METHOD AND APPARATUS TO SEPARATE WRAPPINGS

Abstract

 The invention concerns a method to separate sealed wrappings (100) able to contain substances, such as for example powder, granules, tablets, in particular of a foodstuff, pharmaceutical or cosmetic nature, which provides to feed a strip (102) of wrappings (100) toward separator means (14) in a direction of feed (D1) and to drive said separator means (14) separating the wrapping (100) from the strip (102), when the wrapping (100) has arrived in a separation zone in correspondence with which said separator means (14) penetrate in said strip (102) in order to separate the wrappings (100) from the latter, acting along a cutting directrix (D2) oriented according to a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed (D1) as above. The invention also concerns a corresponding apparatus for separating wrappings (100) configured to perform the method for separating wrappings (100) and a packaging machine comprising the apparatus (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a method to separate wrappings, such as for example sachets, double sachets, bags.

[0002] In particular, the wrappings are suitable to contain solid substances in powder, granule or tablet form.

[0003] The substances may be, by way of non-restrictive example, drugs, supplements, food preparations, for both human and animal use, cosmetics, substances for washing and disinfection, chemical or biological substances, whether dangerous or not, and suchlike.

[0004] The present invention also concerns an apparatus for separating wrappings which implements the method according to the present invention, and a packaging machine comprising said apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Automated packaging machines or lines for forming and/or filling flexible wrappings are known in the state of the art.

[0006] These known machines or lines usually comprise a machine or processing station located upstream, for example a filling station in which the wrappings to be packaged are filled.

[0007] The filling station is usually suitable to load or form a wrapping inside which the substances with which the wrapping has to be filled are inserted.

[0008] After filling, the filling station usually provides a panel, or matrix, of wrappings, consisting of a series of rows and columns of wrappings filled and attached to each other.

[0009] The panel of wrappings is then received by an apparatus for separating the wrappings, which first cuts it into strips of wrappings, and then separates said strips further, into individual wrappings, where each strip consists of a single column of wrappings of said panel.

[0010] The apparatus for separating the wrappings then picks up each individual wrapping to send it toward one or more exit conveyor means, said means being typically conformed as movement lines of a known type.

[0011] The conveyor means transport the wrappings to a machine or processing station located downstream, for example a packaging station in which the wrappings to be packaged are disposed in an orderly manner inside boxes or cartons or flexible packages.

[0012] The separator apparatus can comprise separator means to separate the wrappings, and gripping means to pick up the separated wrapping.

[0013] For example, on cutting the single wrapping, known methods can provide to let it fall by gravity for a more or less long segment toward the gripping mean. The gripping mean then intercepts the wrapping and grips it, transporting it far from the strip of wrappings.

[0014] One disadvantage of separator apparatuses known in the state of the art is that, frequently, the gripping means are not able to correctly pick up the wrappings after cutting, thus letting them fall to the ground.

[0015] Often, even if the gripping means are able to pick up the wrapping, the gripping position is not optimal, because for example the wrapping is gripped in an incorrect position, for example too close to an edge, or with an incorrect angle.

[0016] For example, this can happen because, when it falls, the wrapping can assume a random, uncontrollable orientation, which can also represent a non-optimal configuration for gripping.

[0017] In this way, the subsequent operations to transport and package the wrappings can also be made more difficult. In fact, typically, the probability increases that the wrappings, if they have not been correctly gripped by the gripping means, fall from the conveyor belt or are positioned in a way that is not suitable for insertion into the package. Consequently, there can also be slowdowns in the packaging process and blockages, which could cause malfunctions of the packaging machine, with long downtimes of the machine, necessary to restore correct functioning.

[0018] Another disadvantage of the state of the art is also due to the fact that, in order to reduce the number of failed or incorrect gripping operations, the speed of the cutting process must be decreased, also slowing down the packaging process overall.

[0019] According to alternative embodiments, separator apparatuses can be configured, in an initial set-up step that precedes the production of a batch of wrappings having a certain size, so that the gripping means are located in a fixed position such as to allow them to grip the wrappings before they are separated from the corresponding strips.

[0020] One disadvantage of these embodiments is that the separator apparatus is suitable to process only wrappings of a certain size, and with each change in the format of the wrappings, the gripping means must be suitably repositioned in a position correlated to the sizes of the new wrappings to be processed. The positioning of the gripping means requires long and laborious set-up operations, with consequent long downtimes of the machine.

[0021] Document JP2007191197 shows an apparatus for separating sachets from a strip of sachets in which a gripping member is configured to grip a sachet in correspondence with a cutting station, and to translate in a diagonal direction in order to take the gripped sachet toward a conveyor belt at exit from the apparatus. However, this apparatus provides that the sachets are filled and sealed in correspondence with the cutting station, in which a cutting device is equipped with suitable sealing means. This necessarily implies an intermittent feed of the sachets. Furthermore, it is not precisely specified at what moment the gripping member grips the sachet with respect to cutting and sealing.

[0022] Document DE 1020108202021 shows a gripping device which comprises an articulated arm with two joints, and equipped with a gripping head with suction cups. The articulated arm allows a wide range of movements of the article that is gripped by the gripping head.

[0023] US patent 8631633 describes a sealing unit to close individual sachets, comprising in succession a sealing device, a cutting device and a device to grip the separated sachet. Downstream of the latter a gripping and feed member is provided, which grips the lower edge of the sachet while it is closed in its upper part, and draws the sachet to bring the upper edge into correspondence with the cutting device. During cutting, which causes the separation of the sachet from the rest of the strip, the sachet is held in position by abutment members of the cutting device, to be subsequently gripped by a gripping member equipped with a suction cup which grips the sachet laterally. A gripping member like this does not allow to guarantee the correct positioning of the sachet in the following exit station.

[0024] Document GB 1271214 shows an apparatus for separating sachets in which the sachets are filled, sealed and cut in correspondence with a cutting station. Directly downstream of the cutting station a rotary gripping device is provided, which takes, by means of a suction cup, the sachet that has just been cut and, by means of a rotation of about 90°, deposits it in a receptacle located immediately below. The gripping device, providing a suction cup, does not allow to guarantee the correct positioning of the sachet even though it is configured to move it over a minimum distance. Furthermore, the configuration of this apparatus does not allow to easily process sachets of various sizes.

[0025] There is therefore a need to perfect a method to separate wrappings and a corresponding apparatus for separating wrappings, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0026] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to improve the grip of the wrappings that have been separated from the strip of wrappings, preventing the free, that is, unaccompanied or controlled, fall thereof.

[0027] One purpose is also to facilitate the operations to transport and insert the wrappings into the packages following the intervention of the gripping means.

[0028] One purpose of the invention is also to speed up the packaging processes, both by avoiding unwanted blockages of the packaging machine, and also by increasing the speed of the cutting process as far as possible.

[0029] One purpose is also to avoid long and costly machine downtimes in order to provide the correct configuration of the gripping means.

[0030] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine comprising an apparatus for separating wrappings able to obtain the purposes indicated above and to carry out the corresponding method to separate wrappings.

[0031] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0033] In accordance with the above purposes, some embodiments described here concern a method to separate sealed wrappings able to contain substances, such as for example powder, granules, tablets, in particular of a foodstuff, pharmaceutical or cosmetic nature for a machine that packages wrappings, which overcomes the limits of the state of the art and eliminates the defects present therein.

[0034] Some embodiments described here also concern an apparatus for separating wrappings and a packaging machine that comprises it, which implement the method according to the invention.

[0035] In accordance with some embodiments, the method to separate wrappings provides that, in a known manner, a panel of wrappings configured as a matrix of wrappings, comprising a plurality of rows and columns, is cut into strips of wrappings along cutting directrices parallel to a direction of feed.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the method provides that the strip of wrappings is fed toward separator means in the direction of feed. Preferably, the strip of wrappings is fed with a continuous motion, but an intermittent motion can also be provided.

[0037] According to some embodiments, when the wrapping has arrived in a separation zone, in correspondence with which the separator means penetrate in the strip in order to separate the wrappings from the latter by acting along a cutting directrix oriented according to a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed as above, the separator means are driven, separating the wrapping from the strip of wrappings.

[0038] According to the invention, the method provides to grip said wrapping with gripping means.

[0039] According to the invention, the method provides that the gripping means as above are supported by mobile support arms and also provides to move these arms according to a movement having at least one linear translation component, in particular parallel to a directrix of vertical movement, in such a way as to alternately move the gripping means closer to or away from the wrapping.

[0040] According to the invention, the method therefore provides that the gripping means grip the wrapping before it is completely separated from the strip and accompany it, once separated, toward exit conveyor means.

[0041] The exit conveyor means as above can be configured as a line for moving the wrappings toward a working machine or station located downstream.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the method provides to drive the gripping means in rotation about an axis of rotation, so that the gripping means follow a trajectory defined by the combination of at least the linear translation component of the mobile arms and the rotation of the gripping means, in order to define a rotary-translational motion.

[0043] In particular, the rotation of the gripping means as above can occur according to an oscillatory movement.

[0044] It is an advantage, therefore, that in the method and in the apparatus according to the present invention the wrapping does not fall free after the cutting, but is instead accompanied, in the correct position, resting on the exit conveyor means as above.

[0045] It is also an advantage that the wrapping can be gripped when it is anchored, at least in a part thereof, to the strip of wrappings, so that its position and angle are known and controlled, thus allowing a better and repeatable grip.

[0046] A further advantage consists in the fact that the separation speed can be increased, since it is not necessary to control the separation process in order to prevent the wrapping from moving excessively from the predefined position for the grip by the gripping means.

[0047] Yet another advantage of the method and of the apparatus according to the present invention is that of being very flexible during use, because they can work wrappings of different sizes without requiring any set-up operation of the gripping means whatsoever.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the method provides that the separation is carried out according to a scissor-like movement along a transverse edge of the wrapping that connects two lateral edges of the latter.

[0049] According to some variants, alternative to the previous ones, the method provides that the separator means affect the entire separation zone at the same time, thus providing a clear separation of the wrapping from the strip of wrappings by means of a shearing that simultaneously affects the entire transverse edge. This causes the newly separated wrapping to fall straight, that is, without being at all inclined with respect to its position before the cutting.

[0050] It is an advantage that, even in the event the separation line is affected by the separation by shearing along its entire extension simultaneously, the method still allows to prevent the wrapping from falling or being positioned incorrectly, since it is already constrained and retained by the gripping means.

[0051] In accordance with some embodiments, the method provides that the gripping means grip the wrapping in correspondence with a part thereof that is distanced from, preferably opposite, the part in which the separation of the wrapping by means of the separator means occurs. More preferably, the grip of the wrapping, carried out by the gripping means, occurs in correspondence with the edge opposite the edge where the separation of the wrapping takes place.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for separating wrappings, in particular configured to perform the method as above.

[0053] The apparatus comprises a cutting assembly equipped with separator means able to separate strips of wrappings into the individual wrappings, and a gripping assembly which comprises gripping means configured to grip the individual wrapping, and mobile support arms able to support the gripping means.

[0054] According to the invention, the arms are mobile at least in a direction of linear translation, in particular parallel to a directrix of vertical movement, so as to alternately move the gripping means closer to or away from the wrapping, so as to respectively allow the gripping means to grip the wrapping before it is completely separated from the strip, and accompany the separated wrapping toward exit conveyor means.

[0055] In accordance with some embodiments, the gripping means comprise an attachment and a gripper gripping mechanism. The gripping mechanism advantageously comprises two portions, each one mobile with respect to the other between a non-operative position, in which the portions are reciprocally distanced, and an operative position, in which the portions are clamped in order to grip the wrapping.

[0056] Favorably, the gripping assembly comprises a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation and constrained to the arms by means of pins, and the gripping mechanism is constrained on the shaft by means of the attachment.

[0057] Preferably, the gripping means are configured to rotate about the axis of rotation as above, in order to accompany the wrapping resting on the exit conveyor means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gripping assembly comprised in an apparatus for separating wrappings in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
• fig. 2 is a front elevation view of a panel of wrappings, in which a portion of the apparatus for separating wrappings according to the present invention is also schematically shown;
• figs. from 3 to 7 show a sequence of the method to separate wrappings according to embodiments described here.

[0059] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0060] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

[0061] With reference to the attached drawings, an apparatus 10 for separating wrappings 100 for a packaging machine, hereafter referred to as apparatus 10, is described.

[0062] The sealed wrappings 100 are able to contain substances, for example powder, granules, tablets, typically of a foodstuff, pharmaceutical or cosmetic nature.

[0063] The apparatus 10 comprises a cutting assembly 11 and a gripping assembly 12. According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly 11 is able to cut a panel 101 of wrappings 100 into strips 102 of wrappings 100, and then to separate the strips 102 into the individual wrappings 100.

[0064] The cutting assembly 11 can comprise cutting means 13 and separator means 14.

[0065] With reference to fig. 2, the cutting means 13 can be configured, in a known manner, to cut the panel 101 in a longitudinal direction, so as to divide the panel 101 into strips 102. The cutting means 13 can comprise rotating disk elements, elements for laser cutting, scissor elements and suchlike.

[0066] By way of a non-limiting example, with particular reference to fig. 4, the disc elements 13 are configured to rotate on a plane perpendicular with respect to the panel 101 and to cut said panel 101 along separation lines 103 in correspondence with the longitudinal sealing lines of the wrappings 100.

[0067] With reference to figs. from 2 to 7, the separator means 14 can be configured, in a known manner, to separate the strips 102 into the individual wrappings 100. This separation occurs along a line transverse to the panel 101, that is, transverse to a direction of feed of the strip 102, as will be explained in more detail below. The separator means 14 can be substantially similar to the cutting means 13, and therefore comprise disc elements, rotating elements, elements for laser cutting, scissor elements and suchlike.

[0068] By way of a non-limiting example, with reference to figs. from 3 to 7, the separator means 14 are configured as a rotating element with an axis of rotation perpendicular to a direction of feed D1 of the strip 102. The rotating element 14 can have at least two projecting elements 15 on its external surface. The projecting elements 15 can be configured with a cutting end 16, able to separate the wrapping 100 from the strip 102.

[0069] In the case of two projecting elements, as shown, it is possible to define two axes A1, A2, passing through the two projecting elements 15, so as to define the directrix along which the cutting ends 16 extend.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the separator means 14 are able to generate a scissor-like movement of the cutting ends 16 along a transverse edge 105 of the wrapping 100 which connects two lateral edges 106 of the latter.

[0071] With reference to this example, the projecting elements 15 can be configured in directions that are not perpendicular to each other, so as to present, during the rotation of the separator means 14, a single point of contact which moves in the direction of the cutting.

[0072] According to one variant, not shown, the separator means 14 are configured as shearing means able to affect the entire separation zone at the same time, thus providing a clear separation of the wrapping 100 from the strip 102 by means of a shearing that simultaneously affects the entire transverse edge 105.

[0073] In this variant, the projecting elements 15 can extend parallel to each other, so as to be in contact with each other for the entire extension of their cutting end 16, during the separation of the wrapping 100 from the strip 102.

[0074] It should be noted that, advantageously, the wrappings 100 that arrive at the cutting assembly 11 are already hermetically sealed. Therefore, the separator means 14 do not provide any integrated sealing device whatsoever, and also do not provide any type of gripping members whatsoever, other than those provided in the gripping assembly 12.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the gripping assembly 12 is configured to grip the separated wrapping 100 and accompany it toward the exit conveyor means 21. For example, the exit conveyor means 21 can be configured as a line for moving the wrappings 100 (fig. 7) toward a working machine or station located downstream.

[0076] The gripping assembly 12 can comprise one or more gripping means 17 and one or more support arms 18, able to support the one or more gripping means 17.

[0077] According to the invention, the arms 18 are mobile in a vertical direction, as indicated by the arrow F1 in fig. 3, so as to translate the gripping means 17 toward the wrapping 100 so as to grip it before it is completely separated from the strip 102.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the separator apparatus 10 comprises one or more movement means, not shown in the drawings and of a type known in the state of the art, in order to vertically translate the arms 18.

[0079] The movement means can comprise a motor and a device for controlling the translation of the gripping assembly 12.

[0080] The gripping assembly 12 can also comprise a shaft 22. As shown in fig. 1, the gripping means 17 can be constrained on the arms 18 by means of the shaft 22.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the shaft 22 can be constrained to the arms 18 by means of pins 23.

[0082] The gripping mean 17 can comprise an attachment 19 and a gripping mechanism 20.

[0083] The attachment 19 can be able to connect the gripping mechanism 20 to the shaft 22.

[0084] The gripping mechanism 20 is configured to contact and grip the wrapping 100 in a stable manner and to release it once it has been deposited on the exit conveyor means 21. For example, the gripping mechanism 20 can be configured to rest the wrapping 100 on the exit conveyor means 21 or to let it fall, in a controlled manner and in a correct position, onto the same exit conveyor means 21.

[0085] Preferably, the gripping mechanism 20 is configured to contact and grip the wrapping 100 in a stable manner in correspondence with a lower part thereof, more preferably in correspondence with its lower edge. This lower part or edge is opposite the upper part or edge, in correspondence with which the separation of the wrapping 100 occurs by means of the separator means 14.

[0086] The gripping mechanism 20 can be configured as a hook, a gripper, a sucker element or suchlike. By way of example, with reference to figs. from 3 to 7, the gripping mechanism 20 is configured as a gripper. The gripper shown is advantageously oriented so as to grip the wrappings from below, in correspondence with their lower edge. More precisely, the gripper is oriented upward.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the gripping mechanism 20 comprises two portions 20a and 20b.

[0088] According to some embodiments, both the portions 20a and 20b can be mobile with respect to each other between a non-operative position, in which the portions 20a and 20b are reciprocally distanced, and an operative position, in which they are reciprocally close to each other so as to be clamped and able to grip the wrapping 100. For example, they can be mounted on a butterfly element, reciprocally moving closer to or away from each other.

[0089] According to one variant, one portion can be fixed and the other mobile. For example, the portion 20a can be fixed and the portion 20b can be mobile.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the gripping mechanism 20 also comprises motor means, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, for moving the portions 20b and 20a between the non-operative position and the operative position as above.

[0091] The gripping mechanism 20 can also be a double mechanism, for example having a double hook or a double gripper or suchlike. For example, as shown in fig. 1, in this case it can be able to grip wrappings 100 in the form of double sachets, maintaining a better control on the wrapping 100 to prevent the latter from bending in correspondence with the center line 107 (fig. 2) of the wrapping 100 in the form of a double sachet.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the gripping means are each equipped with a pair of portions 20a, 20b (fig. 1). In this way, each wrapping 100 is gripped by two pairs of portions 20a, 20b of the same gripping mean 17, in two different points, to the advantage of greater stability of the wrapping and a better grip thereof. In particular, with two pairs of portions 20a, 20b the risk of the wrapping inclining when it is transported by the gripping mechanism 20 is reduced.

[0093] The gripping mean 17 can be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation A3, coinciding with the axis of the pin 23. In particular, it can be configured to rotate in both senses of rotation.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the angle of rotation can be greater than 0° and smaller than 180°. In particular, the rotation can occur according to an oscillatory movement.

[0095] According to one variant, the gripping mean 17 can rotate according to a complete round angle, performing a continuous or periodic movement in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the arm 18 puts the gripping means 17 in connection with an actuator device, of a type known in the state of the art and not shown. The actuator device can comprise a motor and a device for controlling the rotation of the gripping means 17.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the actuator device is configured to make the shaft 22 rotate around the pin 23.

[0098] In this way, the rotation motion is transferred to the gripping means 17, integral with the shaft 22, so as to be able to accompany the wrapping 100 toward the exit conveyor means 21.

[0099] As shown in the sequence of figs. 3-7, the gripping mean 17 therefore follows a trajectory defined by the combination at least of the linear translation component of the arms 18 and the rotation of the gripping mean 17 itself, in order to define a rotary-translational motion, so that, in a gripping step, it moves closer to the wrapping 100 at exit from the separator means 14, and subsequently it moves away in the opposite sense, in a step of removing the already separated wrapping 100, in order to deposit it on the exit conveyor means 21.

[0100] According to one variant, not shown in the drawings, each attachment 19 can be connected directly to one arm, and one or more arms can be connected to each other by means of a shaft and/or directly with the actuator device. In this case, each arm can provide its own movement means able to achieve the vertical translation.

[0101] According to this variant, the gripping mean 17 can be attached to one arm by means of a pin and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, coinciding with the axis of the pin.

[0102] Some embodiments described here also concern a method to separate sealed wrappings 100 by means of the apparatus 10 for separating wrappings 100 according to the invention.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the method provides that the apparatus 10 receives a panel 101 of wrappings 100, configured as a matrix of rows and columns, each comprising a plurality of wrappings 100 (fig. 2). Favorably, the wrappings 100 are all already filled and sealed. It should be noted that the panel 101 of wrappings 100 can be fed to the apparatus 10 with continuous motion or with intermittent motion. The continuous motion is preferred since it allows greater productivity.

[0104] The method can provide to cut said panel 101, in a known manner and along cutting directrices parallel to a direction of feed D1, into strips 102 of wrappings 100, each strip 102 consisting for example of one column of the matrix as above that defines the panel 101.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the method provides that the strips 102 advance, with continuous or intermittent motion, in the direction of feed D1 toward separator means 14.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the method provides that gripping means 17 move, by means of a translation and/or rotation movement, closer to and away from the strip 102.

[0107] For example, and as shown in the sequence represented in figs. from 3 to 4, the gripping mean 17 rotates counterclockwise in the direction of the strip 102, until it is in correspondence with a lower transverse edge 104 of the wrapping 100 (fig. 4).

[0108] According to another example, the method can provide to make the gripping mean 17 perform a continuous clockwise rotation of 360°, synchronously with the feed of the strip 102, so as to conclude each rotation in correspondence with the lower transverse edge 104 of the wrapping 100 a few moments before the separation.

[0109] It should be noted that, with respect to the position shown in fig. 3, where one arm 18 is in a lowered position, in fig. 4 the arm 18 has been raised by the movement means, in the direction indicated by the arrow F1, in order to reach a raised position in which the gripping mean 17 has moved closer to the wrapping 100 to be gripped.

[0110] The gripping means 17 can therefore follow a trajectory defined by the combination of the linear translation component of the arms 18 and the rotation of the gripping means 17, in order to define a rotary-translational motion.

[0111] According to some embodiments, during the rotation movement approaching the strip 102, the portions 20a and 20b of the gripping mechanism 20 of the gripping means 17 are in a non-operative position in order to wait for the wrapping to be gripped, as shown in figs. 3 and 4, in which the portions 20a and 20b are reciprocally distanced.

[0112] According to the invention, the method provides that the gripping means 17 grip the wrapping 100 before it is completely separated from the strip 102. In order to do so, the portions 20a and 20b move reciprocally closer to each other, as shown in fig. 5, so as to clamp, in their operative position, in order to grip the wrapping 100. At this point, the last wrapping 100 has not been separated from the rest of the panel 101, as can be seen from the positioning of the separator means 14 in this drawing.

[0113] For example, with reference to fig. 5, for clarity of presentation, we have defined a Cartesian reference plane, which has a horizontal axis X and a vertical axis Y. The origin of this Cartesian plane coincides with the axis of rotation of the respective separator mean 14.

[0114] It is possible to observe that the gripping mean 17, configured as a gripper, grips the wrapping when the axes A1 and A2 of the separator means 14, in rotation about their respective axes of rotation, extend inclined by an angle α with respect to the axis X defined above, while the separation of the wrapping 100 from the strip 102 occurs in correspondence with such axis X.

[0115] This angle α can assume, indicatively, a value greater than zero and lower than 10°, preferably lower than 5°.

[0116] After the portions 20a, 20b have been closed, which in fact determines the gripping of the wrapping 100, the same wrapping 100 is separated from the rest of the panel 101.

[0117] In particular, according to some embodiments, when the wrapping 100 has arrived in a separation zone, in correspondence with which the separator means 14 penetrate in the strip 102 in order to separate the wrapping 100 from the strip 102, acting along a cutting directrix D2 oriented according to a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed D1, the separator means 14 are driven, separating the wrapping 100 from the strip 102.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the method provides that the separation is carried out according to a scissor-like movement along a transverse edge 105 of the wrapping 100 which connects two lateral edges 106 of the latter.

[0119] According to some variants, the method provides that the separator means 14 affect the entire separation zone at the same time, thus providing an instant separation of the wrapping 100 from the strip 102.

[0120] According to some embodiments, described with reference to figs. 6 and 7, the method also provides that the wrapping 100, after the cutting, is accompanied by the gripping means 17 toward exit conveyor means 21 of the wrappings 100.

[0121] According to some embodiments, after having accompanied the wrapping 100 onto the exit conveyor means 21, the portions 20a and 20b return to the non-operative position in which they are reciprocally distanced in order to release the wrapping 100.

[0122] For example, and as described in the sequence shown in figs. from 6 to 7, the gripping mean 17 rotates away from the strip 102, until it is in correspondence with a position in which the wrapping 100 is released onto the exit conveyor means 21. There can be provided, after the rotation of the gripping mean 17, a translation of the arms 18 that moves them closer to the exit conveyor means 21. For example, in fig. 7 the arms 18, that is, the gripping assembly 12, is in a lowered position with respect to fig. 6, due to a translation of the gripping assembly 12 in the same direction F1 of fig. 3, but downward.

[0123] In accordance with some embodiments, a packaging machine is also provided, not shown, comprising an apparatus 10 for separating wrappings 100 as described above, able to carry out the method to separate wrappings 100 according to the present invention.

[0124] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts and/or steps may be made to the apparatus 10 for separating wrappings, to the packaging machine that comprises it and to the corresponding method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0125] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of apparatus, machine and method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0126] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Method to separate sealed wrappings (100) able to contain substances, such as for example powder, granules, tablets, in particular of a foodstuff, pharmaceutical or cosmetic nature, said method providing to feed a strip (102) of wrappings (100) toward separator means (14) in a direction of feed (D1) and to drive said separator means (14) separating the wrapping (100) from the strip (102), when the wrapping (100) has arrived in a separation zone in correspondence with which said separator means (14) penetrate in said strip (102) in order to separate the wrappings (100) from the latter, acting along a cutting directrix (D2) oriented according to a transverse direction with respect to said direction of feed (D1), said method being characterized in that it provides to grip said wrapping (100) with gripping means (17) which are supported by mobile support arms (18), and subsequently to completely separate said wrapping (100) from said strip (102), and in that it also provides to move said arms (18) according to a movement having at least one linear translation component, in particular parallel to a directrix of vertical movement (F1), so as to alternately move said gripping means (17) closer to or away from said wrapping (100), so as to respectively allow the gripping means (17) to grip the wrapping (100) before it is completely separated from the strip (102) and accompany the separated wrapping (100) toward exit conveyor means (21).

2. Method as in claim 1, characterized in that it provides to drive said gripping means (17) in rotation, in particular according to an oscillatory movement, about an axis of rotation (A3) so that the gripping means (17) follow a trajectory defined by the combination of at least said linear translation component of said arms (18) and said rotation of the gripping means (17), in order to define a rotary-translational motion.

3. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said separator means (14) are configured as a rotating element with an axis of rotation perpendicular to said direction of feed (D1) which has, on its external surface, at least two projecting elements (15) provided with a cutting end (16) able to separate the wrapping (100) from the strip (102), in which an axis (A1, A2) is defined passing through said at least two projecting elements (15) which defines the directrix along which said cutting ends (16) extend, and in that it provides that said gripping means (17) grip the wrapping when said axis (A1, A2) is inclined by an angle (α) with respect to the horizontal axis (X) of a reference Cartesian plane, indicatively by a number of degrees greater than zero and less than 10°, preferably less than 5°.

4. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides to separate, along the cutting directrices (D2) perpendicular to the direction of feed (D1), the wrappings (100) from a plurality of strips (102) obtained by cutting, along cutting directrices parallel to the direction of feed (D1), a panel (101) of wrappings (100), configured as a matrix of wrappings (100) comprising a plurality of rows and columns.

5. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides that said separation is carried out according to a scissor-like movement along a transverse edge (105) of the wrapping (100) which connects two lateral edges (106) of the latter.

6. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it provides to grip the wrapping (100) in correspondence with a part of it opposite the part where the separation by means of the separator means (14) occurs.

7. Method as in claim 6, characterized in that the wrapping (100) is gripped in correspondence with the edge opposite the edge where the separation by means of the separator means (14) occurs.

8. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the strip (102) is fed with a continuous motion.

9. Apparatus for separating wrappings (100) configured to perform the method for separating wrappings (100) as in any claim hereinbefore, said apparatus comprising a cutting assembly (11) and a gripping assembly (12), said cutting assembly (11) comprising separator means (14) able to separate strips (102) of wrappings (100) into the individual wrappings (100), and said gripping assembly (12) comprising gripping means (17) configured to grip the single wrapping (100), and mobile support arms (18) able to support said gripping means (17), said apparatus being characterized in that the arms (18) are mobile at least in a direction of linear translation, in particular parallel to a directrix of vertical movement (F1), so as to alternately move said gripping means (17) closer to or away from said wrapping (100), so as to respectively allow the gripping means (17) to grip the wrapping (100) before it is separated completely from the strip (102), and accompany the separated wrapping (100) toward exit conveyor means (21).

10. Apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in that said separator means (14) are configured as a rotating element with an axis of rotation perpendicular to a direction of feed (D1) which has, on its external surface, at least two projecting elements (15) provided with a cutting end (16) able to separate the wrapping (100) from the strip (102), in which axis (A1, A2) are defined passing through said at least two projecting elements (15), which define the directrix along which said cutting ends (16) extend.

11. Apparatus as in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said gripping means (17) comprise an attachment (19) and a gripping mechanism (20), said gripping mechanism (20) comprising two portions (20a, 20b), mobile with respect to each other between a non-operative position, in which the portions (20a) and (20b) are reciprocally distanced, and an operative position in which they are clamped in order to grip the wrapping (100).

12. Apparatus as in claim 11, characterized in that said gripping assembly (12) comprises a shaft (22) rotatable about an axis of rotation (A3) and constrained to the arms (18) by pins (23), said gripping mechanism (20) of the gripping means (17) being constrained on the shaft (22) by means of said attachment (19).

13. Apparatus as in claim 12, characterized in that it comprises an actuator device configured to make said gripping means (17) rotate about said axis of rotation (A3) to accompany the wrapping (100) resting on the exit conveyor means (21) of the wrappings.

14. Apparatus as in any claim from 11 to 13, characterized in that the gripping means (17) comprise two pairs of portions (20a, 20b) so as to grip the wrapping (100) in correspondence with two separate points.

15. Packaging machine comprising an apparatus (10) for separating wrappings (100) as in any claim from 9 to 14, able to carry out the method to separate wrappings (100) as in any claim from 1 to 8.

Drawing