EP4470929A1 - Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels - Google Patents

Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4470929A1
EP4470929A1 EP23176890.4A EP23176890A EP4470929A1 EP 4470929 A1 EP4470929 A1 EP 4470929A1 EP 23176890 A EP23176890 A EP 23176890A EP 4470929 A1 EP4470929 A1 EP 4470929A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lip
development
axis
along
packaging article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23176890.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefano Capitani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cryovac LLC
Original Assignee
Cryovac LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cryovac LLC filed Critical Cryovac LLC
Priority to EP23176890.4A priority Critical patent/EP4470929A1/de
Priority to PCT/IB2024/053941 priority patent/WO2024246632A1/en
Publication of EP4470929A1 publication Critical patent/EP4470929A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/041—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles acting from above on containers or wrappers open at their top
    • B65B31/042—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles acting from above on containers or wrappers open at their top the nozzles being arranged for insertion into, and withdrawal from, the container or wrapper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
    • B65B43/30—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers engaging opposed walls, e.g. suction-operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs

Definitions

  • the packaging article may be a bag or of a tubular film for the packaging of products.
  • the present disclosure is directed to apparatuses for and methods of opening the mouth though which a product enters the packaging article.
  • the present disclosure is also directed to packaging processes using an apparatus for and a method of opening the mouth though which a product enters the packaging article which is then processed to form a packaged product.
  • the present disclosure also concerns packaging machines or packaging lines comprising an apparatus for opening the mouth a packaging article though which a product enters the packaging article, wherein the packaging article is processed by the packaging machine to form a packaged product.
  • Apparatuses for opening the mouth of bag are known in the state of the art.
  • the apparatus is configured to receive and move a packaging article along a movement path for feeding a packaging article with an open mouth to a packaging station adapted to package products.
  • Examples of a packaging article may be either a bag or a tubular film with an open side.
  • the known apparatus comprises two pairs of suction cups facing each other and located at respective sides of the movement path. Each of the two pairs is movable towards and away from the movement path.
  • each suction cup is configured to come into contact with and grip by suction the packaging article from the respective side.
  • the suction cups move towards the packaging article contacting it from the respective side for gripping it by suction. While gripping the packaging article, the suction cups move transversely to and away from the movement path thus opening the mouth of the packaging article.
  • the known apparatus comprises grippers located at and movable along the movement path.
  • the grippers are downstream the suction cups along the movement path.
  • the grippers are configured to move towards the packaging article for gripping the packaging article from one side at the open mouth once it has been open by the suction cups.
  • the suction cups are configured to maintain the grip of the packaging article until the grippers grip the open mouth. Then, while gripping the packaging article, the grippers move along the movement path guiding the packaging article along the movement path and feeding it to a packaging station.
  • the known apparatus may further comprise a blower cooperating with the grippers and the suction cups.
  • the blower is located adjacent to the movement path at one side of the movement path.
  • the blower is configured to blow gas towards the packaging article from one side, once the packaging article is moved along the movement path.
  • the blower is configured to blow gas towards the packaging article for inflating it.
  • the apparatus may be configured for feeding to the packaging station an inflated packaging article.
  • the blower starts blowing gas towards the packaging article after the suction cups stop gripping the packaging article and while the grippers move the packaging article.
  • a drawback of the prior art apparatus is that, while moving along the movement path, the mouth of the packaging article may close on itself thus impeding the gas blown by the blower to enter the packaging article.
  • the blower blows gas towards a closed mouth thus all the blown gas does not enter the mouth inflating the packaging article but is lost in the environment.
  • the known apparatus is configured to interrupt the operation whenever a packaging article does not present an open mouth hindering the feeding of the packaging article to the packaging station and the packaging of products.
  • the object of the present invention is to solve the drawbacks and/or limitations of the above prior art.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and an apparatus capable of capable of reducing the downtimes.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and an apparatus capable of ease the opening of the mouth of packaging articles.
  • a further object is to provide a more versatile apparatus and methods capable of opening packaging articles made of a large variety of packaging film materials.
  • a first aspect concerns a method of opening a packaging article, optionally a bag or a tubular film, the packaging article extending along an axis of development from a head portion to a foot portion, the head portion having a first lip and a second lip defining a mouth of the packaging article, the method comprising the steps of:
  • a 2nd aspect concerns a method of opening a bag extending along an axis of development from a head portion to a foot portion, the head portion having a first lip and a second lip defining a mouth of the bag, the method comprising the steps of:
  • a 3rd aspect concerns a method of opening a tubular film extending along an axis of development from a head portion to a foot portion, the head portion having a first lip and a second lip defining a mouth of the tubular film, the method comprising the steps of:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving one of the first lip and the second lip of the mouth along a trajectory having at least a component transverse to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving one of the first lip and the second lip of the mouth along a trajectory having at least a component parallel to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving one of the first lip and the second lip of the mouth along a trajectory having at least a component transverse and a component parallel to the axis of development.
  • the trajectory has a horizontal and/or vertical component, optionally the axis of development is horizontal.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the first lip and the second lip of the mouth along a direction transverse, optionally perpendicular, to the axis of development and spacing the first lip and the second lip along said direction transverse to the axis of development.
  • the direction transverse to the axis of development is vertical.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the second lip of the mouth along or parallel to the axis of development and spacing the first lip and the second lip along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the first lip towards the foot portion of the packaging article.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip of the mouth respectively with the first engagement device and the second engagement device:
  • the first engagement device comprises a first suction group and the second engagement device comprises a second suction group, the first suction group and second suction group being fluidly couplable to a vacuum source and configured to contact and grip the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip respectively, the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprising:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the first suction group and the second suction group along the/a direction transverse to the axis of development for spacing the first lip and the second lip from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the first suction group along the/a direction transverse to the axis of development for spacing the first lip and the second lip from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the second suction group along the/a direction transverse to the axis of development for spacing the first lip and the second lip from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises moving the first suction group and/or the second suction group along the/a direction transverse to the axis of development for spacing the first lip and the second lip from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • At least one of the first and second engagement device comprises a gripper cooperating with the respective first or second suction group, the gripper being configured to contact and grip one of the first and second lips of the packaging article at the mouth, the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip further comprising:
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while the gripper is in the operating position:
  • the second engagement device comprises the gripper, which, in the operating position, grips the second lip.
  • the gripper in the operating position, grips the first or second lip after spacing the first lip and the second lip from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • gripping the packaging article at the first lip is operated by the first suction group and is maintained for a first period of time.
  • gripping the packaging article at the second lip is operated by the second suction group and is maintained for a second period of time, the second period of time being different from the first period of time, optionally the second period of time being shorter than the first period of time.
  • the gripper grips the second lip and maintains the grip of the second lip for a third period of time, the sum of the second period of time and third period of time being equal to or longer than the first period of time.
  • gripping the packaging article at the first lip with the first suction group is maintained while gripping the packaging article at the second lip with the second suction group takes place and until after gripping the second lip of the mouth with the gripper has initiated.
  • gripping the second lip of the mouth with the gripper is maintained until after gripping the packaging article at the second lip with the second suction group has ended.
  • gripping the second lip of the mouth with the gripper is maintained until after gripping the packaging article at the first lip with the first suction group has ended.
  • the step of blowing a gas starts while one of the first and second lips is maintained spaced from the other at least along said axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip and the second lip provides for mechanically maintaining the spacing between the first lip and the second lip along and transversely to the axis of development at least until said step of blowing a gas starts.
  • a 39th aspect is related to an apparatus for opening a packaging article, optionally a bag or a tubular film, the packaging article extending along an axis of development from a head portion to a foot portion, the head portion having a first lip and a second lip defining a mouth of the packaging article, the apparatus comprising:
  • the first engagement device and the second engagement device are movable along a direction transverse, optionally perpendicular, to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device is movable along a direction transverse, optionally perpendicular, to the axis of development.
  • the second engagement device is movable along a direction transverse, optionally perpendicular, to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device and/or the second engagement device is movable along a direction transverse, optionally perpendicular, to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device and the second engagement device is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the second engagement device is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device and/or the second engagement device is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device and the second engagement device comprise respectively a first suction group and a second suction group fluidly couplable to a vacuum source adapted to suck gas through the first and second suction groups, the first and second suction groups being movable along the direction transverse to the axis of development and configured to contact and grip the packaging article at the first lip and the second lip respectively.
  • At least one of the first engagement device and second engagement device comprises a gripper cooperating with the respective first or second suction group, the gripper being configured to contact and grip one of the first and second lips of the packaging article at the mouth.
  • the gripper is movable along or parallel to the axis of development from a rest position, where the gripper is spaced from the mouth, to an operating position, where the gripper grips the first lip or the second lip.
  • the second engagement device comprises the gripper, which, in operating position, grips the second lip.
  • the apparatus comprises a control unit in signal communication with the first engagement device, the second engagement device and the blower, the control unit being configured to execute the steps of the method in according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 1st to the 38th.
  • control unit is in signal communication with the first suction group and the second suction group, the control unit is configured to operate the first suction group to grip the packaging article at the first lip and to maintain the grip of the first lip for a first period of time.
  • control unit is further configured to operate the second suction group to grip the packaging article at the second lip and to maintain the grip of the second lip for a second period of time, the second period of time being different from the first period of time, preferably the second period of time being shorter than the first period of time.
  • control unit is in signal communication with the gripper and configured to operate the gripper to grip the second lip of the mouth and to maintain the grip of the second lip for a third period of time.
  • the sum of the second period of time and third period of time being equal to or longer than the first period of time.
  • a 57th aspect in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects from the 52nd to the 56th, comprising an actuator in signal communication with the first engagement device, the second engagement device and the control unit to receive a control signal representative of a movement of the first engagement device and second engagement device along and/or transverse the axis of development, the actuator being configured to:
  • control signal is representative of a movement of the first suction group and of a movement of the second suction group transverse and/or along or parallel to the axis of development, the actuator being configured to move the first suction group and/or the second suction group along the direction transverse to the axis of development based on the control signal.
  • control signal is representative of a movement of the gripper transverse to and/or along or parallel to the axis of development, the actuator being configured to move the gripper along or parallel to the axis of development based on the control signal.
  • a 60th aspect concerns a packaging machine comprising the apparatus of opening a packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 39th to the 59th.
  • a 61st aspect concerns a packaging machine, optionally according to the 60th aspect, implementing the method of opening a packaging article according to any one of aspect from the 1 st to the 38th.
  • the packaging machine comprises an infeed unit, for example an infeed conveyor, a packaging station and an outfeed unit, for example an outfeed conveyor.
  • the infeed unit for example the infeed conveyor
  • the packaging station and the outfeed unit for example the outfeed conveyor
  • the infeed unit are coupled to each other and located along a packaging direction A.
  • the infeed unit is configured for receiving products P and moving them along the packaging direction A towards the packaging station
  • the packaging station is located downstream the infeed unit and is configured to receive the products to be packaged.
  • the packaging station comprises said apparatus for opening a packaging article and, as such, is configured to receive and open the processed packaging article(s).
  • the packaging station comprises means (for example transfer arms or a shuttle or other transfer tools) configured to enter the open mouth of the packaging article and convey the products to be packaged from the infeed unit (conveyor) to the interior of the packaging article.
  • means for example transfer arms or a shuttle or other transfer tools
  • the outfeed unit (conveyor) is located downstream the packaging station along the packaging direction A and configured to receive the packaging article containing the product P.
  • the packaging station comprises a sealing unit coupled to and cooperating with said apparatus: the sealing unit is configured to receive a packaging article and seal the packaging article at the foot portion after insertion of the product in the packaging article.
  • the packaging machine comprises an additional sealing unit operative downstream the packaging station.
  • the additional sealing unit is configured for sealing the packaging article at the head portion closing the packaging article.
  • the sealing unit and/or the additional sealing unit may be a heat-sealer.
  • the sealing unit and/or the additional sealing unit may be configured for heat sealing the first panel and the second panel of the packaging article at the foot portion.
  • the packaging machine comprises a vacuum machine, for example located downstream the outfeed conveyor.
  • the vacuum machine is configured to receive a packaging article containing a product and suck gas from the interior of the packaging article.
  • the packaging machine comprises a shrinking device located downstream the outfeed conveyor and/or downstream the/a vacuum machine.
  • the shrinking device is configured to receive and heat the packaging article containing the product inducing shrinking of the packaging article made of a shrinkable film.
  • the shrinking device comprises a heat source.
  • the heat source may comprise one or more of resistance, infrared heater, steam, gas, forced air.
  • a 72nd aspect concerns a packaging process using the apparatus of opening a packaging article according to any one of the preceding aspects from the 39th to the 59th.
  • a 73rd aspect concerns a packaging process, optionally according to the preceding aspect, implementing the method of opening a packaging article according to any one of aspect from the 1st to the 38th.
  • the packaging process comprises:
  • the process comprises conveying the packaging article containing outside the packaging station.
  • the process provides for sealing the packaging article at the head portion thereby closing the packaging article.
  • the process provides for sucking gas from the interior of the packaging article (before hermetically closing the packaging article).
  • the packaging article is made of heat shrinkable material and the process provides for heating the packaging article containing the product inducing shrinking of the packaging article.
  • the present disclosure describes a method of opening a packaging article 1.
  • the packaging article 1 may be every article adapted for packaging products P.
  • the packaging article may be a bag or a tubular film.
  • the bag and the tubular film may present an openable side at which the mouth is located.
  • the packaging article 1 extends along an axis of development X from a head portion 2 to a foot portion 3.
  • the head portion 2 has a first lip 4a and a second lip 4b that define a mouth 4 of the packaging article 1.
  • the packaging article 1 comprises a first panel 1a and a second panel 1b.
  • the first lip 4a may be at the first panel 1a and the second lip 4b may be at the second panel 1b.
  • the first panel 1a and the second panel 1b are coupled together at least along two edges.
  • the method comprises the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X of the packaging article 1 bringing one of the first lip 4a and second lip 4b closer to the foot portion 3 such that the mouth opens.
  • the method further comprises the step of blowing a gas towards the open mouth of the packaging article 1 at least partly filling with the gas an interior of the packaging article 1.
  • the step of blowing gas may comprise the step of inflating at least in part the packaging article 1.
  • the gas may be a gas or a mixture of gases suitable for modified atmosphere packaging.
  • the gas may be a mixture of gases comprising one or more of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, nitrous oxide, argon, hydrogen.
  • the step of blowing a gas is after the step of spacing the first and second lips 4a, 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X.
  • the step of blowing gas starts once the first and second lips 4a, 4b are spaced along and transverse to the axis of development X.
  • the step of blowing gas is carried out when the mouth of the packaging article 1 is open and the first and second lips 4a, 4b spaced apart along and transversely to the axis of development X.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X comprises moving one of the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 along a trajectory having at least a component transverse to the axis of development.
  • the trajectory may be a linear trajectory transverse to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X comprises moving one of the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 along a trajectory having at least a component parallel to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X may comprise moving one of the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 along a trajectory having a component transverse and a component parallel to the axis of development.
  • the trajectory may have a horizontal component and a vertical component.
  • the component transverse to the axis of development may be perpendicular to the axis of development.
  • the axis of development may be horizontal and the component transverse to the axis of development may be vertical.
  • the axis of development is vertical and the component transverse to the axis of development is horizontal.
  • the trajectory may be a curved trajectory having a component parallel to the axis of development and a component transverse to the axis of development.
  • the trajectory may be an arch trajectory.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X comprises moving the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 along a direction transverse to the axis of development X and spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along the direction transverse to the axis of development.
  • the direction transverse to the axis of development is perpendicular to the axis of development.
  • the direction transverse to the axis of development may be vertical or horizontal.
  • the axis of development is horizontal and the direction transverse to the axis of development is vertical.
  • the axis of development is vertical and the direction transverse to the axis of development is horizontal.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X comprises moving the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 along or parallel to the axis of development X and spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along or parallel to the axis of development X.
  • the first lip 4a of the mouth 4 is not moved along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first lip 4a is fixed in position along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first lip while moving the second lip of the mouth along or parallel to the axis of development, the first lip may be moved along the direction transverse to the axis of development.
  • the step of moving the second lip along or parallel to the axis of development and the step of moving the first lip along the direction transverse to the axis of development may be simultaneous.
  • the first lip 4a of the mouth 4 is moved closer to the foot portion than the second lip 4b.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development may comprise moving the first lip 4a towards the foot portion 3 of the packaging article.
  • the foot portion 3 of the packaging article 1 is moved closer to the first lip 4a of the mouth 4 reducing the distance along the axis of development between the foot portion 3 and the first lip 4a.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development X comprises:
  • the step of placing the mouth 4 between the first and second engagement devices 5, 6 comprises interposing the packaging article between the first engagement device and the second engagement device while the first and second engagement device face each other. More in detail, after placing the mouth 4 between the first and second engagement devices, the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 face the packaging article 1 from different sides of the axis of development X.
  • the first engagement device 5 faces the packaging article from above and the second engagement device 6 faces the packaging article from below.
  • the first engagement device 5 may face the packaging article 1 from a right side and the second engagement device 6 may face the packaging article 1 from a left side.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely the axis of development X may comprise the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 respectively with the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6:
  • the step of moving both or one of the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 along the direction transverse to the axis of development may comprise the following sub-steps:
  • the step of moving the first engagement device 5 and/or the second engagement device 6 along the direction transverse to the axis of development away from the packaging article 1 is carried out while gripping or maintaining the grip of the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b with the first and second engagement device 5, 6 respectively.
  • moving the first and second engagement devices 5, 6 while gripping the first and second lips 4a, 4b advantageously allows to space apart the first lip and the second lip 4a, 4b along the direction transverse to the axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely the axis of development comprises the following sub-step, which take place while gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 respectively with the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6:
  • the first engagement device 5 comprises a first suction group 7 and the second engagement device 6 comprises a second suction group 8.
  • the first suction group 7 and second suction group 8 are fluidly couplable to a vacuum source.
  • the vacuum source may be a vacuum pump configured to suck gas through the first and second suction groups 7, 8.
  • the first suction group 7 is configured to contact and grip the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a.
  • the second suction group 8 is configured to contact and grip the packaging article at the second lip 4b.
  • the first suction group and the second suction group may comprise suction cups fluidly couplable to the vacuum source.
  • each the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 comprise a pair of suction cups respectively.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely the axis of development X comprises the steps of:
  • the step of sucking gas through the first suction group 7 and second suction group 8 is carried out through the vacuum source. Sucking gas through the first and second suction groups 7, 8 allow to grip the lips of the mouth 4 of the packaging article by suction.
  • the suction cups of the first and second suction groups 7, 8 contact and grip by suction the first and second lips 4a, 4b of the mouth 4.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely the axis of development X comprises moving the first suction group 7 and/or the second suction group 8 along the direction transverse to the axis of development for spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b from each other transversely to the axis of development.
  • the step of moving both or one of the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 along the direction transverse to the axis of development and the step of sucking gas through the first suction group 7 and second suction group 8 are at least in part simultaneous.
  • the step of moving the first suction group and/or the second suction group transverse to the axis of development starts while the first and second suction groups 7, 8 maintain the grip on the first and second lips 4a, 4b respectively.
  • At least one of the first and second engagement devices 5, 6 comprises a gripper 9 that cooperates with the respective first or second suction group 7, 8.
  • the gripper 9 is configured to contact and grip one of the first and second lips 4a, 4b of the packaging article 1 at the mouth 4. More in detail, the gripper 9 is configured to contact an internal side and an external side of the packaging article 1 at the first lip and/or at the second lip.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development further comprises the step of moving the gripper 9 along or parallel to the axis of development from a rest position, where the gripper 9 is spaced from the mouth 4, to an operating position, where the gripper 9 grips the first lip 4a or the second lip 4b.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development further comprises the step of moving the gripper 9 along or parallel to the axis of development while the gripper maintains the grip of the one of the first and second lip 4a, 4b.
  • the gripper 9 in the operating position, grips the first or second lip 4a, 4b after the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b from each other transversely to the axis of development. More in detail, at least part of the gripper 9, while moving from the rest position to the operating positions, moves at least partly through the open mouth of the packaging article.
  • the second engagement device 6 comprises the gripper 9 which, in the operating position, grips the second lip 4b.
  • the first suction group 7 and second suction group 8 are not moved along or parallel to said axis of development and operated to maintain grip on the other of the first or second lip 4a, 4b.
  • the gripper 9 moves along or parallel to the axis of development maintaining the grip of the first or the second lip
  • the other lip is maintained gripped by the respective first or second suction group.
  • the gripper moving maintaining the grip of one of the lips while the other lip is gripped by one of the suction groups allows to space the first lip and the second lip along or parallel to the axis of development thus opening the mouth of the packaging article.
  • gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a is operated by the first suction group 7 and is maintained for a first period of time.
  • Gripping the packaging article at the second lip 4b is operated by the second suction group 8 and is maintained for a second period of time.
  • the second period of time is different from the first period of time. More in detail, the second period of time is shorter than the first period of time.
  • the first suction group 7 maintains the grip of the first lip 4a longer than the second suction group 8 maintains the grip of the second lip 4b.
  • the first suction group maintains the grip of the first lip while the gripper moves along or parallel to the axis of development maintaining the grip of the second lip and the gripping of the second lip by the second suction group has ended.
  • the first suction group maintains the grip of the first lip until the gripper has moved along or parallel the axis of development for a set distance while maintaining the grip on the second lip.
  • the first suction group maintains the grip of the first lip until the first lip and the second lip are spaced along or parallel to the axis of development of a fixed gap.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap is based on dimensions of the packaging article and/or on dimensions of the products to be packaged.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap is based on a dimension of the packaging article transverse to the axis of development.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap may be based on a width of the packaging article, particularly the width of the mouth.
  • the gripper grips the second lip 4b and maintains the grip of the second lip 4b for a third period of time.
  • the sum of the second period of time and third period of time is equal to or longer than the first period of time.
  • the first lip 4a may be maintained gripped by the first suction group 7 while the second lip 4b is first gripped by the second suction group 8 and then by the gripper 9 to be moved along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • gripping the packaging article at the first lip 4a with the first suction group 7 is maintained while gripping the packaging article at the second lip 4b with the second suction group 8 takes place and until after gripping the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 with the gripper 9 has initiated.
  • gripping the second lip 4b of the mouth 4 with the gripper 9 is maintained until after gripping the packaging article 1 at the second lip 4b with the second suction group 8 has ended.
  • Gripping the second lip 4b of the mouth with the gripper may be maintained until after gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a with the first suction group 7 has ended.
  • the step of blowing a gas starts while one of the first and second lips 4a, 4b is maintained spaced from the other at least along said axis of development.
  • the step of spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely the axis of development X may provide for mechanically maintaining the spacing between the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b along and transversely to the axis of development at least until said step of blowing a gas starts.
  • a further object of the present disclosure is an apparatus 100 for opening a packaging article as described herein.
  • the apparatus is configured to carry out one or more steps of the method of the present description.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a first engagement device 5 and a second engagement device 6.
  • the first and second engagement devices 5, 6 faces each other and are respectively configured for contacting and gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a and second lip 4b of the mouth 4.
  • the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 are configured for contacting a packaging article 1 located between them from different sides of the axis of development of the packaging article.
  • the axis of development X is horizontal, and:
  • the axis of development X is vertical, and:
  • the apparatus 100 further comprises a blower 10 fluidly couplable to a gas source and configured to blow gas towards the open mouth of the packaging article 1 such that an interior of the packaging article 1 is at least partly filled with the gas.
  • the gas source is adapted to feed the gas to the blower 10.
  • the gas may be a mixture of gases comprising one or more of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, nitrous oxide, argon, hydrogen.
  • the gas may be a gas or a mixture of gases suitable for modified atmosphere packaging.
  • the blower 10 comprises a nozzle in fluid communication with a gas source to receive the gas and blow the gas towards the open mouth.
  • the first engagement device 5 and/or the second engagement device 6 are movable along the direction transverse to the axis of development. More in detail, the direction transverse to the axis of development is perpendicular to the axis of development.
  • the direction transverse to the axis of development may be either vertical or horizontal. In some embodiments, the axis of development is horizontal and the direction transverse to the axis of development is vertical. In some embodiments, the axis of development is vertical and the direction transverse to the axis of development is horizontal.
  • the first engagement device 5 and/or the second engagement device 6 is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the second engagement device 6 is movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the blower 10 is coupled to the second engagement device 6.
  • the blower 10 may be movable along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the second engagement device and the blower are configured to move together along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 comprise respectively a first suction group 7 and a second suction group 8.
  • the first and second suction groups 7, 8 are fluidly couplable to a vacuum source adapted to suck gas through the first and second suction groups 7, 8.
  • the first and second suction groups 7, 8 are movable along the direction transverse to the axis of development and configured to contact and grip the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b respectively.
  • the first and second suction groups 7, 8 are movable along or parallel the axis of development.
  • first and second suction groups 7, 8 comprise suction cups.
  • Each of the first suction group and the second suction group may comprise a pair of suction cups.
  • the suction cups are configured to contact the packaging article 1 and grip the packaging article 1 by suction.
  • At least one of the first engagement device 5 and second engagement device 6 may comprise a gripper 9 cooperating with the respective first or second suction group 7, 8.
  • the gripper 9 is configured to contact and grip one of the first and second lips 4a, 4b of the packaging article at the mouth 4.
  • the gripper 9 is configured to move at least partly through the mouth 4 of the packaging article for gripping one of the first and second lips 4a, 4b. More in detail, the gripper 9 is configured to contact an internal side and an external side of the packaging article at the head portion 2.
  • the gripper 9 is movable along or parallel to the axis of development from a rest position, where the gripper is spaced from the mouth 4, to an operating position, where the gripper 9 grips the first lip or the second lip.
  • the second engagement device comprises the gripper, which, in operating position, grips the second lip 4b.
  • the gripper in the operating position, grips an internal side and an external side of the second lip.
  • the apparatus comprises a control unit in signal communication with the first engagement device 5, the second engagement device 6 and the blower 10.
  • the control unit is configured to execute the steps of the method in accordance with the present description.
  • control unit is configured to operate the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 for gripping the packaging article at the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b respectively.
  • control unit is configured to operate the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 for moving the first engagement device 5 and/or the second engagement device 6 along the direction transverse to the axis of development while maintaining the grip of the first and second lips 4a, 4b.
  • control unit may be further configured to operate the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 for moving the first engagement device 5 and/or the second engagement device 6 along or parallel to the axis of development while maintaining the grip of the first and second lips 4a, 4b.
  • control unit is in signal communication with the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8.
  • control unit is configured to operate the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 for bringing the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 close to or in contact with the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b respectively.
  • control unit is configured to operate the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 for moving the first suction group 7 and/or the second suction group 8 along the direction transverse to the axis of development X for spacing the first lip 4a and the second lip 4b from each other transversely to the axis of development X.
  • control unit is in signal communication with the gripper 9.
  • control unit may be configured to operate the gripper 9 for moving the gripper along or parallel to the axis of development. More in detail, the control unit may be configured to operate the gripper for moving the gripper along or parallel to the axis of development from a rest position, where the gripper is spaced from the mouth, to an operating position, where the gripper grips the first lip or the second lip.
  • control unit is configured to operate the gripper for moving the gripper along or parallel to the axis of development while maintaining the grip of one of the first or second lips.
  • the control unit is configured to operate the first suction group 7 for gripping the packaging article 1 at the first lip 4a.
  • control unit is configured to operate the first suction group 7 to maintain the grip of the first lip 4a for a first period of time.
  • the control unit may be further configured to operate the second suction group 8 to grip the packaging article 1 at the second lip 4b.
  • control unit is configured to operate the second suction group to maintain the grip of the second lip 4b for a second period of time.
  • the control unit is configured to operate the gripper 9 to grip the second lip 4b of the mouth.
  • control unit is configured to operate the gripper to maintain the grip of the second lip 4b for a third period of time. More in detail, the control unit is configured to operate the grip to maintain the grip of the second lip while moving along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the second period of time is different from the first period of time.
  • the second period of time is shorter than the first period of time.
  • the sum of the second period of time and third period of time is equal to or longer than the first period of time.
  • the control unit is configured to operate the first suction group to maintain the grip of the first lip until the gripper has moved along or parallel the axis of development for a set distance while maintaining the grip on the second lip.
  • the control unit is configured to operate the first suction group to maintain the grip of the first lip until the first lip and the second lip are spaced along or parallel to the axis of development of a fixed gap.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap is based on dimensions of the packaging article and/or on dimensions of the products to be packaged.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap is based on a dimension of the packaging article transverse to the axis of development.
  • the set distance or the fixed gap may be based on a width of the packaging article, particularly the width of the mouth.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises an actuator in signal communication with and coupled to the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6. Moreover, the actuator is in signal communication with the control unit to receive a control signal representative of a movement of the first engagement device 5 and second engagement device 6 along and/or transverse to the axis of development.
  • the control signal may be representative of a distance traveled by the first engagement device 5 and the second engagement device 6 along the direction transverse to the axis of development or along or parallel to the axis of development X.
  • the actuator is configured to, based on the control signal:
  • the actuator may comprise a drive coupled to the first engagement device 5 and/or to the second engagement device 6.
  • the actuator may comprise a first drive coupled to the first engagement device 5 for moving the first engagement device 5 along the direction transverse to the axis of development and/or along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • the actuator may comprise a second drive coupled to the second engagement device 6 for moving the second engagement device 6 along the direction transverse to the axis of development and/or along or parallel to the axis of development.
  • control signal is representative of a movement of the first suction group 7 and of a movement of the second suction group 8.
  • the control signal may be representative of a distance traveled by the first suction group 7 and the second suction group 8 along the direction transverse to the axis of development or along or parallel to the axis of development X.
  • the actuator may be configured to move the first suction group 7 and/or the second suction group 8 along the direction transverse to the axis of development based on the control signal.
  • control signal may be representative of a movement of the gripper 9.
  • control signal may be representative of a distance traveled by the gripper 9 transverse to and/or along or parallel to the axis of development X.
  • the actuator may be configured to move the gripper along or parallel to the axis of development based on the control signal.
  • a further object of the present description is a packaging machine 200 comprising the apparatus 100 and implementing the method of opening a packaging article 1 as described herein.
  • the packaging machine comprises an infeed conveyor 201, a packaging station 202 and an outfeed conveyor 203 coupled to each other and located along a packaging direction A.
  • the infeed conveyor is configured for receiving products P and moving them along the packaging direction A towards the packaging stations 202.
  • the packaging station 202 is located downstream the infeed conveyor and is configured to receive the products to be packaged.
  • the packaging station 202 comprises the apparatus 100 to receive and open the packaging article.
  • the packaging station may have means 204 configured to enters the open mouth of the packaging article to convey the products from the infeed conveyor to the interior of the packaging article.
  • the outfeed conveyor 203 is located downstream the packaging station 202 along the packaging direction A.
  • the outfeed conveyor is configured to receive the packaging article containing the product P.
  • the packaging station 202 comprises a sealing unit 205 coupled to the apparatus 100.
  • the sealing unit is configured to receive a packaging article and seal the packaging article at the foot portion.
  • the packaging machine 200 comprises an additional sealing unit 206 downstream the packaging station.
  • the additional sealing unit 206 is configured for sealing the packaging article at the head portion closing the packaging article.
  • the sealing unit 205 and/or the additional sealing unit 206 may be a heat-sealer.
  • the sealing unit and/or the additional sealing unit may be configured for heat sealing the first panel and the second panel of the packaging article at the foot portion.
  • the packaging machine 200 may further comprise a vacuum machine located downstream the outfeed conveyor.
  • the vacuum machine is configured to receive a packaging article containing a product and suck gas from the interior of the packaging article.
  • the packaging machine 200 comprises a shrinking device located downstream the outfeed conveyor and/or downstream the vacuum machine.
  • the shrinking device is configured to receive and heat the packaging article containing the product inducing the shrinking of the packaging article.
  • the packaging article is made of a shrinkable film.
  • the shrinking device comprises a heat source.
  • the heat source may comprise one or more of resistance, infrared heater, steam, gas, forced air.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
EP23176890.4A 2023-06-02 2023-06-02 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels Pending EP4470929A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23176890.4A EP4470929A1 (de) 2023-06-02 2023-06-02 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels
PCT/IB2024/053941 WO2024246632A1 (en) 2023-06-02 2024-04-23 Method and apparatus for opening a packaging article

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23176890.4A EP4470929A1 (de) 2023-06-02 2023-06-02 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4470929A1 true EP4470929A1 (de) 2024-12-04

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ID=86688686

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23176890.4A Pending EP4470929A1 (de) 2023-06-02 2023-06-02 Verfahren und vorrichtung zum öffnen eines verpackungsartikels

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4470929A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2024246632A1 (de)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5058364A (en) * 1990-07-27 1991-10-22 Klockner-Bartelt, Inc. Packaging machine adapted to convert pouches from edgewise advance to broadwise advance
US5590509A (en) * 1994-03-23 1997-01-07 W. R. Grace & Co-Conn. Process and machine for conditioning any products in containers such as barquettes
US6183790B1 (en) * 1996-04-03 2001-02-06 Pactiv Corporation Modified atmosphere package

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5058364A (en) * 1990-07-27 1991-10-22 Klockner-Bartelt, Inc. Packaging machine adapted to convert pouches from edgewise advance to broadwise advance
US5590509A (en) * 1994-03-23 1997-01-07 W. R. Grace & Co-Conn. Process and machine for conditioning any products in containers such as barquettes
US6183790B1 (en) * 1996-04-03 2001-02-06 Pactiv Corporation Modified atmosphere package

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024246632A1 (en) 2024-12-05

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