Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for packaging of flexible bags, filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. A packaging box is fitted on an introduction tube, essentially extending the whole height of the box. A flexible bag is dispensed from a supply point for flexible bags into the box through a funnel and the introduction tube, which forms an extension. The packing box, containing the flexible bag for the introduction tube is removed. The plant for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, carries out the method.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The invention relates to a method and a plant for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. 
         [0007]    This invention relates to the field of the methods and plants for packaging flexible bags of a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. 
         [0008]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0009]    Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
         [0010]    Various products packaged in varying-capacity flexible bags are already known. The latter are provided with a plug designed capable of receiving a stopper, usually in the form of a distribution tap, aimed at facilitating the pouring of said product. 
         [0011]    These flexible bags are made by superimposing at least two films of synthetic material, of the single or multiple layer type, according to the product contained therein. After the filling, they are packaged in boxes, usually in the form of cardboard cases, or even cases made of synthetic material. As a matter of fact, the cardboard-packaging technique usually adopted consists of pre-shaping packaging cardboard boxes suitable for the capacity of the flexible bags, then conveying them to the filling unit for said bags. 
         [0012]    In particular, when they are filled and closed by means of a stopper, they are successively brought to a cardboard-packaging station or, through a conveyor belt, they are dropped into a funnel under which has previously been arranged a pre-shaped cardboard box of a suitable size. 
         [0013]    In this respect, while this cardboard is closed at its lower portion, it includes, at its upper portion, closing flaps that are maintained as wide open as possible and separated from the path of the wine skin, through the funnel itself. 
         [0014]    It is obvious that, at its mouth communicating with a cardboard box, the funnel should be defined with a small cross-section, in order to be sure that a flexible bag is inserted without tear into this cardboard box while passing through the opening provided for at the level of the latter. 
         [0015]    As a matter of fact, in the case of small-volume flexible bags, the risk of their blocking in the funnel is thus increased, since their weight is not sufficient to force their passing through the latter whose cross-section is reduced. 
         [0016]    Anyway, under the action of its dropping and entering into contact with the cardboard box, the flexible bag is subjected to important frictions, which may lead to a local deterioration and, thus, to a risk of leaking. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, that risk is very high since, in order to guarantee the insertion in some way of the flexible bag into the cardboard box, it is dropped vertically into the latter. Therefore, it can be considered that said flexible bag is brutally handled, which results into a non inconsiderable number of defective packages. To this is to be added the problem related to the risk of tears at one of the walls of the cardboard of the closing, in this case the tap the plug of the flexible bag is generally provided with, during this falling in vertical position. As the case may be, this not only slows down the progress of the flexible bag, increases the risks of blocking, and creates a risk of leaking, but, in addition, can result into changing its positioning inside the package. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    This invention provided is aimed at coping with all the above-mentioned disadvantages through a method for packaging flexible bags and a plant for implementing same, the peculiarity of which resides in that a flexible bag is inserted into a cardboard box by means, not only, of a funnel, but also through an insertion tube extending the latter so as to extend substantially over the full length of the cardboard box. Thus, along almost the full path of falling of the flexible bag, the latter is not in contact with the walls of the cardboard box and there is no risk for the same to be damaged. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, this flexible bag moves along the walls of the funnel and the insertion tube the surface of which can be treated so as to avoid any tear or damage to this flexible bag. 
         [0020]    In addition, in order to be sure that, at the time of the insertion into the cardboard box the insertion tube penetrates easily into the latter, while passing through the partly open portion created by the closing flaps in the upper portion of this cardboard box, said insertion tube can be defined, at its end opposite the funnel, with a cross-section substantially smaller than the inner cross-section of the cardboard box. Over a large portion of its height and, in particular, at the level of the junction with the funnel, a cross-section adjusted to this inner cross-section of the cardboard box is maintained, so as to provide an as large as possible free passageway for the flexible bag. 
         [0021]    Within the framework of a second inventive step, it has been devised using this easy insertion of a flexible bag into its package, thanks to the funnel and its insertion tube, in order to ensure the packaging in a form permitting to exert less stress on said flexible bag. 
         [0022]    In particular, one has thought of inclining the cardboard box so that the flexible bag is not merely freely dropped into the latter, but is naturally inserted by sliding. 
         [0023]    This procedure, besides avoiding damaging a flexible bag, considerably reduces the risks of tearing the plug and its stopper when entering into the cardboard box. 
         [0024]    As regards the plant permitting the implementation, it can be designed linear or in the form of a rotary station whose means it is comprised of, in particular, the means for receiving a pre-shaped cardboard box. Its insertion onto the insertion tube of a funnel, its tilting into an inclined position, its straightening and its discharge, are controlled by cams, in particular fixed or movable cams, concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotary station. 
         [0025]    The invention provides an important gain in productivity, in the preferred embodiment in the form of a continuous rotary box-filling line, compared to the traditional linear lines or also to sequential rotary box-filling lines. 
         [0026]    The advantages deriving from this invention mainly reside in that not only the packaging of the flexible bags in cardboard boxes occurs more easily, but, in addition, in that the risks of damaging are reduced, despite the production rhythms that can be higher than before. 
         [0027]    To this end, this invention regards a method for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, characterized in that:
       a package cardboard box is inserted onto an insertion tube extending substantially over the full height into this package cardboard box;   from a flexible-bag supply station, such a flexible bag is dropped into the package cardboard box through a funnel and the insertion tube forming the extension of the latter; and   the package cardboard box containing the flexible bag is removed from the insertion tube.       
 
         [0031]    The invention also relates to a plant for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, for the implementation of the method according to any of the preceding claims, including a packaging unit including a flexible-bag supply station, a station for supplying preformed cardboard boxes or cardboard cut-outs, a loading station and a finishing and/or evacuation station. The plant includes, at least at the level of the loading station, an insertion tube designed capable of being inserted substantially over the full height into a package cardboard box and forming the extension of a funnel through which a flexible bag is designed capable of being dropped into said package cardboard box. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the separation of the flexible bags, starting from a multiple-row strip, at the filling place is an operation that is conducted not only very easily, but it avoids making pre-cutting lines as was required in the past. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, by pre-shaping the package cardboard box for a flexible bag directly around a tubular shaping core serving as an insertion funnel for said flexible bags, one maximizes, for a package cardboard box with a certain cross-section, the cross-section for the passing of the flexible bag through the funnel. This permits, hence, to advantageously cope with the problem of the passing of said flexible bags through the funnel, but also the risk of burning at the contact with the package cardboard box. 
         [0034]    Further aims and advantages of this invention will appear during the following description referring to exemplary embodiments given indicatively and not restrictively. 
         [0035]    The understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a schematic and perspective view of a representation of the packaging of a flexible bag, starting from a cardboard cut-out folded back so as to form a package cardboard box into which flexible bag is dropped through a funnel extended by an insertion tube and around which the cardboard box can be formed. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a side schematic view of a loading station for receiving flexible bags filled in a first lower position of arrival of the cardboard box. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  shows a side schematic view, in a way similar to  FIG. 2 , the same unit, in an upper position of the cardboard box. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  shows another schematic view, in a way similar to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the same station in a tilted position for collecting a filled flexible bag and, partly, the station for supplying same. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a partial elevational view and vertical cross-section view, of a plant with a rotary table according to the invention, shown according to the line A-A of the station for supplying filled flexible bags. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a partial top schematic view of the plant shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    This invention refers to a method and a plant for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, such a plant is continuously rotating, with cam-control means for the various actuating devices. In another embodiment, the plant can be made linear and continuous. 
         [0044]    Usually, the flexible bags  1  aimed at containing liquid or non-liquid products, namely foodstuff or the like, are made of at least two films of synthetic material or the like, of the single or multiple layer type, superimposed and welded at their periphery so as to define a container. 
         [0045]    At least one of the films is drilled with an opening for receiving a plug  2  receiving a stopper such as a distribution tap or the like. 
         [0046]    A filling unit  3  is specially designed for ensuring the filling of these bags  1 , also called wine skins, as the case may be either through the plug  2  or an opening that is subsequently closed by welding when this filling operation is completed. 
         [0047]    Anyway, at the exit from the filling unit  3 , these flexible bags  1  are evacuated toward a packaging station  4 . In this connection, though this packaging unit  4  can be linear, according to a particular design of the invention, it is in the form of a rotary table  5  having multiple stations  6  for depositing the flexible bags  1  in cardboard packages  7  or the like. 
         [0048]    According to a first embodiment, at the level of this rotary packaging unit  4 , the package cardboard boxes  7  arrive pre-formed at the level of a station for feeding cardboard boxes  8  in order to be transferred, afterwards, to the level of a loading station  9 , under a funnel  10  for inserting a flexible bag  1 . 
         [0049]    Thus, during the following step, such a flexible bag  1  is dropped by gravity and randomly, passing through the funnel  10 , into said cardboard box  7  maintained partly open in its upper portion  11 . 
         [0050]    This cardboard box  7  is then brought toward the next evacuation and/or finishing station where it can be, as the case may be, directly evacuated or subjected to one or several finishing operations, for example pressing the wine skin in the cardboard box  7 , closing of its upper portion  11 , equipping with a gripping handle, marking, etc. 
         [0051]    Advantageously, the flexible bag  1  is inserted into this package cardboard box  7  through the funnel  10 , but also into an insertion tube  12  extending the latter in its lower portion. This insertion tube  12  is designed capable of plunging into this package cardboard box  7 , substantially along the full height of the latter. This insertion tube  12  prevents the bag from rubbing against the cardboard box  7 , and in particular against a junction lip on which such a cardboard box  7  is generally closed during its shaping. 
         [0052]    Thus, while passing from the cardboard-box feeding station  8  to the loading station  9 , it is subjected to an upward movement in order to be inserted onto this insertion tube  12 , considering that it can obviously also be contemplated to rather move the latter and the funnel  10  associated thereto in order to achieve the desired result. 
         [0053]    The advantage of extending the funnel  10  by an insertion tube  12  resides in that during the fall of the flexible bag  1 , the latter does not rub along the inner walls of the cardboard box  7  and does not risk to be damaged by the latter, in particular at the junction with the flaps it is crowned with and which contribute to its closing at the upper portion  11 . 
         [0054]    According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at the level of this packaging unit  4 , such a package cardboard box  7  can be preformed around said insertion tube  12  substantially constituting a shaping core. Thus, as schematically shown in  FIG. 1 , at the level of this packaging unit  4  are conveyed the flexible bags  1  proceeding from the filling unit  3 , considering that it is also fed with cardboard box cut-outs  13 . 
         [0055]    As schematically shown in this  FIG. 1 , one of these cut-outs  13  is first of all folded around the shaping core  17  defined by the insertion tube  12 , so as to pre-shape the package cardboard box  7 , that is furthermore closed in its lower portion. 
         [0056]    Thus, the plant for the implementation of the method according to this embodiment includes, in this case, a station for feeding cardboard box cut-outs  13  and a pre-shaping station  14  at the outlet of which the package cardboard box  7  passes to the loading station  9  where, being already inserted onto this insertion  12 , it is placed under the station  8  for feeding filled flexible bags  1 . 
         [0057]    It is obvious that, without modifying the scope of the invention, it is possible to insert the package cardboard box  7  onto the insertion tube  12 , but also to proceed in a reversed way, i.e. to insert the insertion tube  12  under the package cardboard box  7 . 
         [0058]    Such a flexible bag  2  falls, here too, by gravity into said package cardboard box  7 , guided by the insertion funnel  10  and said insertion tube  12 . 
         [0059]    At the level of a finishing and/or evacuation station  15 , the package cardboard box  7  is, by a downward movement with respect to the funnel  10 , removed from the insertion tube  12  allowing its closing in the lower portion. 
         [0060]    According to another advantageous peculiarity of the invention, at the level of the loading station  8 , the cardboard box  7  is presented in an inclined position, in order to ensure the insertion of a filled flexible bag  1 . 
         [0061]    These flexible bags  1  are evacuated from the filling unit  3  by means of a conveyor belt  16 , which ensures their conveying toward a flexible-bag supply station  17  at the level of the packaging unit  4 . 
         [0062]    In a preferred embodiment as can be seen in  FIG. 5 , this flexible-bag supply station  17  consists of at least one conveyor belt, which may furthermore be defined by the conveyor belt  16  ensuring the evacuation of the flexible bags at the outlet of the filling unit  3 . 
         [0063]    The speed of this conveyor belt  16  can be modulated and/or programmed. In this respect, the driving of this conveyor belt can be ensured by means of an electronic-switching brushless motor. 
         [0064]    According to another peculiarity of the invention, through this conveyor belt  16  is imparted to the flexible bags  1  a substantially parabolic path, which substantially forms the extension of the funnel  10  when a cardboard box  7  inserted onto the insertion tube  12  is presented in a tilted position. 
         [0065]    As already explained above, this peculiarity can be associated with a rotary machine as shown in the figures of the attached drawings, as well as with a linear machine. 
         [0066]    Thus, at the level of the flexible-bag supply station  17 , each filled flexible bag  1  is conveyed, then evacuated, through the conveyor belt  16 , in an initial direction tangent to the profile of the latter in its downstream portion. 
         [0067]    This bag falls by gravity and follows a substantially parabolic path until the inlet of the funnel  10 . 
         [0068]    The invention is designed so as to present the funnel  10  in an inclined direction close to the tangent line to the path of the flexible bag  1  at the time of its evacuation when leaving the conveyor  16 . 
         [0069]    This arrangement allows avoiding the flexible bag  1  from pivoting during its insertion into the cardboard box  7 . Furthermore, its fall is smooth and over a limited height, while any shock of the plug and its stopper, in this case the distribution tap, against the wall of the funnel  10  is avoided. 
         [0070]    Such random deposition permits to achieve a high rhythm, while preserving the filled flexible bag  1  during its packaging. 
         [0071]    Thus, though a packaging unit  4  according to the invention generally includes:
       a station  8  for supplying cardboard boxes  7  or cardboard box cut-outs  13 ;   eventually a pre-shaping station  14 ;   a loading station  9  for receiving the pre-shaped cardboard box  7  with a view, on the one hand, to inserting it onto the insertion tube  12  corresponding to the funnel  10  and, on the other hand, to bringing it into an inclined position;   a finishing and/or evacuation station  15 , at the level of which the package cardboard boxes  7  are removed from the insertion tube  12 , in order to be evacuated, as the case may be, before or after its closing in the upper portion; and   in the case of a design as a rotary unit, this packaging unit  4  includes a rotary table  5  provided with several identical stations  18  distributed around one and the same axis of rotation  19  and capable of defining, successively, the supply station  8 , the loading station  9  and the finishing and/or evacuation station  17 . It should be underlined here that this summing up of the stations the packaging unit  4  is comprised of is in no way restrictive.       
 
         [0077]    Anyway, each station  18  includes, mounted on a support  20 , movable at least in inclination, even vertically or according to a movement with a vertical component, a funnel  10  extended by an insertion tube  12 , as well as means  21  for receiving, as the case may be, a pre-shaped cardboard box  7  or a cardboard box cut-out  13 . These receiving means  21  are aimed at either simply receiving a pre-shaped cardboard box in order to insert it onto the insertion tube  12  and to remove it later from same, or to fold said cardboard box cut-out  13  on said insertion tube  12  defining, in that case, a shaping core. 
         [0078]    It should be noted that in the case of a mere receiving of a pre-shaped cardboard box  7 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4  of the attached drawings, the receiving means  21  can be of a pneumatic type with vacuum-pads in order to allow them gripping a cardboard box, maintaining it and inserting it onto the insertion tube  12 , subsequently removing it and ensuring its evacuation. 
         [0079]    Such a station  18  can also receive additional means, for pressing the filled flexible bag  1 , closing the cardboard box after filling, and even means for providing it with a seizing handle, at the time of this closing. 
         [0080]    The movable support  20  includes, furthermore, tilting means  22  through which the cardboard box  7  inserted onto the insertion tube  12  can be brought in an inclined position under the station  17  for supplying flexible bags  1 . 
         [0081]    Advantageously, the tilting means  22 , as well as the receiving means  21 , even the finishing means, not shown, are controlled by cams, such as fixed and/or movable cams, distributed concentrically around the axis  19  of the rotary table  5 . 
         [0082]    Of course, further embodiments can be contemplated. 
         [0083]    In this respect, if the movable support  20  is provided with tilting means  22 , it can also be provided with control means for axially moving the funnel  10  and its insertion tube  12 , this in order to impart to the latter a vertical displacement with a vertical component that con contribute, as the case may be, to bringing the package cardboard box  7  on the path of the flexible bag  1  and/or its insertion onto and removal from the insertion tube  12 . 
         [0084]    In order to minimize the risk of damaging the flexible bag  1  during its reception in the funnel  10 , then in the cardboard box  7 , the inner surface of this funnel  10 , as well as that of the insertion tube  12 , is advantageously treated in order to enhance the sliding of the flexible bag  1  during its fall. 
         [0085]    It should be noted that, though said insertion tube  12  can, in the case in which it forms a core for shaping the cardboard box  7 , be strictly adapted to the inner cross-section of the latter, this insertion tube  12  can, when these cardboard boxes  7  arrive pre-shaped at the level of the packaging unit  4 , be provided with a section having a truncated shape  24  in its lower end portion  23 , in order to facilitate its insertion between the flaps  25  at the time of its insertion into the cardboard box  7 . 
         [0086]    As a matter of fact, besides this lower end portion  23 , the insertion tube  12  can have a cross-section that is strictly adapted to the inner cross-section of the cardboard box  7 , so as to preserve, at the level of its junction with the funnel  10 , an opening with a maximum cross-section for the passing through of the flexible bag  1 . 
         [0087]    It should also be noted, as can be seen in  FIGS. 2 to 5 , that the truncated section at the lower end portion  23  of the insertion tube  12  can substantially be defined by corner parts  26  aimed, they too, at facilitating the insertion into the package cardboard box  7 . 
         [0088]    Also according to the invention, the operation of the packaging unit  4  is subjected to suitable management and control means authorizing a perfect synchronism between the arrival of the flexible bags  1  through the supply station  17  and the arrangement of the stations  18  in front of each of the stations they must define. Such management and control means also advantageously ensure the synchronization of the movements of the means  21  for receiving the pre-shaped cardboard boxes  7  or the cardboard box cut-outs  13  with respect to the tilting means  22  and the various finishing means, not shown. 
         [0089]    In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the stations  18  with respect to the supply station  17  is continuous. 
         [0090]    The execution of a rotary table with continuous movement is a particularly cheap solution and ensures a very quick operation, as well as easy maintenance. 
         [0091]    As clearly appears from the preceding description, this invention advantageously copes with the drawbacks of the state of the art in this field.