to the ratio between the amount of energy absorbed by a paper sample when subjected to a tensile force and the basis weight of the paper sample considered.

[0099] Furthermore, band 2 exhibits such properties perpendicularly and / or parallel to the main direction P.

[0100] In some embodiments, the semi-stretchable paper tape 2 has elongation at break properties greater than 5% and a tensile strength greater than or equal to 5 kN / m. These properties are maintained regardless of the environmental measurement conditions. In other words, under all environmental conditions, the support tape 2 has an elongation at break of at least 5% and a tensile strength of at least 5 kN / m. Furthermore, the tape 2 exhibits such properties perpendicular and / or parallel to the principal direction P. The elongation at break and tensile strength properties are measured according to ISO 1924.These properties are particularly advantageous as they contribute to the strength of lot 100 during its transport and handling by offering the band 2 sufficient resistance and elasticity to prevent tearing.

[0101] It should be noted that elongation at break corresponds to a material's ability to stretch before breaking when subjected to tensile stress. Tensile strength, also called breaking strength, corresponds to the load or tensile force required to cause the material to break. Tensile strength is the maximum force a paper can withstand before breaking. In the ISO 1924-3 standard test, a strip 2 with a width of 15 mm (millimeters) and a length of 100 mm is used with a constant elongation rate. When the tensile strength is exceeded, the material weakens: the absorption of forces decreases until the material tears.

[0102] In other words, the semi-stretchable paper strip 2 will not break despite the various frictions, movements, and shocks it may be subjected to. It is particularly well-suited to absorbing both the shocks related to transport and the intrinsic deformation of the products 1.

[0103] Advantageously, the semi-elastic nature of the paper material of strip 2 allows the implementation of the coating packaging, as envisaged according to the invention subsequently.

[0104] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a packaging installation 4 for group or sub-batch 101 of products 1 to form a sub-batch 101 or a batch 100.

[0105] In summary, a group of products 1 can be coated to form a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101, but also several sub-batches 101 can be coated to form a batch 100.

[0106] Further, such an installation 4 includes at least one module 40 for grouping said products 1 into successive groups of a determined number of said products 1. In short, the grouping module 40 allows the products 1 to be separated from one or more streams of products 1 from upstream, to form downstream successive groups, each of the groups corresponding to a sub-batch 101 or a batch 100. The installation 4 also includes at least one module 41 for packaging by coating each of the groups of products 1 into a sub-batch 101 or batch 100. The installation 4 further includes means 42 for conveying the products 1 in a longitudinal direction from an inlet 43 to an outlet 44 along a transport path T through at least said grouping and packaging modules 40.

[0107] Such conveying means 42 can be of any type, particularly in the form of one or more conveyors, preferably endless belts, on which the products 1 are transported on their upper surface, while the products 1 rest upright on their bottom 30, with the main direction P extending vertically or essentially vertically. The installation 4 may also include other modules, upstream and / or downstream, necessary for processing the products 1, such as, for example, a palletizing module located at the outlet 44 of the installation and ensuring the palletizing of the batches 100.

[0108] Advantageously, each conditioning module 41 includes a conditioning station 5 according to another aspect of the invention, described below.

[0109] In particular, said conditioning station 5 along the transport path T of products 1, which improves the monitoring of the conveying rate of products 1 along the installation 4 and offers versatility and adaptability, in particular due to the preparation of the sleeve 2 20 and its affixing, which are carried out continuously along the installation 4 and the transport path T.

[0110] Within the framework of the invention, the conditioning module 41 can be located on the transport path T, parallel to said path, or orthogonally to said transport path T.

[0111] In other words, the preparation of the strip 2 in sleeve 20 and its application are carried out as the products 1 advance, jointly and synchronized with the production rate.

[0112] In addition, the installation 4 includes, in embodiments, optical sensors, to detect the passage of product 1, or to determine the format of products 1 or the format of each group of products.

[0113] Installation 4 also includes, in one possible variant, speed sensors, notably at various points along the transport path T of the containers, for example at the conveying means 42, and / or at the grouping device 40. The speed sensors of installation 4 may also be located at the packaging module 41, and / or at a packaging station 5.

[0114] Indeed, forming the sleeve 20 after the sealing of the band 2, at the last moment, and positioning the packaging station 5 allows for the integration of various sensors to react to changes occurring along the installation 4, notably by decreasing or increasing the speed of production of the band 2 into sleeve 20. In particular, such sensors can be connected to a supervision system of the installation 4 or the production line, through a control unit ensuring the management of each of the stations of the line or the modules of the installation 4, as well as the formats of the products and the configuration of the batches 100 and sub-batches 101 to be packaged.

[0115] According to a second aspect, the invention thus aims at said station 5 of packaging by coating of a group or sub-batches 101 of products 1 to form a sub-batch 101 or a batch 100, by means of a band 2 of semi-extensible paper material.

[0116] Such a conditioning station 5 includes means 50 for feeding semi-stretchable paper material from at least one reel 21. These feeding means 50 are provided with at least one unwinder 500 for each reel 21 unwound longitudinally in the form of at least one strip 2 along a path C from said reel 21 downstream, namely to a downstream end 22 of the strip 2 unwound from the reel 21.

[0117] It should be noted that it is this downstream end 22 of the band 2 which forms the lower edge of each sleeve 20 which is affixed to surround the group or sub-batches 101 of products 1.

[0118] Along such a path C, the strip 2 is therefore unwound, passing in particular through return rollers 51, ensuring in particular the drive of the linear unwinding of the strip 2 and the required tension along the path C.

[0119] It should be noted that the length of the strip 2 is understood longitudinally, along the direction of said path C, while the width of the strip 2 is understood transversely, in particular orthogonally, preferably perpendicularly in the plane of said strip 2, with respect to the direction of unwinding of the strip 2 from the reel 21, namely with respect to path C.

[0120] In addition, along path C, strip 2 undergoes a tubular forming and sealing process, as described below.

[0121] The packaging station 5 also includes, located downstream, means 52 for cutting each tubular strip 2 to form each sleeve 20.

[0122] Such cutting means 52 are therefore configured to section the strip 2, once formed into a tubular shape, to separate the tube into sleeves 20 which will hold the products 1 of each group or sub-batch 101 once threaded around them. The cutting means 52 thus delimit the sleeves 20 by cutting the tubular strip 2 into successive segments.

[0123] In particular, the cutting means 52 are located after the tubular forming and sealing of the strip 2, but before or at the level of the application means.

[0124] Thus, according to one embodiment, said at least one cut of the strip 2 into sleeve 20 is carried out before or after said sleeve 20 is threaded around each group or sub-batch 101 of products 1.

[0125] In other words, the tube-shaped strip 2 is separated by cutting to form each sleeve 20 before, after, or even during application, as described below.

[0126] Further on, the conditioning station 5 includes, located downstream at the end of said path C, means 53 for coating at least one group or sub-batch 101 of products 1 by means of said at least one belt 2.

[0127] Advantageously, the coating means 53 include application means 54, preferably by threading, of each sleeve 20 around each group or sub-batch 101 of products 1. In addition, said application means 54 are mobile along a downward vertical displacement from top to bottom to a final position, and vice versa.

[0128] In other words, the application means 54 move downwards to bring the tubular strip 2, in the form of a sleeve 20 if already cut, and position it around the products 1 to be encircled. Conversely, once in position around the products 1, the application means 54 release the tubular strip 2, in the form of a sleeve 20 if already cut, and move upwards back to process the next tubular strip 2 or sleeve 20. In short, the application means 54 inserts the strip 2 into the sleeve 20 from above the products 1.

[0129] According to one embodiment, said application means 54 comprise means 55 for spreading the downstream end 22 of each sleeve 20 from an initial configuration to a spread configuration by deformation of the semi-extensible paper material. It is therefore the elasticity characteristic of the paper material, provided for in the context of the present invention, that allows the localized deformation of the strip 2 to sufficiently increase the diameter of the sleeve 20 to enable it to be threaded around the products 1.

[0130] In particular, the spacing means 55 ensure transverse traction during said vertical movement and release said traction in the final position, the sleeve 20 returning to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products 1 of said group to form the batch 100 or the sub-batch 101. Again, it is through the elasticity and resilience of the paper material provided by the invention that the return to the original position of the strip 2 in sleeve 20 is possible, so that the strip 2 comes into contact with the products 1 and holds them together.

[0131] In some embodiments, the conditioning station 5 may include means for providing a buffer zone, commonly referred to as "buffer 56" (for buffer), along the unwinding path of the web 2, either flat before being formed or preferably after being formed into a tube. Such a buffer 56 comprises several return rollers, which may be movable relative to each other, in order to increase the path length between said rollers.

[0132] In addition, such a buffer 56 can ensure all or part of the drive of the tape 2 and its unwinding from the reel 21. Figure 1 shows in particular an embodiment with a buffer 56 positioned downstream, after the tape 2 has been formed into a tubular shape.

[0133] Furthermore, this downstream positioning allows sufficient time after sealing for the sealing material or technique to adhere properly and ensure a secure bond. This enables the continuous supply of tubular tape 2 to the conditioning module 41, while still allowing sufficient drying time for the tubular tape after sealing.

[0134] In this respect, advantageously, the packaging station 5 includes, between the feeding means 50 and the coating means 53, a device 6 for forming and sealing said strip 2 made of semi-extensible paper material into a tube.

[0135] Such a forming-sealing device 6 ensures, along the path C as it unwinds, the tubular forming of the strip 2 and its sealing to maintain this tube shape, which will then be applied around the products 1, before or after cutting into sleeves 20. In particular, this tubular forming and sealing of the strip 2 is carried out before cutting into sleeves 20 in order to allow a high production rate and packaging of the products 1 in sub-batches 101 and / or batches 100.

[0136] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to the device 6 for forming and sealing a strip 2 made of semi-extensible paper material into a tube.

[0137] As mentioned previously, said band 2 is fed from at least one reel 21 wound along a path C from said reel 21 downstream.

[0138] Further on, said forming-sealing device 6 includes, along said path C, means 60 for folding two longitudinal edges 23 of said strip 2 towards a face of said strip 2, preferably towards the upper face 24.

[0139] The folding means 60 allow, as the strip 2 advances, the longitudinal edges 23 to be pushed towards the upper face 24 and thus to pass the strip 2 unwound in a flat manner from the reel 21 into a three-dimensional configuration.

[0140] According to one embodiment, as seen in Figure 2, the folding means 60 may include an imprint, formed from upstream to downstream in a flat geometric shape and enlarged to allow the flat introduction of the strip 2, to a concave and less enlarged shape, through a curved hollow, so as to raise the longitudinal edges 23 upwards, beginning the tubular shape that the strip 2 is to take thereafter.

[0141] In this respect, the forming-sealing device 6 also includes means 61 for tubularly forming said strip 2, by overlapping the two longitudinal edges 23 of said strip 2.

[0142] Advantageously, said forming means 61 comprise a former 62 in the form of at least one longitudinal element located along the path C and on the side of said face 24 of the strip 2 and extending to sealing means 63. In one embodiment, the former element of the former 62 has a cylindrical or essentially cylindrical shape, like a tube or a bar. Furthermore, the diameter of the former 62 determines the diameter of the sleeve 20, depending on the format and the number of products 1 to be coated.

[0143] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the forming means 61 are adjustable between different formats via the former 62, which is adjustable along at least one transverse direction. In short, the former 62 can be enlarged or reduced to increase or decrease the diameter of the tube and thus the sleeve 20 to be obtained.

[0144] In addition, this setting of the former 62 can be provided to be automatic, with respect to the format and number of products 1 to be coated in sub-batch 101 and in batch 100, to adapt quickly and simply, without changing parts, to the change in production.

[0145] In particular, the automatic adjustment of the former setting 62 can be carried out by automatic detection of certain characteristics, for example by means of sensors, such as at least the configuration of the product groups 1. The sleeve 20 is then immediately adjusted, according to this configuration of the product groups 1 to be coated, namely for example the arrangement in matrix and the number of products 1, but also their format.

[0146] As mentioned previously, the sealing-forming device 6 further includes means 63 for sealing said two longitudinal edges 23 of said tubular strip 2 into at least one tube.

[0147] Advantageously, said sealing means 63 comprise at least one sealing element 64 for the two overlapping longitudinal edges 23 by bearing against said former 62.

[0148] Such support ensures that the longitudinal edges 23 are held from below by the conformer 62, with a pinching from above by the sealing organ 63.

[0149] According to different embodiments, said sealing member 63 includes a sealing tool for bonding, heat bonding, heat sealing or preferably ultrasonic welding.

[0150] In some embodiments, the sealing means 63 comprise, downstream of the sealing member 64, at least one pressing member 65 for the two longitudinal edges 23 sealed overlapping by pressing against the former 62. Such a pressing member ensures proper sealing of the longitudinal edges 23 to each other, particularly in the case of bonding. This pressing allows the overlapped and sealed longitudinal edges 23 to be held temporarily in place while the materials dry or set.

[0151] In some embodiments, another pressing member may be located upstream of the sealing means 63, in order to hold the longitudinal edges 23 together, just before their sealing operation.

[0152] Preferably, this sealing operation is carried out above the transport path T of the products 1, giving the necessary time for the seal to set properly.

[0153] However, this sealing operation can also be carried out in parallel or orthogonally to the transport path T.

[0154] Thus, the forming-sealing device 6 allows the continuous creation of a tube from the flat strip 2 unwound from the reel 21, following the progress of the products 1. Located along the transport path T of the products 1, within the packaging station 5, the production of the sleeves 20 to be affixed to the products 1 is carried out in a synchronized manner with the production rate, avoiding any temporary storage of sleeve 20, whose material and shape are likely to be degraded during a subsequent affixing.

[0155] Advantageously, since the creation of sleeve 20 is carried out continuously and at the last moment, it is possible to adapt to any change in format, whether it is a change in format of a product 1, a sub-batch 101, or a batch 100. It is then possible to modify the dimensions of sleeve 20 in real time.

[0156] Thus, this configuration allows the creation and application of one or more sleeves 20 for each group of products 1, with adjustable height or diameter of the sleeves 20 to be applied. This height adjustment can be achieved simply by accelerating or decelerating the unwinding speed of the reel 21 via the speed of at least one of the return rollers 51. The diameter of the sleeve 20 can be adjusted using the adjustable forming means 61 provided, which notably allow modification of the width of the overlapping strip 2 from one longitudinal edge 23 to the other.

[0157] It should be noted that the height of a sleeve 20 corresponds to the length of the cut strip 2, along the longitudinal direction. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of packaging by coating a group or sub-batches 101 of products 1 to form a sub-batch 101 or batch 100, using a strip 2 made of semi-stretchable paper material.

[0158] Such a conditioning process is preferably implemented by a conditioning station 5 and / or a forming-sealing device 6 as previously described.

[0159] The said packaging process comprises several, non-limiting steps. According to one embodiment, the steps of said packaging process can be reproduced to coat at least two sub-batches 101 to form a batch 100.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the steps of said conditioning process can be reproduced, to thread two sleeves 20 around each group or sub-lot 101 of products 1.

[0161] According to the process, products 1 are transported through a movement along a longitudinal direction on a transport path T, said products 1 being grouped into groups or sub-batches 101.

[0162] In addition, semi-stretchable paper material is supplied from at least one reel 21, at least one strip 2 of paper unwound longitudinally along a path C from said reel 21 downstream.

[0163] Along path C, tubular forming and sealing of said at least one strip 2 into a tube is carried out.

[0164] Advantageously, during the forming-sealing of said at least one strip 2 into at least one tube, a tubular longitudinal folding and forming of said strip 2 is carried out, by overlapping the opposite longitudinal edges 23 of said strip 2. Then, said two opposite longitudinal edges 23 of said tubular strip 2 are sealed into a tube.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the tubular forming and sealing of said at least one strip 2 into a tube is carried out continuously along the transport path T of the products 1. In short, the strip 2 is formed as the products 1 to be coated advance, and not beforehand.

[0166] Then, downstream at the end of the path, at least one group or sub-batch 101 of product 1 is coated by means of said at least one tubular band 2, to form respectively a sub-batch 101 or a batch 100.

[0167] Advantageously, during the coating process, at least one sleeve 20 is threaded around each group or sub-batch 101 of product 1, by moving vertically downwards from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the coating of the group or sub-batch 101 of product 1 is carried out continuously during said movement of said group or sub-batch 101 of product 1.

[0168] In embodiments, when applying each sleeve 20 during movement, at least one downstream end 22 of each sleeve 20 is moved away from an initial configuration to a moved-away configuration by applying a transverse pull to said downstream end 22.

[0169] In particular, only the downstream end 22 is spread apart, deforming band 2 into a cone or funnel.

[0170] Then, at the end of the movement, said traction is released so that the sleeve 20 returns to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products 1 of said group or sub-batch 101.

[0171] As mentioned previously, it is thanks to the semi-extensible nature of the paper material of strip 2 that such an operation of spreading and returning to the original position is possible.

[0172] In some embodiments, when applying each sleeve 20 during movement, said sleeve 20 is spread apart from the downstream end 22 to the upstream end. In other words, the entire height of the sleeve 20 is spread apart, deforming it into a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0173] In addition, during such a process, at least one cut is made in each tubular strip 2 to form each sleeve 20. In short, the strip 2 is cut to constitute an upstream end, thus delimiting the sleeve 20 on the opposite side of the downstream end 22 (i.e. from above).

[0174] According to various embodiments, at least one cut is made before or after the tubular strip 2 or sleeve 20 is threaded around each group or sub-batch 101 of products 1, preferably after the tubular strip 2 has returned to its initial configuration. This post-application cut allows, in particular, for the product 1 to bear against the peripheral wall 31, when they are rigid or semi-rigid, providing counter-support and preventing deformation of the cut material.

[0175] In other words, the strip 2 is cut to separate it into a sleeve 20 just before at least the downstream end 22 is spread apart to lower and thread said sleeve 20, either during the descent when the tubular strip 2 is threaded, or once the tubular strip 2 is threaded, before or after the spread is released. In particular, it is possible to cut the strip 2 into a sleeve 20 once it is fully threaded, before release, in the case where the strip 2 is fully spread apart by stretching it from the downstream end 22 to the upstream end. An example of this architecture is shown in Figure 3, in which the tubular strip 2 is cut to form a sleeve 20 before threading said sleeve 20 around the products 1. In this example embodiment, two successive sleeves 20 are threaded around the products 1 to form a batch 100.

[0176] Figure 4 shows an example of an embodiment in which the sleeves 20 are formed by cutting before threading, so as to form sub-batches 101 by means of a first sleeve 20, said sub-batches 101 then being grouped together to form a batch 100, the sub-batches 101 being held together by a second sleeve 20.

[0177] Figure 5 shows an example of an embodiment in which the sleeve 20 is formed after threading the tubular strip 2 around the products 1. In other words, the tubular strip 2 is threaded around the products 1 and then cut to form the sleeve 20.

[0178] According to another aspect, the invention also aims at the use of one or the other of the aforementioned aspects for a band 2 made of semi-stretchable paper material, for the purpose of packaging products 1 in sub-batches 101 or batches 100.

[0179] It should be noted that this packaging can also be adapted for wrapping batches of 100 products during a palletizing operation, as a replacement for film wrapping or similar.

[0180] Thus, the invention, through its packaging process and installation 4, with a packaging station 5 equipped with a forming-sealing device 6, offers a continuous supply of sleeves 20 to be affixed around the products 1 to form batches 100 and / or sub-batches 101, offering versatility and adaptability, while using a semi-extensible paper material.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (6) for forming and sealing a strip (2) of semi-stretch paper material into a sleeve (20), said strip (2) being fed from at least one reel (21) unwound along a path (C) from said reel (21) downstream, said forming and sealing device (6) comprising along said path (C) - means (60) for folding two longitudinal edges (23) of said strip (2) towards a face (24) of said strip (2); - means (61) for tubularly forming said strip (2), by overlapping the two longitudinal edges (23) of said strip (2); - means (63) for sealing said two longitudinal edges (23) of said tubular strip (2) into a tube; characterized in that said forming means (61) comprise - a conformer (62) in the form of at least one longitudinal member situated along the path (C) and on the side of said face (24) of the strip (2) and extending to the sealing means (63); and in that said sealing means (63) comprise - at least one sealing element (64) of the two longitudinal edges (23) overlapping by pressing against said conformer (62).

2. Forming-sealing device (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said sealing member (64) comprises one of the following sealing tools: bonding, heat bonding, heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

3. Forming-sealing device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: said sealing means (63) comprise, downstream of said sealing member (64) - at least one pressing element (65) of the two longitudinal edges (23) sealed in overlap by pressing against said former (62).

4. Forming-sealing device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said forming means (61) are provided to be adjustable between different formats, at through said former (62) provided adjustable in at least one transverse direction.

5. Packaging station (5) for wrapping a group or sub-batches (101) of products (1) to form a sub-batch (101) or a batch (100), by means of a strip (2) of semi-stretchable paper material, said packaging station (5) comprising - means (50) for supplying semi-extensible paper material from at least one reel (21), said supply means (50) being provided with at least one unwinder (500) for each reel (21) unwound longitudinally in the form of at least one strip (2) along a path (C) from said reel (21) downstream; - located downstream, means (52) for cutting upstream of each tubular strip (2) to form a sleeve (20); - located downstream at the end of said path (C), means (53) for coating at least one group or sub-batch (101) of products (1) by means of said at least one belt (2); characterized in that it comprises, between the feeding means (50) and the coating means (53), - a device (6) for forming and sealing said strip (2) of semi-stretchable paper material into a tube, according to any one of the preceding claims; and in that - the coating means (53) include means (54) for applying, preferably by threading, each sleeve (20) around each group or sub-batch (101) of products (1), said application means (54) being mobile along a downward vertical displacement from top to bottom to a final position, and vice versa.

6. Conditioning station (5) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said application means (54) include means (55) for separating a downstream end (22) of each sleeve (20) from an initial configuration to a separated configuration by deformation of the semi-extensible paper material; the separating means (22) ensuring a transverse traction during said vertical displacement and releasing said traction in the final position, the sleeve (20) returning to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products (1) of said group or sub-batch (101).

7. Packaging installation (4) for group or sub-batch (101) coating of products (1) to form a sub-batch (101) or a batch (100), comprising: - at least one module (40) for grouping said products (1) into successive groups of a determined number of said products (1); - at least one packaging module (41) for coating each of the product groups into a sub-batch (101) or batch (100); - means (42) for conveying products (1) in a longitudinal direction from an input (43) to an output (44) along a transport path (T) through at least said grouping and packaging modules (40, 41); characterized in that - each packaging module (41) includes a packaging station (5) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, said packaging station (5) being located along the transport path (T) of the products (1).

8. A method for packaging a group or sub-batches (101) of products (1) by coating them to form a sub-batch (101) or a batch (100), using a strip (2) of semi-stretchable paper material, in which - products (1) are transported through a movement along a longitudinal direction on a transport route (T), said products (1) being grouped into groups or sub-batches (101); - semi-stretchable paper material is supplied from at least one reel (21), at least one strip (2) of paper unwound longitudinally along a path (C) from said reel (21) downstream; - a tubular forming-sealing of said at least one strip (2) into a tube; - downstream at the end of the path (C), at least one group or sub-batch (101) of products (1) is coated using said at least one tubular strip (2) cut in the form of a sleeve (20), to form respectively a sub-batch (101) or a batch (100); characterized in that during the forming-sealing of said at least one strip (2) into a tube: - a tubular longitudinal folding and forming of said strip (2) is carried out, by overlapping the opposite longitudinal edges (23) of said strip (2); - then the two opposite longitudinal edges (23) of the tubular strip (2) are sealed so as to form a tube; in that during the coating, - at least one cut is made from each tubular strip (2) to form each sleeve (20); - at least one sleeve (20) is threaded around each group or sub-batch (101) of products (1), by vertical downward movement from top to bottom; and in that the tubular forming-sealing of said at least one strip (2) into a tube is carried out continuously along the transport path (T) of the products (1).

9. A packaging method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - to apply each sleeve (20), during the movement, at least one downstream end (22) of each sleeve (20) is moved away from an initial configuration to a moved-away configuration by applying a transverse pull to said downstream end (22); - then, at the end of the movement, said traction is released so that the sleeve (20) returns to its initial configuration by applying a peripheral holding force around the products (1) of said group or sub-batch (101).

10. A packaging method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that - to apply each sleeve (20), during the movement, said sleeve (20) is moved from the downstream end (22) to an upstream end.

11. A packaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that - said at least one cut is made before said sleeve (20) is put around each group or sub-batch (101) of product 1.

12. A packaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that - the coating of the group or sub-batch (101) of products (1) is carried out continuously during said movement of said group or sub-batch (101) of products (1).

13. A packaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that - the steps of said conditioning process are reproduced, to carry out a coating of at least two sub-batches (101) to form a batch (100).

14. A packaging method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that - the steps of said conditioning process are reproduced, to thread two sleeves (20) around each group or sub-batch (101) of products (1).

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