Protective element for packaging a product, strip for manufacturing such a protective element, machine and method for manufacturing protective elements by means of manufacturing strips, and facility comprising such a machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective element (1) for packaging a product, which protective element comprises two sheets and joining means arranged between the two sheets and configured to join the sheets together so as to form a strip (2) including tubular portions (5) that are parallel to each other, arranged transversely on the strip and spaced apart from each other, the protective element comprising flakes (6), preferably of recycled material, filling the tubular portions. The invention also relates to a manufacturing strip allowing the production of such a protective element (1). The invention also relates to a machine and a method for manufacturing a protective element (1) by means of such a manufacturing strip. The invention also relates to a facility comprising such a manufacturing machine.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Protective element for product packaging, manufacturing strip for such a protective element, machine and process for manufacturing protective elements using manufacturing strips and installation comprising such a machine. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective element for product packaging, usable during product transport to protect it against shocks and / or to secure it within a container in which the product is packaged, for example, a cardboard shipping box. The invention also relates to a manufacturing strip for such a protective element. The invention further relates to a machine and a method for manufacturing a protective element using such a manufacturing strip. The invention also relates to an installation comprising such a manufacturing machine.

[0002] The invention aims to implement a protective element for product packaging that is ecological, practical to use, inexpensive and uses little raw material. Technological background

[0003] Protective elements are commonly used to transport products in containers, such as cardboard boxes, to protect them from shocks and to allow them to be secured in said containers.

[0004] One type of protective material consists of shavings, particulate matter, or shredded material, which is poured directly into a container receiving the product to be transported. A significant quantity of shavings, particulate matter, or shredded material is generally required to fill the empty space left in the container once the product is placed inside. Furthermore, during container filling or during unpacking and removal of the product, shavings, particulate matter, or shredded material are frequently found outside the container, necessitating frequent cleaning of the unpacking area or packing station with a broom or vacuum cleaner, particularly in professional environments where large quantities of products may be packaged or unpacked, such as in the logistics sector.

[0005] A second type of protective packaging consists of polystyrene foam blocks, generally shaped to fit the products being transported. This type of packaging is expensive and not very environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it usually requires imprinting the negative of the product being packaged onto the foam block to ensure effective cushioning and protection.

[0006] A third type of protective element consists of crumpled paper placed directly inside the container with the product to protect it and fill the empty space inside. A significant amount of crumpled paper is usually required to fill the empty space.

[0007] A fourth type of protective element consists of two sheets of plastic welded together to form chambers in the form of alveoli, pockets, or tubes, also known as inflatable cushions, often made of polyethylene, which are filled with air. This type of protective element is not very environmentally friendly. Summary of the present invention

[0008] The present invention implements an alternative protective element for product packaging which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] According to the invention, the protective element comprises two sheets and assembly means arranged between the two sheets and configured to join said sheets together to form a strip having parallel ridges arranged transversely on the strip and spaced apart. "Two sheets" means either two sheets as such or a single sheet folded in half. Furthermore, the protective element includes wood chips filling said ridges. "Wood chips" means wood chips as such, but also particulate materials, shavings, or sawdust. These chips are preferably made of recycled material, but other materials are possible.

[0010] Thus, when the chips are made of recycled material, the invention has the advantage of being able to reuse many recyclable products that can be easily transformed into recycled material chips. These recyclable products can represent significant quantities of waste, which is generally disposed of in dumpsters in many industrial settings, for example, in the logistics sector. Whether the chips are made of recycled material Whether recycled or not, the protective element according to the invention has the advantage of filling the void in containers with a minimal amount of the protective element, compared to loose wood shavings placed in a container or crumpled paper placed in a container to fill the void left by the packaged product. This design also avoids the need to collect wood shavings which, according to the prior art, can fall from the container during filling or when unpacking the product contained within it.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the protective element of the invention, the sheets are made of recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably paper. Similarly, the shavings are made of recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably cardboard. Thus, the protective element according to the invention has the advantage of being completely recyclable and biodegradable. Furthermore, this allows for the reuse of all cardboard containers that have already been used for transporting goods during supply operations in professional settings, for example, the delivery of parts in industry, the delivery of goods in commerce, or the delivery of any products to logistics platforms.Other materials for the production of the protective element remain conceivable, as variants, for example sheets of paper or cellulosic material and chips composed of sawdust, particulate foam materials from agriculture, wood shavings, textile shavings, or ground-up waste in polyethylene or polyurethane.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the protective element of the invention comprises pre-cuts extending transversely across the strip in spaces between the ribs. This allows a portion of the protective element strip to be easily cut by hand by pulling on the strip, in order to use a portion of the protective element strip of a length suitable for the need, i.e., sufficient to protect and secure a product packaged in a container for shipment. Variations of the protective element are also possible, however, without the use of such pre-cuts, requiring the protective element strip to be cut to the correct length using a cutting tool, for example, a cutter, scissors, or an automated cutting system.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a strip for manufacturing a protective element for product packaging, which comprises two sheets arranged in a strip and means for joining the two sheets configured to assemble said strip together. sheets arranged to form a cartridge pouch consisting of a series of flattened, parallel cases arranged transversely on the strip and spaced apart, said cases being closed at one of the two longitudinal edges of the sheets and open at the other. This allows for the prefabrication of the strips for manufacturing a protective element and its finalization during a second manufacturing operation, either at the same site or at another site, of said protective elements that are the subject of the invention. "Two sheets" refers to either two sheets as such or a single sheet folded in half along the longitudinal edge where the closed end of the cases is located.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing process for a protective element, the sheets are made of recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably paper. However, other materials for the manufacturing process of a protective element remain possible, preferably recyclable and / or biodegradable, for example, sheets made of cellulose or plastic.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing strip for a protective element of the invention, pre-cuts are arranged transversely on the sheets in spaces between the sleeves. However, an alternative embodiment without these pre-cuts remains possible.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing strip for a protective element, the subject of the invention, is supplied in a roll. This facilitates the packaging of the manufacturing strips and also the manufacture of the protective element using such a manufacturing strip, said strip being able to be unrolled as the protective element is manufactured. Alternatively, the manufacturing strip could be packaged by accordion folding, that is, in the form of panels of identical widths joined together, which are folded successively in two opposite directions so as to form a stack of panels.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing belt for a protective element, the subject of the invention, comprises a flap arranged on a longitudinal edge of one of the two sheets of said belt, on the open side of the cases. This flap facilitates the closure of the belt after a case has been filled with recycled material chips to form the protective element. However, an alternative embodiment without a flap is possible.

[0018] The invention also relates to a machine for manufacturing protective elements for product packaging, said manufacturing being carried out by means of a manufacturing belt comprising a series of flattened, parallel cases arranged transversely on the manufacturing strip and spaced apart, said cases being closed at one of the two longitudinal edges of the manufacturing strip and open at the other. According to the invention, the machine includes an opening system configured to shape an opening in at least one case of the initially flattened manufacturing strip so as to allow access to said at least one case from its opening. The machine also includes an introduction system configured to introduce, through said opening, chips, preferably made of recycled material, into the at least one previously shaped case. The machine also includes a closing system configured to close the opening of the at least one case previously filled with chips so as to form a chip-filled sausage.Furthermore, the machine includes a transport system configured to move the manufacturing belt in order to successively fill the cases using the opening and insertion systems, and then successively close them using the closing system. Such a manufacturing machine could advantageously be placed on a professional site for the on-site production of protective elements according to the invention, using the manufacturing belt that is the subject of the invention.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing machine of the invention, the opening system comprises at least two pinching members configured to pinch the manufacturing strip in two spaces located on either side of a flattened case, and a displacement mechanism configured to bring the two pinching members relatively closer together. This bringing together deforms the case and shapes its opening. It is possible to provide N (N being an integer greater than 2) pinching members, preferably three, for the simultaneous deformation of Nl cases, preferably two cases, so as to shape their openings.Other variants of the opening system may be considered so as to open at least one case of the manufacturing strip in order to fill it with chips, for example two suction devices placed respectively opposite the two sheets of the strip, opposite a case in the flattened state, and generating a suction on these two sheets so as to open the initially flattened case and / or mechanical devices, for example mechanical fingers. allowing the two sheets to be mechanically grasped against a flattened case in order to open it.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing machine of the invention, the feeding system comprises a storage bin configured to hold chips, preferably made of recycled material, at least one conduit whose upstream end opens into the lower part of the storage bin and whose downstream end terminates in a chip extraction nozzle, a chip transfer mechanism from the storage bin to the nozzle outlet, and a translation mechanism configured to move the conduit so as to insert at least the nozzle into the opening of the previously shaped case in order to fill said case with chips. The upstream and downstream ends are defined by the direction of chip movement within the conduit.

[0021] Preferably, according to the aforementioned embodiment of the manufacturing machine, the storage container is a hopper, and the conveying element is a screw conveyor arranged in the bottom of the hopper and extending through the conduit to the nozzle. This design has the advantage of preventing chip clogging of the conduit during case filling. However, alternative embodiments are possible, for example, a blower that draws chips from the storage container and expels them through the conduit into the case, into which at least the nozzle is previously inserted at the end of said conduit.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing machine of the invention, the closure system comprises a gluing element configured to apply an adhesive layer to a longitudinal edge of the manufacturing strip, on the side of the openings of the cases previously filled with shavings, preferably made of recycled material, and a folding element for the longitudinal edge of the manufacturing strip to close said cases after they have been filled. Other embodiments are possible, however, for example, a gluing element configured to apply an adhesive layer to an inner face of one of the two sheets of the strip, along the longitudinal edge on the side of the openings of the cases previously filled with shavings, and a pressing element configured to press the inner faces of the two sheets of the strip together after the adhesive layer has been applied.Alternatively, it would still be possible to provide a manufacturing strip including a cold glue coating allowing for pressing bonding between the two sheets, in which case the gluing element will not be necessary on the closing system, only a pressing element will be sufficient.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing machine of the invention, the movement system comprises pairs of rollers configured to grip the longitudinal edges of the strip at various locations, on both the closed and open sides of the casing, with at least one pair of rollers on each of said longitudinal edges being motorized. Alternatively, the movement system could comprise two half-shells forming a jaw configured to encapsulate two or three newly manufactured tubes on the protective element being manufactured, and a traction mechanism for the two half-shells, for example a track, configured to pull the two half-shells when the jaw is closed on the two or three tubes and thus to pull the manufacturing strip downstream during the manufacturing of the protective element.

[0024] The invention also relates to an installation for manufacturing protective elements for product packaging, which includes a manufacturing machine having at least the aforementioned essential characteristics and a crusher configured to produce chips, preferably from recycled material.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing installation of the invention, the shredder is configured to produce cardboard chips. However, shredder variations are possible, adapted to different recyclable materials and the different types of chips that can be made from said recyclable materials, for example, wood, old clothes, or fabric scraps. The shredder could also be configured to shred polyethylene or polyurethane waste, as an alternative.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing protective elements for product packaging using a manufacturing belt comprising a series of flattened, parallel sleeves arranged transversely on the belt and spaced apart. These sleeves are closed at one of the two longitudinal edges of the belt and open at the other. According to the invention, the method includes a step of shaping an opening in at least one sleeve of the manufacturing belt, which is initially flattened, to allow access to said sleeve from its opening. The method also includes a step of introducing, through said opening, shavings, preferably made of recycled material, into the at least one previously shaped sleeve. The method also includes a step of closing the opening of the at least one The case is pre-filled with shavings to form a sausage-shaped, shaving-filled tube, preferably made from recycled material. The process also includes a step of moving the manufacturing belt to successively fill and seal the cases.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the method of the invention, the shaping step is carried out by bringing together two spaces, each located on one side of at least one case. When several cases are opened simultaneously, the shaping step is carried out by bringing together the spaces located on the sides of the cases. This shaping step could be carried out differently, according to alternative embodiments, for example by blowing a stream of air through the opening of at least one case, just before it is filled with chips, or by applying suction to the two sheets of the strip, opposite a case, so as to open the initially flattened case, or even by mechanically grasping the two sheets, opposite a case, by means of a mechanical device, for example, mechanical fingers.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the method of the invention, the introduction step is carried out by inserting at least one nozzle, arranged at one end of a conduit, into the previously shaped carton and conveying shavings, preferably made of recycled material, through this conduit. Preferably, according to this embodiment of the method, the conduit is inserted into the carton until the nozzle is at the bottom of the carton, and then the shavings are conveyed through the conduit during its progressive extraction from the carton. Variations of the method are possible, for example, by blowing shavings through the nozzle inserted into the carton. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, which is supported by figures, including: - [Fig. 1] schematically represents a portion of a protective element for product packaging; - [Fig. 2] illustrates a machine for manufacturing a protective element, from a first viewpoint; - [Fig. 3] illustrates the manufacturing machine of figure 2, from a second viewpoint; - [Fig. 4] illustrates the manufacturing machine of figures 2 and 3, from a third viewpoint; - [Fig. 5] illustrates the manufacturing machine of figures 2 to 4, from a fourth viewpoint; - [Fig. 6] illustrates part of the manufacturing machine of figures 2 to 5, showing in particular the opening system of at least one case on a manufacturing strip; - [Fig. 7] illustrates another part of the manufacturing machine of figures 2 to 5, showing in particular an upstream part of a manufacturing belt movement system; - [Fig. 8] illustrates another part of the manufacturing machine of figures 2 to 5, showing in particular a downstream part of the manufacturing belt movement system and the case closing system after they have been filled with chips; - [Fig. 9] illustrates in more detail part of the case closure system after they have been filled with shavings; - [Fig. 10] illustrates another part of the manufacturing machine of figures 2 to 5, showing part of the chip introduction system into two cases of the manufacturing strip; - [Fig. 11], [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13] schematically represent part of a manufacturing strip of a protective element, according to three examples of implementation; - Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 schematically illustrate different manufacturing stages of a protective element from a manufacturing strip. Description of examples of achievements

[0030] In the remainder of the description, the same references will be used to define identical or equivalent characteristics, unless otherwise indicated in said description.

[0031] Figure 1 shows part of a protective element 1 in the form of a strip 2 comprising two longitudinal edges 3, 4, with tubes 5 arranged transversely across the width of the strip 2. These tubes 5 are filled with chips 6, preferably recycled material chips. The tubes 5 are parallel to each other and spaced apart. Pre-cuts 8 are preferably provided in the spaces 7 between these tubes 5, extending transversely between the two longitudinal edges 3, 4, so as to facilitate the detachment of a portion of the strip 2 for placement in a container when shipping a product using that container, for example, a cardboard box (not shown).

[0032] The protective element 1 is manufactured using a manufacturing strip 9, several embodiments of which are illustrated opposite Figures 11 to 13. This manufacturing strip 9 comprises two sheets 10, 11 joined together at a first longitudinal edge 12, which constitutes, for example, the first longitudinal edge 3 of the protective element 1. The sheets 10, 11 are also joined together at transverse edges 13, 14. successive layers delimiting cases 15 which are initially flattened and open at a second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9, these cases 15 being separated from each other by spaces 17. Thus, the manufacturing strip 9 resembles a cartridge belt. The sheets 10, 11 are preferably made of paper, the assemblies at the first longitudinal edge 12 and the transverse edges 13, 14 being made by gluing. Preferably, the glue is deposited at the transverse edges 13, 14 to avoid gluing the entire surface of the space 17 between two cases 15, but it would be possible to provide for gluing over the entire surface of this space 17. Preferably, pre-cuts 18, corresponding to the pre-cuts 8 on the protective element 1, are arranged in this space 17 and extend transversely between the two longitudinal edges 12, 16 of the manufacturing strip 9.It would be possible to provide for a single sheet folded in two parts at the level of the first longitudinal edge 12, rather than two sheets 10, 11 assembled together at the level of said first longitudinal edge 12.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, one of the two sheets 10, 11 is slightly wider than the other of the two sheets 10, 11, so as to form a flap 19 on the manufacturing strip 9. The opening 20 of the case 15 is then slightly offset towards the inside of the manufacturing strip 9. The flap 19 can be coated with glue and folded down to close the openings 20 of the cases after they have been filled with shavings 6.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the two sheets 10, 11 are of identical width and the transverse edges 13, 14 extend to the second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9, the opening 20 of the case 15 being located on said second longitudinal edge 16. The manufacturing strip 9 can be folded over or rolled up and then glued to itself along the second longitudinal edge 16 once the cases 15 are filled with shavings 6.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the two sheets are of identical width, and the transverse edges 13, 14 are stopped before the second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9. The opening 20 of the case 15 is then slightly offset from said second longitudinal edge 16, thus revealing a portion 21 adjacent to the second longitudinal edge 16. This portion allows for bonding between the inner faces of the two sheets 10, 11 to close the openings 20 of the cases 15 after they have been filled with shavings 6. It would also be possible to apply a cold-applied adhesive coating to one of the two inner faces of the adjacent portion 21. sheets 10, 11, the closing of the openings 20 being done by pressing the two sheets 10, 11 at the level of the bordering part 21.

[0036] The use of paper sheets 10, 11, for example KRAFT® paper, advantageously allows for recycling and natural degradation of the manufacturing strip 9. However, it would be possible to use other materials, preferably also recyclable and biodegradable, for example a cellulosic material. Other non-biodegradable materials could still be used, particularly plastics, which would allow the sheets 10, 11 to be joined by welding instead of gluing.

[0037] The shavings 6 filling the tubes 5 of the protective element 1, once manufactured using the production belt 9, are preferably made of recycled material shavings, preferably cardboard shavings. However, it would be possible to use wood chips, sawdust, textile shavings such as old clothes or fabric scraps, or particulate materials based on plant matter. It would also be possible to use shredded polyethylene or polyurethane waste.

[0038] Figures 2 to 10 illustrate an example of a machine 100 for manufacturing a protective element 1 from a manufacturing strip 9, said manufacturing strip 9 initially being in the form of a roll 22 which is mounted on a tube 101, said tube 101 being mounted freewheeling on a structure 102 of the machine 100, at an upstream end 103 of a conveyor belt 104, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. The roll 22 can be unwound so as to position a portion of the manufacturing strip 9 on this conveyor belt 104 by arranging the openings of the cases 15, in the flattened state, on the inner side 104a of the conveyor belt 104. Upstream and downstream are defined by the direction of movement of a manufacturing strip 9 on the conveyor belt 104.

[0039] With reference to Figures 2 to 9, the machine 100 includes a movement system 105 for the manufacturing belt 9 during the various manufacturing stages of the protective element 1 using said manufacturing belt 9. This movement system 105 includes pairs of rollers 106 arranged on the inner side 104a and the outer side 104b of the conveyor belt 104. Each pair of rollers 106 comprises two rollers 106a, 106b that sandwich a longitudinal edge 12, 16 of the manufacturing belt 9, at least one pair of rollers 106 on each of the inner 104a and outer 104b sides being motorized so as to advance the manufacturing belt 9 on the conveyor belt, towards the downstream end 107 of the conveyor belt, the activation of the pairs of motorized rollers 106 being controlled by a programmable logic controller 133 in order to control the manufacturing steps of the protective element 1.

[0040] The machine 100 includes an opening system 108 configured to open the openings 20 of the cases 15 on the manufacturing belt 9 in order to fill them with shavings 6. The opening system 108 is arranged more or less in the central part of the conveyor 104, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, and includes three clamping elements 109 spaced apart and arranged transversely with respect to the conveyor 104. Each clamping element 109 comprises two bars 110, 111 forming a jaw, the upper bar 110 being positioned on the upper side of the manufacturing belt 9 and the lower bar 111 being positioned on the lower side of the manufacturing belt 9, as said manufacturing belt 9 advances on the conveyor 104. Preferably, the upper bar 110 is fixed and the lower bar 111 is movable in translation relative to the upper bar 110, but The opposite could be considered, or even a mobility of the two upper bars 110 and lower 111.On each pinching member 109, a cylinder 112 allows the lower bar 111 to be actuated to bring it closer to or further away from the upper bar 110. The upper bars 110 and lower bars 111 of each pinching member 109 are longer than the width of the manufacturing strip 9. These upper bars 110 and lower bars 111 of each pinching member 109 are narrower than the width of the space 17 left between two cases 15 on the manufacturing strip 9. The synchronization of the advance of the manufacturing strip 9 on the conveyor belt 104 and the positions of the pinching members 109 are such that the pinching members 109 are arranged in correspondence with three consecutive spaces 17a, 17b, 17c present between two cases 15a, 15b on said manufacturing strip 9, as shown in Figures 14 to 19 which schematically illustrate different stages of the manufacturing process of a protective element 1.The central pinching member 109a is fixed and the lateral pinching members 109b, 109c are mobile relative to the central pinching member 109a so that they can be brought closer to or further away from it. The actuation of the two lateral pinching members 109b, 109c vis-à-vis the central pinching member 109a is achieved by means of a cylinder 113 which activates a transmission mechanism 114 arranged between the central pinching member 109a and the two lateral pinching members 109b, 109c, as shown in particular in Figure 6. Once the pinching members 109 pinch the spaces 17a, 17b, 17c between two consecutive cases 15a, 15b in the flattened state, said lateral pinching members 109b, 109c are brought together towards the member of. central pinch 109a which allows the cases 15a, 15b to be shaped and their openings 20a, 20b to be opened, so as to access said cases 15a, 15b for their filling with shavings 6.

[0041] With regard in particular to figures 2 to 5 and 10, the machine 100 also includes an introduction system 115 configured to introduce chips 6 into the two cases 15a, 15b once their openings 20a, 20b have been shaped. The introduction system 115 comprises two parallel conduits 116, 117 with a spacing between them that corresponds to the spacing between the two cases 15a, 15b, so that the axes of the two shaped cases 15a, 15b correspond substantially with the respective axes of the two conduits 116, 117. These conduits 116, 117 each comprise at their distal end 116a, 117a a nozzle 118, 119. The proximal ends 116b, 117b of the conduits 116, 117 open into the bottom 120a of a storage container 120 which is in the form of a hopper 121.In this base 120a are arranged two augers 122, 123 which extend from the inside of the hopper 121 into the conduits 116, 117, their distal ends 122a, 123a corresponding substantially with the nozzles 118, 119. The augers 122, 123 are driven in rotation by a motor 124. In addition, the assembly 125 consisting of the hopper 121, the augers 122, 123 and the motor 124, is mounted in a sliding joint 126 on a table 127, in the longitudinal direction of the conduits 116, 117, said assembly 125 being driven in translation along this sliding joint 126 by a transmission screw 128 driven in rotation by a motor 129.

[0042] Once the openings 20a, 20b of the cases 15a, 15b have been shaped, the assembly 125 is moved to introduce the conduits 116, 117 respectively into these two cases 15a, 15b until the nozzles 118, 119 reach the respective bottoms 23 (illustrated in figures 11 to 13) of the two open cases 15a, 15b, then the augers 122, 123 are operated to transport in the conduits 116, 117 chips 6 initially stored in the hopper 121, until they exit through the nozzles 118, 119 and are poured into the cases 15a, 15b. During the filling of cases 15a, 15b with chips 6, the assembly 125 is moved in the opposite direction to the previous one, so as to progressively extract the conduits 116, 117 from cases 15a, 15b as they are filled with chips 6. Just before the extraction of the nozzles 118, 119 from the respective cases 15a, 15b, the worm screws 122, 123 are stopped to prevent chips 6 from falling into the environment of the machine 100.

[0043] The machine 100 also includes a case-closing system 130 for the cases 15a, 15b after they have been filled with shavings 6. Preferably, this closing system 130 is located downstream of the opening system 108 and the feeding system 115. The manufacturing belt 9, containing the two cases 15a, 15b filled with shavings 6, is moved from the opening system 108 and the feeding system 115 to the closing system 130 by means of the movement system 105 described previously. However, alternative configurations could involve positioning the closing system 130 on the table 104, in the same environment as the opening system 108 and the feeding system 115.

[0044] With regard to Figure 8 in particular, the closure system 130 includes a gluing member 131 which allows either the application of glue or the application of double-sided adhesive tape to a flap 19 of the manufacturing strip 9 or near the second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9, depending on whether the manufacturing strip 9 has the configuration of Figure 11 or Figure 12. Of course, the gluing member 131 could be adapted to apply glue to an inner face of one of the two sheets 10, 11 of the manufacturing strip 9 when the latter has the configuration of Figure 13.The closure system 130 also includes a folding member 132 allowing the flap 19 or the second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9 to be folded, depending on whether it is a manufacturing strip 9 having the configuration of figure 11 or figure 12, so as to close the cases 15a, 15b filled with chips 6 and thus to form rolls 5 of the protective element 1 being manufactured.This folding member 132 will be replaced by a pressing member (not illustrated) when the manufacturing strip 9 has a configuration similar to that of figure 13, so as to press the two sheets 10, 11 against each other after the inner face of one of the two sheets has been coated with glue, or even when the inner face of one of the two sheets includes a cold glue coating in the part bordering 21 to the longitudinal edge 16, thus allowing the cases 15a, 15b previously filled with chips 6 to be closed and also to form rolls 5 on the protective element 1 during the manufacturing process.

[0045] The opening system 108 could have only two clamping elements 109 movable relative to each other, allowing the opening of only one case 15 at a time. In this case, the insertion system 115 will have only one of the two conduits 116, 117, based on the same design principle as described previously.

[0046] Figures 14 to 19 highlight different stages of the manufacturing process of a protective element 1 using a manufacturing strip 9, on the machine 100 as described previously.

[0047] In Figure 14, two cases 15a, 15b of a manufacturing strip 9, still in a flattened state, are arranged on the opening system 108, while downstream of said opening system 108, two rolls 5 of the protective element 1 being manufactured are already formed. The upper bars 110 and lower bars 111 of the three pinching devices 109 are still in the open position, which has allowed the manufacturing strip 9 to be advanced beforehand on the conveyor 104 to reach the position of the two cases 15a, 15b.

[0048] In Figure 15, the pinching devices 109 are activated simultaneously, allowing the upper bars 110 and lower bars 111 to pinch the manufacturing strip 9 in the spaces 17a, 17b, 17c juxtaposed to the two still flattened cases 15a, 15b.

[0049] In figure 16, the lateral pinching organs 109b, 109c are brought closer to the central pinching organ 109a, which allows the two sheaths 15a, 15b to be shaped to open the openings 20a, 20b on these two sheaths 15a, 15b.

[0050] In figure 17, the shaping of the openings 20a, 20b of these two cases 15a, 15b then allows the nozzles 118, 119 (illustrated in figure 10) to be introduced into these cases 15a, 15b and to fill them with chips 6 from the hopper 121, as described previously.

[0051] In Figure 18, the pinching devices 109 are actuated to separate the upper bars 110 from the lower bars 111, thus freeing the manufacturing belt 9 in order to move it downstream of the conveyor belt 104 by means of the displacement system 105.

[0052] In Figure 19, the manufacturing belt 9 is moved downstream to free the cases 15a, 15b filled with shavings 6 downstream of the opening system 108 and the feeding system 115 of the machine 100, as described previously. The cases 15a, 15b can then be closed to form the rolls 5 of the protective element 1 being manufactured, as in Figure 14, by means of the closing system 130. The lateral pinching elements 109b, 109c are moved away from the central pinching element 109a.

[0053] Machine 100 can be installed independently on an industrial site, in which case the chips 6 can be supplied in bags or cartons, for example placed on pallets, to to be placed in the storage bin 120 of said machine 100, during the manufacture of protective elements 1. As shown schematically in figure 5, this machine 100 can be part of an installation 200 which also includes a shredder 201 for producing chips 6. When the chips 6 are made of recycled material such as cardboard, the shredder 201 is configured to shred or crush the cardboard to transform it into chips or shavings, which can then be placed either manually or mechanically, for example by means of a conveyor, directly into the storage bin 120 of the machine 100.

[0054] The preceding description is not limiting, variants may be envisaged for the design of the protective element 1, for the design of the manufacturing band 9 of such a protective element 1 and for the design of the machine 100 for manufacturing a protective element 1 by means of such a manufacturing band 9.

[0055] For example, for machine 100, the opening system 108 could include an injector in the form of a needle, which would be placed at the nozzle 118, 119, the injector allowing to blow a stream of air towards the opening 20a, 20b of the case 15a, 15b still flattened when the nozzle 118, 119 is brought close to the second longitudinal edge 16 of the manufacturing strip 9, said stream of air then allowing to inflate the case 15a, 15b and to shape its opening 20a, 20b, then allowing the nozzle 118, 119 to be introduced and then to pour the chips 6 into the case 15a, 15b. According to another example, it would be possible to provide suction devices placed on the upper and lower sides of the manufacturing strip 9, opposite a case 15, said suction device generating a suction on the two sheets 10, 11 so as to open the initially flattened case 15 and thus shape its opening 20.According to another example, it would be possible to provide mechanical parts, for example mechanical fingers, placed on the upper and lower sides of the manufacturing strip 9, opposite a case 15, and configured to grasp the case 15 and open it.

[0056] According to another example, the worm screws 122, 123 of the feed system 115 could be replaced by a chip blowing device 6 so as to convey them in the conduits 116, 117, to the outlet of the nozzles 118, 119.

[0057] In another example, the displacement system 105 could be configured to pull the manufacturing belt 9 as it moves along the conveyor belt from upstream to downstream. This displacement system 105 could include an upper shell and a lower shell forming a jaw configured to encapsulate two or three sausages 5 at a time which have just been manufactured on the manufacturing belt 9, said upper and lower shells being mounted on a track enabling them to be moved along the conveyor belt 104. When the jaw is closed and encapsulates the two or three sausages 5, the track is activated to move the manufacturing belt 9 downstream on the conveyor belt 104.

[0058] In figures 2 to 10, machine 100 is arranged horizontally and placed on the floor. However, it would be possible to design this machine 100 to be arranged vertically rather than horizontally, which would reduce its footprint and improve the ergonomics of the workstation.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Protective element (1) for the packaging of a product, which comprises two sheets and assembly means arranged between the two sheets and configured to assemble said sheets together so as to form a strip (2) having parallel strands (5) arranged transversely on the strip and spaced apart from each other, said protective element comprising chips (6) filling said strands.

2. Protective element (1) according to claim 1, which includes pre-cuts (8) extending transversely over the strip (2) in spaces (7) between the rolls (5).

3. Protective element (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sheets are made of recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably paper.

4. Protective element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chips (6) are made of recycled material, preferably recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably cardboard chips.

5. Manufacturing strip (9) of a protective element (1) for the packaging of a product, which comprises two sheets (10, 11) arranged in a strip and assembly means between the two sheets configured to assemble said sheets together so as to form a cartridge holder consisting of a succession of flattened, parallel cases (15) arranged transversely on the manufacturing strip and spaced apart from each other, said cases being closed at one of the two longitudinal edges (12) of the sheets and open at the other of the two longitudinal edges (16) of the sheets.

6. Manufacturing strip (9) of a protective element (1) according to claim 5, in which pre-cuts (18) are arranged transversely on the sheets (10, 11) in spaces (17) between the sleeves (15).

7. Manufacturing strip (9) of a protective element (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the sheets (10, 11) are made of recyclable and biodegradable material, preferably paper.

8. Manufacturing strip (9) of a protective element (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, which is supplied in a roll (22).

9. Machine for manufacturing (100) protective elements (1) for packaging a product by means of a manufacturing belt (9) comprising a succession of flattened, parallel sleeves (15) arranged transversely on the manufacturing belt and spaced apart from each other other, said cases being closed at one of the two longitudinal edges (12) of the manufacturing strip and open at the other of the two longitudinal edges (16) of the manufacturing strip, the machine (100) comprising an opening system (108) configured to form an opening (20a, 20b) in at least one case (15a, 15b) initially flattened from the manufacturing strip (9) so as to allow access to said at least one case (15a, 15b) from its opening (20a, 20b), the machine (100) comprising an introduction system (115) configured to introduce, through said opening (20a, 20b), chips (6) into the at least one previously formed case (15a, 15b), the machine (100) comprising a closing system (130) configured to close the opening (20a, 20b) of at least one case (15a, 15b) previously filled with shavings (6) so as to constitute a sausage (5) filled with shavings,the machine (100) comprising a movement system (105) configured to move the manufacturing belt (9) in order to successively fill the cartons (15) by means of the opening system (108) and the insertion system (115) and successively close them by means of the closing system (130).

10. Manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 9, wherein the opening system (108) comprises at least two pinching members (109) configured to pinch the manufacturing strip (9) respectively in two spaces (17a, 17b, 17c) each disposed on one side of a case (15a, 15b) in the flattened state and a displacement mechanism configured to bring the two pinching members (109) pinching the manufacturing strip (9) closer together, said bringing together to deform the case (15a, 15b) and to shape its opening (20a, 20b).

11. Manufacturing machine (100) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the infeed system (115) comprises a storage bin (120) configured to hold chips (6), at least one conduit (116, 117) having an upstream end open into the lower part of the storage bin and a downstream end terminate in a chip extraction nozzle (118, 119), a chip displacement member from the storage bin to the nozzle outlet, and a translation member configured to move the conduit (116, 117) so as to insert at least the nozzle into the opening (20a, 20b) of the previously formed case (15a, 15b).

12. Manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 11, in which the storage bin (120) is a hopper (121) and the displacement member is a screw (122, 123) arranged in the bottom of the hopper and extending in the conduit (116, 117) to the nozzle.

13. Manufacturing machine (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the closing system (130) comprises a gluing member (131) configured to coat an adhesive layer at a longitudinal edge of one of the two sheets of the manufacturing strip (9), on the side of the openings (20a, 20b) of the cases (15a, 15b) previously filled with chips (6) and a folding member (132) of the longitudinal edge (16) of the manufacturing strip (9) to close said cases (15a, 15b).

14. Manufacturing machine (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the displacement system (105) comprises pairs of rollers (106) configured to pinch at various locations the longitudinal edges (12, 16) of the manufacturing strip (9), of the closed side of the case (15) and of the open side of the case, at least one pair of rollers on each of said longitudinal edges being motorized.

15. Manufacturing installation (200) for protective elements (1) for product packaging, which includes a manufacturing machine (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 14 and a crusher (201) configured to produce chips (6).

16. Manufacturing installation (200) according to claim 15, wherein the crusher (201) is configured to manufacture cardboard material chips.

17. A method for manufacturing protective elements (1) for packaging a product by means of a manufacturing strip (9) comprising a succession of flattened, parallel sleeves (15) arranged transversely on the strip and spaced apart from each other, said sleeves being closed at one of the two longitudinal edges (12) of the manufacturing strip (9) and open at the other of the two longitudinal edges (16) of the manufacturing strip (9), said method comprising a step of shaping an opening (20a, 20b) in at least one sleeve (15a, 15b) of the manufacturing strip initially flattened so as to allow access to said at least one sleeve from its opening, a step of introducing, through said opening, chips (6) into the inside of the at least one previously shaped sleeve (15a, 15b), a step of closing the opening (20a, 20b) of at least one case previously filled with shavings so as to form a sausage (5) filled with shavings (6) and,a step involving the movement of the manufacturing belt (9) in order to carry out the successive filling and sealing of the cases.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the shaping step is carried out by bringing together two spaces (17a, 17b, 17c) each present on one side of at least one case (15a, 15b).

19. A method according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the introduction step is carried out by inserting into the previously shaped casing (15a, 15b) at least one nozzle (118, 119) arranged at one end of a conduit (116, 117) and conveying chips (6) in this conduit.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the conduit (116, 117) is inserted into the case until the nozzle (118, 119) is in a bottom (23) of the case (15a, 15b) and then the chips (6) are conveyed in the conduit during their progressive extraction from the case.

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