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(11) | EP 4 497 695 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | APPARATUS FOR COMPACTING GROUPS OF PRODUCTS |
| (57) An apparatus (1) for compacting groups (A) of products (B) which comprises at least
one receptacle (2) constituted by a lower base (3) for the resting support of respective
edges of products (B) of a group (A) and by two walls (4, 5), at least one of which
is movable by virtue of the action of a respective actuator (6, 7), for the compression
of the group (A) of products (B). At least one first wall (4) of the two walls is integral with the lower base (3) and the lower base (3) has a surface directed toward the products (A) that is continuous, smooth and free from protrusions and/or recesses and/or indentations. |
[0002] In the sector of product wrapping and packaging, some types of product require specific machinery and technologies. In particular, the class of products generically called "tissue products", which comprises paper handkerchiefs, diapers, tampons, and other products with similar compressibility characteristics, requires extremely specific dedicated machinery.
[0003] The respective packaging lines generally comprise a first stage of grouping and reordering the individual products arriving from the production line, which is followed by a series of dedicated stations for handling the groups of products obtained, which are adapted to group them and orient them for their correct insertion into pouches: in such machinery, the products are clustered in bundles of predefined dimensions, and are subjected to compaction before being inserted into a respective containment pouch which will then be completely closed, confining the bundle.
[0004] The step of compaction is a very important step because the specific type of products (tissue products) tends to occupy a rather large volume (because it contains air): through compaction it is therefore possible to reduce at least one of the dimensions of the bundle of products (normally the width, since the products that make up the bundle are side by side) so that it can then be placed with greater ease inside packages of predefined dimensions.
[0005] Conventional compacting assemblies are not particularly versatile and are therefore indicated for specific dimensional parameters of the products and of the bundles that they process. If a change of format is necessary, then components will need to be substituted and the structure of the assembly will need to be modified: such operations need to be performed by specialist personnel and require considerable time, during which the entire packaging system must remain out of service.
[0006] Also, if it is necessary to change from the simultaneous compaction of two bundles of products to a single bundle (and/or vice versa) then it will be necessary for specialist operators to intervene to modify the structure of the assembly, optionally by means of the substitution of components or a relative displacement. This operation also entails an extended shutdown of operation of the production line in which the assembly is installed.
[0007] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the use is known of compaction apparatuses that comprise a lamina constituting the lower deck on which the group of products rests, which is provided with slots that enable the lamina to be moved along a stroke corresponding to the extension of those slots.
[0008] In this, the vertical walls, which delimit the space that receives the group of products and which are adapted to compress the group, can be moved along a relatively broad range of strokes. Furthermore, any operations to change format will be greatly simplified by the possibility for movement introduced by the presence of the slots.
[0009] When operating on products of large dimensions (such as diapers), the slots do not cause any problem in the step of inserting and extracting the products.
[0010] When, instead, it is desired to package smaller products with slender edges (such as tampons, especially if they are individually wrapped), then the product (or the pouch that contains it) can become stuck in a slot, or it can be damaged by abrasion along the edge of the slot.
[0011] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by providing an apparatus for compacting groups of products in which the risk of one or more products becoming stuck while entering or exiting the apparatus, is eliminated.
[0012] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting groups of products in which any chafing of the product (or of the pouch that contains it) against parts of the apparatus that could abrade it is minimized.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting groups of products that is easily reconfigurable and in which change of format is a simple matter.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting groups of products that is adapted to handle single or double feeding lines indifferently.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting groups of products that has a simple structure.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting groups of products which is of low cost, easily and practically implemented and safe in use.
[0017] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by an apparatus for compacting groups of products of the type comprising at least one receptacle constituted by a lower base for the resting support of respective edges of products of a group and by two walls, at least one of which is movable by virtue of the action of a respective actuator, for the compression of said group of products, characterized in that at least one first wall of said two walls is integral with said lower base and said lower base has a surface directed toward the products that is continuous, smooth and free from protrusions and/or recesses and/or indentations.
[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the apparatus for compacting groups of products, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of an apparatus for compacting groups of products according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 before the entry of the groups of products;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 while it accommodates the groups of products;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 after the compaction of the groups of products;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 after the expulsion of the compacted groups of products;
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting groups of products according to the invention;
Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting groups of products according to the invention;
Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting groups of products according to the invention while it accommodates the groups of products;
Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting a group of products according to the invention;
Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 before the entry of the group of products;
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 while it accommodates the group of products;
Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 after the compaction of the group of products;
Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 after the expulsion of the compacted group of products;
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting a group of products according to the invention;
Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting a group of products according to the invention;
Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus for compacting groups of products according to the invention while it accommodates the group of products;
Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 17.
[0019] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an apparatus for compacting groups A of products B.
[0020] The apparatus 1 comprises at least one receptacle 2 constituted by a lower base 3 for the resting support of respective edges of products B of a group A and by two walls 4, 5, at least one of which is movable by virtue of the action of a respective actuator. The movement of at least one of the walls 4 and 5 executes the compression of the group A of products B.
[0021] The lower base 3 will be continuous, i.e. with no indentations, gaps or slots that could obstruct the free sliding of the products B on the base (which could become stuck or abrade upon such indentations).
[0022] It should be noted that, according to the invention, at least one first wall 4 will advantageously be integral with the lower base 3 of the respective receptacle 2.
[0023] The first wall 4, integral with the lower base 3, and the lower base 3 will therefore be conveniently movable, along a stroke of predefined extent, by virtue of the action of a respective first actuator 6.
[0024] It should be noted that, with reference to an embodiment of undoubted practical and applicative interest, the second wall 5 can also profitably be movable along a stroke of predefined extent: such movement of the second wall 5 will occur by virtue of the action of a respective second actuator 7.
[0025] It should be noted that, in all the embodiments of the apparatus 1 according to the invention that comprise two separate receptacles 2, such receptacles 2 are two in number, are arranged side by side and are each provided with a respective lower base 3 and with two walls 4, 5.
[0026] In this case too, a first wall 4 of each receptacle 2 will conveniently be integral with the respective lower base 3.
[0027] Analyzing the apparatus 1 according to the invention in more detail, it needs to be highlighted that it comprises a frame 8 for the sliding support of at least one component chosen from the first wall 4 integral with the base 3 (and therefore also for the sliding support of the base 3) and the second wall 5.
[0028] The frame 8 can usefully accommodate a first controlled motor 9 associated with a first flexible motion transmission element 10 which is integral with the first wall 4 (and therefore also with the base 3).
[0029] The whole unit, constituted by the controlled motor 9 and by the transmission element 10 (which can be constituted indifferently by a belt, a ribbon, a toothed belt, a chain, a cable, a wire and the like), defines the first actuator 6.
[0030] It should further be noted that the frame 8 is configured for the sliding support of at least one bracket 11 which is integral with the second wall 5.
[0031] As per the background art of processes for compacting only a single bundle A, in addition to the fact that the appropriate shaping of the brackets 11 ensures that the movement of the (external) second walls 5 connected thereto means that these brackets do not need to pass through slots/slits and therefore no slots/slits need to be provided in the bases 3, in the present invention the bases 3 are moved integrally with the first walls 4. What is defined by the present invention currently seems to be the only technical solution that makes it possible to provide such bases 3 free from indentations and protrusions in a process of compacting multiple bundles A: this is an essential design requirement in order to prevent damage to the products B.
[0032] In particular the apparatus 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to prevent any possibility of the products B becoming stuck, both in the step of insertion into the receptacles 2 and in the step of extraction from those receptacles 2, and prevent any possibility of scoring/abrasion of the lower surface of the products B (as happens in the known art during the operation to compact the bundle A, owing to the chafing of a surface thereof against the edge of any slots/slits, if these are present).
[0033] If the bases 3 were removable, in fact, there would be no other solution for executing the compaction of multiple bundles A, as the background art teaches, but to provide slots/slits in those bases 3 in order to allow the movement at least of the internal walls 4, with the possible consequences of damaging the products B; but it is possible to avoid this damage by adopting an apparatus 1 according to the invention.
[0034] It should be noted that the frame 8 can furthermore advantageously accommodate a second controlled motor 12 associated with a second flexible motion transmission element 13 which is integral with the bracket 11 that supports the second wall 5.
[0035] In this manner, the motor 12 can directly control the position of the second wall 5 of the receptacles 2 present.
[0036] In this case, the whole unit, constituted by the controlled motor 12 and by the transmission element 13 (which can be constituted indifferently by a belt, a ribbon, a toothed belt, a chain, a cable, a wire and the like), defines the second actuator 7.
[0037] It should be noted that, with reference to the embodiments that entail the simultaneous presence of two receptacles 2 in a same apparatus 1, the first walls 4 can usefully be two in number, and are integral with a single first flexible element 10 actuated by a first motor 9 (which together constitute the first actuator 6).
[0038] Similarly it should be noted that, if the second walls 5 are two in number (therefore with reference again to apparatuses 1 provided with two separate receptacles 2), then they will positively be integral with a single second flexible element 13 actuated by a second motor 12 (which together constitute the second actuator 7).
[0040] A series of products B arrives from a supply line upstream of the apparatus 1 and is placed side by side until the group A is fully formed in alignment with a respective receptacle 2 of the apparatus.
[0041] The group A of products B is then inserted (using pushers and/or other conventional means for translation) into a respective receptacle 2: each product B will be resting with one of its edges on the base 3 of the receptacle 2; the outermost products B of the group A will have one of their faces resting against a respective inner surface (inner with respect to the receptacle 2) of the walls 4 and 5.
[0042] The absence of indentations, slits, slots and the like on the base 3 favors the entry of the products B into the receptacle 2, as the edge of the product can slide on a smooth and continuous surface (with no protrusions or recesses), thus guarding against phenomena like sticking, abrasion and so on.
[0043] Using the actuators 6 and 7 it is then possible to make the walls 4 and 5 approach each other: in particular the movement of the wall 4 will be integral with the movement of the base 3 (since the wall 4 and the base 3 are mutually integral), while the wall 5 will be moved (keeping parallel to itself and to the wall 4) toward the wall 4, since its lower edge is facing and proximate to the upper surface of the base 3 (but separate from it).
[0044] The two walls 4 and 5 will be moved towards each other so as to reduce the transverse footprint of the group A of products B, compacting the products B (since they are preferably products from the tissue products sector, i.e. diapers, tampons, paper handkerchiefs and the like, their compaction entails a reduction of the empty spaces present inside them), down to a predefined dimension.
[0045] The movements of the walls 4 and 5 (and also of the base 3 integral with the respective wall 4) are shown in Figures 3 and 4 for an embodiment of the apparatus that has two separate receptacles 2.
[0046] The groups A of products B enter the receptacles 2 when the latter have a predefined width (indicated in the accompanying figures respectively with X0, for a first receptacle 2, and Y0, for a second receptacle 2). In this case, the walls 4 of the two receptacles 2 will be at a mutual distance of Z0.
[0047] At this point the actuators 6 and 7 can be activated and these will proceed to bring the walls 4 and 5 closer together (and also to bring the two walls 4 of the two separate receptacles 2 closer together, by bringing the receptacles 2 themselves closer together) so compacting the groups A of products B until a new configuration is defined.
[0048] The receptacles 2 will undergo a dimensional modification, following the modification of their width (which will become X1, for the first receptacle 2, and Y1, for the second receptacle 2). In this case, the walls 4 of the two receptacles 2 will be at a mutual distance of Z1.
[0049] If the apparatus 1 is configured to have a single receptacle 2, as shown in the accompanying Figures 12 and 13, the group A of products B enters the receptacle 2 when the latter has a predefined width (indicated in the figure with X0).
[0050] At this point the actuator 7 can be activated, which will proceed to bring the walls 5 closer together, compacting the group A of products B until a new configuration is defined.
[0051] The receptacle 2 will undergo a dimensional modification, following the modification of its width (which will become X1).
[0052] At this point it will be possible to unload the compacted groups A onto a pickup line arranged downstream (not shown in the accompanying figures).
[0053] In order to allow the groups A of compacted products B to be ejected from the respective receptacles 2 of the apparatus 1, a panel 14 (integral with the frame 8) is arranged like a bridge between the receptacles 2 (in the arrangement they assume when the groups A of products B have been compacted and are ready to be ejected) and the pickup line is arranged downstream of the apparatus 1.
[0054] In order to prevent the products B of a group A from exiting from the receptacle 2 (for example because owing to inertia they continue their movement even after the means for translation for inserting them into the receptacle 2 have stopped their pushing action), a moveable stroke-limiting plate 15 is provided which can be moved between a first, passive configuration, in which it is below the elevation of the base 3, and a second configuration, in which by contrast it protrudes with respect thereto, defining a kind of back wall for the receptacle 2.
[0055] In this way, one edge of the products B that advance along the base 3 abuts against the movable plate 15, which prevents further advancement. When the products B are then to be ejected from the receptacle 2, the plate 15 will be moved to its first, passive configuration, so allowing the egress of the groups A of compacted products B.
[0056] The transition from the first to the second configuration can be obtained via a respective mover 16 to which the plate 15 is coupled.
[0057] In order to prevent the products B of a same group A from being subjected to changes in elevation during their insertion into each receptacle 2, it is possible to have a band 17 which defines an abutment shoulder for the upper edge of the products B. The band 17 can be flat or, preferably, contoured. A contoured band 17 in fact enables a facilitated entry of the products B into the receptacle 2, since it can have an inclined profile that favors the alignment of all the products B, pushing down the ones that are at a higher elevation than that required.
[0058] The apparatus 1 according to the invention is particularly versatile, since it can operate indifferently in a production line in which it is downstream of a single or double supply line of products B. In particular the apparatus 1 can moreover be reconfigured after installation, in order to adapt it to a change of feed (for example in a change from a single supply line of products B to a double supply line, and/or vice versa).
[0059] If it is necessary for the apparatus 1 according to the invention to be changed from an embodiment with two receptacles 2 to an embodiment comprising only one receptacle 2, then it will be necessary to remove the walls 4 and the lower bases 3 from the elements 10 of both receptacles 2 and, using the actuator 6, move the supports of the removed lower bases 3 to a configuration of minimum space occupation, so as to allow the installation of a new, single fixed base 3a aligned with the supply line of products B.
[0060] By means of mounting the walls 4 and the lower bases 3 on the flexible motion transmission element 10, after removing the single fixed base 3a it will be possible to then modify the apparatus 1, which has a single receptacle 2, by adding a second receptacle 2 and thus making it adapted to operate downstream of a double supply line of products B.
[0061] The embodiment just described of the apparatus 1 is particularly adapted to operate in conventional packaging systems, as the methods whereby the apparatus is modified from a configuration with two receptacles 2 to a configuration with only one receptacle 2 is such that it can be coordinated perfectly with corresponding format change modifications of the other parts of the packaging system.
[0062] According to an alternative embodiment, in order to pass from an embodiment with two receptacles 2 to an embodiment comprising only one receptacle 2, it will be necessary to remove the walls 4 and 5 and the lower base 3 (from the flexible motion transmission elements 10 and 13 to which they are coupled) of one of the two receptacles 2 and (using the actuators 6 and 7) move the walls 4 and 5 and the lower base 3 of the remaining receptacle 2, in order to ensure it is aligned with the single supply line of products B present upstream.
[0063] By means of mounting the walls 4 and 5 and the lower base 3 on the flexible motion transmission elements 10 and 13 it will be possible to then modify the apparatus 1, which has a single receptacle 2, by adding a second receptacle 2 and thus making it adapted to operate downstream of a double supply line of products B.
[0064] Both of the embodiments described are implementable and are covered by the scope of protection defined in the present discussion.
[0065] As illustrated above, in the present invention the lower bases 3 are moved integrally with the first walls 4, which means these lower bases 3 can be made free from indentations and protrusions in a process of compaction of multiple bundles A in order to avoid damaging the products B.
[0066] Therefore it is emphasized again that the apparatus 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to prevent any possibility of the products B becoming stuck, both in the step of insertion into the receptacles 2 and in the step of extraction from those receptacles 2, so preventing any possible superficial damage to the lower face of the products B.
[0067] Advantageously the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, by providing an apparatus 1 for compacting groups A of products B that eliminates the risk of one or more products B becoming stuck while entering or exiting the apparatus 1. This is ensured by the fact that the lower base 3 is constituted by a continuous panel (free from protrusions and/or indentations and surface irregularities) on which the products B can slip and slide without risking becoming stuck and/or abraded. The lower base 3 can be moved after it has been rigidly connected to the wall 4, so as to enable the simultaneous movement of these two components by way of the action of the respective actuator 6 (constituted by a first motor 9 and by a first flexible transmission element 10).
[0068] Conveniently the apparatus 1 according to the invention makes it possible to minimize any chafing of the product B (or of the pouch that contains it) against parts of the apparatus 1 that could abrade it. This result is obtained by virtue of the characteristics of the lower base 3 described above and also by virtue of the presence of the panel 14 (integral with the frame 8) arranged like a bridge between the receptacles 2 and the pickup line which is downstream of the apparatus 1.
[0069] Advantageously the apparatus 1 according to the invention is easily reconfigurable, and change of format is a simple matter. The simple operations necessary for the reconfiguration are described above, and explain how to modify the apparatus 1 to pass from an embodiment with a single receptacle 2 to an embodiment with two receptacles 2 and vice versa; the change of format is ensured by the possibility to modify the distance X0 (and Y0) between the walls 4 and 5 (as well as the distance between the receptacles Z0) using the actuators 6 and 7.
[0070] Positively the apparatus 1 according to the invention is adapted to handle single or double feeding lines indifferently.
[0072] Positively the apparatus 1 according to the invention is easily and practically implemented and is of low cost: such characteristics make the apparatus 1 according to the invention an innovation that is safe in use.
[0073] The invention 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.
[0074] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.
[0075] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
[0076] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000015426 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
[0077] 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.
1. An apparatus for compacting groups (A) of products (B) of the type comprising at least
one receptacle (2) constituted by a lower base (3) for the resting support of respective
edges of products (B) of a group (A) and by two walls (4, 5), at least one of which
is movable by virtue of the action of a respective actuator (6, 7), for the compression
of said group (A) of products (B), characterized in that at least one first wall (4) of said two walls is integral with said lower base (3)
and said lower base (3) has a surface directed toward the products (A) that is continuous,
smooth and free from protrusions and/or recesses and/or indentations.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wall (4) integral with said lower base (3) and said lower base (3) are
movable along a stroke of predefined extent by virtue of the action of a respective
first actuator (6).
3. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second wall (5) is movable along a stroke of predefined extent by virtue of
the action of a respective second actuator (7).
4. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receptacles (2) are two in number, are arranged side by side and are each provided
with a respective said lower base (3) and with said two walls (4, 5), a first wall
(4) of each receptacle (2) being integral with the respective lower base (3).
5. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a frame (8) for the sliding support of at least one component chosen
from said first wall (4) integral with the base (3) and said second wall (5).
6. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (8) accommodates a first controlled motor (9) associated with a first
flexible motion transmission element (10) which is integral with said first wall (4)
to which said lower base (3) is coupled.
7. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (8) is configured for the sliding support of at least one bracket (11)
which is integral with said second wall (5).
8. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame (8) accommodates a second controlled motor (12) associated with a second
flexible motion transmission element (13) which is integral with said bracket (11)
which supports said second wall (5).
9. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first walls (4) are two in number and are integral with a single first flexible
element (10) driven by said first motor (9).
10. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second walls (5) are two in number and are integral with a single second flexible
element (13) driven by said second motor (12).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description