MACHINE FOR PRODUCING FILTER BAGS WITH PRODUCTS FOR INFUSION AND WITH AN OUTER WRAPPER ENVELOPE

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for packaging filter bags with products for infusion, such as tea, coffee, camomile, etc. with an outer wrapper envelope.

Background Art

[0002] At present in the technical field of machines for producing filter bags it is known that the overall machine comprises a plurality of stations, which are arranged one after another, in which the above-mentioned filter bags are produced.

[0003] Each filter bag contains a metered quantity of product enclosed in a corresponding lobe of the filter bag.

[0004] Depending on the type of product and the type of machine model, the filter bags may be single-lobed or double-lobed and, according to various prior art solutions, there may subsequently be associated with them a string connecting the filter bag to a pickup tag which is connected to the free end of the string.

[0005] Regarding the association of the string to the filter bag, this may involve operations to create knots, or heat-sealing, or joining with a heat-sealable stamp, or other prior art techniques.

[0006] Similarly, the various above-mentioned joining procedures are carried out to join the string to the tag.

[0007] The string and the pickup tag are suitably positioned on the filter bag formed in that way (for example, they are wrapped around the filter bag and associated with it or tucked into it), forming a product ready for the final packaging in suitable containers or boxes.

[0008] A further procedure present in such machines is the further individual packaging of filter bags using an outer wrapper sheet suitably folded around the filter bag and closed on it by means of heat-sealing.

[0009] Normally, the outer wrapper envelope is closed in two separate ways: on two longitudinal sides or edges of the outer wrapper sheet if the sheet has a folded opening edge; or on three sides of the outer wrapper sheet, consisting of two longitudinal edges and one transversal end edge, in the case of a simple outer wrapper, that is to say, without an opening edge.

[0010] If the opening edge is present, it is in any case held in place by subsequent heat-sealing of the longitudinal edges.

[0011] At the end of this procedure, predetermined groups of the filter bags with outer wrapper are packed in boxes.

[0012] The operation for packaging filter bags in related closed outer wrappers having folded opening edges is known from patent document US 4,853,071. In the machines according to that document, producing double-lobed filter bags, along a feed direction the filter bag complete with string and tag is placed on a piece of paper forming the outer wrapper. As they are fed forward together, the filter bag and the piece of paper are folded into a "U" shape by the combination of a hopper-style guide and a pusher unit.

[0013] The hopper-style guide and the pusher unit guide the filter bag and the piece of paper towards a pickup gripper which is part of a movement station comprising a carrousel with a plurality of radial pickup grippers.

[0014] The rotation of the carrousel causes the filter bag and the piece of paper to reach a series of positions corresponding to: a station equipped with a sealer for the free edges of the filter bag; a station equipped with grippers for folding the free edge of the outer wrapper towards the rest of the piece of outer wrapper paper (held there by the carrousel grippers) and, finally, a station equipped with grippers for gripping and picking up the packet towards an external unit for sealing the longitudinal edges of the outer wrapper.

[0015] An other machine solution for closing outer wrappers having folded opening edges is known from patent document WO01/62600 A1. According to this document, the machine has a station for movement of the filter bags which comprises a plurality of grippers for gripping an individual filter bag, the grippers being arranged radially on a rotary carrousel.

[0016] The rotation of the carrousel causes the filter bags to arrive close to stations for application of the string and the tag to each other and, subsequently, to the filter bag.

[0017] A further rotation takes the filter bag close to a station for feeding a continuous web from which, by cutting, it is possible to obtain the sheet that will form the outer wrapper for the related filter bag.

[0018] Close to that station, the filter bag is translated by grippers, radially away from the rotary wheel, to allow feeding of the outer wrapper sheet between the grippers of the wheel and the filter bag itself, which is again moved towards the grippers to allow the sheet to be folded in a "U" over and around the filter bag.

[0019] After this folding, the filter bag with the sheet folded in a "U" shape is transferred to a station equipped with a single sealer which seals the transversal end edge of the folded sheet.

[0020] A further rotation of the carrousel takes the partly closed packet into contact with a pair or rollers for pressing the edges and for moving the partly closed packet away from the carrousel.

[0021] The movement away takes the packet towards a drum equipped with holders for accommodating individual packets.

[0022] The rotation of the drum moves the packet positioned in the holder until it is facing a sealing plate which, effectively, concludes closing of the outer wrapper by sealing the two longitudinal edges.

[0023] A further rotation of the drum moves the closed packet produced in that way towards a station for stacking and final packaging in suitable containment boxes.

[0024] However, both of the solutions described above have disadvantages due to the presence of two or more sealing units which are separate and positioned at different points on the machine.

[0025] This "dispersion" of the sealing zones in the machine causes an increase in operating components and the related units for moving them so that they operate in a way synchronised with the rest of the stations. Consequently, the machine has larger dimensions and there is an increase in overall costs.

[0026] It should also be noticed that, by having different packet sealing zones, as well as adding retaining elements for the filter bag and outer wrapper for the transit steps between the various stations, the definitive closing of the packet may be of lower quality.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0027] The aim of this invention is to provide a machine for packaging filter bags with products for infusion with an outer wrapper envelope which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0028] In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide a machine for packaging filter bags with products for infusion and with an outer wrapper envelope which can reduce the machine overall costs and dimensions.

[0029] A further aim of this invention is to provide a machine for packaging filter bags with an outer wrapper which can rapidly produce the final packet, keeping packet quality high.

[0030] These aims are fulfilled by the machine for packaging filter bags with products for infusion with an outer wrapper envelope according to this invention as described in the appended claims.

[0031] In particular, the machine for packaging filter bags in related closed outer wrappers comprises sealing units operating on the sheet folded into a "U" shape to form an individual closed outer wrapper packet. These sealing units are positioned along a circular operating path for the filter bags and the outer wrapper sheet formed by a carrousel, and downstream of a wrapping station. The sealing units are designed to join at least two longitudinal end edges of the outer wrapper sheet which is positioned, together with the filter bag, on the carrousel.

[0032] This structure and layout of the sealing units therefore allows definitive closing of the packet while the filter bag and the outer wrapper sheet are still positioned on the carrousel.

[0033] That allows the elimination of intermediate transit steps along the circular operating path, thus reducing the operating elements needed both for holding the filter bag and the outer wrapper sheet in the folded position, and for their transit in a series of stations, far from the carrousel, designed for packet definitive closing.

[0034] That also means a reduction of the machine overall dimensions.

[0035] Preferably, the sealing units are designed to join the two longitudinal edges and the transversal end edge of the sheet with a "U"-shaped configuration of the outer wrapper sheet joining zones.

[0036] This sealing units structure also allows the obtainment of a simplified outer wrapper closing configuration, without changing the machine architecture.

[0037] Preferably, the sealing units are connected to a control unit programmed for selecting a first sealing configuration for sealing only the two longitudinal edges, or a second sealing configuration for sealing the three edges of the outer wrapper sheet in a "U" shape.

[0038] This feature makes the machine extremely flexible in sealing operations, being able to provide two different closing configurations, depending on the type of outer wrapper to be produced, always rapidly and safely and with the packet still on the movement carrousel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filter bag and a first embodiment of an outer wrapper packet for the filter bag, made with the machine according to this invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second outer wrapper packet for the filter bag, made with the machine according to this invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic front view, with some paris cut away to better illustrate others, of the machine for packaging filter bags with an outer wrapper;

Figures 4 and 5 are both schematic front views of a detail P from Figure 3, in particular the sealing units for the outer wrapper, illustrated in two different configurations, respectively non-operating and operating;

Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view, reversed for greater clarity, of the sealing units from Figures 4 and 5.

Detailed Description of the Referred Embodiments of the Invention

[0040] With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular with reference to Figure 3, the machine according to the invention is labelled 5. The machine 5 is designed to produce filter bags 1 containing products for infusion (such as tea, coffee, camomile, etc.) and to individually package them in closed outer wrapper 2 sheets.

[0041] The filter bag 1 made by the machine 5 comprises (see Figure 1 for a non-limiting example) at least one lobe for containing a metered quantity of product and a string 3 for connecting the lobe to a pickup tag 4, the lobe and the tag being associated with respective ends of the string 3.

[0042] The filter bag 1 is made with a single lobe, or with two lobes, without thereby limiting the invention.

[0043] The machine 5 for packaging these filter bags 1 comprises a set of components for producing the filter bag 1 and the corresponding outer wrapper 2.

[0044] In light of this, the machine 5 comprises a first reel 17 for feeding a web of filter paper along a path P1 (substantially horizontal) for intercepting a metering unit 18 for individual metered quantities of product which are deposited on the web.

[0045] Filter paper web feeding then brings it to intercept a folder 19 for forming a continuous tube of filter paper and a sealer 20 for forming a sequence of closed chambers containing individual metered quantities of product.

[0046] Further feeding of the continuous tube of filter paper brings it to intercept a rotary knife 21 for separating the individual filter bags 1.

[0047] The machine 5 comprises gripper units 22 for feeding the individual filter bags 1 (single- or double-lobed) towards a carrousel 6 for packaging and moving the filter bags 1.

[0048] The components described above for forming the filter bag 1 are not described in detail, since they are of the known type.

[0049] The carrousel 6 moves the filter bag 1, in steps, along a circular operating path C (indicated with an arrow in Figure 3).

[0050] The carrousel 6 comprises (see also Figures 4 and 5) a plurality of grippers 13 projecting radially from the carrousel 6 for retaining individual filter bags 1 which are fed by the gripper units 22.

[0051] The machine 5 also comprises a series of stations arranged one after another along the circular operating path C of the carrousel 6 for intercepting the filter bag 1 and completely packaging it:

• a station 23 for application of the string 3 to the bag 1, the string 3 being fed from a spool 23a;
• a station 24 for application of the tag 4 to the string 3, the station 24 comprising a reel 24a for feeding a continuous strip of paper which is cut into individual tags 4;
• a station 25 for knotting the string 3 to the tag 4 and joining both to the filter bag 1;
• a wrapping station 7 positioned along the circular operating path C and comprising folder units 8 designed to fold a flat sheet 2 of outer wrapper material along a transversal axis of it around the filter bag 1, thus forming a "U"-shaped wrapper around the filter bag 1.

[0052] The sheet 2 is fed, in the form of a continuous web, from a reel 7a.

[0053] For these stations too, the components described are not described in detail, since they are of the known type.

[0054] Moreover, there is a fixed sealing station 30 comprising sealing units 9 operating on the sheet 2 folded in a "U" shape, for forming an individual closed outer wrapper packet.

[0055] According to the invention, these sealing units 9 are positioned along the circular operating path C, downstream of the wrapping station 7, and are designed to join at least two longitudinal end edges 2a and 2b of the outer wrapper sheet 2 which is positioned, with the filter bag 1 inside it, on the carrousel 6.

[0056] Basically, the presence of the only sealing units 9 along the circular path C allows the obtainment of a definitive filter bag and outer wrapper sheet packet 2 while they are both still on the carrousel 6, without the need for further steps.

[0057] The sealing units 9 are separate from the carrousel 6.

[0058] Preferably, the sealing units 9 are designed to join the two longitudinal edges 2a and 2b and the transversal end edge 2c with a "U"-shaped configuration of the outer wrapper sheet 2 joining zones. Preferably, the sealing units 9 are designed to join the two longitudinal edges 2a and 2b and the transversal end edge 2c of the outer wrapper sheet in the same step.

[0059] In light of this, the sealing units 9 are connected to a control unit 10 programmed for selecting a first sealing configuration for sealing only the two longitudinal edges 2a, 2b (Figure 1), or a second, "U"-shaped sealing configuration for the three edges 2a, 2b, 2c of the outer wrapper sheet (Figure 2).

[0060] The control unit 10 is illustrated with a block in Figures 4, 5 and 6 and may be integrated in a central control unit for the machine 5.

[0061] The sealing units 9 comprise a gripper with two arms 9a, 9b facing each other and articulated on at least one shared shaft 11, 12 for moving between an open, non-operating position (Figure 4) and an operating sealing position, closed on the outer wrapper sheet 2 (Figure 5).

[0062] Preferably, each arm 9a, 9b has a "U"-shaped configuration defined by linear sealing edges B1, B2, B3 designed to intercept the corresponding edges 2a, 2b, 2c of the outer wrapper sheet 2.

[0063] In light of this, a linear end transversal sealing edge B3 of each arm 9a, 9b is operatively independent with respect to the two remaining longitudinal sealing edges B1, B2 of the same arm 9a, 9b. In other words, as already indicated above, the edge B3 is activated or deactivated depending on the type of outer wrapper to be produced.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated, the three linear sealing edges B1, B2, B3 are fixed, in particular integral, with each other and are activated simultaneously for producing a filter bag 1 with a closed outer wrapper 2 having three sealed edges.

[0065] It should be noticed that, if producing the outer wrapper 2 with a free opening edge 2d, the wrapping station 7 is equipped with a folder element for further folding the opening edge 2d of the outer wrapper 2 (this component is of the known type and therefore is not described in detail).

[0066] During the sealing step the sheet 2 and the filter bag 1 are held on the folded base of the outer wrapper sheet 2 by the corresponding radial gripper 13 projecting from the carrousel 6.

[0067] The particular "U" shape of the arms 9a and 9b together with the reduced size of the gripper 13 prevents any type of contact between the two components during this sealing step.

[0068] Preferably, the sealing edges B1, B2, B3 are knurled stretches equipped with heating elements which can be activated by the control unit 10.

[0069] At a structural level, the two arms 9a, 9b are articulated or keyed about an axis X, on corresponding shafts 11 and 12 which are coaxial with each other. In other words, a first shaft 11 contains the second shaft 12 and the two shafts can rotate independently of one another.

[0070] Moreover, each arm 9a, 9b is connected to respective lever units 14 for moving the two arms 9a, 9b between the non-operating and operating positions, in such a way that they are synchronised with the stepping movement of the carrousel 6.

[0071] In turn, the lever units 14 are controlled by cam profiles 14a, 14b (illustrated with a dashed line) for movement of the lever units 14 synchronised with the carrousel 6.

[0072] Moreover, the machine 5 comprises a pickup device 17, advantageously of the gripper type, which extracts the filter bag 1 with the related closed outer wrapper 2 from the carrousel 2 to a stacking channel 16 through a pair of rollers 15a and 15b which are positioned downstream of the sealing units 9 relative to the direction of feed of the circular path C.

[0073] Basically, the packet obtained on the carrousel 6 is picked up by the gripper pickup device 17, passed through the rollers 15a and 15b with a radial movement away from the carrousel 6 and brought directly over the stacking channel 16 for a subsequent boxing step.

[0074] This invention also provides a method for sealing outer wrapper sheets 2 for filter bags 1 in the machine 5.

[0075] The method comprises at least the following steps:

• preparing an outer wrapper sheet 2 on a carrousel 6 designed to move the filter bags 1 along a circular operating path C;
• folding the outer wrapper sheet 2 while simultaneously wrapping the filter bag 1 to form a "U"-shaped outer wrapper around the filter bag 1 directly on the carrousel 6;
• closing the outer wrapper sheet 2 on the filter bag 1 by means of sealing.

[0076] The step of closing the sheet 2 is carried out by sealing units 9 which are positioned along the circular operating path C and is on at least two longitudinal edges 2a, 2b of the sheet 2 which is positioned on the carrousel 6.

[0077] Preferably, the step of closing the sheet 2 comprises the sealing of three edges, that is to say, sealing the two longitudinal edges 2a, 2b and sealing the transversal end edge 2c of the sheet 2 with a "U"-shaped configuration of the outer wrapper sheet 2 joining zones.

[0078] If sealing only the two longitudinal edges 2a, 2b, before the closing step there is a step of folding a free end edge 2d of the outer wrapper sheet 2 towards an external surface of the sheet 2 itself, to form a packet opening flap.

[0079] This folding step is carried out along the operating path C and with the filter bag 1 and the sheet 2 both positioned on the carrousel 6.

[0080] The machine and the method described above fulfil the preset aims thanks to an extremely compact, functional and flexible structure of the system for sealing the outer wrappers.

[0081] The possibility of sealing the packet immediately after wrapping the outer wrapper sheet around the filter bag and while both are still on the carrousel allows a reduction in machine dimensions, simplification of the structure of some components, such as the retaining grippers, and the reduction or elimination of other components which, in the prior art solutions, were needed to obtain the closed final packet.

Claims

1. A machine for packaging filter bags (1) for products for infusion in related closed outer wrappers (2), comprising at least:

- a carrousel (6) for packaging and moving said filter bag (1) along a circular operating path (C);

- a wrapping station (7) positioned along the circular operating path (C) and comprising folding units (8) designed to fold a flat outer wrapper sheet (2) along a transversal axis of it about the filter bag (1) to form a "U"-shaped outer wrapper around the filter bag (1);

- sealing units (9) operating on the outer wrapper sheet (2) folded in a "U" shape to form an individual, closed packet;

characterised in that the sealing units (9) are positioned along the circular operating path (C), downstream of the wrapping station (7), and designed to join at least two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) which is positioned, together with the filter bag (1), on said carrousel (6).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the sealing units (9) are designed to join said two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b) and a transversal end edge (2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) in a "U"-shaped configuration.

3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the sealing units (9) are designed to join said two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b) and a transversal end edge (2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) in a "U"-shaped configuration; the sealing units (9) being connected to a control unit (10) programmed for selecting a first sealing configuration for sealing only the two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b), or a second sealing configuration for sealing the two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b) and a transversal end edge (2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2).

4. The machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the sealing units (9) comprise a gripper with two arms (9a, 9b) facing each other and articulated on at least one shared shaft (11, 12) for moving between an open, non-operating position and a closed, operating position for sealing edges (2a, 2b, 2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2).

5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein each arm (9a, 9b) has a "U"-shaped configuration defined by sealing edges (B1, B2, B3) designed to intercept corresponding edges (2a, 2b, 2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2); the outer wrapper sheet (2) and the filter bag (1) being held on a folded base of the outer wrapper sheet (2) by a radial gripper (13) associated with, and projecting from, the carrousel (6).

6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein an end transversal sealing edge (B3) of each arm (9a, 9b) is operatively independent with respect to two remaining longitudinal sealing edges (B1, B2) of the same arm (9a, 9b).

7. The machine according to any of the claims from 4 to 6, wherein the two arms (9a, 9b) are articulated, about an axis (X), on corresponding shafts (11, 12) which are coaxially with each other; each arm (9a, 9b) being connected to respective lever units (14) for moving the two arms (9a, 9b) between said open non-operating and closed operating positions, in such a way that they are synchronised with the carrousel (6).

8. The machine according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a pickup device (17) positioned downstream of the sealing units (9) along the circular operating path (C) for picking up an individual closed packet from the carrousel (6) towards a stacking channel (16) for the packets.

9. A method for packaging filter bags (1) for products for infusion in related closed outer wrappers (2), comprising at least the following steps:

- packaging the filter bags (1) in a related packaging machine;

- preparing an outer wrapper sheet (2) on a carrousel (6) designed to package and move the filter bags (1) along a circular operating path (C);

- folding the outer wrapper sheet (2) while simultaneously wrapping the filter bag (1) to form a "U"-shaped outer wrapper around the filter bag (1) directly on the carrousel (6);

- closing the outer wrapper sheet (2) on the filter bag (1) by means of sealing;

characterised in that the step of closing the outer wrapper sheet (2) is carried out by sealing units (9) which are positioned along the circular operating path (C) and is on at least two longitudinal edges (2a, 2b) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) which is positioned, together with the filter bag (1), on the carrousel (6).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of closing the outer wrapper sheet (2) also comprises a simultaneous step of sealing a transversal end edge (2c) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) in a "U"-shaped configuration.

11. The method according to claim 9, comprising, before the closing step, a step of folding a free end edge (2d) of the outer wrapper sheet (2) towards an external surface of the outer wrapper sheet (2), thus forming an opening flap for the packet; the step of folding the free end edge of the outer wrapper sheet being carried out along the circular operating path (C) and while the filter bag (1) and the outer wrapper sheet (2) are positioned on the carrousel (6).

Ansprüche

1. Maschine zum Verpacken von Filterbeuteln (1) für Infusionsprodukte in entsprechenden geschlossenen Außenverpackungen (2), umfassend mindestens:

- ein Karussell (6) zum Verpacken und Bewegen des Filterbeutels (1) entlang eines kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C);

- eine Verpackungsstation (7), positioniert entlang des kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C) und umfassend Falteinheiten (8), ausgestaltet, um ein flaches Außenverpackungsblatt (2) entlang einer quer verlaufenden Achse davon um den Filterbeutel (1) zu falten, um eine U-förmige Außenverpackung rund um den Filterbeutel (1) zu bilden;

- Siegeleinheiten (9), die auf dem Außenverpackungsblatt (2), gefaltet in einer U-Form, arbeiten, um ein einzelnes geschlossenes Paket zu bilden;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Siegeleinheiten (9) entlang des kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C) stromabwärts der Verpackungsstation (7) positioniert sind, und ausgestaltet, um mindestens zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) zu verbinden, das zusammen mit dem Filterbeutel (1) auf dem Karussell (6) positioniert ist.

2. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Siegeleinheiten (9) ausgestaltet sind, um die zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) und eine quer verlaufende Endkante (2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) in einer U-förmigen Konfiguration zu verbinden.

3. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Siegeleinheiten (9) ausgestaltet sind, um die zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) und eine quer verlaufende Endkante (2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) in einer U-förmigen Konfiguration zu verbinden, wobei die Siegeleinheiten (9) mit einer Steuereinheit (10) verbunden sind, programmiert, um eine erste Siegelkonfiguration auszuwählen, um nur die zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) zu versiegeln, oder eine zweite Siegelkonfiguration, um die zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) und eine quer verlaufende Endkante (2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) zu versiegeln.

4. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Siegeleinheiten (9) einen Greifer mit zwei Armen (9a, 9b) umfassen, die einander zugewandt angeordnet sind und an zumindest einer gemeinsamen Welle (11, 12) gelenkig angeordnet sind, um sich zwischen einer offenen nicht betriebswirksamen Position und einer geschlossenen betriebswirksamen Position zu bewegen und die Kanten (2a, 2b, 2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) zu versiegeln.

5. Maschine nach Anspruch 4, wobei jeder Arm (9a, 9b) eine U-förmige Konfiguration aufweist, definiert durch Siegelkanten (B1, B2, B3), ausgestaltet, um entsprechende Kanten (2a, 2b, 2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) abzufangen, wobei das Außenverpackungsblatt (2) und der Filterbeutel (1) an einer gefalteten Basis des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) durch einen radialen Greifer (13) gehalten werden, der mit dem Karussell (6) verbunden ist und aus diesem herausragt.

6. Maschine nach Anspruch 5, wobei eine quer verlaufende Siegelkante (B3) eines jeden Arms (9a, 9b) betriebswirksam unabhängig zu zwei restlichen längs verlaufenden Siegelkanten (B1, B2) desselben Arms (9a, 9b) ist.

7. Maschine nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei die zwei Arme (9a, 9b) gelenkig um eine Achse (X) auf entsprechenden Wellen (11, 12) angeordnet sind, die gleichachsig zueinander angeordnet sind, wobei jeder Arm (9a, 9b) mit entsprechenden Hebeleinheiten (14) verbunden ist, um die zwei Arme (9a, 9b) zwischen der offenen nicht betriebswirksamen und der geschlossenen betriebswirksamen Position zu bewegen, sodass sie mit dem Karussell (6) synchronisiert sind.

8. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend eine Aufnahmevorrichtung (17), positioniert stromabwärts der Siegeleinheiten (9) entlang des kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C), um ein einzelnes geschlossenes Paket aus dem Karussell (6) zu einem Stapeltunnel (16) für die Pakete aufzunehmen.

9. Verfahren zum Verpacken von Filterbeuteln (1) für Infusionsprodukte in entsprechenden geschlossenen Außenverpackungen (2), umfassend mindestens folgende Schritte:

- Verpacken der Filterbeutel (1) in einer entsprechenden Verpackungsmaschine;

- Vorbereiten eines Außenverpackungsblatts (2) auf einem Karussell (6), ausgestaltet, um die Filterbeutel (1) entlang eines kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C) zu verpacken und zu bewegen;

- Falten des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) während des gleichzeitigen Einwickelns des Filterbeutels (1), um eine U-förmige Außenverpackung rund um den Filterbeutel (1) direkt auf dem Karussell (6) zu bilden;

- Verschließen des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) auf dem Filterbeutel (1) mittels Siegeln;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schritt des Verschließens des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) von Siegeleinheiten (9) durchgeführt wird, die entlang des kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C) positioniert sind, und zwar auf mindestens zwei Längskanten (2a, 2b) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2), das zusammen mit dem Filterbeutel (1) auf dem Karussell (6) positioniert ist.

10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Schritt des Verschließens des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) auch einen gleichzeitigen Schritt des Siegelns einer quer verlaufenden Kante (2c) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) in eine U-förmige Konfiguration umfasst.

11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, umfassend vor dem Schritt des Verschließens einen Schritt zum Falten einer freien Endkante (2d) des Außenverpackungsblatts (2) zu einer äußeren Oberfläche des Außenverpackungsblatts (2), wobei eine Öffnungsklappe für das Paket geformt wird, wobei der Schritt zum Falten der freien Endkante des Außenverpackungsblatts entlang des kreisförmigen Bearbeitungswegs (C) durchgeführt wird und während der Filterbeutel (1) und das Außenverpackungsblatt (2) auf dem Karussell (6) positioniert sind.

Revendications

1. Machine d'emballage de sachets filtres (1) à produits pour infusion dans des emballages extérieurs fermés (2) correspondants, comprenant au moins :

- un carrousel (6) destiné à emballer et à déplacer ledit sachet filtre (1) le long d'un parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) ;

- un poste d'enroulement (7) positionné le long du parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) et comprenant des unités de pliage (8) conçues pour plier une feuille d'emballage extérieure plate (2) le long d'un axe transversal propre autour du sachet filtre (1) pour former un emballage extérieur en forme de « U » autour du sachet filtre (1) ;

- des unités de fermeture hermétique (9) agissant sur la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) pliée en forme de « U » pour former un paquet individuel fermé ; caractérisée en ce que les unités de fermeture hermétique (9) sont positionnées le long du parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C), en aval du poste d'emballage (7) et conçues pour joindre au moins deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) étant positionnée, avec le sachet filtre (1), sur ledit carrousel (6).

2. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les unités de fermeture hermétique (9) sont conçues pour joindre lesdits deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) et un bord d'extrémité transversal (2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) dans une configuration en forme de « U ».

3. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les unités de fermeture hermétique (9) sont conçues pour joindre lesdits deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) et un bord d'extrémité transversal (2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) dans une configuration en forme de « U » ; les unités de fermeture hermétique (9) étant reliées à une unité de commande (10) programmée pour sélectionner une première configuration de fermeture hermétique pour ne sceller que les deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) ou une seconde configuration de fermeture hermétique pour sceller les deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) et un bord d'extrémité transversal (2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2).

4. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les unités de fermeture hermétique (9) comprennent un préhenseur à deux bras (9a, 9b) se faisant face et articulés sur au moins un arbre partagé (11, 12) afin de se déplacer, entre une position non fonctionnelle ouverte et une position fonctionnelle fermée, pour sceller les bords (2a, 2b, 2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2).

5. Machine selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle chaque bras (9a, 9b) possède une configuration en forme de « U » définie par des bords de scellement (B1, B2, B3) conçus pour intercepter des bords correspondants (2a, 2b, 2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) ; la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) et le sachet filtre (1) étant maintenus sur une base pliée de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) par un préhenseur radial (13) associé au carrousel et dépassant de ce dernier (6).

6. Machine selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle un bord de scellement transversal d'extrémité (B3) de chaque bras (9a, 9b) est fonctionnellement indépendant par rapport aux deux bords de scellement longitudinaux restants (B1, B2) du même bras (9a, 9b).

7. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 4 à 6, dans laquelle les deux bras (9a, 9b) sont articulés, autour d'un axe (X), sur des arbres correspondants (11, 12) étant respectivement coaxiaux ; chaque bras (9a, 9b) étant relié à des organes à levier correspondants (14) pour déplacer les deux bras (9a, 9b) entre lesdites positions non fonctionnelle ouverte et fonctionnelle fermée, de manière à ce qu'ils soient synchronisés au carrousel (6).

8. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une dispositif de ramassage (17) positionné en aval des unités de fermeture hermétique (9) le long du parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) pour ramasser un paquet individuel fermé du carrousel (6) vers un canal destiné à l'empilage (16) des paquets.

9. Procédé d'emballage de sachets filtres (1) à produits pour infusion dans des emballages extérieurs fermés (2) correspondants, comprenant au moins les étapes suivantes :

- emballer les sachets filtres (1) dans une machine d'emballage correspondante ;

- préparer une feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) sur un carrousel (6) conçu pour emballer et déplacer les sachets filtres (1) le long d'un parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) ;

- plier la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) tout en emballant simultanément le sachet filtre (1) pour former directement, sur le carrousel (6), un emballage extérieur en forme de « U » autour du sachet filtre (1) ;

- fermer la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) sur le sachet filtre (1) en pratiquant une fermeture hermétique ;

caractérisé en ce que l'étape de fermeture de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) est effectuée par des unités de fermeture hermétique (9) étant positionnées le long du parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) et sur au moins deux bords longitudinaux (2a, 2b) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) étant positionnée, avec le sachet filtre (1), sur le carrousel (6).

10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'étape de fermeture de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) comprend aussi une étape simultanée de fermeture hermétique d'un bord d'extrémité transversal (2c) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) dans une configuration en forme de « U ».

11. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant, avant l'étape de fermeture, une étape de pliage d'un bord libre d'extrémité (2d) de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) vers une surface externe de la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) formant ainsi un volet d'ouverture pour le paquet ; l'étape de pliage du bord libre d'extrémité de la feuille d'emballage extérieure étant effectuée le long du parcours circulaire en fonctionnement (C) et lorsque le sachet filtre (1) et la feuille d'emballage extérieure (2) sont positionnés sur le carrousel (6).

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