A machine for providing a sheet-like packaging element composed of a base sheet-like element and at least one lateral sheet-like element which are mutually joined by gluing

Abstract

 A machine for making a sheet-like packaging element from a central sheet-like element and at least one lateral sheet-like element, comprising:
- a magazine (5) for central elements (51);
- means (6) for extracting a central element from the magazine to a working surface (4);
- means (8) for the advancement of the central element (51) to a joining station (10);
- a gluing station (12) arranged between the central magazine and the joining station;
- a magazine (13, 14) for lateral elements (52, 53);
- means (15, 16) for extracting a lateral element from the magazine to a support track (17, 18) arranged above the working surface;
- means (21) of advancement of a lateral element to the joining station;
- means for adjusting the position of a lateral element along the support track as a function of the position of the central element;
- means (28, 29) for approaching a lateral element to the central element at the joining station (10);
- means (30) for pressing a lateral element on the central element (51) for their mutual assembly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for providing a sheet-like packaging element composed of a base sheet-like element and at least one lateral sheet-like element which are mutually joined by gluing.

[0002] In particular, the machine in question is intended to be used for making a sheet-like element to be used, for example, in automatic machines for the wrap-around packaging of any type of product in order to obtain, in automatic packaging plants, packaging of the tray-with-cover type which can be separated at two points starting from a single sheet-like die-cut element without the necessity of providing the packaging starting from two sheet-like elements to be formed separately and to be assembled directly in the final packaging plant. The machine in question can be used for the automatic provision of a sheet-like element of the type disclosed in EP2243710 B 1 filed on October 6, 2009.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a machine that can produce, automatically and at high speeds of operation, a sheet-like packaging element with an open configuration, i.e. substantially flat, composed of at least two sheet-like elements that can be folded, in a machine for packaging/wrapping the product or products to be packaged.

[0004] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a machine that makes it possible to produce a sheet-like packaging element that, at the time of displaying the packaged product or products, can be separated into two distinct elements which are constituted by a tray adapted to support the product or the products and by a cover to be removed.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine that makes it possible to produce a sheet-like packaging element, composed of at least two separable sheet-like elements, at very low cost.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a machine that ensures a high degree of precision in the assembly of the sheet-like elements that make up the sheet-like packaging element.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine that offers the highest guarantees of safety and reliability in use.

[0008] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are all achieved by a machine for providing a sheet-like packaging element composed of a base sheet-like element and at least one lateral sheet-like element which are mutually joined by gluing, characterized in that it comprises:

• a central magazine, which is adapted to accommodate a stack of base or central sheet-like elements;
• central extraction means, which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of said central sheet-like elements from said central magazine and its deposition on a working surface;
• first means for the advancement of said central sheet-like element on said working surface along an advancement direction from said central magazine to a joining station;
• at least one gluing station, which is arranged between said central magazine and said joining station along said advancement direction for the application, at preset gluing regions, of an adhesive on the upper face of said central sheet-like element;
• at least one lateral magazine, which is adapted to accommodate a stack of lateral sheet-like elements;
• lateral extraction means, which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of said lateral sheet-like elements from the corresponding lateral magazine and its deposition on a corresponding support track which is arranged above said working surface;
• second means for the advancement of at least one of said lateral sheet-like elements along said advancement direction on the corresponding support track from said at least one lateral magazine to said joining station;
• means for adjusting the position of said at least one lateral sheet-like element along the corresponding support track as a function of the position of said central sheet-like element on said working surface along said advancement direction for the positioning of said at least one lateral sheet-like element in a preset position with respect to said central sheet-like element at least at said joining station;
• means for the approach of said at least one lateral sheet-like element to said central sheet-like element at said joining station or vice versa;
• means for pressing said at least one lateral sheet-like element on said central sheet-like element for their mutual assembly at said gluing regions.

[0009] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the machine according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the machine according to the invention, as in Figure 1, but with some components removed in order to make other components better visible;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the machine according to the invention, as in Figure 2, but with some further components removed in order to make other components better visible;

Figure 4 is a partial side view of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the machine according to the invention, in a perspective view, with some components removed for greater clarity, during the production of a sheet-like packaging element which is composed of three sheet-like elements;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the machine according to the invention, in a plan view from above, with some components removed for greater clarity, during the production of a sheet-like packaging element which is composed of three sheet-like elements;

Figure 8 shows, in a manner similar to Figure 7, a different embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 9 to 13 are perspective views of the steps of production of a sheet-like packaging element, composed of three sheet-like elements, by way of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 14 to 18 are perspective views of the use of a sheet-like packaging element, produced with the machine according to the invention, in the creation of a package and in the subsequent division into a tray and a cover for displaying the packaged product or products.

[0010] With reference to the figures, the machine according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a supporting structure 2, which is provided with feet 3 for resting on the ground, that defines a working surface 4, preferably substantially horizontal, and supports a central magazine 5 which is adapted to accommodate a stack of base or central sheet-like elements 51.

[0011] The central magazine 5 is provided with central extraction means 6, which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of the central sheet-like elements 51 from the central magazine 5 and to deposit it on the working surface 4.

[0012] The central magazine 5 can be constituted, in a way that is known per se, by a bottom 5a which defines a lower resting surface for the stack of central sheet-like elements 51 and by side walls 5b which laterally delimit a compartment 5c which is destined to receive the stack of central sheet-like elements 51.

[0013] The central extraction means 6 can be constituted, in a way that is known per se, by an extraction roller 7 which is situated proximate to the bottom 5a of the central magazine 5 and is engageable, in each instance, with the central sheet-like element 51 that lies at the bottom of the stack so as to perform its extraction from the stack and its deposition on the working surface 4.

[0014] Advantageously, in order to enable the extraction roller 7 to withdraw the central sheet-like element 51, there is a pusher element 100 which is associated with the bottom 5a and is adapted to push the central sheet-like element 51 with the latter guided by two lateral brackets 101. In this manner, the pusher element 100, which with respect to the bottom 5a has a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the central sheet-like element 51, pushes the first central sheet-like element 51 of the stack so as transfer it to the extraction roller 7 which proceeds with its extraction.

[0015] The machine in question comprises first means 8 of advancement of the central sheet-like elements 51 on the working surface 4 along an advancement direction, indicated by the arrow 9, from the central magazine 5 to a joining station 10 which is arranged along the path followed by the central sheet-like elements 51, on the working surface 4, in their movement along the advancement direction 9.

[0016] These first advancement means 8 can be constituted by conventional transport devices, such as for example conveyors with cleats, a suction conveyor belt or a belt and counter-belt arrangement, which cooperate with the supporting structure 2 in defining the working surface 4 so that the central sheet-like elements 51, resting on such devices, progressively advance toward the joining station 10. In the embodiment shown, the first advancement means 8 are constituted by a pair of belts 11a, 11b arranged mutually side by side along the advancement direction 9.

[0017] Between the central magazine 5 and the joining station 10, there is a gluing station 12 where adhesive spraying nozzles, conventional and not shown in detail for the sake of simplicity, are provided and can be actuated in order to apply, at preset gluing regions 54, an adhesive on the upper face of the central sheet-like element 51.

[0018] The machine according to the invention also comprises at least one lateral magazine 13, 14 which is adapted to accommodate a stack of lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 and is provided with lateral extraction means 15, 16 which can be actuated to perform, in each instance, the extraction of a lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 from the lateral magazine 14 and its deposition on a corresponding support track 17, 18 which is arranged above the working surface 4.

[0019] Preferably, there are at least two lateral magazines 13, 14 which are arranged laterally and on mutually opposite sides with respect to the advancement path of the central sheet-like element 51 on the working surface 4 along the advancement direction 9 so as to make it possible to provide a sheet-like packaging element 50 composed of a central element 51 and of at least two lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 which are connected laterally, at two mutually opposite sides, to the central sheet-like element 51.

[0020] For the sake of simplicity of explanation, from this point onward, the machine according to the invention will be described with regard to the embodiment shown in the figures, which has two lateral magazines 13, 14 and which thus is adapted to the production of a sheet-like packaging element 50 composed of a central sheet-like element 51 and of two lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53, without prejudice to the fact that the machine in question can have a different number of lateral magazines and thus can produce sheet-like packaging elements which are composed of a different number of lateral sheet-like elements.

[0021] Each lateral magazine 13, 14 can be constituted, in a way that is known per se, by a bottom 13a, 14a which defines a lower resting surface for the stack of lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 and by side walls 13b, 14b which laterally delimit a compartment 13c, 14c which is destined to receive the stack of lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53.

[0022] The lateral extraction means 15, 16 can be constituted, in a way that is known per se and similarly to the central extraction means 6, by an extraction roller 19, 20 which is arranged proximate to the bottom 13a, 14a of the corresponding lateral magazine 13, 14 and is engageable, in each instance, with the lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 that lies at the bottom of the stack so as to perform its extraction from the stack and its deposition on the corresponding support track 17, 18.

[0023] Advantageously, in order to enable the extraction roller 19, 20 to withdraw the lateral sheet-like element 52, 53, there is a pusher element 102 which is associated with the bottom 13a, 14a and is adapted to push the lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 with the latter being guided by two lateral brackets 103. In this manner, the pusher element 102, which with respect to the bottom 13a has a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the lateral sheet-like element 52, 53, pushes the first lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 of the stack so as transfer it to the extraction roller 19, 20 which proceeds with its extraction.

[0024] The machine in question comprises, furthermore, second means 21 of advancement of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 along the corresponding support track 17, 18 from the corresponding lateral magazine 13, 14 to the joining station 10 and means are provided for adjusting the position of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 along the corresponding support track 17, 18 as a function of the position of the central sheet-like element 51, with which they must be assembled, on the working surface 4 during its advancement along the advancement direction 9 so that, upon arrival at the joining station 10, the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 are in a preset position with respect to the central sheet-like element 51 with which they must be assembled.

[0025] More specifically, each support track 17, 18, in the embodiment shown, is constituted by a pair of brackets 22, 23, 24, 25, which are arranged mutually side by side along a direction parallel to the advancement direction 9, and which each have a base wing that defines a resting surface for one side of the corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 and a substantially vertical wing that defines a lateral containment wall for the corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53.

[0026] The brackets 22, 23, 24, 25 are oriented at right angles to the direction of extraction 26, 27 of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 from the corresponding lateral magazine 13, 14 and the vertical wing of the bracket 22, 24 arranged farther from the corresponding lateral magazine 13, 14 is higher than the vertical wing of the other bracket 23, 25 so as to define an arrest abutment for the lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 which is extracted from the lateral magazine 13, 14 and is placed against such vertical wing by the corresponding extraction roller 19, 20 and which then rests, by way of two opposite sides thereof, on the base wings of the pair of brackets 22, 23, 24,25.

[0027] The second advancement means 21 can be constituted by conventional transport devices, such as for example conveyors with cleats, a suction conveyor belt or a belt and counter-belt arrangement, which engage with the corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 in order to cause its advancement along the corresponding support track 17, 18 toward the joining station 10.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the second advancement means 21, for each support track 17, 18, are constituted by a catenary provided with cleats which are engageable, in each instance, with a lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 which is extracted from the corresponding lateral magazine 13, 14 and deposited on the corresponding support track 17, 18.

[0029] The means for adjusting the position of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 along the corresponding support track 17, 18 are constituted by the same second advancement means 21 which are of the variable speed type, so as to make it possible to vary their advancement speed as a function of the position of the corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 with respect to the position detected, by way of adapted means, conventional and not shown for the sake of simplicity, of detection of the central sheet-like element 51, to be assembled to such corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53, on the working surface 4.

[0030] In practice, the advancement speed of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 along the corresponding support track 17, 18 is suitably varied as a function of the position of the central sheet-like element 51 along the advancement direction 9 so that the various sheet-like elements 51, 52, 53 that make up a sheet-like packaging element 50 arrive at the joining station 10 correctly positioned with respect to each other.

[0031] Alternatively, as illustrated schematically in the different embodiment in Figure 8, the second advancement means 21 can be of the type with constant advancement speed and can be actuated with an advancement speed equal to that of the first advancement means 8. In this case the means for adjusting the position of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 relative to the central sheet-like element 51 to which they must be assembled can still be constituted by the same second advancement means 21 which, however, are activated when the corresponding central sheet-like element 51 reaches a preset position on the working surface 4 along the advancement direction 9 so that the various sheet-like elements 51, 52, 53 which make up the sheet-like packaging element 50 to be provided arrive at the joining station 10 still correctly positioned with respect to each other.

[0032] The machine comprises means 28, 29 for the approach of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 to the central sheet-like element 51 at the joining station 10 or vice versa.

[0033] Such approach means 28, 29 can be constituted simply by a portion which is inclined downward toward the working surface 4 of the support tracks 17, 18 so that the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53, at the joining station 10, lie on the central sheet-like element 51 to which they must be assembled.

[0034] In a possible embodiment of the machine 1, not shown in the figures, there can be a kinematic inversion of the described approach means 28, 29, i.e. these means can be substituted simply by an upward inclined portion of the working surface 4 of the support tracks 17, 18 so that the central sheet-like element 51, at the joining station 10, comes into contact with the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 with which it must be assembled, by approaching them and not by being approached.

[0035] Immediately downstream of the joining station 10, according to the advancement direction 9, there are pressing means 30 which are preferably constituted by pressing rollers 31 which face downward above the working surface 4 and can engage against the upper face of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 at least at the gluing regions 54 of the central sheet-like element 51 on which the adhesive has been applied.

[0036] Starting from the joining station 10, there are means 32 for the combined advancement of the central sheet-like element 51 and of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 at least up to the pressing rollers 31.

[0037] Such combined advancement means 32 comprise, preferably, the first advancement means 8, i.e. the pair of belts 11a, 11b that extend beyond the joining station 10 plus third advancement means 33, which are constituted for example by belts or by other conventional advancement devices, which can engage the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 and which have an advancement speed equal to the advancement speed of the first advancement means 8.

[0038] The machine according to the invention is completed by means of retention of the central sheet-like element 51 and of the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 on the working surface 4. Such retention means can be constituted, in a way that is known per se, by belts or rollers or laminae of harmonic steel or other elastic material, generally designated with the reference numeral 34.

[0039] Operation of the machine according to the invention is as follows.

[0040] The central sheet-like elements 51 are arranged in the central magazine 5 and the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 are arranged in the lateral magazines 13, 14.

[0041] The central sheet-like elements 5 and the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 are constituted by punched elements with preset fold creases to be used in the formation of the packaging, for example as described in the patent applications cited above.

[0042] In each instance, the extraction roller 7 of the central magazine 5 extracts a central sheet-like element 51 and deposits it on the working surface 4, that is on the belts 11a, 11b the actuation of which causes the progressive advancement of the central sheet-like element 51 along the advancement direction 9 toward the joining station 10.

[0043] During this advancement, the central sheet-like element 51 passes through the gluing station 12 where the adhesive is applied on its upper face, at the preset gluing regions 54.

[0044] The extraction rollers 19, 20 of the lateral magazines 13, 14 extract, in each instance, a corresponding lateral sheet-like element 52, 53 and load it on the corresponding support track 17, 18 along which it is caused to advance toward the joining station 10, as explained above, so that the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 arrive at the joining station 10 correctly positioned relatively to the central sheet-like element 51 to which they must be assembled.

[0045] In the joining station 10, the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 are laid down on the central sheet-like element 51 and, immediately afterwards, are pressed against it by the pressing rollers 31 so as to effect the assembly of the sheet-like elements 51, 52, 53 with each other in the gluing regions 54.

[0046] In this manner the sheet-like packaging element 50 is obtained, and is then removed from the machine.

[0047] As shown in Figures 14 to 18 and as explained in more detail in EP2243710 B1, the central sheet-like element 51 constitutes the base or tray while the lateral sheet-like elements 52, 53 constitute the cover of a packaging of the tray 60 with cover 61 type which can be "wrapped" and closed about the product or products to be packaged, using the preset fold creases, in automatic packaging machines, as schematically illustrated in Figures 14 to 17.

[0048] When the product or the products must be displayed, the cover 61 is detached from the tray 60 by removal of the gluing points in the gluing regions 54, as illustrated in Figure 18.

[0049] In practice it has been found that the machine according to the invention fully achieves the set aim since it makes it possible to produce, automatically and with high speeds of production, a sheet-like packaging element with an open configuration, i.e. substantially flat, composed of at least two sheet-like elements that can be folded, in a machine for packaging/wrapping the product or products to be packaged.

[0050] Although the machine according to the invention and its operation have been described, for the sake of simplicity and greater clarity, with particular reference to the provision of a sheet-like packaging element composed of a central sheet-like element and of two lateral sheet-like elements, it can be used in order to provide sheet-like packaging elements composed of a different number of lateral sheet-like elements by providing a different number of lateral magazines, as well as the corresponding support tracks and second means for the advancement of the lateral sheet-like elements along the corresponding support tracks.

[0051] The machine, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0052] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0053] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. AR2012A000026 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A machine for providing a sheet-like packaging element composed of a base sheet-like element and at least one lateral sheet-like element which are mutually joined by gluing, characterized in that it comprises:

- a central magazine (5), which is adapted to accommodate a stack of base or central sheet-like elements (51);

- central extraction means (6), which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of said central sheet-like elements (51) from said central magazine (5) and its deposition on a working surface (4);

- first means (8) for the advancement of said central sheet-like element (51) on said working surface (4) along an advancement direction (9) from said central magazine (5) to a joining station (10);

- at least one gluing station (12), which is arranged between said central magazine (5) and said joining station (10) along said advancement direction (9) for the application, at preset gluing regions (54), of an adhesive on the upper face of said central sheet-like element (51);

- at least one lateral magazine (13, 14), which is adapted to accommodate a stack of lateral sheet-like elements (52, 53);

- lateral extraction means (15, 16), which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of said lateral sheet-like elements (52, 53) from the corresponding lateral magazine (13, 14) and its deposition on a corresponding support track (17, 18) which is arranged above said working surface (4);

- second means (21) for the advancement of at least one of said lateral sheet-like elements (52, 53) along said advancement direction (9) on the corresponding support track (17, 18) from said at least one lateral magazine (13, 14) to said joining station (10);

- means for adjusting the position of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) along the corresponding support track (17, 18) as a function of the position of said central sheet-like element (51) on said working surface (4) along said advancement direction (9) for the positioning of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) in a preset position with respect to said central sheet-like element (51) at least at said joining station (10);

- means (28, 29) for the approach of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) to said central sheet-like element (51) at said joining station (10) or vice versa;

- means (30) for pressing said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) on said central sheet-like element (51) for their mutual assembly at said gluing regions (54).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one lateral magazine (13, 14) comprises at least two lateral magazines (13, 14), which are arranged laterally and on mutually opposite sides with respect to the advancement path of said central sheet-like element (51) on said working surface (4) along said advancement direction (9), each one of said lateral magazines (13, 14) being provided with corresponding lateral extraction means (15, 16) which can be actuated to perform in each instance the extraction of one of said lateral sheet-like elements (52, 53) from the corresponding lateral magazine (13, 14) and its deposition on the corresponding support track (17, 18) which is arranged above said working surface (4).

3. The machine according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said means for adjusting the position of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) along the corresponding support track (17, 18) comprise said second advancement means (21), which are constituted by means for advancement at a speed that is variable as a function of the position of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) with respect to the position, on said working surface (4) along said advancement direction (9), of the central sheet-like element (51) with which it is to be assembled.

4. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for adjusting the position of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) along the corresponding support track (17, 18) comprise said second advancement means (21), which have an advancement speed that is constant and equal to the speed of said first advancement means (8), said second advancement means (21) being able to be activated in order to cause the advancement of the corresponding lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) along the corresponding support track (17, 18), when the central sheet-like element (51) to be assembled with said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) reaches, on said working surface (4) along said advancement direction (9), a preset position.

5. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said approach means (28, 29) are constituted by a portion which is inclined downward toward said working surface (4) of said support track (17, 18).

6. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pressing means (30) comprise pressing rollers (31, 32), which face downward above said working surface (4) downstream of said joining station (10) along said advancement direction (9) and can engage the upper face of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) at least at said gluing regions (54).

7. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (34) for retaining said central sheet-like element (51) and said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) on said working surface (4).

8. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (32) for the combined advancement of said central sheet-like element (51) and of said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) starting from said joining station (10).

9. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said combined advancement means (32) comprise said first advancement means (8), which protrude beyond said joining station (10), plus third advancement means (33), which can engage said at least one lateral sheet-like element (52, 53) and have an advancement speed that is equal to the advancement speed of said first advancement means (8).

Drawing