Vertical packaging machine

Vertical packaging machine for generating packages from a film that according to one embodiment includes a film feeder and a forming tube with a longitudinal axis. The forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to the film. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal tool for longitudinally sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together and generating a film tube. The machine also includes a module for moving the film tube, and a transverse tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube. The module is configured for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube, being arranged in different operating positions, such that it allows arranging the longitudinal tool required in different positions for generating packages having different topologies and/or different sizes without the need of moving the transverse tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims the benefit and priority to European Appl. No. EP17382443.4, filed Jul. 7, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vertical packaging machine, particularly a vertical packaging machine that can generate different package typologies.

BACKGROUND

Vertical packaging machines are known, comprising a feeder supplying a continuous film, a forming tube receiving the continuous film and suitable for imparting a tubular shape to said film, forming a film tube, and at least one forward movement module for moving the formed film tube in a forward movement direction. The forward movement module comprises at least one driving belt arranged facing the forming tube which, when moved, causes movement of the film tube to an end of the forming tube outlet.

Machines of this type further comprise a longitudinal sealing tool suitable for longitudinally sealing the two longitudinal ends of the film forming the tube, for thereby longitudinally closing the tube, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for generating a package from the tube, once the products to be packaged have been introduced into the forming tube. Packaging machines of this type are described in patent documents WO2015081919A1 and WO2012136325A1, for example. The former generates a package known as a pillow-type package and variants thereof, and the latter generates a package commonly known as a Doypack and variants thereof.

In machines of this type, access to elements such as the forming tube, the forward movement module, the longitudinal sealing tool and/or the transverse sealing and cutting tool, for example, to replace them, for maintenance work in the work area, and/or for format changes generating another package typology or variants of said package typologies (change in dimensions, functionalities, shapes, designs, etc.), is complex due to the large number of elements existing in the machine, or due to the presence of a conveyor belt which is sometimes arranged facing the forming tube for removing the packages made in the packaging machine and hinders access to said elements.

To change the format of the packages to be generated, for example, in a machine of this type it is common to replace at least the forming tube with a forming tube with the dimensions and contour suitable for the new package format. Patent document EP1495967A1 discloses a packaging machine comprising a support which supports the forming tube with respect to the frame of the packaging machine, the support comprising a first area attached to the forming tube and a second area through which the support is fixed to the frame. The first area can be moved with respect to the second area, such that the forming tube is moved between a first operating position and a second position separated from the first position, in which access to the forming tube is made easier. In both positions, the forming tube is supported by the second area.

Patent document EP2128028A2 discloses a packaging machine designed for simplifying the process of replacing the forming tube. The machine comprises a guide assembly inserting the forming tube while rotating it from the side of the packaging machine. The guide assembly has a main body which supports the forming tube, a first support which supports an end of the main body, and a second support which comprises an arcuate rail guiding the other end of the main body while the forming tube rotating between a work position and a mounting position.

However, the format change sometimes requires not only replacing the forming tube, but also acting on other elements of the packaging machine. In some cases, the format change only requires moving the film tube closer to or away from the different elements involved in generating the packages for adapting them to the new diameter of the forming tube, as occurs in the case disclosed in patent document EP2664554A1, belonging to the same applicant as this application. In this case, the action is further performed in an automatic manner.

However, sometimes, particularly when the format change is done to modify package typology (changing from a pillow-type package to another Doypack-type package, or vice versa, for example), said format change requires movements and orientations of another type of at least one of these other elements, since different package types require different types of actions on the film tube. For example, depending on the package typology, the longitudinal seal in some cases only closes the film tube longitudinally (pillow-type packages, for example), and in other cases, in addition to this function, it also serves as a generator of a reinforcement in one of the walls of the generated package (Doypack-type packages, for example), and to that end it is necessary to modify the orientation of the longitudinal sealing tool with respect to that of the transverse sealing tool and to modify the type of longitudinal sealing tool to be used, among others.

Patent document US2017113823A1, for example, discloses the possibility of rotating the transverse sealing and cutting tool 90°, for format changes of this type. To that end, the machine comprises two guides which enable said rotation. Therefore, by modifying the position from where the film tube is acted on with the transverse sealing and cutting tool, and particularly by modifying the orientation of the transverse sealing and cutting tool with respect to the film tube vis-à-vis the orientation of the longitudinal sealing tool with respect to the film tube, the function of the actual longitudinal seal can be modified, the package typology to be generated by the corresponding packaging machine thereby being modified.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A vertical packaging machine is provided that is suitable for generating packages from a film, and comprises a film feeder and a forming tube suitable for imparting a tubular shape to a continuous film supplied by the feeder and comprising a longitudinal axis. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal sealing tool suitable for longitudinally sealing longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film and generating a film tube, and further comprises at least one forward movement module (preferably two forward movement modules) for vertically driving the film tube, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, where, after the action of the transverse sealing and cutting tool, a film tube closed at one end upstream of the action and a package separated from the film tube downstream of said action are generated.

The forward movement module is configured for being moved around the forming tube, rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube and being arranged in at least a first end operating position and a second end operating position (it can be arranged in either of them or in any position between both operating positions). Operating position must be interpreted as that angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube from which the forward movement module can act on the film tube to perform its function.

As discussed above, depending on the package typology to be generated, the longitudinal sealing tool to be used is different and can comprise different orientations with respect to the transverse sealing tool. With the proposed invention, the forward movement module can be arranged in a position in which it does not interfere with the required longitudinal sealing tool, and it allows arranging said required longitudinal sealing tool in different operating positions for generating packages having different topologies, therefore having the necessary orientation with respect to the transverse sealing tool, without having to additionally move said transverse sealing and cutting tool as occurs in the prior art (the action of which generates higher inertias and may require oversizing the supports of said transverse sealing and cutting tool or result in a less robust machine). This therefore facilitates a change in package typology to be generated in the machine itself and a simpler format change, obtaining a simplified packaging machine facilitating operational controllability by minimizing the down/change times, etc., and therefore increasing the operating efficiency of the machine.

These and other advantages and features will become evident in view of the drawings and detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3show an embodiment of a product packaging machine100according to one embodiment. The machine100comprises a film feeder, not depicted in the drawings, supplying a continuous film, a forming tube3which is suitable for receiving the film supplied by the feeder and imparting a tubular shape to same, which feeder is attached to a frame1of the machine100and comprises a longitudinal axis3.0. The feeder comprises a shaft on which the film is arranged, wound like a reel, and the rotation of the reel on said shaft unwinds the film, the continuous film thus being supplied in a given supply direction.

The machine100is configured for incorporating a longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2suitable for longitudinally sealing longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film, thereby generating a film tube, and it further comprises at least one forward movement module5which is suitable for vertically driving the film tube in a given forward movement direction A and is facing the forming tube3, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool6for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, where, after the action of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6, a film tube closed at one end upstream of the action in the forward movement direction A and a package separated from the film tube downstream of the action in the forward movement direction A are generated.

The forward movement module5is configured for being moved around the forming tube3, rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3, and for being arranged in a first operating position (such as that shown by way of example inFIG. 1) and a second operating position (such as that shown by way of example inFIG. 2), operating position being understood as that angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3from which the forward movement module5can act on the film tube or the film. The first operating position and the second operating position are not the only operating positions possible, said first and second operating positions being end operating positions, but the forward movement module5can be arranged in any other operating position between said first and second operating positions.

This possibility of rotating the forward movement module5allows arranging the required longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2where it should be arranged with respect to the forming tube3and transverse sealing tool6, for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film as appropriate (depending on the package typology to be generated).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the machine100comprises two forward movement modules5rotating integrally with one another and preferably arranged facing one another, the forming tube3being arranged between both forward movement modules5. Said forward movement modules5vertically drive the film tube by means of a respective belt. Hereinafter, and given that the description is based on the embodiment shown in the drawings (unless otherwise indicated), the presence of two forward movement modules5is referred to but it is not a limiting feature.

The machine100comprises a first structure7to which the forming tube3is attached, and a second structure8to which the forward movement modules5are attached. The first structure7is attached to the frame1of the machine100, and the second structure8is attached to the first structure7with rotational freedom, particularly for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3. When the second structure8rotates with respect to the first structure7, the forward movement modules5rotate integrally with said second structure8, thereby rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3and changing the operating position. Therefore, to cause a change in the operating position of the forward movement modules5, rotation of the second structure8with respect to the first structure7is caused.

For the rotation of the second structure8with respect to the first structure7, the machine100comprises a guiding support9.0which is arranged in one of the two structures7and8, preferably in the first structure7, as shown by way of example inFIG. 4, and comprising at least one guiding groove on one side. The machine100further comprises a guide element9.1fixed to the other structure7or8(seeFIG. 5, for example), the guide element9.1being housed at least partially in the guiding groove, the guide element9.1being moved along the guiding groove during rotation of the second structure8with respect to the first structure7. The guide element9.1preferably comprises at least one runner or bearing fixed to the other structure7or8and sliding on the guiding rail.

The forward movement modules5are furthermore attached to the second structure8with freedom of linear movement, for moving closer to or away from the forming tube3, said movement therefore being a radial movement with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of said forming tube3. The forward movement modules5are therefore suitable for being moved linearly with respect to the second structure8(and moved radially with respect to the forming tube3), where said movement allows moving the forward movement modules5closer to or away from the forming tube3, in order to arrange same in the radial position suited for the diameter of the corresponding forming tube3, where it can be adapted in a very simple manner to different package typologies and formats to be generated (different typologies and formats requiring at least different sizes and/or shapes of the forming tube3). Said linear movement with respect to the second structure8is performed by moving the forward movement modules5along a respective guide8.4arranged in the second structure8. In some embodiments, the machine100comprises an actuator8.5which is attached to said second structure8and is suitable for causing said simultaneous linear movement of the forward movement modules5when required, where the actuator8.5could be a hydraulic cylinder-type or electrical-type actuator, for example, controlled by a control device not depicted in the figures, but in other embodiments they could move independently. In other embodiments, said linear movement with respect to the second structure8can be caused by hand.

Each of the structures7and8comprises a respective opening7.0and8.0where the forming tube3is arranged, the openings7.0and8.0comprising a minimum width at least equal to the maximum diameter of the forming tube3that the machine100may comprise to allow radial movement of the forming tube3therethrough, for replacement and/or maintenance, for example. Each of the openings7.0and8.0has one or more closed sides and an open side, and preferably being U-shaped. The first structure7is arranged above the second structure8, and both structures7and8are configured such that both openings7.0and8.0vertically coincide in at least one of the operating positions of the forward movement modules5(situation shown inFIG. 6, for example), radial movement of the forming tube3being allowed in said situation.

In some embodiments, the guiding support9.0defines an incomplete circular path, comprising an open section which allows removing the forming tube3from the machine100between the ends thereof when the openings7.0and8.0of both structures7and8vertically coincide. In the first operating position, the openings7.0and8.0are arranged substantially aligned with one another, and in the second operating position, the recesses7.0and8.0are arranged oriented substantially at 90° with respect to one another.

When a longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is arranged in the machine100, said longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is attached to the second structure8, rotating integrally with said second structure8, together with the forward movement modules5, with respect to the first structure7(seeFIGS. 1 and 2, where the second structure8is in different angular positions with respect to the first structure7and with respect to the transverse sealing and cutting tool6). The longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is furthermore attached to the second structure8with freedom of linear movement for moving away from and closer to the forming tube3in a radial direction, for being adapted to different diameters of forming tubes3, and for being linearly moved in a direction that is transverse to the radial direction. In some embodiments, this movement is carried out together with the analogous movement of the forward movement modules5, but in other embodiments both movements are independent of one another (although they may occur simultaneously since they both have to be adapted to the diameter of the forming tube3).

The machine100comprises a tool support to which the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is attached when it is incorporated or arranged in the machine100. The second structure8comprises two vertically extending and facing lateral segments8.2, between which the forming tube3is arranged, and the tool support is attached to both lateral segments8.2with freedom of linear movement, said tool support being configured for being moved with respect to said lateral segments8.2to cause movement of the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2for moving away from and closer to the forming tube3in a radial direction. Each forward movement module5is attached to a respective lateral segment8.2.

The tool support comprises a lateral arm40.0for each lateral segment8.2of the second structure8, which is attached to the corresponding lateral segment8.2with freedom of linear movement, both arms40.0being configured for being linearly moved in a simultaneous manner. The tool support further comprises a transverse segment40.1preferably attached to both arms40.0and extending between both arms40.0, being moved integrally therewith in a linear manner with respect to the lateral segments8.2. The longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is coupled to the transverse segment40.1, and said transverse segment40.1is configured for allowing longitudinal movement of the corresponding longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2along said transverse segment40.1, said movement being transverse to the radial direction of said longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2discussed above. To that end, the transverse segment40.1can comprise a longitudinal groove40.2as a guide for movement thereof and for fixing the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2to the transverse segment40.1after said movement, for example.

The transverse segment40.1is attached to one of the arms40.0with rotational freedom, and it may or may not be coupled to the other arm40.0(it is preferably removably coupled to said other arm40.0, said transverse segment40.1being configured for being uncoupled from said arm40.0). The transverse segment40.1is configured for rotating with respect to the corresponding arm40.0. To cause said rotation, first the transverse segment40.1is uncoupled from the corresponding arm40.0(if it was in fact coupled), and this rotation causes the transverse segment40.1and the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2attached to said transverse segment40.1to no longer be facing the forming tube3, movement of the forming tube3being allowed in that situation (if the openings7.0and8.0vertically coincide).FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, show the transverse segment40.1uncoupled from an arm40.0and rotated. With the transverse segment40.1thus rotated, replacement thereof is facilitated by means of a transverse movement of the corresponding longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2with respect to the transverse segment40.1, while at the same time replacement (when required) of the forming tube3is also facilitated.

The transverse segment40.1is configured for supporting different types of longitudinal sealing tools4.1and4.2, which can be used for generating different package typologies as discussed. For example, it can support a first longitudinal sealing tool4.2which is configured for pressing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together (for generating Doypack-type packages), and a second longitudinal sealing tool4.1is configured for pressing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film against the forming tube3(for generating pillow-type packages). When the forward movement modules5are in the first operating position, the first longitudinal sealing tool4.2is arranged; when the forward movement modules5are in the second operating position, the second longitudinal sealing tool4.1is arranged; and when the package to be generated requires arranging the forward movement modules5in an intermediate operating position (between the first and second operating positions), the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2will correspond with what is required for generating said package. Both longitudinal sealing tools4.1or4.2are suitable for sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together by pressing said longitudinal ends in a direction substantially parallel to an action direction of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6.

The machine100comprises an actuator (not depicted in figures) for causing the action of the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2required for sealing the film longitudinally. The longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2required and the transverse sealing and cutting tool6are arranged in such a way with respect to the forming tube3, that they both act against the film and against the film tube, respectively, in radial directions with respect to the forming tube3, said directions being parallel to one another (horizontal). Depending on the package format or typology to be generated, and therefore the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2that is used, longitudinal sealing is performed by holding the longitudinal ends of the film tube against the forming tube3in a direction transverse to the action direction for acting on said film tube of the forward movement module5(configuration of the machine100shown by way of example inFIG. 2, and longitudinal sealing tool4.1shown inFIG. 7), or longitudinal sealing is performed by holding the longitudinal ends of the film tube together in a direction parallel to the action direction for acting on said film tube of the forward movement module5(configuration of the machine100shown by way of example inFIG. 1, and longitudinal sealing tool4.2shown inFIG. 8). To that end the forward movement modules5are arranged in a first operating position or in a second operating position, as indicated above, by means of suitable rotation of the second structure8with respect to the first structure7(and therefore by means of the rotation of the forward movement module5and the corresponding longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2). Previously, either before or after changing the operating position, the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2suitable for the original format is replaced with another longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2suitable for the new format.

The first structure7is attached to the frame1of the machine100with rotational freedom, the second structure8being configured for rotating integrally with said first structure7when the latter rotates with respect to the frame1. Therefore, with said first structure7in its rotated position, access to the forming tube3, to the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2arranged in the machine100and/or to the forward movement modules5is allowed from one side of the frame1, when required (seeFIG. 3, for example). For example, the packages generated with the machine100can be conveyed to the required destination by means of a conveyor belt, and depending on the arrangement of said conveyor belt, it may or may not be advantageous to rotate the first structure7with respect to the frame1to access the mentioned elements, in order to prevent the conveyor belt from hindering said access for a user. The direction of rotation of the first structure7with respect to the frame1is preferably the same as the direction of rotation of the transverse segment40.1with respect to the corresponding arm40.0.

In some embodiments not depicted in the figures, the machine100comprises an additional feeder for supplying strips of zipper or strips of an equivalent element for generating packages that can be opened and closed several times, with a zipper-type opening/closure or an equivalent. When the forward movement module5is arranged in the first operating position, said additional feeder is configured for arranging a continuous strip of zipper (or a strip of an equivalent element such as Velcro or the like, for example) in the tubular-shaped film, said strip being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube3and aligned with the first longitudinal sealing tool4.2, and said first longitudinal sealing tool4.2being suitable for sealing the continuous strip of zipper (or an equivalent element) to the tubular-shaped film. When the forward movement module5is arranged in the second operating position, said additional feeder is configured for sealing strips of zipper (or strips of an equivalent element) to the tubular-shaped film, and for arranging said strips of zipper (or an equivalent element) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube3and separated from one another a given distance. The additional feeder used in either case can be different, requiring the deactivation/activation or the replacement of one with another when the package topology to be generated is changed.

In summary, the invention allows rotating the forward movement modules5around the forming tube3, rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis3.0of the forming tube3, between a first operating position and a second operating position. For generating said rotation, rotation of the second structure8of the machine100with respect to the first structure7is caused.

Being able to rotate the forward movement modules5allows, for example, modifying the package typology to be generated in the machine100in a simple manner, since it allows changing the position of the longitudinal sealing tool directly. The invention thereby facilitates a simpler change in package typology to be generated in the machine100itself, obtaining a more robust and simplified packaging machine100, facilitating operational controllability by minimizing the down/change times, etc., and therefore increasing the performance of the machine100.

During a format change in the machine100, different operations that can be carried out in different orders are performed with different elements, and they are explained below by way of example.

Forward Movement Modules5:

Once the forward movement modules5are arranged in the corresponding operating position, they are adjusted to the new forming tube3should the format change have required a change in the forming tube3(a forming tube3with a larger or smaller diameter). To that end, the forward movement modules5are moved linearly with respect to the second structure8in a radial direction with respect to the forming tube3, in order to adjust the distance of the modules with respect to the forming tube3and said modules are thereby adjusted to the new diameter of the forming tube3.

A format change often requires a change in the forming tube3, since a forming tube3having a larger or smaller diameter may be required. The steps required for changing a forming tube3according to the method of the invention are described below.

As discussed, each of the two structures7and8of the machine100comprises a respective opening7.0and8.0for housing the forming tube3, which is preferably U-shaped. If both openings7.0and8.0do not vertically coincide, rotation of the second structure8with respect to the first structure7is caused so that both openings coincide and movement of the forming tube3therethrough is allowed. In addition, and before or after vertically aligning the openings7.0and8.0, rotation of the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2arranged in the machine100with respect to the second structure8is caused, such that it is no longer facing the forming tube3, and particularly it is no longer in the path of travel of the forming tube3as the latter is moved through the openings7.0and8.0. The machine100preferably comprises an tool support with a transverse segment40.1, as discussed above, and rotation of said transverse segment40.1with respect to said second structure8(particularly with respect to one of the arms40.0of said tool support) is caused. With the openings7.0and8.0aligned vertically and with the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2required arranged in the machine100and thus rotated, the forming tube3is radially moved through said openings7.0and8.0, discharging it from the machine100, and the new forming tube3is introduced in the machine100. Then rotation of the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2in the opposite direction is caused to arrange it facing the forming tube3.

A change in package typology also requires a change in the longitudinal sealing tool. The longitudinal sealing tool4.1holding the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film against the forming tube3for sealing them together, in an action direction that is substantially parallel to the action direction of the transverse sealing and cutting tool6, as shown by way of example inFIGS. 2 and 7, is commonly used for generating pillow-type packages, such that the forward movement modules5are arranged in the second operating position. However, the longitudinal sealing tool4.2holding the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together for sealing them, as shown by way of example inFIGS. 1 and 8, is used for generating Doypack-type packages, such that the forward movement modules5are arranged in the first operating position.

To replace a longitudinal sealing tool, the transverse segment40.1is rotated and said longitudinal sealing tool is moved until it is removed from said transverse segment40.1and replaced with the new longitudinal sealing tool.

During a format change, either for making a package having the same typology (but a different diameter) or for generating a package having a different typology, the corresponding longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2rotates integrally with the forward movement modules5for being arranged in their operating position. Once in said operating position, and with the new forming tube3now installed in the machine100, said longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is moved linearly with respect to the second structure8in a radial direction in order to adjust the distance of the module with respect to the forming tube3and said module is thereby adapted to the new diameter. To that end, movement of the tool support of the machine100in the radial direction is caused, the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2which is attached to said tool support likewise being moved.

Furthermore, should it be required, the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is moved linearly with respect to the second structure8in a direction that is transverse to the radial direction, along the transverse segment40.1, to arrange it facing the required area of the film tube (the center or leaning towards one end of the forming tube3or the other). Additionally, should a change in the longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2be required, by prolonging this linear movement out of the transverse segment40.1said longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2is uncoupled from said transverse segment40.1, which allows coupling a new longitudinal sealing tool4.1or4.2for the new package format to be generated.