WO2005092597A1 - Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers - Google Patents

Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005092597A1
WO2005092597A1 PCT/IT2004/000152 IT2004000152W WO2005092597A1 WO 2005092597 A1 WO2005092597 A1 WO 2005092597A1 IT 2004000152 W IT2004000152 W IT 2004000152W WO 2005092597 A1 WO2005092597 A1 WO 2005092597A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
containers
wheel
transfer star
cooling
star
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IT2004/000152
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Filippo Furlotti
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.)
INDAG Gesellschaft fuer Industriebedarf mbH and Co Betriebs KG
Procomac SpA
Original Assignee
INDAG Gesellschaft fuer Industriebedarf mbH and Co Betriebs KG
Procomac SpA
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
Priority to DK04723305T priority Critical patent/DK1737645T3/en
Priority to DE602004015852T priority patent/DE602004015852D1/en
Priority to UAA200611220A priority patent/UA87135C2/en
Priority to AT04723305T priority patent/ATE404352T1/en
Priority to EP04723305A priority patent/EP1737645B1/en
Priority to PCT/IT2004/000152 priority patent/WO2005092597A1/en
Priority to SI200430851T priority patent/SI1737645T1/en
Priority to BRPI0418646-0B1A priority patent/BRPI0418646B1/en
Priority to CA002560249A priority patent/CA2560249C/en
Priority to MXPA06010865A priority patent/MXPA06010865A/en
Priority to HK07104513.3A priority patent/HK1097222B/en
Application filed by INDAG Gesellschaft fuer Industriebedarf mbH and Co Betriebs KG, Procomac SpA filed Critical INDAG Gesellschaft fuer Industriebedarf mbH and Co Betriebs KG
Priority to ES04723305T priority patent/ES2311814T3/en
Priority to CN2004800424978A priority patent/CN1997508B/en
Priority to JP2007504564A priority patent/JP4495754B2/en
Priority to US10/593,916 priority patent/US7621146B2/en
Priority to PL04723305T priority patent/PL1737645T3/en
Priority to PT04723305T priority patent/PT1737645E/en
Publication of WO2005092597A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005092597A1/en
Priority to ZA2006/07750A priority patent/ZA200607750B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to CY20081100940T priority patent/CY1108311T1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/80—Rotatable transfer means for loading or unloading purposes, i.e. turret transfer means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
    • B29C66/034—Thermal after-treatments
    • B29C66/0342—Cooling, e.g. transporting through welding and cooling zone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/532—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/5326—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars said single elements being substantially flat
    • B29C66/53261—Enclosing tubular articles between substantially flat elements
    • B29C66/53262—Enclosing spouts between the walls of bags, e.g. of medical bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • 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
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/50—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using rotary tables or turrets
    • 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
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/60—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation rotatable
    • 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
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/32—Cooling, or cooling and pressing, package closures after heat-sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0037—Other properties
    • B29K2995/0039—Amorphous
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
    • B29L2023/20—Flexible squeeze tubes, e.g. for cosmetics
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S198/00—Conveyors: power-driven
    • Y10S198/952—Heating or cooling

Definitions

  • TRANSFER STAR-WHEEL IN PARTICULAR FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR COOLING SAID CONTAINERS.
  • the present invention relates to a transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and a method for cooling said containers.
  • flexible containers comprise a pouch, usually made of polyethylene (PE), and a spout, able to allow the outflow of the product maintained within the container, for instance a drink or a fruit juice or other beverages.
  • PE polyethylene
  • This type of flexible container is formed starting from pouches provided with an opening, whereat a portion of the spout is inserted and secured within the pouch by sealing.
  • the sealing operation involves the edges of said opening and is performed by heating means which cause a partial melting of the edges themselves, causing them to adhere to the portion of the spout inserted into the pouch.
  • a particularly acute, and as yet unsolved, problem in the sector is the need to cool the seal area to prevent the crystallisation of the material whereof the pouch is made, to improve its mechanical resistance.
  • An object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks, making available a transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and a method for cooling the aforesaid containers, which are able to operate, without negatively impacting on the productivity of the line for processing the containers.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for cooling containers which is able to optimise the productive cycle.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to obtain the above results within the scope of a rational, reliable and economical technical solution. Said objects are fully achieved by the transfer star- wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and by the method for cooling the aforesaid containers, of the present invention, which are characterised by the content of the claims set out below. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION.
  • FIG. 5 shows a lateral view of the constructive element shown in Figure 4;
  • - Figure 6 shows a lateral view of a constructive detail of the transfer star-wheel shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 7 shows a plan view of the transfer star- wheel shown in Figure 1.
  • the transfer star- wheel according to the invention is globally designated with the number 1 and comprises a revolving platform 2 provided with a plurality of stations 3 for flexible containers, or pouch, each of which is provided with means for gripping the containers.
  • the revolving platform 2 is integrally connected to a supporting and rotating shaft 5.
  • the transfer star-wheel 1 comprises means for cooling previously sealed portions of the containers.
  • the means for cooling the aforesaid portions of the pouch comprise a pair of jaws 9, 10 able to approach and touch the aforesaid portions to be cooled.
  • Said cooling means further comprise a conduit 6 for delivering a cooling fluid to the jaws 9, 10, a conduit 7 for the return of said fluid and a conduit 8 for discharging the cooling fluid, after said fluid has thermally interacted with the jaws.
  • the delivery conduit 6 and the return conduit 7 are partially contained within the support shaft 5 of the revolving platform 2.
  • both the delivery conduit 6 and the return conduit 7 comprise at least a part defined by flexible tubular bodies 6a, 7a, positioned externally to the support shaft 5.
  • the flexible tubular bodies 6a, 7a are directly connected to the jaws.
  • a first jaw 9 is fixed, whilst a second jaw 10 is movable away from the first one, in order to allow an insertion, between the jaws, of the sealed portions of a container.
  • each jaw 9,10 has a recessed portion, substantially concave, shaped complementarily to a convexity of the container present at the sealed portions. Said convexity is determined by the presence of a spout portion 4, embedded between the sealed edges of the container, as described in the prior art.
  • the star- wheel 1 comprises means for actuating the second jaw 10 to move it away from the first jaw 9.
  • said actuating means comprise a plurality of rod-like elements 11, 12, 13 kinematically connected to each other to define substantially an articulated quadrilateral.
  • the rod-like elements 11, 12 are hinged on an appendage 30 integrally connected to the fixed jaw 9, whilst the second jaw 10 is connected to at least one of the aforesaid rod-like elements 11, 12, 13.
  • the actuating means further comprise a cursor 14 slidably movable with reciprocating motion along a support guide 15, positioned on the revolving platform 2 at a pre-set distance from the support shaft 5.
  • a connecting rod 16 having a first end 16a connected to one of said rodlike elements 11, 12, 13 (specifically to the rod-like element designated by the number 13) and a second end 16b connected to the cursor 14.
  • the means for actuating the second jaw 10 further comprise a second guide 17 positioned around the support shaft 5 of the revolving platform 2 and within which is engaged a roller 18 pivotally engaged to the cursor 14.
  • the guide 17 is substantially a desmodronic guide.
  • the means for gripping the containers comprise a pincer 19 located on the support guide 15 and positioned on the revolving platform 2 at a pre-set distance from the support shaft 5.
  • the star- wheel 1 comprises means for moving each pincer 19 in a direction that is substantially radial to the revolving platform 2.
  • the means for moving each pincer 19 in the radial direction comprise a sliding seat 20 for a frame 21 of the pincer and a discoidal body 22, connected to the support shaft 5 and having a groove 23 which substantially defines a cam.
  • the means for moving each pincer 19 further comprise a roller 24 connected to the frame 21 of the pincer and slidably housed in the groove 23 present on the discoidal body 22.
  • the operation of the invention is as follows.
  • the containers are picked up from a forming and sealing station by means of the pincers 19.
  • the movable jaw 10 initially far from the fixed jaw 9 to allow the pincers to grab the container, is approached to the latter by effect of the vertical and upwards motion of the cursor 14 along the support guide 15.
  • Said movement of the cursor 14 is caused by the rotation of the platform 2 and by the simultaneous sliding of the roller 18 inside the guide 17, which is of the desmodronic type.
  • the movement of the cursor 14 thrusts the connecting rod 16 upwards, determining the rotation of the articulated quadrilateral constituted by the rod-like elements 11, 12, 13.
  • the movable jaw 10 is moved away simply by inverting the direction of motion of the cursor 14, by means of an appropriate geometry of the desmodronic guide 17.
  • the method for cooling flexible containers comprises the steps of:
  • the method is characterised in that it comprises a step of forced cooling of the flexible containers simultaneously with the step of transferring the containers.
  • the cooling step occurs by means of indirect heat exchange with a cooling fluid, preferably water at a temperature within a range of about 12°C to 20°C.
  • a cooling fluid preferably water at a temperature within a range of about 12°C to 20°C.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is given by the fact that cooling the sealed portions allows to prevent the crystallisation of polyethylene, thereby improving the mechanical characteristics of the containers and safeguarding their integrity.
  • a transfer star-wheel in accordance with the invention solves the problem of cooling the flexible containers in an extremely rational and reliable manner.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Package Closures (AREA)
  • Treatments Of Macromolecular Shaped Articles (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Abstract

A transfer star-wheel (1) in particular for flexible containers, comprising at least a revolving platform (2), a plurality of stations (3) for the containers located on said platform (2), each of which is provided with means for gripping the containers, and a shaft (5) for supporting the platform (2). In new and original fashion, the star (1) comprises means for cooling previously sealed portions of the containers. A method for cooling flexible containers, comprising a step of forced cooling of the flexible containers simultaneously with a step of transferring the containers.

Description

TRANSFER STAR-WHEEL, IN PARTICULAR FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR COOLING SAID CONTAINERS.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND ART. The present invention relates to a transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and a method for cooling said containers.
As is well known, in the sector of the production and filling of flexible containers there is a particularly acute need to transfer and cool, in the shortest possible time, the previously formed containers. Generally, flexible containers comprise a pouch, usually made of polyethylene (PE), and a spout, able to allow the outflow of the product maintained within the container, for instance a drink or a fruit juice or other beverages.
This type of flexible container is formed starting from pouches provided with an opening, whereat a portion of the spout is inserted and secured within the pouch by sealing.
In particular, the sealing operation involves the edges of said opening and is performed by heating means which cause a partial melting of the edges themselves, causing them to adhere to the portion of the spout inserted into the pouch.
A particularly acute, and as yet unsolved, problem in the sector is the need to cool the seal area to prevent the crystallisation of the material whereof the pouch is made, to improve its mechanical resistance.
Secondly, there is a need to complete said cooling operation in the shortest possible time, to avoid any negative impacts on the efficiency of the production cycle.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION. An object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks, making available a transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and a method for cooling the aforesaid containers, which are able to operate, without negatively impacting on the productivity of the line for processing the containers. Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for cooling containers which is able to optimise the productive cycle.
An additional object of the present invention is to obtain the above results within the scope of a rational, reliable and economical technical solution. Said objects are fully achieved by the transfer star- wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and by the method for cooling the aforesaid containers, of the present invention, which are characterised by the content of the claims set out below. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION.
These and other features shall become more readily apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment illustrated, purely by way of non limiting example, in the accompanying drawing tables, in which: - Figure 1 shows a frontal section view of a transfer star- wheel, in particular for flexible containers;
- Figures 2, 3, 4 show three views of a constructive element associated to the transfer star- wheel shown in Figure 1, in three different operative configurations;
- Figure 5 shows a lateral view of the constructive element shown in Figure 4; - Figure 6 shows a lateral view of a constructive detail of the transfer star-wheel shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 7 shows a plan view of the transfer star- wheel shown in Figure 1.
With particular reference to Figure 1, the transfer star- wheel according to the invention is globally designated with the number 1 and comprises a revolving platform 2 provided with a plurality of stations 3 for flexible containers, or pouch, each of which is provided with means for gripping the containers.
In particular, the revolving platform 2 is integrally connected to a supporting and rotating shaft 5.
In absolutely new and original fashion, the transfer star-wheel 1 comprises means for cooling previously sealed portions of the containers.
In the preferred embodiment, the means for cooling the aforesaid portions of the pouch comprise a pair of jaws 9, 10 able to approach and touch the aforesaid portions to be cooled.
Said cooling means further comprise a conduit 6 for delivering a cooling fluid to the jaws 9, 10, a conduit 7 for the return of said fluid and a conduit 8 for discharging the cooling fluid, after said fluid has thermally interacted with the jaws. In the preferred embodiment, the delivery conduit 6 and the return conduit 7 are partially contained within the support shaft 5 of the revolving platform 2. In particular, both the delivery conduit 6 and the return conduit 7 comprise at least a part defined by flexible tubular bodies 6a, 7a, positioned externally to the support shaft 5.
In the illustrated example, the flexible tubular bodies 6a, 7a are directly connected to the jaws.
With particular reference to Figure 1, a first jaw 9 is fixed, whilst a second jaw 10 is movable away from the first one, in order to allow an insertion, between the jaws, of the sealed portions of a container.
In the preferred embodiment, each jaw 9,10 has a recessed portion, substantially concave, shaped complementarily to a convexity of the container present at the sealed portions. Said convexity is determined by the presence of a spout portion 4, embedded between the sealed edges of the container, as described in the prior art. The star- wheel 1 comprises means for actuating the second jaw 10 to move it away from the first jaw 9.
In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, said actuating means comprise a plurality of rod-like elements 11, 12, 13 kinematically connected to each other to define substantially an articulated quadrilateral. In particular, the rod-like elements 11, 12 are hinged on an appendage 30 integrally connected to the fixed jaw 9, whilst the second jaw 10 is connected to at least one of the aforesaid rod-like elements 11, 12, 13. The actuating means further comprise a cursor 14 slidably movable with reciprocating motion along a support guide 15, positioned on the revolving platform 2 at a pre-set distance from the support shaft 5. Also present is a connecting rod 16 having a first end 16a connected to one of said rodlike elements 11, 12, 13 (specifically to the rod-like element designated by the number 13) and a second end 16b connected to the cursor 14.
The means for actuating the second jaw 10 further comprise a second guide 17 positioned around the support shaft 5 of the revolving platform 2 and within which is engaged a roller 18 pivotally engaged to the cursor 14. The guide 17 is substantially a desmodronic guide.
In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the means for gripping the containers comprise a pincer 19 located on the support guide 15 and positioned on the revolving platform 2 at a pre-set distance from the support shaft 5. In particular, the star- wheel 1 comprises means for moving each pincer 19 in a direction that is substantially radial to the revolving platform 2. With particular reference to Figures 1 through 5, the means for moving each pincer 19 in the radial direction comprise a sliding seat 20 for a frame 21 of the pincer and a discoidal body 22, connected to the support shaft 5 and having a groove 23 which substantially defines a cam. The means for moving each pincer 19 further comprise a roller 24 connected to the frame 21 of the pincer and slidably housed in the groove 23 present on the discoidal body 22.
The operation of the invention is as follows. The containers are picked up from a forming and sealing station by means of the pincers 19.
Subsequently, the pincers 19 move rearwards in the radial direction towards the support shaft 5, by effect of the rotation of the platform 2 and of the simultaneous sliding of the roller 24 of the frame 21 of each pincer within the groove 23. In this way, the just sealed portions of the containers come in contact with the fixed jaw 9.
Simultaneously, the movable jaw 10, initially far from the fixed jaw 9 to allow the pincers to grab the container, is approached to the latter by effect of the vertical and upwards motion of the cursor 14 along the support guide 15.
Said movement of the cursor 14 is caused by the rotation of the platform 2 and by the simultaneous sliding of the roller 18 inside the guide 17, which is of the desmodronic type.
With particular reference to Figure 1, the movement of the cursor 14 thrusts the connecting rod 16 upwards, determining the rotation of the articulated quadrilateral constituted by the rod-like elements 11, 12, 13. The movable jaw 10 is moved away simply by inverting the direction of motion of the cursor 14, by means of an appropriate geometry of the desmodronic guide 17.
After positioning the sealed portions of the container between the jaws 9, 10, the cooling fluid, which circulates within the jaws, interacts thermally therewith, cooling said sealed portions. The cooling fluid is sent to the jaws through the delivery conduit 6, 6a and it exits therefrom through the return conduit 7, 7a, which sends it to a discharge conduit 8. The method for cooling flexible containers, of the present invention, comprises the steps of:
- collecting the flexible containers at the output of a first station for forming and sealing the containers;
- transferring the flexible containers from said first station to a second processing station.
In absolutely new and original fashion, the method is characterised in that it comprises a step of forced cooling of the flexible containers simultaneously with the step of transferring the containers.
In particular, the cooling step occurs by means of indirect heat exchange with a cooling fluid, preferably water at a temperature within a range of about 12°C to 20°C. The invention achieves important advantages. First of all, a transfer star-wheel and a method according to the invention allow to optimise the productivity of an installation.
Another advantage of the present invention is given by the fact that cooling the sealed portions allows to prevent the crystallisation of polyethylene, thereby improving the mechanical characteristics of the containers and safeguarding their integrity. Advantageously, a transfer star-wheel in accordance with the invention solves the problem of cooling the flexible containers in an extremely rational and reliable manner.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Transfer star-wheel ( 1 ), in particular for flexible containers, comprising: at least a revolving platform (2); a plurality of stations (3) for the containers positioned on said platform (2), each of which is provided with means for gripping the containers; a shaft (5) for supporting the revolving platform (2), characterised in that it comprises means for cooling previously sealed portions of the containers.
2. A transfer star- wheel as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said means for cooling previously sealed portions of the containers comprise: at least a pair of jaws (9,10) for gripping said portions of the containers; at least a conduit (6,6a) for delivering a cooling fluid to at least one of said jaws (9,10); at least a conduit (7,7a) for returning the cooling fluid from said jaw (9,10); at least a conduit (8) for discharging the cooling fluid after it has thermally interacted with at least one jaw (9,10).
3. A transfer star-wheel as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said pair of jaws (9,10) comprises a first fixed jaw (9) and a second jaw (10), movable away from the first one, to allow an insertion of the sealed portions of a container between said jaws (9,10).
4. A transfer star- wheel as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that it comprises means for actuating said second jaw (10) to move it away from the first one.
5. A transfer star-wheel as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that said actuating means comprise: a plurality of rod-like elements (11,12,13) kinematically connected to each other in order substantially to define an articulated quadrilateral, two of said rod-like elements (11,12,13) being pivotally connected to an appendage (30) integrally connected to said fixed jaw (9), the second jaw (10) being connected to at least one of the rod-like elements (11,12,13); at least a cursor (14) slidably movable with reciprocating motion along a support guide (15), positioned on the rotating platform (2) at a pre-set distance from the support shaft (5); at least a rod (16) having a first end (16a) connected to at least one of the rod-like elements (11,12,13) pivotally connected to the appendage (30) and a second end (16b) connected to said cursor (14); a second guide (17), serving substantially as a cam, positioned around the support shaft (5) of the revolving platform (2) and operatively active on a roller (18) pivotally engaged to said cursor (14).
6. A transfer star-wheel as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said delivery conduit (6,6a) and said return conduit (7,7a) are at least partially contained within said support shaft (5) of the revolving platform (2).
7. A transfer star-wheel as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the delivery conduit (6,6a) is at least partially defined by a flexible tubular body (6a) positioned externally to the support shaft (5) of the revolving platform (2).
8. A transfer star-wheel as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the return conduit (7,7a) is at least partially defined by a flexible tubular body (7a) positioned externally to the support shaft (5) of the revolving platform (2).
9. A transfer star- wheel as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the gripping means comprise at least a pincer (19) positioned on the revolving platform (2) at a pre-set distance from the support shaft (5).
10. A transfer star as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that it comprises means for moving each pincer (19) in a radial direction.
11. A transfer star as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that said means for moving each pincer (19) in a radial direction comprise: at least a sliding seat (20) for a frame (21) of the pincer (19); a discoidal body (22) connected to the support shaft (5) and having at least a groove (23) substantially defining a cam; at least a roller (24) connected to the frame (21) of the pincer (19) and slidably housed in said groove (23) present on the discoidal body (22).
12. A transfer star as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the delivery conduit (6,6a) and the return conduit (7,7a) are directly connected to at least one of said jaws (9,10).
13. A method for cooling flexible containers, comprising the steps of: collecting the flexible containers at the output of a first station for forming and sealing the containers; transferring the flexible containers from said first station to a second processing station, characterised in that it comprises a step of forced cooling of the flexible containers simultaneously with said step of transferring the containers.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that said cooling step occurs by indirect heat exchange with a cooling fluid.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that said cooling fluid is water at a temperature within a range of about 12°C to 20°C.
16. An installation for filling flexible containers, comprising: at least a star-wheel for forming the flexible containers, by sealing portions thereof; at least a star-wheel for filling the flexible containers; at least a transfer star-wheel for transferring the formed containers, from the forming star-wheel to the filling star-wheel, characterised in that said transfer star-wheel comprises means for cooling the previously cooled portions of the containers.
PCT/IT2004/000152 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers Ceased WO2005092597A1 (en)

Priority Applications (19)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
HK07104513.3A HK1097222B (en) 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
UAA200611220A UA87135C2 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Star-shaped conveyer, in particular for displacing the soft containers, and method of cooling these containers
AT04723305T ATE404352T1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 TRANSFER STAR WHEEL, ESPECIALLY FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR COOLING THE CONTAINERS
EP04723305A EP1737645B1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
PCT/IT2004/000152 WO2005092597A1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
SI200430851T SI1737645T1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
ES04723305T ES2311814T3 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 STAR TRANSFER PLATE, IN PARTICULAR FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS AND PROCEDURE FOR COOLING SUCH CONTAINERS.
DE602004015852T DE602004015852D1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 TRANSFERSTERNRAD, ESPECIALLY FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS, AND METHOD FOR COOLING THE CONTAINERS
MXPA06010865A MXPA06010865A (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers.
DK04723305T DK1737645T3 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star wheels, especially for flexible containers, and method for cooling the containers
CA002560249A CA2560249C (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
BRPI0418646-0B1A BRPI0418646B1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Flexible container transfer star wheel and method for cooling flexible containers
CN2004800424978A CN1997508B (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer starwheel, particularly for flexible containers, and method for cooling flexible containers
JP2007504564A JP4495754B2 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Conveyor star foil applied to flexible containers
US10/593,916 US7621146B2 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
PL04723305T PL1737645T3 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
PT04723305T PT1737645E (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
ZA2006/07750A ZA200607750B (en) 2004-03-25 2006-09-15 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers
CY20081100940T CY1108311T1 (en) 2004-03-25 2008-09-03 ASTEROID TRANSFER ROUTE, SPECIFIED FOR FLEXIBLE PIPES, EACH AND METHOD FOR COOLING THE REFERENCE PIPES

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2004/000152 WO2005092597A1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005092597A1 true WO2005092597A1 (en) 2005-10-06

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PCT/IT2004/000152 Ceased WO2005092597A1 (en) 2004-03-25 2004-03-25 Transfer star-wheel, in particular for flexible containers, and method for cooling said containers

Country Status (18)

Country Link
US (1) US7621146B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1737645B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4495754B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1997508B (en)
AT (1) ATE404352T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0418646B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2560249C (en)
CY (1) CY1108311T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004015852D1 (en)
DK (1) DK1737645T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2311814T3 (en)
MX (1) MXPA06010865A (en)
PL (1) PL1737645T3 (en)
PT (1) PT1737645E (en)
SI (1) SI1737645T1 (en)
UA (1) UA87135C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2005092597A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200607750B (en)

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CN106698302A (en) * 2016-12-20 2017-05-24 重庆市嘉诺食品有限公司 Production line for hot-pot oil

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EP3909877A1 (en) * 2020-05-14 2021-11-17 Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG Device for transporting finished and filled tubular pieces
WO2026047459A2 (en) * 2024-08-27 2026-03-05 I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.P.A. Machine for forming a package made of flexible material

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2560249A1 (en) 2005-10-06
EP1737645A1 (en) 2007-01-03
BRPI0418646B1 (en) 2014-04-08
EP1737645B1 (en) 2008-08-13
JP2007532412A (en) 2007-11-15
JP4495754B2 (en) 2010-07-07
BRPI0418646A (en) 2007-05-29
ES2311814T3 (en) 2009-02-16
DK1737645T3 (en) 2008-11-17
US7621146B2 (en) 2009-11-24
UA87135C2 (en) 2009-06-25
SI1737645T1 (en) 2008-12-31
ZA200607750B (en) 2008-01-08
CN1997508A (en) 2007-07-11
CN1997508B (en) 2010-06-23
CY1108311T1 (en) 2014-02-12
ATE404352T1 (en) 2008-08-15
HK1097222A1 (en) 2007-06-22
PL1737645T3 (en) 2008-12-31
PT1737645E (en) 2008-09-11
MXPA06010865A (en) 2006-12-15
CA2560249C (en) 2010-01-12
DE602004015852D1 (en) 2008-09-25
US20070209907A1 (en) 2007-09-13

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