Technical Field

The present invention relates to a packaging machine for bagged products. Background Art

A variety of packaging machines are known and are used to pack a wide variety of bulk products, such as e.g. food products or the like, inside the bags themselves.

Generally, these machines use gripping means the purpose of which is to grasp the bag, open and hold it firmly while appropriate filling means empty the products to be packaged inside the bag.

In particular, the machines of known type also provide for the pickup of the bag to be filled by the same gripping means.

For example, some machines provide at least one pickup area where the bag is manually arranged, ready to be picked up by the gripping means.

Machines are also known to make use of movable gripping means configured to recover in a substantially automated manner the loaded bags where an appropriate pickup area is located.

In this case, the empty bags are flattened to substantially define a sheet and are stacked on top of each other so that the gripping means can take the first bag in the stack.

More specifically, the gripping means grasp the bag at the top, at the so-called selvedge, i.e., the flaps that define the access opening to the bag itself.

In addition, the gripping means make use of appropriate gripping members adapted to operate on the respective flaps of the bag to push them away from each other, so as to open the bag and allow it to be filled.

Specifically, the gripping means are arranged at the opposite ends of the selvedge of the bag and are movable, so as to move the flaps to the center of the selvedge and open the bag itself.

In this way, the gripping means allow the bags to be filled to be opened quickly and easily.

In addition, the machines of known type make use of filling means provided with dispensing appendages which, during product dispensing, are fitted at least partly inside the open bag and allow the product to be conveyed therein.

This type of packaging machines is susceptible to some refinements.

In particular, the machines of known type employ the gripping means to retain the bag firmly during its filling. Therefore, before filling a new bag, the gripping means must release the filled bag and provide for taking a new bag to be filled.

However, such operations require non-negligible lead times that reduce machine output.

In addition, the gripping means used at least partly obstruct the access section of the bag opening, as they retain the bag selvedge at the top.

In other words, the gripping members are superimposed onto the opening and shutter it at least partly, thus reducing the bag filling speed.

In addition, it may happen that, following the intervention of the gripping means, the bag flaps remain close together and keep the bag closed. In this case, it becomes necessary to stop the machine so that an operator can restore its proper operation.

These drawbacks inevitably reduce the production output of the machines of known type, making their use particularly inconvenient and complex. Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is, therefore, to devise a packaging machine for bagged products which allows the machine’s production output to be increased.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for bagged products which allows the access section useful for bag filling to be enlarged as much as possible.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for bagged products which allows ensuring that the bag is opened properly before the product is packed.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a packaging machine for bagged products which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy-to-use and cost- effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this packaging machine having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a packaging machine for bagged products, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the machine according to the invention; Figure 2 is an axonometric detailed view of some machine components according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the retaining assembly of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the opening member of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the opening organ of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 6 through 9 are axonometric views showing the transition from the first configuration of work to the second configuration of work of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a view of the filling means of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 11 and 12 are two detailed views of some components of the filling means.

Fmbodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a packaging machine.

The packaging machine 1 comprises opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 of at least one bag 2 defining at least one access opening 3 to the contents of the bag itself and provided with at least two flaps 4 which can be moved close to/away from each other to increase/reduce the transit section of the access opening 3.

Preferably, the flaps 4 can be moved close to/away from each other to open/close the bag 2.

Specifically, the opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 are provided with at least a first gripping assembly 9 adapted to grip/release the flaps 2 and to move the flaps close to/away from each other.

In addition, the packaging machine 1 comprises at least a second gripping assembly 10 adapted to grip/release the flaps 4.

More specifically, the packaging machine 1 is movable between at least a first configuration of work, wherein the flaps 4 are gripped by the first gripping assembly 9, and at least a second configuration of work, wherein the flaps 4 are released from the first gripping assembly 9 and gripped by the second gripping assembly 10.

In addition, the machine 1 comprises filling means 11 of the bag 2, fitted at least partly inside the access opening 3 and adapted to unload inside the bag 2 a product to be packaged in the second configuration of work.

Conveniently, the first gripping assembly 9 is adapted to pick up the bag 2 where an appropriate pickup area is located, where, e.g., the bag 2 is loaded together with others or where a trained operator hands the bag 2 to the first gripping assembly 9 or where the pickup of the bag 2 is done according to other known pickup methods.

The first gripping assembly 9 is adapted to grip at least one bag 2 from the pickup area in the first configuration of work, in an automated or semi- automated manner.

Advantageously, the first gripping assembly 9 is adapted to grip/release the flaps 4 on the top, by overlying the access opening 3.

In particular, the first gripping assembly 9 operates on the upper part of the bag 2, i.e., by gripping it where the selvedge 5 of the same is located.

Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises movement means of the first gripping assembly 9 close to/away from the second gripping assembly 10, preferably along a direction of movement A. Specifically, the machine 1 is movable in at least one transitional configuration between the first configuration of work and the second configuration of work, wherein the first gripping assembly and the second gripping assembly 10 retain the bag 2 at the same time. According to the invention, having reached the second configuration of work, the second gripping assembly 10 allows the filling means 11 to unload the product inside the bag 2.

At the same time, the first gripping assembly 9 is moved away from the second gripping assembly 10 and is configured to pick up another bag 2. This expedient allows for a considerable reduction in the product packaging time, since the pickup of the bag 2, carried out by the first gripping assembly 9, takes place at the same time as the filling of another bag 2, carried out by the filling means 11 and by the second gripping assembly 10.

Advantageously, the first gripping assembly 9 comprises at least one pair of gripping members 7, which are arranged opposite each other to grip/release respective opposite portions of the flaps 4 and movable mutually close to/away from each other along a direction of utilization B, by moving the flaps 4 away/close in the first configuration of work.

According to the present invention, in the first configuration of work, the flaps 4 are arranged substantially along the direction of utilization B and are mutually moved close to/away from each other to increase/reduce the transit section of the access opening 3.

In particular, the access opening 3 is arranged substantially centered along the direction of utilization B between the gripping members 7. In more detail, the first gripping assembly 9 grasps the flaps 2 on the top and obstructs at least partly the transit section of the access opening 3, limiting the extension thereof.

In addition, each gripping member 7 grasps the bag 2 on the top where the selvedge 5 of the bag 2 is located. In this configuration, the distance between the gripping members 7 defines the extension of the transit section of the access opening 3. In particular, in the first configuration of work, each gripping member 7 tightens both flaps 4 under pressure and keeps them in contact with each other where the gripping point of the bag 2 is located.

In this way, the gripping members 7 are moved close to each other and force the flaps 4 to move away from each other to centrally open the bag 2, as shown in Figure 2.

In fact, the force exerted by the gripping members 7 on the flaps 4 along the direction of utilization B causes the flaps themselves, which mutually move away, to bend away from each other in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the direction of utilization B, as shown in Figure 6.

Preferably, each gripping member 7 comprises a pair of gripping elements 8 movable mutually close to/away from each other to grip the bag 2 in a vice-like manner.

Conveniently, the opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 comprise at least one retaining assembly 12, which is provided with a pair of retaining organs 13, which are arranged opposite each other to grip/release, each, a respective flap 4 and mutually movable close to/away from each other along a direction of employment C substantially orthogonal to the direction of utilization B, by moving the flaps 4 close to/away from each other. Specifically, the retaining assembly 12 operates on the flaps 4 to facilitate the away movement of the same caused by the first gripping assembly 9.

In fact, each retaining organ 13 operates on a respective flap 4 of the bag 2, moving it away from the other.

In this way, when the retaining organs 13 are moved away from each other they cause the flaps 4 to be forcibly moved away, thus opening and conforming the selvedge 5 of the bag 2.

This expedient prevents the flaps 4 from staying close to each other under the effect of the first gripping assembly 9.

In fact, it might be the case that, under the effect of the first gripping assembly 9, the flaps 4 are curved, staying side by side, on the same side with respect to the direction of utilization B. Specifically, the first gripping assembly 9 and the retaining assembly 12 operate synchronized with each other automatically or semi-automatically, thus ensuring the opening of the bag 2.

Preferably, each retaining organ 13 is of the suction type, adapted to adhere to the walls of the bag 2 where the flaps 4 are located, as shown in Figure 3. Conveniently, the opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 comprise at least one opening organ 14, which is movable close to/away from the bag 2 along a direction of work D and positioned, in use, between the flaps 4, moving them away from each other.

Preferably, the direction of work D is arranged substantially orthogonal to the direction of utilization B.

According to the invention, the opening organ 14 is provided with at least one end 15 positioned, in use, between the flaps 4.

In other words, the opening organ 14 operates on the flaps 4 from the inside of the access opening 3.

In particular, the end 15 is provided with at least one inclined surface 16 adapted to slide in contact with a flap 4 so as to facilitate the insertion of the opening organ 14 between the flaps themselves.

In more detail, the end 15 is provided with a pair of inclined surfaces 16, opposite each other and converging, so as to give the end 15 a wedge-like conformation adapted to separate the flaps 4 during the movement of the opening organ 14 close to the bag 2.

Specifically, during the movement of the opening organ 14 close to the bag 2, the inclined surfaces slide over the flaps 4 and the opening organ 14 is inserted inside the access opening 3 of the bag 2.

This expedient ensures that the bag 2 can be opened even if the same is provided with closure/opening means, such as e.g. of the fastening/release type, by interlocking or the like.

In fact, the opening organ 14 fits between the flaps 4 along the direction of work D and forces the opening of these closing/opening means.

Conveniently, the opening organ 14 comprises a pair of opening bodies 17 which are mutually movable close to/away from each other and arranged, in use, inside the access opening 3 to abut against the respective flaps 4, thus keeping the latter spaced apart from each other.

Specifically, each of the opening bodies 17 has an ending portion 18 which defines the end 15 of the opening organ 14 when the respective opening bodies 17 are moved close to each other.

In this way, following the insertion of the opening organ 14 inside the access opening 3, the opening bodies 17 are moved away from each other to abut against their respective flaps 4, thus opening and conforming the selvedge 5 of the bag 2.

Specifically, the opening bodies 17 are pivoted to each other at a fulcrum and rotatable close to/away from each other, as shown in Figure 5.

Advantageously, the first gripping assembly 9 and the opening organ 14 operate synchronized with each other automatically or semi-automatically, thus ensuring the opening of the bag 2.

Conveniently, the opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 comprise at least one opening member 19, which is movable close to/away from the bag 2 along a direction of use E and provided with at least one widened portion 23, arranged, through the access opening 3, to abut against the flaps 4, thus moving them away from each other.

In particular, the widened portion 23 extends substantially along a direction of extension orthogonal to the direction of utilization B and to the direction of work D, to abut against the flaps 4.

Preferably, the direction of use E is substantially orthogonal to the direction of utilization B and substantially parallel to the direction of work D.

Specifically, the first gripping assembly 9 and the opening member 19 operate synchronized with each other automatically or semi-automatically, thus ensuring the opening of the bag 2.

In addition, the opening means 9, 12, 14, 19 comprise a pair of opening members 19.

Preferably, each opening member 19 is arranged side by side with the opening organ 14.

In more detail, the opening organ 14 is positioned between the opening members 19, as shown in Figure 6.

According to the invention, the second gripping assembly 10 is adapted to laterally grip/release the flaps 4.

Conveniently, the second gripping assembly 10 comprises at least one pair of clamping organs 20, arranged opposite each other to grip/release respective opposite parts of the flaps 4.

Preferably, the clamping organs 20 are mutually movable close to/away from each other, by moving the flaps 4 away from/close to each other in the second configuration of work.

According to the present invention, in the second configuration of work, each clamping organ 20 grips laterally the bag 2 where the selvedge 5 of the bag 2 is located. Specifically, each clamping organ 20 grips laterally the bag 2 and tightens a portion of both flaps 4 under pressure, keeping them in contact with each other where the gripping point of the bag 2 is located.

In this way, the first gripping assembly 9 releases the bag 2 on the top and clears the transit section of the access opening 3, while the second gripping assembly 10 holds the bag 2 laterally.

In particular, the grip of the second gripping assembly 10 on the selvedge 5 of the bag 2 is wider than the grip of the first gripping assembly 9. Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the grip of the second gripping assembly 10 has equal or narrower width than the grip of the first gripping assembly 9.

More specifically, the distance between the gripping points where the gripping members 7 grip the bag 2 is substantially less than the distance between the gripping points where the clamping organs 20 grip the bag 2.

Therefore, in the second configuration of work, the transit section of the access opening 3 is substantially larger than in the first configuration of work.

In the second configuration of work, the second gripping assembly 10 flanks the access opening 3 laterally.

In other words, the second gripping assembly 10 partly clears the transit section of the access opening 3 and increases the extension thereof with respect to the first configuration of work. In addition, in the transition configuration, the second gripping assembly 10 holds the bag 2 at a lower height than the first gripping assembly 9.

In this configuration, the clamping organs 20 are located below the gripping members 7.

Conveniently, each clamping organ 20 comprises a pair of clamping elements 21, movable close to/away from each other to grip the bag 2 in a vice-like manner.

Advantageously, the filling means 11 comprise a plurality of opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, defining an unloading opening 24 of the product to be packaged. The opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are mutually movable close to/away from each other, thus reducing/increasing the extension of the transit section of the unloading opening 24 depending on the extension of the transit section of the access opening 3.

Advantageously, the opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are arranged, in use, through the access opening 3 and abut against the respective flaps 4 of the bag 2, so as to define the extension of the transit section of the unloading opening 24 substantially equal to the extension of the transit section of the access opening 3.

This expedient allows the filling means 11 to adhere to the flaps 4 inside the access opening 3.

Further embodiments of the machine 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d do not abut against the flaps 4, but are only arranged in the proximity of and/or through the access opening 3 to fill the bag 2. Specifically, the opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d abut under pressure against the flaps 4 by keeping them spaced apart and maximizing the transit section of the access opening 3.

In addition, the flaps 4 of the bag 2 are arranged, in use, substantially opposite each other.

Specifically, the filling means 11 comprise four opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d.

In addition, each opening element 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is movable close to/away from at least another opening element 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d along at least one direction of opening G.

Conveniently, each opening element 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is movable along at least two directions of opening G, arranged substantially orthogonal to each other and one of which is substantially parallel to the direction of utilization B. In more detail, a first pair of opening elements 22a, 22b and a second pair of opening elements 22c, 22d is mutually movable close to/away from each other along a direction of opening G. The opening elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the same pair are mutually movable close to/away from each other along the other direction of opening G. Specifically, each opening element 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is movable with respect to the center of the unloading opening 24 along respective directions of close/away movement, thus reducing/increasing the transit section of the unloading opening 24.

Conveniently, the packaging machine 1 comprises the bag 2.

Specifically, the bag 2 comprises at least one top portion 25, at least one bottom portion 26, opposite the top portion 25, and at least one side wall 27, positioned between the top portion 25 and the bottom portion 26. In more detail, the top portion 25 is open to define the access opening 3.

Therefore, the first gripping assembly 9 is adapted to grip/release the top portion 25.

The second gripping assembly 10, on the other hand, is adapted to grip/release the side wall 27. In more detail, the upper portions of the top portion 25 and of the side wall 27 of the bag 2 define the top portion and the side portion of the flaps 4, respectively.

According to the invention, the terms “top” and “side” referring to the bag 2 are intended to denote the arrangement in space of the parts of the bag itself in its normal configuration of use shown in the figures, in which the top portion 25 faces upwards to allow filling the bag 2 by gravity and in which the side wall 26 flanks the top portion 25 laterally.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of bags 2.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the fact is emphasized that the first gripping assembly allows one bag to be picked up while another is filled with the product to be packaged by means of the second gripping assembly, thus increasing the production output of the packaging machine.

In addition, the second gripping assembly laterally grips the bag and allows the first gripping assembly to clear the bag selvedge at the top, so as to increase the transit section useful for filling the bag.

In addition, the retaining assembly ensures the opening of the bag in combination with the first gripping assembly.

In addition, the opening organ ensures the opening of the bag in combination with the first gripping assembly even in the presence of closing/opening means of the bag itself.