A DEVICE FOR MAKING A LONGITUDINAL FIN ON A CORRESPONDING PRODUCT WRAPPER

Technical field

This invention relates to a device for making a longitudinal fin on a corresponding product wrapper.

More specifically, the invention can be used in an apparatus for wrapping the respective product in what is known as a "fin seal wrapper".

Background art

Known in the prior art are devices for making a longitudinal fin on a corresponding wrapper, or plastic film, placed round a respective product and which are, in particular usable in a packaging apparatus for placing the product in the wrapper.

These prior art devices for making the longitudinal fin comprise means for coupling and joining the flaps which protrude laterally from a respective edge of a lateral face of the product, in particular on the extension of the corresponding front or rear face of the product itself.

These prior art devices are, however, relatively inflexible in use, since they do not allow modifications to be made to the wrapper configuration, for example as a function of specific requirements of the product contained such as that of leaving in clear view certain marks or messages present on the packaged product.

Moreover, the prior art devices for making a longitudinal fin on a product wrapper also have the disadvantage of not being applicable to products or containers which do not have the shape of a parallelepiped, for example, containers with curved side walls which do not have well-defined edges such as those typical of boxes or packets traditionally packaged in plastic wrappers.

As a result, products which are not in the shape of a parallelepiped cannot be provided with plain protective wrappers and other, more expensive solutions are used to cover the products hermetically.

Aim of the invention

This invention proposes a novel solution, alternative to the solutions known up to now, and/or, more specifically, aims to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks, and/or to meet one or more of the needs mentioned in or inferable from the above.

Accordingly provided is a device for making a longitudinal fin on a corresponding wrapper, in particular in the form of a sheet or film, especially a sheet or film of plastic material, placed round a respective product; the product being especially in the form of a container, a packet, a box-shaped element in general or a plurality of articles to be kept together in groups; the longitudinal fin being obtained by joining, in particular by heat-sealing, longitudinal wrapper flaps protruding from the respective lateral face of the product, the longitudinal wrapper flaps being placed opposite each other and joined; the device being preferably usable in a packaging apparatus for placing the product in the wrapper and comprising means for coupling and joining the protruding wrapper flaps; characterized in that the coupling and joining means are adapted to couple and join the wrapper flaps defining the longitudinal fin at any desired point between an upper end position and a lower end position on the lateral face of the product.

That way, it is possible to make a longitudinal fin on a corresponding wrapper at any required position according to the specific needs of the product packaged in the wrapper.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects are set out in the appended claims and the technical features and advantages are also apparent from the detailed description which follows of non-limiting example embodiments of it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1A to 1F are perspective views illustrating the steps in the making of a fin seal package;

- Figure 2A shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for packaging a product in a fin seal wrapper;

- Figure 2B shows the same preferred embodiment of the packaging apparatus in a different working position;

- Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of a device for making a longitudinal fin according to the invention;

- Figures 4 to 6 are schematic side views of the preferred embodiment of a device for making a longitudinal fin according to the invention, in different working conditions, in particular for making lateral fins at different positions. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a preferred embodiment 9 of an apparatus for making a package comprising a wrapper, in particular in the form of a sheet or film, especially a sheet or film of plastic material, placed round a respective product, where the wrapper is of the type known as "fin seal" in the jargon of the trade.

The apparatus provides a package through a plurality of product wrapping steps which are schematically illustrated in Figures 1A to 1F, which show the steps of making a fin seal package.

In practice, thanks to the apparatus 9, a product 11 , preferably in the form of a packet or box-shaped element, is placed in a respective protective wrapper 13.

As illustrated, the product 1 has opposite transversal end faces 11a, 11b, between which respective longitudinal faces extend, the latter comprising opposite main faces, normally the wide front and rear product faces 1c, 11d, and opposite narrower faces 11e, 11f, extending between the main faces 11c, 11d. The product wrapper 1 1 is in turn preferably in the form of a sheet or length of film, especially of plastic material, in particular polypropylene, which can be conveniently heat sealed and which is wrapped round the product to be packaged, defining corresponding superposed panels or portions, preferably in contact with the respective faces of the wrapped product.

Of the superposed panels, the ones superposed on the transversal end faces 1 1 a, 1 1 b are denoted by the reference labels 13a, 13b, whilst those superposed on the opposite main faces 1 1 c, 1d and on the opposite lateral faces 1 1 e, 1 1f of the product are denoted by the reference labels 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f.

In practice, the longitudinal seal or join of the package is in the form of a respective fin 13g which protrudes laterally from the wrapper itself and which is located at a respective lateral face 1 1 e of the product, the longitudinal fin 13g being obtained by joining, in particular by heat-sealing, lateral wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g placed opposite each other and joined, as illustrated in Figure 1 B.

The longitudinal fin 13g is then folded and joined, in particular by heat- sealing, to the wrapper flap 13e which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding lateral face of the product, in particular the lateral face 1 1e of the product.

The package C also comprises a first and a second transversal end seals which are, respectively, in the form of respective transversal end fins 13h, 3h, which close the wrapper round the product and which are obtained by joining, in particular by heat-sealing, opposed wrapper end flaps 13'h, 13'h protruding longitudinally beyond the corresponding transversal face 1 a, 1 1 b of the product.

Each transversal end fin 13h, 13h is folded on the respective wrapper flap 13a, 13b which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding transversal product face 1 1a, 1 1 b and joined thereto, in particular by heat sealing, as may be inferred from Figure 1 F. As illustrated, the fins 13h, 13h have a respective central portion 131, 131 and opposite lateral tabs 13i, 13i, which protrude laterally or transversely beyond the lateral product faces 11e, 11f and which are advantageously folded on the corresponding wrapper flap 13e, 13f which is superposed on and in contact with the corresponding lateral product face 11e, 11f and joined thereto, in particular by heat sealing, as may be inferred from Figure 1F.

As illustrated in Figure 2A, the apparatus comprises a mounting frame 12 for a plurality of assemblies designed to make the package and having respective operating units or devices which are driven by corresponding drive means.

Advantageously, the frame 12 has a separating wall 12a between the operating units and the respective drive means.

The separating wall 12a is, as illustrated, a longitudinal wall which extends in height, that is, vertically.

More specifically, as illustrated, the apparatus 9 comprises a unit 14 for feeding the product 11 to be packaged, a unit 16 for wrapping the wrapper into a tube shape round the product, and a unit 18 for closing the ends of the wrapper round the product.

More specifically, the unit 16 for wrapping the wrapper 13 into a tube shape round the product 11 comprises a respective section 17 for wrapping the selfsame wrapper round the product 11 and a section, or device, 20 for mutually coupling and joining the lateral end flaps 13'g, 13"g of the wrapper 13 protruding laterally from the product 11 , in particular protruding from the lateral face 11e of the product to form the longitudinal fin 13g.

The unit 16 for wrapping the wrapper 13 into a tube shape round the product 11 further comprises a section, or unit, 26 for sealing the fin 13g at the respective product face, in particular at the lateral face 11e of the selfsame product.

Further, as illustrated, the section 17 for wrapping the wrapper round the product comprises a respective cavity 191 for receiving the product and the wrapper and a pushing unit or pusher 171 for urging the product 11 and the wrapper 13, held conveniently in place in front of the cavity 191 , into the cavity 191 , in such a way as to cause the wrapper 13 to be wrapped around the product 11.

The unit 16 for wrapping the wrapper into a tube shape further comprises means 19 for feeding the product and the wrapper wrapped round it, and which move with alternating feed motion, where feed steps are alternated with respective dwell steps, the feed means 19 being in the form of a revolving wheel having a plurality of radial cavities 191 for receiving the product, each cavity having a peripheral access opening through which the product is received and expelled, and the cavities being angularly spaced from each other, in particular equispaced from each other.

As may also be well inferred from Figure 3, the device 20 comprises respective means 21 , 22 for coupling and joining the wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g which protrude laterally from the product.

As may be well inferred from Figures 2A, 2B and 3, the coupling and joining means 21 , 22 comprise grippers or clamping and joining surfaces 22a, 22b, which are movable from a spaced apart position, illustrated in Figure 2B, where the product 11 and the respective wrapper 13 can be inserted freely into the cavity 191 when the longitudinal fin 15g is formed, and a close together position, illustrated in Figure 2A, where the flaps forming the fin are engaged and clamped.

The coupling and joining means are adapted to couple and mutually join the wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g to form the longitudinal fin 13g and, advantageously, are also adapted to make the fin 13g at any point on the lateral face of the product, that is, at any desired point between the front and rear faces 11c, 11d of the product.

According to another viewpoint, the coupling and joining means are adapted to couple and join the wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g to define the longitudinal fin 13g at the lateral face 11e of the product and at any desired point between an upper end position and a lower end position on the lateral face of the product.

That way, it is possible to make corresponding product packaging or wrapping apparatuses which are flexible to use, that is to say, which are suitable for making packages in any desired configuration, at least as regards the position of the longitudinal fin 13g.

More specifically, the device for coupling and joining the lateral end flaps 13'g, 13"g of the wrapper to define a corresponding longitudinal fin 13g on the wrapper, thus comprises opposed first and second units 21 , 22, which are, in particular, vertically aligned with each other and which are positioned, according to the longitudinal direction of extension of the machine, in front of the cavity 191 for wrapping the wrapper round the product.

More specifically, the means 20 for coupling and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g comprise respective opposed surfaces

21a, 22a which are adapted to clamp and join the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g, in particular by heat-sealing.

More specifically, the first and second coupling units 21 , 22 comprise respective elements or bars 21a, 22a which are adapted to clamp and join the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g to each other, in particular by heat-sealing.

Means are also advantageously provided for adjusting the abutment position of the opposed surfaces 21a, 22a for clamping and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g.

More specifically, the means for adjusting the abutment position of the opposed surfaces 21a, 22a for clamping and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g are provided on the first coupling and joining unit 21.

The means for adjusting the abutment position of the opposed surfaces 21a, 22a for clamping and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g are also provided on the second coupling and joining unit 22. More specifically, the means for adjusting the abutment position of the opposed surfaces 21a, 22a for clamping and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g are adapted to move the respective coupling and joining unit 21 , in particular vertically, relative to the point of mutual joining either to the other connecting and joining unit 22 or to the cavity for housing the package, that is, relative to the wrapper and product. More specifically, the means for moving the respective coupling and joining unit are adapted to move the first coupling and joining unit 21 in its entirety.

The means for moving the respective coupling and joining unit 21 , in particular vertically, comprise means 125 for the relative movement and positioning of, in particular for lowering and lifting, the coupling and joining unit 21 relative to a fixed support 126, in particular mounted on the frame 12, that is, on the wall 12a thereof.

The means 125 for the relative movement and positioning of the coupling and joining unit 21 relative to a fixed support 126 comprise an element 125a which is integral with the coupling and joining unit 21 , the element 125a being operatively connected to a corresponding element 125b which is connected to the fixed support 126.

The means 125 for the relative movement and positioning of the coupling and joining unit 21 relative to a fixed support 126 comprise a respective threaded bush 125a which is, in particular, integral with the coupling and joining unit 21 meshed with a respective screw 125b being in particular connected to the support 126.

That way, the position, in particular the vertical position, of the respective coupling and joining unit 21 can be adjusted quickly and easily.

As illustrated, the screw 125b is inserted into a corresponding through hole, in particular, extending vertically, made in the supporting plate 126, which in turn protrudes transversely from the wall 12a of the frame of the apparatus.

The screw 125b is inserted into a corresponding bush 125a, one end of which 127 is inserted into the plate 124 of the coupling and joining unit 21 and which is described in more detail below.

The screw 125b is tightened or held against the plate or support 126 through the agency of corresponding nuts 128, 129, on opposite sides of the supporting plate 126 and of the through hole 126'.

Further, advantageously, the means for adjusting the abutment position of the opposed surfaces 21a, 22a for clamping and joining the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g are in the form of means for adjusting the stroke of the respective clamping and joining surface 22a.

More specifically, the means for adjusting the stroke of the respective clamping and joining surface 22a are in the form of means for adjusting the stroke between an open position for inserting the product and wrapper into the respective cavity 191 and a closed, engaged and joining position. For that purpose, the means for adjusting the stroke of the respective clamping and joining surfaces 22a are in the form of means for adjusting the angle of rotation of a respective eccentric 23a which drives the second coupling and joining unit 22, in particular vertically.

More specifically, a corresponding program for managing the operation of the unit or device which seals the longitudinal fin 13g, or of the entire apparatus, varies the rotation of the shaft of an electric motor 23, the shaft rotating alternatingly through a predetermined angle which can be conveniently varied to modify the angular movement of the eccentric 23a and, hence, the stroke of the engagement and joining surface 22a of the upper, or second, coupling and joining unit 22.

Looking in more detail, it may be observed that the first coupling unit 21 has a body 21aa defining the engagement surface 21a, said body being movable, in particular, as illustrated, movable vertically upwards, in such a way as to clamp and join the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g, in particular by heat sealing, and possibly also to fold a respective laterally protruding wrapper flap 131 onto the respective face 11e of the product, in particular on the lateral face 11e of the selfsame product. As illustrated, the first coupling unit 21 is mounted on corresponding supporting means 21b which are connected to the frame, in particular to the separating wall 12a of the frame.

In practice, the first coupling unit 21 is mounted on corresponding supporting means 21b and the frame, in particular the separating wall 12a of the frame has respective fastening means for the first coupling unit 21. The first coupling unit 21 is mounted on corresponding supporting means 21b.

The fastening means for the first coupling unit provided on the frame, in particular on the separating wall 12a of the frame, are in the form of corresponding holes 121 into which matching connecting screws 122 are inserted.

In practice, the first coupling unit 21 comprises respective supporting means 21b for the movable body 21 aa, a corresponding means, or motor, for driving the movable clamping and joining body or surface 21a, and transmission means located between them.

Advantageously, the supporting means 21b of the first coupling unit 21c extend in cantilever fashion from the separating wall 12a.

The supporting means 21b of the first coupling unit 21 have an elongate beam 21c which extends in cantilever fashion from the separating wall. The drive means, or motor, is provided on the opposite side of the separating wall 12a.

The cantilevered beam 21c extends through a corresponding opening made in the separating wall 12a of the frame.

The elongate beam 21c, which extends in cantilever fashion from the frame also supports corresponding transmission means connecting the motor which is positioned and mounted on the side opposite the packaging side of the mounting frame, or wall, of the machine.

The supporting means 21b of the first coupling unit comprise a respective plate 124 having respective vertically oblong holes 123 which define fastening means, in particular for the connecting screws 122. Obviously, the plate 124 is integral with the elongate beam 2 c.

The supporting means 21b of the first coupling unit 21 have respective guide means 21e, in particular in the form of a first and a second vertical guide, for a slide or slider 21ab, in particular in the form of a main body 21 ab which carries the body 21 aa which defines the clamping and joining surface 21a.

The supporting slide or slider 21 ab is movable vertically along a path which lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the separating wall 12a of the mounting frame.

The slide or slider 21 ab is actuated by a respective arm or link rod having one end pivoted to the selfsame slide or slider 21ab and the other end connected to a corresponding eccentric which is mounted on the supporting means or beam 21c of the first unit 21.

The eccentric thus lies in a plane perpendicular to the separating wall, that is, in a plane defined by the elongate supporting beam 21c to which it is connected by a corresponding bearing or support.

The eccentric is driven through the agency of a respective pulley 21' integral with a corresponding shaft 21", the pulley 21' being driven by an elongate belt parallel to the supporting beam 21c which extends on the other side of the separating wall 12a so as to be suitably driven by the corresponding brushless electric motor.

In practice, the movable body 21aa defining the clamping and joining surface 21a is driven by a corresponding eccentric, which is controlled by the drive means or motor which is mounted on the supporting means 2 b of the apparatus.

In practice, the movable body 21 aa defining the clamping and joining surface 21a is driven by a corresponding eccentric, which is mounted on the same supporting means as the first unit. The eccentric and arm, or link rod for actuating the slider 21 ab are not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

In practice, the engagement and joining body 21 aa, or surface 21a, moves alternatingly between a retracted position and a retracted position for engaging and joining the respective wrapper flaps.

The movable body 21aa is in the form of a heated body which is adapted to seal, in particular to heat seal, the wrapper flaps which define the longitudinal fin 13g.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the second coupling unit, or upper unit 22, has a body 22aa which defines an engagement surface 22a and which is adapted to clamp and join the laterally protruding wrapper flaps 13'g, 13"g, in particular by heat sealing, to make the longitudinal fin 13g of the wrapper.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and as will become clearer as this description continues, the second coupling unit, or upper unit 22, has a body 22aa which defines an engagement surface 22a and which is conveniently movable to clamp and join the laterally protruding wrapper flaps, in particular by heat sealing, to make the longitudinal fin 13g of the wrapper, also folding a respective laterally protruding wrapper flap 13m onto the respective face 11e of the product.

More specifically, the movable body 22aa which defines the engagement surface 22a is movable vertically downwards.

The movable body 22a of the second coupling unit 22 is supported by the frame or mounting wall 12a through the agency of corresponding guide means, which are not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, which are fixed to the wall 12a and which allow the movable body 22a to be translated vertically and/or parallel to the plane defined by the mounting wall 12a.

The movable body 22a of the second coupling unit has a respective drive means, or motor, 23, the drive means 23 being fixed, in particular by corresponding screws, to the frame or mounting wall 12a, on the side of the latter opposite to that where packaging is performed.

In practice, the frame 12, in particular the separating wall 12a, has respective connecting means for the second coupling unit, which are, in particular, in the form of means for guiding the movement of the movable body 22a of the second coupling unit 22 and of an eccentric 23a for driving the movable body 22a of the second coupling unit 22.

As shown in Figure 3, the eccentric 23a is connected through a respective arm 22c to the movable body 22aa of the second coupling unit and is driven by the motor 23 through a respective belt 23b connected to a pulley 23c coaxial with the eccentric 23a.

The drive means or motor 23 of the movable body of the second coupling unit moves with oscillating motion whose angular extent is selectively determined to define a respective stroke of the body 22aa and of the clamping and joining surface 22a.

In practice, the drive means or motor 23 of the movable body of the second coupling unit moves with oscillating motion whose angular extent is predetermined to define a respective stroke of the body or clamping and joining surface.

The unit for coupling lateral, protruding wrapper flaps also comprises means for folding in particular the protruding flaps 13'g, 13"g, after they have been coupled and joined to each other, onto the lateral face 11 e of the product, in particular onto the wrapper panel 13e which is superposed on the lateral face 11e of the product.

The folding means 24 comprise a body defining a surface, in particular, an arcuate surface 24a for engaging the respective flap and compressing the latter on the opposed lateral face 11e of the product.

In practice the product is made to advance on the conveying wheel defining the cavities 191 and the tile 24 pushes the tab or longitudinal fin 13g into contact with the corresponding panel 31 which is superposed on the face 1 e of the product 1.

Advantageously, the folding element, or tile, 24 is integral with the element 22aa and is therefore mounted on the second coupling unit 22, and must thus be considered as an integral part thereof.

The movable body 22aa is in the form of a heated body which is adapted to seal, in particular to heat seal, the wrapper flaps which define the longitudinal fin 13g.

In practice, according to a first operating mode, the engagement and joining body 22aa, or surface 22a, moves with alternating motion between a retracted position, where the product can pass freely and be inserted into the cavity, and an advanced position, where the respective wrapper flaps are engaged and joined to form the fin 13g at the upper edge of the product, as illustrated in Figure 3.

In practice, according to further operating modes, the engagement and joining body 22aa, or surface 22a, moves with alternating motion between a retracted position, where the product can pass freely and be inserted into the cavity, and an advanced position, where the respective wrapper flaps are engaged and joined, along a respective stroke "S" and forms the longitudinal fin 13g of the wrapper at an intermediate point of the lateral wall 11e of the product at the bottom edge of the lateral wall 11e thereof, also folding a respective laterally protruding wrapper flap 13m onto the respective face 11e of the product, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

In practice, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the device 20 is also suitable for joining corresponding protruding flaps at an intermediate position of the lateral wall 11 e of the product.

Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 6, the device 20 is adapted to join corresponding protruding flaps defining the longitudinal fin 13g at a bottom end point of the lateral face 11e of the product.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. In particular, one skilled in the art could easily imagine further embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.